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There is somebody in this house who is OVER-JOYED that everyone is constantly home: the golden-doodle Cookie. She is getting so much attention.
Cookie and I have something in common, I like having all my people under one roof. If I feel my patience thinning, then *I* take a time out. Time out for me means laying down for a few minutes on my bed, maybe power-napping or maybe just enjoying a few minutes alone. If I give myself that time alone, then I’m ready to face everyone depending on me for pretty much everything. And they’re not going to stop depending on me any time soon, so it’s best that I get my mind settled about how I can handle this.
Parenting is an extra-big job right now.
These responsibilities fall on me normally, but everything is extra right now. Instead of the routines and places-to-be that give our days structure, now there is just vast open-ness.
My days during Covid-19 self-quarantine are now full of –
- constantly answering questions about anything, including but not limited to the hourly “how long will this last?” and “what’s for dinner?”
- helping my 1st grader with his school work.
- supporting my three teens with their school work.
- thinking about food and how to best feed my people and manage everyone’s constant need to eat.
- keeping kids and noise away from Matt while he is on his conference calls, while he works from home.
- trying to stay calm, cheerful, and consistent so my kids feel safe and life feels stable.
Matt is definitely sharing the load in his way, but we can all just be open about the fact that it is just different being the mom.
I don’t hate ALL of this.
I hate that some people are sick and have died. I hate to think of those who are worried and suffering. I’m annoyed that I can’t just run to the grocery store whenever I want for whatever I want.
But I do not hate being stuck at home with my family.
I am an introvert and I love being at home. I was built for this! It feels like the easy-going nature of summer mixed with ZERO pressure to “get out and do something fun.”
I am in my element with art at home and creative ideas for PE. So far this week we’ve created Monster Sculptures with Play-Doh.
I’ve also had my kids run a mile and do some yardwork for PE. I may be on a power trip in my new role as PE teacher. š
Test Results Came Back
Yesterday was such a weird time to finally get some test results back from a few weeks ago. Just like my daughter, I also need to eat gluten-free. Ugh. The results of the genetic test are not surprising considering my daughter’s extreme reactions to it.
I already make all of our dinners and deserts gluten free to support my daughter. Also, all of our sauces, condiments, cereals, and baking mixes are gluten free. But, I still find a way to get gluten regularly when I’m alone or with friends. I still manage to get plenty of gluten in my life during lunches and date nights.
I can’t help feeling a little sorry for myself, but I know my transition to gluten-free will be easier than my daughters transition! This week is just a weird time to find out.
Peace in the Chaos
I credit my faith to why I don’t feel chaotic in this chaos. God can turn this mess into something beautiful. Imagine all of the families, including mine, out there spending so much time together and re-connecting. We’re all being reminded what is most important. I feel peace knowing that everything that is most important to me is safe within these walls.
We are getting in so much good family time. Not a day has gone by in the last week when we haven’t eaten all our meals together, gone for a walk, and played board games together, including this one. We are making so many good memories.
Oddly enough, I also feel connected to my community during social distancing. Yesterday everyone had Shamrock’s on their doors so kids could walk by and see all the different ones.
Spring Cleaning Info coming soon! Keep decluttering!
If you missed it in the newsletter, I’m delaying Spring Cleaning news until I finish tweaking the plan to better consider current reality. The focus is shifting a bit, but doing anything else doesn’t make sense to me right now!
In the mean time, just keep decluttering. Don’t despair, just stay on task. If you missed some days while you’re adjusting to our temporary normal, just jump back in whenever you can.
From my home to yours,
Mary
Jill says
Thanks for sharing. I always check your blog when I need inspiration or just a little motivation. I always find it great to read! I am going to find ways to enjoy these days with my family. Even if the school work of teaching my 4 kids at home for 6 hours a day is overwhelming …