Day 352

Got the boys off to school this morning, then as I went to leave for work, I stumbled upon Robert's sports stuff - bother, he has tennis in the afternoon. I ummed and ahhed about whether or not to take the things to school, and in the end he won. And I rushed off to school to get them to him before school started.
Whilst there I also organised lunch for both boys on Mondays before they have guitar lessons, so it wasn't a completely wasted trip!

Then off to work I went. I didn't actually accomplish much today, cause my computer wasn't set up as it should be, and it proved to be slightly more difficult than planned to get it working. Hopefully tomorrow will be more productive.

I got home about one minute before Richard did, so that was perfect timing. He was so excited today, he had brought home the crib he made at school, and he had big ideas for how he wanted to display it. He wanted a light inside it, where the shooting star was. He set it all up and I have to admit it looks very pretty under the Christmas tree!

I was busy all afternoon, but I am not really sure what with. Richard's friends came to play at 3.30pm and I left them to their own devices, whilst I went back to school again to pick Robert up. We then went together to get the teachers a little Christmas present. And this evening I have made them all a Christmas card to go with it too.

Also this evening I made Gino's make ahead Christmas stuffing. This is what they looked like when I first put them in the freezer

Then I realised, that whilst I had been a bit distracted by Robert and his nightmare, that I had forgotten the cranberries and the orange zest, so I got them back out of the freezer, and started rolling them all up again! So this is the real finished product!

Off to bed now
CU tomorrow!

Day 351

Library this morning, but nothing exciting happened there, but I still enjoyed myself, I still love watching the kids find their books! And then of course I get to use a scanner, what more can I want!

Richard got home and was quite upset, he got his German test back it was dictation, and he didn't do very well at all. And he was very disappointed in himself. It broke my heart when he said "but I like writing stories and they are all wrong" - I told him that with practice it will all get better, and he told me that he wanted to write his stories on the computer, cause that would put it all right for him - how does he know that already! I did inform him that he had to learn to spell himself before he could let the computer do the work for him!

Later in the day he had a homework meltdown, resulting in him doing his homework "under" the desk, cause I had told him I didn't want to see him again until he had finished it. He thought there was less chance of me seeing him under the table! The actual meltdown was a lot longer than that, but I have left blogging til quite late today, so that was just the short version.
But he must have thought about it all, cause at bedtime he apologised for shouting at me - wow, I was speechless! Bless him - I say that now, but I wasn't thinking anything of the sort this afternoon, whilst I was checking the moon table, and yep - full moon again!

Whilst the boys were at art school, I was busy shopping and getting all the ingredients for Gino's christmas stuffing, which I will be preparing in advance tomorrow!

This evening I have finally got round to sorting out Xmas cards, I wonder if you all will get them before Xmas - I don't think I have ever been this late before, sorry!

OK, off to bed now
CU tomorrow
Oops forgot a photo today and the cats have gone into hiding, maybe I'll post two tomorrow instead!

Day 348, Day 349 and Day 350

Day 348 - Sunday
It was good to be back in my own bed last night and to have a lay in in the morning. After breakfast it was time to start decorating the tree!

The boys were really excited about it all, it was hard to keep them from starting without us!

And here is the finished tree.

Unfortunately Florian had to leave in the early evening instead of the morning, but it did mean, I got to watch Strictly and the X Factor.

Day 349 - Monday
Both boys went back to school this morning. And whilst they were out I went to sport, they are nearly finished with their renovations and the place is going to be HUGE, when finished, I just hope it is still as much fun then. But today was fun.
When Richard got home from school he had enjoyed seeing all his friends again, but still has tummy ache and therefore didn't want to go to Karate. So I cancelled that with his friend for him.
At lunchtime Smiley was a very naughty cat. Richard and I were in the kitchen discussing what I should buy for this weeks food, when there was a strange crashing swooshing sort of noise from the lounge and then a cat shooting out of the lounge - yep, the tree was down!

Great, I couldn't get it back in the stand so I concentrated on getting our lunch, and Richard back to school for his guitar lesson. I had a bit of time after lunch and getting back and in that time I did manage to get it back in the stand, so when we got back from guitar and the boys had finished their homework, they set about sorting out the decorations on the tree.
Unfortunately although I had the tree back in the stand it wasn't as stable as I had hoped and it toppled over all over again. Gosh I was grumpy! I shouted at the cat again, the boys, the tree, the decorations and myself - sorry everyone!
Then the doorbell rang, Marcel was stopping by to pick up some of their shopping that I had done for them, I got Robert to bring him in (I was stuck holding the tree) and he promised to come right back and help me. Whilst waiting Richard and I "un-decorated" the tree completely. And when Marcel was back he sawed the bottom of the tree into the right shape for the holder - thank you so much, Marcel!

Then again the boys and I got to decorate our tree. We put the Xmas music on again (love Michael Bublé) and made our tree all pretty again!

Day 350 - Tuesday
It was another "me" sort of morning again. First of all I went to school and had a nice long chat with the secretary about Richard and then about Robert and Santa and the religion teacher. I have written a letter to the religion teacher, but she won't be at school anymore this year, so the secretary is going to send the letter to her in the post for me. I don't want to upset her really, but I do think she needs to know just how her actions can effect the kids and parents too. We'll see if she gets in touch.
From there it was off to Kindergarden for their last lesson this year, and straight from there it was off to the hairdressers!
I am now all young looking again - well grey free!

After lunch the boys got on with their homework, then after that Robert went to his friends to play and Richard and I somehow ended up watching One Direction videos for the rest of the afternoon. I think Richard is very lucky, that I like his taste in music. I hope it stays this way!

Now to add the pictures to yesterday's post!

CU tomorrow!

