I've just booked a train for a quick trip to Manchester......unfortunately not to see the Christmas markets , I received some heart breaking news this weekend, my Adopted Godfather passed away after a long battle with the C word!
I say adopted because 2 out of the 3 Godparents I was blessed with as a baby unfortunately , being older, died when I was fairly young, so I took it upon myself to adopt Aunty Sue and Uncle Roy as my Godparents..to help my awesome Godmummy aunty Jayne ( she needed all the help she could get having me !!)
Aunty Sue and Uncle Roy have been part of our family since I was 9 months old...a long time and I expect mum and dad would say are one of their best friends. The type of friends where you can go years without seeing each other but when you get together it's like you've never been apart ....I'm blessed to have friends like this too ...the joy of the job and having to move around a lot!
Today I had a funeral to take and for the second time Only I had to take a deep breathe as my own grief suddenly felt very real. Someone said today at our drop in group that I must have a hard skin to cope with so much suffering in my job, really I actually don't, I can be a sensitive little soul at times and every occasion you are faced with death the reality of it still hits home.
So as we get engrossed in Advent and Christmas preperations im mindful even more of those for whom this season will be very very difficult . Life is precious....taste the rainbows, dance in the rain, show those you love just how much and take every opportunity you can.
Wednesday 30 November 2016
Monday 7 November 2016
Family
I'm getting to that age where big celebrations are happening all around me ...a few weeks ago I had the real joy of heading to Bolton where I became a teenager experienced so much whilst growing up to celebrate my very great friend Claire's 40th birthday , I've learnt from Claire to try and embrace the big 4-0 so watch this space ...
This weekend we had the real privilege of heading back north to Manchester to celebrate my baby cousin becoming 30 ;it's not for a few weeks yet as she's a Christmas Eve babe but wanted to celebrate when we could all get together.
I can't believe she's going to be 30 already! I rememebr the moment aunty Glen came to see us in Bolton to say she was having a baby I was soooo excited. Then came the wonderful yearly trips to Pontins and then Butlins. We've lived close by and far apart but always stayed close and now have the joy of having her as Elijah s Godmummy. It was a real joy to go on Saturday with the family to stay with her and celebrate and hopeFully she will forgive her godson for waking her up so early ! Sleeps over rated anyway! One of the most exciting parts of the weekend was seeing the venue where Kym and Helen are going to get married next year so I get to gain another cousin and couldn't wish for a better one...one my boys adore just as much as their 2nd cuz.
Families are funny things but they are given to us for a reason, to help us to support us to guide and strengthen us. I know they are not always easy and things aren't always straight forward for many but I feel it's really important to try and embrace them , make time for them where we can .
As for me a big birthday is creeping ever so closely ideas of what to do very much welcome !!!
Friday 14 October 2016
Life....
life is a weird old thing ...you spend part of it wishing your life away dreaming of being older and the rest of it hankering to be younger!
This week has been pants , first I heard that a dear friend s cancer is progressing very fast and today a lad from my class has died also of cancer !
The last few years I've really begun to appreciate /miss those folks that were part of my life in my early years/teens. I wish I could say to the teens of today, stop , look appreciate the here and now, value your friends , keep in touch with those you can even when times move on keep that connection. This life can be so busy but we do need to make time for those we love, those we care about, those who are our friends. I've recently made a bucket list, of actual achievable goals, places I want to see, things I want to do . Life is so uncertain we need to be kind to one another, live, love and follow those dreams!
This week has been pants , first I heard that a dear friend s cancer is progressing very fast and today a lad from my class has died also of cancer !
The last few years I've really begun to appreciate /miss those folks that were part of my life in my early years/teens. I wish I could say to the teens of today, stop , look appreciate the here and now, value your friends , keep in touch with those you can even when times move on keep that connection. This life can be so busy but we do need to make time for those we love, those we care about, those who are our friends. I've recently made a bucket list, of actual achievable goals, places I want to see, things I want to do . Life is so uncertain we need to be kind to one another, live, love and follow those dreams!
Monday 3 October 2016
Le Weekend
I hate to keep going on about it but..I had a weekend ! An actual 2 days off together !
I've been feeling really run down over the last few weeks and with suffering with pleurisy and a severe gum infection things haven't been great. But this weekend saw us trekking back up to Bolton to celebrate my best friend from primary schools 40th birthday. It didn't start off to great as a 4 hour 20 journey turned into 7 and a half so some what tired and disgruntled we arrived...my wonderful aunty drove over to baby sit and as Elijah had been in the car all day was clearly not for sleeping and promptly cried and cried...but the wonder that she is persevered and got him asleep in his travel cot. It was so lovely to see My friend Claire and her hubby Will (incidentally as well a s Claire being my best friend Will was my first "boy friend " if you can call it that at such a young age..but two people who have a special place in my heart!) and their families who I've not seen for many years and also some old school friends too. It made me again realise how much I miss not seeing people I spent those formative years with but am also grateful for the joy of facebook for allowing us to reconnect.
