Day #24

It was a warm day! In the 70’s, and almost too warm in the sunshine. If we are still social distancing this summer, things are gonna be rough. We might have to break down and buy a mini pool. But we’re going one day at a time right now, so we’ll worry about that later 

We noticed our Aina friends behind us in the lunch line and the girls were so excited to put their heads out the window and wave as soon as we stopped. There was a lot of “hi Ellie! ....” “hi Laney! ...” awkwardness. They miss each other so much, they don’t even know what to say. 

Sarah sent this one. #rental

We form a line of cars, and right before we get to the pickup spot, a worker asks how many lunches we’d like. Then we wait for the car in front to grab their bags, and then it’s our turn. When we first started coming, no one was wearing masks. Now everyone is, including whichever Ray girl hops out to grab our lunches. And today’s special treat was ice cream, and the girls were stoked. Also, the lunches are getting more fun and have had a mini bag of chips in it each day! My girls generally only get those when we go on trips, so they are loving life. 

Laney and Frankie has a Zoom Primary activity which went better at our house than last time. I got the email earlier in the day and we had time to print their supplies. I only had to tell the girls about a dozen times to be normal. They like to pretend their screen is frozen, make dumb faces, and irritate each other A LOT. The making faces is probably not the worst, but it’s distracting for the other kids and teacher even, and i don’t love it. The problem is I have to crackdown on Matt too. What’s a girl to do? 🤦‍♀️

We picked my dad up a sandwich from the food truck and delivered it. He’s tired of cooking, and this supports local buisnesses, so it’s a win-win. 

Delaney spotted a bunny and had to take several pictures. (There are dozens of bunnies always, but whatever)

Addie has a zoom youth meeting. But before that I recorded her playing probably my favorite song she’s ever played. It’s so pretty, and she does such a good job. She still doesn’t love piano, but I think she’ll change her mind. Someday. 

Our county is up to 64, but our health department says 72 confirmed cases. I still check the news lots, and a lot of it is conflicting, but estimates for a national death toll are coming down, so hopefully that continues. We’re all praying for it. 

Day #23

We got up early today, fortuitous that I had been awake for several hours already. I went to an outdoor farmers market for produce and Matt took the Camry back to Toyota for another repair, then he went into work, and then commissary shopping. Toyota ordered the wrong part so they gave us a brand new loaner. Sigh, the new car smell, and nowhere to go. 

Addie and I made hot fudge to go with our yummy strawberries, and then some homemade hand sanitizer. 

We had our first curry fail at dinner. Apparently red curry is super spicy? Who knew. Chris and I added lemon, Addie added extra rice, and Matt opted for cream. Frankie and Delaney decided to give up on the curry and eat one of the school lunch sandwiches, that they don’t love. 

Apparently porch family pictures are the it thing in Montana, and this cute family got in on it. 

Em is such a fun and happy baby and just loves to be held. We miss him soooo much. 

Two handsome fellas. 

Bubba brought home ice cream drumsticks for a treat and tonight’s family movie of choice is Zootopia. This movie will always remind me of driving cross country to our Oregon family reunion and the girls watching this again and again. And Delaney, instead of singing “try everything,” she insisted it was “try to miss me.” 😂

One more exciting thing, when we picked up lunch today they told us any kid in the car to pick up lunch tomorrow gets a special treat. #quarantineexcitement

Day #22

I didn’t take any pictures, but it was gloriously warm today and we spent a few hours sitting on the grass with papa, and he took about a hundred. 

I narrowed them down to 3 of each girlie. 

Today was 100% more of the same. 

One exceptional thing - we all bathed/showered today. This has been more rare than it probably should be, but #quarantine. 

We had leftovers for dinner. Always important to remember what we were eating throughout the crisis. 

I had $30 in CVS bucks that were set to expire, so I took a page out of Alecia’s playbook and went shopping 30 minutes before closing. I made a couponing list, but went in with the mindset that it doesn’t matter, I just didn’t want to let $30 go to waste. I wore my mask and gloves, and when I took off my gloves to pay, I sanitized my hands. And then we had weird coupon issues, which I did not press on, the cashier was the one that was baffled and trying to get it to work. Pretty sure I lost a few bucks, but it doesn’t matter right now. I got some Easter candy and shampoo and conditioner. 

