School Readiness

School readiness is one of those terms which gets bandied about in the context of improving outcomes in early years. So if we can get children ready to start school so that they're already able to understand and follow instructions etc then they'll be in a better position to learn etc. There's a lot more to it than this brief summary and it all sounds good in theory.

But....

My baby, has a place to start at the school nursery in 2 weeks, straight after the Easter holidays. I'm so not ready for this. She's my baby. She's only 3 years old and when she was at daycare between the ages of 1 and 2 she would just sit quietly all day and not speak a word to anyone. She's very sensitive. Plus I feel as if this 3 years that I've had with her has just gone too fast.

We never got to do things together in the same way that I did things with my 5 year old. We never got the opportunity to do baby massage or Socatots.

I don't feel as if I know her very well. There's a form to complete for the school which asks a range of questions so that the teachers will know a bit about her but while going through it I realised I didn't know whether she likes milk or what her other likes and dislikes are.

When she was 9 months old I had to go to work to keep the roof over our head. It was out of necessity and not choice. When she was 16 months old I was elected to be a Councillor which keeps me very busy and when she was 20 months old her youngest sister was born with health needs so this really impacted upon Sophie. I hate that she's the middle child and that other things get in the way.

To try and deal with my lack of emotional readiness for Sophie starting nursery school, I've organised her school uniform and ordered some name labels. I still need to sort out getting her some little school shoes and her own school bag. But, I can just imagine me being a basket case on her first day when I have to leave her all dressed up in her uniform.

I hate that she'll be lonely and quiet in the midst of a class of 30 children.

She's such a beautiful little girl, she's incredibly funny and expressive but also very sensitive. She's very spiritual too. She loves to pray and look at her picture Bible. She once told me that Jesus is her rock! We've no idea where she got this from.

She gets dominated a lot by her big sister and loses out a lot of attention to her little sister.

Three years goes by so fast so I guess it just reminds me yet again to make the absolute most out of every moment. It's the little things which are special. I remember taking her with me to buy things in preparation for her 3rd birthday party and as we walked back home, she said "Oh Mummy, today is such a happy day" which totally melted my heart.

Oh well, tempus fugit. She's probably far more ready for school than I am and will probably settle really well.

Everyday's a Classroom

Over the last couple of years, basically since I was elected as a councillor, I have learned so much and yet still, every day is a class room.

People often describe learning new things as being  on a learning curve

e.g.




However, my experience of the last two years has not been as gradual as this. It's been a far steeper, in at the deep end kind of thing e.g.





Quite honestly, I wonder what on earth possesses anyone to want to fight an election, busting their guts to get people to vote for them. There are local and European elections coming up on May 22nd so the campaigning season will shortly be upon us.

Politics is a tough job, and if you're going to do it excellently, it takes over your life and family. You need to learn a lot about a very wide range of issues so that you can help your constituents to the very best of your ability.

I've been learning so much, both from my own experience and from the wisdom of other, more experienced councillors, who are also incredibly passionate about serving the people of this District.

To me politics is about the simple straightforward things, you know like representing people so that you can help to make their lives a little better and help them deal with specific issues that may be getting in the way of that.

Just casting my mind back over the last couple of months I've dealt with issues to do with: allotments, highways, council tax, benefits, food banks, boundary fencing, anti-social behaviour, dog fouling, fly tipping, littering, education, health care, play, planning issues and probably a lot more that I can't just call to mind so quickly.

But we all know that there's a lot more to it than that. I am rapidly coming to the realisation that while I still have a heck of a lot to learn and a lot to do, it is all worth it. There's more criticism than thanks but I will keep on going to serve the people within this district which I love.

Motivation - Why Do We Do What We Do

I've been wondering why we do what we do, i.e. what is the motivation for what we do.

It all started when I asked someone if they could do something for me. They agreed and so, as is my nature, I responded with enthusiastic gratitude. Admittedly it was probably a tad over the top but you know that's me. Unfortunately, this did not appear to be well received and it made me question myself.

