#TheGallery - Celebrating Home Education

It's been a while since I joined in with the Gallery, which is a shame as I love the concept but such as life...  you know how busy things are sometimes and there just always seems to be something that just needs to go on the blog at the moment!  Yesterday I saw the Gallery theme was education and wondered what on earth I would post.  Tara said in a tweet that she was hoping for lots of old school photos but the more I thought about that the more wrong it felt.  When I was school, it was all about being with my mates and having a laugh.  I had no real interest in education to be honest, the amount of time that I spent in the isolation unit (yes really!  I liked to chat, can you believe that?) was unreal.

So again I thought about the word education and that did definitely fit more with doing my HND, degree and then Masters, so I have many great graduation pictures that I could put on here but I have to be honest again and say that my formal education has not really done a lot for me in life.  I believe that if you want to be a lawyer, accountant or work in another formal profession then going to Uni and getting your degree is the right thing to do but if you want to work in a vocation then don't bother unless you have the money to spare!

The best education I have had has been from my life experiences, learning from my hard working and moral parents or working way way up the ranks at work, happy to take on the crappy jobs when needed to earn the respect of my staff.  I was always the hotel manager who would wash the pots when needed. I am now the HR Team Leader who will do some filing, archiving or make the tea.  I have no problem with status, I know who I am and what I can do.  There is nothing I need to prove by not mucking in.

So the photo I have picked for this gallery is one taken just yesterday and it is Little Miss Chickenpox (also known as Miss M) having a nap with one of her teddies as they are poorly. By just being me I have taught my daughter (without meaning to) that when someone is upset and poorly you sooth them however you can.  Whilst Miss M was very poorly Sunday night she laid on top of me and I stroked her hair and sshhed her.  It was not too comfy for me but it seemed to be the only way she stopped crying and was happy for a while. So today, she explained to me that Ted would not stop crying and he better lie on her tum tum where it was all soft (that will be my flab!) and she could give him a cuddle and make it all better. Proud did not even come close.

I think this kind of natural and intrinsic teaching and learning is marvellous and this is what home educators really excel at.  I have a couple of real life friends and some bloggy ones who do Home Ed and I have such respect for them as I can not even imagine how hard it must be but I also see that if you keep your eyes open and spot the little things it could be overwhelmingly rewarding too.

What a great piece of education for me today! 

Here are a couple more pics of Miss M with her poorly teddies.

Introducing my CyberMummy Sponsor...

I have been keeping this under my hat for months now and at last I feel the time is right to reveal to you who my sponsor is for CyberMummy.  To say I am excited to be going to Cybermummy is an understatement, in fact I am pretty terrified. I know of many lovely bloggy friends going and I can not wait to meet them all but....  I am a little scared as to what they may think of me.  Another post to follow on that shortly.

Anyway back to the matter at hand.  Who is my sponsor?

Have I bagged a massive baby brand?

Did I score with a fabulous days out venue?

Will you be getting a ton of fab freebies from my sponsor?

The answer is no to each of those, sorry!  The good news is that you do not have to look at any advertising on my site!

But it would be true to say that my sponsor can be a bit of a Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Just look at this photo on a Mr Hyde day, arrgghh.  Enough to put you off your dinner!

Some call her 'The Painted Lady!' and others know her by a different name.  Do you recognise her?  Pretty scary isn't she.  I better do a good job on her behalf on the day and pick up all the latest news and blogging tips.

Want to see what she looks like on a better day? OK this one might ring a few bells!



I have made the decision not to take a sponsor.  I was toying with the idea before Christmas but to be honest I can afford to go and therefore would love all the sponsors to go to people who could not be there otherwise. Also, I was only ever going to take a sponsor if I could be completely behind their brand and that would have been pretty tough as I am a picky old bird!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Mich x

Beautiful Silver Jewellery for Mothers Day

So with Mothers Day fast approaching what will you be giving your Mum on April 3rd? or even what will your children be giving you?

I know the answer to one of those questions so far.  As for my gorgeous Mum, I am not quite sure yet and to be honest she reads this blog so even if I did know it would not be getting published. The exciting thing is what lovely pressies have my children got for me!

Here is a sneaky preview. They have now been re wrapped and Daddy has stashed them away to pretend that he chose them for me on behalf of the kids.  Little do they know that Mummy got to choose her own treat and didn't I do well?

Both pieces of jewellery are hand crafted at a studio in Brighten by the company Scarlett Jewellery.  Take a look at the site, they do the most amazing pieces, I am about to start hinting for a bracelet next! What I really loved is that because the pieces are hand crafted they are truly unique.  The comfort studs I received are just slightly asymmetrical and this adds a quirky charm to them.  The earrings retail at £30.00 and I love their classic simplicity.  If you prefer something a little different there are some lovely styles, the pair of angel wings stood out to me.

The necklace is called spoons and I chose the Mother and Baby option. Sarah Fenton, the designer says the collection is symbolic of family devotion - nurturing and protecting your loved ones, inspired by the 'spooning' effect of adults embraced around one another and their child.  Isn't that just a lovely visual picture? and now I am able to wear this beautiful reminder of my relationship with my hubbie and children every day. The retail price of the necklace is £69.00 and it is worth every penny.  I am totally satisfied with my purchases. The necklace chain is a good weight, it is still pretty and feminine but has enough weight that I feel happy it will not break if one of my little ones tugs it. The spooning rings were also heavier than I expected and they sit just perfectly on the skin, nestling into each other.

I ordered the jewellery on Monday and it arrived by Royal Mail registered post on Friday.  The items were perfectly packaged for safe travel and upon unpacking I was pleased with the time taken to make sure my present looked special. Beautiful monogrammed charcoal grey box with scarlett coloured outer box and there was a silver cloth and thank you card included.

If you are stuck for ideas for mother day or want to hint to your other half then do go and take a look. I recommend that you investigate the popular mojos or there is a whole equestrian range if horses are your thing.

This is a  review post, I was given a credit for £50.00 to choose something to review.  My husband paid the rest for my Mothers day gift. I was not instructed what to write, my views are honest and my words are my own.

Just call me Tired & Run Down Mummy!

