Out of Hand: March 2020

7 Months of Supersonic

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Whats new:

I cut my bottom, front teeth.

I took four crawl "steps" in a row and climbed four stair steps.

I'm eating pureed everything but love banana mixes and whipped cream.

I mimic words like "Hi!" and occasionally wave.

Monday, March 30, 2020

I logged onto Facebook on Sunday and saw immediately two deaths and someone in critical condition from Covid-19. I've largely avoided the news except for the New York Times morning update (it's free right now). The reporting coverage of this virus would make one think that 80% of people aren't recovering. I am very concerned about contracting it -- or being a carrier. I am praying every day for the end of coronavirus, the healing of those who have it, and the salvation of those who've succumbed. I am social distancing. We are going out only for gas and groceries and remote weekend hikes. (And DH is handling most of that.) At some point, I need to hear stories about people who've recovered. I need to see people doing good instead of political rants. I need to count my blessings. I need to appreciate the present moment. In all of this, we've had enough food. In fact, we've been eating very well. We've been spending quality time with our kids. For these things, I'm very grateful.

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Today, I am grateful. Grateful for life, my family, my faith, for hope, for the U.S. Forest system leaving open the remote parks where people can keep 6' of space between them and others.

For mountain majesty:

I asked to take her picture:

She asked to take my picture:

Saturday, March 28, 2020

This coronavirus scare has me nostalgic. We are all vulnerable. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. So, I hope that the love we've shown our kids to date is enough to carry them through with grace and fidelity. There are few things as dear my heart as these people here. They are my heart.

Friday, March 27, 2020

From DH: Yesterday, I put Sweet Pea on a bike without training wheels. That immediately made the Engineer want to ride a bike without training wheels. About 20 minutes later, they were both riding a bike without training wheels. They still need some practice turning and the like, but will likely be proficient by the end of the weekend.

I Miss Haircuts

One of our first stops after this virus threat subsides will be the barber shop. Look at how handsome he is with a good haircut!

Thursday, March 26, 2020

These are the eyes he gives me when he says, "I want to give you a hug." He squeezes like a wrestler and says, "I want another chocolate."

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

The kids came up with this on their own.

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

I don't dare call this fully homeschooling because I didn't plan or prepare the curriculum or any of the materials. However, it is a lot more work than normal. I'm mostly enjoying the extra time with the kids. So much good will come out of this period. We are forced to think about what our real necessities are. The kids are talking to us more because they're not as exhausted after working hard all day at school. We are eating better and making more food from scratch.

The Eldest has a conference call with his teacher and class every morning at 8:30. They correct some of the previous day's work and prepare for the rest of the school day. He's enjoying seeing his friends. All the kids are happy to see each other.

Here are a few moments of diligence. It's still true that nothing happens without supervision at these ages. But here is proof that we got a few things done!

Homeschooling is exhausting.

Monday, March 23, 2020

We are all a little slow since we've been away from the school building; but he has been reading for a while. This stage is just so exciting!

Sunday, March 22, 2020

We are not sure what to make of this novel virus. However, we are following mandated social-distancing and staying at home as much as possible. It's easy to panic because so much of this situation is out of our control, misinformation is high, and we have a lot to lose. But I trust in Jesus and continue to pray that He keeps us safe.

Discovered by the Engineer.

It's been beautiful seeing dedicated priests bring Mass virtually (or in parking lots) and drive-through confession. We really miss regular worship, though it was much easier managing the kids at home. But, no Eucharist...

The kids need to get outside and get exercise. We've picked remote places where they can keep up their lung capacity and physical endurance. Here we are at the Silverado Trail.

One could see the Pacific from this spot.

Mr. Serious walked half way up the mountain. He was very proud of himself!

Carrying an extra 20 pound: baby + water.

Friday, March 20, 2020

I am fascinated by what her TK teacher thinks of to get them listening.

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Monday, March 16, 2020

Another trip to Joshua Tree was in order. "When I pick it up by the very end, it doesn't poke me!"

This was very tricky to remove:

Looking but not touching:

Phlegmatic one and choleric one. Soul mates.

He carried this 20-pound rock for a mile and was very upset that we didn't let him bring it home. "I'm soooo tired!" he said the rest of the trip. "I'm not surprised," we replied.

"Take a picture of us going 'rah' like bears and put it on Facebook."

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

"I made you a back-up lane with a crosswalk."

-Firstborn after I scratched the side of the car on the bushes. (One needs to back up straight, then veer to the right, then back to left because of the way the foliage encroaches into the drive.)

They tried it out with Supersonic.

Monday, March 9, 2020

Mom was flu-like last weekend. So Dad took the fabulous five to Joshua Tree by himself. Mr. Serious arrived at the summit and announced proudly, "Dad, I climbed a mountain!" They chose this over the ocean.