Holy Week

My Sunday School girlfriends have been such a source of support and positivity.  I had one friend leave a 5lb bag of flour at my door (flour was an item nearly impossible to get at the store).  Others were constantly reaching out to let me know when they were making a pick up trip to Walmart and did we need anything before our next pick up time.   Others have reached out too.  That's been lovely.

Since church was closed, Palm Sunday was very different this year.  Our pastor left palm branches out on the church steps to be picked up.  There has also been a virtual sermon each Sunday.  Evangeline and I left early to take a little walk in town and pick up a few branches for her and Jed.  We also left one on our neighbor's door.  

The Farrell's happen to be there at the same time, so we took a picture of our girls socially distanced and picking up their branches....

We made homemade pretzels for Lent (the white one in the middle missed the egg wash)....

Our neighbors down the street "egged" us by hiding Easter Eggs all over the yard for the kids to find.  It was such a surprise.  

Easter morning cinnamon rolls were made with the flour we receive from our friends...

Journal March 29

Written by Adrienne on March 29, 2020
The United States takes the lead with the most COVID cases in the world.  New York City, California, and parts of Michigan and Washington state, I hear have it the worst right now.  New York especially.  The death toll nearly doubles in Italy each day.  The news reports shortages of ventilators, masks, medical equipment, etc.  I can't let myself fall down a COVID rabbit hole.  I was anxious this morning.  I spent an hour and a half trying to figure out how to do a grocery pick up in TH where they were better stocked on necessities than Paris, where I had been going.  By the time I got my list all sorted out and entered, there were not pick up time slots left open for the next few days.  I took stock of what I have in my pantry and there are plenty of things for make shift meals and our Home Chef box will arrive on Wednesday this week.  We are more than fine and have more than enough.  I'm learning a lot about how good I actually have it during this time.  I'm learning about what true necessities really are.  We are in no way going without comparatively speaking. 
The sunshine and warmer weather we've been having has been everything lately.  We've been outside so much.  Yesterday was actually warm, 70 degrees or so.  The windows were open, we took walks, I read outside, the kids played, I ran.  It was wonderful.  I ran again today around the neighborhood too.  It's weird how much I am effected by the sun....and movement.  I texted my 1st grade coworkers last night quite a bit.  It's so nice that it's easy to stay in touch with my friends through technology.  It's a curse in so many ways, but also a blessing. 
We ordered take out from Longhorn Stake House last night.  It's the first time we've gotten take out since called to stay at home.  Kyle picked it up.  It was special.  I've been cooking so much lately.  Sitting down to a meal someone else prepared was a welcomed treat. 

Written and typed by Evangeline on March 29, 2020
Today was fun because I got to get out my bike. I have not rode on it for a while! I rode around the cul-de-sac 6 whole times! Today was windy though, so my eyes watered a lot. We were going to do Walmart pick up today, but they were to busy to have a time for her to pick up her grocery. Now Robinson has one confirmed case of the virus.  

Journal March 28

Written and typed by Evangeline on March 28, 2020
Today was fun because I got to play outside a lot. We also got Long Horn for dinner. I got chicken tenders, sweet potatoes with cinnamon sugar butter, and chocolate milk. I think that It is my new favorite restaurant! Yesterday, I facetimed my cousins, Savannah, and Lily. They told me about their E learning days. They said that their E learning days are on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. So three days of the week. I wish that Marshall had the technology for that! Then I would be able to at least see my teacher! I love to learn! I wish that I could go to school, but sill be safe from the coronavirus! Mom had to video tape my Piano performance that I would have done at solo and ensemble and send it to my piano teacher because even though she just lives down the street, she is older so she is trying to keep her distance. She said that she would rate me a 1 being the highest! Then mom sent it to like my whole family. I made me feel good when mom said that grandpa texted her after he saw the video and said that he had tears I his eyes, and that mom should be proud of me! Next week me and my piano teacher is going to have a piano lesson on facetime. I want things to be normal again!

Written and typed by Evangeline on March 28, 2020
Elephants are big beautiful animals. They are also the biggest mammal on Earth. They are typically gray, or a copper color occasionally. They have big ears which help them to hear exceptionally well. They have very good eye sight too. Elephants are known to be smart. Elephants live in big grassy plains called savannahs. They also have very big and long noses called trunks. These trunks come in handy often when elephants are trying it keep cool. The trunks suck up water from lakes and rivers near by and then lift their trunks over them and spray the water on their backs. I think that elephants are very cool.  

Journal March 27

Written and typed by Evangeline on March 27, 2020
Today was the same as always. Again. I don't like not being allowed to go anywhere. It can be boring. But I feel bad if say that I am bored. I try to be as Grateful as possible, but it can sometimes be hard. The Untied States just became the leader in the most coronavirus cases. Great. Just great. Well other than that, there is not much to tell. Bye.

