Covid -- again!!

 

Saturday morning Jenna came downstairs wearing a mask. I said, "Why are you wearing a mask? Are you sick?" She said she just had a little stuffy nose and was just wearing it to be "safe." I knew immediately that she had Covid. I gave her one of our home tests and sure enough -- it was positive! Her friend's dad had come home from a trip with Covid, but he was isolating in a separate room of their house and so they felt fine still having friends over. I wish now that I hadn't let her go over, because a few days later she got it. Of course we don't know for sure if that is where she got it, but it is most likely. Well a couple of days later I started feeling sick and also took a home test, which was also positive. 

Jenna just had a stuffy nose and a couple of evenings she complained of a headache and chills, but that was about it. I got it a lot worse. I had a myriad of symptoms -- sore throat, headache, chills, fatigue, runny nose, and cough (different symptoms on different days). I haven't felt that sick for a long time and was relieved when I finally got over it, after about a week. Jenna isolated for six days and then all of her friends were out of town and so she was home for a couple more days after that. I isolated for a week and was "mostly" home for a few days after that. I didn't really feel like doing much, so it was pretty much a wasted week. I just rested and watched some movies and things like that. 

Jaiden got home from FSY the same day that Jenna tested positive. We weren't sure what to do because we didn't want to expose Jaiden to Covid, especially with her leaving on a cruise in a week. We told her to go sleep in the basement studio for the week and try to stay away from Jenna (and later me). Josh thought for sure he would get it (and having a week off of work really appealed to him, ha ha) and so he took a test every morning before work for four days. But each one was negative and he never did end up getting it. He was overwhelmed with a new job -- working 8 hours a day at Wendy's and on some of the days he also worked another 4 hours at Tuacahn. So 12 hour days! Because of this he was very busy and pretty much gone all of the time (which was probably good!)

Jared FINALLY had a week off from FSY and we felt bad that we couldn't have him over and visit with him about his adventures from the past five weeks. Rick arrived home Thursday night from his FSY trip in Florida and Jared picked him up from the airport. He been gone since Saturday and then would leave again on Saturday and so we were only going to have one one day and two nights together before he was going to leave on the week long cruise with Jaiden and her friends for their Senior trip. But now he couldn't even be around me since I had Covid and he couldn't risk getting it right before their cruise. So he slept in the basement too. That was a major bummer that we couldn't even be together during that short little break between trips! 😭

Both Rick and Jaiden were required to take a Covid test a day or two before their cruise. Rick just went through this process for his last two cruises that he was interpreting on. He said that he took the test at Walgreens and that it was free. Well, the government just barely changed the testing so that now if you  are taking the test for only for travel reasons (as compared to having symptoms or being exposed) then you have to pay $128.00!!  What the?? There is no way that we were going to pay $128.00 for a stupid Covid test! Well, they don't accept the home tests and we did some research and learned that Carnival Cruise Lines will accept this certain brand of mail-order test along with an online medical visit where they basically watch you take the test and then send you a verification email with the result. So we ordered four of those to split between their group. 

Later we decided to go back and try Walgreens again and fill out the questionnaire a little differently. For Jaiden's questionnaire when it asked "are you experiencing any of the following symptoms," she put "no," but on the question, "Have you been exposed to someone with a confirmed case of Covid," she put "yes." The first time Rick put down "no" because he hadn't at the time. But since he now had family members who had it then he put down "yes" and so because of that one question answered differently the test was now free!!! Crazy, right? 

Anyway, now we have to try and return the mail order tests. The website said "no returns" but Rick brought the box back to UPS unopened and hopefully they will have to take it back, because we had ordered four tests and it came to about $140.00 with expedited shipping. So hopefully we don't get stuck with that cost. The testing at Walgreens was stressful too. Ages 3-18 were supposed to have a parent or guardian with them. Rick was out of town and I had Covid, and so I called Jared and asked if he could meet Jaiden at Walgreens for the test. When it was their turn in the drive-through they turned them away because Rick had accidentally put the wrong birth year on her application. So it was a wasted trip.

I hurried and grabbed the last appointment, which was for later than afternoon. Again I had Jared meet Jaiden there. This time they almost turned them away AGAIN because they didn't have our insurance card. All of the instructions for the test had gone to Jaiden's email and so I didn't realize that they were supposed to have their card with them. I took a picture of the card and texted it to Jared. They ended up accepting that, but made them go to the back of the drive through line. By this time Rick had arrived at the airport, but it took so long at Walgreens that Jared was really late picking him up. Well, Jaiden and Jared finally made it through the line and Jaiden took the test and we got the results about three hours later and thankfully it was negative! 

Anyway, I have been SOOO stressed that Jaiden or Rick would get Covid and that they would have to cancel their trip. I prayed over and over that it would all work out and that if it was God's will, they would be able to test negative and not get Covid. Well, it DID all work out! Both their tests were negative and thankfully nobody in their group got sick. They were able to go on their trip and have a wonderful time! I am SO grateful for tender mercies! 

