Alladin's cave in Horncastle!

Making the most of Maman and Daddy's visit up, we went off exploring... Horncastle. We may have lived here for almost 5 years but haven't managed to venture that-a-way... In and out a few charity shops and then as we walked along a road... we peered up a cobbled alleyway.... and look what we found!



Amazing! We shall go again! Many hours will be spent browsing I shouldn't wonder!

A trip to Holy island

When most people were snuggling up warm in their homes.... the mad Stainsbys did their usual thing... we set off at 3am on 31st October, to venture into the Northern wilds!

We arrived at the campsite to set up our new tent at 0830.

Then across the causeway to The holy island of Lindisfarne...



We had great fun exploring the castle,




and then browsing around the village and being castaways as the tide covered the causeway!




Fun? well it was until we realised everything had shut... even the pubs!!! Well God does look down on us and safeguards our well being....

we met an amazing lady,Carole, an employee of English Heritage who invited us all
into her home to warm up with hot chocolate and tumble dry some rather wet childrens' trousers until pub opening time!

Relieved to find our tent still standing where we had left it... despite the hailstorms and high gusts throughout the afternoon, we snuggled up all 7 in our sleepings bags.... mummy and daddy tucking into some rather tasty Lindisfarne mead to warm our cockles!!

A bright and sunny day dawned this morning and the boys were desperate to visit the "snook" part of the island, so to the causeway once more and a picnic lunch in the dunes before setting back down via Hadrian's wall (good old school topics!)... and popping in to see someone I have wanted to see for a VERY long time now....
Isn't she beautiful?!
A lovely short break... most enjoyable and most definitely memorable!

Hello! I'm back!!

I can honestly say that I don't quite know where the time has gone... I don't think I've been any busier than usual... After an initial step back from the PC to devote more time to family over the holidays... I can't seem to get myself back into the online swing!

Having learnt that my sister had breat cancer at the start of the holidays, emotions have run high, after a succcessful mastectomy and reconstruction her wounds failed to heal and she was re-admitted having contracted the dreaded MRSA... six weeks on the wounds are still not healed and she has been re-admitted yet again this time a staph. infection.. but all this is postponing the all important start of chemo....the anger, tears, incomprehension, frustration are beyong words... How Kaz herself is coping with it day to day is mind boggling and I personally can only account for God's grace in giving her the inner strength to stay sane. It's not my personal problem and yet it has affected me profoundly...I too easily lose myself in fearful thoughts...

Life goes on... or so the saying goes...

Tom lost his Godmother and we buried her earlier this week... an amazing woman, at the funeral we were asked to picture in our minds a happy memory/ visualisation of what Anne meant to us... she was such a special woman, 'chumbly', always smiling, cuddly and always offering a vast array of home baked treats for high tea. (and in the last couple of years after her stroke M&S goodies!!!)and never too many treats for the children.
But the picture that came to my mind was exactly this one
Happy with a baby to cuddle. You will be greatly missed Anne, and we will remember fondly the many happy memories we have of times shared with you.



Add to those two bombshells the many daily happenings, like first day of school (and not being able to get the photo off my phone), children finding it hard to settle into new school years, eldest sitting his 11+ (yes we still have selective education here in Lincolnshire and yes Matthew would like to go to the Grammar school)so secondary school visits and open evenings.

Isaac celebrating an all important 6th birthday:

Vision has still been going on (despite the lack of info on it's blog!)and Tom and I keep learning new songs, monthly family walks, and joining in activities in the new Children's centre not mentioniong starting a course to become a Homestart volunteer...

Well I may have been away but trying to catch up was quite daunting :) I can't promise to be back with as much regularity as I once did, but I will endeavour to come by and for those whose blogs I visit... I have been reading , promise, just not posting.
See y'all soon.

Friday fun...

Create your own family sticker graphic at pYzam.com

Sigh.... it would appear that I can't fit my whole family in!!! We are SO used to being "larger than average".... however if you right click to view the picture you do get all 7 of us!!

For my big sis

Happy Birthday Kaz!
Probably not the way you were planning it! But a celebration it is, thinking of you, praying for healing... love you lots.

What a clever boy am I!

It's because I'm four now... I can do lots of things...


Time to hand my pedal-less bike to my little sister now...

DREAMS

I look to the sky and what do I view?
A castle, a rainbow, and dreams for you,
An end to this battle that you must fight,
To rid your feelings of depression and fright,
An end to cancer is not far away,
It will be here someday... someday.

