Family and friends

I'm not usually one to gush but tonight I feel well and truly blessed! Over the last 10 days we have had a truly blessed and special time with my little family and bestest of friends!
We haven't made it away this summer due to financial constraints and Elijah being so young but we have had a wonderful time locally and down in Deal. We've paddled in seas and lido s, visited planes and water shows eaten endless chips on th beach and returned to our childhood with Dan watching again around the world in 80 days with Willy Fog! We've had pictures from abroad want to us to share memories and had some really special times with some of Daniel s Godparents and a real treat of precious time with Grandma!!!
When out and about one grandparent said how sad she was her grandchildren didn't value things unless money was. Thrown at it we've managed to have fun on very little and Daniel has been so happy. I pray he and Elijah will grow up to feel blessed by love and not money!
The holidays are going so fast and I shall be sad when Seprmeber ends but so grateful for maternity leave and the opportunities it's presented us.
This next week sees us helping look after our niece (if she will let us!) as my sister and brother in law move down and a special day trip old skool style with the best friend ever x

Divine!

what a week!
Today is the first day we have been alone as a family for over a week, it's been a week of reunion with Marc's parents visiting from India, of family direct and adopted coming together and of celebration!
Elijahs baptism really was a heaven sent occasion, which may sound dramatic but truly it moved every emotion in my body. Yes he cried at the wrong moment due to need food and other bodily functions but the whole service was just so powerful. Being with my folks as they led us in the service, worshipping in song led by Marc and supported by our niece and dear friend and getting the immense privilege of baptising Elijah myself was just WOW...and the cherry on the top Daniel behaved and participated impeccably !!!
Add that to a weekend spent with family who made the sacrifice of travelling the length of the country, friends who represent parishes we've served in Rochdale, Middlesborough, Gillingham and Rochester, new friends we've made here and through school, the air cadets who came to support us and precious moments with family and close friends today I still feel overwhelmed with blessings.
Thank you all who made this time do special by your presents and presents , by your gifts of time, catering and friendship,. The joy is only overshadowed by the realisation of those we love but don't see enough... What a weekend !

Some of the family and friends have arrived others are well on the way all set for Elijahs big day!
I'm currently sat upstairs feeding the boy whilst downstairs kids continue to play into the evening and adults catch up over BBQ food...thanks to my hubby!
We've set the hall up, Jean and Derek are sorting the food, the cake lovingly made by my fab neighbour has been delivered and so all is set for tomorrow.
I face the day feeling excited yet also nervous for tomorrow I get to baptise Elijah myself.
Conducting the service is always a blessing but tomorrow is even more so, what a real privilege!
So tonight while I worry if things will go well and people will enjoy themselves I'm left really praying that the significance of this occasion welcoming Elijah into the family of Christ will shine through.
To those giving up time, providing refreshments and travelling to be with us I really do appreciate it .
For those who can't make it, we miss you!