Some Days I Don't Want to Adult

I don't want to adult. I'm sure you've heard this phrase mentioned at least a couple of times in your life. I'm betting some of you will instead hear 'I don't want to be a grown up' when that saying is mentioned but that isn't what it means, well at least not for me.

When I was younger (enjoying my teenage rebellion years) I couldn't wait to make it to adulthood. The thought of more freedom, the chance to choose more things for myself was definitely an appealing one. 

The trouble with what I was thinking back then, it wasn't all very realistic. 

I have been putting a lot of thought into it and I just don't think being an adult is going to work for me.

It missed out all the things like having to pay bills, for fixing anything broken, having to make hard decisions and being put in unwanted situations.

Putting a Little Fun Into Periods With the Bettybox

Periods, every woman gets them at some point in their lives yet it still seems to be a sort of taboo subject, one of embarrassment. I remember vividly the day my period started, my mum was working nights and I was at home with my two brothers. Honest to god I thought I was dying and my poor older brother had no idea what to do, we ended up having to get my mum to come back home. A lot of drama, all because my mum hadn't every really broached the subject with me.

Having four daughters, I wanted to be open and honest with them from the beginning. They all know when I'm on my period, the younger two saying that mummy has got blood, ok not the most appeasing way to say it but they have a rough understanding of what is going on. And my older two at eleven and nine know exactly what is happening, I wrote a post about my talk on periods with them a couple of years ago.

Starting Secondary School

Last week I got the confirmation that my eldest daughter will be attending our local grammar school starting in September. I think back to my children when they started primary schools and I'm trying to remember how I was feeling, even though the process was quite similar it seems as though this next milestone seems harder somehow. 

The transition from primary to secondary school is a big one. Different surroundings, new friends and an even higher focus on learning with more homework. I guess what's even scarier is that it marks the beginning or adolescence and Elise starting at an all girls school I'm already worried about the thought of her perhaps being bullied because we all know girls can be more than bitchy at times.

Secondary means going from being one of the oldest to one of the youngest, stepping back into the unknown territory, having to navigate your way around the school (anyone else remember thinking that secondary school was enormous?) and taking on more responsibility with increased amounts of lessons and homework.

The Problem with Hormones

Hormones, we all have them, we all know of them and we all know someone that has been affected negatively by them. These special chemicals are all part of what makes our bodies grow up and let me tell you they've definitely started to make an appearance in my eldest two children and the problem with hormones, one word, attitude!

Saying Goodbye to the Nursery Years

The years fly by, people always say it, cherish those moments because before you know it they'll be gone and that's what I'm wishing I'd done more of today. Yesterday was my youngest daughters last day at nursery and I can't help but feel really sad, it's one of those time when I truly hated saying goodbye.

All of my children have attended the same nursery. I've seen many staff come and go but I'll never forget them because they have all been wonderful in their own way. There are certain ones that still talk to me if we bump into each other in the street, never forgetting my kids (their attitudes are hard to forget lol).

Primary School The Final Frontier

Todays, the day, the final frontier, the last ever time I will be applying for primary school for any of my children. Ultimately it feels like the end of an era. No more babies although I suppose I will always see them as my babies.

I remember quite clearly when I applied for my eldest to start at primary school. It was such a nerve racking time. It was a big decision to make because ultimately my choices would decide a part of her future. It would be an influence on how her learning journey would begin.

Gaining Independence With Osper

I mentioned a few weeks back about my struggle in knowing when to give a little when it comes to my older two children. The fact that I want to give them a little bit more independence but not quite knowing how. Well the lovely people at Osper stepped in to help with eldest daughter.

Knowing When To Give A Little

I think as parents we will always see our children as our babies, even when they become fully grown adults, my own mum tells me this often. So this is where I have trouble knowing when to give a little, to bestow upon them a little more independence, trust them with just a tad more than I used to.

Things seem to be changing at a rapid rate for my eldest two. At seven and nine years old, they are growing far too quick for my liking and that isn't just in height (almost over taking me) but in the way they present themselves, the things that they talk about and just what they are able to do for themselves.

Some of their friends already have mobile phones which I find bazaar considering I didn't get a mobile until I was around thirteen years old. I'm not sure that they need this sort of technology when they are so young.

However there are moments where I have had to swallow a chill pill and let them go so to speak.

34 Things Kids Who Grew Up In The 90's Will Remember

I may have been born in the 80's but I'm definitely a kid who grew up in the 90's. Watching my kids grown up now, looking at the programmes they watch and the toys they play with has me thinking about my childhood days and course how much better they were compared to now. There are so many things I'd like to remind you all of but I've condensed it down for you.

Here's 34 things that were great about the 90's

Hate To Say It But You Stink..

Ok I know it sounds rude but haven't you been around certain people and noticed a not so nice odour and in your head you're definitely thinking that they stink. I've been worried about my own body odour in the past, especially on Summer days when you can't help being a bit sweaty and I'm pretty sure I'd be offended/upset if someone was to tell me that I smell.

Well a couple of weekends ago I happened to notice that my 7 year old daughter shall we say smelt a little, trouble is I wasn't quite sure how to tell her, I mean I wasn't really prepared for this part of her growing up just yet, in my head I was thinking that my 9 year old hasn't even hit puberty yet so this really shouldn't be happening…..

Turning From a Toddler Into a Threenager

Today my youngest daughter turns the grand old age of three and I would like to know where the last year went? It seems like yesterday when my baby was turning into a toddler. I'm happy to report that we've survived the terrible two's (just) and now we are venturing into the year of the threenager.

