Week 2 and now I'm bored!

Sunday I decided I knew best and should try to eat some applesauce with a scoop of protein powder mixed in. Big mistake! After stomach cramps were over, I stuck to liquids the rest of the day. 

I felt up to going to the grocery store just up the street. I got some icing to go on some graham crackers so the kids might eat them. The pack of graham crackers I bought was huge. However, as often happens, the kids didn't like them. So I decided to make little graham cookies with icing. I hate wasting food. Once I was home I made some of the little sandwich cookies and waited for the kids to get home from school and try them. Once they were home I was so excited to show them what I'd done. Millie loved them, and Jack was polite, saying, 'Thank you for making these, but I don't like them.' I still can't understand how he came from me and doesn't like every type of sugar. It's a mystery!

Sunday night we went to Jack's rugby practice. I just sat inside the club, because it was unseasonably chilly, and waited for the kids to finish. I was wiped out when we got home. I had ordered food to go from the club for the kids. They showered, ate and then headed to bed. 

Monday I woke up, having slept in my own bed for the first time in over a week. Sadly, I hadn't had good rest. Laying flat when you've had any kind of stomach surgery is really difficult. Stuart had the same issue when he had his hernia surgery. I suppose time will heal. 

I really just laid around all day. Once Stuart and the kids were home and I had been frustrated by Jack's homework, I headed to the hospital to get my stitches out. I no longer have to make an appointment. I now just walk to his office and wait. It has to do with paying a co-pay. Apparently if I check in at the reception desk they will make me pay a co-pay, which he insists was included in the price of the surgery, which is fine by me. His bedside manner is horrible and getting the stitches out was not pleasant. But they are out now and that's just one step closer to healing. 

I got home in time for Stuart to go to rugby. He didn't train, but it was February 1st and since he drank no beer in the month of January he decided he needed to have his first beer of the year. He's so funny!  

The kids were in bed shortly after Stuart left for the club, and I was asleep on the sofa not long after that. 

I got up and had a shower on Tuesday morning. I was determined that was the day I was finished being down. I washed the blankets and sheet on the sofa, put the cushions back where they belonged, help make the kids' lunches.....and I was exhausted. I still spent the day on the sofa, but didn't feel as guilty because at least it no longer looked like a bed. 

Rugby training on Tuesday evening was a little more tolerable for me. It wasn't quite as cold as it had been on Sunday, and I sat outside and chatted with some other moms. Millie actually got to play with the youngest team. The coach for that team is one of the guys who drives the kids to school and he just loves Millie. She enjoys the run around which is great. 

Wednesday morning I decided I would go to the grocery store and do our big weekly shopping. Prior to that I went to see the dietician. I was supposed to see her the night I got my stitches out, but she wasn't at the hospital. She was very informative and very nice. She just told me what I was doing so far was right and then she gave me information of what to do from this point forward. I am well on my way to a healthier me. 

After I left the hospital I headed to the ADEC main office to see if I could get my new health card that I was supposed to receive January 1. Each January this happens and each year no one does anything to change it. Welcome to the UAE. They didn't have my card, but printed it while I waited. It was relatively painless, but a pain in the butt all the same. 

I then pressed on to the grocery store. I walked around and gathered food for about 30 minutes, then I had to go and check out even though I didn't get everything I needed. I was wearing out. Once I was home and unpacked, Cathy came around for a chat. She was off from school because she was having some feet problems. She just loves across the street so she popped over. 

Once the kids were home and Jack had finished his homework as well as practiced his piano, we were off for piano lessons. He hasn't really been practicing like I think he should, but his teacher seems to be pleased with his progress so who am I to criticize? Stuart had a meeting after school so Millie had to go with Jack and me to piano lessons. Joy! She was actually pretty quiet so there was no problem there. 

Once we were home, the kids got clean and we waited for Daddy to get home with KFC, nutrition at its finest. Once the kids had eaten they watched a bit of television and then headed to bed. Stuart was off to rugby and I was perched up on the sofa for the evening. I do kind of love my Mondays and Wednesdays where I can watch whatever I want on the tellie. It's brainless activity for me. 

On Thursday Stuart was home from school just before 11 am and we headed to put Jack and Millie on a waiting list at the two top schools in Al Ain. Although they are twice as expensive as what we pay now, it's time. Where they go now, Sunflower School, has been great. However, this year there has been a change in administration and the family feel it used to have doesn't really exist any more. It's just changed too much for us. 

We were impressed by both schools. However, one stood at as more our style than the other one. Both follow the British curriculum, but one of the schools is just a bit too uppity for us. We are not the type of people who need to be seen as the 'best' because we send our kids to the most elite school in town. Both schools provide a quality education, with one being a bit more down to earth, and more our speed. However, we registered the kids in both schools and will see what happens. 

