Holliday Homily

Six month check in

2012-01-30T09:16:00.000-08:00

Just for posterity, but certainly not because anyone reads this anymore (thanks to facebook)

The past few months have seen:
1. T & I undertake a 10 week course for parenting our ASD son
2. Referrals underway for occupational therapy and speech and language therapy (see 1)
3. Possibility of referral to feeding clinic too
4. Bullying situation at school for eldest child now being sorted after offending children were caught on CCTV
5. Big meeting tomorrow about the future of my business - prayers please
6. Hubby will loose his job this year - well, 99.9% certain
7. I have decided to finish the second year of my deegree and then take a break - my family need me, and I need a break
8. Eldest starts secondary school this year. *sigh*
9. I am 40 this year. *Big Sigh*
10. We have a rescue dog called Cooper now living with us. He's only been here 2 days and we love him but it's a learning curve!

This weekend

2011-07-04T06:13:00.000-07:00

I just have to write what's happened to me this weekend. I don't think anyone will read it but it's for posterity and to keep me reminded.

This weekend was our Church weekend away. We stayed at Ashburnham in Sussex from Friday to Sunday. There were about 150 adults and 50 children there. Now, I have to admit, I can sometimes struggle in those kind of situations - having more indepth conversations than Sunday morning chat is always worthwhile but a struggle for me. So by Saturday morning, when I went on the prayer walk, I was pretty low. I petitioned God to put me in a better frame of mind, and to talk to me loud and clear (particularly as that was something I had missed lately). Nothing happened. It was a lovely walk but nothing loud and clear from God....

Have I told you our son has been diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum? I mention this now because another thing that happened was that the organisers of the weekend had organised a young man to come along and be Daniel's one to one worker for the weekend. I was upset by this because I saw it as the church seeing Daniel as a problem that needed fixing so he didn't disturb everyone elses weekend, and they didn't tell me they had planned this.

I felt lack of peace, far away from The Lord and very tearful. I spent sometime speaking with my husband and our small group leader about it and was encouraged to pray.

Saturday continued with good teaching, fellowship and fun activities. After supper on Saturday evening, as it was a warm evening, the children's leaders set up a makeshift water slide using some plastic sheeting, buckets of water, super soaker guns and LOTS of screaming happy children. There were loads of happy children and parents standing around taking photo's, chatting and supervising, and although my 'stuff' with The Lord was largely unresolved, i was in a happier place.

And then it happened. Standing by the edge of the water slide (and comtemplating having a turn), I was knocked from behind by someone running onto the slide and misjudging it. I was quite literally knocked off my feet and landed HARD on the back of my head and neck.

I remained conscious and asked my daughter, who was just there, to 'get Daddy, I've hurt myself'. People came immediately as I was hurt, crying in pain and unable to move. My sweet friend Helen, an ex-nurse, came to comfort me. Another friend, a doctor, came to check on me. The next few minutes were spent moving me off the grass, into a wheelchair and back to our room to rest. The doctor friend gave me some painkillers and instructions to rest, while other people took carfe of our children (who were very upset).

After an hour, the doctor checked on me again and was not happy as I was still in considerable pain. She decided to call the local Emergency Dept for advice and whilst walking to the phone, prayed that she would speak to the right person. As she approached the phone, another doctor within our church who works in an ermegency dept came forward - an answer to prayer. He gave me a full neuro exam and call an ambulance. Things moved then. The 2 doctors held my neck still until the ambulance crew arrived, people came in to pray, others looked after our children, big burly men were gathered to help the crew move me to the ambulance (we were in a part of the house that was on the second floor, no lift, no was of getting a trolly up there, and no room in the room to maneouvre)

On arrival at hospital, I was x-rayed and informed that they were worried I had broken my neck as there was a query over the x-rays. I was at complete peace. OK Lord, you have it all in hand and it will be OK. I was sent for an MRI scan.

During the time at hospital, lots of things happened that caused Tony and I to think that they were genuinely concerned I had broken my neck. I won't share it all here.

Anyway, the results came back that I have whiplash but NOT a broken neck. Thank you Father God!

Today, although I am extremely sore and walking like an old lady, I am thanking God that he was in every part of this:

For the people that were there - doctors, nurses, people who my children know and who loved on our children shen this went on, for the people who followed the ambulance in their car to support Tony, for the wheelchair that miraculously was right there (no one know where it came from), for the friend to who God spoke the words 'Debs is in trouble' and was obedient to that call (but wasn't at the scene so knew nothing about it), the people who prayed through the night for Tony and for me, for witness to ambulance crew in particular, for the continued outpouring of love by our church family on Sunday when I was able to carefully and gingerly return to Ashburnham, for God speaking to me throughout that time and assuring me of His presence and peace, for my husband, who also felt supernatural peace when he's not normally the best person in a crisis... the list goes on, and on, and on. For the organisers blessing us with the man to care for Daniel - they were blessing us by doing this, not implying he was going to be a problem. For blessing us with a much nicer room than others had :-) and for the opportunity for our church family to practice being a community, which was the focus of the weekend. So we not only had an opportunity to hear about it in scripture etc but to actually practice it and live it. That's not irony, that's Gods hand in it all.

I realise this is a long post, and I haven't written down every tiny detail. But today, aside from feeling sore and a bit fragile, I am extremely thankful and feel blessed beyond measure for The Lords grace and favour and the people he put in my life to show me His love for me this weekend.

Amen, Amen, Amen.

Walk The Walk

2011-05-13T09:38:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow (Saturday) starting at just before midnight, I am walking a half marathon with 15000 other women (and a few men!) in aid of Breast Cancer Care.

It's a special walk because a) it's predominantly a women-only event b) it takes place in the middle of the night. (It takes place in the middle of the night because...) c) you wear a crazy decorated bra. In full view. No tops. Eek!

The marathon (full moon) and half marathon (half moon) take in major sites around London - I will be walking right past the Tower of London, Big Ben, down The Mall and so much more (not in that order, for anyone who's geography of London is great!)

My bra is ready to go with feathers, sequins, ribbons and so on. I hoping to find the time tonight to sew a little shimmery sequin material to the bottom to hide my Mummy Tummy.

I know some of you (AK, among others!) are keen runners so I will think of you as I WALK round London :-)

But mainly I will be thinking of every woman, man and family fighting this disease.

I will be celebrating Judith's recovery from the disease, a friends Mum Sue who has just been diagnosed and another friends future MIL (getting married in 3 weeks time), Rosemary, who has her mastectomy today and then they will plan what treatment comes next. She had symptoms for 3-4 years before going to the doctors because she didn't want to trouble any one.

Please don't let that be the reason for not going for treatment.

If you want to share your stories with me, I'd be delighted to think of your friends and loved ones as I walk.

If you want more info on The Walk, find it here.

To Sponsor me, you can do that here

Thank you.

I loved this..

2011-04-30T10:43:00.001-07:00

http://www.officialroyalwedding2011.org/blog/2011/April/29/The-Bishop-of-London-s-Sermon

Sadness

2011-01-15T11:47:00.000-08:00

Just to update people that we had a terrible blow at work this week. One of our ladies who works for us (we have 20+ people working for us) died suddenly in the early hours of Friday morning. Her daughter also works for us, so it's kind of like a double whammy as we grieve for our lost colleague and friend and also support another devastated colleague and friend (she lived with her Mum, and will not cope well with this at all. Mind you, who would?).

Our staff team have been amazing, but are lost, sad, and bereft. I know we will get through this but at this moment, I can't see how.

So, any advice?

2011-01-08T15:00:00.000-08:00

Before I get started, please note that this is not a self-pitying post in ANY way but I have made some realisations and don't know what to do with it all - my head is kinda spinning!

I have a succesful business with someone who was a friend. For anyone who doesn't know (and I'll spare the details), she asked me to come out of the business a couple of years ago, I agreed. It got nasty (not on my part) but she ended up asking me back because she couldn't run the business on her own (not necessarily without ME, but couldn't run it single handed). She apologised. I prayed. I went back. Several friendships got ruined in the process.

Anyway, fast forward a couple of years and I have realised that this woman doesn't actually LIKE me. I even wonder if she respects me.

Now, I realise there's LOTS of missing detail here and I am by no means perfect.