Having had three other children you would think that I'd be fully prepared for what lies ahead but I can tell you that I am certainly not.

Eat, Sleep, Reflect, Repeat

A few years back that title would have definitely said eat, sleep, rave, repeat. I was no stranger to staying up all night and going straight into work the next day so actually scratch that eat, rave, repeat.

However times have changed, my lifestyle is no longer the same. With four kids raving is no longer an option, not sure I could stay awake to do it anyway but my evenings are somewhat different. Once the day is done and the kids have all been fed, washed and put to bed, I find time to silently reflect on things.

                  

Too Many Kids Not Enough Time

I chose to have four children and if I am honest, if the husband hadn't gone and had the snip I would have liked to have had two more. What can I say, I love babies and kids, I've mentioned in previous posts how I feel like I was born to be a mum.

However there are days where I feel like there isn't enough time in the day, as though I don't have the chance to spend quality time with each of my kids and I think they feel the same if their attitudes are anything to go by.

Talking About 'That Time Of The Month'

Women all get 'that time of the month' eventually yet we all seem embarassed to say what it actually is. A period!!

It's a simple word that seems to have become taboo. I've heard it called so many things over the years and most sound worse than using its actual name. I mean who really wants to know that your 'on the blob' or that you've 'got the painters in'.

Lets be honest, it is a natural process that most women have to endure atleast a few times a year and although not something enjoyable, it is also not something to be feared.

I don't know when it became a subject to be avoided but I do remember when I started mine and not knowing what the feck was happening to me.

See my mum never sat me down and gave me 'the talk' and she never explained what changes would happen with my body, not sure why, feeling awkward and not knowing how to start the conversation maybe?

30 Things To Do Before You're 30

This year I turned twenty nine, meaning I have less than a year before I reach the grand old age of thirty. Ok, I know age is but a number but it's had me thinking recently about all the things I've achieved in life so far and the dreams that still remain. Have I missed some vital moments, are there things that I need to get ticked of the "bucket list"?

Whilst deep in thought, I also put a question to some fellow bloggers,  what are the 30 things you recommend doing before you turn 30?

Between myself and them, I've managed to compile quite a list. It is filled with the expected, the not so expected and the down somewhat outrageous. Take a look and see how many you can tick off :

1. Have children. I definitely achieved this, 4 daughters later and I've done more than my bit for the worlds population.

2. Fall in love. This happened early on for me, I was 18 and it was almost love at first sight. Over 10 years have passed and the love continues to grow.

When I Grow Up….

A question we are asked often when we are younger, what do we want to be when we grow up? I think the answer changes a lot as we get older. House of Fraser recently posed the question to my children. Asking me to pick items from them which best showcased their chosen career path. Below you can see just what my kids aspire to be at this moment in time :

Layla (2 years old) would like to be a fairy princess (£23).

The Last Step Towards Independence

Layla was my last child. It doesn't seem two minutes ago that I gave birth to her yet now she is a fully fledged little person, no longer a baby. She walks, talks, feeds herself and rarely uses her pushchair anymore. My youngest daughter took her last steps towards independence the other day when she said goodbye nappies and hello knickers, that's right completely potty trained, day and night.

Potty training has definitely been interesting and all of my children have been so different with their approach so I  just wanted to share with you 5 easy tips to make the experience better for both parent and child.

There are the usual signs to look out for :

* They know when they have got a wet or dirty nappy.

* They might tell you when they are weeing or pooing, so they have good communication skills.

* They may be drier for longer periods of time.

Now this might be a good time to start trying but this doesn't necessarily mean that they are ready.

5 Reasons I Hate My Kids Going Back To School

I know many parents who are all ready to celebrate when the end of the school holidays get closer.
Getting excited to have some peace and quiet, less noise from those bickering children. Time to pop the kettle on and finally catch up on the back log of missed TV programmes, jeremy kyle here we come.

I personally dread the children not being at home all of the time and not just because I miss having them around.

Here are just 5 reasons why I hate my kids going back to school.

Early wake up calls should be banned!!

Gone are those extra minutes in bed, no more getting ready at your leasure.

The evil alarm which wakes you up at some horrid hour before the sun has even managed to rise is back. This is not the way I wish to be woken up!!

I'd say thank god for the snooze button but I can't tell you how many times I've been late because I've gone back to sleep thinking I have hit snooze when in fact the alarm has been turned off completely.

Hello morning rush.

Will You Be Joining Blossom's #IWantToBe Campaign

I love a good competition, as they say, you've got to be in it to win it.

Well just this week Blossom, the magazine aimed at girls between the ages of 5-8, have launched a brand new competition.

The #IWantToBe campaign is a fun way of finding out just what children want to be when they grow up.

Growing Up and Letting Go

Okay okay I know that of course we can't all be like Peter Pan and stay young forever but I really wish my children wouldn't grow up so fast.

As a mum, I always want to be the one to take care of my children but my kids have always had other ideas, they have been steadily growing up into very independent little ladies.

All of the baby items are disappearing from the house, Layla is walking more and more and wondering when I will have to be done with my pushchair addiction, not looking forward to going cold turkey.

Last week we reached another milestone.

After what felt like an extremely long day, we received an email at 4pm on Wednesday informing us that Gracie had been accepted to go to the same primary school as her sisters.

On one hand I felt relieved, it would have been an absolute nightmare trying to get the kids to different schools.

On the other hand I was feeling what I can only describe as sad. You would think having gone through this two times previously that I would be better prepared for this moment in time.

Even though Gracie is number three out of four children, I have always seen her as the baby of the family and even now it just doesn't seem possible that she is old enough to be starting school.