We also inquired about positions at both schools. We are going to send our resumes in and see what happens. We speculate the salaries would not make up for the two free school fees we would get, but we shall see. 

Once the kids were home we headed to the industrial district to pick up the Land Rover. Stuart has had it in the shop for about two weeks now. He had a ton of work done on it and it cost him about $600. Everything really is cheap over here. It's working like new and ready to head back out to the desert. Hopefully we will get a few more runs in before it gets too hot. 

Stuart went to a rugby party. The kids and I sat and looked at pictures on the computer. 

Friday morning we got up and headed to Abu Dhabi to see Gina. 

We stayed at Rania's for almost 6 hours. 

I showered the kids before we left Rania's house and that way when Millie fell asleep it wasn't a big deal. In fact, that's my favorite thing. 

Once home and the kids were in bed, we sat down for an episode of X Files. We have one more season and then we can start the new episodes that just came out. It doesn't take much to excite us. 

Saturday we decided we would go to Brighton College's Spring Fayre. This is one of the schools we are considering for the kids next year. It provides the finest education in this city, but it is super pricey. So our options are to either get a job at the school in order to get two free school fees or to get some sort of scholarship. We sent our resumes to the lady in admissions and are hoping for some result. Stay tuned. 

The Fayre was a type of school carnival. The kids enjoyed seeing the school and jumping on the trampoline. They ate lunch there and then we headed to Scott and Clare's for a bit. 

Once we were home we just watched some television and chilled out. The kids were in bed early and I fell asleep on the sofa as we were watching the Scotland/England rugby match. I finally staggered up to bed for a decent night's rest before returning to work the next day. 

The two weeks has been nice but I'm bored and ready to out and about now. 

Post surgery and beyond

I still had restless sleep on Sunday. The lady next door to me sounded as if she were dying. She had the exact same surgery but really sounded as if she were throwing up four times harder than me. She was SO loud. She also groaned and moaned until I wanted to go in and crank up her pain meds. It was obnoxious! I found out at my doctor's visit that she had not informed her husband she was having the surgery and was made at the doctor because their were incision marks. He said she was a bit psychotic.  

I progressively got better during the day, but started vomiting early Sunday morning. It seems the excess gas was causing the issues. Lovely side effect, hey? I also had an X-ray Sunday morning that showed whether the stomach had been cut correctly and the digestive track was running as normal. Well, of course, in order to see this on an X-ray you must drink a die that coats your digestive track. Needless to say, once I was back in my room, that die came back for a visit. The doctor came in early afternoon to tell me everything went well. He handed me his phone and had me call Stuart. Right as he was getting ready to take my drain out he suggested I hang up. Yep, that's nothing Stuart would have wanted to listen to. The drain being removed, as you would guess, made me barf. I was really over the barfing thing by then. Thank goodness it subsided after that. 

I was home and resting around midday on Monday morning. The kids got home from school and I brought them over to the sofa to talk to me. I said, 'I have something to tell you guys.'  Jack piped in and said, 'Did you bring us something?'  I guess I really didn't have anything to worry about after all. He was only worried about the gifts I brought them. I said, 'Yes, but first I need to tell you about what I did when I was away. I know I told you I went to Abu Dhabi, but what I didn't tell you was while I was gone I had a procedure that is going to make me healthier. I need to be healthier to be a better Mama.' Jack just looked at me and said, 'Ok, where are our presents?'  Done! 

Stuart didn't go to rugby Monday night. He stayed home to take care of me and the kids. I can only imagine he was super exhausted. Although he bargained for the surgery part, he had no idea that the three days prior I would be laid up with severe back spasms. Poor guy!

Tuesday was a lot of gas and sips of water. I was supposed to go to the doctor at 4 pm so we arranged for the kids to go to the club with Andrew and he came to pick them up at 3:45 pm. The doctor wasn't there when we get there and I was told my insurance card wasn't good any more. I called him and he said to come between 8 pm and 9 pm. He kind of runs his practice like a mom and pop shop; come when you like and then enjoy the company around you. I'll get to you when I can. However, in spite of this I like the guy. 

Cathy took me back to the doctor at 8 pm. The kids were in bed and Stuart was able to just relax. We waited for about 45 minutes and then went straight in. He informed me that the money I paid for the surgery covered every appointment with him from then on so there was never a need to go to reception again, I could just come straight back to his office when I got the the hospital. I asked him about pain meds and he said, 'You in a lot of pain?' I said, 'No, not really.' He said, 'Then Tylenol is good enough for you. No need to take meds you don't need.'  He took off my bandages and said he would see me on Sunday to take out the stitches. Easy enough. 

