It turned out Okay

November was full of things and people to be grateful for. The Prophet asked us to show gratitude and we were already counting our blessings. I did participate in the social media 7 days of #givethanks and so did Brian and Emmy.  We loved having Emmy come visit and during our Thanksgiving Dinner and while black friday shopping and running around in the van, we did give thanks.  Celia was complaining of a sore throat so we decided to warn the grandparents of that and they chose not to come to Thanksgiving dinner. It was a good call, Brian and Joseph fells sick the day after thanksgiving which we later found out was Covid 19. It felt a little scary and surreal to think we would have it in our family. 

We tested and the wait to find out was long. I had felt much better when I received my positive result.  We did do good to social distance and not gather for Thanksgiving. Its so hard to break outour routines for prevention's sake, but it proved to be the right idea. It was sunny and clear and beautiful weather all the time we were home. The car was a refuge to keep us away from others, yet able to see outside. We weren't able to see Spencer for two Sundays, but he did well and seemed pleased to see us again when we visited last.  Celia didn't get to go to school for 5 full days, but we managed and it seemed more about family and chilling which is always nice.  Brian did some Zoom and took some calls, but mainly it felt like an extended Thanksgiving break. Joe is getting back into Door dashing again and with more restricitons for staying at home, maybe business will pick up.

It seems like it would be a terrible things to experience all we have these past few weeks, but we are fine and we are blessed. I've been decorating. nesting and wrapping presents. Also, sending Christmas cards and its a nice outlet for me. I love color and creativity and I love to express it. I've done yard work as well, raking leaves with the kids, planting a Blue Spruce tree and some fun grasses. It makes me excited about being in my yard and being home, which is what I need right now. I'm looking for the beauty and greatness of where I am planted and so far, it is going well. Christmas will be great with Emmy visiting once again and spending time with immediate family.

 

Not too bad of an April

Even though celebrations can be stressful, It was nice having so much family time and celebrations this month. Joseph turned 19 years old right after a spirit filled General Conference. We got him insurance so he was happy to get out a little for soda runs and help me with my job getting groceries for Spencer.  We have been so productive this month as well.

Emmy came to visit onthe 7th and we reorganized two bedrooms and closets. Emmy found enough space for her stuff she keeps here to fit in the cupboard under the stairs( or full bed) we have in the guest room. Joe like a gentleman let Emmy stay in his new room for the entire time she was visiting. (21/2 weeks)

We loved Easter and had our fill of candy, eating steak, and being outside in the backyard. We enjoyed the Sabbath at home and bearing our testimonies to each other.  The schedules each day were layed out for Celia and I and we did excercise, art, chilling and a lot of reading for class.These classic books are cornell notes for them are no joke! Emmy played the guitar for real and guitar hero and she sketched my garden on the side of the house. And if that wasn't enough we went for walks around the neighborhood and in nature. We saw the golden hour and sunsets together and celebrated two more birthdays.

 Emmy and I did DYI ballon swags and had many yummy cupcakes and cakes from various stores. We did pickup at our favorite resturants this month as well. I heart teriaki, CJF's and of course Little Caesers. For Celias birthday we even hit Boudin's since mom needed a break and we had gift cards for there. Most of the time we have been home cleaning and playing games and doing a lot of school work. Joe started Spring semeester remotely at BYUI, Emmy continued her grad program and work in research which inclueded a lot of Zoom meetings while she was here and work training videos. Emmy and I set up school videos at Spence's house for him and we zoomed a few meetings for Celia. Celia does zoom each friday for homework passes in math and socratic deisscusion weekly for humanties. We are getting in the groove of using more technology to socail distance and have been enduring fairly well. Some days I feel really down, but for the most part, it has been better days and beauty in the home and in the community.I have loved going out to get groceries and seeing people I know even if it just a wave from a far, I need that interaction with others.

I had my mom make masks for Brian\s workers and the comminutity of quiters she knows helped fill a tall order of 25 masks. I gave one to my minsteree family as her husband is high risk, and I love that my mom made cute doggie ones for the granddaughters. We use our masks and wear gloves when going out. We are really trying to help out and stay safe.

Spence doesn't go out with his people since he is high risk and he is homebound, but what a blessing that he has been happy there. It is a gift from our heavenly father that he isn't freakingout during this time of change. I told him yesterday on his birthday that he isn't going back to school and that he is graduated and is too old for school now, and he just smiled and giggled. We went and took him for a long ride in the mountains on his birthday. We went through grass valley and took hiway 20  to smartsville and down through a bunch of meadows to Linda. It was nice to stop for a pit stop off at Brian's work and then went our way.

I feel grateful to have so many family members in town and nearby, to have so many friendly and home like places to stop at and to shelter in if needed. Our home is open and spacious and if we have to be confined, it it best to be where we are comfortable. It may been for a while that we are like this, but I am trying to take it slow and enjoy all the good things in life, remembering to self care and to reach out to all those who I care about who would need or want my help at this trying time.