A home of our own

This time last year we were living in a 5 berth caravan on a campsite. The summer of 2013 was mostly hot, hot, hot with extreme flooding in between.   After 7 months the camping season was (finally) over and we moved into a property made of bricks, a strange little place located out-in-the-sticks on … Continue reading →

Ups and Downs of 2013-14

These past 18 months have probably been the most ‘normal’ that I’ve experienced since being diagnosed. Apart from a couple of manic highs and one short-lived low, things have been constant and manageable. I’m less worried now about people’s reaction to my bi-polar. Mental illness doesn’t have the stigma it used to have thanks to … Continue reading →

Charlotte’s 5th Birthday

It’s been some time since I last posted on my blog and quite a few entries should have appeared before this one, but I couldn’t resist sharing this celebration in the Hewlett household – Charlotte turning 5. “Mummy, am I actually 5 today? Is it really my birthday?” Charlotte whispered in my ear on her … Continue reading →

We made it to half-term!

Charlotte starts school –  I’d been both dreading and looking forward to the first day of school. It’s a really strange time for a Mother, as you see your (very) little one entering the big-wide-world without your constant care and protection.  It made me realise that my little Charlotte is becoming a little person in … Continue reading →

Summer 2012

Now that Autumn is here and Summer seems to be well and truly over, I feel it’s the right time to sumarize  what we got up to during the school holidays of 2012. In all honesty, I felt very anxious before the holidays, worried about what to do with the children and how to keep them … Continue reading →

William’s Dedication – 30th September 2012

This was a really special day for us all and it turned out to be a lovely occasion.  The bible verse read over us was Psalm 91 ‘Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I … Continue reading →

My Anxious Easter Holidays

They didn’t get off to a good start; what with rainy weather and me developing stupid anxiety/panic attacks about going out! ( I think this was partly a reaction to my new bipolar medication and not very nice to experience).  However, we did manage a few trips to Paulton’s Park; which the kids loved and … Continue reading →

France visit

The warmth of William’s sick seaping through my clothes and covering half of the cabin was enough to make me chuck up big style. It was possibly the worst ferry crossing ever, I had to wrap a bed-sheet around my body and visit reception to request a new, clean cabin……..while lorry drivers made their way … Continue reading →

There’s no school like Jo’s school!

It is sometimes hard to fully embrace the roll of being a Mum and difficult to find a sensible balance between motherhood and wanting your own identity or “me time”.  As I check out Facebook, eBay and type away on my blog simply enjoying my adult time, I also know that God’s plan is for … Continue reading →

Finish the sentance: “Bipolar and bingeing on ………..”

You can enter anything really: shopping, eating, drinking, smoking, drug taking, working, Facebooking(!) etc.  Bingeing is described as “Unrestrained and often excessive indulgence. An act of compulsive consumption.” There are times we all do things to excess, fortunately for most it is a short lived thing or it can be controlled with some will-power without … Continue reading →

Where was the abundant life Jesus promised me in 2011?

Lots of the comments on Facebook last night were from people who were happy to see the back of 2011, it certainly was a year that brought a mixture of happy and sad times for many and it’s encouraging to see that people are looking forward with hope and expectation of a better year in … Continue reading →

A weekend of visiting friends (new and old)

We know Sue and Matt from our old church in Eastleigh, they now live in Baud, just south of Pontivy.  It lovely to catch up (we’d not seen them for several years so had plenty to talk about).  We were treated to some wonderful home-cooked food and had a chance to discuss LBV as Sue … Continue reading →

The only toddler group in Brittany!

Our night was OK, we slept on the floor and although we probably saw every hour the children slept soundly! Jez was great with the kids, showing them the lorries departing the ferry and allowing them both to sit in the front on my lap, they seemed so excited it was lovely. The journey to … Continue reading →

All aboard

Travelling to France on the night ferry, with our two lively children, worked surprisingly well. We chose against a cabin and reserved just 2 reclining seats – we figured that as Charlotte and William don’t sleep very well even at home, that paying for a cabin would be pointless. Once we’d boarded and after exploring … Continue reading →

Bonne Chance in France!

