Sunday is the second Mothers Day that I get/have to celebrate. England and America celebrate them on different days – if I were a mother I’d be quite pleased and make sure I celebrated BOTH, but since I am not a mother every Mothers Day is very hard for me.
I wrote about this on my babystepstobaby blog, and, after my surgery happened upon it quite by accident. What a blessing it was to find it and read it! I thought I would re-post it (since right now I don't think I could have such a positive attitude).
* * * * *
When I was about 20 and attending Young Adults in my home ward, we were asked to put together the yearly Mothers Day program for Sacrament Meeting. I was asked to do a talk about mothers. Simple enough right? But it wasn't simple. During the weeks before my talk I couldn't shake a conference talk from mind by Sheri Dew called: Are We Not All Mothers? I felt drawn to give that talk because I felt a certain empathy for those women in the ward who were not mothers. Not understanding completely why I was compelled to base my talk on that, I followed my feelings and did base my talk on every woman being a mother and being called to help the children that surround her, whether her own or others. Little did I know at that point in my life, that nearly 10 years later I would be one of those women I had such an affinity for.
And now, how I struggle to remember the message I wanted to give to those women!
Luckily, I am surrounded (not figuratively but emotionally) by supportive women who remind me that I can strive to possess those qualities that mothers have.
As I look back at my adult life I can see how special opportunities have been put in my way to work on those qualities and, I have had the unique opportunity to be as close to being a mother as possible, without giving birth. There was wisdom in Gods plan of having me support a friend through adoption. There was wisdom in having friends who had babies first and me being able to support them and be someone they called on when they needed help. There was absolute wisdom in the answer of many prayers (not just mine) of my greatest opportunity to be a nanny for 5 beautiful children whom I loved as much as I could, and subsequently found an amazing friend through that experience, along with a lot of other inspiring people during that time.
I felt that when I left my nanny job, my next step would be having children of my own. Of course, that was what I thought - newly married with an ideal life ahead of me. Little did I know that my "ideal life" was not to be had.
Years went by and no baby came - somehow in my grieving for that dream I had forgotten that I had the ability to love like a mother. Up until just a few days ago, I forgot about that talk that I had felt so prompted to share. I was as good of an auntie as I could be to my gorgeous nieces and nephews but there was a huge amount of detaching myself from them, because they represented my failings as a woman and mother.
But then God provided me with some tender mercies that have struck my heart.
Spending time with my newest niece, Madie (*2 months old), and having her mom allow me to comfort her - and being able to sooth her, unlike some of the other mothers in the room, conference - and being told that if I was living a righteous life I had no reason to complain about trials,
and an amazing email from a special friend that comforted me in ways nothing else could - and helped me remember how I used to feel about children.
And finally today, my sister in law asked me to go with her to get her baby her vaccinations. She doesn't like to be in there when she gets the shots (usually her husband goes) and she asked me, someone who has no children, and trusted me enough with the baby to be the one to take her.
As I sat there with the small child on my lap, and as she got her shots and cried, but quieted down as soon as I cuddled her and held her in my arms - all those feeling came shooting back to me - I may never have children of my own - but I have the unique opportunity of being a mother to several different children - of that I am grateful and I can never be thankful enough for a moment of inspiration nearly 10 years ago - of the opportunity of giving myself something I really needed now – hope.
*Written 08 April 2009
As this Mothers Day comes and goes I am so proud and grateful for the examples of good mothers in my life. But, maybe you could spend a minute on Sunday, and look around, maybe there is someone who is aching for a child – a kind word or hug – could help more than you’d ever know.
Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts
Friday, 7 May 2010
Monday, 5 April 2010
Easter in England
A lot of the time when I tell people that I live in England (or that I’m from America) they ask me what is the MOST different thing about living here. I have to admit, when I first was planning on moving here I thought that very few things would be different. I had visited before, but never lived here, and the things I did while on holiday didn't seem TOO much different than back home.
BOY WAS I WRONG!
There are so many thing that are similar, but there are even more things that are different.
