New Year's Eve

Looking forward to celebrating the New Year with friends who are coming over from Cambridge today and are staying until tomorrow.

Listening to UCB radio and have been challenged by being asked to think about words to describe God, and to write them down, and to remember them when praying to our father in heaven. We too often get caught up with 'asking for' prayers and focusing on the gift and not the giver. God wants to give us good gifts but desires our worship and time with Him. No resolutions this year but my aim is to spend more time just being still in His presence and I am thankful that through Jesus Christ we can know Him.

Happy New Year to everybody and I pray that God will give you the desires of your heart during 2010.

End of the year

We've had a lovely Christmas and we took my mum back to the station to catch the train home yesterday afternoon. Church was great on Christmas Day, and my mum enjoyed the service. I spent most of the day in the kitchen preparing the meal. Graham's parents arrived just after we returned from outdoor mulled wine and mince pies at a neighbour's ( the one who lost her partner on Dec 27th last year). Two young friends from church came round early evening and it was nice to see them and exchange presents. I finally sat down in the evening to watch the Christmas special of Gavin and Stacey ( which I hadn't seen before, but enjoyed as I love Rob Brydon ) . I concluded that it is hard work being a woman on Christmas Day, but worth it to see all my family enjoy their presents and the Christmas dinner. I was given an ipod touch this year which is really cool. However, despite the lovely day I did feel that materialism is getting in the way and next year will be different. The children were really grateful for their presents though.

On Boxing Day we took my mum for a walk around the park which was good exercise for all of us and today Graham, Harry and I did three laps of the park which was invigorating.

Can't believe we are approaching the end of 2009 and the second year of my blog! I still haven't worked out how to print it out.

Happy Christmas

Back from the outdoor village carol service. Drinking mulled wine. Cakes iced and most of the presents wrapped. Happy Christmas to everyone. May God bless you all as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Waiting for the electrician and the A.A.

My car wouldn't start this morning so I phoned the AA at 11.30am and they arrived at 6.30pm! Due to the awful weather conditions I wasn't a priority. Whilst Rosie was in the shower all the upstairs lighting went and as the fuse box is a bit old and dodgy I phoned an electrician and also had to wait for him to arrive. So, I managed to wrap all the presents I have bought so far without the children being remotely interested in what I was doing as they were outside in the snow. Harry tied two sledges to his bike and gave Rosie and her friend rides up and down the road. Charlie started his revision today so was busy studying or not in his room.

The car battery was flat so I had to take a trip in the snow to Halfords to buy a new battery. Why do these things happen when Graham is away? Anyway, I'm back home, relaxing in front of the T.V and watching Outnumbered series one.

Almost Christmas- cakes to be marzipanned and iced tomorrow.

Saturday 19th December 2009

Week-end. We're off to Cambridge this afternoon and are staying overnight. We are meeting up with friends for a meal in the evening and then tomorrow morning we are going to their church to hear J John preach. We are then going to see other friends for lunch after the service.

The snow is still here and it is very cold, but the sun is shining. I am feeling virtuous after writing most of my Christmas cards and posting them yesterday. The overseas friends won't get theirs until next month now, but never mind. I had a change of heart after planning not to send cards for the first time ever this year, as I feel slightly anxious about the environmental issues concerned with using all that paper and transport, not to mention the expense. However, as they've steadily dropped through the letter box throughout the last few weeks, I changed my mind and gave in to Christmas pressure!

Still can't add photos! Oh how I wish I was more computer literate

John 20: 30-31

Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31But these are written that you may[a] believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Feeling Christmassy

I wanted to add a photo of my Christmas tree but the link does not appear to be working. Not sure why as the video one seems ok. Had my last supervision today before Christmas which went ok. I'm now winding down from work and have started to think about Christmas a bit more. We went to see Graham's parents today for lunch and I was pleased to see that they seem well and are looking forward to Christmas Day.



We've had a good week so far. It snowed lightly today and much more is expected overnight which the children are delighted about.

Weekend again

It is Friday, and I've had a good week so far with many things to be thankful for including:



Family- Graham has been unwell with a cold and actually spent most of yesterday in bed. He is better today and went to London today for a meeting. He told me it was much worse than man flu! Not convinced though. Rosie was also ill, but was desperate to go to school for the end of term parties and fun stuff so I let her. She was fine. The boys have gone away with church for the week-end. They almost missed the coach though as we thought we had to be at church for 5pm. We set off about ten to five and then I received a call from a friend to find out where we were as the coach was leaving! Apparently the coach was leaving at 5pm. Thankfully it waited for us. So the boys are away until Sunday. Rosie has been to a bowling party and to watch her friend in a play this evening.



