Daily News

Everything is constantly changing around here. There is a pandemic happening in the world right now (COVID-19) and it's caused everything to close. Our dear Prophet even sent an e-mail informing us all that we would not be meeting at church on Sundays or having weekly youth activities. Even the temples are closed. We're having home centered church right now and I'm grateful we have this time at home together to be still. During last General Conference, President Nelson said that General Conference in April will be historical as we reflect on the First Vision Joseph Smith had 200 years ago. I'm amazed that now we're asked to stay home to avoid spreading this virus. I've also been struggling with technology and have questioned if anything good has come from it as I hear about people addicted to video games and pornography and I, myself, waste time on social media some days. During this time of being quarantined at home, I've felt so grateful that we can use the blessings of technology to watching Book of Mormon videos, and work on family history, and do educational based apps online. I want to keep a better record about all that's happening during this pandemic so I promise to write more. 

Here are some pictures from our week:

Austin, Eleanor and I went to this Midwest Genealogy Center where I was able to meet with a lady who was born in the Czech Republic. She was able to help me translate some of my records that are written in Czech. I felt so connected to my ancestors. As we walked in and I explained to my kids that I was working on some work for my ancestors, Austin said, "Mom, are they your ancestors or my ancestors?" It was so cute. I told him they are both of our ancestors! 

When Angela was here in February, she helped me find some home decorations. I found a candle that fit to finish off the decorations. 

AUSTIN GOT HIS GLASSES! He looks to handsome and smart. He was excited to join the glasses club with Eli and me!

Eli got home two hours early on Thursday and then Spring Break started! The weather was so nice so the boys rode their scooters and I pushed Eleanor in the stroller as we walked to get frozen yogurt. The boys finished reading 10 books so they each had a coupon for $3 off and each got their own frozen yogurt. Usually we share so this was an extra special treat!! :) We walked 2 miles to the yogurt shop and 2 miles home. It was a long way and I'm impressed the boys did so well.

Aaron finished painting the ceiling in the dining room and piano room. I've been so excited to have it done. He went to work and then I climbed on the latter to pull off the painters' tap. I CRIED when the paint on the wall came off. WHY!?!?! I feel like we're working so hard to get our house projects done and just when I think we have one project done, more projects pop up. I was devastated, but the ceilings do look really nice. 

On Friday we walked/scooted over to the temple. Then we ran around the church parking lot. 

This made me laugh. During this time of being quarantined, everyone is rushing to the store and there is no toilet paper. 

We cleaned our house all day on Saturday and then a friend I met at the park last summer was having a little birthday party for her twins they adopted two years ago. I was surprised they went ahead with the party during all of this virus situation, and I was hesitant to go, but I also wanted to be a good "missionary" friend so I ran over quickly with Austin and Eleanor. We didn't stay too long and there weren't a ton of kids that attended and we washed our hands a million times after the party was over. The kids had a fun time!

Alex and Bryan and their kids arrived to our house on Saturday evening. We were SOOO excited to see them!! They originally wanted to go to Nauvoo, but on Saturday, all the church history sites closed. We were excited to have them join us for church at home!! We had a sacrament meeting together and then I taught the primary lesson and Alex taught singing time. It was a happy memory together!!

 "Hold to the Rod, the Iron Rod."

The weather was cold so we drove over to the temple and went on a quick walk.

On Monday, we went to Farr West and Adam-ondi-Ahman. These are self-guided Church History sites that are outside so we felt safe touring them. On Monday evening, we picked up Joe's BBQ for dinner. We weren't able to do a lot of KC tourist things, but BBQ was a must!

March 17. St. Patrick's Day! We ate an entire box of Lucky Charms for breakfast and everyone was happy.

Alex gave us all haircuts and we played lots of games. 

We all cried when Alex and Bryan and their kids drove away. We LOVED having them visit for a few quick days. It was so good for our souls. 

I cried going to bed on Monday night as I felt so much gratitude for Heavenly Father's timing in our lives. A year ago, the kids and I were preparing to fly out to see Aaron for Spring Break. I was also working like crazy to get our house ready to sell. With this pandemic in the world right now, travel restrictions are in place. The stock market has fallen. The news reporters are predicting a recession. I'm so grateful that during all the uncertainty in the world right now, we are feeling more and more settled in Kansas City.

I feel Heavenly Father's love so much right now. I know He is aware of us and I'm grateful we can have this special time to be together as a family.

.