Monday 9th June 2008

We've had such a good weekend. Whilst we were childless on Saturday we went shopping in MK. Graham bought some work clothes and I bought some cotton to knit into a short sleeved raglan jumper. We didn't get back until 7.50pm after collecting Harry so it was a bit of a rush to get out. We had a lovely evening with our neighbours and enjoyed a fantastic meal. Another couple who we hadn't met before had also been invited. They too live in the village with two boys one of which is in the same year as our friends' son.

Yesterday went so quickly. We all went to church in the morning. Harry wasn't playing in the band so he had a break. The service was excellent. Paul preached about healing and gave an opportunity for people to be prayed for. Loads of people who had hearing problems went up to the front. I don't know the outcome yet.

Back home our friends came for lunch. We ate our lunch of roast chicken and summer fruit pavlova sat outside as it was so hot. After lunch we sunbathed for a short while before leaving for church again. Graham played a few holes of golf whilst I collected Rosie. She had a fantastic time and was absolutely filthy! All her clothes were muddy and her trainers will have to be thrown away if they can't be rescued in the washing machine. It's a good job she didn't take any decent clothes with her. She did high ropes and raft building for her activities which she loved. She has PGL (parents get lost) next week so will be doing similar things.

Tried to get everybody to bed early last night but nobody could sleep as it was so hot. Today Charlie felt confident about his exams as he reckons he has done a lot of revision! He has done more than he usually does so we will have to wait and see.

Harry has his outward bound course at school this week and I haven't even looked at the list of things he needs yet. He goes away tomorrow so I have this afternoon to sort things out along with my usual chores then have to be at Rosie's school for Open House.

Went to the gym this morning and ran for 15 mins, went on cross trainer for 15 mins, rowed for 10 mins and finished off with 10 mins on the stepper. Feel good for doing so and am hoping it will give me the energy to cope with all the jobs I have to do today. I haven't even started to think about my interview which is two weeks today as I have to give a presentation. Oh well. I suppose if I got off the computer I would have more time!

Friday 6th June 2008

Lunch in St Neots


I've had such a lovely day today. Such joy this morning when I went to the gym as they have started an early morning spin class at 8.45am! Of course I did the class and felt great afterwards. Apparently several people have petitioned for it as like me they drop their children off at school and then go to the gym where up until now there haven't been any classes first thing. I then nipped home and put my washing on the line before going to my friend's. I so enjoy my time with her. We have been praying together for years now and it is a real priviledge. We were discussing today how much of our prayer has been answered over the years.

I then drove to St Neots and met my friend who lives in Ely. We had such a laugh over lunch. Apparently our husbands are going to be away next week together for a finance conference in Germany. I found it difficult not to tell her about Graham's job but hinted that things may change. We said goodbye but will see each other next month at Faith Camp in Peterborough.

I then did a bit of food shopping in Waitrose and bumped into a friend from Cornerstone. I bought a chicken and some veg for Sunday as a friend and her children are coming for lunch as her husband is in China for two weeks.

I then drove back to Bedford and collected Rosie and then Harry and a friend from school. Charlie went to his friend's for tea. We then went home and packed Rosie's bag for her trip to Irthlingborough with church. Graham came home early and then we drove to church and waved Rosie off on the coach. We left Harry there and then drove to the village pub for tea which was nice. Graham has had an awful day today at work but I just respect him even more for the way he is dealing with these issues.

Graham then dropped me off at home and went to collect Harry whilst I opened up our new coffee maker which is fab! It is a krups nespresso and the coffee is so delicious. It is expensive though and works out to be 25p per cup so will have to be used as a treat.

We've got a lovely weekend ahead with dinner at friends ( only live next door but 4 ) tomorrow night and a trip to Milton Keynes tomorrow to take Harry to a party. Graham needs some new clothes so we will go to M & S. Sunday will be great. Charlie wants to go to church in the morning to see his friends and as Harry is not playing in the band we will be able to do that although we have to be back in the afternoon to collect Rosie.

Thankful Thursday

I thank God today for:

The beautiful day. It is a glorious hot and sunny day. I have spent some time this afternoon sunbathing in the garden. It was so nice just to lie there looking up at the blue sky and listening to the noisy birds. I think we have a magpie nest in one of our trees.