Day 345 - Day 347

Day 345 - Thursday
Richard woke up crying about his tummy again, so I decided that before I would go to work, I would get an appointment at the doctor's first - hoping that I could have a late appointment. Then Heike would have looked after both poorly boys for me. Wasn't to be though, the only appointment I could have was 8.45am and to come with plenty of time. So I got in touch with work, and warned them that I wouldn't be in until later - if at all!
I dropped Robert off with Heike and took Richard, my book and phone to the doctors. The doctor had to move us into a different room, when he heard that Richard wasn't only full of cold but also had tummy ache. He felt in all the right places and wasn't too happy about it. He immediately filled in a form that would admit us to hospital, but told me that he was going to send his blood off first to check that. Poor Richard then had to brave having blood taken. He didn't scream quite as loud as the last time, but he still screamed, and it still took the doctor and nurse to extract it.
Then back home we went to WAIT, and wait and wait. I was allowed to phone for the results between 4 and 4.30pm. I did a lot of pacing and found quite a bit of chocolate in that time.
Just after 4pm I phoned but only got the apprentice who wasn't really sure what she was allowed to do, and asked if I could phone again in 10 minutes. More waiting, when I phoned back, I was informed that the doctor would phone me back with the results. AGH two hours of waiting. He finally phoned at 6.30pm, and by 7.30pm I was pulling up on the hospital car park. Poor Richard's blood showed an infection and to be on the safe side we had to go and have the appendix checked there.

I again dropped Robert off at Heike's this time for an overnight stay. He was a real trooper and didn't complain at all. And apparently he was a really good boy there - thank you Robert!

Meanwhile at hospital it was a case of more waiting, first we waited to see the doctor.

He determined that yes he had tummy ache, but no it wasn't the appendix, but again to be on the safe side, we had to stay in. Fine, then we had to wait another hour for a bed. Richard was so tired when we finally got our room. We both went straight to bed (it was by then 10.30pm).

Day 346 - Friday
Richard slept fine, me not so much, but never mind. When they brought him breakfast he even wanted to eat, which he hadn't been doing at home, so that was good news to me. When the doctor came though, she told me that they normally only let you home if you are free of symptoms. Oh dear, last time Richard had tummy ache for 1.5 years, don't really want to stay that long!
They took some more blood, again the doctor had to get the nurse to help, it doesn't get easier taking blood from Richard.
And I went and got us a wifi connection for the internet. And magic, we had English TV on the computer, so Richard watched a LOT of TV.

And he also got to see his favourite programme in the evening. Unfortunately during that the nurse decided that it was the time to clear his intestines. I was expecting another bout of fighting and screaming, but he took that no problem! They took a sample, and we have to wait for the results now.
He did complain afterwards that his tummy hurt more now than before.

Meanwhile back home - Florian caught the first train out of Augsburg to come home and look after Robert. He came straight from the station to visit us in hospital, then he took our car home and picked up Robert, who had been having quite a good time playing playstation with Marcel.

He took Robert to the Sieberzmühle for a meal. I think a bit of Daddy time did Robert good too.

Day 347 - Saturday
After having to give a sample yesterday and hearing that his blood infection numbers had got slightly worse and not better, I wasn't really expecting to go home today. I was just hoping that we could have a "holiday" and get a Christmas tree altogether. But when the doctor came in, she said that we could go home. The results from the stool sample wouldn't be there til Monday and from looking at Richard it is not the appendix, so she could let us home.
We phoned straight home and Florian was there within half an hour to pick us up!

Back home we had breakfast (all except Richard who had had breakfast at hospital)

And then it was time to meet up with Heike, Britta and families in the woods to get our Christmas trees! As every year it was difficult to choose, but we did it!

We were expecting Florian's sister to visit in the afternoon, but they didn't make it much to the boys disappointment.

I'll be back tomorrow with the rest of the catch up and the pictures. Tomorrow I'll start blogging earlier and then will finish before my bedtime!
CU then!

Day 344

Richard woke up about 5.30am this morning complaining of tummy ache so after sending him to the loo I let him crawl into bed with me, for another 45 mins before it was time to get up.
We got up and he pushed his breakfast around his plate looking really down in the dumps. He said his tummy ache was even worse than when it had been caused by the toothpaste. So I decided to make him something warm to put on his tummy and let him stay home from school.
He wanted to go back to bed, but that only really lasted for about 30 minutes, and then both him and Robert were downstairs with me!

They spent the morning watching TV or playing on the Wii, whislt I went and got Robert his antibiotics and then I got to work for Heike. She brought me a hot water bottle for Richard round this morning and a stick full of photos of her youngest daughter. She had asked me to make a photo book for her. Well, when I was looking for the cheapest place to get one from, I found that today is the last day at some places to order and to get it in time for Xmas. So I got to work. And even I can't believe it, but 3 hours later and I was finished. So the books are all ordered and will hopefully be here in time for Xmas. Fingers xed.

At lunchtime Richard came to me for a cuddle, and I thought he felt a bit hot. Oops 37.8°C so I gave him some medicine. Come tea time he was burning up again, and at bedtime his temperature was up to 39.4°C poor little thing. Roberts is 37.8°C -so neither will be at school tomorrow either.
I have to work, but Heike has said she will look after them. But I will get Richard a doctors appointment and leave when I have to take him there.But I will aim for later in the morning. But more on that in tomorrow's post!

I did my ironing whilst the boys were upstairs building Lego, and when we had all finsihed what we were doing, we played a round of Qwirkle. Smiley joined in too!

Then we took some pics of ourselves!

CU tomorrow!

Day 343

Buses weren't running this morning, so with Robert already ill, I decided to let Richard stay home too. We thought that most in the village would be staying home, but it turns out that although they said that, they didn't do that. So hopefully Richard won't get into trouble in the morning.
But he wasn't lazy at home, he did his maths homework, we practiced for his German test next week, and we also practiced for his music test, which we had forgotten about! Oops!

