During the pandemic, election, and social unrest last year I found it interesting to follow some of the new music being written.  Most of what I listen to is Christian music – I need the constant reminders of scripture through my day.  These are a few of my favorites.  Hope they bless you as they have me.  

“You Already Know” was written in March 2020 right after much of our country shut down.  This song was such a comfort to me through during so much unknown.  

This song, “The Blessing” was written by Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes – both contemporary Christian singers and songwriters who also happen to be married to each other.  This song was written in early 2020 before the pandemic began which was such perfect timing.  When the pandemic hit and since the live or studio versions wouldn’t be released right away, the two felt the song needed to be available immediately for people so they recorded it from their home.  I’ve listened to it many, many times in the van headed to school, at home while doing chores, and everywhere in between.  

And this song by Casting Crowns, “Start Right Here” was released last year and has been on my heart and mind since I first heard it.  It’s lyrics often come to mind and has started me thinking more and more about what I can do.  What can our family do.  In our planning for the year, one of the things Kenny and I have been working on is brainstorming ways our family can physically make a difference.  In years past we’ve donated money to various non-profits and mission groups doing great work.  In December we sat down with the kids and talked about five or six groups or people that could use help and decided as a family who to give to.  But that’s taking the easy way out.  Giving dollars helps, of course, but you can do it from your laptop in the comfort of your own home.  So, we’re beginning to pray about ways our family can get our hands dirty and really help.  I’m so thankful for this song which started us on this journey.  

And lastly, I’ve enjoyed “Revoluntionary” by Josh Wilson.  2020 held so much unrest in our country and this song brought it all home.  Love and kindness is our call, our command, and our solution.  May the Lord drive us to love those in our home, our city, and our country.  

James continues weekly drum lessons and is really making progress.  We enjoy listening to him practice and play along with songs he loves.  One of his favorite pastimes outside is breaking up the ice in the street in front of our driveway.  He goes out a couple times a week and works on demolishing it.  James received a Fireworks board game for Christmas and we’ve enjoyed playing that a few times – as a family and again with neighbor friends. 

And, to document this awesome age James is at, I’m including two videos of his rough-housing.  When James isn’t doing homework, chores, playing with Anna, or breaking up ice, he’s fighting bad guys in the front room.  

Anna continues to lose teeth on a regular basis and is piling up money from the tooth fairy.  Over Christmas break Anna had one tooth that really needed to come out.  Dentist Dad helped it along and Anna was incredibly brave.  She’s since pulled out another tooth all on her own.  Recently, she wrote the tooth fairy a note and left it under her pillow along with her tooth and a pencil to write back with.  The tooth fairy replied!  

Anna still loves to sing songs in the shower and until recently, has been singing Christmas songs.  We all enjoy her nightly concerts.  And, Anna continues to work hard at ballet.  Parents were allowed to observe classes again this month and Kenny and I so enjoyed watching her practice.  

Today on the way home from school the kids had quite the discussions in the backseat.  They started talking about what kinds of shoes they wanted for school next year and named the brands, styles and colors.  It was quiet for a minute then James asked Anna what kind of car she wanted when she grew up.  Anna replied with what kind of car she wanted for a family car and what kind for a work car.  She named the make, model, and color of car.  It always impresses me how well the kids know their cars.  Then she added that she’d like two kids, twin girls, and if not twin girls then one boy and one girl.  But not twin boys because boys can be a handful.  James said, “Thanks a lot, Anna!  Don’t give mom any more ideas!”  Anna replied, “What?  She’s not going to have another baby!”  

They went on, talking about boys and girls.  James said to Anna, “You’re nine, but act like you’re seven.  I look like I’m twelve but act like I’m three.”  Not sure where they were going with this, but I kept listening. They started talking about how three year olds wouldn’t know their math facts.  Anna is currently working on her multiplication facts so math facts have been a topic of discussion lately at home.  

Then we pulled into our neighborhood and saw kids sledding at the sledding hill.  James said, “What?!  Kids sledding on a Monday?  What school do they go to?”  I replied that our neighborhood school, located next to the sledding hill dismisses at 2:30 pm.  (It was almost 4:00 pm at this time; our kids get out at 3:30 pm and we’re home by 4:00 every day.)  James replied, “I bet those kids don’t know their math facts!”  Not exactly a kind answer; I’m sure those kids do know their math facts, but he was recognizing that he and Anna are in school for an additional hour each day.  

The kids went on, talking about a math fact competition between both schools.  As we pulled into our driveway I just smiled.  I so enjoy hearing James and Anna talk like this with each other.  It doesn’t happen often – where they are genuinely enjoying conversation together and almost forget that an adult, let alone Mom, is in the car.  I’m thankful for their relationship and pray it continues for many, many years!