Should I change who I am and tone down my enthusiasm and positivity?
Should I not take the trouble to thank people when I'm genuinely grateful for their help?
Should I start being more cynical about other people?

Having mulled it over a little, I think not. I may now be a "politician" (still makes me chuckle, I mean, me, seriously?!), but I'm still determined to be me.
For the most part, I'm friendly, kind, generous, loving, compassionate, enthusiastic, hard working, caring, genuine, loyal, faithful, thankful and passionate about serving others to the best of my ability. I'm saying these things about myself admittedly but they have also come from the perception of others.

Just to be even handed I am also very impulsive, impatient, loud, over dramatic and have a tendency to be a bit giddy but that's me. Oh and probably my biggest fault is believing that I can change the world and assuming that everyone else cares as much as I do!

I will not compromise on who I am, so if people have a problem with that then ... whatever!

In the meantime why do I get involved in some things? Generally, I get involved because something touches my heart. Someone may tell me an anecdote about what they do which just gets me and then I will do all I can to help.

I go to work initially because I need the money and I have bills to pay but it goes deeper than that. I love my job because I get to be a part of something massive that helps 1,000's of people. There's passion, faith and belief there.

I am aware, however, that there are some people around who do things with less than pure motives and I just hope that even though I'm in politics, I'll stay true to who I am and to my principles.

Thank you for reading - you're fabulous!

There are no atheists in a trench

I was recently asked why I go to Church. I was on the spot and I found it hard to answer honestly.

We were having a conversation about weighty matters but it wasn't the time or place to really go into detail and I felt as if I'd given an evasive answer.

I think if the question had been asked about why I go to Church years ago, it would have been easier to answer. But since my youngest daughter was born 18 months ago with Down Syndrome, I've got to admit that I have felt so battered and bruised, that I find it hard to answer.

I often go now because it's part of our family routine but getting us all ready and out of the door and to church on time is stressful.
I go because I am accepted for who I am.
I go because I am a part of an incredible family and when one of us is hurting or going through a tough time, we help one another.
I go because when I went through dreadful things in my life, people were there to lift me up.
I go because I can contribute and help others.
I go because my eldest daughter loves to go and be in a worship environment and sing praises to our God.

But most of all I think, I go because there is tremendous power in all of us joining together to love our God, serve his people in our cities and be the best that we can be. The power of love of our God for his people, of us for our God and the sacrifice of Jesus for each of us is tremendous.

It still sounds like a woolly answer but below I've posted a link to a video of our church in Bradford. (We also have churches in Belfast and Leeds too).

This video was taken from a programme which aired in the USA when our pastor Charlotte Gambill was speaking about our church. It's powerful and makes me cry because my eldest daughter is on it. I, and the people who've known me a long time, know what my husband and I have been through and how powerful it is to show that we made it through and we're raising our family in an incredible environment of faith, hope and love.

I hope the link works.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn5VOjF9V_I

For This Cause or Thank You For The Music

I've been feeling a bit further away from God than I should be and while the rest of Life Church is focusing on Heart and Soul, I've been feeling out of it. A bit disconnected.

There's nothing specific I can put my finger on. But there's a range of things including the busy ness of life, some narrow minded attitudes I've come across in others and the draining nature of all the medical appointments I have to attend with baby Rebecca.

A day or two ago I saw singer Natalie Grants  facebook status that she'd attended the Grammy Awards. She didn't say anything nasty or preachy against what she saw in the show but just shared how proud she was to sing for Jesus.

I totally respect this.

It made me feel like getting back to my first love. So this morning, while doing my best to get Rebecca to eat without refluxing and stressing about it, I put the golden oldie Hillsong CD For This Cause on to listen to. It's just beautiful and always helps me focus on the one true God.

There's a truly amazing, loving God who just desires that we know him and know how deeply we are loved and cared for.

Feeling so grateful to the great people of God who know and share this.

So, thank you for the music.

