At first we were still allowed going to beaches...so we actively sought out new-to-us beaches in Nova Scotia and had a blast! We drove across the province just to see a special beach with amethyst and more. We trekked through the woods and came out at clearing we didn't know existed. We packed picnics, froze our buns off, and explored nature. We made the absolute most of our time together.
We made crafts (crafted until I broke a sweat, literally), even constructed an extensive dollhouse out of corrugated plastic and tape. Lots of tape. We did experiments, cooked and baked, did online workout videos together, played Scrabble, Pictionary, Twister and more. We started watching Life in Pieces (such a great show!) for comedic relief. We drew pictures, wrote cards and mailed them off to many, MANY people. We got lost down the rabbit hole called tik tok ...for more hours than I can to admit to. My girl even started her own Etsy shop, selling hand drawn stickers. I can proudly say we did so very well right through to the end of April.
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| The dollhouse, turned castle. |
The weeks passed, restrictions tightened and the dreaded home schooling began. Lord save us all. One of my kids is a fantastic, self-starter. Home schooling for her is easy, enjoyable and productive. The other two...well...I would say it's like pulling teeth, but that doesn't do it justice. HELL ON EARTH! That's what it is. The youngest has been put in detention so many times that I have lost track. Home schooling can be fun, they said. SHUT UP, KAREN!
Anyway, I could feel us all starting to spiral, so we needed a new plan. We go for daily walks, or bikes, or skateboards, in our neighborhood. I make it mandatory, which sometimes sucks the joy right out of it. Most recently we started themed suppers, with photo shoots. This has been super awesome! The first day was formal night. We got dressed in our fanciest, still fitting, outfits, did a photo shoot inside and outside, and had a great meal. My youngest made invites, my middle girly made menus. My son showed up...so that was good. Last night was "Friends" theme. We ate sandwiches, had name tags, did another photo shoot and watched the "Pivot!" episode. Tonight is "slob" theme. This requires zero attire change, will involve photos, pizza, no napkins and lots of photos! Basically it's just another quarantine day around here. Good times.
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| Formal Theme Night |
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| Friends Theme Night |
I'm told keeping this busy is a trauma response. I have always been my best when busy...so have I always been fighting off trauma? I choose to believe the answer is no. What I have learned is to not be so hard on yourself right now. If you're surviving this by staying in your pjs, eating ice cream for breakfast and crafting until you sweat...it's all ok. If you're eating well, working out and working from home...that's cool too. Surviving is enough right now. I don't know about you but working, home schooling and grieving for our world has been very hard on me, but I'm showing up for it all everyday. Not without complaints, not without sadness, not without frustrations...but I am alive and grateful. Do whatever the f*** works! My kids and I are healthy, happy-ish and together. What more could I truly ask for?!
I'll post an activity we do when it rains below and keep you posted on the nonsense we do to fill our time soon. Feel free to suggest some kid-friendly activities, or themes for us to try out. Stay well, stay safe, people.
Awesome
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