if you are reading this and you are a single parent, have a partner who works away or grew up in a single parent family hats off to you!
This week Marc and my parents have been away leading a conference, something they have been involved in for several years so I should be used to it. However this time has felt especially hard. On the back of having an absolutely awesome weekend with family and friends I've suddenly felt very vulnerable this week, I think being 36 weeks pregnant has had a massive effect!
I have though, been really blessed by special folk who have text and messaged me each day and even popped over to check that we are ok for which I am extremely grateful.
What I have realised is that A) I am an absolutely rubbish housewife and cook, just getting meals organised has felt like a full time job, yet I haven't given in to the world of the Golden Arches or any other take away and Daniel has eaten every meal!!!
B) I totally and utterly hate my own company, once Daniel is in bed the house is eerily quiet and it feels very strange...Praise the Lord for social media!!!
C) there just aren't enough hours in the day! By the time I've got Dan to school and crammed as much work into those hours he is there it is suddenly 3.15 and time to pick him up.
Tomorrow the cavalry return home and I for one will be excited to see them!
Thursday, 7 May 2015
Monday, 4 May 2015
2am!
Well it's another day well technically night! and another wide awake at 2am!!! It's getting to be a regular occurance in this pregnancy and although it would probably be better if I just got up and did something I still have to function for a working week for another 2 weeks.
Things are starting to take their strain now. Tiredness has really kicked in, back aches, stomach is huge and braxton hicks come and go .
This weekend the reality of everything has really sunk in thanks to my wonderful best friend organising a great baby shower! I have to confess that I've never been keen in the idea but it was so lovely to get together with friends and family who could make it, have lots of fun and reflect in what's about to happen.
I'm going through stages of excitement and terror but each day it feels a little closer to meet our new addition. I'm also constantly aware of what a blessing it is for us to be in this position of having a child (yes even at my age ;) )
The next two difficult jobs are to agree on names and then choose Godparents... Another chance for a get together ... Exciting times ahead I just hope nothing happens too soon as Marc and my folks head off to lead a conference tomoro for a week and am not sure how good Daniels delivery skills are !!!
Things are starting to take their strain now. Tiredness has really kicked in, back aches, stomach is huge and braxton hicks come and go .
This weekend the reality of everything has really sunk in thanks to my wonderful best friend organising a great baby shower! I have to confess that I've never been keen in the idea but it was so lovely to get together with friends and family who could make it, have lots of fun and reflect in what's about to happen.
I'm going through stages of excitement and terror but each day it feels a little closer to meet our new addition. I'm also constantly aware of what a blessing it is for us to be in this position of having a child (yes even at my age ;) )
The next two difficult jobs are to agree on names and then choose Godparents... Another chance for a get together ... Exciting times ahead I just hope nothing happens too soon as Marc and my folks head off to lead a conference tomoro for a week and am not sure how good Daniels delivery skills are !!!
Tuesday, 21 April 2015
A time for everything !
This last few weeks have been tough with several people in our church passing away as well as a number of others in the parish. As the sun shines and the flowers bloom signs of new life are everywhere yet in contrast I've had to witness the saddest of times .
After my second funeral of the this week I really felt the circle of life in action, a woman truly dying of a broken heart never recovering from the loss of her husband yet her children being so strong and courageous offering people sunflower seeds after the service to keep those memories alive.
And as all this goes on our own little family circle of life continues to grow and as tiredness kicks I remain grateful for supportive family and friends, those who will pray instantly when I'm struggling, those who will listen to me off load on Facebook at all times of the night, those who know just when to text.
Life is a funny affair, we don't know what is round the corner so cease every moment , enjoy every second and appreciate those you love.
After my second funeral of the this week I really felt the circle of life in action, a woman truly dying of a broken heart never recovering from the loss of her husband yet her children being so strong and courageous offering people sunflower seeds after the service to keep those memories alive.
And as all this goes on our own little family circle of life continues to grow and as tiredness kicks I remain grateful for supportive family and friends, those who will pray instantly when I'm struggling, those who will listen to me off load on Facebook at all times of the night, those who know just when to text.
Life is a funny affair, we don't know what is round the corner so cease every moment , enjoy every second and appreciate those you love.
Thursday, 2 April 2015
The holiest of weeks
This week is a very special week in the church calendar and as a. Christian. A week when we see Jesus celebrated as king riding into Jerusalem but suddenly turn into a nightmare of arrests, crucifixion and culminating in the best miracle of all a resurrection.
So much emotion goes into this week, not just because as a church we do a lot to remember but it reminds us of just what a sacrifice was made once for all.
