Weights and a Much Needed Routine

For 2 weeks of the first of this "Quarantine" period I found myself staying up late and sleeping in to whenever. Randomly exercising and not really doing much about it.  Well this week I decided that it was time to set an alarm again and GET UP and MOVE my body!

Also GPP Fitness (is the gym that I go to) offered to borrow me some weights. HECK YES!!!! Plus they have been providing workouts at that are easily done at home. THANK YOU!!! Its pretty amazing how exercise is so crucial for my healthy mental state... and not doing it as much for 2 whole weeks how much I am missing it.

I feel EXTREMELY grateful that Neil and Linds would lend me some equipment. So on Today I was able to pick up the stuff I needed. They took a picture of me so that they could keep track of what everyone took.

And now my closet has been turned into a home gym. I probably should fold my laundry and put it away to give myself more room.

Also they plan to do gym sessions on Zoom for anyone that wants to join in. Just to change it up. Could be fun! 

Worldwide Fast and Zoom Birthday Party

3 days ago the Prophet gave an announcement to the whole entire church and the whole entire world to fast and pray for the spread of COVID-19 to curb. In his video he said this....

"As a physician and surgeon, I have great admiration for medical professionals, scientists, and all who are working around the clock to curb the spread of COVID-19. I am also a man of faith, and I know during these challenging times, we can be strengthened and lifted as we call upon God and His son Jesus Christ, the Master Healer. I invite you to join with me in a worldwide fast for all whose health permits to pray for relief from the physical, emotional and economic effects of this global pandemic. I invite members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints everywhere, along with our many friends, to fast and pray this Sunday, March 29. Let us unite our faith to plead for physical, spiritual, and other healing throughout the entire world. The Lord understands the feelings you are experiencing. He loves and cares for you, as I do, too."

Last night I talked to Ryker and Cyrus about the worldwide fast and told them that they didn't have to, but that it could be a good chance to be apart of the whole wide world fasting together. I told them they could fast their breakfast and then break it at lunch. So this morning when they woke up they both wanted to do it. I was really proud of them. We started off as a family (cuz without prayer, fasting is starvation).

They both did really well all morning. At noon I made pancakes and for some reason that's when Ryker lost his cool about it all. I didn't get it he had already done the hard part and he was about to eat and he was so grumpy. It took an hour before things were a little calmer and we could start church. With Jesse on duty today I knew I could possibly have my tolerance tested while I was fasting. It had been a long time since I have fasted because I just don't do well. But when the prophet tells you to fast, you fast.

We had a decent church. The boys did pretty good through it. Cy started to loose interest half way through the lesson and I had to really try had to stay patient and keep him engaged.

We finished and I decided that I was starting to feel like I was going to lose it. So I needed to take a walk. I left Ryker and Cy at home while Murphy and Fynn came with me. It was enjoyable ti get out and breath some fresh air.

Fynn brought his bike along. He still insists on riding his STRIDER bike. He is almost too big for it. But he's a champ on that bike.

We eventually made our way back home and we got caught in the rain/snow.

I made it back in time to make a little dinner before we had our  Smith Family Zoom Birthday Party scheduled for Cyrus and Tyson. With all the social distancing going on right now, we really cant gather anymore. So Zoom has been the saving grace the past few weeks for groups of people to get together via internet.

We each took our turn telling Cyrus and Tyson what we loved about them. And at the end we each had a cake of some sort to blow out a candle and had cake "together".

Today was good overall, but there was definitely an underlining layer of irritability with everyone today. Me included. I really wanted today to feel so spiritual and amazing. And I feel like a fell flat of that today. I swear when I'm trying so hard for it to happen is when it feels like it can't be. Maybe I just needed to have a better attitude today about it. I don't know. Just is a proof that the real-ness of this quarantine thing is an emotional ride. 

Quarantine Saturday

With all the scare of COVID-19 I have decided to try and work only on the days that Jesse is off duty.  So I got to have a Saturday all by myself with my boys. Nothing to worry about and nowhere to be. We could just be together and do what we wanted to do.