Our move to France is becoming more of a reality.  Over the past few weeks we have been liaising with some very helpful people who live in Brittany to get their opinion on the area, our map is now more highlighter pen than region(!) with numerous places to visit, churches to attend, markets to experience, … Continue reading →

ME and JESUS – check out this clip

I’m currently working on my ‘testimony’, but when I came across this clip from an LA Nightclub it summarised what I could not describe in my own words. I know you’re thinking “I’m not clicking on another link”  but I urge and challenge you to watch this.

5 oxymoron’s and 1 tautology

Today has been rather strange; it consists of 5 oxymoron’s and 1 tautology (oxygenius!) Today’s Oxymoron’s: Too much sleep A successful weigh-in A relaxing toddler birthday party Lots of dry washing Quiet afternoon tea with a mummy friend A blessed trip to A&E Today’s Tautology Answer to prayer I woke with a splitting headache, probably … Continue reading →

Charlotte’s 1st day at pre-school

It’s arrived, the big day! My little girl is growing up and we are entering a new ‘season’ of our lives. I am excited, nervous, scared, proud…..and a little sad. My heart is bursting with joy but it hurts too. I hope I’ve provided her with all the things she will need to do well; … Continue reading →

Muffin Top Challenge – Wk2

So, Monday 18th April, week two feedback……………. These are the goals I set at the start of my Muffin Top Challenge, my progress is in red. 1. Exercise EVERYDAY: Jog/Workout DVD/Brisk buggy walk/Bike Ride/Trampolining (housework DOES NOT count) Successful, but unable to give 100% this week, think this was due to having a cold. Had … Continue reading →

My battle with bi-polar

Following the recent news about Catherine Zeta-Jones suffering with bi-polar disorder, I felt it was time to share my story in the hope of helping others with mental health problems. My struggle with bi-polar disorder began when I was about 10 years old (although it was not diagnosed until much later).  It escalated at about … Continue reading →

Muffin Top Challenge – Wk1

One week in, how have I done? These are the goals I set at the start of my Muffin Top Challenge, my progress is in red. 1. Exercise EVERYDAY: Jog/Workout DVD/Brisk buggy walk/Bike Ride/Trampolining (housework DOES NOT count) Successful 2. No more baking cakes, pies and biscuits (unless for others/gifts) Successful 3. Do not buy … Continue reading →

Proverbs 31 for 2011 women

I was thinking about Proverbs 31 and how I’d love to be like a virtuous woman. I see the Holy Spirit working in many of my friends and they are amazing role models to me. The way they calmly juggle the demands of running the home, being an amazing mother, loving wife and child of … Continue reading →

Frugal Living Tips

Here are my Frugal Living Tips to make sure that as Virtuous Women we do not overspend and that we make the most of what we have. KITCHEN & DINING ROOM * Use Dettol, lemon juice and water in an empty anti-bacterial spray bottle for a cheaper alternative * Shop at Lidl or Aldi to … Continue reading →

Our evening

The TV was turned off, the housework abandoned, the lights down low, it wasn’t going to be a quickie, we hadn’t done it in ages, just me and Jez……..oh, and God. We spent an evening in prayer. It was lovely to spend time with God and time just ‘being’. No pressures, no motives, no deadlines, … Continue reading →

Does God heal?

A week before I was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder I received a healing from God.  It was a healing that lasted just 7 days, a big reminder that we live in a fallen world and a glimpse of “the age to come”. Although it was only temporary, the healing installed me with hope and joy, … Continue reading →

L’Ancienne Gendarmerie – saying goodbye

We have grown really fond of our home in France, the villagers and the French way of life, so much so that we made plans to live here. However, when we prayed about it and asked God to show us if there was any reason why we shouldn’t move…………I then fell pregnant.  Bringing up a … Continue reading →