Hi friends! Some life updates:
The Kids
We have a new water table thanks to Grammie Buzz! She got us this one, and it’s been nice to keep the water table on the porch now that warmer weather has arrived. We’ve been playing with it nearly every afternoon. On chilly days, I fill it with warm water, and this summer I’m sure some ice will be nice.
“Home School”
Is going better! (Knock on all the wood.) We have adapted. I realized how important it is for Mazen to have some 100% choice in what he does each day. We come up with a 4-5 task checklist in the morning covering a range of subjects (writing, reading, art and ‘creative play’ with his brother, mostly) and if he completes the checklist he can have some screen time during Birch’s nap. I have a whole post coming about the Kids Kindle, but let me just tell you it’s been AMAZING to have.
One of his tasks is to write a letter to anyone he wants (friend, family, CEO…!) He was complaining about the price of Legos and I suggested he write a letter to the Lego CEO. I think this was my shining moment as a parent this week (there were also some low lows!).
I spent a little time getting Mazen’s old 1-2 year old clothes out of storage for Birch. Thomas is H O R R I F I E D by the Duke hat 
We have been doing two outdoor activities a day (one in the morning and one after nap) and playing in the playroom or the porch the others. We have been so, so, so lucky that the weather has been nice for this season. If you need more rainy day ideas, Anne just wrote a post all about at home activities for toddlers.
Workouts
I’m alternating days of indoor HIIT/strength (during nap or when T can watch the boys) and outdoor run/walk workouts with them. I’ve been doing a mix of Chris Collins Fitness, Popsugar, and outdoor walk/runs. My poor foot is actually quite strained from all the activity, and I decided to take a day off to do some flow yoga. I searched You Tube and found a good 30 minute power flow and realized after a few minute I knew the yogi – PB Runner!!
Downtime
When I have any downtime, all I want to do is read. I don’t know if that is because reading is one of the best ways I know to destress and turn off my brain or because I was supposed to be on a spring break trip this week, but I can’t get enough reading in.
Just read: Emily Giffin’s Heart Of the Matter. Really enjoyed it for some easy reading!
Currently reading: Verity by Colleen Hoover. Doing a little book club with my mom and sister. This book is so intriguing! It reminds me of Girl and the Train or one of those strange-life-mysteries. (It’s currently only $4.99 for Kindle.)
Want to read: Also on my list is a book called A Stranger on the Beach, which John Petersik described as Dirty John meets Big Little Lies. Sounds good!
Send any recent book recs!
Hope you have a great weekend <3
Amy says
Another blogger I read (who is also a teacher) did a post earlier this week on what she’s doing to best help her son, who is Mazen’s age, with distant learning. It sounds like their learning needs are similar- hope it’s helpful for you! https://www.momfessionals.com/2020/04/distance-learning-update.html?m=1
Kath Younger says
Thank you!
Caitie says
Read The Alice Network and City of Girls! Two of the best books I’ve read in a really long time!!! Could we start like a virtual book club with your readers? Haha!
Kath Younger says
Oh that’s a great idea!! I’m halfway through Verity. I wonder if people would want to join and we could do a Zoom talk about it?!
Jamie Bergen says
That would be fun!
Kelley Bauer says
Hey, Kath, Peleton is offering their app for free for ninety days. They have everything you would ever need. Yoga, stretching, strength, HIIT, meditation, everything. My daughter and I have really enjoyed it. Also a big reader here. I am also a high school English teacher. I just finished Before We Were Yours. It’s based on the black market of a Memphis orphanage in the 20’s. It was really good. Also, I am currently reading The Wives, which is a thriller-type. That’s not usually my thing but it’s been really easy reading and entertaining so far.
Kath Younger says
I’ve thought about the Peleton app – do you know if you can stream on a TV? I hate using my tiny phone screen. Writing the book title on my list!
Jack says
If you have a Fire Stick you can get the Peloton app on there! That is what I have been using and it is great.
Kath Younger says
oh good!
Paige says
I’m sorry if this is a stupid question but is the fire stick the same as a roku? I have a roku. Thank u!
Kath Younger says
Same concept but different brand!
Amanda says
The Dutch House is great!
