James & Anna are doing well these days! More on the specifics of what they’ve been up to in recent months will come soon.
A few weeks ago they were messing around with each other, I grabbed my phone to snap a few pictures, and this is what I ended up with. I love it and continue to pray that they will be friends as they grow older and be a support for each other. 
And, Google continues to manufacture these ‘Then & Now’ pictures of the kids which are so fun. 
This greeting is weeks late, but it’s finally beginning to feel like a new year to me! COVID finally found its way to our family so the last month – since Christmas – has been recovering and operating in survival mode again. Just Kenny and I were sick, thankfully, and our symptoms were a couple of weeks apart which was a huge blessing. We’re still not 100% but are close!
We’re so grateful for the many friends that helped us with rides for the kids and meals. For over three weeks, people offered to bring food about every 3-4 days. It was such a gift and help. One special friend in Virginia even had Chick-Fil-A delivered for us. We are firm believers in community – being part of a local church body where the members take care of one another. There is risk and vulnerability involved – you have to make yourself known to people. But the blessings far outweigh the risks and this is just one example – people jumping at the chance to help you when you’re down. We couldn’t be more thankful for the way God used these people to help us.
My goals for January were simple, yet at the time I made them, they seemed nearly impossible. By God’s grace and our family working together, we managed to finish them!
* Recover and get back on my feet
* Take down Christmas decorations
* Send Christmas thank-you notes
* Put up a few Valentine decorations
