The sunshine definitely makes all the difference!

Lockdown continues but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The vaccination programme is building impetus, infections are reducing and things are looking brighter with the government announcing that measures will steadily start to be reduced. The great news (well at least Lucy thinks so) is that the girls look like they will be returning to school on March 8th. One giant leap back towards a bit of normal. It gives them something to focus on, as the cabin fever is most definitely setting in! We even managed to persuade the girls out on a dog walk in the spring sunshine today. Hard to believe we were shivering in the snow a few weeks ago. I'm feeling battle weary with this all, but we keep going. Keep looking after each other and take one day at a time. The kids are kicking my arse at every lockdown challenge in Uno and footy, which just adds to my demoralised mood 😆 I wonder how long we'll be doing this version of family life for, its been nearly a year now since the pandemic arrived in our lives and it has been quite a year to say the least. Insular routines are emerging, tempers are often frayed but the spring sunshine today has risen all our spirits, with the children eventually enjoying the walk after initial resistance and grumpiness! Good to see child number one or 8/10 as I now call her based on her quiz marks at school finally appearing in a picture!

Mud, mud glorious mud!

Lockdown continues with severe restrictions still in place and I cannot praise the girls enough. This is really tough on them. For the most part, aside of the odd argument, venting frustration or agitation they have been exceptional, patient and understanding of why we have to do this. Wave two of the virus is slowly subsiding and the measures are starting to work. The girls have amused themselves and been really self motivating as Amy and I try to balance being there for them and high workloads. Amy currently teaching online from home. This phase of the pandemic has brought more work for me than ever, with my clients needing my support in such challenging and often upsetting circumstances. I have struggled to spend time with Amy and the girls for weeks. There have been some real bright moments as well though - with Lucy zoom parents evening as she continues to do really well at school and is getting to grips with home learning. A marvel film binge with Anna has forced me to stop and the continuation of another lockdown footy challenge where I am getting tonked 30-10. I don't really care about the result, just hanging out with Anna is what counts, although she is churning up the lawn. This time last year this would have stressed me out, as we all know how I feel about my lawn 😀 This year, putting things into perspective, its only a bit of mud. Loved playing cards with the girls for the last few evenings, but the language is shocking. Life is a bit mundane, life is a struggle at present, but we are continuing to stay safe and doing this together. Nearly a year has gone by since Covid-19 invaded my families life and my children's opportunities. Eventually the tide will turn and a new normal will emerge. Well done girls, keep going, so very proud of your resilience xx