I also had the pleasure of meeting up with another old friend and his wife on Saturday (also my old form teacher!) nit me Elijah played ball for our dear friend Rosemary and went straight to sleep ... again that was such a special time of reconnecting, sharing memories and also making new plans.
All that put together plus the chance to enjoy some lovely country walks and much needed time in the hotel spa!
As I reflect back on a Monday morning I truly realise the importance of time away to recharge the batteries, time to reconnect with friends and family and time to actually have some fun...I feel like a different person to last week.... Thank you to all who made the weekend possible....least of all my parents for having Dan who was desperate to see them after there month in Spain ...and just hope that it won't be too long before I get to see those dear friends again...
And the funny aside for those in the south I actually got told I was speaking posh 🙈
I've been feeling really run down over the last few weeks and with suffering with pleurisy and a severe gum infection things haven't been great. But this weekend saw us trekking back up to Bolton to celebrate my best friend from primary schools 40th birthday. It didn't start off to great as a 4 hour 20 journey turned into 7 and a half so some what tired and disgruntled we arrived...my wonderful aunty drove over to baby sit and as Elijah had been in the car all day was clearly not for sleeping and promptly cried and cried...but the wonder that she is persevered and got him asleep in his travel cot. It was so lovely to see My friend Claire and her hubby Will (incidentally as well a s Claire being my best friend Will was my first "boy friend " if you can call it that at such a young age..but two people who have a special place in my heart!) and their families who I've not seen for many years and also some old school friends too. It made me again realise how much I miss not seeing people I spent those formative years with but am also grateful for the joy of facebook for allowing us to reconnect.
I also had the pleasure of meeting up with another old friend and his wife on Saturday (also my old form teacher!) nit me Elijah played ball for our dear friend Rosemary and went straight to sleep ... again that was such a special time of reconnecting, sharing memories and also making new plans.
All that put together plus the chance to enjoy some lovely country walks and much needed time in the hotel spa!
As I reflect back on a Monday morning I truly realise the importance of time away to recharge the batteries, time to reconnect with friends and family and time to actually have some fun...I feel like a different person to last week.... Thank you to all who made the weekend possible....least of all my parents for having Dan who was desperate to see them after there month in Spain ...and just hope that it won't be too long before I get to see those dear friends again...
And the funny aside for those in the south I actually got told I was speaking posh 🙈
Tuesday 27 September 2016
SHINE
2 years ago today I undertook the most challenging thing I've ever had to face..the Shine marathon for Cancer Research. Whatever possessed me to agree to it was simple, I'd seen so many friends , family and parishioners suffer at the hands of cancer and I wanted to try and honour them in some small way. 2 years later I faced Shine again but this time the half marathon to ease me back in after having Elijah. Again, it was a truly wonderful experience, this time without the pain and agony but still with the heart ache of more friends and family members suffering at the end of this cruel disease .
What was so amazing on Saturday night was seeing the 17,000 people all there with their own stories and reasons why they were walking, whether it was for themselves or for a loved one each walking with their own memories and thoughts.
The world can so often divide us but sometimes tragedy can unite us, bring us together in the companionship of mutual experiences. I've only experienced this twice....at Shine and during the 7th July bombings...a time when people were so scared in London they actually turned to each other in conversation for comfort and support. It makes me sad that it takes bad things to bring us humans together...maybe we should try and make a conscious effort to smile at someone tomorrow, say hi to someone or even invite someone for a coffee...you never know just how much that act of kindness may mean to them.
As for me...I'm stupidly thinking of doing the full marathon again next year but also on my list is to climb a mountain....any takers???
What was so amazing on Saturday night was seeing the 17,000 people all there with their own stories and reasons why they were walking, whether it was for themselves or for a loved one each walking with their own memories and thoughts.
The world can so often divide us but sometimes tragedy can unite us, bring us together in the companionship of mutual experiences. I've only experienced this twice....at Shine and during the 7th July bombings...a time when people were so scared in London they actually turned to each other in conversation for comfort and support. It makes me sad that it takes bad things to bring us humans together...maybe we should try and make a conscious effort to smile at someone tomorrow, say hi to someone or even invite someone for a coffee...you never know just how much that act of kindness may mean to them.
As for me...I'm stupidly thinking of doing the full marathon again next year but also on my list is to climb a mountain....any takers???
