The Corona Virus, or Covid-19 Starting March 14-

 So, this is the most life-changing thing that has happened to the whole world.  This virus is scary because they haven't figured out a vaccine and the mortality rate is three times as high as the flu if not more.  It has been targeting the elderly and on Thursday Idaho had 1 case or 0, possibly because we didn't have any kits.

So Thursday, March 12th,  President Trump declared the United States in the State of Emergency, which gives them more freedom to solve the problems without all the restrictions. 

Here are the things that happened on that day.

BYUI closed for classes and labs and is finishing the semester online, so a lot of the students left.

Graduation for BYUI is canceled, which affected Annalisa.  

Also, church was canceled and we were encouraged to have church at home.  All church meetings are temporarily suspended., including YM&YW, Activity Days and our Mission Prep/Life Skills Class.  Good thing we have been trained in Home-centered and church-supported family study of  Come Follow Me.

Disneyland announced that they were closing Saturday.

Kristen probably felt all of this the most because she is going on a mission in May and they sent a letter that the MTC would be done from home.  So she will be assigned a companion but will study online and remotely.  She was also a little bummed because this semester has been so fun with great classes and lots of friends in her classes and at church and that is all gone now.  Also, we had planned a California trip around her because she is leaving on a mission.  It was all taken away in one fail swoop.

She realizes that most of the people she is close to are going through the same thing. The college kids are taking a hit as well as the high school seniors all over the country.  Everything just ended.  We are praying for those who are physically struggling and those who are trying to come up with a way to stop it or a vaccine, as well as the missionaries all over the world.  We need to keep our elderly safe.

The next day, March 13th, Club volleyball was suspended for 3 weeks for Natalie and Olivia. By Monday, the 16th all practices were cancelled.

The biggest scare was whether Kristen would still be able to go through the temple on Saturday.  We almost changed it to Wednesday just in case but felt good about waiting.  It was announced on Friday that the Idaho temples would be closing after Saturday, March 14.  So she made it and it was a lovely day.  A little ray of Sunshine during the crisis.  While
we were at the temple the assistant Matron, Sister McCracken said that they would still do live endowments, but only 8 people would have been allowed to come.  She also mentioned that many missionaries would go on their missions without going through the temple and since most won't go to the MTC they may not go until after. We also heard that the distribution center would be closed soon.  We are so glad that we bought all that she needed that morning. Kristen with her backpack temple bag.    We had a nice lasagne dinner with all of our kids and Grammie.

Kate and Mitchell stayed until Sunday so we were able to have church with them.  We had the other kids for breakfast so we started church pretty late.  Katelyn just threw together a little program. We all participated, with talks or lessons.  I have to admit that it was really special.  I have never done home church, but everyone put their heart into it.  It was powerful.  Kate, Mitchell and I did talks and coincidentally all chose a different President Nelson talk. I talked about Personal Revelation, Kate talked about the invitation to prepare for conference by studying the Restoration and Mitchell talked about the Gathering Israel talk and finding Christ's words in the Book of Mormon.  The girls did so great with an object lesson and a treat.  Jeff did awesome with the Come Follow Me Sunday School.  

We had one last hurrah with the family, the night before St. Patricks Day, March16.  We had a beautiful dinner of Corned Beef and Cabbage, green jello and green rolls and other delicious food.  Sarah planned the games, musical Shamrocks and St. Patty's Limbo.  It was great to be together one last time for a while.

Monday, the 16th the kids went to school.  Our district had decided to have the kids go for now.  Other schools like Katelyn's in Hooper Utah were closing and having the teachers start planning for online.  By Tuesday they discouraged kids from going in Idaho, except for the kids who needed to come while their parents were working things out for daycare. Wednesday kids were doing online classes for three days until the Spring Break and then they would start up again.
Track was officially postponed until further notice.  Natalie ran with her friends for one day and then friends ran on their own.
Some of the temples were completely closed.  So some people had to do civil ceremonies.  Then when the temples open they can do a temple ceremony.
We had the missionaries over for dinner Tuesday and they are not allowed to go to any houses that are people they don't know.  Missionaries with asthma or other respiratory issues will be sent home from all missions.  Missionaries who have been out for 21 months will be sent home at that time.
Tuesday was kind of our deciding day on whether to still go to California.  We had a house that was really nice and we figured we could just go to the beach.  When Jeff called a guy for surfing lessons, he said and I quote, " Dude, the beach is always open!  I can hook you up all week. The beach is sound!!! "etc.   We had a crystal clear feeling that we should not go!  So we didn't.  The day we were supposed to fly out, March 18, there was an earthquake in Salt Lake, centered in Magna that was felt up and down the Wasatch front.  Jenny and Austin and Megan felt it the strongest with lights swinging and things falling off the shelf.  Needless to say, the airport was immediately closed.  Also, we heard that Southern California is closing all restaurants, etc.  When Jeff called the guy back he asked do you think we should come and he said everything is closing and there is nothing to do.  Also, it is rainy all week.  Then yesterday California is on lockdown.  I am so glad that we did not go.

