Letter to Mom

My mom moved to Abu Dhabi in January to teach at one of their universities. The only communication I have had with her since is just by email. I got a Valentine's email from her today, and this was my response to her:

Mom,

Happy Valentine's Day to you also! How was your day? Probably busy with work, huh? My day was crazy. I got up early and took the kids to Liz's house and then drove to work for a 4 hour newborn resuscitation class. I got out at 1 and went to get some money to give to Garrett and then back to pick up the kids. We got home and were there for a couple of hours before I had to load up in the car again and come back to work. UGH. Hopefully I can just be home tomorrow.

This weekend has been a little (more like major) stressful for us. Last week our furnace stopped working and we found out on Saturday that it had to be replaced. As you know, an expensive replacement. We finally figured out how we were going to pay for it, but we went almost a week without heat in the downstairs of our house (we have two furnaces--one for the downstairs, one for the upstairs). So that was not fun. Looking at the positive, we have a brand new (high efficiency) furnace that should last a long time and I know it is safe. Apparently the last one was actually pretty dangerous. He said it was a good thing that the sensors on the furnace still worked and turned the furnace off or there would most likely have been a fire. And, it's a lot quieter than our old furnace. I never like those unexpected expenses though.

Anyway, I'm feeling better about it and I'm hoping this week will be a little better. One good thing that happened over the weekend is that we gave our t.v. room a face lift. I finally painted to cover up all of Grayson's artwork on the wall...something that really needed to be done. We got a new light fixture in there, crown molding up, new outlet covers and some new decor. I also moved all of the toys upstairs. It looks so much better! Don't know why I didn't do that before!

I will read your little message to Grayson when I am home tomorrow. I'm sure he will love it. He talks about going swimming with you. He still remembers from last summer. I think he really loved that.

Bella is walking more and more. She is hilarious and is getting very particular about everything. Her personality is really starting to come out. She continues to eat like a horse. I don't know where she puts all of that food--although, she is starting to get some chunky thighs and I'm loving it.

How are you liking school? I know you said you are feeling a bit underwater still, but I hope that you are enjoying things overall. I think about you all the time and hope that you are happy there. I know it is a big adjustment, and I'm sure it will take some time before you are comfortable there.

How are you liking the students and staff that you work with? Are you finding some people that you enjoy being around in and out of work?

We miss you and hope all is well.

Love you,

Christa