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Geocaching – Technology and 21st Century Fun
In this day and age, while technology rules the roost, getting our kids outdoors can be difficult. Surfing the Web on Ipads, “connecting” with friends through social media apps on smartphones, or (if you’re old-school) playing games on Xbox or PlayStation, often takes preference over getting out, running around, rolling on the grass and jumping in the pool. I for one don’t like seeing my kids stuck inside when they could be enjoying the great outdoors and making memories. I have nothing against technology, however, I do feel that there needs to be a balance between incorporating it into our daily lives alongside good old fashioned Gross-Motor activities. If you’re…
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We’re A Trendy Muppie Family!
There is a new trend on the fashion block. It’s fresh, it’s exciting and it’s totally off the charts creative. #muppielounge Muppie Lounge was created by the beautifully artistic Marishka. She has taken her love of drawing with charcoal to the next level and created an incredible brand of trendy and upmarket apparel products. Marishka is a devoted mom of 4, a blogger and a businesswoman! All her products are locally sourced, using only the best that the local market has to offer. As if beautifully crafted products aren’t enough, it is the artist herself who sets this brand apart… Marishka has a heart for people! Her brand is closely linked with…
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The Pee Files #5 –
A good few weeks have passed since I last wrote… As most of you know, our house is in utter chaos at the moment! We left the US on June 8th, and our container of furniture and household items only arrived 4 days ago. Adding to our craziness is the fact that my husband (darling of note!) decided to get the kids a puppy… OK, she is adorable, I have to admit, but it’s like having another baby in the house (like I need that:) ). And to top it all off, I decided to start potty training my almost 3 yo. Don’t ask me why? I should be a…
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Opening Up About My Pre-Natal Depression
From the moment we found out we were pregnant the negative thoughts began to roll in like a swelling ocean tide. Don’t get me wrong, I was over the moon and incredibly grateful that we were blessed with another pregnancy. However, the thought of having 5 children overwhelmed me… and, honestly, it still does! In my mind, I was barely coping with managing the 4 beautiful children that I already had. How on earth was I going to manage 5? It began with subtle changes in my mood and emotions. I wasn’t able to sleep at night and then spent most of my early mornings snoozing on the couch while my…
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Mindful Mothering
I was enjoying some mommy reading this weekend and stumbled upon this article from one of my favorite South African magazines, YOUR FAMILY. With just over 2 weeks to go until our little man arrives, I must admit my patience has been incredibly short, my mood dark and dreary, and my poor kids (and husband) have been the unfortunate recipients of a super grumpy mommy. And there it is, sneaking quietly in through the back door… #momguilt (I’m sure we’ve all felt it before). YOUR FAMILY has set up a Mom Challenge for this coming month. One challenge per day. I have already put reminders on my phone (because that’s how much…
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Overcoming Feelings of Un-Appreciation!
Whether you just happened to stumble upon this post or have come here from my Letters Of Lace series. Know that you are in the company of a good friend! There are seasons in life when our acts of service go unnoticed, when our kindness is accepted but not appreciated, when “thank you” and “I’m grateful” are phrases we hardly ever hear. In these seasons we feel a sense of meaninglessness – that who we are, and what we do doesn’t have real value. Perhaps you’re going through a season like this right now… Sometimes we wear a smile for the world. When in actual fact all we want to do is…
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Dear Friend – With No Kids!
A little while ago a very dear and special friend made a passing comment that she never read my blog because she wasn’t a mom. As human nature would have it, I was a tad offended. However, once I was able to get over my self pity and think a little deeper into why she made that comment, I was sad for a different reason! You see dear friend, I too know what it feels like to long for a baby. To watch as others are filled with an unspeakable joy whilst I sit in the background broken and hurting. I remember all too well all the Dr’s appointments, all…
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5 Silly Songs We Sing That Enforce Our Family Rules.
Every family has it’s own weird little quirks… In our family we tend to sing silly songs about family rules…Or whatever really! Just today my husband was telling me about a song that he and the boys made up in the car on their way back from a haircut. It goes a little something like this… SIR is a pie, SIR is a pie, SIR is a pie… A smartie pie – And each kid gets to carry on with the song, filling in whatever pie they want to be. Yup, it’s a little weird, and super silly, but the kids love it! We use the same theory when trying…
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Why Men Should Be from Pluto & Not Mars !!
Sometimes living with 3 men (soon to be 4) is more exhausting than being a parent. Not only do I have to contend with clothes and shoes lying all over the place, and a distinct bouquet of smells, I also have to coach them through every minor search (whether it be for a pair of socks or an old broken toy)… Let me share a conversation that took place between me and my 3 men this morning. Mom: “Boys! Where are your gloves and Beanies? It’s time to go.” Boys: “In my backpack.” (Says Sir) Mom: “Are you sure, have you looked?” Boys: “YUP!” (Sir) “Me too!” (Echoes Hulk) Mom: “Ok, we’re running late. Go get your…
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So What If My Boys Are Adopted…
Before I say anything else, let me make an opening confession… This is an incredibly emotional and difficult post for me to write. So forgive me if I get a little carried away at points, or if something might come across a little too strongly. I am a blogger, and while that may not seem like much to some people, it works for me. I spend a fair bit of my time writing about family (mainly my own), and my experiences of raising children. I share my views honestly, and bravely divulge things that I would otherwise choose to keep private… I am comfortable to write about most things concerning my family – however messy they may be. But still, there…
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Tech Free Road Trip Hacks
A few months ago we decided to take a road trip across 8 States. Not only was it a great way to see the country we had moved to, but it was also a great way to unplug from our daily responsibilities and spend some time together as a family. (Something we had not done in a while) We decided to go “tech” free. I know right?! Who does that in the 21 century!! In the end we had a fantastic time! Here’s how we kept our 4 kids entertained! I hope you find these ideas helpful! For free coloring in pages visit – http://topcoloringpages.net With Love One Messy Mama…
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Raising Little Ladies
Last week I wrote a post “Raising My Sons to be Gentlemen“… and, while I was writing that post, I confess that I was imagining what gentlemen my daughters would end up marrying one day. It’s hard to separate the idea of what kind of men you want your boys to be, from the idea of what kind of men you want your daughters to marry. And that led me to thinking more deliberately about the kind of women I want my girls to be… I want them to be ladies! In the best sense of the word, of course. When I say “ladies”, I mean that I want them to be gracious, kind, and…
