Official "Stay at Home" Orders

Today officially begins the stay at home order for Charlotte to try to limit the spread of the dreaded corona virus.  Thankfully Preston and Patrick have found multiple ways to stay busy including downloading the ice-cream truck song and blaring it on a speaker as they ride around the neighborhood. :)  We are still playing lots of cards, ping pong, and kickball and trying to work in some long overdue household projects.  Although stay at home orders are in place, apparently Dave's work is considered essential so he's still going in.  I'm doing much less Shipt, trying to focus on those that I know can't get out for themselves.  It's going to be a LONG few months . . .

Corona Virus Chaos

Our new normal with screens

Oh, my word... where do I even begin?!  These past few weeks and the weeks ahead will go down in history as probably the most memorable ones ever, even more so than 9/11.  With news of the dreaded coronavirus spreading into the US things slowly started shutting down.  We found out last Friday that school was closed for two weeks only to discover today that the new mandate is that schools are closed until MAY 15!!!  Let me be real honest here: I am a licensed teacher but never ever felt the call to homeschool my kiddos.  This is going to be interesting for us all!

So far both kids have lost their long-anticipated field trips to Raleigh and DC, soccer was canceled along with the tournaments, Savannah's basketball recreational league was canceled, all school activities including Science Olympiad, which I coach, was canceled too.  The list goes on and on of things that we took for granted that are now gone.  Restaurants are closed.  The YMCA is closed.  I could go on but we are trying to focus on the positive!

We celebrated pi day with a homemade oreo pie on 3/14

We are thankful for technology that lets Savannah connect with her class at school

And also lets Preston connect with his classmates

We can even enjoy church on Sunday mornings at home since that is canceled too.

Today I choose joy.   Joy in that Dave's job is safe (as far as we know).  Joy in that we are all healthy.  Joy because I can still supplement our income with Shipt since I cannot substitute teach.  Joy in that the YMCA instructors are posting online workouts to keep my body moving AND that we have a basement workout zone!  Joy for a stocked pantry and freezers, a yard to play in and LOTS of family games of ping pong and kickball. 

The kids started online instruction today via zoom.com and canvus.  We are taking this one day at a time and trying not to worry.  Living by faith, not fear!

Womens' Sufferage Coached Project

For weeks now Preston has been working on this group coached project . . . honestly, it's been a nightmare for him as he was placed in a group of all boys and ended up doing most of the work.  Being a perfectionist isn't easy.  His teacher also admitted that he carried the group, which just added to his anxiety this year.  Anyway, it turned out super cute today as they presented their final skit and poster board. Way to go Preston!

Basketball Team Party

Today the JMR basketball team had a team party at BigAir.  The girls were so excited that both Coach Ty and Coach Q showed up to jump with them.  They had a blast and were worn out after an hour of jumping. :)  What a great way to wrap up the season.

Yes I Can Champions

This has been a fun season for Savannah in Yes I Can basketball.  She had a great team that played really well together.  Today was the tournament and they won the entire thing!!  Way to go Savannah!

A Valentine's Surprise

Happy Valentine's Day!

Ever since Preston made a PowerPoint about why he should be able to get a hamster, the thought has been in the back of my mind.  I guess there is a lot of mom guilt because I know they will never be able to have a dog for a pet since I'm allergic.  So after talking to a lot of friends, I decided we'd give a small household pet a try . . . one that we could keep in a cage and wouldn't make a mess all over the house.

Soooo, meet Buttercup, our new hamster!  

A huge thank you goes out to the Renfrow family for letting us borrow their cage and supplies.  Getting everything home and trying to keep it a surprise was quite tricky with the kids in the car, but I think I pulled it off.  When Preston asked what was in the backseat making that noise (ball rolling around) I just said it was our goodwill donation stuff.  Later that night, when Savannah was in the car after her church activity and wanted to know what the noise was (this time it was the hamster scratching the plastic box like crazy) and what was in the car I just said it must be something under the car. :)  Anyway, we made it home and had it all set up for them to see on Valentine's morning. 

Preston just stood there in shock!  He was so surprised and excited all at the same time.  So, here's to many fun adventures with our new family pet, Buttercup!

This cracks me up!  The kids just can't stop thinking about Buttercup and decided it would be funny to write this on the back of my car today. :)

JMR Basketball Finale

Tonight Savannah finished her last game on the Charger basketball team.  It was her first real experience with a coach who was only concerned about winning and yelled a LOT.  I think she learned a lot, endured a LOT of exercise, and really enjoyed being a part of the school team.  They finished the season in third, losing only to South Charlotte and Alexander Graham Middle, and most games weren't even close!  I'm super proud of her commitment and the improvement she has made with her game.