Well, I figured it’s time for another update about what life is like right now.
It’s now been over two months since our last day at school on March 13th. We started all of this with an extended spring break and really enjoyed being home together. We still anticipated going back to school at that time. April was the longest month ever. We started at-home learning, had several challenging weeks, and learned we weren’t returning to school. We worked through a lot of hard emotions in April. May started in a much better place. We finally found a bit of rhythm in regard to school and it is so much better now. About the time we really get things figured out, school will be over. And, as May comes to a close we’ll be in another transition into summer. I think 2020 will be remembered as the year of change. Learning to adapt and be flexible.
Things I’m looking forward to…
…the end of the school year! We have four days this week and we’re finished on Thursday! Woo-hoo! We’re celebrating big time this year. I’m not sure how, yet, but we are all feeling the need to mark the end of at-home learning.
…using the computer less. Constant technology over the past two months has been exhausting. Again, I’m thankful for the age we’re living in and it’s available to keep us all connected. But I’m ready to be done with zoom calls and start meeting in person again. Finishing school will help this tremendously – I’ll have MUCH fewer emails coming in from teachers and the kids will need the computer less. Drum lessons resume in the studio this week which will be nice. At this point we’ll continue ballet from home through June. We can opt in to small group lessons at the ballet studio but since there’s an additional fee we decided to continue with what we’re doing.
…singing with our entire congregation. The four of us are doing the best we can on Sunday mornings in our living room, but it sure will be nice to sing out loudly with a whole crowd of people again at church.
…hugging and interacting with people without concern. For weeks we’ve been seeing neighbors regularly and sitting in the yard to chat while keeping a distance. This past week we started seeing people a bit more. Kenny’s mom came over for Mother’s Day, I finally had a hair appointment, and we dropped by to say hello to a few friends. On one hand it felt so wonderful and on the other hand, it was exhausting! We’re not used to being with people now!
James says it’s time for a haircut!
Things I’ve learned…
…constant interaction with my family is difficult for me. I already knew this about myself but the past two months have definitely brought this front and center. I need a little time alone each day to keep my sanity, and thankfully, my family is helping me do this.
…we need to clean our house more often when all four of us are home constantly! Yikes! I did not see that coming. Thankfully the kids are a huge help in this area. I so appreciate their help.
…given the time to adapt and get my head around it, I enjoy teaching my children. Jumping into homeschooling with no preparation whatsoever was really difficult. But after weeks of figuring out what works for us and what doesn’t, I thoroughly enjoy the time with them.
The blessings…
…I’ve driven on the same tank of gas since March! I finally filled up the van just in the last couple days. When you only leave the house once a week (or less) for groceries, one tank can last months!
…more family time. I’ve already mentioned this in previous posts but we sure have enjoyed more time together in the evenings. Eliminating Kenny’s commute has allowed us to finish dinner earlier and then have time for a walk together, a game, or a movie and popcorn. We really enjoy that. And oh the conversation! We’ve had more time to just talk with each other. No rushing to clear the dishes and move on, but time to linger at the table and chat with each other. That’s been amazing. Some of our highlights have been cooking hot dogs and smores over the fire and a days long monopoly game. Anna won!