When we were going through all of the stress of getting the Covid tests and everything I wondered, "Is this really worth traveling to go through all of this hassle?" But once they got to California and got safely on the ship, they were able to really have a full week of great food, fun, and lots of new experiences. So, I would have to say even with all of the stress right before the trip, it definitely ended up being worth it!!  

Fourth of July

The Fourth of July was kind of the pits this year. Jenna tested positive for Covid the Saturday before and so she was in isolation and then I tested positive on the Fourth of July and so I was in isolation also. We were supposed to have a BBQ with the Williams and then watch fireworks with them later that night, but we had to miss that. Jenna had a pretty good attitude though. She got dressed up and painted her whole body with red, white, and blue paint and did a few sparklers and then went on the roof of our garage to watch the fireworks that were going off around the neighborhood. I didn't do too much -- just hung around the house and watched the newish movie, West Side Story." Josh worked at Wendy's during the day and then did something with friends in the evening. Jaiden went over to the Williams in the evening to watch them do their fireworks. 

Rick was in Florida to prepare for teaching FSY (For the Strength of Youth) on Tuesday and Wednesday. He went up a few days early so that he could meet with the Bishop of the Deaf Branch and his wife on Saturday and then attend the Deaf Branch on Sunday. He also was able to meet with the principal of the School for the Deaf in St. Augustine, who gave him a tour of the school. Rick was able to talk with them about the resources that were available for those students who were interested in attending seminary. He was also able to meet with several of the youth who had gone to FSDY (For the Strength of Deaf Youth) and interview them about their experience. He said that he received a very warm welcome and was glad that he could make those connections. 

Janika and Brandon spent the holiday at home with Everett, who wasn't feeling well, and Jared was at FSY at Snow College in Ephraim. Jase and Ellen were able to spend some time with Ellen's parents who had flown out to Maryland that weekend. They all went to New York and Jase and Ellen and Ellen's mom, Suzanne, went to go see the Broadway show Wicked, while Ellen's Dad, Dean, watched Evan. They were able to celebrate Evan's first birthday and so see the sites while they were in town. 

Baby Everett is here!!

Everett Hayes Jenson: Born May 30, 2022 

Brandon sent us the following text Monday night: “Baby Everett came and hour or so ago. He gave us quite the scare when his heart rate dropped out of nowhere, low enough that about 6 nurses came into the room and then whisked Janika away. Once she got strapped to the c-section table his heart rate started to stabilize a little bit and we waited to see if he would continue to improve. Luckily, he did, and they never did figure out why that happened. They gave us the option to either go back to the room and wait it out and see if it happened again, and if it did, they'd rush into emergency c section again, or we can just go ahead and do a c-section now. We said a quick prayer and decided to just get a c-section right now, and all went well. Scariest hour or so ever though. Everett Hayes Jenson is 7.0 lbs even and 20 inches long, born at 6:17 PM.  Everyone kept commenting on how sometimes they get some not very cute babies but this one is so cute! We are so happy to have him here!!!!”

Brandon said later that the medical staff said that if they had decided to "wait it out," it might be another 12 hours of labor or more and that it is better to do a c-section while the baby is stable, rather than struggling). Since Janika had gestational diabetes, they were planning on inducing her a week early (her due date was this Friday), but then she tested positive for Covid. Then Brandon got it a few days later. So, they postponed her induction date a few days. Since Janika did such a great job of managing her blood sugars, I wondered if they would have her wait even longer until they were both over Covid for sure, but I am not sure what the protocol and reasons are for inducing early for pregnancies involving gestational diabetes. 

Having Covid complicated things. Because of that, there were no visitors allowed (besides Brandon) during her long night/day of labor and delivery, or in her recovery room. Janika and Brandon said that the medical staff were pretty chill in the labor room and they didn't have to wear masks in the room (I think they did when the medical staff was in the room), but in the delivery and recovery room they were very strict and the nurses and doctors had to wear full protective gear before coming in to the room and the baby was not even allowed to go to the nursery. So, Janika and Brandon had to start right off the bat taking care of him in their room in the hospital. It has been stressful, but so grateful that he is safely here!!! And he certainly is a cutie!!! 

Funny story -- Janika had a job interview scheduled for Thursday. She had asked if she could do it over zoom since she knew she would be giving birth a few days before. But she didn't know that she would have a c-section and still be in the hospital. She decided to go ahead and keep her appointment and do the interview over zoom from her hospital room. Thankfully she had a nice top she could wear, and chose a place that didn't show any hospital equipment. The interview was going along when she unknowingly lifted her hand up to her face. The interview stopped her and said, "Wait, do that again!" She was confused but lifted up her arm. He saw the hospital wristband and said, "Are you at the hospital?" She admitted that she was. He said, "You totally could have re-scheduled!" Well, two hours later he called her and offered her the job!" 

 

Janika's Last Day of Work!

Janika finally got Covid (the week she was supposed to give birth) and had to miss the last week of her job at this school, which was sad since she didn't get to say goodbye to anyone! 

