One Second Every Day: March

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A post shared by Cheree Moore (@mo_haus) on Apr 1, 2020 at 7:51am PDT

One second every day in the month of March. The first half of the month was full of family and friends and normal things like dentist appointments. The second half of the month was self isolation with lots of time spent outside riding bikes and hiking as a family. The kids spent four nights camped out on our back porch. It’s been a weird month. 

CVSD: Day 20

Today was cold and rainy and we stayed inside all day. That combination makes this social isolation thing feel harder.

I have been thinking about some of the close calls I've had in my life. And how before those experiences happened, I had blinders on, not really having a clue about the effects of trauma. My close calls seem to have come about once a decade:

I was hit and thrown across the road by a car that couldn't stop on ice when I was 10. I had a DV-T (blood clot in my leg) that turned into a Pulmonary Embolism (a clot that has traveled to the lungs) which landed me in the hospital for a week in my 20s. Daniel and I were hit hard by the downturn of the economy in 2010. Daniel was laid off and couldn't find work for a year. Our stocks tanked. We lived in separate states for 6 months. Then I experienced a miscarriage in my 30s and a Placenta Abruption the following year requiring an emergency C-section to bring my youngest safely into the world.

I don't why any of those things (and others) happened. Or why they happened to me. I just know each experience changed me. They left me with the knowledge that life is not always ok. Before my miscarriage, it never occured to me that pregnancies could just end. I didn't know the grief these experiences would bring or how they would be play out for years to come. But they did allow me to see others differently. They helped me to be there for other people when their lives were falling apart.

Now I am looking at 40 and the world is falling apart. I can't decide if it is worse to know what *might* happen to someone I love. To me. Or that this terrible thing might pass over and just leave me with a heavy sense of guilt.

I sit every day with the knowledge that I am incredibly privileged. The way life is right now is a mostly a nuisance. It isn't terribly hard. Which is a weird burden to carry, because it is still feels hard, particularly because of the unknown. And then I sit in guilt some more for feeling that way. I'm trying my best to do my part. I am staying home. I am checking in with my people and my neighbors. I praying for my siblings and friends who are working in hospitals every day. Just waiting, along with everyone else, for whatever is bound to happen to happen...

CVSD: Day 18

Two nights ago our kids built cushion forts on our back deck and declared that they would like to sleep in their forts. We weren't sure if they would last the night, but they did.

Yesterday there was a threat of rain and storms so they moved their fort to the screened in portion of our deck and wanted to sleep outside again – it would be a rain challenge. Again, we agreed.

The storm rolled in at 5am this morning. I went out to check on them and said they could come in at any time. They said they were fine.

Today they moved the fort back to the open deck area and said they plan to sleep out there until it gets cold again. I think the heat will drive them indoors before the cold does. They have spent most of the day in their make-shift fort, adding rooms and supplies they think they need. They told us they were stocked for at least three days.

They have a vague awareness of the Coronavirus, but for the most part, their lives are unaffected. They miss their friends, but we are allowing them to bike, supervised in the neighborhood every day, which allows them a degree of interaction with others, so as to not make them feel fully isolated.

So while we worry about family and friends who are on the front lines in the medical field, and make plans for our next trip to get much-needed groceries, they carry on with the business of being children, and for that I am incredibly thankful.

CVSD: Day 17

We moved into our current house a little over six years ago. One of the things we love about our neighborhood is that there is a park in the center and we have taken full advantage of it from the beginning. The park is about three acres with a small playground (including an old-school metal merry-go-round), a huge grassy field, a baseball diamond, and a small portion of woods with trails that the kids love.

In our early years here, I was always a little dismayed that so few people seemed to take advantage of the park. Maybe it was because everyone's kids were too small to shoo out the door. Or maybe it was an over-dependence on electronics for kids. Or schedules that were overly full. We have felt the pull of electronics and sports and scheduled activities too, but have still tried to make space every day to be outside.

In January we actually had a talk with our kids about priorities. It came out that the kids would rather spend the spring days camping and riding dirt bikes and bikes than signing up for spring sports. Praise the Lord, because that is what Daniel and I were hoping for our family as well.