But my question now is: do I stay in the business? Do I develop a long term plan to get myself out?

And what about those friendships? I can't retrieve the ones that were lost, I know that. But I still struggle daily with feelings of being let down, or being lonely. How does a grown woman with a young family go about making new friends when she works full time and can't do the social round of coffee mornings to meet new people?

This is not rhetorical: I really would like to hear your ideas (if anyone actually reads this!)

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T01:04:00.000-08:00

It's been another long time since I posted. I've started my degree course which has kept me busy (but passed my first 2 assignments - yippeeee!), still working as many hours, plus looking after my lovely family.

My grandpops died a couple of days before Christmas - not unexpected but still very sad. Even sadder, though, was the fact hat we did not make it to the funeral due to the snow and bad weather conditions that were covering the UK at the time :(

Still, a more local memorial service is being planned for the spring. And in the meantime, he is in glory!

Our Christmas was blissful - we were actually at home for the first time in 8 years and I would definitely do that again rather than pack up and ship out. Children were amazing, they woke up singing happy birthday to Jesus! And hubby was gorgeous too ;-)

New Year always makes me reflective and I am so aware this morning as I write this that so many people we know and love have had broken hearts and spirits this year due to illness, broken relationships, sick children, longed for children and so much more. We pray for each of you. We thank God for you.

For those too who have been blessed by a better year than others, we pray for you too. And thank God for you too!

One of the things that I've realised since my grandpop's passing is that I now have one less person praying for me, for I know he prayed for me everyday... so perhaps pray for me as I pray for you?

And so, may 2011 bring you health, peace and happiness. May it bring you closer to the Lord, and with it, his blessings.

Amen and Amen.

ToT

2010-10-26T10:13:00.000-07:00

1. Am currently off work with a kidney infection....man those things are NASTY!

2. Kids also off on half term holiday. Thankfully hubby had yesterday off work to look after the kids for me as I wasn't well enough.

3. My business partners Mum is in remission - yaaaay!

4. Christmas shopping started!

5. Am addicted to Facebook. Please pray for me!!

6. We've had a busy and emotional few weeks - my grandfather is very poorly, hubby's uncle died, and my in laws house flooded. That all happened in one week and we've spent the last 3 recovering.

7. Hubby is 40 next year. Ideas for gifts, anyone?

8. Trying to decide what to do about vacations next year. A nice dilemma to have!

9. We are having family photo's done next Monday - I don't like having my photo taken as I have a crooked smile but we'll see how they turn out....!

10. We are off to see Peter Kay in a couple of weeks. Tickets have been booked over a year and and we are soooo excited!!!

x

Another 'quick update'

2010-09-12T10:35:00.000-07:00

So since I last blogged we/I have:

Sent the children back to school - youngest STARTED school , which he is loving! Yay!
I have registered for a uni course. Not sure if I have the time but I am going to start it and see what happens.
We are having our house valued to see if we might move house...seeking God's will in this.
Been for one v. frustrating appointment about D's autism. We have to wait 6-9 months for the next (final) assessment which will give us diagnosis....but 6 months?! Come on! I am praying that I will learn to trust God's timing and purpose
Been pondering my long term future in the business....not in a depressed way AT ALL but in a calm, productive, sensible, rational way.
I am praying....praying about the house, the business, my children (esp.D's appointments) and praying about my response to the request to join our church's prayer ministry team.
For the first time in 9 years, (ie, since we had kids) we are going away for one night for our anniversary!!!! I am already wondering if I can leave the children.
I am also wondering how to break the news to my sister that I can't make my neice's "going to uni" party because we are away (see 7). uh-oh.
Struggling just a little to find a 'fit' of friends at our church. We LOVE our church, and can't believe we have been there a year already. But we don't fit into any group...There is a large DINKy's group we don't fit into, there are some lovely people with teenage children that we don't fit into group-wise.....all lovely people and I would say we are making friends but slowly.
If you read this, please leave a comment (unless you are a nut job in which case please don't bother!!) as I don't know if anyone reads this and if it's even worth considering the blog anymore...

suggestions please...

2010-08-18T06:48:00.000-07:00

... for a USA beach holiday next year. Thinking SC but there may well be other just as nice options....There are 5 of us (possibly 7 if inlaws come) so we'll have to shell out alot for flights.....

Anyone got any ideas?

x

Tap tap...anyone still there?

2010-08-16T04:57:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, it's been soooo long since I updated. Facebook is much easier ;-)

So, a quick run down on what has happened since my last post:

1. *sigh*. School. I was so pleased to get to the end of term 23rd July. The last few weeks were torturous. It all got political and nasty with regards to my son's referral and the chair of governors gossiped about it, which made it all very sad and horrible, with my son being the one who missed out on necessary support. Anyway....the referral has now gone in to the hospital and we are waiting for an appointment.

2. We had 2 birthdays.....our daughter turned 9 (gulp) and our eldest son (above) turned 6.

3. Our youngest son left Pre-school and starts school in just over 2 weeks time. Another sigh. Where has that time gone?! He will thrive at school, and I have no real concerns about him starting school - other than for me!!

4. We took my mum and brother to Wales for a holiday. The sun didn't shine too much, but it was a great week and really helped my often-fragile-relationship I have with my Mum.

5. My hubby renewed his baptism vows at church. Yippee! What a fantastic day, what a beautiful testimony he gave, and what amazing things God is doing in our lives! :-)))))

Look behind T, and you will spot our 3 children right by the edge of the pool, beautiful M with a headband, gorgeous T with a blue top next to her, and D the dark haired handsome one next top him. All three beautiful, special, loved and unique. ;-)

So what have you been up to?

Hanging on to this

2010-06-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

Hide me now

Really brief

2010-06-11T15:49:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, I haven't been on here for ages.

So much has been happening. Running the business on my own again for the time being as my business partner cares for her sick Mum. It's not looking good, although they haven't yet said it's terminal.

And today we had the news that our middle child is on the autistic spectrum. It looks like we are at the start of a long journey and this news has been extremely hard on me today. But we are trusting in God's perfect plan. We are going to forge ahead with referrals to paediatricians etc so that we can get him the support he needs.

We want him to flourish and develop and be the best he can be, and we are trusting that will be so. But we love him so very very much and are saddened by this news - because it means it will hold additional challenges for him that others don't have.

Now, I know that it's not the end of the world and he is healthy and perfect. We are trying to keep it in perspective.

In the meantime, prayers would be appreciated.
x

Comments

2010-03-11T15:33:00.001-08:00

To my new blog friend state-side, I hope you read this...

I am so sorry you have had such horrible comments on your blog, which has now meant I can't leave a positive encouraging comment for you.

I hope you continue your blog, and hope one day I can leave you a comment again.

In the meantime, enjoy your spring break with your awesome OS!

X

Ten on Tuesday Birthday Special!

2010-03-02T08:51:00.001-08:00

Ten things I received today for my birthday:

1. Flowers - beautiful gerberas, bright, delicious pink!

2. 3 charms for my Pandora bracelet - initials M, D & T for our children

3. Disco lights from our children (long story but the short version is: we have "kitchen boogies" which the children love so they decided we had to have lights!!)

4. 2 spacers for my pandora bracelet

5. perfume

6. A voucher for a beauty treatment

7. Gift card for Next

8. Wellington Boots!

9. Some gorgeous mini Bath Bombs from my bro!

10. E-vouchers for Amazon from both my sisters

Plus I got what seems like hundreds of cards, 3 cakes, a Begonia, a bottle of wine, some home made cookies, and sweet handmade paper flower, and DATE NIGHT TONIGHT WITH MY HUBBY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mexican here we come!!

Thank you for everyone's kind and loving wishes

xxxxxxxxxx

ToT

2010-02-09T10:25:00.000-08:00

Haven't done one of these for ages....

1. Had school consultations today for our 2 eldest and I was so proud of how well they are doing (see 2 and 3)

2. M. is on the gifted and talented regsiter for her art!!!!!!! We are delighted with her overall progress and how hard she is working to overcome the challenges of dyslexia.

3. D. is also doing great! His reading is just taking off! We have some adjustment/social issues still regarding him permanently being in fantasyland and not wanting to be in reality (and this over spills into how he plays too) but heck, he's 5. He is much younger than anyone else in his class, plus he is immature so I just wanted to give him time to mature. And time to 'be'.