When we walked out of his office, as I was waiting for my sick note, there were some local ladies sitting in the office. They asked me about the surgery and asked me if I was happy. I told them I thought I was going to be. They said, 'Good luck, miss.' I really do love it when I can relate to the locals. 

Wednesday morning I woke up and my stomach was on fire. In all fairness I had not had many calories for an entire week. So I got up at 4 am and mixed up some pediasure, which was what he told me I could have. I sipped on the entire 8 ounces for about 2 hours and the pain started to subside within the initial sip. Clearly one is not meant to go entirely without food. 

I really just slept and watched television most of the day. I took a shower and that nearly did me in. Once the kids were home I helped Jack with some of his homework before Stuart ran him to piano lessons. Stuart really has stepped up and played a good Mr. Mom this last week. While Stuart took Jack to piano lessons, I asked Kayleigh to come over and bathe Millie. Because Stuart had dinner to sort out for the kids and then out them to bed before he left for rugby, we felt that would help save some time. Stuart's back thanked her. 

Once the kids were sorted in bed, Stuart left for rugby. I washed some more trash tv and then fell asleep shortly after he got home from the club. I slept on the sofa again because being propped up was still   A more comfortable way to sleep. 

I woke up Thursday morning and Stuart  decided to stay home with me. It was a nice treat. We watched X File reruns in preparation for the new series. We have 2 seasons left and we will be ready for the new ones. My gas totally disappeared and I got a little cocky. I decided I would go to the do the grocery shopping with Stuart and the kids. Well, I may have over stepped my limits. The trip was about 2 hours log because we fed the kids at KFC afterwards. By the time we got home at 6 pm, I just put my jammies on and got on the sofa. Woah! What a shopping trip that was. 

Friday morning we were up and to the club for weigh in at 9 am, then it was back home for breakfast and some rest. Stuart left for the club around 11:30 am and the kids and I waited for a ride from Clare around 2 pm. We got to the club just before 3 pm to watch Stuart's match. I was going to take a chair because they were playing on the new pitch, farthest away from the club. However, in the end I decided that sitting in a chair that is flimsy was worse than standing. 

During the match I started to feel a little strain from my stomach. I pushed my forearm into my side and it relieved some of the pressure. After the match I got the kids something to eat, and Stuart ate as well. He had hurt his elbow and we were all ready to go home just after 6 pm. 

Once we were home I threw both kids in the shower and Jack actually helped Millie wash her hair and get cleaned. With me in my post op state and Stuart not being able to lift his right arm, it seemed the only option was for Jack to help her. 

The kids watched a movie in our bed and Millie fell asleep. Jack was still awake just before 10 pm when Stuart went to sleep. I was still calling the sofa my bed because of the incline I still needed. Hopefully I won't be there much longer. 

I went to have 'coffee' with my friend DeDe on Saturday morning while Stuart and the kids went to the grocery store. When I got home we literally laid on the sofa the rest of the day. The kids had friends over to play while Stuart and I watched movies. It was great. 

I apologize for the bottom this blog is surely to show this week and next, but as I recover the fun will return!

 

A week of hospitals for Mama

Sunday was rugby. I was going to swim but my back and shoulder had been hurting so I couldn't. I ordered French fries at the bar for Millie and ate half of them. Oops!

We got an email at school to let us know we would have an inspection this school year. Well, we already knew that but have heard that when you get this particular email it means inspection is right around the corner. We have failed the last two years mainly because of student supervision and instruction. Uh, aren't those the main things?  At any rate, we have made great improvements and are hopeful for a better score this year. After school I took Millie to have a mani/pedi. She loved it until they were finished with her. She then started to ask when we were going home. She just chatted and made up stories the rest of the time. She used some of the pillows on the benches and acted as if they were her babies. She could play for hours on her own. She talks the entire time and doesn't ask for any response. In fact, sometimes she acts disqusted when I 'interrupt' her by making comment about her babies. 

Once home from the mani/pedis it was dinner and bed for the kids and Stuart went off to rugby practice. My back was not much better than the day before so it was an early night for me as well. 

Tuesday I woke up and my back was a mess. I always have the pain in the lower left part of my back. I still think this stems from when I was thrown off a horse at camp in my late teens. It gets tweaked every six months or so, but this time was the worst it's ever been. 

By the time I got home I had developed muscle cramps. They were so bad that I would compare them to labor contractions. The one that debilitated me was when I was going to the bathroom. It's a lovely story, as you can guess. I pulled down my pants and my back started to spasm. I could do nothing but pee. Lovely! And not humiliating at all. I screamed with so much pain that Millie started crying. 

I made my way into the guest bedroom to lay on the bed. I was so uncomfortable and the cramps were taking my breath away. I ended up on the floor and didn't really consider how I would get up. I took a muscle relaxer and thought I would be able to get up soon after.  Even 45 minutes after the pill I was spasming as much as before the pill. Because I didn't want the kids at the hospital and Stuart and Jack had rugby practice anyway, Stuart called me a cab and off I went to the hospital. 

