Monday, April 27, 2015

Birthday celebration continues

I got to school on Sunday and realized I forgot to tell Stuart 'Happy birthday!'  So I immediately called him to apologize and wish him a happy birthday. When I left work I went to work out at the gym. I was told that the exercise bike was okay for me to do. After I rode, I decided I would need to take up swimming because my knee was killing me. 

When I got home from the gym, the kids were ready to go to the pool. I got my suit off and we left for the rugby club. We stayed for about an hour and then headed back home to be with Stuart.  

I had taken shower stuff for the kids to the rugby club, so they were clean when we got home, but I wasn't. I hopped in the shower and then we went to Chili's for Stuart's birthday dinner. Stuart had received some gift vouchers from DeDe and Craig so we went to spend them. When we finished dinner and were walking out, guess who we saw? DeDe and Craig with their kids. They are at Chili's at least once a week. 
The bottomless diet Cokes are what we love about Chili's. 

Because Stuart was not going to school for the week and a bit more next week, I hit snooze on my alarm out of habit, or so I thought I did. I actually turned the ala off and went back to sleep. Needless to say I was late to work on Monday. We ended up not having to stay late on Mondays, as we normally do (by late, I mean 3 pm). I went home and just relaxed. The kids played outside for a bit, but then came in because it was really too hot. It's now time for more pool days for sure.

Tuesday was more of the same. Work, home, relaxing, tough life. 

On Wednesday I left work early for a doctor's appointment in Dubai. My second opinion regarding my knee was not to my satisfaction so I sought out a third opinion. One of my colleagues from last year just had knee surgery so I went to see her doctor. He is from Canada and seems very knowledgeable. He was very thorough and really got to know me and my background. He said he didn't want to jump straight into surgery, but wanted to prescribe a stronger medication for my arthritis and see if that helped over a two week period. He did say that I definitely had a torn meniscus and some damage of some sort, but wouldn't fully know unless he scoped it, which would be after trying the meds. He said if they were not effective he would order another MRI done by their state of the art machine, and then he could tell better what he was dealing with. So I will report to him in two weeks and we will go from there. 

When I got home from Dubai, Kayleigh had come over to bathe Millie because Stuart was still unable to do such a task. The kids were excited because Claire was coming to babysit.  Stuart, Cathy and I decided to go to Quiz Night at the rugby club. We actually won a dinner for 2 from on one of the quiz rounds. It was fun and a good way to break up the week. 

On my way home from school on Thursday, this was in front of me for my viewing pleasure. I never get tired of seeing camels in a truck. 

Once I was home, I took kids to pool.  Stuart stayed home because he didn't feel well. After we returned Stuart was to go to the doctor for his one week follow-up appointment. He got there at 6:40 pm with his appointment being at 7 pm and the doctor was in surgery and wouldn't be out until around 9 pm. Classic!  So his appointment was rescheduled to Sunday evening. 

Friday morning I set my alarm, anxious to get to Abu Dhabi to spend the rest of the weekend with Gina. We're supposed to go to Muscat, Oman this weekend but in order to save money we just decided to do a spa weekend in Abu Dhabi. 

I arrived just before 9 am so we did a little shopping. Before our mani/pedi appointments. We went to Ikea because Jack's favorite jam is there and I needed to stock up. Of course I bought much more than jam, but no need to discuss any of that. 

We met one of Gina's friends at the mall for a lovely Italian salad prior to getting pampered. Then it was on to the nail salon (or 'saloon' as we so often see it written in English). After having my feet sandblasted, Gina and I shopped for a while. I was looking for a dress for the Rugby Ball which is May 8. Last year I had a long dress but it was nothing especially fancy. So I decided this year I needed to act as if I was going to prom.

There was only one shop we could find with gowns in it, which is really odd because usually there are three or four in each mall. I tried on two dresses and liked them both. In the end I decided on the cheaper one, and am very glad I did. It was definitely more my stlyle. Stay tuned next week for photos. 

After purchasing some other bits and failing at our attempt to find shoes for the ball, we decided to head to dinner around 8 pm, which meant we had literally shopped til we dropped. Dinner was delightful and we had a coupon which made it all the more enjoyable. 

We finally reached Gina's apartment around 10 pm, sat a talked for a bit and then retired for the night. 

