Sunday, May 3, 2020

A normal week, well our new normal anyway................



Well my friends how are you?  We are still doing fine here with our new normal.  I continue to work outside the home making sure everyone is healthy before I go to a home to work with the kids.  I continue to work with Little Buddy on his school work online and we have had even better success this week.  We actually turned in a biography report on Neil Armstrong way ahead of time.  May is a tough paperwork month for me so I wanted that project off my  list.  He did such a good job telling me what he thought was important and picking pictures and even a video to insert.  We wrote it all out first and then he typed it into the appropriate areas and we submitted it early.  I think ours is very basic but you can imagine these amazing projects some kids submit.  Little Buddy did almost all the work with a tweak here and there from me and that is what matters.  Mona, his monkey is usually near to help us out.  He is in love with this special present from Mr. 22.  We all need a friend don't we?  Especially during these times of isolation.


Little Buddy acquired a new skill last weekend.  He is now able to do a hand stand in the pool.  This is the best photo I was able to get and his hands are not at the bottom of the pool yet but you get the idea.  This is a really tough skill for a little one whose muscles don't want to behave like yours and mine.  He is still practicing picking up items from the bottom of the shallow end and doing it faster and faster every week.



These two are just the shaggiest mops in the world.  They desperately need hair cuts but that is not happening yet.  Florida is slowing opening its doors although the death tolls still are rising in the state and this country.  In more shake your head news that this seriously can't be happening.......... Our governor and the Department of Health in Florida have intervened so state coroners can't release Coronavirus deaths because they are 10% higher than the states and that does not look good for opening the state back up for business.  And the people protesting opening up states.......don't even get me started on that and their ignorance.  Can you even imagine a large group of African American's or Muslin's storming a state capitol while wearing bullet proof vests, masks and holding assault rifles?  I am pretty sure the president would not be egging them on, nor would we be just moving on quickly from that in our news cycle like it was no big deal at all.




On Friday after loads of cleaning, school work, and my own paperwork, Little Buddy's room got a bit of a redo.  I was just about to buy him a bigger bed right before this pandemic hit.  I had been working on him for months to get one because he does not like change.  Of course just when we were ready all stores closed.  I finally ordered a bed from IKEA that is to be delivered at the end of May.  We had this IKEA black dresser in the garage waiting for Mr 26 to use when he moves out this summer, but I confiscated it and brought it into Little Buddy's room instead.  I cleaned it all up and moved his smaller dresser out.  It has more room for his shoes and braces as well as clothes.  It is a bit crowded in here because his room is actually not a bedroom at all it is a media room, sort of a small bonus room off our family room.  There are no closets and the TV and large lawyer bookshelf were already in here before this little one arrived in our life.  Still we are making due and he loves his little room.  We switched the bed over to the other side ready for the new bed to come in.  We sorted some toys, clothes and books ready for donating, and here we are with the finished project so far.  I think it looks nice.


My favorite part about warmer weather are these darling freckles.  They are back my friends, ready to make us all smile.

Hang in there, stay safe and well.

29 comments:

Jo said...

Wow, Little Buddy is fearless in the water, what a lot of fun he must have in that pool. Archie's fur is growing too, we've got some warmer weather here at the moment and he could do with a haircut but I doubt that's going to happen soon.

Nance said...

Three cheers for freckles! I'm a big fan.

I'm also a big fan of the name of his monkey. It cracks me up. Keep up the good work down there in FL. You're a superhero.

Dee said...

I can't believe how grown up Little Buddy looks in that last picture.

No matter what is going on in the world, time still flies on by, doesn't it.

Pradeepa said...

That photo of Little Buddy in the pool is just amazing!

Jo said...

Great water skills for Buddy. I was only thinking today how long it is since I took the girls swimming - months and months. Your Elise shawl is just up my street in that green colour, it is such a good pattern - I have made about 5 I think! Glad you are keeping busy without too much stress. Jo xxx

Araignee said...

That handstand is quite impressive! Buddy's room is quite sophisticated. He is growing up so fast! Your shaggy boys are just too cute. They really know how to mug for the camera!

Christina said...

Fantastic water skills! I remember doing handstands in the water. Now I wouldn't as my big bum would stick out of the water and my children might use it as a target for bombing into. I hope you get your paperwork done without too much stress. So good to have at least one project for school out of the way to give you more time. We are watching the news from the US with astonishment. I thought we'd seen it all but apparently not.... I hope you have a lovely week Meredith xx

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

Buddy is really into doing more homework. I like his ideas. His room is looking pretty good!! Love his freckles. Fuzzy dog boys~~~~sweet!!!Week 8 of no in person church. Enjoyed it though on line, you tube. Sunny day. Hope your week goes well and stay safe, be happy. smile!! your on candid camera!! Hugs! God bless you all!

sewing green lady said...

