Today feels quite the milestone! My last boy, my fourth, is having his last day at Primary School.
It just happens to be his last day of Primary School during a global pandemic, so I'm very grateful that he was able to have this last day, as the semi-last day when schools closed a few months ago, was a sad and weird one.
We've been at this school twelve years now, since the biggest one was four. We've gone through the ups and downs of local school life; the school having a name change, uniform change, different head teachers, different staff, (and one or two who have been there forever), being part of the governing body, watching it go through Ofsted inspections and seeing it finally become a 'GOOD' school (an emotional moment).
We moved to this quaint little village, I mean wonderful vibrant estate, around fifteen years ago. We felt God say to us, to send our kids to this school, which at the time didn't have a great track record. We trusted God with our boys. I remember my eldest, one year, having twenty one different teachers! That was a bit of a hard year, for us but also for the friends we had come to make in this community. We mentioned it a lot, got people to pray for the school and the community, and convinced some student teachers to take placements at the school, and further jobs.
We've been to the Christmas fayres, the summer fayres, the book fayres. We've bought the fundraising cakes, and sponsored the non-uniform days. We've dressed them up as book characters. (And yes there was that time when I sent them to school as pirates, a week before it was pirate day). We've been to the assemblies, the nativities, the shows, the ear-piercing musical invitations, the Paragon events, the parents' evenings, the sports days (when it wasn't competitive and when it was). We've supported the 'maths with cups' initiative, and the ipad phase. We watched the Reception area get built, and the playgrounds change. We've had the awkward chats with other parents when our kid has been in the wrong, or their kid has.
We've lost jumpers, gained jumpers, raided the lost property for jumpers. We've sent them or accompanied them on school trips, we've sent them to after school clubs, we've picked them up when they've had head injuries or been sick. I've signed them in late a couple of times. (This may be a slight understatement, and I feel like the office staff know me far too well). We've managed to avoid the PTA but supported them and all they do, and of course, the signing in of new parent governors.
We've made a lot of friends along the way, other school mums and dads and grannies, who you do life with every day; some just a nod over the years and some more than that. Deep chats, tears and laughter with some, clubbing with others, Facebook banter with lots, Wetherspoons with a few, church with some, coffee with others, Prosecco with anyone willing, Lazerzone with a couple, sadly a graveside with one, but a friendship with many.
And now I'm all nostalgic, which is a bit silly because the girls are still there. So I'll be at the school for another six years. Eighteen years I will actually do at this school gate, that's quite something. This school has a bit of a special place in my heart, so today I'll be nostalgic, maybe I'll even be emotional as I hand over the thankyou bottles and collect my latest baby to leave.
It's not perfect this school, but it represents so much of what I love, in this quaint little village of Whitehawk.
And those who know your name, put their trust in you,
for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9v10
One Pink Toothbrush
Welcome to One Pink Toothbrush, where I will be posting moments from my days as a mum and as a wife. Funny moments, messy moments, thoughtful moments, teary moments.... and hopefully using each moment to see what God might be saying.
Friday, 17 July 2020
Wednesday, 1 July 2020
A Squash and a Squeeze
"Wise old man, won't you help me please?
My house is a Squash and a Squeeze".
"Take in your youngest two," said the government man.
"Take in my youngest two? What a curious plan."
Well the youngest ones were excited to be at home.
But then missed their teachers, and started to moan.
"Take in the middle two" said the government man.
"Take in my middle two? What a curious plan."
Well the middle two had so much energy to burn.
They had to learn once more, how to take turns.
"Take in your oldest two" said the government man.
"Take in the oldest two? What a curious plan.
"But they will miss their exams, and even a prom".
That will be the least of their worries, with what's going on.
"Take in the husband. His office is closed".
He will now hold Zoom meetings next to a pile of your clothes.
So in the house, all eight of them were.
Then the husband surprised them with a friend made of fur.
The middle ones only wanted to learn maths,
and one of the others took a long time to faff.
The oldest one had nothing to aim for,
And for some, home learning was really a bore.
The youngest one, needed support with her phonics
and mum realised she needed to be Bionic.
The food all got eaten, they just wanted more.
The time just went, the house doubled its chores.
Screens had to be shared, new work spaces made.
Mum had to teach, without getting paid.
People filled every inch of the home,
But with a garden to use, one shouldn't moan.
"Mum can you help me", interupted every hour.
No space was given, not even in the shower.
Relationships strengthened, and some took the strain.
Every day repeated; the same again. And again.
Home learning, sharing screens, and working out with Joe.
Some garden visits, but no one in the house would go.
The 42 year old lady manically laughed, "At least we're now never late,
this house, it does feel full with eight.
Im tearing my hair out, Im down on my knees.
My house is a squash and a squeeze.
"Send that quieter one to serve, in the church media suite".
My house is a Squash and a Squeeze".
"Take in your youngest two," said the government man.
"Take in my youngest two? What a curious plan."
Well the youngest ones were excited to be at home.
But then missed their teachers, and started to moan.
"Take in the middle two" said the government man.
"Take in my middle two? What a curious plan."
Well the middle two had so much energy to burn.
They had to learn once more, how to take turns.
"Take in your oldest two" said the government man.
"Take in the oldest two? What a curious plan.
"But they will miss their exams, and even a prom".
That will be the least of their worries, with what's going on.
