Back in the 21st Century

Oh, it's good to be back.

Sorry for the complete lack of blogs for the past 2 and a half weeks. I'd like to say that things have been crazy, but actually, it's been the opposite.

We moved in on the 19th of February to one big, and very empty house. Later that day, we received a delivery of beds, sheets, army blankets, and pillows from the base, along with a kitchen table and chairs and a small sofa set. We were also able to borrow some kitchen items like plates, cups, utensils, microwave, etc. from the Family Support Center on base. The only thing we really lacked was towels... not one in the house. Thankfully, my friend Kelly came to the rescue, and lent us towels and some real blankets.

Tim started school that same day. He's doing great so far, and his teachers say he's "brilliant!" Maddie also started pre-school last week. I'll blog more about their schools another time.

Upon moving in, we quickly discovered that our new "mobile" gets no reception in our house. We literally had to drive down the street to make a call or check messages. We had to wait a week for our phone land-line. I can't tell you how happy I was to hear that first dial tone.

In this area, you have to wait to get your land-line before you can order cable or internet. We ordered it the next day, of course. We were told that someone would be here on Monday the 3rd to set up the cable. So on Monday, even though I spoke to three different people telling them that I had to pick up my daughter around noon, I received a call from the installers at 12:06 saying that I wasn't here when they came, and to call to reschedule (You see?...some things are the same as in the States!). I was literally crying on the phone to the cable-lady. She didn't know what to do with me.

Anyway, they rescheduled for Thursday the 6th, and we now have cable!!! The children were so happy to see some of their favorite shows, like Backyardigans and Max & Ruby. The funny thing is, all the characters have British accents!! :)

Ethan was away all week at a conference in a city called Cheltenham (about a 3 1/2 hour drive from here). His week went great, and he was able to see co-workers from the states, which was really nice for him.

The kids and I had a nice week together. We celebrated Maddie's 4th birthday on Tuesday with a cake and presents from family. (We will have a small party for her tomorrow with a few friends, too!)

Ethan came home early from his conference to be here yesterday (Friday) because our stuff from the states was being delivered! They were here with their 40 foot truck at 8:15 am, and they were gone before noon. What bliss it was seeing box after box being brought into the house. The kids were so excited to see their toys that they have been without for nearly two months! We barely made a dent unpacking yesterday.... I have a feeling this will take weeks, if not months!! Oh, but it was so nice going to sleep last night in our own bed, with our own sheets, and my own pillow!!!!

As far as we can tell, everything is accounted for. We only had a few casualties... a leg broke off of Tim's dresser, the bottom of our computer desk got damaged, and a leg broke off of one of our dining chairs. Not bad for such a long journey.

And, because everything happens at once, we also got hooked up to the internet yesterday. It's official.... we are back into the 21st century... and it feels great!