Overloaded

Overloaded. That is how life feels right now. And I'm not staying on top of things very gracefully. Riley just got over Shigella, or something like that and now we are fighting a stomach bug of some sort. He and Pruitt were both home yesterday and Pruitt had to miss school again today. They have been such good sports through it all, though their mother is becoming rather worn out!

On the bright side, I was able to get out of the house this afternoon to go to parent teacher conferences. Even though half of the time was spent sitting in fumes or bumping along on rough roads, it was a nice break. It was so encouraging to speak with their teachers and to hear such positive reports. They have been thriving in the new class room environment, have made such good friends and are really being stretched in so many positive ways. They are all practising for Christmas programs and I am hoping that seeing them will put me in a more festive mood. Dust covered palm trees just don't have the same effect as a white blanket of snow! Most of our neighbors are getting ready to slaughter an animal for the coming Eid holiday, while I know back home most people are putting up their trees, hanging lights and going crazy with all the shopping and parties. Somehow it just doesn't feel like Christmas yet... time to dig out those cookie cutters and start playing some carols. We'll get in the spirit of things yet!