44 | Cline Family

This week was our formal start to distance learning. On Monday morning we were given an activity schedule for the week with literacy, math and science lessons – all online. We were also given access to Google Classroom, Zoom and Flipgrid. This is in addition to some other learning sites we were already using. Since it is a slow build, the face to face time was limited to Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for Amaya and Wednesday & Friday for Steven and Sammy. Their live sessions with their class are about 30 minutes long and, to a large degree, mirror their morning meetings. The kids also had to record some videos on Flipgrid. For example, they all had to introduce themselves and share two things they miss about school. On the list for all three Cline kids was “free choice.” 🙂 For Friday’s Zoom meeting, everyone had to bring a favorite stuffed animal.

To get in the zone, on Monday we started following the schedule of weekly activities. Penni gets the work started around 11am at the same time we used to do slightly less structured eLearning. So far, so good.

Coming downstairs between meetings means hugs. <3

On Monday evening I played a game with each of the kids – Memory with Steven and Amaya and Chess with Sammy. We had to put a hold on our game of chess after about 30 minutes. Sammy is very thoughtful about his moves.

Steven earned a staying-in-bed prize on Tuesday morning a guitar so he was especially excited to lead music class. One of my favorite parts of the week is when I hear their music time kick-off downstairs.

Amaya was reluctant to go outside for most of the week. I think she was still nervous about bees or wasps, even though we explained that the house had been sprayed and no insects were building nests around but it was still a push to get her outdoors. I think she’s also still disappointed that we said “no scooters” for the time being. We just don’t want to risk a visit to the ER right now.

Piano! I can’t wait until we can have lessons in our home again.

What day is it? Who knows!?!? Must be Wednesday. It was the first day for live Zoom meetings with their classes so Penni gave each of the kids some distance through the house so they wouldn’t speak over each other. By all reports, the first live session went well. And then, shortly after, it was on to online lessons.

What does April in MI mean? Snow! Go figure. We got a dusting on Wednesday and then it snowed for most of the day on Thursday. We even broke out the snow pants for recess.

Fun with super hero crafts from my secret sister.

Honestly, it’s been so hectic that I haven’t even asked Penni how dance is going. It seems nearly impossible that we’ll have a recital but it’s still worth taking the classes. (Did I say that last week? Every week is the exact same.)

Sammy wanted me to die his hair black so we gave it a shot on Wednesday. He was so sweet and so excited.

Not sad, just serious for his photo op.

Its been a little more difficult than usual to work in bedtime books. I think its the change in routine for all of us, so I’m really happy when we pull it off.

Thursday! Back at the table. Go figure.

For STEM time, Sammy did some archaeology digging for fossils.

The kids found a dead butterfly outside. Penni said they were discussing what would happen to it.

Friday’s Zoom set-up. And, yes, this means getting dressed in the morning is no longer an option.

I’ve got to keep the kids out of my work space during the day but, every now and then, there’s a good reason for a visit and it always includes hugs and smiles. It’s a little hard for all of us to have me home during the day but not present.

If you’re curious about how Amaya perceives life these days, I think this drawing sums it up.

I had the good idea (terrible idea) to let each of the kids play quietly in my room while I worked on Friday afternoon. It might have been a good idea if I’d kept it to one kid at a time but it ended up with all 3 of them which meant fighting and my whisper-yells. Before it went downhill, Amaya was legitimately working quietly on her artwork.

It’s not just a cat who sits and peeks out my window while I work lol.

Light saber fights! There’s lot of Star Wars play happening around these parts since we’ve been watching the movies.

Saturday I turned 44! I slept in and then enjoyed a breakfast prepared by Steven, Sammy, Amaya and Jason.

There was drama because Steven told me about a party they were planning for me. Amaya was furious. “Get over here now, Steven.” She said they agreed that the party would be a surprise and now it was ruined. Fortunately I remembered that Jason has a machine that erases memories and balance was restored.

My first surprise was a birthday cake! And the candles were arranged in the equation 4 x 11 because I mentioned to Jason that I like when my age is a multiple of 11. <3

The kids arranged a party for me with art stations and lego stations. They even had gifts for me. What a haul!! Amaya made goody bags, too, full of her stuff and paper confetti. It was so sweet.

My little loves. (Check out my self-hair cut! This was the first time I styled it since I cut it last weekend. And, yes, Steven was in a mood. There were some issues with the contents of his goody bag.)

Amaya wanted her lipstick on and didn’t want me to do it for her because it’s my birthday. She she turned to her daddy for help.

Sammy got a daddy haircut, complete with a lightening bolt.

I gave Amaya rainbow ends but she wouldn’t let me cut her hair. I tried to explain that she needs healthy hair if she wants it to keep growing well but she wasn’t having it.

I had a birthday Zoom date with three of my closest friends. (Triplet moms, but I don’t need to qualify the friendship that way. It’s well beyond that.)

We all have BBG triplets born within a month of each other. He we are with our daughters.

Return of the Jedi time!

Amaya made me a birthday crown with a matching bracelet. I love the added touch of her “44” lol.

As a final birthday treat, we took a trip to Kensington Park to watch the sunset over the lake. It was really special. The air was cool, the sky was clear and I think the kids realized this wasn’t an everyday family outing.

Sammy, more than anyone, appreciated watching the sun slip behind the trees across the lake.

Today was a clam, easy day. It started with Zoom religious school. It’s okay. I think everyone wishes it was just a bit later in the morning but it’s only 30 minutes so a pretty easy commitment, and the last day for the year was already scheduled to be 5/4.

Amaya watches baking tutorial on her tablet and saw a recipe for Elsa cupcakes that she wanted to try so we made it happen. They’re dense, but edible, and the kids are getting better with their baking skills. We talk a lot about the precision needed for baking that isn’t as important with other types of cooking.

Elsa cupcake!

The kids played outside for a short while today. I’m so glad they have each other through this.They can flight like the best of them but having the built in playmates is amazing.