Fast forward to mid-March. The country is in the beginning (?)  of social isolating, and sports for everyone have been cancelled. Our plans for camping are currently on hold (we had reservations at a state park for the first weekend in April that have been cancelled by the park), but we are enjoying spending big portions of every day outside. Mostly together.

Since the social isolating has started we have noticed a huge increase of kids riding their bikes at the park and in the neighborhood. Families are out walking. We are chatting with neighbors (from a safe distance of 6+ feet away).

Last night our boys slept in forts they built out of cushions on our back deck. I sat outside with them until they fell asleep. We listened to families who were shooting hoops together and laughing around campfires together. We are all apart but somehow still together.

CVSD: Day 13

I'm not sure if the news is getting more depressing playing into our biggest fears, or if we are just on the cusp of terrible things as far as the pandemic goes. I'm expecting the news to get worse and closer to home with each passing day. Already friends are starting to feel the effects of owning their own businesses or being furloughed or laid off. It will probably be weeks, if not months, before we start feeling some reprieve from this pandemic.

Tonight our area was under a tornado watch for most of the evening. Thankfully we only had heavy rain. Isaac gets very worried about storms, and lots of other things. At bedtime he told Daniel that he was afraid of tornadoes, praying mantis, and bears. We're not sure why he is currently afraid of praying mantis'. He carries more anxiety in him than the rest of us and we have to be really careful of what we say around him. We also have to be more accommodating of his big feelings and fears, typically in the form of extra hugs and reminding him know that it's okay to be afraid, while also helping him find ways to feel safe like talking to us and praying.

I'm sure I'm not alone in my prayer that our children make it through this pandemic untouched by the fear and pain that is gripping so many in the world right now. Though reality suggests that there will be children everywhere who are touched directly by the horribleness of this virus. All I can do is pray for all of them.

Philippians 4:6-7 is giving me some degree of comfort right now:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

CVSD: Day 12

Since the social distancing started I have been struggling to fall asleep every night. It seems to be pure insomnia as I am not really thinking of anything in particular. It does give me extra time to pray, but it seems like I am unable to fall asleep before 3am. I just toss and turn.

It turns out Daniel has had the opposite problem. He has been waking up around 4am, unable to go back to sleep, tossing and turning himself. I think we have both been averaging about 4-6 hours of sleep a night when we could really use 8+.

Last night our restlessness crossed paths and we ended up talking super early in the morning. Which was a blessing. We had a chance to talk through some things we have been individually stressing about. In the wee hours of the morning it was a good chance to get on the same page about how we have been feeling and things that have been bothering us.

One thing that Daniel has really loved about being home are the opportunities he gets to have with our boys. He gets to see Jack build and engineer some amazing projects and he can cuddle with Isaac whenever he needs a pick-me-up. This made me realize how easy it is to take for granted my day-to-day life.

CVSD: Day 11

I haven't seen any of my good friends in person in seven days.
It has rained almost every day for the last 10 days.
I have had a dry cough now for twelve days (no other symptoms).
I have made 28 meals in a row.
I have washed countless dishes and loads of laundry.
Ants have decided to invade our house.

I have talked to my parents more frequently in the last week than I normally do.
I have texted my sister and brother more in the last week that I have in the last several months combined.
I have talked with my neighbors (at a safe distance) almost daily.
I have been able to text countless friends on an almost daily basis to see how they are doing.
I have been able to use zoom to catch up with groups of friends via video conferencing.
I have listened to the birds sing and watched spring start to make an appearance.
I have read my bible and prayed more.

CVSD: Day 10

There is a meme floating around the internet comparing what people thought of homeschool moms before the Great Social Distancing Movement of Covid-19 to what people think of homeschool moms now that everyone has been forced into the homeschool life.

In one version, the preconception is that homeschool mothers were puritanical women who are now seen as super heroes. I have to be honest and say that I'm in my third year of homeschooling and I don't know anyone who is this level of puritanical, and I fully believe that all involved parents are super heroes.

Last year I met a public school teacher who told me she could never teach her own kids at home because she couldn't handle being home all the time. Well, I want to set the record straight: I love teaching my kids BUT being home all the time is the pits! Last week was the most I have ever been home in my whole life (other than for sickness).

