Each day in the Schussler house begins with breakfast with my ladies. We chat, adjust, plot out the day, and try to make it seem as “normal” as possible – any way we can.
Mom heads to work (the upstairs office) and Abby, Mia, and I set up “school” on the kitchen table. Mansfield schools have done a great job providing the elementary kids with a simple, doable, and helpful menu of activities for each day, including virtual gym (hilarious!) and art classes. So the girls settle in with their work. I use the morning to make my daily list, check emails, and either provide feedback on student work, prep, or make contact with students.
After “school” we always head outside. Two to three times a week we head to Borderland. It’s refreshing, recharging, and free, for now. Morning is best, as there are fewer people.
After lunch we always have “quiet time.” The girls head to their rooms and listen to Spotify and read or zone. I do my thing. This allows us all to have some private space even though we’re all smashed up together day after day.
The afternoon is for self-selected activities, play, projects, connecting with friends on Kids Messenger and typically work for me. Yes, I have been much more tolerant of the dreaded “screen” for my girls as they both miss their friends, school, sports, etc. Many of their activities are providing virtual classes. Mia did a Zoom karate class on the deck yesterday. Abby has lacrosse “practice” today.
We sometime chill and watch our favorite shows – “Lego Masters” and “American Ninja Warrior Junior.” Then family dinner.
And of course, I always end up in my chair. It’s become quite a simple existence.