Costa Rica!! Janika and Brandon

(Write up from Janika): Due to COVID we had not one, but two European cruises cancelled.  It was seriously so sad and frustrating, because we really just wanted to go to Europe! We finally decided to schedule an all inclusive resort somewhere because those hadn’t been quite as affected with COVID and it was less likely to get cancelled. After a crap ton of research, we decided to go to the Dreams Las Mareas resort in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The only flights out of SLC (that weren’t $2,000 each) were a flight to somewhere else in the states, an overnight layover, and then flying to the destination, so we had to book a hotel in Dallas and Chicago. On our way there (literally 15 minutes or so before boarding from SLC to Dallas) we figured it would be good to look at the shuttle info with the hotel we booked with so we would know how to get them to come pick us up. After quickly realizing we didn’t have any confirmation emails or charges on any of our credit cards… we panicked because I still to this day SWEAR that I booked a hotel through Kayak. Brandon hurriedly called the one I thought I had booked and they luckily still had room, so we booked it as fast as we could before boarding! That was pretty stressful haha but glad we figured it out.

When we got to Liberia the next day, we had to take an hour and a half shuttle to our resort. Driving through Costa Rica was really interesting. It’s soooo so pretty there, but also not a place I’d ever want to live. I just feel like I never want to live in a place where you feel the need to put bars over all your windows and barbed wire on top of all your fences, ya know? It’s so sad that some areas just aren’t very safe like that. I would probably give the resort a 7.5 out of 10. It was GORGEOUS, huge, and soooo so nice. Very well kept, the staff were so kind, etc. Our room had a balcony with a little tub on it and a jungle view, and we actually saw monkeys in the jungle right from our balcony a few times (we wish it was more though! So cool!) The pools were huge and connected to other pools, and there were three separate pool areas total, so plenty of space for everyone! It definitely didn’t feel crowded. They had five restaurants and a couple of different bars throughout the resort. It was located in a little alcove of jungle right on the beach. I seriously can’t say enough how pretty it was. We spent most of our time reading by the pool and ordering whatever fancy drinks we could think of that didn’t have alcohol. They didn’t have Dr. Pepper (they only had three sodas!) so that was depressing haha.

A few reasons why I would give it a lower rating:

-        The pillows sucked. They have a ‘pillow menu’ that we had to order from to get different ones, which we had to do more than once before they actually came. We ended up ordering all three kinds and weren’t able to get a good night’s sleep on any of them! Maybe we’re just pillow snobs now, it’s a possibility haha.

-        The language barrier was really tough. Most of the staff only spoke very little English, so it was hard to feel like we could turn to them to ask questions about the resort, etc., because it was just so difficult to communicate efficiently. Brandon was able to get by a little better with his bit of Spanish, but I struggled.

-        Going along those same lines, there were so many things we felt we needed to ask about haha so it was doubly difficult. The resort wasn’t very clear on how things are supposed to be done and more, so this led to a whole lot of questions, especially since this was our first all inclusive. There were just so many little minor things that added up to make us feel a little bit frustrated with the whole process.

But overall, despite all of that, it really was so nice. I couldn’t stop marveling at the beauty of it all. We went kayaking on the ocean and it was seriously one of the most peaceful things. We also went on a nature walk (that was actually much more of a nature HIKE. It was honestly pretty difficult for us out of shape people haha. I was having a really hard time with it.) We were hoping to see lots of wildlife on the nature hike but we really didn’t see anything… besides cows. So that was disappointing. Brandon was especially hoping to see a sloth, but no such luck! We were able to see some wildlife on the beach though! We spent a lot of time walking on the beach and collecting pretty seashells (which we later learned we weren’t supposed to take home but we did anyway… oops.) and in the process of that saw some cool animals. We saw a crap ton of sand crabs and hermit crabs of all sizes, they are literally everywhere on the beach! We also saw a big (in comparison to the other crabs) blue crab in the water, as well as some fish that were right up in the shallow area, and even a little sting ray (glad we got out of the way in time for that… I’m going to make a habit of wearing water shoes in the ocean now haha.) I felt really lucky that we got to see all of that since we (I) really wanted to go snorkeling but we were told we couldn’t get snorkel gear from the hotel due to COVID-19. That was such a bummer because we have some here but we didn’t pack it because the hotel said they’d provide it! Oh well. 

Honestly that’s pretty much all we did. Eat, read by the pool, walk on the beach, repeat. It was a fantastic trip, and I loved spending time with my honey!

Parosmia

Josh is currently dealing with an aftereffect of Covid-19 called Parosmia. We have done some research on it and my mom sent a bunch more articles and YouTube videos on it this morning.

Parosmia is a disorder in which the odors of certain things -- or, in some cases, everything -- are distorted. This happens when smell receptor cells in your nose, called olfactory sensory neurons, don't detect odors and translate them to your brain the way they should. (webmd.com)

Josh tested Positive for Covid (along with the rest of the family) in the beginning of November 2020. So it has been about six months. Josh lost his taste and smell completely (anosmia) but could still eat fairly normally. A couple of months later it seemed like he was starting to taste and smell again -- but everything was "off." We thought this was a good sign that his taste and smell were starting to return. But we quickly came to realize that it was far from "normal." What smelled and tasted delicious to the rest of us smelled horrible to him. He could no longer eat his favorite foods, such as pizza and chili. He said that they tasted like rotten meat. After researching this condition we learned that it had a name -- Parosnia. Josh said that this was way worse than having no smell and taste at all because with that he could eat whatever he wanted -- even if it didn't bring particular enjoyment. But now he struggles to eat because it tastes so awful to him. He has lost about ten pounds -- and he does not have any weight to lose! 