Wow very impressive little guy doing the handstand in the water, I can't do that as I don't like to be under! You are doing a great job keeping up with the school work I know it must be hard for everyone having to work and educate at the same time. Look after yourselves. x

Betsy said...

I bet that report on Neil Armstrong is one of the best the teacher will receive. I'm impressed at all of LB's hard work on the report, in the pool doing handstands and retrieving things and getting used to the place his new bed will go in.
Life is crazy for everyone right now. It's hard to know the exact right thing to do right now isn't it?
Your fur boys are wondeful. I want to wrap my arms around them and just give them huge hugs and love.
The package arrived this afternoon Meredith. Thank you SO much for the interfacing and the yarn is gorgoeous. I have to find an extra special pattern to use it for. You are AMAZING and so thoughtful.
Blessings,
Betsy

Melanie said...

That's amazing that Little Buddy can do a handstand in the pool! And his freckles make him all the more cuter. Does he let you kiss his freckles? :-)

Your sweet pups aren't the only ones who need haircuts...I'm starting to look like one of them!

Hope you had a good weekend.

xoxo
Melanie

Teresa Kasner said...

Tell your little guy that I am very impressed with his pool handstand! I have done those my whole life and actually still can! I also noticed those adorable freckles, too. Very cool that he got his report in and did it so well. Bravo! His room looks very tidy and a place where he can thrive, lucky boy.

I am also amazed and chagrined at the homegrown terrorists that are flocking to protest against the brave and strong governors who care enough about their constituents to keep things closed down so this virus/plague doesn't wipe us all out. Lives are more important than the economy. I read today something that shocked me - that Hitler wanted to kill off those who weren't perfect and this virus is doing similar is why 45 is okay with opening everything up and just letting us all take our chances. Those of us who are old and infirm cost the g'ment $$$ so having all of us die will save them $$$.

So... we are on our own and will have to take care that we stay clear of the virus. If I get it, I will not recover.

((hugs)), Teresa :-)

bittenbyknittin said...

From the initial pix, I was thinking LB is getting BIG! So of course he needs a new, bigger bed. My granddaughter has freckles, too - so cute!

kathy b said...

The handstand in the pool is so great! As a kid who would not put her face in the water until 4th grade, lil Buddy is amazing . As always. I am furious with false reporting. Fireman just told me that he saw the daily Lake Geneva video and people had torn down the library do not pass tape and were completely ignoring all COVID recommendations. How selfish. How horrible. Ugh. This is very disturbing to me.

Im am up in the woods and will stay there.

No need to get sick. I may have to go help a family member and that cannot happen if I am sick.

I'd give an eye tooth for a slush right now. But it aint gonna happen. I have Troy's birthday and Al's gradation to celebrate this week. Virtual celebration with AL. IN person for Troy! I have some fun gifts for him. One is a little thing you can put salt in and shoot flies right out of the air with....he will love this. His friend has one. He is also getting a life preserver thing that you drag behind your paddle board in the event of a cramp etc. He found it and its a good idea.

I am wishing you a well week. NO HEADACHES. No tummy aches for Lil B. All well. It will all be ok

Delighted Hands said...

I'm dreaming of changing some rooms around but that is all it will be for quite a while--dreams! lol Love the re-do for Buddy--change can be hard for some kids. Great job on the hand stand in the pool--wow!

Jodiebodie said...

Such a cute picture of LB - I too am a fan of the freckles.
I am also in agreement with Teresa and Christina - crazy crazy news coming to us from your country.
It feels great to get the house organised and LB's room looks so tidy. Good idea to repurpose the dresser. Furniture that can be versatile is great. I've been in the same cleaning and sorting mode which is why I haven't updated my blog yet! By the time I can sit down, I am too tired to think. At least we can feel productive during these dangerous days.

handmade by amalia said...

I'm so impressed with your adorable little boy - hand standing in the pool is quite an achievement and fun as well. Love the freckles!
Amalia
xo

CJ said...

What a lovely room Little Buddy has, so much space and a great colour. He is such a water baby, I am very impressed with the handstand. And also that he did his project all on his own, I know lots of parents almost do projects for their children, but it is such an advantage to learn to do things yourself I think. Bertie needs a haircut as well, as do the children. I have scissors, but so far no-one is letting me near them. I'll keep working on them... CJ xx

mamasmercantile said...