It's official I am very run down at the moment. The doctor today told me I am tired and run-down, oh and I have a case of persistent bronchitis hence becoming run down!

About 4 weeks ago I got anti-biotics as I was coughing, wheezing and spitting water over colleagues at work (yes, yes, just do not ask, first day in a new job, they make me laugh ad I manage to spray the woman whose job I am taking over, will they let me live this down???  no it appears not! All their fault you understand, they should not make a woman laugh so hard when she has a mouth full of water and can hardly breath) and basically the infection never went away.  I have been insisting to dh that I am fine and it would get better soon but it has not, so after feeling just terrible this morning I toddled off to the local drop in medical centre and received anti-biotics and a puffer to help me.

Oh and I was told to rest up for a week.  Rest, I said to her with a 3 year old who is suffering very badly with chickenpox (hence my posting at this time of night, we are downstairs and have a sofa each, watching DIY programmes, the only thing I can find at midnight suitable for 3 year viewing!). She smiled sweetly and told me we could relax and be poorly together - oh goody, that will get my work done!

Whoops, poor attitude slipped in there. With a kick up the bum from my more positive self I will see this week as a chance to relax and get well.  No work, no running round, no kids coming to tea, no nothing.  Just lots of TV watching and snuggling with my babes.

Let the getting well commence...

Silent Sunday - My Chosen Photo From The Week

What Kind of Play Parent are You?

I was looking at the kids play room the other day and thinking about the kind of play that I partake in with them.  I realised that I am quiet picky in the sort of play that I do and mostly I only want to join in with the stuff I enjoy.

Is this wrong? No I don't think so.  The important thing is to engage with your children and actually make an effort to play and do things with them.  Yes we should be encouraging them to undertake a wide variety of activities but many of those can be self-led, with siblings or peers, with other relatives or at playgroup/ school.  So as Mums or Dads we do not have to feel the weight of the world on our shoulders and feel obliged to take on all roles.

Take a look at this photo -

Can you guess what I like to do with my kids?  I think these shelves belong to me rather than them.  On them we have board games, puzzles, play doh and craft activities - all things I love to do with my kids! Don't worry, their playroom also features baby dolls, a playhouse, cars, trains, lego, make believe area, dress up and so on.

I tweeted the question  'Tell me, what kind of play do you actually enjoy with your kids?'.  I was amazed at the amount of responses I got, it was very reassuring to see how different we all are.  From these tweets I have devised a few categories of play parent (just for fun!).


First up we have the Discovery Style Play Parents. My dh is one of these, off he goes on a nature trail with the kids to see what they can find.  JJ asks a question about something historical well then it is onto the PC to look it up and discuss all the ins and outs. @Suburbanmummyuk  fits into this bracket and said 'I like being in the garden discovering leaves and worms and getting dirty!'


The next category is also a favourite of mine, Little Mummy Style Play Parents. We tend to involve the kids in whatever it is we are doing, be that cooking, cleaning, laundry or gardening.  The other day when Miss E was off with chickenpox we had been doing some cleaning and I gave her the option of sitting down and playing together or tackling the next room. She choose the cleaning, it just shows that you can not predict kids! Another couple of parents who slot in here are @kateab 'I like practical things - they love helping me cook and stuff. They are good peelers!' and  @jomag_mrsp 'baking cakes/cookies and dancing to my ipod tunes'. Hannah at @MetalMummy84 agrees that music is the way to go! 'I love dancing with my 2 year old. She will press play on her music and say "Dance" and I have to swing her round the room!'

I bet you can not guess the kind of tweeters who are going to fall into this category? The Get Crafty Play Parents are an active lot and you can find them making, getting messy, modeling playdoh, painting or other such activities. I asked @nurturestore what is your favourite kind of play? Cathy said 'Ooh hard to choose but I'd say playdough, fab for mixed ages - we love our ice cream play dough recipe'. Click on the link for nurturestore for that great recipe. Rebecca at @twobecomefour is waiting for the time when she can join this group 'at the moment I'm just loving the cuddly, tickly play (if you know what I mean!) with the twins. can't wait to get crafting with them though! X '

My girls with their playdoh, on Thursday morning!

Now this next kind of play, just baffles and bores me if I am honest.  So I tweeted and asked if anyone actually enjoyed this kind of play with their kids and I was inundated with responses.  So here we have the Imaginative Play Parents. 'I do!! :0)' said @missielizzieb. @christinemosler said 'I love the imaginary play stuff when we create a world of our own and leave this boring one behind!' and @clare_anderson commented that she is 'pretty rubbish at arty stuff and it doesn't hold his interest. Anything using imagination is good in our house! We love making up stories and pretending to be fireman or space men! I don't dress up mind!'.  Oh, spoilsport Clare, that might have made a fun post!

@scrapbookerry  added 'we do lots of building happy people farms and trains have lots of stories round them' and I think that @Wanderlust_lust idea is beautiful 'I like making up bedtime stories in which my kids play a central role. They luv it as well. They are usually adventure themed.'

I am happy to do building tasks, like making a lego house or cafe and I enjoyed making this train track for Miss E when she was off ill last week but then it is over to the kids to do the imaginative bit!

Play out of Home Parents. I did not receive a tweet from anyone who fell into this category but this was me when JJ was small and I was a first time mum.  I think the change from a pressured career where you are constantly on the go to being a Mum meant that I did not have the confidence to play at home much,. So many of JJ's play experiences where from attending toddler groups, play parks and soft plays.

and the superheros of all play parents has to be The Jump right in and do it all Play Parents. These are the people who just love to play.  I think Dad's often fall into this category.  In fact Liz Fraser wrote a good post on this just the other week. Examples of these super players are @WhimsicalWife  'I love art/crafty stuff or Lego or den building :-) I build completely OTT dens, think sheets tied to bannister's and doors and tunnels and LARGE scale ;)' and @Mum_TheMadHouse 'We love board games, dens and creative play. In fact I just love being able to be a child myself.  I am getting in to lego, but the marble run baffles me!'

So where do you fit in?  One of these groups?  A superhero of play who does a bit of everything (and enjoys it, that is the part that characterises them! lol) or something else completely?

