In March our world turned topsy-turvey by the COVID 19 virus. Strict regulations on social distancing were enacted, which meant no going to school, church, or any other public area that wasn't necessary. Primary activities were suspended. Ice skating and dance lessons canceled. As society panicked and emptied shelves at the grocery stores, I was so grateful that we listened to prophets' counsel to have food storage.
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| I took these pictures for the historian in me. |
The kids were understanding about it, and haven't been nervous or afraid of anything. We had a good Sunday lesson on "If ye are prepared ye shall not fear". Since then we've just cozied up and are spending LOTS of quality time with each other...
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| Sent this selfie to a friend after she asked me how I was holding up. |
Time to be real honest here, I won't make it sound like it's been all lollipops and rainbows. We definitely have some personalities that clash in our family. We don't always remember to use kind words. Kids are occasionally sent to their rooms. Sometimes I send myself to my room with some chocolate. Even Travis has started to memorize and sing some Daniel Tiger songs when the occasion arises (a popular one is "Trata de arreglarlo tu solo y estaras muy orgulloso!" because I CANNOT be everywhere at once).
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| Ginger playing "Daniel Tigre" |
Even Jaxon, who absolutely loathes these little songs told me that he now "allowed me" to sing them freely for the next month. How gracious.
But overall, I think we're doing pretty dang good. Obviously we had to adjust to a new schedule for online school and figure all that out. Piano lessons are via Zoom. Speech lessons are via Zoom. Violet's dance teacher has even started using Zoom.
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| Kindergarten class on Zoom |
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| Little DIY science experiment |
I'm just grateful that I only have two kids in school, and in younger grades. I feel for those parents who have multiple kids across several grades, and who have kids who need extra assistance with assignments. But we've hung in there and really do appreciate our extra time we've been spending together.
Our teachers missed the students so much they drove around the neighborhoods in a "parade" to shout hello. :)
I've let my kids watch a little more TV than usual. For my sanity's sake. Here the girls are in their pj's eating popcorn and watching Mr. Rogers. Fun fact, Mr. Rogers is the only show I will let my kids watch in English. The only one. Just because it's Mr. Rogers.
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| Ginger doesn't understand anything but doesn't care as long as there's popcorn. |
Another fun fact: Fridays are now pajama days in our family (except Travis, who could still technically wear pajama pants since he's on Zoom all day). But yes, we look forward to Fridays.
But this pandemic has really reminded me of so many things I have to be grateful for. Such as a nice house with enough space for my kids to run around and be by themselves if need be (as opposed to our small condo!). I am grateful for Travis' job and the security that brings to our family. I'm grateful for our food storage, for my kids' teachers, our health, technology, and most of all the peace and security the gospel brings to our home.
