Coronovirus (Covid-19) pandemic numbers March 20-27

March 20

 March 21

 March 22

 March 23

March 24

March 25

March 26

March 27

Covid19: Life at home, grocery shopping and favorite green smoothie recipes

March 18- After reading a homeschooling friends post on instagram, I was inspired to start having a morning devotional with the family at 8am. We pray, have a motivational/spiritual thought, review schedules and then we get to work. Our thought on this particular morning was about mindset and attitude. This is an interesting time to live in and we're all having to make adjustments. Nothing is as it was and there were things we were all looking forward to that are no longer happening (school dances, vacations, time with friends etc) and I was reminded of Victor Frankl's book, Man's Search for Meaning. He was a concentration camp survivor from WW2. He said, "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: to choose ones attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose ones own way." He went on to say that who we are depends on decisions, not on conditions and that "one could make a victory of those experiences, turning life into a triumph, or one could ignore the challenge and simply vegetate, as did many of the prisoners." The prisoners who choose the second path no longer found meaning and purpose in life and things ended badly for them. 

 I reminded the kids that attitude is everything. And that we should take control of the things we can control. We can control our thoughts. We can get some exercise each day so we feel well and keep our bodies healthy. We can eat foods that will do the same thing. We can connect with God every day through prayer and scripture study. We can get to bed at a decent hour. We can create something. We still have a lot of things in our control, even when the world seems to be in chaos. 

March 19- this is what school looks like these days. And often there's several computers out.

I'm trying to limit my grocery shopping to one day a week while we have these social distancing recommendations in order (stay 6 feet away from other humans). I was impressed with Costco and how they had things laid out so that you're not getting to close to others, and how they keep things clean and sanitized.

They had the floor marked near the cash register so that you don't get close to the person in front of you, or close to the cashier.

I took this picture at Walmart so I could remember all the empty shelves. For sure they're all out of toilet paper and hand sanitizer all the time, and then various canned and pantry foods, including flour.

For years, I believe since 2010, I drink a green smoothie for breakfast every morning after I exercise. The smoothie recipes have changed over the years and lately I have three green smoothie recipes I rotate regularly. I posted two of them before on instagram but I thought I'd share my three favorites here as well:
Peanut Butter Banana:
1 c unsweetened almond milk
1/2 c water
1 Tbsp ground flax
1 Tbsp natural peanut butter (like Adams)
1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder (I use a plant-based version)
1 handful greens (usually spinach and kale mix)
1/2 frozen banana (can use unfrozen, but add 1/2 c ice)
2 ice cubes

Almond Cucumber:
1 c unsweetened almond milk
1/2 c water
1 Tbsp chia seeds
1 inch cut cucumber, peeled
1 Tbsp natural almond butter (no added salt or sweetener)
1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder (I use a plant-based version)
1 handful greens (usually spinach and kale mix)
1/3 c frozen blueberries (no sugar added or fresh blueberries but add 1/2 c ice)
2 ice cubes

Cherry Almond Freeze:
1 c unsweetened almond milk
1/4 of a medium avocado
1 Tbsp natural almond butter (no added salt or sweetener)
1/8 tsp almond extract
1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder (I use a plant-based version)
1 handful greens (usually spinach and kale mix)
2/3 c frozen dark sweet cherries (no sugar added)
2 ice cubes

Pictured is the Cherry Almond Freeze

March 20- running on the roads again...this has been a sanity saver for me. I look forward to my time alone with my thoughts, or a good book to listen to.

My brother Luis posted this picture on his instagram account and I loved it!

Vivant is no longer offering internet so we signed up with Xfinity. They had to come in and install. Here Charles is also getting some reading done.

We taught the kids how to play solitaire. They love getting in a game or two when they can. This also means we're having more family Nerts nights, especially on the weekends which is fun.

Covid19 Global Pandemic effects in Utah; Boston Marathon postponed

These pictures are from our first week (March 12- March 18) really starting to feel the effects of the global pandemic Covid19, while living here in Utah. 

One of the first major events that I personally felt was the cancellation of the Boston Marathon this April. I'd already put in the mileage. I had gotten to the highest number of miles I would run on long runs. And then on Thursday March 12 they said it wouldn't be happening. 

We found out later that it will be postponed until September 14th. I'm already registered to run another marathon that weekend with my brother who is flying in from NY...this will be his first marathon. I don't want to miss that. And besides, we don't even know right now if things will all be cleared with COVID-19 by September as that's only 5 months from now. So, basically, I don't know what I'm going to do for sure, but I'm leaning towards missing the September Boston marathon and then trying to qualify again. 

Friday March 13 we found out that schools would be dismissed for the next two weeks. It would be about a week later when we found out that they'd actually be dismissed until at least May 1. And that date could get pushed out again. I wouldn't be surprised at all if we finished out this school year at home since summer begins the first week of June. A few days after the dismissal announcement, the kids began online school from home. 

We found out that same week that our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which is global, would also stop all Sunday meetings and church activities until further notice. Sunday March 15th was our first at-home sacrament. It went something like this:

Sacrament at home went very well. It lasted about an hour with our songs, prayers, passing of the sacrament and talks/videos related to Come, Follow Me. 

That same day we had a couple of neighbor kids stop by and visit for a few minutes...that would be our last up-close interaction with people outside of our immediate family for some time. 

After our first week-day at home (this includes Scott as he began working remotely), on Tuesday March 17th I made up a little schedule for the kids of things I'd like them to do each day.  

I am more grateful now than ever that we have a trampoline. The kids LOVE to use this daily as a quick ten minute break from school work or cleaning or whatever they're task. 

