Connection Time (because we're still at home)

Happy Friday! 

Can I confess something to you? 

I have learned so much the past 5 weeks of Shelter-In-Place and that is grace is mandatory.  Things are not the same and sometimes we just need a good cry because staying at home and not doing a lot of those things that bring joy and fuel your life is hard.  I am a 7 on the enneagram and some days are a struggle.  I miss the trips that were planned and planning for our summer adventure (which is most definitely postponed due to some things possibly not opening up).  I miss going to Target and this Holderness video is exactly how I feel. . . who's with me? 

However, while in some ways my heart is heavy with sadness of being trapped in my house, it is also filled with great joy to have this extra time with the boys at home and not an ounce of busyness.  Last night, while my husband was on a zoom meeting, the boys and I took off on an evening bike ride.  There were soooo many kids out riding their bikes, walking their dogs, and just outside in their front yards.  Can I just tell you that for about 15 minutes last night, I felt like we had gone back in time to when I was a kid.  I think that one of the coolest thing that has come out of this life of quarantine is our kids are able to be just that. . . kids.  We might even get to know our neighbors from 6 feet away because all of a sudden we are all outside. 

My husband sets up our outdoor movie screen (something that we had planned months ago to invite our friends to <insert sad face here>), we are doing it as a family.  Bring on a take out dinner supporting a local favorite and outdoor movie night.  In the meantime, I am going to try to get this Friday post finished.  I hope that you all are surviving.  I know that kids are home, you might be home - not working or working from home and now homeschooling.  Things are different.  There are worries and burdens and the struggle is real for everybody.  But, I hope that as you read this, you are encouraged, and feel a warm hug. . . because you are not alone.  The song from High School Musical. . . "We're All In This Together" really seems quite fitting for right now.  Because, yes, your story is different from mine, but your need for connection and productivity is the same.  Let's come together and check on our friends, whether or not via text  or a snail mail card (you can get some free ones right now through Hallmark!) or make a zoom coffee date! 

If you are new to the blog, which I know some of you are, here's how these connection posts work.  I have a series of prompts that I answer and then I let you guys answer some or all or even just one in the comments below, on my facebook, and even my instagram.  Let's chat! 

Outside my window. . . well, I am currently outside on my patio table typing this post because even though it is 85 degrees, there is a soft breeze and shade.  If I close my eyes, I pretend I am at the beach (probably some serious wishful thinking on my part, but it's quarantine. . .ha ha).  My amaryllis that I planted 3 years ago in bloomed 2 beautiful flowers.  The yard games are out and the outdoor movie screen has been set up for our little family movie night. 

I am thinking that today was a bit hard.  There was a way too much whining from my boys today as they finished up school work and I just felt so much angst.  Thankfully, I ran away and grabbed my Friday treat and it was the best 15 minutes of my day! 

From the kitchen we baked these chocolate chip cookies for the 4th time since we were quarantined, made our favorite cinnamon rolls, Ethan made this lemonade and then made us drink out a mason jars and paper straws!  I also whipped up some freezer waffles with my sourdough discard. 

I am wearing yoga pants and a tank top.  It's getting warmer by the day and well, comfort is key.  I have bought some new clothes, but have no where to go to where them.  I did, however, join Fabletics.  I can't wait to get my order and see how everything fits! 

I am creating a list.  Just kidding.  I am getting really good at making lists and not getting a lot done.  Right now, my husband and I are working on getting the hallway doors painted!  You can tune into my fb stories or insta stories to find out more before I get the blog post done.  I am super excited not to have 1964 orange-y brown doors in my hallway!   I also need to make a sleeve for Ethan's new kindle (his other one died. . . RIP dear kindle fire). 

I am going ha ha ha. . . absolutely no where!  We are riding bikes almost every day and I am running almost every day.  It has been so good for my mental health to get out and do something where the kids don't ask me for help every time I sit down.  I really am loving having the kids home, but some days, it's hard.  We are definitely not perfect people. 

I am reading  so many books right now.  I am working the next book in the Cheney Duval, MD series (mindless reading that gives me a break).

I am also reading On the Bright Side, by Melanie Shankle and It's All Under Control by Jennifer Dukes Lee.  The control one has been really timely for this crazy life we are currently in.  It's actually a Bible Study, too so I am leading a zoom/FB study based on that book.  So much fun!  

I am hoping that this virus dies and life can get back to normal.  I know it's necessary, but sometimes my heart is weary.  I don't like all the negative, opinion bashing that I see on social media.  It's hard.  People are sick.  People are angry.  People think they know better than others.  Words hurt, even if they aren't towards anyone specific.  I will say that as a Christian, it makes me so sad some of the hurtful and prideful posts I am seeing. 

I am also hoping that some of this new normal doesn't stay temporary.  I like the kids playing and being kids.  It's pretty great. 

I am hearing birds chirping and my boys playing Minecraft. 

Around the House there are things strewn everywhere.  School work, craft projects, board games.  There are a lot of messes, but there's so much creativity that is coming out of being stuck at home!  I am having fun digging out my many, many file folder games I made when I was a teacher way back before Ethan was born and putting them to use {home}schooling Weston. . . who just happens to be a third grader! 

One of my favorite things is technology.  Seriously!  I know Zoom has its issues, but I love that I can have a coffee date with a friend, host a Bible Study, and my kids can connect with their friends all because the technology is there.  It definitly makes staying home so much better!

A few plans for the (next) week include tackling some of the creative projects that I have been wanting to get to.  But also, finish as many doors with what's left of our gallon of paint. 

What I am listening to everymorning is worship.  I blast some tunes and hit the road running.  It seriously gets my head (and heart) in the right zone each morning.  We are also filling up on Disney Hits playlist on Apple Music. . . it's our favorite! 

I do plan on watching the next story of Phantom of the Opera on you tube this weekend.  I'm sure that Andrew Lloyd Webber's music is great in this one, too!  So, maybe I will be downloading the soundtrack to that, too? 

I'd love to hear how you, my fellow reader, are doing?  I'd love to be able to pray for you or send you a virtual hug.  I am so thankful for you taking the time to read and respond.  It really does make my day hearing from you! 

Now, it's your turn!  Grab your coffee and let's connect! You don't have to do them all! I can't wait to hear from you! You can even private message me if you don't want to make it public.  

Outside my window
I am thinking
From the kitchen
I am wearing
I am creating
I am going
I am reading
I am hoping
I am hearing
Around the House
One of my favorite things
A few plans for the week
What I am listening to