School is back in session, but it's not that evident in our boys' classes

Sunday there were maybe half the number of kids at school that are usually there. It seems that the Eid holiday continued for some of the students. Gina texted me from Abu Dhabi on Sunday and informed me her school had been given the rest of the week off. So she got two weeks for Eid. Hello! 

I received a text on Saturday afternoon telling me Millie's class was having pirate day and she needed to dress as a pirate for Sunday. Although I was irritated and expressed that to her teacher, she did look dang cute and she had a great day. 

My cute little pirate!

Sunday evening it was rugby practice and swimming for me, as usual. We have tried to start feeding the kids their hot meal around 4 pm and then once they are home from rugby, they shower and can have a bowl of cereal or a pbj sandwich before bed, basically just a snack. It seems to get them into bed earlier than what we used to do, which is good for them. 

I fell asleep on the sofa at half past eight. It must be that swimming that is wearing me out, although work is tougher this year as well, so could be both. 

Monday Stuart and I had a training on our math series. We took my car for a service and dropped it off on our way to the training. It turns out the training was very similar to last year. It's a bit sad because most of us have been trained in differentiated instruction and really don't need generic training. We want to learn about the many new math manipulative a we received and how they relate to the math series. Oh well, I suppose we will have to rely on ourselves for that training. 

Once the kids were home and Jack had completed his piano theory practice, which we both dread, obviously because we wait until the last possible moment to do it before the next piano lesson, we headed to Kia service to get my car. I was so excited because since my car had 10,000 kilometers on it, I have asked them to repair the USB port that doesn't work, so that I could use my iPod correctly. Apparently, according to the lady on the phone, it was fixed. 

When we arrived at Kia I signed off on the paperwork and headed to my car with Jack because we had to head straight to piano lessons. Once I was in the car, the lady who signed off on my papers was standing by my car telling me that although they repaired the USB port, clearly there was an issue with my cord. I started getting audibly aggravated with her and told her that I was tired of asking for a repair to be made and getting no where. She said she would get the technician to explain things to me. She went back inside and I followed her. As she was speaking to what I assumed was the manager, I started in on him. There was an alternative chord in my USB port that was not there before. He tried to convince me that this was the chord I needed to use my iPod. It was an iPod attachment from about 8 years ago. They don't even make such an iPod anymore and didn't at the time I bought my brand new car two years ago, which I explained to him in a very forceful manner. He kept talking over me and telling me that I didn't understand. I insisted he wasn't listening to me. He was lying and making things up right and left. There are people who want to save face so badly that they try to convince you that, in fact, you are in the wrong. I find a lot of those people here, in the service industry. It's crazy and I was having none of it today. I have it back to him to the point I walked out, proclaiming he would never have any of my business again. Did I mention Stuart was still sitting at this gentleman's desk all the while? He had gone in to see how much his next service would be for his car. For

Some reason Kia has convinced people they need a 5000 kilometer service up to 40,000 km in order to guarantee the warranty, although we can't find anything about it in the owner's manual. When he was inquiring about this, the guy that tried to convince me I had a bad cord for my iPod told Stuart that he didn't need to get his service at Kia to make the water to good. So basically we could have gone anywhere up to now and everything would have been covered as long as we had receipts. The only problem is, we have t really known where to go until now. Car repair and maintenance places seem to be hidden from the general public. However, since we have had the Land Rover we have found a mechanic. So, bye bye Kia servicing. 

Tuesday Millie came home from school and reported that she had a very good day. 

Millie: Mama, I got two stickers today and they were pink and they went on my chart and there were 5 stickers on the bottom and I got those too. (Never once did she come up for air.)

Me: Wow, Millie! That's wonderful. Do you have very good days and get stickers everyday, or just today. 

Millie: No, no, just today. 

So when Stuart got home I told him he needed to ask her about her day. 

Stuart: Millie, how was your day?

Millie: Good, Daddy. I got two stickers and they were pink and there was a row of 5 on the bottom and I got those too. 

Stuart: That's great, Millie. Do you get two stickers everyday. 

Millie: No, no, just today. 

I thought after my conversation she maybe didn't understand my line of questioning. But no doubt, after two of us asking her, she only had a good day that day. She's cute, thank goodness. 

Tuesday evening we went to the rugby club for Jack's training and of course I swam. Normally I have to contend with Taunami Sam or Tidal Wave Ted, both swimmers make waves that only their name sake could produce. But Tuesday I hurried up and did only 40 laps because there were little kids who were not being supervised by their mother. Two of the four children could not swim. Needless to say it was a bit concerning. After I finished swimming I went to tell the guy on pool duty and he finally went to say something to the mother. Dreadful!

We dismissed students on Wednesday at 10:30 am in order for us to have our Meet and Greet, which I suppose is a bit like curriculum night, except not at night? The parents were invited to attend a general meeting at 11 am in the auditorium and then were allowed to go and visit the teachers in the classrooms. Teachers were to stay until 2:30 pm. I heard many voices outside of my office at 1:30 pm but didn't give it a second thought, until I looked out my window at the parking lot about 10 minutes later and noticed that mine was one of 3 cars still there. We usually have about 35 or 40 cars in the lot. I suppose I forgot that 2:30 pm really means 1:30 pm. I guess that 'noise' was everyone in the reception area, signing out. 

