April 30th, 48th Day of Quarantine, School at Home Day 27

Today the expected high was only 54F.  It rained most of the day, and was dreary even when the precipitation stopped.

We had some late risers this morning, so not much school work got done before my mops meeting and subsequent table group zoom.  So, when it was finally time to go back to work, after a lazy morning for my little ones, Juliet had a hard time adjusting.

She told me that the work I give (from her teacher) is way harder than what her teacher gives.  She also lamented that her teacher always gives free choice.  I tried to snap a picture to send to her teacher of her pout, but she couldn't help but smile at her own ridiculousness.

I got an email encouraging particpation in a PTO driven teacher appreciation activity.  They asked for pictures, so I used the pillowcase & paint application to save on printer ink!

William had a google meet with his class this afternoon, and I'm fixin' to go to one for all the parents in Alice's class.

After second recess I washed all of William's bedding and did one more lice treatment, despite the lack of evidence I've seen all week, just in case.

I also took a toothbrush to the upstairs screens, since they were all dusty.  That then lead to vacuuming the upstairs before I started dinner.

For dinner we had hot dogs and beans.  William likes it enough to ask for seconds and the rest of us like it well enough that we eat it fairly often.

I also began my research for a regular homeschool option this fall, just in case the schools start back before we are willing to send our "history of respiratory issue" babies back into a public school building.  It's exciting and intimidating, but the stakes are high enough to make it worth it.

We had an ideal start time for our bedtime routine, so I had time to read an extra book, my favorite of the bedtime stories, Llama Llama Red Pajama to my babies.

Hopeful for a drier, warmer day tomorrow!

later days

April 29th, 47th Day of Quarantine, School at Home Day 26

The expected high today is a chilly 62F.  We are expecting more rain in addition to what we have already had this morning. = (

Today was a regular day of school at home, complete with whining and smiles when the day was done.  = )

Emily had her weekly appointment with her teacher, and it just happened to be her birthday. So we blew up a few balloons, broke out some streamers and made a printout to wish her a happy birthday during the 10 minute time slot. = )

Billy seemed to have an onslaught of meetings all morning, so I took my chance to go during the first outdoor recess.

I drove (in a light rain) to retrieve our goodie 'bag' for our MOPS meeting tomorrow.  It wasn't too long of a trip and I dropped off an extra one for one of the ladies who also lives in Dimondale (that I'm not sure I've met?!?  Will certainly need to remedy that when the time comes!)

The kids were mostly finished when I returned, just lacking piano.

Once Grace finished her piano, I took out a project that I've had low on my to-do list for at least a decade! I'm translating an old German book (written in awful German script) for my own personal benefit.

That "G" looking letter at the beginning of the word? It's actually an S.  and the m in the middle, yeah, that's a w.  So the word is "Siegeswagens"  Which didn't translate.  But it is describing the statue on top of the Brandenburger Tor in Berlin, so I translated it to Victory Chariot.  In my searching I learned that we have adopted the Latin term for it and it is often referred to as a quadriga. Who knew?

For dinner we had egg fried rice.  And after dinner I attempted to use William's tablet as a webcam with his computer (our old laptop just doesn't have the processing power for the full group meetings...) but couldn't make it happen.  Once I gave up for the evening, I logged on with the laptop and got to chat with William's teacher a while.

I know my kids miss their teachers even more than I do, which just makes me really sad, because I really miss their teachers!  I'm happy to be able to connect with them one way or another!

Hopefully my dear ones can knock out their work quickly tomorrow,  so that I can 'relax' a bit during my mops meeting. Well, a girl can hope.

later days

April 28th, 46th Day of Quarantine, School at Home, Day 25

The expected high today was a sunny 70F.  This is not super warm by any means, but after last week's wretched weather, it is perfection!

Today we knocked out an easy art activity.  Each layer of the folded paper towel has a design (usually it works together) and when you drop it in water the layers merge!  So easy for the kids to do on their own and really easy clean up!

