Hello there! Tis the season to be jolly, (sadly tis also the season to be snotty- Endoftermitus and all that jazz! But nie mind, let's not harp on about that...) . So far, it's been lovely to be on holiday, really enjoying the lack of school!
I quite enjoyed the last 3 days of school. The carol service was really successful and the kids sang my song (I wrote them one) beautifully! The last day was nice as they were doing (in the words of Rach) worksheets, pritt sticks, making calendars and cards (except they have run out- grrr! Like gold dust they are) and general lack of work. I desperately tried to get through the last couple of reading assessments left to do and marked RE and English grammar books. They then watched Cats and Dogs and I dished out 30 presents and cards.
I got a whole stack of pressies from my class which surprised me (they were lovely by the way- inc very pretty heart necklace) and attempted to leave my classroom in some semblance of order ready for the 3rd Jan return.
The week prior, and during that week, and after school, I enjoyed a variety of Christmas concerts, lovely playing and singing my heart out. One of the highlights was 'The Twelve days of Christmas' in Southwark cathedral (hilarious GKT tradition of singing it with medics, dentists, orchestra, parents, choir etc singing certain verses) and then singing it again at my church's Christmas Miscellany (except this time seriously embarassed by my mother being 'six geese a laying').
Had a delightful day in Paris with my good friend Alex- after rising at 3.30am (eek!) we visited Sacre Coeur, Notre Dame, stood under the Eifel tower, visited some of other lovely churches and went on a freezing but beautiful boat ride. I really loved Sacree Coeur, it was so beautiful and I really felt God's presence there. We somehow ended up buying portraits of ourselves that didn't look like us in Mon Martre (spelling?), drank expensive Chocolat chaud, ate Croque Madames, said Merci and Pardon lots and got lost on the Metro. We marvelled at double decker trains (soooooooo cool!), I embarassed Alex by trying to make him skip along the Seine, admired Degas and Monet at Musee D'Orsay and stood freezing cold in the queue for Eurostar that was delayed by an hour- poor Alex had to play word games with me for 45 mins! Returned on Eurostar and slept like a baby (a baby that sleeps that is). Alex then had to yet again endure my company playing at Guildford cathedral that Saturday where he admirably conducted a lovely choir and then consequently at church services! (mwah ha ha!)
The services were lovely at church, we were really blessed, especially during an interregnum. By Christmas day, I had almost lost my voice.
We've enjoyed some fun games over the last couple of days, board games, snail racing at my Godmother's (hilarious wind up things- my one was wonky!) and lots of nice TV too! Afraid I have spent the last 2 days in PJs due to cold, but has been restful!
I now have a million and one lovely Christmas presents I have no where to put and shall enjoy the last days of freedom.
Here's hoping that January the 3rd will bring a new organised Kezzie, one who marks books quickly, doesn't faff, has a tidy, organised classroom and smiles as she leaves her house!
Tis a bit late, but Merry Christmas one and all!
