Oh how a month can change everything. The month started off like any other March, trying to catch leprechauns and playing "Leprechaun: King of the Fairy People".
The most traumatic thing in Rose's life to date happened when our fire alarm went off for no reason and a bunch of fire firefighters showed up. For days she talked about how loud the alarm was and she insisted on helping Daddy put the new one in.
We enjoyed playdates,
and counting the minutes until Dad got home.
We attended the annual Maple Taping Festival
and enjoyed a gorgeous evening on the beach with friends.
I also finished the clock I have been working on made from a whiskey barrel rim and wood from the forest behind our house.
On the evening of Tuesday, March 10th, we received an email notification that school would be delayed by two hours the following day so teachers could prepare for potential at-home learning due to the coronavirus. New York was already dealing with the virus, so Elias had been working from home since the 6th. On the afternoon of Wednesday, March 11th they closed all schools effective immediately for at least two weeks. It took us by surprise, so Thursday and Friday were pretty chill, but then at-home learning began the following Monday, March 16th. They checked out chromebooks to all the kids and school got more intense by Monday, March 23rd. The kids all have to check-in and answer a question for attendance each morning at 8:30. They have been given an entire school day's worth of slides to get though by 3pm. Each child has video conferencing with their teacher and/or classmates. They either have to turn in their work and/or review their work via a one-on-one video conference with their teacher each week. Playgrounds and school grounds were closed by the 18th, restaurants and all other non-essential buildings and stores were closed by the 23rd and beaches and woods were closed to vehicular traffic on the 31st. Luckily we live right next to park with a large grassy area and woods to explore so we go there every day. We have been blessed with great spring weather and have enjoyed an outdoor adventure each day but have been quarantined more and more.
We have felt love and support from family from afar. Jeannie instituted a "GramBucks" program. Each day for two weeks she sent out a challenge for the grandkids; everything from making a face out of nature to writing out things you want to do in the future. Hannah also sent the kids a package of activities and science projects.
School has been hard. All of the kids have been coping/acting out in their own way. I have been bouncing between four computers trying to teach four kids how to use them and accomplish their assigned tasks. This is our working schedule and the daily checklists I made for the kids to help them manage their requirements to watch a show in the afternoon. We have continued to do "Come Follow Me" each morning over breakfast which I like to believe has helped. Elias locks himself away in his attic office from 7-6 everyday with the exception of 1:30-2:30 when he takes the four big kids outside to exercise. This has been a saving grace for all of us. It's been hard on all of us having him close, but at work. Work has been busy for Elias but his fund has performed well during the downturn so that is exciting.
We have instituted "Friday night party night" and "Saturday movie night" in the effort to maintain our sanity and good feelings. The kids each take turns planning their night. Summer prepared an awesome dance party, complete with decorations, games and a playlist. Smith planned a night hike with headlamps and a campout in the tent set up in the attic.
This has been hard on all of us, including Rose. She has to fight for attention these days and is constantly getting into mischief. She desperately wants to be one of the big kids and unfortunately learned how to sneak out the back sliding door if anyone leaves it unlocked. We have to hide Elias from her and she runs into the street the moment we step outside.
Church at home has been a good experience so far. We have found it really only works if we hold it during Rose's nap. Elias is able to administer the sacrament, the kids all give a talk, Elias or I give a lesson, we sign a few primary songs and then watch a Book of Mormon video.
I'm having a hard time trying to relive all of the emotions of the month to give an accurate description of how it has gone. There have been some seriously dark days. The uncertainty of how long this will last is rough. I'm still a little volatile, sensitive, and quick to tears. I've decided the best way to document my feeling is by sharing texted I have sent to friends.
March 23rd:
March 24th:
March 26th:
March 28th:
March 29th:
March 31st:
Anyway, these don't necessarily show me in the best light, but they are all very real. And looking back on these make me realize how many dear friends I have been blessed with. I am so grateful we are all healthy, safe and together. I'm grateful for the ability to connect with others in so many ways. And Elias. Always Elias. He's the best. I'm writing this on April 4th and here are the current stats:
Love to you and yours. Stay safe,
Brittany et al.
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