the makowers

December??!!

2008-12-14T11:08:00.000-08:00

Argh its been 5 months (well nearly) where has the time gone ... has the day of the blog died?? You'd think i'dhave loads ot say, but a bit overwhelmed really ... watch this space

July

2008-07-23T09:12:00.000-07:00

All been mad hectic (pretty normal then really!!) I've (Ema) been on jury service, as well as trying to finish school and we had the mad idea to swap the kids rooms around, so I've been painting in my free time!!!

This weeks task is trying to think about everything that we'll need for our annual week at New Wine. Any sensible family would have kept last years list and, more importantly, amendments, but no such joy - you know we'll forget something - last year it was the bung for the air bed!!! All really looking forward to it though, well with the exception of packing the car - Beth is adamant that we are taking her bike!

Onto laptop number 3 and so far seems okay - although to be fair am using old, dying pc, it may crash on a regular basis but its safer!!! Hey ho, have put up a few extra pics for your amusement (anybody that may possibly read this still that is!!)

Catch Up

2008-06-13T12:11:00.000-07:00

What to say really ... well it is June and B, Will and I are all a year older - scary how that happens!! We have managed to wreck 2 laptop since our last post, actually to be fair it was within the last 3 weeks!! Tom is doing well, his meds were up-ed at his consultant visit, but more to do with his increase in body weight than anything else. Beth has decided to go to Potton Lower, okay so we helped her a bit, but she is really looking forward to kick off in September ... I would post some pics but unfortunately they were on the laptops!! Having a birthday bash next weekend so maybe I'll put up some pics from that!!

Phew!

2008-04-24T13:01:00.000-07:00

Well the last few months haven't been without there drama - as I know loads of you are aware and thanks again for all your messages, cards, calls etc. For those of you we didn't manage to get to - Tom has been diagnosed with epilepsy.

All started the Tuesday before Easter when he had 2 seizures in quick succession, he'd had 3 back in December so we roughly knew how it went, but also knew that 2 together wasn't great, so the ambulance was called and off to hospital we went. Tom was checked over and it was decided they were febrile (due to high temp) so we were discharged with a consultant appointment and the instructions not to worry about it, unless he had a seizure longer than five minutes. As soon as we got home, Tom had a 5 and a half minute seizure - again we called an ambulance and back we were in hospital. That night wasn't too bad, but from the Wednesday morning Tom started fitting every 2/3 hours, day and night - to say it was a scary time would be an understatement. Probably the lowest point was when he lost the use of his right arm and his speech became slurry. However, Easter Sunday evening the fitting stopped, and although we were in hospital until the Wednesday Tom made an incredible recovery, and has been getting better and better since. He is still on meds (but only one lot at present) and these seem to keep him fit free. The downside is that we just found out they could be affecting his liver function (he has to have blood tests every other week and the last lot show a slight problem).

Where too from here? Well we are trying to keep things as normal (an interesting word to use in the Makower house!) as possible and enjoying life as much as we can ... amazing how dealing with a very sick small person focus your mind on what's important.

Oh and if that wasn't enough amidst it all B' got glasses ... doesn't she look fab :-)

Poorly Sick

2008-02-28T11:31:00.000-08:00

Over the last week Will, Tom and I all suffered a rather nasty sick bug ... why do I tell you this, well for any of you with little children I am sure you will understand when you look at the picture below .... they maybe be cute, but I can assure you they are the last thing you need when you are feeling far from your best!!!(love 'em really!)

Those Park Pics!

2008-02-28T11:21:00.000-08:00

Yes unbelievably managed to take 86 (or something like that) pics in the park the other Sunday. Was fab to be out and about though, sun shining, B and T running about (well T still bottom shuffling) like nutters. Just a gorgeous family afternoon. Here are just a few pics!

New Year New Tricks

2008-01-13T12:46:00.000-08:00

Thought you might like these - Tom's latest antics, seems like he'll do anything for food!
And his so-phisticated sister off to a party don't you know! (Actually I guess the present is rather a give away!)

All the best for 2008....wherever you are and whatever you are doing!

Christmas

2007-12-30T06:31:00.000-08:00

Well what can I say really other than a fab time was had by all, even thought Tom is/was still suffering rather (thank goodness for pelican bibs - catch everything ... i'll leave it to your imagination!). Beth finally seems sold on the Turkey thing, although wasn't so keen on the lamb! The big people's fav. Christmas meal - had to be the Chinese takeaway - apologies to all the cooks - nothing personal, although Alan your onion gravy definitely deserves a mention! Enjoyed church on Christmas morning, true PVC style, outside in the market square - rain and all!! Was excellent though. I'll leave you with a few pictures, oh and my best bit ... Beth asking when she could get a real magic wand as the one she got for Christmas must only be pretend as I (mummy) was still there and she was trying to magic me away!!

