News:
Google Classroom officially started this week, and it's taken us a few days to get into a groove. My son has to "check in" twice a week, which is really just him conversing with his teacher and classmates. I think he really enjoys this aspect of learning, since he's able to see friends and familiar faces. I know he misses going to school and hanging out with kids in the neighborhood, and he's always happier on days he gets to visit with everyone. As far as lessons go, there's online learning we have to help him with, and then a packet with worksheets for him to complete. We still don't have a way to submit his work or turn stuff in, so we're not really sure how that's going to work. We've just been told to "keep it in a safe place," for now.
It's been really rainy the last few days, so we haven't been going outside as often. I didn't realize how much the walks helped with physical exertion and naps until we couldn't go on them. My kids are ridiculously full of energy, and they really need an outlet for it. Thankfully, today is a sunny day, and we've spent a large portion of the morning outside. I'm using their nap time to type up this post!
I've been reorganizing the entire house. I received a book on minimalism, and following the steps has been cathartic. It goes room by room, so that's what I've been doing, too. Tackling one room at a time has made everything seem more doable, and I like being able to focus all of my energy into completing one task. I actually managed to get all of mine and Jacob's clothes into a single dresser, so we're going to sell or donate the armoire. Also, the bench at the foot of the bed, because we don't actually store anything inside of it. Goodwill isn't open right now, but they are still accepting donations, so I've been taking tons of stuff there when I have to run errands.
Jacob has been really great. I love having him at home, and he does try to make sure I have some time to focus on things I want to do. I try to make sure I give him the same consideration, and take the kids for a bike ride or something so he can work on what he wants. He's also still working on his Master's and needs time to study and do homework. Since some of you asked, I've been working on a post that showcases all of the woodworking projects he's made, and some of what he's currently working on. I'll try to have that post up sometime this week!
Previous week on the blog:
- Sunday: The Sunday Post [44]
- Monday: ARC Giveaway! ♥ A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow
- Tuesday: Jack Kerouac is Dead to Me by Gae Polisner (★★⋆☆☆)
- Wednesday: Can't-Wait Wednesday [88]
- Thursday: NA
- Friday: NA
- Saturday: Serpent & Dove (Serpent & Dove, #1) by Shelby Mahurin (★★★★★)
What I'm currently reading:
Spark and the League of Ursus by Robert Repino
In the Role of Brie Hutchens by Nicole Melleby
Don't Read the Comments by Eric Smith 🎧
- I'm reading Spark and the League of Ursus with my son, and we're both enjoying it! I was curious how the author would explain the living aspect of the teddy bears, and it's been interesting so far! Not all of the toys are alive (like in Toy Story), only the ones that are meaningful to a child.
- I'm almost finished with In the Role of Brie Hutchens, and it's pulling at my heartstrings. I think I know where the story is going, and I really hope I'm right. If I'm wrong, it's going to suck for everyone.
- I just started Don't Read the Comments, and I haven't had time to form an opinion of the story. Although, the narration has been good so far!
What I plan on reading next:
Seven Endless Forests by April Genevieve Tucholke
Admission by Julie Buxbaum
Hello, Summer by Mary Kay Andrews
What I'm watching:
We finished Return of the Jedi, and not we're moving on to the next three movies. We're watching them in the order they were released, and not following the actual timeline of events. LEGO Masters is over, so we no longer have that to watch. Disney is putting new movies out, so we'll occasionally watch those. Honestly, I haven't been watching too much television, and have instead been using that time to get other things done. Reading, housework, etc.
Challenge updates:
- Read the Alphabet Challenge 8
- Audiobook Challenge 11 / 50+
- Beat the Backlist Challenge 21 / 110
- Discussion Challenge 1 / 1-10
- Goodreads Challenge 139 / 365
Don't forget to enter myARC giveaway for Songs Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow! It ends in a few days. :)
It really sounds like you and your husband are doing a great job quarantining together!
ReplyDeleteIt's not easy, and we definitely don't get it right every day, but we're trying! We've found a routine that works for us, and we quickly realized that we both need our own time to stay sane. His is outside working in the garage, and mine is upstairs blogging and reading. :)
DeleteBefore I get into anything, you know Admission had its released moved to Dec. I don't know if you read by release date, but I do, so I moved it down. Ok, then. Sounds like you are killing it with the home organizing. I simplified many years ago, and then again when we moved. It's nice that your son can get some outside connection time via his classroom check-ins. I was talking to my friend about the packets. Do they give you answer keys to check the work, and maybe have a list of questions for check in time? So far, everyone says they have no keys. It sounds like busy work to me then. I enjoyed Don't Read the Comments. The characters were really likable, and there was some interesting stuff about the gaming world therein as well.
