Feeling Better

Good news... three-fourths of this family is all better... myself being the remaining 1/4 sickie. But I can feel myself being on the mend as well. I definitely feel well enough to catch up on my blog ;)

We were able to get everything from our first shipment put away in its proper place within 2 days.... pretty good, huh? Okay, okay, this was the small shipment and it really wasn't hard... the true test is supposed to arrive next week, Lord willing. This next shipment contains the bulk of our possessions (that aren't in storage in the U.S.; but that's another post!). I have a feeling that next week will be busy, busy, busy. Especially if our last experience is an indicator. I have this horrible feeling that we will find several items broken this time around. The Israeli movers that packed us up were supposed to be the best of the best, which is not saying much for the quality of movers in Israel. This is our 6th move in our 12 years of marriage, and we've had a lot of different experiences. Some movers wrap everything carefully in paper... and I mean everything... we're talking paper towels wrapped in paper! The Japanese disassembled everything they got their hands on so items would take up less space and not break. But, the Hebrew movers used very little paper and disassembled nothing. We can go through the paperwork to be reimbursed for broken items, but some things are just not replaceable. I definitely need to keep reminding myself.... they are only things.

Besides my personal shipments I've also had many more boxes to open in the past few weeks. Care packages have arrived to us from friends all over the U.S. A few of my friends got together to assemble a big box for my birthday. Missy, Prissy, & Sharon were so generous sending clothes and candy and other pretty things. Then Laura sent a box full of cartoons for the kids and about 100 episodes of "Good Eats" that she recorded for us, plus crafts and candy for the kids that they are really enjoying. Hope also sent a birthday box full of beautiful things. Oh, if only everyone could be blessed enough to receive a care package from Hope! She takes such love and care in wrapping and presenting each and every thing that you feel like the most special person in the world. Opening a box from her is a fun and beautiful experience! She did some absolutely beautiful calligraphies for me that I will be getting my husband to frame... I'll post pictures when they're all finished :) Heather also sent a box that arrived last week. She rummaged through the best of the best thrift stores to find a box full of beautiful clothes for my daughter and myself. Not to mention the toys she added for the kids and even some dried chile peppers that she knows my husband loves. I have so many precious friends; the Lord has truly blessed me.

People that have lived here longer than us have been saying that they can feel spring in the air. As I look out my window at the falling snow I wonder what it is exactly that they're feeling! The sun is beginning to stay out for longer periods of time, but so far that's the only difference I can perceive. I think my personal thermostat is stuck at the moment. Maybe I'll eventually become climatized. I was able to take off my hat yesterday without freezing, so I guess that's a good sign.

Last week Penny picked up the kids and I and we headed out for a little shopping... that's always fun! We visited an art supply store and I found out that they sell the matting and frame stock that my husband needs to work at his hobby of custom framing and matting. We also went to a fabric store that happens to be within walking distance of my house. The fabric was a little pricey, but they had a good amount of notions, which will be very nice to have access to. Penny also happened to find another craft store later on in the week that she'll take me to soon. She says it's huge and they are very well stocked with everything you could need. I'm excited about that one!

Okay, I think that covers the basics of what's been going on lately. Now, one request from all of you. What are some things that you'd like to know about Estonia? I might not know all the answers, but I can try to find out!