Monday, we picked up new work packets for Caroline & Miriam and dropped off the work they completed last week. The teachers themselves passed out packets, so they encouraged students to come during the hour their grade level teachers would be passing out work. Because of the way the times were scheduled, I drove Caroline and Miriam together right at the end of the kindergarten time slot and the beginning of the second grade hour. The girls were so excited to see their teachers, even if all they did was hand work packets through the car windows.
We're doing really well all things considered, but I may have teared up a bit driving up through the pickup line. The teachers were outside ringing bells and other music room instruments while they danced to music that was playing. The front of the school was decorated with "We Miss You" signs. I really love our school. I hadn't realized how much I missed it until we were there waving hello to our hardworking teachers!
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Monday, March 30, 2020
Days 13 & 14 (the second "weekend")
Caroline made a King Cobra. It was perfect weather again. My new glasses arrived. Pretty much everything was wonderful!
By Sunday night, however, perfect had swung back on the pendulum to "if we don't get some space from each other we will all snap," so clearly we're working in chunks of a few hours instead of a few days when it comes to mood. I was neck-deep in Calculus work, Caroline wasn't feeling well and was taking it out on Miriam, Jonah smashed his finger, and my dinner was completely unsatisfying. Some days are like that, though, even in Australia.
By Sunday night, however, perfect had swung back on the pendulum to "if we don't get some space from each other we will all snap," so clearly we're working in chunks of a few hours instead of a few days when it comes to mood. I was neck-deep in Calculus work, Caroline wasn't feeling well and was taking it out on Miriam, Jonah smashed his finger, and my dinner was completely unsatisfying. Some days are like that, though, even in Australia.
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Day 12
Ah, Friday was a much better day. I had less homework to do, to start, which allowed me to be more present. Then, Aunt Teri came over (which is always a joy) and Josh and I left the house! All we did was pick up dinner, but it was fun to be out and to be together. The weather was perfect, so we all spent as much time outside (dogs included) as we could.
The weather has lured me into a false sense of spring, even though our usual last freeze date is somewhere toward the end of April. I went ahead and planted the jalapeño tree and a few tomatoes with optimism, knowing that I will definitely need to cover them and may need to replace them altogether (except the jalapeño tree, of course, which is not so easily replaced).
The weather has lured me into a false sense of spring, even though our usual last freeze date is somewhere toward the end of April. I went ahead and planted the jalapeño tree and a few tomatoes with optimism, knowing that I will definitely need to cover them and may need to replace them altogether (except the jalapeño tree, of course, which is not so easily replaced).
Friday, March 27, 2020
Day 11
This was today:
We return to our regular-scheduled quarantine programming as soon as I get caught up on this backlog of school work that is supposed to be happening at the same time as home-schooling, house cleaning, children nurturing, and surface sanitizing.
We return to our regular-scheduled quarantine programming as soon as I get caught up on this backlog of school work that is supposed to be happening at the same time as home-schooling, house cleaning, children nurturing, and surface sanitizing.
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Day 10
It did not get better. Caroline spent most of Tuesday night awake and in pain. One virtual doctor's visit later (and my, did that young doctor look tired) and we were armed with a prescription and a course of action. Josh sent me to bed around 2 and did the overnight watch and 8am doctor's visit with Caroline.
Grandparents everywhere, you can stop worrying now. By the time she got back from the doctor and had a few doses of her antibiotic, Caroline was feeling much better.
It did mean that yesterday was pretty much wasted on Josh and me, but the kids did manage to get some schoolwork done (Caroline excluded, of course) and we cut the grass. Today (Day 11) will need to be "Kim's Day of All Schoolwork" as I have a test in Calculus and two other math assignments due (not to mention an online stats class that meets in the middle of the day), but by the end of it, we will have survived two weeks of working and schooling from home without Josh losing his job, my grades suffering too badly, or the kids' brains rotting to mush. Success!
Grandparents everywhere, you can stop worrying now. By the time she got back from the doctor and had a few doses of her antibiotic, Caroline was feeling much better.
