Life has changed a lot in the last couple of weeks. A lot. It's hard to believe this has all happened in such a short time. We're all experiencing our first pandemic. Something that will impact us forever I think. COVID-19 - started in China and has quickly moved across the world. Most people don't get very sick from it. But elderly, or people with pre-existing conditions can end up in the ICU, or even die. And it's very contagious. Very. Italy is a mess and their hospitals have more patients than they can handle. When the world saw what was happening in Italy they freaked out and decided we need to take steps to make sure that doesn't happen here. So there are now two new terms that never existed before: flatten the curve and social distancing. Flatten the curve means try to slow the spread of the virus so instead of a huge influx of patients you have a more manageable spread, which means the hospitals don't get overwhelmed. This is done by social distancing, among other things. So two weeks ago school was cancelled. As of right now it's cancelled until May 1, but there's a very good chance that we won't be going back this year. Church is cancelled and temples are closed. All large gatherings are cancelled. In fact, they recommend you don't get together with more than 10 people. Social distancing is staying home unless necessary. No play dates inside. Stay 6 feet away from other people at all times. Limit any outings. State parks are closed to tourists. Only residents of the county they're in can go. Most national parks are closed. Restaurants are closed to dining in, only takeout and curbside pickup are available. So life has changed. A lot. And there doesn't seem to be an end in sight.
We've been very blessed that Jake is still working and busy as usual. A lot of states have shut down and only allow essential businesses to keep operating. We're hoping that Utah somehow manages to not have to do this. We have enough money to be fine if Jake can't work, but going to work every day helps keep Jake happy and less stressed. I've definitely seen God's hand in our lives. Little things that have happened with the company that at the time seemed hard, now we realize were blessings. President Nelson invited members and non-members alike to participate in a fast today. It's been good to see people turning more to God. Never a bad thing.
We're trying to make the best of all of these changes. I'm trying every day to notice the little moments we get to have together and appreciate how much life has slowed down. These aren't bad things. Being together a lot more as a family is not a bad thing. But sometimes it is hard. These are times I'm grateful for my introvert nature. I don't need to be around people, although I do miss it. Sage is probably struggling the most. She misses her friends and has a hard time understanding everything. But she's good at using her imagination to stay busy. We've already participated in two scavenger hunts, brought to us by Sage. School has moved online. Luckily our district was already digital, so this hasn't been a big deal. The kids having school work to do every day has really helped keep everyone sane. Or should I say keep me sane. We do breakfast at 8 and then the kids work on school and chores until 12. They've all been doing great at managing their own classes, so this is when I get to get my things done and take a deep breath. We get creative in the afternoon. We've been doing puzzles, playing outside when it's not too cold, and working on lots of projects around the house that have been on my list for a long time. All in all I think we're doing pretty well. I hope I can say the same thing a month from now...
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| The first of many pandemic walks. This one in Red Ledges for a change of scenery |
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| First project: paint Jake's old desk |
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| No school last Friday for the end of term. I let the kids sit around and watch movies all day. They're not even fighting! |
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| We went for a Jeep drive to get out of the house |
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| Cool railroad tunnel |
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| Puzzles! We've never done many puzzles as a family, but they're a hit now! |
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| Kate's room before paint |
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| Crown Burger date. This is how we do dates now. Or last week we got takeout and took it to the office. Getting creative. |
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| This is how Zack does school. I think he's in no hurry to go back. |
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| No more pink room! So much better. But this project about killed me. Her ceilings are high! So glad it's done though |