When I got home the kids were already there with Kayleigh. She left and Jack went up to practice his piano, while Millie played in her room. 

Once Stuart got home he asked Millie how her day was. She looked as if she was going to cry. She puckered up her lip and just sat there. Stuart asked if she was okay and if everything was okay at school that day. She said, 'No, Abbey wasn't at school today.'  Now Abbey is her bestest friend and it may not have been the best idea for them to be in the same class. I think they might be a little wild together. I've seen them play at the rugby club, and it's just my guess. 

Wondering if Millie was telling the truth, and wanting to share the story with Abbey's mom and dad because they always share funny stories Abbey tells involving Millie, I messaged them the story. After relaying the story I stated that if Abbey was sick, we hoped she got better soon. And if Millie made this up, then I surely had an academy award winner on my hands. Her dad messaged me back and said 'And the Emmy goes to.....Millie. Abbey was at school and feels perfectly fine. Ha!'  She is a stinker!

When it was time for dance Millie would not put on her tutu and announced she was not going. I told her if she didn't get her tutu on I would not sign her up for ballet for the second term. To that she responded, 'I don't care!' Well that wasn't exactly what I was looking for. I dragged her to the car, screaming. I strapped her in and off we went. Once we arrived she decided she did want to go to ballet after all. Funny thing is, we arrived 20 minutes early. For some reason I had it in my head that she started at 5 instead of 5:15. Jack has piano at 4, so maybe I was making her have ballet on the hour as well. My brain isn't right! 

After dance we rushed home to bathe her and then the all anticipated birthday dinner for Jack was finally upon us. We had promised him sushi and he looked forward to it all day. Sushi night was definitely a bit hit. I thought he was going to pop, he ate so much. 

The happy belated birthday meal was a success. 

Although we had dismissed our students early from school on Wednesday for the meet and greet, we still had a full house on Thursday. Generally when there is a half day toward the end of the week, the following day has low attendance. It seems the old trends are changing, which means progress. We had several teachers put which meant I had to cover a grade 5 boy's class. It wasn't so bad but I did dread it since it was the last period of the last day of the week. It turned out to be okay. I showed a Magic School Bus video, which they complained about. I stopped the video and told them I could give them an exam

Instead. That shut them up and the video continued. 

Thursday evening we were invited to the 'B' block of the Village (our compound). There are two families that live right next door to each other and we know them both. Jane and Bryce have three boys and Kirsty and James have two girls. Jane is a Head of Faculty, and James and Kirsty came with our group two years ago. 

We took the kids and some snacks and headed to the other side of the complex. The kids had a blast. Jack played the PlayStation and Millie played dollies. Millie fell asleep on the sofa and Jack stayed strong until I told him it was time to go home. It was late and he was tired. It was a new experience, socializing with these two families and some other people, and it was great except for the leaving part. 

Friday morning we were up and out of the house just before 9 am. Stuart and the kids went to the pool with the other rugby dads and kids, while the wives and girlfriends were treated to breakfast at Steak and Bake, a new restaurant owned by a guy who came with our group. It just opened a few weeks ago. They serve an American breakfast buffet on Fridays and Saturdays. Because I'm trying to lose weight I just had coffee, but the social time was worth going. 

Um, where are the kids, Stuart?

My time was cut short because I had to go to church to let our new minister know what time I would be at the rugby club, and to give him directions. We were asked a few weeks ago to sign up to take Father Chris and his wife, Heather, and show them around Al Ain. The only thing I could offer was the rugby club. And since there was a match Friday, it was perfect. 

While speaking to Chris and Heather, it dawned on me that he thought we were going to watch the Rugby World Cup on television somewhere. When I told him we were actually going to watch rugby live he was excited. 

On the way home from church I stopped to get the kids lunch and do a bit of grocery shopping. Once I was home I puddles around the house, making beds and washing dishes. We left for the club around 3 pm. 

Jack was asked to be the ball boy, which he was a bit nervous about. The other little boy who typically is a ball boy was at a birthday party and wasn't going to be at the game. I'm not sure the 'job' was what he had expected, but he looked cute. 

Millie insisted wearing a hat as well. 

He ran out on the field with the team and sat on the sidelines. One time I looked over and he was laying down with his feet in the air, not even having a clue what was going on with the match. I'm not sure he knew his responsibilities, nor cared. 

A father and his son, both living for rugby at the moment. 

Father Chris and Heather showed up just before 5 pm and stayed until around 8 pm. I think they had a wonderful time. They met a ton of people and all of our friends were very welcoming and kind to them. 

Here they are looking very jovial. They are very nice people. 

Stuart got kicked in the shin at the beginning of the match which caused some limping after the match. Rugby is now in full swing, let the bruises begin. 