"Take in the husband. His office is closed".
He will now hold Zoom meetings next to a pile of your clothes.
So in the house, all eight of them were.
Then the husband surprised them with a friend made of fur.
The middle ones only wanted to learn maths,
and one of the others took a long time to faff.
The oldest one had nothing to aim for,
And for some, home learning was really a bore.
The youngest one, needed support with her phonics
and mum realised she needed to be Bionic.
The food all got eaten, they just wanted more.
The time just went, the house doubled its chores.
Screens had to be shared, new work spaces made.
Mum had to teach, without getting paid.
People filled every inch of the home,
But with a garden to use, one shouldn't moan.
"Mum can you help me", interupted every hour.
No space was given, not even in the shower.
Relationships strengthened, and some took the strain.
Every day repeated; the same again. And again.
Home learning, sharing screens, and working out with Joe.
Some garden visits, but no one in the house would go.
The 42 year old lady manically laughed, "At least we're now never late,
this house, it does feel full with eight.
Im tearing my hair out, Im down on my knees.
My house is a squash and a squeeze.
He's fairly easy, but the house does seem less full.
"Send the oldest out to do manual work in a garden".
He's the helpful one, but yes feels less of a burden.
"Send that quieter one to serve, in the church media suite".
Ah yes the house can breathe, feels like a treat.
"Send the baby one back, to sit on her socially distanced spot".
Yes four down, feels like less than a lot.
"Send the husband back out. His office no longer is closed".
Might actually get round to sorting that pile of my clothes.
Thankful at times, for this bizarre opportunity,
to stay home, to stay well, and be locked down with my family.
While others go out, putting themselves in harm's way,
And some would have loved to have had such loud days.
There's no need to grumble and there's no need to grouse.
There's plenty of room in my house.
And now she's tired, but full of frolics and fiddle-de-dees.
It isn't a squash and it isn't a squeeze.
Yes she's full of frolics and fiddle-de-dees.
It isn't a squash or a squeeze.
(Until dinner time when they're all back,
But for now, she will enjoy the lack).
For the Storytime version on Youtube, click here.
Friday, 22 May 2020
Hug in a Mug
Last night, we had an on-line church prayer meeting, and I cried afterwards.
I cried because I miss my church family, I cried because it was nice to worship, I cried because I was tired, I cried because I was done, I cried because I needed to cry. A friend from church messaged me jokingly to say that I looked like I wasn't enjoying myself. Darn it Zoom. I messaged back to say that I was in fact enjoying the worship but close to tears. She offered to call me and pray for me, over the phone. Part of me wanted to jump at the chance, and part of me wanted to fob her off and say it was unnesscessary. I waited a bit, and then text her back with a Yes, hoping she wouldn't see the text as it was quite late.
But she called, prayed, didn't ask questions and then hung up. I cried and felt a huge relief, and realised that was just what I had needed.
It's funny, the emotions that are thrown up in this Lockdown; some fear, some anger, some joy, some hilarity, some stress, some peace, some laughter, some doubt. My littlest girl has an online lesson with her teacher, and the teacher asks her to draw a face of how she's feeling. So far, she has only drawn a sad face, which is sad. She's actually doing very well, and happy a lot of the time. But the on-line lesson makes her miss her teacher.
A couple of weeks ago, we did a Science experiment in our house. We wanted to test the theory; 'people feel better after drinking hot chocolate'. My Instagram friends got involved, sharing pictures of their hot chocolates, and how they felt after drinking them. It turns out you don't feel better if you've just eaten a whole Roast dinner! Or if your mum has pulled you off Fortnite to drink hot chocolate and talk about your feelings. But on the whole, we proved the theory to be true.
As well as getting a hot chocolate out of it, and the kids enjoying Science, I loved the chat we had about how we were feeling. We wrote down what was sad or hard about our current situation; not seeing friends, staying in the house, not being at school, (even school dinners got a mention), not going to church, or friends' houses, not going to restaurants, not going to Youth, not playing football with friends, the virus, the deaths, missing the playground, and cafes with Daddy.
Then we read Philippians 4v11-13
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength".
I cried because I miss my church family, I cried because it was nice to worship, I cried because I was tired, I cried because I was done, I cried because I needed to cry. A friend from church messaged me jokingly to say that I looked like I wasn't enjoying myself. Darn it Zoom. I messaged back to say that I was in fact enjoying the worship but close to tears. She offered to call me and pray for me, over the phone. Part of me wanted to jump at the chance, and part of me wanted to fob her off and say it was unnesscessary. I waited a bit, and then text her back with a Yes, hoping she wouldn't see the text as it was quite late.
But she called, prayed, didn't ask questions and then hung up. I cried and felt a huge relief, and realised that was just what I had needed.
It's funny, the emotions that are thrown up in this Lockdown; some fear, some anger, some joy, some hilarity, some stress, some peace, some laughter, some doubt. My littlest girl has an online lesson with her teacher, and the teacher asks her to draw a face of how she's feeling. So far, she has only drawn a sad face, which is sad. She's actually doing very well, and happy a lot of the time. But the on-line lesson makes her miss her teacher.
A couple of weeks ago, we did a Science experiment in our house. We wanted to test the theory; 'people feel better after drinking hot chocolate'. My Instagram friends got involved, sharing pictures of their hot chocolates, and how they felt after drinking them. It turns out you don't feel better if you've just eaten a whole Roast dinner! Or if your mum has pulled you off Fortnite to drink hot chocolate and talk about your feelings. But on the whole, we proved the theory to be true.