3 T. our youngest is going through an argumentative, "I know best" phase. Anyone know what I mean???! He's 4 going on 14!

4. Can I big up my hubby? You all know how I am feeling at the moment. He is being my ROCK.

5. Katie Price/Jordan. ACCCCKKKK! That woman annoys me.

6. update on me: going to docs tomorrow but I am not sure which way I want it to go.

7. Had to practically lock my business partner in the office today for a chat about how things are going. You know, I am NOT being paranoid. She IS ignoring me and making my life extremely tricky.

8. Please pray for my business partner Jo with all she has on her plate at the moment.

9. Please join me in thanking God for providing Tony as a husband for me!

10. Please pray for me.

The strangest Ten on Tuesday you saw for a while?

xx

an Update

2010-02-06T10:13:00.000-08:00

Well its been so long since I updated on here, I am not sure anyone actually checks. But just incase they do...here goes.

Hubby is great - busy at work but fabulous as always. Fabulous at holding me together at the mo.
Children are, well, my kids. I love 'em but they are tricky at times. Our daughters self esteem is pretty low again - exacerbated by rows with other girls at school. She is however, moody and petulant and 8 going on 13...joy!
Our boys are lively, fighting, wrestling hooligans.

None of our children listen to us. Even when we shout (which I do ALOT! ha ha !)

Our new church is going amazingly. It has been such a good move for us. We have joined a new small group, and are getting involved in serving at the church. We LOVE it. All 5 of us! PTL!

So, to me. You'll have gathered from my last few posts that things haven't been great and they continue to not be great. I have been badly let down by some local friends recently and things with my business partner are at a low point.

We are praying for wisdom in decisions, God's peace, and the Lords Joy (when I think I am bordering in depression). I have NEVER felt like this before, and normally manage to get through things, but not this time, it seems.

xx

A current favourite

2010-01-09T01:49:00.001-08:00

Strength will Rise

Check this out

xx

Still praying

2010-01-02T02:47:00.001-08:00

Still continue to pray for healed relationships for me please. Things no better.

For those of you friends from Facebook, it looks like my brother might have had a slight stroke (on top of 3 recent heart attacks) so please pray for him especially, and my Mum as she cares for him.

:(

xx

pity party

2009-12-19T05:12:00.000-08:00

After my difficult week, which ended in a christmas 'party' last night, I am decided that this weekend I WILL be half empty and have a pity party just for me. Anyone want to join in?

My business christmas party was cancelled past night due to the weather but a few of us friends in the village decided to go to the pub for a drink anyway.

As the evening went on, it became very clear to me that although we are all friends, they all get together without me, and with their husbands without T and I.

It has really brought home to me that whilst T is absolutely my best friend, I don't have that kind of female friendship and I miss it. NEED it. Although T knows everything about me and I tell him everything, sometimes I want a female perspective on stuff. And I don't have that.

I went home last night sad, and my friends all knew I was sad, but NO ONE has contacted me to see if I am OK. Was I wrong to hope that they might?

I guess it's just come at the end of a bad week.

I am praying that to God that HE will be enough for me.

Anyone have a different perspective or words of encouragement?

Christmas

2009-12-16T09:37:00.000-08:00

you know, I really want to look on the bright side and be a cup half full (not half empty) kinda gal. But I am struggling this week.

One of my husbands good friends (from university days) died very suddenly last weekend which completely shocked us both and upset us (T. in particular, obviously) he was in our wedding 12 years ago. Due to the nature of his death, there has to be a post mortem and an inquest. Could I ask you to pray for his family? and for T has he travel to Cornwall next week for a difficult funeral 2 days before christmas which will include overnight stays due to the huge distance - all in Christmas week! Phew!

Then I made a monumental mistake at work yesterday which I feel just awful about. I have tried to make apologies (which have been rejected) and make amends (again, rejected) but it has turned into a big thing at work and to be honest, I am dreading going in tomorrow. If anyone feels like praying for that too, I would appreciate it - that I would act in a Christ-like manner and it would all 'be ok' whatever that is.

Meanwhile, in other news....snow is forecast for Friday so it is now possible that the kids school may be closed on the last day of term!!!

PS, yeah I don;t know why I called it Christmas either - none of what I said is about Christmas!

Wisemen

2009-12-04T10:03:00.000-08:00

According to my children, the wisemen brought Jesus Gold, common sense and fur....

Other recent snippets (just so it looks like I am making a bit of effort with the blog....)

Middle child made me a present last weekend (a clock) with some writing on which I couldn't read. It said, "Mum you are........ " When I asked him what it said, he said "Mum you are embarassing me".

I am having great fun with them at the moment although there are lots of bugs and germs going round. We're on the countdown to Christmas and I can't wait!

xx

LaplandUK

2009-11-11T08:17:00.001-08:00

Today we had an amazing opportunity for the whole family to go to Lapland UK for FREE (tickets are usually £80 EACH - so it would be £400 for our family to go)

We had a lovely lovely time, special family time. Fab.

Enjoy the pics (there are more on facebook)

a-hargh me hearties!

2009-11-08T05:06:00.001-08:00

tee-hee, this is my husband at T's birthday pirate party yesterday (more photos will follow but just had to share this one first!!)

4

2009-11-04T08:30:00.001-08:00

My precious Baby T is 4 tomorrow. I cannot believe my youngest is 4. My surprise. The one who was always meant to come and complete our family.

For those of you who don't know our story, prepare to laugh. I found out I was pregnant with T when I was 23 weeks pregnant and not a day before. Long long story (which I'll tell you if you email me) but suffice to say you can put "symptoms" down to alot of reasons, and yes, I guess I was just a tiny bit dense.

Anyway, T, my babe. Our very own superhero, spiderman, Anakin Skywalker, Ben 10, Peter Pan (or whoever you choose to be on your special day). Thank you for coming into our lives, for being such a laid back baby who has changed into a not-quite-so-laid back pre-schooler who is inquisitive (you have asked me "why" more than your siblings have put together), intelligent, funny, caring, imaginative, sometimes stroppy, and very very cute. You complete our family and 'fit' perfectly.

Daddy and I can't wait to see what the next year holds for you, as this time next year you'll be at school with your brother and sister, and you can't wait!!

Happy Birthday!

All our love
xxxxxxxxxxxxx

2009-10-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

and if anyone from our 'old' church reads this, please don't be offended - we love and want to keep your friendship - not replace those relationships, just add to them. This has been SUCH a hard decision for us, taken after much prayer, thought and discussion. It's the right thing for us to be doing now, we feel cconvicted of that, we hope that all our christian family will stand with (prayerfully) as we seek God's place for us.

Changes

2009-10-25T10:52:00.000-07:00

Well, after 30 years (since I was a VERY young child - lol) of attending my church, my husband and I have decided we need to move on. To find a new spiritual home, somewhere where we can all go and worship, and be happy to be there, for the right reasons. Please pray for us as we make this enormous change, pray that we find somewhere we can meet with God, develop relationships, and (so important for us) where our 3 children, with differing needs, will be settled, will receive good scripture-based teaching, and will WANT to go and be involved. (sorry this is all in one paragraph - blogger is playing up and I want to get this posted). Thanks (encouraging comments welcome.) xx

12 Years

2009-09-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

12 years ago, I did this....

And I want to say Thank you and I love you. Thank you for 12 amazing years, three great (most of the time! lol!) kids, lots of laughter, and so many fantastic memories.

He, however, says....."this picture has led to 8 years of wedded bliss!". Yeah, hilarious babe!

I know he's joking (just incase anyone reading this doesn't know him), and for the record, I have the best husband in the world (sorry ladies, he's MINE!)

x

What have we been up to?

2009-08-27T06:19:00.000-07:00

Well we had a lovely, and very welcome break, housesitting at my eldest sisters house in Norfolk. She has a beautiful house, and garden and all we had to do was look after her chickens! Ha! Apart from one minor details of one chook dieing (ahem), we had a great week.

