I've always enjoyed doing "A day in the life" post each year. It's so interesting to look back on how our routines and days have changed over the years. This years looks quite different as Sean is back travelling for work, today was our first day back at school after spring break, and it is the year of the Covid 19 pandemic.
My day usually starts around 6. I don't set an alarm unless I'm on a time crunch as I tend to wake up early regardless. I spend some time reading my bible, doing a study and praying. And coffee. Always coffee.
I go out for my run around 7. Aiden decides to join me this morning on his scooter. We were racing the rain. It was a quiet run but the birds were chirping away and the weather was mild.
Blurry picture due to extremely fast speeds:)
Took Buddy for a loop around the dog park after our run.
Toby was waiting for us when we returned. This cat is desperate to get outside.
He has even figured out how to take matters into his own hands! We have to be vigilant to keep the front door locked. Not so much in concern for the cat getting out, but for allowing Buddy to escape too.
I come home and the kids are starting to wake. I make breakfast, toast, smoothies and rice pudding.
After breakfast and devotions with the kids, we get started on school. This process can usually be completed by lunch. Today, even though I assigned less work than usual as we are getting back into routine, it took longer.
Alex practicing his violin and he Face Timed Nanee to give her a birthday concert. After he played, the others each played a piano song for her.
I sent Aiden outside to blow out the driveway as we could hear the street sweepers coming. Just after he finished, it began to downpour outside. Toby has never seen rain and spent his time trying to hunt down the rain drops.
After lunch, the boys wanted to set up a solar powered car.
We will be starting online piano lessons on Wednesday so Jordan's teacher sent him some review homework to be emailed back before lessons. He completed it so quickly that she has sent him additional work to complete.
Homeschool is messy business.
There is always a clean up involved once studies are completed.
The kids are in charge of making their own lunches. This is the best decision I made this school year! I was spending so much time in the kitchen that it was cutting into our school days. There are a list of parameters they need to follow in making lunch but it gives them the freedom to make what they want and to eat when they want as well.
Toby enjoying the sun that has begun peeking out.
After school there is some free time. The boys are listening to Adventures in Odyssey. Due to the quarantine, we are getting 28 free days and they have spent hours listening each day. Caileigh is using a free trial to take online guitar lessons and is working on that during this time. Aiden has gone out for a scooter ride. He requires great amounts of physical movement each day. Mikayla is talking to Juniper on Skype.
After everyone enjoyed some free time, we went out for a drive which has become a big event during this time. I was able to drop off a scarf at the seniors home as one of the residents is having a birthday. I don't consider myself a knitter yet I have knit 5 scarves so far during the quarantine. I had to pick up a prescription for my mom at Safeway (kids stayed in the car) and was able to see all the protocols that are in place. There was someone standing at the door to squirt your hands with sanitizer and circles on the floor to mark where you need to stand while waiting in lines. The store was strangely quiet. I also pick up a collar for Toby so we can attach his ID and safely let him outside. We drop off the prescription on my my mom's doorstep and say hello from a far distance.
After arriving home, we let Toby out for his first independent outing. He loves it!
Caileigh gives the boys a guitar demonstration while they enjoy a snack.
I practice the pipes. We have our first online Pipeband practice on Thursday so I'm back to daily practicing. I was sick for several weeks so it made it very difficult to practice and the pipes are an instrument that you lose very quickly.
The weather has turned glorious. I round up the kids and we take our daily walk. Some scooter, some walk and often they ride bikes.
When we get home it's time for the kids to do their chores. We've been using the same system for nearly two years and it's been the most effective. The house is broken into five parts and the kids each have an area that they clean and it rotates every 5-6 days. It's all written on a chart so I don't have to think about it.
(Mikayla does not usually smile when cleaning the bathrooms but she knew I was taking a picture)
After dinner the kids are allowed to watch TV if their chores are completed and their rooms are clean.
Pre-quarantine, the kids weren't allowed TV during the school week. They are usually off at their evening events. Monday nights we are usually at Pipband practice from 6-8pm.
Aiden goes for another scooter ride and Mikayla and I sit down to watch a mystery movie together. Toby comes inside and is exhausted after several hours exploring outside.
We enjoy a quiet evening at home.
There is much that has remained the same for us during this time. I'm so thankful for His strength and peace during this time. I pray for others who are struggling with many changes and hardships.