It did mean that yesterday was pretty much wasted on Josh and me, but the kids did manage to get some schoolwork done (Caroline excluded, of course) and we cut the grass. Today (Day 11) will need to be "Kim's Day of All Schoolwork" as I have a test in Calculus and two other math assignments due (not to mention an online stats class that meets in the middle of the day), but by the end of it, we will have survived two weeks of working and schooling from home without Josh losing his job, my grades suffering too badly, or the kids' brains rotting to mush. Success!
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Day 9
Super Bounce (TM) was a huge success. Yes, the game ended in tears, but only after we'd played four or five rounds, so there were many more laughs before the sad ending. Lunch Doodles with Mo have really picked up steam as they've gone on. We are also fairly certain his wife is doing the filming. There was some question early on and Jonah and I have been trying to suss out clues ever since.
The first day of my new self-imposed regimen went well: school/games with the kids until lunch and my own homework in the afternoon with the only news checking happening between lunch and my own school time. By the end of the day, my eyes still hurt from all the screens (this virtual learning is no joke), but it didn't set in until after dinner. I took a brief walk before the rain really started coming down and I'm calling today a success.
Caroline has a painful sore and bump on her knee that we are really hoping will clear up so we don't have to brave medical care right now, but we'll check it again in the morning and make a decision then. It seemed like it was getting better until today; it was bothering her more this afternoon than it has been recently and is looking rather gnarly.
In lighter news, Josh just asked me if we have plans Thursday at 5pm (he's planning an online study session, I think). We both looked over at the calendar and then laughed. We have no plans at all for the next 2 months, so I think 5pm on Thursday should work.
The first day of my new self-imposed regimen went well: school/games with the kids until lunch and my own homework in the afternoon with the only news checking happening between lunch and my own school time. By the end of the day, my eyes still hurt from all the screens (this virtual learning is no joke), but it didn't set in until after dinner. I took a brief walk before the rain really started coming down and I'm calling today a success.
Caroline has a painful sore and bump on her knee that we are really hoping will clear up so we don't have to brave medical care right now, but we'll check it again in the morning and make a decision then. It seemed like it was getting better until today; it was bothering her more this afternoon than it has been recently and is looking rather gnarly.
In lighter news, Josh just asked me if we have plans Thursday at 5pm (he's planning an online study session, I think). We both looked over at the calendar and then laughed. We have no plans at all for the next 2 months, so I think 5pm on Thursday should work.
Monday, March 23, 2020
Day 8
The hardest part about being home all the time is that when the kids are tired or fighting or not feeling well, sending them to their rooms is no different than just any other day. Usually, I assume they're feeling worn down from being too busy or not being home enough, but since neither of those apply these days, I've been sending them outside instead. Today, of course, is cold and rainy, so kicking grumpy children outside is less appealing than it was a few days ago.
Fortunately, all three girls in the house (myself included) took long naps this afternoon. Hopefully that will reset us all and we can start tomorrow with the vim and vigor we had last week. Jonah, in the meantime, enjoyed distance learning with his dog. Vexorg is going to be very well educated by the time we end this period of social distancing.
Fortunately, all three girls in the house (myself included) took long naps this afternoon. Hopefully that will reset us all and we can start tomorrow with the vim and vigor we had last week. Jonah, in the meantime, enjoyed distance learning with his dog. Vexorg is going to be very well educated by the time we end this period of social distancing.
Sunday, March 22, 2020
Days 6-7 (aka the 1st "weekend")
Yesterday, Jonah was bothered by my plans for the day because he didn't want to spend his Saturday like that...never mind that pretty much every day is Saturday right now.
On the real Saturday, Miriam made breakfast for everyone. Caroline and Jonah did not want her breakfast (sad day for them), so she ate Caroline's and I ate Jonah's. Sure, the bread wasn't toasted so the butter just sat on top and the cinnamon sugar was just dumped in the middle, but there was plenty of both and the table was set carefully with individual notes wishing us a fabulous day. It doesn't get much better than that!
Fake church (as the girls call it) was very meaningful today, even if it only lasted about 20 minutes (especially because it only last 20 minutes?). Jonah was so proud of the sacrament tray he rigged up and we discovered that it's hard to find a version of How Great Thou Art to sing along with (too many fancy solos and not enough even timing).
