Risks Worth Taking (Knock on Wood)

Navigating life in the midst of a pandemic has been challenging. We take things a day at a time and don't plan much. After many discussions, prayers, and headaches, we recently decided to take 2 risks. These decisions weren't easy. 

Risk #1: James started preschool this month. 

James was signed up for preschool initially. We pulled him out before he ever went due to Covid-19. Since Andrew works from home, we don't go many places and decided to add preschool to our list. Twice a week for 2 hours each day isn't long either (and masks + daily temperature checks are reassuring). So far, we haven't regretted our decision. In fact, a little break has done wonders for my relationship with James. 

After picking him up one day, I asked:  "James, do you miss me while you're at preschool?" He replied: "No, but I miss my teacher when I'm at home." Clearly, he loves Miss Ruth. It must be mutual. The other day, Miss Ruth told me how glad she is that James is in preschool and that he is thriving! 

James got to bring the snack and report about the weather earlier this month which was a highlight. His friend, Maeve, is in his class which is an added bonus. James has homework that we work on together. He is smart. Yes, I'm his mother, but I'm also a teacher, so does that give me more credibility? One morning, he cried because he didn't want to go to preschool. I was surprised. I later learned that James was working on writing instead of scribbling. He missed the first couple months of preschool when they talked about tracing and how to hold a pencil. James is a quick learner though and figured it out. He proudly reported, "I no longer scribble! No, not at all!" Isabelle gets so upset when we drop James off at preschool. She misses her best friend tremendously. 

First day: Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Risk #2: We spent Thanksgiving in Caldwell, ID with Andrew's sister, Tavia and her family. 

Deciding whether or not to go to Caldwell caused me an immense amount of stress. Since returning, we are being even more cautious to ensure we stay healthy and don't spread Covid-19.

We left Pleasant Grove on Wednesday, November 25 and returned home on Saturday, November 28. It's a 5.5 hour drive. Our kids are trained travelers. I can't complain about the journey. Both kids slept for 2 hours each way. A forced 1+ mile walk, pre-drive, definitely did us favors. James kept us entertained with his random quotes throughout the drive.

"We might see some fireworks on our way!"

"There are big sprinklers everywhere, but not in the desert."

"Let's try something new... I want to make a shark in the snow."

"My blankets are smelling different." 

"My blankies make it funner. Without them, it's boring."

James and Isabelle were in heaven surrounded by their cousins. They ate up all of the attention and played hard. We barely saw them during our stay. I was able to finish my book. James bawled when we left. He later said, "It's okay. We'll see Eliza again someday in heaven, after we're resurrected." 

Eliza

Isabelle was OBSESSED with the chickens 

The Thanksgiving meal was incredible. I wish my stomach had room for more. I made 4 pies-- 2 oreo cream pies and 2 peanut butter cream pies. Tavia went all out. Even the brussel sprouts--a Ditto tradition-- tasted better than expected.

Andrew spent the majority of his time playing board games with Vaughn and Calvin and reading Brandon Sanderon's newest book. He was definitely in his happy place. One round of Risk apparently didn't cut it because another round commenced. Both lasted over 3 hours a piece. I joined in to play "The Farming Game." After several long hours, I demanded that we stop. Olivia happily agreed. One evening after pizza, we saw Christmas lights in Caldwell. It was freezing and crowded. Luckily it was outside and we didn't stay long. We finally watched the new "Mulan" now that it's in Redbox. I was a fan, although I didn't see the second half. Many of us dozed off. I plan on watching "Mulan" again before 11PM next time. I'm old.

The never-ending farming game.

Tavia became Isabelle's favorite person. I was impressed by Tavia's multi-tasking skills. She cooked much of Thanksgiving dinner while holding her sidekick. Izzy constantly walked up to Tavia saying, "Hold you!" The way Isabelle says Tavia is adorable. Isabelle had many fans, but what can I say, she's pretty adorable. Seeing Tavia and everyone else love and dote on my kids meant a lot to me.

This Thanksgiving was memorable. We're grateful the Kimball's invited us to join them. We finally got to see their "new" house. It's been 5+ years since we've made a trip to see them. Here's to hoping we all stay safe and healthy.

Thank You Covid

Covid-19 has brought about some positive things, yet it's easy to focus on the negative ones. As I've looked for the happy things that have resulted because of Covid-19, I'm amazed!

Who knew staying in your car during an oil change was even a possibility? Not me! Having my kids strapped into their carseats during the 10-15 minutes was a dream come true. Why isn't this "staying in your car during an oil change" a permanent thing instead of just a Covid-19 precaution? 

There have been many times that I've had a massive zit (or 2 or 3) and I sigh a breath of relief when I realize that I don't even have to attempt to cover it up with makeup because my mask will do the job! Not wearing makeup has been a highlight.

I worry more than I should about having a clean house. I don't like chaos and clutter, but kids make that nearly impossible. We haven't been having anyone come over (especially since the governor's mandate) and it has been wonderful not to care about what our house looks like. That being said, don't worry, we aren't living like pigs. I've just been able to relax about messes a little bit more and limit my vacuuming to once a day. ;) 

My dad is the Gospel Doctrine teacher in his ward. At the beginning of the pandemic, he recorded Sunday School lessons and I watched those. Now, he teaches lessons over zoom. I look forward to attending these meetings. I can thank Covid-19 for the chance to be taught by my dad again regularly. I've felt the spirit strongly, even over zoom.

I've figured out how to workout from home and keep my kids entertained. I mean, not every time is perfect, but what can you expect? My piyo instructor recorded several workout videos at the beginning of the pandemic. Doing these workouts at home has been so convenient and helps me feel safe. I also attend some weekly workout classes over zoom. My parent's graciously gave us a stationary bike they no longer need. We put the bike in our basement and the kids play while I workout. The bike has been a life-saver. Many days a week, both Andrew and I use it. We're considering purchasing a treadmill to add to our "at home" gym.

Monday nights have changed dramatically for me. I used to attend "bachelor nights" after the kids were in bed. (Even though I had little interest in the show.) Instead, bachelor nights have been replaced with a "Come Follow Me" study group. The study group is with family over zoom and we rotate who leads the discussion. I have been in awe at how differently we look at the scriptures. I'm glad to be filling my time on Monday evenings doing something better.

Babysitter Jenna has come back. She took a long break (I think being a teacher and having kids burned her out a little bit), but she's here now! She plays Don't Eat Pete! Tic Tac Know! Memory! You name it! We have lots of family time in the evenings and instead of sitting around twiddling our thumbs, we've started playing games and doing activities together. The kids would play "Don't Eat Pete" every night if we let them. Isabelle talks about Pete and asks for "mellows" (marshmallows) regularly. Andrew and I have been teaching the children Christmas songs and actions which has been cute. Family home evening this week lasted over 2 hours... We don't have much else to do, so why not pack in the fun? James wants every night to be family home evening and right now it kind of is.

When you look for the good, you find it. I've been grateful for this shift in mindset for me. President Nelson's inspired message about gratitude definitely helped. 

This week, President Erying's most recent conference talk has stuck with me. He described his mom and some of the health challenges and trials she faced. At her funeral, Spencer W. Kimball said, “Some of you may wonder why Mildred had to suffer so much and so long. I will tell you why. It was because the Lord wanted to polish her a little more.” Yes, Covid-19 has been going on for a long time and all can agree that we wish it was over. I do think I'm being polished though and it looks like I might need some more polishing, so let's get through this together!