This week’s homebody report

Last Sunday was Easter, and I almost feel like I blinked an eye and POOF!, it’s Sunday again.  Then again, it feels like ages ago.  Time is so strange right now.  Everyday is so much the same, sprinkled with a few unique or different things. I still can’t wrap my mind around the strangeness of this whole experience.  COVID-19, you’re a real trip.

Our Easter was actually very nice.  We had dyed eggs the previous evening...and not white eggs this time!  I couldn’t get them, so we had a lot of brown, blue and green eggs from both Costco and our awesome and generous neighbors, the Clarks, whose daughter has sold us some of their chicken’s beautiful eggs. So fun.  The boys came downstairs the following morning and gobbled up candy while enjoying the odds and ends in their baskets, er, sandals.  Sandals filled with Easter grass, and why not? I guess Dawson had a pail with sandals inside instead.  Anyway, the morning was wonderful with orange rolls, cinnamon rolls, hot cocoa and just a nice relaxing vibe.  We had a very nice worship service at home with Corey blessing and Asher passing the sacrament.  It’s just the coolest thing having them work in tandem as worthy priesthood holders.  Love it, and the spirit is wonderful.  Corey taught a nice Come Follow Me lesson for Easter and Beckett gave a great talk on repentance and Beckett and I plugged through a couple of hymns.  A very nice day to remember the resurrection of our beloved Savior.  Easter dinner was a yummy ham, potato salad, rolls, vegetables, and a pavlova for dessert.  We were then able to do a Zoom call with my family.  Everyone is doing well, and Lisa had gone to the hospital to have her sweet baby girl!

Monday was wild.  It snowed.  No joke, and it was freezing!  We watched in awe, and even turned on some Christmas music for a bit at Beckett’s request.  Pretty funny, but we were very glad the snow only lasted that one day, although the cold hung around for a couple of days, likely killing most of the pears on my little tree.  Sad. That night was unique in that we celebrated my Grandma Pettit’s 90th birthday via Zoom.  She and my grandpa looked and sounded great, despite all that’s going on.  She even closed up the call reciting her favorite scripture by request.  It was great to see so many cousins, aunts and uncles too, from all over the country.  Happy Birthday Grandma! What a blessing to have ways to celebrate and be together despite the distance and stay at home orders.

School went well for the boys this week.  Asher has been working hard getting some extra credit in before their 4th quarter begins in a couple of weeks.  Beckett’s teacher started doing Google Meet for classes for several days this week, and he’s doing math, grammar and typing also.  Dawson is continuing to learn reading, and is doing great!  We keep doing preschool lessons with crafts too, which has been super fun.  The boys are continuing to learn and grow amidst this crazy, and I’m so proud of them for it.  I know staying motivated in our current situation can be a challenge. 

 

On my list this week was Sourdough.  My starter, aka, “the creature on the counter”, was so much fun.  I baked my first loaf on Monday, and it was not good.  Didn’t rise, but the smell and taste were right, so I pressed forward.  The third batch was it.  Yes!  It was very gratifying to try something so different and get it to work.  Oh, and it’s yummy too.  I’ve also made sourdough pancakes, and have a recipe for sourdough English muffins that I’ll try tomorrow I think.  Two days ago I also whipped up another starter, but one with wheat as it’s base.  I’m addicted, and I think it’s safe to say I’ll have these guys growing in the fridge for a long time to come (Corey has decided their names should be Bert and Ernie).

Hmmm....what else?  The boys have still been cooking dinner with me once a week.  They get to choose what we’re making and they really love that part.  They both have several ideas for what they are wanting to make the next week.  This week, Asher made a chicken pot pie from scratch and Beckett made Alfredo pasta.  We watched the Sound of Music (Corey’s first time...what?!), and The Princess Bride.  Also, we played video games online with the Switch with the Pettit side cousins. That was so much fun for the boys, and even the adults got in on it one night.  There will be more to come for sure!  I tried making bagels.  My sister Jen has become an expert and I just had to give it a go. They were great but not shaped well, so I’ll definitely be making some more. We made some clay creations this week too...Beckett made pottery, Dawson created some neat designs, and I made some garden markers.  We’ve planted a bunch of seeds indoors since we’re trying to not go out unless essential, and they’re coming up nicely so far.  Spring is in the air (along with loads of pollen in our backyard pines), and we’re loving the blooms and green coming up everywhere.  

