This first week of Corona Quarantine has been a whirlwind. In the past week, schools have been mandated to close, along with bars and restaurants for dine-in seating. Most industries have been either required or encouraged to work from home. It’s been suggested that group gatherings be limited to 10 people, and we all practice some level of social distancing/quarantine. There’s been a constant swirl of thoughts through my head as we’ve made a freezer and pantry inventory list, tentative meal plan, and a list of projects. I’ve rescheduled a bridal shower and canceled plans for spring break. This time brings a lot of uncertainty and most of America is currently in a holding pattern. Where we will land, how long this will continue, is anyone’s guess. All we can really do is take this one day at a time.

Although Jon is now solely working at home, thankfully, we are not in the position many parents have suddenly been thrust into of working two jobs from home while also having kids at home – some even with required schoolwork. There are probably very few things I’ve stated I could never do – and homeschooling is one of those things. The kids’ teachers have been wonderful in providing resources for kiddos who want to continue learning at home. I think it’s great that so many companies have made subscription-based online learning tools free during this time. I’m excited to explore the virtual museums and zoos that are now available. But I’ll be honest – I’m not a Covid Calendar Mom. You’ve seen it. And it’s wonderful. But it’s not for me. Aside from not really leaving the house and a sprinkle of schoolwork, this week at home has looked a lot like summer - without the warmth and sun (man that would make quarantine a little more fun!). *Please excuse me while I go down a rabbit hole on Zillow ..*

But this sudden absence of a normal routine leaves me wondering if I’m making the most of it. While I’ve crossed a lot of things off my to-do list, and started some long awaited projects, I still feel like I’m barely holding down the fort, keeping up with laundry and housekeeping, let alone making the most of at-home learning or tackling the project list. Anyone else feel this way? We are on information overload, in a world of unprecedented (at least in my lifetime) times, and this holding pattern is making my mind go a little bit haywire. Social media brings no shortage of suggestions for how to spend our time at home. Whether it’s following a Covid calendar schedule, teaching your children practical skills at home, read-read-read, or simply soaking in the quality time, find what works for you and your family. And take it one day at a time.

I think we’d all agree there’s a learning curve with most everything you do in life. Being thrown into this new environment essentially overnight is certainly no exception. You’ve got to give yourself the grace to figure it out. For next week, I think a checklist would be helpful for me. I’ve always been a list person, and I think this will help me feel better about how we’re spending our days. Click the FREE PRINTABLE link below if you want to give it a try - throw it in a sleeve protector and grab a dry-erase marker :)

I hope that we will look back on this time of uncertainty with a heartwarming feeling of the quality time we were afforded as a family. I hope that amidst a time of stress for many trying to balance it all, many battling extreme financial unrest, everyone is able to find a silver lining. Make the best of this time – we’re all in this together – figuratively, of course.