We went to Dinosaur Adventure and BeWilderWood (awesome), spent two warm yet windy (go figure) days on a beach, spent a day exploring Norwich City and the last day at Thrigby Hall. I love spending time with my family and especially having my hubby around. :)

Since then, I have been gearing up for school starting next week (buying shoes etc. Ugh) but have spent most of my time this week shouting at my kids. well, my boys, and usually one boy in particular (my youngest.) I HATE being a shouty Mum, angry Mum, all the time. But honestly, I am near, if not at the end of, my tether. Constant fighting, shouting, hitting, biting (yup.)disobeying me, back chat etc etc. I shout because I have tried every other way that I can think of and nothing works, nothing at all.

I feel like I should be in more control of this. Of them. It's making me angry with them but also angry at myself that I can't control them.

I took them to get school shoes today for my middle child, and honestly, the whole shop was staring at us. They were rolling round the floor wrestling. kicking, disobeying me, ignoring me even.

Oh I am sure it will pass. Everyone tells me so. It's normal. They'll grow out it.

Yeah. Uh-huh.

Until it passes, I need really practical tips to get my 5 and 3 (nearly 4) year old sons to calm, listen and obey, and stopping killing each other (and killing me, emotionally at least) in the the process.

It would be nice to be overwhelmed with comments (always a first, eh?)

x

Me.

2009-08-04T08:18:00.000-07:00

By request from my dear (read: weird) friend Susie. This is me, taken this past weekend at my darling father in law's 65th birthday/retirement/not really retiring/hawaiian party.

Enjoy Susie, you freak.

(Just between us, Susie, miss you heap big. I'm thinking of putting one of those fundraising buttons on my sidebar to raise money to come and visit you - think people would fall for it??)

Outstanding

2009-07-30T09:39:00.001-07:00

Well I said weeks ago I had some good news but I never thought it would be one whole month before I could share it....oh well, I CAN now so that's the main thing (and it won't mean anything to anyone else probably but it means ALOT to me and its my blog! ha!)

I co-own a children's day nursery and pre-school. Ofsted is the government department that inspect and regulate all nurseries, pre-schools and schools over here.

They can turn up unannounced and inspect you at any time but generally every 3-4 years. But we knew we were due an inspection (over due infact). A lovely inspector turned up on 30 June and totally surprised us....

An ofsted inspector is an important person - they literally have the power to shut you down there and then if they see something they don't like. They can give you conditions to improve your setting, they can also praise you and make you feel gooood. There are are 4 outcomes they can give you - unsatisfactory, satisfactory, good, or outstanding. And they judge you on 14 different areas and you can get any of the those grades for any of the 14 areas. It's all up for grabs! (and then you get an average overall grade based on the 14)

Well, I know you're bored of reading this background info now so I'll cut to the chase. We got outstanding. In all 14 areas. every. single. one.

Our inspector has been an inspector for 13 years and we were only the 4th outstanding she had ever given. THAT'S how rare it is. THAT'S how special it is. THAT'S how big a deal it is.

I face a difficult month ahead with my business partner going into hospital this weekend and being off for 2 months. But you know what, this OUSTANDING news might just keep me going!!

Can I also just publicly thank my hubby? I couldn't do what I do without him. period.

xx

Phone

2009-07-20T12:32:00.000-07:00

I've had real problems with my mobile phone (cell) lately. It just doesn't hold it's charge. It's been 'repaired' (when actually all they did was update the software), and the shop have said it will need to be repaired twice more before they will exchange it. I'm locked into a contract until 2010 and was really down about it. This is the phone I have.

But (and this is the good bit!!) we had lunch yesterday and as a TREAT (and I stress that) we bought a couple of cans of diet pep.si to share between the 5 of us. There was a competition running on there - you know the kind of thind. The ring pull has a code, enter the code on line and you COULD win a new phone. I laughed at T and said, "go on then, I have nothing to lose" so he kindly entered the code from my can.....

AND I WON THIS.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have never won anything and never even enter competitions but I'm so glad we did.

Have you ever won anything?
Smiley girl!!!
x

Five on Friday

2009-07-03T07:44:00.001-07:00

1. Two school plays this week - one weird, one FANTASTIC (which was today's - Bugsy Malone). My daughter was A.Maz.ing. Very very proud.

2. It's school report day. Nothing in there I am surprised by. My daughter's class is being split into 2 next year which makes me nervious for her and I really want to find out who will be in her class with her.

3. I can't believe we STILL have 2 more weeks of term left. Wish we lived in America.

4. I resigned as school governor this week.

5. I have some good news to share next week but my lips are sealed until then.

have a great weekend
x

Love this

2009-07-01T04:21:00.001-07:00

“We can do no great things. Only small things, with great love.” ~ Mother Teresa

Nine Years

2009-06-19T06:36:00.000-07:00

It's nine years today since my lovely Dad died.

Nine years since my hubby came into my office to tell me my Dad had been taken ill (I remember so clearly, Hubby worked literally over the road from my office. He worked for the same company as my Dad but in a different building. I was on the phone when he came in and I was delighted to see him but as it was only something like 10am in the morning, I was surprised. Something about the look on his face told me I needed to end my call. He walked over and gently held me as he told me my Dad had been taken ill and it didn't look good. It turned out some kind person instantly phoned hubby when they realised my Dad's son in law worked at the same company).

Nine years since we rushed to A&E, waited for Dad to come in by ambulance (we beat the ambulance) and saw him arrive, knew it was bad it not over, and then told just a few short minutes later it was over. He had a massive heart attack, and died instantly, at work.

My life changed that day, as it did for my Mum, my 3 siblings, my neices and nephews. I will never ever forget driving to my eldest sisters house and having to tell her that Dad had died. Horrible.

I rejoice that Dad is in Heaven, and that there are no tears, sickness, or mourning there. Just here. I thank God for 28 years of wonderful memories. Of his (awful) jokes, his love as he helped me through a broken engagement when others didn't seem to say the right words, of his love for my Mum, for us and especially his grandchildren. I remember his love for God, for the countless nights they spent working on 'stuff' for the church, hosting home groups, and gently leading people to Christ. I thank God for his example.

Nine Years, Dad. I would be lying if I said it hurt just as much now as it did then, but you don't 'get over it', you just learn to live a different life without them.

I love you.

Disney

2009-06-13T12:31:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick update on our recent visit to Disneyland Paris. (photos may or may not follow in a later post - keep hearing horror stories about photo's on blogs so I want to learn how to watermark them)

Anyway, back to business....here goes:

1. We nearly didn't make it after middle child came down with gastroenteritis the night before we were due to leave. After 2 visits to emergency docs, telephone calls to travel insurance etc, we left late, but we did leave. He was fine after 24 hours...however...

2. Eldest child came down with it 2 days later and hubby the day after that

3. It poured hard with rain. All day, every day.

4. Lots of rides and attractions were shut either because of rain or refurbishment. Loads. :0(

5. Sounds like we had a miserable time but we really didn't. Kids were AMAZING. FAB. We are so proud.

6. Wow. Everything was so expensive (mainly due to the poor exchange rate) and we overspent but when everything is against you (weather & health) and your kids are so brill, you can't deny them, can you?

7. I totally recommend the Explorer Hotel. It was everything we needed, but to a much higher standard than we expected. Kids LOVED the pool especially.

8. I love spending time with them all - hubby (especially) and kids.

9. Don't like the post-holiday blues I get everytime. And I hate that part of me. :0(

10. This is the second time I've written this post (blogger lost it before, or I did something wrong - either way, it disappeared!) and I had 10 points before but now I don't.........so, anyone want to nominate a #10 for me (or 11 now....)
xx

Happy Birthday Hubby

2009-06-01T16:01:00.001-07:00

Happy birthday to you
You live in a zoo
you look like a monkey AAANNNNDDDD
you smell like one too

Love
Your kids

Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear hubby
happy birthday to you!!!!

Love
me

Have a great day - we love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No news is good news?

2009-05-12T10:19:00.000-07:00

The past couple of weeks has seen a bank holiday so we went here:

Kew Gardens.

We had a lovely day, with the in-laws (I have the BEST in-laws) and there was some of this:

and lots of this....

Last weekend, we had good friends who we hadn't seen for, probably, YEARS to supper. Thank you friends - so lovely to see you. And we worked so hard in the garden that we ache. still.

Happy days
x

Marriage course 2

2009-04-24T08:45:00.001-07:00

BTW, our marriage is GREAT!!! Please don't think we have problems....

