Thanking Him for today

We did have a wonderful time of worship at church this morning, that was clear, but you know it was my three's endorsement and praise of their Dad in leading the worship that was the icing.  They always encourage him by way of feedback and it really lifts him.  Encouragement is such a necessary ingredient to our daily living and I am so thankful today (day 279) witness my children giving it to their Dad.

Now I love old movies and this afternoon I was in for a treat...................'Spartacus,' a real golden oldie from 1960.  When I watch movies like this I marvel at the limited technology available back then, yet they were still able to produce such awesome cinematography.  Wow!  Ben Hur starring Charlton Heston is also one of my most favourite films of all time.

New is good, but sometimes old is even better.

After yesterday's busy, busy day it was my four hour treat!  My children humoured me and let me indulge.  I lasted a few hours before sleep got the better of me.  Still I did record it so..................

We gonna celebrate and have a good time.............

I've heard of shopping till you drop, but partying till you drop is a new phenomenon to me.  Now let me qualify that.  I wasn't actually doing the partying, well perhaps just a little bit.  I must admit I bust my moves anytime I get the chance!  It was actually Gracie who was living it large today, three parties in one day (including her own disco party that she shared with a friend).  I was just her obliging taxi service.

I watched as she and her friends raced round harmoniously, bopping to the music, singing at the tops of their voices!  It is wonderful to be a child, carefree, happy, enjoying childhood as God intended.  I think it's a shame when all to often, as is the case in society today, children want to grow up far too quickly.  They are far too eager to enter into this world of adulthood.

Today (day 278) I gave a prayer of thanks as I stood by and watched Gracie and her mates simply enjoying the moment, a snapshot of childhood as I think it should be.

The weekend is upon us .........yay!

Home made pizzas were on the menu tonight, with us each choosing our favourite toppings.  The weekend is upon us....................... yay!

What ever you have planned I pray you will be blessed and thankful as I am today (day 277).

Kick off and relax!

My younger two have very busy social calendars by way of extra curricular activities as well as parties, sleepovers etc rendering the working week a sometimes hectic one.

Thursday is the only day during the week when I can come home after school straight into my lounge wear knowing that I won't be going out.  As much as it is a pleasure to taxi them back and forth to partake of the activities they enjoy I am thankful for days like today (day 276) when I can shut the front door, kick of my shoes and just ....................... well, you get the picture. 

Claiming his fame!

I came home from school today to find a very excited Aaron.  Apparently our regional TV station had been to his school to do some reporting on the impact of the Olympic Games on inspiring children to take up sport.  He could barely get his words out, but we were to all sit and wait for the 6.00pm news.  And there he was, filmed playing badminton during his physical education lesson.  He recorded his latest claim to fame .....................he's clocking them up! 

I chuckled after Aaron had gone to bed.  I was reminded today (day 275) of how different our three children are....... that they are each unique individuals made exactly the way God wanted them to be.  Aaron is definitely the showman.  Of our three children he is the one who just wants to be famous.
It is just a pleasure to see them all growing every day, right before our eyes.

I love today's reading

Be Happy for Others

'Rejoice with those who rejoice.' Romans 12:15

William Barclay said: 'It's more difficult to congratulate another on his success if it involves disappointment to us, than to sympathise with his sorrow...Only when self is dead can we take as much joy in the success of others as in our own.' Karen Ehman's home had been for sale twenty months when a friend called to say hers sold in twenty days. Ehman says: 'Although I was thrilled...I was a tad jealous...that poor me mentality when God answers someone else's prayer and my answer seems to be no, or not right now. As a child I envied kids from two-parent homes...in high school it was other girls' looks and cute clothes...I was average looking, and although I was every guy's pal, I was nobody's gal. In college I envied girls whose prayers for a knight in shining armour were answered...Once married, I struggled with miscarriage and dashed dreams of motherhood...I slapped a smile on my face and attended yet another baby shower. The cure for envy isn't easy...But when you call on God He will tell you...things...you could [never figure out on your own] (Jeremiah 33:3 NIV). Instead of begging Him to sell my house, take away my pain, and fix my kids, I need to ask what He's trying to teach me that I won't learn if He rescues me; and what qualities He's trying to grow in me. God's willing and able to answer our prayers as He sees fit...[His goal is] growing us to be more like His Son.' Paul writes, 'Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.' To be Christlike, you gotta be able to do both.