Back home in Utah, I was very used to the Easter Bunny coming and visiting (on Saturday morning, we’d get our baskets so that on Sunday we could focus on the real meaning of Easter). I was used to peeps, malted milk balls (that double as lipstick) and jelly beans. Boy, was I surprised when on my first Easter in England, to begin with, I searched high and low for a basket – only to find one at the florist, extremely over priced, and just plain wicker – the day before Easter.
I found at the shops there were no Peeps or Jelly Beans or anything like that, but they did have…. CHOCOLATE EGGS. No, not just little chocolate eggs, but hollow chocolate eggs that were as big as my hand – no, Chris’ hand!
I am ashamed to admit, the first Easter we were here we went overboard and, I think, bought at least 4 for each of us (and I wonder where this extra weight came from). Anyway…
Here in England, Easter isn't just a Sunday holiday, it is a four day holiday.
Good Friday: Chris and I went to a multi-church open air service in the town square. It was good, but after 30 minutes and only 2 songs into the service – we left. Most of the shops are either closed or have “Bank Holiday” hours (10-4).
Saturday: Funny enough, this is just a “regular” day. There are no reduced hours – but I can say, with strong conviction – that if you go shopping for Easter eggs on this day, there will only be the very EXPENSIVE ones left.
Easter Sunday: Pretty much the same as it is in the states. The church next door was packed all day long.
Bank Holiday Monday: The stores are, once again, only run on reduced hours. People don't have to work (mostly). Families just spend time together (my extended family did DIY and cleaning out in the back garden). Bank Holidays are notorious for rain and bad weather.
Some of the “traditional” foods at Easter are: Hot Cross Buns, Roast Lamb, and, of course, chocolate.
Hope you all had a lovely Easter and aren't suffering from chocolate overload TOO much, now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to TRY to work off some of about 10,000 chocolate calories.
BOY WAS I WRONG!
There are so many thing that are similar, but there are even more things that are different.
Back home in Utah, I was very used to the Easter Bunny coming and visiting (on Saturday morning, we’d get our baskets so that on Sunday we could focus on the real meaning of Easter). I was used to peeps, malted milk balls (that double as lipstick) and jelly beans. Boy, was I surprised when on my first Easter in England, to begin with, I searched high and low for a basket – only to find one at the florist, extremely over priced, and just plain wicker – the day before Easter.
I found at the shops there were no Peeps or Jelly Beans or anything like that, but they did have…. CHOCOLATE EGGS. No, not just little chocolate eggs, but hollow chocolate eggs that were as big as my hand – no, Chris’ hand!
I am ashamed to admit, the first Easter we were here we went overboard and, I think, bought at least 4 for each of us (and I wonder where this extra weight came from). Anyway…
Here in England, Easter isn't just a Sunday holiday, it is a four day holiday.
Good Friday: Chris and I went to a multi-church open air service in the town square. It was good, but after 30 minutes and only 2 songs into the service – we left. Most of the shops are either closed or have “Bank Holiday” hours (10-4).
Saturday: Funny enough, this is just a “regular” day. There are no reduced hours – but I can say, with strong conviction – that if you go shopping for Easter eggs on this day, there will only be the very EXPENSIVE ones left.
Easter Sunday: Pretty much the same as it is in the states. The church next door was packed all day long.
Bank Holiday Monday: The stores are, once again, only run on reduced hours. People don't have to work (mostly). Families just spend time together (my extended family did DIY and cleaning out in the back garden). Bank Holidays are notorious for rain and bad weather.
Some of the “traditional” foods at Easter are: Hot Cross Buns, Roast Lamb, and, of course, chocolate.
Hope you all had a lovely Easter and aren't suffering from chocolate overload TOO much, now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to TRY to work off some of about 10,000 chocolate calories.
Monday, 15 March 2010
Great Yarmouth
No, your eyes are not deceiving you. This is a new blog entry. Don't be too shocked – take a deep breath, and lets begin.
So much (and yet, nothing) has happened since I last updated, so I will be starting from recently (to avoid becoming too overwhelmed).
This last weekend Chris and I decided to avoid Mothers Day at all costs – and spend a weekend in Great Yarmouth for his birthday (on the same day as Mothers Day).
It turned out to be quite rainy, cold, and a bit boring. It wasn't good weather at all (except about 30 minutes on Saturday).