The girls have been more snippy with each other. And hitting more than usual, which is a practice I really hate and is usually very minimal. Not sure if this is because they are over tired (Delaney regularly stays in her room reading till past midnight) or just tired of playing with only each other. Another gentle “we’re in this together and we’re a team” family meeting scheduled for tomorrow. 

I normally wouldn’t sit outside doing nothing for 2 hours, and even today I had a nagging that I should be getting something done, but it was delightful and peaceful, and I’m glad we did. Finding the joy. 

Also, I love that we’re never late to get anywhere - that is a spot that I regularly get upset about slow movers, and that we can sleep and wake up when our bodies dictate. My sleep is still pretty crappy, but lucky for me, I can nap. I also love all this time with the family. We’ve played tons of games, worked on puzzles, and watched more movies together this month than we have in maybe the last year? I’m a bad gage of that sort of thing, and also tend towards hyperbole. We’ll go with a year. 

I’ve been stretching/yoga’ing daily and my neck and back aren’t in constant pain anymore. Yay! Now just to remember to keep doing it so I don’t slide backwards, which is my tendency. I feel better? Ok, stop doing whatever made me feel better. I thought by 41 I’d be better at this stuff, but turns out, here I am. 🤷‍♀️ 

We are doing well and staying positive. All well on this corona front. 

Day #21

3 weeks in! we actually stopped going places Friday the 13th of March, I just didn’t start blogging about it till that Monday. 

Conference day 2! It was a good one! We got a walk in before conference to visit with papa. During the first session President Nelson read a new proclamation about the restoration, then we did the Hosanna shout. It was so special and the spirit was strong. Elder Holland spoke right to my heart, he always knows just what to say. We all loved Sister Cordon’s flashlight story, and when Elder Bednar talked about all the temples. And every single time President Nelson spoke it was confirmed in my heart again that he is a true prophet of God. He announced 8 new temples, most notably a new one we can drive to - Pittsburgh, and then China and Dubai!!! So amazing and exciting. The last song was my favorite. They had saints singing all over the world and it was so beautiful. 

I took one picture. After almost 10 hours of conference, we were not at our Saturday best, but we still loved every minute. 

I made Panang Curry between sessions and the girls each got seconds. A few months ago I ordered a 3 pack of curry pastes that I am committing to use, and I’m so glad that the girls love it as much as Matt and I. 

We had a Zoom presidency meeting after bedtime. It was nice to talk about conference and check in with each other about how our sisters are doing. Im grateful to work with Chelsea, Carolee, and Sarah. It was a wonderful, spirit filled weekend. 💕

Day #20

GENERAL CONFERENCE DAY! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

April fools day continues at our house. On Friday  “someone” drew mustaches and eyebrows on Frankie and Delaney. D’s reaction was not too far off what it was waaay back the first time this epic prank make landfall. She was not happy about it and after her own failed attempts to clean her face, required a warm washcloth and soothing momma. I heard about a prank where the parent switch outfits and thought it would be hilarious - which it was. 😂 this was like our 10th picture because it took us awhile to stand like the other one. 😂

I started crying as soon as the conference music came on. Like everyone else, I so needed this! And it was wonderful. I especially loved the latest session when Sister Bingham spoke about strong Latter Day Saint Women, and then president Nelson’s powerful last talk. The spirit was so strong and I am so thankful for his faithful, prophetic leadership, now more than ever. On Good Friday we will have a 2nd worldwide fast for relief from COVID-19. 

"For all whose health may permit, let us fast, pray, and unite our faith once again. Let us prayerfully plead for relief from this global pandemic," President Nelson said. "I invite all, including those not of our faith, to fast and pray on Good Friday, April 10th, that the present pandemic may be controlled, caregivers protected, the economy strengthened, and life normalized." 💕💕💕 Fasting is hard, but I cannot wait. 

Between afternoon sessions we biked/ran to the giant hill in Clark’s Rest. I think I need some mountains, because i get such satisfaction from these big dirt hills nearby!

My Dad rode his bike out too and took a bunch of pictures of the frolicking. 

😍

Frankie loves biking. Only her bike and my bike are not in working order. That makes it hard to do family bike rides. She either scooters, or  borrows addies or Matt’s, if it was as simple as buying her a new bike, we’d probably just do it, even though she just had a birthday.But 3 girls so close together can make this difficult. Should F get A’s old bike (which is actually alexis’ old bike) and Addie get a bigger one? Because also, D is cruising a smallish bike that used to be A and F’a. Oh, the 1st world problems we face. 

