Jonathan turns 14

14 wonderful things about Jonathan:
(1) he is patient
(2) he is a loving big brother
(3) he has a strong testimony
(4) he is an avid reader
(5) he is kind to others
(6) he is a good student
(7) he is dedicated
(8) he is dependable
(9) he is honest
(10) he is very creative
(11) he is thoughtful
(12) he has a broad range of interests
(13) he is strong
(14) he is intelligent

USA ONLY

Here's a hint:
If you are planning to move to a new country and take some of your things with you, check the back of your TV for a little label that says "USA ONLY". It will save you a lot of trouble if you do.

We didn't.

So, when the technician came to install our satellite TV, he was unsuccessful. He spent four hours at our house and even called another technician for assistance. When he finally gave up, we called another specialist from Comet to have a look. After an hour and several phone calls, he told us that it just wasn't going to work. He said, "Apparently, USA ONLY means just that."

So on Monday we will be getting a brand new TV. It is actually the exact same model as the one we already have, but it is the British model. So in theory it will work.

Is nothing ever simple?

First Day of School

Uniforms.
Aren't they cute?

In England all the schools require students to wear uniforms. Not such a bad idea, I suppose. It really takes the guesswork out of getting ready for school each morning.

Jonathan will be attending Beverley Grammar School - an all boys high school.
Sammy will go to school at Beverley High School - an all girls school.
They will walk to and from school each day (as will I since I will take Sammy to school). It should be interesting with all the rain we get here in England.

Cookie Monster

It's a running joke in our house now that Mike has turned into a Cookie Monster.

You see, the grocery stores here sell bags of 5 home-baked cookies for only a pound! It's quite a deal, and I admit that they are really yummy. Soft and fresh and delicious.
BUT,
Mike picks up several bags a week. Sometimes seven or eight bags at a time! He jokes that he's on a cookie diet. He has lost some weight since he's been here, but I can't figure out why. With all the cookies he eats, it's surprising. And unfair. A "cookie diet" for me has the reverse effect!

Special Delivery

Today the movers unpacked the last box and placed the rest of our furniture in our house. It has been really fun the past two days watching them unload everything from our sea container. It has been two months since we have seen most of our belongings and so it was a bit like Christmas as they unpacked each box. The kids were so happy to have their toys and books and games. I was excited to unpack my dishes and put them away in the (now clean) kitchen. Could it be? Are we finally getting settled here?