A normal week for our family would have social interaction with other people including (at a minimum) going to the Y and being with friends for at least two hours on Monday and Tuesday. There would be a group hike or field trip on Wednesday and then meeting up with friends at church for several hours. It would mean a drop-off co-op at the YMCA on Thursday for most of the day. Then our Classical Conversations co-op that lasts almost all day on Friday. Not to mention several hours of playing outside with neighborhood kids every day and our standing Thursday afternoon playdate with a family in another neighborhood when they all get home from school. As homeschoolers our family intentionally crosses paths with hundreds of people each week. And now, like the rest of you, in a blink of an eye, it's all gone. And it's been hard.

Whatever notion you have about homeschoolers, it probably isn't exactly true. Especially not based on everyone's current reality. I can give advice and suggestions based on what we are used to, and life is probably a bit easier for us in a lot of ways; but like you we are dealing with having to prepare more meals, having to clean more often, husbands who are working from home in our spaces, kids that are bored, kids (and mamas) who miss their friends, and kids who are eating all of the snacks by the end of Monday.

Homeschoolers aren't some kind of special parent with super powers. We are like you. Parents who care about out kids and are doing the best we can considering the circumstances. Much love to everyone during these trying times!

CVSD: Day 9

I don't know about you guys, but these days I am not getting the best sleep. Poor sleep means a cranky mommy/wife, which isn't good for anyone.

If I'm being honest, today wasn't a great day. I don't like writing that because overall my life is good. Compared to my siblings and so many others who work at hospitals, I am barely inconvenienced. But even so, I think we all have bad days, and today was one for me.

I am one of those people who is a mixture of extroverted and introverted. Meaning I need to be with people and do my best processing out loud, but I also need larges doses of time by myself. And while I have had plenty of time with my family (almost 24/7 for the last seven days), our conversations have revolved almost completely around school/kid stuff or coronavirus updates/Daniel's work. I guess I've just hit my max on these topics and needed some time alone. And by alone I don't mean absentmindedly surfing my phone and reading all of the CV updates.

After dinner I saw that my great aunt had shared a video on FB of a group of women singing "Down to the River" as a virtual choir. Different locations but together. It's beautiful to hear their voices all blend and to read where they are all from.

As I watched the video I felt a sudden urge to take a walk. It was almost dark and cold and rainy, but I just needed to go. So I left Daniel and the kids to work on a crane they are building out of K'nex and I walked down to Green Gorge (a trail close to our house). As I walked, the lines "I went down to the river to pray" kept repeating in my head like an anthem.

The creek at Green Gorge was swollen with water. The trail was mostly a puddle. As I walked my frustrations eased. As I repeated the lines to the song, the words fell away and a prayer came instead. I pulled the hood of my rain jacket off my head and let the water trickle down my face. It was just what I needed. I came home soaked, but feeling like I was in a much better place. Sometimes you just need to go down to the river to pray.

CVSD: Day 8

Many of the groceries stores in our area are having an early opening for people in high-risk categories for Covid-19, specifically the elderly. It is heartwarming to see our community (and others across our country) pulling together in ways like this.

We decided I should venture out to get our next round of groceries today, so I headed to Walmart as soon as I had coffee made. It has been six days since I have left our neighborhood. It was a little strange to be back among people, albeit strangers.

Everyone was polite, giving space as necessary. A couple of times I found myself facing another costumer in a grocery aisle and we both turned and went the opposite direction instead of passing shoulder-to-shoulder. I read a funny meme that said, "We used to cough to cover our farts, now we fart to cover our coughs." A cough definitely gets you a stink eye these days.

Since we are at home and eating every meal, I had a full list of items that needed replenishing. The store was fairly well stocked with printed signs indicating that you were only to take one or two of some things (like bread and milk). The only aisle I saw that was truly depleted was the pasta and rice aisle. All that was left was a top shelf of lasagna noodles. I guess we aren't to the point of making lasagna from scratch yet! There were also no frozen waffles. My boys will be bummed, but we have plenty of other fresh food to eat.

