Homebound

Apparently I started this post in March... I just went to start a new one and saw this draft. Opened it. Nothing there. Shocker!

The last few months have not been quiet. They have not been boring. There has been less early mornings up and at 'em, but there's not been a shortage of to-do's. The kids, the farm, and the remodel have kept life interesting during this odd state of the world. We have added on two rooms in the back, and expanded our master bathroom and closet (still in the process 3 months later....)

Thankfully, the initial anxiety that overtook the ER staffs in our area has dissipated... It may rise again, but after a few weeks of not having similar issues like NY or Italy, Chris was able to breath a little deeper. He has not had a shortage of shifts, and has been working extra as my job with Marshall stopped.  

The kids have been truly okay. They miss school, their friends, and seeing other kids regularly. Every now and then Ara will say "I want to NOT see Owen for days, Mom". He gets annoyed that she knows exactly how to push his buttons, and she DOES. But mostly they get along okay. 

Other than not seeing people, and not going to baseball or work, life hasn't been too different for us. I have been using Instacart grocery delivery system for almost a year now, and I confess... I haven't been in a grocery store since March 18th... I can't believe it. It's not that I feel that it's such a risk anymore, but I have this membership in place to provide the exact service that I need, so I have just been using it for more than just my costco runs. I also shop with farm fresh to you (veggie/farm box), imperfect foods (veggie/farm box), and thrive market. So, there is still a flow of food coming in even though I am not parading around the stores... It is a total record for me. And also kinda nice. I fear I will become more lazy out of this pandemic... anyone else?

On another note, we took over payments for a peleton bike and have been LOVING it. 2 months in and I have been spinning 20/30 days the first month and 19/27 days this month. It is addicting and may just replace my gym membership whenever gyms re-open.

Ok, that's all for now. I have 23985 photos as usual of life. Hope you are well!

Britton Christmas

Our Britton Christmas was another wonderful event! We did another photo shoot with the whole crew.

 There was some male bonding over a drone's flight.

 The whole crew!

 The boys!

 This one looks like a cover of the CD to me.

We had a very special time with our in laws. My Father in law had a stroke on Thanksgiving, so we were very happy to have him here with us, standing, and requesting photos out on the rocks.

Many moments were shared, not many photographed, that is the way it goes sometimes!

Our little family Christmas

It was time for our little family's Christmas!

I love bringing out the Christmas books from the Christmas décor bins.

 Mom and Dad and Santa and the kids were thoughtful shoppers this year as well.

 Bookie wanted to be included in the treasure hunt!

 Owen has recently become very interested in football. Niners are his team... So he is a Schledewitz after all!

 Cassava flour cinnamon rolls...Not the most fluffy when cooked... But sure tasted yummy! And one of the few times a year I pull out powdered sugar!

 We relaxed and rested all morning, together!

 

We ended our morning with some field time and a photoshoot. We always do one in front of our tree with animals, but this was the first year that we had sweet farm animals other than chickens. We had to include them this year!

 It wasn't a smooth process.

 Quackers the mallard is kind of a turd.

Hope you had a lovely holiday. Let me know if you want to come visit our petting zoo!

Christmas Eve

I was sure ready to stay home and relax. We did just that for almost the whole day. Every year we try to connect with the Baxters and drive a sweet street nearby that is decorated for Christmas.

This photo was the most decent one! The kids are quite wiggly together.

 One or two years ago they started roughhousing in the car (we drive through the houses, instead of walking) and they have never forgotten that. Seems like they count on this one time each year to wrestle, smush, etc. There are 4 kids in the back... I promise!

 There they are!

It is a little dose of chaos and a big dose of cuteness. A sweet hour long tradition which we cherish!!!

The Fun continues- We partied allllll week!

Date night! A group of awesome siblings decided to put together an epic party at The Sequoia. There was to be dancing, food, drink. The invitation went out months in advance so that sitters could be lined up. Chris was able to switch shifts so that we could attend. It was a red themed evening! Chris claims he missed the memo but I thought I remember telling him?

 My good pal Char made me laugh the whole night.

 The DJ was great and the dance floor was packed with long time friends.

 There was a photo booth and near it an open window with freezing air. This felt amazing after dancing on the dance floor. It was such a fun night to share with my best friends and their husbands.

Can't wait until next year!

Sister Christmas

It was the first Christmas in 30 years I haven't spent it with my family in my childhood home. I've always viewed myself as open to change, but turns out it is actually really hard. Traditions are who you are with, right?!! We had a fantastic day together.

It was fun to have Steve's mom there, she had some Marsh ish ways. She cracked us up and was just happy to be included.

 Chris made Wynt some personalized Dave socks.

 And honey the dog socks for the girls.

 Steve was very creative and used his potting skills to make all the girls gifts this year. The cousins had pots for succulents, I lucked out and had a vase and a bowl, and Wynt a mug and a vase. Spoiled!

 You can see the hilarious honey pup canvas on the floor?

 A more formal placement!

 There was football, guitar, singing, but I think we forgot a dance party this year.

 I was in my PJ's all day. It was most awesome. Some of the best times aren't well photographed. This is one of those days!

 Dave prepared a Christmas poem/song to the likes of Mike Meyers in So I married an Axe murderer. It was pretty awesome!

 There was more Islands in the stream sung by Chris and Steve. Dave really finds it hilarious when they do this duet. It is pretty amazing.

Oh what blessings we have. Our family has changed, our sisters still stand. We will keep our tradition going, our silly things we like to do just because. We have an oatmeal bar in the morning, and soup for dinner. We exchange gifts and plan on being together all day. It is a rare celebration where we plan on being together the whole day- no errands or other stops! It doesn't have to be on Christmas day, any day can be Christmas with my Sissies.