And, last but not least, Date Night!!  Corey and I are trying to get creative.  This week we did ballroom dancing and boba smoothies. Awesomeness.  I’ve been wanting to do ballroom classes with Corey since we were first married.  If being stuck at home is the only way I’m going to get him to try this, I WILL TAKE IT!  We cha-cha-ed for about 45 minutes, and bless his heart, he tried hard and did great!  We’ve got a good start for sure.  Afterwards we made honeydew boba smoothies and chilled.  They were awesome.  I’m not sure we will need our little Boba place down the street after this because ours were so tasty.  Now we just need more flavors!  Date night at home was a success.  

So grateful to be on lockdown with these people of mine:)

Covid-19 Comes to the Q

The past month has been a whirlwind of events, and at the same time it seems like nothing much is happening at all.  About a month ago, in early March, we had hearing about Covid-19 (but were not really all that concerned), a Chinese born virus spreading throughout Europe and beginning to affect the big East and West coast cities of Seattle and New York.  Then, while I was at Costco shopping I noticed that more than half of the carts walking by me had piles of toilet paper packs, and cases of bottled water, not to mention that it was a lot busier than my usual mid-week crowd.  I felt a little uneasy, and went ahead and grabbed one case of each myself for good measure, and to be honest, I was pretty sure we were close to needing the t.p. anyway. Then, when I went to Target for some odds and ends later that week, I thought about snagging a bottle of hand sanitizer, but the shelf where they had been was already empty.  Those were the subtle warning signs of life about to be flipped upside down. Within a week and a half, we had decided to cancel our trip to AZ for Spring Training (all of the games were cancelled 2 days later anyway), Corey was told to work from home, the kids sports, school, and church were cancelled.  A week after that, all retail stores and restaurants were forced to close their doors, leaving only those with an online presence or take-out/pick orders with a chance at some business.  State and federal orders have been passed keeping us at home, at least 6 feet away from others while in public and most are now wearing masks, and sometimes gloves at an attempt to protect themselves.  I fall asleep reading updates, headlines, risk factors, stats, stories, recommendations, and controversy.  I wake up in the mornings, and realize once again that yes, this is real.  I honestly can't believe this is all real.

What they know so far is that this virus is like an airborne super-hero, staying in the air longer than it should and traveling farther than they know.  It spares the young, thankfully, but attacks the senior population with a vengeance, and scattered between those two groups are unknowns that they can't yet answer.  It can be very mild or very bad.  Everyone is at risk, but the idea for us staying home is to protect ourselves, and others.  When I'm feeling like this is madness and ask myself, "now, why is this such a big deal again?!", (because I feel like that every other day) my reasoning guides me back to the basic idea that I'm doing this to protect everyone else.  I'd likely be fine, but would spread to too many unknowns, and that's the idea of it all.  This exponential math is making our lives crazy.  House arrest for all, or else.  Oh, but you can get groceries!  Although, we haven't actually been inside a store in a month anyway, thanks to delivery at Costco and pick up at Walmart.  But, even then, we wipe down anything coming into our house.  I figure if we're doing our best, it's all we can do. Sigh.  Oh, and did I mention that a month into this, you still can't get paper goods or sanitizer?

SO.  All seriousness aside, we're making the most of this.  The first weekend in, Corey said we needed a schedule.  So, that's what we've done, and it's making this work! Corey and I are up to workout at 5:30, then he goes to work...best commute evahhhhh!  School (online, and things I come up with for D and B), jobs, piano and chores in the morning.  Then lunch, and Corey's here, so that's been nice! A couple of days a week, we head over to the free school lunch hand out a couple blocks away (and our cars get to drive for their 5 minutes per week, ha!  Oh, and did I mention that gas is under $2 a gallon???  What is this, 1999?) which is a highlight for the boys because they give out all of this packaged fun food that I would never buy.  Then afternoons are fun, free time...video games most days (each kiddo can pick a game for 30 min), playtime outside, sports, reading, games, puzzles, drawing, crafting (or attempts at it).  Then dinner!  The kids each have a night to help cook, which has been a suprising win for all...and I love that they're learning something useful.  We walk almost every night after dinner, which I'm loving! The kids miss their friends and sports, a LOT, but they're doing well and we're all adapting at our hopefully temporary new normal.

