Here’s me actually blogging my Monday blog on a Monday, woohoo! Thank you for being patient with me over the past couple of weeks.

Last week: visits, prayers, the Carol Service, sermon writing, service organising, Lullababy Christmas special, church tidying, breakfast with Father Christmas event, after school hot chocolate and carols event, Sophia’s last day of term, Aidan’s settling in sessions, shopping, breastfeeding support group Christmas party, present wrapping, nursing home communion and carols, 90 year 3s in church learning about Christmas, Tappy Toes Christmas party, time in the Hub, card writing and about 100 social media posts.

Mum life: I couldn’t be more in awe of S&A. Aidan has got on well in the settling in sessions in his new nursery. It wasn’t ideal, moving him after just a term, but I think he’s going to be fine. Sophia finished her first term of school on a real high. She’s taken to it so well, and I’m so pleased that she’s got such a lovely environment to flourish in.

Ministry life has been really tough. If you read last week’s blog, you’ll know that a very faithful and very special church member has passed away quite suddenly. He is so loved, as is his wonderful wife. And because of that, we’re all very sad and shocked.

It feels like there are different chambers in my heart. There’s the Poppy chamber, where I’m sad and where my own grief is sitting. There’s the Vicar chamber, which is where I’m mindful of everybody who is hurting in our community, and wanting to comfort them and hold space for them to grieve. Then there’s the Mum chamber, where it’s decorated for Christmas and the kids have got starry eyes, soaking in every good thing that the season has to offer.

I try and keep the doors closed between the chambers, but ultimately, my blood pumps through them all. Even though we have hope that death is not the end – and if we can’t proclaim that truth into this situation, where can we? – it’s still very sad. It’s left me struggling for energy, and probably not at my best, to be honest.

Not helped by our day off not happening, but we did all go to Breakfast With Father Christmas at ASSF, which was wonderful!

Sophia is very excited for Christmas and interested in what’s happening on what day. Never has the whiteboard calendar on the fridge been so useful! ‘Today is you, Aidan and Bubba day, then we’re making the oranges, then it’s orange service day followed by shepherd’s supper. The next day is stockings, church and if you’re good (!!) presents and then the day after that it’s icecream for breakfast and roast…’

Aidan is full of cold but as sweet as always. Unless you are David dressed as Father Christmas, in which case, he will bawl his eyes out. I have a very funny photo. If you see me, ask me to show you!

On the other hand, Nathan dressed as Father Christmas had him utterly beaming!

This week, I am especially grateful for my Dad coming to stay and being childminder/cleaner/balloon putter upper/swing pusher/encourager/kitchen builder (nobody tell Sophia!).

Coming up: the six last services of 2025 and then… some rest!