The B&B left little to be desired and when the TV broke in our first room, we got moved to another smaller room. The toilet and shower were in a space that was no bigger than an American closet. We were supposed to stay for 3 nights but yesterday we could hear out own bed calling us from 90 miles away and we packed up a day early and came home.
It was nice to get away, and I am always keen to see new parts of the country. It was nice to focus on Chris’ birthday and just spend some time together away from “real life”.
But, oh was it nice to be home…
Here are some pictures from the weekend – if you want to see the whole set (including videos) make sure you visit theflattleys.co.uk. Chris does a great job updating the site with all the pictures and videos we take over here.
Anyway, enjoy!
The view looking toward the pier. 
Looking towards the North Sea, with a typical English sky.
Looking off the pier. I have always said the clouds in England look different than they do in Utah, and here you can see why – they are very low.
The old pier (I think) and the dirty North Sea waves. 
The view of the town from the top of the multi-story car park. 
The death trap (a.k.a. stairs). We were on the top floor of the B&B and the stairs were soooo steep. I clung onto the rails for dear life every time I walked up or down those stairs (and if you know my luck with stairs – you’ll understand why).
So much (and yet, nothing) has happened since I last updated, so I will be starting from recently (to avoid becoming too overwhelmed).
This last weekend Chris and I decided to avoid Mothers Day at all costs – and spend a weekend in Great Yarmouth for his birthday (on the same day as Mothers Day).
It turned out to be quite rainy, cold, and a bit boring. It wasn't good weather at all (except about 30 minutes on Saturday).
The B&B left little to be desired and when the TV broke in our first room, we got moved to another smaller room. The toilet and shower were in a space that was no bigger than an American closet. We were supposed to stay for 3 nights but yesterday we could hear out own bed calling us from 90 miles away and we packed up a day early and came home.
It was nice to get away, and I am always keen to see new parts of the country. It was nice to focus on Chris’ birthday and just spend some time together away from “real life”.
But, oh was it nice to be home…
Here are some pictures from the weekend – if you want to see the whole set (including videos) make sure you visit theflattleys.co.uk. Chris does a great job updating the site with all the pictures and videos we take over here.
Anyway, enjoy!
The view of the windfarm from the beach that would could walk to. If you look closely, you can see that some of the turbines are covered with the clouds.
The view looking toward the pier. 
Looking towards the North Sea, with a typical English sky.
Looking off the pier. I have always said the clouds in England look different than they do in Utah, and here you can see why – they are very low.
The old pier (I think) and the dirty North Sea waves. 
The view of the town from the top of the multi-story car park. 
The death trap (a.k.a. stairs). We were on the top floor of the B&B and the stairs were soooo steep. I clung onto the rails for dear life every time I walked up or down those stairs (and if you know my luck with stairs – you’ll understand why). Thursday, 16 July 2009
The American Cemetery in Cambridge
This recent 4th of July I really wanted to celebrate. The first year I was here Chris made me a great cake (pictured here), the next year we didn't do anything (which I hated) and this year I was determined to find something to do. There isn't much to do outside of London as far as celebrating (unless you live on a base or have other American friends).
Then I remembered that I had seen a sign a few months back, on the way to the American Base, that said American Cemetery and I decided to do some research.
This is what I found.
So Chris and I decided to risk it with the temperamental car and go to Newmarket for the Coeliac Food Fair (read: free samples) and on the way home go to the cemetery and then a purely American restaurant – Chili's.
Here are the pictures from Newmarket:
The fair was really good, except all of us that had Coeliac’s had to wear a yellow dot. When I was too embarrassed to butt in and get some free samples, Chris wore the dot.
The fair was on the racecourse which is really well taken care of, and actually quite posh – it makes me want to buy a huge hat and (said in an English accent) “Go to the races, my dear.”
This is just a random car parked in the car park.
Just the town sign.
Once we were done there we decided to head to the cemetery. The stupid sat nav lady was telling us the LONG way around everywhere and actually trying the kindness of our marriage more than most things and people – anyway, we FINALLY got to the cemetery.
