I do like a good day out. It's always great to have a change of scenery, go somewhere different and do something new. Although I've been to the knitting and stitching show at Olympia a few years in a row with my "Crazy Crafter friend" , it's only the last few years that we have decided to try some of the taster classes that they've had on offer. Last year we had a go at Swiss embroidery (aka chicken scratch?) and this year we signed ourselves up for a dressmaking class.... to have a go at making a skirt....
The last time I did something like that was when I was about 14.... I remember making a skirt at school that was far too small for me and that I never ever wore. I hate to be beaten by a foiled attempt, so I thought it was time to give it another go and see if I could do any better. My buddy and I always enjoy a good project (or two) and so we headed off for our day out with high hopes of coming away with a lovely new article of clothing to wear.
I've been resisting coming on to blogger to write because I have been meaning to talk about the usual standard New years resolution stuff that everyone is talking about at this time of year. However the more time I have spent thinking about resolutions/setting new year goals the more I am convinced that we should scrap the "new year trend" of new starts and work on daily baby steps...
Frivolous or a necessity?
Demands of providing full-time care for a child struggling with a
disability or a chronic illness can be overwhelming at times, even for the most committed of parents. Having a break away can help parents maintain their sense of self and sense of being a couple, by giving them time to engage in things they enjoy... like a hobby, travel, seeing friends or just resting and recouping energy. Respite breaks can help families
stay together by giving parents time to work on their
relationship (outside the demands of parenthood) instead of concentrating solely on the needs of their child. I feel therefore in answer to the above question that
Respite care is an "essential" for couples as it can reduce parental
stress and help to keep overwhelmed couples and families together.
The
Hungry boy and Daughter number 2 headed out to their girls and boys camp
a few weekends ago and so with the above in mind and Heni being well looked after at home by Gem, we decided to make the most of the time
that they were away by having a weekend respite break...just me and
hubby!
The
last time we had been away together was a year previous and the time
before that three years previous..... so we were well overdue some time
to spend as a couple.
Not only do I love this time of year because there is promise of better weather and brighter skies ahead...(and possibly some sunshine) but I also love that I can get a sense of renewal and answers to problems by attending April General Conference which always happens around this time of year.
It doesn't always fall on Easter weekend but this year it does. What better way to celebrate the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ?....The reason behind the season.
So between spending time with family, doing Easter egg hunts around the living room or garden (depends on the weather as everything does in England!) AND lots of lovely food.......I get to have two full days of spiritual uplift and strengthening. Something that I just can't do without.
Just like we need food for our bodies to have energy and strength to do the things in life that we need to do. I look forward to that spiritual nourishment that I gain from listening to the talks and council and wise words gained from 5 sessions and 35 speakers. These give me strength of a different sort ...the type that allows me to carry on amidst discouragement, trial and hard times. Something that we could all do with.
So this Easter it is my invitation to you to share in this feast and encourage you to go check out conference https://www.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2015/04?lang=eng and see for yourself. I realize everyone has different taste in "foods", and this may not be to your taste. However... when I have a feast before me it only seems right that I at least offer to share.
Happy Easter
Jx