If you have read this and are looking for some good ideas for play then head over to
Nurture Store where Cathy holds a Friday play academy each week, Red Ted Art where Maggy will take you on an amazing craft journey or I have been recommended to visit Play Activities too.

Happy Playing, Mich x

Reasons to be Cheerful 1,2,3 - Week 11 Link Up Today!

My reasons for being cheerful this week -

1. The meme I created last Friday is slowly working its way round the parenting blogging sphere (and maybe even further afield for all I know).  I am loving watching it move and discovering new blogs.  It puts a massive smile on my face to think that loads of people might be feeling affirmed and good about themselves.  Yay!
2. It looks as if Miss M's chickenpox are coming out, she did catch it off her sister.  Why, you may ask is this a good thing?  Well we have Peppa Pig World a week on Saturday, London Zoo the Saturday after and then we are off to Spring Harvest, so praise the Lord the contagious bit will be out the way before all the fun starts....
3. I know I had this reason last week, but it has to appear again! This is such a biggie for me.  You might have read my post about giving up compulsive overeating for Lent and I am pleased to report that at the moment God is holding me and helping me to refrain from compulsive eating (in the main, I'm am not perfect!).
4. I feel like I know what I am doing with my new job now.  I have really enjoyed this week and had something to get my teeth into.  Miss M having chickenpox will be a bit of a spanner in the works,  but I will get through it.

As I said before do not be constrained by 3 reasons, write as many or as few as you like.  Change the format for your posts if you fancy.  As long as you are happy/ cheerful/ grateful/ thankful then write your post and link up to spread a massive dose of positivity.






<center><a href="http://mdplife.blogspot.com/search/label/reasons%20to%20be%20cheerful"><img width="150" alt="Reasons to be Cheerful at Mummy From the Heart" src="http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac230/RebaMc/reasonstobecheerfulv2-1.jpg" height="150" /></a></center> There is the badge, if you want to add it to your post and don't forget to take the blog hop code from below the linky and paste this into your blog so that new readers can jump from blog...to blog... to blog and also promote your post and the link up by tweeting with the hashtag #Reasons2BCheerful

Remember to go and visit some others on the blog hop and leave them an encouraging comment and feel free to leave me a comment too, I love them as much as the next person and will always come back and say hi if you leave me a comment on my Reasons post.

..and before you go, I must remember to point you over to Maxabella's I'm Grateful for... link up.  Join up your reasons post there and make some new Aussie friends.

Of course Jen's Blog gems is still open too. Link up every other Sunday and air your archives.

Wishing you a fabulous week, Mich x

Guest Post: Welcome to Mumbai!

As many of you will know, my gorgeous hubbie went to India for 10 days about a month ago.  He went with 6 other Christians from our Church to offer his love and support to a community in the rural area of Latur.

I have managed to convince him that it would be fantastic to feature a short series of posts from him giving us his first hand experience of the situation he encountered in India.  Today he talks about arriving in Mumbai.
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After a long 9 hour flight it was good to be able to stretch my legs and get off the plane. Entering the airport you could be forgiven for thinking you might be at any airport in the world. It is a modern building and I can see signs of international brands as I look through windows to the departures area as we walk down the corridor leading to customs. But as we leave the building the realization that we are in India begins to dawn on me. The first experience is the taxi ride to our accommodation at the YMCA in Mumbai Central. Our luggage is strapped to the top of the black and yellow cab and we all squeeze inside. The driving is on the left but that is the only similarity to the UK. It is 3 in the morning as we drive off. The taxi has to sign out of the airport. Whilst we wait for the driver to do this, numerous ladies with babies come up to the window begging for money. We have to wind up the windows to stop them reaching in. As we leave the airport the vast poverty in Mumbai is quickly seen with people sleeping along the sides of the road, under the arches of bridges and in the rows of corrugated steel slum dwellings that line the streets. The roads are dusty and bumpy and the air has an unpleasant pungent smell.


At the YMCA we get a very warm welcome. Security at the gate and porters help get our luggage into the building and we check in. The accommodation is better than I was expecting, the rooms are basic but have AC and satellite TV, but no time to enjoy this as bed it awaiting.

We are all up at 9am and go down for breakfast. A self service buffet with a variety of Indian and ‘English style’ breakfast items. Afterwards a couple of us go for a walk to experience the local area.


With the overwhelming change of culture and the hustle and bustle of the city, there is an element of culture shock. The roads are awry with cars, taxis and motorbikes. There is a constant buzzing of horns, and the vehicles are unpredictably weaving the streets like dodgems. We are only in Mumbai for the day before heading out to rural India so we are not so much sight seeing but orientating ourselves to our newfound surroundings.



Such a powerful picture, look at those stunning tower blocks in the
background and then the rather different building closest!



This area was used for everything! That is people's homes ajoining the
railway line, this area was used as their bathroom

You could be easily forgiven for anesthetising yourself to the scale of the poverty that is evident. Sadly regardless of your view or intentions there is very little you can do that would have any immediate impact to this situation. Like any large city there is another side, with great affluence sitting side by side with the other extreme, highlighting the problems of social inequality. So is there anything we can do to help?  Yes, by supporting international development charities such as Oxfam  or Save the Children they can be the agent to change the social situation and by purchasing Fairtrade products we can make a real difference to this world. Don't forget that a collective of small actions can make a very big impact. It is easy to look at the pictures above but you need to remember that behind them are real lives. Real lives that they need our support to change for the better.

So there is a question for you - Do you always buy fairtrade?

Japan - It's a million miles away!

You know what?  This seems to be the opinion of some people, pretty shocking isn't it?  Yes Japan is a very long way but we are just one world, one human race aren't we?

I must say that I personally feel compelled to do what I can to help.  It feels inadequate and it feels like a drop in the ocean but if we all come together and do a little that equals a lot.

In times of immense need this is when we should all pull together and do what we can, or certainly that is the ethos I work with.  It is hard not to feel a bit useless when such tragedy hits a country.  What can I, just one person do to help this country?  Of course as a Christian, I can pray and I am and I will continue to do so  but I can also choose to support one of the charities which are mobilising emergency supplies for the estimated half a million people who have lost their homes to last Friday's Tsunami and earthquake.