While we were there a HUGE group of American and British Bikers (read: leather, beards, earrings and MASSIVE motorcycles) had a bit of a ceremony and I braved all the bugs and listened. They had a moment of silence and also the Star Spangled Banner playing (the trip was worth it for that).
After, we had a look around, now I know that what follows are lots of pictures so I am putting them in albums to look at (click on the album or visit my old website) – but if you have the time, have a look - the grounds were truly sacred and the chapel was amazing.
Flag Pictures:
Visitors Centre:
The Chapel:
The Headstones:
The Scenery:
The Wall:
Other Various Pictures:
As you can see Chris and I were very “picture happy” but we both were trying to capture the beauty of the place in the pictures, which I think, is impossible.
We finally left to go and get some food and listened to that stupid sat nav woman again and got an unintentional tour of Cambridge (would have been lovely had I not been hot, moody, tired, hungry, etc..). Finally after dealing with the Saturday day city traffic, stupid sat nav woman, AND running a red light (on accident – if you saw some of the light systems over here, you would too trust me!) We finally got to Chili's and IT WAS CLOSED (even though on the website it didn't say anything – don't even get me started!!!). Let the breakdown begin – parking in parking garage, going into the “mall” for food, too expensive, no air conditioning, too hot, PAID for parking even though we were straight in and out, loosing control of emotions, shouting at Chris, driving into several pub car parks and driving right out, and FINALLY driving to Ely to eat at a yucky Little Chef… blah!
All in all the day was very nice. It was good to see more of the country and even better to remember America. I have always had such an appreciation of my country – I love Veterans Day and all the other patriotic holidays – but I never REALLY knew how much living in such an amazing land meant to me until I didn't live there anymore. It isn't perfect by any means, but I cant help but cry when I hear “I’m Proud to be an American” – because I really, really am.
Then I remembered that I had seen a sign a few months back, on the way to the American Base, that said American Cemetery and I decided to do some research.
This is what I found.
So Chris and I decided to risk it with the temperamental car and go to Newmarket for the Coeliac Food Fair (read: free samples) and on the way home go to the cemetery and then a purely American restaurant – Chili's.
Here are the pictures from Newmarket:
The fair was really good, except all of us that had Coeliac’s had to wear a yellow dot. When I was too embarrassed to butt in and get some free samples, Chris wore the dot.
The fair was on the racecourse which is really well taken care of, and actually quite posh – it makes me want to buy a huge hat and (said in an English accent) “Go to the races, my dear.”
This is just a random car parked in the car park.
Just the town sign.
Once we were done there we decided to head to the cemetery. The stupid sat nav lady was telling us the LONG way around everywhere and actually trying the kindness of our marriage more than most things and people – anyway, we FINALLY got to the cemetery.
While we were there a HUGE group of American and British Bikers (read: leather, beards, earrings and MASSIVE motorcycles) had a bit of a ceremony and I braved all the bugs and listened. They had a moment of silence and also the Star Spangled Banner playing (the trip was worth it for that).
After, we had a look around, now I know that what follows are lots of pictures so I am putting them in albums to look at (click on the album or visit my old website) – but if you have the time, have a look - the grounds were truly sacred and the chapel was amazing.
Flag Pictures:
Visitors Centre:
The Chapel:
The Headstones:
The Scenery:
The Wall:
Other Various Pictures:
As you can see Chris and I were very “picture happy” but we both were trying to capture the beauty of the place in the pictures, which I think, is impossible.
We finally left to go and get some food and listened to that stupid sat nav woman again and got an unintentional tour of Cambridge (would have been lovely had I not been hot, moody, tired, hungry, etc..). Finally after dealing with the Saturday day city traffic, stupid sat nav woman, AND running a red light (on accident – if you saw some of the light systems over here, you would too trust me!) We finally got to Chili's and IT WAS CLOSED (even though on the website it didn't say anything – don't even get me started!!!). Let the breakdown begin – parking in parking garage, going into the “mall” for food, too expensive, no air conditioning, too hot, PAID for parking even though we were straight in and out, loosing control of emotions, shouting at Chris, driving into several pub car parks and driving right out, and FINALLY driving to Ely to eat at a yucky Little Chef… blah!
