March, April & May were definitely months of transition and uncertainty, but we made it through pretty well but were glad when distance learning was finally over! After school was done, we had about a month of nice leisure time where we weren't stressing over school and our activities were basically non-existent and we were able to accomplish some things to keep from being bored.
June brought more activities as the weather started to cooperate and the last couple have weeks have begun to feel like a slightly new normal...more activities with lots of new rules and guidelines that are very difficult for kids to follow. It's just not in their nature to social distance, or touch their faces, or wash their hands every time they do and heaven help us if down the road we have to make them wear masks!
With all that, it's hard to not get worked up with all else that's going on in our nation, and even our state, and I have to turn away from the news (and even my favorite late night talk shows) and turn my focus back to what matters most...my family and my faith in a God that's bigger than it all.
Work has started to resume back at the office for Jason & his resurrected horseshoeing business has been a great side income for us. We were able to finally purchase a vehicle that we can fit our whole family in, after the reverse in the transmission went out in our old
Suburban nearly 2 years ago when we moved.
As we begin the month of July, we are grateful for our health and work that provides for our family. The older kids are finding work to keep busy and earn money for their constantly & rapidly emptying wallets, but they are learning the value of a dollar and how to work for what they want. A.J. and Faith's activity schedules are starting to resume with Strength Training, Baseball/Softball and skills training for the (hopefully) upcoming football/volleyball seasons. So next week, we will get to be back in the bleachers to watch some baseball games and continue to enjoy what we can when we can.
Stay safe & hope you are finding your way back to our "new nOrMaL".
2024
Friday, July 3, 2020
Thursday, July 2, 2020
Our first outing since lockdown
My aunt and uncle were up from their home in Texas and invited us to their cabin in the woods in Northern MN while they were up. It was our first family outing since the lockdown and first big trip together (in one vehicle) for about 2 years. (It's a longer story that involves a broken transmission.)
The weather was absolutely beautiful and we all had a great time to spend with family we don't get to see as often as we'd like. We all got our fill of fishing and the kids loved being able to drive around on ATV's and scooters and just going down to the lake to enjoy the water. I tried to get pictures, but they were all running around having fun (and I tried to keep away from my phone) so I just got a few.
The weather was absolutely beautiful and we all had a great time to spend with family we don't get to see as often as we'd like. We all got our fill of fishing and the kids loved being able to drive around on ATV's and scooters and just going down to the lake to enjoy the water. I tried to get pictures, but they were all running around having fun (and I tried to keep away from my phone) so I just got a few.
Jason & Bella in a giant floating island
Noah kayaking solo - I think that's Ian in the paddleboat fishing
Catching lots of "snot rockets" to help the smaller fish re-populate after a freeze out
Faith and Laney in action
Bella helping Aunty Rita drive the pontoon
AJ rockin' the scooter ;)
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Out of the mouths of babes
This little girl made sure my day started off on a wonderful note.
Every morning, she wakes up and goes out to the dining room where hopefully, her bowl of chocolate Malt-o-meal warm cereal awaits for her to be slurped up through her straw bowl. She will usually then, come back to bed to snooze more, depending on the time she crawls out of bed.
Today I got out of bed before she came back and was in the bathroom when I heard her come back in. When she realized I was not in bed, I heard her disappointment when she moaned, "Awww!" I opened the bathroom door and asked her if she wanted to crawl into bed to snuggle and she perked up and exclaimed, "Yeah!" We curled up under her blanket and after a couple minutes, she turned toward me & nuzzled in close and said, "I luh you Mommy". I didn't fully hear her and said, "What?" and she said it again in the sweetest little voice..."I luh you Mommy". My heart melted and I squeezed her with a huge grin on my face as I said to her, "I love you too baby". I can't think of a better way to start the day!
Sunday, May 24, 2020
A missed post...
(I knew I had written something in between, but I didn't post it for some reason. This would have been a post from last month - still not frequent posting, but it's something!)
