quarantine weeks 2 and 3

As we enter weeks 2 and 3 of quarantine, it is beginning to feel more "normal". We don't look at our calendar (it's pretty much empty) or need to discuss what we're doing on the weekend. The answer is nothing. Although we have had calls/online hangouts schedule for 5 nights in a row (Chris' family, Chris' lent accountability group, our Thursday night Neon Cactus friends, my family, and my friends to discuss our vacation plans). Chris and I do discuss things that need done around the house, whether or not I need a break from the kids (yes, yes I do), and updates from the news. We try not to think to far ahead about things that may be cancelled (Easter, birthdays, vacations, etc)...it's sad. We also realize we may be in the begining stages of a long process. We are glad, though, that we have a comfortable home, access to food, jobs that are still requiring our help, and everyday comforts.

Virtual learning is going better and the kids are able to do more independently. I went to nurse Levi and put him down for a nap, but Camden and Savannah managed to move ahead on their learning without me assisting. Progress! I've also become Camden's personal administrative assistant. I remind him when he has meetings by setting alarms on my watch. It was pretty heartbreaking to hear the kids wouldn't be going back to school this year, it just feels unfinished, especially Savannah's kindergarten year. We're working on dealing with the house being completely filled with clutter and kid junk since we're all here all the time. This is a typical problem we have over breaks and during the summer.

Getting groceries is way more difficult and time consuming. I've reworked my meal planning. I used to make pretty good and different meals every night using Emeals. Since I can't access a variety of foods easily, I dropped the Emeals plan and moved to making simpler (less healthy) meals like spaghetti, tacos, hamburgers, etc. We can't just run to Costco or order groceries for 2 hour delivery...I have to plan days in advance and expect not to get everything. We're also suppose to be cleaning all of the groceries that enter our house which is a near impossible task. I'm constantly worried about running out of essentials (like toilet paper).

Highlights of the week:
- watching Bruce from the Neon Cactus perform in a "watch party" on Facebook with lots of Purdue friends, some we haven't talked to in ages! It was so fun and had Chris and I laughing out loud a lot!
- finding out that the kids' virtual school is going to be scaled back - now just having structured school Monday-Thursday with Monday being "fun day" with more laid back activities
- I've been reading the book "The Trumpet of the Swan" to Camden and Savannah. One day, we were stunned to see a beautiful swan floating in the little pond in our neighborhood we pass on our normal walking path. We've never seen a swan here before, so it's been a really fun surprise considering we've been reading about swans...maybe a sign?

 the swan!

on our "unschool" day (Monday) we learned about natural disasters and I came up with a couple activities

I brough paper and pencil to the pond for us to draw the swan, but it had already moved on. Luckily a crane showed up so we were able to draw it.

Camden made chocolate chip cookies 80% by himself

the boys always fight over who gets to sit by Levi at breakfast. I just moved him to the middle

measuring things for school

Zooming with Chris' family

my family Google Hangout

after we were using a variety of cups to measure capacity, I found Savannah working on her next assignment drinking from a wine glass. It's 5 o'clock somewhere!

Chris: "Cam, Jonas is just trying to rile you up for attention. He is being defiant just to get you to argue with him".
Jonas: "No, I'm not."
Chris: "Octonauts (his favorite show) is a very good show."
Jonas: "No, it's not."
Chris: "Chocolate chip cookies are delicious."
Jonas: "No, they're not."