A Journey through Summer

Hi there!  It has been a while. I will take the fact I haven't felt the need to write here the past few years as a good sign.  While we have journeyed through multiple seasons in the past four years, we have found our way somehow.  That is something to be proud of. Now I'm feeling compelled to share my thoughts and experiences again.  There are new challenges, goals, fears, and concerns to discuss.  I am pretty sure there are others out there with similar experiences that need encouragement.  I also know there are those that don't relate, but I want to share my perspective to maybe broaden some views. There are a lot of suggestions of changes for our world right now.  Some are pretty scary and others could possibly be good.  Finding the balance between holding our breath and taking in a deep breath is hard.  The phrase just breathe just doesn't cut it these days. Trying to figure out what to do with myself, I am remembering that I am created ...

The first of June began with a splash at the kids first swim lesson of the season.  Throw in a haircut, soap orders, a softball game, and Scouts swim test and you can see that our summer is off to a busy start. Naps are life at this house for now.  Poor girl barely made it to her bed this afternoon. We find that softball is much better with rest.  Coach commented that the team looked tired tonight.  Anna's team won 2-1. Actual vacation time starts soon, but we have a few more days and many appointments before we get there.  Maybe I need a nap as well!

I wonder if any consideration was given when deciding to end the school year right before a holiday weekend.  I realize there is probably no perfect solution, but taking kids out of a very structures environment and straight into a holiday schedule is a recipe for less than happy kids. The youngest is convinced he has infinite energy and doesn't need time for rest.  Mommy begged to differ today, so the household was given a mandatory quiet time hour in one's room.  Of course everyone slept except the youngest. In preparation of our first summer adventure, we loaded up the van for our first family shopping trip in forever.  'Mr. I don't need a nap' was asleep before we reached out second stop. Sigh. Venturing out doesn't feel as intimidating as it did a year ago.  We are still wearing masks even though John and I are vaccinated.  The places we shop; we make use of curbside pickup or stores still requiring masks.   We appreci...

It happened again.  We survived another round of school.  A lot more impressive this year than some as we worked out way through the many logistics of living in a pandemic.  But we did it without a single sick day for the kids. Now our family is 50% vaccinated and looking forward to a summer full of 'yes' to items that were a 'no' last year. Summer this year is 76 days long with little brother along for the ride this year.  Masks are still required but that shouldn't stop our fun.  After wearing masks everyday at school, this has become their normal. So enough preamble, here is what our first day of summer looked like. Everyone finds their own breakfast in the summer.  Everyone was awake by 8am.  While I attended via Zoom my Friday Bible study, the kids were tasked with putting all their school supplies away.  After doing this myself for many years it was good to pass on that responsibility. After lunch we went to a playgro...

There is an envelope that has been on our refrigerator for a year now. Inside are bright pink posted notes.  A collection of to-do lists. To an ordinary passerby it wouldn't seem very important.  But to me, it was my lifeline a year ago. A year ago our world shifted. Plans made months in advance were gone in the wind. With the world facing a pandemic, I myself was in need of some bit of control over the situation. So I decided to focus on what I could do. And that was the beginning of the to-do list. I honestly thought that I would have more post-its in the envelope. But I'm glad that the opposite is true. For a while I needed something to hold on to and direct my actions during that uncertain time, we found a way of living within the chaos. That summer we made a bucket list.   The kids shared the experiences they had been looking forward to for the summer.  We weren't sure if we were able to reach that far to do everything on...

I sat outside on my porch today to enjoy the sunshine.  We rode our bikes to school to drop off a library book.  I saw my neighbors outside talking with each other.  It was scary. Anyone else starting to fear going outside?  The warm weather coaxes us out of our home after six months of winter.  The sunshine gives a sense of wellbeing.  But it isn't safe.   I go back and forth on how I hope the government will proceed with the Stay at Home order on May 1st.  Summer activities will be helpful for the kids, but I am unsure of the risk.  The economy needs a boost, but will we come back together too soon? The night sky is currently rumbling with thunder, but it doesn't scare me. There are other more dangerous things to worry about.

I haven't written much, because not much has changed.  We are still working our way through the challenges of e-learning.  The stay at home orders keep getting pushed back.  Life events are still in limbo waiting for the world to take it's next cautious breath in public.  We are waiting. But as we we do while waiting, we daydream of what is yet to come or yearn for what has been.  Three more weeks and we will be again on summer break.  I am looking forward to not keeping track of multiple teaching plans.  I hope for a chance to try something new without being interrupted by multiple Zoom meetings and press conferences.  The chance for the kids to explore their own interests at their own pace. The simple joy of reading a book because you want to, instead of for a class. Yes, we are still here.  But we are beginning to dream of being in a different place. The beauty of spring has helped my soul during this time. ...