Anonymous

Feeling numb at the news of a loved one being diagnosed... words fail me, feelings are too many and confused... Of what comfort can I be? I selfishly pray for the health of my little ones, for my husband's and my own... may the power of our prayers give you the strength in the times to come, to fight a good fight, keep strong and come out victorious...

A special day.

Matthew was confirmed today. Both Tom and I were fairly teary as he went up as a candidate, confirming his faith . Making his first step on his journey of faith, his own choice. We pray that he finds wisdom and comfort as he grows in relationship with Jesus. We all went up for communion and the children their blessings and of course Matthew took communion with us...He looked so grown up (well that is until he pulled a face after tasting the wine for the first time!!) The bishop spoke of three key words to guide them on their journey: The candidates were to be Disciples, learners of the word; Witnesses, living their life showing others their Christianity in their day to day living and finally Friends of Jesus, to count on Jesus as a friend who will always be there for them and to whom they can speak to and confide in as well as learn from through reading the Bible.
A lot to take in, but a big step none the less.
We pray that Matthew will feel the power of the Holy Spirit work in him, that he will grow to love our Lord more and more as he gets to know Him better. The journey will not be straightforward (well it hasn't been for either of his parents!!) but with a solid grounding and sound teaching, these truths will be with him throughout life...












The confirmation candidates with the bishop.














Thank to all who came to support Matthew at his special service.

A fun swim

Although we are not usually allowed to have cameras up at our pool, our Tuesday Toddler group has just ended and we had a farewell swim party. everyone gave their permission for photos and videos so we had an opportunity for some fun and rare swim photos!














Benjamin usually a limpet suddenly became a fish when given a woggle! off he went not bothered when I got out of the pool!




Leah has just figured out how to keep her mouth shut to stop swallowing half the pool so has started to swim towards me unheld.





And as it was a party they were happy to sit on the bench with some iced gems whilst I did some real swimming and put in a few lengths.
A lovely afternoon and the weather was sunny.

Sports days

Well here they are all in one! The nursery had theirs Thurs morning, reception Thurs afternoon and key stage2 were Fri afternoon!
I'm spending most of my time at school at the moment.... but I appreciate the priviledge of being able to do that, and watch them all as they have fun, joining in end of year activities.Still got the swimming gala to go, the triathlon, end of year assembly... I'll not be spending much time at home next week either!

Happy Birthday Benjamin!

Our first yellow belly (lincolnshire born and bred!)has turned 4... life is moving on a pace and all we can do is watch and guide and teach as best we can. May God give us the courage and strength to raise them in his word.

WOW Matthew!

Well here he is (having just taken off his cap) in the pool lucky in one of the few sunny spells today; and the outcome? A most impressive 48 lengths in the ½hr he was in the water. He had to get out to go have his lunch! (He had wanted to round it up to 50!!) So thank you all who have sponsored him and be thankful you didn't make the mistake that we did, sponsoring him by the length!! ;) lesson learnt, never underestimate the ability of your own child
I will post his total raised but to give you an idea his efforts have earnt him or rather the pool just about £200! Well done Matthew, great effort! we are really proud of you!

A beautiful walk...

After a sodden morning of heavy showers, what change! The sun was out to greet us as we arrived at Ostler's plantation for yet another Billinghay Family Walk. New comers are always welcomed and it was lovely to have new faces join us. Not five minutes into the walk and what did we see coiled up at the side of the path? An adder warming itself in the sun. Steve who knew what he was doing picked it up so that everyone could have a close look. WOW! (Please note: Do not EVER attempt to pick up an adder unless you have done it before!)Next Penny picked up a sloworm sp? a legless lizard who'd been stunned when accidentally run over by the buggy!! Together with a grasshoper and pretty flowers our walk turned into a nature and wildlife fest! As usual, good company, friendly chats and fun in the woods with a bounce on the tree and cooling refreshments courtesy of Chris made for delightful afternoon. Thanks to all for joining us and see you all (and any new comers tempted to join us) at the next walk on Saturday 2nd August @ 4pm!