Robert had a surge of energy during the day and went all silly, he was charging through the house pretending to be a cat, and no at 9 years of age it is no longer cute, just annoying!

I cooked new meal for lunch, it was delicous, but unfortunately the boys weren't that convinced, Richard didn't the like meat, and Robert didn't like the potatoes and mango in it. Silly boys!  It was an all in one bake with pork filet, broccoli, potatoes, mango and with a creamy cheesy sauce. Yummy!

In the afternoon after practicing for various tests we did some more baking. There was a recipe in their advent calendar book, so we tried them out. The cartoon drawing of the biscuits looks better than our real thing, but they taste nice! I would show you, but the picture won't upload.

But here is one I uploaded earlier.

Mum was operated on again this morning and is fit enough now to join the new craze of taking "selfies" hihi! So hopefully this time the doctors didn't mess up again, and Mum's eye is better, we'll find out when they take the pirate patch off!

CU tomorrow!

Day 339, Day 340, Day 341 and Day 342

Day 339 - Friday
We got up in the morning not only to presents from Nikolaus, but also to snow! Robert didn't know what to do first - unpack presents or get dressed and go sweep the snow! Bless!

Work then, and again I was busy all morning. I know it is only really filing, but it was somehow satisfying seeing the folders fill up.
On my way home I had to stop at Aldi and get something for the Nikolaus Party in the afternoon, so whilst there I got something for a very quick lunch - sometimes I am allowed to cheat!

At 3pm Heike picked us up and we went to Britta's for Nikolaus Party. The kids were really excited about it, even Robert who no longer is allowed to believe, but he was excited he was there with his guitar. Here are the kids performing for Saint Nick.

Richard was a bit disappointed after Nikolaus gave out the presents cause the girls both got MP3 players and he so wants one, but he won't be getting one until Christmas, and Nikolaus only brought the boys books. Oops, but after a big cuddle from me, he sort of came to terms with it.
We came home in time for the boys to watch their new favourite programme - Friday Download on CBBC. And just before the end Daddy came home too. So a great end to an exciting day for the boys.

Day 340 - Saturday
I overslept a little bit for all I had planned for this morning, but it didn't put us out too much. I made a sort of quiche and a pumpkin soup for the brunch at my sister-in-law's. But between making the dough for the quiche and the actual quiche I had to go shopping to get the coconut milk for the pumpkin soup I wanted to make. And with all that I didn't go into panic!
And the results were delicious! Both new untried recipes and soon to be repeated, I am sure!

My in-laws were also down for the brunch, and everyone behaved themselves, which meant the brunch went well, and was almost relaxed.
Much to the boys disappointment we left at just before 3pm, as we were going to Heike and Marcel's for Marcel's birthday party. We took the leftover quiche to finish off there.
Seems that all we did on Saturday was eat, eat and eat some more!
We got home about 8pm I think.

Day 341 - Sunday
And another early rise again, well sort of. We had to be at the baker's for 9.30am. We were meeting friends there, it has been a while since we last went, But it was good being back.
The boys enjoyed climbing the orange blocks again.

But when that got boring, they came and begged for the tablet and "Mummy's handy"

Well, I didn't realise that Richard was watching Angry Birds videos for most of the morning, and when he gave me my phone back, he had used up all 300 MB of high speed surfing. Luckily I could top it up again for 3 Euros, and I now know that in future I turn the data connection off when I hand the phone over!

We let the boys have a film in the afternoon and this time they got to watch Spiderman, they loved it! And no nightmares, so it must have been ok.

Day 342 - Monday
Robert woke up this morning with really bad earache and he stayed home from school. Florian was also here this morning as he was travelling to France later in the morning.
Florian ahd planned to go to the doctor and have his ankle blasted again, so today I gave him Robert to take with him and get his ear checked.
It is not a fully blown ear infection yet, but could be, so we have a prescription for antibiotics should it not start to get better by Wednesday. This evening if anything it was worse not better, so we will see.

Richard got a solo guitar lesson today as the girl that also plays with the boys was ill too. That lesson did him good, as he was able to see that he really can do it! Whilst he was there, Robert was home working on some maths sums I had given him and I went shopping.
Later on in the day I had to leave Robert home alone again, whilst I took Richard to Karate lessons. This time he got to do his maths homework whilst I was gone!

This evening I have been watching the Royal Variety Performance, loved Gary Barlow, Olly Murs and Robbie Williams.
And I have just heard from Florian, he had a nightmare journey to France. He was supposed to be travelling by train, but two suicides at stations caused for a change of plans, and his colleague caught up with him at one station and they went by rental car. And apparently their journey also included at trip to a hotel with the right name but in the wrong village - as far as I understood, the name of the town was the same too, just not the right one, they were out by about 200km! Oops!

Cu tomorrow!

Day 337 and Day 338

So yesterday the computer crashed right when I went to blog. I decided not to try and reboot and went to bed early, so I have to play catch up tonight!

Day 337 - Wednesday
Library today, it took me forever to get to school, I had to follow a tractor through the woods and it was in no hurry whatsoever! Oh well, I made it there just as the first class got to the library. Luckily the other Mum was already there - only she didn't know this class was coming, that was something I had arranged last week, oops!
Here a picture from my "work place"!

I took the kids home with me today after library/school. And then they had to wait for me to cook lunch. They played with their star wars paper planes whilst I was busy. Then it was homework time. We haven't had a homework meltdown for a while now, but today was the day - Robert did his maths homework and when I checked it it was ALL wrong, and it was at least 20 different sums and a table and something else, so he wasn't a happy chappy. but the second time around he got it right - phew! And in time so that he still had a bit of play before we went off to art school.

