It is July in Utah which means it is a constant dry heat of over 90 degrees. Still in quarantine due to the pandemic that the whole world is dealing with, and we are trying our very best to stay positive. Truthfully mom, dad, me, grace, and Emmalee along with my oldest brother Brian his wife Tracy, and their oldest Kyrie and another family friend from California should all be in Europe right now. So don’t mind the passives aggressiveness of this post because I had to cancel my dream vacation. (I know I’m not the only one in the world who had to. I am just feeling sorry for myself.)
Life is still remarkable despite all the tragedy that is falling around us. We have 10 people living at home. Seven of them are under the age of 15! Let me tell you! It is been a roller coaster of emotions and every day is a new emotion we get to deal with. This post isn’t about what we are going through, it is about how we are getting through it together as a family. Sticking together and making the most of something completely different from anything else we’ve ever dealt with. The kiddos were all taken out of school, out of sports and any interaction with friends back on March 12, 2020. It was a major, MAJOR adjustment for us and truthfully, I think we are doing great. Granted, if you would have asked me 3 months ago how I felt about this whole thing, being 28 stuck at home between apartments I’d tell you to leave me alone and shut the door on your way out. But I don’t feel that way anymore. I woke up, mid-May and knew that if I was going to continue to create a remarkable life for myself, I couldn’t do it sulking in my room listening to every Avril Lavigne song and eating cookie dough by the tub.
I’ve taken this time to create my dreams, reconnect with my younger siblings who I am spending ALL OF MY TIME WITH, getting healthier, and deciding what I want in my life and where I want to go once I can leave again. But while I am here, I am going to make it remarkable.
I am at home with my mom, dad, 5 brothers and 2 sisters and I want to help make it remarkable, here are my top 8 favorite things to do during quarantine by myself and with my family.
1. Personal Spa Night
It’s easy and fun! Pick up some face mask at your local drug store, some cucumbers, and some thick lotion. I did this with my younger siblings and you wouldn’t believe how my brothers LOVED doing this with us! I made sure I had picked up enough face mask to go around, sliced up cucumbers to put on their eyes and covered their feet with the thick lotion. Dimmed the lights and put on soothing music and we laid there, laughing, telling stories, and making memories together.
2. Turn your house into a movie theater.
Amazon truly has become my favorite place to shop. I can order ANYTHING and it will be here in a matter of days! It’s crazy! I found these popcorn buckets and movie theater treats online. Ordered them and they were here within two days. Mom and I made so much popcorn I wasn’t able to eat it for weeks!! Ordered pizza and gave out movie tickets and play money so the kids could buy themselves concessions for their movie! We posted different auditoriums throughout the house. We had so much fun creating an at-home theater!! Highly recommend this with adults and kids! To see what we did, what it on our Vlog https://youtu.be/T6YccTligmI
3. Picnic Lunch
Sometimes you’ve got to treat yourself! And during a pandemic that is a little more difficult but still can be done! I sent mom and dad for their anniversary up the canyon nearby to just spend time with each other. My sister and I made a beautiful little lunch for my parents, a blanket and they were on their way! It was lovely to be out in nature without the distractions of the world at your fingertips. So try it, pack yourself a lunch, grab your favorite book, and get outside and enjoy the fresh air!
4. Podcast
Chances are if you are here, you’ve heard our podcast, follow us on Instagram, or have seen us on YouTube. Before this pandemic started mom and dad started a podcast and for the most part, it was just them, talking about what it is like to be parents of such a large remarkable family, With the ups and downs that came along with just being human. But it has shifted to getting into the whole meaning of what we are trying to accomplish in our lives and teach the younger generations. One of my favorite things is to take over the podcast and share my thoughts and feelings about creating a remarkable adventure for my life. *Starting your podcast is easy, just download the app anchor from your app store and follow the directions. It is free and easy to use! (not sponsored)
Okay! This is getting long! Check back tomorrow for my favorite things 5, 6, 7, and 8!
See you tomorrow!
Xoxo
Stacey