We woke up just before 7 on Saturday and lounged around for a while. We had scheduled a spa day at the St Regis Hotel, less than a 5 minute drive from Gina's place. We had a 'buy one package get one free' coupon so we each got a body polish, body massage, facial, a tea and nut break, a 'light' lunch, which was most likely just light in calories because there was plenty of food, and we were able to use the spa facilities, which for us was a dip in the jacuzzi. It was a perfectly relaxing day that we both needed and deserved. 
The foyer of the St Regis
The obligatory selfie
We were created with lemon mint drink and dried fruit. 
The dressing room
Our visit to the jacuzzi was short but very relaxing. 
Gina's new pedicure color matched the jacuzzi. 
I always look and feel as if I've been beat up following a massage. As you can see, this day was no exception. 
We were served out 3 course 'light' lunch on the terrace. 
Course no. 1: feta salad with lemon vinegarette dressing
Course no. 2: Gina had a silo in with halloumi cheese and chili infused potato sticks. I had baby chicken with grapefruit and rocket salad. Yum!
Course no. 3: slices seasonal fruit and lemon sorbet. 

After this lavish spread we returned to Gina's for a bit and then I headed home. 

Over the two days I was missing Stuart played Mr. Mom. On Friday he took the kids to Action Zone in the morning, they had lunch at the mall, followed by the purchase of donuts. In the afternoon our neighbor, Lila, had a birthday party. Stuart took both kids over and stayed for a while and then the parents of Lila told him to feel free to leave the kids and they would ring them to our house after the party. So Stuart had some time to gear up for taking them to the rugby club Friday evening to watch the UAE 15s women's team, of which consists some of the Al Ain players. They didn't stay the entire game. Stuart said they had a very full day. 

On Saturday they got up and went to Fun Farm play area in the mall. Stuart bought a black tie for the Rugby Ball. Apparently we are going to look a bit classier this year than last. They spent the rest of the day watching movies and chilling at home. 

I arrived home just after 8 pm, just in time to put away all my purchases, unpack from my two days away, and start a load of laundry. 

Clearly, another wonderful week in the lives of the Telfords. 

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Doctors, doctors, and more doctors

Sunday was a busy day. First of all Stuart found out Sunday morning that there was a parent meeting at his school that would be held at 11 am, and students would be sent home at 10:30 am. He said only 3 parents showed up and the staff was allowed to go home at noon. Huh? It's how we like it, spur of the moment and quite advantageous from time to time. 

Once he got home he decided to take a trip back up to the hospital to see why he hadn't been called about his surgery. We knew insurance approval would take a few days, but thought for sure he would be called to do his blood work at least by Sunday. At the hospital he was told to come back at 7 pm to meet with the doctor. 

In the meantime I went for my second opinion, finally. I stopped in at the hospital after school and was told to come back at 3 pm and the doctor could see me. Doctors appointments? No need. Just come and he will see you. Ok. 

I showed up just before 3 pm and he was still not out of surgery. After sitting there for an hour, I asked the nurse how much longer she thought I would have to wait. She told me it would be about 10 minutes because he was with an emergency case. 

When I did finally get in to see him he examined my leg and then told me that most likely I had some torn ligaments. He told me to go and get my MRI film from my previous doctor and make another appointment so we could go over the images. He said after we looked at that he could tell me my options. I suspect surgery is inevitable, but I won't know for sure until my next appointment. 

When Stuart got the hospital they informed him that the insurance had approved his surgery the previous Tuesday. Naturally! So he could have had his surgery earlier, but no one called him. They proceeded to do his pre-op stuff and get him prepared for surgery, which would take place sometime in the week. 

Monday after school I went to complete my birthday shopping for Stuart. You see, the Land Rover Discovery that he test drove before Christmas became my surprise for his 40th birthday. I had spoke to the guy who listed it for sale and asked him if I could make payments over 3 months and also leave it at his house until Friday, the 24th of April. He agreed and I got all giddy. I was going to be able to by him his 'project' car. When he first moved to Arizona he wanted to buy an old car and fix it up. He's quite handy with cars and wanted to have a hobby. At the time there was no way we could afford a hobby like that. So, although I think the car I bought him isn't the prettiest thing in the world, I knew he would love it! I went Monday to get the title changed into my name. I was pretty sure he didn't have a clue. 

On Monday Stuart went to meet anesthesiologist. When he got there for his appointment he had to wait for 30 minutes because the guy was in surgery. If you thought waiting for a doctor in the states was sometimes frustrating, come here. No rhyme or reason to why they book appointments when they do. Because the doctors usually have their offices in the hospital, surgery takes priority over appointments. I suppose that's the way it should be, but when you are the 'appointment' it can be frustrating. 

Tuesday Millie had first play date with our next door neighbors, Lila and Fraya. They were so cute. The girls came over and played babies in Millie's room. It was so sweet to hear her conversation with the girls. 