Wednesday, the 18th Kristen cut her hair.
I forgot to mention that the clubhouse in their apartment was closed, so Kristen and Annalisa bought a used ping pong table to keep them from going crazy.

Now it is time to start life at home.  We needed to find things to do.  Kami the neighbor came by and she and Olivia painted rocks for two days.

Emma brought home-made bread!
Olivia gave Natalie art lessons and they painted on canvas. Friday, the 20th our friend's son got sealed in the temple.  They were allowed to have 8 people attend counting both sides of the family.  They also canceled the reception and luncheon.  Luckily we went by earlier to talk to them and give them a gift.  They were planning on Disneyland for the honeymoon but traded for a family cabin in Island Park.  Along with the social distancing by 6 feet, gatherings are not supposed to exceed 10.

 Jeff and I went on our date, which consisted of walking outside and getting take out from Texas Roadhouse.  Jeff's work at the credit union would stay open as an essential business and they discouraged employees from going out to dinner in a restaurant.  So, that's over for us.

Annalisa gave Dad an experience for his birthday, which he had not redeemed.  So, Saturday, March 21st she surprised him with a little memory trip, which he loved and it was a surprise. She made a playlist of all of his favorite songs and they went to each of the houses that we have lived in and shared memories.  They got food at the Pit Master where Annalisa worked and slushes at Sonic.

 Olivia and Nat rearranged their bedrooms and made some changes.  They also did some chalk art.  I hope we don't run out of things to do.

 Here are some of the changes we have heard in the last few days.  Five states are in lockdown and some are in a soft lockdown.  That means don't leave your home except for grocery, doctor, etc.  

Idaho has not been as strict yet, but anyone who had been to Blaine County where most of our cases are in Idaho must quarantine themselves for 14 days, except for medical care.  

As of Sunday the 22nd, Idaho has 45 cases and 21 are from there.  There is one in Rexburg and one in Blackfoot.  That's it for now.

In the Idaho Falls Mission, the missionaries are to stay in their apartments and not have contact with others including meals.  They can hike and go for walks, grocery shopping, essential things, etc. 

Kristen is anxious to see what will happen with her mission, going later, reassignments, etc.

 Today church was incredible!  Emma can play anything on the piano, so it felt so real and reverent.  Olivia made a program again.  We had the sacrament.  Our speakers were Kristen, Anna, Kyle, and Jeff.  The girls did Young Women again and I taught Come Follow Me.  We had 10 people.  Jeff, Mary, Olivia, Natalie, Annalisa, Kristen, Madison, Emma, Kyle, and Grammie.  Home church is pretty powerful!

I have to tell you home church with your kids teaching is my favorite.  It's like you get to hear what's in their heart and it makes me so happy.

We did contact some of our Senior class members on Zoom, which is a video chat that allows for classroom settings.

After lunch, Kyle got the junk drawer out and these three came up with some pretty good inventions.

Here are a few of my thoughts, this is something that has never happened in my lifetime.  This generation is the first to do home church, no MTC, no graduation, prom, etc.  Some people think this may be the end.  I don't think this is the end, but it's definitely something.  So I hope that we can see good come from this and grow as people, especially grow closer to God. I'd like to add the blessings we have.  5 of our 6 children live within 1/2 hour.  The other is 2 1/2 hours away.  Jeff still has a job and can provide for us.  We have the gospel and faith in God.  We have toilet paper, haha.  We as human beings are in this together and we have to watch out for each other.  My children are doing their part and trying to have a good attitude and serve others.  I still live in a beautiful place.  Summer is just around the corner.  I have a wonderful husband. I am blessed. March 22.






It's also officially spring break!

