Easter Traditions at Home

Easter this year is certainly different from years past!  Since we are still in quarantine, we won't be able to spend the day with our family out of town, but we made the most of some of our traditions. The morning began with the kids searching for their Easter baskets.  Preston was first to find his basket and was overjoyed to get a new bike helmet.  Savannah's basket took a bit longer to find, but she was also excited to get a gift card to Stitch Fix.  The Easter bunny knew what she has been begging for. :)  After opening the baskets, we went for a quick walk before coming home to shower and get ready for online church from the comfort of our living room.

In an attempt to avoid the massive rains forecasted, we hurried to hide the eggs for an Easter egg hunt in our yard.  The kids were a bit disappointed that Pawpaw wasn't here to participate and donate tons of money, but hey, at least they had the surprise of candy and some quarters. :)

Surveying the loot!

After our egg hunt and lunch, we enjoyed a zoom call with Papa's relatives from up north that we haven't seen in years.  It was quite comical to have so many people in so many states on one call!  Our second zoom call with just Dave's close family went much smoother.  And of course, we made some of Dave's homemade macaroni and cheese to enjoy with our CFA nuggets for Easter dinner.

Although the day was quite different than normal, we still celebrated our Risen Savior.  Actually, it was a bit more meaningful since we could slowly experience Easter and enjoy the day without rushing to drive here and there. 

Saturday Arts

The kids have been wanting to do their own sidewalk chalk mosaic for a while now . . . but sadly we didn't have any chalk or masking tape.  After some research, we placed our order online for chalk and I ventured out to Wal-Mart on my one necessity run of the week for tape. Friday afternoon was the big start.  It turned out to be a LOT more work than they thought it would be and they were covered from head to toe in chalk, but we all agree I turned out awesome. :)  It was even more awesome that they worked well together and that it took the entire afternoon to do!

 We took a final picture this morning when the lighting was better.  They were very proud of their work!

Another activity Dave and the kids have enjoyed working on is Savannah's Star Wars puzzle.  It too is taking quite a long time to do.

I'm just thankful we are finding things to do that are fun and can keep these children busy!

4 Weeks and Counting . . .

Today marks exactly four weeks of being quarantined at home.  Now let's be honest, I've been out several times for necessities but the kids have literally been out of the house ONE time (see below).  We have no idea how much longer we'll be at home, but at least another month.  So here are a few glimpses into the past week.

One day we built a volcano and conducted a science experiment.  This kit was a gift and has been in our toy closet for probably years. . . saved for a perfect time like today!

First, they built the mold of the volcano, then it had to dry.  Next was painting and letting that dry.  Surprise, we had plenty of time to let things dry! :)

They loved watching the acid and base react!!  

Then, another day, we worked on dying Easter eggs.  Thankfully we also did this outside because someone accidentally knocked over the blue cup before we even started.  It was a fun activity for a beautiful day outside.

Sadly, this week we got the news that a dear friend of mine has been referred to hospice after a long fight with cancer. We used to live in the same neighborhood, still go to the same church, and have kids the same ages. This woman is amazing!  Her faith, trust, and love for the Lord continue to be unexplainable.  As a surprise, a mutual friend organized a parade of love past her house.  Word got out quickly and in just 2 days notice we had over 250 cars qued up in the school close by to parade by her house.  It was led by the local fire truck and our pastor followed behind to begin the parade with a prayer for their family.  We all had signs and decorated our cars to show our love for this precious family.  This was the kids' first outing since March 13 so they were thrilled to participate and show some love for their friends, the Mahaffeys.

We're praying for you Amy!!!

Another Week at Home

This week has been . . . interesting.  We are managing the stay at home orders okay and are trying to find ways to stay active and be creative.  I'm not going to lie, there has been a LOT of screen time.  Between attending zoom meetings, reading ebooks (out of regular paper ones to read), watching shows, playing games, texting, etc we've all spent a lot of time on devices.  However, we've also been on tons of walks and spent a lot of time playing outside too.  Here is a glimpse into the past week!

Buttercup keeps us entertained at night as she does the most random things, including rearranging her cage.

Preston continues to spend a lot of time playing with Patrick.  This week his long-awaited mp3 player arrived and he has enjoyed using that.  The boys also have made their own youtube channel with several uploaded videos on busting water balloons.

In one of the videos, Preston was Mr. Hotdog and Patrick was Mr. Pizza!?

I introduced the kids to Scrabble this week and we have loved playing the game together.  It's a nice addition to our regular weekly games of Mancala, Pass the Pigs, Exploding Kittens, Uno, etc.

We continue to play nightly kickball and/or ping pong (although it was less this week becauser Dave had month end), but Preston's allergies are a nightmare right now.  We are trying to find a balance of medicine to help him through this nasty season.  We've also enjoyed watching Frozen 2 as a family and look forward to another movie on Disney Plus, what a great gift that was from Aunt Cherry!

I made my last in-store shopping trip for a while and have resorted to delivery only orders for Shipt.  I think that is a lot safer, with no interaction with people at all . . . and I can still get out, be helpful, and make some money too. I stocked us up on groceries and have made it a goal not to go into Harris Teeter for 10 days.  It's going to be tough! 

This week we hope to enjoy Easter egg dying and some virtual church activities preparing our hearts for Easter.  We're going to make it.  I think I can. I think I can.  I think I can!

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!