Good health. I'm taking echinacea, vit c and zinc and acai berry in an attempt to boost my immune system.



Harry's musical gift. He played in a concert on Wednesday evening and did a solo in front of over 500 people!



My work- I enjoyed a Christmas lunch this week, and am also enjoying my fieldwork.

We have a lovely week-end ahead. The children broke up from school today and are off for over three weeks. Tomorrow we're going to a Christmas party, and on Sunday we have two services to look forward to. the morning service is the Christmas giving service where we donate our hampers to be distributed to the needy families in the area. In the afternoon we have an outdoor Carol service in Bedford Park. We have invited several friends to it and then we are going back to the golf club for a drink.

Tomorrow morning we have our group. Last week was so good!

Bought the Christmas tree today. The guy who sold it to me said I should win the prize for being the quickest person ever to decide on which tree to buy! I laughed and told him that life was too short to be spent on decisions involving Christmas trees!!

Wonderful week-end

It is early on Saturday and I've just dropped Rosie off at school as she is playing in a Lacrosse match in Berkhamstead. Feeling a slight disappointment though, as I wanted to go and watch her and we can't as we have our church group this morning.

The boys are still in bed and Graham is playing an early round of golf and will be back at 9.30am for our group.

I've had a busy week, and I'm so delighted that I've got the whole week-end at home and an evening in. Plans include Christmas cake baking and starting my new knitting project ( cardigan in a beautiful sage Rowan Tweed wool ).

Charlie has a rugby match at Stowe school this afternoon and Rosie a party later.

Yesterday was a good day despite feeling nervous about giving my presentation. I really do need to update my PowerPoint skills though as they let me down towards the end of the presentation when the slide show reverted back to the notes page and the audience could see what I had written! Never mind. It's good experience and just before I stood up to present I recalled the scripture ' I will never leave you or forsake you' and my nervousness vanished. A friend came with me to Oxford and went off to meet her friend for lunch whilst I went to the conference. Afterwards, we went to Bicester Village and did some Christmas shopping which was a nice end to the day.

The weather is milder today and the sun is shining. I'm hoping to get outside in the fresh air this afternoon.

Ist day of advent

Now I must start to think about Christmas, but I can't as I have so much on at the moment. The week-end was memorable with a lovely meal at L'Escargot and then jazz at Ronnie Scotts.
I felt so tired on Sunday as we didn't get back until 4am. I can't remember when I had such a late night.

I am busy thinking about my presentation on Friday, and really can't focus on much else at the moment. I've had my hair cut today into a bob- very short for me. Got to dash to take Rosie swimming. Back later.

Monday 23rd November 2009

What a hectic few days we've had. It was Charlie's birthday on the 19th and we took him to Pizza Hut after school. The next day I took Rosie with a friend and her daughter to see The Jonas Brothers at Wembley Arena. I realised I am getting old as I was far too tired the next day. Charlie had his party on Saturday night. He went out to a restaurant and then the cinema with friends before coming home with four of them for a sleepover. Think they played on the playstation for most of the night, but I was good and didn't get too involved and allowed them to have fun! I was so tired yesterday though. The weather was awful so didn't go out after church. Church was amazing as usual, probably because God is!

Today I have been to the gym- ran/walked for 50mins today, and felt good afterwards. Worked, transcribing my interviews for a lot of the day, broken up by a lunch out with a friend which was nice.

Just about to start my taxi driver role. Charlie has cell group and Harry band practice. Several challenges ahead during the next two weeks including supervision on Wednesday, data analysis and then I am presenting at Oxford University next week. I will look forward to next week-end. Although we have a lovely week-end planned this coming one with, a Delirious? concert on Friday and then a party in London ( L'Escargot and then Ronnie Scott's).

Faith building week-end. Sunday 15th November 2009

Galatians 5

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

My bible notes for today include the above. Having just heard someone on the radio say they couldn't be a Christian because of all the rules I thought it was apt. How wrong they are! We do not live under law.

