GadgetVicar

In Other News

In between working quite hard, we've been getting out and about a bit more than usual: we went to a fab party on Saturday night (we had a choice of two, and were last to leave the one we went to - changed days for us!); went as a family to see the Golden Compass (possible review to follow); spoke at Tots & Co (our Toddlers and Carers group), inviting them to our Christmas services - the wee faces were delighted at Tommy the puppet; had a vestry meeting last night at which, among other things, we reviewed the pledges made so far to Building for the Future (details of which to follow, for which we are so grateful to God - the response so far has been wonderful, but we still have a considerable way to go).

My main focus this week is getting ready for our Carols by Candlelight service (Sunday @ 8pm). This will be my thirteenth year of speaking at this, and to be honest it's become the  talk I struggle with most during the year, so prayers for this are valued.

And to cap it all, today is my 44th birthday (I know, I know, I don't look that ancient, thank you very much!). One of the benefits of being on Facebook - I've received more birthday greetings than usual, so thanks for that too. My birthday treat? We couldn't get tickets for Led Zeppelin, but I am going to see the Grammy-nominated Porcupine Tree with GV Boy tomorrow night (and the Icicle Works with Ms GV next Monday night).

Celebrating A New Teenager

It's official - we have a second teenager living in our home, as GV Girl No. 1 is thirteen years old today. Many Happy Returns! The odd thing is that she began behaving like a teenager when she was about nine, which could mean that she'll snap out of teenagedom quite soon?

Tomorrow night I'm 'bouncing' at her birthday disco to be held in the church hall. A dangerous assignment to ask of any father, as the potential for embarrassing the offspring is immense. For example, refusing entry to any boys wearing trainers, or who arrive in single-sex groups, or that I just don't like the look of. Confiscating any contraband liqueur that the little ones try to bring in (actually, that could be quite lucrative!) Telling girls to cover themselves up because they might catch a cold. Or the very worst - doing the 'daddy dance' (fathers have perfected this over many years and it's calculated to bring humiliation to any progeny observing it).

Luckily for GV Girl No. 1, I will be running the Marriage Preparation Course in the church at the same time, so my attention will be divided.

Happy Birthday GadgetVicar Girl No. 2!

She is 11 today.

She was born on Good Friday, 1996. She is funny, sensitive and caring.   

We had chocolate fudge cake to celebrate, which I ate without being ill! A double celebration, then, as it's the first time that I've had chocolate for well over six months. I think she was quite pleased that I could partake.

And it's Easter this weekend. Chocolate eggs could be tempting.