Monday

Hello Monday!

Our weekend was pretty normalish. Groceries were obtained. Church was viewed.

I discovered my Echo Buds were the best Christmas present I could have ever imagined. They have Bose noise-canceling technology. Even if I am not listening to music I can't hear the noise of my children. Don't get me wrong, they are not neglected. I can see them. I just can't hear them. And sometimes... that's worth all the money in the world.

So apparently we are social distancing until at least April 30. Okay. I wonder what that means for schools here? I legitimately wonder if it would do more harm than good to go back for a month? By the time all the kids found their groove again school would be over. I don't know. We will see. Time will tell.

Our state isn't sheltered in place. So it's really hard to keep up our spirits watching lots of people just go about their normal lives. Just going to keep on keeping on I guess. What else can we do?!

This weekend we also spent a lot of time with Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed the Rock Experience. More Mo of course.

The Alliance Theatre out of Atlanta had to cancel their production but they made it available to stream for 48 hours with a donation. So we did that for Family Movie Night Friday. We've had the record for a while and on Saturday because it was so rainy we brought the record player upstairs and listened some more to the soundtrack. And we watched it two more times before it expired.

This weekend would have been my next show to see for work, as well as a show to see for pleasure. Both were canceled. One theatre canceled their entire season. Sad.

Last night we went to the Corona Kindness Light Show. It didn't start til 8 so the kids went in their pajamas. This is across the street from the big Christmas light show house. But they helped create the show on our friend's house!!

Just a few minutes of upbeat dancing and flashing lights really does a spirit good. 

Our school week is off to a good start!! But my zoom rosary didn't work well today. I am not a fan of that!

What's Up?

This week has been full of ups and downs. I am so thankful that we are safe at home and things seem be going pretty well. We've struggled a little adjusting to this new normal but all within the range of what you'd expect.

Things that have made life sweeter include a social distancing safe flower delivery from a friend.

I have my kids writing a letter to a friend every weekday. It's like social distancing connections, this week has been fun for the kids to get mail back from some of their friends.

When my parents came to visit 2 weeks ago, before the world shut down, they brought us a Super Nintendo. So the kids are slowly learning how to play some video games. They still bounce when Mario or Luigi do and they lean to the side. It's been super cute to watch.

Wednesday we picked up the school stuff. And it was the first time I really mourned the end of the school year as we know it. While I hope and pray we can go back to school this year, I just don't think it's super likely. The school sent home ALL of the everything. There is nothing in the classrooms that belongs to my children anymore. 

It was heartbreaking. It just became real. What really hit me was C's teacher sent home a birthday certificate for his end of May birthday. It took my breath away. 

Husband points out that they just don't want to have a pick-up event later if we don't go back but we can easily send in our supplies again if we need to. 

The teachers are so cute, they asked for pictures of the kids with their work if possible. And both kids have emailed their teacher their work. 

All in all though, we are good! I hope you are as well!! 

Our Domestic Church

Since for the time being, we are stuck churching from home we decided to fully decorate as such!

It should be noted that I must have fully lost my mind in delirious isolation because my normal self would no way think this was a good idea. But for "creative time" yesterday we made our own "stained glass" window.

I taped it up. Painters tape really is the key to homeschooling for me. It's useful for so many things. I ordered more. 

The kids painted. It's just washable paint mixed with dish soap. I've tested it, Windex takes it right off! 

Then we peeled back the tape and let it dry a good while with no one around. In fact, I made them go clean up the porch. 

Then we set up our little Mass kit altar for a Mass. Because why not? It should be noted that this whole thing makes us seem 100% more pious than our "watching Sunday Mass on TV" behavior would actually indicate. 

But it was a fun activity and it really does look cool. So total win?! 

Scenes from the Weekend

How was your weekend in? Ours wasn't too eventful. The good news is that Husband officially has begun working from home today. So that's interesting. We will have to see how it all plays out. 

This little extrovert gal was so excited to get to talk to one of her besties on Facetime. We don't have iPhones so she was stuck on a computer. But that was good! 

The giggling was something else. It was good for my heart. 

Last night Husband and I had a little at-home date night. We played Skip-Bo, and had cookies and grown-up hot chocolate. (Spiked.) Because apparently, it's Christmas here. 

Our winter wonderland last night. It's all going to melt today but I sent the kids out to play in it this morning. They're actually out there now. Snow and fresh air is good for them. 

This morning we had our typical Monday rosary via zoom. It wasn't as good as the normal chaos but it was so nice to see their sweet faces and pray together. Plus these days we've got to take what we can get. I am praying that the social distancing really cuts back on the spread! 

Finally Friday

Well, we made it to Friday. That's good.

I think the stir-crazy has set in. It's been rainy and gross so we haven't been able to get outdoors which is not ideal. Today is going to be cold but we will go out if even for a few minutes because we just have to.