Today ends a 4-week stretch of doing distance learning school at home with the 2 younger boys. It actually only amounts to 17 actual days of teaching, but it certainly seems longer, especially when I think that we're only half done if we end up doing this until the end of the school year.
Summer fever has already struck them, especially after a 5-day Easter break, but I think that will improve as the weather does. It's funny how we can spend time outdoors during the winter, but when we have cold spring days, nobody wants to go outside because "it's too cold!"
What I've learned through this process...
- The more organized I am for school, the messier my house is.
- When we do clean up more than usual, it only lasts for a couple hours. I cringe to think of what was in my carpets now that I have all hardwood floors that need to be vacuumed/swept at least every other day. I really should invest in a robot vacuum that could work for me at night.
- Distance learning works for our family but leaves me little energy to do much else. Thankfully half of our kids are self-sufficient for their schoolwork!
- Bella's vocabulary is improving by having her siblings home all day and she loves having them around! I do as well because they have more energy to keep up with her when I don't.
Today ends a 4-week stretch of doing distance learning school at home with the 2 younger boys. It actually only amounts to 17 actual days of teaching, but it certainly seems longer, especially when I think that we're only half done if we end up doing this until the end of the school year.
Summer fever has already struck them, especially after a 5-day Easter break, but I think that will improve as the weather does. It's funny how we can spend time outdoors during the winter, but when we have cold spring days, nobody wants to go outside because "it's too cold!"
What I've learned through this process...
- The more organized I am for school, the messier my house is.
- When we do clean up more than usual, it only lasts for a couple hours. I cringe to think of what was in my carpets now that I have all hardwood floors that need to be vacuumed/swept at least every other day. I really should invest in a robot vacuum that could work for me at night.
- Distance learning works for our family but leaves me little energy to do much else. Thankfully half of our kids are self-sufficient for their schoolwork!
- Bella's vocabulary is improving by having her siblings home all day and she loves having them around! I do as well because they have more energy to keep up with her when I don't.
Updates
On my last post, I stated I had more time to post...apparently 2 months went by faster than I can type.
We survived 6 weeks of distance learning and I was fairly pleased with how it went in our household. Don't get me wrong, there was a definite learning curve and getting into our groove, but once I realized that for Noah, learning starts better with a couple of familiar silly morning songs, our days went a little better. School at home can be challenging with younger siblings though, and Bella sometimes slowed the process, but it sometimes produced a laugh. Here she is "helping" them with their PE class. She might be a good coach for " The Biggest Loser" one day...
This whole experience has had its ups and downs, but overall, I would say we have had it pretty good compared to what some are going through. Both Jason & I have been able to do a majority of our work from home so our incomes haven't changed. Actually, in the last couple months, he managed to re-start his farrier business after a 15-year "retirement" from it and that has been going well thanks to social media and word-of-mouth. His groundskeeper itch has also been scratched thanks to an opening with a guy who has his own lawn care business and that Jason knew from his time at MHS. The downside with working that much gets you this tired...
With those additions and less money spent on activities, we hope we can catch up where we've gotten behind and try to improve on some things that have been put on the back burner.
My favorite moments about this time has been watching the kids grow in their relationships with each other. There is actually less fighting than I thought there would be and I catch them in small moments doing really sweet things together. There have been games played, lots of trampoline time, sidewalk chalk drawings, lounging in the sun, and bike rides. Don't get me wrong, everyone has had more than their share of excess tech time some days, so there is some guilt that comes with not having the gumption to fully take that option out of the picture, but sometimes Momma just needs a break!
When it gets 80 degrees in April and this is all you have for a pool.
Bella's way of enjoying bubbles When tired hits you hard
We survived 6 weeks of distance learning and I was fairly pleased with how it went in our household. Don't get me wrong, there was a definite learning curve and getting into our groove, but once I realized that for Noah, learning starts better with a couple of familiar silly morning songs, our days went a little better. School at home can be challenging with younger siblings though, and Bella sometimes slowed the process, but it sometimes produced a laugh. Here she is "helping" them with their PE class. She might be a good coach for " The Biggest Loser" one day...
