Friday 25th April 2008

We're having real April showers at the moment. One moment it is sunny then the next it is raining. Have had a good couple of days where we are having to rely on God for His wisdom regarding Graham's job. We know God is in all of this but unable to say too much at the moment.

Harry started a paper round last night which was the round of a friend's son. Don't know whether realistically it will work as I think he may be a bit too young. He really wants to do it though but won't be able to do it on his own. It was offered to Charlie first but he declined ( probably more sense as it is hard work!). Anyway we finally finished it at 9pm after taking one hour to assemble the papers with all the leaflets and inserts they need and then another two to deliver them. We did half the round then had to come back as I had to go to fat club ( lost 2lb and happy). We started the other half at 7.30pm and it seemed to take forever. It is good exercise though.

Have been to the gym three times this week and feel great as a result. Went swimming this morning and then went round to a friend's for lunch and to pray which was good. Came home and another friend has just been for coffee. Need to go and collect Rosie. Harry's mate is coming for a sleepover and Charlie is going to his mate's for tea before church.

Wednesday 23rd April 2008

I think Spring is well and truly here. I'm really noticing all the beautiful flowers and shrubs and trees which are in bud. The weather has warmed up as well and my car thermometer was reading 18 degrees today.

Have had an interesting week so far. Monday I spent all day writing the proposal which I finished just in time. I'm now going to forget about it and if I hear from the OU great, but if not, not to worry. Yesterday was a very interesting day at work with a child in need meeting and a couple of visits. Today more meetings and offers of help from colleagues which is great. Graham is on his way back from Germany after a stressful day with his boss.

The children are fine. Charlie is being as evasive as ever about his homework. Harry has had two days of exams and unfortunately didn't do very well, but never mind. Rosie continues to do so much after school stuff that I think she's going to have burn out by the time she is 10!

Off to the drop-in centre tomorrow and to visit the old lady in a home whose birthday it is. Still knitting my cardigan and am half way through a sleeve. I plan to do some tonight after I have done some ironing. No work until next Tuesday-yippeee. Fat club again tomorrow. Sense I have relaxed a bit this week so not looking hopeful.

Sunday 20th April 2008 God is good-His love endures forever

Despite both Charlie and Graham being out of sorts due to recovering from wisdom tooth extraction and other dental work and a tongue op it has been a great couple of days, most of it spent at church.

I went to the service yesterday am whilst Graham stayed at home. It was brilliant. The presence of God was tangible throughout the morning with some amazing signs and wonders taking place. Paul had a word of knowledge about women being suppressed throughout church history and then he prayed for all the women to know 'no limits' to God's work in them. We all lined up and then he prayed for all of us individually.

In the afternoon we all went back for the family quiz which was good fun. We didn't go to the evening event due to Graham being shattered and unable to eat properly. Charlie's friend from school came round after the quiz so after I dropped him off at his Grandparents' house I called in to see a friend who is a neighbour of theirs. She had had a little trip to A and E in the afternoon with a swollen eye after inserting some eye drops. Anyway she is the only friend I have given the link to this blog, so she told me her thoughts! She particularly likes all the food references!

I took Rosie to netball first thing this morning before church. The service was a great end to an amazing weekend. Three people stood up and testified to God's goodness in their lives. One lady's testimony was incredibly moving as she has cancer and is undergoing chemo at the moment. Both Graham and I were finding it difficult not to cry. What impacted me about her talk was that people had told her that she was a positive person and that is why she was coping with everything. She said that that was a load of rubbish and that it is God who sustains her through her treatment. Even in her illness she is an incredible witness.

We stayed at church for lunch. The food was nice considering the number of people that were catered for. Unfortunately I came off my diet for the rest of the day. Never mind I will get back on track again tomorrow.

Graham played golf this afternoon whilst I attempted a research proposal. I have decided to submit something after the conversation I had with one of the researchers at the OU. I have decided I have nothing to lose just a bit of hard work tomorrow as the deadline is Tuesday lunch! Graham will have to drop it off on Tues am on his way to work. I have written the introduction and research question, so have the literature review to do tomorrow. I will use the same methodology as my last project and will just adapt that one. This thing won't go away! However it most definitely is my last ( and only ) attempt and if nothing comes of it I know it is not meant to be.