As well as getting a hot chocolate out of it, and the kids enjoying Science, I loved the chat we had about how we were feeling. We wrote down what was sad or hard about our current situation; not seeing friends, staying in the house, not being at school, (even school dinners got a mention), not going to church, or friends' houses, not going to restaurants, not going to Youth, not playing football with friends, the virus, the deaths, missing the playground, and cafes with Daddy.
Then we read Philippians 4v11-13
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength".
I have read the last part of this verse many times before, but for some reason it really struck me this time. I think I sometimes want to add, 'except this' to it. I can do all things, except this.
We chatted through the meaning of contentment. And it's quite the challenge when you're looking into it, and having to explain it to little people. You have to be honest too, and say where you find it hard. It's good for them to know you're in the same boat as them, and it's only God that is 'other/separate' from us. I explained that thankfulness is a really good way to help us to be more content. So we listed the things we were thankful for; the NHS, a garden, people in the house with us, binmen, Joe Wicks, ice cream, daddy in every evening, screens, films, flour, Facetime, and of course, hot chocolate.
I'm pretty sure the exercise did me just as much good as it did the kids, and we've stuck the 'Content' picture up in our kitchen, so we can remember what were thankful for. Because we can do all things through Christ, who gives us strength, even this.
Saturday, 25 April 2020
Manna from Heaven
"It's a strange season we find ourselves living in". I think I've said, thought and text this a fair few times. There's just no real box to put this all in. There's nothing really to compare it to. It's just all a bit bizarre, and affecting us all in different ways. Or it affects us in similar ways, but on different days. Whether or not we live with people. Whether or not, we go to work, or work from home, or can't work. Whether or not, we have a garden or a dog to walk, or a bike to ride. Whether or not, we have kids, how many, how they cope, how they interact, how they learn, how they do life. Whether or not, there's two parents or one in the house. Whether or not, we have access to the internet, or enough devices, or the ability to learn without a teacher. Whether or not we're an introvert, an extrovert, an in-the-middle-vert. Whether or not we have too much time on our own, or not enough. Whether or not, we know what a sour dough starter is, what to do with one, or how long it painstakingly takes to make it into a loaf of bread.
I think we're all quite grateful for tech; the facetiming of friends and grandparents, and cousins. The Zoom prayer meetings. The Live Youtube Youth meetings. The Google Hangouts, and virtual games. The House Parties. The access to the world wide web and all it has to offer in terms of education and new ideas. The blogs, the videos, the memes.
But I think we're also a bit done with tech; the lack of face to face contact. Being muted. Not knowing when to speak. The glitching. The freezing. The crashing. The breakout rooms. The blogs, the videos, the memes.
Personally for me, I have struggled to get any time alone. The little ones are up at 7am (a lie in for some mums) and the big ones are up until 11pm. And the 16 hours inbetween are filled up with so may things it seems. During the educational hours, it's juggling the needs of six individuals and working out who gets the computer when. During the creative, spiritual, emotional and physical times, it's working out who is doing what activity and in which room, with what, and with which sibling. Or indeed, who needs to be kept away from all siblings.
During free time, it's monitoring who has become one with Fortnite, what mess has been made where, whose turn it is to do a household chore, who needs me to do the thing I put off earlier, and teaching the little pink ones that they do not need to put every single item from their bedroom in to all of their handbags.
During the snack time, and dinner time, it's all together time, which is my favourite bit probably. Somewhere in there, there's dinner prep, and washing and texing and Instagram, and the usual 'Divide & Conquer', family warfare, as well as laughter, and "make him stop!!!" And then it's the evening, and I'm tired, but I might need to contact someone or watch a film with the teens or attempt to ask the husband about his day or reply to people, or I just simply zone out.
There were a few teary days last week, where me and the husband realised that I may need a bit of head space, and physical space. (Hats off to the single mums who crave this, and can't speak to anyone about this, let alone actually get that space, especially in this season). And I realised that with the lack of 'me time', the God time has been lacking too. Sure there's Daily Devotions, coming straight to my email address, there's Daily kids' Bible stories, there's virtual church on Sundays. There's small groups, and prayer meetings on line and there's the constant teaching of the gospel, to the kids. But there's a dryness... a lack, an apathy, a passivity, and without the necessary hunger to push me back towards my Heavenly Father.
I had a little day dream or perhaps God was speaking to me (it's harder to hear His voice, when I'm not listening) about the bit in the Bible, where the people of God, grumbled to Him and He sent them 'Manna from Heaven'. Basically like a frost on the ground when the dew had gone, and it could be gathered daily and used to bake with. I was literally thinking of everyone going out to gather their portions, and me just staying home and not bothering. Then at bedtime that evening, the girls' Bible story, was the exact same one. Mmm...
So yesterday, I attempted to read it. There was a moment, when they all had a task to do. (Albeit the little one's task was to suck a lollipop, but desperate times require desperate measures). I was interupted by a child who wanted to share their homework with me, the same one asked when he could stop learning, one who asked if we could get a tortoise, (I think he was meant to reading), one child spilled water on her LOL top, and another child, (or the same child, I lose count) wanted me to help her with her new Build-A-Bear magazine, which she was meant to be looking at 'on her own' I tried not to get stressed with them. Not their fault. They're trying to adjust and cope too. (Although c'mon just sucking on a lollipop shouldn't require help).
