Life in Quarantine

Throughout all of April and May we continued in quarantine.  The kids completed the school year home schooling.  I worked my usual 3 days per week (since breast cancer treatment didn't stop) but most of Shawn's surgery cases were deemed "elective" so were postponed and he was able to stay home with the kids most of the days.  We had to get a close friend stay with the kids the few days Shawn had to go in to the hospital to work.  Thankfully neither of us worked directly with corona virus patients but still we remained a bit nervous and super cautious working in public healthcare each day, worrying about getting exposed and bringing it home to the family.  I diligently cleaned and disinfected as much as I could.  Other than work and the grocery store we went no where,  and really no place was open to go.  All businesses other than those deemed "essential" were closed, playgrounds were closed, and even the state and national parks closed for awhile. We tried to make the most of all the down time we had together as a family.....and from that has come many blessings!   We've taken tons of great family hikes, near and far, we've been cooking up a storm, playing lots of games, having tons of outdoor time, prayer time and just old fashion fun together time.  

Aunt Julie made us all masks (and 60 for my office as well) 

Shawn gave all the boys a hair cut since they were getting pretty shaggy not being able to go to the barber!

We played tons of family games!

Went on many bike rides...

On one such bike ride, Shawn and Henry ran into Monsignor Peter walking into church and they stopped and had great chat (socially distant 6 feet apart).  Henry told him how he missed mass and confession so Msgr. offered to hear his confession right then and there!  #Covidconfession#Lovethefaith#Sacramentskeepingusstrong!!

Since Shawn's birthday was during Lent and he was fasting on Exodus 19, we waited until after Easter to make his homemade German chocolate cake...yum


It was a great time to tackle the old, falling apart, bench in the back yard.  Henry and Shawn took it apart and rebuilt it with new wood and fresh stain.

We found more time for bubble baths!! :-)

Grace developed a love of cooking, from banana bread every week, to many full dinners, desserts, granola bars, etc...she has been cooking up a storm and loving every minute!

We finally pulled up all the ugly black edging around the flower beds and laid stone around the front tree bed!

First time out to Home Depot with Dad for house project supplies

Father Patrick came and gave us a house blessing from the outside.

Nicholas also did a little cooking - he made beef tacos (his favorite) for us all one night.

Henry spent quite a bit of time in the kitchen as well - this night he made potato pancakes with Swedish meatballs and strawberry shortcake for dessert.

The school still held the annual May crowning - just virtually - each child dropped off flowers into vases outside school and then later in the day they streamed the live prayer service.

Homemade granola bars

Science experiments at home

Sibling bonding :-)

While focusing on home schooling the older three, and working, etc, Samuel has been making due playing on his own a lot during the week days...he's become a bit of a wild man as a result...but always full of spirit and sweetness!

Nicholas continued on with scouts with weekly virtual meetings - here he's working on earning his emergency preparedness merit badge (virtually)

Spring themed desserts - just for fun!

We took advantage of the big open empty spaces at BT High school to try out the new kites from Grandma - you can't beat the fun of flying a kite!!!

Home schooling wasn't always easy - second grade was particularly challenging - but we made it through and they continued to learn and meet all their standards - we are so thankful to our kids school for keeping them on track and never missing a beat - also thankful for technology to allow that to happen.