Coronavirus and school in the spring time is a blur to me. I'm thankful Stella, Sophia, and I survived e-learning and the swift upending of school and life as we knew it. Messy Mommy/my sister-in-law, Holly and I have talked about how e-learning, school, and juggling work and life while everyone is having to stay home endlessly. Stella and Sophia's teacher, Mrs. Burt and her paraprofessional, Mrs. Morrissette did an outstanding job of moving quickly to e-learning, constant Zooming to keep the kids connected, and communicating with the parents. 

It was still all really hard, as Stella demonstrated in the above picture from this spring. After talking with my friends and seeing so many conversations on social media, and it didn't matter the age of your kids or the school, it was really hard for a lot of people. Some days it felt like a tidal wave. Stella definitely did not want her mom teaching her and plenty of screaming matches ensued. We didn't know how school work would be graded and I was trying to make sure she completed her assignments. While an open concept sounded beautiful when we built our home two years ago, it is a bit of a nightmare for e-learning and parents working from home. I luged school supplies to and from the kitchen table constantly and completed work piled up. Snacks and lunches were also hit or miss and often not healthy as we were trying to plow through school work. I could go on and on about the challenges but you probably have plenty of angst from your own spring e-learning. 

Holly is a former grade school principal and I'm a former high school teacher and our hearts are with teachers and administrators as they try to figure out safe options for students. We recognize how hard they worked this spring during an unimaginable time. We know they are trying to find ways to provide a meaningful, safe education for our kids this fall and are grateful for all that they are doing. We want the teachers and administrators to be safe as well.

Holly and I have had endless conversations on what could happen this fall. While our schools have announced that we are going back five days, we know it could change in a moment as the coronavirus pandemic continues to unfold. School districts across the nation are changing plans constantly as the pandemic impacts different states.

While we survived this spring, we are determined to up our game for back to school this fall in whatever format school occurs. We want to provide a healthier - mentally and physically - and happier experience for our kids and families. So, get ready! We will be looking for tips, tricks, and hacks to help us all thrive this fall, even during a global pandemic.

First up, we created this check list to talk with our kids about what worked and what did not work in the spring with school and e-learning. Like I said, our schools have said we are going back but we know it could change in a blink. Now is the time to talk with your kids and get their input for the fall. We're looking to Stella, Sophia, and my niece, Eleanora for their thoughts and feelings as we start planning for a better back to school. We hope you will join us and will share your tips and ideas too. Together, we can make back to school better. 

I'm thrilled that Stella and Sophia will make their First Communion on Saturday at Holy Family! The girls were supposed to make their First Communion in May and then we were told it would probably be in the fall. Last week we found out it will be this Saturday. Thank goodness the girls' dresses still fit! 

The girls had a Zoom class today with their amazing 2nd grade teacher Mrs. Burt and Mrs. Morrissette to go over again what to do for First Communion. Each family will have our own pew and the First Communion students will be seated on the end of the pew. The priest will come to each pew and give communion to each student. As Mrs. Burt talked with the class about removing their masks for communion and then putting their masks back on, I was struck by how surreal the coronavirus era continues to be, especially with milestone events. Graduations, weddings, birthdays, the arrival of babies and so many other events are happening in different ways and the changes can tug at your heartstrings. Due to social distancing, the twins can each bring one other person so the grandmothers are coming with us. Sadly, the grandpas didn't make the cut. I can't help but feel a little forlorn over how I envisioned their First Communion. Over Christmas we had talked about First Communion with all the aunts and uncles and cousins. Like so many other families, we had looked forward to a special celebration with family and friends. I know so many people have had to change so many celebrations and find a different way to connect and celebrate. So, I'm trying to embrace different ways to celebrate too.

My amazing bestie and sister-in-law, Holly texted me a picture of cross cookies that she is wonderfully making for Stella and Sophia for their First Communion. Holly is making the girls her specialty naked cake too! As I looked at the cross cookies I thought about how faith is going to get us through these crazy times. Our plans may have changed and our events may look different but we will still be surrounded by God and love. On Saturday we'll take lots of pictures and I'm sure they will be tons of FaceTime with our family and friends. I'm so proud of Stella and Sophia and am so happy that they will make their First Communion on Saturday. While we may be wearing masks and social distancing, I know the church will be filled with faith and love. 

May God bless Stella and Sophia and their classmates at Holy Family on Saturday.

xoxo, Meg