Jenny says
That exactly what I would rec, only adding to try anything/everything by Ann Patchett if you aren’t already a fan.
Jen says
Omg please elaborate In a post on the low lows, as well as the highs, because I feel like I’m in the former often and need to feel not alone. Doing my best but two working parents plus a 6 year old only child has been really challenging!
Jen Alluisi says
A newer book – it came out on St. Patrick’s Day, I think – is The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune. I loved it and have recommended it over and over to people who need just a lovely, charming, funny, quirky read to distract them right now. Read the description, and if anything at all about it appeals to you, read it immediately because the execution is flawless. I have read several books since that one, trying to recapture the same feeling, and nothing has come close. I think I’m just going to re-read it when I finish my current book!
Jill D says
The River by Peter Heller is excellent.
Angie says
Is Mazen’s school not providing any instruction? I’m so thankful our school district is. The Dutch House is a great book and so is The Art of Racing in the Rain and Under the Scarlett Sky.
Kath Younger says
It’s all been somewhat optional until now (and still hard to get him to do). We are getting a bit more formal instruction after “spring break” so that will either go very well or very poorly! He does really like his class Zoom calls. I wish they would have them daily!
Lindsey Schuman says
Hi Kath! I just ordered my first Kindle Paperwhite, and am trying to decide which reading service to go with. Kindle Unlimited or Prime Reading? What do you use for you and Mazen? I have two little boys, so wanting something that would offer both of us plenty of content.
Thank you!
Kath Younger says
Go with Kindle Unlimited! They have many more titles (from what I understand).
Taryn says
I have to agree with Thomas on the Duke hat 🙂 I went to Kentucky, so my hatred of Duke runs deep 🙂 Haha. And you are not alone with trying to homeschool a “spirited” child. My 3rd grader is doing ok, but my 1st grader is digging her heels in something fierce. NJ hasn’t yet announced the schools closing for the remainder of the year but we anticipate they will. Have a great weekend!
Kath Younger says
haha!!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Happy Friday, Kath! I’ve read Heart of the Matter too – I loved it! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Ellen says
The Lego letter is adorable. You’re doing fine. These are extraordinary times.
Louise RD says
Thanks for the fitness & book recommendations!
Mollie says
I’ve been reading Louise Erdrich’s latest book, The Night Watchman. It’s about native americans and really really good!
Kath Younger says
Noted!
Meghan says
I just finished Sue Monk Kidd’s Invention of Wings – it’s my favorite book of hers. Also read All American Boys by Reynolds. It’s YA. It was pretty good.
We have been “homeschooling” for 3 weeks. This upcoming week is spring break, and we were supposed to leave for our 8 night Southern Caribbean Cruise tomorrow. Who knows if cruising will ever be back. My 7th grader has been pretty good getting his work done. Just gave him some advice of setting smaller goals and rewarding himself with outside time or a snack, etc. My 3rd grader is doing awesome and Zooms with his teacher and class at 10:30 and 1:00. He lives for it. I’m teaching high school English remotely, so my preschooler is not getting too much in terms of school.
I need new reading material – thanks for the book recommendations!
Cathy Wright says
My favorite book is Lost on the Appalachian Trail by Kyle Rohrig. It is will take you miles away from all this stuff that is going on!!
https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Appalachian-Trail-Kyle-Rohrig-ebook/dp/B013FDUN96/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=kyle+rohrig&qid=1586561406&s=books&sr=1-1
Molly says
Really liked the nickel boys recently.
Would love to hear more about the Chris Collins workouts!
Allie Stewart says
Hi! Happy Easter! I’m reading Educated and loving it. Other noteworthy recent reads: Little Fires Everywhere, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, and Everything I Never Told You. Also, thanks for keeping it real with regard to parenting through these challenging times!
www.becomingallie.com
Tonya says
The Lego letter made me LOL!
The Many Thoughts of a Reader says
Cosign us to Mazen’s Lego letter!! 🙂 I recently read Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes and really enjoyed it. I am currently reading Velva Jean Learns to Drive by Jennifer Niven and am liking it too.
Jill says
Just finished a good book that I had a hard time putting down, The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica and another one I loved is Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate. I love to read and am always looking for a new book!