I did self-checkout, even with a cart-full of food. It took forever, but we are trying to limit contact with people afterall. When I got home, I carried the groceries down to the front door where Daniel took everything out of bags and had the boys carry each item to the kitchen to put away. Then I threw away all the plastic bags and went straight to take a shower. This may be overkill, but we are trying not to take extra chances with the outside world –– how strange is all of this?

I can tell that I haven't been around other people much. I have been much shorter with my boys. Daniel has been on the phone non-stop all week, with very little time to talk with us. So even though he's home, he's not really here (i.e. no adult conversation). I did manage a 30-minute workout after lunch, that helped my mood but I miss talking with my friends in real life.

Today was a gorgeous day. No rain and warmer temps. The sunshine felt so good, but it also brings concerns of storms. We are in tornado season now. I find myself checking the weather app, not just for where we live, but for where my parents and other family members live as well.

CVSD: Day 7

The lack of group exercise is starting to wear on me. I miss my workout groups and the endorphins I get several times a week at the Y. Tomorrow I need to get serious about finding workouts I can do at home that will keep me engaged.

The boys and I have been spending a lot of time outside. Mostly riding bikes at the park (them) and walking (me). We've told them they can't touch the playground equipment. We are opting to allow them interact with a couple of neighbor friends, though we are continually stressing that they need to stay six-feet apart. This leads to me flailing my arms from across the park and shouting things like, "Six feet!" and "Remember your social distancing!" or "I said SOCIAL DISTANCING!" These are strange times indeed.

We know quite a few people in our neighborhood, but more people seem to be at home right now, I find myself crossing paths with families I've never met before. We also check in daily with our elderly neighbors next door. Isaac has progressed to trying all kinds of tricks on his bicycle and I think he's going to give Mr. Wayne a heart attack.

Someone on Facebook suggested sharing about your day and describing your kids as co-workers. My share for that post was, "My coworker keeps yelling, 'Done!' from the bathroom and expects me to come help him."

My weekly Wednesday Bible Study group hopped on Zoom tonight. It was so good to see so many faces I love. I hope to give them all a big hug when this is over. We shared prayer requests, talked about the chapters in Proverbs that we have been reading and then just shared what's going on in our day-to-day lives. Have I mentioned I'm thankful for technology?

Other things I'm pondering...
Are Emergen-C packets really just expensive servings of Tang?

CVSD: Day 6

Daniel started telecommuting today. He spent about 10 hours on the phone in meetings. He's camped at the kitchen table, so the kids and I did our best to stay in our Lego room/school room area and outside as much as possible.

Listening to Daniel's conference calls through a shut door gave me a migraine. Or maybe the headache was due to the lack of exercise. This is something I need to remedy. Walks have been good but are not quite the same as my usual Boot Camp class.

Flowers are starting to pop up in our yard. We are all prone to allergies, which is worrisome since the coronavirus has some of the same symptoms as allergies. Nonetheless, the kids are playing outside as much as possible. Which I love, but it also means we have a lot of muddy laundry and shoes. I may need to start hosing them off outside to cut down on the level of mud going into my washer.

Before bed Daniel and I had a talk about how we are feeling, what we think is going to happen. Daniel is the type of person who over prepares for everything. I tend to under prepare. It's hard to know what we should be doing, but we are at least trying to get on the same page.

I came across this graph that showed how social distancing by 50% can drop the spread of this virus significantly. If you can distance by 75% it is a huge reduction. Our family has definitely isolated ourselves from more than 75% of the people we normally interact with (no workouts at the Y, no church, no grocery shopping since Friday, no co-op, no preschool). I miss my friends and family, but am so thankful for texting and social media right now.

CVSD: Day 5

Since we already homeschool I feel fairly prepared for our week. A few things will be different though: we typically go to the Y for a couple of hours in the middle of the day, and we rely heavily on library books for our schooling (neither are a big deal in the grand scheme of things). We may have to do some things differently in the weeks to come but I don't see that being a problem.

We followed our normal school routine until noon and then decided to go for a hike. We invited a neighbor's son to join us (his mom had a big project to finish up today). We completed our hike and then Jack and his friend were able to play outside for several hours. It was chilly but they stuck it out most of the afternoon, playing and riding bikes. They ran out of things to do outside (and probably needed a break from each other) after five hours.