I was in the sunshine, which definitly makes it easier. I Paused, tried again. And again. Eventually I got through the thirty six verses. I underlined one verse;
"And when the dew had gone up, there was on the face of the wilderness a fine, flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground". (Exodus 16v14)
I was drawn to this verse, because 'on the face of the wilderness', the provision of 'manna' was there. Smack bang in the literal and spiritual sense of the wilderness, the wasteland, the dry land, the desert place, the barren land, God's provision was there.
And the manna, the provision, was sweet (like wafers made with honey). I didn't have an amazing spiritual or emotional moment, but that one phrase tasted and smelled amazing. I guess, like food or water for my dry and thirsty soul. The source of the provision isn't in question. It's available. It's right there, on the face of the wilderness. Whether or not I actually receive that provision, or go and get it, is a whole different thing entirely. I think I will stay in Exodus 16, if I get another lollipop moment. If the moments are scarce, I may need to see where I can add more moments in. (Go and actually pick up the provision). But I think staying with this one chapter may do me good. Maybe I'll listen to it, and dwell on it, even while I'm feeding a sour dough starter. It won't grown on it's own, it needs to be fed.
I think we're all quite grateful for tech; the facetiming of friends and grandparents, and cousins. The Zoom prayer meetings. The Live Youtube Youth meetings. The Google Hangouts, and virtual games. The House Parties. The access to the world wide web and all it has to offer in terms of education and new ideas. The blogs, the videos, the memes.
But I think we're also a bit done with tech; the lack of face to face contact. Being muted. Not knowing when to speak. The glitching. The freezing. The crashing. The breakout rooms. The blogs, the videos, the memes.
Personally for me, I have struggled to get any time alone. The little ones are up at 7am (a lie in for some mums) and the big ones are up until 11pm. And the 16 hours inbetween are filled up with so may things it seems. During the educational hours, it's juggling the needs of six individuals and working out who gets the computer when. During the creative, spiritual, emotional and physical times, it's working out who is doing what activity and in which room, with what, and with which sibling. Or indeed, who needs to be kept away from all siblings.
During free time, it's monitoring who has become one with Fortnite, what mess has been made where, whose turn it is to do a household chore, who needs me to do the thing I put off earlier, and teaching the little pink ones that they do not need to put every single item from their bedroom in to all of their handbags.
During the snack time, and dinner time, it's all together time, which is my favourite bit probably. Somewhere in there, there's dinner prep, and washing and texing and Instagram, and the usual 'Divide & Conquer', family warfare, as well as laughter, and "make him stop!!!" And then it's the evening, and I'm tired, but I might need to contact someone or watch a film with the teens or attempt to ask the husband about his day or reply to people, or I just simply zone out.
There were a few teary days last week, where me and the husband realised that I may need a bit of head space, and physical space. (Hats off to the single mums who crave this, and can't speak to anyone about this, let alone actually get that space, especially in this season). And I realised that with the lack of 'me time', the God time has been lacking too. Sure there's Daily Devotions, coming straight to my email address, there's Daily kids' Bible stories, there's virtual church on Sundays. There's small groups, and prayer meetings on line and there's the constant teaching of the gospel, to the kids. But there's a dryness... a lack, an apathy, a passivity, and without the necessary hunger to push me back towards my Heavenly Father.
I had a little day dream or perhaps God was speaking to me (it's harder to hear His voice, when I'm not listening) about the bit in the Bible, where the people of God, grumbled to Him and He sent them 'Manna from Heaven'. Basically like a frost on the ground when the dew had gone, and it could be gathered daily and used to bake with. I was literally thinking of everyone going out to gather their portions, and me just staying home and not bothering. Then at bedtime that evening, the girls' Bible story, was the exact same one. Mmm...
So yesterday, I attempted to read it. There was a moment, when they all had a task to do. (Albeit the little one's task was to suck a lollipop, but desperate times require desperate measures). I was interupted by a child who wanted to share their homework with me, the same one asked when he could stop learning, one who asked if we could get a tortoise, (I think he was meant to reading), one child spilled water on her LOL top, and another child, (or the same child, I lose count) wanted me to help her with her new Build-A-Bear magazine, which she was meant to be looking at 'on her own' I tried not to get stressed with them. Not their fault. They're trying to adjust and cope too. (Although c'mon just sucking on a lollipop shouldn't require help).
I was in the sunshine, which definitly makes it easier. I Paused, tried again. And again. Eventually I got through the thirty six verses. I underlined one verse;
"And when the dew had gone up, there was on the face of the wilderness a fine, flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground". (Exodus 16v14)
I was drawn to this verse, because 'on the face of the wilderness', the provision of 'manna' was there. Smack bang in the literal and spiritual sense of the wilderness, the wasteland, the dry land, the desert place, the barren land, God's provision was there.
