Coronavirus Diaries from Home

On March 14th when the kids went to school there was NO WAY I thought they would be out for more than 2 weeks, but as the days and the virus has unfolded life has changed. My business has changed and ultimately our life has changed. I want to argue that, for now, it’s for the better. The connection my family has rebuilt during this first “installment” of the at-home mandate has been beautiful. We’re working together, enjoying life together, and making new memories. I’m cooking (a lot), we’re painting and enjoying the arts and music. The kids are doing chores and we’re organizing our home.
Here are some “big camera” highlights of our time in “home-quarantine”

WEEK 1: (March 14-21)

This week was all about adjusting and grieving. Grieving for the normal life we’re leaving behind. This came out in may ways, a few fights, and arguments between us all. But ultimately we figured it out – as families do. Highlights were blanket forts, pickup essentials at Target (daddy went in), starting T-25 workout on TV, and rollerblading in the basement of the church. Friday is deemed “Field Trip Friday” where we go somewhere outdoors that we’ve never been. This Friday lead us to Minuteman National Park, at Hartwell Tavern. I have done many family photo sessions there, but to see it so vacant was really peaceful.

WEEK 2: (March 22-29)

I started to participate in the “Front Steps Project” this weekend and was able to see and talk to people. My reflections on this amazing time is documented in this blog post. The weather gave us a run for our money with a big snow storm. We played outside and the favorite part was “snow soccer”! There was a lot of laughter. Our “Field Trip Friday” was an adventure to Ironworks Historic Site in Saugus, MA. We had never been and mostly went there because Kane’s donuts had a “drive through” and then found the park was nearby. It was my mom’s birthday on Sunday the 29th so we had a “zoom birthday party” and played bingo with family members online. It was a joy to all “be together” from Alaska, Colorado, Chicago, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts. The 29th we had church, just the five us in the sanctuary alone. It was a great memory.

WEEK 3: (March 30-April 4)

We’re settled in. Working from home is getting easier and the kids are doing great at getting their work done and self-motivating this week. Our “Field Trip Friday” was an at-home movie night watching ONWARD. The weather is improving and so we got out and did walks and playing in the yard more than last week. Crafts continue and writing letters to friends and family members was a “chore” that turned into the best part of the week. I’m so thankful to be quarantined with this crew.

Here is a little poem I wrote and shared on Instagram and I’ll leave you with this reflection:

Right now…
I’m jealous of people who live in beautiful weather climates.
Someone is jealous that I have a comfortable and peaceful home to shelter in.
I’m annoyed with the same four people on top of me all day.
Someone is annoyed that they are alone, with no spouse or kids to spend time with.
I’m disappointed that my work is cancelled.
Someone else is disappointed that they have to go to work and be subjected to the unknown.
I miss my friends and family.
Someone else will never see a friend or family member again.
I know God and can find comfort from Him.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Someone else doesn’t know that kind of peace and is lost.