When my phone alerts me to a new text message I instinctively reach for it, unlock it and read the message. It's now such an intuitive reaction that I do it whilst doing something else - with the consequence that I'm only half engaging with the content of the message. Most of the time, this doesn't … [Read more...] about SEE YOU SOON: A MOTHER’S STORY OF LOSING A SON TO ADDICTION
Family Life
Whether you're looking for support in parenting or marriage, education or homemaking, this is the page for you. Feel free to browse, and if there's something you'd like to see, don't hesitate to give me a shout!
PARENTHOOD AND PRAYER: HOW CAN I MAKE TIME?
I really don't pray enough. Of course that is the world's greatest understatement. There are many reasons why I don't, but the top three which come to mind are: * I like to feel in control. Prayer is the ultimate exercise in loss of self-control. My life is no longer being controlled the … [Read more...] about PARENTHOOD AND PRAYER: HOW CAN I MAKE TIME?
WHY CAN’T WE DO HALLOWEEN LIKE OUR AMERICAN FRIENDS?
Halloween is a couple of days away, and I'm trying to reconcile several different things in my head. As a Christian, I'm not comfortable with celebrating things that represent evil. I'm not massively keen on being disturbed at home by strangers asking for sweets. I'd rather not try and pretend I'm … [Read more...] about WHY CAN’T WE DO HALLOWEEN LIKE OUR AMERICAN FRIENDS?
HOW DO I STAY ON TOP OF MY KIDS’ TOYS?
Not the most glamorous topic, I know, but it's something I've been chatting to friends about recently, and it seems we all struggle. One friend reckons toy storage should be taught in antenatal classes, it's so tricky. I have to agree. How to store toys in a practical, space-saving and easily … [Read more...] about HOW DO I STAY ON TOP OF MY KIDS’ TOYS?
DAYS LIKE THESE
Yesterday I had one of those Days. You know the ones. There were no tantrums, no trips to A&E, no breakages of major appliances. It was just one of those Days. I felt severely lacking in creative ideas. Mister (3) spent the morning at pre-school, while Missy (1) napped, so I had both kids awake … [Read more...] about DAYS LIKE THESE
YUMMY MUMMY, LETTING THINGS SLIDE
Recently I scanned one of those 'what's hot/what's not' columns at the front of a lifestyle magazine. Under 'what's not' I was interested to read that 'yummy mummies' were on their way out, because they were more prone to depression than 'working mums who let things slide'. Oh dear, I thought. I'm a … [Read more...] about YUMMY MUMMY, LETTING THINGS SLIDE
LUCY RYCROFT IS TEN
Last week, I turned ten. Or - more precisely - Lucy Rycroft turned ten. Lucy Baynes had existed for twenty-something years before, but on 13 July 2002 she became a Rycroft. Here's a picture of us looking young. Last Friday was a good day of celebrating. Coincidentally, we happened to be in the … [Read more...] about LUCY RYCROFT IS TEN
FATHERS’ DAY
Yesterday was Father's Day. I was pretty proud of myself for getting ahead on this. It was several weeks ago when I took Mister into the Beer Shop in town, allowed him to pick out some ales for his Dad and bought them on his behalf. (This is allowed, right? I figure since he's 2, and not 15, and … [Read more...] about FATHERS’ DAY