In-person learning transitioning to E-learning

 After Spring Break, all of the schools in our district switched to online learning to finish out the year. I thought the kids' teachers did well adapting and trying to accommodate a whole different way of providing education. Our kids handled the change okay, but really missed being with their friends. I tried "field-trip Friday" that included watching a video/documentary about a place we wanted to learn more about (since we were still being asked by the government to stay home as much as possible). One Friday, we decided it was in our best interest to learn about ice cream factories. We then made our own ice cream following our online "field trip" to an ice cream factory. A typical school day usually started by 9:00. It would take them 2-4 hours to complete their assigned work. They would also have a virtual meet-up 1-2 times per day. It took some getting use to hearing from my 3rd and 2nd grader, "Mom! I have a conference call at noon that I need to get on!" Felt like we went from grade school to a businessman/woman overnight! :)

I'm grateful that we only had a few months of this online learning and prayed that come Fall, the kids would be able to return to in-person learning. My kids missed their friends and routine of school. I also missed the routine and felt that I was definitely coming up short at times trying to manage their schooling and learning. I laughed at quite a few memes that my friends and I would share as we were all in this online learning together and trying to help each other make it through. I'll share one of my favorites at the end of this post.

PE on the trampoline. 

Only in Colorado would we have snow on the ground and Myles so hot he refuses to wear a shirt.

Myles chose his Titanic to tell us all about for show and tell one day. Luke teased me about having show and tell with Myles, but then ran to grab something to show us when Myles was done. 

Luke asked for a "quarantine cut" and Bryan delivered.

Creating our own clouds and tornadoes.

Emma had a section on India. We dug out my sari that I bought while visiting India on a humanitarian trip. I think that this was the first time I've used it since purchasing it!

Luke did a "How to draw" with his teacher during a live google meet-up class. He took some liberties with his Easter chic that made me laugh out loud. Luckily, his teacher has an awesome sense of humor and got a good laugh with his class before she reprimanded him. :)

Salt dough Easter eggs for art class.

The Water Cycle.

Art Class for the day.

Myles working on his scissor skills at his "Barber Shop."

Reality some days.

SOOO appreciated free lunch each school day from the district that they offered to all families. We would load up in the car and grab our lunches drive-thru style. I loved how it broke up our day and less dishes and groceries for me!

This hit home--big time. There was also another quote, " You can either have a nice day or you help your child(ren) with their math. You can't have both." Hahaha! 

Golf Course Fishing

 During quarantine, we were asked to stay close to home and only travel when truly necessary to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. We kept things classy and visited the local golf course, which was closed, and dropped a line or two in one of their ponds for some catch and release. We had some luck and it felt so nice to be outside, even if it was a little chilly!

Beginning of Home Church-March

 We officially went into a government mandated quarantine in mid-March. We were informed from our ward bishopric that we could hold Sacrament meeting within our own homes during this time period. The kids understood what a special and unique opportunity we were given. Definitely not every Sunday is peaceful and 6 months later I still don't feel like I've got this home church thing down, but there really have been some special moments in our family during these Sunday home church meetings. Some of my memories that I want to make note of from this time: the kids writing and giving (Myles with help) their talks, musical numbers from Emma and Myles--especially "My Own Sacred Grove," our Easter Sunday together--I was moved to tears with the spirit that was in our home as we talked about the Savior's resurrection, an occasional singing time when even Luke would get into it, Bryan's gentleness as he leads our family through this uncertain time, our family's Sacrament tray that will become part of our family history and holding our Sacrament meeting in the mountains.

It strengthened my testimony of our living prophet. He announced policy changes way before Coronavirus hit that helped our family navigate this sudden change. The Come Follow Me curriculum was already "in place" and we worked on building upon it. The requirement for witnesses of a live baptism previously changed to allow for any worthy, baptized member to be a witness. During quarantine when numbers for gatherings were greatly limited, this helped provide an easier means for people to be baptized. I also loved that worthy married couples no longer needed to wait a year for their sealing. I've thought about many couples who were married civilly due to the temples being closed and would previously need to wait the year. However, due to our prophet changing this policy long before COVID hit, couples will be able to be sealed to each other much sooner. HUGE blessings. It made me even more aware of how much our Heavenly Father loves us and wants to bless us.

My calling as YW President also looked very different and included "Zoom" meetings/get-togethers, flamingo-ing YW's yards and porch drop-offs.

As a ward, we held a "Missionary Parade" for those missionaries who came home during the quarantine and either waited to be reassigned or were released.

We also started a weekly "Kotter connections" video call. It's been wonderful to connect with family--even if we are just staring at each other on the screen at times (or as Emma would appear, falling asleep). 

Spring Break 2020

 Spring break was pretty low-key as Coronavirus was starting to gain momentum and we were unsure what any amount of traveling was going to look like. We went to the movies (turns out this would be our last theater experience in 6+ months...and counting), kids played on the trampoline with a sprinkler when the temps rose above 50 degrees-true Coloradans, hiked "Castle Rock Mountain," played at a few empty parts and then hand sanitized immediately after, played with silly balloons and really enjoyed some laid-back, schedule-free days.

Myles' Heart Check-up

 At Myles' annual check-up, his pediatrician noticed a heart murmur that we wanted us to follow up on. Thankfully, everything checked out completely normal. I was reminded and felt very grateful for modern medicine that continued to help and bless my family!

Rosa Parks

 The 2nd grade "Bio-Bottle" project lives on. Emma chose to do Rosa Parks. I love how Emma sees when love is missing in a situation and it causes her such confusion. I do not have the answers for what is occurring in our society today, but watching the concern in my 7-year-old daughter's eyes, I would say we may be lacking love, on all sides. P.S. This bottle was a labor of love. :)