We pray for him everyday and he has received a priesthood blessing. We have faith that it will eventually go back to normal. In the meantime he comes home from school everyday (or team night or anywhere else food is served) and tells us whether or not he was able to eat the meal. Last night I got Little Caesar's pizza for his birthday party and Josh ate an apple and a bowl of mini-wheats cereal instead. When I mention what we are having for dinner throughout the week he says, "Well, what am I supposed to eat?" And I can't really answer because I don't really know what will taste okay for him that day. I have considered doing the smell training. We will probably look into getting some essential oil and doing that -- if he is ever home long enough to be consistent! 

https://www.webmd.com/brain/what-is-parosmia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1kDzqpDlY0           (more technical)

https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-55824567

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dap9ItH_ZDU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvBEck0v42c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oY36kj8oVV4

Covid 2020 (By Jen)

Here is another fun, informative post by my sister, Jen, that I am "borrowing" for my blog!  

Oh, the memes!

I titled this post "Covid 2020" ... although of course it's actually Covid-19, as the first cases were documented there at the end of 2019. But it was 2020 when most people realized that this coronavirus was going to impact everyone and everything. Shall we start off with some poetry?

COVID Limericks: (by Scott Westra 2020)

Because of the virus Corona

I’ve adopted a different persona

It’s not all that great

To self-isolate

And spend way too much time alona.

It is critical that we all get checked

To insure were not poised to infect

Be up to the task

And wear the darn mask

Or the economy’s sure to get wrecked.

Forgive my cough and my wheeze

Heaven forbid I will sneeze

Just don’t duck for cover

And you will discover

It’s just seasonal allergies!

It was just a little ironic ...

As the year started, "Coronavirus" and "Covid-19" was something many people had heard of, but it was something that was a world away. It got closer. It was January when the news announced that the first case was here in the states. In March, there was a case in Utah. Still, it didn't seem real. 

It was March 11 when Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz tested positive, and the NBA shut down. (All other sports would follow suit. There was no "March Madness" and the NFL draft was done virtually, no school or community competitions allowed. The 2020 Olympics were postponed). In the following days, everything changed. Schools attempted to move to online learning, churches and temples shut their doors, missionaries came home and countries closed their borders. Employers transitioned to "work at home" for all who could. For a time, playgrounds were taped off. Funerals and weddings could only allow limited attendance. No big graduation ceremony for college/high school seniors. Drive-by parades became the only sort of celebration.

Restaurants were open only for take-out (this was encouraged, to help keep the economy going). Movie theaters, gyms, libraries, salons ... all closed. Disneyland closed and the Las Vegas strip shut down. Only "essential" businesses are allowed to remain open, and most would offer "contactless" shopping (order online and pickup). "Essential Worker" was a new buzzword, as was "social distancing".  Other phrases: out of an abundance of caution, super-spreader, uncertain times, flatten the curve, contact tracing, bubble, quaranteam, remote learning, new normal, "blursday" (as time lost its meaning), Zoom and P.P.E (personal protective equipment).

Stores and supplies were hit hard. There were shortages of sanitizer, disinfectant ... toilet paper. Many food items would be very hit and miss, and there were limits placed on most items. Pasta, yeast, flour, sugar, milk, bread. You never knew if you'd be able to get what you wanted/needed. Stores that had previously been open 24-hours now closed for cleaning, rest and restocking. For a time, the number of customers was capped. There were lines outside Costo. There were arrows indicating one-way aisles. Soon masks were mandatory, and there were plexi-glass dividers between workers and customers. Home delivery became very popular! There were other shortages ... bikes, trampolines, game systems, home gym equipment. Almost everything was affected, timelines for manufacturing and shipping were much slower. There was an aluminum shortage that affected cans of soda. Even money ... a coin shortage!

Masks, gloves, face shields, respirators ... there wasn't enough to go around. There was a lot of back and forth about masks. First saying that PPE should be preserved for the medical community, that they weren't really effective for the general public. Many doctors/dentists shut down ("telemed" appointments were encouraged) for all but emergency services, as much to control materials as contact.  People started sewing handmade cloth masks, but there were then shortages of elastic and fabric and it was still questioned if they provided protection. The thought was that wearing a mask may not protect the wearer as much as those around them. "I wear my mask for you, you wear your mask for me."  A few months in, and masks were mandatory and were being sold everywhere. Reusable (washable) fabric masks and disposable - the more protective N95 masks continued to be in short supply. SO much contention and politicizing of masks and procedures.

As things escalated in March, the Governor of Utah issued a "Stay safe, stay at home" directive for two weeks. Only essential movement outside of the home. This was an attempt to "flatten the curve", knowing that there still would be spread, but trying to control/slow it so that the hospitals would not become overwhelmed. Some obeyed, some pushed back. 