The birds are out in full force now, especially with the warmest day we've had so far this year, so Emily dug out a birdhouse that she made a few years ago.

Then they tried to find a place to hang it.  Naturally william went in a tree.

William chose to do some of his reading time outside today, since it was such a sunny day.

But getting to work after a long day of avoiding work is tough!

Once everyone finished their work, I finally got to go sit outside and get some sun on my feet!  Our strawberry plants (that we planted yesterday) still haven't produced any strawberries. lol.

Billy and I got to sit out a little before dinner and a little while after dinner (until the mosquitoes crashed the party) for the first time!  It was nice, and the sidewalks were not nearly as busy as I thought they would be.

For dinner we had tikka masala, and everyone liked it!  What?!

I felt the best I've felt in a long time, after getting some time in the sun. We even slept with the windows open!

Now, they are calling for rain for the next three days, and with it comes another cool down. = (

later days

April 27th, 45th Day of Quarantine, School at Home Day 24

The expected high today is 62F.  There is a small front moving in, which has made it feel much cooler than this morning when it was sunny.

Today, the kids went to work (almost) straight away. William had a 10am video meeting.  Right after that I had to head out to pick up groceries. Billy had a meeting, so the kids were outside when I left.

I stopped by the UPS store to drop off an amazon return, then took my recycling to Sarah's.  I then rushed to my Kroger appointment. I was still 1 minute late for my window, but they didn't give me any grief.  I 'filled up' with gas, but it was only a couple of gallons since my car spends most days parked in the carport.

After that I drove up to drop of the goods from the parade that I missed yesterday.  Then I failed at sneaking a drop off to another one of the moms, but it was a fail in the best kind of way.  I think we stood about 12 feet apart and chatted in her driveway for like an hour.  I got a message from Billy telling me that he had to go in to ship some material at his office.  So, instead of my final drop, I headed home.

The groceries didn't take too long to store away, but I had packages and dishes and laundry to manage once they were.

Emily wanted to participate  in the daily challenge on the church kids' page today.  She really enjoyed eating the "apple cookies!"

We finally got in our strawberry roots!  We planted them with the little bit of soil we had on hand.  I'll grab a couple of bags the next time I go to Sam's (maybe next week?)

While we waited on dinner, I ran one more nearby porch delivery to another busy mom, with the companionship of William, Grace and Juliet.

For dinner we had lasagna.

Alice fell asleep before dinner, and was slow waking this morning.  My theory is that she's growing into her feet.  = )

Thankful that the rest of the week is slated to be slower and less busy than today.

later days

April 26th, 44th Day of Quarantine

Today's high was a slightly windy, sunny 62F.

After church, and seeing Emily in the kids' church video, Billy worked on a design for work, = ( and I got things ready for tomorrow.

I also made a temporary bottom for our front porch chest out of a board from the shed (it's too narrow, but it's long enough which is the more important of the two.  I had to get out the extension cord and some PPE and the jig saw.  I also measured and marked it, like a pro. lol

William came out with me to draw some sidewalk chalk art, since most of it has been washed away.

I was going to work on some craft projects on the porch, but it is still too cold.  So, I had to finish them inside.

Billy cooked up some barbeque chicken and hot dogs for a late lunch/early dinner.

William had a balloon that he played with all day long, until he popped it in the tub. = (

There was a plan for a parade for the leader of our Busy Mom's group that I didn't find out about until today, so I rushed through some of my chores so that I could go to.  I even made a sign to stick to my car!

but, our leader was too busy, and so we had to postpone the parade, which made it too late of a night for yours truly, so I had to pass. = (  Thankfully, I still got to zoom with the lovely ladies!

We are as ready as we can be for our first full week of learning.  In fact we got two emails outlining the week from the kids amazing teachers!  Here's to another (hopefully warmer) week at home!

later days

April 25th, 43rd Day of Quarantine

The high today was a respectable 55F.  It's not brutally cold when you open the door, which is a nice change.