March 23, Katelyn gave us the challenge to walk a mile, take a destination picture, then walk a mile back.  This is what we came up with.  These purple flowers are the only ones in our neighborhood.

 Today was a hard day for Sterling and the Webbs because Sterling found out that he is coming home from Brazil.  He will be quarantined with his parents for 14 days and possibly be released.  He has only been out for 6 months.  I hope he is reassigned to the United States.  Today they also announced that there would be 4 more weeks of school.

 

I talked to Euroca today and got some information that helped me understand a little more.  She mentioned that Covid-19 is a Coronavirus.  2019 when it was discovered.  Our anti-bodies are built to fight viruses, even Coronaviruses.  this one is different because was from an animal to a human.  We don't have the anti-bodies to fight this virus.  We have been doing social distancing because it is highly contagious and our hospitals can't handle everyone getting it at once.  those who go to the hospital are people who have symptoms that their body can't take on their own.  It is a virus like a cold or the flu.  It isn't going away, but they are working on a vaccine that will take about a year to make.  I'm sure they will try to have a shot as well next fall.

Tuesday, March 24th, Day Two challenge:  choose a 1 sentence quote you love.  chalk it somewhere outdoors.

 Today Trump announced that he'd like to be done by Easter.  The economy is taking a hit, so they aren't sure if closing everything down is worth it, if we do it too long.   

Wednesday, March 25th

Challenge Day Three:  Do an activity mentioned in the Tangled song, "When Will My Life Begin?"

March 25th we had some pretty big announcements.  First, our Governor (Little) issued a state Stay-at-home order for 21 days.  Only essential stores and businesses will be open.  All restaurants are closed, except take out.  No shopping just for fun.  You can walk outside but must keep social distancing, which is 6 feet apart.  Only 21 more days to go!

Also, all the temples are closed!  If people had any sealings planned they will get married civilly.

Thursday, March 26
Challenge Day Four:
Complete the No Nonsense Circuit, three times.

Kristen decided to run her half marathon, 13.1 miles, instead.  She didn't commit, but said she would see how she felt.  Two hours later she showed up and had run her half marathon.  She is incredible!!!! Really, she has some determination.  She signed up to run a half marathon with the Salt Lake City Marathon.  We all did too in different races.  Of course, they canceled because of the coronavirus.  The Marathon officials did not give refunds.  They said race at home and send in your results or wait and run next year.  She will be on a mission next year.

Olivia and Kami and Kenna and Camry had this little game where they were leaving this cabbage on each others property.  Finally today they both set up scavenger hunts for each other.  They played this game until they couldn't play anymore and threw the cabbage rock into the canal.  It was fun while it lasted.

So today, March 28, is the day that all the South American missionaries are coming home.  It's been pretty crazy, with minimal correspondence.  The missionaries have been in their apartments so they can't email, some had to sleep in airports, etc. moms are stressed and have been worried, and then blessed with peace.  Jenny was in the airport garage just waiting for Sterling to show.  He wasn't on the first flight, so they waited and he happened to be on the second.  When Sterling gets home his family has to self quarantine for 2 weeks.  At first they weren't sure about reassignment and Jenny was afraid that his mission was over.  So, now he gets reassigned in the US until the crazy is over and I hope he gets to go back.  Our neighbor, Nathan only got 4 months.  He isn't loving the disruption.  Sterling is feeling unsettled.  They need some extra prayers and love during this time.  I am thinking that this disruption is part of their mission.  I am hoping that they will all be stronger because of it.

Day 5 Challenge, (March 28):  Write a letter to someone in your state and someone out of your state. 

Something cool happened, so I decided to make a card for Sterling  and Nathan who just came home from Brazil.  They are both in a hard state, quarantined for 2 weeks then hopefully reassigned  So I delivered a card to the Browers and left it on the door.  He had just gotten home and she said that the card really helped.  I was so glad.  Then I sent one to Sterling.  I pray for those missionaries. 

Day 6 Challenge, Saturday March 29, play a card or board game outside or a magic trick

We are all home today.  Jeff's job is considered an essential job because he works for the Credit Union.  We did a drive by to say hi to Nathan Brower, who just came home from Brazil.  We made a sign and told him we loved him.  He looks great, but it was freezing cold with the wind.
Our challenge is to play a game outside.  Hope the  weather improves or it will be a fast game.  we played Family Fued!

