A New Normal

The kids are working on school, piano practice, and finding ways to stay busy. The snow has all but melted off of the roads and so we have taken our bikes out in the neighborhood for some epic rides. Connor especially has been asking to go on the most rides when it isn't raining. We brought out the sidewalk chalk and decorated our driveway. It was really surprising that all the work we did to keep the driveway clear, even though we weren't always successful, the snow still melted around the same time as everyone else.

We had our first Sunday school lesson with some friends from church and it was good to see those people who joined in and to talk about how things are going. Some technical issues at the beginning but we made it through.

Some observations from the 6 weeks we've been at home:

Cael has been the hardest to cooperate with the social distancing measures from the beginning. As with all teenagers, he decided what he wanted to do and would disregard all other advice and recommendations. He did create a family chore chart with a weekly rotation that has been helpful in getting everyone to cooperate because they know what they are supposed to do. I am still involved in helping the little kids with their work, but for the most part they are doing in on their own. Without any "responsibilities" and he doesn't have any real work from school. The school district decided that any work that was turned it could help their grade, but would not be "graded" in an official sense.

Brecon somehow finds ways to wander around the house "looking busy" and he completes most assignments and is cheerful to be around, except when he isn't. However, for multiple step process project or assignments from school, he doesn't finish the work because he shuts down. We've had to make adjustments with what electronic/internet devices he can use because of some issues-- and we are hoping that he can stay focused on his goals and make good choices for himself. He does a good job entertaining and chasing after Cannon, tickling and making loud noises.

Connor is the hardest worker with the best attitude, usually done with all of his piano and homework before the other kids have gotten out of bed. I have really appreciated his helpfulness and good nature. He is appreciative and says "thank you for dinner" (or whatever meal we are eating.. sometimes I feel like we are eating all day). We did have a moment last week when he took a math test and got a 60 %. What had happened was he became frustrated with the work and would just click through the practice problems without practicing them. When the test came he really didn't understand how to solve the work and thus the poor score. Ben and I went through some more problems with him and he was able to retake the test with a much better score.

Brielle is creative and loves to draw and color. She has been watching tutorials on YouTube and shows me her final pieces and they look pretty great. We are trying to help her with math and knowing the math facts a little faster, but she begins to stress and get all worked up with the "race the teacher" portion comes on. I've started reading to the kids in the morning- they are quiet (or sleeping) but I've found it is the best time. Brielle requested Pippi Longstocking and we are both getting a kick out of what a silly girl she is.

Cannon has been happy to have his siblings home to play with. When we first had everyone home I charged up our amazon fire tablets and Cannon had the oldest and worst one that he would use, however, I began to notice some anger and frustrations from this little guy-- so I had take his away and after his initial ANGRY ELF... has been doing much better. He and Brielle are doing all sorts or playing and having fun creating and making messes. He especially loved the beds on the stairs and the hours of sledding, jumping, and climbing on them was worth the mess.