;- )

Marriage course

2009-04-24T08:34:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I started The Marriage Course at church yesterday (it's an alpha course) and we really enjoyed it. I have to admit, it was stressful getting out of the door leaving upset children and having been stuck in a 2 hour traffic jam which very nearly made us late...but when we got there, we enjoyed a candle lit meal sitting with another couple we didn't really know (there were more couples there, not just the 4 of us!!!)

There was time to talk, opportunities to learn more about each other, and relax. Aaaallllll goooood!

Our daughter also had her first session with her tutor yesterday to help provide strategies for her dyslexia, and the tutor (who is a lovely lady) said they got off to a flying start and that our daughter will be a great student! And our middle child had a GREAT week at school, and his teacher made a point of telling me how well he had done at school this week.

That all makes me a Happy Mummy! And Wife!!
x

New term

2009-04-20T09:58:00.000-07:00

So today we were all back to work, school and play (school) - acckkk. I really dislike the first few days of a new term as it is just hard work.

Anyway, day one has passed without too much difficulty. Although for me, I have the joy of returning to weighwatchers tonight to loose those few pounds I have put on since christmas. I want to lose them before we go to Eurodisney in June. I think it's perfectly possible :0 )

Lastly, some advice please.

I have a friendship which seems to have broken down for whatever reason. No big arguments or fall outs but a definite coolness and drifting apart. The question is, do I accept that people drift apart and move on in life or do I make one last ditched attempt to put things back on track? Do I really feel like doing this? I don't actually think I'll get anything back from it now. They seem to have moved on and we are not the friends of the moment. (Perhaps we have lost our cool factor?!)

Or perhaps this is just me fearing rejection...?

What would you do?

xx

Easter 2009

2009-04-14T02:18:00.000-07:00

Other than church on Good Friday and Easter Day, we went to see Monster V Aliens on Saturday (we did take our children with us, fret not!) and yesterday we went here, which is Bodiam Castle, just 10 minutes from where we live....lucky, eh? We managed to rescue fair maidens, slay dragons, and do an egg hunt

Just a couple of other snaps from our weekend:

Photos of me are rare - make the most of it (and looking at this, I remember why they are rare and I dislike my picture being taken so much - yukkkk!)

Anyway, we have just a few more days of easter holidays left before school starts again next week. Happy Tuesday!

Ten on Tuesday

2009-04-07T07:08:00.000-07:00

1. We are second day of week one of our Easter break. Yesterday was, well, difficult. Today is better :-)
2. Our middle child is going to our church's holiday club for smaller children for 3 days this week. Crocodile Creek. I was really nervous about it (he's only 4) but he loved it! He calls it crocodile CREEP though, which I think is hilarious!
3. We had a power failure for 6 hours last night. Hard work!
4. All of my children have grown. All at once - how inconsiderate, huh? So now I have to work out how to pay for new shoes, new clothes, etc etc, three times over.....a happy problem I guess..
5. Due to Easter, my DH has 4 days off work this weekend....yipppeee!
6. Decorating or gardening, that's the decision though? (or neither - just relax....!!)
7. See previous posts re: brothers in law out of work. One still really needs a job. Could you pray, please? (one has a job - Praise God! Thanks for praying)
8. I have a flip....fabulous gadget. Can't get it to work properly on our laptop though....despite emailing Flip LOADS of times, we are no nearer resolving the problem :0(
9. We go to Disney the month after next....woohoo!
10. Must get back to weightwatchers - someone asked me a couple of days ago if I was pregnant (to be fair, not because I have an enormous belly, but because they heard "Debs is pregnant" - a different Debs....however, if I lost those few pounds, they wouldn't have asked, right?)

x

and one more...

2009-03-24T09:39:00.001-07:00

Save this for wordless Wednesday tomorrow....

Ten on Tuesday

2009-03-24T09:02:00.000-07:00

1. I am a ten on Tuesday virgin..ha! (one was easy - now what do I write for the other 9...?!)

2. For Mothering Sunday this weekend, I got a beautiful heart shaped necklace from my daughter, and bunches of flowers from my sons....:-)

3. My daughter (7) told me last night, in a rage, that she wanted to leave home. I thought I had a while before that one came out of her mouth!

4. Said daughter has come out of school in a beautiful mood today though, ready to practise her words for her class assembly on Thursday (on saints).

5. The flood at my work is all fixed and we re-opened yesterday. Thanks for your prayers and support!

6. I am ashamed to say I have put on 7lbs over and since Christmas, probably directly atributable to the amount of chocolate I seemed to have eaten lately. Words of encouragement to get back on the weightwatchers band wagon again will be much appreciated.

7. One of my bil's has a job, ptl! Keep praying for the other one to get a job soon too, please

8. My youngest son has NO road sense. OK, he's only 3 but I am getting a bit fed up with being the mum in the playground who is always screaming at her son. Bribes AND threats both used. No success so far...any ideas?

9. I think I have been replaced in my husbands affections by Mariokart on the wii.....

10. This was actually easier than I thought...!

x

My family

2009-03-11T11:32:00.001-07:00

I seem to be using this blog to vent but please believe me when I say I AM a positive person in real life.

Feel heavy hearted today, however, for various members of my family.

My poor Mum ( and bro) have had a brick smashed through their kitchen window 3 times now. It's really scary. And totally unnecessary. I keep praying that the police will catch who's doing it but also that God will work in the heart of the person doing it....

And both my sisters husbands are now out of work (or have been given notice) due to this darned credit crunch crisis recession nonsense. I can't imagine what they must be feeling now (and don't really want to - selfish)

Given my brothers failing health, it all looks a bundle of laughs for our family (but we DO laugh and keep going. Faith, you see?)

How's it going in your world?

what a (wet) day

2009-03-04T14:00:00.000-08:00

For those that know me, I have a history with floods. Not in a Noah way, and not in any good way.

Another flood happened today, at my business.

Cutting a long story short, we had a power cut last night which lasted over 12 hours. This caused problems with our plumbing system which is linked to our electricity supply. So we walked in this morning (thankfully an hour early to sort out the electricity) to find 2 inches of water. Across the entire building. Let me tell you, that's a whole lot of water. A whole lot of toys ruined, equipment damaged, and childrens work wasted.

We are meeting with insurance people tomorrow (Thursday) AM. Could I ask you to pray that the work needed to put things right will be quick; that our business will survive this (especially given the current economic climate) and that we (I) accept that this is Gods plan. Please also pray for my non-believing business partner who is going through an extraordinarily hard time outside of work at the moment. Today's events have pushed her over the edge. Please pray for her.

He obviously continues to want to teach me something about water ...!

Debs is...

2009-02-27T08:00:00.001-08:00

into Facebook!

Even quicker update

2009-02-17T09:35:00.000-08:00

Not much to report....my lovely doting husband shared with me just in time for Valentines - his COLD ! So, yup, I spent a coupla days laid up (and not in a romantic way!).

I'm on the up now, and as it's half term, my job description for the week is refereeing.

Joy.

quick update

2009-02-06T06:13:00.001-08:00

Not too much to say but an update none the less.........

We had 2 snow days this week. Yeah baby! There's been loads in the press here, people moaning about how schools should stay open, and "why does our country grind to a halt with just a few flakes of snow?!"

Well, we've had the worse (or best!) snowfall for 18 years!

And I LOVE that schools were out. I was bummed on Wednesday when we were back to normal.

What else has happened? Hubby has been in London all week on a course. Eldest has an audition tonight - soo excited! Boys are OK but youngest is fighting a stomach bug. yuk! I don't ever remember a winter as bad as this one for bugs, germs, colds etc etc. We seemed to have lurched from one thing to another. Roll on spring.

Now for some exciting news. My lovely FIL is retiring this year and to celebrate, he is paying for us to go to Disneyland Paris. I have the best in-laws, I adore them! I adored them even before they said we could go to Disney :0)

I have had a quick look at deals and think we need to go into a travel agents and go through it all....but...does anyone have any tips, hints, know the places to go for deals, recommendations on hotels.....etc etc.?

This weekend (if we are all healthy) we are having our belated christmas dinner at said wonderful in-laws as they were ill on Christmas Day! We're having a sleepover and we're all excited. I just hope everyone is well for it....