We're for sure using a lot more of the books on our bookshelves, some of which were collecting dust, like our step-by-step drawing books. The kids have been pulling these out to use during their creative time. They've since found a YouTube channel called Draw So Cute, that they LOVE and use regularly. I am amazed at all they're learning through this and their pictures look fantastic. I will include some in another post. 

Wednesday March 18 Jane and Nora came out in the morning with me on my walk. We got rained and hailed on and so they said they weren't going to do that again! Which is fine with me. I could use a little quiet time, especially now that they're home all the time with me. I love them, but my introverted side needs some peace and quiet each day and a little alone time. 

Church History Museum SLC, E full, N builder, Hiking in the Snow, Autism Caterpillars

Saturday March 7 we took the family to SLC where we visited the Church History Museum. We had been asked by our prophet President Nelson last general conference, to do some extra things to study the first vision and the restoration since this spring is the 200th anniversary of those events (Spring 1820 when Joseph Smith had First Vision). Having teens who work and are very involved in school and sports and friends, makes it challenging to find time where we can all do something together as a family. 

Elisabeth got her full on the spring floor this week (tumbling thing)! It took time and a lot of hard work, but the harder you work for something, the greater you feel when you achieve it. Way to go Elisabeth!

Wednesday March 11 Nora was given the Builder award for the month. This months focus was on being a friend. Nora didn't know she'd be receiving this award at the assembly, but Scott and I were informed the her teacher prior, so we both were able to be there.

All the 1-3rd grade builders for the month.

After the assembly, Shauna (and my new friend Jen) picked me up at the school and we met another of Shauna's friends up at the park and ride in Big Cottonwood Canyon and then drove to the Lake Blanche Trailhead. I borrowed shauna's yaktrax for my shoes (spikes and grips). We had a great time hiking and it was fun getting to know a couple of new friends.

Later that night Shauna and I met up again with the young women in my ward. They helped us finish putting together the kits for our Autism Caterpillars we'd be making on the night of service at BYU women's conference. By the end of the activity we'd finished making all 700 kits!!! We are so grateful for all the help we've received from women and young women.

Piano Recital, Autism Caterpillars cont, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood movie Review

Elisabeth, Annabelle and Jane had their piano recital on March 2nd. It was Elisabeth's last piano recital, though I'm sure she'll continue to play in her students recitals, but that's a bit different. They all played beautifully! We're so proud of their diligence and daily work they put into learning these pieces well. 

Elisabeth and Jane did a Koala Bear Challenge. What is a Koala Bear Challenge you ask? It is when a human starts upside down on your back, and then they have to go underneath the other humans legs, without touching the ground, and get to the front of that human. It was funny to watch.

Jane wanted a new swimsuit for this summer (we always get them a new suit for summer since they're constantly growing), but she wanted it soon. And she wanted a specific swim suit. An expensive swim suit. So we agreed to pay for half, and then she would need to come up with the money for the other half. She did and we ordered it. When it came in, the top looked very short. I wasn't sure if we'd keep it. I told her to go ahead and try it on and we'd see if it passed our modesty test. She did as we asked. She put her arms up high, and bent over and touched her toes, and she stayed covered, so she got to keep the suit!

We got together with our core team members for BYU women's conference one evening. We discussed details for women's conference, and finished off several caterpillars so we'd know how to help the women who come in for conference. I love all the women we're working with! They all came because they like to serve and so of course they're amazing. There are a few more members on our team who couldn't make it that particular night but they'll be there for conference.

I like this phrase. It was one I heard on an Oprah Winfrey podcast with Melinda Gates (who is one of the richest people in the world with her husband Bill Gates). Oprah had asked her how she was able to raise children who were good and not spoiled when they had the money for anything they could ever want. Melinda said when they were out shopping, or if they'd ask for things, she would tell her kids, "Just because we can, doesn't mean we should." I love this. Not only as it pertains to money. But any of our freedoms. Just because we can do something, because it's available to us, doesn't mean we should. For me right now, I have been using this thought with my food. Just because the treats are present and available at the parties/bookclubs/birthdays/gatherings etc, doesn't mean I should.

The girls enjoying their swimsuits(Jane wanted to try out her new swimwear) in the 50 degree weather we were having....they put a sprinkler under the trampoline, but then stayed far from it.

I hadn't heard much about this Mr Rogers movie, " A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood", and so I had very little expectations. It was a feel-good, inspiring movie. I loved Mr. Rogers and watching the way he interacted with others. When I took Nora to bed and asked her three things she was grateful for that day, one of them was for watching that movie together. I asked her why and she said that even though a couple parts were sad, she felt good. She liked how nice Mr. Rogers was and how he sincerely cared about every single person that he met. I liked that too. I am grateful for good media and inspiring stories.

Smith Family Hunger Game Challenge, Snowshoeing

For a couple of Sunday's now, we started doing a Smith Family Hunger Game Challenge...basically each kid picks a recipe and makes it and Scott and I are the judges. 

Here Annabelle made a delicious smoothie, 

 Nora and Charles made cupcakes,

 Dad and Jane made orange rolls,

and Elisabeth made chocolate chip cookies. Everything was so yummy we couldn't decide on one winner, so they all tied.

I finally got around to reading the Alchemist! It's been on my 'to read' list for many years but I just never picked it up; then I mentioned it to Scott and he said, 'Oh yeah, I read that book; it was a small book." And that information settled it. I picked it up from the library, read it and loved it! I posted my review on Goodreads.com, which is where I post all my book reviews. I think part of the reason I loved it was because the author, through his story, was also telling the story of his journey to follow his heart and become a writer.

 Some friends and I hiked Red Pine in our snow gear. Only a few of us actually wore snowshoes, and we only wore them for a small portion of the hike. I would not recommend snowshoeing this hike...it was a very slanted terrain which made it difficult. But we still had fun because of the company.