Had an amazing day yesterday at church. Julian Adams, a guy with a prophetic teaching gift is here for the week-end and God has been ministering to us through him. What a morning! I can't take it in yet what was spoken over Graham and myself. Sooo looking forward to church this morning. I felt so blessed yesterday and full of the Holy Spirit. I also feel I learnt more about prophecy and how God uses ordinary people to prophesy.

Other stuff which is happening right now include: Charlie's 16th birthday next week and Rosie's school merging with the other girls' school in town- lot's of decisions to be made, particularly as the school is the other side of town and will add another half hour onto the journey.

I have started my pilot study and realise I'm a rubbish interviewer as I became too emotionally involved in what I was being told and ended up in tears with the participant!! Other work is due in tomorrow and I am still only a third of the way through.

We've had storms and gales here but they appear to have subsided today and the sun is shining. i must get out and get some fresh air. Graham wants me to walk around the golf course with his buddies this afternoon, but I'd rather not.

Wednesday 11th November 2009

Forgot about the 11th hour on the 11th day ! At least we remembered in church on Sunday.

Having a good week. The decorator is here painting the hall, landing and stairs which haven't been painted since just after we moved here!! Work is going well and I have my first interview for my pilot study set up for tomorrow. Still researching caregiving and UK policy which needs to be submitted on Monday. Why am I always so last minute?! If I didn't have deadlines I wouldn't get anything done.

Looking forward to the week-end and visiting speaker Julian Adams at church both Saturday and Sunday. Praying God will use him to edify the church.

Friday 6th November 2009

Have had a good week. Work has gone well. I've now contacted 2 people for my pilot study and plan to visit them next week. Busy writing about policy and care giving as well.

We went to a local fireworks display on Wednesday which was great, particularly as it was free. Charlie and Rosie are going to another one tonight with friends and then we're all going to a party tomorrow night following a school concert Harry is playing his guitar in.

The nights are really drawing in now and it's getting cold as well. Still mustn't grumble!

End of half-term

Proverbs 4:18

The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

I'm sat in the conservatory looking out on a rainy day. Have to wake Harry to take him to church for practice before the service starts. Charlie has a rugby match this morning and I'm hoping it will be cancelled!

Back to the routine tomorrow.

Thursday 29th October 2009

Still half-term and the children are having a great time. My mum came to stay last week and went home on Thursday . We went to Center Parcs on Friday and enjoyed it. We did so much ( well the kids did- I managed to sit around a lot, drinking coffee ). They swam at least three times a day, played badminton and laser quest a couple of times. I went to the gym twice which was my total amount of exercise for the week-end.

We came home on Monday and I am trying to catch up with over a week's washing due to a broken washing machine. The engineer came yesterday and mended it so it has been on constantly since.

Yesterday we went to London. I went to a workshop on Ageing at the Institute of Physics and then met up with Graham and the children in Regents Park when it had finished. We then walked to Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street and found a Pizza Express. We had a lovely meal there and I used my £50 voucher . We then walked to the Palladium and went to see Sister Act. It was OK, not brilliant. The music, visual effects and choreography were amazing, but the storyline lacked something and we just kept comparing the show to others which we have seen over the last few years which were far superior. Never mind. It was a good thing to do as a family. We had an awful train journey home and didn't get back until 12.30pm.

Plans for the rest of the week include housework- lots of it, as so behind and final adjustments to participant information sheets. Looking forward to not doing much this week-end.

Wednesday 21st October 2009

2 Samuel 22

1 David sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. 2 He said:
"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
3 my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn [g] of my salvation.
He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—
from violent men you save me.

4 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies.

5 "The waves of death swirled about me;
the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.

6 The cords of the grave [h] coiled around me;
the snares of death confronted me.

7 In my distress I called to the LORD;
I called out to my God.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came to his ears.

8 "The earth trembled and quaked,
the foundations of the heavens [i] shook;
they trembled because he was angry.

9 Smoke rose from his nostrils;
consuming fire came from his mouth,
burning coals blazed out of it.

10 He parted the heavens and came down;
dark clouds were under his feet.

11 He mounted the cherubim and flew;
he soared [j] on the wings of the wind.

12 He made darkness his canopy around him—
the dark [k] rain clouds of the sky.

13 Out of the brightness of his presence
bolts of lightning blazed forth.

14 The LORD thundered from heaven;
the voice of the Most High resounded.

15 He shot arrows and scattered the enemies ,
bolts of lightning and routed them.

16 The valleys of the sea were exposed
and the foundations of the earth laid bare
at the rebuke of the LORD,
at the blast of breath from his nostrils.