I had warned the cab driver that I would probably scream at some point in the ride, and I didn't disappoint. Once I was at the hospital I got out of the cab. I had two extreme episodes before I even reached the reception desk. It was horrendous. An orderly finally came over with a wheel chair, took my health card, and then wheeled me back into emergency. I sat waiting for what seemed like hours, but was probably more like 20 minutes. Once I was called into the doctor's area I told him my story. He said he would give me a shot and then send me to X-rays to make sure there wasn't anything wrong inside. 

As I was sitting there, after my injection, I messaged Cathy and asked her what she was doing this evening, which really was my probe to see if she could come and get me once I was fixed. She said she was just cooking dinner and then asked me what I was doing. I told her the entire ordeal and naturally she offered to come to the hospital. 

By the time she got there I had been wheeled down for an X-ray and had at least 3 more violent contractions/cramps. I had one in the X-ray table and all I could say, after my screaming fit, was 'these suckers are evil!'  I think I was making the nurses laugh, at my expense of course. 

When I was wheeled out of the X-ray hall I had another cramp, yelled, and then saw Cathy sitting in the waiting area. Her eyes were as giant as saucers. She told me she had never been around someone having labor pains. It was what it looked, sounded and felt like. If I didn't know better I would have thought I was going to give birth any moment. Brutal!

Once back upstairs the doctor seemed puzzled, and actually not very smart. He decided to order an ultrasound because I mentioned something about kidney stones. From everything I had heard, kidney stones produce pain similar to labor pains. I messaged Stuart to tell him this was my thought and then apologize to him for when he had kidney stones and was in excruciating pain, and I may have called him a wuss and been impatient with him. 

The ultrasound showed nothing. So back upstairs I went for another consultation with the doctor. Ironically enough the doctor had never witnessed one of my episodes. But just before after he said he would give me an injection that was stronger than the last, my back erupted. I yelled so loud that Cathy said the doctor rushed to his computer to finish up the order of the shot. Even 30 minutes after the last shot I was still a mess. However, once Cathy drove me home the pain had subsided a bit, but not as significantly as I had hoped. I did get a 2 day sick note, so my work week was considered over. 

I sat on the sofa once I was home and really just tried to relax to avoid any spasms. Sadly, I had a couple more before I finally went to bed in the guest room. That bed is much firmer than our bed, and it's downstairs, which was better for me. I didn't sleep very well. I was up about 3 times in the night and each time I went to the bathroom. As I sat down my back spasmed. It wasn't as bad, but was still gripping, nonetheless. 

Wednesday I did a whole lot of nothing. I did manage to climb the stairs and fold the three loads of laundry Stuart had washed the night before, but that exhausted me and I spent the rest of the day on the sofa. I discovered my new television series, Keeping up with the Kardashians. They are superbly entertaining, and not terribly bright. However, there are 11 seasons so I should stay busy for a while. 

Wednesday evening Stuart went to rugby and I was home with the kids. Millie gave me trouble going to bed and my muscle pain started up all over again. The more stressed I got with Millie and her disobedience, the more my back gave me trouble. I finally just told Millie she would have to just put herself to bed. She calmed down eventually and even giggled, then I rocked her and she fell right to sleep. 

I slept in the guest room again on Wednesday night because of the firmness of the bed. I had a better night's sleep with me spasms, which was great. 

On Thursday morning Kayleigh had told me the principal of Jack's school had mentioned to her that Jack should be moved to the higher grade. Jack had said something to this effect last week and I just told him that wasn't going to happen. However, now that Kayleigh had said it I deceived I would go speak to the principal. Since I was off of school it was very convenient for me to go in. I met with him at 10 am. And as I guessed, he blew smoke up my skirt and said he wouldn't dream of such a thing and would have spoken to me had he considered it. He said that as they have gone through the files they have figured out that some of their students who were at different schools last year were actually placed in the wrong grade level and did have to be moved. Who knows? I just made it very clear that we were not okay with Jack being promoted a grade for any reason. 

When I got home from seeing Jack's principal I took a nap. The visit took it out of me. 

Thursday evening we just sat around while the kids played outside. Stuart went to the store to buy some much needed items as the fridge was bare. When he returned the kids ate. While he was getting their supper ready the kids and I were outside. The kids had taken out their JDBugs and we're sharing with the neighbors. Millie was being a bit selfish so I called her on it. When I did, she jumped on the JDBug and took off. I must have said her name five or six times trying to get her to come to me. I started to go after her then remembered my back was a mess. When she did finally comply I told her she would go to bed after she ate, which made her flip out a bit. She did, in fact, settle down and accept her consequence. She kept telling me she would do better if I didn't send her to bed early. Stuart explained to her that her behavior needed to be good the first time and then she wouldn't have to go to bed early. She's having difficulty putting those things together. 