Thursday 15 September 2016
Change of plan
Since we came back from holiday it has literally been non stop...literally from the morning after the late night arrival home. So today I managed to rearrange a few things to try and have a much needed day off , Marc had made some lov lay plans for us to undertake once Dan had been safely delivered to school. Well you know what they say to best laid plans....we were rudely awakened at 2am with Daniel in agony quickly proceeded by him being sick, this continued all night!
So plans quickly cancelled Marc took Elijah out for the morning to avoid the bug (hopefully) and to allow Daniel some rest. Whilst Dan slept I felt myself getting more and more stressed about the things that need doing in the next 10 days so rather than stress about them I decided to face them head on. Day off postponed I have managed to get ahead with quite a lot, and this got me thinking, I spend a lot of time out and about, which I love dearly don't get me wrong, but not a lot of time sitting, reflecting and preparing . Of course I would never ever wish for Daniel to be sick it has been agonising watching him writhe in pain and agony, but amidst that we've found some sense of life perspective !
Tomorrow plans change again as I'm not allowed into our special school in case I'm carrying any bugs and Dan hasn't been 24 hours clear yet so is very very sad not to be able to join in Roald Dhal day at school but it means I get a long awaited day off ( albeit spent nursing a Sick son!)
Life can be full of disappointments , heck I am a Spurs fan I know it well ! But it's what we make of them that counts...especially the quite times !
So plans quickly cancelled Marc took Elijah out for the morning to avoid the bug (hopefully) and to allow Daniel some rest. Whilst Dan slept I felt myself getting more and more stressed about the things that need doing in the next 10 days so rather than stress about them I decided to face them head on. Day off postponed I have managed to get ahead with quite a lot, and this got me thinking, I spend a lot of time out and about, which I love dearly don't get me wrong, but not a lot of time sitting, reflecting and preparing . Of course I would never ever wish for Daniel to be sick it has been agonising watching him writhe in pain and agony, but amidst that we've found some sense of life perspective !
Tomorrow plans change again as I'm not allowed into our special school in case I'm carrying any bugs and Dan hasn't been 24 hours clear yet so is very very sad not to be able to join in Roald Dhal day at school but it means I get a long awaited day off ( albeit spent nursing a Sick son!)
Life can be full of disappointments , heck I am a Spurs fan I know it well ! But it's what we make of them that counts...especially the quite times !
Wednesday 27 July 2016
It has been a strange old week full of weird emotions!
The week started brilliantly with a trip to London, not to visit the queen but to drop Marc and Dan at Euston and then meet my Aunty Sue and Uncle Roy who came down from Manchester for the day to see my folks (I hate crashed!!) it was a lovely walk down memory lane as well as a physical walk around the site of London....Elijahs first trip to the big smoke and he seemed to thorough enjoy it!
The week however since then has been somewhat hard work juggling trying to work and look after Elijah, it has meant early mornings and ,ate nights cramming work into the slots when he's been asleep and trying to ensure he's happy and not too bored while I crack on. When you are suddenly on your own you suddenly appreciate the little things in life, people dropping you a text, the offer of popping over to visit (even if you gave a meeting instead 😢) and the calls just to check you are ok. It's a blessing to know there are people out there who you can rely on .
The week however taking a turn hasn't really been about being home alone but about the state of the world, every morning it feels like we wake up to another tragedy where humanity has shown its most brutal side....this week has felt a little too close to home in northern France (guess where we are off on Holiday!) and a priest! The fact that anyone...in the name of religion, can go into an act of worship and murder someone who and devoted his life to God is beyond me. And so for now churches are to be more cautious and so are we as priests . We live in scary times but love can and will overcome. If we live in fear and stop doing what we want to do then the terrorists have won . So on we go giving thanks for a God of love and for thoughtful friends and Family
The week started brilliantly with a trip to London, not to visit the queen but to drop Marc and Dan at Euston and then meet my Aunty Sue and Uncle Roy who came down from Manchester for the day to see my folks (I hate crashed!!) it was a lovely walk down memory lane as well as a physical walk around the site of London....Elijahs first trip to the big smoke and he seemed to thorough enjoy it!
The week however since then has been somewhat hard work juggling trying to work and look after Elijah, it has meant early mornings and ,ate nights cramming work into the slots when he's been asleep and trying to ensure he's happy and not too bored while I crack on. When you are suddenly on your own you suddenly appreciate the little things in life, people dropping you a text, the offer of popping over to visit (even if you gave a meeting instead 😢) and the calls just to check you are ok. It's a blessing to know there are people out there who you can rely on .