The End is the Beginning

I find this time of year rather irritating. Christmas is kind of over but thankfully not the holidays and there are still a few days before the new year. The TV is usually a bit poor: World's Strongest Man, trailers for The Voice, Big Brother etc. Seriously boring and predictable TV ads for: holidays; sales - clothes, kitchens, bedrooms, electrical; holidays; part works; and slimming.

In approx a day i.e. the day before New Years Eve there'll be the usual run of the mill end of year round up programmes. You know like a best of the years news quiz etc.

So in that vein (in spite of my general dislike of this sort of thing) I've attempted to put together a list (alphabetical if I can manage it) summarising my take on 2013 and looking ahead to my aspirations for 2014.
NB. This will therefore be a long post

A - Adventures - We had some fun adventures in 2013 incl our trips to London, Arran & Lindisfarne but I'm still yearning for even more exciting adventures in 2014. I still want to go travelling and see Italy, Israel and India. I'd also love to go and climb another mountain.

B - Babysitting - I have the best family and friends who support us with babysitting our 3 children. It's so reassuring to know that they love our kids and are not fazed by any additional needs.

C - Confidence - I've grown in this area during 2013 and I'm sure I'll keep on during 2014.

D - Down's Syndrome - I still hate it and refuse to accept that it means that my gorgeous girl will be less than other kids. I'd take it away from her in a heartbeat if I could. The last 6 months of 2013 was easier than the  previous year so 2014 will probably be easier still. It's just other peoples attitudes I dislike and have to deal with.

E - Easy - Not much in 2013 has been easy and I'm bracing myself for the challenges of 2014.

F - Focus - In 2013 I did a lot of allsorts of things but in 2014 as well as doing a lot I think I need to focus on some specific issues too.

G - God

H - Health and Happiness - I've been blessed to be both happy and healthy in 2013 but in 2014 I am looking forward to eating healthier and creating a generally healthier lifestyle. More fitness and sleep etc.

I - Interfaith - I so love that Bradford is leading the way in regard to interfaith cooperation. Ref the Bradford Reformed synagogue. I've learned so much during 2013 and hope that there'll be greater strength in this area in 2014.

J - Jesus

K - Koreen & Keith - Two of my dearest friends but I didn't get a chance to meet up with them during 2013 so will be making a concerted effort to meet up during 2014.

L - Love - oh wow so much I could say here. I am so blessed to be married to an amazing man who loves me and who I love. We've had a crazy, rollercoaster of a marriage so far and I love that we get to do life together. I'm so looking forward to a fabulous 2014.

M - Mothers - They really do deserve a category of their own. During 2013, I've been aware of friends and colleagues who've had to deal with their mothers ill health. It's made me even more thankful for my amazing Mamma who has beaten cancer twice and is still going strong. I've been more aware at Christmas of just how amazing mothers are at creating beautiful family Christmases. I love that my Mamma does a fabulous family Christmas lunch for the whole family on the Sunday before Christmas. Also my MIL who cooks to feed the masses and creates a Christmas present "pie" so everyone grabs a string and pulls and ends up with a gift.

N - No - saying No to average means I can say Yes to the best. I'm determined to live by this a bit more during 2014 especially when I regularly have 3 meetings at the same time and need to pick between them.

O - Opportunities - There are always far more opportunities available to us than we often realise. During 2014 I'm seeking to know more clearly which opportunities to grab and which to pass on.

P - Politics - I love it and hate it at the same time but throughout 2013 I've learned so so much but I'm aware that I have even more to do during 2014. I hate that politicians in Westminster make decisions to cut public services without any thought towards how people losing their jobs as a result will feed themselves. I love that all of us can get involved to try and make a difference.

Q - Quid Pro Quo - There's an exchange for everything in life. I hope to give others better than what they give me.

R - Rubbish - During the year of 2013, I got rid of so much stuff, junk and rubbish. I gave loads of stuff away to others and realised that once it's stopped being useful to me, it's then just rubbish, so give it to someone else that it's useful to. NB - this does NOT extend to my extensive book collection.