A friend is coming round for lunch and to pray tomorrow but it won't impinge on my time too much as she is mega organised with her time and won't stay too long! I do plan on going to the gym though first thing, and think I have arranged to have a coffee with someone afterwards.

Anyway off to read the papers.

Just remembered I wanted to post this brill song by Matt Redman which I can't get out of my head. It was being played yesterday in the background whilst we were being ministered to.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=995136086110433161&q=matt+redman+let+your+glory+fall&ei=TK8LSLeGDpuq2wLfyay6BA

17th April- back on track

I made Charlie go to school today as I really couldn't decide whether he was faking it or not. I am now feeling bad as he is clearly in a lot of pain and his tongue is swollen and he is hardly eating anything at all. I told him to ring me during the morning break so I could collect him if he felt bad but he didn't. I will see how he is in the morning but if there is no improvement I need to take him to our GP. He has a biology test tomorrow which I know he is trying to get out of and he hasn't done any work for it as he is in pain. His tongue does appear very swollen. He got picked to play rugby on Sunday but Graham has emailed the coach to say he can't play. He has about 20 stitches underneath his tongue and it would be detrimental to the healing process if he got hit or kicked on the mouth.



Anyway, I went to the drop in centre this morning which I thoroughly enjoyed. I was in the kitchen which was great as I could chat to everybody. I haven't seen anybody seen before Easter so it was good to catch up with people, although I was distressed to see and hear that one mum had been subjected to domestic violence and her partner had been arrested and was in prison. My friend and fellow volunteer had taken her under her wing and had welcomed her into her home for a few days. This person is such an inspiration and is clearly making a difference in her life. She is now going to church with her children every week and despite falling asleep during the sermons she enjoys going as she 'feels safe'. My heart cries out to these women as they really suffer and endure unimaginable hardships.



I spent the afternoon ironing and hoovering in places where the cleaners hadn't quite managed to get to yesterday! Still it does give me more free time to maintain the home.



I went to fat club tonight. I lost 1.5 lb and was slightly disappointed as I thought I may have lost more as I have felt sooooo hungry over the last couple of days, and I have also been to the gym twice this week. Never mind, at least I'm losing weight. I have probably now lost the weight I put on over Christmas! Why is it so easy to gain weight and so hard to lose, particularly when over the age of 40?



I was able to get back into my bible study this afternoon and read from Daniel. I did think how the way that God revealed Himself to people during Old Testament times was just as awesome as in New Testament times and NOW! He doesn't change throughout time. God is still the same awesome God now as He was then.



I managed to communicate with my brother via text messages this afternoon and told him I was praying for him. He is a solicitor but is currently unemployed. I do pray that God will reveal Himself to him and help him to make the right decisions!

Looking forward to the weekend as we have a special weekend at church planned with events on Sat am, afternoon and pm and a lunch on Sunday after the service. http://www.brickhillbaptistchurch.org/Information/Encounter-weekend.html

Did some more knitting. Now on first sleeve. Can't wait to wear the cardigan.

16th April ( Mum's Birthday)

I have gone back to being extremely busy again after such a relaxing time at home last week.

Center Parcs was good last weekend, but not as good as our Easter break. It was nice to see everybody and I managed to maintain my healthy eating plan ( well almost ). We didn't get back until late and then it was a mad rush to wash and iron school uniform for the next day.

I went to St Neots on Monday and took the curtains to Alison's friend to be shortened. She is clearly still very upset about Alison and really wanted to talk about her. I didn't realise that they had been best friends since the age of four and had spoken to each other every week. I then had a wander around the town centre and bought some trousers and two tops from Mackays.

I was back at work yesterday which wasn't too bad due to a cancelled Child in Need Meeting. Graham was away last night and is on his way back from Milan tonight.

I took Charlie to the hospital today for his appointment to have his tongue tie released. Poor boy he was so brave. He has a lot of stitches on the bottom of his tongue where the frenulum was cut. He is in a lot of pain now that the anaesthetic has worn off. He is hankering after a day off school tomorrow, but I'm not sure!