Billinghay Pool

You may or may not be aware that our local open air heated pool "Billinghay and district Community Pool" is threatened with closure because of high fuel costs. (BBC article here)
Now we fully appreciate that high fuel costs is a worldwide problem but we are talking of a volunteer run and maintained community facility which uses funds to cover it's costs... If they were to raise their prices 215% to cover their fuel increase then no-one would come!!!
As well as a tv appeal, the children of the village are participating in sponsored swims on various days to 'fill the coffers' so that we may have a pool to use this summer!
Matthew will be doing his swim on Monday 7th July and if anyone would like to sponsor him we would greatly appreciate it. (just contact me: b5kidz at gmail.com)
Alternatively you could simply make a kindly donation!
Thank you all.

Arrrrrrrrrrgh!

How quickly we become reliant on modern technology..... after a fair bit of use, at least four 2lb loaves /week for the past 4yrs, our bread maker can longer be of use, the tin itself has worn through and is leaking when we put in the ingredients!
Now I'm not averse to trying to make it by hand... but my family may just have something to say about having to eat what is equivalent to a doorstop!
we will be looking for a replacement ASAP as the shop bought stuff is ...well.... tasteless and horrible!
For once my husband has given me the OK to go to Amazon!!!!!!! See you later ;)

A quiet weekend in...

Anyone for a BBQ breakfast?
With Joseph on camp, we were all in a mood for an outdoor breakfast, so we started cooking... and it started to rain!









We ate in the sitting room.
Yummm...............









Later it was time for Isaac to join the Billinghay under 8's football team for their first training session.













The rain wasn't easing but Tom unperturbed set out to start clearing the beds which have, with the warmth and rain, been overun with a variey of unwelcomed weeds.

Life goes on...

And with children there are developmental milestones met, 'firsts' in their lives. Some obvious, first steps, riding a bike, some unseen like a sudden comprehension of consequences, some vocal, first words and sentences... and then there is the first tooth falling out! This as a family is our third 'first tooth' but it still twangs my heart just the same to see a gappy smile!!!

Happy Birthday...

To my darling Tom, a wonderful loving and caring husband and father. Have a lovely fun day. A day of family and friends and fellowship... and I'll join you this evening! The children have all your presents stashed away somewhere safe!!

Missing my husband and my bunnies...

I'm in Derbyshire tonight,alone in a room...
A residential weekend at The Hayes conference centre (very nice)as part of my year long "Mission Shaped Ministries" course I started earlier this year. I am learning so much about my journey with God and about my call to Vision, together with how best to live my Christian life, something which is all too difficult at times.
We arrived for dinner at 7pm followed by the first teaching session: talking through Spirituality for Mission... So what does spirituality mean to you?
Su is in the room opposite (just in case I need to knock on someone's door!!) and I'm up for breakfast at 0830... so Bonne nuit.

OK can sit down and catch my breath now...

The children are back at school, I have finally caught up on the washing (although with the rain there isn't much drying going on!!)
firstly:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSEPH, BIG BOY OF 9

(photo to follow... can't find the camera just now!)
A big thank you or should I say " un grand merçi" to Christophe and Véronique as well as Victor and Paul for the warmest welcome in Ballon. It's a brave person to take on the whole Stainsby clan! We had a great time despite a few less than dry days!We visited LeMans old town and the cathedral (very much like Lincoln's). Together with the twinning group we learnt about how Rapeseed oil is made, the use of sunshine solar panels to sell green electricity to the grid, had an impressive restaurant lunch followed by a demonstration of heavy horses used in forest management to clear old trees in sensitive areas too fragile for heavy machinery... the skill involved with working those horses was amazing. Another city trip taught us about environmentally friendly city transport systems with trams and cycleways, with impressive tramlines set on lawns to be proud of! right in the middle of the city! We missed out on the bio-fuel run buses as Matthew and Joseph joined me to visit the village primary school where the year 6 had prepared questions to ask us! It was really interesting to compare the different schooling systems, or at least the pupils' take on them! We joined in with the main group again for a good knees up on the last night.

We were unsure about what to expect from our twinning trip... but good memories, good food and good wine with new friends made it a fun and most enjoyable break.
So if anyone wants to have a go.... language needn't be a barrier, hosting a couple or a family doesn't require much of a commitment but what an experience you can offer yourselves of sharing in a different culture, different food and making new friends.
Contact your local twinning group and widen your worldly horizons! Ballon and Billinghay

A taste of France...

We are off to visit our twinning village of Ballon this weekend! All exited we are setting off tonight.... lots of tidying, packing and last minute shopping to do... and the children are joining a school race for life today, raising money for Cancer Research.
Believe me it was not easy getting the boys to wear pink for today (as you can see by our eldest's enthusiastic demeanour!)
Remember click on the link here-> daily, to provide free mammograms!

