Some lately's…..

First I want to share the happy new that we have two beautiful granddaughters since February began. Avery Marie, our Ave Maria baby, arrived first after a long – let's just say grueling – labor. 

 

Her other gramma and I had just navigated back through a snowstorm to crash for a few hours when we learned her cousin was making her way into the world.  Meet Lucy Alainn….

They are a balm to our souls through these stressful days we find ourselves in. Some bits and pieces from life lately…

From the learning room:

Abbie is making notebooks for science and history.  This is definitely her preferred learning style and they are awesome.  Source here

You might think quarantine would not be all that impactful for homeschoolers but it has been.  We are rather world schoolers.  These kids are used to going to various programs and classes around the community nearly daily. They had jobs and friends to see.  We are carrying on with classwork as always but I am trying to be mindful of their stress levels and sadness.  I am making a point to pause my own work to watch a movie or play a game or grab one of them to take a walk while we can still do that.  

I also recently got my office set up, thank you IKEA.  Having the right tools makes a big difference.  On that note, my main work computer and my camera both died in unison with this present plague.  The computer was replaced and the camera repaired just ahead of the quarantine. 

From the kitchen:

I was able to get a number of eggs from a farming friend who had too many.  With an eye towards potential shortages coming up, I froze several.  I want to tell you this works!  

 

Reading:

As many of Thyra Bjorn's volumes as I can source. 

Big thoughts:

We like so many friends, streamed mass today. Afterwards, I listened to this wonderful piece about being the face of Christ to those around us.  Especially beautiful was this thought.

 

"Is it not a sign and a wonder that with a word and a smile, we can lift the soul of another out sorrow into joy, out of unhappiness into happiness, out of discouragement into hope, 

With the cloth of our unselfish concern we can smooth away the lines of fear or pain from the face of Christ in one of Christ's fellow men, 

we can turn the sobbing of a child into laughter."

I considered this week that just a few minutes of hair brushing or painting nails has such a dramatic effect on stress reduction with a child. An older child may no longer be tucked into bed or reach for hugs.  You may need to look for these little opportunities to connect and breathe together.  

 

Towards wellness:

Aside from quarantine we are having a typical snowy springtime in the high forest here.  Jessica Smith is my go-to right now.

Of course if you are able, a walk outside is good for everyone.  Just keep moving.  Good for mind and body, both under assault right now.