The charity that I am supporting is Shelterbox and today the first shelterbox kits have arrived in Japan ready to be given to some of the affected people.  Over the next few days hundreds more boxes will arrive.

You will see over on the right, that I have a badge which you can click and donate to the Shelterbox disaster relief fund for Japan if you feel you would like to.  If your circumstances do not allow for this perhaps you will consider displaying a badge or banner on your own blog/ website and helping to spread the message. If you do not have a blog how about putting a message on facebook or tweeting a link to shelterbox, we all have an obligation to raise the awareness that our help is needed.  It is not OK for us to assume that because Japan is a developed nation that they do not need our help.  America is arguably the most developed nation and when the hurricane hit New Orleans in 2005 they also needed emergency help from the aid charities.  Yes these developed nations might be able to rebuild their own infrastructure once the search and rescue stage is over and everyone is in some kind of temporary accommodation but for right now their need is great and I feel it is my responsibility to help in any small way that I can.

JJ and I had a conversation about the situation in Japan over the weekend and I talked to him about donating some money to the cause.  I would love to tell you I have a perfect son and he wanted to do this but at age 7 he was more interested in Moshi Monster cards that donating to charity,  Luckily he has parents to do that on his behalf!

If you would like to know a little more about Shelterbox, watch this video clip.  I watched it with awe at seeing all the amazing life saving boxes being packaged and sadness to knowing they were needed....

A more than 1 word Thank-you

Many of you will have seen that last Friday I created a meme, the 1 Word meme and after seeing all the amazing comments on that post, I felt I needed to do write a speech to thank people and well, here it is!

I am not thanking you for the comments you left on my post though (although they are very amazing and completely inspiring)  the thing that I feel so thankful for is that dozens of people have taken up this meme and got it spreading across our blogging community.  As I said in the original post this meme was not about selfish gains it was about trying to spread a little bit of love and positivity at a time when much in the world is dark and full of sadness.

There have been moments of worry when I know that people who felt obliged to take part are worrying that not enough people commented on their post or that their comments were not as great as someone else's but this is not about comparisons or competition.  It is just about looking at the beautiful comments that people left for you and knowing you are respected/ loved/ admired.  Blogger A may have 20 comments and Blogger B may have 5 but those could be from 5 people who you cherish as real and trusted friends.  Blogger A's 20 comments could just be from casual acquaintances.  Looking at it that way, who is the more blessed?

I know I am guilty and need to learn the lesson to be grateful for what I have and to be content.  Yearning after bigger or seemingly better things often just leads to a sense of dissatisfaction.  I have to say that right here, right now I feel completely content.  Thank you all and thank you Lord.

Already there are 25 posts linked up, I know this is just the tip of the iceberg. Go and take a look at the list - do you know those bloggers? if yes, go and spread some love, leave them a comment and when it is your turn to publish your 1 word meme post they will probably do the same for you.

Silent Sunday - 1 Photo, No words

How do you perceive me? The 1 Word Meme

I was sat on my bed this morning doing my prayers and my mind started to wonder to conversations I have had with online friends recently.  Basically it seems as if there are some people out there who have some very odd (but nice) perceptions of me.  They think things about me that I would never have guessed.  In the last week I have been referred to as super-blogger, uber blogger, ethical blogger, most positive blogger.  All very lovely and have boosted my confidence a good amount but would I ever have guessed people would think such things?  Well no.

This got me thinking about an email I received a few years back, one of those circular things that I normally hate but this one I loved and have never forgotten.  It was about the power of positive affirmations and how knowing what positive things others think of you can boost your own self-esteem.  It talked of an inspirational teacher who got all her children to write one positive word down to describe the other children in the class and then they had to hand them in.  The teacher then collated all the positive words for each child into a special sheet for them and handed it to them to read and keep.  They learnt that their peers saw them in ways they had never imagined and it had an immense effect on them.  The story goes that one of them died and a number of them attended the funeral and it was found that they all still had their lists 20 or so years later as they had been really touched by this loving gesture.  Did this really happen?  Who knows, but I love the sentiment of this story and therefore it does not matter to me if it was real.

Well, what about if us bloggers and virtual friends did something similar?  How marvellous would we all feel to learn these new facets of ourselves that we did not know existed.  Someone may say I am inspirational (another one I have heard about myself a few times recently) and me being me I would say 'no not me' but what have I done there?  Rubbished their opinion and that is not right, only they know if I have actually inspired them to do something.  If people are kind enough to give us a compliment we should be gracious enough to accept it.... and why not go one step further and actually go out and ask for it?

Well that is what I want us all to do.  I am creating a meme, called the 1 Word Meme and I would love for every one of us to be able to collate all the the positive words left by our real life friends, virtual friends and fellow bloggers so that we each have a sheet of positive affirmations to treasure and boost our self-esteem.

Now your bit - I would love to know how you perceive me?  I just ask for a 1 word comment please.  I'll start you off, Michelle/ Mummy From The Heart...  is -  and leave your comment below.

Because this is a meme I have to tag people and challenge them to do the same.  I know it will not come naturally to people to ask for compliments from others but I hope that you like me enough to want to make my meme a success.  Not because I will feel good or it may boost my inlinks or any such rubbish (don't link to me if you think like that)  but because I know that it will be amazing to have a whole community of bloggers who are feeling really good about themselves.

So who I am tagging to do this meme?

The Boy and Me  because she is a new bloggy friend and a teacher, who showed interest when I tweeted about this

Multiple Mummy because she is a new twin mummy blogger that I would like to know more about

Two Become Four  because she is a superstar and needs to believe it

Mum in the MadHouse because she has had a very tough time of late and needs some cheering up

Thinly Spread because everyone will have the most wonderful things to say about her

Rosie Scribble because I love Rosie, her story is amazingly inspirational

Kate Takes 5 because she is a seriously talented and funny writer, she runs a listography meme which I am crap at but would love to do...

All About The Boys because it always appears to me as if Karen is as hard on herself as I am on me and frankly she needs a break from it and to hear how great she is

The King and Eye because she is one of the most beautiful and helpful bloggers I have ever met

I thank everyone who takes time to comment or partake in this meme.  You are what make the parenting blogging arena really amazing!  Let's go share some love...