Sunday, March 29th, Church at home was so powerful as usual.  President Nelson asked us to have a world fast.  He invited other denominations to join in and pray Sunday!  It was pretty special.  So we had testimony meeting.  I loved hearing everyone's powerful testimonies. Then Kristen led us in Come Follow Me.  We were all prepared to share what we had learned through out the week, even Natalie and Olivia with their notes in their books.  It was so powerful.  The Spirit was really strong!  Kristen only asked one question and it took about an hour.  Everyone had so much to share.  I really like the way she taught it and how they have been doing it in college.  She also asked us to prepare for it.  It really helped.

  Day 7 challenge:  find a creative way to perform your favorite hymn! Record it and Share.

This challenge was so fun especially for a Sunday.  We had a lot of time and we all had a blast seeing what people did and coming up with something. Kate did the glasses with different levels of water and performed, "Let the Holy Spirit Guide."  The Washboard band with harmonica played "Come Thou Fount."Kyle and Olivia played Ring Our Wild Bells with the didgeridoo, the light saber, mouth harp, and piano.  Mitchell played the shell and Alexa. Nat played "If you could Hie to Kolob" with the pots and Kristen played 'Sweet Hour of Prayer on the autoharp."  It was awesome and hilarious at the same time.

  It really was my favorite day, so far during this crazy time.  We had sloppy Joes for lunch planned our hymns.  Played a little charades.  Jeff suggested this for me and everyone else was being sweet.  It was just a great day.

March 29th, Trump also extended national coronavirus measures.
The president said social-distancing guidelines would remain in place until at least April 30, a departure from his previous aspirations to reopen the county by Easter.  Figures  suggested that millions of people in the U.S.  could get infected and more than 100,000 could die.

March 30th, Kristen got her wisdom teeth out.  She had a pretty bad one on the right side, so her swelling was worse on one side.  Besides the swelling she felt pretty good on the second day.  Day one on the left.  Day two on the right.

 March 31st

With tens of thousands of missionaries being released or returning to their home countries for reassignment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have made additional adjustments and options for missionary service. They include temporary releases and reassignments when conditions allow, or the delay of one’s missionary service.

For missionaries from the United States and Canada

The missionaries returning to the US and Canada from international assignments are temporarily released and choose by April 30, 2020, to be either reinstated to original or temporary assignments as soon as conditions allow with original end date or return to service within 12 to 18 months, with a new end date.

Missionaries from the US and Canada currently participating in online MTC training choose by April 30 to be either be released after online MTC training and reinstated to either original or temporary assignment as soon as conditions allow, with the original end date, or released and return to service within 12-18 months.

Those who are currently under call but have not begun online MTC training choose by April 30 to either being online MTC training as scheduled and begin service in either original or temporary assignment as soon as conditions allow, with the original end date or delay mission and begin service within 12-18 months, with a new end date. 

Kristen's feelings about the change is she's fine.  "I'm sad honestly, but I've kind of gotten over it. I'm hoping that they will let me go on time.  I will have to do the online MTC for sure."
April 1st, Monday Challenge:  Have a Dance Party and record it.  

 Kristen and I had a dance party at a really long light after her wisdom teeth were removed and she was still numb, with gauze.  It's a good thing because she didn't feel so good later.  I did catch this lady watching and smiling really big, but we did it anyway.

Jeff, Natalie and Olivia did two with costumes.   and dance party after family night.  The first one was "Respect," by Aretha Franklin and the other was a rap called "Dunked On."by Froggy Fresh.

Monday was the first official day of online/home school.  It will take some getting used to.  Natalie said "It's nice to do it at your own pace, but hard to stay motivated and find a pace.  They give you a lot of work and want it done by a certain date.  We are getting pretty creative, though and I love being home with the family."

Olivia doesn't like it because, It"s boring and I don't ever get to see anyone.  It's not fun.  I like how I don't have to wake up early and get to spend more quality time with my family. "

 Tuesday, March 31st Challenge:  Give yourself and break and give someone else a break.  Nat made magic bars, Kyle and Anna had dinner and I gave foot massages. Kate also gave Mitchell a massage.

Wednesday, April 1st Challenge was to follow the Konmari tidying method and get rid of clothes that don't spark Joy and keep those that do.  We have recently gotten rid of tons of stuff and have gotten really organized, so Jeff and Kate did it, but we didn't have anything else to give away. 