Restaurants, gyms and salons opened up again, with restrictions and safety protocols in place. Many people went back to work, but "work at home" will likely never be as limited, often still an option. Some businesses did not survive the shutdown, and unemployment/layoffs were issues for many. A stimulus package put money into most American's bank accounts ($1200). The NBA finally finished the season, with the players staying in a "bubble" with no contact with the world outside. School started up again in August. The Salt Lake School District was only online, but all the other school districts offered options for online or in-person learning. The kids had to wear masks. There were many quarantines and school shut-downs as positive cases were tracked. 

In the Spring, everyone watched as the numbers of cases increased ... in Utah, cases topped 100, then 200. Then there were 500 cases in a day. At first, testing was limited. Specific criteria had to be met; certain symptoms, travel from certain locations or contact with a positive person. Still there were long lines for an uncomfortable test (nasal swab). Soon there were options for a saliva test. Tests were required for travel and before medical procedures. As school started, there was required testing (every two weeks) for college students and student-athletes. Now, the norm for daily positive cases was in the thousands (2000-5000), with a number of covid-related deaths reported daily as well. Controversy and conspiracy theories were everywhere (the "plandemic", it's all a ruse, EVERY death is counted as Covid, people are testing positive who didn't take the test, it's all so the government can take away all our freedoms, the virus was made in a lab and released, everything should open/herd immunity, masks are dangerous or just don't work, this medication or that could be a cure, it's just the flu, etc, etc.) There was some good too though, as people attempted to work together, and there were many stories of environmental recovery. 

As time went on, most hospitals were at capacity and doctors and nurses were exhausted. Some states had crises earlier on (New York was hit hard in April/May) and every state was attempting control in their own way (as were countries around the world). The Governor of Utah set a second two-week shutdown mid-November. People were encouraged not to gather with family for Thanksgiving or Christmas.  As the year ended, a few companies had come out with vaccines, which were starting to be distributed (more controversy), but no one really knows how effective they will be, or if people will even remain immune after recovering from the virus. But there is a feeling of hope ...

Some days, life still felt normal (especially for introverts) ... 

Other days you'd open your eyes and see how odd it all was!

Check out this TIMELINE.

... did I mention the memes?

See my Meme Album here.

Almost 400+ hplayful peeks at the pandemic.

The cousins put together a little production at the start of the pandemic...

Cousins Covid

Covid at the Jensen Household

Well, it happened. Our entire family got hit with the infamous Covid-19! Well, except for Janelle that is. She lived with a houseful of infected family members for three weeks and somehow managed to not get it! She had already been tested last month when she had to quarantine after being exposed at school and now she was tested three more times -- once each week. She never had any symptoms and all four tests were negative. So I don't know if she already had Covid in the past without knowing it or if she just had a great immune system this fall and didn't catch it in spite of sharing a bed with her sister -- who did test positive. So the one person who didn't get it had to quarantine the longest! 

Rick, Jared, and I all had it at around the same time. When Rick tested positive we went ahead and tested the whole family. Jared, me, Josh, and Jenna all tested positive. Josh was just coming down with symptoms. Jenna was asymptomatic and never did get any symptoms. Jaiden and Janelle both tested negative. We had Jaiden and Janelle move in with Jase and Ellen so that they wouldn't have to quarantine as long. If they were around all of us they would have had to quarantine during our whole isolation and then continue another 14 days after that. Jase and Ellen had already recovered from Covid and so we weren't worried about the girls possibly exposing them. 

The girls were distraught because they were going to have to miss their upcoming performance in the Musical Revue since they were in quarantine. They had been rehearsing everyday after school for two hours for the past two months. They were heart-broken about missing this opportunity at the last minute, and so was I! We prayed and even shed some tears. The director felt really bad too and even arranged for their duet and trio to be professionally recorded so that they could play the video in the show. They did the audio and were going to video them later on and add it to the audio. This didn't end up happening, but at least we got to keep the audio, and it turned out beautiful! I cried when I heard it!  

The girls ended up at Jase and Ellen's for almost a week. I really missed them! Unfortunately having them move out didn't help. Jaiden started developing symptoms three days after they moved out. I scheduled an appointment for them both to be tested two days later. Two days after their test they received their results. Jaiden tested positive. Janelle tested negative. So they moved back home. Jaiden had already been in quarantine several days before she started coming down symptoms and so none of her friends or classmates had to quarantine -- another tender mercy. Unfortunately everyone sitting around Jenna in all of her classes had to quarantine and several from Josh's school did too. 

Sunday night, on November 8, Utah Governor Herbert made an emergency announcement. He instilled a mask mandate and restricted social gatherings. He also shut down all extra-curricular activities for the next two weeks. I am sure many people were upset about this, but the girls and I were thrilled! This meant that the Musical Revue would not go on this week after all. It would have to be postponed, which meant the girls would be out of quarantine and back in the show! Hooray! I felt bad for those people who had events that couldn't be postponed though. One of Jared's friends was getting married during this two weeks and so this would impact both of her wedding receptions. It reminded me of when we had to cancel Jase and Ellen's second reception due to the Governor's mandates last Spring. 

