Obviously I’ve taken complete artistic license with that title, because in no way did anyone ‘spring’ into cleaning. There were lie ins (for which I was very grateful, thank you Liam). There were loud complaints at the horrific idea of helping clean. And we ‘visited’ Longleat safari first, which was a good way to spend half an hour. But I couldn’t live in the mess anymore, so we gave them the choice of jobs, and off they went. I think poor Toby chose poorly, it seems we have rather a lot of windows and mirrors in our house. Also choosing Micah as his cleaning buddy means some of the windows are now dirtier than they were before. But it definitely feels better when it smells clean, even if the effects are short lived!

I spent a good hour scraping the hopscotch I made out of masking tape off the floor-it turns out three weeks might be a little too long to leave it there. I actually found it quite therapeutic. And then Liam joined me, flaunting a scraper that was far superior to my cheese knife. It turns out the weirdest things can become a competition in isolation life.

Micah got a bit carried away with the cleaning. Even the grass needed a sweep. Unfortunately he seemed to overdo it, because his mood went somewhat downhill and he spent a large portion of the afternoon in a grump. We tried FaceTiming Grandma and the aunties, but he just looked sadly at Grandma and didn’t want to be cheered up. So I left the phone with Theo and Maddie whilst Micah resorted to biscuits and the horrendous Blippi on Amazon Prime. If you haven’t watched Blippi, then I highly recommend you don’t. He’s like an addictive substance to Micah. So having pacified him, I went back to find Theo and Maddie still chatting to aunties, whilst hanging upside down off the sofa. I’m not sure how successful that particular conversation was, really.

You know you’re peaking in isolation craziness when you actually see unicorns riding across the lawn…

Rapidly joined by a daisy picking superhero.

The Dark Knight then paddled away on more important missions, and was replaced by a lipstick and bow wearing beauty.

The little ones then decided to make a home in the Morrison shelter which was outside on the decking, because it’s massive, and actually of little use in fighting Coronavirus – except in applying fairly safe social distancing rules. Thus began a half an hour (at least) episode of one small person after another coming back and forth demanding blankets, then cushions, then teddies, then drinks, requesting the blanket to be straightened, another pillow because they couldn’t possibly share theirs, not that teddy-the OTHER one, can you take my shoes off, I need my drink filled again…in the end I was sorely tempted to lock the whole lot of them in there and be done. Actually what happened was as soon as everything was exactly as requested, they decided they were very tired and please could they watch telly. Leaving the entire contents of their bedrooms for us to tidy once they were in bed.

Megan and Maisie loved having a zoom with their friend. I thought it was only going to last 40 minutes, but about an hour and a half later they were still on there. It turns out the limit is only for if there are more participants. Once they knew that, they said sadly, ‘oh so she could have stayed with us while we ate dinner! Mum you’re so rude!’ I hereby apologise to their buddy for not inviting her to watch us eat spaghetti bolegnaise through her laptop.

Micah’s mood was hard to lift today. At dinner someone said they had a joke, to which he crossly replied, ‘I’m NOT a joke!’ and dramatically put his head in his hands. He did enjoy a ride with Daddy though, and as hard as it is for Liam to not be working, I’m grateful we have him around. Because this little boy can’t make sense of it all, but he does love a Daddy cuddle.

Liam and I are having friends round on zoom tonight. We’re currently sat on our bed with wine and chocolate ready, normal clothes on top and pyjama bottoms. I think I could get used to this level of preparation for social activities. Although we did have to bring our own drinks to this party.

It’s Sunday tomorrow (in case you’ve lost track of the days). I still feel sad that we can’t go and meet with our church family, I especially miss singing together. But I love that we’re still connected with one another virtually, that tomorrow the kids can all learn the same story, and we can hear our pastor speak on some of my favourite verses. It isn’t the same, as none of these things are. Making my own curry isn’t the same as a takeaway. Watching Joseph online doesn’t have the atmosphere of the theatre. And FaceTime with friends and family isn’t the same as real chats – and nothing can replace a real hug. But these are tastes of the real thing, and somehow they bring an extra dose of joy when they feel like an unexpected treat.

It’s now much later and we’ve finished our night with friends, which was full of ridiculousness and laughing, and was so good to do. And it reminded me again of how much I have to be grateful for. In all the uncertainty, we are here and safe. We are sheltering, and there is joy to be found in it. Psalm 63 says ‘for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.’ The psalmist had fled danger and run into the wilderness to hide, and there he found reasons to be joyful, thanking God for His protection even in a time of danger. I want to spend these days more aware of my blessings than the challenges. Looking for ways to love others rather than complaining about what I’m lacking. Being grateful for each day gifted to me instead of being fearful of what danger lies outside. Praying for those who are struggling, instead of worrying about what the future holds. Holding onto hope, sheltering in the shadow of God’s wings of love, and choosing joy.