All in all the day was very nice. It was good to see more of the country and even better to remember America. I have always had such an appreciation of my country – I love Veterans Day and all the other patriotic holidays – but I never REALLY knew how much living in such an amazing land meant to me until I didn't live there anymore. It isn't perfect by any means, but I cant help but cry when I hear “I’m Proud to be an American” – because I really, really am.
Saturday, 4 July 2009
Tiny Moments Day 4
Happy Fourth of July! I think this has been one of the most patriotic 4th’s since I’ve been here in England. We spent a lot of time today at the American Cemetery in Cambridge. I plan on writing another post about it soon, with lots of pictures… but for now, have a great fourth!!
Sunday, 15 March 2009
Jamie the Cake Maker
Yesterday was Chris' Birthday, and it was a big one – 30! Last Saturday we had a party for him. We had it at the chapel where we meet for church. We spent quite a bit of time setting up and cooking party food. We didn't have as good of a turn out as I would have liked, but we had most of the family there and some good friends from church. I made a special train cake for Chris which he really liked and so did the kids! That along with 45 cupcakes kept me in the kitchen the entire night before here is the cake:
I was pleased with the way it turned out.
Here is the party before the party:
His sweet sister Rachel did the signs and also spent a lot of time helping me set up.
Yesterday we didn't do much to celebrate. We went to dinner but it was PACKED so we ended up coming home and getting a take away. I felt really sad because no one from Chris’ family said Happy Birthday to him but his dad and sister and he has to wait to get his present from America, so I tried a new recipe for a chocolate cake. It was one of the best cakes I’ve ever had (if I do say so myself):
One of the things I did for Chris’ party was get his friends from around the world to send him birthday cards – we got quite a few and I am so thankful for them because I think it make Chris’ birthday even more special knowing that so many people care about him. Here in England they give cards for everything and then display them so here are Chris’ cards:
17 cards in all (yes the one on the far right on the TV is a pickle – thanks Abbie).
All in all it wasn't the surprise 30th Birthday party that I wanted but, I hope Chris’ knows how much people care about him!
I was pleased with the way it turned out.
Here is the party before the party:
His sweet sister Rachel did the signs and also spent a lot of time helping me set up.
Yesterday we didn't do much to celebrate. We went to dinner but it was PACKED so we ended up coming home and getting a take away. I felt really sad because no one from Chris’ family said Happy Birthday to him but his dad and sister and he has to wait to get his present from America, so I tried a new recipe for a chocolate cake. It was one of the best cakes I’ve ever had (if I do say so myself):
One of the things I did for Chris’ party was get his friends from around the world to send him birthday cards – we got quite a few and I am so thankful for them because I think it make Chris’ birthday even more special knowing that so many people care about him. Here in England they give cards for everything and then display them so here are Chris’ cards:
17 cards in all (yes the one on the far right on the TV is a pickle – thanks Abbie).
All in all it wasn't the surprise 30th Birthday party that I wanted but, I hope Chris’ knows how much people care about him!
Thursday, 1 January 2009
A New Year *sigh*
I hate New Years Eve - I always have, I used to think that it was because I didn't have a partner to spend it with or that I didn't do fun things, but it turns out - I just don't like it. I know I haven't been a complete failure this last year, but I think this stupid holiday makes me think of how I've fallen short.
I usually do a list (in my head) of my "resolutions" but find that calling it a resolution instead of a goal or habit, doesn't make it any easier to keep, and I usually don't, I never do actually.
So, these past few days I have been consumed with thinking of things that I need to do better this next year and had a bit of an overwhelming feeling trying to figure out how to make it happen.
One day years and years ago, when I was stuck in a rut, I went to one of the best friends I've ever known and also someone who knows how to get things done - my nanny mom Gail. She had me sit down and do a monthly goal list. She proceeded to fold the paper in quarters and label each box: Spiritual, Physical, Financial and Mental. In each box we wrote goals that were not unattainable, but that were easy, examples? Read one book a month, exercise 3 times a week, $10 in savings, focus on the positive, etc.
I think this is what I'll do again -- at the bottom of the paper she wrote in big letters - DO IT DAMN IT! I think I will look forward with those word in my mind this new year and work on improving slowly instead of failing quickly.