17 "He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.

18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.

19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the LORD was my support.

20 He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me.

21 "The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness;
according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.

22 For I have kept the ways of the LORD;
I have not done evil by turning from my God.

23 All his laws are before me;
I have not turned away from his decrees.

24 I have been blameless before him
and have kept myself from sin.

25 The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness,
according to my cleanness [l] in his sight.

26 "To the faithful you show yourself faithful,
to the blameless you show yourself blameless,

27 to the pure you show yourself pure,
but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd.

28 You save the humble,
but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low.

29 You are my lamp, O LORD;
the LORD turns my darkness into light.

30 With your help I can advance against a troop [m] ;
with my God I can scale a wall.

What amazing words these are.

Having a good week after a brilliant time at the Breathe ladies conference. Felt also that God spoke to me about the future- all very exciting and we are praying into it.

I drove to Bolton to collect my mum on Monday. Thankfully it was a really good journey despite driving almost a 400 miles round trip in a day. She is going home on the train tomorrow as my brother is able to collect her from the station in the evening. Haven't done much with her though as we seem to have spent most of the time ferrying the children around. Graham's parents are coming today for lunch which will be nice. We are going to Center Parcs on Friday with friends for the week-end which we are looking forward to.

Week-end ahead

Haven't blogged for awhile- no particular reason. Highlights of the last couple of weeks include:

My friend's baptism- what an amazing testimony.

Great cell group meetings- learning about Paul's letter to the Galatians-and I really have learnt a lot.

Family photoshoot- haven't seen the proofs yet.

Getting into my project- starting a new literature review- the effects of policy on caregiving. Have to give a paper at Oxford University in December- nervous already. Awaiting feedback from the ethics committee.

Feeling proud of my children for nothing in particular- just because they are my children! Charlie is working hard and enjoying his free time. He is turning into a mature young man. Harry did well with his recent tracking grades and is making us laugh. He got Charlie to write a note to his teacher today to try and get him out of games. He wrote that Harry was unable to do games as his leg was injured from being in a car accident ! Rosie's parents evening this week- all good apart from maths-takes after her mother I think. She is over the moon as I bought her a Jack Wills hoody ( not cheap) which was meant for Christmas, but I couldn't resist giving it to her today.

Graham is stressed ( work) but trusting God. Our bible notes were so apt for today ( Don't fear, don't be anxious etc).

Soooooooo looking forward to the week-end. I'm off to Cambridge for a ladies conference. This will be my 5th one and I always come back feeling so refreshed and rejuvenated in the Lord. Margaret Stunt is one of the speakers and she is so funny. She is like a stand-up comedian preacher. My friend who recently became a Christian is coming with us and I know she will enjoy it.

Our new cat Lily is adorable. She is a 4 year -old persian rescue cat. She is so pretty but quite docile and hasn't quite got the hang of using the litter tray yet. Apparently she was bullied in her last home which might explain her toileting mishaps. She is going out for a couple of hours during the day but we are not letting her out of the garden which we have Lily-proofed.

The children break up tomorrow for two weeks. Can't wait for relaxing mornings with no school run. We are going to Center Parcs for the week-end and have a trip to London planned including a theatre trip- Sister Act. My mum is also coming down at some point and Graham's parents are coming over to see her.

Monday 28th September 2009

A great week-end. Visited Cambridge twice and toured some of the colleges. The first photo is of Magdalene College Chapel where we got married in 1991. The safari supper was good fun- everybody had made an effort with their fancy dress. Off to look at a persian rescue cat in a minute. Hoping she's the right one for us.

Friday 25th September 2009

Having a good week. The sun has been shining and I actually sat outside and sunbathed yesterday afternoon. I am full of a cold though and two of the children I take to school have been ill and off school this week.

I have been working from home for most of the week and just need to finalise my ethics form, work plan, consent forms and other appendices today before my supervisors see it and then hopefully I can submit it on the 1st Oct.

We have a busy week-end ahead. I am going to Cambridge to attend a seminar on ageing tomorrow. It is Cambridge University's 800 year anniversary and we were all supposed to be going but due to a lack of interest from all of the family, I will nip over there for a couple of hours on my own! Graham and the others are going to see MK Dons play Leeds United and Rosie has a hockey match first thing.