We were going to go to dinner for Stuart's last meal before surgery, but our friends, Joe and Jamie, asked us to keep their daughter, Ava, because their son, Eli, had his tonsils taken out and they were dealing with that so needed Ava to stay somewhere. In the end we decided to order in Chinese food and watching a couple of episodes of Bones. Well, I mainly slept through them. 

Wednesday morning we got up a little later because Stuart didn't have to check into the hospital until 8 am. He couldn't have anything to eat or drink after midnight so me drinking my coffee in front of him was not the nicest thing to do, I suppose. 

Millie had school pictures on Wednesday.  I took a picture before she went to school because I was pretty sure by the time they took photos at school she might not look her best. I reefer school pictures and my messy hair. 
 
We got the check-in desk at 8 am and he was taken to his room. He was asked to sign some consent papers and then the nurse started to poke and prod him. 
This is at the beginning of the poking and prodding. 
This is in the middle. 

The nurse then wanted to see Stuart's shaving job. Uh, no one told him to shave anything otherwise he would have done so. Off to the bathroom, with an electric razor, he went. I couldn't help but laughing. That is one hairy bear to shave. He had to shave from the middle of his stomach to his pelvis. Re growth is going to be itchy! I shouldn't have found humor in this, but I did. 

When they took him down to surgery I went grocery shopping. Since I am not used to being the cook I had to dig deep to find some recipes that were easy and could be prepared ahead of time and frozen. My plan was to do a couple of meals on Wednesday night while Stuart was in the hospital. 

After groceries I headed back to the hospital and waited for him to come back to his room. He returned just after 1 pm and his teeth were chattering. I asked him if he was cold and he slurred something at me. When the nurses were trying to get him to move from the gerny to his bed it was quite comical, most likely for just me. He was shivering and the nurse was yelling at him so he would wake up enough to help move himself to the bed. Instead, he started rolling from his right side to his left side, the side of the repair. 

Once we (honorary Nurse Dana) got him into the bed he kept saying, 'Shit! shit! shit!' And I kept saying, 'You can't say bad words here.' However, this let me know how much pain he was really in. I asked him if he was cold and he said 'no', so I figured the shivering was from the pain. I told the nurse that Stuart was tough as nails so if he was saying he was in pain he would need more than a drip of paracetomal (Tylenol). 

The nurse went away, came back with an injection of something, and about 10 minutes later Stuart was sleeping, very loudly!  I stayed until about 3 pm and then headed home to get the kids. He wasn't awake when I went to get them so wasn't really sure what state we would see him in when we returned. Was a little hesitant to bring them to the hospital to see him. I remember going to the hospital when I was in 5th grade because my mom had surgery. I remember thinking she was going to die. I think it can be scary for kids. 

However, we tried to explain to Jack what Daddy was having done. Both kids were more focused on the fact that we were going to eat at a restaurant which seemed good to me. 

We ate at the elegant McDonalds and then got a text from Stuart saying he was awake. So we headed to the hospital. When we got into Stuart's room he was asleep. Millie just bounced right in, but Jack was cautious. I said Stuart's name and told him we were there. He was still more groggy than I had hoped he would be. I could tell that Jack was concerned. Stuart kind of drifted in and out of sleep.  The kids wanted to see his scars, which happened to be on his belly. Millie giggled and giggled when she saw them. Jack just had a million questions. 

I had some M&Ms for this kids and Millie happily took them, but Jack just stared at Stuart and said he didn't want his. I asked him if he was worried about Daddy. I assured him he didn't need to be and that Daddy was going to be fine. He said, 'I'm not worried about Daddy. I just don't want them.'  I knew this wasn't entirely true, but figured I would talk to him on the way home. 
Jack was a little less bothered when Stuart asked him if he wanted to play the iPad. And Millie just wanted to wear Stuart's surgical hat. 

We didn't stay long because Stuart was not really up for visitors and it was about time for the kids to go to bed. We got home, read books, Millie fell asleep, and Jack wanted to talk. We talked for almost an hour about why people have surgery, why they die, and the fact that they get burned when they die. That last fact actually happens in Star Wars only, which I had to explain to Jack was not real. It was just a movie. 

Jack asked why Granddad Tom died. That was Stuart's grandfather that passed away a year ago. It's funny, because when I spoke to Stuart's mum after the kids had gone to bed Wednesday night, she reminded me of how hesitant Jack was around Granddad Tom the Christmas we went to the UK. It was just a few months before his passing. When I recalled his behavior at that time, it reminded me of his behavior at the hospital with Stuart. 