***
Just as one more note - sorry I didn't keep up on my countdown to Christmas but I've added a new album with some pictures from the seasons... but the best thing about the holiday??
THESE 5 (soon to be 6) kids are one of the BEST things about my life England.
I usually do a list (in my head) of my "resolutions" but find that calling it a resolution instead of a goal or habit, doesn't make it any easier to keep, and I usually don't, I never do actually.
So, these past few days I have been consumed with thinking of things that I need to do better this next year and had a bit of an overwhelming feeling trying to figure out how to make it happen.
One day years and years ago, when I was stuck in a rut, I went to one of the best friends I've ever known and also someone who knows how to get things done - my nanny mom Gail. She had me sit down and do a monthly goal list. She proceeded to fold the paper in quarters and label each box: Spiritual, Physical, Financial and Mental. In each box we wrote goals that were not unattainable, but that were easy, examples? Read one book a month, exercise 3 times a week, $10 in savings, focus on the positive, etc.
I think this is what I'll do again -- at the bottom of the paper she wrote in big letters - DO IT DAMN IT! I think I will look forward with those word in my mind this new year and work on improving slowly instead of failing quickly.
***
Just as one more note - sorry I didn't keep up on my countdown to Christmas but I've added a new album with some pictures from the seasons... but the best thing about the holiday??
THESE 5 (soon to be 6) kids are one of the BEST things about my life England.
Thursday, 18 December 2008
A Week Until Christmas - the Pictures Countdown!
I said I'd do a week of Christmas pictures countdown, and, baring any drama - I plan on it. I will also be putting some English traditions of Christmas into the mix as well. I hope you enjoy!
This holiday season is our first here in the apartment. We were in the apartment last year, but for Christmas we were in America. We didn't have any decorations, so this year they needed to be purchased - but, Chris and I didn't want to spend much - so I got these cheap stockings and added my own "personal" touch. Be it ever so humble (and ever so empty) these are me and Chris' first stockings.
Christmas dinner to English is what Thanksgiving dinner is to Americans - on the menu: turkey, roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, mashed potatoes, pigs in a blanket (bacon wrapped sausages), stuffing balls, parsnip, carrot, brussel sprouts, and trifle. This year I am going to throw a pumpkin pie into the mix :)
This holiday season is our first here in the apartment. We were in the apartment last year, but for Christmas we were in America. We didn't have any decorations, so this year they needed to be purchased - but, Chris and I didn't want to spend much - so I got these cheap stockings and added my own "personal" touch. Be it ever so humble (and ever so empty) these are me and Chris' first stockings.
Christmas dinner to English is what Thanksgiving dinner is to Americans - on the menu: turkey, roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, mashed potatoes, pigs in a blanket (bacon wrapped sausages), stuffing balls, parsnip, carrot, brussel sprouts, and trifle. This year I am going to throw a pumpkin pie into the mix :)
Thursday, 4 December 2008
'Tis the Season... and all that Jazz
It has been way too long since I have written, I have had quite a bit to say but tend not to write when I am feeling homesick or depressed because if I did that my blog would be quite boring and would end up being a "pity party" and no one wants to read that -- do they?
It has been a very long hard month (November) here in the Flattley household. It first started with some family problems that, at the time. was soul destroying and all consuming. Luckily, problems have been hashed out, apologies have been made, and relationships have been mended. Right on top of those problems Chris and I were continually hurt by people we considered friends. We are attending church in a branch that goes by its own rules and accepts dishonesty more than honesty, gossip more than truth, and ignorance rather than acceptance. We have 5 primary children in the branch but it feels just like dealing with lots of children. Never in my life have I been somewhere (school, work, family or otherwise) where I have felt so unimportant, bullied, or so ostracised. This, unfortunately seems to be getting worse, not better and although there are some genuinely lovely people in the branch - as in life, the bad outweighs the good a lot of the time and Chris and I are praying for a miracle i.e. dissolving the branch. All of this, coupled with a bit of a cancer scare (nothing dramatic, just a visit to a specialist who said nothing was wrong, the result of a concerned GP), a very lonely Thanksgiving, some missed opportunities, and a dear husband who forgot an important date - November has not been my month.