I had a lot of shopping to get whilst they were drawing/painting. I am already now to try my hand at that other sort of bread!

Day 338 - Thursday
Work today and in a different department. I was busy all morning and I actually enjoyed myself. Hopefully that carries on for a while.
It was sport in the afternoon for me, and Richard went to his friends. He took his guitar and music with him, as him and the girls want to sing for Nikolaus tomorrow.

This evening I tried baking bread again, it smells much better today and it doesn't seem burnt through either. Too hot to try at the moment, but tomorrow I will be!

CU then!

Day 336

Dentist today, I was quite nervous, but me being me made sure that they knew as soon as I got there. And the dental nurse did the best thing she could, she kept me talking and talking until the doctor came in, and I didn't have any time to get any more nervous!
The dentist and I decided to try and do this thing without the pain injection, and that worked really well. The worse thing was the noise and having my mouth open for just over an hour! (That still hurts now!)

The dentist took pictures of my teeth along the way and all I could think about lying there with my mouth open was "can I ask for a copy for my blog"! I didn't ask too embarassed, but it was cool to see what a good job he did of the filling, and what it all looked like after he drilled it ready to fill!

I was allowed to eat and drink instantly upon leaving the dentist chair, but I didn't I waited for lunch. We had a non rushed day today and the boys did their homework, then built some Star Wars Paper planes (we bought them some special book with special papers) they had a great time. Then when Robert's friend had finally finished his homework, he went round there to play for an hour! Whilst Richard and I did a reading challenge online.

I made pizza rolls for tea, the boys even asked if they could have them again tomorrow, but I think they are just a special every once in a while. Even if they were delicious!

Kept Posty in business today, we had 4 parcels delivered! Which are now finally all hidden away for when Santa needs to deliver them!

CU tomorrow!

Day 332, Day 333, Day 334 and Day 335

Day 332 - Friday
Today was a good day - in the morning I gave Robert some Omega three, when he came home from school, he was full of his day at school. I can't remember him being this chatty. It was almost a shock to the system, but I didn't slow him down.

I think we spent most of the afternoon surfing for One Direction videos for Richard to watch and listen too. Then at 4pm Robert went to his football training. Another Mum took them and I went and picked them up. I left Richard at home watching TV, after giving him a short lesson on how to use the phone if he needed someone. He always lets Robert deal with technology! But he really didn't want to come with me, so he had to learn today.
All went well, and we were back before he had noticed we were gone. They got to watch their new favourite CBBC show "Friday Download" and I had just said nun night to them, when Florian got home, so he was able to sneak in and say nun night too!

Day 333 - Saturday
I was having a bit of a downer this morning, maybe the fact that Florian is home and I can relax a bit made it all sort of bubble to the surface, but I got a lovely cuddle from Florian, an Email from Dinphy, phone call from Mum and I was back on track again. I know I am doing all I can for Robert, so some day (hopefully in the not too distant future) he'll be feeling happier again!

After lunch we went to the shopping centre all together. I wanted to get the boys new winter hats, their old ones were getting a bit small now! oops! We got some good ones and then I went to Aldi for the food shop, and Florian took them around the other shops (Robert let slip, that they got me a Xmas present) whilst they were looking around, they also did a fun bit of fooling around, which is when Florian took this photo!

I did offer to take the new winter hats back if they wanted these ones! ;o)

In the evening we went to a friends birthday party, but before we left I made a different sort of bread. Totally new to me, and I was only slightly suspicious of the recipe. I put the bread in the over for the required 3(!) hours and set the timer on my phone so that we could come back and turn the oven off.
Florian did that for us, and I got him to send me a picture of the loaf - oh dear! Take a look at this brick!

The smell was as bad as this looks! I think I need to rethink this sort of loaf!

Day 334 - Sunday
Another couple of days rolled into one today. First up was the boys guitar concert. (These pics are taken from the video I took on my mobile. I did take "real" pictures too, but they are still on the camera!)

 It was cute, they didn't look nervous at all, and did really well. They were the first to play, but we were good parents and stayed for everyone's performance and only just made it on time to the restaurant to meet with Mum, Dad, my cousin and his fiancee and my nieces!
We had a lovely meal (thank you Mum and Dad) and then from there we went home, dropped Dad and the kids off and went to the Christmas Market in Fulda.

The weather was perfect for it, not too cold, and nice and dry! But still cold enough for the Glühwein to be good! (not that I had any!)

Day 335 - Monday
English lesson at Kindergarden today, cause tomorrow I have to go to the dentist! I had two extra kids today, that wanted to try it out. I think they had fun, but if they want to stay I will have to split the group as trying to tame 10 kids was near enough impossible!

I got lunch ready for when Richard got home at 11.45, as we had to go straight back to school then. I had an appointment with Robert's teacher.
The teacher had an idea how to monitor whether Robert had written everything down about homework and tests, etc. She will check at the end of the day, and sign it, so that I know that all is OK. Let's hope that it helps him and that he realises it is all to help him.

After my talk with the teacher, I had to get the boys to their guitar lesson. When I finally picked them up again, the boys didn't want picking up, they were enjoying a "normal" guitar lesson. Richard even said when he got home that he liked guitar again now, that they weren't practicing for the concert. And that he does still want to play! Bless! Good job I didn't cancel his lessons for him!

Whilst Richard went to Karate, Robert went to his friends for an hour. I was a bit nervous about that, as he had to leave whilst I was taking Richard to Karate. I sent him a timer and told him exactly what to do (which was basically, make sure the cats didn't follow him and shut the door properly.
It worked perfectly!

CU tomorrow!