This whole experience has had its ups and downs, but overall, I would say we have had it pretty good compared to what some are going through. Both Jason & I have been able to do a majority of our work from home so our incomes haven't changed. Actually, in the last couple months, he managed to re-start his farrier business after a 15-year "retirement" from it and that has been going well thanks to social media and word-of-mouth. His groundskeeper itch has also been scratched thanks to an opening with a guy who has his own lawn care business and that Jason knew from his time at MHS. The downside with working that much gets you this tired...
With those additions and less money spent on activities, we hope we can catch up where we've gotten behind and try to improve on some things that have been put on the back burner.
My favorite moments about this time has been watching the kids grow in their relationships with each other. There is actually less fighting than I thought there would be and I catch them in small moments doing really sweet things together. There have been games played, lots of trampoline time, sidewalk chalk drawings, lounging in the sun, and bike rides. Don't get me wrong, everyone has had more than their share of excess tech time some days, so there is some guilt that comes with not having the gumption to fully take that option out of the picture, but sometimes Momma just needs a break!
Bella's way of enjoying bubbles When tired hits you hard
Our most recent family picture taken at Easter. SuzyCat was not amused, lol!
During this time, we are counting our blessings and trying to appreciate our time together. We miss seeing everyone more often, especially during times when we are normally together as a family. At this time, the restrictions are beginning to lighten, but we anticipate that things will get worse before they get better again, so we take each day as it is and try not to worry too much about all that's going on. We try to stay safe and be responsible to keep the most vulnerable safe, but also caring for their physical and mental needs. We are trying to "catch up" on the things that have been put aside because we know that soon enough, we will be back to a life of crazy, but that's just a given with a family of 8. To everyone out there, we miss you, we love you and we hope to see and hug you soon!
Sunday, March 29, 2020
The good and the bad
The good news: I have had more time to post on this blog.
The bad news: I don't know if anyone follows it anymore.
The good news: We have saved money not traveling to work or activities.
The bad news: It all goes into groceries that disappear faster than normal.
The good news: We have food to eat.
The bad news: When you notice your sweatpants are getting tighter around the waistline.
The good news: We both still have jobs that we can work from home.
The bad news: That might change if we don't have sports for a while (Jason is the assistant activities director at SMSU, and does the athletic events)
The good news: He has a possible job to fall back on.
The bad news: It's horseshoeing.
The good news: School gets done earlier in the day for the kids.
The bad news: Some days it's because this teacher is "done" (actually we get it all done, but assignments that require writing sentences around here usually end up in frustration on both sides.)
The good news: Some family members have new hobbies.
The bad news: One hobby is staying up late and sleeping more during the day.
The good news: We have time for more activities as a family.
The bad news: Jason just thinks that activity should always be splitting firewood.
The good news: We are playing more games together.
The bad news: Not many games work well for 8 players ranging from ages 3-46.
The good news: Technology is great during this time!
The bad news: Technology can be evil during this time!
The good news: I have little fear that anyone will see how messy my house is.
The bad news: My house is messy.
The good news: Mass at home is easier to get everyone ready for.
The bad news: We miss receiving the Sacraments with our church family and hope everyone is ok.
The good news: Through all of this, we have faith that God is with us and we'll be fine no matter what.
The bad news: Not many believe that and many struggle with our new reality.
"And now with all our heart we follow you, we fear you and seek your face. Do not put us to shame, but deal with us in your forbearance and in your abundant mercy. Deliver us in accordance with your marvelous works, and give glory to your name, O Lord!...Let them know that you are the Lord, the only God, glorious over the whole world...Bless him, all who worship the Lord, the God of gods, sing praise to him and give thanks to him, for his mercy endures forever." Daniel 3:18-20a, 22, 68
The bad news: I don't know if anyone follows it anymore.
The good news: We have saved money not traveling to work or activities.
The bad news: It all goes into groceries that disappear faster than normal.
