Author: Kristel

This spring we settled in to remote learning. Hayley became an independent, motivated learner and adapted well to school via the internet. RJ was not very interested in class video conferences, but was willing to do school work at home. While he is growing in all subjects, he amazes us with his understanding of math concepts that are grades ahead. Our lives are simple yet full.

George Floyd’s death ignited discussions of white privilege, institutional racism and discrimination of the criminal justice system towards people of color. We hope this revolution leads to change.

While it has been challenging to be confined, some positive things have emerged this month. Our children have grown closer than ever to one another and have developed a new sense of independence. We’ve had time to complete non-urgent projects and further customize our home and yard. We’ve become more flexible and better able to let go things of beyond our control. I wonder what ripple effects will result from this pandemic.

We took a few days to adjust back to “school” after being on “spring break”. A new trampoline was amazing for energy management! Without the wiggles the kids were able to focus on their school work. We celebrated Easter with an egg hunt and easter baskets. We were happy to have zoom family chats but would have preferred to see everyone in person.

What an uneventful spring break. Instead of traveling to San Diego, we stayed home and worked while the kids played. Thankfully we had great weather so they were outside most of the day and they played together beautifully. We are settling in to this strange new reality.

After struggling to get our own work done and home-school the kids, we hired help. We are settling into this new routine and adjusting to our home based lives. Aside from school and work, we did art projects, baking projects, played outside and went for walks around the neighborhood.

We survived our first week of home-schooling while also “working” from home. The teachers provided excellent communication, lesson plans, songs, riddles and support. The kids did school work each morning (with guidance), had outdoor time, a special project and free time each day. They are adjusting fairly well to the change in routine. We are having a harder time maintaining life/children/work balance. We hope you are all well!

It’s the first weekend of official social distancing here. We created a list of activities, mapped out our school day schedule (the teachers sent home work and are in contact electronically), stocked up on groceries and cleaned the house. We even had time to take care of a few home improvement projects that have been on our to-do list for a while.

With so much uncertainty about the future, we are trying to maintain a calm, structured home environment and take advantage of extra family time. The kids seem unfazed by everything so far!

I often hear remarks about how kids don’t grow up “like we used to” because of technology and screens. While we embrace technology, our kids love playing in the dirt, climbing trees and dressing up. They have spontaneous bike races with neighbor kids and impromptu meet ups at the park. Kids are kids.

Talia turned one! Each week brings a new skill or development and it’s fun to watch her grow.

Finally, after 12 years at the same job, I made a big life change and switched to a clinical teaching position. So far I’m thrilled with the new work and schedule. Life is good!

We stuffed the car and sky box full of groceries, snow gear, kids and our big black dog to drive up the hill. It was sunny and warm, so the snow was crusty and slushy. The snow quality didn’t really matter because we had a great weekend in nature with friends.