While out hiking and walking in the neighborhood we ran into two families I had never met before. We kept a reasonable distance as we chatted. While there is a lot to be worried about, it is also nice to have time to chat in the street with someone new and check on people who are out walking their dogs.

This afternoon there was an update that instead of a two-week hiatus, the public schools will be out until April 13th. A lot of people are expecting school to be out for the rest of the school year. I know lots of working parents who are trying to wrap their heads around being home with their kiddos all day long for the foreseeable future. It is definitely a learning curve with good days and bad days, no matter how seasoned you are at this homeschool thing.

I need to stop looking at Facebook and the news. While there were lots of sweet posts of people helping each other, and pictures of kids doing school at home, there is also a lot of heaviness and concern about the unknown and what is to come. What countries are shutting down their borders? Will we? Will citywide lockdowns be implemented? How bad is it really going to get? A week from now, what will this all look like. Italy is in dire straights right now and we are wondering if that will be us soon...

At least we have toilet paper.

CVSD: Day 4

Daniel got an email this morning from his boss saying that his department will have a staff meeting tomorrow. On site. !$#*?! His company is a government agency, don't they realize we are all supposed to be practicing social distancing? It's hard not to be frustrated by this.

We are starting to tentatively adjust to all being together. I know it is just Sunday, but our routines are already off with church being cancelled at the building. It is going to take a bit of time to get used to family dynamics of being together (if Daniel's work does finally let them work from home). We just need to remind ourselves that it will be like our camping trips when we are together 24/7. We got this!

We had a live televised worship service for church this morning, but it wasn't quite the same as being in person with our church family. For one thing we were all in pajamas and there was coffee and hot chocolate. No matter, the message was good: Love our neighbors. And also the reminder of, "what then can separate us from the love of Christ? Neither trouble nor hardship nor the coronavirus..." (paraphrase of Rom 8:35).

After lunch Daniel checked with our elderly neighbors to see if they needed anything and to let them know we are available if they do have any needs. We are also thinking about others ways we can fill needs in our community, while continuing to practice social distancing. I checked in with my small groups from church via text after worship service, trying to encourage one another during a time when we are all so unsure about so many things.

It rained all morning but cleared up after lunch. Daniel went to run a couple of necessary errands and I let the boys play outside with a friend. One of my good friends asked if I could go for a walk. The fresh air and sharing our concerns about the upcoming weeks was good for my soul.

The boys played outside for most of the afternoon before coming back around 5pm. I think they finally reached their play-together quota when it comes to outside play (they are seriously missing playing Minecraft and other inside games together). After supper two of Daniel's friends dropped by. While we are distancing ourselves from others, true isolation may prove difficult.

I know many families who are gearing up for their first day of imposed homeschool starting tomorrow. I am cheering them all on from the sidelines. My best advice is to make your kids go outside or do jumping jacks when things get out of hand. Or hide in the pantry and eat chocolate. Both work wonders.

I read somewhere that the coronavirus is just three degrees of separation away from each of us. I experienced that reality last night. A friend texted out a prayer request: she has a neighbor who owns a small company in North Georgia where a woman in her 30s (and her husband) both tested positive for coronavirus (after testing positive for the flu and pneumonia). She is currently in ICU at Emory. Her husband is also in ICU but doing better than her. They had not traveled at all and probably picked up the virus from a crowded place. It was all over Facebook this morning. Three. Degrees. of. Separation.

The birds don't seem to know there is a pandemic happening. They just keep singing that it is spring.

CVSD: Day 3

The day started out rainy. The kids watched Netflix and played Legos. We prepared them for the possibility of no social interaction. We are all for social distancing but are still on the fence about whether one or two neighborhood interactions would be ok.

In the end we decided to let Jack see if one neighborhood friend could play. The other mom and I texted and agreed that the kids could play outside together. We stressed that they couldn't play on the playground equipment at the neighborhood park. Playing with sticks, riding bikes, being outside, all seem relatively safe.

Daniel took the boys and our neighbor's son for a neighborhood bike ride after lunch. I stayed home and washed our sheets then wiped down all the door handles and light switches with Lysol wipes. I also cleaned the bathrooms.

