Quarantined December

   

Over half of the month of December was spent at home for us. I developed body aches on 12/7 at work and went to get tested. I was tired and it felt like I had a head cold. After I showed positive for covid-19 virus then that meant I couldn't go back to work for 10 days. Wes and the kids tested the next day and they were all negative. But after 2 more days, Wes developed fevers and a cough and also tested positive. Levi tested positive after a few days with minimal symptoms. The girls tested negative again 5 days after first test so they probably have had it before and we didn't know and had immunity. We all quarantined together either way for 2 weeks. Then the kids and Wes were out of school for the remainder of month. I went back to work for 4 days and then I was off for the holidays. So most of our Dec was spent at home and I am not complaining. We watched all the Christmas movies, read books, did puzzles, and baked. We are thankful for the prayers, check-ins, and goodies people delivered while we had covid. We felt cared for by friends and family and especially God. 

Before we were home bound, Levi did have to spend some time after school writing a note apologizing to his music teacher with a few other boys who weren't listening and obeying in class. This is the first time we have had any negative feedback about Levi not listening at school. Of course my disposition is that "my Levi wouldn't do that" but that is not true. He is also sinful and learning to push boundaries. Wes and I have noticed some changes with Levi and the loss of his previous easy-going/compliant personality. It is hard to know if it is the Keppra affecting him, that he dropped his nap in kindergarten, and/or just expressing his will and resisting authority. Prayers for him and our parenting! 

Also the first week of Dec, the girls had their choir concert. Maybe this is where we got covid-19?

Sadie's 3rd grade class: 

Both girls played a Christmas song on the piano. We were so proud of their confidence and practice.

Leighton's 5th grade class; 

We did manage a library trip before quarantine which I am thankful for so I had stuff to read while sick. 

And Rocky River had a holiday walk. Emily (2nd grade neighbor friend) came with us. The kids liked the balloon and magician men and the free samples of treats. 

Sawyer is ready for Christmas! We got our tree, named "Honey Bunny", from Gale's again. 

Sadie and Kaylee matching at church! 

Wes preached this Sunday :) Thankful for his heart and time spent prepping in Exodus. 

The church also gave us all this Advent devotion book., "Joy to the World", a collection by Charles Spurgeon which was really good. I did it in the morning at work because our family was already doing "Weary World Rejoices" by Melissa Kruger which was also excellent! 

We joined Local Church, new church plant, last year to be more present with our community. Local has grown to more than 50 members and since Wes is an elder candidate we attend the new members dinner. The Missi's are some of our new friends we happy to have join us! This was the night before covid-19 hit me.....

After covid hit.... we were just around the house. Leighton cuddling Sawyer was a frequent view.

Some days we felt up for walks or fires. 

Our sweet friends in Brazil sent this picture of Nordely praying for our family. Other friends sent flowers which I enjoy so much. The beauty of flowers and light, evidence we are drawn to God's beauty. 

We made gingerbread houses and this one served as part of our nativity scene. 

Plenty of naps and sleeping for Wes, Levi and I. Sadie and Leighton really took care of Wes and I. 

And Leighton made a two-tier Christmas cake. She loves to bake! 

Then we were finally free to go back into the public! The girls never had covid and I became free before Wes so we were off! 

On a rainy day when we were all free we went to the school gym to get out of the house and burn some energy.