Anna’s window messages with her new chalk marker

Most of the goals I set for January were accomplished which feels great.  
*Kenny and I spent some time planning our year and setting goals for things that need done. 
*I updated our Christmas card list, thought briefly about what kind of card or letter I’d like to send this December, added our postcard to the Christmas album, and made a few notes about gift ideas for this year too. 
*I finally updated a meal idea list which has already proven to be helpful in planning meals. 
*I’m still working on the Salvation Army donation – a big job.  I did go through my dresser and closet and found items to donate that I no longer wear, but I’m still working on taking photos of all the items and then will make that drop.  

James & Kenny making Pad Thai for dinner

For February I’m planning to:
*Finish the Salvation Army donation
*Make birthday cards – I enjoy making cards and envelopes from old magazine pages and this year I’m planning to do that for most of our friends and families’ birthdays.  I already completed the cards for January and hope to get a good start on making more for the year.  
*Clean exhaust fans in all bathrooms
*Pantry re-do – Our pantry needs some love.  It’s time to replace the contact paper on the shelves, edit and throw out expired items, and re-organize.  I finally have all the supplies I need and I’m actually looking forward to this big project.  I recently discovered The Home Edit on Netflix – if you’re into organizing you might enjoy this show!  

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.