The good news: We have food to eat.
The bad news: When you notice your sweatpants are getting tighter around the waistline.
The good news: We both still have jobs that we can work from home.
The bad news: That might change if we don't have sports for a while (Jason is the assistant activities director at SMSU, and does the athletic events)
The good news: He has a possible job to fall back on.
The bad news: It's horseshoeing.
The good news: School gets done earlier in the day for the kids.
The bad news: Some days it's because this teacher is "done" (actually we get it all done, but assignments that require writing sentences around here usually end up in frustration on both sides.)
The good news: Some family members have new hobbies.
The bad news: One hobby is staying up late and sleeping more during the day.
The good news: We have time for more activities as a family.
The bad news: Jason just thinks that activity should always be splitting firewood.
The good news: We are playing more games together.
The bad news: Not many games work well for 8 players ranging from ages 3-46.
The good news: Technology is great during this time!
The bad news: Technology can be evil during this time!
The good news: I have little fear that anyone will see how messy my house is.
The bad news: My house is messy.
The good news: Mass at home is easier to get everyone ready for.
The bad news: We miss receiving the Sacraments with our church family and hope everyone is ok.
The good news: Through all of this, we have faith that God is with us and we'll be fine no matter what.
The bad news: Not many believe that and many struggle with our new reality.
"And now with all our heart we follow you, we fear you and seek your face. Do not put us to shame, but deal with us in your forbearance and in your abundant mercy. Deliver us in accordance with your marvelous works, and give glory to your name, O Lord!...Let them know that you are the Lord, the only God, glorious over the whole world...Bless him, all who worship the Lord, the God of gods, sing praise to him and give thanks to him, for his mercy endures forever." Daniel 3:18-20a, 22, 68
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Dress up days
Before the idea came out on social media, I told Faith we should do "dress up days" like they do in school and sent it out to family members and have them share their photos. As usual, I am more ideas, less execution, but Bella took it upon herself to come up with her own dress up days this past week, no help at all, with the exception of getting it on.
Jersey day - yes she is wearing toddler-sized football shoulder pads
Dress like a cowboy
Super hero day
Jersey day - yes she is wearing toddler-sized football shoulder pads
Dress like a cowboy
Super hero day
Week 1
I can't say how many days we've actually been "at home" and it differs for many because some went into hiding before others and some waited until the most recent "Stay Home" initiative. What I do know is that we had our 1st week of "work from home" and "distance learning" or as I am now referring to it as, the School of Lock(down), and I am the assistant principal/teacher, Mrs. QuaranTina.
The first 2 days had it's challenges, most of which included learning the in's and out's of all these apps on school devices that I probably should have known about, but honestly haven't done much with. Challenge #2 is child #6. She loves having her siblings home, but now that they have to be occupied with schoolwork and not playing with her constantly, she is not enjoying that much. Parent guilt comes in when I have to occupy her with technology just so we can get a Zoom meeting in (or 1st grade Language Arts) both of which require my attention and leave me with little patience.
Next week will be an even bigger challenge as the 3 older kids begin their schooling and we will then find out how good our internet service is. Until then, we are going to enjoy our time inside together (not like the weather is giving us an option) and gather up the energy to start a new normal, for now.
#staysafe #stayhome #coronavirussucks
The first 2 days had it's challenges, most of which included learning the in's and out's of all these apps on school devices that I probably should have known about, but honestly haven't done much with. Challenge #2 is child #6. She loves having her siblings home, but now that they have to be occupied with schoolwork and not playing with her constantly, she is not enjoying that much. Parent guilt comes in when I have to occupy her with technology just so we can get a Zoom meeting in (or 1st grade Language Arts) both of which require my attention and leave me with little patience.
Next week will be an even bigger challenge as the 3 older kids begin their schooling and we will then find out how good our internet service is. Until then, we are going to enjoy our time inside together (not like the weather is giving us an option) and gather up the energy to start a new normal, for now.
