I'm not usually a blogger, but I am a talker, so I thought this would be a good way to reflect on the change in the times, how I am surviving this and finding the silver lining in an otherwise stormy cloud.
A little background, I'm a teacher of about 20+ years, teaching mainly middle school but some elementary, married 38 years, a parent of 3, a grandma of 6 - 3 boys and 3 girls, and we have one dog. My daughter recently got a new job and as a result of losing their previous apartment (she managed the building), I have 5 new residents in our house. It brings a little more noise, some excitement and a lot of love. I have to admit I'm glad they are here during this self-isolation. It is more difficult to keep them all busy, but it is a lot less lonely and I'm not just sitting watching TV.
Both myself and my daughter have to work from home during this time. My daughter's husband has to go to work at Costco, so he is gone for most of the day. I've made schedules for the boys so we have some semblance of an organized day. It is more of a reference, so when they start getting in trouble we can see what they should be doing. We are trying to keep up with what the school provided for our first grader as well as add additional things for him to do beside tablet/video game time.
A little background, I'm a teacher of about 20+ years, teaching mainly middle school but some elementary, married 38 years, a parent of 3, a grandma of 6 - 3 boys and 3 girls, and we have one dog. My daughter recently got a new job and as a result of losing their previous apartment (she managed the building), I have 5 new residents in our house. It brings a little more noise, some excitement and a lot of love. I have to admit I'm glad they are here during this self-isolation. It is more difficult to keep them all busy, but it is a lot less lonely and I'm not just sitting watching TV.
Both myself and my daughter have to work from home during this time. My daughter's husband has to go to work at Costco, so he is gone for most of the day. I've made schedules for the boys so we have some semblance of an organized day. It is more of a reference, so when they start getting in trouble we can see what they should be doing. We are trying to keep up with what the school provided for our first grader as well as add additional things for him to do beside tablet/video game time.
Luckily I have a backyard, so that gives a spot for the boys to run and play, dig, make a mud pie, and climb the fruit tree. I did send them out with some seeds to plant in one of the raised beds - not sure how well they will grow, but they were excited to do it by themselves. The two older boys help with yardwork, mowing the lawn (with assistance), pulling weeds, etc. Just participating in regular activities around the house, commonly called chores, is instructive. Pride in what they have accomplished, acquiring a love of power tools like the vacuum and the rules about safety are all life skills I'm happy to impart to a 6, 3, and 2 year old. Our favorite chore is cooking. All the boys love to cook. From making mini-muffins, to making spaghetti or putting a rub on a pork shoulder butt - yes, butt - it was hilarious.
We are surviving and taking things day to day. From our family to yours we wish you health and happiness and I hope you find the joy in each day!
We are surviving and taking things day to day. From our family to yours we wish you health and happiness and I hope you find the joy in each day!
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