Today marks the end of an era..Daniel has finished his early years education and said goodbye to his beloved reception class staff and will head to the world of year 1 in September. Marc describes it as experiencing free range education and moving into battery farming! For as happy as we are with Daniels school, the whole education system leads a lot to be desired, a system that expects 5 year olds to be able to do so many fine motor skills including writing full on sentences, recognising words with many letters and complex mathematical terms is beyond me. Put it this way, if I was 5 now I expect I would be classed as an under achiever.
It is no strange notion to many that Daniel isn't a lover of writing or frankly sitting still for too long ( unless it's a cinema or building something)!!! Yet his love for school, his 100% attendance and his thirst for understanding how and why and all things historical and scientific baffles me. The year has shown him a desire to become various occupations ranging from an undertaker ( I've clearly done too many funerals!) to his current passion..a scientist.
It's not been an easy year for Dan with starting school and the arrival of a baby brother and he certainly has pushed us to the limits, but he's grown, developed, entertained and amused us immensely ! The next few weeks will be interesting as we head full on into the school holidays but here's to making family memories, enjoying each moment and being blessed to have this time dedicated to my boys. It's 2am am awake feeding the younger, marc is snoring yet I'm still feeling hugely grateful for what I've been blessed with ..I'm writing this to remind me on the days these next 6 weeks that prove a challenge 😜 embrace you good and faithful parents of all aged children, young and old xxxxmoving on up
Thursday, 23 July 2015
Monday, 6 July 2015
Memories
Tomorrow marks an anniversary of horrendous memories and for a dear friend life changing consequences. The 7th July for the last 10 years has been a date of terror and fear...
In 2005 Marc and I had returned from Indonesia dodging a bomb and a tsunami but succumbing to a serious bout of pneumonia on my part (another story!!) while I was recovering we were working at the CMS office in London.
On the 7th July I had an appointment at the Royal Brompton Hospital to get my lungs checked..meaning we set off later than usual.
As we got closer to London someone opposite us had a text saying there was possible delays on the underground so people started to try and work out alternative routes...as we got off the train the underground at Victoria was closed so we ...assuming some fault... Searched out the right bus. We literally had our foot on the bus when officials began shouting that the buses weren't safe and then it became clear this was no underground technical fault.
Instantly I tried to call home to reassure mum and dad we were ok but all lines were down..we tried and tried every mobile and finally got through to my best friend Nathan who happened to be sat next to mum...by heir advise was to get home ASAP if possible ....we ran to Victoria and by some miracle got on the last train to leave. It was the only time I've known folk talk to each other on the train people scared, terrified for loved ones uncontainable and still the uncertainty of what was happening. As we pulled into Rochester we got off and we All kissed the ground in relief.
That afternoon another friend was concerned for her daughter a nurse at Great Ormond street , thinking she was caught up in helping the injured as so many were that day mum reassured her as best she could. It's not my place to tell her story ...but it was late that night we had the call Susan was very poorly and lost her leg .
It's weird what happens amidst devastation. Susan is such an amazing woman and achieved so much in this last 10 years, and has gone on to do great things include have 2 lovely girls!
It was so hard coming back from such difficulties in Indonesia to then experience a bit of this, but we came through it by the grace of God and thanks to family and friends ....
tomorrow we will give thanks for our safety and those brave people who helped on that day but especially remember those poor people who weren't so fortunate and lost their lives .... Rest in peace you innocent people xxx
In 2005 Marc and I had returned from Indonesia dodging a bomb and a tsunami but succumbing to a serious bout of pneumonia on my part (another story!!) while I was recovering we were working at the CMS office in London.
On the 7th July I had an appointment at the Royal Brompton Hospital to get my lungs checked..meaning we set off later than usual.
As we got closer to London someone opposite us had a text saying there was possible delays on the underground so people started to try and work out alternative routes...as we got off the train the underground at Victoria was closed so we ...assuming some fault... Searched out the right bus. We literally had our foot on the bus when officials began shouting that the buses weren't safe and then it became clear this was no underground technical fault.
Instantly I tried to call home to reassure mum and dad we were ok but all lines were down..we tried and tried every mobile and finally got through to my best friend Nathan who happened to be sat next to mum...by heir advise was to get home ASAP if possible ....we ran to Victoria and by some miracle got on the last train to leave. It was the only time I've known folk talk to each other on the train people scared, terrified for loved ones uncontainable and still the uncertainty of what was happening. As we pulled into Rochester we got off and we All kissed the ground in relief.
That afternoon another friend was concerned for her daughter a nurse at Great Ormond street , thinking she was caught up in helping the injured as so many were that day mum reassured her as best she could. It's not my place to tell her story ...but it was late that night we had the call Susan was very poorly and lost her leg .