I'm feeling a little bit weird, probably because I haven't been outside much, so starting tonight, the after-dinner walk is making an appearance. Spring is blooming all around us, even if it only 48 outside today, so there should be plenty to see and enjoy.
On the real Saturday, Miriam made breakfast for everyone. Caroline and Jonah did not want her breakfast (sad day for them), so she ate Caroline's and I ate Jonah's. Sure, the bread wasn't toasted so the butter just sat on top and the cinnamon sugar was just dumped in the middle, but there was plenty of both and the table was set carefully with individual notes wishing us a fabulous day. It doesn't get much better than that!
Fake church (as the girls call it) was very meaningful today, even if it only lasted about 20 minutes (especially because it only last 20 minutes?). Jonah was so proud of the sacrament tray he rigged up and we discovered that it's hard to find a version of How Great Thou Art to sing along with (too many fancy solos and not enough even timing).
I'm feeling a little bit weird, probably because I haven't been outside much, so starting tonight, the after-dinner walk is making an appearance. Spring is blooming all around us, even if it only 48 outside today, so there should be plenty to see and enjoy.
Saturday, March 21, 2020
Day 5
We've had our first shortage: dishwasher detergent. I've got about a week's worth of soap left before I'll be washing dishes by hand. I can't decide which is worse: washing dishes by hand or waiting in line to go inside the store. I'm thinking I'll wash dishes by hand!
I'm finding myself spending a lot more time calling people than normal, but not as much time reading as I thought. Apparently I need less quiet distraction and more interpersonal interaction. The children are happy and productive. Josh is plugging along on his classes. It's just me who seems daunted by the prospect of summer vacation starting mid-March.
I'm finding myself spending a lot more time calling people than normal, but not as much time reading as I thought. Apparently I need less quiet distraction and more interpersonal interaction. The children are happy and productive. Josh is plugging along on his classes. It's just me who seems daunted by the prospect of summer vacation starting mid-March.
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Day 4
Some homeschool math for you today:
cat + glasses on the counter = glasses on the floor
glasses on the floor + dog = broken glasses
broken glasses + worsening nearsightedness = no driving
Oh, Vex.
In other news, I learned today that billion historically had a different meaning and that many countries use commas and periods in the exact opposite way we do when it comes to numbers: $1.999,99 instead of $1,999.99 for example.
Other than a few minutes after dinner when one child supposedly threw a tube of toothpaste at another child, today has been really pleasant. All three kids were eager to get into the schoolwork from their teachers (two on paper and one online). Miriam and I watched "W is the letter of the day" on Sesame Street and she was so disappointed that "wolf" was never one of the words. Caroline made grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch (with just the smallest assistance from me) and Jonah finally gave up asking if he could skip piano practice. If we keep up this social distancing, he'll run out of music!*
*See my earlier post on all the music family members send him.
cat + glasses on the counter = glasses on the floor
glasses on the floor + dog = broken glasses
broken glasses + worsening nearsightedness = no driving
Oh, Vex.
In other news, I learned today that billion historically had a different meaning and that many countries use commas and periods in the exact opposite way we do when it comes to numbers: $1.999,99 instead of $1,999.99 for example.
Other than a few minutes after dinner when one child supposedly threw a tube of toothpaste at another child, today has been really pleasant. All three kids were eager to get into the schoolwork from their teachers (two on paper and one online). Miriam and I watched "W is the letter of the day" on Sesame Street and she was so disappointed that "wolf" was never one of the words. Caroline made grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch (with just the smallest assistance from me) and Jonah finally gave up asking if he could skip piano practice. If we keep up this social distancing, he'll run out of music!*
*See my earlier post on all the music family members send him.
Day 3
I had a math test to take today, so I gave the kids the option to swap today and Saturday as far as daily responsibilities go. Only Caroline took me up on the offer, so she's busy doing chores and having a dance party in the basement.* Jonah ran school for Miriam and did his own work on top of it, so he basically deserves a prize.
Then, in the afternoon, he caught a snake. It was pretty much a great day for him.
