Janet's Blog

Like so many of you, I am tired of hearing about Covid-19. As I look back to 2020 and the intervening years since then, I can't help but think that our government, along with many others throughout the world, may have overreacted, insisting on too many, perhaps unnecessary, restrictions. However, the fact remains that I am currently quarantined at home because, for the first time, I officially have Covid. I would never have known I have Covid except that it morphed into a sinus infection. So, I dutifully made my way to Urgent Care because I knew I would need an antibiotic to get over it. And, of course, I had to have a test to rule out Covid and Influenza A. Except, even though my vaccinations are up-to-date, the test was positive for Covid. My Covid symptoms have been minimal, probably because I’ve been vaccinated: some fatigue, some sneezing, and a headache that won't quit. Initially, I passed off those symptoms as my normal allergy symptoms, aggravated by the windy condition...

I hope our newest little blessing enjoyed her first, quiet hours at the hospital, before she went home to her busy, noisy family because, for the rest of her early childhood, she will have to nap in spite of the daily commotion that is always present in a large, home-schooling family.  Ruthie Mae was born on Saturday, January 9th, six days past her due date, at 1:37 a.m. With her scant, light hair, deep, blue eyes, and long, slender fingers, Ruthie certainly looks like her brothers and sisters. At 6 pounds, 4 ounces, and 20 3/4 inches long, she was the smallest of the Stobel babies, although her birth weight was exactly the same as her mother's.  For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14 In this unprecedented time of a worldwide pandemic, Meagan was a bit concerned about staying in the hospital for Ruthie's birth. She most ...

No doubt about it, 2020 was a year to remember--and, for many of us, a year we would rather forget. We were broadsided with the sudden pandemic and all of the restrictions that have come with it. At the beginning of the year, we were hoping to see more clearly, with 20/20 vision, as prompted by the year itself. Then, when we began to see some things much more clearly than we expected, it was natural for us to long for better days and, in fact, a better year.  No one expected so many instantaneous rules: Wear your mask; stay 6 feet apart; stay home; stay away from other people; don't go out to eat;  disinfect all surfaces, but don't hoard toilet paper and cleaning supplies; wash your hands; don't touch your face; stay away from funerals and weddings; get your vaccination. In a year when we were hoping for clearer vision, we got to see our innate selfishness and lack of concern for others, our "my way or the highway" mentalities. Unfortunately, 2020 showed us the s...