Que Sera Sera: This has been my week so far

We started the weekend with birthday party #1. Then there was birthday party #2. And believe it or not, there birthday party #3. Yes, we attended all three. Honestly, it's hard to say 'No' especially when its a classmate of Sera's. And then, as a mother, you also want to support the mother who is going all out to make it special for the birthday child. So yes, come rain or shine, we attended all the parties with a smile on our faces (Sera for sure) and left with a severe overdose of sugar, highly strung and tired kids. Ahh, all part of parenthood.

And this week has been slightly chaotic. After leaving behind a week of sandstorm, we entered the week with heavy showers that lasted two days. As expected, the roads were a nightmare to drive on (if you even dare but there was STILL party #3 in the midst of the mayhem) and floods were emerging every which way you looked. Sera's school wasn't spared as it started to reveal major ceiling leakage in the reception area. The principal sent out an urgent email to all parent to "Please be prepared to keep your child at home in case the rain does not stop in time for damages to be controlled." Ahh, it was all very dramatic and even comical when I realised I didn't even own an umbrella! Just for your information, it is not easy to find umbrellas here.

But I enjoyed the rain. I really did. It was cold, wet and extremely messy! However, it was very worth it because when the rain relented, the sun just seem to shine even brighter over the usually dusty city and oh, it was such a pleasure to breathe fresh air for a change.

So moving along ... today was 'Pyjama Day' at Sera's school, which meant the school saved me a few minutes of my usual morning struggle of negotiating Sera out of her pyjamas and into her 'proper clothes'. 'Pyjama Day' also meant that the teachers were not planning to do any proper lessons (this is also called the 'We've had enough of all these lovely children and we need a break NOW' syndrome) but to have a class party and huddle the kids together for a 90 minute child-friendly movie. Honestly, I really don't mind at all but I wasn't so pleased when I had to drag myself out of bed this morning, just a little after 12, because I forgot to make the pizzas I signed myself up for. Yes, so while the rest of the family were in dreamland, I was busy (for 2.5 hours) in the kitchen making a big tray of home-made pizza. Insane!

Tomorrow is the last day of school and then we are school-free for 2 weeks. This time, I think I am going to say, again, that I'm looking forward to the school break. I just want to spend time with the girls, together with grandma, in a free and leisurely manner. No schedules, no rush, no birthday parties! Now, it is time for the all of us to slow down, get cosy and lovingly welcome Christmas.