Ah, time to write.

Ciao,
I am in an internet cafe in Urbino where there had to take ID before letting me in. They do this in many places. Alessandra tells me there has been a law passed recently against terrorism. This is also why I have to apply for a residence permit and it costs almost 80 Euros altogether! But, Alessandra paid it and has asked in return that I help her with English. She is writing a paper to present to the goverment, and it is going to be reiviews in America. She wants me to edit the translated version. I am so fricken excited to edit something. I miss school a little and I miss English words.
But onto more excited things.
Yesterday was very good, and a pretty good presentation of how things work within the family. So I will tell you about it.
In the morning, I wake Leonardo, warm the milk for breakfast, and set the table. While Leo eats, Sarah usually ends up at the table and Alessandra makes coffee, and I make tea. Lenoardo gets dressed and cleaned and leaves for the scuola bus close to 8. By this time Benedetta is up and we argue in each others respectie languages about letting go of the cat before she kills it. Want to talk about animal cruelty? I am not kidding. She makes this cat dance and will keep a death grip on it until someone either notices and tears them apart, or the cat skillfully waits for the perfect moment. But this moment does not come often. After breakfast I clear the table and eat if there is time. If not, I wait until they are gone. Then, they get dressed and cleaned. This half hour is the worst part of my day. The girls hate change. If that change means a different shirt, a new room, a new cup, a different toothpaste. Sarah also hates wearing anything other than a shirt. But, eventually, and once after being bit by Sarah trying to brush her teeth, they are off to scuola.
Ah.
After this, the day is wide open. I have explored most corners of the town, tried multiple pizza places, studies a chapter or two of Italian, and soaked in the tub. However, this week we have been running around most days trying to get some paperwork finished. I believe we have got it all now, so I will truly have all day. Well, until 3 when I fetch Leo from the bus, who then walks the dog and goes to play football. I said him he could go play soccer, and he looked at me like I was crazy. I then walk to the scuola of the girls and pick them up just before 4. We either go to the park, get gelato, or go home. Sarah is a slow walker but Benedetta is patient. More patient than I, I think. We had a great time in a new park yesterday, well new to me. I took some wonderful pictures. (Speaking of which, Guido, the husband, comes home tomorrow and he will be fixing the internet on my own computer.)
Alessandra tries everyday to have dinner at 7, but it always ends up later because of her schedule. We usually eat between 7:30 and sometimes as late as 9, but right after, the kids go to bed, or read for sometime in their rooms. After brushing their teeth and changing pajamas of course. This can also be hard. However, some days they do everything without a bad word or a single tear.
Somedays. Then, I usually go to bed, because I have been walking all day and helping the children. I am often quite exhausted by 9.
Yesterday we went to see a wonderful lady who runs a sort of theatre group in town. Tomorrow they are doing a great show with leather masks. It is an ancient tradition here. The masked are amazing and they can sell at up to € 200. Either way, Alessandra is a close friend of hers and us and the children went to see her in her office. She showed us each of the masks, and as she put them on she became a new character, but none of them talk. They all just grunt or laugh or make noises. It was very comical, especially since Sarah was VERY frightened by it all and she just stood there with her hands over here eyes, or biting her fingernails. Sometimes I think she has walked out of a cliche movie. At one point she finally ran from the room, but she would not scream because her brother often mocks her about being a baby and she tried to be tough around him. It was too funny to watch. They each tried on some masks and they were very cool. Also, the nice lady said that when I know more Italian, hopefully in November, I will be able to come and help and even listen in on some seminars and take part. I think this will be perfect. I am not ready to really go meet people until I know some more Italian. I know that in a month it will still not be perfect, but at least I will be able to understand and get by. Right now I know a lot, actually. I learn something new everyday. But obviously one week in Italy will not teach you the language. But I am confident that it will happen quickly!
Huh. I have been here over a week. Well, not in Urbino. I will have been in Urbino one week tomorrow. I may have to treat myself. I have already told myself that after one week of work, which is on Monday, I am taking myself to dinner in the square.
It is still hot here. Like, shorts and a tanktop hot.
But there is some cool breezes sometimes in the evening. Alessandra told me is does snow here "quite a bit", which I am sure is still not a lot. I say this because I asked her how cold it got and she said usually around 0 or 5 below. This is so perfect. I love snow, but hate cold. I think I have found a great place.
I cannot wait to put up pictures and videos. It is beautiful here and the scenery and buildings and people are all wonderful to look at.
I am feeling a little sick since my sinuses and throat decided they want to be bigger than normal and have swollen slightly. But, I am resting this evening and eating well. Speaking of which, I am eating very well. There is no junkfood in the house at all. Nor do I ever hear the children ask for it. They have fruit for snacks and are very active. I think this is quite normal here. I don't see so much junk in the stores. So, in the morning I have cereal and fruit with the children and in the afternoon it is usually pizza or a panini from the town. At dinner, Alessandra makes amazing food. She made Squash soup one night. At least that's what I think it was. Zucca, in Italiano. And there is always fresh bread. We had breads and cheeses and meats yesterday and she apologized for the quick meal. I was like, seriously? I could eat this everyday, all day.
She also made a nifty little potato cake yesterday that was very good. Everything is always delicious and the herbs and vegetables are always fresh. There is nothing here that would keep for more than a week. I like it.
Anyways, I am sure that some of this is very boring to some people, but I am finding it all very intriguing and fun. I ask Alessandra a lot of questions and I am very curious. She is incredibly helpful and I am surprised she has not yet asked me to be quiet. We have quite a lot on common and get along very well. Also, the children and I get along very nicely, and when they are in good spirits they give me kisses and presents. Usually in the form of rocks and seeds.
Tomorrow is like any other day, scuola on Saturday here. Sunday I hope to have the whole day out.
I am planning a trip near the end of October, hopefully to France where I will catch up with Pierre. I have also talked to Alex in Switzerland and I am planning a trip there in the next three months. Alessandra has a four day retreat at the beginnins of November which will be a trying time, I think, because the children will miss her terribly. Sarah wakes up everynight between 3 and 6 with nightterrors or something. She screams and screams until it wakes her mother and then she is ok again. But, if her mother is not there, I do not know what will happen. But, these are things I shall not worry about now.
I am in Italy and it is beautiful and I am happy.
However, everynight in my dreams I am in Canada. Last night I sold Emmy's house and Rollie had tattoos all over his body, all from different religions. In my dreams I am nervous because I always forget to tell Alessandra I am going to Canada for the day and I am afraid she will not want me back because I am tardy. Canada is nice in my dreams and it makes me miss it. I cannot wait until next summer when I am back! But for now, like I said, I am in Italy and I am enjoying it no matter what.

I also want you all to know that I love hearing from you, whether it is on here, Facebook or email. I love getting messages from home and knowing that you are all doing well. So, let me know how you all are!
Ciao!