September ........... a celebratory month!

Seeing the joy on children's faces on their birthday makes the effort that has gone into making it a special day so worthwhile.  Today it was the Katrina's turn to be centre stage.  Up early to don her birthday rosette lovingly made by her mum before setting off for school.  Lots and lots of laughter ensued later on to ensure lovely memories were made on this her 14th year.

I feel very strongly that birthdays should be acknowledged in some way (as the celebrant desires) and spent in the company of loved ones.  September is certainly a busy celebratory month amongst our family and friends.  I give my Father thanks today (day 274) for His Grace which has most certainly been sufficient for us all.

Birthday girl!

A tearfully overwhelmed Gracie asked her Dad tonight why her birthday could not be spread over 2 days............ if only!

Birthdays are indeed a wonderful thing and today on her 7th one, Gracie has been blessed with phone calls from as far away as Nigeria and also closer to home in Bedford.  She has been sung to several times, at school, at dance lesson and at home, in the company of family and friends.  Her day has been truly magical, one she will remember for a long time and today (day 273) I am truly thankful.

Early birthday celebrations...................

The rain couldn't dampen our spirits as early birthday celebrations were underway for two special ladies!

I thought I would kick start the celebrations with some birthday quotes.  What else!

You know you're getting old when you get that one candle on the cake. It's like, 'See if you can blow this out.'
Jerry Seinfeld

The greatest gift that you can give to others is the gift of unconditional love and acceptance.
Brian Tracy

My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.
Jim Valvano


God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.
Voltaire

You know you're getting old when the candles cost more than the cake.
Bob Hope

Presents don't really mean much to me. I don't want to sound mawkish, but - it was the realization that I have a great many people in my life who really love me, and who I really love.
Gabriel Byrne

We have to be able to grow up. Our wrinkles are our medals of the passage of life. They are what we have been through and who we want to be.
Lauren Hutton

Thanking God today (day 272) to be a able to share in the birthdays of these jewels, Grace and Kat.

We are not meant to be an island.................

God didn't intend for us to be alone, instead to be in fellowship with each other:

• To share with each other
• To pray for / with each other
• To care for each other
• To encourage each other
• To love one another
• To laugh with each other
• To cry with each other

I am so glad today (day 271) that I enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship with some beautiful women.

Thanking You Lord for the weekend...............

How great is the love of God,
How steady is his hand
To guide me through this world
And though I am weak, in Him I stand
And you will hear me say to - day,
In faith, I'm gonna trust in God

I'm thanking You Lord today (day 270) for a weekend of preparations for a precious little lady, but also one in which I pray that I may be a blessing in all that you lay before me.  Amen

Unexpected blessing and relying on Him................

Now, schools are forever having to tighten the purse strings and my school even more so this year for various reasons.  My job share partner and I have been sharing a laptop which is absolutely fine although inconvenient as neither of us could take it home which put us under pressure during the school day to do all we needed to do (access to certain data is only available on school laptops).  As I said it was manageable situation, but then the laptop started playing up, rendering it unable to use for teaching which really was frustrating as most of our lessons are taught through the use of an interactive whiteboard.  Several visits by IT technicians, no joy and my Headteacher re-iterated the fact that there were limited resources as far as a replacement.

Imagine my delight today when I was presented with a new school laptop, a totally unexpected blessing that took my breath away. 

As always it got me thinking.................... how much we rely on 'things' for the smooth / practical running of our lives.  If we trace it back the starting point, for 'things' is us (people).  People, like things, can let you down when you most need them.

Thank goodness there is One who will never ................ I am thanking Him today (day 269).

A welcoming sight.........................

I get very excited at the exact moment when I turn the corner and see our driveway after a very long day at school. It's hard to describe the excitement, but it is different to other feelings of excitement.  Arriving back home is my way of saying that regardless of what the day might have presented me with, it was over now (not withstanding any work I might have brought home) and I could indulge in my favourite past time, being with my family...........  If my Ayo is working from home he always comes out to greet me, in fact they all do......... what a welcome.  It is always a special moment of the day. 

I do so love the simple things in life, really I do and today (day 268) am full of gratitude to be bathed in so much love by my crew.

Stomping, jammin and singing at the tops of our voices!!!!!