After running around on the hill, we came over to visit with papa at the nature trail. 

Love this baby bug. 

Sarah’s mother-in-law made us masks and I am so grateful! We will wear them around papa and if we have to go out and into any building. It just makes me feel better to have that little bit of protection. 

I’m a bandit. 😂

And then a social distance selfie with all the biking crew. Frankie did not appreciate the way I’d tied her mask, so she was pouting. Addie fixed it for her and then she was able to get right again. 

Sweet tween in the front, sweet hill in the back. 

I’ve spent the most time running on this hill, but Matt found a cool old doorknob! Then, inspired by his find, I found this old piece of china. I’d love to know how old both are, and who used to live in whatever old farmhouse that is now home to another cookie cutter development. 

2nd sesh. The girls loved stacking, playing with, and eating the mini pb cups. 

Delaney made a message for her friends. 

We didn’t know how conference would look. We knew there wouldn’t be an audience, of course. Then, as COVID has spread further and further, we wondered if each speaker would speak from home. They ended up in a small auditorium with minimal decor. Only those speaking were there, and they socially distanced and sat the recommended 6 feet apart. Matt said he caught a back pat as one was sitting and another coming to the podium, but I missed it. 

These are historic times.

And lastly, this gem happened 8 years ago today. How did I ever manage life with these 3 babies and 2 teenagers? I see this picture and am amazed. And I also want to hold them and snuggle them close. We did that today, but a smelly 8year old is a lot different than a sweet smelling 2 month old, ifyouknowwhatimean. 

And lastly, lastly, some US COVID numbers for today. 

5 weeks ago: 69 cases

4 weeks ago: 444 cases

3 weeks ago: 2,826 cases

2 weeks ago: 25,740 cases

1 week ago: 121,285 cases

Right now: 311,544 cases

Day #19

Emmett continues to be the sweetest thing. I love that giant head so much. We were supposed to be spending time with him and his parents in Utah this very day. Sad sad. 

The girls love hiding under the couches. This morning Frankie was under one and Addie was under the other. Delaney was lifting the couch so they could get in and out. A master plan, indeed. 

I made green curry with chick peas and potatoes and it was super yummy. Then Delaney and I made sausage and  spinach pasta (was supposed to be manicotti but the noodles disappeared) and Delaney had 2 helpings and ranted and raved about it. I also made pudding pops and plan to do that several more times to put a dent in the 30 or so boxes of pudding we have. Why? 🤷‍♀️

It’s conference eve and we can’t wait. We talked about how we’re pointing our tent doors to our prophet and meeting separately with our families. So ready for some spiritual feasting. Matt almost always works the navy conference weekend, so it’s a special treat to have him home too. 

I saw this fact sheet online and thought it would be good to share here. Then I saw everyone else did too, but I still want to. I want to remember all of this bizarre time. 

Just so I never forget..... April 2, 2020

-Gas prices were $1.59 near my home, $1.69 in some places

-School cancelled - yes cancelled

-Self-distancing measures on the rise.

-Tape on the floors at grocery stores and others to help distance shoppers (6ft) from each other.

-Limited number of people inside stores, therefore, lineups outside the store doors.

-Non-essential stores and businesses mandated closed.

-Parks, trails, entire cities locked up.

-Entire sports seasons cancelled. Like NBA, MLB, ALL sports! 

-Concerts, tours, festivals, entertainment events - cancelled.

-Weddings, family celebrations, holiday gatherings - cancelled. Funerals limited to a specific number and being live streamed. 

-No masses, churches are all closed. During Easter season. 

-No gatherings of 50 or more, then 20 or more, now 10 or more, and even this is encouraged to be limited to immediate family. 

-Don't socialize with anyone outside of your home.

-Children's outdoor play parks are closed.

-We are to distance from each other. Six feet! 

-Shortage of masks, gowns, gloves for our front-line workers.

-Shortage of ventilators for the critically ill.

-Panic buying sets in and we have no toilet paper, no disinfecting supplies, no paper towels, no laundry soap, no hand sanitizer.

