Quarantin-ing - the first weeks

It was absolutely impressive at how quickly the schools worked together to get an online curriculum built from scratch and up and going. The teachers even had to work by video conferences to figure things out because of the no large gathering thing that recently was reduced to no more than 10! 

Our first day of home school started with a bang! An earthquake (5.7) hit Magna Utah at 7:45 that morning! You can read about that in the next post. But the kids hopped right on and got to work. I was constantly running between the 3 older kids entering passwords, getting them on the right website...etc. It was exhausting! But somehow we survived the week. We had to have the same conversation about 100 times about how they couldn't go to parks or to friends houses or have play dates. So hard for them to understand while their lives are being flipped upside down too! 

 We escaped to Rush Valley of all places on a weekend afternoon to get out of the house! I've always wanted to get Molli'es picture by these train cars that say MOL on them. So we found one there and finally stopped for a pic.

 We drove through the tiny old town and came to a park! It had all the old "dangerous" playground toys. No one was around so we decided to go play! (I think at this point parks hadn't closed yet). The kids played for an hour on the merry go round!

 On Sunday we dressed up for home church. We hadn't had the sacrament for almost a month by now and we decided it was time. What a precious spiritual thing we never would have gotten to experience without this trial. Chad blessed the bread and water and Carter got to pass it! What a treat to have that special spirit in our home!

 We needed to get out another day so we went hiking along Dark Trail. So many people were out walking, hiking and fishing. It was really neat to see people being human again and enjoying the outdoors as families. We spotted the park from our hike and trudged down the mountain side to play at the park, again before it was closed.

 Rylee's primary teacher has been so kind and brings her the sunday lesson often. She brought her a missionary tag and she wore it for days. She is so proud of that thing! What a doll. I'm sad for her too because her preschool was cancelled and she doesn't get to have her preschool graduation. I was really looking forward to that and she loves the Buff's program so much.

 Diet is still going strong. Here is our cauliflower pizza I made. It wasn't too bad!

 Hair do's have been a popular time waster.

 As weeks passed, the teachers were able to organize video chats with the class. This was the biggest smile I'd seen on Carters face in a while. He has done really well with all of this and is loving being in his PJs all day and not combing his hair.

 One of the biggest disapointments I've had was losing my workout classes. I exercise for my mental health mostly. It was how I started most every day. But I was so happy when a popular zumba teacher started holding video chat workouts! Hallelujah! It's not the same, but it's gotten me out of bed a time or two.

 Don't worry, we've implemented P.E. at our house too! The PE teacher is good about posting suggestions to do to keep moving. Today was run around the house as many years as you are and then do sit ups and pushups.

One night Carter was determined to learn to make alfredo! I coached him but he did it mostly on his own! He even made a menu and served everyones plates and drinks! Fun! See? If we were in our normal schedule there is no way in the world we'd have time for something like this.

 And if all of this wasn't crazy enough, we woke up to snow a few mornings! Well I loaded the kids up and we went sledding. Can't keep us inside even if its 20 degrees out!

 We all had fun and wore ourselves out!

 Through all of this, restaurants have had to close their dinning rooms and have drive through and carryout only. We've picked up dinner a few nights and had movie nights at home. In Mollie's dinner one night she had a heart shaped chicken nugget. We took the pic to sent to grandma reed who collects heart shaped rocks. She was pretty pleased. Mollie is the one who has struggled the most so far. She really misses her friends and soccer especially. She went from being super busy to having nothing. I often felt guilty about how busy she was at 9 years old. But it's helped our relationship (some days) too. We were able to get most of her friends on kids messenger so she can video chat and message them. That has helped too. Her coach has even held a few zoom meetings so the girls can catch up and her piano has been online too.

The blessing of technology is incredible. It is allowing so many people to work from home, order dinner, exercise, have game nights, chat with friends and family and so many great things! Life has been interesting with this virus, earthquakes, and a new normal. But so far, so good!

Craziest week of my life!

I've always felt like I lived a pretty simple life and I'm very happy with that. We don't have major trials or heartache or scary things happening....until this week!!!

Friday March 13 -  we learned that a virus called COVID 19 had reached the states from China and it was deadly and scary. In efforts to get ahead of things and after learning that a Jazz player had the virus, the governor cancelled all sports, churches, large gatherings and colleges. The next day he cancelled Elementary school for 2 weeks. Online school was quickly set up.

Monday was an out of school day anyway and Tuesday we spent our time trying to get things in our home ready in case of a quarantine order. We got some food but we were feeling pretty good about our stock pile in the basement and grateful that I went case lot shopping just the week before! Emotions were high as we were hearing of more people dying and more things being cancelled. By Tues we were told to quarantine ourselves in our homes. Restaurants were shut down for dining in and we were so grateful we got out 1 last time with Eash's before it happened.