Blog Worthy??

2007-12-16T01:14:00.000-08:00

Just recovering from a scary few days ... including a stay in hospital. Tom had his first fit on Thursday teatime, then another Friday morning and a third Friday lunch time. We took him to the docs after the first one, who suspected it was fever connected and sent us home. On Friday morning having lulled me into a false sense of security him seeming considerable more perky than the day before, Tom repeated exactly what had happened the previous evening. The real scare was at lunchtime though - I've never seen such a strong reaction to Bongela...but seriously he had a full on shaking fit and turn blue. As I am sure you would imagine I called 999 and the ambulance soon arrived - they were amazing, and quickly had Tom looking a more normal shade and it was off to hospital ... I won't bore you with the details needless to say spending even 24 hours in hospital was way too much for me.

Probable cause high temp = febrile convulsions, but they have done some test as to have 3 in such a short space of time is quite unusual.

Today ... just 24 hours later - well see for yourself

Christmas ... a Beth's Eye View

2007-12-02T10:16:00.000-08:00

Not sure how well you can see this but Beth added a 'I did it' sticker to our nativity angel - thought it was rather apt .... popped back later only to find ....

...more stickers had been awarded - kings/wise men - I did it and I'm proud', 'This was fun' and 'I tried hard', Shephard: 'I've finished' and Joseph: 'I'm clever'. The baby Jeusu also got a sticker for eating all his dinner - yet another excuse to get Beth out of eating - 'I can't come to the table yet I'm feeding baby Jesus.'

Tom on the other hand has finally mastered pulling himself up, standing and generally moving about ...

....and clearing the bookshelf...

...Little people - they're great!!

Outward Focused Church

2007-11-14T11:44:00.000-08:00

So a couple of weekends ago I was lucky enough to escape the madness of the family and go over to Northern Ireland (Dungannon to be more specific) to take part in an Outward Focused Church conference (phew what a long sentence!!). Six of us from church made the trip which was frankly fantastic. The main speaker was a guy called Dave Workman from Cincinnati Vineyard (check out http://www.vineyardcincinnati.com/) and he brought a few of his team with him. What was it all about? That's definitely a real conversation not for blogging!! What's the main thing I got out of it ... that I really want to go skydiving!! (Long story!).

Photos are of the Giant's Causeway where we got to go on the Sunday afternoon having spied on (and took over!) Causeway Coast Vineyard.

Sheffield (or Shefftown as Will calls it!!)

2007-10-29T08:17:00.001-07:00

So we went to Sheffield - yay, and without the little people... weird parallel universe thing going on as when we were in Sheffield we didn't have the little people so it was strangely right to be there without them!! (Does that make any sense??) .

Well the best thing was of course staying with the gorgeous Ro and Pete - thanks guys you are amazing, but just having time and space (particularly of the head kind) to chat, and ponder was amazing. And did I mention the walking - me thinks an hour and half into town is a little excessive from Walkley, but as we had to go via Crookes and the new Starbucks (opposite the newly open Western Park museum) what can I say!!

Best food ... HaHa all the way (no offense goodly hosts) Nachos to die for, followed by a delicious steak sandwich. Got to play guess who (of the Radio One variety) having spotted a famous face in the winter gardens - what else do you want to know .... excellent, excellent, excellent!

Liking this poem in said winter gardens by the way - good one Mr McGough!

Tom Turns One

2007-10-22T02:25:00.000-07:00

Flip me - so who would have believed it - Tom has reached one already - where did the year go!!!

Tom's offical birthday was on Wednesday and we did manage a few presents - but to be honest he wasn't really all that interested ... Saturday though marked the party ... a family affair on the whole which Tom enjoyed,

although the whole present thing still wasn't of great interest! He didn't mind them when they were unwprapped mind you Beth was more than happy to oblige!

Weatherwise - who would believe it was October - the girls certainly made the most of it.

And the cake? An elephant (Tom's favourite) and fantatstic even if I do say so myself!

The Ball

2007-10-11T10:56:00.000-07:00

So from a crazy idea back in May a ball is born (well more of a posh party really!) Armed with nothing more than ideas of what we don't want and excellent team work we sprang in to action - albeit 3 months later and just 5 weeks from the event!! The idea to hold a posh party for 120 people, live band, three course meal, champagne wine and in the process make some money for Water Aid - mad - well on occasions it felt a bit like it.