We left just after 9 pm. Jack hadn't eaten anything, but Millie ate all her chicken nuggets and French fries, so I was surprised she wanted something to eat when we got home. Normally the kitchen is closed once we get home. But, since Jack didn't even order any food and Millie ate all of her food, Stuart fixed them sandwiches while I hosed them off. While they ate, I showered. Once my shower was finished I came downstairs and found Millie asleep on the sofa. I took her upstairs and put her in bed, then came back for Jack. He went upstairs and by the time I got up there he was nearly asleep. 

I set my alarm to go swim Saturday morning, but woke up with a headache so decided to not swim. Jack and Millie woke up not feeling so hot either, therefore I suspected a bug was coming down on us. The kids just laid around most of the day and didn't really ask to go anywhere, which made me know they were under the weather. It was fine with me because I wasn't 100% either. 

Around 3 pm they decided to go upstairs and build a fort with their duvets and the pillows on the sectional. 

I fixed fish and chips around 4:30 pm and once they had eaten Millie started crying and saying she felt like she was going to throw up. We went into the bathroom but nothing happened. Once she had her night gown on she curled up on my lap and went to sleep. It was 5:15 pm. Exhausted, me thinks!

You can see the sun shining into our lounge. 

Stuart and I rented the movie Spy and chilled for the rest of the evening. It was a great Saturday for sure. 

The week of Eid also brings the death of Sheikh Mohammed's 34 year-old son

Three days of mourning were declared this week because Sheikh Mohammed's son died of a heart attack at the age of 34. This means there is to be no national anthem played at school and the flags fly at half staff. Other than that, it is business as usual. 

Since Gina was still In Al Ain on Sunday, I went into work and then took a half day off to spend time shopping with her. We went to the mall and found some real deals. Gina was looking for some basics as well, as she didn't take many work clothes with her to Saudi. She was under the impression she would have to wear an abaya everyday at school. However, she reports that, because there are no men allowed on the women's side of the school, once the women get into the building, the abayas come off and everyone has on regular work clothes. So needless to say, she had to get some appropriate clothes to go under her abayas. 

After shopping we picked Millie up at her friend Sopie's house. She had gone home with her from school to have a play date. While there she wet her clothes and had to borrow some from Sophie. I suppose accidents are bound to happen. 

After we got Millie we headed to the rugby club to watch USA vs. Samoa in the World Cup. Jack and Stuart were there before we got there. They had a table and USA was getting beat, which wasn't that surprising. Jack had rugby practice and then we decided to stay and eat dinner. 

We got home and before I knew it the kids were in bed and Cathy was at our front door to visit Gina, and have a glass of wine, of course. She stayed and we watched the rest of the New Zealand vs Argentina rugby match. Now that we know how to get the rugby on tv without buying the package, guess what we will be watching for at least the next 6 weeks? Yep, the Rugby World Cup! 

We went to bed shortly after 10 pm. Stuart got up the next morning, fingerprinted in at work, and drove Gina to Abu Dhabi. It was so great to have her in Al Ain for the weekend. She was headed to Budapest, Hungary. Her passport makes me jealous for sure. 

We had about half of our students at school on Monday, which actually kind of surprised me. Some of the classes were able to combine, which meant not all of our teachers had to teach their full periods for the day. Sometimes it's really rough being a teacher here, as you can guess. 

Jack had piano on Monday evening and forgot to do his theory workbook. We attempted to do it on the way to his lesson, but failed to get it done. She just reassigned it for this week. These piano lessons might kill me. 

We stopped at the grocery store on the way back to the house so Jack could get treats for his class for his birthday on Tuesday. Once home, Jack showered and then the kids had dinner. I made a delightful combination of sausage rolls and tater tots. They ate a ton. Stuart left for rugby training and I put the kids to bed. As much as I miss being a part of the rugby team this year, I do love my Monday and Wednesday evening just watching total crap tv shows. 

Tuesday was an exciting day. Jack turned 7 years old. It's hard to believe that 7 years ago he was born. Time is so strange. In his short life he has had more travel opportunities than I had by the time I was 35. These experiences have helped create a wonderful boy who we are so proud of and so excited to see what he accomplishes in the future. 

He got up and immediately wanted to go down and open his presents. After he opened his gifts and had his favorite breakfast, Pilsbury cinnamon rolls, Stuart and I had to leave for work. 

We only had 25 boys and about 35 girls at school on Tuesday. It was meant to be a holiday but the holidays are all based on the moon, so can change by a day or so from time to time. My principal decided to send the kids home at 10 am and the teachers home at 11 am. I love my job!

I left school and went to the mall to check out the price for skating. Jack decided he wanted to invite some friends skating for his birthday party. 

Jack was so excited when he got home. He went straight upstairs to put in his new Wii game we bought him for his birthday. He has been begging for this game since we were given this Wii over a year ago. Imagine his disappointment when we discovered the game didn't work. All we could figure out was that the system was not the same frequency as the Wii game, meaning the system must have come from another country, most likely the UK. Once we were at the club for Jack's rugby practice, one of the dads said he could work it out so Jack could play his game. I didn't ask questions, I just gathered all the things he told me to get and then gave them to him on Friday. With any luck we will be in Wii eutopia in a short while. 

Our initial plan was to go to the new sushi restaurant on Jack's birthday to have dinner. But because all of Jack's friends were staying at the club, he decided he would rather eat dinner at the club, so we did and promised to have sushi the following week. 

