Covid 19

So our world has changed so much over the past few weeks. For us, the changes have mostly been small ones.  Just a few weeks ago, we were in a whirlwind of soccer, school, church. Now we're at home. always home. While we miss soccer, friends, church, ..., we are thankful for our many blessings because for lots of people the changes have been huge. Many have lost lived, loved ones, businesses, ability to see family. This storm has not taken God by surprise but it has taken the world by surprise.
I pray that we are able to take the good things that have come during this storm and continue those good things.

• We have lots of family dinners now. The kids and I always eat a lot of meals together but now that we're not rushing out the door for soccer. We all have dinner together most nights. 
• The kids can still play lots of soccer. Yes, they're not playing full field or with their teams, but with 4-6 of them playing, tons of soccer balls, a backyard, and a nice goal. They can play a lot. 
• And today we went back to Reid Ross to play with James. 
• We decided that this time that we are "safe at home" would be the best time to get a new puppy. That's a whole blog post of it's own but we are enjoying "Ozzie" (well I don't enjoy the whining or waking me up early but the puppy is cute. 
• Partly covid/ partly new puppy, we're going on lots of walks. 
• The kids don't ask me each night "where are we going/ what are we doing tomorrow?" 
• We are cooking lots more now-we did so many more Easter traditions this year since we weren't so rushed. 
• We are working on our "Safer at home" bucket list- and having lots of family fun. 
• Now that we're home more, we are getting lots more school done. V is doing super at his 100 Easy Lessons. CE is reading and writing well. KG and T are flying through math and really improving in writing. C is doing super writing and doing well at math. K is working on lots of stuff :) 
• Kids are still able to continue some of their activities virtually. Tuesdays KG has dancing, C & T have soccer, and K has student group all through online platforms. James and I are continuing our marriage small group "Art of Marriage" online. We had a Pastors' wives Zoom call last week. Heather, Paula, and I are continuing our weekly Bible study talks. Kayleigh and I played scattergories with friends from NC and CO and attended a True Girl Pajama Party online. Ramsey Street women had a game night. I've also attended a few online worship and prayer nights. So much to be thankful for! 
• Broadway plays- we've seen Cats, Railway Children, and the King and I.
• We've had amazing weather. The weather has been amazing which makes all the time we have available for playing outside better! 
• We are still able to attend church each week. Manna has live services online each week and children's services available. 

working on sewing face masks 

fixing C's bike

serving meals at Walker-Spivey

Father-Son wood building

one of many family dinners outside

Canned food drive

Gotta have s'mores when you're "safe at home"

We went to a friend's farm to pick up groceries she was donating for lunch handouts. We had a great time there seeing the animals. Ozzie even made a friend- the donkey! My friend had just said be careful because donkeys like dogs, but then the donkey really liked him! 

we've played a lot of paddle- James and I found the sets on sale for $3 at a sporting goods store back when stores were open. So fun!

We've gone on lots of walks with the dogs. We don't usually carry Onyx but she wouldn't stop reading her newspaper so K picked her up. 

Christmas trees burn big and fast!

A friend recently moved to Raleigh. Before moving, she blessed us with clothes, soccer equipment, legos, and this bookcase. The big kids had a great time putting the set together. I love seeing them working together!

I'm sure there will be more to write about this unique time in history. Right now we are just so thankful for good health, steady job, friends and family, and so much more!! Praying for those who are in the storm.