It's weird since Husband still has to go to work. On some level, the kids don't really see how this is much different than a normal break. Except we've seen no friends and done none of the fun things we had talked about doing for Spring Break.

Our school plan is that there will be some sort of organized time to go pick up stuff at school on Wednesday. That gives the teachers 2 days to make packets and figure everything out. Everyone is doing their best and I am not worried about the school part.

M is a total extrovert so she is not doing so hot with the whole isolation thing. She is stuck to us all like glue.

C is a total introvert and isn't getting enough alone time so he's freaking out about all the things.

It's been... fun.

Wednesday I snuck out in the evening to go to church. Some of my rosary group met for a rosary in the sanctuary.

We were 8 in total and we all sat very far apart!

I almost cried walking into church though. I miss it so much already! I so appreciate the posting of daily mass for us online, and the live rosary is wonderful too. It's not the same but I will take what I can get. They've also been doing an evening devotional, so that's been nice. 

I am trying to figure out a meal plan for the next week. All the grocery stores have limited hours which is super annoying to me. I totally get it. And I will not order grocery pickup as requested since we can shop normally. But because Husband still has to go into work, and I can't take the kids out because that's irresponsible, there aren't a whole lot of options on when to actually go shopping! 

What's on your menus? What obvious meal am I not thinking of? 

Okay, well, if you need me, I'll be around. The good news of social distancing is that people are blogging. I like that. 

Home Schooling

It's raining today. A literal damper on the potential to get outside today. If it stops we will probably put on our boots and go for a walk.

We started our schedule today. The kids 100% earned their spring break and I feel a little bad that I am having them work on academics during their time off. But Kansas has already canceled school through the rest of the year and if we go the same route we will need routine sooner than later.

In the first part of our day, we wrote letters. I ordered stamps today so we will be well-stocked, but I think writing a letter to a friend every day is a great way to stay connected with our friends.

I am glad that we got workbooks last week "just in case." Hopefully, we will get some more guidance as time goes on from the teachers. It's funny, I always kind of wanted to homeschool and this is my chance to see if it's really something we could do. Admittedly, I don't have an actual curriculum but I think I can wing it okay for now. I have Seton Math already and that's where I'd really struggle to teach on my own anyway. 

Morning recess is Cosmic Kids Yoga today. I imagine as it gets nicer we will be able to be outside more and more.

I have some grief if the school year as we know it really is over. But perspective really is everything. A little boy from M's class has been battling cancer and is getting moved home from the hospital to hospice. His family would give just about anything to spend time with him and for him to go to kindergarten. And here I am sad that potentially the next time my perfectly healthy (and currently virus-free) kid goes back to school she will be in kindergarten. 

Thankful always. That's the only way. 

And one day at a time. That too. 

Our parish is posting daily Mass for us every morning. And a rosary at noon. I am so grateful because I already miss my faith family and even if it's connecting online, I will take it. 

St. Patrick's Day

Our St. Patrick's Day celebration is far more subdued than normal. The leprechaun clearly was busy preparing for social distancing as well so he didn't have as much time for mischief. He switched out the lights for green bulbs in the kitchen this year and spilled the Lucky Charms. He also left a green pot with some rainbow tootsie rolls.

We are wearing green. And that's about it. That's okay.

This song, The Deer's Cry, gives me hope and strength. The Irish have endured a lot over the years and they all held strong to their faith.

We officially have nothing to do or anywhere to go until April 13. The good news is that we will not have to make up the days we miss. But St. Patrick's Day is a good reminder to hold on and have faith. Hopefully, 20 years from now my kids can look back on this time fondly. Hopefully, I too will look back at it fondly.

One day at a time.

Today I am praying for healthcare workers. For wisdom for the entire system. For those who have been exposed or will be exposed. For an adequate supply of equipment for them to do their jobs to the best of their ability.

Hello!

Well... we are embracing our spring break week over here. Our governor has recommended that we not go back to school until after Easter but no official word from schools has been made at this time. Rather than getting all anxious about it, we are just embracing our week off for now.

In the coming weeks, if we are home like I suspect we will be, I will come up with some more structure and order. But this is the spring break they've earned. Except we won't get to have our staycation day with a movie and other fun things.

The best we can do is simply embrace every moment as good. So for today, I'm just going to embrace the disorder and chaos of the first day of spring break. It's going to be fun! 

Prepping!

I really enjoy playing this board game but it takes on a different twist these days doesn't it? Yesterday I was the sole person in Costco who did not buy the allotted two packs of toilet paper. Mostly, because we have toilet paper. And 60 rolls is a lot. Even if you're in lockdown.

I am trying not to panic about Covid-19. The likeliness of it severely impacting my family isn't super high. But we did load up on groceries and staples so that we are well stocked should we be forced to lockdown ala Italy. Don't get me wrong, it's nothing fancy and it's completely stuff that we will eat no matter what. But getting some extra yeast so we can make bread and buying some extra chicken doesn't hurt anything.