Grace started the day by unloading the dishwasher for me! <3

For lunch the kids had some mac and cheese.  We spent the day watching videos and not doing much of anything. I took a nap too!

I got a call to schedule Emily's MRI.  We'll be heading to Grand Rapids on May 15th.  At least she doesn't have to fast or stay awake this time.

For dinner we had some frozen pizzas.  I'm trying to clear out a space in the freezer to put the cold packs that we have for the kid's medicine travel cases.  Hopefully we won't need them on the spur of the moment.

I made some brownies afterwards, that went over well.  = )

Now, Emily is making some fun videos of her siblings "teleporting" on her phone.

later days

April 24th, 42nd Day of Quarantine, School at Home Day 23

The high today is 53F.  There's no wind and the sun is trying to peek out, but it's still too cold to be outside for too long.

From what I can tell so far, the teachers are treating Friday as a kind of make up day, so the work load is pretty light for my crew since they work pretty hard every day.

Emily and I worked on some Mother's Day cards, using the cards I painted during my mops after dark meeting.

For dinner I made some hotdog/spaghetti "squid."  The kids loved it, and Billy and I were able to tolerate it.  I will not be making it again anytime soon, as it is so time intensive and far from gourmet. = )

Billy and I enjoyed some wine with our "spaghetti squid" so we stayed at the table and had a mini-wine date, but I neglected to take a picture.

After dinner, I set out to watch "How to loose a guy in 10 days," as kind of an 'assignment' from our MOPS table.  Our leader is awesome and dropped off some candies, and popcorn and a fizzy drink to enjoy.  Sadly, when I went out to see if either of the services that I already pay for have it available, I found that it will cost me $4 to watch it.  I saw it a long time ago, but do not remember loving it, and so instead Billy and I re-watched "Hitch." Which is one of our favorites and always a good time. = )

later days

April 23rd, 41st Day of Quarantine, 22nd Day of School at Home

The expected high is 49F today.  It was really cold, and rained, and we never saw the sun.  Have I mentioned that I'm done with the cold? No, oh, well I am.  Totally done.

I used almost all of the browning bananas in chocolate chip banana nut bread this morning, and the loaf was gone by lunch!

Billy got an email this morning that his company is furloughing some people, including engineering. This would be an 8 week furlough, which is a long time. So that was a lovely stress that I could have done without.

William started itching his head again, so more lice treatment and more laundry.  We're past the two week mark, and all the stuffed animals are still in the basement.  I've sprayed everything, so I'm hoping that it was just an itchy head, since I didn't find anything with the comb.  Also stress I could have done without.

An email came later that Billy would continue working for now, thank goodness!

We did 'whole group' kinetics today.  They called for pool noodles, but gave some ideas for substitutes.  So, we used foam cups!

Grace used the final banana in a blueberry-banana smoothie.  It wasn't much, but she, William and Alice managed to split it three ways. = )

I found time to finish yesterday's hat and one more today for a nice pleasant 10 to send to Diem!

Grace and Juliet and William all had Zoom meetings today, then I had one this evening with Alice's teacher (and the other parents in the class) and then I had a MOPS Zoom for virtual watercolor painting.  It was really fun! Also, I totally stole Deb's group picture.

For dinner we had cheese tortellini in alfredo.

Now it is late, and time for bed after a ridiculously stressful day, that at least ended with just the right amount of art. = )

later days

April 22nd, 40th Day of Quarantine, 21st Day of School at Home

The expected high today is 45F.  It is really really cold out still, so cold in fact, snow was sticking to things (not the ground.)

Today the district "officially" launched their online learning.  My kids have been working online since mid-March, so it wasn't really much of a change.

When the twins complete a writing assignment, I take a picture and then upload it to their classroom.

It was grey and cold all day.  The kids still went out for recess, because Billy had meetings almost all day.

