Why is it that the slightest hint of cloud and rain and small children turn into little wild things? There was running in circles, jumping off sofas, and threats to put them all outside. Of course they then wanted to go outside, so we put three pairs of shoes on and off they all wandered. Then they all came back in, asking for coats. So I helped with three coats, zipped them all up, and they went off outside again.

Less than five minutes later and one by one they reappeared, shedding coats and shoes and leaving a trail behind them.

Virtual church went well – except for this particular moment. They’re not praying, just having a strop. Over what, I can’t even remember. Other than that, they danced in the songs, enjoyed hearing about being God’s treasure, and Theo particularly loved the pirate themed introduction to the story.

And there was great enthusiasm over making treasure maps and chests. I always love moments where the older kids quietly step in and help the younger ones. Tea stained maps are always fun, and the treasure chests were popular – especially with jelly bean treasures in them.

After crafts were finished Micah started to get a bit cranky. He crossly came to find me, and said, with blatant honesty, ‘I’m hungry. And hitty.’ I got lunch, mainly to protect his siblings from his hanger issues.

After lunch and with happiness restored, Liam and I felt the need to have a general house clear up. In the process we came across the leftovers from Theo’s party bags. Yes, his birthday was in November. And no, we hadn’t yet done the crafts that we’d given to all his friends. But today seemed a good day as any to paint some rockets.

When we started our clear up, we’d asked the boys to strip their beds to change the sheets. The result of that can be seen above. We chose to ignore that particular carnage and join the family Sunday afternoon zoom, which involved a quiz today. I was particularly pleased with my knowledge of my siblings baby photos. Ironically the only one I got wrong was not knowing if one picture was me or not. Clearly I don’t look at my own baby photos enough.

I attacked the boys bedroom whilst they were safely contained in the bath. Once they were settled in bed I went back downstairs to find the older children ‘looking’ for the remote control. They wandered around randomly staring at cushions until I suggested that I’d help them look. And the deal was, if I found it, then I’d get to choose what we watched.

I’ve never seen them start actively looking so quickly. And within minutes, it was found. Another evening of American high school drama it is, then.

The clouds weren’t just outside today, I felt them too. I’m not sure what it was exactly. The worship from church made me emotional, singing songs I love whilst missing the community we sing them with, and yet at the same time holding onto words that give me hope and joy. Missing family and friends. The growing sense and fear that life isn’t going to get ‘back to normal’ for a long while ahead. Issues with several different children’s medical and emotional challenges that are needing time and love and attention in these days. I cried, but I wasn’t sad or mad especially. It was just a whole mixture of emotions and exhaustion finding expression.

This evening I read these verses from a Psalm 3:

‘But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
I cried aloud to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy hill.
I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.’ – Psalm 3:3-5

I’m grateful that on cloudy Sundays, on weary evenings, on days where I’m missing normality and feeling overwhelmed by the needs around me, there is One I can turn to who protects me and lifts my tired head. Who I can cry to and He answers. Who sustains me in my sleep, and when I wake tomorrow will bring grace and hope and strength for a new day.