For those of you that think gospel music has gone to far.
You think we got too radical with our message.
Well I got news for you , you ain't heard nothin yet,
and if you don't know now you know. Glory, Glory!!

Jesus your love is so, it's so amazing.
It gets me high up to the sky, and when I think about your goodness it makes me wanna stomp.
Makes me clap my hands. Makes me wanna dance and stomp.
My brother can't you see I got the victory. STOMP!!!

(Kirk Franklin - Stomp)

Check it out on youtube if you don't already know this song, but I'm sure you do.

Tonight Gracie & I have slow danced to Beyonce's 'Halo,' busted some moves to some tunes by MJ, Hanson, Nelly, Phil, UB40 and Beverley Knight, to name a few.  We have all sung at the tops of our voices (you can do that behind closed doors!).  I have sung with a broom (I couldn't locate a microphone) and the laughed factor, priceless.

Tonight (day 267) I am thankful to be so privileged to be able to enjoy and see my children enjoy the blessing and gift that is 'music.'

Questions, questions..................

Walking Gracie to school in the morning is always something of an education!  From the moment we leave our door step she begins .................. such is her thirst for knowledge about everything around her that she asks questions about everything. 

This morning her curiosity was first about the 'For Sale' signs on a couple of driveways on our route.  So I explained the purpose of the signs in the context of the entire conveyancing process.  Next she wanted to know why cats sometimes hide under cars.  After a discussion about the peculiar habits of aforementioned feline my girl then wanted to know how street lights knew when to come on and turn off!

I was exhausted by the time we get to school and it was only 8.40am.  Thank goodness it is a very short walk for us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously though, I am thankful today (day 266) to be in the company of such an inquisitive, excitable young mind.  Long may it continue!

Pet talk and allies!

"Mum, Dad, can we get a rabbit?"  Aaron has been on our case for months now, after his much loved hamster, Harriet passed away a couple of years ago.  He loves animals and if we were agreeable would have a dog or two now!  Every now and then the conversation rears its head about getting a rabbit and I have always been able to re-direct the conversation or stall him by not giving a concrete answer.

And so the conversation crept up on us again today and my excuses, well, they are wearing thin and with his Dad (who also likes animals, having grown up with them) as an ally I felt somewhat cornered ............ A trip the animal shelter this afternoon with Gacie (his second allie) futher wet his desire to have a pet rabbit.  What to do?  You see goldfish are the extent of my love of pets. 
Even the talk of setting up costs did not dissuade him as he thoughtfully announced that we could take the money from his savings.  He spent the afternoon researching hutches, feeding and all things rabbit. 

Our discussion continues. 

I am so in awe and thankful today (day 265) for my children's zest for life and desire to experience all the good things childhood brings.

Let the words................. be acceptable!

Gracious Words 'Let the words of my mouth...be acceptable in Your sight.' Psalm 19:14

Mark Twain quipped, 'It takes two years to learn to talk, and the rest of your life to control your mouth.' The Psalmist prayed, 'Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord.' A sin most often tolerated in the church, and sometimes even condoned, is the sin of gossip. Jesus condemns careless words, saying they '...come from an evil heart...' (Matthew 15:18 TLB). And how about words we speak without considering their effect on others? If you think God just turns a blind eye, think again! Jesus said, 'Every one...is going to come back to haunt you. There will be a time of reckoning...take them seriously' (Matthew 12:36 TM). Your words create or destroy, discourage or inspire, heal or hurt, so choose what you say carefully. Careless words are often just the meaningless chatter we engage in when we've nothing worthwhile to contribute. And the more you speak them, the more likely they are to deteriorate into gossip and hurt people. Solomon writes: 'Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent...' (Proverbs 17:28 NLT). Would you trust someone who had a frivolous comment for everything? No? Then stop and think about what comes out of your mouth! Would you get more respect and cause less confusion if you kept it shut? Or were more discerning about the kind of stories you tell? Or thought twice before you 'shoot from the hip'? The Bible says, 'Let your speech always be with grace...that you may know how you ought to answer each one' (Colossians 4:6 NKJV). Thanking you Lord today (day 264) for such wise words....................

Sweet dreams................ here I come!

At various points throughout today I did find my thoughts drifting to my bed and sleep, a full measure of sleep!  Ahhhh, the simple things in life are all I desire!!!!!!!!!

Lord today (day 263) I am thanking you for a restful night's sleep after a 'full on' week!