Tonight we have been invited to friends' for a barbecue whilst the children are all at church. Our Friday evenings have taken on a whole new dimension. For the first time ever since before the children were born we have a 11/2 hour slot all to ourselves! So we have started to make the most of it by spending the time together before we start the taxi service at 8pm!

Tomorrow evening it is our annual 'safari supper' in the village. The fancy dress theme is 'emergency services' which would have been great if I could have fitted into my old nurse's uniform- which I couldn't! So, I have bought some disposable scrub gowns, gloves, masks and hats off eBay and just hope they arrive in time. Otherwise we will have to wear fluorescent jackets and go as the AA!

On Sunday Graham is welcoming at church, so I will have to take Charlie to rugby and drop him off. We are now realising how difficult it is to take part in sport on Sundays without our 4pm service.

We are thinking about getting another cat and there is a possibility of one arriving at the local Persian rescue this week-end. Apparently she is a 4 year old Persian tortie, so will look like Lulu. I don't know whether that is a good idea though, so am waiting for a photograph before we make our minds up.

Autumn

First day of Autumn today and there was a significant nip in the air this morning when I took the children to school.

Had an enjoyable week-end which went far too quickly. We went out with friends for a curry on Saturday night which was good fun. The children were busy with friends and sport. Charlie played rugby twice and all had friends over.

In an attempt to be better organised I arranged for a Sainsbury's home delivery today to free up some time. It did work, but the free time was spent having coffee with a friend this afternoon instead of working. Never mind. I went to the gym first thing and didn't find the 25min on the treadmill as arduous as I did last week.

Read some of 'Family Practices in Later Life' ( my new book on ageing )this afternoon and hoped for some inspiration for another literature review I need to write. I think I will either focus on gender or grandparents, both themes which I have touched on before but need to be further elaborated upon.

Must go and make tea before I start my taxi service which include 2 trips to church.

Back to work

I attended my second funeral this year yesterday. Both had similarities. Both the deceased were neighbours ( who were good friends ), both took place in the same village church, both services were conducted by the same minister, some of the congregation attended both funeral services and both friends, as far as I know, had no faith. Life is harsh, and I don't know whether it is because of my age, but there is a lot of sadness in many friends' lives at the moment in terms of ill-health, marital break-down and job redundancy. God said ' I will never leave you or forsake you' (Joshua 1:5)and I pray that these people will know God's peace and strength in their lives.

I had a slight wake-up call today during a supervision session when discussing my timetable for the next three months. I have so much work to do and need to be better organised. I must start to focus on my project. I feel quite excited about it however, and am looking forward to getting out into the field.

Looking forward to the week-end.

Change ahead

Change ahead for our church. Whilst the news that our lead elder and his wife are leaving to lead a church in Middlesbrough is sad it is also extremely exciting and I can't wait to see what God has in store for us all. I will particularly miss Paul's teaching and the way he manages to make truths of the bible very real. Through Paul, God has opened my eyes to parts of the bible which I'd heard sermons about many times previously but hadn't really grasped the true meaning on a personal level. God has changed me through Paul's preaches and I pray that God will use him in this way in Middlesbrough.

We've had a great, relaxing week-end. I think staying in is the new going out for us! Graham took Charlie and a friend to Wembley to see Saracens v Northampton with the rugby club on Saturday. Rosie played hockey against Kimbolton school ( they won and she scored a hat-trick). So, Harry and I went to the pub for lunch and played Perudo in the garden. It was a lovely hot day and it was nice to spend quality time with Harry. We all then watched the X Factor. I know it is a terrible programme and each year I say I won't watch it but parts of it are hugely entertaining, and it is something that the whole family can sit and watch.

Yesterday, after church we went to the golf club for Rosie's lesson and had lunch there. We then spent the afternoon doing jobs- Graham finally mended the lounge light and built the shoe cabinet which I'm grateful for of course! The evening was spent ironing.

I have been to the gym this morning and am feeling energetic after a 50 min workout. I have so much work to do but keep procrastinating. I must finalise my ethics form this week before supervision. We have a meeting tonight at Rosie's school re: the merger, Carol's funeral tomorrow and a ladies 'frock swap' at church tomorrow night to start the week with.

Back in bloggyland!

