While the Cannon’s were visiting we were hearing all the news that came with the virus pandemic. We got our school visits in Thursday morning. That afternoon the NM State board of education announced schools closing across the state. Then the church announced that we wouldn’t have church meetings or activities. Then the NM governor announced restrictions and public things were closed. Before we could get to the city library we heard they were closed, thankfully their digital resources are still available. It seemed like every day more restrictions to our activities were being announced. It was very hard to think of all that being taken away.
So that was about two weeks ago, things haven’t changed, except we have more restrictions and a “stay at home” order from the governor. Thankfully we still have grocery stores open and can buy fresh food, but there are limits on that. I feel like I am going more frequently, just to buy milk since either there is none in the stores or they limit me to buying two at at time. It is a odd feeling to go to a store and see shelves empty. The secure feeling I have had all my life of having things I need easy to get seems to be slipping away.
The kids have been disappointed in everything getting canceled. Andrew’s band trip to San Diego was canceled. Caleb’s basketball time at the YMCA has been postponed, we hope that it still happens. The kids have been taking it well to stay at home. We don’t have official school assignments but many of the teachers have sent out resources and ideas for continued learning at home. The State school board has told the districts not to grade any work during this time because of unequal access the kids in the state have to education right now. I encourage the kids to do learning activities every day. We are also trying to do physical activity. Thankfully we can still go outside to walk and ride bikes. Yesterday Neal, Spencer and Caleb took a nine mile bike ride and enjoyed it. Andrew has done some yard work for neighbors and is earning a little money. Ruth’s work is closed. We found out that the College Board, that does SAT and AP testing is working with the kids who already have paid for AP tests. They will be allowed to finish their course by home study and take the tests this spring at home. Ruth was signed up to take the SAT but it was canceled and we aren’t sure when she will be able to take it right now. She did get her results for the ACT she took in January. She got a 32! We are proud of her for that good score.
Spencer’s band teacher asked if he was interested in learning the tenor sax, since they needed someone to play it in jazz band next year. Spencer liked the idea. His teacher let him bring a school owned tenor sax home to try. I thought it was really nice that he let him borrow it. His teacher told Spencer he trusted him that he would care for it and bring it back after the teacher conference break. Well, that break got extended and we still have the tenor sax at home. Spencer is really enjoying playing it and is playing it well. I am glad the kids can still have fun with their music. The other day Spencer was playing the tenor sax and Andrew had his trombone and they were doing some fun little songs together. Caleb is working a lot on the piano. We found a simplified version of “The Entertainer” for him to learn and he is doing great at it.
Neal is working from home. He brought home a computer and is working regular type hours in our spare room. It is nice to see him more, since he doesn’t commute and he does come out for meals. I know it is a challenge for him to be able to work and do things he can do away from the security of the classified work he does. I am glad he can still work and keep busy.
The last two Sunday’s we haven’t had church meetings. I have missed seeing fellow ward members. Neal was given permission from the Bishop to administer the sacrament at home. It has been a special time for our family to gather and have that together. We have had some nice talk time too as we share gospel teachings with each other. Last Sunday Caleb prepared a talk to give us. It was a nice one about the importance of the scriptures and how he loves them. Ruth and Andrew are doing home school seminary now. All the kids have goals to read the scriptures on their own. Last Sunday my family, my mom and siblings, did a zoom video talk together. It was fun to see each other and we had a nice Sunday School discussion about what we had been reading that week in the Book of Mormon. I am thankful for modern technology and the ability we have to stay connected. So even though we have to have “social distancing” and not have much contact physically with all our friends, we can still stay connected in this challenge.
We have done some yard work this week. We bought a two cubic yards of composted manure and Neal loaded it into our garden area. With the help of the boys I have spread it around the yard under trees and into flower beds. I also have planted some flowers and a Lilac and Forsythia bush. I have planted seeds for our vegetable garden in little trays for inside until they sprout. It is fun to see the yard starting to come to life. I have enjoyed walks too, it is good to be outside this beautiful spring time.
I hope that everyone is doing well and managing life at this difficult time. We love you all.