Just realised I am away for the weekend so I will miss many of the posts that come out of this meme.  Thus in the spirit of blogging I am putting a linky up.  If you link up your 1 word meme post I will come and visit and post my 1 word for you.  I do not want to miss any.... 

Reasons to be Cheerful 1,2,3 - Week 10. How grateful are you?

I am sat here watching the Comic Relief programme, Famous, Rich and in the Slums and being reminded of just how much I have to be grateful for.  We all do, even if you feel down in the dumps or that your life is tough right now you still have much to be grateful for.  I am not diminishing your problems, they are your reality but try and step outside them for a few moments is all I am saying.  It is a very powerful thing to be grateful for what you have!

For me, this week I am pleased to report that I have no problems, nothing is troubling me.  I am in a good place right now!

My reasons for being cheerful this week are -

1. Miss E being the best patient ever when she has had Chickenpox.  Some of her spots are enormous and look really sore but she is an angel, hardly complaining.  Back to school tomorrow now she is all crusty.
2. JJ has had an amazing couple of weeks at school.  His calling out in class has really improved and his teacher is so pleased with him.  JJ knows he has done well and I can see how proud of himself he is.  He is a delight to be around at the moment and we are going to enjoy a special Mummy and son trip to the cinema this Saturday early evening as a well done.
3. My abstinence. This is such a biggie for me.  You might have read my post about giving up compulsive overeating for Lent and I am pleased to report that at the moment God is holding me and helping me to refrain.
4. I am going to spend the weekend with my lovely Mum while Dad is at work.  I am so blessed to have wonderful parents who are enjoyable to spend time with.
5. I have a super evening out with my twin mummy friends last Friday and I am out with the school mums tomorrow night. Time with good friends makes such a difference

Well that was 5, rather than 3 and I could have gone on for ages.  As I said last week do not be constrained by 3 reasons, write as many or as few as you like.  Change the format for your posts if you fancy.  As long as you are happy/ cheerful/ grateful/ thankful then write your post and link up to spread a massive dose of positivity.







<center><a href="http://mdplife.blogspot.com/search/label/reasons%20to%20be%20cheerful"><img width="150" alt="Reasons to be Cheerful at Mummy From the Heart" src="http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac230/RebaMc/reasonstobecheerfulv2-1.jpg" height="150" /></a></center> 

There is the badge, if you want to add it to your post and don't forget to take the blog hop code from below the linky and paste this into your blog so that new readers can jump from blog...to blog... to blog and also promote your post and the link up by tweeting with the hashtag #Reasons2BCheerful

..and before you go, I must remember to point you over to Maxabella's I'm Grateful for... link up.  Join up your reasons post there and make some new Aussie friends.

Of course Jen's Blog gems is still open too. Link up every other Sunday and air your archives.

Wishing you a fabulous week, Mich x

Doing it for Jesus! Lent has Begun...

Well, today Lent has begun but I started my abstinence on Monday as that felt easier to get into the right mind set when I was feeling motivated and able.  I do not think God minds if I give an extra couple of days!

This year I have decided to give up all excess food, particularly anything that I turn to for comfort or release from anything I am feeling.  If you have read my blog for a while you will know that I have a real problem with food. I consider myself to be an addict and I have the disease of compulsive overeating.  Normal eaters can have a treat and then stop, people like me have no idea when to stop, the reflex just does not seem to be there and we keep going and going....  it is very sad really.

At the moment each time I feel any kind of emotion that steps away from the norm I want to eat:  happy and excited means it is time to treat myself, sad or angry then it is time to console myself. You get the picture?  When I feel these kinds of feelings what I should be doing it turning to God and praying.  Food is not the answer for me.  In the same way that drugs or drink are not the answer to many people.  I just cannot handle the excess food, it sends me into a spiral of feeling and looking fat, being unhealthy, getting down as I look bad and my clothes hardly fit and then eating to comfort and make myself feel better for a very short time before looking in the mirror or at a photo makes my unhappy again. It is a very dangerous downward spiral.

I have had this realisation for near on 2 years now that I have a problem.  I have been attending a weekly fellowship, 12 step meeting to try and get the help I need.  I have had periods of abstinence from eating compulsively but nothing sustained.  I keep focusing on the weight I have lost, which is a lovely thing to happen but the fat is just a symptom of my problems, not the actual problem itself.  It is only when I put the overeating to bed and eat to live in a healthy and moderate fashion that I will have the clarity of mind to discover what my real issues are..... and then to do something about them.  The weight loss is actually just a nice side-benefit.

So why is this time of abstinence any different to the others I have experienced over the last couple of years?  Firstly, my commitment to what foods I will stay away from this time is far wider than it ever has been before.  I have been scared before to say I will not have chocolate or such at all. I start to project and wonder how I will live my life without this drug but today I realise I just have to do this one day at a  time.  It is important to stay in the moment and not to project my worries and sabotage my own good efforts.

Secondly, this time I am not doing it for me (like I have with every past diet) or doing it for my kids (which is what the last 2 years have been about), I am doing it for Jesus.  My Saviour and the One I aspire to be like. I am very much human and being human means I am completely imperfect but I know that Jesus just wishes for me to try my very best and to pick myself up and keep on walking, one foot in front of the other.

I consider myself to be a baby Christian, I committed myself to walk with Christ back in 2002 and in many ways I have grown enormously and in others I know nothing but life is a journey and it is fun to learn and grow.  Last year was the first time I did anything for Lent and really started to understand the significance of what this time is about.  When I gave up blogging for the Lent period last year it was like my bindings had been undone, I felt so free and enjoyed the time.  It was hard at first as I my blog had become my confidant and close friend but it did not feel anywhere near as hard as this year's forsaking of comfort food will feel. Blogging was a habit of 1 year that I conquered, overeating is a habit of at least 27 years that I need to hand over to God and pray to get a handle on.