#staysafe #stayhome #coronavirussucks
Thursday, March 19, 2020
The "C" word
With an ever-dwindling calendar and before the kids begin "Distance Learning", I feel now is a good time as ever to drop in a post on my less-frequented blog. When we look back on this time, the words "Coronavirus" and "COVID-19" will either seem like a time when we learned a lot, or we lost a lot, or maybe even both, but hopefully it will be a time that we get down to what really matters.
Our kids have lost some things that are very important to them, time with friends, tournaments not played, challenges not met, events not attended and opportunities they had to let go of...for now.
What I hope we gain through this is a sense of what is really important. That we are together as a family and not ripped apart from a dictator who wants to kill us because of our beliefs. As Father Mike Schmitz videoed today, something that can never be taken away from us during this or any time, prayer, fasting and almsgiving. I think back to Saint Maximillian Kolbe who was thrown into a concentration camp room to die of starvation after he offered to take someone's place. What did he have? Prayer. He didn't have much choice but to fast, but I imagine he offered up his pain and suffering to the Lord. Almsgiving - he never stopped putting others before himself, even when he seemingly had nothing to offer.
I asked everyone at the dinner table last night to think of ways we can help. I can say I was a little disgusted when everyone said, "Nothing. We can't do anything to help. We're not supposed to go out and help." Point not taken! We'll have to keep working on that one...
Some positives I have taken away so far (we're not many days into it, so it just feels a little like a break) is that we have this opportunity to be fully together, no activities, no expectations, no events to plan for. As an introvert, so far, the social distancing part is not an issue whatsoever, but I have found myself working to communicate better with those who need the interaction. Some of us have embraced learning new things or working on organizing the messes that have gotten away from us. Bella has enjoyed having all of her siblings around as well as the opportunity to play with them more since they can't be distracted by other kids. The kids that need the social interaction more are utilizing technology, which has been a balancing act, but during this time when their worlds have been turned upside-down, I have been allowing them that time to socialize in that sense.
So, as we journey on this uncharted path together, my prayers are with the world and that this pandemic brings out the best version of humanity, verses the ones that hoard toilet paper and hand sanitizer, and that we will see the beauty of creation in each other through God's eyes.
Happy Feast of St. Joseph!
Our kids have lost some things that are very important to them, time with friends, tournaments not played, challenges not met, events not attended and opportunities they had to let go of...for now.
What I hope we gain through this is a sense of what is really important. That we are together as a family and not ripped apart from a dictator who wants to kill us because of our beliefs. As Father Mike Schmitz videoed today, something that can never be taken away from us during this or any time, prayer, fasting and almsgiving. I think back to Saint Maximillian Kolbe who was thrown into a concentration camp room to die of starvation after he offered to take someone's place. What did he have? Prayer. He didn't have much choice but to fast, but I imagine he offered up his pain and suffering to the Lord. Almsgiving - he never stopped putting others before himself, even when he seemingly had nothing to offer.
I asked everyone at the dinner table last night to think of ways we can help. I can say I was a little disgusted when everyone said, "Nothing. We can't do anything to help. We're not supposed to go out and help." Point not taken! We'll have to keep working on that one...
Some positives I have taken away so far (we're not many days into it, so it just feels a little like a break) is that we have this opportunity to be fully together, no activities, no expectations, no events to plan for. As an introvert, so far, the social distancing part is not an issue whatsoever, but I have found myself working to communicate better with those who need the interaction. Some of us have embraced learning new things or working on organizing the messes that have gotten away from us. Bella has enjoyed having all of her siblings around as well as the opportunity to play with them more since they can't be distracted by other kids. The kids that need the social interaction more are utilizing technology, which has been a balancing act, but during this time when their worlds have been turned upside-down, I have been allowing them that time to socialize in that sense.
So, as we journey on this uncharted path together, my prayers are with the world and that this pandemic brings out the best version of humanity, verses the ones that hoard toilet paper and hand sanitizer, and that we will see the beauty of creation in each other through God's eyes.
Happy Feast of St. Joseph!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)