Friday we got up early and headed to Dubai for Jack's rugby tournament. His first match was at 8:30 am. They played hard but there are just too many 'daisy picking' girls on his team for them to be terribly competitive. I can see it frustrates Jack because of his competitive nature. Next season when he is playing tackle I think there will be more players who are as competitive as he is. The tackling part usually separates the men from the mice. We shall see. He potentially has one more tournament, then the heat will start to pour out again and our after school days will be spent at the pool. 

We headed back to Al Ain and were at home for about and hour when Stuart left for the rugby club. He was starting that evening for the 1st team. The guy that normally plays his position has been injured so Stuart has now stepped in. I think he really enjoys it, but it is way more intense than the 2nd team. 

In the meantime, while Stuart prepared for his rugby match, I was showering and getting ready for the biggest change in my life. As most of you know, I have struggled with being overweight for most of my life. I have gained and lost the same 60 pounds at least 5 times. For whatever reason, weight has a grip on me that can only be released by doing something drastic and permanent.

So, after a lot of thought and prayer, getting support from my parents and Stuart, I decided that gastric sleeve surgery was my tool to regain my life. I felt I was too young to feel this old. My children are so young and their mother acts so old because my body is starting to fail me, not just old age fails, but over weight fails. My knees, back, and joints are suffering emensely because of the added stress this unneeded 85 pounds puts on my body. 

At first I worried what people would think. As much as I pretend others' opinions don't matter to me, rest assured they do, in fact, impact my life decisions incredibly. But after looking at what I would this procedure would give back to me, I decided the only opinions that mattered to me were my family's opinions. 

Until you have walked a mile in my shoes, you have difficulty understanding why I would come to such a decision. I have had every judgemental thought that is out there about my decision. I have thought 'You gave up'. How would using a tool to aid better health be giving up? ' you're taking the easy way out'. Trust me, nothing about this process has or will be easy, and it will last the rest of my life. 'This is elective surgery, so why would you do it?' This is preventative surgery in order to avoid other health issues down the line.  'You are cheating'. Cheating death for a few more years with my family? Guilty! 'You have no will power and have failed'. This was the worst one. Then I looked at my life and all the things I have accomplished and decided that if I have failed in one area, then I need to sort it out and finally succeed in that area. 

We decided that our kids were too small to understand what was happening and because I had to be in the hospital for three nights they would worry about me if I told them I was having an operation. So we told them I was going with Cathy to Abu Dhabi and I would be back on Monday when they got home from school. They are used to me having girls' weekends so didn't even question it. When I return on Monday, of course I will be sore and they will need to be careful around me. At that time I am going to tell them that I had a procedure done that will make me a healthier mama and will help me to be more active with them. All the details are not necessary at this time. I will share everything one day, but only when they are old enough to understand. 

I checked into the hospital on Friday evening. It was a restless night. I had been fasting, with only water to drink,  since Wednesday. When I awoke on Saturday they started poking and prodding before I went down to surgery. The surgeon came in around 8:30 and told me I would be the second surgery, at about 10 am. It ended up I didn't go until around 11 am. As I was being wheeled down the nurse who had been so sweet to me said, 'Madam, you will be fine'. That helped easy some of my worries. I knew I was doing this for a positive result but I also knew there was a risk attached to that. As I was awaiting the IV and anesthetic, I was speaking to a man who, ironically enough, was from Tempe, Arizona. Our world is really so small. Even that comforted me. 

They wheeled me into the operating room and the next thing I know, I can hear myself groaning and them speaking to me to move over to the next gerny. Coming out of anesthesia is not an easy task. At first I was in a great deal

Of pain, but as I started to move around on Saturday the pain subsided and the only thing that was causing me pain was the incisions and the CO2 they put in your body to expand your chest cavity, making it easier to operate. That caused me to have excess gas which I could not release for the life of me. 

I know the hard part is just about to happen as I start this journey of an entirely new way of eating, but I am beyond ready for it. I will write more about my journey as time goes on. 

While I was having surgery the kids were being spoiled by friends. They were at the rugby club most of Friday evening, then on Saturday they went to the Richarssons for most of the day. Cathy then took Millie to a birthday party and Jack went to the club to swim with Henry. Stuart got a little free time to himself. He made dinner for Cathy, Kayleigh and the kids. 

It seemed that Millie missed me most. Stuart said she climbed in on my side of the bed each night and said, 'I want to sleep on Mama's pillow'. 

Sorry this week's post was late, but as you can tell I was a bit preoccupied. 