Mickey is in dire need of a trim but I keep putting it off. I AM going to do it! A joy to see the freckles appearing he looks so cute. What a wonderful space he has, it looks so homely. Take care and stay safe.

Anonymous said...

a wonderful post! but then they all are. :D
I admire you and Little Buddy SO much! love his room!
and he's a little freckled jewel. and so HANDSOME!
just a glimpse of that in the last picture of what's to come Mom!
and the thing is... he's BRAVE and smart.
have a wonderful week! XO

karen said...

congrats to Little B and his handstand! That is exciting and so are his freckles. I completely cleaned my bedroom yesterday and I'm still sore from moving all the furniture about!

Needles and Wool said...

That's great Buddy sent in his assignment early that is always a great feeling and sounds like he did very well and was interested in the topic. His room looks great and it is a good project to do right now during this time we are at home more. His freckles are so cute! Hope you all are safe and well. x

Judy S. said...

LB's little monkey is almost as cute as he is! He's going to a good swimmer one of these days. I'm feeling kinda shaggy, too. My youngest GK tole me she gave her dad a Mohawk last week. I've not seen any confirmation of that though. She's 6 and we've been spending time together online during the week so that her folks have a little time to work without interruption. DH works with her brother after our time together.

Gracie Saylor said...

It is wonderful to see Little Buddy's learning/swimming skills grow! Having been a teddy bear-shaped little girl I am so grateful my folks found a way for me to progress in the summers through the Red Cross swimming program and eventually earn my Sr. Lifesaving level twice. Swimming did not heal my flat feet, but I know it helped me be healthier in general and it was fun, freeing exercise! I have a happy heart thinking of you and yours being able to use your pool! xx

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

I'm certainly impressed that Little B is actually diving underwater. He has come such a long way. Bravo on finishing the report early. The fact that it's his work is all that matters.

I was really hoping that more people would learn some valuable lessons from this pandemic but it seems there are too many who just can't change their egotistical ways. Isn't there a law against guns in federal buildings? I do not understand why all those people aren't in jail or at least getting big fines. They weren't standing up for their rights. They were acting like "terrorists" ... that word they like to throw around when people different from them brandish a gun. A security guard in Michigan at a Family Dollar store was shot and killed because he asked a customer to wear a face mask. A simple request. A man doing his job. And selfish people who think they can do what they want. If you can't follow rules and regulations and policies, then STAY HOME and leave everyone else alone!

Sorry, it makes me so angry that people just won't wake up.

Little Buddy's room looks nice and big from the pictures. I bet he'll love his brand new big bed. Your furboys are very cute mops. :) Take care.

Jodiebodie said...

I can't believe the news we continue to get from the USA. Our Australian minds boggle and we sincerely feel sympathy for you. We are hearing news that the majority of Americans think it is too soon to ease the lockdown and yet the authorities seem to treat the value of lives with reckless abandon.

All you can do is control what is within your control as best you can. Keeping it calm and consistent for LB is the way to go. How amazing is his development so far? I remember you blogging when he didn't like to put his face in the water and now look at him go right under and upside down! And he is getting his schoolwork done. Tell him we are all proud of him. You should be proud too of the love and support you provide to surround him.

As for the shaggies - I can relate. I'm getting into the realm of having to French braid my hair again (making my arms feel so tired they want to fall off - anything above my shoulders is tricky) and one of the latest hashtags I've seen going around is #regrowth!

It's good to keep busy though. Good luck with the new furniture. Keep smiling xx

PS Did I mention it earlier? Freckles = adorable!

Eileen said...

Good forLittle Buddy finishing that Neil Armstrong project!

I no longer have words for how the government is handling this virus. I keep telling my husband we are on our own in figuring this out,(when it is safe to re-enter the world). And , also expect to get little help on the medical side but a giant bill if we need to access medicine. Already had one incident from my doctors office that I totally steered away from to avoid a hefty bill.
The worst part for me is this vulnerable position we are trying to navigate ;-[

Stay well and safe!

TheAwakenedSoul said...

Oh, somehow I missed this post. Look at how well Buddy is doing. That's amazing! I let my Labradoodle have a long coat. I brush her every few days, and just trim the fur around her eyes. It's great that Buddy is able to go swimming. Our beaches and pools are still closed here in California, but some of the trails have reopened. We went for a hike last night, and a gorgeous bike ride today. Can't wait till we can jump in the lake and pool, like you!!!

Elizabeth said...

I love reading your blog. It helps me to find balance in my own life to read about your boys (all of them) and your musings on life. Right now I want to send out a big thank you for adding a link to John Pavlovitz's blog-- I had not heard of him before and I find his comments spot on. Thank you, thank you for sharing him with the rest of us!!