Journal March 25/26

Written and Typed by Evangeline on March 25, 2020
Today was the same as the other passed days that I have had. A lot of staying at home. Today was very warm and sunny. We went outside and explored in our backyard. We also had a lot of fun painting a stepping stone, and a mosaic bunny. I did the bunny, and I let Jed do the stepping stone which was mine, but I let him paint it because I knew that he would have a fit if he saw me painting without him. I have had the painting things since last year. Jed had some but he already painted them. We also freshened up our old ones that we painted. I repainted a fairy door that I had painted last year, and Jed repainted his two mosaic animals, a owl and a turtle. Jed swung for a little while, and then mom, Jed, and I went looking for crawdad holes. Mom told me that went she was little, she used to take of the tops of the hole (which is clay that the crawdad brings up when it is burrowing out its home.) and shape bowls out of it. Then, she would let them dry out in the sun. I can't wait to go check on them tomorrow! Next, I came inside and had soup for lunch. And then I watched just add magic while Jed and mom slept. And then something very sad happened! My show ended! I think that my series is done!:( NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! So that has pretty much been my day so far. I am defiantly glad that school is out in spring, because if it was in winter, I don't think that I would be able to stay that long at home, not being able to go any where because I wouldn't be able to go outside! As long that I can go out side, I can stand it! 

Written by Adrienne on March 26, 2020
Today we enjoyed another bright and sunny morning.  I talked to my dad and did some organizing around the house.  Little by little I've been able to do long awaited organizing and cleaning projects.  In the past week of social distancing I've cleaned out the pie cabinet and hand washed all the china, removed a table from the dinning room that's been needing to go to storage for months.  Gathered up several bags of items for the food and clothing back, totally cleaned the laundry room and caught up on all the laundry in the house, washed both our bed quilt and duvet along with the through blankets in the living room.  All this in addition to staying on top of the general cleanliness of our home.  I've been cleaning out kitchen cabinets little by little and also trying to find some organization in the office space. 
I've been trying to keep the kids going with learning activities, but discovered that I definitely lack the discipline it would take to be a homeschooling parent.  Evangeline's been reading and writing each day.  I've been trying to find opportunities to continue with some math practice.  Jed's been reviewing letters and numbers with me daily along with learning through play.  We all play a lot. 
We went to the Paris, IL Walmart today for our grocery pick up.  Fortunately we were able to get some of the things that were next to impossible to get last week...milk, eggs, bread.  I felt good about that.  After lunch I Facetimed with Mom.  I've been taking naps with Jed almost daily.  It's felt nice to have some time to take extra good care of myself.  I ran 3 miles this evening after dinner.  We've been watching an episode of Star Wars Rebels as a family after dinner.  I've started a really good book and I've already read over 100 pages since Monday, which is considerable for me.  Usually I read before I fall asleep at night and on a typical work day I might only last a page or two before falling asleep.  It's nice to have time to do some solid reading. 

Journal March 24/25

Written and typed by Evangeline on March 24, 2020
I woke up this morning at 7:30 today. I went down stairs, and made some Eggos. Mom got a call from Grandma. A few minutes later she hung up. She said that at 10:00 we had to go to the West Vigo to the I.G.A there to pick up some toilet paper that grandma had picked up for us. And some paper towels. Those things are hard to get right now. There are some hoarders out there that think that it is the end of the world. And then you have your people that have been preparing for the apocalypse. Well we all packed in the car at 10:00 to go there. When we got there, grandma tolled mom that there were notes on the rolls of toilet paper that said that  you can only take one package per person. Donald Trump said that by Easter he wants to send everyone back to normal. But I do not think that I am ready for that yet. Mom has been loosely home schooling me and Jed. I have to read everyday for 20 minutes. And I also have to wright everyday for 20 minutes too. And then I have to do math on a math app on my mom's iPad. Jed has to do a daily challenge that his teacher sends to us. He also has some homework that his teacher, Ms. Cara sent out and he is really exited about because this is his first time having homework, and he is always pretending like he has homework to do after school. I think that is because he sees me having homework, and he thinks that "big kids" do it. I really hope that things get better soon!   