The past almost 2 weeks I have been staying up late and sleeping in to whenever I wanted to wake up. I usually can't sleep in past 7am, and that hasn't been very hard to sleep in until that every day. I even slept in until 8:45am on Wed. Unreal. I think I need to figure out a new routine. I have gotten up early for so many years to go to the gym. But now that gyms are closed and the kiddos are not going to school. I just need to figure out what our new normal is going to be for the next month or so. The few walks and hikes I have been getting for exercise wont be enough to last me over the next month.

After being at work all week I was so excited to have a day to spend with my boys. Getting out in the fresh air this morning and listening to my boys giggling while they played in the fresh snow was free therapy.

I'll admit a huge blessing in this whole pandemic is the gift of time we have been given. Time to be closer knit with my little family! Time to dive into my scruptures more fully. Time to turn our homes into sanctuaries. Time to ponder what is most important. Don't squander it right? Today felt like a good day and I want to rejoice in that.

When we got back from our hike we wanted lunch. I had to take a picture of our spread because Fynn set the table and got 90% of the food out all by himself. He put apples and clementines in their own bowls. I thought it was so cute. 

And I just had to take a picture of Fynn while he was chillin' with Murphy and a baby chick. Just livin' his best life. 

The rest of the day was spent playing Phase 10 and watching movies. I'm pretty sure I fell asleep around 6pm and got a little cat nap in. So that was delightful.

I know this quarantine thing is going to feel like emotional whiplash. One day or even minute everything feels ok and then the next it doesn't. So when I'm feeling like everything is going to be ok I have to definitely acknowledge that. 

Best Grandma Ever

I don't normally post something everyday, but the way things have been going lately it feels like I need to talk about what is going on every day.

I got a text from Heidi today...

"Missing you guys and my grandbabies! I have an idea. When it's bedtime and your exhausted from taking care of my grandchildren, I would love to do zoom or Facebook messaging and read them a bedtime story. I'm available every night. So plan time for that to happen and maybe you'll have a few minutes of quiet time. Just text me when you're ready. I'll start choosing books so I can be ready."

So after I got home from work today I was feeling totally pooped and didn't want to cook dinner. We went to Chik fil a. Every restaurant is closed for dining. Some are doing curbside pickup, but those with drive thru windows are still doing well.

When we got home we got onto zoom and the boys got a bedtime story from grandma while they ate their dinner.

Online School

Found out last night that school has been suspended until May 1. Online schooling continues through that.

This virus is continuing to spread,  I pray that all these precautions we are taking is helping stop this virus from spreading.  

So many missionaries have been sent home this week as well.  Its hard to describe what we are living through right now. 

Just to document these boys working on their school work. So when school is in session there is no need for clothes and pets are allowed. Haha. 

 Tomorrow I plan to go to the school and pick up loaner school computers. Now that this is going to last the next month, and most likely the end of the school year I think they need to have their own computer. It's getting a little tricky Jesse and I sharing. I mean we can make due if we had to, but since they do have some available to us why not borrow ones from the school so they can just have their own just for school?

COVID-19 Apocalypse and Earthquakes in Utah

Oh my goodness. Where to even begin with how the past week and a half has been a very chaotic time for the whole world and here in Utah.

At the start of the year China had a new virus come out of there and it was starting to kill people. On They were calling it Coronavirus aka COVID-19. Well it was spreading like crazy and  Jan 11 China reported its first death.

I found the following timeline of the coronavirus to give an idea of where this all started.

Jan 20 Other countries, including the United States, confirmed cases.  Japan, South Korea and Thailand.

Jan 23 Wuhan, a city of more than 11 million, was cut off by the Chinese authorities.

Jan 30 The W.H.O. declared a global health emergency.  The US State Department warned travelers to avoid China.

Jan 31 The Trump administration restricted travel from China.

Feb 2 The first coronavirus death was reported outside China

Feb 5 A cruise ship in Japan began a quarantine of 3,600 passengers that had 218 confirmed coronavirus cases.

Feb 7 A Chinese doctor who tried to raise the alarm died from the coronavirus.

Feb 13 There were more than 14,000 new cases in Hubei Province.