I think I calmed his fears with our conversation while he was in his bed, but time will tell. It's crazy to think of all things that go through children's minds that we never know about. That's why I'm so happy to sit and talk with Jack for an hour after his bed time, and focus on his fears, trying to subside them as best as I can. 

Once the kids were in bed I made enchiladas and stuck them in the freezer. I had meatball sub casserole ready to go on Thursday once Stuart was home. 

Things got much better when the kids got home from school Thursday and Stuart was there. He looked much better and acted WAY more alert. He was discharged around noon so we had some time to settle in before the kids got home. I ended up going to get some grocery shopping done and then had coffee with the other Head of Faculty at my school. Stuart was sleeping anyway so what did he care. 

I took the kids to the pool Thursday after school so Stuart could get more rest. Also, that evening was the rugby awards for the teams. Stuart wasn't there to be in the team photos, but he was mentioned and the wishes him a quick recovery. The kids got medals and a really cool little duffle bag with the Al Ain Amblers emblem on it. Jack was so proud of both. 
He didn't wear his clear for the team photo because in the few weeks since the season has finished he has grown out of them. Time for new rugby boots and a new uniform, clearly. 

The kids were fed burgers, Millie are French fries and I waited until we got home so Stuart and I could eat the meatball sub casserole together. 

Stuart attempted to go upstairs at the end of the evening and sleep in our bed. Unfortunately laying flat was not an option. So he ended up sleeping on the sofa downstairs. 

When I woke up Friday morning I started making cookies for Stuart's birthday party at the golf club. It wasn't a surprise but he didn't really know who I had invited. The cookies were instead of cake. He's not a big cake guy, but he loves oatmeal raisin cookies, so that was the first batch I mixed. After I had them mixed, I stuck them in the fridge and 'Operation Get the Land Rover Cleaned and to the Golf Club' began. 

I asked Stuart one last time if he was sure he was up for a party. I told him I could cancel, but not really wanting to. However, he assured me he would be fine. I again told Stuart that I had one last birthday errand to run before that evening. It was 8:30 am and he asked me what was open that early. I had to tell him to zip it and that I would be back as soon as I could be. I drove to our old apartment where the Land Rover was parked. I had the keys because when the title changed hands, the seller gave me the keys. I drove the car to the automatic car wash and had it washed. As I was sitting in the car, a fine mist came through the sun roof. Did I mention this is a 'fixer upper'?  Fortunately it doesn't rain very often here. 

After the car was clean I took it to the golf club. I had arranged for our friend Scott to come and get me and take me back to my car. When Henry, Jack's buddy and Scott's son, saw the car he was so impressed and wanted to ride in it. He was so cute. It made me know I had bought the perfect gift. 

Once I was home I told Jack what I bought Daddy. He was so excited. I told him I would ground him for life if he said anything. Around 1 o'clock Gina showed up from Abu Dhabi. Stuart was surprised. He then started asking me who all was coming. So I told him and he started to get excited. In the meantime, I made about 8 dozen cookies for the party. In fact, I was quite the domestic goddess the two days since Stuart's surgery. I had made two casserole, 8 dozen cookies, fixed a button on Stuart's shorts, and ironed said shorts as well as a collared shirt, which I hadn't done in years.

As I was finishing up the cookies, Jack stormed into the kitchen and said, 'Daddy, we bought you a watch for your birthday'. At first I was going to say that we didn't, but then I decided to jump into Jack and pretend he had just spoiled our surprise. You see, Stuart knew you could pre-order the Apple watch that was due to come out on April 24. So Stuart really thought he was getting a watch. It wa perfect. As soon as I could get Jack alone, I told him I was sorry I was cross with him, and that actually what he did was perfect. 

I finished the cookies, sat and chatted with Gina, and then got ready for the party. We got to the golf club just before 5 pm and Gina, Stuart and Millie went in while Jack and I hung back so I could show Jack the Land Rover. He was so excited and immediately climbed up the ladder at the back of the car. I scolded him because he got it dirty. Crazy boy!

We finally got in and most guests had arrived by about half past five. We order appetizers and a lot of water because it was crazy hot on the patio. They turned on the swamp fans but that wasn't much help. 
Me and the birthday boy. 
Gina and the birthday boy. 
The guests. 

Once the kids' food was at the tables I read the poem I wrote for Stuart.  