I'm glad I'm not back at work until next week now. I realise how I have neglected reading the bible and spending time with the Lord over the past couple of days. I think it is more apparent as I had more time to do so last week.

It is my Mum's 78th birthday today. I sent her some flowers and bought her a book about the Mitford sisters which I know she will enjoy ( and also I can borrow it when she has finished with it ). She is going to my sister's for tea tonight.

I'm hoping to go to the gym tomorrow before the drop in centre. I went on Monday and felt great after a strenuous work out.

Must go and see my invalid and supervise homework.

Friday 11th April 2008

I've had such a good week at home. It has been great to take things easy and not to rush around so much. I am feeling better and will be ready for work next week. Yesterday I even lay on the trampoline in the sun reading for some time, which was a real treat. Graham came home from a morning course in London and when he saw he of course thought I'd been in that position all day!

The PhD thing which I'd thought I'd put to bed came back yesterday and I'm contemplating applying for a couple of projects with the OU. I'm still praying about it though, as don't want to go through the process of writing a couple of research proposals when it's not what God has planned for me.

We're off to Center Parcs for the weekend again. I'm beginning to think I was too rash in my decision to meet up with some old friends there . I was led to believe it was a reunion with everybody going, but it transpires that only one family and some friends of theirs who we don't know and Simon and his son are going. There are complications as well with Simon not having booked any accommodation which means he will have to stay with us as we have one spare bed. I didn't know this until the other night and have mixed feelings about it. The children don't appear to be fussed either as they have so much on at the weekends here and will miss youth group and church. Oh well. There is a lesson to be learnt from this, and in the future I will not be too hasty in accepting invites to please people. I thought I was doing well this year in that department as well!

Wednesday 9th April 2008

I am feeling so much better today. My sore throat is still there but much improved and thankfully no signs of a chest infection.

I almost feel up to putting up a curtain pole..... Must be getting better. It will be one less job for Graham to do. Must go and find the drill.

Tuesday 8th April 2008

I am sat in my conservatory overlooking the lovely garden. It is a sunny day and some of the plants and flowers are in bloom. It would be idyllic if only I was feeling well! I have spent two whole days in bed feverish and with a sore throat. I got up yesterday to go to the Dr. I have pharyngitis and am on antibiotics. I was told to stay off work this week which initially I felt guilty about but realise that there's no way I could be at work. I am not feverish today but still have an awful sore throat. I am praying that I get better soon and that it doesn't turn into a secondary chest infection. I am taking vit c and zinc and have just eaten some brazil nuts as I read somewhere they helped to protect against bronchitis!

Anyway, Graham was a star over the weekend and really looked after me along with Nurse Rosie who put on an apron and kept coming into my bedroom every ten minutes with a notepad and pencil asking me if I needed anything. In between the shivering and the perspiring I managed to read two books. One was a Christian biography about a Jordanian woman who against all adversity living in war torn Palestine and Bethlehem during the first and second wars became a Christian and how this impacted her life and the lives of those around her. Ironically her last years were spent here in Bedford living on the Embankment and worshipping at St. John's. She died on the last day of 1998. I also read the latest Anita Shreve novel ( Body Surfing ) which I also enjoyed. It is book group tonight but won't be going. The book we read was a short story by Susan Hill so I can't see there will be much to discuss anyway.

I'm sat here listening to a cd by 'Mercy Me' my current fave band which my friend bought me back from the States. She called to see me this morning after spending three weeks in California. She had a great time and it was good to see her and catch up with all her news.

The children went back to school today. It was less stressful than anticipated and there were no arguments and none of them had forgotten anything which was a bonus. Graham is in Madrid for the day and will be back later. I am going to do some knitting later on and generally take it easy and rest. I know I'm sounding very Granny like but it's a temporary phase.