Feb 14 France announces the first coronavirus death in Europe.

Feb 19 Hundred leave the quarantined cruise ship.  After 2 weeks, 443 passengers began leaving the Cruise Ship. Those who tested negative for the virus were able to offload.  Those who still were infected remained on the ship. A total of 621 people aboard the ship were infected. Yikes.

Feb 21 The Virus appears in Iran from an unknown source.

Feb 23 Italy sees major surge in coronavirus cases and officials lock down towns.

Feb 26 Latin America reports its first coronavirus case.

Feb 28 The number of infections in Europe spikes. Italy, where 800 people had been infected. Cases in 14 other countries, including Northern Ireland and Wales, could be traced back to Italy. Germany had nearly 60 cases , France reported 57, more that triple the number from 2 days earlier.

Feb 28 Sub-Saharan Africa records its first infection.

Feb 29 The United States records its first coronavirus death and announces travel restrictions.  A patient near Seattle became the first coronavirus patient to die in the U.S.A.  The global cases rose to nearly 87,000. Trump

On Wednesday, March 11  The W.H.O declared the rapidly spreading coronavirus outbreak a PANDEMIC

The Church of Jesus Christ sent out this email out that same day....

As global concerns over the spread of COVID-19 continue to grow, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are taking additional measures to help reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

