Never ending spring break

 It feels like forever even though it’s only been a few days. I think it’s because of the uncertainty, the regular updates of doom and gloom, and the lack of stuff to do.

We were out of printer ink so Grace, Sierra and I went to Staples. We were the only shoppers. Most of the stores were closed so we walked around and window shopped. Crazy!

Utah had an earthquake. There was some damage. Val said several gas stations were closed because of breaks in the gas lines. The airport is also closed. The air traffic control tower has been damaged and there are water leaks in the terminals. I would have been flying tomorrow so it’s good that I didn’t go. Word is that Pres. Trump is going to close down all domestic flights on Friday.

I wanted to do something to serve in my calling. I made little “Wednesday night activity kits” and dropped them off to the girls (keeping a safe distance of course). I wasn’t able to see everyone; a couple weren’t home and a few are out of town. I did see 10 girls. They were all happy to get a treat. I wrote them a letter sharing optimism for the future. I also shared a link to a talk by Noelle Pinkus Pace about making a bucket list to help you achieve your goals and to become who you really want to be. They got a piece of colored card stock to write their own bucket list on, a bag of jelly beans and chocolates, and a tiny fun sized play dough for stress relief. As I visited with the moms and dads who were also home we each expressed our concerns for the economy, for the health of our parents, for schools closing and how to take care of our children in an uncertain world.

What will tomorrow bring?

No one knows but God. And he’s in charge so we need to trust him and know that all things are for our good. 

SB 4-5

Yesterday we called the DMV who told us we could come in, the walk in time was about 40 minutes. In Florida you do drivers ed online and take the test online and then you go pick your permit up. When we got there they closed the stand by line and were only taking appointments. So we made an appointment and came back today. Our wait was about 1 minute and then we were at the window getting Grace’s drivers permit. In one year and one day she can get her license! Whoo hoo! 

Other than that we’ve been mostly just staying home. I’ve gone to the store to look for toilet paper each day. No go. We still have maybe two weeks worth since I never really let our supply get low, and we have Kleenex and paper towels for after that if needed (hopefully not). Who would have ever thought this would be life?

We’ve been watching movies, playing games, doing puzzles, reading books, walking the dogs, cooking, FaceTiming.

Today is St Patrick’s day. I wore my Celtic hairpin. We are having corned beef and cabbage, lucky charm “Rice Krispie” treats and potatoes for dinner.

SB3

Sunday with no church. So so strange.

Ethan bested everyone at Chickapig.

I FaceTimed everyone.

We walked the dogs.

We made a delicious dinner, including pie which I forgot to make yesterday for pi day.

Grace deep cleaned her room.

We watched the Avengers.

I had a video meeting for ward conference. 

The sister missionaries happened by and we invited them in. They were able to take the sacrament with us and leave us a beautiful thought. 

It is sunny and beautiful outside, you would never guess the world was upside down. 

SB2

Val and Ryan are back from their cruise. We met them and went to lunch at Yellow Dog Eats. Then we went to DS and enjoyed the sights. Super fun to see them.

Grace went to her friend Isabella’s bday party and tonight Ethan went to the Roddy’s. Business as usual? Kind of, but also with a surreal undertone that makes everything feel fragile and fleeting.

Spring break day 1

I woke up late and my first thought was “I should go to the temple today”. So I showered and dressed, told the kids good morning and then went.

I got there a little too late for the session I was targeting so I did some initiatories. My names happened to be some sisters from France who lived in the 1600’s so that was fun. Then I stayed for an endowment. It was sweet to go and feel the spirit. I felt particularly grateful in the face of church closures and global pandemic panic to be able to worship, and to be so strengthened.

Later in the afternoon I learned that on Monday temples will only be open for live ordinances. 

After I went to Walmart, where it looked like we were in the middle of an apocalypse. So many shelves were empty and the lines we super long.

Parable of the 10 virgins anyone??

Grace went to Kaylynn’s birthday and had a fun time!

Rob and I went to Epcot between when we dropped her off and picked her up. 

We had time for 2 rides, dinner, and the fireworks show. 

Then we came home and had family scripture and prayer. (Spiritual toilet paper)

There’s that then

Well, the world is officially upside down and sideways. Disney is closed. The MTC and MBA and MLB and schools, churches, and so on and so forth are closed or closing. We will not have church OR any gatherings for at least two weeks. It feels so ominous and strange. Truth is I am not particularly worried about getting the virus and dying from it but the disruption to our lives and finances and routines is crazy.
People are also panicking and buying the shelves out.
I cancelled my flights to Utah, which I am simultaneously so so sad and a little relieved about. I wanted to go and spend time with the kids and grands and SIL’s and mom and dad and all the family but I was beginning to feel stressed about leaving Grace and Ethan here. I am still their full time
Mom even if they are almost grown.

So we will enjoy quiet time at home, I have some projects to work on.  Some TV to watch, some books to finally get to. We will probably go to the beach. We will pray and study and worship as a family. We will FaceTime. We will walk the dogs and Ethan will play ball. Grace has a couple parties to go to that aren’t cancelled yet and as she has spent 12 hours a day with these kids for the last 9 months I don’t suppose it will hurt anything to keep on. This week alone they have had 4+ hours each day after the regular 7 school day hours together for leadership camp.

I guess we will see. Last week I would never have thought that this week would unfold the way it has so no telling what tomorrow will bring.

Nana and Abba are slowly making their way state side. I hope they have safe, smooth and healthy travels and that we can put our minds at ease over their travels.

Virus

I am sitting at the dentist office right now. Ethan is having his pre-mission dental appointment. I can’t believe how quickly the days are flying by. Today the church announced that because of the corona virus no one will be able to go to the conference center for general conference. It will be broadcast but woah that’s different. Especially since last conference it was announced that this one would be historic and unlike any previous as we commemorate the 200th anniversary of the first vision. Also they announced that, for now, new missionaries will be doing their training online instead of at the MTC. Also because of the virus. This is not good news, how weird is that. I really want Bub to have the MTC experience. This crazy virus has reached pandemic status and people are in a frenzy buying up toilet paper and bottled water. I’m not sure why. Will our water faucets not work? We live in an alarming world. I am grateful for the peace Jesus Christ brings into the lives of His followers.

Work is crazy. I have a stack of work that grows quicker than I can get it done. It’s okay though. I’m not bored.

Yesterday Sierra and I went to DS

Grace has had band leadership camp every afternoon this week.

Ethan has been sick, flu like symptoms but he’s doing mostly fine. He stayed home from school a couple of days.

Tonight for mutual we met up with the lake Cresent ward and the Avalon ward and the lake butler ward and cleaned at the school. It was a thank you for letting us use the building for seminary.