March

March went by remarkably fast. For most of the month, I felt like there was very little to report or make note of, but looking back it was actually quite full. We went on a field trip in the middle of the month, which felt like a mini vacation after so many weeks at home. We transplanted an apricot tree, which looks to be blooming and sprouting leaves, so we think it will survive. We got a new trampoline, which has provided hours and hours of outdoor entertainment for the kids. Matthew purchased a new (used) camera and has been learning and experimenting with both video and photography. We hung out with the Brown's a number of times in various combinations, and got to see a couple different friends who were visiting from out of town. We crossed off most of the jobs on my spring cleaning list, and worked on a few projects in the backyard, garage, and sewing room. 

Abraham and Mercy got to go over to the Barrios and the Barajas, and went to their first in person primary activity in over a year. Hyrum enjoyed a couple of opportunities to hang out with Dad. He also got called and set apart as the Deacons Quorum president. 

We got five solid weeks of school done, which makes me feel very accomplished, and I had nine days off of seminary, which made my plate a little less full and made me feel a bit more rested. I did lots and lots of cooking and baking and trying new recipes. I also started walking with Becky and Mindy. Matthew and I were on our way home from picking up the trampoline and I saw them at the corner near our house. I hopped out to join them, and learned they'd been walking together regularly for several months. I was able to join them twice a week for most of the month. 

Covid Stats:

 It's hard to believe a whole year has passed since the Coronavirus pandemic first started. A whole year of wearing masks and social distancing. A year since the kids have been to primary or YM's in person. A year of not singing in church. A year of homeschool and school lunch. A year of virtual meetings. A year of mostly wearing sweatpants. A year of Matthew often working from home. A year of Friday's off. A year of morning walks. A whole year full of music and computers and exercise and study and opportunities to learn and grow and do far more than we ever had time for before. 

World: 129M cases, 2.82M deaths

US: 30.5M cases, 552K deaths, 16.6% fully vaccinated

NM: 192K cases, 3,939 deaths, 23.5% fully vaccinated

Goals:

Matthew keeps breaking his 5K and 10K records as he trains for a half marathon. Abraham's fastest mile is 8:49 and Hyrum's is 9:00. Mercy is about an inch or two away from doing the splits. I started a grand fondo training plan at the beginning of the month. After my FTP test in January yielded a 127, Matthew secretly raised it to 140 where he thought it should be. It was definitely a confidence booster to know I was indeed stronger than I thought I was. I raised it another bit to 145 after my first ride of this plan and it's now right at my physical limit. The long rides are really hard and I am utterly wasted at the end of each one. It feels good, though, to be really, truly pushing myself. Matthew has struggled to find time for music this month, and it has fallen on the list of priorities for me as well, but the kids are going strong in all their instruments. Family and personal scripture study continues to go well. I'm so impressed with the kids and how seriously they take their personal reading. My scripture for March was Mosiah 4:27, with the emphasis on being diligent and that all things should be done in order.

Meals:

School lunch

Lasagna and corn

Pizza

7 layer dip

French toast and bacon

School lunch mystery meat chili and cornbread

Tacos

Leftovers

Hamburgers

Chicken tortilla soup

Ricotta gnudi and salad

Breakfast bowls and scones

German pancakes and tater tots

Corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes with sweet soda bread

Homemade sausages with mini farfalle and bell peppers

School lunch hamburgers and seasoned potatoes

Enchiladas and corn

School lunch pizza and salad

Chicken patty sandwiches

Ravioli alfredo and salad

Swedish meatballs and mixed vegetables

Thai pork coconut curry

Treats:

Olive oil chiffon cake

Salted caramel frozen custard

Chocolate frozen custard

Angel food cake with berries and whipped cream

Pear crisp

Chocolate chip cookies

Doughnuts

Monkey bread

Double chocolate fudge cookies