It's weird what happens amidst devastation. Susan is such an amazing woman and achieved so much in this last 10 years, and has gone on to do great things include have 2 lovely girls!
It was so hard coming back from such difficulties in Indonesia to then experience a bit of this, but we came through it by the grace of God and thanks to family and friends ....
tomorrow we will give thanks for our safety and those brave people who helped on that day but especially remember those poor people who weren't so fortunate and lost their lives .... Rest in peace you innocent people xxx
Friday, 26 June 2015
Blessed Change!
Massive apologise .(..if anyone out there actually reads this thing )!!!! It's been a while since posting , in fact I haven't done since I began maternity leave...you'd think I'd have had time on my hands to write but time has just zoomed past me in the last few weeks!
Obviously the best thing to have happened is the birth of our second son Elijah..it still feels weird thinking that I have 2 sons..how blessed am I!!! And no I don't feel incomplete without a girl and no I'm not planning to have any more children which are common questions put to me recently.
It's strange too to think just 3 weeks ago I was sat happily watching TV without a care in the world having no idea what was to follow that Friday night. I truly feel blessed again that Elijah came so quickly and all the things I had spent sleepless nights worrying about didn't happen, everything went as well as can be expected though some drugs would have been helpful ;)
These past few weeks have been sereal, I've actually probably had more sleep than while I was pregnant, we've had more falling out with Dan who has gone from excited to anxious on a daily basis but again we seem to be in a happy place with him wanting to be more involved. We had a steady stream of visitors in the first 10'days but since then it's been very quiet but have been showered with many cards and beautiful gifts for which we are thankful.
It has been strange comparing how things were when Dan was born to this time round, I don't think I got dressed for 5 days with Dan where as with Elijah I was out the hospital that day and went for a walk the next day. We had a constant source of meal deliveries and visitors with Dan and this time we've pretty much just got on with life.
I can honestly say I am truly loving maternity leave, I'm loving being a family of 4 and thoroughly enjoying my time "off" which I never thought possible...yes I miss work and am slightly anxious what the future holds, yes I'm tired in ways I forgot wee possible but I feel totally content....
These few months have also been wonderful as I've had the chance to share the pregnancy and then birth with some wonderful friends who have also been through this amazing process too...2 of which have had beautiful baby girls and one we still await the arrival of. Having people near by to share this crazy but magical experience has just added to the delight and joy I feel.
Yes today is a good day all my boys are happy and content (and 2 of them are sound asleep!!)
Thank you again for all your thoughts,prayers and cards ...
Any regrets...just that I never got my helium it's a boy balloon to carry out of the hospital as Elijah came far to quick followed by a quick release...every day I remember I'm one lucky girl!(even at 1.30 and 4.30 a.m.!!!!)
Obviously the best thing to have happened is the birth of our second son Elijah..it still feels weird thinking that I have 2 sons..how blessed am I!!! And no I don't feel incomplete without a girl and no I'm not planning to have any more children which are common questions put to me recently.
It's strange too to think just 3 weeks ago I was sat happily watching TV without a care in the world having no idea what was to follow that Friday night. I truly feel blessed again that Elijah came so quickly and all the things I had spent sleepless nights worrying about didn't happen, everything went as well as can be expected though some drugs would have been helpful ;)
These past few weeks have been sereal, I've actually probably had more sleep than while I was pregnant, we've had more falling out with Dan who has gone from excited to anxious on a daily basis but again we seem to be in a happy place with him wanting to be more involved. We had a steady stream of visitors in the first 10'days but since then it's been very quiet but have been showered with many cards and beautiful gifts for which we are thankful.
It has been strange comparing how things were when Dan was born to this time round, I don't think I got dressed for 5 days with Dan where as with Elijah I was out the hospital that day and went for a walk the next day. We had a constant source of meal deliveries and visitors with Dan and this time we've pretty much just got on with life.
I can honestly say I am truly loving maternity leave, I'm loving being a family of 4 and thoroughly enjoying my time "off" which I never thought possible...yes I miss work and am slightly anxious what the future holds, yes I'm tired in ways I forgot wee possible but I feel totally content....
These few months have also been wonderful as I've had the chance to share the pregnancy and then birth with some wonderful friends who have also been through this amazing process too...2 of which have had beautiful baby girls and one we still await the arrival of. Having people near by to share this crazy but magical experience has just added to the delight and joy I feel.
Yes today is a good day all my boys are happy and content (and 2 of them are sound asleep!!)
Thank you again for all your thoughts,prayers and cards ...
Any regrets...just that I never got my helium it's a boy balloon to carry out of the hospital as Elijah came far to quick followed by a quick release...every day I remember I'm one lucky girl!(even at 1.30 and 4.30 a.m.!!!!)