Update: both Matthew and Joseph were the fastest boys for their respective years and each got a medal. Well done!

A stunning sunrise

Was up too early this morning... but look what I was treated to! Bless our Lord and all his creation.
(the photo doesn't do it justice, the sun was a deep pink and the pheasant in the middle of the field and I, just watched on)

... and home again!

Following a rather energetic swimming lesson, Isaac was limpping Sunday night, by Monday morning he could barely walk and by lunchtime he couldn't bear his weight!
A visit to the doctor and an immediate referral for an Xray got us going into Lincoln again! (we had zipped in in the morning to drop off a load of donations for the Nomad Trust!)
Silly Mummy forgot the referral letter! In such a rush to get to the Xray day clinic before it closed. They couldn't see him without the letter..... So we went to A&E and following an examination was referred for... an Xray (at least the doctors were in agreement!) The registrar then came through to say no fractures or breaks but they would like to have him admitted to be seen by the othopeadic team. So Tom in Billinghay with four children and no transport (his van being in the garage) and the minibus in Lincoln hospital car park with Isaac and I staying on the children's ward. Bloods were taken and after being seen by the a junior we snuggled in for the night.
Isaac was somewhat apprehensive but we decided to tackle the unexpected enforced overnight stay as an adventure for him to recount to his teacher and school friends!
All was better this morning on waking, he was seen by another team of doctors who initially told Isacc he would be spending another night in bed! NOT a happy bunny. However although still limping he was weight bearing and with medication for pain management he managed to walk to the playroom and visit the teacher in the schoolroom! She gave him some jigsaws and some suitable worksheets which he set about to tackle back at his bedside.
By the afternoon the nurses decided that he would be allowed home but he had to promise NOT to play football, climb trees, ride his bike or run around until he goes back to the clinic in a fortnight.
Try telling an energetic little five year old he can't play football!!!
A lot happier now we are home, we are going to snuggle in for a good night's sleep!

Thank You!

Mamine and Papytail for coming up again so soon after the last visit because we needed you!
We are so lucky to have you and really appreciate you looking after all the children whilst we went on our course and then in the evening went out for some "wine and wisdom" fun! Merçi XXXXXXXXX
I know the weather wasn't at it warmest! but with the deck and the BBQ meals we made it feel like summer... didn't we? ;)
And the children thoroughly enjoyed their Mamine getting in the water with them for the Family fun swim after their lessons.
Lots of good memories... it's the little things that stay in their minds!
The children's table!













Warming those old bones......

Is it really time to go and get the big boys from school?

Pentecost

Feel the Holy Spirit work on you when you open yourself up to his transforming power.
The children had a birthday party for the chuch in Sunday club as we discussed how to serve God's purpose with the help of the Spirit's gifts...
I felt truly energised coming out of church today.
Such a beautiful day... we enjoyed a tasty BBQ and although David had forgotten his sunhat, we found a shaded part of the garden to eat "al fresco" (or could we say it was too hot to be considered "al fresco"?!!!!, then the children played happily in the garden as Tom worked his talent in creating our patio...
I'm a happy girl.... look what my husband built this weekend!


Have a look at it being built here!

This has been one WOW day!

Another Vision weekend and what can I say? Chris and Su kindly took on the session, and told us about Street Pastors as well as the worship and fun table challenge. It was great, empowering, we need to learn to remember that all we do is successful when we do it in God's name with his empowerment.
David, Jo and Rhona kindly took on the challenge of inviting our "little" family to theirs for tea! The weather was so nice, a BBQ was the order of the day. A fun evening was had by us all, the food was delicious and it's so nice to get to "know" people rather than just greet them regularly...I think they found it a positive experience! Although apologies for the punctured dice! (blow up garden toys and rose thorns shouldn't meet up too closely...but boys WILL play football with anything...Sorry!)Thank you so much for having us over, we had a great time.
We came home late to find.... a piano on our doorstep!
Our most kind and extreemely generous neighbours thought of us when they upgraded to a "three pedalled piano". (not sure what the difference is...yet, but we will learn and hopefully will look at getting some tuition)
We have found it a new home in our sitting room:

The weekend Poppy came to visit...

Mamine and Papytail got back from France this week so they came up for a visit... with a surprise... cousin Poppy! Lots of fun on a Bank holiday weekend.