Boy, this band are awesome. 'Sanctified' is indeed my favourite. Not only are the words amazing and TRUE but the acoustic guitar is brilliant. I must let Harry listen to it later. I will post a youtube link:
http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=4511351577285822801&q=MercyMe+sanctified&total=1&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0

Here is another great song:

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-7102187844873093553&q=Mercy+Me+my+heart+will+fly&total=17&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0

Friday April 4th 2008

Yet another month whizzes by. Can't believe we're in April although the weather is so Spring like with the lovely flowers and plants and trees in bud. The birds singing in the trees wake me up most mornings. I don't need an alarm clock. I love this time of year. It is such a time of anticipation and hope. We are now in British Summer Time with the clocks going forward last Saturday. The evenings are getting lighter which is great. The older I become and experience more seasons the more aware of them I become. I can remember my mum waxing lyrical about the same thing when I was young.

I've had such a lovely relaxing week and have got into a routine of getting up early ( not according to Graham ) and having a peaceful breakfast before the others get up. I then read my bible notes and do some ironing. By now Harry and Rosie are up and having breakfast. I then get ready and take Harry to his guitar lessons leaving Charlie to look after Rosie. After dropping Harry off I quickly nip round the shops and have bought curtains for the lounge (only taken me 18 months) one morning, curtain poles another and have bought lovely rolls and lunch items from M & S and the Daily Telegraph for crossword purposes. I then have come home, ensured Charlie is up and dressed and then sorted out Rosie's social life.

After lunch we have been meeting up with friends. One day we went to a friend's and walked to Bedford Park. Rosie played with her friend on the play area. The boys are too old for this now but were patient enough so I bought them an ice cream.

I have been attempting the cryptic crossword but haven't got very far. But at least it has got my Mum back into doing them. She finds them very easy and is enjoying telling me the answers every day over the phone. She told me last night that she hasn't done the cryptic crossword since my Dad died last year as they used to do them together every day. I just feel it's all part of the grieving process and with time she is now doing these kind of things that she used to find a painful reminder of how much she misses her dear husband.

Yesterday we cycled to the tennis courts in the village and played tennis for a while until Harry threw his racket on the ground exclaiming that he hated tennis and ran off the court, got on his bike and cycled home!
Rosie and I then went to the play area and met up with a couple of children she was at St James's with.

Later on I went to fat club and was pleased as I have lost 2lb this week. My friend hadn't lost anything this week and was feeling despondent. I celebrated with a M&S low fat chicken tikka and some nice South African sauvignon blanc.

Rosie is off to a friend's this morning so after I have dropped Harry off and have done a spot of grocery shopping in Sainsbury's I plan to put up the curtain poles and measure the length of the curtains which I will take to Jackie in St Neots to shorten. I thought I would do it myself but my sewing machine is broken. Jackie was Alison's schoolfriend and at the funeral she mentioned she had a sewing business.

It is now looking like rain. My friend and her son are coming round this afternoon and I had thought we could go to the tennis courts again, but it looks unlikely. Tonight I'm supposed to be going to a women's bring and share evening from church but think I would rather spend the time with Graham. Both boys have got youth club at church and Charlie has a sleepover there.

Monday 31st March 2008

It has been a lovely Spring day today after a couple of rainy days. We drove to Bolton on Saturday and spent all the way there driving through rain and on the way back too. We took my Mum to The Thatch and Thistle for lunch which she enjoyed. We couldn't walk to Dad's tree as it was so wet so we went to Rivington Barn and then the Lower Barn for a cup of tea. We then took my Mum home and stayed for about an hour whilst we did the crossword and then set off home.

Sunday was a nicer day and Graham took Charlie to rugby in Cambridge first thing. I roasted a leg of lamb for lunch which we ate when they returned. Rosie made some cakes which I just had to sample. I went back on my diet today.

Today Rosie's friend has been here for most of the day. We went to Tesco and to the tip to get rid of the old trampoline. We have bought a new one as the old one was ripped at the side making it extremely dangerous. However day one of having a new trampoline has seen two accidents with Harry twisting his arm whilst on it and Rosie falling into it and hurting her arm! Rosie has gone to her friend's for a sleepover and I've just taken Harry to church for band practice ( church yesterday was awesome- reaffirming something I had been thinking about just recently that we are living under God's grace and not a set of rules or religiosity thus making us free).

Graham has been to Brussels for the day and is on his way back. I have finished the back of my cardigan and will start the left front tonight. Tomorrow I'm going to the hairdresser's and Harry has 'school of rock'.