Got up Wednesday morning and swam. 

Just sat around the house and did nothing. Went to the club and pool at 4 

Decided to go to Scott and Clare's and have curry while Stuart had rugby training and then stayed at the club to watch one of the Rygby World Cup matches. 

The kids took showers and out their jammies on at the Richardson's. We drove home around 9 pm and both kids were zonked by the time we were on the main road. 

Thursday morning I got up to swim, got to the club, and it wasn't open. Since it was officially Eid, I thought maybe they decided not to open until later. Instead Clare came over for a cup of tea. 

We went to Wadi Adventure, a wave pool with climbing structures and white water rafting. We were thinking it was a good idea, but it turns out that everyone thought it was a good idea. We opted out of Wadi Adventure and decided to go to the rugby club. I got to swim after all, and I swam a mile, 1600 meters. Yahoo for me! Clare and I signed up for a 1600 meter swim in Novemeber in Dubai. I thought maybe I should actually see if I was able to swim that far.

After I swam, we hung out for about another hour, then headed back to the Richardson's  for pizza and wing, and yes, another rugby match. This time the match was a replay of the biggest upset in forever, the Japan vs South Africa match. 

I woke up Friday morning with a horrible feeling in my shoulder. It felt as if I had pulled something in my shoulder. Because of this horrible feeling, I decided to skip the swim on Friday. Instead I did our grocery shop for the week, which I really dislike. 

Stuart left for his rugby match in Dubai around 2 pm. I made cupcakes for Jack's birthday party the following morning, and stuffed monkey bread for a 'Favorite Things' party my friend DeDe was throwing that evening. 

I took the kids early to DeDe's because her husband, Criag, was going to take their three children and our two to see a movie while we shared our 'Favorite Things' with 8 other women. This party was so much fun. She had one in the summer time and decided that she would do it again this fall. The premise of the party is to buy 6 items that are exactly alike, representing your 'favorite things'. Then you wrap them and bring a food dish to share at the party. Everyone writes their names on 6 cards. All cards go into a basket, with each participant picking out 6 different names. This part can be tricky and sometimes he last person who picks can have doubled names so there has to be some switching around. When everyone has their six names we take turns giving out our 'favorite things'. We get up and tell why it is our 'favorite thig' and then call the names we have and give them one of the gifts. I thought I was so clever. I brought back the EOS lip balm, that I love, from Arizona. I was the third person to present, and he third person who thought I was so clever. The two before me also bought a form of the lip balm. It was so funny. The gifts are not to be more than $10, but sometimes people don't stick to that. I also put in a large bag of Reese's peanut butter miniatures. 

I received a decal that you see above he kids' pictures in the photo below, a pecan praline from Texas, and a sharpie marker in my first gift. The second gift was a paper mache camel that was left on a counter in Umm Al Quain, where one of the gals lives. I assume we will get these soon. The third gift was a pedicure voucher and a EOS lip balm. The fourth gift was an insulated lunch bag with two reusable containers inside, as well as a miniature sheesha ornament. The fifth gift was a car freshener from Bath and Body Works; sweet pea, my favorite scent. The last gift was a hand sewn satchel used for wet items, such as a swimsuit. Mine had a paisley design on it. Such fun! Sherry Bollard and Sue Tharlson, I could see the two of you getting into such a party. 

The decal I got as one of my gifts. 

The party ended and the kids came back. We headed home for showers and bed. Stuart got home just after 10 pm. His team had lost, which is nothing new, but he said they looked better. He's still happy to be involved and playing. 

Friday morning we were up early, rushing about for Jack's birthday party. We left to pick kids up around 9:30 am. Prior to that Jack was talking about his party bags and how excited he was to get the little Yoda we had bought for them. The crushing blow was when I informed him that because he wanted to invite other boys after I had purchased those items, he wasn't getting a goodie bag. He cried! I felt so bad, but since I bought the goodie bag items in Arizona, there was no place to find the little Yoda in the UAE. He got over it by the time the party rolled around, thank goodness. 

We got to the skating rink just after 10 am. Thank goodness so many parents showed up because we needed the help tying skates. Yikes! They skated for about an hour and a half through blisters and cold hands from their falls. Of course we were the only parents who didn't send our kids in long pants. 

The selfie of the helpers; the Richardson's right next to us, and the O'Reillys on the far right side. 

Thank goodness they had the 'walkers' for skaters like Millie. 

Falling was very painful for Jack because he always landed on his hands, which was cold. 

The entire crew of invited guests. 

After skating we went to the food court and had a nutritious lunch of McDonalds. All in all, the party was a success and now we are finished with birthday celebrations until next year. 

Once all the kids were delivered home, we headed back to our house. Jack played with some of his new gifts and I decided to go for a swim. Saturday evening the Richardson's came over for dinner. We made nachos, the kids played, we watched rugby and had a lovely evening with some wonderful friends. 

The Richardsons left just before 8 pm, but not before the kids all had showers. It's become a habit for all of us. If we are at their house into the evening we have our kids shower before we go home, and vice versa, so that if they fall asleep before we get home, it's no big deal. 

