I invited Marcelle and Heidi around on Valentines day for a Valentine's brunch. It was nice just to sit and chat and be together. Marcelle as usual, spoilt us all with Ferrero Rocher chocolate!!!!
We had a nice lunch with some champagne. Marcelle also changed something on my computer for me. It's nice to know a computer boff!!
I took the boys off to Light athletics in the afternoon and then on to Soccer practice.
Lara was very much off her food that evening and a little later, she was sick in bed.
Gerard had a management meeting on Thursday and Lara went off to Zina's house, so I didn't get to see them at lunch time and only saw Lara at 4.00 o'clock when I went to pick her up. It feels quite odd, when my little girl is not at home with me!!
Lara had a Faschings disco at her kindergarten, so took her off to that. She had a wonderful time. Lara was still not feeling 100% and not eating well at all.
On Friday, Lara went off to Kindergarten as normal but I received a call at about 12.00 o'clock from Lydia, saying that she had terrible diarrhoea and that I should pick her up. Gerard went to get her and I called the doctor. I had to sit and wait for an hour to see Dr Braun, just to be told that she has got a case of bad diarrhoea and to be given a a diet sheet for Lara. Sometimes I think that I could also be a doctor!!
Well that evening the stomach bug hit hard. Poor old Robbie had planned on spending the evening at Alex's house and was all packed and ready to go, suddenly was puking all over the lounge floor. He could not get to the loo in time. He puked his heart out for most of the evening and of course could not go to his friend. By the time he went to sleep, he seemed to be feeling a lot better.
We were sitting having breakfast on Saturday morning, when we received a phone call. It was Dave from Australia phoning on Skype. I rushed through and switched on the computer and then we spoke via webcam and got our Skype connection sorted out. What a wonderful way to communicate - we could see each other and talk even though we are so far apart. This made my day and I was so excited from this call.
Robert seemed to have recovered from his stomach bug and went and spent Saturday night at Alex. We all watched Dancing on Ice.
On Sunday, we had promised to take the kids ice skating in Lauterbach. Steven had been earlier on in the week, with his class and was holding us to our promise. We went off in the early afternoon and had the experience of ice skating. The boys seem to have a natural ability to anything that requires balance which is the total opposite to me!!! After hanging on to the side and pulling himself along, Gerard managed to make it the whole way round without falling. He was also hanging onto Lara!!! Eventually the boys realised that I was just making myself seen by standing and smiling at them, taking photos etc., and demanded that I join them on the rink.
After much persuasion, I thought I had better "try" and not let them down or myself. After all, I told myself, I had got this far - couldn't leave without giving it a bash. Well, as I stepped onto the rink, my foot took off in it's own direction with no control from me whatsoever. I clung to the side and pulled my way to the next exit which was about 5 metres away, stepped off the rink and walked back to our seat. Definately feel that skating is not for me - can't teach an old dog new tricks!!!
All in all the kids had a wonderful time and it was an afternoon of entertainment in one way and another.
I must just add, that the stomach bug had moved on to another member of the family - namely me!!!! So all the while we where there, I had a rip roaring headache and felt quite nauseas. I was too happy to get home and have a short nap.
Monday the 19th was Rosenmontag.
Tuesday was the official carnival day for the schools. Robert and Steven got all dressed up, as did Lara and I took them off to school. Their school went to the Town Hall where the kids had music, dancing and fun. Lara went as a princess to Kindergarten and also to dancing classes in the afternoon.
On Thursday, little Zina came home with Lara and I took them off to Light Athletics later that afternoon.
Poor old Steven had been stuck by the stomach bug during the week and he had to dash to the toilet on more than one occasion.
I am very proud of Gerard, as Gary Bell announced his Directorship at Larissa's
farewell on Friday. Gerard has worked long and hard at his job here in Germany and now at long last has been rewarded for it!!! Well done my darling.
On Saturday, Gerard left early to attend a forklift driving course. He was there from 8.30am until 3.00pm. Total waste of a Saturday in my eyes.
We left home at about 4.30pm and did a bit of grocery shopping before going to Patricia's birthday dinner. It was great to be among the family again and I got to speak some German. I always feel as though I have achieved something when I can carry out a conversation with someone. (In German I mean) Ursi made a lovely dinner for us and we left quite late. Got to watch the Skateoff of Dancing on Ice. Sad to see Lisa go when Emily deserved to go.
We went to bed quite late and I was woken up by the sounds of Gerard retching and retching. The bug had got him too!!!!!
I stayed in my pyjamas the whole day on Sunday, much to my kids disgust. Gerard lay around feeling miserable all day. He slept on and off all day but it did him the world of good.
The bug had done it's rounds and lets hope it has finally "buggered" off.
