At times, the working at home, and being with the kids all day, can drive me crazy beyond belief.

But, I have adjusted to the new schedule, and things are going pretty smooth lately. I have to admit, this is the ideal situation.

When it comes to work, I have weekly scheduled conference calls, along with several other work related calls throughout the day, several emails that need attention, reports due, and a lot of detailed analysis on the daily.

As far the kids are concerned, they are in bed by 9pm, no later, but they manage to sleep in until after 9am. I get a lot of work done prior to their arrival upstairs for breakfast. I can then take a break, make them something, get them settled into whatever activity, assign their chores, make sure they are “OK” before getting back to the work things.

There are nice days, and we have to take time to get out there, so we get about a 30 minute recess in the afternoon, to scooter, ride in the dune buggy, and walk down to Papa’s office and get a treat. The kids really enjoy that, but we try not to make that a daily thing. It’s special. 🙂

The other benefits include, being able to get laundry & dishes done in between work, having groceries delivered anytime during the day, stepping out on the back deck to feel the breeze, water the plants, and cuddle with a kid or two in between all the things.

This time at home, is priceless. We won’t have this again, so we have to make the most of it.

I have maintained my sanity through this…. so far.. ha

There are some days I feel isolated, but I fix that by going to the gym class 3x’s a week. It’s a GREAT stress reliever too.

We’re definitely on a “STAYCATION”.

When you have children, wouldn’t it make sense that your family who lives close by, would want to spend time with them? As a single mom, working at home in these times, the children are home all day long, wouldn’t it seem like someone would offer to help create some fun memories for your children? Even if it’s just one on one time? It hurts my heart so badly, that no one offers that for them.

I have several family members that live ON MY STREET, mind you. It’s painful to sit here, right now, knowing that some of them have nothing better to do. They are fully self-absorbed, and not even reaching out to see how things are going, how they can help, or even come and visit the kids here, at our home.

What we need in our world, more than anything right now, especially, is the coming together in love. We can’t go to church, we can’t gather in large, organized groups, we can’t go here or do that, because things are closed. But, we can nurture relationships, and do something small, where we are.

I’m beyond the hurt and anger that used to envelope my soul, when my children were younger.

I now see these as “missed opportunities” for these so called “loved ones” in my life, who show their lack of caring for my children and myself

I have been a single mother for 5 and half years now. I’m strong, motivated, self-encouraging, independent, and would do anything for my children. I want them to grow up with so many experiences and memories, that they look back, and cherish all the times we had together.

But, I always hear this “it takes a village” saying, and I don’t have that in my family. It’s such a shame.

I have a few key family members who would do things in a heartbeat with my children, but there are others, who just act as if we don’t exist.

It’s marveling to me.

I think it’s best to keep pressing forward, without them.

Be cordial, but not let the children be exposed to their toxicity very often. It’s not the way I wanted our family life to be. EVER.

But, I see the reality, and it’s not changing anytime soon.

Cheers to those who loves us, want to spend time with us, care enough to call or text to check on us.

We are here. We are here.

Our lives matter.. to someone..

Whether your kids are in school or not, the teaching portion never ends.

We, as parents, have this duty of teaching our kids, even when it’s break time.

I have 2 boys for example, that don’t know how to tie their shoes to this day. Ages 8 and 9…

They have zero interest in learning this minute skill. They are OK going off to college one day, still not knowing how to tie their shoes.. They claim that they will always be able to purchase non-tying shoes in life. sigh..

They ARE interested in learning how to make pancakes, because that’s the one meal that they LOVE, and they want to be able to make those when they grow up. 🙂

I have successfully taught all 4 of the kids to do their own laundry. My youngest is most eager to get his done. He will come in with 2 pairs of clothing, and wash them, even if it’s not a full load. ha

Making their own lunches are next on the list.. My oldest is fine with it, but my 3 youngest ones, still “need” me to do it, because I know how to spread butter on bread better than they do.. (so they claim). Another says that I know how to spread cream cheese on a bagel soo good. lol

We have had some great days, where the TV doesn’t even get turned on until after 3pm. The boys play with their legos together for most of the day, using their imagination. I love what they have created in my livingroom. space stations, airplanes, police stations, race cars, and warzones. It’s fun to see what they can do with their millions of legos, on their own.

Autumn spends most of her days in her room, sleeping in, talking on the phone to her cousin, and watching Allie’s favorite show, which she introduced her sister to. Gravity Falls…

Allie is keeping to herself mostly, playing on her beloved Sim’s game, reading, and group texting her friends from the Duke Tip program.

We are still going to karate weekly, and Autumn still attends her weekly Pathfinder meetings on Zoom.

Thankful for so much right now. This time at home.. consider it treasured.