The kids went to bed, Stuart stayed up to watch rugby, and I fell asleep on the sofa.    I finally got up just before 10 pm and headed to bed. We had a great Eid holiday.  

The week before Eid

We have one week of school and then maybe two days of school, but then again, depending on the moon sighting, it may be three days of school. 

We started our baseline assessments this week. Since we are down one teacher I get the privilege of giving the tests to a grade 2 class of girls. Super painful!

School is starting to really shape up compared to last year. Or maybe I'm just getting used to the chaos. It may be a combination of both I suppose. 

Sunday evening Jack had rugby practice and Millie did cartwheels on the pitch while I swam my 50 laps. I have to lose this weight fast because my knee is getting worse, sadly. Sunday night it must have cracked/popped 6 or 7 times. I don't think that's good. It aches and makes me feel super old. So project 'lose my fat ass' is in full force. 

Our routines at home are about the same each week, now, except Jack has received more homework this year. Am I the only one who thinks homework is stupid?  I know as an educator I shouldn't feel this way, but I do. It's busy work, too often, and doesn't really do anything but instill discipline to get it done. At any rate, we are do bees and get it done. He is on Level J in the A to Z reading program, which thrills me. Now if he would just pick up a book and read voluntarily. Fortunate for us, all his friends who are older than he is, like Henry and Oscar, read books like The Hobbit, and it makes Jack want to read like they do. I love nerdy influences. 

Monday after school Jack had piano lessons. When we got there the teacher told us that they were starting the Little Mozart program for some students to be taught in a group setting. I asked her if she thought it would be a good place for him. She said sometimes boys are better off in a group class because they are not as bored. She said he has been learning a little slower than normal. Um, hang on! He has had 2 lessons and now knows the nes of all the keys on the piano, can play 4 songs in his book and knows what a quarter, half and whole note are. Really? Damn musicians! Think if Beethoven doesn't step into their rehearsal hall, they need a sped class for him. I did, however, check into it, even though I was a bit insulted, and the class is on Tuesdays at 5 pm. Um, so is rugby. Now way that boy is giving up rugby for piano lessons. So, we will be the family with the boy who wasn't quite good enough after 2 weeks of lessons. Oh well!

Prior to the beginning of lessons I asked Jack if he would like to take lessons with other kids. After the lesson we got in the car and I told Jack I had found out that the group lesson was on a Tuesday and that would conflict with rugby. So the group lesson wasn't an option after all. Here was our conversation:

Jack: Mama, which lesson should I go to? Should I be in a small group or on my own?

Me: well, what do you think?

Jack: I wish I could see what the group lesson was like, but I do think I would have more trouble concentrating with other kids playing the same time as me. So I think just lessons by myself are better. I think I will learn more. 

Settled!

Tuesday I took care of the same grade 2 class as Monday.  I administered more of their baseline assessment tests. This has to be the most frustrating task I have had this year. The test is visually not pleasing, plus the girls vary in abilities. However, the grading is easy at the first of the year because the knowledge is minimal. 

I rushed around after third period to finish up tasks in order to head out, yet again, to another meeting. Stuart had to go to the meeting as well, but he had the entire day off. The meeting was about formal assessments. The lady who delivered the information simply read the PowerPoint that we will be sent just after this meeting. Why is it that a meeting is called and is considered very important, yet the delivery is something I could do without another individual? Ugh! It did get me out of school, but at this time of the year it is better for me to get things done at school in order to make it easier for my teachers. 

After our yawner of a meeting, we headed to the grocery store but were diverted by a call from the kids' driver (and our friend) Andrew. He was having difficulty with his other driver and needed us to pick up the kids. So the grocery trip was delayed until we had kids in tow. The grocery store is way more pleasant without them, but you do what you have to do. 

Once we were home we got ready for Jack's rugby practice. We did our normal Tuesday night thing; I swam, Millie terrorized on of the other rugby player's sister, and Stuart and Jack were busy on the pitch. As we always do, at the end of every rugby practice, we let the kids play on the field and play structure. Just as we were about to leave I saw, from afar, Jack tumble, head first, off the play structure. He fell about 5 feet. He came up crying as Stuart rushed toward the playground. Scott happened to be there and got to him first. Once I got there he really boo hooed. He was covered in sand and his head had a little popped out bump just above his temple. We asked him if he was dizzy or felt size, and he said 'no'. I think the sand below the structure was soft enough to keep him a bit safer, but falling head first is never good. 

Here is what it looked like Wednesday morning. You can see the scuff just above his temple. Jack also pointed out that on his face you can see the sheet marks from his bed sheets. Ha! He seemed totally fine Wednesday morning, although he slept later than Millie did. 

Once the kids were fed and had brushed their teeth, we went to pick up Kayleigh. I had decided I would let my boss know I would be late Wednesday and Thursday mornings in order to help out Andrew. After talking with Kayleigh on the way to school, we have about decided it would be cheaper for us to have the kids take a cab with Kayleigh to school and then we would pick them up most days. We are going to give things another week and then decide. 

Once I dropped the kids off I headed to school. It took me about 30 minutes longer because of traffic. So glad I don't have to take the kids everyday. 

