A business meeting

Today Lily had a zoom meeting with her entire class and her teacher!

She was beyond pumped to see them!

To say it was very.....very....interesting is an understatement!

There were around 18 kids or so....talking all at once. All super excited to see each other...all wanting to say hey to each other...all wanting to say hey to Mrs. Nelson. All wanting to say what they are doing...or where are you sitting at...or this or that. FULLLLL of different questions and laughs. Then two Moms didnt know how to do the 'tech' stuff so they were asking Mrs. Nelson questions all while all the kids were talking among themselves. ha! Whew...my head was spinning at one point!

But...

Mrs. Nelson wrangled them all in to try and focus and put them all on mute so just she could speak and they read a book, played a kahoots game and more!

They all soaked it all in and are looking forward to this new online learning experience that they are going to start doing!

Alexis has a big project and IXL's that are coming her way starting next week that she is going to have to complete...

so...

here we go! ha!

Lily loves her teacher and was so excited to see her! If you look at the picture..to the right side are alllll of her class friends! Mrs. Nelson opened the screens up to show all of their faces and it was a neat thing to see them all smiling! :)

Then...at one point...for the game they played..........she needed two screens to make it easier to still see her friends and play.
She looks so professional! ha!
About this time....my computer {my work computer that she is using...the silver one} started ringing. Alllll the kids were like...'What's that noise?' 'Someone is ringing!' 'Who is doing that noise!?'
I had a conference {Teams-face to face} meeting and they were calling me to join in on it.
Well...Lily had my computer so I had to call in on my cellphone and phone conference in instead of face to face. Oh technology how you can do so much! :)

We're back!

We're back in action at home...

unpacking...

utilizing my new dryer...

enjoying being outside....

and friends galore coming to ride bikes and play outside.

Not a single one {friend} is allowed inside the house so to let them play outside together...enjoying the fresh air... I just cant say no to that. I cant.

They are kids

and if they are being creative....getting exercise....soaking up some vitamin D....laughing...making memories during this crazy time...I just cant.

So, we are social distancing.....and not going anywhere besides outside...so...I am saying...we are doing our part! :)

So...this has been a neat thing! Alabama.....and other states...have started this 'Bear Challenge'...'Going on a Bear Hunt!'
Its where parents can have something to do with their kids since we are all 'stuck' at home! You can go on a walk...or drive around {in the comfort of your car...away from people!} and your kids can count how many 'bears' they find! It has been a really neat thing to walk around...and drive around and see everyone participating!
So, this is what Lily did for us! ha!
She did WAY more than most other homes are doing...and not just bears! She said...'Momma, some girls will want to go on a unicorn hunt!' :)

And..look behind her! So cute! It makes me happy when I look over and see them out the window!
She was so proud! :)

And...KONA ICE came! Whooop whooop!

It parked in front of our house and they had a line quickly! Cars just started pulling up to get their treat because they didnt get outside fast enough when they came by! So, the Kona Ice man realized that he needs to go slower and have his music up louder! He promised he would keep coming by...so that will be a nice treat every now and then!

Yum-O! I had pina colada and it took me back to Florida! Good!

And....OH...Im SO thankful we got our backyard completed for times like we are in because it has been a blessing! We have soaked it up being out there! So peaceful and relaxing! LOVE it!

And....see in the treehouse?!! So...last night....we told Sydney and Alexis that they could spend the night in there..but they had to stay in there or if they couldnt make it...she would have to go home {because...no one is allowed in the house}....................well..........they were SO excited! They had it set up perfectly with snacks, drinks, a fan, a light, pillows, blankets, Alexis' IPAD, and so on and so on...
well...they lasted until 10:00pm and they were begging to come in! They claimed there were 'things' banging trying to get them! ha!
Well...come to find out...it was just Tickles actually trying to go in there with them. She climbed up the ladder and was on the top of it waiting for them to open the door for her! :)

Flatten the curve and social distancing!

So, lets talk.

Because this will be in the History books.........Lord willing...if the world doesnt end. If Jesus doesnt come...

Alexis and Lily will probably vaguely remember about this.

They will both probably remember that they had 'Summer early' for their 2nd and 6th grade year. That school 'closed.'

That is what they will probably remember.

But...what is happening in the world....

Never in HISTORY...has a relief Act been signed for over a Trillion dollars to help relieve the US citizens.