Day 331

So today I had a meeting with my boss at work to determine where we go from here. I really thought that I might well be there for the last time, but they surprised me. Together we worked out somewhere I could work there and actually go in regularly. It won't have anything to do with translating, but as long as they don't reduce my pay I am fine by that! I think I will be printing documents, filing them and then posting them off. But I will find out more next week! I keep you posted!

After lunch Richard went to his friends and I went to sport. I missed my friend being there with me, but I still had a good time. Robert and Richard both got home about the same time. Only Richard had to quickly have his tea and then I took him to the meeting point for his football training. Back home Robert was practicing for his German test tomorrow. I found some good exercises for him to do online.

Sometime during the early evening I remembered that his teacher had told me that they were doing "secret santa" in his class. So I asked him about it. It was once again like talking to a brick wall. First he didn't know what I meant with "secret santa", so I had to explain that he probably drew a name of someone out of a pot and that he had to get a present for them. "oh that" he says as if he is bored out of his mind. Yeah we did that. Other kids would now proceed to tell me, who they picked and if they had an idea and can we go shopping. NOT MY SON, I had to keep trying to find the right questions. I now know who he has to get a present for, but not what sort of price we are allowed to spend.
It is just soooo tiring and frustrating.

Just after Richard got home, Robert's teacher actually phoned me, she needs some help getting Nikolaus prepared for the kids. No worries there!She also asked if I had seen any improvement in Robert since she moved him to the front of the class. She thinks he is happier there. But as he never talks about anything at home, I haven't seen any change. I told her then about the secret santa thing. And apparently I asked to late really, cause they are supposed to take something in TOMORROW! There is no way I can make that happen, so Robert will be late and will be bringing his in on Monday! AGH!!!!!

I am really at my wits end now and running out of ideas. I feel like I am going to have to call the teachers every evening to hear what I am missing, what he should have been doing, etc...

I spoke to my colleague at work about him today, and she has been studying psychology or something along those lines, and she thought that it could even be depression bothering him, as he never talks, is not happy with himself and such. Whatever it is, we need help, I just hope we get that appointment.

Sorry for the not quite so upbeat post, just not feeling that at the moment. Wasn't feeling very warm today either, so look what I did!

Love this sort of heat!
CU tomorrow!

Day 330

Really cold this morning when we headed for school -7.5°C Brrrrrrrr!
School was nice and warm though. Richard was busy baking and crafting, Robert had a normal school day, and I was in the library. I was quite busy there, so I missed out on all the fun in Richard's class, I was going to join them when I finished in the library, but ended up chatting to one of Robert's teachers instead. There was no new insight into his problem really, but just talking about it helps me somewhat. And I still have the talk with his other teacher on Monday!

Back home I made lunch for us, today was Schnitzel - the boys were well pleased! And I must be getting a quicker cook too, cause I had this ready for us in just 40 minutes, it used to take me that time alone to get the meat breadcrumbed! Go me!

This afternoon was art school, and for once Robert didn't complain, and when I picked them up again, he even said he enjoyed it! At the moment they are drawing Greek gods, and Robert chose and drew Zeus, it looked pretty good! Richard is working on Hermes - I need to look that one up!

And I think that was about our day, not too stressful really.
And speaking of no stress, look at these two! Definitely friends now!

CU tomorrow!

Day 329

Wow, can't remember when I have ever said, I had a stress free day, but today was one of those rare days.
I had my English lesson at Kindergarden this morning, and after that a nice chat with the Kindergarden teacher there. Then when I got home I started on lunch - I was making Gulasch (not sure how that is spelt in English, if that is even the word). It was my first try and I have to say it was DELICIOUS!

I will definitely be making it again. It did take 2 hours to make (has to cook slowly) but it was worth it. The boys loved it too.

After lunch, the boys finished their homework, and then Robert went to spend the afternoon with his friend, and Richard and I made some gingerbread biscuits!

We burnt the first batch, but never mind, we made three loads!

When Robert got back it was time for tea and we watched Doctor Who together then. A trip down memory lane (sort of) for me, and new territory for the boys. I thought they might end up with nightmares, but so far so good! Fingers crossed. Now for the new series to start and the boys to meet "their" doctor!

A nice relaxing day, with no rushing and no drama, I think it probably did us all good!
Back to rushing again tomorrow though
CU then!

Day 326, Day 327 and Day 328

Day 326 - Saturday
This was the big moment of the day for Florian!

His first food after a week of fasting, he REALLY enjoyed his bit of apple, he had maybe half of it, and was then full up - the boys ate the rest up for him!
Whilst the boys and I took it really easy this morning, Florian had an appointment at the hairdressers and then at the fitness studio!

After lunch (I made Florian a vegetable soup and the boys and I had pasta and tomatoe sauce), Florian and the boys went out and chopped up ALL of our dry wood ready for the winter! Well done boys! When they were done, Richards friends came round to play, unfortunately Robert's friend didn't have time today, so he was a bit fed up for a while. So Florian took him out to get the car cleaned and various other things, and I got a break.
Richard's friends stayed for tea, we had pizza (Florian had tomato soup) and we put a film on. The girls enjoyed it all!

Florian and I watched a film in the evening too - I think it was Harry Potter V, but it could have been VI??

Day 327 - Sunday
Today we got to see my good friend and maid of honour again, it has been MUCH too long since we last met up (about 1.5 years) but we carried on where we left off! It was her birthday and we joined her for her celebrations. I had the camera and phone with me, but never did get to take a picture, oops!
On our way home we stopped at Mum and Dad's to see them too, and to "scrounge" tea off of them ;o)
We also took some dining room chairs home with us - and I think Lucky really likes them!

In the evening Florian and I sat down and filled in the 77 questions the doctor needs answered in order for us to get an appointment for Robert and the possibility of ADS. It was hard work, but hopefully we will get an appointment soon.