Once at school I was bombarded by one thing or another. No matter what country you are in you have your stereotypical teachers. You have a know-it-all, a lazy one, a high maintenance one (or three, in our case), a whiner, a bossy one, a faker, and several run-of-the-mill teachers who just get on with their jobs. Just like in a classroom of students, you end up giving more attention to these 'types' than you feel is fair. And the 'normal' ones get slighted just a bit. 

Once I was home I sat down for a bit before it was time for dance class. Millie was laying on the sofa half asleep when it was time to go. But by golly, we paid for these lessons so we are going even if she is tired. 

Cathy came over for a chat in the evening. Stuart had gone to rugby so we just caught up on our latest school issues and challenges. 

Because rugby is at 7 pm and Stuart doesn't want to chuck up his supper on the pitch, we typically don't eat until he is back from rugby. We usually do something simple. But for some reason I felt the need for honey mustard chicken, green beans and boiled potatoes, all of which take special timing In order to have them ready at relatively the same time. Dinner was not made until after 9. It was a late eating time, but oh so yummy. Cathy didn't leave until after 10 pm, which is the marking of an excellent evening. 

Thursday at school all of our extra materials were finally picked up by another school who had arranged their own truck to pick up the boxes. There must have been at least 100 boxes all full of materials they needed the first week of school. Some of those things had been in our school for well over 8 months. There are so many materials given to some schools and some get totally slighted. I don't think it's pirposeful, I think it's the lack of organization and awareness. I pretty much worked with the guys taking the boxes away, all afternoon. And they were going to have to come back Sunday to get the remaining box. 

Once I was home from school, the Rouvis popped over for a cuppa. She brought snacks, like she always does, and we had a good catch up. 

That evening we went to a party at Sean's, the captain of Stuart's rugby team and the chairman of the rugby club.  He had just moved three days prior and decided to have a housewarming. Makes sense!  More wives showed up to this particular party, so there were people I actually knew. We stayed until just after 11 pm. I was so thankful I have showered the kids before we went to the party. So of course, all jammied up on the way home, the kids fell sound asleep within about 2 minute of being in the car. That's all well and good until you consider that someone has to carry Jack up to his room.

Stuart's old Educational Advisor, Leanne, is Stuart's coach's wife. What a great party!

Friday morning I got to the club and had a swim. Clare met me there and swam as well. She swims rather quickly and laps me on a regular basis. Once I had completed my 50 laps I headed home to get ready for church. 

Millie wore the dress May gave her for her birthday. Doesn't she look thrilled?

Once the sermon was over we took communion. Jack asked about why he didn't get to taking communion. I told him that communion was for people who had made a decision to invite Jesus into their heart and to do their best, with God's help, to live for Him. I told him the bread represented Jesus's body which he gave for us and the wine represented His blood that he shed for our sins. Then Jack said, 'So can I have it when I'm 7?' I said, 'Well, when you know that you have invited Jesus to live in your heart, that's when you can take communion'. He replied, without missing a beat, 'Oh, I've already done that.' So without much hesitation I said, 'Well, then, when you turn 7, I guess you can take communion. I thought he was going to jump out of his seat. When Stuart and I discussed it later I stated that there was no way we could be the judge of whether he had or hadn't invited Jesus to live in his heart. We would just have to believe and trust that he had. He seemed to totally understand everything I said. Since his birthday is next Tuesday, I guess next Friday will be his big day at church. 

After church we went to the mall for lunch and grocery shopping. We then spent the rest of the afternoon at home. We really did a whole lot of nothing on Friday. The kids had an early night and Stuart and I ate a late supper and then he retired to bed. But me? Well it seems that a new series has caught my attention. So I may have stayed up until after 4 am watching it, only to get up Saturday morning at 7 am to make cream cheese chocolate monkey bread for Stuart to take to Scott's for beakfast. 

Stuart and Scott had decided they would not watch the England rugby World

Cup match late Friday night, but instead would have a breakfast together with the boys and watch the recorded version.  All this while Millie and I met Gina at IKEA in Abu Dhabi. 

Yummy monkey bread!

Gina had flown in from Saudi on Friday afternoon, stayed in Abu Dhabi Friday night and hen caught a ride from my old vice principal who is also a friend of Gina's. Her name is Rania and I know I have mentioned her before. 

We shopped at IKEA. Luckily I knew I had some things I needed to buy and they had most of the items. We were going to have lunch there but instead we just got Millie a cup of ice cream before heading to Ace Hardware, just next door. I had to return some things for Stuart so he could install our top load washer and sell our front load washer so I can get a dish washer. It's all very complicated. And naturally if your husband takes a picture of the item that needs a bolt or fixture of some sort, it would only make good sense to show that picture to someone who works in Ace Hardware. Or you could just act like you know what you're doing, not show the picture, and get the completely wrong thing to help with the instillation. I did the latter, which clearly was not the right decision. 

Once we were home the kids bathed, we all had a beautiful lasagna with a Greek salad and new potatoes which Gina and I both gave Stuart crap for. Who serves potatoes with lasagna? Apparently the Brits do!