Sunday, 17 May 2015
Birthdays
As I get older birthdays take on a different feel....each build up I still get quite excited like a little kid but more and more the magic has somewhat faded. This is partly to do with not wanting to get old, a certain young boy who takes delight in opening the cards a gifts for me and a husband who doesn't always get the sense of occasion.
This year of course has been somewhat over looked due to an imminent little arrival ... Certain foods still off the menu, an inability to drink of fizz and severe LAck of energy has meant today has been very low key. However I am very grateful to my folks sacrificing a few hours to come out to lunch where we were able to eat al fresco thanks to beautiful sunshine ( and enabled Dan to run around the garden!) I'm grateful that I chose to take some leave before maternity kicks in to allow me to be off work today,mandnim very grateful to be healthy enough to see another year in. ( I do think I will stop counting now though!)
So today I am grateful for the many many people who have taken time to send texts, Facebook messages and cards. For those extra special folk who even made me feel special by buying a gift you put a smile on. A hormonal women's face and made Daniel very happy opening them !!
This year of course has been somewhat over looked due to an imminent little arrival ... Certain foods still off the menu, an inability to drink of fizz and severe LAck of energy has meant today has been very low key. However I am very grateful to my folks sacrificing a few hours to come out to lunch where we were able to eat al fresco thanks to beautiful sunshine ( and enabled Dan to run around the garden!) I'm grateful that I chose to take some leave before maternity kicks in to allow me to be off work today,mandnim very grateful to be healthy enough to see another year in. ( I do think I will stop counting now though!)
So today I am grateful for the many many people who have taken time to send texts, Facebook messages and cards. For those extra special folk who even made me feel special by buying a gift you put a smile on. A hormonal women's face and made Daniel very happy opening them !!
Monday, 11 May 2015
Bowled away
Yesterday was a totally crazy day ! I experienced every emotion under the sun.
Yesterday was the last Sunday that I will work for the next 9 1/2 months, I got to,share the day with all 3 different congregations and was bowled over by their Love and care for us as a family. As much as I am feeling ready to step aside from work commitments due to exhaustion and looking forward to spending time with a new baby and more time with Dan , I'm also feeling slightly unnerved , for when you do a job like this it isn't just a 9-5 job that you leave behind each day it becomes part of your life. The people I work with, serve and minister to have become friends so that's not something you just walk away from. I shall miss the regular contact but will enjoy the extra time to actually spend with friends and loved ones.
What did move me though was the encounter at 7.30 am outside church with a couple sleeping rough. They came into church looking for the toilet and the possibility of a hot drink to warm them up. I was feeling exhausted and anxious about the 3 services to get ready for but remembered suddenly the reading I was about to talk on....Love one another...not love the ones we like, or love the ones like us or love those we want to but Love one another....everyone. This couple needed to be shown love. They stayed for the 8am traditional service and re Ioved communion in tears, it was very moving , they also returned for then10.30 service to show their gratitude to those who had shown kindness to them.nhow easy is it for us in our busy life to ignore what's happening around us and focus on ourselves.
So as I enter the last 6 days before maternity leave, feeling emotional, exhausted and anxious about all that still needs to be done, I'm aware of the need to keep my eyes open to be aware of what's going on around me...but also very excited for this time next week 😜
Yesterday was the last Sunday that I will work for the next 9 1/2 months, I got to,share the day with all 3 different congregations and was bowled over by their Love and care for us as a family. As much as I am feeling ready to step aside from work commitments due to exhaustion and looking forward to spending time with a new baby and more time with Dan , I'm also feeling slightly unnerved , for when you do a job like this it isn't just a 9-5 job that you leave behind each day it becomes part of your life. The people I work with, serve and minister to have become friends so that's not something you just walk away from. I shall miss the regular contact but will enjoy the extra time to actually spend with friends and loved ones.
What did move me though was the encounter at 7.30 am outside church with a couple sleeping rough. They came into church looking for the toilet and the possibility of a hot drink to warm them up. I was feeling exhausted and anxious about the 3 services to get ready for but remembered suddenly the reading I was about to talk on....Love one another...not love the ones we like, or love the ones like us or love those we want to but Love one another....everyone. This couple needed to be shown love. They stayed for the 8am traditional service and re Ioved communion in tears, it was very moving , they also returned for then10.30 service to show their gratitude to those who had shown kindness to them.nhow easy is it for us in our busy life to ignore what's happening around us and focus on ourselves.
So as I enter the last 6 days before maternity leave, feeling emotional, exhausted and anxious about all that still needs to be done, I'm aware of the need to keep my eyes open to be aware of what's going on around me...but also very excited for this time next week 😜
Thursday, 7 May 2015
Home Alone
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!
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!
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 !!!
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