But over all it was an amazing experience, that went unbelievably well and left us in the difficult position of folk asking when the next one would be!!! Highlights - so many ... but Will singing was definitely one of them.

Life

2007-09-17T12:09:00.001-07:00

Things here good - all settling into the new routine. I am back working Monday, Tuesday Wednesday which my brain seems to really like and Will is embarking on the craziness that is being at home with the little people on a Tuesday - so far he is doing an EXCELLENT job, admittedly he did take Beth to the wrong pre-school session the first week - but then to be fair I did assure him it was in the morning, even though he was convinced it was in the afternoon!! That'll be my mistake then!!

Managing to fill our weekends up nicely, as is true of the evenings, but do manage to all be in the same space once in a while ... as is recorded in only our 2nd full family photo!!

Beach 'Tastic

2007-09-06T11:52:00.000-07:00

Managed to squeeze in three hols this summer (including New Wine see below) two of them becoming rather beach focused .. I marvel at what is the British offering for the beach - actually I think I should call it the 'Sea-side' because its just not in the same league as our Mediterranean neighbours ... here are just a few of the gorgeous sights ... that all said we did have an amazing few weeks!

Cool Cats

2007-08-23T10:41:00.001-07:00

Here they are, in all their glory (Ashley - top, then Benjamin) - indeed very gorgeous and still (I say still - Tom loves to grab at them!) incrediby friendly.

New Wine

2007-08-06T01:50:00.000-07:00

Well we can't say it wasn't muddy and we did have the odd spot of rain, but considering what the weather has been like (and all the looks of disbelief from those that we told we were camping for our hols) ... we had excellent conditions for living under canvass (and all have the golden glows to prove it!).

In fact we had a fab time all round ... and for those of you reading this - come back later i'll get Will to add more words - but for now i'll add the pics (check out more via facebook)...

...Will's later!...Yep, we had an excellent week, not without its fair share of challenges obviously, what with a 3 year old live wire like Beth and a 9/12 month old expert bottom shuffler Tom to contend with. However, once we'd got our heads round it all and had found a groove, it was fab! In fact, by the end of New Wine LSE (London and South East) week, we were even saying how we could have done with an extra week there, cause by the end of the week we had it all sussed!

Our average day at New Wine would look something like this:

6/6.30 a.m. Get up I would get up early when Tom was ready for a change of scene and wander round the site, sometimes with Beth, sometimes without depending on whether she'd woken up too at that point.

7.30/7.45 a.m. Breakfast back at the village and the others from PVC (Potton Vineyard Church) who we'd gone with would gradually surface - The Burkes, The Powells, The Pickerings!

8.45 a.m. Gather up the small people plus relevant buggy and belongings, and trapse on down to Gems (0-2s Creche) for Tom and Pebbles (3-4s) for Beth

9.15 a.m. Morning Main Session we'd go to Venue 2, where either Nigel Briggs or Eoghan Heaslip would lead the sung worship, and Rick Olmstead would speak on 'No longer waiting on the world to change'. All great stuff

10.30 a.m. Coffee Break We'd go collect the kids and catch our breath, sometimes grab coffee and cake as is makower family tradition

11.15 a.m. 1st Seminar One of us would head off to a seminar whilst the other looked after the little ones

Then

12.30 p.m. Lunch We'd then do a swap for 1 of the

2.30-3.30 p.m. or 4-5 p.m. Seminars 2 & 3 sessions in the afternoon

Regular Grandma Intervals! Beth would also pop over to see Grandma at various times across the day/week, or else Grandma (Noel) would come and find us instead!

Breaks! Obviously in general coffee breaks and mealtimes were great opportunities to stock up and chew the cud on what God's up to amongst other things

5.00 p.m. Dinner, and then bedtime for Beth and Tom (took several nights to persuade Beth to go to sleep without kicking up a storm!)

7.00 p.m. Evening Main Session I'd wander down for the sung worship, then grab a drink and snack and head back to base

7.45 p.m. Ema and I would both listen to the talk from Venue 1 broadcast on New Wine Radio. We were very grateful for the kind loan of the Burkes caravan at those times, especially if it was cold or (occasionally) wet.

9.00 p.m. The last phase of the evening/day would involve other folks trickling out of the main meeting ministry times and we'd chat and hang out till bedtime!

Late! Some would take the opportunity to savour the late night entertainments too!

In summary, we had an amazing time spent with God and each other, and wouldn't have missed it for the world!