It was great to see Gina and spend time with her. We have three days of school and then a four day weekend next week. Such fun!

3 days of mourning for the country

We were informed that Sunday, Monday and Tuesday would be days of mourning for the Emirati martyrs who died in Yemen. Our assemblies started with letting the kids know what had happened and how we would honor these soldiers. I didn't understand a word said, but could tell there was a somber attitude about the day. Stuart said the same about his school's approach to it. 

School was school, and I continue to be worn out at the end of the day. Hopefully they will hire another Head of Faculty and a Vice Principal soon. That will help me for sure. 

Sunday Jack started rugby training. Both kids were on the pitch, although Millie was only watching. Stuart was coach, and I went for a swim. I swam 50 laps in 48 minutes. I swam without stopping at all. Yahoo! I am kind of liking the swimming thing. If only I were swimming in a more suitable pool. The rugby club pool is really intended for play and not laps. The guy swimming in the lane next to me was so fast that he created a tidal wave of sorts. I have decided after last night's swim I am ready to swim in the middle of the Atlantic. 

I joined the rest of the family on the pitch, and then it was time to go home. Once home the kids showered and Stuart got dinner for them. Rugby nights lend themselves to a dinner of convenience. Jack had two eggs and Millie had a hotdog and green beans. Both kids then enjoyed some watermelon and then it was off to bed, but not until their books were read. I do love that they both want to be read to just before bed. 

Monday I started to feel as if I was getting a handle on my job. I felt as if I could breathe a little more. 

Jack had piano lessons and since we have meetings on Mondays until 3 pm, I had to call and have Stuart make sure he was ready so I could pick him up and take him to piano. Meleane, my new teacher, is still catching a lift from me. So since dropping her off at her hotel is on the way to the House of Arts, it only made sense to pick up Jack on my way through. He wasn't as thrilled. He got in the car and started complaining about not having a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. He carried on as if he had lost his best friend. My goodness, when will that ever stop?

Piano lessons were good, according to Jack. He learned to play with his left and right hand, as well as being able to count the beats. 

Once home both kids bathed, ate a to of fish and chips, and Jack actually had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich too. Can you tell he loves peanut butter?

Stuart headed to rugby practice while I read books to the kids and tucked them in for the night. 

After tucking them in, I decided to watch one of the last two episodes of Bachelor in Paradise. What a train wreck! I then turned to the Housewives of Orange County. There's so much more class in that show......Not! I fell asleep before Stuart even got home, around 9 pm. I stayed on the couch until almost midnight, then got up and showered for bed. 

Tuesday was a mentally exhausting day. I'm not exactly sure when the madness will slow down, but I know the strides we are making with the behavioral management in our school will be worth the tiredness I feel at this point. Our new intervention room, proposed by me, had its second guest on Tuesday. It seems that fighting is our favorite thing to do at my school. We had a boy at the end of the day who got into a fight and then wouldn't come to anyone. He kept running away from every adult who approached him. In the end, the social worker wrote his mother a letter and requested she come in and meet with us. 

Even though school wore me out, I still went and swam 1250 meters. After I was finished I was glad that I had done it, but in the middle of it I'm not always a fan. 

Jack had a meltdown as we were leaving the rugby club. He was standing outside of the club and wouldn't come to the car. Stuart started the car, backed up, rolled down the window and asked Jack if he was going to come with us. He shook his head 'no', so Stuart pulled away. We made a circle around and Jack was running after us and crying. I opened the door and he jumped in the car. When will he ever get to a point where he just complies and leaves when it's time to leave, without all the fuss? I love Jack and Millie so much, but often know I am not doing something right. Help!

Once we were home we went into our 'get ready for bed' mode and Stuart fixed the kids dinner. Jack showered and I bathed Millie. Hot dogs and green beans seemed to do the trick. As I put the kids to bed that night I reassured him that we would have never really left him at the club. I also told him I wanted him to start working on dealing with the fact that the fun he has must come to an end each day and new fun will start the next day. He seemed to understand. 

Wednesday morning I went into the classroom of the boy who had been in a fight the previous day. I told him to come with me to the intervention room. He complied. But an hour later he just bolted out of the room. He ended up going back to his classroom. Some thought since he was fine I there then he should be okay to be in class. This thought nearly caused me a mental breakdown. The principal agreed with me, and in the end he was removed from the classroom. He had another altercation on the bus which required a meeting with his mom on Thursday. The perimeters we are placing on these students are a long time coming, and refreshing for me to see them working. Overall the behavior is much better this year. 

Stuart had an interview for a position at the district office in the English Medium Teacher support department. He felt like it went well. It would be a lateral move, which may not be that advantageous at this time. He will make a decision when and if he needs to do so. Until then he is just flattered that they sought him out and asked if he would be interested in applying. 

Millie had dance again on Wednesday and loved it. Prior to dance she was having a snack and playing Stuart's iPad. I know it's a random picture, but she looked so serious and grown up. 

After dance, I did what every Mother of the Tear did and fed her a Nutella sandwich on the way home. She still ate a few fries after her bath, but I was afraid she would fall asleep on the journey if she didn't have food. 

