It was Friday, September 4th, around 1pm.

I received a text from the kids’ dad, confirming we were still planning on flying to him that evening, after work and school. Yes, that was still the plan, and everyone was healthy and good.

A short time later, around 3:10pm, I receive a text message from April, asking if she was supposed to be picking up Autumn, as she was not outside in front of the school building. I thought that was weird, but yes, she was definitely to pick her up that day.

It was not even 5 minutes after that, when I received a phone call from the school, stating that she was being quarantined in the building, as she had been exposed to someone who had tested positive for COVID-19. I was devastated. This meant a 2 week quarantine for this girl, and she didn’t even do anything, except attend school. Sadly, this was just the beginning of the lengthy story.

We came home, assessed our options, decided to take her to get tested the next morning. However, late Friday night, my oldest daughter approaches me and says she doesn’t feel well, and thinks she has the virus. WHAT?!!! I couldn’t believe my ears. She said she was experiencing 2 of the symptoms; runny nose and cough. I personally had not noticed those signs on her. So, I decided just to rule out the virus, in thinking it was just allergies, I would take her to get tested also. We had to leave EARLY Saturday morning to do that, so off we went.

We spent about half the day at the urgent care clinic, in our car. I stood in line to get paperwork, filled out the paperwork, stood back in line to drop it off, have the girls vitals taken, and get back in the car with our number, waiting to be tested. After 2 hours, they finally got tested, then we waited another hour for results on Allie. Allie had symptoms, so she had the rapid antigen test, and Autumn did not have symptoms, so she had the PCR test. When the doctor called my phone, we stepped out of the car, walked to the outdoor tent, where he read the results. Allie was POSITIVE with the virus!!!! I couldn’t believe it. Autumn would have to wait 5 days for her results, since she was not symptomatic. WOW. just WOW.. We heard all the to-do’s and not to-do’s, and went on our way.

I had so many calls to make. My dad, step-sister, school district, principal, and then wait on the health department and contact tracers to call me this week. It’s been a whirlwind of a time.

Our quarantine end date for Allie was originally scheduled for 9/14, and ours was 9/21.

Today, after our 2nd tele-med call, they have extended our quarantine dates to 9/21 for Allie and 9/28 for the rest of us.

We have been isolating for 1 full week now. Everyone is separated, and it’s been a task to do school with the 2 younger boys. The girls seem to have their schoolwork and responsibilities down.

I’m all alone here, dealing, managing, surviving, teaching, cooking, cleaning, working, working out, trying to rest, keep sanity and be strong for these kids.

This is the most stressful time of my life to date.

This is not for the faint of heart.

Blood pressure has been high and low; and this virus.. omg.. don’t even get me started on that..

People ask how they can help during this time. There’s nothing anyone can do. Just be support.. if I need to vent. have an ear open, and just be there.. that is all I can ask of anyone.

Understand that I am beyond frustrated, angry, sad, anxious, and all the feels…

Yes, we will get through this.. Yes, I need to be the strong one, and yes, I know this too shall pass.

Until then… O.M.G!!!!

And also.. to those who want to make sure I am NOT breaking the rules of this quarantine.. rest assured.. I am in my house, or taking “social distancing” walks with my kids on OUR own property.

I am avoiding all people and public places, so WE are doing our part to contain this virus, and stop the spread.

We have survived the first 2 weeks of school, and we’re still going… so far..

There were a few things that happened over the course of the last 2 weeks.

Allie decided that Theatre Appreciation was not the class for her. She was going to be meeting with her counselor today, so it will be interesting to know what she was able to change to going forward. She’s still not feeling well enough to go back to karate, so we’re taking a couple months off, and hopefully get some answers from other doctors on what her condition could be. We have ruled out a few things so far.. still have other things to consider though.. just not sure what. TBD.

Autumn thinks her homeroom / math teacher is out to get her. She is very sensitive, however, so I’m not sure I fully believe that to be true. She was being difficult with the teacher when she was simply asked to step into the hallway to discuss why her head was on her desk, and she was refusing to participate in math. (trying to sort out this one). She did have an ingrown toe nail or two, so we had a dr. appointment scheduled for later that day. But, she was still upset about going back to school today. So, we will see how today went after I get home.