These measures include altering the format of the April 2020 general conference, adjustments to the training of newly called missionaries, and guidelines for large gatherings where COVID-19 contagion is a concern. Dear Brothers and Sisters, We are deeply concerned about the global spreading of illness caused by COVID-19. We have counseled with worldwide governmental, ecclesiastical, and medical leaders and have prayerfully considered the current circumstances. We want to be good global citizens and do what we can to control this contagious illness. We are most grateful for the many who are working tirelessly to address this health hazard. We pray for them and for all who may be suffering. To help control this problem, we feel it wise to limit attendance at the upcoming April 2020 General Conference. We plan to conduct all five sessions of that conference at the Conference Center. General authorities, general officers and their spouses, musicians, choirs, technicians, and others will participate as assigned. But, proceedings of the conference will be distributed throughout the world via technology only. The public will not be admitted in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, or in stake centers or meetinghouses in areas where contagion is a concern. Questions about other large gatherings of Church members will be answered in separate announcements. We live in a remarkable age. The Lord has blessed us with the technology and capacity to participate in and receive messages from Church leaders in all parts of the world. This special conference will commemorate the bicentennial of the First Vision and the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in these latter days. We invite all to continue to prepare for this conference. As we do, we will be blessed to hear the word of the Lord and participate in a general conference experience that will remain not only memorable, but unforgettable. Sincerely, The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles I mean the Prophet did tell us in October that the April Conference was going to be unforgettable.  Getting that email was something so different to think about.  They also added in that email this.... Dear Brothers and Sisters, With the recent announcement changing the attendance at the April 2020 General Conference, we are providing the following guidance related to large gatherings of Church members. After considering the counsel of governmental, ecclesiastical, and medical leaders around the world and our own prayerful reflection, we will postpone stake and leadership conferences and other large gatherings in Church Areas where illness caused by COVID-19 is a challenge, including, Asia Asia North Europe Europe East All Areas in the United States and Canada These temporary adjustments will take effect March 16, 2020. Large gatherings in other areas of the world may continue as usual unless directed otherwise by Area Presidencies, who counsel with their leaders. In relation to weekly worship services, activities and other meetings, members should follow the guidance of their local leaders, who will receive direction in the usual manner. As this constantly changing situation develops, we will provide further guidance on this topic. Sincerely, The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles March 12 We finally closed on our Construction Loan. We now have funding to finish the house. Is this bad timing for this to be happening? Or good? Only time will tell.  March 13 President Trump declares a national emergency.  By this time things started to get canceled all over. The NBA season got canceled because 2 players on the Jazz team tested positive for Coronavirus. The Firefighter Ball for March 14 was canceled. I was totally bummed about that one. Plus all the schools had decided that we were going to take a 2 week break from school. Which would lead us into spring break. So 3 weeks at home. Holy Moly. This is crazy! And it was even crazier when we all got this email from the Church.... Dear Brothers and Sisters, As promised in our letter of March 11, 2020, we continue to monitor the changing conditions related to COVID-19 throughout the world. We have considered the counsel of local Church leaders, government officials and medical professionals, and have sought the Lord’s guidance in these matters. We now provide the following updated directions. Beginning immediately, all public gatherings of Church members are being temporarily suspended worldwide until further notice. This includes: Stake conferences, leadership conferences and other large gatherings. All public worship services, including sacrament meetings. Branch, ward and stake activities. Where possible, leaders should conduct any essential leadership meetings via technology. Specific questions may be referred to local priesthood leaders. Further direction related to other matters will be provided. Bishops should counsel with their stake president to determine how to make the sacrament available to members at least once a month. We encourage members in their ministering efforts to care for one other. We should follow the Savior’s example to bless and lift others. We bear our witness of the Lord’s love during this time of uncertainty. He will bless you to find joy as you do your best to live the gospel of Jesus Christ in every circumstance. Sincerely, The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles What a shock it was to think that we wouldn't be having any church gatherings for the next who knows how long? What is happening in our world? Not to mention that the grocery stores have gone crazy. Everyone hoarded all the Toilet Paper and water. It's been insane the amount of people shopping. Sales in Utah have gone up 265%. It feels like the end of the world out there the way that people are shopping. Empty shelves of bread, water and any canned foods. All non-perishable items were cleaned out. Talk about the twilight zone. March 14 The prophet sent out a message to all the members about this crazy weekend. It was on youtube, so I can't really attach it on here, but I can attach what the Desseret News wrote about it.... SALT LAKE CITY — Saying the gospel of Jesus Christ provides hope and help to a troubled world, President Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on Saturday shared a three-minute videotaped message regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. “These unique challenges will pass in time. I remain optimistic for the future,” he said in the video, which was posted to his social media channels, including Twitter and Facebook. The leader considered a prophet by 16.3 million Latter-day Saints around the world spoke directly about concerns regarding COVID-19. “As you are well aware, we as a global church are facing a unique challenge,” President Nelson said. “COVID-19 and its resulting illness has affected thousands of lives and interrupted many regular routines. We pray for those who are suffering and for those who have lost loved ones.” President Nelson, his counselors in the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles earlier this week suspended all gatherings for church worship services, meetings and activities to join the effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus. They also suspended all proxy work at Latter-day Saint temples. “After prayerful consideration, and with our deep desire to be part of the solution to this challenge, we have recently made many temporary adjustments to the way we worship and serve the Lord,” he said in the video. “We are most grateful for your faith, your prayers, your cooperation and understanding.” He spoke with energy and with a smile. He counseled church members that “Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ know us, love us and are watching over us. Of that we can be certain.” “During these uncertain times,” he continued, “be comforted by this promise from the Savior. He said, ‘I the Lord am bound when you do what I say.’ I promise you that joy is always within the reach of everyone who will hear him and obey his laws.” He encouraged members to take care of themselves and their loved ones. Then he asked them to serve and minister to others. He also talked about how church members could move forward during the temporary suspension of church services. “Temporary changes in our normal routine may allow us additional time to experience how precious home-centered gospel study can be,” he said. “Don’t hesitate to use the new Book of Mormon videos and other technology to study the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Finally, he noted that Latter-day Saints are looking forward to the church’s international general conference on April 4-5. Church leaders previously announced that it will be a virtual conference due to concerns about COVID-19. “We will focus on the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness,” he said. “That gospel provides certain hope and help to a troubled world. I love you, I pray for you and I promise that you will receive comfort and peace as you continue to hear him.” How wonderful it is to have a prophet that can send us a message of hope an peace during this crazy time. March 15 we held our first family church in our home. Jesse's parents came over to our home to join in for the sacrament. We were given approval by our Bishop to partake of our sacrament in our home. Mike and Jesse blessed the bread and water while they gave the bread and water to Ryker to pass out to the rest of us. It was so tender and I just loved it. We a talk by Jesse and Ryker. Cy gave a little scripture and thoughts about it. Jesse got our piano bench and got the cups and bread all ready to be set up for our Sacrament meeting.  After our successful Home Sacrament meeting, we took a break and munched on a veggie tray before we started up on the Come Follow Me Discussion. And it was great. I loved that we got to go forward with this with so much ease and comfort. The Come Follow Me program has certainly prepared us for home church. AMAZING! We made a big lunch-dinner together and then Mike and Heidi went home. Jesse wanted to go on a walk as a family and just stop in with the people that we minister to. And as a joke and a way to be loving we gave them each a roll of toilet paper since you cant find it anywhere in stores right now. Unreal! March 15 The C.D.C. recommends no gatherings of 50 or more people. March 17 My friend Jenny and I took our kiddos on a hike since we didn't have school now. We needed to get out. It got me contemplating the closures of schools, church and other public settings. And I feel like there's definitely 2 sides to the coin here. The one I want to focus on is: We have been given the gift of time and the chance to slow down our lives and be with our families. And to focus on the peace we can have through our Saviour. I loved spending a little hike first thing that morning with my 3 boys... ...along side my good friend and her kiddos. That evening, we went to the school to get the packet pickup for the online schooling that they were setting up. I got the boys all set up on their Google Classrooms that night. Ready or not? Homeschooling here we go. March 18 We woke up to a 5.7 earthquake in Magna, UT. It was freaky. Jesse was at work and I was home alone with the boys. We were actually up around 7am to get chicks at IFA. We were there on March 16 but the chicks were all sold out due to the freak out buying that was happening all around us. So we were told we could pick up some on their next shipment. At 7:06am Ryker came into my room dressed and ready to go. I told him to get some breakfast and to give me a minute to get ready. I laid in bed for a little bit longer until about 7:15am when the earthquake hit. Talk aout freaky. It wasn't just a quick one either. It really was long enough for me to get out of bed and realized that we were experiencing an actual earthquake not just wind shaking the house. The boys came running to my room. And we just sat there for a min all shaken up. Jesse called me right after that and sure enough he had felt it at the station too. Soon tetexts from family to make sure we were all ok. Even our Logan family members felt it up there. Wo. What is going on? We have a pandemic and large earthquake. AHHH! Thankfully we were able to know that Jesse could come home soon and we still decided to go get chicks. When we got to IFA we couldn't get in the building for a half hour because of the earthquake. Also they hadn't received their shipment of chicks in yet. They took our name and number down and said they would call us when they arrived. By this point Jesse met me at IFA and I left him there with the boys while they bought the supplies that they needed for the chicks. I hustled home and went to work. While I was at work the boys came to show me their new chicks and left. I went to the bathroom while my clients hair was processing and we had another earthquake (4.4 magnitude this time) while I was sitting on the toilet. Yikes.  Talk about feeling vunerable. I was just in my underwear for the first one that morning and now on the toilet? Come on. Apparently we have 100 or so aftershocks in-between those 2 bigger earthquakes. I got home and the boys showed me their little set up with our new chicks. I think the timing of getting them helped them not feel as freaked out about the earthquakes that day. March 19 Governor Herbert directs Salt Lake and Utah County to prohibit groups of 10 or more people from gathering. This whole week as felt like a bllur. The boys were navigating their new online schooling, I was being extra cautious at work as to not cause anyone to get sick or spread anything. Hearing all the news everyday about the crazy that is going on can be overwhelming. Even the boys are stressed that they are going to get the virus. Ugh. It creates bi-polar moments of freak out inside and feeling like everything will be ok.  March 22- Today we had our second week of home church. Jesse is on duty so Mike and Heidi invited us to their home so that we could still partake of the Sacrament. Mike blessed the bread and water while Ryker passed it. Cy and Fynn were so reverent and quiet during it I was happy to see them and feel that this was special. Even though it was only for a short little while.  We named our ward The Smith 15th Ward. Because there are 15 people in the Smith Family. Get it? HHeidi does the Primary singing time in her ward and made this cute tower for the kids to learn the second verse to "I Love to See the Temple." They had a good time putting it together and knocking it over.  We did Come Follow Me for this week and then went on a walk.  Cutest boys just hangin' around.  When we got back we sat on Mike and Heidi's newly finished patio to soak up the sun while Fynnie served us all some water.  IIt is days like today that make me feel like everything is going to be ok. My boys, my husband, my Savior, Our prophet have given me peace throughout this crazy week and a half.  Then we went home and put on a move and around 7pm we have a 4.0 magnitude earthquake. Aww poop. And I heard that the first man from Utah died today from the Coronavirus and he was at Lakeview Hospital (which is here in Bountiful).  So, what the heck right? I have never been more anxious to hear from our prophet and apostles in 2 weeks time for April's General Conference.  Also a little side note... Cruise lines have canceled 30 days worth of cruises. Our cruise is outside that window and we still have our booked to go. But haven't done anything about it yet. We arent going really most likely. But in 5 weeks maybe all of this will blow over? Who really knows? That world doesn't feel certain. So we shall wait.