Jack ate 12 sausage rolls for dinner. We really can't seem to feed him enough these days. He's growing like a weed. The size 2 rugby boots we bought him while we were home this summer are already too small for him. Good thing we bought a pair the next size up as well. 

Thursday brought about a little bit of a reprieve for me at work. I actually sat at my desk and got some clerical things taken care of. It was nice, and surreal, all at the same time. I really am just waiting for the chaos to ensue. I hope I am waiting all year and it never happens. 

We did our Thursday night grocery shop to get it out of the way for the weekend. While we were shopping Kayleigh messaged and said she needed to take to me about the before and after school care of Jack and Millie. Kayleigh just returned from the UK and the kids were so excited. In the meantime we have been taking the kids to a neighbors to watch them in the mornings and then we have hurried home in the afternoons to meet them. This week we both start our professional development days, so we won't be home until after 3 pm on two days of the week. We didn't worry about it much because we knew Kayleigh would be back. 

Once we returned from the grocery store, Stuart dropped me off at Cathy's to speak with Kayleigh. Is seems that Sunflower School, where the kids go to school, has offered for her to work there again this year. The principal last year worked around us so that Kayleigh could work at the school as well. Kayleigh would ride to and from school with the kids and then just stay to work. 

There was a change in administration and no one knows the entire story. The new principal, who used to be a professional development provider with Abu Dhabi Education Council, told her that she could either work 7 am to 3 pm, or just work a half day, even though she told him of her commitment to us and that we were a Sunflower family. The second reason I am not a fan of this new principal. When I met to Meet the Teacher, I may have already harped on this, I never even saw the new principal and I was there for at least 45 minutes. His office door was closed the entire time. Now, I understand meeting with parents, but on a day where all parents are coming to school and you are the brand new principal, you should not be having private meetings with parents. That's the Principalship 101. And now that he won't be flexible with Kayleigh, I am less impressed than I already was. The best part is that the school is 4 teacher assistants short and he's acting so inflexible? Silly man! Plus, no expat works 8 hours a day. 

Cathy ended up emailing him as if she were Kayleigh, and asked what her salary would be if she worked from 8 am to 2 pm. Basically, not asking but telling him what she was willing to do. As of Thursday night there was no response, so we may be in a quandary come Sunday. 

Thursday evening we went to Fechin and Gemma's for dinner. They no longer work for ADEC. They took jobs at a private school over the summer. They say they are working a lot harder, but they seem to be happy. We always have so much fun with them. I had bathed the kids before we went to their house so when Millie fell asleep just after 8, on their sofa, it didn't really bother me. 

Friday morning I set my alarm for my 50 lap swim. It's getting easier but my knee is starting to ache more. Boo! After swimming I went home and showered. We all just lounged around the house until it was time for Stuart to go to his rugby match. The kids and I headed to the pool while he was taped, or whatever they do two hours before the match. Just before 5 pm we went over to the pitches and watched the women play for a bit. I had brought the kids sandwiches because on really busy nights the rugby club kitchen is super slow. So, although we are really not supposed to have outside food there, I broke the rules. 

We met up with the Turners, Richardson's, Davisons and one of Cathy's friends, Mandy, or as Jack refers to them 'the gang'. It seemed that beers might have been flowing a little more than normal. By the time Stuart played I wasn't watching the pitch. Oops! He even got kicked in the face and had to go off until his nose stopped bleeding. I didn't know this until after the match. 

About beer two there were clouds over head and I felt a 'drop'. As I also felt beer slash out of my cup, I discovered that the 'drop' was a bird pooping on my head, which then splashed into my beer. I insisted the manager replace my beer with a full one, and he did. We all get a bit laugh out of it because of course I just carried on as if it were the most appalling thing that had ever happened to me. 

I didn't even notice the blood on his jersey until he got closer to me. 

Showered and waiting for the presentation of the man of the match. 

We ended up getting a ride home with Andrew Rouvi. He just lives down the road from us and didn't mind at all. Saturday morning I got up to skype with Grammie and Pop. Needless to say I was feeling a bit rough, which my mother pointed out. She somewhat bought the 'I went to bed really late last night' line. But she suspected another culprit, which I will neither confirm nor deny. I just confirmed, didn't I?

We went to a new restaurant called Steak and Bake. It is owned by one of the husbands of a teacher that came in our group two years ago. His food is tasty. I thought it was a bit overpriced for a buffet, but their dinner menu looked fantastic. The ambiance was nice. It has a bit of a jazz theme. They played jazz music and there were all expats in at the time we were there. 

Clare needed to get some work done, so Scott and the kids spent the day at our house. We had a drop in from the Rouvis and later in the day Cathy, Mandy and the girls came over for dinner. Stuart cooked a meal for 12. It was awesome! We had a weekend full of friends and fun. 

At one point in the afternoon the kids screamed and ran outside saying, 'it's raining', which is the picture where it is clearly not raining. There may have been 3 sprinkles. 

Then 5 minutes later they came back in to announce 'this time it really IS raining'. At least this time I could actually see some rain drops on the pavement. 

Another wonderful week in the UAE, and it's actually not eye ball burning hot anymore.