The pros and cons of stay-at-home parenting are something that's never left my mind since I quit work to have kids six years ago, but recently - perhaps prompted by Shared Parental Leave and associated press articles - I've been working through two particular lines of thought often expressed by … [Read more...] about 2 MYTHS ABOUT STAY-AT-HOME PARENTING
IS FAITH A DISADVANTAGE IN THE ADOPTION PROCESS?
It's something several people have asked as we've headed down the adoption path recently. "What do they think about your faith?" "Do they mind that you're Christians?" I guess they have in mind horror stories like this one, where a Christian couple were not approved as prospective adopters, … [Read more...] about IS FAITH A DISADVANTAGE IN THE ADOPTION PROCESS?
ADOPTION IS NOT PLAN ‘B’
Although there was a time when I thought it was. Back in my idealistic youth, before we had kids, adoption was our Plan B. "If we can't have children, we'll..." and all that. Truth be told, I was bloody scared that we wouldn't be able to have children - because then we'd have to face the messy … [Read more...] about ADOPTION IS NOT PLAN ‘B’
HOW WE ARRIVED AT OUR DECISION TO ADOPT
I promised there'd be a couple of surprises here on the blog for 2015, so here's the first: I'm excited to share with you that Famille Desert are in the process of adoption! Whoop! It's something I'm buzzing to write more about in the future but, for now, let me take you back a few years and share … [Read more...] about HOW WE ARRIVED AT OUR DECISION TO ADOPT
5 UNCONVENTIONAL SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES OF A NEW PARENT
There's been a plethora of new babies born to my friends recently and it's making me reflect upon my own experience of becoming a mum - in particular, how my faith has grown. The last five years of my life have been the most exciting ones faith-wise, yet this isn't because I've been extra holy - in … [Read more...] about 5 UNCONVENTIONAL SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES OF A NEW PARENT
ORDINARY MUM, EXTRAORDINARY MISSION – REVIEW
Ordinary Mum, Extraordinary Mission by Anna France-Williams and Joy French has been sitting on my bedside table since a friend gave it to me last June. Before then it had been recommended to me by another friend. Why did it take so long to get into? Partly, I guess, because other books took over - … [Read more...] about ORDINARY MUM, EXTRAORDINARY MISSION – REVIEW
NITS AND THE SACRIFICES OF PARENTING
Missy has had nits. I've dealt with a lot of grossness in my 5+ years as a mum: poo in epic proportions, wind which factors on the Richter scale, and vomit to make our house resemble a University halls of residence in Fresher's Week. I've been drenched in wee, baby sick and blood; wiped noses, … [Read more...] about NITS AND THE SACRIFICES OF PARENTING
I DON’T UNDERSTAND MY 3 YEAR OLD’S PLAY
OK, so I know play is important. Develops social skills, helps kids make sense of their world, bonds them with their parents, yada yada yada... I have no problem with play. To an extent. Games? No problem. Jigsaws? I could do them all day. Books? Love them. Basically, I'm pretty good at things … [Read more...] about I DON’T UNDERSTAND MY 3 YEAR OLD’S PLAY
THE MINISTRY OF A MESSY HOUSE – REVIEW
My wonderful cousin Naomi, general fountain of knowledge when it comes to books, especially Christian ones, recently sent me a copy of 'The Ministry of a Messy House' by Amanda Robbie, after reading my blog How does God bless others through our mess? Well, blow my socks off if it didn't just put … [Read more...] about THE MINISTRY OF A MESSY HOUSE – REVIEW