Thoughts during this time

With all that is going on in the world, 

I am trying to find at least 1 bright spot each day!

In each day I am trying to find:

 Gratitude

Thankfulness

 Appreciation

 And Love

I am grateful that we are all together and healthy.

I am trying not to dwell on the fact that I cannot visit 

in person, my family and friends.

I am still visiting with them, but in a different way.

I am Face Timing with them all!

No one cares how you look- I may be in my comfy pants and shirt, no make up, etc but we are still sharing time, comforting each other, laughing, sharing meals, 

drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), holidays and events!

Both my children's birthdays were shared via FaceTime this year. My daughter received a surprise for her birthday. A friend came over- social distance of course- 

stood outside and played Happy Birthday on her viola for her! 

That was one of the nicest things that anyone could have done!

During the day, we all have our "corners." 

Each one of us has work to do on computers- whether school work or work work!

My children are getting to know their cousins that they have never met! Since everyone is home, they are sending text messages to each other- notes, drawings, etc. It is very special to us!

Food is precious. There are few leftovers. 

If there are leftovers, I have become even more creative!

I made the most amazing lo mein with leftovers.

I will be posting that recipe!

I still make their favorites.

For my daughter's birthday, I made homemade gnocchi.

My son loved it so much, I had to make more yesterday!

I made sure everyone helped.

They all received gold stars in rolling gnocchi!

She wanted chocolate cannoli cake for birthday.

She asked that her brother make the cake!

So he did!

My son wanted meatloaf for his birthday.

I do make a fantastic meatloaf!

He wanted a ding dong cake for his birthday.

If you have never had a ding dong cake, 

you are missing out!

Two birthday cakes in four days! 

Yes, they finished off both cakes!

I only had one piece of each!

I am still nervous about going to a store to purchase groceries. 

We have limited to one time per week and we alternate who goes to the store! 

I went the other day, my husband went last week.

People seem to keep distance from each other, 

but I cannot wait to get home and scrub my hands and change my clothes!

My house has never been cleaner!

The kids help.

They take turns vacuuming,

 helping with laundry, 

they set the table for meals, 

help prepare meals and 

help clean up after meals.

We talk at least one walk daily as a family.

That is something we have never had the opportunity to ever do in the past.

 I look forward to that time together.

That may sound weird since we are all home together. 

The walks are different.

It brings us together in a different way.

We decided we want to keep up this tradition.

We play more games together- card games,board games,etc. We laugh lots.

We tell the kids stories from when we were kids.

They just laugh and laugh.

At dinnertime, we say grace. 

We go around the table and share

 at least one thing we are grateful for today.

I do not think this tradition ever go away.

This has opened up much discussion- 

sometimes thoughtful, sometimes humorous!

 I have seen much outpouring of love and compassion from friends, family and strangers. 

Just remember,

 whatever you are going through,

you are not alone! 

We are all in this together!

 Stay safe and health!

With much,

Gratitude

Thankfulness

 Appreciation

 And Love