Day 328 - Monday
So today wasn't quite a stressful as last Monday, but it was still a busy day. I babysat Neele again this morning, and she is just a little darling. This time she was still asleep, when Heike went to work, and I had to get her up and dressed. But look at this little smile that I was greeted with.

She was actually showing me, where she sleeps! Too cute!
The pair of us were busy this morning, first we took the boys guitars to school. Richard stayed at school for lunch this week and then made his own way to his guitar practice, that saved me stressing about getting him there on time.
After our visit to school, we went into town and handed the questionnaire in at the doctors and then went and got some new smelly stuff for the lounge!
Back home Neele was then busy sorting the figures in a game she found in the lounge, it kept her busy for nearly half an hour. It was lovely to watch!

Neele and her sisters went home at lunchtime and after I had eaten and planned this weeks food, I went shopping and to pick the kids up from guitar. They had guitar until 3pm, but it  went on longer today so it was about 4pm when we got home after dropping everybody off back home. My Corsa is a good little car though, we had 4 kids, 4 guitars, 4 guitar bags and 4 school bags in it, plus me, my shopping and my handbag. It was quite a squeeze, but we made it!

At 4.40pm it was time for Karate, Robert was adamant that he didn't want to go, so this week, I didn't insist. But he didn't really get to do what he wanted to do either, he had a lot of homework, and more because he forgot some from last week and had another note in his book (we really need that appointment with the doctor!)
After he had finished his homework, I let him on the computer, but only to practice for his German test on Friday.
When Richard got home it was tea, then shower and then bed. Tomorrow luckily is a non busy day, I think the boys will be pleased to hear that!
CU then!

Day 325

This morning was devoted to housework, so nothing really to report about on my side of things, but for Mum it was a busy morning. Mum had to go to the eye clinic again, cause she has lots of "muck" floating around in her line of vision making it impossible to see things when looking down. The doctors in the clinic, thought she was there for a check up, and were surprised that she a) wasn't and b) at what they saw in her eye. Apparently they didn't clean it out properly last time and now she has to go in "again" to have it done once more. That will be on Dec. 9th. Poor Mum!

Speaking of eyes, I phoned the opticians up to find out what had happened to Robert's glasses, as they had told us 8-10 days and today was day 14. Apparently someone there copied my mobile number wrong when they put it in the computer system, so someone else got the message to pick up the glasses - AGH! Oh well, we went to get them today instead.
Robert was a bit grumpy about that, as he couldn't understand why Richard got to go and play with his friends, but he had to go "shopping" with me!
But I think these glasses were worth it! I love his new look!

When we got back home it was time for his football training and he had to get changed first. And that was the first time we "lost" his glasses - I wonder how many more times we will be looking for them these next few weeks!

Richard was round Heike's again and he didn't come home until 7pm today, he stayed there for tea too! I think he has fun with his friends!

Florian got home at 8.45pm today is his last day of fasting and tomorrow he gets to have an apple and two different soups, I think he is really looking forward to it!

CU tomorrow!

PS: Something curions/funny. My phone has face recognition on pictures, and when I flicked through the pictures I took of Robert, the one that I took without a flash wanted to tag him - I guess he does look a lot like his Daddy!

Day 324

This morning I drove into town and went to the doctor that can diagnose ADS and picked up the form, we as parents have to fill in. There are 77(!) questions to answer, that will keep us busy this weekend! I also spoke to Robert's teacher and arranged a date to sit down and work out a strategy or just compare notes. It will be on December 2nd. The teacher phoned me at home in the evening to tell me that she had been thinking about it all, and has moved Robert to the front row, where she can observe him better, and where he maybe can come back out of his shell again.

It was just Richard and I for lunch today, and I made Richard's favourite. There is a portion over which I will have on Monday, cause this Monday I am going to make it easier for me, and let Richard eat at school, before going to guitar. It was just a bit toooo much rushing around last Monday! After lunch, Richard went to Heike's and I went to sport on my own. My friend is from Russia and she has to rush back there in the next couple of days as her Mum has terminal cancer. Unbearable what she must be going through, but hopefully she knows that I can help out at this end, whilst she is away.
They were lovely at the sports studio though, they have marked in their books, what is going on and she won't be charged for anything whilst she is gone!
Despite being on my own, I enjoyed myself, the girl doing it this time had some new moves for me, so I am sure I will find some new muscles in the morning!

Back home on my own again, I set to baking - everyone else at this time of year is busy baking Xmas biscuits, not me - I made my own Knäckebrot (crispbread). Long story behind this one. For what seems like months Richard has been asking me to buy him the same crispbread as his mates at school have, but could never tell me, just quite what they had. Well at the parents evening last week, I asked their Mum and the following day, I set out to find and buy it. Well, a packet of crispbread at Aldi has about 20 slices in it and cost just under 50cts for the packet. The one Richard's friends have has 8(!!!) slices in the packet and costs 1.99 Euros!!! I was speechless, but I did buy him one packet and I did try it, it was very nice, but much much much too expensive.
I remembered that I had a recipe for crispbread in the magazine I get once a month, so today when I went shopping I got the ingredients for it. and this afternoon I baked it. I was sceptical, but look it looks like crispbread, and wow it is delicous! (This is half of the amount I made)

When Richard tried it, I asked him "is it as good as Luca and Lion's?" He said "no!" - insert shocked Mummy face, then he grinned and said "better"!!!
Happy Mummy now!

CU tomorrow!

Day 323

This morning I joined half of Robert's class for a sports competition. It was just a bit of competitive fun, and the kids loved it. There were 28 groups competing (2 from our school) and Robert's class came in 11th and were well pleased with themselves! Well done kids!
This is Robert in the relay race.

And here he is in his role of "team captain" collecting the certificate for his class.

