A Gratitude List

I cannot lie.  The outcome of the EU Referendum has left me reeling.  I voted Remain even though there are parts of the EU that I do not agree with such as the unnecessary waste within the goverment departments and the pressure on faith schools to promote certain practises that are not in line with church teaching.  This is contrary to the original ethos of the EU which was to promote a moral and stabilising force in addition to supporting peace, solidarity, subsidiarity and to improve living and working conditions throughout the member states.  Over the years there has been too much emphasis on economics and so the original vision has been diluted over time.  These concerns however pale into insignificance when it comes to the reality of our current situation within the UK.  Our country is in a crisis, the political parties that are meant to govern are feuding amongst themselves, Scotland quite rightly is now calling upon another referendum to divorce itself from the UK as they voted overwhelmingly to remain and even London wants to remain part of the EU.  We have also witnessed the worst of society which culminated in the death of Jo Cox MP for Batley and Spen who was murdered at the end of her surgery and since Friday there have been physical and verbal assaults against anyone not deemed "British."  The far right "Britain First" neo nazi party have called for the repatriation of all foreigners and quite rightly so many folk are frightened indeed.  In short I am ashamed to say that I am British.

As a Christian I know that God calls me to reach out to those in need, to love my neighbour, help the oppressed and in short be that good samaritan.  When all was falling around me on Friday He graced me with a passage from scripture during my quiet time in adoration:

 God is good!

So without further ado here is my list of thanks this week:

Glastonbury is on i-player, it's the nearest I'll get to ever being there :-)

Pip finished another set of Singapore Maths books so we will be consolidating what we have learned and then moving up to level two at some point during the week.

I managed to get both kids to mass today, now THAT IS NOTHING SHORT OF A MIRACLE!  Pip and I attended St Joseph's this morning which included children's church.  Benedict and I went to the Cathedral this evening, I cannot remember the last time him and I were on our own!

I've got back into the swim of things quite literally which has included an extra swim and pool physio lesson before the usual Wednesday swim meeting.  That extra half hour session really made a difference to not only my swimming but also the pain in my back, right shoulder and knees.

Carrying on with the exercise theme I have even hopped back on the exercise bike, 12 km travelled each night after tea.  I use this time to catch up with you tube subscriptions and so I don't feel bad about screen viewing during this time.

Dave has been having reflexology sessions at Slynedales and we have noticed a small improvement in his walking ability as each session and week goes by.  He also finally had his first session with a neuro physio on Wednesday.  She is working on strengthening his leg muscles but as we suspected his upper body strength is really good, he uses his arms to really pull himself up the stairs.

Whilst Dave was in his physio session, Pip and I walked to the Royal Voluntary Service cafe for an ice cream:

 " Cheese, mummy!"

On our walk back we also spotted this interesting landing place:

The helicopter landing pad!  It was only after I had taken the picture that I had noticed the sign that said, " no unauthorised personnel" oops!

We were treated to really gorgeous weather on Thursday and spent the day with some home ed friends at Holker Hall.  The kids had the play area to themselves leaving the parents to chat and drink tea!

 Butternut soup and gluten free bread.

 A discussion about which ice creams to choose, it is a very serious business making the right choice!

 Gorgeous blooms!

Pip learning to play the harmonica.  We have been treated to its melodious tones at six in the morning!

Looking at these pictures has really lifted my spirits, so a timely reminder to keep looking for the joy ;-)

 

Gratitude Sunday

"Gratitude isn't only a celebration when good things happen.  It's a declaration that God is good no matter what happens"

In praise of antibiotics and thankfulness for the compassionate and caring GP who attended to me on Wednesday.

Pip being a star gopher this week and not complaining about being housebound.

Being able to organise and clean the playroom/learning zone which up until Thursday had been the dumping ground.

Recycling sorted.

Sara and Tom visiting ~ a promised outing for Benedict and Pip and a much needed break for me and Dave.

Lunch date with Dave.

The kids got to see the Lego Movie!

Kids inspired to make Lego Movie style creations #productiveplay

Able to wish Eva a Happy Birthday on Friday!

Found some new websites and blogs devoted to permaculture.  Thinking more about the garden ~ zoning, sheet mulching and planting.  Hoping to inspire Benedict with the project :-)

Beautiful flowers gifted and received.

So glad to be back on track with counting those gifts ~ this week I learned a salutary lesson:

When you stop counting ~ you stop looking ~ when you stop looking {at Him} you drown!

OK God, got the message!


The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything.

 Modelling Clay Play.

 Cheese and Onion Buns.