Can't believe I haven't blogged in a whole month. So much has happened. I will post the following holiday blog and continue afterwards:


Monday 10th August 2009
We arrived yesterday evening after a good drive through lovely scenery. The weather was also hot and sunny but soon changed as we arrived in the Bernese Oberland to rain! Think we brought the bad weather with us. We drove through four countries in one day – England, France, Germany and then Switzerland.
We only ended up delaying our holiday by one day in the end which was good. Harry is fine and my thinking now is that he had a mild bug and not swine flu as he would have been a lot worse than he actually was. Also the rest of us haven’t been affected.
Our mobile home is very spacious and seems to be better designed than the Canvas ones. After a good night’s sleep we had breakfast before walking to the lake. We saw Richard and Margaret an elderly couple who we seem to meet most years on the campsite. They are also staying until the end of the week after being here for 4 weeks.
We then drove to Interlaken and stocked up on provisions from Migros. We then went swimming. I am determined to get fit this holiday. I swam a mile and Graham swam for one hour. The children then went to the outdoor pool and enjoyed jumping off the diving boards. Back at the campsite, it started to rain again. We ate our evening meal of pasta carbonara, salad with gruyere cheese and a few pieces of chocolate. Harry then went back to the lake for an evening swim. The rest of us stayed at the mobile home. Finished reading ‘Compelled by Love’ by Heidi Baker and started ‘Israel’s new disciples’ by Julia Fisher. Have to go as I’m being called to play cards.

Thursday 13th August
We’ve had a great couple of days. On Tuesday we walked up Harder Kulm which was hard work! Graham, Charlie and Rosie had been at the top for 45 minutes before Harry and I arrived. It took us just over 2 hours to reach the summit, but the fantastic views were worth it. I walked down and the others caught the funicular. I met them at the outdoor pool. What a hot day. We all caught the sun and have a healthy glow. I made sausages, noodles and salad for tea. We then took our chairs to the lakeside and watched a glorious sunset.
On Wednesday we drove to Heimwehfluh which is a twenty minute steep climb to the top. Don’t think I could have managed more. I have a blister and have done something to my knee! It was so hot and we stayed in the restaurant for ages reading our books and looking out over Interlaken and both lakes. The children enjoyed the zip wire and rodelbahn to the bottom and funicular back up to the top a couple of time. I finished my second book ‘Israel’s new disciples’ which was so thought provoking. I hadn’t realised how few messianic Jews there are in Israel, but the number is really on the increase and they will be a ‘light to the nations’ before Jesus returns.
We then went to the outdoor pool and I swam a mile. We then walked to Pizzeria Mercato and had pizzas and salad for our evening meal finished off by McFlurry ice creams from McDonalds. Back at the campsite we had early nights- think we caught too much sun.

Again, today is a really hot day. The others are all in the lake for an early morning swim (except myself and Charlie who is still in bed) We plan to catch the cable car up to the Neiderhorn , do about an hour’s walk down to Vorsass where we will hire trotti bikes( scooters) down to the bottom of the mountain. It is such good fun and I love whizzing along at speed feeling the breeze and smelling the cut grass whilst taking in the beautiful scenery.

Saturday 15th August 2009
Writing this sat on our balcony overlooking the Wetterhorn and First. The weather has continued to be gorgeous and hot. We had a great couple of days in Interlaken and spent most of the time at the lake and the pool. I swam a mile yesterday after having the most horrendous migraine though. I haven’t had a migraine for over a year now and had a mini one in the cable car going up to the Neiderhorn on Thursday. I had two consecutive ones yesterday morning in bed and stayed in bed all morning. Graham took the children out on pedalos whilst I slept. I think a combination of cheese, chocolate and wine the night before contributed to them plus the extreme brightness from the sun. We walked to the Metropole hotel and had ice creams after swimming. Then we walked to the lake to watch the sunset. Today after packing up we drove to Oberhofen and spent most of the day by the lake and pool. I swam a mile and then sunbathed and rested for the rest of the time. I am now on book 5- The Crimson Rooms, by Katherine McMahon after finishing ‘On His Majesty’s Service’ by Bengt Wedemalm and Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson. We then drove to Hotel Bodmi in Grindelwad where we stayed in February. Kurt and Elizabeth the hotel proprietors warmly greeted us.