Bring on the summer vacation!! We have been anticipating this time so very much.

This summer is going to be unlike any we have experienced thus far.

I am actually working at home for the summer, and the kids will be with me. It’s a first time in history, that I actually get this extended quality time with my children, when they are out of school. They are typically at the Rogers Activity Center, where they get to go on daily field trips, play games, hang out and make new friends, and stay active, doing fun things. The summer day camp is still open this year, however, the restrictions due to COVID-19, are just taking away from their typical fun-filled summer over there. So, I made the decision to stay home with them. They can sleep in, play with their toys, watch movies, we go for walks in the neighborhood, we can have leisure time. They are enjoying being home. They have so much to do here, including swimming at Papa’s pool house, and just be able to enjoy family time a lot more.

It’s nice to hear the boys playing with their legos, laughing, and using their awesome imaginations. This time is priceless. Some can look at this as a negative, and just be eager to get back to our “normal,” but I am choosing to remain calm, and live in the moments we are given. This is a blessing to have this time here. I would never get this in our “normal” life.

My hope is that the kids will gain some lifelong memories here this summer, and not focus on COVID-19, but instead remember that ONE summer they got to stay home with their mom, and it was the best one EVER. 🙂

I am going to take a day off here and there, and we will have adventures. I do plan on that for sure!!

Hoping everyone has an unforgettable, amazing summer break!

We all deserve it!!

It’s almost the last day of school. We made it. The kids made it. Pat yourself on the back right this minute! We’re all still alive, living under the same roof. No one got kicked to the curb, we are still able to get on with this thing called life.

But, oh my goodness! The struggle was real. everyday.

We are still in quarantine, but it’s more optional these days. Our state is not on lockdown, thank goodness! But, for my family, I am very selective on what we will be doing. I won’t go to places with huge crowds, still avoiding the shopping, and sticking to my regular routine places.

My house, the gym, (but only to go to the fitness room and then leave), the store (with a mask), the gas station, and of course, my cousin’s coffee shop. I DO have a pedicure scheduled for this coming Friday night! I’m so excited!!! (also, I’ll be wearing a mask).

The only reason I choose to wear a mask, is out of respect for the other people who might take offense if I don’t. I honestly don’t think it’s going to prevent the virus from spreading, but it’s become this huge movement. People will talk badly to your face if you choose to be mask free. it’s crazy times we’re in.

My kids know the word coronavirus and quarantine so well, that my youngest child is afraid to go to his karate class, which started back up last week. He’s afraid of the virus. OMG! What is the media doing to us? His class started back up, yes.. but, they are a small group, and they are temporarily not doing any physical contact lessons. They limit the sign up sheet to 9 kids, but only 5 have come to class so far. The main thing here, is be cautious and responsible. Everyone should have the freedom to make the choice. Some will be irresponsible, but avoid those people.. come on.. 6 feet apart, or don’t go to the place you like, because you know some person will not do what you feel to be appropriate. We need to be kind to each other. Teach our children that everyone has their own right to be responsible and accountable for themselves. The actions don’t go without consequences. But, we have to have our freedom. Our country was founded on this. I have family who are very opposed to getting out, while others are OK with doing life as normal. I’m cautious, but not judging of anyone who is different than me.

The summer time is rapidly approaching for my kids. (We’re a day away!!!!) I have yet to hear what the summer day camp plans will be. That will determine when I go back to work, and life returns to a somewhat previous normal. We will see.. I’m on pins and needles waiting.. It’s hard working at home, with kids present. I know it’s been said by many, but for me, I feel like a failure as a parent. I’m letting them snack on so much junk, watching TV shows that I don’t care much for, avoiding getting in the middle of their arguments every 5 seconds, letting them play outside in the driveway without me, and getting outside for 30 minutes most days. But, there are some work days, when I don’t get a breather. We don’t get fresh air. I hate that so much. We need fresh air and sunlight for our mental health. OMG! I struggle so hard on those days when I have back to back zoom calls, can’t make the kids lunch, don’t have time to even look at them, really. It’s hard on me so bad. I know it will get better, but these times are trying.

With this coming weekend being a holiday, I have some goals set for my family, that I truly hope I can stick to my guns on, and make a new normal for our happy little home.

1. Making the kids do their own laundry (wash, dry, fold, put away).
2. Teach the boys to tie their shoes
3. Teach the younger kids how to make sandwiches / lunches
4. Ensure that the kids clean up after themselves at each meal
5. Delegate cleaning chores to all the kids weekly
6. Teach them to respect me.. is this a thing? (hahaha)

As a mom, I feel that I fall short on the daily around here. so many harsh words, struggles, feeling out of control, crazy, weak, tired, pushed around, ignored, sassed, treated like a maid, and for what?