 Pip's Happy Wall.

 Best Buddies!

 Yummy lunch time treat.

Feeling much better.

Be Blessed x 

The Storms Of Life :: Gratitude Sunday (Late Edition)

Britain is currently besieged by storm force winds and driving rain, some parts of the country are literally under water and here in the North the met office has issued a red warning, with predicted hurricane force 12 winds, as measured on the Beaufort wind force scale.  Life too can present us with stormy weather and the back issues mentioned a few Sundays ago have not been resolved and in fact have worsened, so much so, I made an emergency visit to the GP surgery this morning!  The sacral pain has been unrelenting and I am now experiencing numbness in this area so a scan at some point might be indicated.  I left with a script for stronger painkillers and a half hour follow up appointment next week, can't come soon enough!

Some of the "kids" too have been battered and it doesn't matter how old they are it is always difficult seeing your loved ones suffer, life at times can certainly be a challenge!  I have to admit that for the first time this year I have experienced a few "down days" but as a result of all my self care plans organised in January the blackness has been short lived and I have still been able to write some gratitudes in my journal, Praise God!  There is nothing like a Psalm to speak volumes and this one was gifted to me as part of my 18th  birthday present from my cousin and his wife; little did either of us know then, that it would literally be an anthem to my life thus far!

" God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in times of trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
and the mountains be carried into the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though its mountains shake with its swelling,
There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God,
The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High,
God is in the midst of her ,she shall not be moved,
God shall help her ...
The Lord of hosts is with us
The God of Jacob is our refuge"

As this passage came back to me I remembered my art session with Benedict on Friday of last week.  In an effort to encourage him with his writing, we chose the word "stability" from the Rule of St Benedict as our guide.  The session worked out in that I hoped Benedict would be inspired to put pen to paper but not in the way that I had imagined!  He loved the calligraphy work but not the art whereas the drawing and colouring was just what I needed, LOL:

 Loving the calligraphy pen.

 Hmm, he doesn't look too happy here ... a minute later bloods were checked and he was having a hypo!

God our rock ... and the parable of where to build your house and that isn't on the sand!

"Gratitude isn't only a celebration when good things happen.  It's a declaration that God is good no matter what happens"

Not wishing to miss a week of gratitudes, here is my list albeit a little late:

Celtic Spirituality talk on you tube.

Dave and I managing to smile about our current health difficulties.

For rabbit trails in the learning zone ~ keeping us entertained, interested and educated.

Pip's first school trip ~ a forest school day and a Gruffalo hunt.

Benedict's infectious smile and giggle.

" Christ is your iron, He doesn't make you strong, He is your strength"

Cooked meal for after football lunch, Benedict's favourite, Roast Chicken!

Mass, Love It, Thank You God!

A Gift sour,sweet, just right ~ I really did not want to get up and teach today.  My mood was sour and Benedict's bloods were too sweet!  He had forgotten to give himself insulin at breakfast :-(  Time to climb the ladder, lie down in poverty before the Lord ~ a resting just right!

The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything.

 All dressed for the forest school trip.

 " Look mummy my tooth came out on the trip! and the second tooth is through right behind it!"

 Dave taking a picture of me taking a picture of him!

 Monday skyline before the rains came ... again!

 A caramel treat on a windy day.

 An after school snack at the end of a very trying day.

Be blessed x 

Gratitude Sunday

"Gratitude isn't only a celebration when good things happen.  It's a declaration that God is good no matter what happens"

This is interesting, what could have been a "meh" week with sickness and back injury ( I don't know how it happened!) has still been a week grace filled and peaceful.  The daily commitment to quiet time in the presence of The Lord and an end of day review looking for the good, has shifted something within my being and the peace it brings is a tangible reminder that, I am loved.

My gifts from the week:

Dave and the kids helping out when I needed to rest.

Pip sounding out the letters and some of the words in her reading book.

TV treat with Dave, an Inspector Morse Drama, part of our early adulthood ~ sigh, I'm getting old!

Three gifts from the kitchen ~ Eggs for Benedict and Pip, leftover rice for me, morning coffee!

Pip talking to her invisible friend, apparently he is called "Richard" ~ I also had an  invisible friend, although I cannot for the life of me remember their name.

Dave looking after himself and having a midday rest.

Literacy in The Kitchen ~ Benedict working on proverbs and homophones whilst I make the soup.

Done with January and I haven't just survived it, I've lived and enjoyed it!

Turned a sewing disaster into a learning exercise and celebrated my mistakes!

Gifts and a letter from America, thanks Eva, Peter and all xx

For handmade gifts packed and posted.