Praying your weekend is full of His blessings!

'Take control of your time'

I am sure it is not just me that feels that even if there were 48 hours in the day it still would not appear enough to do all we want or need to do, even when we have carefully apportioned the time. 

The Word for Today has been doing a 3 day series that I highly recommend titled 'Take control of your time.'  The key points that I have taken from it are:

1) Stop leaks. Let us not consider our day only in terms of hours, but in smaller areas of time. If we look after the minutes, the hours will look after themselves.

2) Set priorities. Much time is spent on things of only secondary importance. We give such undue attention to petty details that matters of major importance are squeezed out. This is especially so where spiritual things are concerned.

3) Start planning. Without a plan we all tend to drift. So in the attitude of prayer, ask, 'How can I best plan today?' Buy up the spare minutes as eagerly as a miser hoards money.

The way to maximise your time-is to keep your life's purpose before you at all times and evaluate each decision in the light of it.

I am thankful today (day 262) for words of wisdom that have such a practical life application. 

We're all in this together!......................

I unashamedly broke into song this morning 'We're all in this together,' as I tried to cheer up my parallel teacher as, like myself, she was feeling a little overwhelmed and tearful with the task we have ahead in our year group.  I won't bore you with the details, but when I asked her how she was and she replied 'OK' in a quivering voice I knew exactly what she meant. 

Essentially we are starting from scratch..............  In addition there was a bit of confusion today over the organisation of a meeting with parents after school and someone from another year group changed plans and left us with extra workload we had not anticipated.  It was a case of the 'straw that broke .........,' you get my drift.

At school I do tend to sing through my feelings of being overwhelmed, of which currently there are many episodes.  Somewhat encouraged by my singing, tell a lie, by my words of comfort more than my singing we were laughing and dancing when the Head walked in and she proceeded to again tearfully express how she was feeling.  She apologised for such a display of emotion and was upset with herself for displaying it so publicly and thanked me for my support and encouragement which I said she could and should take for granted.

It is OK to not feel OK.  It is OK to be real.  It is OK to be overwhelmed.  It is OK to ask for help.  It is OK to receive comfort, support and encouragement.

Today (day 261) I am thankful that it is OK for life, at times, to be just OK!

His Eye is on the sparrow......................

I came across some of my old praise and worship CDs from yonder years and I tell you my eyes did well up...................that's the thing with songs, they stir up emotions made by memories, good and bad, they take us back directly to the time......

This track by Deniece Williams, titled 'His Eye is on the sparrow,' brought back warm, warm memories.  I am so glad I found it although if it could speak it would probably tell me to 'change the record.'

Ponder as I did years ago and again today on each line of the lyrics, you will be greatly encouraged.

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Refrain

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

If you can, access it on youtube, you won't be disappointed.  Deniece Williams does it some serious justice.

I am so glad today (day 260) to have been blessed again by such a heavenly song.

Down time...........

Today felt a little peculiar; I was home!  Peculiar because I worked full time last year and this year I am doing 60% which equates to 3 days a week.  It's funny, the school day goes by so quickly and I find if I have to run errands at home or away I do have to prioritise to maximise my day.  This does mean not trying to pack too much into the six hour window that is the school day. 

In contrast, on the inside, as a teacher I have to pack a lot into the same six hours, sometimes I think we pack in too much.  From the moment I collect the children from the playground it is non stop merry go round.

I am thankful today (day 259) for my 40% down time.  I pray for the wisdom to use it wisely, to spend it getting to know more about You, my Father and to bless my family and others.

Sunny Sunday..................

I was so thrilled to have the contribution of my guest blogger, my younger son, Aaron, who at 12 years old wrote a wonderful post that was from his heart.............

My older son has kept his promise and treated us to another week-end instalment of his baking skills, making the most moist, delicious chocolate cake..... he is on a roll and already thinking of next week's treat!  I have already commissioned him to make Gracie's birthday cake in a couple of weeks and he's up for the challenge and is open to a bit of cake swopping!

We have taken it easy today.  The first week (or half week) back does seem to tire us (pupils and teachers alike) somewhat, just adjusting back to a routine and Grace and Aaron were both ready to begin their sweet dreams a little earlier tonight.

I am thankful today (day 258) for glorious Sunday weather that seemed to go on and on.

Nice to see you................to see you................nice!