We got back from the outing at about 1.30pm, when I phoned Heike to say she could send Richard home, she had some lunch already made for us! Bless her! That saved me so much trouble.
Once we had eaten, I took Robert to his class mate unfortunately he doesnt live in our village and we had to drive about 20mins cross country. Once there Robert and his friend worked together with the Mum on their presentation all about squirrels. Now I at least know that Robert did something towards whatever mark he will be getting on Friday.

From there we went home again and about an hour later it was time to get Richard to art school. I did my usual trip around the shopping mall, and got two bargains. I had recieved pictures of what my nieces would like for Xmas and at the toy store there which is closing at the end of the year, they had just that reduced by 20%! I love a bargain!

After shopping I picked Richard up again and then we drove and picked Robert up. I think Florian is right, its time for the "Taxi Mama" sign in my car window!

CU tomorrow!

Day 322

Ok, today I wasn't quite as rushed off my feet as yesterday, but its been an emotional roller coaster instead.
Remember I wrote yesterday that I found out that Robert is a) writing a German test next week, b) has to give a presentation this week and c) has a LOT of homework that he has never mentioned. Well when he got home from school, I confronted him with some of it, but I did it in a very calm and collected manner. First I asked him how school was, anything I needed to know - nope, ok, then are you writing any tests soon - no, are you sure? - yes, no tests Mummy, so I then let him know what I had heard. It was all news to him! AGH. I then asked about the presentation, I now know who he is doing it with and what it is about. Its about squirrels, and the other person so far has gathered all the information they need for the presentation. When I asked why he hadn't told me all about it, he said he wanted to surprise me. Yeah I would have been well surprised with a bad mark for not doing anything now wouldn't I! By this time Robert was in floods of tears, I tried to tell him that I want to make things easier for him, is there anything he needs to be able to remember these things, did he want an extra something to write the dates down in or such, all he kept doing was shrugging his shoulders. We got absolutely nowhere in our conversation. So once he had calmed down again I left him to do his homework.
At one point I wandered into the kitchen for something, and saw that he had a sheet of paper in front of him with some red corrections on it. I turned to have a proper look - it was a religion test that I knew NOTHING of. Goodness only knows when he wrote it, and no he didn't miraculously have a good mark on it either. After all I had been talking about, he could have owned up to that fact, it was pretty obvious I was going to find out, he needed my signature on it! AGH I could have screamed and cried.
I asked him if he had been surprised by the test, again more shrugging of his shoulders. I tried again, did you know about the test, this time (maybe cause I got louder he said no he didn't know about it. I then went through his school book and showed him what we could have learned beforehand so that he would have written a better test. I then spotted the "green crosses" in his book. When the teacher informs of a test, she normally tells them which pages they should revise for the test and the kids mark these with crosses. Mmh, his book was full of them, so at some point along the line he did know about the test. AGH!!!
He then proceeded to tell me he is stupid, he can't remember things, its no wonder no one can say anything nice about him and between each damning statement he banged his head against the wall. it was heartbreaking. I am so running out of ideas now. He had wanted to go to play with his friend, but I told him that wasn't on anymore, so more screaming and crying. I have to say I left him to it, and tried calming myself back down again.

Once we were both calm again, I asked him if he wanted to help me bake some gingerbread biscuits. He did most of that and enjoyed himself. Even going as far as to say he could become a baker when he grows up. Bless!

At bedtime unfortunately we were back to "you don't make things easier for me, you make my life more difficult" and I am not even sure, what I did to warrant that outburst other than to ask him to be quiet and let Richard sleep.

I have now at least phoned the doctor in town that specializes in children with ADS and will be trying to get him an appointment there, even if it is only to rule out that he has that. For that appointment I have to go and collect an extensive questionnaire, which the doctor will evaluate before giving us an appointment. So that is on my to do list for Thursday.
This evening I surfed the internet and there is a programme called "marburger Konzentrationstraining" which is designed to help children to learn to concentrate, I will be looking into that too (I have found two places that do it), and I will also be getting in touch with the "Erziehungsberatungsstelle" (parental counselling) they too cover all sorts of areas, and I think they may have our problem covered too, I'll get an appointment and find out. I'll try anything at the moment, cause at the moment Robert seems to be his own worst enemy. and all I want to do is help. Wish me luck.

Where was Richard during all this, he was around to start with and gave me a little love letter at one point - it said "ich libe dich Mama" (I love you mummy, with a tiny spelling mistake). Later on he went off with his friends to play at their Daddy's house. He was a bit disappointed that he missed out on the baking, but I did save him a couple of biscuits. Why not more? Cause they weren't for us, they were for the advent bazaar on Sunday!

The good/ great thing about today - my roast chicken lunch, it was delicious!

CU tomorrow, with better news I hope!

Day 318, Day 319, Day 320 and Day 321

Oh dear 4 days of catching up to do. Friday should have been done Friday, but I had a phone call from Robert's teacher at nearly 11pm and by the time we had finished, it was much too late to finish my post. So here goes.

Day 318 - Friday
You might not believe this, but I actually got to go to work today. There was no translating to be done, but the secretary there needed help. Mmh, she should be able to keep me busy for a while. I have now seen how she works, and yep, I think I may be in work every week, if they let me. And I will just do as I am told, and not sort out her workspace and methods! (Sounds stuck up, but I did used to be good at my job, and somethings can be organised better to create less work, right?!)

The boys got home from school together today, then sat down for their homework. Well Robert had a page with all his class mates names on a piece of paper and he had to write down something special about each person. I recognised instantly what the teacher was probably planning with this and was really pleased about it, and then...Robert burst into tears.
To start with he wouldn't tell me what was up, and then he told me that they had done it once before during the week, and they had to do it again, because "no one could think of anything nice to say about Robert" and "no one likes me", "no one is my friend". He was heartbroken and it was heartbreaking. BUT saying that I never for one second believed that that is what the teacher had said. Not knowing quite what to do I first called the school, but I was too late, everyone had gone home for the weekend. So then I sat down and sent Robert's teacher an email, asking her to call me if she could.