I know we’ll get through this, but with so many unknowns, we’re all wondering how long this can possibly go on.  Patience will be a big goal throughout this whole thing I think.  At least for me!

Beckett's Eleven!

Happy birthday to this kid!  He's informed me he's a preteen now, although he's not a persistent about it as his older brother was, haha.  We had so much fun celebrating him this year, with a fun Nerf birthday party with his friends.  We did Nerf cake pops, and tons of treats (a few of his faves...Takis and sour patch watermelons too), and pizza!  The kids had a blast with the gun packs and the obstacles we put up for the party. After it was over, we put the jumper back up that we still had from Dawson's party and some of the kids stayed later...I think the after party was as much fun as the rest, and I wouldn't have guessed that a bunch of 11 year olds would love a jumper as much as the 4-5 year olds!  He especially loved having all of his favorite people in one place at the same time. 

After all the friends were gone, we gave him the presents from us.  We were super excited to give him some catcher's gear for his upcoming baseball season.  He was able to play the position last season some.  He really enjoyed it and seems to have a knack for it too!  We are so thankful to have Beckett in our family and for all of the amazing things he does.  Yay for eleven year old Beckett!!

Some fun facts about B:

• He loves to play Baseball.  His favorite team is the Miami Marlins.  He was asked to be on the All Stars team for his little league.
• He also loves to play with his brothers...Legos, trampoline games, video games, Hot Wheels.  He's even been playing a lot of soccer lately with Asher.
• He loves to draw, color, paint.  
• Beckett is a science kid, and understands concepts quickly.  He loves to guild things!
• He loves creatures and is currently vying for an anole, a dog, a hedgehog and a leopard gecko.
• Beckett is always trying to come up with small business ideas so he can earn some money.  So far only his Lemonade Stands have panned out, but he is determined, so I don't doubt that we've got a young entrepreneur on our hands!
• He has a lovely voice and had a solo part of the Miracle in sacrament last Easter. What a clear, sweet voice.  He also had a speaking part in our Stake's Savior of the World production and he did great. 
• He's always finding cool rocks.  He recently even found some petrified wood chunks behind our house.  So cool!
• He's a passionate kiddo.  If likes something he REALLY gets into it.
• He tried out Water Polo this past summer and ended up being great at it.  He played goalie and ended up being awarded an MVP plaque.  He also took 1st place in breaststroke at the City Swim meet.
• Favorite foods: Pho, Crab legs and Mac and Cheese, and blueberry or banana cream pie.
• We love him!

This last pic was from our weekend with the birthday jumper.  The boys played and nerf-ed it up like crazy!

Big 5 for D

Happiest birthday to the coolest 5 year old around!  This kiddo had been looking forward to (and planning in detail) his party for months now.  We celebrated with family and friends too (first friend party) this year and his specifications included a dinosaur with basketball cake, a dino pinata, games and fun.  Okay, buddy.  Your wish is my command.  He loved his party and enjoyed every piece of it.  I loved his enthusiasm for every gift, balloon and bite.  So much fun!!

Some fun facts about our Dawson:

• He checks on me almost every night.  He comes in gives me a quick snuggle, then goes back to bed.  I love it.  In the mornings he crawls into bed with me/us, finds a good spot and falls right back to sleep.  If I'm downstairs early, he'll come down and fall asleep wherever I am.
• He loves to help people plan out their birthday cakes...especially me:)
• Dawson is a great laundry helper, and is great at putting clothes into the dryer for me.  Also, he's an excellent sock matcher-upper.
• Loves soccer.  Asher has been his personal trainer lately and I have to admit he's getting pretty good (9 goals in one game, yikes).  His favorite Football/soccer team is 'Glitterpool' = Liverpool, hehehe. He tells me I need to cheer loud enough that he can hear me while he's playing his games.
• Dawson loves to play 'cafe' and has made his own menu that's handed out upon arrival at his fine eating establishment.  He has daily specials and explains each hand-drawn item at length including sides.  He likes to organize and stock his play kitchen.
• He recently told me that when he grows up he wants to be a soccer player, and a dad.  A week later he came to me and said, "Mom, when I grow up I don't want to be a soccer player, I just want to be a dad.":)
• He's kind hearted and loves for the family to be together.  He loves 'the brothers' so much.  Sometimes he'll make his brother's beds for them or do their jobs secretly. 
• Loves to play with Hot Wheels, Trains, and Legos and will do so for a very long time.  
• Pigloo= Igloo.  That just makes me laugh.
• He can sit and draw and color for a while, which is something I've never had a kid want to sit and do for so long before.  His attention to detail is amazing!
• For months this past year he insisted he was the middle child.  I don't know where he came up with it or why he even cared but he was ready to take on Beckett for the title.  He has finally given that up!
• He ended up with two pretty nasty bumps and cuts on his forehead this year (think horns).  They both happened within weeks of each other; one needed stitches, and the other did not, but he's left with some pretty good scars, and the bumps are finally healing up. Both times he ran into something (door, side of building).  Slow down my little buddy, slow down!
• He loves dinosaurs and knows all the crazy names.  He loves preschool, and learning and is working on reading right now!
• He brings joy to his family!

