First of all another apology for missing two days this time! Been so busy getting ready to go to Girls' Brigade Camp tomorrow morning.
We are taking 24 girls to Kent for a week of 'Indoor camping'! Got lots planned for them including a trip to Dover Castle and Howletts Zoo.
Camp is always so much fun and I look forward to telling you all about it when we're back. So TTFN (Ta Ta For Now) until Saturday! Enjoy the last week of the summer holidays! How time flies!
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Friends...
I've been preparing devotions for Girls' Brigade camp next week. Our theme for the week is 'Deal or No Deal'. We are looking at lifes choices and how our decisions affect our lives. I am going to be talking to the girls about Good friends/Bad friends. While looking for resources on Google I came across the following and thought I'd share it with you...
In pre-school your idea of a good friend was the person who let you have the red crayon when all that was left was the ugly black one.
In primary school your idea of a good friend was the person who went to the bathroom with you; held your hand as you walked through the scary halls; helped you stand up to the class bully; shared their lunch with you when you forgot yours; saved a seat on the back of the bus for you; knew who you had a crush on and never understood why.
In secondary school your idea of a good friend was the person who let you copy their homework; went to that "cool" party with you so you wouldn't wind up being the only freshie there; did not let you lunch alone.
In pre-university your idea of a good friend was the person who gave you rides in their new car; convinced your parents that you shouldn't be grounded; consoled you when you broke up with Nick or Susan; found you a date to the prom or went to the prom with you (both without dates); helped you pick a university and assured you that you would get into that university; helped you deal with your parents who were having a hard time letting you go.
On the threshold of adulthood your idea of a good friend was the person who was there when you just couldn't deal with your parents; assured you that now that you and Nick or you and Susan were back together, you could make it through anything; just silently hugged you as you looked through blurry eyes at 18 years of memories; and reassured you that you would make it in university as well as you had these past 18 years; and most importantly sent you off to university knowing you were loved.
Now, your idea of a good friend is still the person who gives you the better of the two choices, hold your hand when you're scared, helps you fight off those who try to take advantage of you, thinks of you at times when you are not there, reminds you of what you have forgotten, helps you put the past behind you but understands when you need to hold on to it a little longer, stays with you so that you have confidence, goes out of their way to make time for you, helps you clear up your mistakes, helps you deal with pressure from others, smiles for you when they are sad, helps you become a better person, and most importantly loves you!
No matter where we go or who we become, never forget who helped us get there.
There's never a wrong time to pick up a phone or send a message telling your friends how much you miss them or how much you love them.
In primary school your idea of a good friend was the person who went to the bathroom with you; held your hand as you walked through the scary halls; helped you stand up to the class bully; shared their lunch with you when you forgot yours; saved a seat on the back of the bus for you; knew who you had a crush on and never understood why.
In secondary school your idea of a good friend was the person who let you copy their homework; went to that "cool" party with you so you wouldn't wind up being the only freshie there; did not let you lunch alone.
In pre-university your idea of a good friend was the person who gave you rides in their new car; convinced your parents that you shouldn't be grounded; consoled you when you broke up with Nick or Susan; found you a date to the prom or went to the prom with you (both without dates); helped you pick a university and assured you that you would get into that university; helped you deal with your parents who were having a hard time letting you go.
On the threshold of adulthood your idea of a good friend was the person who was there when you just couldn't deal with your parents; assured you that now that you and Nick or you and Susan were back together, you could make it through anything; just silently hugged you as you looked through blurry eyes at 18 years of memories; and reassured you that you would make it in university as well as you had these past 18 years; and most importantly sent you off to university knowing you were loved.
Now, your idea of a good friend is still the person who gives you the better of the two choices, hold your hand when you're scared, helps you fight off those who try to take advantage of you, thinks of you at times when you are not there, reminds you of what you have forgotten, helps you put the past behind you but understands when you need to hold on to it a little longer, stays with you so that you have confidence, goes out of their way to make time for you, helps you clear up your mistakes, helps you deal with pressure from others, smiles for you when they are sad, helps you become a better person, and most importantly loves you!
No matter where we go or who we become, never forget who helped us get there.
There's never a wrong time to pick up a phone or send a message telling your friends how much you miss them or how much you love them.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Surprise, Surprise!
Sorry missed another day but I do have an excuse! I've been away for the night. My friends Dawn and Mark have just moved to Holland-on-Sea. Mark is the new minister at Holland-on-Sea Baptist Church. Their daughter Emma celebrated her 12th birthday yesterday. I took her best friends Grace, Rebecca, Katie & Bailie, up to meet them for her birthday as a surprise!