After the test, we cut the grass and played outside in the beautiful spring weather, knowing full well it's going to rain and cool off again this weekend. This quarantine would be a lot different without our big yard and forest to play in. I'll keep telling myself that next time I bemoan the long drive to town.
*Yes, she is the same child who cried when we had a dance party yesterday. Life is weird.
Then, in the afternoon, he caught a snake. It was pretty much a great day for him.
After the test, we cut the grass and played outside in the beautiful spring weather, knowing full well it's going to rain and cool off again this weekend. This quarantine would be a lot different without our big yard and forest to play in. I'll keep telling myself that next time I bemoan the long drive to town.
*Yes, she is the same child who cried when we had a dance party yesterday. Life is weird.
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Day 2
Spirits are still high, despite the debacle of a green smoothie that tasted like grass (as opposed to tasting like a piña colada, which is what the internet claimed). So far today, we learned that hippos don't swim and that Mo Willem's lunch doodles are a bit slower than the kids anticipated. Here's hoping tomorrow's is a little more upbeat.
We had a dance party to start off the morning and I snuck in a 30-minute nap before dinner, so we are all going to survive for another day.
We had a dance party to start off the morning and I snuck in a 30-minute nap before dinner, so we are all going to survive for another day.
Monday, March 16, 2020
Day 1
It's been a while since I last homeschooled my children (just under 2 years, actually), and I'm a little rusty. The actual homing and schooling went great, but now I am BEAT. I'm also remembering that as a person who benefits from some alone time each day, I can't just power through every break in order to get more done.You'd better believe I'm taking my own after-lunch rest tomrrow.
That said, we had a great time. Spirits were high and Miriam was ECSTATIC since she feels quite left out that she was never homeschooled. Thank you, rampant virus, for giving this baby the chance to do some school at home with mom.
Today, all we did was use some of the curriculum and supplies I had on hand from homeschooling previously, but I am dusting off my research chops and looking for a few new ideas. Many companies and people are putting together at-home resources for families, and here are my favorite so far:
1. Lunch doodles with Mo Willems
2. Deep Space Sparkle's emergency art kit
3. Cincinnati Zoo home safari
Tomorrow I'm having the kids propose their own daily schedules. Stay tuned for their (maybe outrageous) plans!
That said, we had a great time. Spirits were high and Miriam was ECSTATIC since she feels quite left out that she was never homeschooled. Thank you, rampant virus, for giving this baby the chance to do some school at home with mom.
Today, all we did was use some of the curriculum and supplies I had on hand from homeschooling previously, but I am dusting off my research chops and looking for a few new ideas. Many companies and people are putting together at-home resources for families, and here are my favorite so far:
1. Lunch doodles with Mo Willems
2. Deep Space Sparkle's emergency art kit
3. Cincinnati Zoo home safari
Tomorrow I'm having the kids propose their own daily schedules. Stay tuned for their (maybe outrageous) plans!
Thursday, March 5, 2020
the children today, in quotes
Jonah: Just because I play the piano, people keep giving me books of music for gifts! Why??
(Should I tell him it's because I always tell them to when they ask?)
-----
Caroline: Everyone in my class always comes up and asks me for help. Sometimes they don't even ask Mrs. Hoyle, they just come ask me instead.
Me: How does that make you feel?
Caroline: Well if I'm reading a good book, it makes me feel crowded. Most of the time it makes me feel good, though.
-----
Miriam: Here are my favorite animals, in order: hyena, wolf, horses, coyote, jackal, shark, mosquitoes, ants, and lions. Oh, and whichever snake is the deadliest.
(Should I tell him it's because I always tell them to when they ask?)
-----
Caroline: Everyone in my class always comes up and asks me for help. Sometimes they don't even ask Mrs. Hoyle, they just come ask me instead.
Me: How does that make you feel?
Caroline: Well if I'm reading a good book, it makes me feel crowded. Most of the time it makes me feel good, though.
-----
Miriam: Here are my favorite animals, in order: hyena, wolf, horses, coyote, jackal, shark, mosquitoes, ants, and lions. Oh, and whichever snake is the deadliest.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)