LORDY, LORDY, STUART'S 40

We all get older, and I suppose a bit smarter

That is definitely true for Stu

He's turning 40 and has gained in wisdom

Since the day he met 'you know who'

I feel I have enhance his life

With my love and my charming wit

Let's celebrate this man we all love

And tonight, get him a little lit

As I planned this party and thought of tonight

I didn't want to buy a gift that was foolish

I mean 40 is about half your life

So it had to be something kind of coolish

I thought of the practical, thought of the safe

But that seemed too boring for him

I wanted to buy something useful, for sure

But didn't want to purchase on a whim

He said, 'Surprise me!' 'Oh crap,' I thought

A surprise really wasn't for me

I'm the person who hates surprises 

And can't keep one at all, you see

However, the more I mused about it

The more I wanted to see

If I could keep a big secret

And get him a memorable gift from me

I have no idea if he has a clue

I have done my best to keep it a mystery

But in this little parcel is a gift that I hope

Will go down as his best gift in history

I then handed him the package and he pulled out the car keys. Because he had driven it in December he knew exactly what the keys went to. He started laughing and then saying, 'Ouch, I can't laugh!' I really surprised him. It was be far the best reaction I have ever had from him. 

As people asked him about it, he kept saying, 'It's my project,' which is exactly how I had described it. He is very proud of it and very happy to be 40. 
He immediately went out and took some of our interested male guests to see it. Gina followed with her camera so will post those pictures when she sends them. 

The rest of the evening was so relaxing. My work was finished. So pleased that I didn't spill the beans prior to the party. 

When we got home Friday night out downstairs outlet breaker tripped and we couldn't get a hold of anyone in maintenance. So, Stuart being crafty, took every extension cord we had in the house, strung them together and plugged our refrigerators into an outlet upstairs. 

Saturday morning we got up and just lounged around. I called maintenance, who as we guessed showed up 10 minutes before we were going to go out for lunch. They sorted out the electricity by replacing two of the little breakers. It was fine all day Saturday, but we shall see if it lasts. 

We spent the afternoon at the mall having lunch and getting Gina some new sunglasses. When we got back to our place we had some tea and Gina left just before supper time. 

The kids had an early night and the weekend was complete. Another week begins with happy people in the Telford household. 

P.S. I have nearly finished my pallet project. Need to add a few more doodads, but almost there. 
Close up of the large one
Close up of the small one
View from the bottom of our stairs. 







Sunday, April 12, 2015

The beginning of the last term of our second year

It's often hard to believe we have been here for almost 2 years. Sometimes the days drag, but for the most part everything about our lives is so much better excluding missing our family and friends. We are relaxed and virtually free of stress. My biggest stress from day to day is making the kids' lunches. Truly!

At any rate, we are closing in on the end of year 2 and Term 3 is now underway. As we suspected at my school, we only had about half of our students in school on Sunday. As the week proceeded the numbers grew a bit and most likely we will have all of our kids back by Sunday. I'm not sure why this is the trend in some schools, but it is. 

I was a bit weak and had no appetite on Sunday but was alright for the most part. What a relief that was. 

When we got home from school the kids watched a movie and played indoors because it was 106 degrees outside. Cathy came over for tea Sunday evening and we had a good catch up from the holidays. 

On Monday I was asked to cover three periods. During our senior leadership team meeting the other Head of Faculty and myself were told we would need to be available to cover for absent teachers each day. I suspect I will be covering at least one period each day for the remainder of the year, and I did cover one each day this week. 

We were also told each of us would need to stay after school one day each week for kids brought back to school on the bus because no one was at home to collect them. Since everyone here has a nanny I am not sure why this is even an issue. 

Stuart stayed home from school on Monday because he had a sinus infection. He also finally decided to have a hernia looked at, and wouldn't you know, he's going to have to have it fixed sometime next week. He will heal just in time to play in the rugby tour tournament in Pucket, Thailand in May. Lucky him!

Monday evening we spoke to Grammie and Pop and spoke to them about what toys would need to go in their garage sale. They also informed us they were thinking about coming to see us at Christmas this year. Yahoo!  

After the kids were hyped from Skyping, they finally went to bed. My intention was to then go get my second opinion on my knee, but by the time all were settled I was too tired. I ended up putting it off until the end of the week. 

The rest of the week at school was just really routine, except for my Wednesday after school bus duty. It proved to be a bit difficult because even though the bus monitors (yes, they hire an adult to ride on each bus with the kids) are supposed to call the parent to have them come to the school and pick up their child, the girls I was in charge of were there for a long time and the bus monitors left them with me. This is when not speaking Arabic really bothers me and makes me feel inferior and uncomfortable. Fortunately all of the children were picked up with little hassle and I was gone by 3 pm. 

Wednesday evening we ordered sushi from the lady who makes it fresh, and cheap. The sad news is she will be moving and will only make sushi here in Al Ain for another 2 weeks. Wouldn't you know it? Just found her and now she's moving. Boo!