The week however taking a turn hasn't really been about being home alone but about the state of the world, every morning it feels like we wake up to another tragedy where humanity has shown its most brutal side....this week has felt a little too close to home in northern France (guess where we are off on Holiday!) and a priest! The fact that anyone...in the name of religion, can go into an act of worship and murder someone who and devoted his life to God is beyond me. And so for now churches are to be more cautious and so are we as priests . We live in scary times but love can and will overcome. If we live in fear and stop doing what we want to do then the terrorists have won . So on we go giving thanks for a God of love and for thoughtful friends and Family
Monday 11 July 2016
Bucket Lists
Over the last few years I kept on thinking about things I'd always wanted to do, see, experience and never had the chance to, so, I thought it would be fun to create a bucket list!
Some of the things were;
Visit Rome and Portugal
Take Daniel to Scotland (upgraded to the boys!)
See Kylie, Take That and U2 in concert
Swim with Dolphins
Go to a school reunion
Watch the darts live
Experience the northern lights
So far I've managed to achieve quite a few of these but still have a way to go and it's a list that I want to add to so any suggestions please let me know !!
This weekend just gone I managed to see Take That in concert for the first time thanks to my amazing Aunty Glen, cousin Kym and her fab partner Helen buying me tickets for my birthday. I can't tell you how overwhelmed I was in the first place to receive such a gift and how utterly amazing it was! I'm sure anyone reading this has been bored with my photos already but the whole day was like being at a festival with different acts performing, things to see and of course the odd drink or two. But as well as being in awe of the wonder that is Take That spending the day with my cousin and some friends was a wonderful tonic that I needed, of course I missed the boys terribly and as always seems to happen when I'm away they weren't well the next day but I had time to be me , Sue, rather than mummy, wife or priest! That written down sounds so selfish and I truly don't mean it that way but I do think that it's vital for everyone to have time out to be who they truly are ..themselves; and I think it's down me the world of good....so here's to planning the next adventure 😜
Sunday 3 July 2016
Weekend !
"Weekend" is a strange phenomenon when you work for the church as we only get one day of a week and Sunday's are obviously a working day.
Throw in to the mix a husband who is on 2 bands and gigs Friday and / or Saturday nights and weekends are obsolete !!
Well this weekend was no different yet very different.. For one Marc had a gig free weekend and 2 I had the chance to go down to Capel Le Fern to support my air cadets....killing 2 birds with 1 stone we decided to go down to Mum and dads house in Deal Friday night until tonight.
Just being in a different place (the fact it's near the beach helps!) makes such a difference to my psyche I instantly began to unwind.
I can't say it was perfect, the boys went to sleep late , Elijah woke several times and they both woke again early each morning but it was just precious having concentrated time just to be.....to go for a walk along the prom, to watch Daniel desperately want to be out on his bike, to join in playing with the neighbours kids, to sit and eat chips on the beach and to be amongst loads of air cadets, veterans and see a spitfire and hurricane fly over our heads. I just love being a pioneer where I can spend Sunday's in a field at the car boot, with my cadets or anywhere else I'm needed..and I'm hoping more of these opportunities will be possible form Septemebr ..(watch this space!!)
Life is so fast these days but taking time just to appreciate the little things is priceless !
Throw in to the mix a husband who is on 2 bands and gigs Friday and / or Saturday nights and weekends are obsolete !!
Well this weekend was no different yet very different.. For one Marc had a gig free weekend and 2 I had the chance to go down to Capel Le Fern to support my air cadets....killing 2 birds with 1 stone we decided to go down to Mum and dads house in Deal Friday night until tonight.
Just being in a different place (the fact it's near the beach helps!) makes such a difference to my psyche I instantly began to unwind.
I can't say it was perfect, the boys went to sleep late , Elijah woke several times and they both woke again early each morning but it was just precious having concentrated time just to be.....to go for a walk along the prom, to watch Daniel desperately want to be out on his bike, to join in playing with the neighbours kids, to sit and eat chips on the beach and to be amongst loads of air cadets, veterans and see a spitfire and hurricane fly over our heads. I just love being a pioneer where I can spend Sunday's in a field at the car boot, with my cadets or anywhere else I'm needed..and I'm hoping more of these opportunities will be possible form Septemebr ..(watch this space!!)
Life is so fast these days but taking time just to appreciate the little things is priceless !
Sunday 19 June 2016
We are family!
this weekend has truly been priceless ! We gathered together to celebrate my parents retirement. The bishop of Rochester kindly hosted us and wined and dined us. The event was full of folk from all over the country who have experienced, influenced or had an effect on their lives over the many many years of ministry
What was really moving was the fact that this was the he first time all of my cousins were in the same place at the same time our immediate family all together for the evening was truly priceless ..