Whilst I know the next 46 days will be hard for me, there is nothing wrong with that.  Hard work is good for the soul and is nothing I am scared of. I pray this Lent will be my most faithful time yet where I reflect, ponder, pray, repent of my ill-doing, give up my comfort foods as a measure towards fasting (one day I may feel I can actually do this), take time to be with God and activley try to follow Jesus example set in the wilderness.

Wish me luck....  and if you are a person of faith, I would love a prayer!

...and what about you?  Are you doing anything for Lent?

Review & Giveaway: Orchard Toys, 3 Little Pigs Game

 {As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, any affiliate links will be marked with #ad}

In July my girls will be 4, they are growing up so quickly and one of the wonderful things of them growing up is that we can indulge Mummy and start to play board games as a family. Red Dog, Blue Dog is great for a while but it is so nice to progress onto a more complex game and for the girls to still be able to 'get' it and play along.

We have had some fun days recently playing the 3 Little Pigs Game from Orchard Toys (#ad).  The object of the game is to move around the board and make your 3 houses and get safely home before anyone manages to steal any of your house parts.  This you can do by landing on a wolf square and spinning to see if you can steal a straw or wood house part.  You should hear Miss M, 'I'll huff and I'll puff and blow your house in' as she gleefully nicks a piece from her twin.  Then when it happens to her, what do we get?  Well, tears of course and shouts of 'It's not fair'.  So this game has been very good for teaching some lessons to 'little miss highly strung' - what goes around comes around.  It has definitely helped her to think about the fact that she stole her sisters part and there was no fuss and then her sister takes one of hers and boy the world has ended.

You may have guessed already, that we all liked this game.  It is the normal high quality that you expect from Orchard Toys. The board fits together like a puzzle and is very sturdy plastic covered cardboard pieces.  I would be hard-pressed to tell you a con for this game to be honest.  What is not to like?  I'll tell you something else I spotted when on the Orchard Toys website recently, that their toys are made in the UK, how great is that?  Supporting our economy and workers and being eco in avoiding all that unnecessary travel too.

As you can see from the photo we like to play games as a little treat for good behaviour before the kids go to bed.  It makes a nice alternative to reading on some nights.

I asked JJ what he thought of the game and he said 'It's great Mum, I'm gonna win next time'.  The game is marketed as being suitable for ages 3- 6 years and JJ is 7 and very bright, so actually the appeal is wider.  I think he likes it because of the sneaky tactics of stealing pieces from the rest of the family.  He nearly leaps for joy when he lands on the wolf spaces.

The 3 Little Pigs Game can be purchased for £11.50 directly from Orchard Toys or many good toy retailers also stock their games now too. 

   

 However, you could be lucky and win a game for your family, by entering my easy giveaway.

To Enter

• Leave a comment below and a way to contact you - email address or twitter ID (mandatory)
• Like Orchard Toys Facebook Page (mandatory) and while you are there, feel free to like mine too for an extra entry.
• For a final entry (max of 3) you can tweet 'Time to #win an @orchardtoys 3 Little Pigs game at @michelletwinmum 's giveaway http://tinyurl.com/6co2y6y'

Terms and Conditions

• The giveaway will close at 12 noon Wednesday 23 March 2011
• The winner will be contacted within 3 days of this giveaway closing
• The giveaway is open to those with a UK/ Ireland postal address
• The winner will be chosen by random number generator
• There is no cash or prize alternative
• Your game will be dispatched directly from @orchardtoys

Good Luck!

I received a free copy of the 3 Little Pigs Game to review.  This post is written honestly and I was not told what to write.

Congratulations @lilysmum2008 you are the lucky winner.  Please either email me or DM your address details.  Thanks a lot, Michelle

The Parenting Grass is Always Greener!

Today I discovered that I could seriously have enjoyed just having two children.  With JJ at school how easy was it to have just one pre-schooler with me?  I don't think you need me to actually answer that question, do you?

Life is really different when I just have Miss E, she is a calm and content child who is easy to have around and still good fun.  With her twin being looked after at nursery we were able to go to my work for a couple of hours, do some shopping, get the car washed, have a play at home, tidy up and I got to have some PC time while she napped - all in the name of chickenpox!  Can I complain?  No not really, yes I will need to make the time up for work but blah...  no problem.

Now do not get me wrong I am not wishing Miss M away.  I could never be without my vivacious mini minx.  She is the one that can make me blow from 0 -10 in under a second.  She has most definitely been sent to help me to learn to be a better person and parent and Miss E is my reward for that personal growth.



A moment of parenting calm at MFTH...  House, Just a moment mind!

It struck me as we scooted to school (yes me too) to collect JJ that as parents we always think the grass is greener.  When I had my twins I longed for just one baby at times so I could breath and be able to do the 'normal' things with a babe, but then I know how blessed I am to have two small people who love each other and play together so nicely.

I also today, dreamt about how fab it would be if I did not have to work, I could then potter around at home every day and do those little annoying jobs, like sort the CD's for the car.  Would I get bored of this very quickly as I would have to entertain 2 small people for vast amounts of time?  Yes, my realistic head says that I love being able to work and using my lunchbreak to get to the gym, catch up on the blog, have a cuppa with a friend and I also enjoy the stimulation of using my brain and the thrill of getting paid for it.

I think I am just a dreamer and that every scenario, except the one I am in feels like it has so many positives that I ought to try it.  Luckily I am also a realist and before I jump in, I think things through and know that the grass is most certainly not greener.  In a moment of clarity I posted recently about being a lucky bitch and actually I still stand by this.  I do have the perfect balance in my life but that does not stop me dreaming...

What about you?  Dreamer or realist?  Or bit of both like me?

I Heart Me! Wk 9 - Where am I with my Resolutions?

I am just back from Church and I had a really good night but I sat there thinking about how much I do not like the way I look right now.  I felt so self-conscious, which is crazy as I was in the safest place ever.  No one judges me there.....  well except my worst critic that is - me!

Once back home I turned twitter on and saw a tweet from Notes to Self, Plus Two and recalled that she had started a weekly link up based on loving yourself and remembering who you are.  I realised I needed to love myself a bit right now and thought I would join in this week.