We met at Blackwater swimming pool in Maldon. Emma thought she was going there just as a family! They arrived and went in and we came running in behind them! Emma was so pleased and said 'Ihave got my friends with me on my birthday!' She had apparently been miserable all morning!
Had a lovely swim and went down the water slides. Matthew, (Emma's brother) loved it too! We had a picnic together and then went back to Emma's house so her friends could see her bedroom. Emma was unaware that we all had our sleeping stuff with us and were staying the night. We kept this as a surprise until we got there and I then asked all the girls to help carry all the stuff in... Emma just screamed out 'YOU'RE SLEEPING OVER!' She was so happy!
As we were seetling in we realised that none of the electric sockets were working. So we checked the fuse box and tried to correct it but the main trip switch would not go back up. We phoned the people who sorted the electrics but they couldn't come out until this morning. We had light but no power... so no music, TV, cooker, etc. and 5 girls, 1boy & 3 adults to entertain and feed! Dawn had bought pizzas to cook but as we couldn't eat them raw we had to go out to Pizza Hut! What a shame! We had a lovely time and then went home for birthday cake!
The girls weren't too bad sleeping. Today we spent the morning watching Annie! This afternoon we went to Clacton Pier. It was raining and miserable but we weren't! We had a fab time... we all went on the trampolines and thensome refreshments in a cafe! Then home for more birthday cake before heading home!
When I'd dropped all the girls home I went to see Julie, Martin, Amy & Owen. They have just come home from Spain after 3 weeks! They are very brown and have had much nicer weather than we have had here! Both Amy and Owen celebrated their birthdays while they were there. Hope you both had a lovely day!
Monday, August 20, 2007
Cuddles!
I went to see my friend Charley today. Spent the day having lots of cuddles with Mads, Ruby & William. I have worked for Charley since her oldest daughter Madeline was a year old. I looked after Mads until she went to school. When Charley went back to work after having her 2nd daughter Ruby, I also looked after her. Charley has just had her third child William, and is at home at the moment on maternity leave. She is still deciding if she is going to go back to work or not. I hope she does so I can look after William too but I totally understand if she doesn't as 3 children and working will be tough!
I can't believe how much William's changed in the 2 short months he's been in this world. Smiling and trying to chat already! They're such lovely children and I love them very much.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Catching Up!
I went to visit my brother Adam and Sister-in-Law Jo this afternoon. It was really lovely catching up with them. Took my iPod to show them and ended up setting theirs up for them. Imported some of their CDs and put them onto the iPod for them. While I was busy they were continuing with stripping the wallpaper in their dining room in preparation for decorating it. They have done the kitchen and the master bedroom so far (which are gorgeous!). Now their project is the dining room.
After that they'll start on the spare bedrooms... hopefully turning one into a nursery!! I cant wait to be an Auntie! I'm so excited and they're not even trying for a baby yet! I've always wanted to be an Auntie... if I'm this excited now, what will I be like when it's for real?!!!
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Oh I missed one!
Nearly managed a whole week! I'm sorry I missed a day! Anyway I'm back now!
Holiday Club is over and what a fantastic week we had! We had an average of 63 children each day. My team won overall! Hooray!
Spent so many hours importing CDs for my iPod! Got a total of 1425 songs on it so far! Didn't realise I had so many! Wide range of albums (some a little sad!) including Elvis Presley, Rod Stewart, The Corrs, Norah Jones, Gabrielle, Will Young, Daniel Bedingfield, Eternal, Simply Red, Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, Chris De Burgh, Bob Marley, Avril Lavigne, Lighthouse Family, Katie Melua, Lionel Richie, Seal, Shania Twain and Westlife.
Heard from my friend Elizabeth last night. She was due to fly home from her holiday in Italy on Wednesday evening but was unable to, as William, her son who is 5years old only came out of hospital on Thursday after falling off a diving board fracturing his skull! He knocked himself unconscious and was flown by helicopter to a neurological hospital! He is fine but Elizabeth is surprised that was the only injury he ended up with. They are waiting for the OK to fly home although Elizabeth is thinking of travelling by train instead. Hopefully they'll be home very soon!
William and his family must be the most accident prone family I've ever known! William broke his leg when he was 2 and Elise (William's sister) broke her arm. Soon after that Elizabeth broke her elbow and more recently Elizabeth also broke her ankle! And now this!
I'm hopefully starting to look after William and Elise from the middle of September... do I need to take out some sort of insurance!!! Only joking!! At least if I phone Elizabeth to say one of them has had an accident, she won't be surprised! I'm really looking forward to it!
Holiday Club is over and what a fantastic week we had! We had an average of 63 children each day. My team won overall! Hooray!