Then there was mum s speech totally spoken from the heart of her gratitude to dad as well as others for the opportunities she had been given to enable her ministry, for mum
And dad s reflections on the sacrifices we've faced as a family , for the really tough things we've endured together and survived!
Last night was beautiful to witness and the. I was blessed with my cousin , her lovely partner and my aunt staying enabling us to put the worlds to right .... Timeless precious moments I will treasure for ever.
And the icing on the cake?.... Tickets to see Take That in Hyde park whoop whoop!!!!
What was really moving was the fact that this was the he first time all of my cousins were in the same place at the same time our immediate family all together for the evening was truly priceless ..
Then there was mum s speech totally spoken from the heart of her gratitude to dad as well as others for the opportunities she had been given to enable her ministry, for mum
And dad s reflections on the sacrifices we've faced as a family , for the really tough things we've endured together and survived!
Last night was beautiful to witness and the. I was blessed with my cousin , her lovely partner and my aunt staying enabling us to put the worlds to right .... Timeless precious moments I will treasure for ever.
And the icing on the cake?.... Tickets to see Take That in Hyde park whoop whoop!!!!
Friday 17 June 2016
Party time!
I've been merrily reading the school blogs from Dan s class and also his Headteacher and ashamedly realised that I haven't written me for so long!!
Life has been pretty busy recently with work and the boys but this weekend is set to get even busier...
This weekend we celebrate the retirement of mum and dad...even though mum hasn't fully finished work just yet!! We have family and friends from across the country heading to Rochester to help them celebrate and in true British style the weather looks absolutely diabolical!!!
It's very strange working in our line as friends and family tend to be here and there so tomorrow will be so special to have many of those so dear to us in one place...from aunts, uncles, cousins, Godmothers, best mates, my first ever baby sitters to colleagues it really will be a special time. And to top it all I actually get to see Marc play!!!
So tonight I am desperately trying to clear some work, sort the house, make lists of food, work out who is sleeping where and wonder if excitement will overcome sleep!!!
I'm so proud of my folks, for the variety of places they have lived and served, for the lives they have touched and for the truly awesome witness they have been, sometimes at great cost to themselves. If I ever manage to be half the person, priest or parent they have been I will be happy.
Thank you to all of you who have been a part of their working life...here's to many wonderful year of rest , relaxation and am sure wonderful adventures!
Watch out..social media will be rocked by photos over the next few days !!!
Life has been pretty busy recently with work and the boys but this weekend is set to get even busier...
This weekend we celebrate the retirement of mum and dad...even though mum hasn't fully finished work just yet!! We have family and friends from across the country heading to Rochester to help them celebrate and in true British style the weather looks absolutely diabolical!!!
It's very strange working in our line as friends and family tend to be here and there so tomorrow will be so special to have many of those so dear to us in one place...from aunts, uncles, cousins, Godmothers, best mates, my first ever baby sitters to colleagues it really will be a special time. And to top it all I actually get to see Marc play!!!
So tonight I am desperately trying to clear some work, sort the house, make lists of food, work out who is sleeping where and wonder if excitement will overcome sleep!!!
I'm so proud of my folks, for the variety of places they have lived and served, for the lives they have touched and for the truly awesome witness they have been, sometimes at great cost to themselves. If I ever manage to be half the person, priest or parent they have been I will be happy.
Thank you to all of you who have been a part of their working life...here's to many wonderful year of rest , relaxation and am sure wonderful adventures!
Watch out..social media will be rocked by photos over the next few days !!!
Thursday 19 May 2016
Age is but a number!
This week I've had people say to me;
"You don't look old enough to have been married nearly 16 years,"
"I hadn't realised you were THAT old"
"You can't be that old"
"Is this year a big birthday?"
Age is a strange thing....when I was a child I longed for birthdays , reaching the next milestone ...being old enough to join the boys and girls brigade at 7, going into double figures, becoming a teenager, sweet sixteen, eighteen and legally able to go to the pub and there it pretty much stopped for suddenly you realise that with age comes responsibility, adulthood and another birthday is no longer fun!
But for some reason this year there's been a break through ...there's no rhyme or reason why, we didn't particularly do anything extra special but we did spend the day with friends and family , we danced the night away to 80s tunes and at Dan s request played musical statues and bumps. I was really touched by the cards, gifts and messages in real time and virtually that I received and just went to bed feeling thoroughly loved!
This week has been really really emotionally draining at work with really difficult situations to deal with, assist with and face full on...it's made me truly appreciate what I've got .
My dear friends and family thank you for your support, for listening, reading, for just being there...I love you dearly and wish I could give each one of you a great big hug!
"You don't look old enough to have been married nearly 16 years,"
"I hadn't realised you were THAT old"
"You can't be that old"
"Is this year a big birthday?"