So now here is December and after all that I am supposed to be feeling the "Christmas Spirit", which usually comes quite quickly (in the middle of November) for me but seems to be seeping in slowly but surely - enough, anyway, to get our pathetic 4 ft. tree put up and a few decorations up. This Christmas is difficult, mostly because I am comparing it to last Christmas when we were home in Utah. This, hopefully, will be our last Christmas in England (living here anyway) so I am trying to be positive.
Our town is lit up with lights (pictures to come) and it is absolutely FREEZING. We've even had some snow...
This month we are planning a trip to London, it is lovely there at Christmas and helps me re-connect with Chris, since that is where we spent so much time when we were dating. In a few weeks we are driving (with Chris' parents) into Belgium to spend a weekend there. I am really looking forward to it.
We do have a lot of goals for the new year, one of which is to travel a lot more. With £1.00 flights all over Europe it should be a good goal and we are now making every Friday our driving day -- driving to places all over the country that we've not seen. I am trying to be positive and figure since we are here we should take advantage.
So this is me trying to forget the past month but, I find it quite difficult. I am sure a lot of your have had to deal with tough family or church situations, being away from home or being depressed - what has made you feel better or forget past wrongs??
I will be posting more and plan on doing the 12 days of Christmas through photos so look for that.
OH! By the way.... if you are wanting a good, by good I mean amazing, online radio to listen to with never-ending choices for Christmas go to http://www.accuradio.com/ -- I usually listen to the broadway station, but switch over for Christmas (although, the do have a Broadway Christmas so I get two-in-one).
It has been a very long hard month (November) here in the Flattley household. It first started with some family problems that, at the time. was soul destroying and all consuming. Luckily, problems have been hashed out, apologies have been made, and relationships have been mended. Right on top of those problems Chris and I were continually hurt by people we considered friends. We are attending church in a branch that goes by its own rules and accepts dishonesty more than honesty, gossip more than truth, and ignorance rather than acceptance. We have 5 primary children in the branch but it feels just like dealing with lots of children. Never in my life have I been somewhere (school, work, family or otherwise) where I have felt so unimportant, bullied, or so ostracised. This, unfortunately seems to be getting worse, not better and although there are some genuinely lovely people in the branch - as in life, the bad outweighs the good a lot of the time and Chris and I are praying for a miracle i.e. dissolving the branch. All of this, coupled with a bit of a cancer scare (nothing dramatic, just a visit to a specialist who said nothing was wrong, the result of a concerned GP), a very lonely Thanksgiving, some missed opportunities, and a dear husband who forgot an important date - November has not been my month.
So now here is December and after all that I am supposed to be feeling the "Christmas Spirit", which usually comes quite quickly (in the middle of November) for me but seems to be seeping in slowly but surely - enough, anyway, to get our pathetic 4 ft. tree put up and a few decorations up. This Christmas is difficult, mostly because I am comparing it to last Christmas when we were home in Utah. This, hopefully, will be our last Christmas in England (living here anyway) so I am trying to be positive.
Our town is lit up with lights (pictures to come) and it is absolutely FREEZING. We've even had some snow...
This month we are planning a trip to London, it is lovely there at Christmas and helps me re-connect with Chris, since that is where we spent so much time when we were dating. In a few weeks we are driving (with Chris' parents) into Belgium to spend a weekend there. I am really looking forward to it.
We do have a lot of goals for the new year, one of which is to travel a lot more. With £1.00 flights all over Europe it should be a good goal and we are now making every Friday our driving day -- driving to places all over the country that we've not seen. I am trying to be positive and figure since we are here we should take advantage.
So this is me trying to forget the past month but, I find it quite difficult. I am sure a lot of your have had to deal with tough family or church situations, being away from home or being depressed - what has made you feel better or forget past wrongs??
I will be posting more and plan on doing the 12 days of Christmas through photos so look for that.
OH! By the way.... if you are wanting a good, by good I mean amazing, online radio to listen to with never-ending choices for Christmas go to http://www.accuradio.com/ -- I usually listen to the broadway station, but switch over for Christmas (although, the do have a Broadway Christmas so I get two-in-one).
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