Getting back in the routine

This week has been spent catching up with washing, ironing, work and friends and most importantly God. I feel that I have neglected my bible reading and prayer time whilst on holiday and feel bad about it. I will definitely make more of an effort next time we go away.

I have, however, come to the conclusion that I do quite enjoy a sense of routine to my life, particularly after a holiday. I have enjoyed being back at uni and despite working very short days so I could get back for the cat- another story I feel I have made a very small but significant bit of progress with my research and am feeling more positive. I have found a brilliant book which is so helpful by an American woman called Elaine Brody( Women-in-the Middle, Their Parent Care Years). Reading it has helped me to contextualise thoughts and ideas about my project.

Lulu has been unwell but thankfully is so much better and back to her normal self. When I collected her from the cattery despite being pleased to see me( would not stop purring) she had diarrhoea and the cattery owner said her eye had closed up the night before. I took her home and washed and brushed her and let her go outside and her eye appeared normal in appearance. However she was reluctant to eat and had diarrhoea for a couple of days. The cattery owner was very concerned and called round with some different food for her. Gradually throughout the week her appetite has improved and she has returned to her lively self ie tree climbing and annoying the cat next door. I think the stress of being locked up in a confined space for a week affected her immune system.

Graham and the children are well. It is Harry's birthday party this weekend. He is having 5 friends over for a sleepover and they are going to the cinema to see The Pink Panther 2.

Went back to WeightWatchers last night which I feel good about as I had only put on 3lb since last July. I am going to give it another shot and try to lose 1 stone. 1 1/2 would be ideal, but not realistic. WeightWatchers does keep me motivated and as I go along with a friend we can motivate each other.

Winter break

Arrived home at lunchtime today after a lovely time away. The children are all now proficient skiers after having almost a week of lessons. Graham didn't ski and I managed two days of lessons but wanted to sledge instead. It was great to spend time together in beautiful surroundings and also to catch up with my brother, his wife and nephews. However, it is back to the grindstone tomorrow. I'm so looking forward to collecting Lulu. I hated leaving her in the cattery and will definitely look for someone to stay here in the summer when we will be away again.

Anyhow, must get on with the washing, ironing and getting school things ready for tomorrow. Had a pleasant surprise in the post - Charlie's report. He is working hard in some subjects and his efforts have resulted in excellent grades.

Wednesday 11th February 2009

We've had a good couple of days, although I feel I can relax a bit more now following working quite hard on my audit skills and portfolio planning and research questions. Supervision was today and my work was thoroughly criticised- which I'm pleased about. I can either feel that I'm not able to carry on or can try harder to continue. I'm still looking for the 'small and beautiful' idea to pursue, but haven't found it yet. The changing demographics of the world are the catalyst- more elderly people needing caring for but perhaps less family, particularly less daughters due to decreasing fertility rate. There's also the decrease of extended family living locally. How do these individuals cope in the sandwich generation and may even be grandparents? I need to be specific. I know that 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me'- Philippians 4:13. I will pray more about this and wait to see what happens.

So looking forward to next week and spending quality family time. My brother and family are staying in the same village so will be good to catch up with him too.

Lulu is going to a cattery now- pet hotel! I'm hoping she'll be ok there. Today was the first day that she was out all day. She has mastered the cat flap now which is great as she now comes home independently.

The children are all happy and well- not so sure they want to go away now as they will miss so much fun. Charlie is missing a party and sleepover at church plus cinema outing with friends. Harry is also missing a party and Rosie two parties. There will be more parties and they will have a good time. Charlie is hoping there will be some nice girls for him and his cousin ( also 15 ) to meet!

So looking forward to the peace and quiet of being in the mountains, and hearing and feeling the snow underfoot. I know I dislike the cold, but somehow it is different. The sun is usually shining and I can't wait to feel the warmth of the sun's rays on my face even though there is snow. The views and scenery are also spectacular and it is where I feel closest to God as I love to wonder in the awe and majesty of His creation.

Snowy Saturday

I'm in need of a miracle to continue with my work. I have reached a mental block and was going to work all day today, but the lovely sunny weather beckoned me. We went out for a long walk through the village and met up with friends for lunch at the golf course. I then went to TK Max to buy the rest of the snow gear we need for next week. Here I am sat at my computer but Facebook has been my distraction ( again ) tonight. Well, I have two days to produce something. I know I work better under pressure but this is ridiculous.

So looking forward to church tomorrow. Grantley Watkins a guest speaker is preaching and the title of the sermon is' What has God ever done for you?.' He is supposed to be a really anointed speaker.

The snow is still here and although we haven't had any today it is due to return tomorrow night. Hopefully that doesn't mean another day off school on Monday.

More snow days

We have had a fantastic week of snow. I managed one day of a two day mandatory conference on Wednesday but was snowed in yesterday. Couldn't get the car out of the drive. All the children were off school yesterday so we played in the snow and met friends for lunch in the village pub. Rosie then went sledging on the golf course with friends. I collected her later on and had a go myself down one of the bunkers. It put me in a holiday mood. Can't wait for next week!

The boys' school was closed yesterday and today due to an overturned lorry outside the school.

It is now blizzard conditions and the traffic news is dreadful with multiple breakdowns on the roads. How this country is not geared for snow! Apparently we have run out of salt and grit. Rosie has gone to school but I am waiting for a call to collect her. I will walk if necessary.

Hoping to get a lot of work done today.

Snow day

We've had a really good few days. The party was excellent. We had such a good time. We turned the conservatory into a disco and boogied for quiet a long time. Made me realise how much I enjoy dancing! We did get quite rowdy at one point where I had to turn the music down as I didn't want to upset the neighbours. Our friend loved her present. Six of us bought her the ESV study bible which she wanted.

Yesterday we went to church in the afternoon which was really good. Richard preached about God being 'just'. We had discussed a couple of the issues he raised in our home group on Saturday morning.

Then the snow came overnight. We have had so much! It does look beautiful, like a winter wonderland. I drove the children to school and then Charlie appeared at 11am so we went outside and had a snowball fight which I lost badly. Harry apparently wanted to stay at school, but I got a phone call at 2pm asking me to collect him, which I did. I then went and collected Rosie at the usual time and she came back and donned her skiing gear. Out came the sledges and they had snowball fights and built a cool snowman. Apparently this is the most snowfall we've had in this country since 1991! 10 inches and more to come overnight. Think the schools may be closed tomorrow. Harry is not feeling well and has a temperature so think he will stay off anyway. I have done a lot of work today in between snowball fights and housework so have left things set up for me to continue here, as it looks doubtful whether I'll go to MK.