What is my purpose as a mom? I just don’t get it sometimes…

So.. we have been home together for so long, the days, weeks, months, are flying by. I cannot even fathom that it is almost the middle of May. We have 2 more weeks of school remaining.

Wow! School is trucking along, work is busier than ever, more demands than ever, sales are up 80%+ because people are cooking at home, and cleaning a lot more. (our essential products) 🙂

But, the days run together, it’s getting more difficult to be creative in meal planning for the kids. I am running out of steam. I am trying my best to stay pumped up, and not fall into the “depths of despair.” (A quote from my favorite movie, Anne of Green Gables…I just might need to watch that again. it’s been a while)..

Anyway, I have let the kids be on electronics far more than I want, and we’re all doing OK. No one is dying.. no one is saying they’re bored. no one is asking to go anywhere.. I am the only one who wants to get out. even after all this time of being “stuck” at home, they are still doing just fine. Kids love being home. They love their toys, making forts, watching movies, going for simple walks in the neighborhood, and receiving pizza from the local pizza place down the road. They love the quarantine life.

So, I have to say, I’m very thankful for that!!

The crazy parts I tend to leave out:

when they spill things on the carpet, almost daily. mark up the walls when they try to drag a huge box up the stairs, so they can make a car to “ride” in. when they ask for sugar all day long. when they fight during zoom meetings, when someone gets their feelings hurt, and they cry for no good reason. when someone whines because they don’t get their way. when I hear sassiness in the background between siblings. when someone sneaks snacks and hides the trash under the couch, and I find it days later. when it’s bedtime, and 2 little boys sneak a chromebook in their bed, and they try to get away with staying up late. when the children decide that I’m invisible, even though I’m clearly giving loud instructions on what I need them to be doing. when it’s chore time, and I hear nothing but complaining, and them telling me, they’re not my slave.. when I say Mother’s Day is coming, and they say that they don’t have enough energy to do anything for me. (sigh.. ) when I am doing all things for them, and it goes unnoticed. ALL of these things can wear a person down if you let it. I CHOOSE not to let this stuff drag me down. Instead, I focus on the positive daily. I am choosing my battles, and am continuing to guide the children the way that I know is right. They will learn, they are teachable, and they are lovable. They are even loving!! But, behind all the nurturing, kindness, calmness, within this momma, there is crazy. I want to pull my hair out, stomp my feet, and run around the house like a crazy person, screaming. ugh!! But, I must keep my cool, and be the rock and example my children need.

I am simply just sharing my thoughts here.. mainly for a journal to reflect on later, after this quarantine time is in the past.

Hindsight is 20/20…

But, in the moment, right now.. i want to remember.. how I’m feeling, what I’m going through, what the kids are doing, and never forget how this time has made us grow closer, fight more, work out our problems more, learn to communicate more, be more responsible for ourselves, be mindful of others, appreciate life.. just being..

It’s been a couple of weeks since I last updated on our daily life adventures of quarantine. I can’t even begin to recall all of the ups and downs we have experienced over here.

School is still rolling along, fairly smoothly, with my lovely step-sister. She has been a major relief for me, during this time of working at home. She is having to teach 4 young kids all different grade levels of work. (My high schooler is independent, and staying on top her own load).

I know the struggle is so real out there.. I am sitting at my desk, working on reports, sending emails, having multiple zoom meetings, and I overhear some of the attitude, push back and negativity from my kids, while she’s strictly enforcing school for 2 + hours, every day. I empathize with her greatly. I can only imagine those other parents out there, who don’t have someone to help with this daily task, and how exhausting, frustrating, and painful this really is.

I am grateful for patience, persistence, encouragement, love, compassion, consistency, and dedication to these kids. She is remarkable. I just can’t say these things enough.

We don’t know how much longer the kids will have to remain at home, but we do know we are finishing the school year at home. Summer day camps re-opening, has not even been mentioned, to my knowledge at this point. I do believe, that we will be together, in this lovely home, all summer long. I already gave the heads up to the co-workers, that it’s great that the governor is talking plans of re-opening things, but summer kid camps, are probably not the main focus. I can’t say that it’s wrong to delay those, just painful for us parents, who have a summer of work at home, but kids bored and full of energy too. Just let them play on electronics all day? ughh.. nooo.. I will most likely have to take extended “Adventure” lunch breaks to get the kids out of the house, and experience a change of scenery on a hiking trail.

Until we are back to our regular routine of life outside the home, we are managing fine.

Surviving and remaining strong.

I don’t hear much complaining about having to stay at home. I’m very much grateful for that also.

Finding things to be grateful for, in this time of isolation, isn’t hard.

