Today is the end of the kids first full week of school. Everyone seems to be doing better, but Callie is the only one who's made any friends yet. She is starting to like SOJO Middle school better than her old school. They aren't as strict and they have new Mac computers in the computer lab that were "so fancy" she didn't know how to turn them on. She had to ask the boy next to her and he looked at her like she was an idiot so she told him "In the last school I went to, they had old, crappy computers!" She also enjoys being a helper in the attendance office. She is getting to know her way around the school because she has to run notes around and she loves being "in" on the office drama and gossip. Last week, we rearranged Callie's room and bought a new ceiling fan, and some curtains and pillows to accent her window seat area. I thought it turned out cute, plus it looks bigger and there is a lot more usable space.

Cortland and Mason don't seem to be dreading school like they were the first few days when they walked out the door like a man walking the green mile. They still hate lunch (I believe they refer to lunch as "the longest 40 minutes ever") because they have it at different times so they sit alone sadly and watch the clock. But, they are starting to recognize people and it's only a matter of time before they make some friends. Mason said he is getting used to driving to and from school and it is making him a better, more confident driver. I think in the long run the hard times make you a stronger person. Or...they kill you.

Tony is still hard at work on the house. His current big project is redoing the deck off our Master bedroom. So far it's turning out great!

Before and After (click to enlarge)

The side view

The new rails up close

Here is a picture of Cortland with his new haircut. It looks SO much better!