The topic for this week, is around how you are doing with your new year resolutions. I hoped over to this post and had a look at what I had resolved to do this year and was a bit dismayed to see that I have completely ignored most of the good things I said I would do!  Oh dear...

I vowed to spend time with my kids and to enjoy each of them.  Thankfully I can put a tick against this one.

I resolved to re-start the date night that my husband and I used to enjoy. Whoops, not happened as yet.  OK date set for next Sunday night.  I need to try and feel a bit better about myself before then so that we can actually enjoy our night...  leading me on to the next point which I have also completely ignored.

To stop stuffing my face full of unnecessary food. I have attempted to work on this a number of times this year.  It is at the forefront of my mind every day.  Some days I choose to ignore this and other days I choose to try really hard and to give my will over to God. I wanted to beat myself up when I realised that I have not been achieving my targets but actually I have been trying, failing but trying but that is OK.  I am human and it is what happens sometimes.  If I give up before the miracle happens then I will lose out.  How many times did it take Edison to successfully create the electric lightbulb? 100's I believe, each one of them learning something for the time when he had the big win.  I often quote the phrase 'win or learn' to people, we never fail. I must take heed of my own words.

and the last thing I resolved was to ensure I was in bed by 11pm.  A mixed bag on this one, some nights (like last night) have been terrible and I have still been sat here tapping away at 1am.  Other nights (like tonight) I have turned off my PC and gone to bed.  Getting to bed at a decent hour and sleeping soundly makes such a difference to my attitude towards my children the next day.

I am very grateful to Notes for getting me thinking about this again.  In Church tonight I was praying about what I should do for Lent and I am pretty sure the answer is to do something around my food.  Not sure how radical I am supposed to go as yet though... I'll keep praying and see what comes to me.

What about you?  How are you doing with your resolutions?

#SilentSunday: Not in the Mood Today, Thank you!

The Curse of my Second Instinct!

Standing in the kitchen sorting the dishwasher, when I hear squeals of laughter coming from the garden, how nice I think.  I do love that the girls enjoy playing together, peek out the window and whoops, what on earth are they up to.  Mummy instinct kicks in and I rapidly push my way to the back door and out into the garden. 'Girls, you will hurt yourselves, get off now...',  'Oh Mum' says one of them 'but...' starts the other. 

Then, oh my goodness what is this taking over me?  It is that dreaded second instinct, I am sure you know the one.  See something funny and in kicks the blogger instinct, quick where is my camera? 'Oh all right, hang on then' I shout to them behind me and off I run to the kitchen, far quicker than I ran out in the first place, you know the worst may happen now, they might move and I may miss THE shot!

So what where they up to?  Well, the girls had decided that it would be fun to ride their scooters on the trampoline and really, it did look like a lot of fun.  Luckily once I had sent a completely mixed message I did insist that we remove the scooters from the trampoline so that there would not be any trips to A and E, well not for yesterday anyway!

Does anyone else suffer with this curse?  Darn you blogging for making me such a bad mother, who now wants to capture all sorts on camera....

See Miss M actually bouncing while riding her scooter.  Daredevil!

Come on make me feel better, are you a bad Mummy too?

When I was Small.....I made Domino Trails!

Dressed up as a clown for the Brownie Jamboree

Recently, I have been thinking about childhood play a lot. Not too sure what prompted it but it has led to this post, a great conversation on twitter and also a post for this weekend.

I am not the kind of Mum that wants to be involved with my child's play all the time. Don't get me wrong, I do not think I am neglectful, I am just not that interested in all types of childhood play and having more than one child makes this easier, as they can play together.

I consider my own Mum to be a really great Mum and I was trying to remember how much I played with her when I was young and to be honest I can not recall that much. I know from talking to my Mum that she used to do lots of play with my brother and I, and I also remember being encouraged to play independently.

When I was small my Mum worked at a local school as a cleaner and the whole family used to go. Both my Mum and Dad would do the cleaning so it would take half the time and my brother and I would play with the other kids whose Mums used to clean. My Mum must have done this for quite a number of years and I thought it was fabulous, such fun to explore the school and chat with the caretaker, who had a soft spot for my little brother. Mr Joyce would chat away about tomato ketchup sandwiches and how they were his favourite. Isn't it funny that over 30 years later I still recall this?

I do think the memory is a very strange thing. Some really important stuff is just not there anymore or it is buried so deep that I have no idea where it is but then funny things I remember, like the infants school have a middle courtyard with a sandpit in the middle that we all played in. I also remember being intrigued by the tiny child size toilets!

My favourite part of my Mum and Dad doing this job was the big clean in the summer holidays. We would practically spend a whole day in the school, while it was deserted by everyone else and I would get to explore and play any imaginary game that I fancied. I recall us taking domino magic with us and setting it up in the large hall. A massive big trail of domino's that I used to rejoice in knocking down and building again and again, ohh the pleasure of being under 10 years old. As well as domino's there was always an abundance of colouring in, playing with my Sindy dolls and of course my brother would take his beloved lego.

At this same school I attended the Brownie group and I loved this.  Thinking about it makes me think of a red and white toadstool, small brownie books, a 'pack' suitcase filled with goodies, doing my hostess badge making tiny sandwiches and tea for my Mum and being part of the Elf pack.  Such useful information that I have stored away for a rainy day!

I have such a fond nest towards my days as a youngster, I was completely blessed to have been born into a family who really wanted me and always made enough time and money for anything that I needed. As a young child my Dad was a milkman working from 4am, he then used to help my Mum clean at the school and then they would both sit and work at home making plugs in the evening. No need to wonder where my strong work ethic comes from? Thanks Mum and Dad for giving me a great insight to what it is to be a working yet attentive parent.

This wonderful upbringing is some of what makes me want to help others, you know those people less fortunate than us.  We can all do something to help, no matter how small. It is Red Nose Day on 18th March, that is pretty soon really.  Could you host a coffee morning at home? Donate a days wages? Write a blog post to raise awareness?  There is your challenge, do something!  Anything, it does not matter what it is, as long as you make one small step towards helping someone less fortunate.

OK preach over, I can't seem to stop myself att he moment!  Thanks for reading.

