24, April, 2006 Today we dropped off the kids at school. They all did pretty well although it got a bit frantic at the end. It takes much longer to put this uniform on than the "uniform" of ripped jeans and Abercrombe t-shirts they are used to wearing at Prairie Crossing Charter School! Sadlly, Ryan's sock garters didn't make it here and he had to go to school with already sagging socks. He came down and announced that there was something wrong with his socks. They itched. Poor thing! It is boarderline cruelty to put little boys in wool socks. The collars are so stiff on the uniform shirts that as I ironed them I kept looking for the little plastic stays, assuming they were still hidden somewhere in the collar. They weren't.

I asked the kids if this smart look was going to help them learn and I received icey stares as a collective response. We'll save the humor for later on in the week after their nerves have calmed down. They all received a very warm welcome and I look forward to picking them up and hearing about their day.

We found a wonderful church for Sunday mass. St. Somebody and St. Somebody. The church is old truly awesome. The beauty makes it difficult to concentrate. Or maybe its going to church with Aidan. He loved the needlepoint pillows that are used as kneelers. He immediately started a one sided pillow fight with them and it wasn't long before the sweet woman behind us gestured toward the children's area. Aidan was happy to stay in the pew, but he dropped one of the hymnals (while he wrestled the kneelers) and in a very frustrated tone, yelled, "Damage". I covered by saying in a loud whisper, "No, Aidan, nothing is broken!" but we all knew he was repeating Jim's colorful language. A week of Jim building Ikea furniture broadened the kids' vocabulary. Out of nowhere Aidan will also shout something that sounds alot like "frock". I don't think he means "dresses".

We bought a little car yesterday. Its about the size a matchbook car. I'll take possession next week and Aidan and I will enjoy zipping around town and exploring the country. An American woman, Michelle Henry, just stopped by with her two year old son. Lots of testosterone at the Thomas the Tank Engine table. Ouch.

It was nice to get some more info about Cheltenham. Everyone has been so warm and welcoming. We had lunch in the home of one of the girls in Siobhan's class on Saturday. The home was the last old stone cottage on the left in a storybook village. So English. Move over guacamole! I think I found my new favorite: crusty bread, brie and ONION MARMALADE! For all of you who are aware of my dairy allergy, I want you all to know the sinus headache I endured later was worth it.