ReplyDeleteI know we talked about this days ago, but thanks again for letting me know about new release date for Admission! We are killing it with the home organizing. I always feel unsettled after a move, and never like where everything is initially placed, so I've already reorganized all of the rooms in the house. We even condensed our clothing into one dresser, and are using his old armoire in the kitchen for extra pantry space and crafts! I love how it looks in there, too. I like to clean everything out every few months, and always before a move. It's taken me several weeks, but I'm happy with how it's coming along. :)
DeleteThe classroom check-ins have started including actual lessons, and it's crazy with 15 kindergarteners. You can tell which children have parents nearby, and those that are left unsupervised. The kids are supposed to leave their microphones off unless the teacher calls on them specifically, because it's bananas otherwise. We do not have answer keys, or a way to turn in their work. We're just supposed to "keep it in a safe place" and hope we're doing it right. There's not really time for questions during the Google Meets, so we have to use email for most of our correspondence with the teacher. (Definitely busy work, IMO).
I'm really enjoying the audio for Don't Read the Comments! I love video games, and really wish the one they're playing in the book wasn't fictional. ;)
We’ve just watched LEGO Wars .. both the US and Australian seasons.
ReplyDeleteII have about 6 bags of clothing In my hallway that need to be donated but the thrift stores are shut because they rely almost exclusively on pension age volunteers and so they aren’t collecting from the donation bins either.
Personally I’m kinda glad my husband still goes to work, I think he is too as it’s a full house here with all four kids home 24/7
I didn't know there was an Australian version! I doubt it's on Hulu, haha. I'm really thankful our local Goodwill is still accepting donations (this one has an online store, who knew?), because it has allowed me to focus my energy on something productive. I think my husband prefers being home! I know he likes his job, but he also enjoys setting his own schedule. He was also deployed most of last year, so I'm sure he's happy to spending time with us. It was unexpected time, but we're making the most of it. <3
DeleteYeah, when the weather is bad, being quarantined seems much worse. I can't imagine having little kids and needing it to get their energy out! It's raining today, but I'm hoping it'll get nicer over the weekend. I do like just hanging out outside and reading. That's great you and your husband are making sure you BOTH have time for yourselves and do what you want/need to do. Can't wait to see his wordworking!
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
When it's nice outside, we're mostly okay during the day. A long walk in the morning makes nap time soooo much easier (they get in bed and go right to sleep, as opposed to tossing around and complaining for half an hour about not being tired), and an afternoon walk or time spent on the trampoline makes bedtime easier, too. Rainy days are hard, because indoor workouts and dance parties just aren't the same! They still have too much energy. I know they miss going to the playground, and I hate that for them.
DeletePersonally, I love rainy weather, because I like getting comfy and reading. Unfortunately, the kids can't really read solo yet, and reading to them is fun but not the same. ;) We're trying to make time for each other, and also making sure we have time to pursue out individual interests. It's helping us stay sane at least!
I'm glad I'm not the only one who's using her free time to tend to the house...I was beginning to feel like the black sheep here LOL.
ReplyDeleteYour son sounds like an amazing little guy! He adjusts so well to everything. And I envy you your husband LOL.
You're not alone! I have been a cleaning machine since this all started, and I'm finally getting our new house JUST right. ;) I also dislike clutter and keeping things you no longer use, so we go through everything often and get rid of or donate what we no longer need. It makes me feel lighter, haha.
DeleteI feel bad for my son! He's really social, and I know he misses hanging out with kids his own age. The little dude L-O-V-E-S school, so this has been really hard on him. He'll see a kid on a walk and talk to them for as long as he can (while maintaining social distancing), and then tell us he made a New Best Friend. They'll hang out after the virus, is what I'm told. ;)
He's su cute 😂.
DeleteI really want to do a mass clear out but all the charity shops here are closed too so it would be lying around in bags probably for months. Well, that's my excuse NOT to do it! I really need to do something with my bedroom but to do that, I need to read a lot more books, watch a ton of series and films...and that all takes time!
ReplyDeleteI need to go through my bookshelves, but like you said... that means I need time to read the ones I haven't. Although, I have been making progress. We went through ALL of our comics, and are selling issues/series we have no plans to read again. Best of luck! ;)
DeleteAhh well all of this time is always good to reorganize a little bit. We don't realize just how many stuff we own until we take time to really, really look around haha :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll love Don't read the comments, this book sounds so good!
Have a lovely week! <3
That is so, so true! I start to realize it before every move, haha. I'm like, "Do we really need to take ALL of this with us???" ;) I'm enjoying Don't Read the Comments so far! I love the gaming aspect. <3
DeleteI've been the opposite and watching too much tv/movies at the moment but I can deal given everything going on. Sometimes switching the brain off for a couple of hours is necessary (even when it's a couple of hours a day! lol) I'd love to be more productive but our non-essential stores are closed as are the recycling centres etc so even if I had a clear out I'd have no where to take it. :(
ReplyDeleteI'm so curious as to what you think when finished of Spark and the League of Ursus! That one sounds like so much fun. Tempted to grab a copy to read with the little dude.