Thursday Stuart and I had training on our new math books. We took both our cars to be tinted down in an area called Saniya. It's a little bit like the back alley where you can buy a 'watch' if you know what I mean. English speakers usually have difficulty with communicating, but you just point a lot and play a little game of sharada and typically you get what you want. For $116 we got both of our cars tinted at 30%, nice and dark. It only took us a year and a half, but better late than never. We left Stuart's car before the training started, went and traded cars, leaving mine when we had a break during the training, and then picked it up after the training was over. It was perfect!

Jack had career day on Thursday. Initially he said he wanted to be a rugby player when he grew up. When I explained to him that very few people play a sport professionally when they grow us, he settled on a paleontologist. He was so excited. He came up with all the added accessories with his outfit. 
Here is my little Ross Geller from the sitcom Friends. 

Thursday evening we headed to the rugby club for the committee votes. Stuart ran for treasurer for the club. He had to give a speech and the registered voters of the club voted for each of the positions. Only 67 members out of about a thousand came out to vote for the committee members. It was a sad turn out, but what are you going to do?  The votes were 34 to 33 for the treasurer, and sadly Stuart did not win. Boo!

In the end he was not all that disappointed but just said he would run for a position next year. After the vote he was asked to be the captain and seconds team coach for next season. Well, he might as well have been asked to be the Prime Minister of England. He couldn't have been more excited. 

I took the kids home and put them to bed. The committee meeting continued with many new proposals for the new board to decide upon. Stuart stayed and had a friend run him home after the fact. 

We got up Friday morning and went to Dubai to go shopping. We didn't need anything particularly, but the Richardsons were going and invited us along. It was a good reason to use coupons in our Entertainment book and try a new restaurant, so we did some shopping as well. 

We bought Millie and Jack wallets to keep their money in. It's not like they have a ton, but they have enough to keep track of. I still haven't figured out the whole allowance/pocket money thingy. When do you start giving your kids money? I think things like making their beds, picking up their toys, and putting their dishes in the sink are part of their family responsibilities. No body pays me to do the laundry or clean the house. Oh wait, I don't clean the house.  I pay someone to do that for me. At any rate, the question is still there. I suppose we will figure it out, but for now we just kind of give them money when we notice something they have done that might be exceptionally kind or thoughtful. It's kinda d of random for now. It's not like they really want for anything. Maybe when they are older we will start making them responsible for buying some of their own things and giving them a set amount that can cover that. Who know. Can't think that far ahead. 

We decided to stop at the outlets on the way home to waste some more time. We needed to make sure Millie didn't fall asleep too early because then she wouldn't go back to bed until late. So we had dinner at the outlets and got home around 6:30 pm. But wouldn't you know it, Millie didn't sleep one wink and was wide awake when we got home. I bathed the kids and then it was nighty night for them. 

I, on the other hand, stayed up and started putting pictures in frames in order to put up my 'heart' picture collage. I stole the idea from my friend, DeDe, whom I'm sure stole it from Pintrest. I will post it when I finish. I ended up staying up until almost 4 am getting the pictures I the frames and laying it out. Simultaneously, I started watching Dance Moms. Holy guacamole! That is a train wreck of a show and I love it! I think the season I watched was the only one filmed in 2011, and I kind of know why. Reality television makes my life look so boring. They better get paid a lot of money to do such a show because they are selling their character for sure. 

Waking up Saturday was not that much fun. I did sleep until about 8 am, which would have been really nice had I not gone to bed at 4 am, rather had gone at a more normal time. But alas, I did not do such a thing. We had decided to have a BBQ Saturday afternoon. It seemed like a really good idea when it was arranged. 

Stuart headed to the grocery store with Jack, while I headed to the mall to get some pictures developed with Millie. Millie and I had such a delightful time. She was a perfect angel, which is not super common for Millie, especially with me. We had a bite of lunch at the food court, bought donuts for the BBQ, and then stopped at a little shop to buy a camel to put up on our wooden pallets we've hung on the wall going up the stairs in our house. I will attach a picture when that is complete as well. 

When Millie and I arrived home, Jack was ready for the pool. Stuart stayed home to get things ready for the party, and the kids and I went to the pool. A few hours in the pool and out we came to return home to a houseful of people. 

The Turners, Rouvis, Richardsons and eventually the Griffiths, all came for some BBQ. Everyone brought their own meat and a side to share. This is the third by BBQ we have had since moving to the Village. It's so nice to have a place where a few families can come and gather and have a good time together. 

Everyone left just before 7 pm. I did a little straightening up and actually vacuumed. It was the first time I had used our vacuum cleaner. I know, shameful. I showered the kids and they came down to watch the rest of Wreck It Ralph. Bed shortly followed for all of us. 