Other than the scheduling issues, Covid impacted us in a myriad of ways. Rick definitely had it the worst -- and I had it the second worst, though not nearly as bad as Rick. So apparently age really does make a difference! Rick had dizziness, terrible fatigue, and a hacking dry cough that three weeks later still hasn't gone away. He slept on and off all of the time. It was a little disconcerting! He missed over two weeks of work. His first couple days back were pretty rough and he was still really tired, but has felt much better since then, although still lacking energy. Now if he can just get rid of that cough! 

I had pretty much all of the symptoms, just not all at the same time. I experienced dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, fever, chills, and body aches for 1-2 days. After that I felt quite a bit better, but was still tired and had a runny nose instead of the symptoms I had before. A couple of days later I lost my smell but within a day or two it was completely back! I then had a dry cough for a few days. Jared felt sick for two or three days and then was left with no taste or smell. Josh and Jaiden were similar. They still don't have their taste or smell back.

In many ways it is a relief to have had Covid and recovered. Now maybe I won't worry quite as much every time I have a sore throat or the sniffles. I won't constantly be worrying about potentially exposing someone else and I can stop mentally measuring the distance between myself and others. I will be able to relax and enjoy our upcoming trip without worrying that I might get sick right before -- or during -- the trip. I won't have to worry about getting exposed and having to quarantine (or having my kids quarantine) out of the blue right during an important event. So, while it was definitely a pain getting sick, at least we know that it is behind us!    

   

Cross Country, Soccer, Work, and Parties!!

Josh joined the high school Cross Country team. I am really happy about that! It was quite a bit more expensive than I remembered though! They train every morning at 6:00 so Josh has to get up at 5:30 in order to ride his bike to the school for practice. I am proud of him for being disciplined enough to get up on his own and get there. I went to the parent meeting and was so impressed with all of the coaches and the overall feeling of the team. In fact, the meeting was so motivational that I decided to start running again too! (Just not at 6:00 a.m.!)

Josh also tried out for club soccer again. Both teams (05 and 06) offered him a position on their team but he decided on the 06 team instead of "playing up." They suggested that he double roster on both teams but I was worried about him being too busy -- especially if he is also doing Cross Country and maybe track. He usually C-passes on the 05 games anyway.

Josh had a belated birthday party (Pickleball party) Friday at 9:00 a.m. He made it early so that it wouldn't be too hot. Jared agreed to supervise, so I didn't even have to go, ha ha! They then swam at our house and then went to one of the other boy's houses to continue the fun. So they partied all day long and well into the evening! These boys are all the same age -- as you can see Josh is the smallest one in the group. What he lacks in height he makes up in speed and agility! Hopefully he has a growth spurt within the next couple of years! 

Jaiden went to Mariposa's birthday party -- swimming at her cousin's house. They then watched a movie Friday night.

Jenna had TWO birthday parties today. Her friend, Clarissa, and her friend, Lindsey, share a birthday and so they always have to coordinate their parties every year so that they aren't at the same time! Lindsey's party was a High School Musical Party in the afternoon and Clarissa's was a glow stick party in the evening.

Rick and I went on a date -- dinner at Pizza Pie Cafe, some errands, and then watched a movie together. It was really good -- "Mao's Last Dancer." Josh and Jenna might find it interesting because of the Chinese language and culture.

Other events: Jared got a job at Caption Call (even though we had some reservations -- some like it, but others hate it). Jared is so social and so good with people that this type of work (monotonous and behind a screen) might not be the best fit for him, but at least he can start earning money and then later he can look for something else when the economy has recovered somewhat. Janelle has been working a lot at Papa Murphy's and Jaiden applied for a couple of jobs.

I started back up at one of my jobs -- just a few hours a week. This quarantine has really hit the deaf and interpreting community hard and there has been almost no work available. So I am grateful that one of my jobs started up again and that it will be continuing throughout the summer. I had trouble finding a "communicator mask" with a clear plastic window so that the deaf person can see my lips, and so I was grateful that Janika connected me with someone she knew who could make some masks for me. Thankfully it does the trick -- although I hate wearing a mask! Wearing a normal mask is annoying enough -- wearing one with plastic is even worse! But at least I am able to work a few hours a week!  

The neighbor boys are loving having Jared around again to play with them! 

Jenna's Covid Time Capsule

 Jenna never did quite finish her time capsule, but it has some great nuggets and so I will include it here for the sake of history! 

 

                        Jenna forgot to sign this, but this is a letter she wrote to her future self! 

Madrigals Singing at SCHS Graduation 2020

Due to Covid-19 the high schools had a virtual GRADUATION. I know the Seniors and their families were sad about not being able to have a traditional graduation, but the schools really did a lot to still make the graduation special and I think they did a wonderful job. They had the students come at different times during the weeks leading up to graduation so that they could film them walking through the decorated area near the giant letters of their school while their family cheered. They put this together with some amazing musical numbers and talks in a pre-recorded graduation ceremony so that families could watch it together on graduation night. The video turned out really nice! I even heard some parents say that they liked this better than the actual traditional ceremony which is long and crowded! 

