Hybrid Learning

The weekend before in person school began we enjoyed softball (double header), D got to go to the lake with his friend, and a wonderful General Conference and all the good things that come with it. We had cinnamon rolls, backed sugar cookies, put together two space themed puzzles and snuggled puppies as we listened.

Two of my artists, one at Young Women’s and one (M) using the Disney videos to draw all sorts of characters. Jack is helping decorate for Halloween. 

We had a count down in the mantle to the first day of in person school and my youngest three children were so excited.  K considered home schooling or switching to one of the charter schools in town but after talking to her doctor we took home schooling off the list and after touring the charter school K decided that she would stay at her middle school where she already has friends and didn’t have to wear uniforms.  I’m so glad she had the choice between two good options because after she made her choice she was much happier about hybrid learning.  They all had a good start it seems even though it is hard to know what to do when the middle schoolers are at home since every teacher decides individually.  Having only one teacher in elementary school is much easier!  I am proud of how flexible they are all being and how hard they are working this year.  I’m so glad they are happy to be back in the building even though I know we are all more likely to get sick now.  We’ve gotten flu shots and are trying to wash hands immediately after returning home from school.  What did I do my first two days when they were gone? Well, that first day I had a migraine but took some Excedrine and cleaned the house like a mad woman. Then a couple days later I went to the chiropractor, ran errands, had lunch with Hubby near his work and took my quarterly trip to Costco.  The school day seemed so long and I missed my children!  I could handle doing this two day a week thing for a long time so I can have more time with them. They are growing up so fast! 

Happy half birthday to this amazing girl!  I made the strawberry cake and she decorated it with a mermaid theme and also a ring for every member of the family. She is definitely happiest when we can all enjoy something together. Natalie is my sunshine and I’m so glad she is a member of our family!

We have been missing Aunt Hope lately. Her birthday was in October but I’m kind of glad she doesn’t have to be on Earth for all this pandemic craziness. I am comforted by fond memories of visits to Minnesota/Wisconsin and took some time to sit near the masks her children were kind enough to let me bring home. And Facebook has me convinced her great grandson is one of the cutest little boys on the planet, which also brings me joy. I am thankful for my belief in an all knowing God that wants us to return to live with Him someday.  I can miss those that have passed on and look forward to seeing them again.

Below is a collage K posted on social media about a funny morning we had. She had asked me repeatedly where Hubby was while I was downstairs so I didn’t hear her. She said she was going to throw our bed down the stairs if I didn’t answer and she did. It was quite comical to try to get it back up the stairs but was no problem once she was willing to help. K is so strong!!! (And down right silly sometimes!)

Piper looking adorable on an at home learning day.

Hubby came home one day to us getting ready to roast hot dogs and marshmallows for dinner and got right to helping us. We are grateful for his willingness to come even though he never knows what to expect.

M is still enjoying her 3 hip hop classes and D and N are still having a great time playing baseball and softball.  M is a great cheerleader, going to many of their games and training Maisie how to be a good spectator as well.  Turns out Maisie can do a great job of keeping hands warm on a chilly fall Saturday. We have been told K can begin volleyball next month but I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

The Sunday after General Conference my brain somehow defaulted to our old start time for Church and we ended up to Sacrament meeting an entire half an hour early.  It was the perfect day for that sort of mistake because the weather was perfect and there were plenty of leaves to play in.  K thought it was a bit undignified but I was all for it.  I am grateful we can meet in person again.  There is power in worshiping together and with our turn only being twice a month the children are much more likely to be happy to be there with us.  I'm so proud of how well the deacons pass the bread and water as well.  Can't believe my boy will be old enough to do that in a few months! (The cookie is sad because someone told him he was about to be eaten.)

P.S. I wanted to include part of this lovely email my dad sent me on 10/14/20: I love you.  I really do.  The night you were born I held you in my lap and cried, because the thought occurred to me, "Some day she will grow up and leave our house and I won't see her smile every day and I won't hear her laugh every day."  And I cried some more.