In March the kids came home for Spring Break, The writing was already on the wall that, at the very least, they'd be home for an extra week or two in addition to their scheduled Spring Break.
We began "distance learning" (though it wasn't called that immediately when we all still thought it would just be a couple weeks to flatten the curve. In April it became more apparent that we likely wouldn't be going back for the rest of the school year and that the online learning stuff was going to become a longer reality.
The kids did pretty well with schooling at home again and the teachers and school were great with supporting our at home learning. It certainly wasn't easy though and there were days that everyone massively struggled, including Mommy.
One of the fun things was that the "specials" teachers (art, music, P.E.) still sent assignments too and they were a lot of fun. The kids especially enjoyed art. Each week was a new artist study with some artwork practice in the style of each artist studied. Below are many examples of the fun artwork completed during our at home learning time. Kayla labeled hers well. Elise wrote her name sometimes and Ava almost never did, so sometimes I can't remember which was hers or Elise's but oh well.
We had a fun bake-off.
Kayla and Sophie teamed up and Ava and Elise were a team.
They each chose a type of "bar" to bake.
Kayla and Sophie baked lemon bars
Elise and Ava made chocolate oatmeal peanut butter bars
Kayla wrote me several prayers and Bible verses in April, Kolbe colored me a Bible verse card, and a sweet friend sent beautiful encouragement that also included Bible verses and it was just lovely. Thank you, Jesus, for so many beautiful reminders that you are near in the people I know and love and encounter each day.
Chris started playing around making fun Tiki drinks in the spring. This was a fun one he made me one day that looked really cool.
I look like a doofus, but the Sophie and I were being silly and I'm mostly past the point of caring if I look stupid in pictures and caring instead about remembering the fun and laughter, and silliness that occurred.
I hammed it up because after the selfie Sophie wanted to be the photographer, so I had silly fun with it. I look at these goofy pictures and have sweet memories of Sophie's little giggle at my silly antics. Her giggle is just the best by the way.
Chris also brought out the lead blower for some goofy fun. None of the kids wanted to try, but I went for it. Chris' videos are best though.
The kids thought it was hilarious that his eyelashes went up and made him look like he was wearing make up.
I love his laugh so much.
We enjoyed a picnic at the park.
The playgrounds were closed but we brought along some balls and fun to play with in the fields.
It was short lived though.
The kids really just wanted to wade in the creek.
We got a second round of spring flowers. It wasn't as many as the first round, but it was wonderful to see more flowers blooming after that big Easter snow.
Kayla wrote this lovely Coronavirus protection prayer for us to pray.
So many snuggles and smiles and hugs and silliness always and forever around here.
My life is so full. What a blessing God has given us with these beautiful (and yes, trying at times!) kiddos. So grateful to be their mommy forever.
Our former parish added beautiful icons and when I went for Holy Thursday (no Masses were being said then, but they did have Jesus reposed and you could pray socially distanced of course).
Good Friday reflections combined with painting that the kids and I did together. It was reflective and a lovely and calm way to explore the tragedy and painful death of Christ that looks toward the coming resurrection.
I get the Bon Appetit magazine and I tried a fabulous recipe (Chris did the grilling aspect!).
It was YUM!
April means it's time to begin my re-consecration. It was beautiful as always!
Love you, Mama!
In the midst of quarantine craziness, a sweet friend dropped off a box of books that her kiddos weren't using anymore. With the libraries closed (at that time...they're open now), my kids were in heaven with new (to them) books!! It was our quarantine "library day". Thanks, Megan.
Playgrounds were closed, but walking to the park and climbing "the home tree" and wading in the creek wasn't! We love to adventure and we love being outside.