MHR

2009-01-21T08:59:00.000-08:00

Ok, so thanks everyone for your comments - 7 of 'em. WOW! (watch out pioneer woman, and Dooce. I'm right behind you!)

So I am back and we'll just see how it goes.....

Today's tale.... featuring No.1 child.

I bought this tee shirt from USA and it arrived yesterday. The way my hubby stuck his chest out with pride is almost worth a post in itself - but not quite :-)

Anyway (I get distracted) said daughter says to me "what does your t-shirt say? Your Husband Rocks? Yeah. He does, doesn't he? (pause) most of the time. When he's not being a silly whatsit!"

Out of the mouths of babes....

closing down sale

2008-12-11T13:49:00.002-08:00

not that anyone reads but closing this down for a bit. May pick it up again in 2009, may not.

Bye.

Birds and Bees

2008-11-25T06:43:00.000-08:00

Just gotta tell you a funny story, shared with me by my friend, L.

Her daughter (who turns 8 this week) asked her about sex. The mum (my friend) braced herself to share with her daughter, truthfully but at an age-appropriate level.....They chatted on a fairly basic level for a few minutes, and the child then sat and thought......then she said "I have another question mum...."

"okay......." said my friend (who was dreading what was coming next...............)

"why are there no women in formula One?" was the question asked.........

LOVE IT!!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing, L!

PS: Daughter been really poorly with this winter vomiting virus that is going round at the moment....horrible. Please pray no one else gets it....seriously.

Happy Birthday little one

2008-11-06T09:56:00.001-08:00

Our youngest son was 3 yesterday.....

It seems like yesterday I had him, and although we didn't entirely plan for him (!) I cannot imagine life without him.

My little superstar. I love you.

Friends

2008-11-03T13:55:00.000-08:00

Just want to shout out to M&J and thank them for a great (and long overdue) evening on Saturday night.

We are privileged to have you as friends and thank God for you.

xxx

Check out this blog

2008-10-13T14:14:00.001-07:00

Friends

check out this blog posting from some I stalk, er, lurk, who has lost 50lbs!!!!!!'

Doesn't she look amazing?

http://www.agroupofstahrs.blogspot.com/

Well done Megan!

Hellooooo

2008-10-03T09:06:00.001-07:00

Ok so my worries about my son and school are slowly fading because today (drum roll please) he won a headteachers award in assembly for.....(another drum roll) being HELPFUL!!!

Bless his little 4 year old socks.

Here's a picture of my little man:

happy Mummy

A post to my husband

2008-09-19T05:33:00.001-07:00

My darling husband and I celebrate our 11th wedding anniversary tomorrow. I just want to publicly thank him for being my best friend, soul mate and love of my life. I can't remember what life was like before "him". Sure, I can remember events and stuff but not what general life was like.

With recession setting in, we are not able to go out for a romantic meal so instead, we are using a voucher to go out with the kids to a Sealife Centre - woo hoo. Really excited to be having a family day out! And even though we are not going out in the evening, we are dressing up, lighting candles and opening a bottle!! Woo hoo again!

So, thanks babe, for all you do for me and our beautiful children. I love you so so much. I think you're amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7Nhxa4LpiM

School

2008-09-12T01:53:00.000-07:00

So, our middle child started school last week, aged 4, bless him. He is doing half days (9am til 12pm) for as long as we want him too. Our school are really flexible and helpful so that is good.

Day one was great - he couldn't wait to get into his new shoes, new uniform etc. Day 2, the novelty had worn off. "but I went yesterday!" even though I had been explaining he had to go every day.

Each day has got progressively worse. Monday, he bit another child (they were having an argument)......Today, however, the head teacher saw me this morning and asked how he was doing. She said they have noticed that he is a scape goat for the other children (he is getting blamed for stuff he hasn 't done) so the teachers are "coming down hard on the children concerned". I am not sure how that makes me feel - glad that they are noticing these things and know he hasn't done them, but sad that he is having to go through that in the first place. You have to wonder if that's contributing to his unhappiness.

I want my kids to enjoy school above all else. I certainly don't want them to look back on their school days and have miserable memories. (Plus, I think you learn better if you happy there. Do you think that's right?)

We always knew that it's going to take him a bit of time to settle - he's a complicated (but adorable) character! Not like our daughter who went into school the first day and never looked back!!

Kids, love 'em.

Long time no blog

2008-09-09T03:33:00.000-07:00

Not sure I have any "die hard" readers out there but if I do...hello!

We had a FAB holiday on Loire Valley, France. It was a LONG drive (7 hours) from when we entered France to Loire, but it was worth it and the kids were amazing on such a long trip (thanks due to in-car DVD. Definitely worth the money, even though we weren't keen on the idea, I could not have gone without it!)

Anyway, we stayed in a lovely (but basic) Gite, which had bikes for the kids, swings, basketball, football, frisbees, toys, games gallor so they were happy. Parents also happy due to farmer next door who makes wine and so each evening you take round your jug, choose your wine and he fills it up. Very lovely wine, very lovely price..... :-)

There's loads more I could tell but I have to collect OS who started school last week (a whole different post - poor boy is struggling with it)

so for now.....

Another birthday, sports day, lots on!

2008-07-25T00:46:00.000-07:00

D had his 4th birthday last week and received this super-muscly power ranger dressing up outfit.....way cool....then of course, Superman had to pay a visit too....

He got a small trampoline (we have a tiny garden) but the others have used it much more than he has!

We've also enjoyed sports day, D leaving pre-school (I cried!), a Virgin Vie Homewares party, the start of potty training for our youngest (woo-hoo. Day 2 today), a trip to see Mamma Mia at the cinema, and a playdate with friends.

What news from all of you?

Apologies

2008-07-17T10:21:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the blogging hiatus. Really busy here and hopefully things will ease up when our schools break up next week. Our middle child turned 4 this week and we have a party for him this weekend with just a small handful of friends. Photo's of the celebrations will appear next week.

Meanwhile, I finished work yesterday (still unclear about "next steps" and still having to sort the business out through lawyers but..) looking forward to the future.

What else have I been up to? Today, I finished my Makaton training http://www.makaton.org/ which I LOVED. Maybe this will be a route for me to follow up in the future? Who knows!

Tomorrow is sports day for our eldest, and then pre-school leavers performance for the middle one. Best thing about all that though is that hubby is off work for the day!!!! I love that....!

Hope life is good where you are.
x

birthday update

2008-07-04T05:55:00.000-07:00

Well, she managed to make her birthday celebrations last all week....here are some of the highlights....

Enjoy (she certainly did.. :- )

PS

2008-06-27T03:58:00.000-07:00

You know the best bit?

I will be singing along louder than her!!!!!!!!

We're soaring, flying, there's not a star in heaven that we can't reach....

Can I tell you a secret?

2008-06-27T03:52:00.000-07:00

Tee-hee.

On Monday it is our eldest's birthday and tomorrow we are going to "bear factory" with a couple of her friends to (as my mother-in-law so eloquently put it) "stuff a bear".

But that's not the secret - she knows about that.....

For her main birthday gift, we have bought her tickets to see High School Musical in the west end next week - it's preview week and doesn't actually open to public until july 5th so we are getting in on the act early! yippeee!!!! I hoping she'll be stoked.

The down side (if there is one) is that I have to take her out of school for one day (as it's a matinee performance and we have to get up to London etc) so it goes on her record as unauthroised absence as she is not sick. The authorities could fine us (but no one has been fined so far) but oh well.....

Anyway, keep it under your hat.... ;-)

Check them out

2008-06-17T08:59:00.001-07:00

My beautiful children.

All credit to my husband, of course.

PS: too much happening here to blog about. End of business "issue" is going horribly and lawyers are now involved. Yuk. And so now I have to find the next thing for me to get stuck into. Easier said than done!

Quick update

2008-05-06T05:24:00.000-07:00

I have been so rubbish at bloggin but that's because there's alot going on and much of it I am not ready to publish to the world.

Anyway, weather is B.E.A. UTIFUL at the moment so we went on a bluebell walk yesterday

Which was great until one of us had an accident....

Now please understand I don't usually take photographs of my children's pain and suffering but as Daddy is away on business in Mumbai, he wanted to make sure Daddy knew..... We miss you babe. Hurry home will you?