Age is a strange thing....when I was a child I longed for birthdays , reaching the next milestone ...being old enough to join the boys and girls brigade at 7, going into double figures, becoming a teenager, sweet sixteen, eighteen and legally able to go to the pub and there it pretty much stopped for suddenly you realise that with age comes responsibility, adulthood and another birthday is no longer fun!
But for some reason this year there's been a break through ...there's no rhyme or reason why, we didn't particularly do anything extra special but we did spend the day with friends and family , we danced the night away to 80s tunes and at Dan s request played musical statues and bumps. I was really touched by the cards, gifts and messages in real time and virtually that I received and just went to bed feeling thoroughly loved!
This week has been really really emotionally draining at work with really difficult situations to deal with, assist with and face full on...it's made me truly appreciate what I've got .
My dear friends and family thank you for your support, for listening, reading, for just being there...I love you dearly and wish I could give each one of you a great big hug!
Monday 16 May 2016
Working weekend
I'm sure most of you are fed up of hearing about my work / child care tribulations but this weekend has been a real eye opener on many fronts.
To have people I know will come , entertain, cook, offer lifts and just be there for us (bring prosecco and make the odd cocktail / or two !) is such a relief...being able to step out of the door and not worry too much about how the boys will be is a massive weight off my mind.
Choosing to work full time has been the hardest decision I've had to make but practically the only viable option, yes it's really tough and many a time I'd much rather be at home or out and about with the boys than working, and yes I'm blessed to have such a job that has flexibility to enable me to work from home, work when they are sleeping etc but it's still tough. And along side that there's Marc s work and his passion for music and worship that is just growing from strength to strength.
The next few months may see a lot of change for us as we await What the future holds but we enter into it knowing we have some wonderful friends and family, those who live near and those who support us via a phone, a text or a Facebook message knowing when to call, when we need a boost, when we need a chat and for that I am so grateful
To have people I know will come , entertain, cook, offer lifts and just be there for us (bring prosecco and make the odd cocktail / or two !) is such a relief...being able to step out of the door and not worry too much about how the boys will be is a massive weight off my mind.
Choosing to work full time has been the hardest decision I've had to make but practically the only viable option, yes it's really tough and many a time I'd much rather be at home or out and about with the boys than working, and yes I'm blessed to have such a job that has flexibility to enable me to work from home, work when they are sleeping etc but it's still tough. And along side that there's Marc s work and his passion for music and worship that is just growing from strength to strength.
The next few months may see a lot of change for us as we await What the future holds but we enter into it knowing we have some wonderful friends and family, those who live near and those who support us via a phone, a text or a Facebook message knowing when to call, when we need a boost, when we need a chat and for that I am so grateful
Thursday 21 April 2016
Education joys!
Today I am thankful , thankful for a mum , dad and niece who listen , a family who understand and a family who still love.
Track back 10 years and Marc and I became disillusioned with the education system in this country, stressed out kids and teachers drove us to leave the profession and today I'm faced with even more frustrations.
To make it very clear I LOVE OUR SCHOOL! I think the school is doing a. Fantastic job providing a safe, happy and fun loving learning environment that Daniel enjoys....what I'm struggling with is the expectations we are placing on children so young, setting a large percentage of them to fail so early on. It's looking like Daniel has some difficulties related to dyslexia..it's too early to actually diagnose such a thing but there is no doubt he's struggling with words, letter orientation and correct number formation ; mental maths, speaking and listening and his general knowledge is outstanding...but what's tested.... Reading, writing and spelling. As a qualified teacher it hurts to hear these things but I know it's not the end of the world...there are things we can do to support Daniel ....but where do parents go who don't have this knowledge or support....when faced with parents clearly delighted with their children's progress where do those who are not reaching the mark share there feelings?
Being a parent is tough, really tough and I will do all I can to help my boys deal with the joy of a county with a grammar system, it puts even more pressure on our beloved little ones but it's our job to love them even more for the unique perfect little beings they are.
Thank you Wainscott for being wonderful and the perfect place for our little boy to grow and learn.
Track back 10 years and Marc and I became disillusioned with the education system in this country, stressed out kids and teachers drove us to leave the profession and today I'm faced with even more frustrations.
To make it very clear I LOVE OUR SCHOOL! I think the school is doing a. Fantastic job providing a safe, happy and fun loving learning environment that Daniel enjoys....what I'm struggling with is the expectations we are placing on children so young, setting a large percentage of them to fail so early on. It's looking like Daniel has some difficulties related to dyslexia..it's too early to actually diagnose such a thing but there is no doubt he's struggling with words, letter orientation and correct number formation ; mental maths, speaking and listening and his general knowledge is outstanding...but what's tested.... Reading, writing and spelling. As a qualified teacher it hurts to hear these things but I know it's not the end of the world...there are things we can do to support Daniel ....but where do parents go who don't have this knowledge or support....when faced with parents clearly delighted with their children's progress where do those who are not reaching the mark share there feelings?
