COVID Quarantine - Month 1

Oh dear goodness, what a strange and uncertain time.  Today we mark our fourth week of "social distancing" and last Friday at 6PM we began a government-enforced shelter-in-place order.  All this in response to the COVID-19 outbreak that begin in December 2019, and now is quickly spreading across the United States.  Somehow I feel like I will remember this event for a looooooong time, and pray to God that the situation doesn't worsen (or impact us personally) in a way that  leaves an even bigger mark on our lives.  But, in case we do forget this time, I wanted to capture how we're self-isolating as our little family of five.  The beauty and blessing of this difficult situation is all of our time together. :)

First thing to note, Mama is homeschooling the bigger ones and it's going fairly well. Our teachers sent home well organized packets, guidelines for each day, created instructional videos, and are experimenting with Zoom.  I find that JB can get through his work very quickly, so we're supplementing with lots of math drills, handwriting exercises, and reading books upon books.  Maryn (as a PreK 3er) has very little structure, but it doesn't keep her from asking for more and more work. I decided to kick off our Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Lessons curriculum with her during this time.

We also have brought out some interesting science experiments to teach us about plants and insects: a Chia pet and new caterpillars (who just formed cocoons - so we're about 10 days out from butterflies!)

We do a lot of dancing and exercise, either through YouTube videos, Alexa, or our music class via Zoom. Thank goodness for technology!

Mama has been a cooking machine.  I've tried out new recipes (some wins, some fails), lots of banana bread, and cooked approximately 11 meals a day (or so it feels).

A few new animal friends wanted to quarantine with us!  First, a new turtle friend (who Enda adored), and then a mama kitty who had babies under our playhouse. (Maryn had prayed for weeks that God would bring her a kitty, so it felt like an answered prayer!  Unfortunately the mama cat did not appreciate Enda's barking at her all day, so she left in the night with her kitties). So sad....

Amidst all this excitement, Mama and Daddy still work and try to keep clients happy and a company running.  Fun times...

During one call, Wesley poured an entire bottle of maple syrup into a cup.  Thank goodness the cup was just big enough!!

Our neighborhood participated in (what seemed to be) a nationwide bear hunt. We all put teddy bears in our windows (see Roddy Potty, in the far left lower window??) and the kids loved walking or riding the neighborhood to find them.

Our neighbors also "egged" us, which provide so much joy one afternoon!

Some other random quarantine pics....

Zoom call with old Pfizer friends.

Maryn "cooking" some weeds for our dinner.

Mama cleaning her house....again....

Daddy and JB's first turkey of the season!

Family game night

We rented a bouncy house one weekend - so much fun!

And, yes, it's been nearly 90 degree so it's time for popsicles every day!

 

Maryn has insisted that she wear make up each morning, and also helps with chores.

Some fun times, fun memories. I'm sure lots more to come!!

I will refrain from any reflection back on this time, as we're in the midst of it and may continue in this environment for another month or so. School has been cancelled for the rest of the year - which has broken our little Kindergartener's heart! - and all summer activities look questionable.  I'll force a self-reflection when we're on the other side....whenever that is...Lord, let it come soon!