Back to Autumn’s ingrown toe nail though.. she refused to have the surgery yesterday, for fear that the numbing medication would not work, and she would feel everything. (This did happen to her before at another doctor’s office). 😦 Her anxiety level was through the roof at that time. We both tried to calm her down, to help her realize this would be solving her pain and things from here on out, but she was too stubborn to allow the doctor to help. We left there, and I took her to New Balance to get new shoes, as she was needing a bigger size anyway at that time. That should help her toes also. Fingers crossed.. 🙂

Austin is doing really well in school, and even joined a 4th grade, full functioning classroom a few times this week. He worked hard and his teacher was very proud of him.

Adam had a few accidents in his pants, both at school and at home, during the night. I’m not sure what is causing that, because he seems to be enjoying his class, teacher, and staying on top of his homework and home duties.

Overall, we’re doing great, and everyone has settled into the new structured routine really well.

This mom is super thankful that things are going so well.

We had our first day of school yesterday. It was a success.

Full of unknowns, new school for 1 of the 4 kids, and all wearing masks, not sure what social distancing would look like, how many “mask breaks” they would get, what lunch would be like, or playground / P.E. time. But, they all came home with great attitudes, no complaints about the new procedures, so I take that as a win.

This year will be like no other, as we all know.

I plan on going back into my office next week. I believe things will remain open, and we will be OK.

We all have to be flexible, because at any given moment, things could change.

The house is quiet now, being here all alone, with the kids away at school.

I am reminiscing on our days of summer together. It was a once in a lifetime experience for me, as a full time working mom, to be able to stay home with the kids the last 5 + months.

We had more time together than ever before throughout their lives. Even though I still had to work all day, we managed to do some activities together. Making pancakes, taking afternoon walks, getting a treat at papa’s office down the road, and receiving multiple hugs throughout the day.

There was also some responsibility developed. Laundry, dishes, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning toilets, and mowing the lawn.

We have had a great 2020, despite what the virus has caused with all the mandates.

We are still together, thriving, and nothing can get us down.

We did try to get Allie’s permit last week, before school started, and she didn’t pass the exam. So, we will try again when she feels ready. I was sooo hoping to be able to start teaching her to drive legally, but she’s just not quite ready.

Autumn got spacers put in a couple of weeks ago. We go back in a week for a follow up visit, to see if she gets them removed, and braces put in..

Allie had a chiropractor visit 2 weeks ago, and it turns out that she has a collapsed ankle. So, we had to go to the Good Feet Store and get her support for both of her feet. She had immediate results, and hoping that cures that issue. We will continue chiropractic care, and she will have x-rays this week, to determine what we need to do after that. She has pain constantly. We are working with the doctor also, to figure out why. She can’t do karate for the time being, which is torturous for her.

Adam and Austin went through a crazy time with Pinworm, about 2 weeks ago. We don’t know how it came about, but treated our entire family right away. We had to disinfect everything for 3 days, washing bedding, clothing, changing clothes multiple times a day. It was stressful and disgusting.

I am so grateful that all of those things happened before school started back up.

We are prepared and ready for the 2020-2021 school year.

Bring it on!!!

Half of 2020 has been spent working from home, kids at home, isolating, limiting activities and movement.

We managed to take a quick trip to Florida last weekend. It was a long drive there and back, but SOOOOOO worth every minute. We made memories of a lifetime. Simple memories.

Beach, pool, outside dining, catching crabs at night, riding waves during the day, kids enjoyed their goggles and boogie boards. We went night swimming in the pool, sat out on the back patio, which was right next to the pool. Everything was private, no crowds, and it was just lovely. Very refreshing, rejuvenating, and a nice change of pace from the 4 walls at home.

This summertime is coming to a close, and I don’t have any regrets about being home this summer. AT ALL!

The one thing I long for, is that our lives would stay at this slower pace, but all good things come to an end. 🙂

We will get used to the hustle and bustle once again, and it will become our new normal once again.

I just know that I truly enjoyed working at home, having the kids here, being able to make them breakfast, lunch and dinner, and not having to rush off anywhere.

I was never a fan of the down time, but 2020 has made me relish every second of it, because I know that it was only temporary, and we would never have this again.

I am a full time worker, kids have activities, school, and we are go go go constantly.

This mom hardly gets down time.

So..these next 2 weeks, I am going to make sure I slow down more, relish every second at home more, and not get stressed out about the weeks coming up.

Live in the moment..

Our daily lives were crazy busy before the “pandemic,” and are starting to become that way again, as we gear back up for school starting in the next month.

We have the dental appointments, hair cuts, eye exams & updated prescriptions to fill, school clothes shopping, school supply shopping, and the list goes on..

But, over this weekend, we did most of the things. Knocking them out one by one. It was such an incredible feeling of accomplishment and productivity. It felt GREAT. There weren’t many people out shopping. I was pleasantly surprised by that, so I might venture out again really soon. 🙂 I hadn’t been shopping since March!!! I surely made up for it one day.

