#QuarantineCard

It's been awhile. Work, home school, and singing for Pascha kept me busy. But I will try to be back more frequently. I realized this is a good a journal as any and I'm terrible at writing in a physical journal with a pen. I have the best of intentions, but it never seems to stick. How many times do you need to do something to form a habit?

Porch Photo Shoot

Late last year, I decided to move our annual photo shoot to the Winter or Spring, rather than the Fall. We have a lot of family photos with colorful leaves and brown grass. I thought, "What fun if we do a Winter shoot in the snow!" Then COVID-19 hit. Needless to say, we didn't get photos taken.

Then, a neighbor posted her photographer would be in the neighborhood doing Porch Photos! Perfect timing, as we also needed a photo to submit for the Church montage for Pascha. Our photos turned out awesome, despite L having a small meltdown just as she arrived. Angela Rabbitt was amazing! She kept her social distance and got L to smile after a few last minute tears.

Photos courtesy la rabbitt photography

If you didn't get a card from us this past year, PLEASE don't remove us from your list! I promise there will be one coming next year.

We Made the Internet

Side note - about a month ago, the Minnesota Children's Museum asked for submissions for their blog to share how families were being creative at home. I submitted shots from when we painted our front window to brighten our street and celebrate Pascha. I had no idea if they would be accepted. Found out today that we were the post for the day!

https://mcm.org/diy-window-mosaic/

Can't say we broke the internet, but the Communications Director reached out to me to let me know she had posted it and the response was really positive with a lot of engagement. So glad that we could inspire others to be creative, too!

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Get into the Groove

Same Old Well, we certainly have fallen into a groove. M & L were really good today, watching their three “classes” on CILC and then playing LEGOs. They made so many creations. Played more chess, watched more Pokémon, are too many snacks, and balked at going outside. Did their mandatory 30 minutes post lunch quiet/reading time. We have been watching movies at night, but I’m trying to break the habit. Boys wanted to go to the Purple Park (Lino Park), but I’m hesitant to go with all those germs. Monopoly instead. The problem is, we are in a rut funk groove. We are stuck only playing with each other, calling grandparents and cousins, trying to get outside. While most of today was great, L threw some chess pieces, so M threw one at L’s face. Neither wanted to change out of PJs. We eat the same things for lunch. We need something to change things up. But preferably one that doesn’t take Mommy and Daddy away from work for too long and doesn’t need a ton of superv...

Wins & "Opportunities" Day 1

We Survived Day 1 Day one is in the books. I was home on my own, as Nate had to report in, but will be home for two weeks, starting tomorrow. There was less work during working hours and more setting up activity areas, but we survived! Now that dining in at restaurants has ended for a bit and gyms are closed, there are fewer ways to transmit the virus. But also, the LIBRARY closed! My homeschooling friend posted a shot of "This is NOT what homeschooling looks like. We are not normally stuck at home. We normally have access to libraries, museums, zoos and friends." Agreed, we are in unprecedented times. So I learned a few things today: Wins: I got one final trip to Target at 7 am for at least the rest of week one. Donuts are delicious for breakfast - especially ones with St. Patrick's Day Lucky Charms! Boys changed into their clothes FIRST THING after breakfast. Miracle of miracles. They would stay in the same pajamas a week, day and night, if I let them....

Orthodox Holy Week Streaming

I have always wanted to share the experience of Holy Week and Pascha with my friends and those who inquire about Orthodoxy. Words cannot convey the beauty of the hymns, the depth of the sorrow as we lead the body of Christ to his tomb, the joy as we celebrate His resurrection! It is a journey that begins long before the raising of Lazarus or the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and culminates in a procession by the entire congregation around the outside of the church at midnight. Bells ringing, choir singing, candles, banners, censers with bells - a joyous cacophony greeting the Resurrected Lord! Oh, and then there is Paschal Vespers on Sunday afternoon that nearly everyone returns for, as well. How does one explain that to be in church and truly experience Holy Week is the only way to do it - all the services! A quartet (Fr. Andrew and three singers) is not quite the same. But it will still be beautiful and joyful and perhaps we will find beauty in the simplicity this year...

Pogativity

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