And the manna, the provision, was sweet (like wafers made with honey). I didn't have an amazing spiritual or emotional moment, but that one phrase tasted and smelled amazing. I guess, like food or water for my dry and thirsty soul. The source of the provision isn't in question. It's available. It's right there, on the face of the wilderness. Whether or not I actually receive that provision, or go and get it, is a whole different thing entirely. I think I will stay in Exodus 16, if I get another lollipop moment. If the moments are scarce, I may need to see where I can add more moments in. (Go and actually pick up the provision). But I think staying with this one chapter may do me good. Maybe I'll listen to it, and dwell on it, even while I'm feeding a sour dough starter. It won't grown on it's own, it needs to be fed.
Thursday, 2 April 2020
Wherever I Am, There's Always Pooh
Throwback post, from eight years ago; back to when parks could be visited daily, and Antibacterial Soap was aplenty.
Last week I experienced one of those moments, you know the moments which really highlight the wonders of motherhood. I was in the park with three out of four of the boys, waiting for one of them to finish his after school club.
My almost three year old was testing to see if the boundaries of disobedience were the same in a park as they are in the house, which of course they are. I had approached him as he wasn't responding to me, and that's when I realised that he had wet himself, which may have been part of the reason for him not coming to me. (That and a slightly stubborn streak).
I explained that I needed to change his trousers, so he held my hand and we walked over to the buggy. I quickly pulled his trousers off, and it was as the poo rolled onto my hand and hit the park floor, that I realised my son had actually had more than a wet accident. These are the moments in life which no one ever prepares you for, no matter what books you read.
I sat for a few seconds wondering what to do and gritted my teeth as another child in the park told me I shouldn't bring pooey babies there. I reached into my bag only to realise that I had made a rookie mistake; I had left the house without baby wipes! Who does that after eight years and four children? I even recently gave a mum-to-be a survival kit; consisting of wipes, anti-bacterial gel, wine, Calpol and chocolate. I could have done with this kit on this very day.
My other two boys came to help, watch and comment on my disastrous moment. They offered to get me some leaves to clean my poo covered hand. I didn't answer them with my best motherly, calm and gentle tone. They were just being helpful, and leaves were quite a good suggestion. It was more that their 'help' wasn't adding to the situation, which I was trying to be in control of. I washed my hand with Ribena instead. I pulled my boy's trousers up and tried to pull his shirt down a bit more to disguise his mishap. I still had ten minutes to wait until the after school club finished, so the poo-child ran off to play again. I chose to delete everything that had just happened, from my mind. With my head held high, smiling at my boy, I tried to ignore the gross smell that was emitting from him, and the frutier gross smell that was coming from my hand as I waved at him.
When we reached home, I showered my son while squirting bubble bath all over his rear. I threw his pants away, replenished my bag with wipes, cleaned the buggy, and then finally an hour later cleaned my own hands; post poo, post Ribena, post bum cleaning, post buggy cleaning, with anti-bacterial soap. As I was doing so, I wondered whether there could really be a God-moment I could grasp for. I thought back to the morning when I had met with some other mums and we had looked at Ephesians 2 together.
"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
I held on to the fact that God created us mums to do good works, which He prepared in advance for us to do. And that God's hands are clean, and if I am His handiwork, then I am made clean by Him too. Oh I know it's a leap, from poo to God. But God knew the good works us mums would have to do. To be honest, He sees all the crap! And just as I held my son's hand to walk him over to the buggy, to deal with his stuff...God holds my hand, and helps me with my stuff too.
"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
I held on to the fact that God created us mums to do good works, which He prepared in advance for us to do. And that God's hands are clean, and if I am His handiwork, then I am made clean by Him too. Oh I know it's a leap, from poo to God. But God knew the good works us mums would have to do. To be honest, He sees all the crap! And just as I held my son's hand to walk him over to the buggy, to deal with his stuff...God holds my hand, and helps me with my stuff too.
Saturday, 28 March 2020
Virtual Reality
So we are a week into Lockdown in this household, and the schedule has been losely on point. There have been fun family moments of PE, first thing in the morning, with The Body Coach. Even more entertaining, has been our own family live FaceBook streaming our version of the workout. (Thank you to all have tuned in and commented).
There have been moments where we have all read a book (or scanned Social Media but the kids don't need to know that), there have been educational moments, and fights over computer screens, with arguments such as, "my education is more important than his", there have been Victory Royales (a win on Fortnite), as well as Playstation bans.
There have been days we just couldn't be bothered, and days we've watched a lot of Barbie Dreamhouse. Some moments have been filled with laughter; the fun joyous kind, and the slightly insane kind, as well as some high level stress moments, and some tears. The kids have quickly learned that if they say, "I think it's for the benefit of my emotional health", I'm more likely to agree to their request.
I've had a fair few emails from the CEOs of 'every shop I've ever been to', and watched the close of some favourite eateries, as well as the sad realisation that some businesses might not make it back, but I'm hoping the Government's finacial help, gives some hope.
Social Media has been a mixture of sad news, unflattering FaceTime photos, scary stuff, amusing memes, encouragements from Head Teachers and actual HomeSchool mums, to take it easy and enjoy the kids. There's always some negativity on Social Media, but also so much community spirit bursting forth too. There's been Zoom meetings, NHS clapping, slighty stressed mums, one anothering, church streaming, and helpful links of things to do and see, and a vast amount of things to virtually connect with.