Spent so many hours importing CDs for my iPod! Got a total of 1425 songs on it so far! Didn't realise I had so many! Wide range of albums (some a little sad!) including Elvis Presley, Rod Stewart, The Corrs, Norah Jones, Gabrielle, Will Young, Daniel Bedingfield, Eternal, Simply Red, Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, Chris De Burgh, Bob Marley, Avril Lavigne, Lighthouse Family, Katie Melua, Lionel Richie, Seal, Shania Twain and Westlife.
Heard from my friend Elizabeth last night. She was due to fly home from her holiday in Italy on Wednesday evening but was unable to, as William, her son who is 5years old only came out of hospital on Thursday after falling off a diving board fracturing his skull! He knocked himself unconscious and was flown by helicopter to a neurological hospital! He is fine but Elizabeth is surprised that was the only injury he ended up with. They are waiting for the OK to fly home although Elizabeth is thinking of travelling by train instead. Hopefully they'll be home very soon!
William and his family must be the most accident prone family I've ever known! William broke his leg when he was 2 and Elise (William's sister) broke her arm. Soon after that Elizabeth broke her elbow and more recently Elizabeth also broke her ankle! And now this!
I'm hopefully starting to look after William and Elise from the middle of September... do I need to take out some sort of insurance!!! Only joking!! At least if I phone Elizabeth to say one of them has had an accident, she won't be surprised! I'm really looking forward to it!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Reflections!
What a lovely birthday I had yesterday. Spent the morning at holiday club and had 62 children singing happy birthday to me!
Mum and Dad phoned me from France. It was lovely to hear from them. Missing them loads!
I went out last night to Pizza Express for dinner with my friends, Ann, Jon, Dawn, Mark, Kairen, Debbie, Dawn, Jon, Jac, Claire and Gill. My brother Adam and Sis-in-Law Jo came too! It was so fab to have all my favourite people with me on my birthday. Got some lovely presents and some money.
I spent my money today on an iPod. So I've spent the evening importing my CDs to my laptop. The technology of today amazes me and baffles my mind! It's hard to keep up with it even at my age! I don't mean that in a disrespectful way to older people, but the way technology has advanced, just in my lifetime makes me realise how much it must have advanced in my parents lives. My dad is more up on technology than I am! I must try to keep up!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Guess what?
Thought i'd better get a blog on quick while I can still say it... It's my birthday!!! Hooray! Will tell you more about it in my next post as I don't have enough minutes left till midnight!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
It's official... There is always one!!!
Had a fantastic time this morning at holiday club and I was right... there was one person who was not happy with the team I'd put him in! I wrongly assumed he would want to be in the same team as his mum but no he wanted to be in the same team as his brother! He burst in to tears and refused to join in! I just changed him over!
We were talking about creation and how each of us has been created special and unique. It is amazing when you look round at the diversity of just the children within our own four walls, the differences in looks, personality and behaviour! It's fantastic to be able to reach all those chilren and tell them how special they are.
We've split the children and adults into 3 teams, Marrow Munchers, Carrot Crunchers and Beetroot Bunchers! My team being the latter... We won today! The children gain points throughout the morning by dressing up, bringing in jokes, pictures, etc, answering questions and scoring in the games. The losing team's leader has to put their hand in the gunge tank and pull out eyeballs trying to score extra points for their team! The children also get the chance to make a craft item. Will tell you more next time.
Looking forward to tomorrow....
We were talking about creation and how each of us has been created special and unique. It is amazing when you look round at the diversity of just the children within our own four walls, the differences in looks, personality and behaviour! It's fantastic to be able to reach all those chilren and tell them how special they are.
We've split the children and adults into 3 teams, Marrow Munchers, Carrot Crunchers and Beetroot Bunchers! My team being the latter... We won today! The children gain points throughout the morning by dressing up, bringing in jokes, pictures, etc, answering questions and scoring in the games. The losing team's leader has to put their hand in the gunge tank and pull out eyeballs trying to score extra points for their team! The children also get the chance to make a craft item. Will tell you more next time.
Looking forward to tomorrow....
Monday, August 13, 2007
Trying to please everybody... is it possible? And a moan!
Well setting up today for our Holiday club went really well. The hall looks great and we've got 70 children registered now! Looking forward to seeing them all tomorrow for the first morning together.
We went to Hadleigh Maize Maze this afternoon to fill a bit of time and occupy the children. We thought it would be a nice, cheap, energetic trip out... Yes it was energetic but NOT cheap! Total cost for 2 adults 6 children was £21 entrance fees!! Yes £3 a person - child or adult! And one ice cream each £12! Totalling £33! And were the children happy... No! Well most of them were but there is always one isn't there?!
