These past two weeks have felt like a dream. A long, mind blowing dream. I've been trying to find the words to sum it up, but there's just too much. I'll do my best.
I appreciate this day even more today than I did three weeks ago. My mom, Lydia and I went to see Annie at the Ellen Eccles Theatre and it was so much fun. It was Lydia's first play and I loved watching her reactions. Every time Miss Hanigan would do something funny Lydia would whisper, "Mom, she's such a good actor!" Lydia loved every part of it and I was so grateful to have such a fun girls day out. Can't wait for the next one!
One of Lydia's writings. Ho boy.
I'm LOVING these photos Kristen took. I have no idea how they learned to pose like that. Definitely not from me.
We've been hearing about the Coronavirus for awhile now but I never gave it much thought since it wasn't in our country. Now everyone knows it's name because it's here. It has become a pandemic. Grocery stores have been wiped out, there's no toilet paper to be found and it's been complete chaos. We have been told by the CDC and Utah Govener to limit gatherings to ten or less people. This has caused a devastating hit to the economy as schools have been shut down, for now until May but I suspect until the end of the school year, restaurants have closed their dining areas and limited options to pick-up or delivery, gyms have closed and other small businesses are taking a huge hit. We've been asked to just stay home if possible. It's been an uncertain, scary, lonely, stressful, but also a growing time for our family and I suspect a lot of people.
It's a crazy feeling when you have all the time in the world and absolutely no place to have to be. I'm so grateful to have a Kindergartner right now because homeschooling is pretty much a breeze. I know a lot of my neighbors are struggling trying to home school their high school kids or even older Elementary age and I don't envy them. I've been so impressed with Lydia's teacher. She's made learning so fun and entertaining through a screen. It usually takes Lydia about an hour and a half to get through the work. I've enjoyed seeing how Mrs. Ramsey interacts with the kids and how she teaches them. Thank goodness for wonderful teachers! The other day she set up a Zoom call with a few of Lydia's classmates. It totally made Lydia's day! She is so social and NEEDS people. I think that's been the hardest part of this whole thing, not being able to see her friends and family. That Zoom call was just what she needed to get through the rest of the week. It was so cute watching the kids ask each other what they were doing and laughing hysterically at the funny faces they made.
The hardest part of this whole thing has been the isolation. Not being able to see our families and friends. The elderly and immuno compromised are the most vulnerable to get Covid-19 and it can be deadly. I've been so anxious and had a pit in my stomach thinking about our family, hoping and praying they all stay safe and healthy.
Although it's been such a hard time, it's also been somewhat of a blessing. As I think about it more, I'm convinced that the Lord is trying to teach us something very important. How to SLOW DOWN. To breathe. To be entirely in the moment. To learn and laugh with our kids. To have more meaningful conversations about the gospel. I've studied and pondered more these past weeks than I have in a long time. It's been so healing, so rejuvenating and such a critical reminder about what's truly important. I've looked at my priorities and made real changes in the way I do things and how I teach my kids. Last week, just to add a cherry to all the craziness, we had an earthquake. Loren and I were asleep but Lydia and Allie felt it and thought the earth giants from Frozen 2 were coming. I had a distinct impression that I needed to prepare my family, not just physically, but spiritually for the Second Coming. With all our comings and goings of daily life, it's so easy to forget the reason we're here on the earth. I'm so grateful Heavenly Father has given me this chance to change my priorities and to focus more on Him.
I have such a strong testimony that President Nelson is our Prophet. How amazing is it that the Come Follow Me program was instituted just in time for a quarantine? This was not coincidence and has been such an incredible blessing in our home. The past two weeks we've had primary with the girls in our home on Sunday and it's been such a spiritual and bonding time. Although it doesn't always go perfect, I love having these spiritual experiences with my girls and I can see the Spirit touch them. It's been wonderful.
Loren and I decided to do our part to support local small businesses and ordered from Beehive Grill the other night.
These have been some of my favorite Covid-19 memes. It feels good to laugh.
Last Sunday was Hudson's birthday! The big "one"! Although we were sad we couldn't be with family, it turned out to be a wonderful day. He loved his balloons and played with them all morning.
This little squish is FINALLY sleeping through the night! (knock on all the wood) It took weaning him to get there but we made it. Momma is so happy.
He got a ball pit! It's been as much fun for the girls as it is has for Hudson.
This is how Loren and my brothers spend their nights lately. Epic virtual Risk.
One of Lydia's assignments for school.
The highlight of the days are free school lunch! You can go to the school and pick up lunch for your kids and it's been so helpful. The girls love it.
We haven't had hardly any nice days since the quarantine. When it is nice, we waste no time in getting outside. A HUGE thanks to my parents for getting this bucket swing for Hudson for his birthday! It has totally saved my sanity and he loves it! What a perfect gift.
There's been a outpouring of digital resources for kids during this time. The girls have been loving learning to draw new things. Audible came out with hundreds of free children's books to listen to. We've enjoyed Winnie the Pooh, Beatrix Potter stories and are starting Little House on the Prairie. Virtual tours of Zoos have also been fun.
Loren's sweet Great Grandma Dorothy Griffiths passed away last week at 102 years old. Loren was able to go to the small family viewing and the funeral was live-streamed for the family who couldn't be there. (Which was everyone but those participating in the program). It was such an amazing spiritual experience. I could feel her love and the intense desire for her family to know how to be saved. It was another reminder of what is really important and how we should be spending our time. She was such an amazing, faith-filled women. I'm so grateful to have five generation pictures with each of the kids. Such an amazing legacy!
Dad Peck gave an incredible talk that touched my soul.
As I climbed into bed one evening and reached for the light, I noticed this picture made by Lydia. My eyes may have leaked a little bit. Or maybe a lot.
One of Lydia's drawings. She's getting pretty good!
Iconic Hudson. Ever since he was born, this has been his favorite position. I love it.
I miss these days.
Things seem to change up every week so I'm interested to see what happens in the world this next week. President Nelson has asked everyone to fast and pray this Sunday for relief from Covid-19. It's been so trying and scary for all of us but I know that if sincerely pray, Heavenly Father will hear us. If only we have faith in Him. Maybe this was His plan all along, to bring us closer to Him. I hope I'm learning what I need to and making real changes to help my family and I be prepared for the Second Coming.
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