As of right now:
We have had to cancel 3 trips so far that we have planned. 1- Disney World that we will hopefully get to go in July. 2-Tyler and Alexis were supposed to go to Washington DC in May with the school. They were so looking forward to this trip together and Alexis with all her friends. They are supposed to reschedule for the fall. We shall see about that and if our schedule allows to be able to go once the new date is posted. 3-One they didnt know about...The Soriano girls and the Christopher girls and us were set to go to NYC for a fun girls trip. The girls dont know about this trip as we were set to surprise all the kids. Well, we have had to cancel before we could let them know. Guess a good thing that they didnt know about it to be disappointed but we are going to make it happen down the road...hopefully!

Lily's soccer season has been cancelled for Spring. She is bummed!

The girl's dance season is up in the air. Right now it is still 'on' but I just dont know how as everything else has been cancelled. It is set for May for the recital...but I see that not happening. Staying tuned for that.

School is officially done for the rest of this school year. It is said that school will now not start until September to where it has always started in August. Sooo...that means...5 months of NO school...no nothing. And right now...there are no daycares open, etc so kids are at home. Some parents still have to work so it is SUPER hard for them. I cant imagine. I am SO thankful I can work from home and be home with mine.
The girls will still have online learning and we are supposed to be getting that info from their teachers this week to get that started. We shall see how that is going to go. I am NOT a teacher. Can NOT believe once upon a time that I wanted to be one.....so...me teaching them.....yeah..pray for me...and my patience to deal with Alexis. All I am going to say on that! :)

Right now Alexis cheer season is cancelled. She and her Jr. High cheer team are supposed to start practicing in April and gearing up for their cheer camp in June. As of right now...none of that will be happening. Staying tuned on that too.

I am currently working from home. I dont know what the future holds on that as I have NCLEX for my students coming up that they have to be ready to test for so Im sure I will have to go into the office at some point..coming up...to work on that.

Tyler has to go back to work Monday as his crew and him are considered 'essential' and must keep the campus clean and safe.

So...right now...there are alot of  'what ifs'....alot of ....to be continued....so...we are just hanging in there! :)

So...

To 'Flatten the Curve'

That is allllll we hear!

We have to abide by all of these rules that have been put in to place. To quarantine ourselves at home. Do not be in crowds larger than 10. We can NOT go into any restaurants to eat. They are all dine in and carry out only. There are tons of testing areas to get tested for the virus. If you test positive for the virus....you can not be around anyone. President Trump as done Press conferences every night explaining the new restrictions to follow. To tell us any updates such as the Act to mandate that companies make ventilators that are  in dire need all over the world right now.

Beaches are closed. Parks are closed. I know of 2 people who are unable to have a funeral for their loved one right now due to the restrictions. Not able to have family or friends gather for a funeral. Sad times.

We are asked by the President to stay home and 'flatten the curve' which means to not be around people to spread the virus.

Social distancing....we are to stay 6 feet away from each other. No more than 10 people in a group and must be 6 feet away.

Right now I am still able to work from home. I dont know what that means as far as the future. When I will go back into the office. From what I understand...we will be going in shifts to work in the office based on need.

If we all do our part....and the scientist work their tails off....and doctors...we can gain a hold on what is happening.

We are in a pandemic.

We must rise to this and become better people through it. Find better solutions since we are in uncharted water. During this National Emergency...we are allllll learning. It is tough. It is hard. It is confusing. It is sad. No graduations. No Senior years. Alexis will not have her 6th grade graduation as she is moving to the High school. But.....we can do this!

Sooo.....

our Economy can go back to normal and not tank. Businesses can re-open. Sporting events can resume because...NO baseball! What?!?! Never has happened. Ever.
Life can go back to 'normal.'

For now...we shall flatten the curve. We will carry on the best we can! We will have faith! We will enjoy this down time. There is ALWAYS...always...always something to be thankful for.

Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day!

Here is what we have been seeing concerning 'flatten the curve.' The more everyone doesnt go shopping....stay away from people....stay home, that is supposed to help 'flatten the curve' of how many people get exposed compared to if everyone continues to spread the virus. 

 The is what we have been seeing concerning Social distancing. We have been advised to stay 6ft away from everyone we come in contact with. No touching, hugging, shaking hands.

