Butter

 Yesterday was an exciting one in the Chenoweth Virtual School. Timmy, learning about early colonial life, discovered making butter. He was absolutely amazed that a little bit of a cream in a jar will transform into butter when shaken. I made bread with dinner and we all gobbled up his "magic butter" as we ate. He smiled from ear-to-ear as he watched us enjoy his creation.

After discovering that butter is something that can be made, Hamlet declared that we are never buying butter again. He must have meant what he said, because when I was busy on a conference call he emptied all of the butter into our trash can. I discovered his efforts when I was cooking dinner and opened the lid of the trash can to throw away some scraps. Laying right on top were 15 sticks of butter, removed from their boxes and discarded. 

Obviously, I rescued the butter. (It wasn't soiled and was laying on top of some old papers, so I'm not worried about contamination.) I appreciate Timmy's enthusiasm, but he doesn't understand the cost value of buying butter over churning his own. 

It's safe to say that we will be making butter again.

Smile

As I hoped, my niece and nephew had a successful first day at their new schools.  All three became lost, disoriented and confused. But all three managed to get through the day, arrived back home with smiles on their faces and stories of new friends. I know that going to a new school is difficult. I am so proud of all of them!

Today is a return to virtual learning for everybody. The cousins return to the physical classroom next Monday. They are scheduled for in-person learning every Monday and Wednesday, or until the pandemic risk changes. Timmy and Robby will continue virtual learning for the entire year, although I'm optimistic that I will be able to enroll Timmy for in-person activities this Spring. Time will tell.

Timmy and I are (slowly) finding our groove with virtual learning. He no longer cries or complains when it is time for class. He is starting to thoroughly enjoy Circle Time, although the hour still fills me with angst as I am never quite sure what will pop out of his mouth.

Earlier this week he was learning about the sh blend. His teacher asked every student to come up with a word with the sh sound, and then use the word in a sentence. Timmy, very proud of himself, immediately leaned over to me and said, "shoe starts with the sh sound." 

Unfortunately, either another classmate had the same idea or overheard him. She was called on before Timmy, and used the word shoe. I saw the wash of disappointment and the wheels immediately started turning as he tried to think of a new word. True to our luck, his teacher called on him next.

Without much thought, Timmy said, "Shithead starts with sh. Sometimes my brober calls me a little shithead." I had to walk to the kitchen to keep from laughing. 

Virtual schooling is hectic, frustrating and exhausting. But it also has moments where all I can do is smile and move on.

 This is a big day in my Mom's house. Today my niece and nephew embark on their first in-person day at their new public schools. It's scary going to a new school, but I know that they are up for the challenge. Compared to the restrictive private school that they have attended, public school is going to be full of amazing opportunities and experiences.  

I wish I was there this morning, to watch them get ready and to try to quell last minute nerves. Unfortunately they will have to settle with a cheerleader from a distance, rooting them on and waiting to hear an update as soon as they get home. Until I get to talk to them later this afternoon, I am sure I will continue to be a bundle of nervous energy for them.

While the cousins are embarking on a new adventure, Robby and Timmy will continue with our typical school schedule. Robby has a history lecture course that monopolizes most of his morning. Timmy will be occupied with circle time, crafts and his various worksheet assignments. I will be busy trying to juggle everybody's activities as well as my own responsibilities. These past few weeks have been, without a doubt, the most hectic of my life.

Tuesday Fun

 After at least a week of struggling, last night I finally slept soundly. I feel refreshed and ready to take on the world this morning. It's amazing how a few solid hours of rest can absolutely transform my perspective on the day! The weather is dreary and the air is heavy with fog, but I feel happy and optimistic. 

Today will be busy, so I'm glad I was able to sleep. Timmy has three Zoom classes, two of which involve a craft. He is becoming increasingly independent with his classes but he still requires assistance for many of the crafts. He thoroughly enjoys his crafts though, so the fact that he doesn't complain or resist makes the time go quickly.

Tuesdays are the only day of the week that Robby has open on his schedule. He has no appointments, activities or classes scheduled. Instead of being pulled away by extracurricular endeavors, Tuesdays are typically spent getting caught up (and sometimes ahead) on all of his schoolwork. He will be nearly as busy as Timmy, although I doubt he will be as chipper and excited about the activities.

 

Tree Fun

Our weather was beautiful on Saturday! The bright blue skies and crisp air were perfect for our tree tagging adventure. This was our first year tagging a Christmas tree, but I think it is safe to say it won't be our last. We all had a great time.

It was so nice to just get out of the house and do something fun as a family. Ever since the pandemic our family adventures have been severely limited. All of our traditional autumnal adventures have either been cancelled or hold an exposure risk that we are not willing to accept. It was fun to get out of the house, unplug, and just have fun.

After strolling through the vast tree farm for nearly 90 minutes, we finally selected our perfect tree. It is large, probably close to 9 feet, and features full branches without bald spots. We applied our sold labels, decorated it to help stake our claim, and began to anticipate returning next month to bring it home. 

Yesterday our weather was not nearly as pleasant. The remnants of a tropical storm blew through our area, bringing winds and heavy rain. I took the opportunity to knock out some work projects and to clean the house. I'm hoping that I set the stage for a reduced stress week. 

Fingers crossed it is a good week!