The clients at the drop in centre. Their lives are so complicated and it is amazing to see how much they enjoy their time on a Thursday, particularly the friendships they have made with the volunteers and also the time they spend at the craft table making various items such as ceramic mirrors and kitchen utensil holders. We had a meeting with the volunteers at lunch time to discuss the way forward with offering an opportunity for them to come to Christ. We are going to invite people to come and give their testimonies and then have a discussion group with lunch provided. This will take place as from next week with a view to running an Alpha in September. I heard today that one of the men who attends the group is attending the current evening Alpha which is great.

My family.

My health.

My friends and for the fun and laughter we share together. I'm looking forward to meeting a friend tomorrow in St Neots for lunch after going to see another friend in the morning for prayer and coffee.

My forthcoming holiday ( five weeks today, picture above)

Just back from fat club and am pleased that I haven't put on any weight over the past two weeks ( haven't lost any either though!)

Wednesday 4th June 2008

The weather seems to be improving at last. The grey and dull cold weather was replaced with sun and blue skies this afternoon. However it is still very wet with puddles of water everywhere.

Work today was much better. Three of us prayed first thing which helps I'm sure. We then had a large team meeting at Livingstone School where the new children's centre is. I did a joint visit with a colleague this afternoon to a new client who has moved into the area who has been subjected to domestic violence.

Back at home I spoke to my mum who is a bit better and tried to sort out lifts for three clients tomorrow as the mini bus is being used to take some children on a 'Chicks' holiday.

Charlie is struggling with revision, Harry with his homework and Rosie has gone out for her tea with a friend. Graham has gone to Morocco today and will be back tomorrow. I'm off to home group tonight for one hour or so and then plan to start my new book- another Francine Rivers which arrived today from Amazon.

Tuesday 3rd June 2008

It has rained continuously all day today. Harry went to Warwick Castle with the school today and had a great time despite the wet weather.

I was back at work today and back to even more child protection. If I had wanted to be a social worker I would have trained to be one. I feel completely deskilled, deroled and under valued in my job ( as do my colleagues). We cannot do the job we were trained to do anymore due to NHS cutbacks and larger caseloads which means we have to delegate the routine stuff to our community childhood advisors whilst we concentrate on child protection. As we have larger caseloads ( due to health visitors not being replaced when they leave) there is more child protection. There must be a way out.........

My photos arrived today taken with my new camera. They are good. Here is a photo of all of us taken outside The Imperial War Museum last week (note the rain!)

Monday 2nd June 2008

I'm having to spend the day at home today as I have to wait in for two deliveries ( Sainsbury's and coffee maker) and one collection ( unwanted TV stand from Amazon). I read my bible after I did the school run and have done two loads of washing (both on the line) and have unpacked the Sainsbury's shopping.

I read psalm 121 this morning which resonates strongly with how I am feeling today. God is definitely in control of everything.

Psalm 121
A song of ascents. 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Amen

The children happily went back to school after their week's holiday. They are looking forward to seeing their friends. Here is a picture of them in Southwold last week.

Sunday 1st June 2008

Garden flowers

Today has gone so quickly. The weather hasn't been brilliant with rain this morning and it seems to have turned cold again. I spent the day making fish pie for lunch, ironing and tidying up before church this afternoon. Charlie spent some time revising and Rosie had a friend round who she took to church. I thought Harry might be tired today after such a late night but he doesn't appear so. They didn't get back until 12.30am and had a great time at the concert.

My friend and I enjoyed our evening last night. We went to Pizza Express before the cinema. The film was entertaining but extremely raunchy in parts. I was surprised it was only given a 15 rating. The film did make me think that out of the four women the only one who appeared to be fulfilled throughout the whole film was the one who was happily married and expecting her first baby. The others all had relationship problems which were resolved by the end of the film.

Church was brilliant today. Luke continued his series on prayer. He is such an anointed speaker and I pray that both Graham and I will put into practice what we learnt and heard today. The worship was amazing as usual. Luke touched on the Lakeland revival which I was pleased about and encouraged us to read Terry Virgo's blog about it.

Graham is fed up as he is back at work tomorrow after a lovely week's holiday and he has such a stressful time ahead with not knowing how secure his job is. However, we will trust in God whatever the outcome. We know there are changes ahead.