Day 15 March 28, 2020

Here we are at home, day 15 of corona virus or corvid19. I’m over being home. I miss soccer. I miss alone time. I miss being with friends. I miss a busier life. 

However, I’m grateful for how well my kids are managing their social distancing and time together. Everyone has adjusted at their own pace and they’re all still doing well. I bet we have at least two weeks or more left of this. It’s hard. 

Again however, society in general or at least in my world is adjusting. Alex does soccer training with his team through zoom. School begins again on Wednesday online. Seminary will be two days on zoom and three online. We can get food and even a bike with no issues. We have plenty of soap and sanitizer and have all remained healthy. I only know my coworkers and one soccer mom, an ER nurse, on the front lines. I haven’t even had to see a single patient this week. I think this is the week it’s supposed to spike in patients. 

We aren’t at war. We aren’t walking across Wyoming. I don’t have to worry about paying for my house or car. We don’t even need our portion of the 2 trillion dollar government economy booster, but I will use it for a much desired vacation in the future. 

Travis is working from home which is great but hard. I keep thinking he can help manage or care or fix and he can’t. He’s working. He’s not mad at me, he’s working!!! It’s hard but he’s even got enough work, blessings, to keep the pay check coming. 

The church has closed all temple and church meetings. We are doing home centered church which we’ve miraculously been preparing for over the last two years! We have been zooming with the young women who join us on Wednesday evenings and Sundays. It’s been fun. I miss seeing them in person tho. Happy to report that we have been having cheapy church at home and taking the sacrament. Ethan conducted one week and Alex the next. It was special and the spirit was present as we drank the water from our white tea cups. 

Missionaries are coming home in droves. Like 1500 at a time from the Philippines. Many to be reassigned and many to end their missions earlier than expected. A time to see family and then go serve state side somewhere. It’s so hard for all of them. And then the native missionaries are all that’s left in certain countries. 

I do feel we are growing somewhat closer as a family yet at the same time it’s so frustrating. They do fight and yell and blame each other. But then I catch Ethan and Triston sharing a laugh or Alex and Triston playing basketball and giggling with an inside joke. I see Kedzie texting friends and reading and making cookies. I see Kedzie and Ethan having a descent conversation. I’m grateful for all those tender moments. Ethan even said he loved Kedzie!

Poor Coseth is stuck in limbo with our social distancing. She is nervous and worried about it all but she’s still brave and here. Ecuador has closed their borders to everyone. She couldn’t go home if she wanted too. She can’t and she doesn’t want too. Although, there’s not much for her to do here. She reads social media and texts her friends and family and just hangs out. It’s really all she can do. We are hoping she can stay to finish up the semester but if the border opens, I’m sure aspect will make her go home. We hurried and ordered some souvenirs from amazon and hope they get here before she leaves. So crazy. Not how she planned to spend her experience here. 

Idk what else to report right now other than this is hard. This is super hard and I’m not being affected any more than most people. This is a world pandemic that is effecting everyone. It’s historical and hard.

From Kedzie

Hey! I am finally 15 which I think is kinda crazy! Within this last year, I have finished Middle School (Thank goodness) and have started High School (YAY)! I am, for the most part, full of smiles and happiness with the occasional "grumpy teenager." I now have curly hair, a straight smile, and my amazing silver-blue eyes! I also have amazing friends that I can trust with my life, that bring me joy and the spirit. I have also lost people that I called friend to Satan who pulled them away from me and didn't make the greatest choices. Melanie, Brooke, Lindie, Amber, and Charlotte (who lives in North Carolina now) have helped me get thought this trial. I am also writing a book. For me, it has helped me vent and write my imagination on paper. Timestamp has been really fun for me as I am writing it. (Hopefully I will finish it before 2020 ends who knows)

I am also the secretary of my Daughter's Of Zion Class. The girls that I work with in this church calling are fun, energetic, silly, and kind. This is our "House form UP" Disney cake. It was fun creating and a bit of a mess. I always want to help them succeed in what they want to do and be there for them. They really help bring out my personality even when I get slightly annoyed with them ; )

Throughout this year I have also been able to go to several temples and do baptisms and confirmations for my ancestors. I also have received my patriarchal blessing. It will be a guide in my life and will help me as a daughter of God. I hope that I help people feel the spirit and know that they are loved by someone that they are not able to see, but must believe in. My testimony has also grown and developed and, yes, it may be simple but it carries what I know for a fact is true. 

- Kedzie

From Coseth

That's me volunteering at Food for Hope, packing food for people in need, something very simple, but the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.

Behind me is the temple of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I remember that I did baptism and confirmation for the dead.We are blessed to live in a time when the Lord has provided sacred temples since in the temple is where I feel the most peace.

