Author: Jennilyn

June 2020: starting to figure out a quarantine pod in order to better survive the duration of these times. Also, I’ve been thinking a lot about some influential people in my life who happen to have black skin (my high school soccer coach Bobby Clark, my high school band teacher Greg McKelvey, some friends I’ve played music with, as well as some famous people who’ve inspired me). Praying for hearts to soften toward their fellow humans, for courage where it is needed, and for humility and respect to grow the future generations up to be better than the ones before.

A few memories from life at home these past months:

My 10 yr old, in conversation with Daddy at lunch, found out he had a Zoom social with co-workers, to which she responded in all seriousness, “I thought they seemed exceptionally chatty for work.”

My 8 yr old, when I told him to be quiet for the nth time so K could do her math test: “Mute. Mute-mute-mute-mute-mute…” (Wiggle wiggle in his seat).

My 12 yr old, giggling when I go to kiss her goodnight and find not her face on her pillow but her feet!

Finishing the final 3 books in the Harry Potter series. Finally! Freedom to talk spoilers galore!

Editing and watching through all the Marvel movies!

May 2020: It’s been a challenge to maintain physical and emotional health, but there’s still joy to find or to create each day. For example, rather than stay depressed about the rats eating all the vegetables and berries in my backyard, it’s time to make a flower garden with fairy houses!

April 2020 had it’s highs (school at home, Easter, our 15th Anniversary) and it’s lows (school at home, missing friends, trying to stay positive). I’m thankful for all of it, and looking forward to discovering what May has in store!

March 2020: K and I visiting our friends the naked mole rats and seeing art made from junk washed ashore displayed at the zoo, Tauren Wells at the Tobymac concert, and my nephew’s 1st birthday! It’ll be interesting to see what the second half of March will bring. Not taking life as we know it so much for granted now. Hugs and health and love to all my friends and family out there! Thank you to our friends, the Ences, who surprised us with some cheerful art! Feeling loved!

The second half of March… quarantined life. There’s lots to be thankful for. Thinking of lots of friends and wondering how everybody’s doing. Prayers and well wishes!

February 2020 was fun: Lunar New Year, Dad’s birthday, Winter Lights, sledding on Mt. Hood, and Brick’s Cascade.

2020 has started out nicely: Pittock Mansion with the theme of Wonderful World of Books, Gram’s 94th bday, David’s bday, and the newest member to our kitchen (good-bye and thank you old toaster, sniff…you’ve been good to us for so many years!) And there’s David, waiting for dinner so he and the kids can put together the newest of our technology “pets” (as I call our devices).