Hi, its Aaron and today I'm going to be my mum's guest blogger.


Today has been a very good day, with my aunty and two cousins from Chelmsford, Essex. Before they arrived me and my sister had our dance classes. Gracie had tap dancing from 12:45-1:15. Straight after I had my modern dance! I couldn't stop looking at the clock waiting until the clock struck 2 o'clock so I could go home where my family would be awaiting me. 

When I arrived home I got a very warm welcoming from them.  Not long after, my good friend James came round. We had a nice roast dinner.. YUMMY!  Me, James and my older brother Sam, Nia , Ella and my little sister Grace were all in the garden playing together, awesome!  After, we all sat down and had a nice cup of hot chocolate and just talked whilst watching the X Factor. Around 9:30ish, the guys left. It was sad to see them go as we wanted to spend more time with them.

However our close family friends, Aunty Di and Katrina popped over to come and catch up with us, but they were a few minutes too late to see my Aunty and the girls, but they still stayed for a nice cold bowl of fresh fruit salad, as we sat and watched the inspirational paralympics. And as I type this  they are still here with us chatting.

So today (257) I, Aaron (guest blogger) am grateful to have close family not too far away from us.  I am thankful to be able to spend great times with them and to have great family friends just round the corner....

I really like this song because it sums up what it is to have wonderful, loving family and friends like we have...........

Bruno Mars- Count On Me

If you ever find yourself stuck in the middle of the sea,
I'll sail the world to find you
If you ever find yourself lost in the dark and you can't see,
I'll be the light to guide you

Find out what we're made of
When we are called to help our friends in need

You can count on me like 1 2 3
I'll be there
And I know when I need it I can count on you like 4 3 2
And you'll be there
Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh yeah

Wooooh, Wooooh
yeah Yeah

If you toss and you turn and you just can't fall asleep
I'll sing a song
beside you
And if you ever forget how much you really mean to me
Everyday I will
remind you

Ohh
Find out what we're made of
When we are called to help our friends in need

You can count on me like 1 2 3
I'll be there
And I know when I need it I can count on you like 4 3 2
You'll be there
Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh yeah

Wooooh, Wooooh
Yeah Yeah

You'll always have my shoulder when you cry
I'll never let go
Never say goodbye

You can count on me like 1 2 3
I'll be there
And I know when I need it I can count on you like 4 3 2
You'll be there
Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh yeah

Wooooh, Wooooh
you can count on me cos' I can count on you

Celebrating another year....................

"If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk in my garden forever".
Quoted by: Alfred Lord Tennyson

"There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage".
Quoted by: Martin Luther

"Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads, which sew people together through the years".
Quoted by: Simone Signoret

"For you wake one day, look around and say, somebody wonderful married me".
Quoted by: Fred Ebb

"Let us celebrate the occasion with wine and sweet words".
Quoted by: Plautus


We certainly did and today (day 256) I am deeply thankful to be celebrating another year with the man of my dreams, my soul mate.

Miracles and blessings.............

I was knee deep in planning, preparation and assessment this afternoon in the library with the other unit teacher when two small faces appeared at the glass door of the library.  Neither my colleague or myself could quite make out who they were, but we beckoned them in thinking they must want something from the library.  Imagine my surprise to see my Gracie who was with a classmate on route back to class after running an errand for their teacher.  Our cheesy grins said it all, hers very much like in the picture above!

I am so thankful today (day 255) and blessed to be working in the same school as she is attending, but also full of gratitude when I think of the miracle (that is what it was) God performed for me to secure my appointment there.  That in itself is a story for another day................

An analogy and a prayer................

When boarding a train you are sometimes given the option to leave your baggage in a 'left luggage locker or storage so that you can continue your travel without the burden of a heavy load, although you will of course have to pick your baggage on your return.  The choice is yours, but this service is not free.

Salvation is a bit like that.  We have the option to accept God's invitation to accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour and leave our baggage at the foot of the cross as we continue with our life travel and never have to pick it up again.  Unlike the 'left luggage locker' you do not have to pay for this as the price has already been paid!  We just have to open our hearts and invite Him in..................

An analogy that I was privileged to hear tonight.

'Lord do what know is best for me, do what pleases you and brings your name the most honour.  Put me where you will and deal with me in all things as you please.  I am in your hand.  Turn me backwards and forwards, turn me upside down.  Here I am your servant, ready for anything'.............

by Thomas A Kempis

A prayer I read tonight.