This week though has also been emotional as We have had 4 people we know pass away within 24 hours of each other , some of those are members of church others are family members of dear friends. Having to share such sad news takes it s toll and as I constantly feel new life wriggling inside me I'm all too aware of just how fragile life is...it's a privilege to behold!
This morning we had our special Chrism service where those working for the church renew their commitment to serve , a powerful experience being together in one place, what really stood out for me. Today was singing From heaven you came (the servant King) in an instant. I was transported back to a sports hall in Farnworth singing with the choir at our Easter celebration and our music teacher reinforcing the dramatic effect of these words....
From heaven you came helpless babe
Entered our world your glory veiled
Not to be served but to serve
And give your life that we might live!
Without that hope of eternal life I don't know how I would survive .
So this Easter time...enjoy your time off, enjoy your friends and family, enjoy the lovely food and drinks in fact have one for me! Enjoy the chocolate! But take a moment to remember .......
So much emotion goes into this week, not just because as a church we do a lot to remember but it reminds us of just what a sacrifice was made once for all.
This week though has also been emotional as We have had 4 people we know pass away within 24 hours of each other , some of those are members of church others are family members of dear friends. Having to share such sad news takes it s toll and as I constantly feel new life wriggling inside me I'm all too aware of just how fragile life is...it's a privilege to behold!
This morning we had our special Chrism service where those working for the church renew their commitment to serve , a powerful experience being together in one place, what really stood out for me. Today was singing From heaven you came (the servant King) in an instant. I was transported back to a sports hall in Farnworth singing with the choir at our Easter celebration and our music teacher reinforcing the dramatic effect of these words....
From heaven you came helpless babe
Entered our world your glory veiled
Not to be served but to serve
And give your life that we might live!
Without that hope of eternal life I don't know how I would survive .
So this Easter time...enjoy your time off, enjoy your friends and family, enjoy the lovely food and drinks in fact have one for me! Enjoy the chocolate! But take a moment to remember .......
Tuesday, 17 March 2015
Celebrations!
It's only Tuesday and yet it feels like it should already be Friday ! Why do I feel to exhausted? Well it's been a really really full on few days...the weekend began on Friday morning where I was pleasantly woken up by a little boy literally beaming from ear to ear declaring that it was his birthday...and that was the setting for the next few days, for my boys do t just celebrate birthdays for one day but a whole weekend! Daniel was especially excited that his birthday fell this year on Red Nose Day (comic relief) and so got to wear his own clothes for the day at school. We celebrated with grandma and grandad on Friday at Pizza Express and later on I with cake (Star Wars of course!) and went on to celebrate with friends on Saturday taking 17 children aged between 2-11 bowling. The kids were fab at getting along considering they were a mix from home, school and church. It was an amazing afternoon, pretty chilled out as far as kids parties are concerned and the host at the bowling place said at the end that we were the best behaved party she's had..she had never seen children behave so well...! And then on Sunday we had more gifts given, mothering Sunday and Daniel again joining the children's choir to sing his heart out infront of the whole church. It really was a delight to be a part of, this followed by lunch cooked by my mum and dad ( due to Marc having sinusitis and also a massive rehearsal for a production in the afternoon). Daniel did a great job at being maître De and taking our orders, serving us and also entertaining us with various shows. I ended the weekend snuggling my now 5 year old whilst watching a DVD.
How does time go so fast? It delights me how much Daniel has grown and developed yet terrifies me how quickly that process has happened.
This weekend though tyring has yet again made me sit up and be thankful for the amazing friends and family we have, for all those who have remembered Daniel and taken time to wish him well.
I'm praying now that the next 5 years don't go as fast!
How does time go so fast? It delights me how much Daniel has grown and developed yet terrifies me how quickly that process has happened.
This weekend though tyring has yet again made me sit up and be thankful for the amazing friends and family we have, for all those who have remembered Daniel and taken time to wish him well.
I'm praying now that the next 5 years don't go as fast!
Wednesday, 11 March 2015
Mixed day
Today has been a real mixed up day it started off in the usual way of school run and church prayers and then we hot footed down to the midwife for my 28 week check. It's pretty routine now where she asks if there are any concerns, checks my blood pressure and takes my blood. We also have the delight of getting to listen to the baby s heartbeat. Today this was very comical as as soon as she got the lovely gel and probe out the baby gave an almighty kick making my whole stomach move..to which the midwife said she had never had that happen before ! Looks like we have another child who,likes to make their presence known!