Thursday, April 2nd our Challenge was to go online and do a random count of letters.  What ever letter you ended up with you get a treat that starts with that.

So, today was my shopping day.  I tried to go early enough to avoid people and make social distancing  easier.  Also, I really try hard not to shop at all except when it's time, which is every two weeks.  Anyway, it is obvious that people in this area aren't used to it.  There were people who came right up by me and people that would stay in an area with people waiting to get something and just take their time.  It was like we need to get moving so we can get out of here, and not share.  Hopefully they will get the hang of it when we have more danger in our area, which should be soon.   Also, toilet paper was available, but only one per customer and very small amounts.

People were complaining at Jeff's work about having to come in and work with the possibility of getting the virus.  Rich offered a Hazard pay compensation that if they come they get 25.00 a day more for this month.  We shall see what happens.

As of today, April 2, 2020 Idaho is up to 776 cases and 9 deaths.  The US has 243, 000 cases and 5, 926 deaths.  2,300 of the deaths are in New York.  We have two cases in Bonneville county.

Davis actually started a group text for the Jones family that had us choose a painting and replicate it.  It was so fun so see everyone's painting replication.  Hear are ours.

Challenge-April 3: Eat dinner on the floor with low tables like Chinese or East Indian.






April 4, is General Conference.  Because of the pandemic, everyone was anxious to hear what the prophet and apostles had to say.

It was a lovely weekend.  We did some things that haven't been done before.  On Saturday we had a night session that included everyone at 6:00pm.  Two youth speakers, a girl and a boy spoke, which we haven't seen either. Sunday, April 5th was unprecedented as well.

New:  "A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World: The Restoration of the Fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ"

 We had a sacred solemn assembly, President Nelson introduced this new proclamation, then led Saints worldwide in a joyful Hosanna Shout.  They introduced a new church symbol representing the resurrected, living Lord reaching out to embrace all who will come unto Him... It will remind all that this is the Saviors church and that all we do as members of His church centers on Jesus Christ and His gospel."  President Nelson

President Nelson also asked our church and all people in the world to have a world fast on Good Friday.  So the four things we are fasting for are  1.  That the pandemic will be controlled.  2.  That the care givers will be protected  3.  That the economy will be strengthened.  4.  That life will be normalized.

My mom's birthday was Sunday as well.  Since I haven't really been shopping for fun I decided to embroider this pillow for her.







When it comes to the challenge, we paused at conference and are starting up again, but now we take turns coming up with the challenge.  So on Wednesday, the 8th Dad came up with having a picnic lunch.  It has been cold for way too long and now it is warm all of a sudden.  it was a perfect timing.

April 8 Challenge- have a picnic outside.

Thursday April 9, I realized that it was the day that Annalisa was supposed to graduate from BYUI.  It's interesting how so many people have lost opportunities that will never come their way again.  It just didn't happen. Annalisa has had a great attitude about the changes, she lost her internship in Washington because of the pandemic and is hoping to find another one soon.  She has loved her major and had an incredible experience at BYUI.  She is a fantastic girl and will do well wherever she goes.

It was also Mitchell's Birthday today.  We tried to spoil him with messages and texts, including a video of singing and letter shapes created by Natalie, Olivia and Kristen.






Thursday's Challenge is to start a book that you haven't read before.

Friday Challenge was to Paint a picture, make a sculpture, learn origami or recreate a piece of art. 

 Saturday challenge:  Life hacks

Mitchell:The way you tilt your head adds to your attractiveness. 
Olivia: Drink in your hood.
Katelyn:  Boil orange peels and cinnamon for a nice aroma.
Kyle: How to cover dirty dishes
Mary: Taking in pants with embroidery thread
Jeff:  Tennis ball key holder or rag holder
Kristen worked

 Decorating Easter Eggs on Saturday April 10
The big kids were all officially done with classes, finals and home until they can take their next step.  Kyle's internship in Minnesota was postponed so he had to stay home and wait.  Annalisa has been coming up with a new plan and Kristen has been home for a few weeks.  She is working at Sunnyside Gardens fultime to save for her mission.  She will go to the MTC here on time, May 20.