Also for anyone vaguely interested...an update on the stuff I have blogged about in the past - my pre-school business partnership with another woman. Well, after months of being so so difficult, she has now asked if I will hand over my shares in the business to her. It's all in the hands of solcitors but I now have the upheaval of finding something else that fits in so well with the family. First I have to figure out what I would like to do.....I haven't job hunted for over 10 years.....anyway, my heart is hurting at the moment but I know it won't forever.

Leave me a comment, I would love to hear from you (no weird, random strange ones please. I mean it.)!!!!

MIA...

2008-04-14T05:28:00.000-07:00

...due to PNEUMONIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Been a terrible week - ended up on IV antibiotics in hospital.

Hope to catch up when I am feeling stronger.

So much to say

2008-04-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

And I don't know where to start! I started writing this post a few hours ago and abandoned it because I don'w know how much to share and who is going to read it.

First all, please pray for all the parents of children starting school this year in September. We know plenty of people who didn't get in to the school of their choice. Luckily, OS did. However, our worries are completey different - he is so NOT ready for school....anyway, more about that another day I think.

I am having a stressful week with my business. I know have posted about this before but in a nutshell, I went into business with a friend and now she wants me out of the business. I have been digging my heels in (because, hey, it's 50/50 - what should I go?) but she is now making life so tricky that I think I have to go for my own sanity and for the sake of my beloved family. Trouble is, I need another job AND I want it to fit in around my young family. Please pray for guidance for me to make the right decisions and that if it's right I leave the company, that something else suitable will come up. I am also open to advice from friends/friends of friends - no weirdos please ;0)

I really didn't want my blog to become a prayer request list - just letting you know what is going on with me.

Party Time!

2008-04-01T04:52:00.000-07:00

My older two children went to a fantastic party at the weekend with a superb face painter - the photo's don't do it justice. OS is holding his hands out because he had dinosaurs painted on his hands - precious!

Eldest has a head cold now - got a call from school to collect her, for the first time ever... it made me feel bad that I had sent her to school in the first place!

Spring break starts here in the UK this coming weekend so hopefully I will be better at posting. Until next time then...

xx

Do you know what ticks me off?

2008-03-31T09:01:00.000-07:00

....when people go private with their blog, invite you to read it, say they will add you to the list, and then block you out!!!

How rude!

What a week!

2008-02-29T13:21:00.002-08:00

Well, I have had an interesting week. Tuesday we had a parent/teacher meeting about our 6 year old. It turns out she has dyslexia with APD (see earlier post). Now, I was not expecting the dyslexia side of things, but I also wasn't expecting that her congntive ability is amazing. Her scores were in the "superior" and she has the intelligence of 9 year old. WOW! The flip side to that is that the special needs teacher says we will have our work cut our for us as she is so bright so we will not be prepared to just "coast it " and that will lead to frustration and therefore bad behaviour. No, really???!!! I told my Mum all of this and she said "I am dyslexic so you can blame me". 2 things to say to that - I never knew my own mother was dyslexic (and I am cynical) but also, I would never BLAME anyone. This is all part of God's wonderful plan for our family and our child, and I do not see it as a "bad" thing. Praise God for my unique and wonderful daughter is what I say!

Wednesday saw a special needs assessment for our middle child (3) which was not so cut & dry. She was kind of vague about it all - "he is wriggly" (yes, he's 3) "and gets distracted" (yes, he's 3). Anyway, she thinks he MAY have some kind of sensory issue which he could well grow out of. Watch this space.

With both of them , it looks like we will have to review budgets - with our daughter they have recommended dance and drama as extra curricular activites, and a trampoline for our middle child. Joy!!

Our youngest (just incase anyone wonders, seeing as how I never seem to mention him) is lovely as ever - going through a nasty biting phase but bright as a button and cuddly (until he sinks his teeth in!)

This weekend is Mothers Day here in UK on Sunday. It also happens to be my birthday!!! I feel old this year (36) but hopeful that a whole day of doing nothing other than being waited on (it is Mothers Day AND my birthday, after all) should make all those wrinkles disappear!! (In reality, it just means I will do the ironing Saturday instead of Sunday !)

I still remember being in California 5 years ago for Mothers day in May (does that sound right?). It was a great year as we had already had Mothers day in the UK so I experienced it again in USA and got to have 2 Mothers day's that year - woo hoo!!!!!!

Anyway, my husband is lonely in the family room so I had better go and cuddle up to him. Have a good weekend. xx

Just had to post this

2008-02-24T13:34:00.000-08:00

Love this photo and just had to post it! Last week was our "half term" where we had a week off school. I LOVE not doing the school run and being in PJ's at 11am if we want!

One day, we had some friends visit and they bought Spiderman with them because they know him really well. Well, my youngest 2 children thought this was GREAT, and more to the point were (and still are) absolutely convinced he is the REAL spidey. Great job Chris.

Have a good week everyone!

I'm a yellow.....

2008-02-20T07:01:00.000-08:00

Saw this on someone elses blog. Do you think it's accurate?

Deborah, your true color is Yellow!
You're yellow, the color of joy and energy — two things you definitely bring to everyone around you. It's hard for anyone to be sad or lonely in your presence; your sunny disposition and cheery outlook just won't allow it. The warmth of your personality shines through in the kindness you show friends and family (and strangers, too). Always ready with a lighthearted joke or heartfelt compliment, you know how to make people feel good about themselves, so they can't get enough of you. Yellow is a warm and inviting color for a warm and inviting person — you!

http://web.tickle.com/color/?c=50652&test=colorogt

Learning to ride!

2008-02-12T02:41:00.000-08:00

It was such beautiful weather here this last weekend that we took the kids on a long (much longer than we thought!) walk but then when we got back, our daughter wanted us to take the training wheels off her bike....so we did!!!! She needs practise now but it was great to watch her go.

Our middle boy's day surgery yesterday went fine. A long day and emotionally tiring but he is just so great and I was so proud of him - what a trooper!

Finally, a prayer request if I may? Please pray for my friendship with a girl called Jo. We have been such good friends for a couple of years and went into business together (bad move, I guess) but now the friendship has broken down - possibly beyond repair. I honestly don't know what I have done, but I know we are both hurting.

Has it been a week already?

2008-02-09T05:49:00.001-08:00

Can't believe it's been over a week since my last blog. Sorry Susie! Thanks for all your support and thoughts about kindergarten etc. I know I will be a blubbering wreck that day in September!

So today, we ended an era. We sold our twin stroller. It was the best stroller had ever had -a three wheel jogger and was so light (when empty of course, ha ha!) but now our middle child walks everywhere (aged 3) and our youngest is 2, we didn't need it anymore. So it was sold today. In so many ways, that's a good thing but I love babies and it just showed me our children aren't babies any more...... oh well!

Please say a prayer for middle child going into hospital Monday for grommets (tubes in ears). It's the 3rd time he's had it done and he's only aged 3!! Still, we are seasoned veterans at it, so prayer for safe anaesthesia and wisdom for doctors and nurses would be good. Thank you.

Sad Face

2008-02-01T05:37:00.000-08:00

I am feeling a little blue. It could be January blues but as we are now in February, it's unlikely (!). Do you mind if I vent?

Our 6 yr old had an assessment at school this week - they thought she might be ADD. It turns out they think she has Auditory Processing Diosorder (APD). Who knew? She is a beuatiful, lively girl and to us she is perfect, but all parents see that in their own kids. I want the world to see it too. It makes me sad that she appears to have something that she'll have to battle or live with for the rest of her life. I KNOW it's not the end of the world and she's healthy and stuff but none the less...Sad.

Then there's our middle child. He is SUCH a delight - good company, great sense of humour. How it works here in the UK is that you start school in the year you turn 5. Daniel is 3 (4 in July) but is due to start school in September, so he will only just be 4 by less than 2 months. He is too too little and far from ready to start school. Makes me sad. Coupled with that, his pre-school manager thinks he should have an assessment too. Hubby and I don't agree - he is just young but we have fallen out with the pre-school big time over that. Sad. What makes me sadder (on a self-pitying roll now) is that I co-own said pre-school and this has made things so awkward that the other director has told me she wants me out. Now I am very sad.