I did online grocery ordering and pick up for one store. (My name brand store since, sometimes Aldi just isn't as good.) But for the first time, I am unsatisfied with their picks!

I ordered Key Lime LaCroix. It's one of the best LaCroix options in my opinion. And as the person buying the sparkling water, my opinion counts most in this instance.

But they gave me store brand Lime. Whomp Whomp. E for effort I guess but nope. Not the same at all. If I wanted Lime, I would have gotten Lime.

Ah well. Obviously, the flavor of sparkling water available is not the best indicator of lockdown preparedness.

I am glad it's Spring Break next week, however. It's basically a week of lockdown anyway!

The Gift of Friendship

I never could have known 2 years ago, that when I signed up for the CEW retreat that I would meet life long friends. 

We are kind of an enigma. On paper, we don't look like we'd have much in common. We have a 20 year age span. But we have faith. 

We were missing one of us due to a stomach bug. But these women fill my soul with goodness. I am forever thankful that we have each other. 

A Grand Adventure

Yesterday I took the kids on a grand adventure. Once upon a time in January Mo Willems tweeted out about the Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus: The Musical tour. It had been at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC for a while.

I frantically checked the locations and YES! There was an Iowa performance scheduled on the tour. Sure it's over 2 hours away but this is Mo we're talking about. Wait for what? They were all sold out. And during the school days. Clearly, they scheduled performances for school groups before they even went on sale to the public. Boo.

BUT. The tour would be in Illinois 2 weeks later. It was about 2.5 hours away! And they had a Sunday show.

So I booked tickets. Husband would be on his retreat but as long as it didn't snow I would feel fine taking the kids.

Yesterday was the day. It didn't snow. Admittedly the journey was not without incident. But we made it there safely and were even able to park in a lot that was closer than I had expected to park in.

We got treats, we found our seats. And as an avid Mo Twitter follower, we were in the third row exactly center. They were great seats I am not going to lie.

It looked like this. But I follow the rules and put my phone away during the show. But it looked like this. (These are the official pictures from when it was in DC.)

And we had a grand old time! So thankful to adventure with my kids!

The Bishop

Have I mentioned to you that M really likes Bishop's pink hat? Not his awesome Bishop's hat but the underneath one? 

Well, she drew him a picture yesterday. 

She gave it to him. I think he liked it. He let her try on the pink hat. She thought that was good. Actually, she was really nervous during the whole Mass that she was going to throw up again. (She didn't. Though we did go stand outside twice. Once before Mass began, once during the psalm.) Hopefully, now that we've got a good Mass under our belts she will be fine. 

In other news, C SAT WITH US!! I am 100% using shouty capitals there because I am so excited! M and I have gone to every single school Mass this year. And he hasn't sat with us even one time. He likes to sit with his prayer buddy. It was so unusual his teacher walked him over to ask me if it was okay for him to sit with us. 

I was delighted! I ask him every week if he wants to. I told him for Mother's Day I wanted him to sit with me that week as my gift. But you know what? I think he liked sitting with us. And I sure enjoyed getting to love on him during the day. He also helped M calm down and get through it. 

After the Mass as I was telling C to go back to his class, the Bishop hooked him with his crosier to guide his little sheep back to his class. It was really funny! So nice to have a bishop who interacts with kids on their level. We've got a good one. 

Last night was also the first Lenten soup supper. It was good. Not very well attended, however. 

Today is a pretty straight forward day. I am a fan. 

Spring? Is that you?

March has brought Spring creeping in slowly. Which I am very thankful for. Yesterday the temps got to about 50, but the winds were so gusty that it felt like the mid-30s. Is that lamb or lion weather? 

I took the 3 musketeers to the park for a while. They didn't need gloves but I made them all wear hats (and I did as well) so we wouldn't get wind headaches. I was quite content to wear a hat and since they didn't take them off I assume they didn't mind either. 

I just love that rolly slide. We had one at my home park when I was growing up but it's gone now. I just have the fondest memories of it so it makes me so happy to bring the kids to this playground so they can make similar memories!

We spent plenty of time at the swings. We were probably at the park for almost an hour. I took them right after school. Which was a good choice and so much fun. Any time I can break up my days with a little trip somewhere it makes the afternoon go speedy quick! 

We have been on a Sister Act kick over here. The kids have seen both movies for family movie nights. And we have the soundtracks in the car. This is M singing and doing her own choreography in car line the other day. 

I forgot to mention how much goodness came from M being sick last Wednesday. Not only did my friends jump in to help me like the true body of Christ, and C said a Mass for us at home. BUT on Sunday a baby spit up directly into my purse. His parents were just distraught and I had so much peace. I just had so much grace to offer them and didn't think anything of it. Because that had just been me. 

I love that I could recognize all the good that came from a bad situation and that I could extend grace and kindness to that other family. God is good! 

Today's school Mass is with the Bishop and I am really hoping that it's just a normal Mass where no one does anything out of the ordinary!