Cats, Cats and More Cats!

2007-07-24T01:40:00.000-07:00

So two new additions to the Makower family - rather rubbishly named Ashley and benjamin - but both VERY gorgeous ... am trying to get a better picture, but they are still a bit camera shy . Want Will's take on it all ..."Will is getting to grips with 2 kids under 5 plus 2 cats under 9!"

Just for You Ang

2007-07-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

Not really sure what to post - all very busy what with the end of term and the likes - but only 3 more work days for me!!! Have had a peaceful week with Beth at my folks but Tom being sick has meant its not been quite as relaxing as it otherwise might (we reacon he's Bethsick!!). All surviving which is the main thing and looking forward to a rest (hahahahaha)

Seventies Party!!

2007-06-17T11:58:00.000-07:00

So here they are .. a selection of the pictures .. what a fab way to celebrate turning 30!

Pirate Party

2007-05-25T10:34:00.000-07:00

Whatever possessed us? Who's idea was three hours? (mum I am sure it was you!) Do three year olds really need the toilet that frequently? Can they really complete a task/game/activity that quickly... and what is their obsession with taking their clothes off??!!

Hope you enjoy the pics (for larger versions click on them!)

Poorly Sick

2007-04-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

All is not good here with a bout of tonsillitis for me and d&v for Tom . . . gone are the days of being sick, home alone, watching daytime tv. . . . now instead one gets puked on and enjoys cbeebies (well he did watch Diagnosis Murder so fair's fair!!) Probably the most upsetting thing was that my doctors appointment clashed with 'Homes Under The Hammer' my all time fav day time watch . . . hey ho at least I got drugs!!

Think the picture sums up the difference in B and T's characters rather well!!

More photos

2007-04-03T10:08:00.000-07:00

Just thought we'd keep you up to date.

And Again it Snowed

2007-03-21T06:10:00.000-07:00

Can't believe its still snowing - was in jeans and short sleeved t-shirt last week and now back to coats, hats and gloves. I don't think I've ever seen such HUGE flakes - did let my mind flip out for a bit thought thining about how each snowflake was (apparently) different . . . God must have a bit of spare time on his hands at the mo!

Murder Most Horrid

2007-03-06T01:00:00.000-08:00

Hosted (at someone else’s house) a Murder Mystery party on Friday . . . overall very well received and it is amazing how gracious people can be when I was a complete fool . . .not known for my instruction reading we ended up watching the 4th DVD at the end of round 4 (of 10) . . . all sounds perfectly sensible, except for the fact that that particular DVD is the one with the solution!! Hey ho, thank goodness we had all enjoyed a glass or two of wine and that people's expectations of me caused them to believe that I would never be so foolish as to have shown them the answers, so instead they viewed it as some kind of red herring! Well done to all involved for being so fantastic!

Hope to put up pics soon.

Failed

2007-02-26T13:44:00.000-08:00

Okay so have to confess have failed with the whole not reading/writing blog stuff - decided I needed the escape/window on the world too much, not that I don't love my small people, but you can feel pretty trapped sometimes (especially when we are all screamy and tired!)

Thought you might like to see a few more snaps - the first is my jobshare partners' twins - the most gorgeous, born just a week and a half ago.

Then Tom already following his sister's lead of undoing any housework I do manage to get done in a day . . . I was fairly sure he wouldn;t manage to pull the whole airer on him, just the trousers off!

And finally (belatedly) Beth in the snow

Twenty-Four (plus Sixteen)

2007-02-16T14:14:00.000-08:00

I'm going dark - it's a lent thing - no blog reading or writing, see you at Easter. Ema

Us!

2007-02-13T01:17:00.000-08:00

Here we are

Holiday!

2007-02-08T12:19:00.000-08:00

Second try . . . how annoying

Just got back from a rather fab week away at the Vineyard National Leaders' Conference in sunny (and flip it was) Hayling Island. Stayed in a rather swanky hotel which was fab with the small exception that it was a Warner one (no kids). Unfortunatly didn't mean we got to leave Beth and Tom at home, but instead as Vineyard had taken over the whole place they said we could bring them. The downside being we neded to take everything a small person might ever need - high chairs, travel cot, air bed and so on . . .bit like camping in a hotel room really, but we were rewarded with a fantatically large room.

Yes the picture really was taken in January!!

Have to say we were somewhat in trepidation as to how the whole all sleeping in one room would go, but Tom and Beth seemed very happy to sleep through the other ones wakefulness, shame we couldn't!! And actually we did okay on night 2 and 3!!