I thank you Lord today (day 254) for inspirational speakers.

On your marks.........................

On your marks........................ we are set to go!

My younger two are tucked up in bed, bubbling over with excitement as the new term starts tomorrow.  Uniform is labelled, bags are packed, nails trimmed (lol), hair cut  and their enquiring minds, ready to be filled again........................ God is good.

Dear Lord I pray for all children returning to school this week; Guide, protect and keep them in Your loving care.  I pray that they will find favour in the sight of everyone they have to deal with within the school community and that they will indeed learn something new each day.  In your name I pray.  Amen, today (day 253).

Flexibility, a necessary part of the plan......

When I was leaving home for school this morning my crew asked me what time I would be back.  I confidently said that I would be doing a short day as I would be returning tomorrow for our second teacher training day (I am only required to attend one of the days).  That was my plan.  Well I clocked off at twenty to six..................... my plan didn't come to pass, but you know, that's absolutely OK.  I put in the time I had to in order to be my most effective when the kids arrive on Wednesday.  Tomorrow I will aim to be just as flexible with my plans, keeping uppermost in my mind my desired or necessary outcome(s).

It is good to have a plan / goal, but necessary to be open to be being flexible and even changing our plans in order to reach the end result.  I am thankful today (day 252) that I was.

The hottest topics of discussion during lunchtime were the 2012 Olympic and now Paralympic Games, but particularly the latter.  I have to say that as well as the multitude of inspirational athletes I think Ade Adepitan is a fantastic presenter- I like his down to earth, no airs or graces style of presenting as well as his obvious enthusiasm.  Reading his profile, he appears to be a great ambassador not just for the Games, but for the rights of people with disabilities.

New beginnings and informal family traditions

I hope you and yours had a very blessed Sunday.............

We enjoyed a leisurely day at home after fellowship at church this morning.  We serenaded all the September birthday celebrants and prayed for all the children returning to school this week, particularly those starting at a new school ..................... we have a few excited children eagerly awaiting their start at secondary school.

Sam wowed us again with his culinary skills, this time baking a delicious Cinnamon cake, declaring that he will bake a cake every weekend.......... next week apple and Cinnamon!  It was delicious and we are all eyeing the last lonely slice on the plate.  Who will dare to go for it?  Too late, hubby has nabbed it.  Seriously leave food unattended in our house and..................  Yesterday it was the left over jollof rice (a Nigerian celebration rice dish) that I had mentally decided would complement our Sunday roast.

Aaron reminded me of something that we needed to do as a family, something that has become something of a tradition in our household at the end of the summer hols and beginning of the new academic session.  We always sit down on the penultimate evening before they start school and share our highlights of the summer and previous school year and discuss our goals and aspirations, individually and as a family for the next school session.  It is a very informal chat, but they absolutely love it and bounce off to bed afterwards.  It is on the agenda for tomorrow evening.

Thanking you Lord today (day 251) for our simple family traditions and the happiness it gives our children.

Megabytes and a beautiful poem.................

One of the jobs I haven't done for a while is to tidy up my computer memory stick to free up some megabytes to put my new lesson plans etc and I came across this beautiful poem, well I think so...............


When I was little,
I used to believe in the concept of one best friend,
And then I started to become a woman.
And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up,
God would show you the best in many friends.

One friend is needed when you’re going through things with your man.
Another friend is needed when you’re going through things with your mom.
Another will sit beside you in the bleachers as you delight in your children and their activities.
Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be.
One friend will say, ‘Let’s cry together,’
Another, ‘Let’s fight together,’
Another, ‘Let’s walk away together.’

One friend will meet your spiritual need,
Another your shoe fetish,
Another your love for movies,
Another will be with you in your season of confusion,
Another will be your clarifier,
Another the wind beneath your wings.

But whatever their assignment in your life,
On whatever the occasion,
On whatever the day,
Or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back,
Or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself ..
Those are your best friends

It may all be wrapped up in one woman, But for many, it’s wrapped up in several..
One from 7th grade,
One from high school,
Several from the college years,
A couple from old jobs,
On some days your mother,
On some days your neighbour,
On others, your sisters,
And on some days, your daughters.

Author Unknown

Nothing to add............... thanking my Father today (day 250) for a simply lovely day with my peeps!