Students were back at school, well, half of them.

We had quite a few girls at school on Sunday, but very low numbers on our boys' side. I'm not sure at what stage this trend will stop, but I will say that the teachers of our boys like the low numbers so they can ease into the second term. Routines can be solidified with the few starters and then hopefully carry over to the class once everyone is there. 

Jack woke up complaining about his foot. He had hurt his foot at the birthday party on Saturday so when he came home from school he thought he needed ice on it. His school nurse had told him that ice would help so he followed her directions. Well, naturally since he needed ice, the princess must have hurt her leg as well and would also need ice. His ice pack stayed right on the hurt spot, whereas hers moved around according to whether she needed to reach her snack or ride her scooter. 

Both patients were in pain, clearly. He's eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and she's enjoying cartoons. 

Sunday night we went to the rugby club.  I swam while Jack was practicing and Millie was playing on the pitch. At the end of the practice Jack came running up to me to ask me if he could stay with Stuart for his committee meeting. I asked him what Daddy said. He told me, 'Daddy told me to ask you.'  Typically on a school night we don't let Jack stay at the club later than his practice, but it seemed Stuart didn't mind so I said he could stay. He handed me his boots as Stuart was coming up the stairs. I asked Stuart if he could take the boots. Then Jack tried to give me his water bottle as Stuart was walking into his meeting. I told him to give the bottle to Daddy. It made sense to me since he was staying with Stuart. 

Millie and I went home. I made her dinner and she had a bath. We then read a book and I was just finishing up when I heard the door open. It was around 7:30 pm. I waited for Jack and Stuart to come up the stairs. When Stuart came up and was in Millie's room to kiss her goodnight, I asked him if he would warm up Jack's food that was on the counter. Jack was being especially quiet downstairs, probably because he knew I was trying to put Millie to bed. 

Start said he would warm up the food. He then said, 'Is Jack downstairs?' I said, 'I assume so.' Then the puzzled look came over my face. Stuart said, 'I didn't even see him down there. I must have walked past him.' I responded with total panic. 'What do you mean you didn't see him? Didn't you bring him home with you from the club?' Stuart and I had the exact same expression on our faces, I believe. Stuart said, 'I was supposed to bring him home? I didn't even know you left him with me!'  I hadn't spoken to Stuart after giving Jack permission, thus the mistake. We didn't talk about anything at the moment because Stuart was too busy rushing back to the club to retrieve the boy. Parents of the year!

Once Jack was home he said, 'Mama, it's all my fault. I should have said something to Daddy.' I assured him it was just a miscommunication and that I should have said something to Daddy. I asked Jack if he was scared. He looked at me and said, 'Why would I have been scared?' I said, 'I thought you might be because Daddy left you at the club.'  He looked at Stuart and said, 'Did you really leave me at the club? And come home? Without me? Ha!'  Clearly he hadn't even known we were gone. No counseling needed for this mishap. 

Monday was a busier day with a few more students. By the end of the week we knew we would be in full force again. Stuart had rugby practice Monday and the kids and I had an early evening. 

Tuesday I came home from school to discover that Millie had not made the best decisions at school. It seems she went in from the playground without asking anyone, and they couldn't locate her. She is her mother's daughter.  We stayed home from rugby because of her behavior. She fell asleep on the sofa just after 6 pm. 

After school on Wednesday I took Jack to his new piano teacher's house. She was so sweet and SUPER cheap. She really started challenging him from the beginning of the lesson. When we got in the car after the lesson he said, 'She was  really nice, Mama.'  We may have hit the jackpot with the new teacher. 

After his lesson we headed to the mall to get a birthday gift for his friend, Kennedy, who was having a sleepover birthday party on Thursday. We bought him a nerf gun, some Nerf bullets, and a stuffed mini chewbacca from Star Wars. Naturally Jack needed one as well. And since Jack got a gift we needed to buy Millie something as well. She got glitter bracelets. 

Thursday after school we went grocery shopping. We usually don't go on a Thursday, which I don't know why. Getting it out of the way for the weekend is great!

Once we got home the kids played outside and then it was time for Jack to go to his sleepover. Millie and I walked him down to Kennedy's house. I chatted with Rayna, Kennedy's mom, for a bit and then when I was leaving I yelled upstairs to let Jack know I was leaving. He just yelled back down to me, 'Bye'. That's it? Really? When I made him come to the top of the stairs to give me eye contact, I opened my arms as if to signal the need for a hug. He snarled at me and said, 'No!' He giggled as he went back to playing. Then I heard him say, 'Love you!'  It's happening and I don't like it!

Jack walked in the house on Friday morning to bring his stuff home. Then he disappeared again until around 1 pm. Once he was home in the afternoon he wanted to know what we were going to do for the evening. He was so exhausted that there was no way I was going to venture out with him for the evening. 