Beth's first ever photo of me!

Will's bit!!...As for the meetings, they were great. Terry Virgo spoke on grace in the mornings, and Jay Pathak talked about making Jesus relevant in the evenings. One of his challenges that really stood out was 'What would it be like if we treated everyone in our community like they were in our small group?' If you really think that one through, it blows your brains out!!

There were also some 'bonus' talks, such as:

John Mumford sharing "family news" ('as close as we ever get to an agm'!)
Eleanor Mumford on our gathered worship (it's all about Him!)
Rick Williams on where church, work and world collide

There was also loads of time and space to worship together as 500+, and to get prayed for during ministry times. Finally, there were some interesting and thought provoking seminars to dip into in the afternoons. All in all, we had a fab week out with God and each other

Taking it in turns to walk on the beach - they really weren't designed for buggies!!

What's all that up there about??!!

Bye Bye Baby Bye Bye

2007-01-25T10:57:00.000-08:00

Well it's all got to go . . . some sadness maybe, well why else the picture, but as much as we love them, that's our contribution to the population!

Best Pals

2007-01-25T10:50:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to say Beth is finally coming to terms with the fact the she is no longer the only 'Makower child'. She 'lubs' dad and mum and Tom now ... phew!! She's still a bit miffed that he can't play, but I keep reassuring her that one day he will (although little does she know that's when it will all go wrong - that's my toy, he hit me, I want to play with that and so on!!!). We certainly 'lub' them .. arrr.

Snow, Snow and More Snow ... Well Sort Of!!

2007-01-25T09:54:00.000-08:00

It did snow ... honest. Didn't hang around long though, and was much better at 5am when I got up to check on Tom and then couldn't get back to sleep as I had peeked out of the curtains and seen the 'oh so exciting white covering'. Would like to say Beth, (Tom) and I rushed out to make the most of it, but instead Beth had a mega paddy about getting dressed and then it had gone!! Hey ho, maybe more soon.

I'm a Big Girl Now

2007-01-10T10:31:00.000-08:00

Beth's first day at pre-school today, which of course she loved . . . it was me that wasn't so keen . . . feels a bit like a slippery slope to the days of starting school . . . help I've turned in to 'one of those' parents. Can't believe how grown up she looks!

Happy New Year, Happy New Year . . . .

2007-01-01T10:10:00.000-08:00

(why can't I get the Abba song out of my head??!!)

Thought as I was catching up with Christmas on this of all days I should at least post some reference to the new year. Was thinking about it earlier and wasn't really all that inspired (although I have to say celebrating New Years Eve with Bill Baily was rather fab - even though he was in red . . . have since managed to fix the TV!!).

However, our top and very exciting news (that is if you have ever had to suffer Will or I coming to you for advice sympathy etc re: Beth's lack of food intake) is that Beth has had a fantastic day . . .

2 breakfasts,

bag of Quavers

ham and cheese 'sandwiches' for lunch (in'' as Beth has just discovered the delights of having a slice of bread, the ham and/or cheese and then another slice of bread . . . we clearly take everyday thing way too much for granted!)

bag of milky bar buttons

a banana

dinner of . . . wait for it . . . scrambled egg, broccoli, pasta and baked beans

and ice cream

That's pretty much what she would normally eat in 4/5 days!! Excellent, excellent, excellent.

So there you go another exciting day in the crazy Makower shaped world . . . well that and these fab pictures!

Christmas

2007-01-01T08:22:00.000-08:00

All in all a splendid time was had by us Makowers, although it did seem to last forever . . . Beth opened her first present on Friday 22nd and then just kept going until the 28th ... scary stuff.

Despite being a whole year older than last year (odd how that happens), she still seems to have no concept of Father Christmas, or why we were giving/receiving presents. I don't think it is because we have failed as parents, but it does seem a bit strange. Maybe she's just blase about the materialism, has already grasped the deeper meaning of Christmas, and we should just count our blessings!

Alan working on the traditional Rhodes family Christmas puzzle . . . finally completed by . . . . Ema!!!! (I'll post the solution if you ask nicely Alien!)

Thomas obviously had a whale of a time at 2 months, ripping open all his pressies and scoffing himself stupid with chocs(!)

Notes to self for next year:

if staying overnight, take pyjamas for small people;
don't forget presents for important family members;

church twice in one day isn't necessary (at Christmas);

it doesn't matter how big your car/house is, it's still always full!

no amount of camera skill can account for poor subjects!

