COVID DAY 2: We Rocked Today!

Dear Readers,

I feel more like myself today.  Thankfully!

I won't say NEVER to the video diary-  just back behind the screen  feels more like "me" when I feel most up for it!

I. really. took. in. account. my. day. and. notes. yesterday.

And, the Lord definitely made it new!

This is how we made things a little "different" today.

And, it totally rocked!

Thank you Jesus!

1.  We got ready a little early to have a family walk before our family meeting. It was cold and windy at times, but *even through the whines* it put us in a better mood to "hunker down" for the rest of the morning

*I think for all our sanities- we need to see there is still a world "outside of us" out there that we still know and love.

1.  We did school today but we were looser with the schedule on when we move on with things.  Also, *super crucial* WE GAVE Jude his pacifier so he doesn't yell at us when he can't do something.

The older two are both readers- so I started them off on two spelling worksheets they can complete independently *Reggie takes longer than Reagan- he's only 4

Jude had his crayons out to color on a big sheet (the same sheet as yesterday) and he quickly moved to pegs on the floor.

Wyatt and I did our first lesson together with cutting and gluing. Then, he did his own sticker "scene" practice on his own independently.

While the boys were engaged and busy, Reagan and I got some 1:1 time to do her Reading work from her school

Magna blocks and "tiny" leggos were what Wyatt and Reggie did when the sticker practice and the spelling sheet was done.

Reagan and Jude did some art with the water paint sheets at my art center.  I rescued this "treasure" from the trash at school the summer of 2018.  Jude kept dipping his brush in the water and sucking the water off of it, but he got a couple of strokes in to paint his duck!

After that, it was reading work on the tablets for everyone except Jude.  Thankfully, Jude was ready for a snack so he didn't recognize they were on tablets without him!  While he snacked and they were busy, I got lunch ready and we ate together at the table.

While I cleaned up, they occupied themselves and played in the area behind the couch in the TV room.  We had our friends strategically move the couches to make that space bigger for a workout/play area... and the kids use it like an indoor recess area.  They brought their riding toys down and just rode around and played.  I was able to clean up and walk the dog before their nap time!

AWWW.... WE ALL NAPPED AT THE SAME TIME!

SUCH A MIRACLE!

I even napped too!

And, as a reward (for all of us), the kids got to watch a movie when they woke up.

It's naturally snack time too- which I try to do a fruit and/or yogurt in the afternoon.

To love myself, I made myself a special bowl with mangoes, strawberries, and bananas.

The older kids got bananas.

Jude is my eater- he got two yogurts, half a banana, strawberries, and a granola bar.

*The kids picked Frozen 2- no surprise*

While they were watching the movie,

I got to get dinner ready, do some email checking, and talk to the hubby!

*Exciting news- I got my editorial evaluation back!

More exciting news-  I have more work to do on my book!

But, what a good time to do it!

After the movie, the kids were definitely in "Screen" mode, so I knew it was time to go outside again. This time, we ventured to our neighborhood basketball court.  I made sure to buy some basketballs and bubbles since I knew playgrounds were going to be off limits.  So, this is us.  WE. HAVE. NO. GAME.  But, hey, we still got out and tried!

After humoring mommy with her "basketball" outing, I rewarded the kids with more screen time.

They got to finish whatever learning app they were on.

And, I finally found a solution for JUDE.

Reagan had an old learning laptop from the thrift store.  So, Jude was on the steps doing his "computer" while the other kids were doing their own!

That gave me just enough time to get dinner plated/ready and talk to the husband about the rest of the evening.  I had a MUCH BETTER day and really think I can manage the day fine!  I just have to figure out when to "work" and have some "me" time.

Well, we have decided that after dinner chores would be the best time!

Since we don't have lunches to pack, All the kids share the duty of dishes and sweeping under the kitchen table.

Ben will do Reagan's Math school work while the boys do another "schooling" activity in the kitchen area.  Jude is first upstairs to get ready to bed.  Then, the older kids go up and follow.

Ben has a pretty solid story time routine with the kids at night with devotional time and prayer time.

By 8:30, I am heading upstairs to relax and I usually stop into the kids room to pray with them at the end of the night. 

Today was much better than my first day of social distancing.  I'm still optimistic and hopeful that this experience will be good for us all.

Here's. to. saving. lives. together.

Love. Always,

Crystal