Yet another fine week in the Sandbox. 

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Spring Break

Since camping was a bust, half of our spring break plans were blown away with the sand. When we woke up Sunday morning, the infamous question arose...'what are we doing today?'  We had no answer. 

After thinking for a little while and drinking a cup of coffee, we decided to go to The Mall of the Emirates in Dubai where the indoor ski slope is. Ski Dubai is an amazing place. Who knew in the middle of the desert you could play in the snow. Initially we were going to do the penguin encounter but it was fully booked by the time we arrived at 11 am. We then decided to just take the kids in to do the snow tube rides, the toboggan ride, and the ski lift. We had hot chocolate, like you do in 20 degree weather, and played until we were freezing. It was so much fun. 
Here we are waiting to get our ski gear. It's part of your admission price. 
We rode the ski lift all the way around the slopes. 
Hot chocolate is not good unless there are a lot of marshmallows, whip cream, and M&Ms of course. 
We saw the Penguins and hope to hug them the next time we go. 

We ate a late lunch at a place called the Butcher Shop. As you could guess, we had the most delicious steaks. We had a buy one/get one coupon from the Entertainment Book (oh yes, we get those here), so it was reasonable. 

Once our meal was finished we walked around the mall for a bit. The kids each picked out something to buy, Jack a stuffed camel and Millie a paper pad with a pen. She takes your 'order' now and fixes your meal in her 'kitchen'. So funny!

We were not even out of the parking structure and Millie was sound asleep. It was just before 6 pm and she was shattered from the day's activities. We all were. 

We got home and showers were skipped and beds were entered. What a great day!

We woke up on Monday morning and had the Richardsons over for breakfast. They had company all last week so a good 'catch up' was needed. In that time with them we decided to book a hotel apartment for two nights in Abu Dhabi. 

Monday evening we went out to the desert and had an Easter egg hunt. We BBQed And may have eaten a bit of sand in our burgers, but it was fun. 
Everyone was getting the rules of the hunt. They hunted the empty eggs and then brought them back for their treats. It was very clever. 
Jack helped Millie a bit. It really makes up for the times he's not so helpful to her. 

On Tuesday we headed to Abu Dhabi. Our first stop was the beach. We went to the family beach on the Corniche. We have never been there but have now decided it may be our favorite. Because we were there early enough we got to set up our coolers and towels right by the kids' play structure and under one of the gazebos. It was great. Millie and I tried to build a sand castle, but in the end just ended up burying our feet in the sand. 
This was our view from the gazebo. 
This was a big stretch for me considering I'm not super crazy about getting dirty. I felt like the Mother of the Year, yet again. 

We spent about 4 hours at the beach and then headed to our hotel apartment. Naturally when we got there the apartment wasn't quite ready. So why not go to the pool?
This was the view from the pool. The four little dots in the pool are Henry, May, Jack and Millie. 

When we finally got checked into the apartment we settled in, showered all the kids and started dinner. Stuart and I had brought ingredients to make nachos. It was a perfect way to end a great day. The Richardsons are easy people to travel with. 

On Wednesday we got up and lounged around the apartment until around 11 am. The kids played games and the adults drank coffee. We then headed to the pool for about an hour, returning to eat lunch and get ready for our kayaking adventure in the Mangroves. 

Mangroves are various large and extensive types of trees up to medium height and shrubs that grow in saline coastal sediment habitats in the tropics and subtropics. They are phenomenal and people in this country kayak through them every day.
Here we are with our life vests on, ready for our two hour paddling adventure. 
We saw many creatures on our tour. This blue swimmer crab was something both the kids were brave enough to hold. 
Most of the trip Millie and I were in the same boat. She didn't work very hard on paddling. In fact she didn't even have a paddle. Jack was a little more helpful to Stuart because at least he had a paddle, although it wasn't in the water much. We had a great time. Unfortunately this was the day I started to feel ill. 

After we returned to the hotel, we took our things upstairs to the room and then went to the pool for about an hour. We ended up eating in the bar by the pool. They had wonderful fish and chips, which is what all the adults ordered. It was right at the end of the dinner that I started fading. My stomach started cramping and I had a slight fever. Ugh! This would most likely not turn out well. 

Back in the room, kids bathed and had a snack then were off to bed. The adults stayed up and watched useless television. In fact, in the end we were watching cage fighting, which we all criticized as being ridiculous, yet we continued to watch. 

