A new normal

Life, as we've known it, has been significantly changing in the last few weeks. At the end of last year, news spread about a new virus (COVID-19) through out the world. Originating in Wuhan, China, it has spread world wide and has been having a great affect on many countries. We had heard about it on the news, but never really thought too much about it. We knew it was infecting many people in China and Italy, but that was about it. Fast forward to the beginning of the year...The virus has started to show up in many states and many states were taking precautions to help keep people safe from getting the virus, but in rural Wyoming, we weren't seeing much different going on.

The week of March 8th, is where things started to change. I had gone to Casper with a group of friends to watch the State Cheer/Dance. We went down Wednesday (March 11) and were to come home Thursday. One of the friends that went with us stayed back in Casper to watch state basketball while the rest of us drove home Thursday. About and hour into our drive,we got a text from her saying that they weren't going to allow spectators into the Events Center (where we had watched the state cheer competition the night before) because Wyoming had just received their first positive test for COVID-19. Not much longer after that, they cancelled state basketball all together so that there wouldn't be any chance of spreading the virus if people had it. We couldn't believe that they were going to cancel the whole state tournament and thought it was a little over the top.

Changes continued to come. On the 12th, they decided to cancel our home wrestling tournament because the school was not allowing large crowds to gather in one spot. Word was starting to spread that the schools were going to shut down, but it wasn't until 8:00pm, Sunday, March 15th, that the governor suggested that all schools shut down until April 3 and that people try to stay home as much as possible and "social distance" (We have since had two home school extensions and not we are out until April 30).  My mom and I had planned to go to Utah on the 13th to go and see Megan's new baby, Jack. Even with all the changes going on, we decided to go. The boys went to grandpa and grandma Asay's house during the days and Christian brought them home at night. 

With the schools shutting down, teachers spent Monday, March 16th, preparing for some distance learning. On Tuesday, they distributed ipads and learning materials for kids to use for the 3 weeks they would be out of school. The lunchroom has been providing breakfast and lunch pick ups for all students for free and that has been a huge blessing to so many.

The pick up line at the elementary school for home school items. The teachers all had gloves and masks on as pertection.

The kids have been adjusting well to their new "home school" experience. They have a pretty good attitude about it all. We have tried to come up with a sort of schedule to get it all done. They miss being at school with their teacher and their peers. The teachers, and our school district, have done an outstanding job of communicating with the students and parents and getting them the help and supplies they need. I am more thankful, now, for the background I have in education and for the experience I have had subbing over the last two years in the schools so that I have an idea of what my kids are doing in school and how to work and run the technology that they use in school and now at home. What a blessing it has been to be able to stay at home with my children at this time and not have to worry about having to work or trying to find somewhere for my kids to go (especially now that all daycares have been shut down except for those kids whose parents work essential jobs).

This is what our "home school" looks like typically (although they are usually dressed before they start). Technology has definitely been our friend over the last three weeks.

Each boy has a box with all of their supplies needed to do their distance learning.

One of the highlights for Carson has been getting to "connect" with his classmates and teachers through conference calls a couple times a week. It's great to hear him be able to talk with them (since he doesn't have a cell phone to stayed connected to his friends with) and laugh.

With the virus spreading throughout the world, our dear prophet, President Nelson, started making changes to help not spread the virus. The Chruch began by saying that no one would be able to attend General conference and it would be transmitted by technology.  They also decided to not hold any church meetings, including sacrament meetings. We have been blessed to be able to hold sacrament meeting in our home each Sunday, with permission from our bishop. The first Sunday, we invited a widow from our ward, Sister Walker, to join us since Christian and Carson minister to her. That Sunday is a Sunday I don't think any of us will forget. The spirit was so strong and I could hardly contain my emotions as I got to witness Carson prepare the sacrament, Christian bless it and Travis administer it to each of us. I truly felt that our home was a little piece of heaven on Earth that day! I am so thankful that I have the priesthood in my home to bless me!

As the days have gone by, the Prophet has asked that all temples close down, all missionaries from the USA serving in foreign missions return home and be reassigned state side or be released (if they were near the end of their mission). Our ward has welcomed home 6 missionaries so far, by getting a caravan together and doing a drive by welcome home with posters, honking and waving to the missionaries since we can't welcome them home in person.

Part of the caravan welcoming home one of the Sisters in our ward. There are usually 20, or more, cars in the caravan.

As part of our home church, we've gotten to listen to the missionaries that have returned talk about their mission through zoom (a group video chat). It's been so fun to "see" them and hear about their experiences on their mission.

Other changes have been that have been made that have changed for us it that the rest of the USA wrestling season had been cancelled, track and baseball have been postponed, we can't meet in groups larger than 10 people, stores have started to limit the number of items that people can purchase because people started to panic buy items clearing shelves on items...especially toilet paper. Only essential businesses are to be open, this includes grocery type stores, pharmacies, and hospitals. Banks and restaurants and changed the way they do business and are only open for "curb side" pick up or drive-up. All other businesses have been shut down. It has had a huge impact on the economy, but I am thankful that Christian works in the Ag business, they are deemed an essential and he gets to keep working. We have tried to pick at least one restaurant each week to buy dinner from to try and help support them. Big Horn County has been able to hold strong and hasn't had any confirmed cases of the virus yet.

The social distancing has been hard on the kids. They really miss getting to be in school with their friends...or even be with them outside just playing or hanging out. But, we have made the best of it! Here is what some of our social distancing has looked like:

The work out group that I have been attending got shut down. We have improvised and done our workout "together" through zoom each morning! It's been great to still be able to work out with my friends even though we can't physically be near each other.

One of the positives of all the social distancing and everything shutting down is that we have our evenings and weekends to do what ever we want. We haven't had any sports practices or meetings or school functions to attend. The weather has also been so nice, which has helped us keep our sanity!

We decided to trim down a bunch of trees and limbs over the last couple of weekends.

We've been able to stockpile some good logs and decided to use some in a campfire and roast some hotdogs for dinner one evening.

 One of the ladies in our neighborhood felt prompted to use her degree (family and consumer science) to do some cooking classes with the kids in the neighborhood via zoom to give them something different to do during our social distancing. She has been doing two classes a week and the kids love getting to create fun foods and see their friends while they are doing it.

Their first class was mug cakes.

While it's been nice, we've tried to get out and explore as much as we can since it is something we can do!

We went and explored the lake one day. The boys were amazed at how low the water was, and loved finding treasures that are usually under water. The best find was a pair of sunglasses that look like they were in a Star Trek movie.

Another weekend, we went out and did some deer shed hunting. We had a pretty successful day and were able to find like 8 sheds.

Carson's had several zoom meetings with his quorum presidency and then had Wednesday activities through zoom. 

The boys have spent a lot of time setting up their hammocks and hanging out in them.

We've taken our bikes into town and gone on bike rides. We went for a 3 mile ride this day.

As, the days go by, we are becoming more accustomed to our new "social distancing" life-style. We miss getting to go do things and see our friends and family, but we are thankful for the time we have as a family, which is what is most important!