It's hard to know where to start with 2020. It certainly wasn't the year that anyone expected. We made the most of it, though, because really - what else can you do?
While I haven't written on my blog, I did do some writing this year, and had articles published in Chicken Soup for the Soul - The Magic of Dogs, All Creatures Magazine (Nov/Dec issue), and Backwoods Home Magazine (Nov/Dec issue).
Cort and Reid graduated from elementary school in May - they did a drive thru graduation and it felt a little bittersweet that their elementary school, which Pierce started in Pre-K, would no longer be a part of our lives. One of the biggest changes this year brought for us was that we decided to homeschool the boys for the 20/21 school year. It was a little terrifying to pull them out of school, but it's been going well, and they seem to like it. Depending on how things are going with the pandemic, perhaps they will be able to return to public school next year.
Paul and the boys built a tiny cabin on our land. I even helped a few times! They hewed all the wood from fallen trees on our land. They are hoping to build another at some point. This one has three bunk beds inside it. It was still in progress in this picture.
In 2020 I read 173 books (it was a great year for reading). A few favorites include Why We Sleep, Running with Sherman, Caravan (Dorothy Gilman), The Adventures of Robin Hood (Roger Lancelyn Green), The Thing About Jellyfish, Wolf Hollow, Around the World in 80 Days, The Cook and the Gardener, Boy's Life (Robert R. McCammon) and The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street.
I ran 1051 miles this year. This was up from the previous couple of years in which I struggled so much with Lyme, but still not at my typical mileage of 1200+. I'm still getting there - but was happy to break a thousand miles this year!
I had a decent garden this past year. I just yesterday picked some kale - I have a few greens left (but not many). I've already ordered seeds for 2021 and am eager to see what the growing season will bring.
Kids and animals are all doing well. I hope if you're reading this, that all in your family are also well, and that your 2021 is happy and healthy!
It's great to see a post from you! Glad to hear you've had some things published. The little cabin looks great. Best wishes for a safe and fun 2021!
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa: It's Michael Manning on this end, and I'm beginning to catch-up with you. I think the decision to home school was a good one. Dr. Sanjay Gupta, M.D. has 3 kiddos as well, and he made this difficult decision with his wife too. It's much too dangerous, Lisa and from everything I've read, it will be deep into this year and into 2022 to get the U.S. population inoculated. I enjoyed the new clubhouse! How we struggled as kids to build one!! Nice to stop by here and Happy New Year! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's so weird...I was just thinking about you and your blog yesterday...and here is a post! Good to hear that you are all well.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine the schooling situation with kids. I don't know how parents are functioning doing work at home (or outside the home) AND trying to school their kids during this Covid crisis. It's so hard on everyone.
LOVE the cabin! You are very lucky to have some property to do those sorts of things.
Good to see you back on the blog!
Though I have followed your activity on Instagram, it is good to see you back on your blog.
ReplyDeleteAnother blogger shared Auld Lang Syne so I started listening to her YouTube while I went to your post. It was the perfect setting. It was so sad with the schools this year. I can't believe you read 173 books and ran 1051 miles. Way to go!
ReplyDeleteYou've been missed!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe the boys are out of elementary school---that escalated quickly didn't it? Yay for homeschooling, gardening and building a sweet little cabin. Your family always seems to make the best of everything.
Suz
So happy to read your post!! Lewie graduated from elementary school in June 2020, too, and it was sad to see it end with a drive-by diploma... I told Lewie we would go back after the Pandemic to properly say goodbye to all of his wonderful teachers one last time.
ReplyDeleteLewie is a distance learning student in 6th grade. (My mom lives with us, so I couldn't take the chance of getting her sick!) If I had more time, I would have loved to homeschool, but in some ways, I do get the joy of being with him all day. I still help with his learning; I just don't design the curriculum.
I love the boys' cabin. What a wonderful retreat that will surely be a staple of their childhood/adolescence. Also, congrats to you on your writing, running, reading, and homeschooling! You go, MOM!! Wishing you a happy and healthy 2021!!
My boys we moved to online too. I'm working fully remote, except I did take up a teaching course. Not the students I'm used to, but it's something. I'm glad you are all healthy and happy.
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteIt's really great to see you Blogging again.I love your boys' cabin.
The whole world undergo bad pandemia times, so it's good to be at home doing
the School chores. I'm sure you enjoy teaching your children. You are so good at it. My oldest granddaughter graduated with a Master Degree in Psychology in the Concentration of Education/Counseling. I'm proud of her!
I love to see the Shennandoha Valley, and the Blue Ridge Mountains around my future horse farm, if God gives me the blessings. Virginia looks like an amazing State with so many things to do. I love horses and farms with huge acres to ride. Congratulations! Your boys are playing Music. That is another blessing, dear friend. Maybe, it´s late to say, but Happy New Year 2021 to you, your boys and your beautiful family!!
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa, I have just come across your lovely posts with your children's cabin.
I'm so glad to read about your beautiful children and their new cabin.
Glad you are all doing well -in these trying times- with the Pandemia Virus.
I have been thinking -eventually- to buy some Acres in Virginia to build my dream home there, a Horse Farm. The Shenandoah Valley surrounded by Blue Ridge Mountains is my favourite place. I would have to wait and see what happens with the pandemia, since we are still struggling Overseas.
Sending Spiritual Love to you, Lisa, your beautiful kids and loved ones.
Poet Starry.