Today's moments were brought to you by Anna. Homework done? Celebrate by flying a kite! Anna showing her nurturing side with her family in a nest. Imaginations run wild during quarantine. Take time to tell the family about the amazing sunset.  We would have missed this if Anna didn't bring it to our attention.

Today was a day of creating connections from a distance.  Daniel chatted with his friend over the fence at the proper distance.  Anna chatted over video feed with her friend.  The family packed and delivered Easter eggs to the children of the families on our block. Being outside definitely helped with the day.  Spring always has been my favorite season.  Being home seems to make it feel like I am missing some of those moments.  It felt good to capture a few moments of spring with the camera and connect with the season.

The kids are starting to find outlets to express their feeling about COVID-19.  Anna spent a long time at the piano picking out a melody to match the song she wrote.  Probably one of the best melodies she has made.  And I completely relate to the words. Daniel was tasked for art class to draw the villain of COVID-19.  I think his picture speaks for itself. Not all art was so dark today.  Easter is coming with its message of hope.  Let's keep looking towards the Light of the World and his promise that there is indeed Life after Death. Tomorrow I want to get out my camera and capture the blooms of spring.  I don't want to miss my favorite season out of fear.

When I first heard about the schools extending their spring breaks, I headed to the grocery store to stock up for the next two weeks.  At least three grocery orders later, I realize that I underestimated the appetites of my kids.  Instacart has helped, but even this is challenging as limits on items or product availability reduce what is brought home.  And all snacks seem to disappear in a couple of days. What have you been doing to keep up with the kids appetites during this time?

A routine is forming here.  School, playtime, homework, chores, etc.  The days still vary though, which make it hard to keep track.  My eldest came racing down the stairs this morning in a panic after I had let him sleep in. He was convinced he had class at 9 this morning when it was actually his off day. yes, keeping track of the days is still a challenge around here. We were able to get away for a little while between Zoom meetings and homework requirements. The smell of Summer was in the air as we weathered on the sunscreen and bug spray. It was good to hike the trail at Prophetstown. They were not quite as many people out compared to the last time we went. But I would say there was still at least 30 people we saw while we were there, plus more cars. I heard good advice today for some things to strive for. Stay hydrated, have a routine, do something each day, get exercise, connect with someone.  I am doing better with some things than other...

Today felt good.   The entire family was outside from the time lunch ended until it was time to come inside for bedtime.  The beautiful weather added to our time together working on building our garden and playing outside. We enjoyed the day where we were instead of wishing we were somewhere else.  We only wished we could have invited our neighbors over for our hot dog roast.  But, we will definitely have more of those in the future. For me, tending a fire is one of the most relaxing things.  It is like a warm relaxing puzzle, figuring out where to move the wood, when to add more, how to shape it to your desired purpose. The past few days have been stressful to say the least.  John and I have different coping styles so finding the balance has been interesting to say the least.  Today though was a good blend and we felt the difference.  I am glad we are there for each other during this time. On t...

Today was a better day.  School was better, weather was nice, chatted with the family via Zoom.   The Governor extended the shelter in place order through the 20th.  I have started to embrace the free fall instead of resisting.  Being at home is our current reality, so we need to start living in it.   I do dream of going on trips with the kids this summer.  Even if it is to the middle of the woods somewhere, we need to get out into the wide open spaces and breathe.  Time will tell when this will happen. Plans are plenty for the weekend.  Cleaning, gardening, hot dog roasts, worship, and rest.  As 'normal' a weekend as we can.   Be well everyone 🙏

We found out today that our journey through Covid-19 has truly become a journey through summer.  The state of Indiana has declared that the rest of the school year will be virtual.    https://www.indystar.com/story/news/education/2020/04/02/coronavirus-indiana-schools-closed-through-end-academic-year/5110846002/ I know the alternative could be more devastating, but it still doesn't soften the shock and dismay of the news.   Home lessons are not all bad for day two, but we still are having tantrums and frustrations.  Even Luke is having a hard time coping.  My chill dude had a meltdown in the middle of our bike ride tonight.  I almost cried myself as I rocked and comforted my five year old on the sidewalk. The world can't hide from itself forever.  We will eventually be able to reach out and commune in person.  The question is will we remember how and will we want to?  Will we walk closer on the sidewalk?...