Written by Adrienne on March 25, 2020
Yesterday we got a midmorning call from my mom.  She was at the grocery store.  My first instinct was to get frustrated that she was at the store putting herself in harms way!  After she assured me that she was taking all kinds of precautions I allowed myself to get excited because she was able to score us some toilet paper and some paper towels!  They had a limit of one per person, but they let her purchase for her daughter.  We met her half way, at the West Vigo IGA parking lot.  I had some hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes for her so we met to exchange our goods.  My mom looked absolutely adorable with her new bob haircut and her new truck.  We gave "air hugs" and she talked to the kids from the car.  It did my heart good to get out into the world a little bit and see my mom from afar. 
I checked in on Peggy yesterday and she said they were doing ok.  Dad is also doing great.  All is well. 
I've really been tuned into what is bringing me joy lately.  I've noticed more than ever that exercise and movement are very important to my mental well being.  I've been making it a point to do some exercise each day.  My Zumba instructor has been live streaming her workouts so we can do them at home.  That's been so nice.  The sun came out briefly yesterday morning.  Long enough for me to take my coffee outside and stand in the yard.  I walked all around looking at new life popping up.  Thank goodness it's spring.  Today has been sunny and much warmer, around 60 degrees.  We spent a few hours outside today.  We played, picked up a little in the yard and the kids painted garden stones.  I sucked up as much sunlight as I could.  I thrive on sunlight.  It does wonders for me.  I went on a long run around the neighborhood in the evening.  
It's been so wonderful to see how people are reaching out and helping others during this time.  I've heard the phrase "we are all alone together" a lot lately and it's sort of comforting.  I was able to listen to Pastor Bob give a message last Sunday from our computer and then video chat with the girls from my Sunday School class afterwards.  Technology is very helpful in this current space and time. 

Spoken by Jed, dictated by Mommy on March 25, 2020
Is there any new zombies in Zombies Vs. Plants 3?  and do you know if there is any new plants?  Do you know if there is any new levels?  We've been staying around at home.  Because the coronavirus is going around.  I've been playing with my family, I'm like, playing Zombies Vs. Plants 2 so I can get to Zombies Vs. Plants 3.  Is there new helmets on the Zombies? 

Journal March 24

As a writing activity for Evangeline we decided to write down our feelings in a journal during the first week or so of quarantine.  I thought it might be nice to record the entries here so we can go back and read them someday...

Written by Adrienne on March 24, 2020
We have been home for a week as of today.  We got the word that school will be closing a week ago Friday....Friday the 13th no less.  It wasn't until after school that the message was delivered that all schools in Illinois would be closed for two weeks beginning the following Tuesday.  I was in shock.  We had had a meeting the day before with our super intendent and he told us that the plan was that we would stay in session for as long as we could.  The hardest part for me was that only 9 of my class of 19 showed up for school the following Monday, which meant that I didn't get to say a proper goodbye to my other 10 students.  I have this looming fear that we won't be going back to school at all this year, but we are praying that's not the case.  The governor of IL issued a "Safe in Place" order which means essential trips out of our homes only.  School has been pushed back another week.  I haven't taken the children anywhere except to ride along in the car for a grocery pick up.  Kyle is still working each day, but the court house is locked so he is only exposed to his coworkers. 
Things are weird right now.  No one seems to really know how to feel.  At first I was very scared.  Mostly for my parents.  I was also uneasy because we have had some real trouble getting some of the groceries we need.  I went to the store once last week because we couldn't get milk.  I took a chance and ran out after a friend told me that he saw a few jugs of it at Walmart just a short while before I talked to him.  I was able to get 3 half gallons.  I only took what my family would need for the week since that's what we've been advised to do.  The store shelves were so empty and it was the weirdest thing. 
I've had a week to get things in perspective....people survive on much less on a daily basis, not just in a state of global crisis.  We will be ok without items we've been taking for granted our whole lives.  Most of this is just an inconvenience for us and we can use this opportunity to get perspective on just how blessed we are.  I think the biggest thing now is just the fear of the unknown....how long will be in isolation, how fast will the disease spread, will my parents and loved ones be ok.  Also, I miss being able to see my parents.  If this goes on for months and months, which is rumored, how much time will I loose with my parents that aren't getting any younger. 
I'm trying to focus on the positives of all of this time home, that in fact is the positive.  I get to be with my two little loves every single day.  We are finding all kinds of simple things to enjoy together.  It's allowed me to let my creativity thrive.  I'm reading a lot more, creating a lot more, finding organization, getting things in order, enjoying the small things and finding a lot of time for movement.  All these things lead me back to myself.  I'm really enjoying that part of it.  We all get to slow down...we are forced too.  Looking at it that way is definitely the bright side of things.  We'll find and fix our eyes on the bright side every single day.....