I thought I'd mention some of these here; a look into what's on offer. Bigger companies like Twinkl have put out a lot of free resources to help school kids from Early Years to KS4, with SEN help too. (A lot of these are printable, which doesn't serve everyone). There are live animal cameras to watch at various zoos, and some celebrities playing their part. Steve Backshall is doing Live Facebook Q&As, weekdays at 9:30am. David Walliams is reading his own books at 11am, cleverly called Elevensies. You can even let Carol Voderman take the stress out of teaching Maths. Countdown all over again.
You can listen to stories at Audible Stories, you can go to the theatre from the comfort of your sofa. You can virtually tour the Louvre, and other museums. (Although I'm pretty sure watching Night at the Museum, is just as factual). There's plenty more virtual tours you can take here. Later we are getting on a virtual ride at Disney You can also bake with Martha Collinson, with things you find in your cupboard, hopefully not too random a selection of food. (See my latest blog involving a tin of Cock A Leekie). Maybe do the baking after the rollercoaster, just in case Virtual Reality is really as good as the real ride! You can also learn British Sign Language; an excellent language to learn, which will result in more people feeling included and understood. That's never a bad thing.
I thought I'd also share some of the smaller, lesser known resources too. I have the pleasure of knowing a few teachers and creative types, who are giving their services at this strange time. Author Dave Atheral, is reading through a chapter of his book NOT PAT, with a question at the end. Mr Field is doing some on line maths teaching, via Loom. Another teacher has a wonderfully creative Instagram account; Cool Classroom.
My Papercut Forrest is also doing some beautiful things with paper, while Button & Blue is teaching us to knit! Gem's Wholesome kitchen is a great place to find Veggie and Vegan cooking videos. Emma Stone Johnson is making free cards for NHS members. Kimbalu is a fun singing monkey who would love to entertain your little ones, as are the guys at Little Notes. (Fun and singing, not monkeys). You can join with Glass dance on their Facebook live teaching videos. If you want some Biblical content, you can watch the adorable Bible Sisters, as they tell Bible stories with their toys. You can check out Emmanuel Kids, The Little Worship Company and Baby Devotions.
There are of course, far more things to access, far and wide, as well as local and home-made. What a blessing technology is to us.
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows". James 1v17
There have been moments where we have all read a book (or scanned Social Media but the kids don't need to know that), there have been educational moments, and fights over computer screens, with arguments such as, "my education is more important than his", there have been Victory Royales (a win on Fortnite), as well as Playstation bans.
There have been days we just couldn't be bothered, and days we've watched a lot of Barbie Dreamhouse. Some moments have been filled with laughter; the fun joyous kind, and the slightly insane kind, as well as some high level stress moments, and some tears. The kids have quickly learned that if they say, "I think it's for the benefit of my emotional health", I'm more likely to agree to their request.
I've had a fair few emails from the CEOs of 'every shop I've ever been to', and watched the close of some favourite eateries, as well as the sad realisation that some businesses might not make it back, but I'm hoping the Government's finacial help, gives some hope.
Social Media has been a mixture of sad news, unflattering FaceTime photos, scary stuff, amusing memes, encouragements from Head Teachers and actual HomeSchool mums, to take it easy and enjoy the kids. There's always some negativity on Social Media, but also so much community spirit bursting forth too. There's been Zoom meetings, NHS clapping, slighty stressed mums, one anothering, church streaming, and helpful links of things to do and see, and a vast amount of things to virtually connect with.
I thought I'd mention some of these here; a look into what's on offer. Bigger companies like Twinkl have put out a lot of free resources to help school kids from Early Years to KS4, with SEN help too. (A lot of these are printable, which doesn't serve everyone). There are live animal cameras to watch at various zoos, and some celebrities playing their part. Steve Backshall is doing Live Facebook Q&As, weekdays at 9:30am. David Walliams is reading his own books at 11am, cleverly called Elevensies. You can even let Carol Voderman take the stress out of teaching Maths. Countdown all over again.
You can listen to stories at Audible Stories, you can go to the theatre from the comfort of your sofa. You can virtually tour the Louvre, and other museums. (Although I'm pretty sure watching Night at the Museum, is just as factual). There's plenty more virtual tours you can take here. Later we are getting on a virtual ride at Disney You can also bake with Martha Collinson, with things you find in your cupboard, hopefully not too random a selection of food. (See my latest blog involving a tin of Cock A Leekie). Maybe do the baking after the rollercoaster, just in case Virtual Reality is really as good as the real ride! You can also learn British Sign Language; an excellent language to learn, which will result in more people feeling included and understood. That's never a bad thing.
I thought I'd also share some of the smaller, lesser known resources too. I have the pleasure of knowing a few teachers and creative types, who are giving their services at this strange time. Author Dave Atheral, is reading through a chapter of his book NOT PAT, with a question at the end. Mr Field is doing some on line maths teaching, via Loom. Another teacher has a wonderfully creative Instagram account; Cool Classroom.
My Papercut Forrest is also doing some beautiful things with paper, while Button & Blue is teaching us to knit! Gem's Wholesome kitchen is a great place to find Veggie and Vegan cooking videos. Emma Stone Johnson is making free cards for NHS members. Kimbalu is a fun singing monkey who would love to entertain your little ones, as are the guys at Little Notes. (Fun and singing, not monkeys). You can join with Glass dance on their Facebook live teaching videos. If you want some Biblical content, you can watch the adorable Bible Sisters, as they tell Bible stories with their toys. You can check out Emmanuel Kids, The Little Worship Company and Baby Devotions.