-Shelves are bare. Hard to find beef, eggs, milk. Sending one family member to shop. 

-Manufacturers, distilleries and other businesses switch their lines to help make visors, masks, hand sanitizer and PPE.

-Government closes the border to all non-essential travel.

-Fines are established for breaking the rules.

-Stadiums and recreation facilities open up for the overflow of Covid-19 patients.

-Big industries help make more ventilators, & more masks for hospitals. 

-Press conferences daily from the President and the governess. Daily updates on new cases, recoveries, and deaths.

-Government incentives to stay home.

-Barely anyone on the roads.

-People wearing masks and gloves outside.

-Essential service workers are terrified to go to work.

-Medical field workers are afraid to go home to their families.

This is the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic, declared March 11th, 2020.

Day #17 and #18

Another 2 days down. We’ve taken steps to connect the girls with friends. FaceTime’ing, where D and Sephie player Guess Who and Battleship and Abby and Addie talked for a long time and Addie moved all around the house. I also signed Frankie up for a Messenger Kids account because several of her friends invited her. 

Today papa came over and taught the girls how to make bandana masks. 

Our math for the day - learning 1/3’s. 

They’ll do in a pinch!

Papa took some pictures of the girls. I swear, they tell me they brush their hair every day. 🤷‍♀️

Ugh, Frankie. 

Tonight we made spring rolls. The filling and sauce were amazing, but we didn’t like the wrappers. 

Everyone put together their own and the girls were pretty apprehensive. 

We had home evening tonight and enjoyed some glittery Oreo trolls. 

2 days ago Amy came down with a fever. Body aches, headache, sore throat, all symptoms of covid. She had a virtual dr’s appt where they told her to isolate at home. She can’t get tested because there aren’t enough tests. I’m so mad. I’m mad, and sad, and worried. Medical workers don’t have enough ppe, sick people can’t get tested, and dr’s are having to choose who to treat. I just can’t believe this is happening in this country that I love so much. I pray for our leaders to make wise decisions, that scientists find success with their vaccines, that people will stay home. I’m so sad that my sissy has to go through this and I pray that she gets better. She’s been working from home and socially distancing weeks before we were. I wish there was something I could do, I hate feeling helpless. I know we’ll be ok. It will all work out. We can do this together. 

I’ve debated sharing any of this. But anger can be productive and I am working through it and trying to figure out my role in making things better. For now that’s just for my little family, my little circle of friends, my little relief society, my little ward. 

Day #16

Yesterday was a better day schedule wise for us. Delaney has a crying meltdown and i was able to hold her and affirm her fear and frustrations. We snuggled and she returned cheekie kisses, which always tells me they are feeling safe and loved.  I check in with each child many times a day. Just a quick “how are you feeling?” to a sit down more intimate version, even Christian. I can’t imagine being quarantined to your home with 3 little sisters, mom, and dad is fun for a 22 year old and I often wonder if he wishes his lease hadn’t run out when it did. Staying at home was to be temporary, but now who knows. The world is on hold. I love having him here when he’s not working. He eats with us and reads scriptures and prays, it’s so nice to have 4/5 of them home. 

Frankie’s primary teacher had a virtual dance party with the kids where they all sent videos of themselves dancing. Lydia is so sweet and her video brought us so much joy. She has dwarfism and a long list of health problems, she is in severe pain every single day, and yet she is the happiest, most full of light person you’ll ever meet. After we watched her cute video a few times we talked about Lydia and her life. Perspective is always a good thing. And since you can’t really tell, this is Frankie mid-floss. This was actually when I thought I was recording, but actually was taking pictures. 😂

Delaney’s teacher sent a message about their primary class on Saturday, and after she asked about it Monday and D threw me under the bus, I remembered to show her. She took a long time to compose this response. My little homebody. 

2 close friends got awful news today and really this is hard. in spite of daily yoga, my shoulders and back are tight and painful most of the time. I listened to a podcast about the body while I ran and it talked about how we are all experiencing fight or flight right now, only we really can’t do either, so that can be detrimental to our health. I always experience stress in my shoulders and back and know this is why. Incidentally, my neck doesn’t hurt when i run. 🤷‍♀️ We are eating v healthy since we have time to make food and getting lots of exercise, but I think I can probably be more mindful and try to let things go. I just hate seeing people hurting and lonely and scared.