Thursday morning there was more of the same, lazing around in the apartment just relaxing and enjoying not having to do a thing. We checked out of the hotel just before noon and headed to Yas Mall, a new mall in Abu Dhabi on Yas Island. It was massive, as all malls are in the UAE.  

We did a bit of shopping and then had lunch at rogo's Rollercoaster Restaurant. It was certainly a novelty. You ordered your food on an iPad and it was delivered from a 'Rollercoaster' that clearly ran from the kitchen upstairs down your table's track to your table. Clever, really! Pricey, truly! However, the kids thought it was great. 
Here is Jack ordering his 'Down South American Fried Chicken'. 
Jack's 7up was delivered right to him. We knew it was his because it had a tag attached that had on it the number 4, which was the seat where he was sitting. 

I would have enjoyed it a bit more had I not completely come down with some kind of stomach bug that morning. I knew it was coming on the morning before but thought I might get lucky enough for it to pass. Oh, sadly, I was not. 

I know I was really sick when we went to the candy shop and I didn't buy any for myself. Neither did I get any Garrett's Popcorn (my favorite popcorn made famous in Chicago). Stuart asked me why I didn't just get some so I could have it once I was better. I told him I couldn't even consider it because smelling it turned my stomach. 

When we left the mall we headed for Al Ain. I slept the entire way home, as did Millie, unfortunately. When we arrived home I told Stuart he would have to unpack the car because I was going straight to bed. I told him if he took Millie upstairs I would get her jammies on and put her back to bed. I suspected she would wake later in the evening since she fell asleep at 4:30 pm, but that would be Stuart's problem. I just had to lay down. 

Once I was upstairs, Millie was sorted, and I was in bed, I heard this,'You are kidding me!' Then, 'Dana, the electricity to the fridges went out.' This being said as he stomped up the stairs. I quickly jumped up and went downstairs. Stuart kept grumbling and saying things that I didn't care to respond to. I opened the freezers and fridges to see what all had been ruined. There were a few things that had defrosted that would have to be cooked immediately or thrown out. Quite frankly, I didn't care what happened to the food at that point, and I told Stuart so as I headed back downstairs. 

I could smell him cooking throughout the evening, which was not helpful to my issues, but I was thankful that he at least found a way to salvage most everything. 

Millie woke around 9pm and was hungry, of course. I heard her but didn't see her until a bit before 11 pm, when I attempted to put her back to bed. I was not well and not in any mood for any of her shinnanigans. But she was not interested in the least of falling asleep. I tried everything I knew. In the end I just sat with her until she fell asleep just after midnight. Lovely!

Once I was back in bed I tossed and turned, and hit the toilet, the other hours I was there. Miserable!

When Friday finally arrived for me, around  9 am, I went down to the couch and perched myself there for the day. Stuart and the kids headed to the rugby club for a birthday party. That is another sign that I am truly sick, I missed a social event because all of our friends were there with their kids. 

They came home around 3 pm and I was still down for the count. I was a bit better but still in no mood to eat and didn't much want to move. I mustered up the energy to give the kids a bath, but was exhausted afterwards. The stomach cramping was what I had a hard time tolerating, and by Friday evening it became pretty constant. NaturallyI Google searched what possible type of disease/parasite/ailment/cancer I could possibly have. Before Google I had no idea how germ ridden I was, and I'm pretty sure I was happier about that. 

I went to bed Friday night and slept through the night until around 4 am. When I woke up I felt as if someone had ran a truck over me. I was sore, as if I had been bruised, from my head to my toes. I really didn't feel much better. I got up and showered, thinking that would make me feel better, and it did for a little while. 

The rugby teams were scheduled to take pictures at 11 am that morning so Stuart asked if I wanted to pack the swimmers and take the kids to the pool after. I didn't want to, but thought it might actually help to be in the water and sun. 
Stuart's team
My team, minus a few members who were still on spring break. Our captain, and friend Claire, is the one in the middle holding the ball. This is Tua's mum, Jack's friend from school. And Rayna, one of the ladies we camped with is on the far right, sitting on the bench. 

After the pictures we went to the pool. I started to feel a little more normal but had no interest in eating, although we all went into the club to have lunch. I just had a Sprite Zero. We went back to the pool for a bit and then spent the rest of the day at home. Because school was starting back up the next day, we decided a night in would be good. So I told the kids we would order a movie off of iTunes, get movie snacks out, and hang out together. We ordered Penguins of Madagasgar. So guess what movie I will see 30 times in the next month? For sure!  Fortunately it's cute. 

The kids went to bed and I actually ate some food. My stomach was not right afterwards, but I think I'm on the mend. Time will tell. 

Posting early especially for my faithful readers so their Sunday morning reading is not delayed. 😘