Written and typed by Evangeline on March 24, 2020
Life has definitely been more difficult now that corona virus is going around. Things are constantly getting worse. The corona virus started out in China, and now someone has been tested positive for the corona vires in Terra Haute! Almost all paper products are out of stock all around the world. All kinds of food are gone from most stores including milk, which is a problem in our house because we drink a lot of milk! The government told our super intendent that all Marshall schools had to close down for at least two weeks. It was the end of life for me. Two weeks!!! No way! And I thought that was bad. A week later, it got moved to THREE WEEKS! Now its the end of the WORLD! Mom said that we shouldn't count on going back to school this year. But its March! We can't stop now! I will miss a whole quarter of school. And AR reward. Usually you'd think, well she can still have fun at home. She can go and see her friends and family still. Well guess what. I can't. The day before yesterday, every one got a text saying at 5:00 everyone could only go to places that are essential, like Walmart. You could get in trouble for going somewhere not essential. Mom has been going to Paris Illinois for Walmart pickup to avoid the germs in the store. They keep having to substitute some items at the store like orange juice. But the worst part is church. We can't go because of the corona virus. I told mom, "It's church!" You can't just close down church!" "It's God's home!" But it made me feel better when Pastor Bob gave a message on Facebook about God and our problems on Earth right now. I wright in my devotion on Sundays and pray a lot like I am really at church. I am also worried about my grandparents because they are older and they are more likely to get it. Mom tells me not to worry until something to worry about happens. But I still pray. A LOT.    

Shelter In Place

I've been trying desperately to get these children out of my bed and sleeping in their own rooms.  I decided to resort to bribery.  I found a set of Plants Vs. Zombies figures and told Jed that for every night he could sleep in Evangeline's room he would earn a Zombie when they arrived in the mail (there were 16 of them).  Every day he successfully slept through the night in her room I'd draw a very crude Zombie for him to tape to his wall that represented one he could pick out when they showed up in the mailbox.  He was very motivated.  Evangeline was very excited to have Jed sleep in her room.  She does not like to sleep by herself.  It was a win all the way around.  

This was the April Fools prank Evangeline pulled on us.  I thought it was kind of funny since there is a serious toilet paper crisis right now..... 

Jed is fascinated by zombies, mummies, all the creepy things...here he is posing like a ancient Egyptian mummy.  He wanted me to take his picture in this pose.

The kindergarten teachers had to bring the eggs they were incubating home from school.  Angie invited us to her driveway to see the chicks before she took them to their new homes.  Jed was delighted to hold the chicks...

Evangeline making her Grandpa Carl's noodles... 

 

Writing her friends letters using a fountain pen...

The second we were quarantined I started running like my life depended on it, running 3-5 miles daily.  I had been running only a few times a week when I could fit it in, but once we were home daily I became obsessed.

We ate outside for lunch as much as we could to soak up whatever spring sunshine and warmth we could get. 

These were the strangest mammatus clouds that rolled in one night before a big thunderstorm.  Evangeline and I were on one of our evening walks when this blew up.  We were memorized.  The sky was changing so fast. 

Evangeline, looking for things to do found her makeup and gave herself a makeover....

In the Sunshine

 

Always searching for signs of spring......

 

Making bowls out of crawdad mounds....

Evangeline has an alter ego, Rose.  Rose comes to play with Jed sometimes.  Either Evangeline has him totally convinced that Rose is another person, or Jed just loves to play along.  Either way, when Rose comes to visit Jed and Rose are on their best behavior and there is never any arguing.  Jed and Rose play wonderfully together.   

 

Evangeline worked so hard to prepare her piece for solo ensemble that she never got to participate in due to school closings.  She started having Facetime piano practices with Mrs. Jan.  She played her piece for Mrs. Jan just as she would have at ensemble.  Mrs. Jan said she would have gotten the full rating and that she was very impressed. 

I thank God for this neighborhood and our nice big yard and woods.  The kids can get out and I can too. 

 

Evangeline got it in her head one day that she wanted to build and underground hideout.  She dug the most impressive hole and was at it for quite some time before I had to shut it down.  Kyle wasn't too jazzed about the idea of a huge hole in the yard.  Her determination was very admirable though...

She tried it in the woods too.  She was at it for the longest time.

 

Jed went through a very intense month long obsession with the game Plants Vs. Zombies.  He especially liked it when Kyle would play and he would watch.  He would wait eagerly every day for Kyle to get home from work so they could sit down and play together.  They finally beat the game and are now waiting for Plant Vs. Zombies III to come out.  

I ran into school to collect a few of my personal items.  I felt like I was breaking the law.  I parked far away from the building before walking to the north door with my key.  When I was gathering my things I took this picture of a gift one of my 1st graders brought me the week before school was closed.  They are always bringing me things.  This is just an example of a true gift from the heart....old Halloween candy, used chap stick, a few princess buttons, a candy can, a highlighter, a few stickers, a plastic ring, nail file, cookie cutter and a bookmark.  The bag was decorated and their was a handmade paper card inside.  The giver, Riley Rhoads, was so proud when she gave me this precious gift.  The special relationship between child and teacher is what I treasure most from my teaching career and what I miss most.  It's hard not to worry about those little rescales.