There are of course, far more things to access, far and wide, as well as local and home-made. What a blessing technology is to us.
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows". James 1v17
Thursday, 19 March 2020
A Moment in Time
Well, we find ourselves in a 'Moment in Time', which of course all moments are, but this one seems pretty significant. We're in the midst of a Pandemic. Something the history pages will look back on. A time of uncertainty for us all.
I've sent three of my kids off to school, for the last two days of this term, and maybe even the next?! Ive got one downstairs doing home school-work, as his year group was understaffed to be able to teach him this week. I've got one in bed, presently just grateful it's not his usual 6:15am early wake up call. And I've got a disappointed sixteen year old who has gone into school, disheartened that he wont sit his GCSEs, and quite likely that there will be no 'end of school, shirt signing' for him and his friends, no chance for a proper end to his schooling life, and unsure what the future holds for college.
Yesterday I went to Asda, and Instagrammed my amusing take on it all. I get the sudden rush on pasta and loo roll, (maybe not to the extent that some have taken). But there were no toothbrushes. I didn't see that one coming. There was also no whiskey. It felt enough like Christmas, that I wondered if I should pop a bottle of Baileys in the trolley. But I didn't. I was in there for bread, milk and cereal, of which I was allowed two of. There was one tin of Cock-a-Leekie soup! Firstly, what is that, and secondly, we're panic buying Cock-a-Leekie soup now?! I left it kindly for someone else!
There's been quite the anger from some, seeing the panic buying. It's rather selfish in some ways, and there is enough food to go around, they just cant get it re-stocked quick enough. But I also understand people's desire to make sure their family and friends are looked after. I got a box of decaffinated teabags for my sister in law, because there's no way she would get through this without tea. I already had bought tea for myself, as there was only Earl Grey left and that's just like drinking perfume! So have I added to the demand?! There are lengths people go to, to protect their own. It puts the whole Seria refuge crisis in a little perspective. If we're panic buying in a Pandemic to look after our own, surely we can understand why someone would put their whole family on a boat or in a van, in an actual war?!
I'm not so sure when people were buying their extra pasta, they were hoping the elderly would go without. And I'm encouraged that the supermarkets have started letting the elderly and those who care for the vulnerable in earlier than the rest of us. That's the right thing to do. I'm also loving the community spirit at work, people looking out for those local to them, especailly those who may be self-isolating, whatsapp groups and Facebbok pages opening up to one another. There seems to be a renewed sense of looking after the poorer in society, the more frail, the less able. There seems to be a less hurried way of doing life in the midst of it all, chatting to people, asking people how they are doing, social distancing but not social isolating. It's a time of coming together, of one anothering.
I watched the Prime Minister's speech yesterday with one of my kids, who has a lot of questions about it all, and there aren't many answers to give him. It was a bit like you see in the films of old, people gathered around the screen, waiting for answers and information. Then at dinner I explained as fully as I could, with the different ages represented, what was happening....and the effects on people's health, the effects on people's jobs and money, and housing, the effects on our wonderful NHS, the fact that we probably shouldn't see Nanny and Grandad for a little while, the effects on education, the effects on church, the effects on Foodbanks and the poor, and children who wont be geting free school meals, the effects on GCSEs, the effects on why daddy is super busy at the moment, the effects on the shops, and socialising, the effects of a Lockdown, the effects of worry and anxiety on people, and so on.
I explained too that disappointment would be largely spread; weddings cancelled, postponed, hurridly brought forward, flights and trips and holidays of a lifetime cancelled, family occasions and celebrations halted. It was a bit of a bleak chats at points, and they were asked to share their questions.
One asked if there was any more Pesto Pasta left. Ah the irony of this was not missed on me. The littlest one asked, 'what's a virus?' And then got very sad that she wont see her teacher for a while. (Her teacher is her favourite human, closely followed by the bin man). Another child asked how it would affect playing out with his friends, can kids get it? Will we know anyone who dies from it? How is it passed on? Why are we washing our hands? Are Nanny and grandad ok? Why will we have to do school work? What if one of us gets it? What will happen to church?
I did my best to answer some questions... where I could. And I got to tell them a wonderful answer my friend gave her daughter. Her daughter came in and asked, 'What's the latest news?' And my friend profoundly answered, 'Well, Jesus is still on the throne. He loves us very much and He is still, and always will be good'. I reminded them of the hope we have in Jesus in the midst of this; that the biggest thing we've ever had to face is actually the forgiveness of our sin, and that Jesus dealt with that at the cross. I reminded them that there will be an eternity with Jesus, where there will be no pain, no shame, no tears, not death, no illness and no viruses. And that whislt we're living through this bit of history, our hope in Him doesn't change. He's always been and always will be. He cares for us the same way He's always cared. He loves people and continues to want them to find their way back to Him.
Surely this newfound community spirit, this looking after of one another, this 'if you can be anything, be kind' mentality, this selfless serving of others, this taking care of the poor and vulnerable, is how God intended us to love one another...how He first loved us
We prayed, as a family after dinner, one by one, thanking God for something, because we know that thankfulness is a weapon against disappointment. We prayed against getting the virus. And we submitted our worries, our concenrs and our disappointments to God also, knowing that He's not surprised by what He sees. He's not wobbled by it all. In a time of uncertainty, He remains very sure, very certain indeed.