I have written this post prompted by Ella at Notes from Home. This week she asked us to share a childhood memory. Each week she runs a Friday Carnival with a different theme. Let me just say she is fab, such a nice blogger but also a great writer. You need to go and visit her...

Reasons to be Cheerful 1,2,3 - Week 9 (Thankful for time to myself)

I am feeling so cheerful, thankful and grateful today! I have just returned from a massage and I am all sleepy and calm.  Not long until I have to pick the kids up from school, so that could well all change but for now...

1. This is my number 1 reason this week: time to myself.  In January my girls started at nursery school 3 afternoons a week and this means I get 3 hours to myself for 3 days.  Boy have I been enjoying this, today I had a massage, another day I had my hair cut, I have given blood, I have had the dreaded smear test (shhh I know TMI), I have been shopping, had a lazy coffee in a book shop and much more  Just wait until September, I will have 2 whole school days to myself...
2. I started the Spring garden clean up this morning.  It was so cold outside but I managed an hour of weeding and tidying, so feeling very proud of myself right now.
3. It is only 3 weeks until we go to Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park.  I know I am not supposed to be excited but I adore family days out and I just know that the kids are going to love this so much.  I love being a blogger...  watch out for my review and have you entered my giveaway to win a family ticket for 4 for 2nd April 2011?

Now your turn....  tell me your reasons to be cheerful this week.  Dig deep, they could be as simple as 'it is not raining'.  Take your post in any direction you fancy, as long as it is cheerful.  Don't let me pigeon hole you into just posting 3 reasons.  Go on I challenge you to be creative this week....







<center><a href="http://mdplife.blogspot.com/search/label/reasons%20to%20be%20cheerful"><img width="150" alt="Reasons to be Cheerful at Mummy From the Heart" src="http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac230/RebaMc/reasonstobecheerfulv2-1.jpg" height="150" /></a></center> 

Don't forget to take the blog hop code from below the linky and paste this into your blog so that new readers can jump from blog...to blog... to blog and also promote your post and the link up by tweeting with the hashtag #Reasons2BCheerful

..and before you go, I must remember to point you over to Maxabella's I'm Grateful for... link up.  Join up your reasons post there and make some new Aussie friends.

Of course Jen's Blog gems is still open too. Link up every other Sunday and air your archives.

Wishing you a fabulous week, Mich x

The Gallery: Simple Pleasures

It has been a few weeks now since I last joined in with the Gallery but this weeks prompt really caught me.  My life is filled with simple pleasures.  Nowadays I do not have to spend an abundance to have a fabulous time.  One of the cheapest and most enjoyable activities that our family undertakes each week is our trip to Church. We are lucky enough to be part of a lively and vibrant Church.  Every week is a pleasant surprise -

Adoring Daddy with his naughty minx!

JJ wants in on the act, so Daddy obliges

The congregation enjoy some flag waving and exuberant worship

The little ladies love their flag waving too

No pictures of mummy, what a shame!

Pop over to Tara's gallery and have a look at this weeks other entries.

Have a good day, Mich x

This is Me, Filling in the Blanks...

I have been tagged for two meme's, so I am being a bit crafty and combining them into one post!

Here goes with the first one, I was tagged by Scribbling Mum for the 'This is Me' meme.  I have to get my kids to draw a picture of me and share it with you all.  So here I am as seen through the eyes of my kids - watch out for me at Cybermummy!  If you spot me from one of these - there WILL be a prize!

Miss E's (age 3) drawing - see my large bottom?  and it looks like I have a curly willy!
Drawn in pink because it is my favourite colour apparently...

Yep, Miss M (age 3) does well with capturing my apple shape.  Bit worried about only 4 fingers on my left hand and the spikey lesbian hairdo - not for me...

Oh JJ (age 7), if only my legs were that slim and long! I like my big smile though... but the arms are a tad Mr Tickle!

Then the other one I was tagged for by Mummy Beadzoid and I have to 'Fill in the blanks' and help you learn a little something about me...

I am many things: Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Friend, Christian, Employee, Boss, Blogger, Compulsive overeater and only when you put all these together do you get Mich.  No one thing defines me.

The bravest thing I have ever done is tell the truth. If I think something needs to be said or shared then that is what I do, be it here on the blog, in real life to friends or at my overeaters meeting.  In the last few weeks I have been called brave by more people than I can recall.  I do not necessarily think I am brave but if my being honest and forthright helps others to do the same then marvellous.

I feel prettiest when I am not thinking about it.  If I start to look too closely or pay too much attention to my shape, size or appearance I can always find fault.  When I am carefree with the ones I love and who love me I can glance in the mirror and see myself and think yes I look good!

Something that keeps me awake at night is the injustice in our world.  There is enough wealth in this world for every person to live a decent life.  Everyone deserves to be warm, well fed, feel safe and to have their health cared for.  It is wrong that those of us living in the Western world have so much when other countries have nothing.  I am not prepared to say it is that countries fault as previous leaders overspent or anything similar.  I do not know what I can personally do about this as yet but one day I am confident that I will be able to make a difference.

My favourite meal is not a discussion I should be having.  If you know me you know I am a compulsive overeater and that food is my drug of choice.  If I sit here and dissect my favourite meal it is a fruitless few minutes that will send me to the fridge looking for food.  So I long for my favourite meal to be a healthful and abstinent one that I eat to keep me alive rather than to suppress any feelings I am having.

The way to my heart is to perform kind and simple gestures for me, without my asking you.  Preparing the vegetables, letting me have a lie in, tidying the play room, baby sitting.  All these things make me feel loved and cherished.  Sure I would love a new diamond ring but I do not need it and probably would not appreciate it half as much as you making some effort for me.

I would like to be working for God.  One day I believe I will do a job which will actively be Christian.  I am not sure what it is as yet but I am open to guidance and I sit and wait on God. For as with everything, it is in His time and not mine....  Thy will be done.

So did you learn something?  Or was I just spurting the same old rubbish?

Now of course in true meme style I have to tag people and as I have been lazy you get to have 2 for the price of 1.  Of course you can be slack and just do one or if you don't fancy then do none!

Mumrablog
Kellogsville
Me and My Shadow
Mummy Mishaps
Bod For Tea