Its all over and only just begining

So my visitors are away back to Holland,my cousin is married and away on honeymoon,and my son is now a father.What a weekend!!

On the way back from Edinburgh airport last night I almost fell asleep at the wheel of the car ,got home had something to eat and crashed on the couch for a couple of hours.When I woke up I felt completely drained of any kind of energy.My Grandson was born late Sunday night and I have only held him once for a  minute .But me and him will have plenty of time to catch up .

But I gave thanks to God this morning for all the good things he has given me.For all the great people he has put in my life and for the difficult ones.I gave thanks for the new life of my Grandson and all that he has before him and I gave thanks for such an amazing wife .On Saturday the groom said my wife was a star for all the hard work she put in to the wedding .He was spot on.

So in some ways it feels like it’s all over but with the arrival of baby Cooper its only just beginning.

1st grandchild arrives

Last night at 11.40 pm little baby Cooper decided to join us these are the first photos of him and his mum and dad.

When September ends

This month is one of the most important months of the year for me and maybe even of my life.I have family staying with me from Holland 5 adults and a 7 month baby girl who is real treat always ready with a smile and a laugh.My cousin and best friend Tommy is about to be married on Saturday and im the best man.And as well as all that going on my oldest son Craig will become a father any day now although we have been saying that for a week (when will this baby come).

On top of that the local council seem set on buying my factory for redevelopment which leaves me looking for a new place although with the council you never know what to excpect.I also have my duties as a board member of the Bridgeton community learning campus where we are faced with major problems.

Thankfully church seems to be going well and this week we will have Gordy sharing on a Sunday for the first time in years.We have known him for a long time now and he was badly scared by the church a few years ago so its great to see him being restored .He is a gifted guy who has a great ear for hearing what is on the heart of God .Go on Gordy!!!

Happy new year

The last two weeks have been great.I have been able to spend time with my friends and family and not give a thought to work or anything else for that matter.We had a great family Christmas and new year with a full house for both.
I spent most of my time sleeping or eating it would be great to find a way to be able to do both at the same time.

But sadly the holidays are almost over its back to work on Monday and back to church on Sunday after having last Sunday of.I’m looking forward to catching up with people and getting back to the work and calling of being Gods people in our community.

Weekend in Lochgoilhead

Just got back today from a short break to Lochgoilhead .Myself and Lesley went away with some friends for a few days break to a log cabin.Lochgoilhead is the sort of place you have to set out to get there as you would never drive through it at the top of the rest and be thankful you take a left down a five mile single track road and then you come out into this small village and the hotel and lodges on the shores of the loch.

The weather was great,rain and snow and wind what more could you ask for.The lodge was really nice and warm with a great view over the loch.The hotel had everything you needed including swimming, sauna ,steam room,snooker, bowling and ice skating. We had a great few days just being lazy and relaxing in the lodge a few brisk walks and a good night out dancing in the hotel.On Sunday night we drove up to the Loch Fyne restaurant for some mussels and fish great food.

The view from our lodge.

45 Today

45 today!!!

Its raining blowing a gale and cold outside.Another year older and finding it harder to get up in the mornings.What a great birthday.

Went out with some friends and family last night and had a great time got some beautufull gifts mostly clothing I think my kids might be trying to tell me someting.

Parents night

I visited my son Luke school this week to speak with his teachers about his school work.Luke is 14 and is now in 3rd year at high school.He attends the same school that I went to as a kid and as I went there I thought about my time at school.

I hated high school and used all of my creative powers to find ways not to attend.I spent so much time and energy avoiding being educated I should have been given an A grade for it.The funny thing is that before I went to high school I was always in the top 1-3 pupils in my primary school.So it was nothing to do with being stupid but everything to do with attitude and friendships.It feels like the education system can only think about academic studies and has no place for those who show no interest in them.When it comes time to leave school kids must be prepared for the real world schools did not take that into account and the system stopped teachers with the imagination to help people like me from doing so.

I’m happy to say that has changed somewhat but they could still “do better” a phrase often found on my reports.

Luke is a smart boy and his teachers feel he is doing well at school but could “do better”.I find it difficult not to say anything to them when they use this phrase but I resist for my sons sake.I don’t want to make his life any more difficult as teachers can become bullies as well as other kids.

Luke will be able to go to college or university if he is pushed my problem is I don’t know if pushing him is what I should do as a parent encourage him yes but make him miserable by being pushy I don’t think I can do that.I know many guys who left school at the same time as me and they have went on to make a good ,life despite the lack of academic qualifications.School does no teach you to be a money maker or provider for your family life gives you the chance and then you have to take them.These guys that have made it are a great inspiration to me and I think schools could do better than have some people like them as role models/mentors to show young people how to make the most of the opportunity’s that came there way.If kids don’t show an interest in academic study why not give them the opportunity to see how people start there own business and build it up from nothing and make something that looks after them and there family.No harm to teachers but I don’t remember one of them who inspired me.Then again maybe I WAS DIFFICULT