Stuart and Millie washed cars Friday morning. 

Stuart left just after 2 pm for the 1st team match in Dubai. The kids and I just sat around the house, played outside, and watched movies. After they had dinner, I bathed Millie, and Jack showered. They came downstairs, had some pears and then watched television while I took a shower. When I came downstairs just before 8 pm I found Jack covered up on the sofa, but still awake. Meanwhile, Millie was out like a light. I carried her up to her bed. By the time I got back downstairs Jack had turned the tv off and was heading upstairs. His sleepover really did a number on him. 

Around 9 pm I got a message from Stuart that said he had played the entire match and won 'man of the match'. In honor of the win he is to chug a beer, which is one of his favorite things to do. However, because he is on a health kick, he has given up beer for the month of January. So he had Scott chug his beer for him. What? So proud of his commitment. We've both realized that the kids need us to be in good health and we will need to lose weight in order for our health to improve. His commitment is real and I am so proud of him. I was in bed when Stuart got home but managed to tell him how proud I was of him. 

We lazed around on Saturday, or at least I did. We ended up booking the rest of our flights, rental cars, and hotels for the summer. We are going to be busy. 6 flights, 3 rental cars and a couple of hotel stays should about do us in, but we will have a good time with all our travels, seeing family and friends. 

Saturday evening Cathy came over for a curry meal. She is such a special friend and we always love our times with her. 

Another great week in the UAE. 

Professional Development weeks leave me bored.

Well, it was back to work on Sunday for the staff. I was in charge of the professional development and decided we will all learn about the Daily 5. I never used it myself, but saw it used and felt I had done enough research on it to be sufficient in the presentation for our purposes. My expectation was not for everyone to jump on board, full force, but they did. The entire week was spent making resources and center rotation charts and getting ready to implement the Daily 5. I was thrilled and every day of this week was better than the next. 

While we were at work, Grammi, Pop and the kids enjoyed the rain we had on Sunday. Since it seldom happens, it was a rare treat. It cooled off the day and The kids played in the one puddle the rain created. My mom was able to sand and paint the primer on the bench in front of our house as well. All in all, Sunday was a great day. 

This was as the rain began. Millie was finally able to use her Frozen umbrella, although she pretends it is raining inside all the time. 

There is a legitimate puddle behind them. 

Unfortunately, in all the playing outside, Jack locked the Land Rover, causing me to have to go to the police station.  Because we bought a 2002 vehicle, we also welcomed the privilege of having a car that has no key to lock it, so Stuart was just locking all the doors except the front passenger door. When Jack got in the car, which we have asked him a billion times not to do, he locked it. We made Jack pay some money towards the cost of getting a locksmith out to our house. 

The police station was a new experience. He asked me all kinds of questions to make sure the car was mine. He had to fill out a paper that I had to give to the locksmith, giving him permission to break into our car. It was an easy enough process, just different. 

Once I was home and all was back to normal, the kids ate their dinner early and we put them to bed. We turned in early as well. It was an exhausting day. 

Monday I did a presentation on Critical Thinking and used one of the displays I used to have when I taught in Chandler.  It was a Blooms Taxonomy board and it seemed that all the teachers in my school wanted to use those resources as well.  Again, another successful day. 

During the day Monday, the kids helped Grammie and Pop paint the color coat on the outside bench. 

Grammie, Millie and I went to the mall after school, while Pop napped because he wasn't feeling well, Daddy stayed at home also, and Jack played at his friend Sammy's house. 

We walked around the mall a bit and then decided to get ice cream. As you can see, Millie loved hers. 

After ice cream we shopped a bit. Millie was especially interested in the hats. 

Once we were home from the mall, Pop had recovered a bit so we went to the club to eat dinner. Jack decided he wanted to play instead of eat. So I gave home the 'kitchen closed when we get home' speech, and let him go play. As you would guess, once we were starting home the begging for food began. It was relentless. He fought a good fight, but in the end he lost. I had also gotten on to him about taking his shoes off and playing in the soggy grass with just his socks. It irritates me so much, and clearly I harped on it because when he finally settled into bed he said to me, 'Mama, I'm really sorry I got my socks dirty.'  Apparently I mentioned something about Stuart and Me working he'd to make money to buy him socks. When he said what he said, in such a sad little voice I felt a little silly about going nuts on him. Poor kid. 

Tuesday at school was very disheartening. After I just beamed with pride about how hard my teachers had worked this week, a big wig from ADEC came in and because he didn't see a dog and pony show he assumed we weren't doing what we were supposed to do. The teachers were preparing for their presentations on Wednesday, but were scattered and doing their own things so it wasn't impressive enough. 