We spent a good hour trying to find the platform in the middle and when we reached it, it was taped off. Someone had lit a fire on the platform last night and the whole thing was destroyed! How disappointing... we took a very funny photo and joked about sending it to the local newspaper... imagine the headline 'Day out for children ends in disappointment'.
On a serious note though... why do people feel the need to spoil and vandalise things? What is it that makes one child different to another? I would never have dreamed of doing an act that would destroy something. Is it the child's upbringing? Is it boredom? Is it a cry for attention? Or are these just excuses for bad, unacceptable behaviour? Anyway moan over... what do you think?
Spent this evening sorting out the teams for holiday club... took hours! There are so many factors to consider... Age, friends, siblings, equal numbers of boys/girls. I have managed it but will everyone be happy tomorrow when I tell them what team they will be in? Once again, the majority will be but there is always one isn't there?! Will have to wait and see...
We went to Hadleigh Maize Maze this afternoon to fill a bit of time and occupy the children. We thought it would be a nice, cheap, energetic trip out... Yes it was energetic but NOT cheap! Total cost for 2 adults 6 children was £21 entrance fees!! Yes £3 a person - child or adult! And one ice cream each £12! Totalling £33! And were the children happy... No! Well most of them were but there is always one isn't there?!
We spent a good hour trying to find the platform in the middle and when we reached it, it was taped off. Someone had lit a fire on the platform last night and the whole thing was destroyed! How disappointing... we took a very funny photo and joked about sending it to the local newspaper... imagine the headline 'Day out for children ends in disappointment'.
On a serious note though... why do people feel the need to spoil and vandalise things? What is it that makes one child different to another? I would never have dreamed of doing an act that would destroy something. Is it the child's upbringing? Is it boredom? Is it a cry for attention? Or are these just excuses for bad, unacceptable behaviour? Anyway moan over... what do you think?
Spent this evening sorting out the teams for holiday club... took hours! There are so many factors to consider... Age, friends, siblings, equal numbers of boys/girls. I have managed it but will everyone be happy tomorrow when I tell them what team they will be in? Once again, the majority will be but there is always one isn't there?! Will have to wait and see...
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Can't think of a title for this one!
Started the day snoozing the alarm every 5 minutes for an hour! Just couldn't wake up! Not like me at all!
Took the children at Junior Church to the park this morning. We tend to do that in August as there are so many people on holidays. They love it! A chance to just play and run around. It was a very stereotypical morning as the boys enjoyed a game of football while the girls skipped! There were those who just enjoyed playing in the playground and there was just time for a game with the parachute at the end!
Spent the afternoon helping Ann to empty the girls' rooms as they are having them decorated! They're going to share a room and are getting bunkbeds! It's going to be so lovely... red and white gingham! Aww!
Hannah is so funny! She makes me laugh when she says 'Mummy says bath but in Essex they say barf'!!! (Mummy is from up North!)
The evening has been spent preparing for our holiday club tomorrow 'Down on the Farm'. We have got 50 children registered so far. The holiday club is for children aged 5-11yrs. They come and take part in a fast moving, action packed morning including Bible teaching, songs, craft, games, etc. It is run by Chris & Sue Govus from Back2School.
Chris & Sue, sometimes supported by volunteer helpers, visit numerous schools taking assemblies and R.E. lessons. They also work in churches running holiday clubs and taking family services. Their aim is to present Christianity, its values and its views in a lively, thought provoking and contemporary way. This is done in the sincere belief that youngsters from all backgrounds should have an opportunity to hear what Christianity is about, be encouraged to think for themselves, check out the issues and make their own decisions.
I cannot wait to see the 'Fruit' of our week together!
Will update through the week. Night Night.
Took the children at Junior Church to the park this morning. We tend to do that in August as there are so many people on holidays. They love it! A chance to just play and run around. It was a very stereotypical morning as the boys enjoyed a game of football while the girls skipped! There were those who just enjoyed playing in the playground and there was just time for a game with the parachute at the end!
Spent the afternoon helping Ann to empty the girls' rooms as they are having them decorated! They're going to share a room and are getting bunkbeds! It's going to be so lovely... red and white gingham! Aww!
Hannah is so funny! She makes me laugh when she says 'Mummy says bath but in Essex they say barf'!!! (Mummy is from up North!)
The evening has been spent preparing for our holiday club tomorrow 'Down on the Farm'. We have got 50 children registered so far. The holiday club is for children aged 5-11yrs. They come and take part in a fast moving, action packed morning including Bible teaching, songs, craft, games, etc. It is run by Chris & Sue Govus from Back2School.