Wednesday August 19th 2009
We’ve had a fantastic few days with amazing weather. I can’t ever remember it being so hot. We only had rain on the day we arrived and sine then it has been gloriously hot and sunny ever since. On Sunday we caught the gondola up to First. The boys and I did the First Flyer which is the longest and highest zip wire ride in Europe. It was amazing but was over too quickly. Graham and Rosie may do it tomorrow but need convincing as they think it looks too scary. We then went to the pool and I swam a mile. On Monday I finished the Crimson Rooms. What a good book. We took the gondola to Mannlichen and did our usual walk to Kleine Sheidegg and then caught the train down. We then went to the outdoor pool but I was too wimpish to swim in it. The others however had a great time in the water whilst I read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows- an ok book about German occupation of Guernsey during the Second World War. Yesterday I had a lot of contact with people at home due to a bit of confusion about who was house/cat sitting. The person who had been staying in our house left yesterday and another friend moved in until our return. Apparently the cat has been seen and is ok. I can’t believe I am so anxious about her and wonder whether she would be better off in a cattery next time. Graham and Harry did a huge walk getting up really early and walking from First to Schynige Platte, taking them most of the day. I really wanted to do it again but Rosie and Charlie were adamant they didn’t wnt to do it with Charlie saying he would phone Childline if we made him!! So we went to Pfingsteg and went on the rodelbahns and walked back down to Grindelwald. We then drove to Interlaken and went to the pool. I swam a mile then read and sunbathed until it was time to collect Graham and Harry from the station. We drove back to Bodmi then walked back down into Grindelwald and went out for pizza and then had an amazing coupe danemark. Harry wasn’t feeling 100% and had had too much sun. He is ok today.
We had a great day today as we went to the top of the Schilthorn, catching trains, gondolas and cable cars. The weather was amazing and I took lots of photographs. We didn’t get back until late and after a meal of spaghetti carbonara are just about to start a game of cards. Now reading Gilead by Marilynne Robinson.

The last couple of days were great and the hot weather continued. We arrived home on the Saturday night to be warmly greeted by the cat!


The week was spent unpacking and washing and doing housework and thinking about the church week-end away to Shuttleworth during the bank holiday week-end.

We then had some terrible news. A friend and neighbour of ours died and one and a half hour later I received another phone call to say that our lovely sweet cat Lulu had been found dead - run over on a busy road at the back of our house. I didn't even know she had been on that road before. So I really didn't want to go away and I couldn't think properly and didn't pack any suitable clothes or buy any food. A friend came round and took the boys to the campsite and set up a tent for us. We arrived later and felt in a daze for a while. The first service on the following day I just spent in tears. I cried so much for friend and family, for the loss from our cat and for the grief of the children. God really met with both Graham and I and I did feel His peace and healing through His presence. Ironically the cat was found almost outside my friend's house. There has been so much sadness in our neighbourhood recently with a huge increase in crime, car vandalism, homes being broken into and job loss and illness- all in our quiet close!

So the camping trip was a time of spiritual growth and also a time to spend with other members of the church family which we all really enjoyed. The children enjoyed it particularly. We celebrated Graham's birthday last week and I took him away to a hotel for the night which was great. We went to the gym and swum in the pool and had a lovely meal together. As it was Graham's birthday the hotel upgraded our room which was a lovely surprise.

So now, another time of change. The children are back at school in different classes with different friends, I'm back as a second year PhD student, and Graham is back at work. The nights are drawing in, and the weather is getting slightly cooler- a sign that another season is approaching. However, God doesn't change. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and our hope is in Him.

Answered prayer!

God is amazing! Harry seems fine. He doesn't have a temperature and hasn't had paracetamol since 9.30am this morning. The boys have had a great time. Charlie spoke in tongues for the first time!

Feeling much calmer and more at peace. All being well we will go away tomorrow night. A friend is staying in the house whilst we are away and will look after Lulu for us.

Camping, holidays and sickness

Just a short post as time is limited. I feel opposed by all sides at the moment and am trying to push through with composure. The beginning of the week was great. Faith Camp was amazing and the boys were having an awesome time at Newday.

However, I received a phone call on Wednesday afternoon to say that Harry was really ill with a high temp. A boy in the same tent had gone home the day before with ? swine flu and is on Tamiflu. So, I drove a 2 hour journey to collect him. When I arrived he was fine and didn't have a temperature. So I drove for another 2 hours and took him home. He had a huge meal, hot bath and an early night and seemed fine. In the morning he had a slight temp but not major so I gave him some paracetamol and he appeared his usual happy self and wanting to go back. Meanwhile Rosie was still at Faith Camp being looked after by my friend. I made the decision to take him back as thought he had a 24 hour bug which a friend of his had early on during the week who also left the camp and then went back the day after.

