So, do you like the new banner? We’ve had a bit of an upgrade, with a standing Aidan, Sophia’s hair and my hair and mascara too!

Anyway, it’s been a good first week back at school and nursery. I think back to this time last year, when school was so new for Sophia, Aidan was hating his first setting and I jumped back into full time ministry. It’s been a whole lot easier than that, thank goodness!

We’ve had the usual meetings, visits, admin and service prepping, plus St Giles 70th anniversary, an organ recital and a tooth out.

Mum life has been good, and ministry life is as varied as ever.

Sophia keeps describing her day as ‘brilliant’, which is delightful! She also got a sticker for singing loudly in assembly. Apparently they were singing this little light of mine, which she knows from ASSF so I am, of course, delighted!

Aidan is now a big two! We had a lovely quiet birthday, and tried to keep it to just us four. He loved being back a Tappy Toes and has had birthday cake for breakfast at least twice. He’s also got a few new words including Abber (Sophia’s amber) and be-bee (baby). This week I have used a bag of sweets to teach him pees, which has worked very well.

A new blog section: Nathan’s week in 3(ish) words: Bishop, foot, 70th anniversary.

And another: Things I found myself praying for this week: I have spent a good chunck of time praying this week in my favourite spot behind the altar. I think I shocked the armchair exercise group when I popped up from behind it (sorry!). Topics included: school transport contracts to be fixed (they were), Aidan to stop crying at nursery (he did), friends to be made (they were) and a happy ending (it is).

This week I am especially grateful for: the NHS.

Coming up: homeward bound!