Being a parent is tough, really tough and I will do all I can to help my boys deal with the joy of a county with a grammar system, it puts even more pressure on our beloved little ones but it's our job to love them even more for the unique perfect little beings they are.
Thank you Wainscott for being wonderful and the perfect place for our little boy to grow and learn.
Wednesday 23 March 2016
Holy week
this week has been long ...and it's still only Wednesday , however it has been awesome ! We've seen 3 of our 4 schools bringing children to experience the Easter story through story, craft and deep reflection that you would not believe in 7 year olds! We've laughed together, needed together and shared cake together... I've talked so much I've pretty much lost my voice ( though that could be as a result of an awesome concert in Sunday ..but that's another story!) yet still the day went on, we had the privilege of doing assembly at Dan's school again thinking about the wonder of Easter. And yet again it was amazing to hear responses from kids so small of what happens in different parts of the story (even when no response was asked for..you've got a love kids!) and my own son even came home saying he'd actually learnt something new about the Easter story...result !
And so with little to no voice, a full on cold and sore chest, a 4 day marathon in front of me tonight I just wanted to curl up under the duvet...but a wise woman at church said today "I was reminded of Jesus speaking to the disciples when they fell asleep saying to them could you not even stay awake for me" so in my tiredness we shared evening prayer just a handful of us in a dim light church in front of the cross.. A chance to reflect a chance to pray for our broken world and those suffering in it and a chance to be. I'm still exhausted but emotionally feel ready to take on the Easter journey....
For you I pray that whatever this extra long weekend holds you will be totally blessed and know that you are loved xxxx
And so with little to no voice, a full on cold and sore chest, a 4 day marathon in front of me tonight I just wanted to curl up under the duvet...but a wise woman at church said today "I was reminded of Jesus speaking to the disciples when they fell asleep saying to them could you not even stay awake for me" so in my tiredness we shared evening prayer just a handful of us in a dim light church in front of the cross.. A chance to reflect a chance to pray for our broken world and those suffering in it and a chance to be. I'm still exhausted but emotionally feel ready to take on the Easter journey....
For you I pray that whatever this extra long weekend holds you will be totally blessed and know that you are loved xxxx
Thursday 17 March 2016
Hi ho hi ho
so its day 4 of being back to work and in some ways it feels like I've never been away...its been a pretty crazy baptism of fire but thankfully today is meeting light and I'm managing to catch up on a load of admin, do some shopping for air cadets and catch my breath.
It feels very strange at the moment, almost a bit sereal, I flip from enjoying being back into a routine and I do love my job, to feeling absolutely guilty as anything leaving Elijah at such a young age.
At the moment a rhythm of life hasn't formed, it's still very early days where Elijah is still being breast fed (though thankfully not as much and he will now take milk from a cup or bottle!) but I'm praying that over the next few weeks we will find a rhythm that suits us all.
The great thing about being a pioneer is that the job has the potential to be very flexible allowing me to work from home, be in the community and pop Home if needed. How those of you who have more rigid 9-5 style jobs cope I have no idea, my hat goes of to you !
So as I sit and prepare for my first Sunday back, for experience Easter with the schools coming in, for my return to air cadet teaching....I'm excited especially as it's my favourite celebration of all Easter but be warned I'm sleep deprived so apologise of any mistakes are made...I'm a little rusty
It feels very strange at the moment, almost a bit sereal, I flip from enjoying being back into a routine and I do love my job, to feeling absolutely guilty as anything leaving Elijah at such a young age.
At the moment a rhythm of life hasn't formed, it's still very early days where Elijah is still being breast fed (though thankfully not as much and he will now take milk from a cup or bottle!) but I'm praying that over the next few weeks we will find a rhythm that suits us all.
The great thing about being a pioneer is that the job has the potential to be very flexible allowing me to work from home, be in the community and pop Home if needed. How those of you who have more rigid 9-5 style jobs cope I have no idea, my hat goes of to you !
So as I sit and prepare for my first Sunday back, for experience Easter with the schools coming in, for my return to air cadet teaching....I'm excited especially as it's my favourite celebration of all Easter but be warned I'm sleep deprived so apologise of any mistakes are made...I'm a little rusty
Sunday 21 February 2016
rough day
Today was horrid! I had flash backs to when Daniel was a baby and admitted to hospital with asthma and a vision of what it must have been like for my parents with me as a child. Elijah has bronchilitus and is struggling to sleep, eat and at times breathe, it makes him very vulnerable as well as very grumpy!