Ema's Mum and brother (proabably only here for a limited amount of time - that is until my mum sees it! )

Daddy's Girl

2006-12-18T07:59:00.000-08:00

What do you think to this then? Have to say these were taken towards the beginning of what turn out to be a very long process - one that unsurprisingly Beth tired of more quickly than Will (or I!)

I guess if we were really clever we would be able to upload the result (Will are you reading this - there must be some software at DPM that can 'covert it' from good old cassette)

Thinking we won't Blog before Christmas so hope you have a fab time - especially all of you with new little people (and believe me there are hundreds of you....you can rest in the knowledge that when you are up at a crazy time in the night, feeding - again, loads of other devoted mums (and dads??) are there with you!) Congrats to you and all your beautiful Little people!
(Does that makes sense to anyone other there??)

Christmas Comes Early

2006-12-10T13:58:00.000-08:00

Thought you might like this - really is an early Christmas for the bear, although as she tells everyone - "I don't have them cooked" yep that’s right another Makower delicacy

Long time no speak?

2006-12-07T09:52:00.000-08:00

Well doesn't that always happen after saying I had too much free time things have just piled up ... must be Christmas or something! Not sure I actually have any exciting news from all the busy-ness though, just a few more pics for your perusal!! Enjoy :-)

Will's all new myspace artist page!

2006-11-19T14:11:00.000-08:00

To check out Will's all new myspace artist page, go to this link:

Check me out!

Blogging Disease

2006-11-16T10:14:00.000-08:00

I'm addicted - either that or I have too much free time!!

So far I have survived my first full week of being alone (although still got tomorrow to go!) Actually thinking I have planned too much in . . . no surprise there then, but at least I can admit it! Haven't quite managed to do the shopping . . . normally get milk etc today, but due to heavy rain drove to toddler group and due to huge, new, 'family' car decided I couldn’t risk parking in mini Tesco's car park!!

Thought I'd add another picture to the ever-increasing set - I think I'd like to call it 'The Perfect Children'. Don’t they look peaceful.

Pure Cheese

2006-11-12T10:39:00.000-08:00

Thought you might like the latest snaps - can't quite believe the gorgeous people are my family!

All doing ok - getting a bit more used to each other, but also discovering Tom's little foibles - like 3 hour screaming sessions - luckily during the daytime! (You wouldn't think it from the picture would you!)

'Family Time'

2006-10-26T10:58:00.000-07:00

Absolutely loving this 'family time' we have been given. Not sure what makes it so different from time off together we have previously had, but it is so unlike weeks we have had before (maybe because there are 4 of us now??!!). Don't know just seems really chilled and a time to catch up and enjoy each other’s company. Obviously the fact that I get to lay in until 9:00/10:00 (although in my defence I am up 1 out of every 3 hours in the night) and the wonderful people from PVC (see www.pottonvineyard.org.uk) who are doing our dinner every night, as well as loads of support from family and friends .... helps. Guess I am just in a really sentimental mood - the calm before the storm of Will going back to work next week - but it is fab and I feel like one of the 'most blessed' people around right now.

Progress Report

2006-10-21T02:02:00.000-07:00

Doing good! Obviously fairly sleep deprived, but still feel 100% better than I did while I was pregnant. Also can't quite believe he is here - a bit like with Beth can't get my head round the fact that just a few days ago he was my bump and now he's on the loose!! He's pretty good all in all, feeding well and very gorgeous!

Beth is doing really well, making an excellent big sister - very concerned and helpful. Loving Thomas and Will, but a bit hacked of with me it seems! No bedtime hugs and kisses for mum at the moment.

Thomas photos

2006-10-17T13:52:00.001-07:00

See also http://ntlworld.photobox.co.uk/album/4283711

Baby Newsflash...

2006-10-17T01:17:00.000-07:00

The headlines in Makower baby world are as follows…

· It's a boy!
· He's called Thomas
· He was born at 1.23 a.m. this very morning (Tuesday 17th October 2006)
· He weighed in at 8 pounds and 5 ounces
· Mum and baby are still recovering from the whole ordeal but doing okay!
· They should both be able to come home this afternoon, once they've been in 12 hours to rule out infection (the waters broke at 6 a.m. Monday morning, quite a long time before he made his appearance, hence the risk of infection)
· Without going into gory details, the early phase of labour seemed to last a lifetime (!), but the most intensive ‘pushing’ phase started whilst Ema was having a bath.
· The midwives and staff just about managed to get her out of the bath and get the baby delivered on the bathroom floor. This phase was excruciating and horrible to have to watch her endure, so heaven (and all the mothers out there!) only knows what it was like to be Ema at this point?!