Fynn loving the Scriptures- Come Follow Me

Fynn found a small Book of Mormon and Ryker helped him open up to Jacob 1 tonight while we worked on this week's Come Follow Me. Fynn was so thrilled to be doing it with us. I giggled at his excitement of  "doing scriptures wiff you" He got a red pencil and started coloring each verse so carefully and said "Look Mom, I'm doing it!" He then asked me "Can you call dad and tell him?" Oh I just love him.

And I just this inspired Come Follow Me for Families! What a change is has made in our family. Sure not every lesson isn't always the best, but these boys are getting familiar with the scriptures at a younger age and are loving it!

I do love the moments we have had when the spirit is OOZING in our discussions. I've had moments of tears in my prayers at night thanking God for giving me this opportunity to raise my boys at this time. I am able to give them and teach them far more than what I had at their age!

And sometimes the lessons are so exhausting the Fynn falls asleep near the end... just like he did tonight! Haha. 

Birthday Party for Cy!

Celebrated this dude tonight with a breakfast dinner....

...and pumpkin pie dessert. Per his request! haha. Quite the unique combo. 

Happy Birthday Cy! We love you to pieces!

Cy is NINE!

He is 9 years old!!!

Oh Cy! That sweet face of yours filled with so much love and mischievousness. You have such a tender heart and a determined mind. You are so good at math and your reading levels are off the charts. You love the scriptures and looking up versus about Jesus Christ. You love to make people laugh. You enjoy building creations with your legos. You love your brothers just as much as you love to pester them. You are crazy about our puppy dog, Murphy. You are such a gem in our family! I love you so much!

Kinda sucky having your birthday on a school day, but I made him some birthday pancakes to kick off his special day. 

After school I had to stay after for a quick PTC with Cy. So fun. After that Jesse and I went to the Chiropractor. He's been going for his back and I usually go for an adjustment here and there to keep things in line. But this morning I dropped a 125# barbell kinda on my head. Ugh I know. We were doing clean and jerks at the gym and on my last rep I thought I had it and I thought I was under the bar. But my arms were not locked out and it started to come down and as it did it nicked the top of my bun. It didn't seem like anything happened at first, but I started to feel like my neck wasn't feeling right. So I decided to have it looked at while Jesse was doing his therapy. I found out that I had sprained my facet joint in my neck. It wasn't too happy when I left and I was feeling worried that I did something permanent to it.

Cy hung out with us while his parents who seem to be falling apart get taken care of. As soon as we were done at the Chiropractor we took Cy to dinner for his birthday. He picked Mikado because he really wanted Sushi. He's told me for awhile that he likes sushi, but I had never seen him eat it before. 

Shenanigans while we wait for our food. 

Sure do love this kid!

Sure enough he loved all the sushi. Haha

And he got a free birthday dessert from the restaurant. I snuck a bit of it and it was yummy. haha

We were thinking about taking him to a movie. And there weren't really anything that looked good. But Cy said he actually was happy to go home and rent a movie to watch with his family. So that's what we did. We went home and did just that.

But first he opened the gifts that we gave him. 

He's been asking for these mini magnetic balls for months...

Then we all snuggled in to watch Frozen II. Murphy included...