The sewing room de-cluttered and organised.

The Candlemas vigil at church, very beautiful and moving ~ Christ the Light of the world, bridging the gap between Christmas and the soon to be onset of Lent, for hidden in that manger lay the promise of the cross and with it my salvation.

The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything.

 Nourishing Thai style chicken soup.

 Bunnykins for a baby.

 A birthday crown for baby Story in Canada.

 Pip's drawing of Benedict.

Big sis and little sis.

Grandma and Gracie - Boo.

Saturday Skyline.

Be Blessed x 

Gratitude Sunday

"Gratitude isn't only a celebration when good things happen.  It's a declaration that God is good no matter what happens"

Thankful for:

Being able to hug a very special friend and to let her know she is loved.

Pip sleeping through on Sunday night and not being sick, prayers answered!

Monday work out on the bike + shower = GREAT!

Pip upstairs with the Brio and Benedict downstairs with the Lego = HAPPY

No celery?  No problem!  Sweet potato and celeriac soup instead!

Christmas poinsettia still brightening my day.

Meditation time ~ fell asleep sitting up!

Morning offering prayer at the kitchen sink.

Being able to laugh at myself when I had a meltdown, whilst rug bashing ~ now I really know how it feels to be three!!

A middle of the night conversation with Pip when she was unexpectedly sick in her sleep ~ such a sweet conversation once she was cleaned up and so many hugs.

Coffee date with Dave at MiaItalia.

Benedict's blood reading at the diabetic clinic, an Hba1c of 7.9 mmol/l  A RECORD!  For the past six years since diagnosis, regardless of all our hard work it has always hovered around 9mmol/l which is not great for his long term health, so this was an unexpected surprise. 

Benedict taking care of me when I was suddenly quite unwell on Friday evening.

Pip working hard and enjoying her art lessons.

A telephone chat with my daughter Kath and my baby grand-daughter trying to wave at me down the phone!  So sweet!

All things permaculture, I'm on a learning journey of my own.

The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything.

Four happy shots from this past week:

 It's amazing what you can find on your phone camera!

 Amaretto Latte just the ticket.

 Just enough heat, chilli chocolate chip cookies, awesome.

Saturday Skyline, the sun put in a welcome brief appearance, after which it was back to rain, wind, rain, wind!

Be Blessed x 

Gratitude Sunday

"Gratitude isn't only a celebration when good things happen.  It's a declaration that God is good no matter what happens"

There have been times this week when looking for the gifts has been hard, but once I put pen to paper the list kept on growing and a peace fell upon my soul:

3 startling graces of God ~ ever patient, ever loving and ever merciful

Bird song and chatter in the garden.

Winter sun making its appearance.

Another good day in the learning zone ~ Innuit Tribes ~ you tube documentary, narrative recall, penmanship and art.

A morning on my own listening to a talk on Ignatian spirituality whilst knitting.

A gift bringing quiet, prayer ~ much needed loft time, meditation, sleep.

Dave playing a Happy Families game with Pip.

Doorstep food delivery.

For being able to offer words of encouragement to another mum across the miles ~ the wonders of face book and one of its many positive uses.

Fireside knitting and peace.

A sparkling clean cooker!

Make and Cake friends ~ a time to switch off, relax, laugh, share, eat and craft.

Saturday Skyline and the sun playing peek a boo through the clouds.

For Pip saying, "I love you mummy"

For Benedict asking for a good night kiss and a hug.


The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything.

Four happy shots of this past week:

 "Yay, there was enough wool!"

 Evidence of happy play.

 Yummy, home made gluten free bread.

Saturday Skyline.

Gratitude Sunday

After having read Ann's book several times, I have finally put pen to paper and I am keeping a 1000 gifts log.  Her commentary regarding Gratitude rings true:

"Gratitude isn't only a celebration when good things happen.  It's a declaration that God is good no matter what happens"

So here are some of my jottings from this week:

A morning meditation time, Come Lord Jesus!

Craft time ~ valentine hearts in the making.

Benedict making the evening meal on his own.

For the sound of the rain on the loft roof windows, it is oddly comforting.

For Dave's strength of character and his perseverance in daily challenges, always uncomplaining and patient.

For slowly working my way through the linen basket, I can almost see the bottom!

A big hug between me and Benedict.

Pip coming home from school with a big smile on her face.

Skype time with Eva!

For 2014 a year full of HOPE.

A Saturday afternoon food shop on my own.

Capturing a beautiful shot of the sun against a sky enveloped by dark clouds.

