The bad news first…

1. I laid in bed most of today with an awful head cold. Yep, I skipped my classes and lounged around feeling sorry for myself. I attribute this cold to a.) the drop in temperature–it’s gotten very cold here, especially earlier in the week, and b.) the hotel room we stayed in over the weekend; it could be likened to a large ashtray. I think breathing in the years of accumulative smoke saturated into the bedding, curtains, walls, pillows, etc. had an effect on my lungs. Call it a hunch.
2. Our pipes came today. That’s bad news, you ask. Yes and no. The rusted and ghastly looking pipes that now extend from ceiling to floor where they disappear into the ghastly gaping holes were not the real problem. The real problem (or bad news) was the workers who carried out the installation. They carelessly busted one of our new light fixtures. We spent a few hours (with the help of friends) negotiating how they were going to rectify the situation. Supposedly, the worker who broke the light is going to buy a new light fixture to replace the one he broke. He conveniently forgot to take the busted light cover with him when he left, so I’m not sure how he will match it to the new one… We’ll see.
3. Sarah’s potty training seems to be in regression. For a while she was having less and less accidents. Lately (or maybe just today) she was having more and more accidents (or shall we call them purposeful-dents).

Now for the good news!

1. We got two packages from Christa’s mom today! The cargo that I appreciated the most included precious items like: Starbucks coffee, Orange kit-kats, peanut butter M&Ms, and index cards. Really crucial necessities that no human should live without…And of course there were wonderful toys/crafts, clothes, other products/accessories, and various goodies for the ladies. We also got Anna’s dance recital DVD and have enjoyed reliving her first choreographed performance. And each family member received their very own hand-knit slippers, sewn with care by Christa’s grandma (thank-you Grandmere for your thoughtful gift! Our feet thank you…) Needless to say it felt a bit like opening presents on Christmas day. Thanks, Marie, for brightening an otherwise gloomy day!
2. Anna didn’t complain about going to school one time today! This is fairly momentous because just last night she was in tears because we told her she would be going back to school the next day. After sorting out her reason for not wanting to go we were glad that she quickly changed her attitude. (Christa took some pictures of her school below.)
3. I wish I could think of a third thing to balance the list out, but it was one of those days. At least I have the continued consolation that the Yankees (yet again!) will not be playing in the World Series.
4. Oh, yes.  Before the foundation of the world, Jesus loved me…can’t forget that now can we…