In this picture I am at Disneyland, my dream come true. I spent almost three days in the parks which were full of magic. I also got on the first time in a roller coaster and other attractions that I will never forget.  I loved meeting Mickey Mouse.

 

Corona Virus 2020

We have been instructed to practice "social distance!" Whatever this Corvid 19 thing is, we are now officially on an extended spring break, two weeks, and who knows if we will really return to school on the 31st? Soccer practice and games have been cancelled for two weeks. Toilet paper and hand sanitizer is a hot commodity at the store where lines go all around the building to check out. Some people are on lock down, others are still gathering together. We are somewhere in the middle. 

The most unexpected change has been what is happening with church. We have been instructed to not go to church or have any church activities for the unforeseen future. We've been taught, the past year, about home centered, church supported learning. I guess that was inspired! The Temples are closed after today unless there are live sealings or ordinances that need to be performed. It's all unheard of. I have to trust our leaders and those health professionals who have labelled our current situation as a pandemic. We need to stay home and avoid major groups. 

It's somewhat depressing, but we will get through it, no biggie. Really, I just have to figure out how to keep the boys busy for the next week and then we can hopefully head to Utah for spring break, come back and go back to school. But, I fear it may be a little more serious. I'm hopeful the kids can return to school, but what if they can't? The district has mentioned online school work and contact, we shall see. Most Universities have cancelled graduation and have sent everyone home and will commence Monday to do online instruction. Travis will still work and the kids and I will have time at home. If it's sunny we can find activities to do outside, but that only satisfies 3/5 of the kids. We shall see how it goes. 

I made it to the temple yesterday, a day before it shut down with a prayer in my heart to know how to help the Young Women stay close to spirit during this time away from church activities. Also, to help Ethan gain some sort of desire to attend the temple. I had no real personal revelation, but I felt at peace and happy when I was finished. 

Everything is going to be okay, just cuz I know it will be. We are experiencing a bit of history that my kids will talk about forever. So, it's up to me to make it fun and positive for them in whatever way I can. Here we go. May God bless every leader on this planet to make the right decisions for their country and may God bless our little family as we embark on this new adventure of slowing down. 

From Triston

One of the best parts of 2020 was the first temple visit it was SUPER exiting to go. I went to the Denver temple for baptisms for the dead. It was great because after the baptisms and the confirmation (when the dead become member of the church) WE GOT FOOD, COOKIES, AND SHAKES AT CHICK FIL LA!!!!    

From Ethan

Today the world is ending. (Corona Virus). These were three things I would like the world after me to know about me. The first picture is my dog. His name is Wiley. He is an old mean fun dog.  He bites people and me but we love him. In the second picture it is me and my two friends from soccer. I am the one in the middle with the red cloud hoodie. It is from my favirot show Naruto. We were at the Rapids game and had a great night. And the last picture is me and the squad. That is my friend group from school. We hang out together all the time and we live in the same nabber hood other than two of us. They are the rich kids. This was us at a movie night and I am the one get bullied and sat on by the big kid Camden. That is because I am the smallest. But this is me my friends and dog. 

A note from his mom....

From me to Deacons leaders Kress Franzen. Fred Yates. Thomas Harris. With their responses. Tender mercy. 

Sorry to bug while you’re working. But I keep forgetting to text in the evening. 

I just want to tell you how grateful I am that Ethan’s been called into deacons presidency and let you know that he’s already made some positive changes. I peaked at his texts last week and saw he texted Fred about helping the new deacons and how he wants to be more than the “crazy kid.” He recognizes with leadership there comes great responsibility! 

He was so helpful to Matthew on Sunday. I got a report from Erin about how great it went. 

I want to thank you all for not giving up on him when he’s at his worst. I know that he struggles, but deep inside he’s amazing and has so much love to give. He’s a sensitive kid who needs to be believed in. 

Thanks for supporting Camden in calling him to this position and I hope you can use him to teach and welcome the new boys. 

I try not to get involved, but I wanted you to know that he is trying. He’s reached out to Fred and there’s an amazing young man in there trying to work his way out. 

See you tonight. Thanks for all you do. Emily

Kress

Thank you for sharing, Emily. We love Ethan, and he's doing great. Grateful that our family gets to be a part of his journey. We moved to Thornton in an inspired set of circumstances, although we didn't know the exact reason. I've come to understand that Ethan is a part of that. Each life that touches ours for good...

Fred

The Lord places in position to help. I hope our help will inspire and build Ethan into a great man. We are excited to see his growth this year.

Thomas

Blown away by all of you! Thank you for loving the “one”.