I managed to salvage the burnt cabbage for Sunday lunch so all that fine chopping was not in vain!

Tea visits and chats with two good friends.

A major blitz on the downstairs rooms, we now have a desk in the learning zone!


The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything.


Four happy  shots of this past week:

 Craft Time.

 Sun and Sky.

 Squeaky Clean.

Wii Fit Yoga.

Gratitude Sunday

It's been a while since I did one of these, but I do have so much to be grateful for this week:

Last weekend Dave was "blue lighted" to hospital with all the signs of a heart attack, needless to say it has been a very worrying time.  The medics are still baffled as to what really happened but as a result of all the numerous blood tests, they were able to detect inflammation in his blood and for the first time ever he was offered a three day steroid infusion to dampen down any possible MS relapse.  Hooray for Dr Seth and the team on the acute medical ward!

Whilst waiting for the paramedics to arrive, Benedict was also having a crashing hypo, I was so grateful that Sara was around, she took charge of Benedict whilst I stayed on the phone to ambulance control.

Our gardener turned up Monday and did battle with the lawn.  Whilst chatting to him it became apparent that, his partner was in fact the named nurse caring for Dave on acute medical ... small world.

Having lost several hours sleep on the weekend, I slept on Tuesday whilst the world carried on without me.

On Wednesday I collected Pip from forest school and we made our way to the garden centre in the village.  I've part cheated this year and aswell as Sara and the kids growing from seed, I also bought some ready established seedlings to bolster our sparse crop of veggies.  Sara, Pip and I spent some time in the garden after tea, it was cold but lovely.

We had a visit from my parents, Kath and Gracie.  Kath had an appointment in town and I was on Grandma duty, yay!!  There was a whole lot of snuggling going on, she is the sweetest baby I know.

On Friday we made a visit to my friend in St Helen's, it's been quite a while since we've had a chance to meet.  She is currently struggling with major health problems, so we decided last minute to stop over and help her sort out some practical issues.  Benedict and Pip had a great time rambling around the house and cuddling Simba the Lionhead rabbit.

Today, I have just crashed!  I finally had a full night's sleep last night and also slept for several hours this afternoon.

Despite being in pain with the fibromyalgia and totally exhausted I've managed to cope with more than my ususal share of chaos at this end!  I know for sure that my faith has sustained me as well as the prayers from family and close friends and for that I am truly grateful.

Gratitude Sunday (posted on a Monday!)

We've had an unusual week these past seven days.  Pip went down with stomach flu and spent forty eight hours virtually comatose on the settee:

 

I should have been at 'make and cake' but God is good and I had my respite of sorts sat in front of our fire knitting in the lounge cum sick bay.

 

 

During this time Benedict put his craft and design skills to good use and made this:

 

 

 



It has since had a partial coat of paint and battlements. 

 

 

Whilst all this was going on Kathryn spent two days in hospital as she was experiencing some unusual symptoms, that might have indicated early labour.  Needless to say there were countless phone calls and much consternation.  She finally left for home having endured two lots of steroid injections which resulted in a very sore leg.  Thankfully her and 'Midge' are doing fine.

 

 

Hardly any wonder therefore that my already 'swinging in the balance' health took a nose dive and a considerable relapse ensued.  I've dosed up with meds as well as homeopathy and acupuncture and I'm currently riding out the storm.  I've finally had two nights of full sleep as Pip has fully recovered, so this goes a long way to aiding recovery.

 

It was quite timely when a package arrived that lifted our spirits and was greatly appreciated, thanks Dorina 

 

 

 

An origami crane mobile.

 

 

 

Beautifully made and the birds twirl gently in the conservatory, reminding me of a loving connection that spans across the miles.

 

 

The school room has been fairly quiet in these parts but I remembered some sage advice from my dear friend Eva and so we've kept up with maths and english and let other activities slide.  I did however find a fab art and music appreciation resource from harmony fine arts  This mum also runs the handbook of nature study blog which also incorporates the 'outdoor hour challenges'.  So I went ahead and purchased the grade five curriculum which encompasses the medieval and renaissance period, as I knew this would tie in neatly with our history study. 

 

 

This week we've been looking at Giotto and Benedict's challenge was to talk about 'The flight into Egypt' and draw his own version of what he saw:

 

 



 

 

 

 

He has added colour today and as a result the whole image has come to life.

 

 

Thanks to some Godly timing; I don't believe in co-incidences, they are God- Incidencies a quiet message appeared in my email box and it was just what I needed to hear.  Even more it provided me with a written down strategy, so grateful.