Once I was home we went to the zoo. We saw the lions and tigers. Then we went to see the giraffe, hippo and gorilla. We decided to go to the children's zoo and just past that was the bird show that was about to begin. It was awesome. 

I can't get enough of these lions!

The gorilla was ignoring them. 

The kids rode the camel, just like at the Phoenix Zoo. 

These darker camels are the ones that roam freely by my school. 

Jack was the assistant to the guy running the bird show. He caught an eagle on his arm. 

After the bird show was over we decided to get an ice cream before leaving for home. 

Once we were home and the kids were bathed we had fish, potatoes and cole slaw. It seems the Telfords are on a health kick these days, which is good for all of us. 

Wednesday at school we had more professional development and, not using my best judgement, I blasted my teachers for their, sometimes, lack of professionalism. I had two teachers come to me earlier in the week, whining about how no one wants to volunteer to help with professional development because they are scrutenized in front of the group when presenting. I was going to address this on Thursday, but the opportune time presented itself on Wednesday instead. The two teachers complaining are two of my most negative teachers when others present. It was all very frustrating. Although after my blast at them I think they will behave more professionally. 

When I got home, we sat in our newly painted bench and watched the kids play outside, all while Grammie and Pop packed to go home. Waaaa!

We ate hamburgers, French fries and Brussels sprouts and then played one last game of Wink with Grammie and Pop before they had to leave. Any game with Millie is an absolute hoot. 

When I put the kids to bed Grammie and Pop were trying to say good bye to them and they were acting so silly. Once we did finally go upstairs, Grammie and Pop followed us. As they said goodbye, I started to cry. Jack and Millie were still being silly. Jack asked my why my eyes were red. I just told him I was sad. When Millie saw me crying she started to cry. She just boo hooed. It made me cry more. She then said, 'I want Grammie and Pop. Mama, it will be alright. Don't cry (all while she was still bawling). They are going to live across the street from us. It's okay.' It was the sweetest thing ever. She stroked my face and then said, 'It's okay, baby.'  It made me know she feels for people and their sadness.  

I took them to the airport and Cathy rode with me so it wasn't so bad. Leaving them at the airport is always sad. My dad probably gave me the best compliment ever. As I hugged him he said,'You have sweet kids, Dana. And you are a good mother. Be sure to love them as much as you can because one day they will be gone.' I could cry now just thinking about how sweet that was. Driving home was so much nicer with Cathy in the car. She's a wonderful friend and I'm thankful for her. 

Thursday school was busy but quick. I barely got there before it was time to go home. I just made resources and tried to get the Blooms boards up in classrooms. 

When I got home from school I sorted out some laundry and the mess the kids had made while with Kayleigh for the day. She plays with them, so cleaning up their 'play' becomes my job, which is fine with me. While I was in the house, Stuart was replacing the stereo in his Land Rover. I think the 'restoring' part of his Land Rover fun is about to begin. He was so chuffed with himself that he could complete the stereo instillation. 

Thursday night was quiet. We laid low and just got things sorted for the weekend, although we had nothing major planned. 

Friday we got up and headed to the club for our Biggest Loser weigh in. There is a group of about a dozen of us trying to get fit and lose weight. It's never ending. Afterwards 4 of the couples headed to the golf club for a healthy breakfast. All of them walked except for me and Millie. The golf club is 2.6 kilometers from the rugby club. Once everyone was there we got a table outside, which proved to be horrible. This time of year brings so many flies and especially while you are eating. It was awful, but the food was good. 

The Biggest Loser crew

Once we were home Stuart got ready to go to the club for his warm up. He was asked to dress out for the 1st team. 

In the end he didn't get to play, but he was fine with that. We ate dinner at the club and then came back to our house just after 6 pm. The kids got cleaned up and went to bed. Cathy came back with us from the club and we just chatted for a bit. She left just after 8 pm and we were in bed shortly after that. 

The kids were up early on Saturday. Jack was off to a birthday party at 10 am and the mom said she would bring him home when they were finished at the park. At 4 pm he was returned home. Who has a 6 hour party? He had fun so I guess that's what matters. 

We did our grocery shopping Saturday morning and Stuart and Millie went to the pool around 3 pm. Jack and I headed to the pool once Jack was home from his party. He swam for a while, in the heated pool of course. At one stage he got out of the heated pool, ran to the pool that isn't heated, jumped in and nearly panicked. You see, he didn't know that particular pool wasn't heated. It was freezing as you would guess. He recovered and we all changed clothes. We ate dinner at the club with the Richardsons. When we were leaving for home Jack asked if he could watch a movie once we got home. I went into the speech of 'when is enough entertainment enough?' He got my point and kept his mouth closed. Time to get back into the school routine, thank goodness. 

Another fabulous week in the UAE.