Well, we just finished up our 5th full week of quarantine. Within our walls, it's the BEST! I feel like, if given the choice, I would choose to continue on with this version of life. It's slow, no pressure, no running here-and-there, no feeling of "chasing" and "trying to catch up". That constant hustle has just slowed to a comfortable pace and I love it! There's margin and time and so much quality to what we do. With intention. Honestly, I'm not quite sure what parts I genuinely miss from the old normal. It feels like a healthy (the way it should be) rhythm to life, uninhibited by all of the stifling extras our culture has convinced us are necessary. I do miss our people, though.
Outside our walls, the whole thing has inevitably turned into a political circus. The first couple weeks felt so united and purposeful and "for the greater good of all mankind", but as time wears on, it feels more like political bargaining, sides divided, and more like unscientifically-based forced house arrest than the greater good. The agenda was to "flatten the curve" and "not overwhelm the healthcare system" and we've done that. Mission accomplished! We continue to do our part. We pray for the leadership of our country (local and national), we social-distance, and we make the most of this
precious season we find ourselves in the middle of. Regardless of the circumstances that brought it on, I am grateful for it.
This week, the remainder of our summer plans were officially canceled. We got notice that the National Youth Convention and Fine Arts in Columbus wouldn't be happening. It's too big of an event to wait any longer to decide on, so they ultimately just had to make the call. It's very sad. About 3 weeks ago, half of the families for our June OBX trip had to cancel, so now our summer is looking pretty chill and that's fine by me!
Also this week, we had friends released from the hospital as they recover from Covid and news of more friends infected. We continue to give them all to God. We rejoice with those recovering and we bear the burden of prayer for those battling.
I heard an amazing podcast that has challenged me and left me stirred. So I continue to lean into what God is teaching me in this season.
Listen here.
And I watched this 13-min video that brought so much meaning to the slowness and depth to the stillness. Francis Chan is one of my faves and I think he nailed it with this message.
Watch here.
Ultimately, we rest in His goodness and faithfulness, knowing that nothing that is happening has not already been sifted through His fingers. We thank God for His peace that covers our home and our hearts.
**Update: The above was written this morning. I had this post pretty much drafted to completion and ready to publish. Then during my walk this afternoon, I heard this podcast and man, oh man! More of what God's been stirring in my heart! Give it a listen. I'm doing my best to allow the Holy Spirit to renew, change, cleanse, strip...whatever! I'm seeking Him and not wanting to miss anything He has for me during this time and moving forward.**
Listen here.
Monday, Apr. 13th
Someone sent me these gems, which I'd never seen. Maddy- nurturer from Day 1. Trevor looks about 4 here.
Renna and Sienna are now penpals and it's super cute!
The kids have been teaming up to make dinner. This night was Team CKT. (The Blue-Eyed Team cooked the week before, but I never took a picture.) I have failed in properly training my children in the kitchen. Sure, they can feed themselves- Kraft mac, frozen tenders, bagel bites, mozzerella sticks, sandwiches, smoothies, etc. and most of them are good at baking, but no one has really picked up the mantle of "cooking". I enjoy it so much, I'd rather just be alone in the kitchen creating instead of allowing "helpers." So, we are taking this time to learn some new skills. They've all risen to the challenge and done amazingly well!
The girls have also been doing a weekly Dance Mom pyramid thing, basically ranking the entire family based on good and bad behavior. There's even a suggestion box. It's all in fun and provides loads of laughs.
That could've been much worse!
Scattergories has been the after dinner go-to.
Vivi's mom sent me this screenshot of Renna and Vivi's afternoon messenger.
Wednesday, Apr. 15th
Another masterpiece for school.
Thursday, Apr. 16th
Two police detectives and two drone-flyers (who looked like 2 retired Grandpas who've spent their retirement perfecting their drone flying skills and volunteering for the town) took over the cul-de-sac, looking for the behind-us-neighbor kid (25 years old) who creates quite a bit of drama for the neighborhood. He put the local elementary school on lockdown a couple years ago and has been a bit of a thorn for the 11 years we've lived here. Things had been quiet for a year or so, and then I recently noticed he was back. The cops have been called by his family twice in the last week. So, the drones were looking for him because he was once again on the run. Sigh.
I saved my Easter ham bone for Kiki, because I knew it would mean something to her. Just a ham bone to me...gold to her! The kids enjoyed the campfire and rolling down the hill.
The girls figured out how to play hide-n-seek over FT.
Nathanael and Renna's turn to cook.
Cards while we also watched our friend James' Easter show from last year streamed again.
Friday, Apr. 17th
Lunch date with Nathanael. No surprise...CFA has the system dialed in!
The sweet part of quarantine.
Saturday, Apr. 18th
I finally started feeling itchy (more like guilty for my lack of productivity) to get a project accomplished. It was a rainy day- perfect for a basement purge! Maddy sorted through somewhere around 100 costumes, reminiscing all the way back to year #1!
I came across my senior picture.
And this one from early 2004. Some of the sweetest years of my life.
During our lunch break, we somehow ended up all watching this crazy goat video game. We all stood around and laughed watching a goat do all manner of craziness.
I watched "Trolls" with the 3 littles. The kids have had very limited screens. They get about 2-3 hours per week (outside of schoolwork). The boys have been off for about two months while they catch up on some assignments they lied about and Renna has just been told 'no' so much that she kinda quit asking. It's nice. I save it for a 'treat' or for when I really 'need' them occupied and quiet for a short time.
Sunday, Apr. 19th
Our weekly hike was Sunday instead of Saturday because 60 and sunny sounded better than 40 and rainy. Wadsworth Falls, in Middletown.
Can you spot R and R? The falls were roaring! It was intimidating and soothing at the same time.
Rocco is quite the daredevil!
See Nathanael? See Rocco behind him?
I couldn't even watch!
Along the way, we had a couple opportunities for Pooh Stix!
That was our hike and then we had an afternoon that I'm incredibly grateful for. Just kinda a perfect day from beginning to end. A day that I sat and wondered how this is even my life. My heart full, my heart content.
Steve's Bagels (thanks Grub Hub!), a beautiful hike, lovely spring weather, 6-ft. outside visit from sweet friends, yard work, stick burning, 6-ft. outside visit from grandparents, kids happily playing for hours outside, drone flying, 6-ft. outside visit with my bestie, golf for N, baseball for the R's, hike with friends for the bigs, and Daddy's dinner. Just grateful for days like this amidst the weirdness all around.
This girl was killing me with her french braids and bandana. Totally her kind of look!
Rocco: It's just not the same without Pop and Kiki.
No surprise- she's a natural with a ball and glove.
