Week in review...

Hi everyone--

Well, on the plus side, I got lots of rest during the past week! I managed to get sinus and ear infections as well as flu-like symptoms. (The flu test came back negative.) I started to get sick on Monday, January 14, but I tried to just muddle through. By Thursday, I could no longer muddle... or do much of anything! I finally went to the doctor then, got antibiotics, and started to turn the corner by Friday night. I'm still not 100%, but I'm getting there. Of course, now Roger isn't feeling well. With the temperature down to single digits, opening the windows for fresh, germ-free air is pretty much out...

I have dubbed 2013 as the year of regrouping and catching our breath! Last year was an insane blur of graduations (three in three weeks!), deaths (three in six weeks over the summer), and incredible opportunities and commitments for the girls, especially the middle children. For this year, we need to catch up... on sleep, on cleaning and organizing, on re-connecting. Thus far, it's going well. Obviously, I could have lived without spending a week on "sick leave," but we are re-building and catching up, and it's been quite nice.

Overall, 2013 has started out well for the girls too... Chelsea's very happy with sorority life and her new classes. Emmy and Ellie-Kate are happy with activities as well as a bit more down time. Britti's happy with her job and wedding planning. I'm happy with my sabbatical, and Roger is getting a good bit done on his book as well.

We pray that all is well with you at the start of this year as well! More very soon--

Christie