This was a packed day.  We also went by the Rigby Jones' house to wish Regan a Happy Birthday.  Olivia had already made her a candy bar poster with pictures that Stephanie said that Reagan loved so much.  Kyle, Natalie and Olivia made her a big sign.  Grammie had streamers on her car and the OK Jones also came.  We drove around her circle 4 times. Kyle stood out of the sun roof.  She looked really happy.  That's kind of what we do during Covid-19.

 Our Challenge was to write a Haiku.  They were pretty interesting.

I love poems so
I would write them in the snow
Cuz I love snow too
by Kyle

Monday, April 13th was one of my favorite Challenges.  Natalie wanted us to do Real Life Trick Shots like Dude Perfect.  They were all videos, so we can't put them on the blog.

Tuesday, April 14, is Larry Jones birthday.  He is Dad and Grandad to the Jones family.  We have been doing a group chat on Group Me with the Jones and the Millers.  It has been so fun to connect with people.  So on the Jones group we all put pictures of Grandad and memories.  Kristen Started it and it was beautiful.

Wednesday, April 18th it feels like people are getting restless with this home order.  There has been some picketing and some people want the right to work, and we're going to need a second wind.
for Jeff and my challenge we are doing a March Madness for Movies.  We'll call it Movie madness.  Everyone submitted movies from 8 different genres and we came up with the top 32.  We had brackets and Anna became the master mind on the survey and brackets.  We will do this for three days. It's been super fun.  the winner.  Pirates won for our bracket.  I did it with the Millers and Harry Potter won that one.

Another favorite challenge was the grow a beard challenge.  People did their best and these are the results. 

1st place was Jeff

2nd place was Kyle

3rd Place was Kenny and Mitchell

 

 

April 19th, Governor Little spoke today and said that we are slowly opening businesses.

April 23, the governor gave us guidelines for opening Idaho.  

Protocols are that in each stage we:

• Engage in Physical distancing of at least six feet.
• Wear face coverings in public places
• Stay home if sick
• Practice good and hygiene
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Disinfect surfaces and objects regularly

Current Stage:

• All Idahoans self quarantine (Stay-at Home Order) except for essential activities and work
• Gatherings  outside home are prohibited.
• Prohibit non-essential travel.  Follow quarantine guidelines after travel.
• People entering ID must self quarantine for 14 days.

Employer:

• telework where possible.
• vulnerable and ill stay home.
• Non-essential businesses are closed.
• Businesses Closed
• Visting Senior Living Facilities
• Bars and Night Clubs.
• Restaurants- Take out/delivery only
• Indoor gyms, Hair salons, movie theaters and sports events
• Day care

Stage One: May 1-15:
Everything is same as the current stage except these changes:

• Gatherings avoided, not prohibited
• Minimize travel instead of prohibit.
• Return employees to work in phases.
• Places of worship can open if they adhere to strict physical distance.

As a mother, I have to admit that although I loved having all my kids home, I was constantly worried about their mental state.  They had one disappointment after another, but "The stay at Home Order," was bound to cause cabin fever.  Staying home from school and doing online school was not great, mixed with the uncertainty and fear of the unknown.  Many of my friends agreed that we'd rather have our kids in school, even with the risk of Covid.  Luckily that is exactly what happened in the fall. 

Kyle's internship was not cancelled, so he was only delayed a month.  He was excited to go to Minnesota, where he promptly got a fishing license, bought a used boat and really had a great time.  He still wore a mask to work at Polaris in Rouseau. He did his best to avoid online at  BYUI.  So he was the first to go.

  

Before he left, we got some home projects done that would have taken us all summer without all of our big kids.

We got a deck, pavers and put curbing and river rock as well as Dad had an incredible new garden. 

An update on Kyle is that in Rouseau, Minnesota, he also bought an industrial van (Hobby) that he sold in Idaho and made some good money to put in his savings.  He was in a Baja race and enjoyed the outdoors.  He also went to BYUI in the fall, got Covid because he was quarantined with his roommates who had it.  He lost his taste and smell, got it back by Christmas.  Then he was off to do another internship in California.  Before he left for California he bought a convertible that he drove there.  When he got to California, he bought some used Jet Skis to ride on the finger lake in his back deck.  It's very closed in California, but he has enjoyed the weather and will return to BYUI in the Spring. Now he has a rotten taste in his mouth, after affects.

Prom was cancelled, so Natalie and her friends all got boutique dresses and went to a non-school prom stag.