The school district had members of the Madrigals who were graduating from all of the high schools in the district record a song together and film it like a zoom call where it shows the heads of each of the students. It turned out really neat -- I even got a little emotional watching it and I don't even have a Senior graduating! It starts on 1.47 in the video. Another number similar to that one was filmed in the canyon with orchestra members from all of the high schools in the district. It was professional recorded and looks and sounds great! This one starts at 10.41 on the video.

The SCHS Madrigals also got to pre-record a song and then it was filmed in various locations in groups. The parents of one of the madrigals It turned out really neat and sounds beautiful! Their song starts at 16.19 on the video if you would like to see it! I would recommend watching the other musical numbers too! Talks were great too! Here is a link to the graduation ceremony! Our school also had some places outside for photos and a drive through graduation where the graduated rode in cars and golf carts through the neighborhood while people came and cheered them on! Congratulations class of 2020!

Final Madrigal Concert and Mr. Moore's Retirement

Last Thursday the guidance system of activity for most areas of Utah changed from "orange" to "yellow" starting on Saturday,  May 16th. This means the Madrigals were able to have a closing concert, which was held at Vernon Worthen Park in St. George. We were still supposed to be practicing "social distancing" with families sitting six feet apart from each other and wearing masks, but almost no one did. I think everyone is getting tired of being isolated and are anxious to get back to normal!

This concert was especially touching because it was Mr. Moore's last concert as the music director of Snow Canyon High School. My girls have loved working with Mr. Moore and are sad that he is retiring this year! The local NEWS station did a story on tonight's Concert in the Park. You can see Janelle a few times since she is in the front and Jaiden once or twice (last one on the left in the front).

When we first heard that they were doing a concert tonight I worried about us sweltering in the heat, but the temperature actually dropped quite a bit today and it ended up being a little chilly! I was glad that I had changed from shorts to long pants and grabbed a jacket and blanket at the last minute! I had picked up Jenna and Anna from dance and gone straight to the park and the girls came with Rick.

We got to hear the song the Madrigals sang for graduation and also a few favorites -- they even did a couple of Christmas Songs! He said since things were so mixed up right now we might as well! The group sang "The Hallelujah Chorus" and all of the former Madrigals were invited to come up and join them. There were quite a few former Madrigals who had come out to support Mr. Moore's final concert and it was neat to see them all join in! It reminded me of when I was in the LD Singers and we would invite all former member to come up and sing "Oh, That I Were An Angel!"

It was a really neat night filled with great music and the opportunity to visit with some friends after the concert -- something we don't get much of during these days of quarantine!

Jenna Fifth Grade Graduation from Arrowhead Elementary

My baby girl just graduated from Elementary School! I am excited to see my little girl move on, but I am also sad to close this chapter of my life. All seven of my kids graduated from Arrowhead Elementary School and so this school will always hold a special place in my heart! I am grateful to the amazing teachers and staff at Arrowhead! I will miss them! I will miss everything that accompanies elementary school -- the classes, the programs, the field trips, the holiday parties, the choir performances, the plays, the music demonstrations, the field days, the fun runs, the family weeks, the competitions, and even the Science Fairs! I will miss spirit-day on Fridays and the Halloween parade around the track. I will miss walking through the hallways and seeing art work on the walls. Arrowhead Elementary was built in 2005, the year my son Jared started kindergarten. So even though all of my kids graduated from there, he was the first one to attend all six years there, followed by all the rest of my kids. I will always have fond memories of the fifteen years my children attended Arrowhead! Farewell Arrowhead Elementary! We love you!

Because of restrictions due to Covid-19 the fifth graders had a "drive-through graduation." We all drove up to the school and hopped out of the car to take a picture of our son or daughter with their teachers, watch them receive their awards, and then take a few more pictures in front of the school. A few days ago this cute "Give Me Liberty" sign showed up in front of our house. So fun! Jenna made these cute little clay figures for each of her teachers -- one for Mrs. Sparks and one for Mrs. Ping. She loved both of her teachers! Mrs. Sparks had several of the Jensen clan pass through her classroom through the years. We will miss her! 

Clarissa's mom, Allison, sent me this cute picture of Clarissa and Jenna on their first day of school when they were starting kindergarten and their last day of school, graduating from Fifth Grade! I am so glad that these two are still best friends!

And some pictures of Arrowhead...

Covid 19 (post borrowed from Jen)

Oh ... the memes!

 *** Cousins Video ***

COVID Limericks:        (by Scott Westra 2020)

Because of the virus Corona

I’ve adopted a different persona

It’s not all that great

To self-isolate

And spend way too much time alona.

It is critical that we all get checked

To insure were not poised to infect

Be up to the task

And wear the darn mask

Or the economy’s sure to get wrecked.

Forgive my cough and my wheeze

Heaven forbid I will sneeze

Just don’t duck for cover

And you will discover

It’s just seasonal allergies!

The March and April Experience ...
This is sort of a timeline of events and things related to Coronavirus...going back to the start here.