I called my parents to make sure they had enough food on hand and to see if they were taking precautions to self isolate. Their church, like ours, has cancelled services for the time being. We normally video chat on Tuesdays, but it was nice to talk outside of that time. Breaking routines may prove to be a good thing.

I assessed our food again. We had a bag of apples that had become mealy so I looked up recipes and ended up making homemade applesauce in the crockpot. At a normal time I try not to waste food, but this seems even more important now.

Once the apples were cooking, I found a graham cracker crust and pudding mix that I had been saving for a rainy day. What better day than today? It was rainy, and it is Pie Day (3.14)!

I watched the news before bed. There is one confirmed case of the Coronavirus in our county. It turns out the man is a priest who came into contact with many people before realizing he was infected.

CVSD: Day 2

I developed a cough a couple of days ago. No fever. Most likely allergies. Should I be concerned?

It's Friday the 13th. This week there was a full moon and a time change. There's a meme going around about how we are all doomed. It's hard not to feel that way. And for some unknown reason, there is a toilet paper shortage! It's becoming quite the joke.

Daniel dutifully went to work. I sent him a list of things to grab at the grocery store on his way home. It's the end of my normal shopping week and we are completely out of meat. If the country is shutting down, it seems like we should freeze at least some meat.

Daniel texted me from Aldi around 4pm. There were slim pickings there: No coffee. No chicken. No ground beef. No eggs. He grabbed bacon and strawberries and some non perishables. We decided I would run to the local grocery store on our mountain once he got home.

Pruetts was packed when I arrived at 5pm, but it was sufficiently stocked. Part of me felt guilty for putting three pounds of ground beef and three packs of chicken in my shopping cart, but there was plenty left and we can always share. Most importantly I was able to pick up a couple of bags of coffee!

The boys played with a neighbor until dark, and I wondered if we would have to put a stop to neighborhood play at some point. I feel good about them being outside in the fresh air. And it doesn't seem like a virus would spread through sword fighting with sticks. It's supposed to rain every day for the next two weeks. I think we will make sure to do daily hikes. The Y has officially closed for the next month. Preschool is suspended and co-ops are stopped for at least the next two weeks.

Today, in particular I have contemplated how thankful I am to get to be with my kids every day. They drive me crazy sometimes but I am so incredibly grateful for the moments we get together on a daily basis. I'm thinking a lot about my friends who work full time and how this is going to affect them. Even if they work from home, it will be more of a challenge to be with their kids and get their work done.

With all of the things I'm worried about, I am also encouraged. There is a video floating around the internet about quarantined people in Italy singing together from their balcony windows. I see posts online of people reaching out to neighbors and it makes me believe that there is goodness in humanity. And I thank God for that.

CoronaVirus Social Distancing (CVSD): Day 1

I woke up to news on Facebook that Italy is under a country-wide quarantine for the Corona Virus. There are so many sick that doctors are having to choose which patients to treat and which to let die. I wrestled with that idea all day.

Daniel dropped Isaac at preschool. Jack finished his morning work and I dropped him at his co-op at the YMCA across town. I ran my own errands before heading to my class at the Y. It was a small class. The thought of quarantine was on everyone's minds. I silently wondered if we were in the last days of normal. Would this be my last class at the Y? Would my parents be okay? So many people were on my mind.

My brother texted to say that one of the staff at Vanderbilt had tested positive for the virus. He's worried. My sister (a nurse) responded, "Wash your hands!" Daniel texted to say TVA might have most employees work from home for the next two weeks.

I finished my workout, took a shower and headed to pick up Jack. We popped into Duck Donuts for a treat and finished up Language Arts for the day. Again I contemplated if this would be a last moment for us for awhile.

On our drive across town Daniel texted again to say that Hamilton County schools would be closing their doors for the next two weeks. Jack wanted to know if he gets to skip school too. Hah! He's homeschooled, there is no skipping...

My good friend, Jordan, picks up Isaac from preschool on Thursdays. Every week we pop in so our kids can play and we can visit. Jordan and I are both worried. We are concerned about kids who might not be able to eat in the coming weeks because they depend on schools. We worry about family members and neighbors who are already immune compromised. We both wonder about our parents who live far away from us. It's a heavy afternoon. The kids play, mostly oblivious to our conversation.

