Well hello there!

Another week, another hot drink and time for a catch-up!

• If we were sipping a chai together, I’d be requesting another day added to the weekend – It was another busy week last week!
• If we were sipping a chai together, I’d admit that I finally, after a few years of ‘proper’ teaching, was a part of a real parents evening! As a nursery teacher our parent consultations are a little different, but this year, as a bona fide Reception teacher for two days a week, I found myself with the job of manning one of the two evenings we invite parents to come and discuss their children’s progress. I’m used to hearing about the nightmare meetings, things going over time, late nights… I was dreading it. It doesn’t help that I am prone to chatting too much. This was going to be interesting! But you know what? It went great! The parents were amiable and willing to listen to advice, there was laughter, and only the one no show! Yes. I’d definitely do it again!
• If we were sipping chai together, I’d let you know I had to attend the same kind of meetings for both my children. Lil Princess is in the final year of primary school, and with the SAT’s bearing down in May, I was intrigued to hear how she was doing, and her teachers sang her praises. She is performing exactly as she should be, and her teachers think that with a little push, she could even be in that above average group! Well done Lil Princess! Lil Man’s one was just as key as, in year 9, the children in his school embark upon their subject choices for GCSEs. Academia is not his thing, but everyone was positive about his efforts, and there was talk of him pushing himself a little further so he could move up to next level groups. Couldn’t be prouder of them!
• If we were sipping chai together, I’d tell you we celebrated Diwali or  Bandi Chhorr Diwas on Wednesday, both at school and at home. The children at school had a whole day of Diwali-themed activities, including samosa tasting and dancing to Bollywood and Bhangra music! We made divas and firework pictures, the halls were a sea of glitter! Got home and after paying our respects at the Gurdwara, we ate loads, and finished off watching the fireworks with our neighbours!

• If we were sipping chai together, I’d tell you Thursday and Friday whizzed by in a blur of afterschool clubs, cleaning and shopping. I was glad of the weekend!
• If we were sipping that chai together, I’d tell you that Pink Gin is lethal. Full Stop!
• If we were sipping that chai together, I’d say a little girlie time is always good, having spent an afternoon with my own Lil Princess, shopping and popping to Starbucks, and talking about what to wear when we attend the Capital FM Jingle Bell Ball!
• If we were sipping that chai together, I’d tell you how we visited the memorial garden in our town of Gravesend to see the wreathes that had been lain in honour of all our fallen heroes, including a handmade one from the children in Lil Princess’s class. #lestweforget

And for the week ahead?

• If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies, I’d let you know that on Friday, I shall be dressing up as a large yellow bear. No, not Winnie the Pooh, but Pudsey! It is BBCs Children In Need so we have a wear spots day on Friday to raise money for charity, and I am going to be really comfortable in school in my Pudsey onsie! (quite possibly, photos to follow!)
• If we were sipping that chai together, I’d say I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for Lil Man who has been selected to try out for the District Cricket team. There are three try out sessions, starting next week. He’s worked so hard, I hope he gets on the squad!
• As I mop up the crumbs I’d mention that I’m so grateful to have you to blurt my news out too!

So, what’s your week been like, and what are you looking forward to?

If you want, drop a line in the comments, or even link back to this with a Chai and a Chat post of your own!