S - Smiling - I always smile no matter what. There's strength in seeing the positives in any situation and not allowing stuff to get you down.

T - Trust - hmmm It's too easy to Trust people and then get bitten so it's much better to be cautious about who and what to Trust.

U - Underneath - I've been more aware this year that there's more underneath a situation or circumstance than at first there appears to be so during 2014 I'm going to be looking at context.

V -  Validity - Some arguments are not valid or worth pursuing so during 2014 I'm determined to work hard only on the things that are valid and worthwhile.

W - Work - I always work hard and I'm grateful that I was given a strong work ethic by my parents and grandparents but this year I want to not just work hard but also work smarter.

X - I have now realised what a ridiculous idea doing this alphabetically was.

Y - Yes - I need to keep working on when to say Yes and when to say No. Saying Yes can be great but can also lead to all sorts of problems if I say Yes to the wrong things.

Z - Zeitgeist - I've only included this because I love this word.

The Perfect Gift

There is so much in the way of gift giving during this season and so many potential pitfalls. For instance, there are the standard gifts that you want to buy and a list is usually made to include ones partner, children, parents, brothers, sisters etc but then there are all the additional gifts that you could buy if you choose to or if it's the done thing to do.

In my working life I've been part of more Secret Santa gift giving circles than I care to mention. I've also received some amazing gifts from very highly paid superiors which has then resulted in that sense of being a little overwhelmed at their generosity but then also a bit worried about whether the very mediocre gift I've managed to give them then appears paltry in comparison.

For the record, I am a very bad shopper and gift giver. I always try so hard and have great ideas that I'll buy or have made, the most beautiful cards and gifts, so beautifully wrapped but then I always fall short of the hope that I had, to give the perfect gifts. 

I love to receive beautiful gifts and especially surprises. I hate knowing what someone is buying me and find it so odd that someone would even tell me and destroy the excitement of a beautiful surprise. 

My sisters (possibly the people who know me best but then that opens a whole can of worms) are amazing gift givers, they always manage to get the perfect gifts and they keep them as surprises until I have that special thrill of opening fantastic gifts that I get to treasure, knowing how well they know me. 

Having said that, I am relatively easy to buy for. I love lotions and potions, Coco Chanel Mademoiselle perfume, books and classic movies, silver jewellery and red, sparkly things. (Oh and I've recently discovered that my husband has been reading this blog so if he's reading this and he would like to buy me an extra gift - I'd love a new bag darling, big enough to put all my council papers and diaries and notepads and pens etc in - preferably red or black, but brown or cream is okay if it's nice x) 

My husband is great at giving gifts. One year, I said that I didn't need anything except Love so he went and bought a canvas and painted it with the word LOVE on it. It now hangs in our home above a montage of photographs of our family. I love the LOVE.

Anyway, back to the point, finding and giving the perfect gift can be hard work, and there's always a worry that someone may have been missed off the list. 

But this morning at church, I was reminded that there is so much about the Christmas season that is stressful (shopping etc) and that we hear the nativity story so often that we almost become too familiar with it. We make it all pretty and lovely and sanitise it whereas the reality was almost definitely far dirtier and grittier. One of my favourite films of recent years which I feel handles this fairly well is The Nativity Story. The actors at least appear middle eastern in appearance and the journey to Bethlehem is fraught with danger. One scene which I particularly love is where Mary feels her baby kick for the first time. I saw this film when I was pregnant with my first son and was amazed as I'd never really thought of that aspect of the miracle of Jesus birth.

Despite all the stress of the season and the familiarity of the story, the perfect gift of salvation through the birth of Jesus - Emmanuel, God with us, is something so simple and so profound that nothing will ever top it as far as I'm concerned. There is no judgement, no condemnation, no rules and regulations, only pure, unconditional love. I'm so grateful, and I hope that I will live my life as a thank you card for the best gift of all.