 This is a diagram comparing the Flu vs COVID-19. At first many considered this virus to be like the Flu. Then it turned into....it is a little worse than the Flu. Then....really worse than the Flu. Now...the 'silent enemy' that is very dangerous. So. Yeah. That is where we are!

 Right now Alabama does not have a 'Shelter in Place' put in by the governor so we can still go outside with no curfew, etc however shops, etc are now closed. The only places open are restaurants {to go or curbside} banks, grocery stores and hardware stores. So...literally nothing to do. Everyone is so nervous about even eating take-out so things like this have been shared concerning take-out food.
Just wow!

HISTORY!

IN THE MAKING!

The Florida rays!

We soaked up as much Florida rays as possible.

We literally were outside the entire days but on the 3rd day...we stayed in and binged watched Disney plus! OOOHHHH....we love Disney plus and we need it at home! Working on that! ha!

This day was full of playing inside...and we soaked up Disney classics! We loved Honey I Shrunk the Kids! This was one of my favorites when I was younger!

Then...Alexis begged to watch her favorite....Ratatouille! This is how Kennedy watched this one! ha!

Then...bike riding...snack eating...toe sanding...view loving time! Kennedy would just sing during our rides! None of us could understand what she was saying...at all...but could get the gist of what song every now and then! So cute! ha!

Snack time!

Play time while snacking! ha!

Our last day! BOO! We still did our routine....and soaked up the day until we left that afternoon!

Kennedy did a little bit of this! She would only lay down in her bed if Lily laid in the floor beside her! ha! So....once we thought she was asleep...Lily would crawl out the door! ha! A couple of times she got caught! On this day...she said she 'Not need a nap!' {her exact quote!} We started a movie...and this is how she watched it! ha!

Saw several of these! OH my...the views...good for the soul!

Our afternoon walk! They played SO well together!

Reading books!

On this day....right before we left to head home......we learned that school {as Alexis and Lily know it. Their 2nd and 6th grade year} is over. Governor Kay Ivey issued a statement stating that school is done for the remainder of the school year. To say it is a shock is an understatement! To say...it is like ....no school for 5 months. WHAT?!?! To say all of this is just amazingly crazy...just crazy! Alexis and Lily will still have work...tests to do...but it will be all done at home and via online to avoid large crowds and all the restrictions that have been initiated due to the virus. THIS is History. This has NEVER happened. Ever. We are all in uncharted territory and all just trying to figure out what to do. How to handle all of this. 

Trump has even issued the Defense Production Act against General Motors who has refused to help make ventilators for the masks that people must wear to avoid contracting this virus. For him to issue this Act....if very rarely used unless in dire need. It was issued. The Relief Act was signed to help with financial  issues that is happening since businesses are having to close their doors. Since Stay Home restrictions are in place.

THIS has never happened either.

No doubt we need to lean and have faith in God even more than ever now! Big prayer this virus stops spreading and the US and the world gets a handle on figuring out this virus so life can go back to normal and we can all be safe again!

We got home! Alexis had NOOOOO idea what was happening at home while we were gone! She has been asking for her room to be painted for months! Well..her Daddy painted her furniture and he had her room painted while we were gone! She was in shock when she walked in! I will do a before and after picture post later...because she has it all cute and and decorated now! She worked hard on it today!

Our first morning back home....and I found myself here! BOO! Our dryer officially died on us so this is where I had the pleasure of hanging out! A new dryer looks great in our laundry room, though, and Im in love with it! ha!

And....I found myself here too! MY goodness...I could not see out of my front window with all the dead bugs! GROSS!
We had the best little trip and it was exactly what we needed!

Our days....

Day 2 was pretty much just like day 1....

and we didnt complain one bit!

The best rides were the early morning rides! SO peaceful!

Kennedy had to stop every time...both on the way and way back....to pick rocks! Her and Lily loved collecting rocks!

Our spot! OHHHH....love!

Lily tried her best............the entire time...........to catch alllll the TONS of lizards they have! She caught one...and it loved her! ha!
She let it go....and continued to try and catch more! She loved trying!

Do what you LOVE...........catch lizards! :)

They jumped....and all loved this little trampoline! What was funny..........Kennedy wouldnt let Alexis jump on it. NOT one time!  I know it is because I told Alexis she was too big for it and to not jump high. Well...Kennedy heard me...and is smart and knows Alexis is too big....so the entire time...she made Alexis sit...like in the picture... it was hilarious!

