Monday, December 15, 2014

Letter to Richard - 15 December 2014 (start of the holidays)

15 December 2014

Dear Richard

Christmas is just about upon us! As of Friday I’m on leave, and actually I’m on leave from teaching until June 2015! When I was closing up my office on Friday it meant taking all of the food, water bottles and plants home that I’ve got there. Quite a substantial feeling! I’ll still be going in during my sabbatical, but I’ll be mainly at home, so this will become my office for the 6 months.

I spent time working on my topic and research question for my masters, and also building an excel workbook that the Head of Department asked me to develop. Then it was also our year end function on Friday afternoon, and on Thursday we had the Christmas party for the kids at my work. The party was in the morning, so I ended up having the kids with me for the whole day, because of course they wouldn’t want to go back to school for the afternoon… But they had lots of fun, and I actually then took them afterwards to my friend’s house to meet her new puppy and to have a swim in her pool. A really fun day! Then I took Josh to see the aftercare at the school, where I’ve been able to arrange for him to go next year as well.

But the big thing last week was really Joshua having his last day at his school. He’s been at that school for 4 years, so it really is a big thing for him to move on now. But he’s definitely ready! Because I know that he’ll be coming back very often next year I wasn’t too emotional, and I think he’s fine too. It’s going to be really hard for me when Caleb finishes off!

We’re nearing the end of the New Testament stories now, and we’ve been reading about the Easter week. It’s been so nice reading with the kids about things like the crucifixion, but then being able to discuss how even though bad people killed Jesus he’s stronger and more powerful than them, so He was able to come alive again, and Satan will never win! I’m really looking forward to teaching the New Testament next year, and having lots of opportunities to discuss it :) But then I am just loving teaching my class and teaching from the scriptures in general :D The other day I had been preparing my lesson on Daniel, Shadrech etc, and Esther and I was sitting at the table with the kids while they ate supper (Andrew was out somewhere) and I was telling them the stories. Hannah especially was riveted! But all 3 of them were really fascinated, and it was so nice to be able to discuss with them :)

Saturday was busy, with all 3 kids being invited to Josh’s best friend’s birthday party, and then the ward Christmas party. Way too much junk food for the day! But the kids had fun ;) And then on Sunday, with Cindy arriving home, we had a small party as a family. So you can just imagine how the kids were by the end of that! But they were so excited to have Cindy and Dom here! We were all supposed to go over at 4:00, and we delayed them as long as possible, but eventually at 3:20 we couldn’t anymore! Just imagine how they’re going to be when you’re coming home!

And then today was the first day of holiday, and so far so good :) I think this holiday is going to be easier than the previous ones, and they’ll get progressively easier from here, but here’s hoping it carries on well ;)

Love you lots

Shelly

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