So much going on i my head it hurts. Please pray that God is on control of all of this. In my head I know He is, my I need to feel it in my heart too (and some evidence would be even better :0) )

Thanks for letting me vent. Hopefully now I will be back to normal smiley Debs.

strange weather

2008-01-29T05:47:00.000-08:00

Wanted to show this picture- -although the aficionados amongst you can do WAY better, I am sure. We are having weird un-seasonal weather here in our part of the world. It's not really cold, winter-cold that is, and already the spring bulbs are coming up through the ground and we are still in January. Global warming at it's finest? But, we are getting cool sunsets as this picture (taken by our 6 year old, by the way) shows.

Nothing much else I can report on hear. We are all healthy

(yes a whole week has gone by since we last went to the doctors - a miracle for us!) and into the flow of school, homework, pre-school, and so on.

Our 6 year old had her eye check last weekend and the good news (you'd think) is that her sight has improved and they are going to try her without glasses......SHE, however, quite fancied a new pair of glasses and was actually disappointed!

Handsome Holliday Hunks

2008-01-25T10:09:00.000-08:00

Yes, these are the men in my life. Obviously I am overcome with pride.....

tee- hee

2008-01-20T09:11:00.000-08:00

I wonder how long it will be before my husband realises HE is on my blog for a change!!!!!

2008 Here we come!

2008-01-12T04:27:00.000-08:00

Hi to anyone reading this....! Happy new year! I thought I had better post something as I was leaving a comment for someone the other day saying I had a post but no one reads it. Well, they won't if I don't update it right? Please leave me a comment with some encouragement if you come across this blog.

Anyhow, just to update you. We had a good Christmas and New year although all children were sick with colds and conjunctivitis etc (which is just a nuisance, actually!!!!). Hubby thoroughly spoiled me and we went to my sisters on Christmas Day so I didn;t have to have the chaos in our own home - maybe next year ;-)

I am so pleased 2008 is here. Anyone who knows me knows we had the worse year ever in 2007 for so many reasons but 2008 is here and we are facing it with renewed optimism and faith that God is Lord over all and is protecting us and lifting us up to Him.

So what does this year hold? Well, hopefully, some great pics thanks to my new camera (but allow me some time to get used to it ;-), a more settled time for our daughter, bless her dear heart, and better health for all of us. continued weight loss for me (24 pounds already since September, more to come hopefully) and more time seeing friends and family and BEING a better friend, wife, daughter, daughter in law, christian and so on (and on and on!)

I am posting a couple of christmas pictures just to update new visitors to my blog. I hope to hear from you

didn't work.....sorry folks

2007-11-26T08:59:00.001-08:00

http://www.prayforkyle.com/

Pray for Kyle

2007-11-26T08:58:00.001-08:00

Is anyone out there?

2007-10-02T05:19:00.000-07:00

I think I must have THE most boring blog as I don't think anyone is reading it.....

Is anyone out there?

Birthday's

2007-08-02T08:45:00.000-07:00

Well, a busy couple of weeks - as usual. Schools broke up here a week ago today so we have spent the last week relaxing - and potty training Daniel (don't s'pose you call it that in USA!)

Anyway, he was dry after the first day and I am amazed. I should have had more faith in him, but it was MUCH harder work with Megan!

As requested, Susie, here are some recent photo's. Thanks for asking our our weather - we were fine here, no floods in our nexk of the woods but very cold!!! It was the worst June and July since records began!!!

Bye for now

Sorry it's been so long

2007-07-14T04:58:00.000-07:00

It's been ages since I made an entry - sorry. I didn't think anyone was reading so I lost my enthusiasm really.

Anyway, we don't have much news - we have had a busy couple of weeks with just "stuff". Our youngest, Tom, was in hospital this week for scheduled ear surgery. This was like a military operation making sure everyone was looked after and in the right place at the right time. On top of that, we have just had usual stuff - school meetings, (Megan doesn't finish until July 25th), trying to choose and schedule having some flooring fitted in the house; dentists; doctors; blah blah blah.

Tomorrow is our middle child, Daniel's 3rd birthday. So I will post again after tomorrow with some photo's of the celebrations.

OMG - I've been tagged

2007-07-04T05:24:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged - thanks Kirsten! Unfortunately I don't know 8 bloggers.... but here we go anyway...

Here are the rules:- I have to post these rules before I give you the facts. Each participant posts eight random facts about themselves. Tagees should write a blogpost of eight random facts about themselves. At the end of the post, eight more bloggers are tagged. Go to their blog, leave a comment telling them they're tagged

1. I met my husband Tony when we were 15! BUT he dumped me twice when we were teenagers and we got together for good when I was 24. (He really had to work hard that third time!!!! I had been engaged before, only for it to be broken off a few weeks before the wedding - I was preparing to be single forever!!)

2. You may all think (or maybe you don't....!!!!) that you have the best husband in the world, but actually I do! Tony is kind, honest, loves hugs (great for me), a great Dad, a quiet serving christian man, and head of our household.

3. I was 24 weeks pregnant with our youngest Thomas before I even knew I was pregnant. Uh-oh! I had been doing weightwatchers to try and loose those baby pounds from our second child and was not loosing weight. I saw one doctor to check it out and he told me to cut out cookies and stop finishing my childrens meals (who feels like finishing their kids meals when they've been playing with it first?!) Anyhow, cutting a long story short, I went back to the doctors and that's when the great news came out. I had no kicking, morning sickness, or anything until then.....silly woman!

4. I was once lucky enough to go to a royal reception at St James' Palace in London....and got everso slightly drunk......so ashamed....

5. Still on the royal theme, I once met Princess Diana. Lucky me. Amazing lady, and so so beautiful.

6. Life ambitions...I would love to be a midwife. I would also love to have proper singing lessons, learn to play piano, and be able to speak a foreign language properly.

7. I co-own my son's pre-school. Pretty cool! I do alot of behind the scenes admin rather than working there with the kids - at the moment. All that will change in September - eek! Being responsible for my own children is hard enough, alone alone other peoples!

8. I still miss Susie.

Here's a photo from my daughter's 6th birthday last weekend. She is in costume for her school parade. We had a great time for her birthday - thank you for birthdays, God!

Finally, Happy 4th July everyone stateside - enjoy your celebrations! x

new friends

2007-06-22T14:09:00.000-07:00

I am really enjoying the comments I am receiving from fellow-bloggers - thank you for your warm welcome and support.

I had three VERY tired children tonight - my daughter had a school hike today. The entire school (only 100 kids - we live in a small rural village) hiked to a local landmark, had a picnic lunch and then hiked back. It took most of the school day and they were exhausted!!!! Parents were invited too but I didn't go for the whole hike because of the two younger boys. So I joined them for a picnic lunch with the boys and they had a blast. It was such a good day. The weather forecast was rubbish but it didn't actually rain so it was good.

The best bit (of course) was that all three children was so tired they went to bed early!!

To answer some questions I have had. No, we are not a military family. I met Susie at church but have nothing to do with the forces at all. (Susie was in England for study and came along to our church.)

As for the pregnancy story, I STILL feel so foolish about it, so I think that will have to wait for another time!

Have a great weekend all.

Gossip on Susie? I couldn't could I?

2007-06-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I probably could! I met Susie the Floozy (as we lovingly called her) when she moved to our town Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England. She taught at the local school, she made friends wherever she went - EVERYONE knew Susie! She was my best buddie and we hung out almost every day. We NEARLY shared an apartment (a story for another day) and I missed her alot when she moved back home. The only thing I would say is that her boobs where never that big when I knew her.......

Anyway, You have asked for photo's so if I can work out how to do it, I'll post some. I have three kids (Megan, six next week! Daniel is 3 in July and Tom is 19 months.) We feel so blessed to have them and although parenting is hard, we are learning all the time and we certainly have fun along the way.

Oh My Gosh

2007-06-18T02:36:00.000-07:00

So here we go - my very first time blogging!! Thanks Susie for getting me onto this. I am so glad we got in touch again, toots!

So I am hoping someone will point me in the direction of what I should do next. What would you like to hear about?

I may not keep this up to date like some of you guys but it might be a good way of keeping you informed about what we are up to.

You will all be glad to know it is raining here (we had two weeks sun in April - what can you expect?!) and my daughters school is shut as they have no water supply today. So a quiet indoors day is in order.

Looking forward to hearing from you. x