William tends to putter through his daily work, so he didn't finish until almost 4pm.  So, I didn't get started on my daily hats until after that.  I ran out of time, so only made one hat and the tie for another.

Dinner was a quick and easy BBQ sandwhiches, and it was still late, thanks to my late start on my sewing.

Tonight was shot night, which looks like this in our house. = (

Right when I was going to type all this up last night, we had internet trouble, so it was a little easier to start bedtime.

We managed a normal bedtime, but the weather has me feeling really sleepy and kind of tired all day long.  We are heading quickly toward a much anticipated weekend!

later days

April 21st, 39th Day of Quarnatine, 20th Day of School at Home

The expected high today is 39F.  And it snowed this morning.  I am sick of the cold and sick of the snow and the cold.

Everyone was up and ready to go on their google classroom this morning.  I felt a little overwhelmed as teachers added some assignments after we had already started for the day, but we managed.  Also, the PE and music teacher have classes now, so we did a few activities from their rooms today.  First up was PE.

I'm letting the time they spend in music "class" count toward their piano, to keep their days from stretching out too long.

And, despite the chilly temperature, I still sent the kids out for outdoor recess.  They only lasted a few minutes, but I had time to check the mail, put out a card for William's teacher and pick up some sticks (and branches) from last night's storm.

Once school was finished, I made two more hats to send of to Diem.

The box is looking pretty full. I'm hoping to fit at least 4 more in there, but I'll need to repack as efficiently as possible once I've made those.  Maybe I can fit even more!

We got some of our porch pottery and porch rug in, which will be more exciting when we are actually able to go enjoy it!

For dinner we had tacos.  Everyone enjoys them, with the exception of Alice.

Tomorrow is the official start of the school at home for the kids, wish us luck!

later days

April 20th, 38th Day of Quarantine, 19th Day of School at Home

The high today was 57F, but it felt much cooler than yesterday.  I think the light breeze might have had a hand in that.

Most of the teachers have crossed over into Google Classroom completely but official kick off is not until Wednesday.  The girls finished quickly, and I was able to convince William to get back on track before I left.

Today was grocery pick up day, my time was from 11-12, and I was late. = (  6/6 slots were filled up for the pick up.  It is a crazy time for sure.

Oil plummeted down below zero, Canada had a mass shooting, the first child (5yo) died in Michigan of the Corona virus and the high is barely above freezing for tomorrow.

Thankfully I was able to deliver some porch wine and beer to some people in my online groups and SGN (some good news) put our their 4th episode, which made the evening a little better than the day.

For dinner we had teriyaki chicken with pineapple and rice.

And now I'm feeling completely worn out from this emotionally challenging afternoon.

later days

April 19th, 37th Day of Quarantine

Today, the high is expected to be 57F.  If it's sunny with no wind, it might be pleasant enough to be outside!

We watched the 9am service, in which Pastor Jared started a new series.

Afterward, I had everyone get dressed and we went for a "hike" on some of the trails in Grand Ledge.  We went last summer and it was so pretty and fun, I was excited to go back.  Though, my children moaned having to get ready to go out.

But everyone had a super fun time!  There were lots of people in the park, it was actually kind of hard at times to stay away from other walkers.

We found a very clean animal bone!

Emily and a mossy rock.

Alice looking for the best place to cross the tribuatry.

Some one made an elaborate stick structure!

One area had at least 3 snakes when we walked by!  This guy posed for me. = )

We grabbed Taco Bell for dinner on our way home (thanks Kim Possible and Bueno Nacho.)  Then it was bath day, and early bedtime for the babies. The were "not tired" but fell asleep within 15 minutes of going to bed. = )  Emily and William were put down but didn't stay there.

At 8pm I had a meeting with the Busy Moms group, and one of them dropped off a gift by the front door. = )

I went to bed physically tired and emotionally refreshed.  It was a good day.

later days