Pushing Through the Boredom

Overall our self quarantine has gone pretty well.  It definitely get a little monotonous and boring at times though.  

We have been very diligent to just be with our family this past week because Parker and Tanner had contact "one away" from someone who has Covid-19.  The boys both spent time with brothers (Harper and Tate) one evening who were in direct contact with a man who found out he had it.  Parker, who is my most social one, has handled being home 100% of the time much better than I expected.

I am trying to do a few things each day I can feel good about.  I try to workout, keep the kitchen clean and house picked up, read my scriptures, make dinner and spend time doing things with each of the kids each day.  Even when I am tired of playing board games or basketball or snuggling, when they initiate, I especially try to say yes.  

Last week the girls and I brainstormed ways we could serve others.  We are happier when we reach out to others.  We didn't come up with much, but we have a few things we are going to put into action which makes me happy to even think about.

Here are a few random pictures from our week.  

Strong and creative.  I would prefer them trying things like this but last week they pulled out the air soft guns.   They were the targets.  Ugh.   I did insist they wear eye protection but if they want to take the risk of being shot, their old enough to choose.  It reminds me of a spot on phrase, "you can't help stupid."

The U.S. leaders did a turn around and now say masks are recommended when going out in public.  I broke into our 72 hours kits that Grandpa and Grandma Gwilliam gave us one year.  They are amazing that way.  (Thank you once again Joyce and Jerry.)  

This was me standing outside in a long line at Walmart.  Only 100 people can be in the store at one time.  It was freezing, and I was feeling like a dork with my hoodie and face mask on, but such is life.

I walked over to my parents one day and we visited on the phone through the window.  I love being able to see them in person while we visit.  (Last week was very stressful for our entire family because we found out a healthcare worker who both my parents had direct contact with had Covid-19.  My parents saw him two Mondays ago.  He was diagnosed 8 days later and today marks 14 days for my parents since they had contact with the healthcare worker.  I think they should be in the clear.  It's a huge relief.)

How cute is this?!  One of my friends from church, Sandy McKown, brought by Jr. Mints to help me survive this stressful time.

Lots of hanging out.  I thought it was cute that Tanner was playing with Aubrey's hair but then I overheard him telling her he was picking all of the lice out of it.  The boys tease her and pick on her endlessly.  Brothers--ugh.

Isn't Tyson the cutest!!!  One day my sister-in-law Denise FaceTimed us.  It was so fun to catch up with them.  Aubrey and I were playing a card game and so Tyson went to their closet and got out cards.  Then he and Aubrey played together.  It was adorable!  (They just took turns putting down a card each...Tyson always won though because after 5 or 6 cards, he would put down the whole deck and sign "all done.")

I wanted to add some color and cheer to those walking up and down our street.  This little display in our front window brings me joy as well.

We have had beautiful weather this spring so far....a huge blessing for us.  Bryn set up a workstation outside for a few hours.

 Aubrey organizing some homework.

This cute guy is Elliott S.  We have been friends with his family since he was two.  Can you see he has his leg flipped up over the back of his neck?!  His flexibility is impressive.

Aubrey and I have been having story time with Elliott and his sister Eva and brother Peter everyday at 1:00.  It's been so fun.  It is definitely more of a blessing for us.  It gives us a way to serve and feel like we are making a difference.  Thanks for sharing your kiddos Katie.

Our young women leaders also offered the girls a chance to be pen pals with other young women from Idaho.  Aubrey received her first letter on Saturday and wrote back the next day.  She's super excited, and I love that it gives her something to look forward to.

Baby steps to figuring this quarantine thing out.