For photos of baby Thomas and a first hand account of the roller coaster ride from the brave mum herself, watch this space!!!

Perfect Sister

2006-10-11T10:39:00.000-07:00

Thought you might like this pic of Beth being the perfect sister .... safety checking all the bits for the baby!

12 Days To Go!

2006-10-09T10:35:00.000-07:00

Well now counting the days (like I haven't been for ages!!) Was thinking I'd like it all over and done with, but after spending Friday morning at the hospital all the memories of Beth being born flooded back, so I am now much more content to wait until d'day.

Thought you'd like to feel thin by viewing my gorgeous physique! (is the belly too much??!!)

worshipcentral

2006-09-27T04:55:00.000-07:00

Saturday was one truly awesome day spent at worshipcentral, a new school of worship to train and equip worship leaders, musicians and worshippers. Led by Tim Hughes, worshipcentral is based at Holy Trinity Brompton and run in partnership with Soul Survivor.

It worked really well on a few different levels. Just the worship times themselves were full-on, passionate, spacious and vibrant. The ministry times were profound and powerful. The talks and seminars were thought provoking. The chance for the group of us that went to hang out and get to know each other better (particularly during the extended meal breaks) was great. The opportunity to re-connect with others across the worship music scene was really encouraging.

I think the vision for it is amazing and the whole dynamic of having a gathering of worshipping community is incredibly powerful and something God loves and shines on I think. It feels like God's doing a new thing across all the divides of denomination, movements etc and it's really exciting and a priviledge to be a part of it all.

The atmosphere of 850 worshipper's hearts all joining as one in praise to God was just electric and so totally Spirit-filled. It felt like home and a place where you could really be free and God could 'take the shackles off your feet so you could dance'! I absolutely loved it and so did the 6 others from the Potton Vineyard Church music worship team that i brought along. We all came home buzzing, all fired up, inspired, challenged and motivated afresh.

Check out http://worshipcentral.org.uk/

Phototastic

2006-09-22T04:25:00.000-07:00

Finally got round to getting the afore mentioned pictures.

The prestigious (or should that be pretentious??!!) Potton show took place the weekend of the 9th/10th September. The ever diligent people of Potton (and surrounding villages) competing in the various classes and categories from heaviest onion, to most pointed carrot, most delicious rock cakes (men only), to best animal made from fruit and veg . . . and the list continued (150 classes in all!!). The entrance fee was a steep 20p per item, but we pushed all thought of our dwindling bank balance aside and I entered 4 of the photographic classes and Beth 2 of the Under 5 categories.

Well what a result... I got third for my sunset photo (50p prize money!) and Beth not only first place in 'picture any subject/any media' (£1 prize!) but also 'Outstanding Exhibit' out of all the Under 5 classes - we were well proud!!

Beth really had no idea what was going on and wouldn’t even collect her ‘cup’….. the reality sunk in when we used her winnings to purchase a BigCookLittleCook DVD – oh yes now all we hear about is her (watching) her prize!

Likin' This

2006-09-16T01:37:00.000-07:00

Nicked this from an acquaintance’s blog - the ideal in camera phone!! Really appealed to the texter in me!

Will says I need to put up more pics, and I will, just need to remember to actually get them!!

Scary

2006-09-13T11:05:00.000-07:00

Have reached that stage when everyday foods go out of date AFTER my due date – thus forcing my brain to imagine eating the cheese (as it was in this case) after the baby has been born!!! Help we have another small person on the way!!!

You know me don't really like to deal with stuff until it happens - or afterwards in many cases!

Pyramids, Grease and General Madness!

2006-08-29T10:30:00.000-07:00

Well we seem to have finally hit the ground after a mad and hectic few weeks.

Holiday club last week - that'll be the Pyramid bit of the title. Pyramid Rock and we did. All a bit crazy with me the big, fat, pregnant one heading it from the front - must say I did rather savoured napping with Beth when we got home! Really enjoyed it - despite it being mad and a bit disorganised, for me was overwhelmed by the number of helpers (some from PVC and others simply bonkers!) at least 55 over the week (most doing every day) not a bad ratio to our 105 kids!! Will add some pics when I remember to get them!

Then the renowned Party on Potton biannual extravaganza, a four day event with various evening entertainment - Grease Night, Big Band, Family Disco and the stupidly popular Stars in their Eyes (Potton Style!), plus family stuff going on in the day including the Carnival, Potton Olympics, dog show (with my favourite category being 'most treats eaten - dog and owner') etc, etc. Needless to say we had a fab time - proper family stuff and to top it all off our float won first prise in the Carnival!