Wednesday was the start of homeschool online!! We woke up to the most awful groaning sound and me violently shaking in my bed. I was wrenched from a deep sleep to an EARTHQUAKE!! It felt like someone was shaking me as hard as they could.  I heard Mollie let out a blood curdling scream and I yelled for her to come to me! I was paralyzed and couldn't move and was still trying to figure out what the heck just happened. She hopped into my bed and we hung on to each other so tight. I tried to pray and the words just couldn't come out. My chest was so tight. Suddenly I felt a peace come over me and I was able to utter a few words. I don't even know what I said but I felt like we would be ok.. Knowing that aftershocks follow an earthquake, I was bracing myself! And sure enough, a few minutes later we felt our home tremble again with that same awful groaning sound from the earth. Carter came in and was quite excited to tell us about what happens in earthquakes and the portuguese name for earthquake. He wasn't too phased. Mollie's bed shook pretty hard because its a loft bed and not too sturdy. Carter I think was enjoying the ride and the little girls didn't even know it happened!!!!

When I got the courage to get up and go check our home I was happy to find that only 1 thing had fallen off the wall. And nothing else, food storage or other decor, had fallen or broken. I felt so blessed. Friends reported cracks in their basements and other damage was done closer to the epicenter, but we were pretty safe! Thank heavens! We fought our way through home school trying to figure it all out while at any moment we knew we could have another quake. Over 80 aftershocks happened that day. We felt just a handful of them. Chad was at work on the top floor of a 5 story building much closer to the shocks. He felt a lot of them and his work was evacuated for quite a while. They also are in quarantine so only one person at a time could go in to check their equipment and building.

I was sort of a mess. I was holding back tears all day. I knew that exercise would help so I did a little. And it did help...but about 1:15 we had another aftershock. The day was unnerving. Mollie said several times that online school was hard when your morning starts with an earthquake. I feel you girl! We were all so glad when Chad's boss let him come home early. I was exhausted running from kid to kid to help them find their work, entering pass codes and translating things from portuguese to english!

Thursday we had a better handle on school stuff and aftershocks were still happening. I had a good cry and was feeling better to tackle the day. The schools were handing out bagged lunch so we used that as an excuse to get out of the house. Friday wasn't so bad and the school load was lighter.
I was so happy to have the weekend here!

Saturday we got up and started some home projects. Finishing the bathroom and painting Carters room was on the agenda. Then we went for a drive to Rush Valley. I've always wanted to go out there just to see what it was like. Old and worn down houses was about all we found. We did come upon a park that had a merry go round and all the old park toys. So we played for quite a while and the sun came out and it brought us all alot of joy. No one was there but us and it was a special time to play with our kids. That evening as we were having dinner, the power flickered about 5 times and then went out. We ate dinner in the dark but opened the blinds to let as much light in as we could. We learned a man cutting down some trees made the lines blow when they fell. Mollie immediately fell into a puddle of tears and said this was the worst week of her life. About 30 min later, the power was restored to our home but many were still without it until 2AM.

Sunday has been perfect so far. We had the sacrament in our home then went for a hike and we are getting ready to do some Come Follow Me. I am so grateful for a prophet who is a seer that leads and guides this church. Who tells us to take our vitamins and to prepare ourselves. Who set up home centered church so that when this day came we would know exactly what to do. Despite the scary week, I have seen so many blessings. I saw a facebook post that said Families are remembering how to be families. You see them out for bike rides and walks and doing things as a family. We have played lots of games, gone to the park, played ball in the yard, built forts, read books and had sleepovers. My kids are growing closer to eachother every day.

I've learned that I am resilient. That I can go through hard things. I've learned to be more prepared and to rely on the Spirit. I've gained a stronger testimony of faith over fear and know that the Lord is in charge. We have weeks of quarantine ahead of us. In fact the schools just pushed back their start day to April 10th...which gives us atleast 3 weeks. I hope we don't go crazy. But honestly, as hard as it is, I've been less stressed of trying to get all the kids everywhere to where they are supposed to be and going to meetings and running everywhere! I have time to play with my kids and snuggle and read to them without having to hurry. I'm always telling them to hurry up which I hate, but in order to do all the things, we have to hurry. I don't think I've said that once in the last week. No one is in a hurry for any reason and its great!

We have lots to make it through in the coming months, but our prophet has promised us that this will pass. And I believe it. I'm grateful for this reminder to be prepared and watch for signs of Christ's coming. I can't wait for general conference and look forward to hearing messages of peace!