My husband really wants to watch television shows with me, but I'd rather read. There are a few things I'll watch, but I always feel so unaccomplished after spending an hour or so just sitting and watching something. I've started crocheting when we do, and that helps, but I'd rather listen to an audiobook. ;) If I don't feel like reading or listening to a book, I like to play music. It's how I restart my brain. <3
DeleteI don't know why our local Goodwill is still accepting donations, but I'm not complaining. They have a sign outside that says they're not interacting with anyone, but they will accept whatever is left in the bins. It's been so nice to have something to work on while all of this is going on. I feel like I've done something, even though we're confined to the house.
Spark and the League of Ursus has been really fun so far! We're about 75% into it now. :)
It sounds like you're being way more productive than I am! I haven't felt motivated to do much more than eat, sleep, and read. My kids are old enough to entertain themselves, but I remember the days when I waited ALL DAY for the quiet and serenity of nap time! My husband and I keep saying we're really glad this quarantine happened now instead of ten years ago when our kids were a lot younger. It would have been much harder then. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteI haven't been able to read as often as I'd like, since the kids are always around and wanting something. ;) I am glad I've been able to do something productive! It helps. I'm also thankful my husband gives me some time to myself to work on what I want. Nap time is the best time, haha. <3
DeleteWe're using Google Classroom too. The teacher has them using Google Doc to turn in all their work, which worked much better this week than the week before. Originally she had them using a journal which we had to save a copy of every time because once you turned it in, the document couldn't be edited. It was a real pain because she wanted everything in the journal. And each assignment was turned in separately in their own tab. Very confusing. The format of your week sounds similar to ours. My daughter has about a 45 minutes to an hour twice a week meeting with her class and then the rest are assignments she needs to complete throughout the week. There is just so much of it. We haven't hit 100% completion rate yet. I feel bad, but it's so hard when she lacks the motivation to do it and I'm trying to get her to do it--and work at the same time. I broke out the "Do you want to go upstairs with your dad?" line a few times this past week. I kind of wish she would have taken me up on it. LOL
ReplyDeleteI am glad the sun came back out for you. We finally have sunshine! We haven't been walking though. We really need to. It sounds like Jacob and you have a great relationship. Balance is definitely good. My husband tries in his own way, but I do wish I had some time to myself. Besides when I go to the office on Fridays.
I hope you continue to enjoy your current reads. Don't Read the Comments is one I am really hoping you will like. I want to read that one as well. I hope you have a good weekend and week. Stay safe and well, Lindsi.
How old are yours? We're not turning anything in, but keeping everything in a "safe place" for now. They're still not sure what they're going to do with the work, or even if they're going to grade them. It sounds like your process was suuuuper complicated at first! I likely would have been incredibly frustrated and very confused. I'm glad it's a little easier now, and don't feel bad about your completion rate! We're not at 100% either -- there's just SO MUCH of it. Jacob and I alternate days, so that helps. I think it helps him having a different parent every day, and it gives us a break also.
DeleteWalking has worked wonders for us. We've completely explored our neighborhood, and we let the kids pick which direction we go when we get to different streets and crossroads. It makes it interesting for them, and they feel in charge of our walks. You definitely need your own time outside of the office. Jacob and I struggled to make the time daily, so we save stuff for Sundays. He gets the morning to do whatever he wants, and I get the afternoon. We each get about 4 hours away from everything. It's nice. Maybe make a similar suggestion to your husband?
I'm enjoying Don't Read the Comments! I love the gaming aspect, and wish it were a real game. :)
I'm not minding the isolation now, I think I've just learnt to accept a new way of life and with winter coming, it's been lovely to just do things around the house at my own leisure. The online shopping has become an issue for me though and costing a fortune. The hubby is still working super long hours but on the weekends, he's been getting stuck into a little woodworking as well so super keen to see what your hubby's been making! It must be lovely to have him home.
ReplyDeleteI felt a little stir crazy at the start, and I miss doing things for the kids (Story Time, school, playgrounds, etc.), but I'm personally okay. After the move, there was a lot of stuff I wanted to get done around the house, and now I'm doing. Bonus: My husband is here to help with everything! ;) Ugh, the shopping is horrible... online and physically. We STILL cannot find toilet paper or hand sanitizer. It's ridiculous. On our walk this morning, we saw inside someone's garage (they were doing yard work), and they had STACKS on STACKS of toilet paper. WHY???
DeleteI read Kondo's book and went through my Halloween and Christmas totes and sent a ton of stuff to the charity shop which funds our homeless shelter. I also decided to get rid of all the YA on my shelves, except for special ARCs, some signed books, and of course... my Harry Potter books. The culled books are in bags ready to go to the library used book sale. I stalled out there, though. Ha ha. I have a couple of other minimalist books I want to read to compare to Kondo's method, because to me she was a bit loopy. 😅
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to hear you are all healthy! 🌞
I don't read as much YA these days either, but I've kept the books I really enjoyed, and ones I think my kiddos might like to read one day! Obviously, my Harry Potter books. ;)
DeleteDo you have a Little Free Library in your neighborhood? You could always stuff books into those! I doubt libraries will be having sales any time soon. *womp*