We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near;
people tell of your wonderful deeds.
“I (Jesus) have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
I've sent three of my kids off to school, for the last two days of this term, and maybe even the next?! Ive got one downstairs doing home school-work, as his year group was understaffed to be able to teach him this week. I've got one in bed, presently just grateful it's not his usual 6:15am early wake up call. And I've got a disappointed sixteen year old who has gone into school, disheartened that he wont sit his GCSEs, and quite likely that there will be no 'end of school, shirt signing' for him and his friends, no chance for a proper end to his schooling life, and unsure what the future holds for college.
Yesterday I went to Asda, and Instagrammed my amusing take on it all. I get the sudden rush on pasta and loo roll, (maybe not to the extent that some have taken). But there were no toothbrushes. I didn't see that one coming. There was also no whiskey. It felt enough like Christmas, that I wondered if I should pop a bottle of Baileys in the trolley. But I didn't. I was in there for bread, milk and cereal, of which I was allowed two of. There was one tin of Cock-a-Leekie soup! Firstly, what is that, and secondly, we're panic buying Cock-a-Leekie soup now?! I left it kindly for someone else!
There's been quite the anger from some, seeing the panic buying. It's rather selfish in some ways, and there is enough food to go around, they just cant get it re-stocked quick enough. But I also understand people's desire to make sure their family and friends are looked after. I got a box of decaffinated teabags for my sister in law, because there's no way she would get through this without tea. I already had bought tea for myself, as there was only Earl Grey left and that's just like drinking perfume! So have I added to the demand?! There are lengths people go to, to protect their own. It puts the whole Seria refuge crisis in a little perspective. If we're panic buying in a Pandemic to look after our own, surely we can understand why someone would put their whole family on a boat or in a van, in an actual war?!
I'm not so sure when people were buying their extra pasta, they were hoping the elderly would go without. And I'm encouraged that the supermarkets have started letting the elderly and those who care for the vulnerable in earlier than the rest of us. That's the right thing to do. I'm also loving the community spirit at work, people looking out for those local to them, especailly those who may be self-isolating, whatsapp groups and Facebbok pages opening up to one another. There seems to be a renewed sense of looking after the poorer in society, the more frail, the less able. There seems to be a less hurried way of doing life in the midst of it all, chatting to people, asking people how they are doing, social distancing but not social isolating. It's a time of coming together, of one anothering.
I watched the Prime Minister's speech yesterday with one of my kids, who has a lot of questions about it all, and there aren't many answers to give him. It was a bit like you see in the films of old, people gathered around the screen, waiting for answers and information. Then at dinner I explained as fully as I could, with the different ages represented, what was happening....and the effects on people's health, the effects on people's jobs and money, and housing, the effects on our wonderful NHS, the fact that we probably shouldn't see Nanny and Grandad for a little while, the effects on education, the effects on church, the effects on Foodbanks and the poor, and children who wont be geting free school meals, the effects on GCSEs, the effects on why daddy is super busy at the moment, the effects on the shops, and socialising, the effects of a Lockdown, the effects of worry and anxiety on people, and so on.
I explained too that disappointment would be largely spread; weddings cancelled, postponed, hurridly brought forward, flights and trips and holidays of a lifetime cancelled, family occasions and celebrations halted. It was a bit of a bleak chats at points, and they were asked to share their questions.
One asked if there was any more Pesto Pasta left. Ah the irony of this was not missed on me. The littlest one asked, 'what's a virus?' And then got very sad that she wont see her teacher for a while. (Her teacher is her favourite human, closely followed by the bin man). Another child asked how it would affect playing out with his friends, can kids get it? Will we know anyone who dies from it? How is it passed on? Why are we washing our hands? Are Nanny and grandad ok? Why will we have to do school work? What if one of us gets it? What will happen to church?
I did my best to answer some questions... where I could. And I got to tell them a wonderful answer my friend gave her daughter. Her daughter came in and asked, 'What's the latest news?' And my friend profoundly answered, 'Well, Jesus is still on the throne. He loves us very much and He is still, and always will be good'. I reminded them of the hope we have in Jesus in the midst of this; that the biggest thing we've ever had to face is actually the forgiveness of our sin, and that Jesus dealt with that at the cross. I reminded them that there will be an eternity with Jesus, where there will be no pain, no shame, no tears, not death, no illness and no viruses. And that whislt we're living through this bit of history, our hope in Him doesn't change. He's always been and always will be. He cares for us the same way He's always cared. He loves people and continues to want them to find their way back to Him.
Surely this newfound community spirit, this looking after of one another, this 'if you can be anything, be kind' mentality, this selfless serving of others, this taking care of the poor and vulnerable, is how God intended us to love one another...how He first loved us
We prayed, as a family after dinner, one by one, thanking God for something, because we know that thankfulness is a weapon against disappointment. We prayed against getting the virus. And we submitted our worries, our concenrs and our disappointments to God also, knowing that He's not surprised by what He sees. He's not wobbled by it all. In a time of uncertainty, He remains very sure, very certain indeed.
We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near;
people tell of your wonderful deeds.
You say, “I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge with equity.
When the earth and all its people quake,
it is I who hold its pillars firm.
When the earth and all its people quake,
it is I who hold its pillars firm.
Psalm 75v1-3
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16v33
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