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.
April 19th, Governor Little spoke today and said that we are slowly opening businesses.
Before he left, we got some home projects done that would have taken us all summer without all of our big kids.
We had a nice Mother's Day with our kids minus Kyle.
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.
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.
Here are some of the numbers.
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.