March 17th.. one to remember

Besides St Patricks Day and my friend Steffani's birthday (the 16th) March 17/18 is one I'll remember forever. We had been hearing some rumors about a virus in China...didn't think much about it. But it slowly crept it way into the US and it started spreading like crazy in the coast states. Rumors started flying about schools closing and jobs and stores. Just from those few rumors and what the news was reporting, people started going crazy. Stores were overrun with hoarders stocking up on essentials and soon there was no toilet paper to be found! We met at the park to celebrate steffani's birthday and we chatted a little about this. Schools couldn't really be closed, right....this couldn't be worse than the flu could it? There was a seriously uneasy feeling about that day. 

We watched daily as more cases were reported of COVID-19 and it crept closer and closer to us. One night, the Jazz were scheduled to play. They were out on the court warming up and seconds before tip off, the Jazz players were escorted back to the locker room and the game was cancelled. No one knew what was going on! Come to find out, two of their star players had tested positive for the virus.

The next day, the Governor closed Colleges and restricted to gatherings larger than 20. All large conventions, games, sporting events and gatherings were cancelled. The next day, they cancelled all school.....WHAAAAAT?!!!!! Can you do that? We were told to stay home and stay safe. That we shouldn't go out unless absolutely necessary. That we should use gloves to get gas and wear face masks if we left home. We were initially told for 2 weeks this would be the plan. Time passed and they extended the day to May 1!  6 weeks with my children in my home 24-7?! I was happy and I was devastated. How in the world would we do this? How can I be a teacher and a mom and a chef and a wife and a homemaker all at the same time all day long? I had alot of fears and a lot of doubts!

Because all large gatherings were cancelled General Conference was restricted to no audience. Only those involved in that particular session could attend. We were promised a memorable conference but who could have expected this!? A few days after that temples partially closed, then closed until further notice. There would be no Easter egg hunts, no family gatherings, birthdays would be confined to our homes and for the guys, there was no sports to entertain them and NO SPRING BREAK traveling or gathering.

I handled the initial shock pretty well but had my moments of mourning the loss of my schedule. My workout classes were cancelled, gyms were closed, no PTA meetings, no soccer, no sunday calling, no dance, no volunteering at school, no activity days or piano... my normal schedule was completely ripped from me and flipped upside down in a few days. I was left to find a new normal and start from scratch learning my kids new programs and figuring out how to keep them entertained. We hit the parks alot......then the parks closed. WAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!

If you remember from my anniversary post, I had been upset at our current schedule of being so busy and I kept feeling like something needed to change but I didn't know HOW to implement a less busy schedule so we could have more family time. I guess when you are FORCED into it, you can't complain when you get what you have been praying for. For the first few weeks we played alot of games, made food together, laughed, played basketball and soccer together, did crafts and actually were all home together, EVERY NIGHT! While it has been a challenge sometimes, I love that I am again the main influence on my children and that they are home and safe and protected from the world. This time has been a HUGE blessing in disguise because we are getting the family time we so desperatley need to become a strong family. I've seen my children grow closer together and become friends. They've had to rely on prayer and each other to find happiness and comfort. So many great lessons and conversations have taken place about how we CHOOSE happiness or misery. Yes this is hard, but we can choose how we want to look at it. Again, THIS IS SO HARD....SO HARD! I am stretched so thin daily and my constant attention is on my kids. There is no quiet, no bathroom time..someone is always making noise...And in my noise bothered head it makes me want to scream sometimes!

BUT I have also cherished this time greatly. I feel like I am finally getting a chance at being the mom I want to be. I have time to do the game and do the craft and bake and talk and go for drives and play at the park and breathe in life. I feel myself relating to my kids like I have never before. Feeling their feelings and getting to know who they are becoming. What more could a mother want? (Except a nap and some quiet time and a soda!) Miracles have happened. People have woken up to a better way of life. To check on your neighbor and be willing to share what you have. While anxiety's are high, this has brought out alot of good in the community.

As I write this it is now April 19th. We have survived one month of home school and social distancing. We've celebrated birthdays, had distanced date nights, zoom workout classes, video chats with teachers and we have survived! Chad's job has been stable through all of this and I am so grateful for that! He has had to be isolated at work which I'm sure is lonely. Bishopric meetings have stopped and we have him home and available alot! This slower way of life has been really nice. But I really am ready to get back to...not normal, but a BETTER way of life. With more balance and more intention of being a family...rather than running from place to place and being exhausted from it!

Through this crazy month, we somehow were able to keep our diet pretty well! Which is a miracle in itself because I am a big time stress eater! To this day, Chad has lost over 25lbs! I lost 6 and since going off of is teeter between the 5 & 6 pound mark. It has stayed off though for the 2 weeks I've been adding carbs back in. I kept thinking this was the worst time for a diet, but really it has helped knowing what I will and won't eat and what better things to reach for when I need a snack. I can't imagine where I'd be if I let myself stress eat for a month or 2!

There are blessings all around. Its just what you choose to see.