This was my view. I sat out...and tried to soak in some Florida sun as I watched this! They all played and played and played! Their porch area was shaded pretty much all day so it was perfection for them to play!

Our afternoon bike ride on this day! They played in the sand and had the best time! I loved Kennedy wanted to wear her hat like 'Sissy's!' :)

Digging and playing!

A change in scenery

Sooo....

in the midst of all this chaos of the COVID-19......

we had to get away and have a change of scenery!

It was JUST what I .....we needed!

Though we went nowhere............though we did nothing...........what we did was perfection!

It consisted of the following on repeat!....

Morning bike ride
snack with sand on our toes while soaking in the bay and picking flowers
playing outside
lunch
nap
movies
afternoon bike ride
snack with sand on our toes whiles soaking in the bay and picking flowers
playing outside
dinner
bath
bed
repeat!

We had the best time taking care of a sweet little two year old and bonding with her!

We didnt get to see Mitchell or Brittney much at all due to them both having to work the whole time....but hanging out with Kennedy was the best!

Both girls were the best little baby-sitters! They helped SO much and we just so sweet with her!

The first thing Alexis said to Tyler when we got home last night was...'Daddy, you wont believe how many dirty diapers I have changed!' bahaha! :)

We got down around 2:30 Sunday....just in time to enjoy some outside time...a nice bike ride and dinner before heading to sleep! THIS view....ahhh.....just what I needed!

 Our 1st full day.....this little cutie was ready to go on a bike ride! Oh...she melts me! She called Alexis and Lily both 'Sissy.' It was the sweetest! She wanted to do everything that they did!

 LOVE my view! We had the best bike rides! They live on a dead in so we went down it and circled to this road. It lead to an empty lot that is right on the bay and has a sandy spot! PERFECTION of a spot to sit and have a snack and enjoy the view after our ride and before we heading back to the house!

 Our favorite spot! They played in the sand. Watched fish jump out of the bay, watched the planes fly, watched seagulls, picked flowers, and just had the best time!

 Snack time is the best time!

 Ahhh......love!

 Cant beat this view! I could sit here all.day.long!

  Picking flowers and playing!

She was the best helper! I couldnt have done it all without both her and Lily!

Back at the house! They played and jumped and sang and laughed and just had the best time together! They were singing the Itsy Bitsy Spider here! The sweetest!

They did a TON of this! Play doh for the win!

Dinner time! Kennedy is a smart cookie! Let me tell you.........she knew how to make the girls laugh...which consisted of spitting her food out..........or throwing it on the floor..........or whatever else she decided she wanted to do! I had to get both Alexis and Lily to understand that they better STOP laughing at her because the more they laughed.......the more she didnt eat!
So....here...
I told her she had to eat. Well...she liked the game of covering her face! So...this is Alexis. Her tactic to get her to eat...was 'making' her. Saying 'Kennedy...its time to eat!' 'Kennedy.....here...Im feeding you!' Well...........notice how her hands didnt move!?!?! She was laughing the whole time and NOT moving her hands nor eating!

Soooo.....NEXT. Lily's turn to get her to eat. Meet Lily. IF you havent met Lily....she is the negotiator!
She went over and got a pack of gummies..............
and said...
'Kennedy...if you eat......you'll get a pack of gummies!'
Hence....
notice the hands are gone......
and look at the look on her face!
I was dying!
Alexis was mad because her tactic didnt work....
and Lily's did!
bahaha! :)
After this......our 1st day was pretty much done! More play time followed by bath and bed! Mitchell and Britt got home around 7 every night which was right at her bed time and not far from my girl's bedtime too. Soooo.....we all crashed and did it all the next day! :)

Laid back!

Today was full of just being laid back!

It was a rainy type....cooler day.

So, we literally stayed in and curled up all day except to get some fresh air for dinner.

We hit Arby's {drive thru of course since everywhere inside is closed} and then ate it on the park bench.

It was chilly so we ate fast! :)

Grabbed a Redbox movie and came back home!

We are gearing up to go visit Britt, Mitchell and Kennedy tomorrow for a change in scenery! We are excited so we have been packing, cleaning and gearing up for that too!

Our afternoon dinner plans!

Lily wanted to play SOOO badly while the rest of us finished eating. Since we wouldnt let her {because the playgrounds are closed} she opted to pick flowers instead!

Making a bouquet! :)