So this is January?

Dear January,

I am not impressed. You may leave any moment now. I have friends receiving news of impending surgery, our water lines froze, and thousands are without heat. We are experiencing sub-zero temperatures. We spent hours in the attic with hair dryers and a space heater attempting to thaw our water lines. It was pleasant. Or not. Friends came through and we now have heated coils running along the water lines and 24 long hours later, we have water! Yeah! We were blessed to catch the issue before damages occurred. The lines did not break and the furnace hopes to heat our house over the weekend when it's near 50 degrees outside. Dear January, seriously, you may go. I've never liked you much anyway.

On the other hand, winter break has been extended and our days have been long and lazy. With the exception of multiple floor cleanings and dusting up attic debris from our little adventures with hairdryers, we've been focusing on family and rest. The holidays are behind us and spring is before us. So much for living in the moment.

I've kept candles lit for the illusion of heat and spent afternoons sewing cheerful napkins with Kate. I am working through a few books and am prepared to return to bible study later this month. Tomorrow, it appears, we will return to routine. Whatever that means. But the kids will be back to school and the extra little ones will return as well.