The Derek Redmond Inspiration

Recently a friend posted a YouTube video link on Facebook that got a lot of attention. People were talking about crying watching it, having a lump in their throat, being so moved by the power of love and perseverance. I didn’t watch it though. I couldn’t quite tell what the video was about, and the thumbnail image was a bit blurred and all I could see was what appeared to be a heartfelt embrace between...

I hate to admit it, but she was right.

Change is difficult for an Aspie. Change is difficult for my little Aspie. My middle child. Most days I look at him and know that people can’t tell that there’s anything different about him. He’s just like every other kid. Except… maybe he goes from ultra-calm to extreme-anxiety in 0 seconds flat for seemingly no reason. But there always is a reason, and if you understand him, you can...

Absent Minded Mama, or 3 Signs you Need to Slow It Down!

Somewhere in my childhood I was told that “Boredom is a state of mind”. It was probably drummed into my enterprising young mind by some well-meaning teacher back in the pre-videogame and cable-tv days here in Trinidad, and clearly it took hold, because I could always find ways to keep myself occupied. Paint T-shirts and sell them to friends – check. Crochet and beaded chokers, bracelets and...

Conversations with kids – baby edition

3:30am The Child: ‘Addy (she calls me Daddy. what’s up with that?)                 Pamper (all diapers are Pampers to her) Me: (peeking at her) Uh huh. Right now? We have to change your pamper right now? How bout say 6-ish? The Child: Pamper. Pamper? Pamper? Pamper? Pamper? Pamper? Me: Ok ok. I’m getting up. Proudly the child stands...

Battle Scarred

Ok so maybe I’ve been just numb with shock over the recent homework revelations with my son. When we discovered he’d been lying to us about doing his homework at school and his teacher having his book (I know how dumb am I, right?) I was at once so disappointed but yet not surprised. Unfortunately, I have to say I wouldn’t put it past him. We had to deal with a similar lying incident a year ago,...

Momma always said….

My Mom always told me the best punishment I could get was to grow up and have kids of my own. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t a bad kid….in my early years. Just kidding. I was never a bad kid, but my teenage years? I admit I was more than a handful. In my defense, I had a lot going on. Absentee father, stepfather FAIL (twice), not to mention the fact that my mom and I are just two very different...

Sisterhood

Sharing is Caring! I’m not sure where we got that from, but my friends and I used to say that all the time. Usually this was the line used to cajole that something delicious out of their hands for you to sample. Worked every time. Those guys have been my best friends for so long they are like sisters to me. My go-to gals for how-to tips and laughter and support. I was talking to my girl C yesterday about my...

Settling down to business

That’s the theme of my day today. Settling down to business. I’ve got some work deadlines I’ve set for myself that I need to meet, and I’ve dedicated today to that. I’ve had the kids home for the past 4 days because they had a school-holiday on Friday, and the oldest and youngest were sick yesterday. Everybody’s now bundled off somewhere or quietly occupied, so I should be able...

Monday’s Muse – Perspective

Inspired by Mama Kat’s interview of her own kids and based on Scary Mommy’s contest, I thought I’d see what kind of response I’d get from mine.Boy was I surprised…. Boy, the younger (1st pass)Is mummy a scary mummy?Yes.Why?No, you’re not scary I was just playing. (Giggle.)Mummy doesn’t do anything scary?No! Do you? I dunno! (Giggle.)Boy, the olderIs mummy a scary...

Writer’s Workshop – Interview from the Heart

This post has been inspired by Mama Kat’s Writer’s WorkshopPrompt #1 – Interview with My Mom!How has motherhood changed you? A lot, in a lot of different ways. When you’re single you figure that the choices you make only affect you. When you have kids, no matter what you do, you think first how it’s going to affect them and what are you teaching them by your own actions. It made me more...