Happy Birthday, buddy!!

Asher's Fourteen

Boy, oh boy.  Asher is getting too old, too fast!  This year was fourteen, and he's solidly planted himself into teenager-hood (is that a word?).  We're so proud of this kid.  A few things about Asher...

• He still adores sports, all of them.  listening to sports radio is still something he enjoys while falling asleep.
• Soccer is still his favorite.  This year we're trying a Club team out and he's loving it.  He plays whenever he can...lunch at school with friends, in the backyard with his brothers or by himself, weekends holidays.  He loves kicking that ball around.
• He's doing great in school.  He's been learning Spanish this year and other than hearing him say, "Ole!" constantly, it's been fun to hear using Spanish here and there. 
•  He's become a master whistler.  It's very cheerful and fun, unless he's in close proximity or in the car.  I think he can whistle just about anything!
• He's determined.  Watching him eek out his Eagle Scout Award (still forthcoming) has been impressive.  He knows how to work hard, and under a deadline.
• He plays well with his brothers...most of the time.
• He took 1st place in a recent 5k (after a snowed out Turkey Trot, they ran a Santa Race instead.)
• His favortie teams are Manchester United, the Dodgers, Cougars, and Lobos.  He's a devoted fan!
•  He's about as tall as I am now.  That's just weird.
•  He went to his first church dance a couple months back and actually asked girls to dance.  The food is still a major draw though:)
• He leads a great F.H.E.  and we are always grateful for his help!
• We love that we have a dependable babysitter.  What a gamechanger that has been.  Thanks Ash!
•  On his birthday, the fact that he'd start driving after his next birthday came up, which is not a reality we're ready to deal with yet!
• He's a great guy who is responsible, kind and it's fun to see how he's growing.  We are so lucky to be parents to this kid.

For his birthday he chose his faves...nachos for dinner, a cookie cake for dessert.  He had some friends over for pizza and pizzookies followed by an indoor soccer game.  Happy Birthday Asher!

Christmas 2019

Woowee.  December was jam packed with stuff, good and great.  We had the traditions we do every year, like our advent calendar with candy and scriptures and service opportunities, which the kids love. We baked Christmas cookies (Dawson is a new big helper in this department), did our annual family puzzle (this year's Dowdle puzzle was a Christmas scene),  made Cinnamon Bun Popcorn for neighbors and friends so the boys could deliver it, sent out Christmas cards, went to an awesome Flamenco performance for Aaron's girls, wrapped lots of presents, went to Dawson's preschool performance (he sang a solo...Silent Night, and the sweetest thing EVER), watched too many ridiculously cheesy Christmas movies(the boys would get sucked in too when they were on, hehehe), went bowling at Kirtland Airforce Base (surprisingly awesome!), went to the River of Lights, made gingerbread houses and then cookies for our family and Santa, had a family Nerf War at the church, fun date nights, shopping, helped Asher finish up his Eagle project (details to come), went to a couple of Christmas parties, sang Silent Night as a family at the ward party, hiked Tent Rocks (awesome!) and a fun trip up to Santa Fe on the Rail Runner (snowy, blizzardy day with kids museum, pizza and adventure!).  Whew!  Just typing all of that up is seriously exhausting. It was a wonderful time though with lots of chances to focus on the Savior's birth, have fun and enjoy time together. We made some great memories.  Merry, merry Christmas!