Daniel comes home and says his particular department has yet to approve working from home. He has a meeting in the morning. We hope they will tell them to stay at home...

Weekly Hikes in February

 Three Gorges Segment of Cumberland Trail, Mowbray Mountain

Our February hikes looked a little different from our January hikes. We had more rainy days, an unexpected snow day, and less people were able to join us overall. But true to my commitment, my boys and I hit the trail every single week during the month. We even squeezed in some extra hikes and outdoor activities.

We actually almost cancelled our first hike of the month. Most of our friends had decided not to come because of the rain and my boys were a bit miffed that I was going to make them go hike with the one girl who was able to come.

I promised my boys that we could get slushes from Sonic and the acquiesced.

It was at a location we had never visited before, and guess what? This turned out to be one of our favorite hikes. I'm so thankful we didn't skip. There was a waterfall to explore, big Indian Rock Houses (overhangs) and cracks in the bluff to climb through. And then the kids spent a solid thirty minutes making mud bombs. They were a muddy mess by the end, but everyone had a great time. This hike was the Three Gorges section of the Cumberland Trail on Mowbray Mountain, and even in the fog, it was so gorgeous!

Snow Day

A couple of days later we had a surprise snow. This wasn't a hike, but we enjoyed an entire day outside. Including sledding and pulling the kids around the neighborhood park behind our four wheeler.

Stringers Ridge Pump Track, Chattanooga

Then Daniel had a chance to take the boys to ride bikes with friends at the Stringers Ridge Pump Track. This was Isaac's first time to do this track on a real bike and he loved it. They all came home muddy and tired.

Mabbit Springs, Signal Mountain

Our second hike of the month was to Mabbit Springs. It was rainy and foggy and all of our people backed out. I almost didn't go. But things were derailing at our house and while I could have just sent everyone to their rooms (myself included) I thought it would be better to just go outside.

At first Jack was mad at me because I wouldn't let him climb around the rocks and waterfall like I normally would. Fast moving water is beautiful but it scares me. Thankfully being in nature helped his attitude (and mine!) even if there was no extra climbing on this particular day.

Hidden Hills Farm Maple Syrup Day, Collegedale

The same week as our Mabbit Springs hike, we had a chance to go to Hidden Hills Farm for their Maple Syrup Day.

This included horse rides and a hayride to learn how maple syrup is made. A big group from our co-op was able to join us for this outing and we all learned a ton. Jack was ready to go order materials from Amazon and start tapping the trees in our yard.

Dirt Bikes at the Park

That weekend the boys had the chance to get their dirt bikes out with friends. This was the first time in several months they have been on their dirt bikes. They were over the moon.

Rainbow Lake, Signal Mountain

Some of our best friends had the day off for MLK day so we invited them to join us on a hike to Rainbow Lake. The best thing I heard was when my friend's son exuberantly shouted that this was the best day ever! I love to see kiddos test their limits, try new things, and see the outdoors up close. It is the very best kind of thing.

Ritchie Hollow, Suck Mountain

 

Following this hike we met up with a few friends at the Ritchie Hollow Trail at the base of Suck Mountain. The kids loved exploring the waterfalls, climbing on big rocks, and building a fort with sticks. This is a trail we will be sure to come back to as spring makes its appearance. The last time we visited this trail, the mountain was in full bloom and it was spectacular.

Middle Creek, Signal Mountain

We did one final hike, just me and the boys, on a Tuesday to Middle Creek because it was a suuny day and there was threat of rain for Wednesday. There is something so soothing about hiking in the woods next to a creek. The boys could spend hours throwing rocks into the creek and building little dams with small stones.

Fall Creek Falls State Park

On the last day of the month Jack's cub scout troop had a cold-weather camp out at Fall Creek Falls to earn their Polar Bear badge. It was a cold day (in the 30s) and even colder night (in the 20s). But it was perfect for hiking down to the falls. Daniel wondered if Isaac would be able to handle the 2.5 mile hike (down and then back up a top of steep steps), but with all of this weekly hiking we've been doing, Isaac had no trouble.

I know that February can be a dreary month, but I also know that you can find joy in the outdoors, regardless of the weather. We sure did.