Getting that workout in daily, for me, is key to maintaining that sanity level. Going to the gym, to attend outdoor classes twice a week, is my highlight.

Keeping kids on a schedule.

Keeping the house clean.

Enjoying the outdoors as much as possible. Taking our daily walks down to my dad’s office, for a quick visit with him, and getting the kids a special treat, is their highlight of the day.

Treating myself to the daily beverage at my cousin’s coffee shop.

Getting to the grocery store once every 2 weeks, and doing the pick up service once a week, helps me get my “shopping” fix in.. (crazy right?)

We’re making the best of it.. hope you are too. 🙂

I’m sure we, as parents, are far too familiar with this question.

But, in these times, WE are the ones posing the question.

School is scheduled to continue through May 22, as we have been doing through AMI.

I was given some inside scoop from the teachers this morning, which takes huge amounts of pressure off. The kids grades for 4th quarter will be based on participation only. We just need to continue doing the best we can, but efforts and participation are what count for this last portion of the school year. YAY! That helps so much. When you have some children that don’t respond well, or have complete meltdowns, and refuse to work for you, take heed in knowing this.

School has been going pretty well for us, as April has kindly continued being their teacher, guidance counselor and reading buddy. They are all doing really well, and tolerate school just fine. We get through it in about 2 1/2 hours.. Some days might take a little longer, but it depends on today’s math problem or literacy lesson.

We just heard that this quarantine life might go through the beginning of the fall school year, but I sure hope not. I need to get back to work. ha

Working from home is just fine though. You adapt, and get the schedule / routine fine-tuned, and then it seems to run well. We have our daily schedule:

6am – I wake up, get ready.

6:45 – pick up coffee at Reverie

7am – start working

7:45 – wake kids / get breakfast

8:30 – school day begins til 11ish (I work during this time)

12:30ish – lunch

1:30-2:30 – kids play / video games / tv

2:30-3:15 – outside (P.E. time)

3:15 til 5ish – I work / they play

Seems like a great schedule, and works for us..

After 5, we have zoom meetings for karate, virtual workouts and Pathfinders once a week.

This weekend, (tomorrow actually), we have our first i-camporee. should be fun!

We will camp in our tent and do activities through the google classroom on our computer. family challenges, worship and fun.

Happy Quarantine Life.. one day at a time..

I sure wish the state would have decided to end the school year earlier than May 22. It was mentioned by one of my kids’ teachers, that it was being considered, but apparently that vote got turned down.

so, here we are, having to complete the remainder of the school year, as originally scheduled. This is the most challenging thing that parents and teachers both, have had to manage yet. The kids are OK.. It’s still the same work, whether it comes from teachers or their parents, but it’s us adults who have more responsibility and accountability here. This is not an easy breezy situation.

I have one child who shuts down at the sight of any writing assignment, or anything that looks complicated, or requires a lot of thought and time. He definitely doesn’t like to show his work. He claims he knows it, so why should he have to write down the details? so, that’s fun.

The other kids manage to get their work done, with little to no complaining.

Still, there is a lot of school work to do, zoom calls, some daily, art and P.E. are now added in the mix. There is not that much time available in my day to make sure every single expectation is met. We are here, doing the best we can, on the daily.

I thankfully have my step-sister, who has graciously made herself available to help me in my dire times. She spends about 2 1/2 hours here with the kids, doing the main instruction.

If there is something that doesn’t get done, which is rarely, then I will help with that.

We are managing, not thriving by any means, but who is, during this very interesting time in life?

We are here. We are in this together. We will get through this.. I’m sure we have all been hearing these sayings.. We just need to make sure we breathe, get fresh air, sunlight, exercise, and eat some yummy food. 🙂

This kid.. What can I say?

He will surprise you beyond words with his knowledge about technology. We all know this.

He already figured out how to change the background on zoom calls. I still haven’t figured that feature out yet! He had his first Zoom class meeting today, and LOVES them. He played some of his favorite music for his class, showed them some fun things he’s been doing around the house, and was all smiles the entire time. It was priceless.

He has also found a new interest in mowing lawns. He’s signed up to mow the entire family’s lawns to earn $$$. He’s done 2 so far this week, and is on a roll. He sees the potential for earning a lot of $$, so he wants to save it for a Go Pro. Go Austin!

We also talked about consequences. If he breaks into my room, or steals from me, or anyone really, he would be “fined” for this offense. He knows that the fee is $20.. we’ll see how this goes. so far (3 days in), we’re doing good.

He’s growing so much. He ate 3 sandwiches today. He’s only 9… OMG.. talk about a growth spurt.. His shorts are too short now too. uhoh… can’t go shopping anytime soon IN an actual store, so online shopping it is…