So, I took him back and then drove to Faith Camp. Then the rain started and didn't stop! The tent was gradually becoming more and more waterlogged, so after Rosie and her friend returned from their group at 9pm we loaded up the car and drove home. Just as were approaching the town centre I received a phone call at 10.30pm to say that Harry was really unwell again with a temperature of 40.2 degrees! He had been given some paracetamol and was asleep. Graham was all set to drive and collect him but we decided to leave him there once we knew his temperature had started to come down. So after a sleepless night I have heard that he is on his way back in a car and not in the coach with the others and again, he is much better. We are supposed to be going on holiday tomorrow morning but won't now. Not sure whether Harry should have Tamiflu so am praying about that decision as if it is swine flu he has had it for 48 hours and therefore the drug is less effective. Also the side effects are horrendous. We can only trust God in all this and I continue to pray for wisdom to make the right decisions. I really prayed about taking him back yesterday and I felt it was right to do so, and yet I clearly should have kept him at home which I'm feeling really bad about.

Saturday 1st August 2009

There's much excitement in the household. The boys are packed and ready to go to Newday. I'm praying that it won't be too wet for them ( and for us also under canvas at Faith Camp). I'm excited to see what God is going to do in their lives this year. Harry decided to get baptised after last year's camp. How awesome to be with 7,000 12-19 year olds for a week of preaching, worshipping and music and fun.

Thursday 30th July 2009

The weeks are flying by. We've had a good week so far. We went wakeboarding yesterday and I even had a go at kneeboarding. It was good fun and we went with friends from church.

The boys are sooooo excited about Newday and are counting the days and hours off- less than 2 days to go now. I'm also looking forward to Faith Camp and the rest in God's presence which it always brings. We will only have a few hours turn around before we go to Switzerland early in the morning after we return from our respective camps.

Still haven't submitted my final amendments. I emailed my work to my supervisors and am awaiting their comments. I do hope I haven't got much work to do as I'm hoping to submit it tomorrow.

Psalm 42



As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?

3 My tears have been my food
day and night,
while men say to me all day long,
"Where is your God?"

4 These things I remember
as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go with the multitude,
leading the procession to the house of God,
with shouts of joy and thanksgiving
among the festive throng.

5 Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and





Proverbs 16:16




16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
to choose understanding rather than silver!



Strange week-hectic and friendship difficulties for Rosie ( including major one with daughter of my friend who became a Christian a few weeks ago ). Girls are so different to boys. I haven't had any problems with the boys at all in the friendship department. I'm praying that things will blow over soon as I'm losing sleep about it and trying not to get too involved. Rosie doesn't appear to be bothered and has spent some time with different friends this week. However she is going to the birthday party of one of the girls involved this afternoon, so praying that she will be OK and not excluded. I am so looking forward to Faith Camp a week on Saturday when it will be just Rosie and myself and a friend and her eleven year old where we can refresh ourselves in God's presence ( the boys are away for the week at NEWDAY . We then have our family holiday to look forward to after that.


Charlie has a friend here for 3 nights as his parents are away in Belgium for the weekend. We found out yesterday that Harry passed his grade 4 guitar exam with a distinction! He is so pleased as he didn't think he did very well.

I'm still writing my amendments with great difficulty, as I've had NO time at all this week as I've been taking the children here there and everywhere. I need to work on it today. The weather is lovely again-very hot and sunny. Our friends from Cambridge are coming over tomorrow and we intend to have a BBQ.

Week-end in Lyme Regis

We have had a great relaxing week- end away in Lyme Regis. The weather wasn't brilliant but we did have a bit of sunshine and we were thankful we didn't have the rainstorms that Bedford did this week-end. We spent two days on the beach. The children went in the sea and played in the sand. We had fish and chips the first night and then ate out the second night.

The traffic was a nightmare though, taking over 5 hours to get there and over 4 to get home.

I'm now trying to get my head round the work I need to submit to complete my probation assessment. So looking forward to a mental break from it now. Two weeks to go before Faith Camp and the boys' trip to Newday in Norfolk.