On Staying Home, And Going Out With Social Distancing.

To be honest I stopped counting the weeks and days of being quarantined. I don't even bother figuring out what day it is because frankly it doesn't even matter. As long as my children are healthy and home safe is all that matters. Being quarantined certainly has it's ups and downs, and for the first time since mid-March had a bit of a melt down. There was a lot of crying and a moment when we realized that this is not our family. This is not how we are. I don't want to turn this post into a religious one but Satan sure knows how to get under our skin. Luckily by the grace of God and how we strive to be as a parent and overall decent human being sat down and talked about how this pandemic is affecting our lives. We talked about finding ways not to allow it to affect us, and although it's understandable to have a breakdown it's even more important to talk about it and afterward have lots of hugs! 

I know staying home has been hard on the kids sometimes. It wasn't so bad in the beginning but not having their drama musicals or piano recitals this year has brought a damper to their mood. Luckily they're old enough to understand why and that we can hold our own recital at home. I know it won't be the same, but if we have a routine our days will be better. 

These sweet kids. Their worlds have literally been turned upside down. I know they miss their peeps at school and overall just venturing out, but they have been dealing with it the best way they can. There are days that are easy and days which are hard. Days in which we want to go outside and play all day. But then we walk by a nearby park and the yellow tape reminds us that there is in fact a global pandemic happening. As we look outside from our windows life may seem normal, but once I finally stepped outside I hardly see our normal joggers. I hear the birds louder than ever. I don't hear too many cars. And when the time comes to buy more groceries I see about 10 people in line standing six feet apart. It's surreal and eerie and not the way life should be. And when all of the stores shut down at 8pm on a Saturday reality kicks in, and I know that this pandemic is serious. 

Just because we feel great, and don't go out as much doesn't mean that we are exempt from this virus. We have been extra careful when we go out and to tell you the truth the only person that has gone out more than any of us has been me and Jon. Jon is an essential worker and so he has to be out there on the frontline delivering everyones packages. When we go to the city we practice social distancing, and sometimes capture moments from our car window. Believe me, we are extra careful when we go to New York. 

The kids can literally stay home all day and entertain themselves. Noah is a total homebody now. I don't know if it's boy thing but he can play all day with his legos, and airplanes. He even made his own game out of cardboard the other day and colored it. He's become pretty creative in his isolated time from the outside world. He loves to draw with his manikin by his side. He reads, and of course online school has become something of a norm to him. I don't even have to tell him what to do. He's become a pro with the Mac and already has a routine, and has been great at keeping it. 

Chelsea also keeps busy with online work and because she has a few honors classes can't help her! I'm smart but not a wiz when it comes to algebra so she's on her own! She is grateful for the friends who constantly check in on her, and to have that one on one time with them via zoom. She has even brought yoga back into her life. The last time she did yoga was when she was eight! 

Lexie is doing well. She has kept herself busy by volunteering at the Bishops storehouse. She works on jigsaw puzzles all day and when you put her together with her sibs they will do nothing but play boardgames or the piano. She has picked up her violin and started playing again. Being released from her mission wasn't easy, but she has adjusted well and even though her life is on hold until she can go back in the mission field life doesn't stop for her. She lives and finds time for the Lord through the scriptures and even has online church via zoom with other single adults. 

Life at home hasn't been that rough. Sure there are times when I have become a bit grumpy because of the fact that we can't take in spring in all her glory. We got used to seeing springtime in New York as well as the blossoms in D.C. but that will have to wait until next year. Granted we do have a bit of wiggle room in our apartment, and are lucky to live in the garden state where we can find secluded places to go for a walk, but we hardly have done that. Exercise videos, jumping jacks, sit-ups, and a jump rope for Noah have replaced our daily walks. 

My heart goes out to the people in NYC where most of the city lives in small spaces with kids and no backyard. Central Park is literally there back yard. I know a few people who are dealing with tiny living during this pandemic in the city and I am sure it has been tough. My heart goes out to them and to all those first responders who are living in the heart of it. Saving and risking their lives. Jon and I had the opportunity to witness the 7pm clapping and cheering from New Yorkers as a thank you to them last weekend and my heart was softened. NYC is a close knit people and I can attest to that. I know that this won't last long, and I hope that when this is all over we can view the world differently as well as our outlook on life, and ourselves. 

I captured a few moments of the kids doing various activities lately including making a thankful sign to those who are out risking their lives. It's mostly for all essential workers but because their dad is a UPS driver made it especially for those who deliver all kinds of essential/nonessential goodies! You can read that post here with the pictures I took of them with life lately at the Jorgensens! 

Take care and stay safe wherever you are!