Chris & Sue, sometimes supported by volunteer helpers, visit numerous schools taking assemblies and R.E. lessons. They also work in churches running holiday clubs and taking family services. Their aim is to present Christianity, its values and its views in a lively, thought provoking and contemporary way. This is done in the sincere belief that youngsters from all backgrounds should have an opportunity to hear what Christianity is about, be encouraged to think for themselves, check out the issues and make their own decisions.
I cannot wait to see the 'Fruit' of our week together!
Will update through the week. Night Night.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
A lovely afternoon!
What a lovely afternoon! Celebrating Hannah's 4th & Ella's 3rd birthday! (My best friend Ann's children). Just a simple affair in the garden with a paddling pool, BBQ, Pass the Parcel and just 9 children... and best of all they were all girls! We enjoyed sitting in the sunshine while they all played! Little Ella wasn't feeling too good and we discovered she's got Tonsilitus! Poor little thing!
Funniest thing today was Sally coming to borrow Ann & Jon's camping gear... Sally, Grace & George are off to Leading Edge tomorrow... camping! Sally is a camping virgin and knows nothing about camping! The following email sums it up!...
Dear Friends,
We are off to Leading Edge the Baptist Family holiday on Sunday 12th August. It’s a camping holiday – which is something we’ve not really done before. We’ve borrowed a tent – but it has only just been brought to my attention that I need stove/kettle/pans/cool box etc!!!!
So, to save me and kids living off hot cross buns for a week – does anyone have any camping ‘cooking’ equipment that we could borrow that week please?!
We are actually going away tomorrow (4th) to our family holiday (complete with ‘proper’ kitchen!) so I’ve left this all rather to the last minute!!! (not like me at all!!!?!!!)
We’ll be back on Saturday 11th August so I have approx 24hours then to sort myself out!!! If you can help please reply by email or contact me and I’ll whiz round to collect anything you can offer on the 11th!!!
Hope you can help!
Love Sally xxx
I found this sooooo funny! Bless 'em!
By the way... South Africa mission arrived safely!
Funniest thing today was Sally coming to borrow Ann & Jon's camping gear... Sally, Grace & George are off to Leading Edge tomorrow... camping! Sally is a camping virgin and knows nothing about camping! The following email sums it up!...
Dear Friends,
We are off to Leading Edge the Baptist Family holiday on Sunday 12th August. It’s a camping holiday – which is something we’ve not really done before. We’ve borrowed a tent – but it has only just been brought to my attention that I need stove/kettle/pans/cool box etc!!!!
So, to save me and kids living off hot cross buns for a week – does anyone have any camping ‘cooking’ equipment that we could borrow that week please?!
We are actually going away tomorrow (4th) to our family holiday (complete with ‘proper’ kitchen!) so I’ve left this all rather to the last minute!!! (not like me at all!!!?!!!)
We’ll be back on Saturday 11th August so I have approx 24hours then to sort myself out!!! If you can help please reply by email or contact me and I’ll whiz round to collect anything you can offer on the 11th!!!
Hope you can help!
Love Sally xxx
I found this sooooo funny! Bless 'em!
By the way... South Africa mission arrived safely!
First Blog!
I've always wanted to write a diary but I've never been disciplined enough! I always start with good intentions but can never keep it up. Maybe doing it this hi-tech way, I'll be better! (I can only hope!)
So here it is... my intention is to blog on here once a day (or maybe once a week/year!)
I'm having a chill out day today... still in my PJ's! Got to get dressed soon though as taking Juliette, Tim & Katie to the station as they are off to Devon while Carl is in South Africa. A team from our church flew out last night to do a mission there! They should have arrived by now! Waiting to hear...
Mum and Dad went on holiday to South of France this morning. The airline managed to lose their suitcase! They should get it back on Sunday! Fortunately my mum always packs half their stuff in each suitcase! Unfortunately this means that one of their toothbrushes is in one and one is in the other!! HeHe! At least it's only their toothbrush!
I must remember to water their plants!!!
So here it is... my intention is to blog on here once a day (or maybe once a week/year!)
I'm having a chill out day today... still in my PJ's! Got to get dressed soon though as taking Juliette, Tim & Katie to the station as they are off to Devon while Carl is in South Africa. A team from our church flew out last night to do a mission there! They should have arrived by now! Waiting to hear...
Mum and Dad went on holiday to South of France this morning. The airline managed to lose their suitcase! They should get it back on Sunday! Fortunately my mum always packs half their stuff in each suitcase! Unfortunately this means that one of their toothbrushes is in one and one is in the other!! HeHe! At least it's only their toothbrush!
I must remember to water their plants!!!
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