From Alex

Hello, my name is Alex. I love playing soccer with my friends. We are 2nd in the state and I think 23rd in the country. We have Bobby, Zane, Josiah our goalkeeper, Luke, Cristian, Elan, Wyatt, Alex or me, James, and Cristobal.  

 I like school even though it is sometimes is boring. My friends are Brennar, Dylan, Matthew, Andrew, and Noah F. This year I have got my favorite teacher... Mrs. Vahling. My favorite subject is                      
                                               Math then writing. I am glad I have my class.

Since I LOVE soccer, I want to be the most famous soccer player of all time. I love soccer so much that I will do anything to just play a game. My friends help me up when I fall down. My coach pushes me to my limits so I get better, same with my teammates.

Random post with pictures

Our lives are full of random moments and some of these moments are picture worthy. Here are some of those special moments. 

The time the Holland's went to visit Utah State and took their time to surprise Reggie at work! His best day ever. He talked about it for thirty minutes to Kathy and called to thank me for making it happen. What a special moment for him. Erin said he just stared at them until it registered who they were and then his jaw dropped, he started crying and hugged Perry forever. He was the happiest. 

The time we went to CFL after a basketball game and laughed and laughed and laughed. 

My favorite basketball team of all time...the Hawks 2019-20

The time Ethan's imagination created this monster puppet. I love him and his creativity. 

We got GetOut Passes for Christmas which include this amazing rock climbing gym. The boys loved it and worked their arms to their breaking point. It was amazing to watch them be successful at rock climbing. So much fun. 

Alex is in a club that is has a Glowforge Laser Printer. His teachers applied for and received a grant for the printer. He and his friends have worked hard to create lanters from wood that have been designed by the kids and then laser cut and painted. They will be the center pieces for the Adams 12 Gala coming up and will be up for auction. I'm grateful for new and exciting learning opportunities for my kids. 

The time 20 youth showed up in a snow storm to do service at A Precious Child was awesome. 

Coseth nominated her ELL teacher to be recognized at our Stake Teacher Appreciation Night. She wrote a speech honoring her teacher, Ms. Amy. It was pretty special for both. Amy has worked at Horizon for 27 years and has heard about his banquet, but never been invited. What an honor for her to be recognized by Coseth.

The mornings I get to snuggle on the couch and maybe take a nap with my puppy are awesome. 

The time that Triston went to the Temple for the first time was so special. The girls came with us and we went to the Denver Temple. The first time there for our kids. Triston was a little crabby about going because Alex got to stay home and watch TV. Once he was done with the baptisms and confirmations, he was in the best mood. It was fun to watch his transition and I attribute that to the Temple and the spirit of the Lord that is present there. I love going to the Temple with my kids.  

The time the Hawks got to go to the CU mens basketball game against UCLA. 

The time Alex's 5th grade class suddenly grew mustaches! 

The time this recreation swimmer decided to swim for Horizon and worked really hard. She took off 19 seconds from all of her swims combined. She was surprised at the banquet to learn that she lettered in the 50 free with a swim of  34.35. We were jumping for joy at the news. She worked so hard. What an accomplishment for this cute girl. 

There are so many hard times in life. Its fun for me to see the happy moments that I have in pictures. I don't take photos of the bad moments, mostly. I try to be real tho. Our life looks easy but it's riddled with teenagers, mental illness, stress, worries, arguments and disagreements, disrespect and fatigue. But, we make the most of it. We have survived 100% of our toughest days! I'm grateful for forgiveness, new days and new chances to make things better. 

Disneyland...party of three

When one comes all the way to the USA from Ecuador, one HAS to visit Disneyland and Kedzie and Travis took one for the team. It wasn't hard at all.  They were happy to accompany Coseth to the happiest place on Earth! lol 

With all the thousands of people in the happiest place on earth, how ironic that they ran into our favorite Bjorkman's within the first ten minutes! They also ran into my mom's best friend Carol and her girls Lisa and Natalie. Natalie's daughter Tylee and Kedzie are one day apart and have met three times now! What a fun place to be reunited. Needless to say, I was a bit jealous, but I had Phoenix! 

They loved the new Star Wars Land and since they were at Disney on a Wednesday and California Adventure on a Thursday, the lines weren't long at all. Max wait time, 30 minutes. It was the perfect trip. Only two days plus travel on both ends, but they made memories. 

Coseth didn't love the crazy rides, but she was so brave and tried everything. That girl is one of the bravest people I've ever met. Kedzie and Travis couldn't get enough of the roller coaster, so they did it multiple times. They ate their way through the parks and took tons of pictures for me. I'm so glad they could go and experience such a fun place.