•  As of April 30th in the US, there have been approximately 66,000 coronavirus deaths reported nationally and more than 1,100,000 cases of the virus in the US. Globally over 3,000,000 cases with over 200,000 deaths. Utah has just under 5000 confirmed cases (out of 125,000 tested), about 450 hospitalizations, and 50 deaths so far.
• On March 11, 2020, Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz is diagnosed with Coronavirus. NBA season "suspends" the season, and that was just the start. All major and minor league sports competitions have been canceled as well as kids' spring sports seasons. The NFL draft was done virtually.
• By mid-March  panic had officially set in. The shelves in the stores were being cleared. People were stocking up on canned goods, bread, milk, beans, rice, baking supplies (like yeast and flour), toilet paper, water, hand sanitizer, soap, bleach, cleaning products, sidewalk chalk, etc. All of these items began to be difficult to come by, and most of them still are...with meat now being added to the list of hard to come by items. If you can find them, most stores have a limit on how many you can buy.
• Almost all businesses that can are transitioning to employees working from home (WFH).
• Schools started with soft closures on March 13th and kids are doing remote/distance learning from home. On April 14th, the Governor announced that school will not reopen for the 2019-2020 school year. All learning for the remainder of the school year will continue to be done online and at home. Class of 2020 graduates most likely will have virtual or delayed commencement ceremonies.
• Places of worship are closed or online. Our Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint Temples are all closed. Church at home is the new normal. Many missionaries (almost all out of the country) returned to their home countries to quarantine and await reassignment or are released early. General Conference was held with no congregation.
• Dental and other medical offices close to emergency patients only. Non-elective surgeries are postponed. Doctors offices begin using Teledoc and other phone/online options for many appointments. No visitors are allowed in hospitals, even if you have to take your loved one to the ER, you can’t go in with them, just drop off. There is a shortage of disposable masks and gloves in hospitals.
• Restaurants are open only for takeout, home delivery & drive through - this is encouraged, to support local business. Movie theaters, libraries, and other entertainment venues close. Gyms and salons close. Only "essential" businesses are allowed to continue with walk in sales. Many stores convert to online ordering and contactless pickup. 
• "Essential Worker" is a new buzz word. Grocery stores, hardware stores, gas stations and pharmacies. Amazon delivery windows average 3 - 4 weeks when they used to be max. 2 days. 
• In stores that are open, they are limiting the amount of people who can be in the store, and there are lines / tape inside the stores on the floors to keep people 6 feet apart. Markings on the floors to only go one way down the isles. Stores are closing early to disinfect everything. (24 hour stores are even closing by 6,8 or 9pm) Some stores have special early morning hours for senior citizens or high risk people. Store check outs, pharmacies and even fast food drive thru windows have added plexiglass between the employee and the customer. Have to reach around or under to pay! Some places will not even accept cash! Cards only to limit contact.
• Gatherings of people have been limited to no more than 100 down to 50 and then finally no more than 10. It is recommended that we “social distance” ourselves. Staying 6 ft away from anyone not in your immediate family or living in your home.
• On March 27, 2020, Utah was issued a directive to stay safe and stay at home. It is not an official shelter in place order but we are asked to restrict activities outside the home (except exercise) to only essential trips. No group gatherings bigger than 10 and must maintain social distancing of 6 ft.
• Playgrounds, school fields and sports fields are closed. Most beaches, national parks and some cemeteries are closed to the public. All festivals and entertainment events have been banned. Many summertime events have already been canceled
• Funerals limited to 10 people graveside. Weddings, family celebrations, and graduations have to be reworked.  People are doing drive-by parades, decorating cars, honking, etc. to celebrate birthdays and other big events.
• People are wearing masks out in public to prevent transmission of Covid. Some places REQUIRE that you wear them to enter (Costco as of May 4th). Sewing cloth masks for sale or donation to medical facilities, because there are no masks to be bought online. There’s a shortage of elastic for the homemade masks and most places now selling out of fabric. Face coverings are strongly recommended in public over the age of two.
• Most countries have closed their borders. No one is traveling for leisure. Cruise ships aren't even allowed to dock. Airports empty. Tourism has the worst crisis in history. The Las Vegas strip is closed! Disney has closed all of its theme parks since March, with rumor talks that they may not be reopening until 2021. 
• Wi-Fi and cell phone providers have extended their limits to provide connection to the Internet for people to continue to work from home and for students to learn from their teachers.

As of May ...

• On May 1, 2020, Utah Governor Gary Herbert moved the risk level from red to orange and allowed some stores, gyms, and some other non-essential businesses to open up with major restrictions. Restaurants are now allowed to open up for dine in- if they follow social distancing measures. Small groups of 20 are allowed if you follow social distancing rules. The goal is to be down to low risk (green) probably around fall.
• Society appears to be divided about whether or not we should continue to isolate or open back up and get the economy going. It's an election year and politics are messy and complicating this issue.
• There is talk that we might have a resurgence in the fall (or maybe sooner depending on how quickly we jump back into things). There is also no conclusive evidence that there is even partial or temporary immunity from this once you’ve had it. If we can get a vaccine, it is at least 6 months away if not more.