Robert later went to football training and I then got in touch with his friend's Mum, to see if she had heard anything. At the time she hadn't but she called me back later to let me know that the teacher most definitely hadn't said that, and that the reason they were doing it for a second time was, because most of the kids had taken the easy option and had written "he/she is nice" all the way down the page! Oops! Panic over on my part, and I sent a second email to the teacher letting her know that the panic was over. Of course when she did finally get my email somewhere shortly before 11pm she did ring me back, and explain in more detail what had happened, what she had been intending and so on. I in no way blame her, her idea is brilliant and special. Robert just wasn't listening properly or taking it all too much to heart. (she is collecting all the nice things the children said about one another and will be writing a little note for each child to keep - just like the email that went round the world a few years back - one I have never forgotten).
All in all, I found out what a great teacher Robert now has, and how much of a shame it is we didn't have her earlier!

Today's picture -  the boys dancing along with Pudsey bear on Friday download.

The boys are growing up so fast, this is a pop programme and they are really in to it and the music and dance moves. Won't be long before we have popstars on the walls!

Day 319 - Saturday
Busy busy morning. At 10.15 I took Richard to his meeting point for his football game this morning. A friend took him as the rest of us were going to the school in the village's open day.
I am not sure why, but my opinion of the village school, was not very high, that all changed today at he opening day. I loved it all. The atmosphere at the open day was great, the class rooms were big and airy, the indoor play area for rainy play times was large and beautiful looking.

We looked all around, got a tour of the computer room, found out that they have an orchestra with guitarists - that pleased Robert. We then went and asked about tennis, but that isn't on at the moment but could come back. Well we went with Robert determined not to like the school and came away with him at least intrigued.

Back home Robert and Florian went out and started chopping up wood ready for the winter. And when Richard got home from his football match, he joined them. Me, I stayed in the warm.

When they came back in Florian put the fire on for us, it was lovely and cozy.
Florian started fasting today so he was feeling the cold because of the lack of food, but even those of us eating enjoyed the fire.

Day 320 - Sunday
Lazy day today well for me and the boys at least. Florian went for a double session of sport and followed that up by a visit to the sauna. That way he didn't have to watch or smell the cooking and eating of our lunch. Even if I had chosen meat dishes to put him off.
Can't really remember what else we got up too, I think we just enjoyed not having to do anything in particular! I did play scrabble, and I took a screen shot of it the other day, cause I had such cool letters, not that I could use them like that!

Day 321 - Monday
OK be prepared to feel a bit rushed today - I was!
At 7.45am I made my way to Heike's to babysit her daughter. Luckily she was just getting up when I got there, I was a bit worried, that she might miss Mummy, if I was the one that got her out of bed! But Neele was all smiles for me ALL morning. Florian joined me there until 9am, he didn't have to leave until then, and Neele was all smiles for him too. After Florian left Neele and I went shopping. And enjoyed ourselves out and about together, we got home about 10.45am, and Neele spent the rest of the morning chasing the cats all around. So cute! Speaking of cute here she is earlier in the day.

Richard and Heike's twins got home just before noon, and I hadn't quite finished cooking - not used to doing that whilst sitting a toddler! Heike picked the girls up just as I had dished up Richard's and my lunch. By the time I had seen them off, it was time to get Richard back to school, so I just put my lunch away and drove Richard first. But first we had to pick up the other Nele's guitar (yep she is spelt different) as she had thought guitar wasn't til Friday! Ooops.
I thought we were going to be late to guitar, but the teacher was too. I think I may have upset another mum whilst waiting for the teacher to get there. She was there and wanted to tell the teacher, that her son wasn't staying as he didn't want to. Considering this was the rehearsal for the concert in two weeks time, I didn't think that qualified as an excuse and let her know it. I was very calm and collected and not rude, I just reminded her that it was a rehearsal, and that the kids need everyone there for it to make sense, and that in a way it was like a football team, if you are on the team, you can't back out because you don't feel like it. Well she left to look and see if she could see the teacher and I think when she found her, she gave her the same sermon, cause lo and behold in walks the boy that didn't want to be there!

I went back home after that to have my lunch and then couldn't work up the energy to rush back out to do the shopping. Instead I decided on roast chicken for tomorrow and started defrosting a chicken. Then set about sorting out all my parcels I needed to post. And then nearer the time for picking the boys up, I was back up and out. Parcels are now all posted, and I also stopped at NKD (a shop in the village) they had a buy 3 items get the cheapest free going on, so I got Richard new underwear!

After guitar I had 4 kids in the car and by the time I had dropped them all off it was about 3.30pm when we got in. Robert had his lunch then, and then both boys got on with their homework, before an hour later we were off again for Karate!
I dropped them off there, bumped into one of Florian's friends from there (Harald says hi, Florian) then I came home, got the kids tea ready, welcomed the babysitter and then I was off out again. Another parents evening, this one was about what options are available to us, when our children leave primary school. Rearlly it was nothing new, but I did get to "meet" (hear) the village schools head teacher, and that is yet another plus point for that school. I see myself getting involved at that school too - uhoh!
Back home at 9pm, would have been much earlier, but got chatting to other parents. And in that conversation found out about a German test on the 29th, a project that is to be presented at the end of this week, that I know NOTHING about, homework in another subject, that was a LOT, that again I have never seen - sometimes I wonder just what planet our son lives on! Oh well, I decided against waking him and shaking him and will find out more about all that tomorrow! I'll keep you posted!

CU tomorrow!