I bought Adam a new mattress for the top bunk. It was sure long overdue. We had it over 10 years. Then, I looked Austin’s and he needs one too. I will have to wait until this coming weekend to get his.

I ordered a beanbag for the kids new reading / locker room! Soo excited about that! The room is coming together nicely.

For the next weekend’s plan, I really want to take the kids to the Arkansas Grand Canyon in Jasper, AR. It looks like such a beautiful, peaceful place to go adventuring!

Hopefully, schools will start on time this fall, things will fall back in place, even with the mask wearing directive.

It felt almost normal this weekend, when I was out and about.. minus the mask wearing…

Becoming more organized is always so refreshing.

I love making to-do lists, checking the “things” off as they are completed.

There is a small room downstairs, that was previously used as a baby’s room, when my dad lived here. I have visions of being something similar to a “mud room.”

So, I went online and ordered 2 large “portable” storage closets with shelving and space to hang items.

This will serve as my kids “locker room” for the most part. They can put their belongings in there, whatever toys they would like to squeeze in, shoes, coats, books, the sky is the limit.

These 2 “closets” were delivered this week. Of course there is assembly required. It wasn’t easy either. Austin came downstairs after I had started the assembly process, and he jumped right in to help me. I let him go to town on the first one, so I started the second one. I told him it was a race to see who could complete one first. Of course, to no surprise, Austin won! He had such fun doing this project, he proceeded to say, he needs to get his college degree so he can do this for a living. I did tell him he didn’t need a college degree to do this. He could do this as a side job now.. People would surely pay him to assemble furniture and things. Not everyone finds it fun. 🙂

After we had everything assembled and placed into the small room, I had Autumn come take a look. She immediately said she would like to make the room a “reading” room also. She requested a lamp and a bean bag for it. So.. I’m on the hunt for a nice bean bag. I ordered a fun lamp and positive quote wall decals for the room. I think it will be quite inviting.

Making your home a “home” is fun. I have been searching online for different knick knacks that looks nice, for a low price. I have been finding some really great deals!

The kids are still enjoying being home, but I am doing what I can to make it warm and welcoming. I have a ways to go on that, but slowly it will come together.

🙂

We are starting to get a little more, and it feels good. I hadn’t been taking the kids to places that require masks, simply to avoid all that. I felt if it required masking, we weren’t doing it.

Well, now that we are gearing up for school to start next month, I thought it was time to start doing things, getting the kids accustomed to wearing the masks.

This is such a hard time. We went to War Eagle Caverns yesterday, and the kids had to keep a mask on the entire time we were in the cave. Once we got outside, we were able to remove them, and keep 6ft distance from other families. There weren’t many people at the place, so that was helpful.

The kids didn’t mind wearing them for a bit, but it was not comfortable for them. and that was just 1 hour of time. I cannot imagine how their entire day at school will be. omg!

Anyway, they had a blast at the cave, and bought a few things at the gift shop. It was a lovely time. 58 degrees in the cave was far better than 100 degrees outside!!

The day prior, we went hiking and on a picnic at White Rock Mountain, close to Fort Smith. We also scoped out a campground at Lake Fort Smith on the way back, for a future adventure.

Overall, we balanced outdoor activities with indoor A/C and relaxation.

I made hamburgers on the grill last night for the kids, and Papa joined us for that. We enjoyed my grandmother’s infamous cheesecake with raspberries that I make in her memory.

It’s nice doing things as just us, our little pack. But, we do enjoy hanging withe grandparents too.

Here we are on Monday, and it’s quiet in the house, as kids sleep in and enjoy their leisure summer break.

7 more weeks of summer, since the first day of school has been moved to 8/24.

Fun in the sun for a little longer…

We are a little over a month away from school starting for the fall. The kids have been content at home for the summer. We have not been doing much, as we normally would in “normal”times.

School starting in the midst of a pandemic is a little concerning, but the thought of NOT starting back up, or strictly going virtual, is much scarier. We cannot live in a bubble forever. The kids will be fine. Mask wearing, or whatever it needs to be, is fine. I have very little concern about this situation.

Media wants to make you believe this or that, but you have to be real. Look at the statistics. Look at our numbers for our state. yes, cases are rising, but in the big scheme of things, it’s not spreading like wildfire. Even though we have had over 20,000 cases for our entire STATE, only 5,000 are active cases. We do not have reason to be overly concerned.

