They survived...

Well, today was the first day Ashlynn & Brier went to school, and after the extended break they had (due to our move)…they managed to survive just fine and loved it! This morning when we took them and kinda learned the “morning routine” we were not real sure how Brier would do. He seemed so scared and unsure. They were paired up with a “buddy” to show them around and tell them things. What you have to do of a morning (I’m doing the drop off thing this year – no bus), is you bring the children to the playground and wait until the bell is rung. Then they line up, in their specific spots, and then in order go into the School building. No problem, a bit cold of a morning, I’m actually missing my coat, and I probably want to get me an umbrella for those rainy England days. However, this morning Brier stood there in his spot, looking at us with this “so scared” look and so we were a bit worried about him – but he seems to have done fine, and we think he really liked it. Ashlynn on the other hand was immediately surrounded by other girls when she got in line and they were all asking her questions. The main question “What was America like”? They are just as curious about us as we are them.

After they went into the building, David and I were walking back to the car and this other Mom, just started talking to us – which makes me think “maybe we stand out”. She’s an American and it’s like she just knew we were too and started talking to us. She is only here for another year, her name is Robin, and she drives a yellow car! A sweet looking yellow car! Anyway, I was trying to figure out how she knew we were American, we hadn’t spoke to her yet and still she knew. So I said something to David and he said, “Well we kinda stand out”. So I’m thinking “how”? We all wear the same kind clothing and David was not in his uniform. I don’t get it. David said, “Maybe it’s because we always have our tennis shoes (trainers) on”. Okay maybe, so this afternoon when we pick the kids up I pay attention to the shoes – nope, that’s not the answer. There were several others wearing trainers as well. Why they call them trainers, I’ve yet to learn. So why do I stand out? I don’t know. Do you?

Alright, well what’d I do to kill the time? Ahh…not much!!! I soaked in a hot bubble bath (my back was killing me, plus I was cold), I fixed fried eggs & bacon, I played Mahjong on the computer, I washed my hair, dried it, fixed it, and put make up, I spoke to my Mom on the phone for a little bit, and I went to the community center and chatted on yahoo messenger with a few friends! So glad somebody was on there to talk to me! Most the time there isn’t or they log in right as I’m leaving or my battery has died. So it was nice to actually get to communicate and feel connected today…even if it was just for an hour.

However, during my “chatting” session, I learned that a dear friend of mine has recently found out that she has a brain tumor. She has a small mass in the back; I believe she said left side of her brain. They are going to operate next week, I think. We are praying that it is benign. She has 4 children, is truly a sweetheart. She was one of my first friends when we were stationed in Utah. So if you could please put her on your prayer list – I’d appreciate it. The way she described it made me think of Pastor Bowie and his tumor, only his was in the front, not the back – maybe removal and recovery will be easier? I’m not sure. I told her to update me as soon as she could – but until then Jaynie you’re on my heart and in my prayers!

Then it was time to go get the kids, so off we went, back to the playground. There we waited for our children; Ashlynn came running out first all smiles. Then surely and slowly there was Brier…no scared face – just happy. They talked all the way back to our room and then some. Two new words, Recess is called Playtime and Checks (like when you check your paper) are called Tics. Ashlynn - made 2 friends and really enjoyed her day. She likes her teacher and is looking forward to tomorrow. Brier – made a couple friends, likes his teacher and has a new rule. When he answers her, he has to say “Yes, Mrs. Teacher” (her name) or “No, Mrs. Teacher”. Oh and he had gym class today – this is interesting. They have to change clothes for gym class and so I asked where did you change at and he said, “Behind a big desk, 2 at a time” and so I said, “2 boys and then 2 girls” and he said “yes, because girls are different, that’s what Mrs. Teacher told me”. I’m thinking, Amen! Someone to help us teach this child about personal boundaries of others. I think they are going to learn a lot from this school and I pray that they continue to enjoy it. Oh, they also, had to say Morning Prayer and they sang songs. I’m not sure what songs they sang – but I’m sure I’ll learn sooner or later. Ashlynn says “hearing them sing with a British accent is neat”. They also think Ashlynn has an accent! I guess they are going to sing at a Church this week sometime – Ashlynn’s class anyway.

So anyway – that’s today. Oh wait, I’ve made a friend – just one problem I don’t know her name! I’ve talked to her several times now, and today after school we took our children down to the playground to play together and talked for awhile – if I see her tomorrow I’m going to ask her what her name is! She’s very nice, she’s from Alabama – makes me think of “Bama Becky” in Ohio! I miss you!

After that we had dinner – a real meal – those are few and far between leaving in a hotel suite. Just depends on what you got and if you remembered to get everything you needed. You don’t have all your spices and you don’t have a full grocery cart in here – because you just don’t really know what you’re going to need from time to time. Thankfully we will be in our home Friday! I don’t know when…but I won’t care! I’ll be in my home!
Anyway – that’s about it. I hope you have enjoyed the pictures I posted and I’ll post more soon. We miss you all!

~T~

P.S. You don’t see Schools names or Teachers names for privacy and “cyberspace safety”. I hope you understand. You can never be too safe – and for me to keep you updated I have to pay attention to that.