Covid 19

I want to put in an extra post with Information about this time in life. Casey and I cannot recall anything in our lifetime that has been so impactful as this Covid 19 global pandemic. I want to write about happenings so when our family looks back on this years / decades down the road we see what the world was like in the beginning of 2020.

- Gas prices 2.18 (Lowest in 18 years, but we can't go anywhere thanks to the Stay Home order from the State.)
- School being Cancelled - Never did we think when this first surfaced that we would end up homeschooling our kids for weeks to possibly months. We are in uncharted territory figuring out working from home. The first week proved to be a lot; but somehow we'll find our way through this. The kids are on the computer throughout the day getting their work done. (Heaven bless Teachers for all of their behind the scenes work, and technology for getting us through.)
- Work from home / different. With so much shut down the US is having a major unemployment crisis. Thankfully Casey is necessary and is still doing his thing taking things week by week. He's got videos and lessons online for his students and helps them throughout the week with anything they need.
- Stay at home order: When Covid 19 first rolled onto the news media feed it felt so far away that I couldn't have imagined it's effects. We are now on Mandatory Stay Home orders from the state till at least April 21st (with the likelihood it will be extended). Living in 1000 sq feet apartment with three kids has given us a new definition of "Stir Crazy". (Plus living above grumpy neighbors who complain at our usual noise let alone home 24 /7 noise. . . and the guy works the night shift and sleeps during the day : / ) We've had bad weather that's given us even more inside time that is mentally challenging us. We've had to make the kids go outside to play (lame weather plus lack of friends the kids suddenly think outside is a very boring place).
- Self Distancing: First we were limited to gatherings of 50, then 20, now just our household. We are asked to Stay home, but when we go out we are supposed to stay six feet from others. Even stores have lines on the ground telling us where to stand. Along with that the CDC has now advised us to wear masks out. So Today I sewed up some masks for my family. Something I still can't believe I'd be doing or see my family ever need to do.
- A month ago people around the US started panic buying products. It started with toilet paper, paper towels, meds, and water and has ended up affecting almost every item that comes into the grocery store. It's crazy seeing empty shelves for weeks. I'll be honest I panic bought a couple of items in the beginning, but thanks to my LDS upbringing food storage is a thing and we haven't been without. I have had to make Casey hunt around town at almost every store for a few things (yeast, flour). Now that our state has a stay at home order in place all unnecessary buildings and stores are closed. Basically if it sells food, it's open, if not, it's closed. We can still "eat out" - meaning we can get drive through or pick up food - if we're willing to go out. - The medical world is taking a hit with a major shortage of gloves, gowns, masks, and supplies.
- Places closed. It's not just cities and states that are on lock down orders its even countries are on lock down. National and State parks have had to close their doors to deter people flooding areas for "outside social distancing time".
- We have to go without gatherings for holidays (Easter) and celebrations (birthdays). Weddings cancelled. It will be a very different Easter for us; no community hunts, no visiting family. We had to cancel our Spring Break to Utah - no Arches, no family time.
- Temples: First the Temples shifted to Live ordinances only, and now the temples around the world 168 (learned that in conference today ; ) are all closed. Along with that we don't get to go to church. We hold church in our own homes. It's truly a revelation that the Come Follow Me home / church program was released last year. Little did we know then how important and helpful it would be this year. Our family continues to partake of the sacrament (Thanks to Casey's Priesthood authority), and learn about the gospel from the safety of our own home. I never want to forget sitting around our dining table as a family as Casey prepares, blesses, and passes the sacrament. Our simple covenant covered in white handkerchiefs that helps us continue to worship even in the worst of times.
- Entertainment has come to a halt: First sporting events were cancelled, then entire seasons - so no NBA or NCAA tournaments etc. The Olympics have been cancelled and postponed for a year (The Olympics have only ever been cancelled one time in their history.) All media has come to a halt, no shows, movies - being made or shown in Theaters, productions are being done, - just an altered news. Disneyland : / (all theme parks) closed its doors. - It's only ever done that twice in it's history for a day each time. Thankfully we still have TV, Disney plus, and You-Tube funny to get us laughing in these interesting times.
-World Travel is altered. First people couldn't come into the US, now they can't leave the US. Your tested for illness at airports, Flights with only six people on board / or not going at all.
- President Trump has held daily pres conferences. With a mix of medical, economical, government,  issues, crisis, information, etc. unfolding everyday. The stock market has hit a low that hasn't happened in 30 year. - Economic implications will be ? for ?
- We rely heavily on Truckers and food industry workers who fear going to work, but still do. And the Medical field who put themselves in harms way everyday - even having to not see their own families at this time to keep them safe from this. 
- Video messages, conferences, are huge. Foremost for us with school - the kids got to video chat their classes this past week, and Casey posts videos for lessons. Casey's family has utilized Marco Polo to stay connected during this time. We joke, we check up on each other, we share moments. We've also been able to video David and my parents and Katherine as well. (Again - heaven bless technology to keep us all connected when we cannot be otherwise.) 

I wish I was writing this as we were coming out of this pandemic; however I feel we are just at a point that could go up or down or even linear from hear. It's a big question mark with a big unknown in front of us.
I'm beyond grateful. > I have my family - we are safe and healthy - we will end up closer (crazier, but closer I'm sure). I'm grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that will see us through. Jesus Christ who is our light and hope, and the Holy Spirit that can comfort us and guide us through it all. I'm grateful for the gospel and the blessings / privileges it gives me.

We will get through this - we will come out on top - All will be well - I hope for it - I know it!