We are on week 9 of isolation. Cora has had a few days that she was bored and said the days were very long. They have a tiny patch of lawn that the suns hits just at the time of their language study. So they go out and sit in the sun for that hour. I was confused why she had language study time as she is in an English speaking mission. Haha stupid me, she was like, mom my companion is from Denmark. But it is funny to hear her talk about the study time. Cora has always struggled a little with reading and such so she says it is quite the time since she doesn't do well in English and is supposed to be helping a companion learn. :) They have been reading the book 'Saints' for their study.
It is also fun to listen to her stories each week of the adventures they go on to get groceries. They have been kicked out of stores if caught together. They try to be stealthy and try new things each week.
We had a fun Nerf Gun war with Dave a couple of weeks ago. We haven't done one like this for a few years. We left Dave a warning and a loaded gun on the back stairs for when he got home from work. Then we all hid and prepared for an ambush.
Leah and her friends have continued to find safe social distancing activities to do together. They meet in a field, parking lot, or diamond and hang out. Tonight they are doing an outdoor movie. She went on a picnic with Toone's one day as well.
Blake convinced her to play Fortnite with him. I decided I needed to document that occasion. Probably will never happen again.
Dave's work is going well. He did have 2 weeks were they only worked 3 day that week. We were not sure how long it was going to last. Then they decided to put in a new line and he is very busy again. A good busy. He has had lots for Blake to do. They have been picking up sticks in the sand and doing a lot of projects around the farm. Blake always does the calf check during the day when it is our week. Dave is teaching him to do the tagging so one day soon he can do that as well. School is still going well for both of them. We have had a few meetings about what to do for both their Grads. Leah and I were talking yesterday after yet another meeting. I mentioned that I really do feel bad for these senior, it is a bummer to not get those last high school moments, but I was getting a little sick of hearing it. Yea, they got a bum deal, so did Cora with her mission in lockdown, so did all those that lost their jobs, so did businesses going under that may never recover. Every single person has things they are missing that they will not be able to get back. She said, 'yep, I AM a Grad and I am also tired of the whoo is us. Lots of people have it way worse.'
Cora's companion's mom can send her packages that arrive in just a few days. I sent one in February and it still has not arrived. Go figure, but anyways, she sent a 1000 piece puzzle that they finished in two days. Turned it over and did it and then drew pictures all over the back as well. It is a really good thing she gets along with her companion. And has wifi. Their wifi was down for about a week and she said the days were soooo slow. That is how they are doing all their missionary work right now.
Leah has had pain in her chest/shoulder/arm for months. It was getting bad enough that I had actually decided to take her to a Dr. when covid lockdown began. So nope, not going to a hospital. Avoid, avoid. Sunday May 3 we did a birthday parade for Emry. We have been trying to do as many with the fire department as we can, but this day we were going to be away during that time. Yet we still wanted to celebrate her birthday, so before we left we each took a car, so it would still be a parade and all drove through her yard with balloons and signs. It was kinda fun. Hopefully she enjoyed our little parade. Anyways as Leah was waving something popped more than usual and she had such intense pain she almost past out while driving. Not a great time to pass out. She made it home, took some Advil, and layed on the floor. That afternoon, after church we went out to my parents for a picnic. As we were sitting around Leah could hear a loud popping in her sternum. So I thought I guess I will have to take her in sometime. I know, I am a great mom. Later during the night Dave started panicking a bit and woke me up. We called HealthLink and long story, we ended up taking her to emerg. Many breathing tests to rule out lungs, ECG to rule out heart and they eventually determined that she has inflammation in the ribs. Leah had recorded the popping sound. 2 nurses and 4 dr. listened and said they we not sure what it was, had not heard that before, possibly the ribs trying to move around and line back up. The Dr did say when he saw her that he recognized her because she was 'the one that never came to the Dr when she should. Left things for a very long time.' So apparently she has Chostocondritis. Sounds like it will flare up from time to time. We think she must have crazy bones that just don't like her. With her knee issues and now ribs it is good times for Leah.
Cora getting sunshine and fresh air where she can.
Blake is back to work with Sis Smith. His first day he texted me 5 mins in and said he had forgot how much he loved working there. It is the perfect situation for him, and us.
Dave had us all go down and help pick up stick yesterday. I do not enjoy picking up sticks. I did loads of it growing up and it seems to be a never ending task. But it was okay with my family. We had a nice walk and found some cool bones as well.
We learned that long boards are not essential items. But finally a month late, Leah received her birthday gift and loves it.
We got an email from Cora's mission President and it sounds like things will very slowly start to open in the next few week. They are opening a bit slower then we are here. There is some hope, however, that she may be able to do some street contacting and a little more getting out before she comes home. Probably not church or baptisms but it is a start. We have her travel plans now and passport and license have been found. We are enjoying the days that the sun shines, doing school work outside and reading. Dave said he loves the commute to church right now. We are soaking in the last few months we have with Leah and it has been great.