Next came the non-graduations.  So Katelyn was not really planning on walking since she graduated in December and was already teaching 6th grade, which is another story entirely.  Needless to say the teachers deserve a prize scrambling like that to do online school.  Annalisa would have graduated with her Bachelors and Kristen her Associates.  So, we decided to have a graduation party with our three graduates.  We ordered food from 4 different restaurants and had a feast.  It was pretty fun.  Congratulations awesome graduates.

We had a nice Mother's Day with our kids minus Kyle.

 

I was spoiled rotten and even got a musical number.

The second to go was Kristen.  She didn't really go because she had home MTC, but she did move on with her life.  Home MTC was so much better than we expected.  She had an amazing companion, Sister Dutson, who lived in Rexburg.  they got along swimmingly and never laughed so hard.  She also had a district and incredible teachers from Provo.  So it was just like the MTC, but without actually being in a classroom and eating in the cafeteria and sleeping in the dorms.  They still had class and studied all day.  It was a sacred experience.  Who wouldn't want to hear their daughter bearing her testimony, teaching the gospel and inviting people to come unto Christ.  We loved it.  The other cool thing was that our Stake President said that she can be involved with family things if she's not in class. 

She was set apart by President Kunz.

Our first meal out after a long time of only take out.  Many restaurants closed and then only offered take out.

Kristen's missionary pictures. I forgot to mention that we had a train in our neighborhood parked until the fall because of Covid.  It was kind of weird to have it there so long.

This was kind of a special moment.  Alex had just come home from his mission, Sterling came home from Brazil and was waiting for his next assignment.  Kristen was just barely on her mission and the boys came to Idaho Falls.  So on Sunday we did a fireside and had Alex do his homecoming talk, Kristen do her farewell talk and Sterling do his half time talk.  Then we sent it to the family. Since everyone is having church at home, it was so great!  Also Andrew got called to Kenya.  

 

Another cool thing happened while Kristen was in the MTC.  She wrote a beautiful song, called "The Little Things."  It was full of faith and what is in her heart at the moment.  So we recorded it.  Anna played the guitar because Natalie and Kristen were concentrating on the harmonies and arrangement.

Last visit to Grammies before Kristen left for Virginia

It was finally time for Kristen to go.  She got on the plane and met her companion in person at the airport. She will be a fantastic missionary.  

Here is an an update on Kristen.  Her mission has been very closed.  She was not allowed to contact or even talk to people in person.  they haven't gone to church yet and she has been out over 9 months.  there are service opportunities now, but just barely.  She has been the Facebook specialist for a lot of her mission.  she shared a few songs she wrote that have really helped people.  Also, there is a baptism coming up of a woman she found on Facebook.  She will be coming home at the end of October.

Our last to leave is Annalisa.  Her story is pretty amazing.  So, she had a plan to do  a very prestigious internship in Washington, where Covid hit pretty hard.  They really closed down.  Her internship was cancelled, which was frustrating because her graduation kind of depended on the completion of her internship.  She didn't feel good about applying for her masters at BYU, so figured she would work a little while in her field.  She was scrambling to find an open internship.  She also had enough time at home that she decided to take her GRE.  She also broke up with her boyfriend and was kind of freer to make decisions away from Rexburg.  Then she got this great internship in Nampa.  One of her professors at BYUI said that  she should apply for a Masters Program at Utah State.  He must have talked to Utah State, because she got right in and her mentor teacher was perfect for her.  She became a professor, like Anna wants to be.  She felt really good about it.  If everything hadn't fallen apart, she would not have ended up where she is.  The other great thing is that she got a stipend, so she is getting her Masters for Free.  

An update on Anna is that she is living in a great ward and after knowing no on has made many friends.  She also loves the house she lives in.  Recently the department has offered her a Doctorate program at Utah State, which she just decided to accept.  

 

We on the other hand living in a great area for the outdoors , summer was a blast.  After a year of not doing anything with my knee, I was so ready.  We also had so much company because of Covid.  Since no one was really allowed to travel for pleasure, everyone went somewhere close.  We saw many friends that I haven't seen for 20 years.  Luckily we are on the path to Yellowstone, and other outdoorsy places. 

We saw Trevor twice, the Pfosts, the Liddiards, Becca and Esther twice, Eliza and Joseph, Allison and Tom, the Listons, Travis, his Dad and Brother.  It was so fun.  I can't remember everyone, but we had company every week of the summer.  I will make summer it's own blog, but here are a few of the highlights.