Dad's Retirement Birthday

For the last year, my dad has been able to tell you how many days, hours and minutes until his retirement! He retired the day after his birthday on March 9th. Since we were in Idaho for the shower, we went on to Rupert to celebrate dad! Rylee made him a special hat with our babysitter and he wore it proudly. 

 We went to church Sunday morning and had a nice dinner afterwards. Here is the gang infront of the almost finished fire place!

 Then we got to give grandpa presents!

 For a retirement gift me and my brothers went in on a nice luggage set for them. They seemed pleased with them! So I hope they do like them.

 The luggage boxes came in handy for some extra entertainment!

 And if you know grandpa, he loves his ice cream! So it was fitting to have banana splits for dessert! Chad and I were careful and just had a tiny bowl because it looked so good!!

Happy birthday and retirement pops! We are proud of all you've accomplished and the wonderful dad and grandpa you are!

Brittney's Baby Shower

On March 7th we got to celebrate the newest little girl coming to the Reed Clan! Adam and Brits baby is due early April. I was so excited to do a shower for her with my mom. And it was extra fun holding this other little ball of fun, baby Camry while we got ready. 

 My pretty momma and the cute table decor!

 The mom to be getting ready to be showered! With gifts that is. Rylee was a great little present helper.

 Its always crazy to see how much gear a new baby needs, especially for your first!

 Lots of family came for the day and we really had a good time catching up! We can't wait to meet baby girl Reed!!!

As a side note, This was the weekend Chad and I decided to start a keto based diet! No carbs! That was a little challenging to do with 2 parties in on weekend! But we are both determined to lose weight! I agreed to go from March 3-April 3 so I can splurge on my birthday!

13th Anniversary Idaho Getaway!

It's crazy that 13 years have passed since we were married! And I feel that our toughest years are behind us! Well I hope so. Marriage has just gotten sweeter, especially the last year or so. I think we've both grown and matured and worked on ourselves and our relationship more than we have before. I had been feeling a little discouraged with the lack of time we had for one another and when I threw out the idea of a country get away it was JUST what we both needed. 

We talked my parents into taking the kids for the weekend and they agreed. We booked a little barn place in Buhl Idaho called Little Red Barn on the River. It was out in the middle of NOWHERE and we were so excited to do absolutely nothing! We dropped the kids off in Rupert and headed on to Twin Falls for a lunch at my favorite place, Johnny Carinos! We got the family platter to share and to have leftovers for dinner later. Soo good!!

 We got to our little red barn and it was perfect!!! Mountains + river+solitude = heaven!!

The inside oft he home was just as charming! The kitchen was so cute and decorated in a cute country theme. I almost stole that Idaho sign on the wall!

 In the entry way there was a cute little map so you could mark where you came from.

 This sink in the bathroom was sooo amazing. I loved it! Saturday night when we got there we just relaxed and snacked on food and watched tv and enjoyed being together!

 Later we went to Miracle Hot springs for a soak in a private pool! It felt SO good and it was so hot! I had forgotten the sulfer smell that accompanies natural hot springs! It didn't bother me too much (except when I accidentally drank some at the house!) but Chad REALLY didn't like the smell. It seemed to cling to everything! If there was one down fall, it was the sulfer water!

 Enjoying our pasta AGAIN!

 All we really wanted to do was rest, play games, watch tv and snack! And that is just what we did! We slept in and even took a nap one day. I was in heaven getting to have all of Chad to myself and not have anything else or anyone else pull him away.

 Sunday morning Chad made me our favorite breakfast scramble!

 I took care of the cocoa....sulfer water cocoa....

 That afternoon we took a little hike to balanced rock. It truly is a sight to see! It is so amazing that the base is only 3 feet wide and i think it says 40 feet at the widest point. So crazy.

 The sun came out and it was pretty perfect weather fora  hike.

 We made it!

 I felt impressed to show off my balance act in such a place and Chad did too!!!

We hiked up and around the rock and found several little caves and crags. Nature is a amazing. We found a little graffiti telling us we were loved!

 The canyon to drive through to get there was so beautiful. There were no other rock formations around except for this little chunk.

 For dinner, Chad grilled us steak! We had some mashed potatoes and broccoli too. It was tasty.

 My contribution was chocolate dipped strawberries and some Martinelli's.

This weekend was just what we needed to remember to slow down and MAKE time for each other. Life is so super busy and callings, and sports and kids pull us all directions and its so important to make time for one another a priority - no matter what. I love that we have had such a happy and healthy relationship. Not many people get to experience the love of a supportive spouse and incredible father. Are we perfect? No! Do we have disagreements? YES! But I've learned that its what you do AFTER the disagreement that matters. Love is built on so many things and I'm glad I've found a man who can give me so many of those great qualities. Love ya Chad!