From the midwife we went on to our toddler/drop in...always a delight to catch up with folk of all ages and fab to see seem returning mummies with their new additions . And then we had the sad occasion of visiting the crem, not unusual for me but a first for Marc, as we attended the funeral of dear friends of ours mum, a family Marc used to lodge with when he first moved down South and spent many an evening chatting too. It was strange being the other side of a funeral for a change but comforting as dad was leading the service. It was a truly lovely celebration of life and faith. I have never heard a crem congregation sing so passionately as we did today . It's always terribly sad when someone dies no matter how old they are, but it is a little bit more bare able when we have the hope of heaven.
so tonight amidst trying to get a child who has a terrible cough to sleep! amidst desperately trying to get 2 talks done for Sunday and amidst feeling emotionally drained today has been a great day of experiencing the whole circle of life with great friends and family. RIP Peggy Evans xxx
From the midwife we went on to our toddler/drop in...always a delight to catch up with folk of all ages and fab to see seem returning mummies with their new additions . And then we had the sad occasion of visiting the crem, not unusual for me but a first for Marc, as we attended the funeral of dear friends of ours mum, a family Marc used to lodge with when he first moved down South and spent many an evening chatting too. It was strange being the other side of a funeral for a change but comforting as dad was leading the service. It was a truly lovely celebration of life and faith. I have never heard a crem congregation sing so passionately as we did today . It's always terribly sad when someone dies no matter how old they are, but it is a little bit more bare able when we have the hope of heaven.
so tonight amidst trying to get a child who has a terrible cough to sleep! amidst desperately trying to get 2 talks done for Sunday and amidst feeling emotionally drained today has been a great day of experiencing the whole circle of life with great friends and family. RIP Peggy Evans xxx
Sunday, 1 March 2015
ups and downs
Today has been a real day of ups and downs, highs and lows...
This morning I had the joy of going to St Francis church in Strood ( one of our cluster churches) and Preach, preside and baptise a beautiful baby girl. The atmosphere there is always so welcoming and people are so encouraging...and a brucie bonus..it was warm!! During the service the churchwarden produced a card and gift for me to wish me well in my maternity as I wont be going there in my official capacity again on a Sunday morning until after the baby is born. This was such a surprise I was bowled over and felt ever so emotional at the thought and care that had led to that moment... I didn't even know you could get "You're leaving to be a mummy" cards!!! :)
This afternoon we then had our monthly Sunday@4 event which is a bit like messy church mixed with an all age worship experience,,, some craft, games/activities a story and talk, music and food. I love doing this type of thing you never know who is going to come along and its pretty chilled out too. However, unfortunately the last few we have had have only seen the core team and Daniel in attendance. A lot of work goes into these events making sure there's food, craft activities, tech stuff read etc and so when no one else turns up it is disappointing and frustrating.
Time and again I hear people say, "The church doesn't do anything for families", "If only there was something for the children ..", we listened to those statements, we tried something and it hasn't worked, so with great sadness it is looking like Sunday@4 will be no more. I hate seeing things fail but I guess part of being a pioneer is trying new things out and knowing when to move on if something isn't working. Over the next few weeks we will be praying and contemplating what we can do.
So after a strange old emotional weekend I continue to give thanks for the blessings that surround us and learn to let go of the things that are just not meant to be.
This morning I had the joy of going to St Francis church in Strood ( one of our cluster churches) and Preach, preside and baptise a beautiful baby girl. The atmosphere there is always so welcoming and people are so encouraging...and a brucie bonus..it was warm!! During the service the churchwarden produced a card and gift for me to wish me well in my maternity as I wont be going there in my official capacity again on a Sunday morning until after the baby is born. This was such a surprise I was bowled over and felt ever so emotional at the thought and care that had led to that moment... I didn't even know you could get "You're leaving to be a mummy" cards!!! :)
This afternoon we then had our monthly Sunday@4 event which is a bit like messy church mixed with an all age worship experience,,, some craft, games/activities a story and talk, music and food. I love doing this type of thing you never know who is going to come along and its pretty chilled out too. However, unfortunately the last few we have had have only seen the core team and Daniel in attendance. A lot of work goes into these events making sure there's food, craft activities, tech stuff read etc and so when no one else turns up it is disappointing and frustrating.
Time and again I hear people say, "The church doesn't do anything for families", "If only there was something for the children ..", we listened to those statements, we tried something and it hasn't worked, so with great sadness it is looking like Sunday@4 will be no more. I hate seeing things fail but I guess part of being a pioneer is trying new things out and knowing when to move on if something isn't working. Over the next few weeks we will be praying and contemplating what we can do.
So after a strange old emotional weekend I continue to give thanks for the blessings that surround us and learn to let go of the things that are just not meant to be.
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