out-of-order updates because all the days run together...

I might as well continue to document quarantine, don't you think? We got the news Friday that all schools in our state will be closed through the end of the school year. Although we knew that announcement was likely coming, it was still very hard to hear and process. This has certainly been an emotional journey on so many levels.

Emma's biggest heartbreak has been around the fact that her 1st grade program isn't happening. She had been practicing her songs, dances, and speaking part so diligently and had all hope in it being rescheduled.  It's also hard to think about Sara's elementary school years ending this way.

Our family time has been so great! Our evening happy hours in the family pub are still a huge hit. We gather around right at 5:00, listen to a record, and just enjoy being together. Sometimes there are games, other times it's just chitchat.

 HH Legos

 HH Headbandz

 HH Poker

Jim has received his first two Amazon packages! From G&G he got a pool float, and from Auntie, Adam, Cal, and Expo he got a Cowboys jersey and a kong. Happy guy.

 Our weather has been crazy - like everyone else's - so up and down. But a couple of hot days allowed us some pool time and Jim's first float!

Of course Emma has been busy in the kitchen. Everything from "edible glitter" to cookies to popsicle stick coasters ... you name it, she's done it.

 I'm proud of Sara for being so independent with her remote learning. She's up and working without me having to ask her. Jim is often her school companion.

  Both girls went crazy cleaning their rooms (after watching a couple episodes of Marie Kondo). They filled trash bags and Emma uncovered a face mask she'd gotten for Christmas! 

 We just love Jim. He's such a good dog. He'll even chase toys and bring them back!

 Headstand challenges... 

 Sometimes we eat dinner in our pub. Our quiet evenings have been a welcome change of pace.

 

Big packages came for the girls from G&G - giant pool noodles!

Emma started making paper masks. My mom sent her some fabric so she's upgraded to cloth ones.

We had a family HH the other night. It was a fun time! I've connected with my high school girl friends this way, and we also did a HH with our college friends. Funny how, now that we have time, we're being more intentional about connecting with people than we are usually. 

The girls have done  good job of making their own fun. Since we haven't had consistent pool weather, they find other things to do outside. Sometimes it's just flipping out back on the grass or riding bikes around the park, but they've also been busy with chalk art, too! 

 This weekend we did a lot of things we wouldn't normally get to - some yard work, finally hanging some pool equipment, new propane tanks, washing the front door, and organizing the spice cabinet!

(Totally out of order - you saw the title.) Last weekend (was it just last weekend?) we had a low-key Easter. The girls dyed a few eggs. 

 We rented the new Trolls movie and had movie theater style popcorn.

 The EB made it, even though we weren't sure he'd be traveling.

 We made some monkey bread.

 And we had confetti eggs for the first time. They were fun!

We enjoyed the simple celebration - enjoying the simple is the name of the game right now. There's a lot to be said for embracing simplicity, and appreciating that we have all we need, including our health!

Still Here...

We've left March and entered April under a stay-at-home order. The new normal is hard, and while some things are getting easier as we get used to them, it's difficult knowing that - at the moment - there isn't light at the end of the tunnel. Trying to enjoy the good and walk away from my work once in a while...

Last week we were blessed with a couple of beautiful days, so we heated up the pool and the girls had the best time getting out and active!

  Sara has been participating in cheer challenges and workouts.

(I really should be doing these workouts with her.) 

I miss my school community so much. I have been at school on and off, mostly for continued device delivery for students (which is being considered essential). The teachers are so stressed, and I don't have the tools to help them in the way I'd like to - it's just a time we all have to figure out and get through. I've heard from a number of parents who are unhappy, frustrated, and not handling this well - I get it, I'm working from home and schooling my kids, too. It's A LOT. I've also been the recipient of some very kind and understanding parents. The FB post made me smile and nearly cry. Little gestures... 

 Our big news - big distraction - big mood booster ... has been our new pup! Steve and I had been researching (finally, after months (years?) of begging from the girls). Steve found Jim, born on January 8th and named after Jim from "The Office", through a rescue about 45 minutes away. He's a beagle/dachshund mix. Last Saturday, Steve went to get him. I had the girls convinced that he was bringing home mulch and yard work materials, so they were shocked when he came through the door with a pup! In my excitement, I totally screwed up the videoing of the reveal ... ugh. But I had the girls in the living room and Steve came in through the garage. He announced that he had brought a friend to help with yard work ... and then walked around the corner with Jim. Sara jumped and screamed. Emma was paralyzed with shock. Everyone as instantly in love!

 Jim loves being outside. You can barely see him in this pic, but on a warm day this week, he just sat outside and watched the girls. He's a good dog ... we're just working on what not to chew and where not to potty. We have lots of time to train him, though, since we're out of school through May 1st (and possibly longer). I'm so glad we finally made the decision to get a dog for the girls. They'll always remember their childhood pup!

 Both girls enjoyed showing him to their friends and teachers when they had virtual meetings today. Sara is totally self-sufficient with her learning, and I need to give Emma a little more help. But she LOVES when a video of her teacher pops up!

 Last night was a district awards ceremony for an art contest the girls entered at their school. Sara's project went to the district level and was awarded last night. We tuned in on FB live! 

We're missing our normal, but doing well. I keep wondering what life will be like when this is all over - will we rush back to our usual crazy routine? Steve thinks we probably will. I guess I agree, but it's hard to know. We'll see what organizations (cheer, soccer, etc.) recover from this, and whether Steve and I are still both employed remains to be seen as well. We've canceled our summer Estes Park trip, which I'm so sad about. We were so looking forward to taking the girls to see the mountains. It'll have to happen another time. I'd also signed them up for overnight camp, which they were super excited about - that hasn't been canceled yet, and I'm so hopeful it won't be. I guess in the end, though, we just need to focus on being thankful for the time together (even when it's waaay too much) and our health. What a crazy time. I still can't wrap my head around it all.