I am only working from home this summer because the kid’s daycamp does not have any fun planned for them. The price would remain the same, lunches are not provided, there are no fieldtrips involved, and a mask is required. To me, that sucks the sugar off any kids cereal for summer fun.

So, with these uncertain times we are in, we go day by day with what the government is going to mandate next.

As of Tuesday, masks are required in Rogers, anywhere we go in public.

Today, the governor is supposed to announce some more information about schools starting back up, so we will see what he has to share.

The kids are good, and I think once we get back into our routine, things will be almost like they were prior to this pandemic situation we are in now.

No panicking. Just rolling with whatever requirements are laid out in front of us, and we move along.

This too shall pass. In November, perhaps??? 🙂

Here we are, approaching the day of celebration, the 4th of July. Indpendence Day.

We have so much to reflect upon, both in the world around us, and most importantly, within ourselves.

As a nation, we are definitely not united. But, the question is, have we ever been united, in our country’s history?

I am reading so much lately about our history. It’s not pretty. We overcame many obstacles, our forefathers encountered countless walls, blocking their vision for this country. It was a long fight, blood was shed, families were torn apart, towns destroyed, and relationships drifted. Yet, they prevailed.

I am grateful for what we have today, yet reflecting on what we used to have and lost. Scared about what the kids of our future will have, and the challenges they will have to face. The world is getting darker and colder, and nothing seems to stand true anymore.

We have responsibilities as parents to instill strong moral codes, that when they become leaders one day, they will know why they believe what they do.

I am challenging myself to be open to others views, understand where they’re coming from, and not be so closed-minded in my ways. I admit that I am very opinionated, and stand strong in what I believe to be true. (whether or not it is).. It’s just the way I was raised to believe, and never questioning things.

My children teach me everyday, that I need to be open minded for discussions, really listen to their viewpoints, without condemning or judging.

I love that our country stands for freedom, justice, and fighting for what is right.

I do not love what is happening around us daily. I know that some of these groups have a purpose beyond destruction, but it’s out of control.

I am sheltering my children from the bad and ugliness out there, but I know I also have the responsibility of teaching them the realness out there too.

I don’t even understand these things that are going on, so it’s definitely going to be difficult to explain to young children, and expect them to comprehend too.

I live in a bubble. Working at home, having groceries delivered, staying home, no traveling, avoiding large crowds, not attending peaceful protests, not getting in heated debates on social media; just being.. I like to think we are all trying to live our lives to the best of our abilities, not expecting a hand out. Working an honest day of work, for an honest wage, believing in the good intentions of others, maintaining my life goals, working hard to meet or exceed them, and raise good kids with manners, respect, and leadership skills.

So much happening, so many chaotic situations, and I want no part of it.

Protecting my kids is my number one priority, and giving them the American dream.

High hopes? I think not.. Reality? I dream so.

So this July 4th, 2020….Let freedom ring, wave the American Flag high and proud. Patriotism is important. I am missing our annual tradition parade in Bella Vista this year. Honoring the veterans who served, are still serving, and who are no longer living. I love our military and all that we stand for. I love our flag, our patriotic songs, and I love the fireworks blasting in the air, where you can feel the boom in your chest. I have these things in my heart, and I so hope that feeling of being “proud to be an American” never fades.

I want so much for my children to have this feeling too.

In the meantime, 2020 is bringing so much to the table. Beyond words….

We’re all in this together.

We will get through this.

Stay Home. Stay Safe.

Wear a Mask.

Social Distance.

Quarantine.

Isolate.

Disinfect / Sanitize.

Wash your hand for 20 seconds.

Wear disposable gloves.

Shut down the playgrounds.

Limit capacities at restaurants.

There are so many unchartered territories this year.

We are doing well despite the regulations put in place.

At home, we are doing all the things. Isolating, limiting activities to outdoor only, small groups, staying within our county, visiting with close family members only, having groceries delivered, participating in many, many, many zoom meetings, sanitizing everything, wearing masks in public, limiting outings.

It’s been the time of our lives, though. We are home together, watching movies, playing games, building things, teaching each other things, expressing our opinions and being passionate about things, but most importantly, maintaining our sanity.

The one thing I have to share, is that I am always adamant about having a clean, organized home. Well, when we were destined to be home back in March, that all went out the window…

Kids have stuff.. lots and lots of stuff. they like to play with their “stuff.” They have taken over most of the house, with their stuff. I’m very blind to it all now, but it once would have given me major anxiety.

So.. madness or not, we are here, and not only surviving, but thriving..

We got this!!