Today I spent in the hands of the NHS in various forms and witnessed the pressure these doctors and nurses are under. One dr was continually called out of a consultation and asked to do a 24 hour shift due to a lack of staff..how can that be good for her or her patients . Whilst at the hospital I also felt very vulnerable and isolated , there was nowhere to get a drink without leaving the ward in search of a shop and I obviously couldn't leave Elijah, there was no cot to safely lie him in so I didn't have a toilet break for over 6 hours and people just don't have the time to chat to you . I am thankful for my mobile phone and those I managed to get quick arrow messages to for company but frustrated that my battery had 15% on it for some time and so ahd to limit even that communication.
Having missed most of my dad's Caribbean birthday meal celebration I managed to get there for the end of the meal a lovely array of goodies created by mum and had a sneaky swig of some much needed rum punch!
Tonight I lie , with Elijah in his cot next to me , praying he sleeps for more than an hour or two to give him the respite he needs but just in case have sent marc to the spare room so at least one of us may get a decent rest ...the joy of being a parent....its mightily you at times !
Today I spent in the hands of the NHS in various forms and witnessed the pressure these doctors and nurses are under. One dr was continually called out of a consultation and asked to do a 24 hour shift due to a lack of staff..how can that be good for her or her patients . Whilst at the hospital I also felt very vulnerable and isolated , there was nowhere to get a drink without leaving the ward in search of a shop and I obviously couldn't leave Elijah, there was no cot to safely lie him in so I didn't have a toilet break for over 6 hours and people just don't have the time to chat to you . I am thankful for my mobile phone and those I managed to get quick arrow messages to for company but frustrated that my battery had 15% on it for some time and so ahd to limit even that communication.
Having missed most of my dad's Caribbean birthday meal celebration I managed to get there for the end of the meal a lovely array of goodies created by mum and had a sneaky swig of some much needed rum punch!
Tonight I lie , with Elijah in his cot next to me , praying he sleeps for more than an hour or two to give him the respite he needs but just in case have sent marc to the spare room so at least one of us may get a decent rest ...the joy of being a parent....its mightily you at times !
Monday 1 February 2016
I can cook!
This past week I've effectively been a single parent as Marc as been in Lancaster celebrating our nephew's 18th birthday (gosh I feel old!)
It has been a strange time being on my own, initially I was terrified and in Daniels words "what will we eat, Daddy does ALL the cooking!" And i also am not very good in my own company !
After a disastrous start on Friday when I spoke to hardly anyone apart from at the school gate until dear friends popped over to watch a film the time has flown by; but best of all I've discovered I'm not that bad at cooking ... My 2 boys have eaten everything I've produced which is miraculous for Daniel at least and also we haven't had to utilise any fast food chains!
I also discovered I have the gift of the gab chatting to anyone at the wedding fair in Bluewater and even trialling the new table talk weddings game with a group of excitable hens!
What has been hard is the evenings when the boys have gone to bed the sheer quietness becomes eerie and the novelty of choosing what to watch on TV soon wears off .
Working with the bereaved I now understand what they mean when they say they struggle when the door closes in the evening. Those who are single parents obviously have this all the time and my hat goes off to you managing to juggle and co ordinate school runs meal times mountains of washing the list is endless .
My time alone will end late tonight but I want to keep on learning to cook not all the time but definitely more regularly and I also want to thank those family and friends who made the effort to check in on me . As a tutor once said I'm actually a shy extrovert I need people !
It has been a strange time being on my own, initially I was terrified and in Daniels words "what will we eat, Daddy does ALL the cooking!" And i also am not very good in my own company !
After a disastrous start on Friday when I spoke to hardly anyone apart from at the school gate until dear friends popped over to watch a film the time has flown by; but best of all I've discovered I'm not that bad at cooking ... My 2 boys have eaten everything I've produced which is miraculous for Daniel at least and also we haven't had to utilise any fast food chains!
I also discovered I have the gift of the gab chatting to anyone at the wedding fair in Bluewater and even trialling the new table talk weddings game with a group of excitable hens!
What has been hard is the evenings when the boys have gone to bed the sheer quietness becomes eerie and the novelty of choosing what to watch on TV soon wears off .
Working with the bereaved I now understand what they mean when they say they struggle when the door closes in the evening. Those who are single parents obviously have this all the time and my hat goes off to you managing to juggle and co ordinate school runs meal times mountains of washing the list is endless .
My time alone will end late tonight but I want to keep on learning to cook not all the time but definitely more regularly and I also want to thank those family and friends who made the effort to check in on me . As a tutor once said I'm actually a shy extrovert I need people !
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