My childhood home

My brother Sam had a Basal cell carcinoma removed from his head.  I went to be with him during the surgery.  California is a lot more closed than Idaho during Corona Virus.  I did where a mask in the airport and everywhere else I went.  The clients in the home Sam lives in weren't really allowed to leave and their program was cancelled. So they stay home.  Every time I came to see Sam, they took my temperature.  All restaurants were only take out or eat outside.  His surgery was a success and he had a miraculous recovery.  California was also dealing with fires.  I did go look at the beach, but beaches were closed. 

Summer was so incredible.  I just love the wind in the summer.  It feels so good to me.  

We went on our lazy river raft trip with the Listons, Played Pickle Ball with Kate and Mitchell

Kyle was in the Baja race in Minnesota.

For Dad's birhtday we had breakfast on the deck, Huckleberry Picking and a white water rap

 

  

In the fall the kids were allowed to go to school Tuesday through Friday.  Monday was online and we stayed in Phase 2 until third trimester.  They wore masks to school.  If you sat by someone who tested positive, you were quarantined for two weeks.  This was hard on some kids who kept having to be quarantined.  There was also pressure not to get tested, so you wouldn't be responsible for others being quarantined.  So for instance, Natalie was chosen to be Homecoming princess and 4 of the kids who came to surprise her found out the next day that they were quarantined.  Some of them were royalty so they weren't supposed to be at school, but they allowed it. 

They took a poll about online school last spring and there were so many kids suffering from depression and anxiety that the parents would rather risk Covid, then have their child home with mental health issues.  

They tried to do as much as possible.  Volleyball was with masks on the bench and two games per night just in case someone had to quarantine.  They got through the season.  They did some sports, but only two people per family were allowed to watch.  Then right at the end of Basketball season, the governor changed it and the kids rushed to go watch the game.  

Homecoming, Sadies and Sweetheart Dances were cancelled, but people planned smaller ones at home.  

Finally last week the mask mandate ended.  Today is March 10, 2021.  Stores still require masks, but the kids don't have to wear them to school.  They can still be quarantined if they are by someone who tests positive, unless you are wearing a mask, then you don't have to.  Now gatherings can be more than 50.  Right before Thanksgiving they made it only gatherings of 10.  We have been going to church in person with the zoom option since August.  We wear masks and do sacrament last.  Then last week they added the second meeting.  So we had two hour church.  In Church we still wear a mask and do 6 foot distancing.  

One of the reason that things are starting to open up is that the numbers of positive tests and deaths are going down.  Also, a month ago vaccines were coming available.  Elderly, care workers and teachers were first in line.  Katelyn and Grammie had their vaccinations.  There are two, Phyzer and Johnson and Johnson.  Phyzser is a two shot and Johnson a 1 shot one.  Jeff's mom just took her second shot Friday.  They mentioned at the clinic that they had some extra serum and it would expire Monday.  So anyone could go in.  Jeff, Megan and I rushed in and got our first shot.  

Here are some of the numbers.

Total amount of cases and deaths

US                                28.9 mil    520,00
Idaho                            173,000    1,879
California                     3.59 mil    53,457

Virginia                        581,000    9357
Florida                          1.93 mil  31,38

It is February 2021 and here is what happened.  By summer people were so cooped up that they had to get out.  It highly populated areas like Florida the numbers went up and they still stayed somewhat open.  In California on the other hand, they stayed tightly closed.  Beaches were closed through the summer and they followed strict guidelines and still are.  Kristen has been in Virginia another highly populated area and has been following very strict guidelines.  She still stays in her apartment and has not been to church in person yet.  The missionaries have done most of their contacting through zoom, including with members and have done most of their contacting through Facebook. 

The first people we heard of getting it were the McDonalds with only allergy type symptoms.  It ran through their family, but we didn't really see anyone in Idaho get it until the fall.  Kyle got it  in November while he was quarantined with roommates and he had flu like symptoms and lost his taste and smell.  He now 3 months later has a rotten taste in his mouth that we think is an after affect.  Natalie lost her taste and smell only, no other symptoms.  My mom was hospitalized, but recovered and Laurie, whom she lives with also got it and felt flu like symptoms and had the rotten taste as well.  Stephanie, Craig, Tommy also got it.  Things are looking up, but we still have a ways to go.