Ema's Fav Websites

2006-08-18T07:13:00.000-07:00

Been looking around at others folks blogs' (well that is the point surely!!) and am stuck by how much they write, where as we just do pics it seems (must be confirmation of my visual learning/need for visual imagaing to do/remember anything and how I have drummed it into Will over the past 7 years!!) Anyway thought it would be a good place to post some of my favourite websites at present (I know you can do this as snazzy links but this just seems easier somehow !!)

Loving this site - fair trade, recycle and from the Philippines (memories of summer 2002) web address www.doybags.com

And this is fab too www.cardsfromafrica.com
Both shopping, but hey, well spent cash in my humble opinion.

2006-08-13T12:56:00.000-07:00

Just caught up with Will's whistle stop tour of our life - phew!!
Thought you might like this Judith . . . and after all we all look so drop dead gorgeous!! Seems like ages ago - scary stuff

Special request for Beth monkey photo!!

2006-08-10T10:27:00.000-07:00

Catch up! The Makower headlines 1999-2006

2006-08-09T13:22:00.000-07:00

A new model of discipleship/leadership training
Grounded in reality by working part-time
Providing experiential learning
With a heart for their community and the world

Hello blogworld!

Just thought you might like to see the Makower headlines (as told from the Will perspective, by no means comprehensive) to fill in some blanks where applicable:

August 1999: Will & Ema tie the knot

September 1999: Ema starts her first teaching job at Barnabas Oley Primary School (http://www.barnabasoley.cambs.sch.uk/)

August 2001: Our first New Wine a crucial one as Will goes to seminar by Mal Calladine doing a case study of St Tom's, which plants a seed...Mission trip to Ecuador ends up with Ema wanting to move to South America!...Will's band 'Makower' call it a day after 3 years of nearly but not quites and much soul searching

December 2001: Will's worship CD 'Spirit Flow' produced in association with Listen-in Ltd (http://www.listen-in.com) gets finished

August 2002: Ema's mad emigration plans kept in check by her Phillipines mission trip...God's 'compromise deal' on mission involves moving to Sheffield to do the course formerly known as 'Tribal Training' at St Tom's (now known as 'Form')...a rare moment of Will and Ema hearts and minds in total unison!

August 2003: Next big leap into the great unknown involves rooting ourselves into Potton Vineyard Church in Bedfordshire, and, after some tricky transition time, actually moving to Potton itself in December of the same year!

January 2004: Will starts to get involved in the music worship team at PVC

March 2004: Will starts at Derek Prince Ministries (http://www.dpmuk.org) in what would turn out to be his longest stint to date in a 'proper' job!

April 2004: Ema goes on maternity leave

May 2004: Bethan Abbie Makower bursts into the world, and the world's still recovering!

July 2004: Jim & LIz Burke come full circle - Having become christians through the work of the church, they now take up the challenge of pastoring it...Pete and Carol Crouch (the founders of PVC) move on to plant another church in Ipswich

October 2004: Ema returns to work and Beth starts at nursery 3 days a week

November 2004: Beth gets dedicated

July 2005: Will & Ema get asked to join 'GNR8', the pastors' steering group

September 2005: Will & Ema start a house group called 'Acts 2' along with another couple at PVC, with the vision to aim for shared lives a la Acts 2!

January 2006: The Makowers discover there's another family addition the way, due 21st October!

And that's the edited highlights so far...as for the future watch this space!

2006-08-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

Thought some of you might fancy being reminded of days gone by - check out our homepage http://homepage.ntlworld.com/themakowers/index.htm for some reason I can no longer access it - hence it being a bit of a time capsule.

2006-08-08T03:38:00.000-07:00

Finally... managed to sort it!! Actually very easy when the computer is playing!

Did look for one of all three of us (*), but alas to no avail.

* Yes to those of you who don't know I am looking rather large in the picture - baby number 2 due 21st October. Don't know wherether it's a boy or girl, just hoping it is a bit more laid back than hyper, bonkers mad (but fantastic) Beth!

PS can anybody guess the exotic location of Beth's picture??

2006-08-08T01:23:00.000-07:00

After being very sceptical of this whole thing - after all who would want to read all about our 'interesting life', I spent a good hour (or more!) reading everybody else's (that we've even met in our lives ever!) and it was jolly interesting :-) I have to say the whole picture thing appeals to me the most - being a visual person, so hopefully I'll sort out how to add photos ASAP

(just realised spell check is in American - can I change this??)

(PS added photo sept time - needed it for our profile)