Mother Slugger Blog

Hey Mama,

You don't have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. You don’t need to be a perfect mom, the ideal homemaker, a stellar professional, or a superwoman all at once.

When you’re feeling worn out, remember that not many will recognize the effort you put into being everything for everyone. So, take a step back. Leave the housework for later and treat yourself to a walk, a visit to the park, the gym, some new clothes, a salon day, or simply a restful sleep. Prioritize your well-being and embrace your true self—do it all just for you.

Have you ever thought about this?

In 100 years like in 2123 we will all be buried with our relatives and friends.

Strangers will live in our homes we fought so hard to build, and they will own everything we have today. All our possessions will be unknown and unborn, including the car we spent a fortune on, and will probably be scrap, preferably in the hands of an unknown collector.

Our descendants will hardly or hardly know who we were, nor will they remember us. How many of us know our grandfather's father?

After we die, we will be remembered for a few more years, then we are just a portrait on someone's bookshelf, and a few years later our history, photos and deeds disappear in history's oblivion. We won't even be memories.

If we paused one day to analyse these questions, perhaps we would understand how ignorant and weak the dream to achieve it all was.

If we could only think about this, surely our approaches, our thoughts would change, we would be different people.

Always having more, no time for what's really valuable in this life. I'd change all this to live and enjoy the walks I've never taken, these hugs I didn't give, these kisses for our children and our loved ones, these jokes we didn't have time for. Those would certainly be the most beautiful moments to remember, after all they would fill our lives with joy.

And some of us waste it day after day with greed, selfishness and intolerance.

Today was nothing short of epic, as we gathered to celebrate my son's 12th birthday—Pokémon style, of course! It’s hard to believe that this phenomenal young man made his grand debut 12 years ago, weighing in at just 4 pounds of pure miracle. Fast forward to today, and he’s thriving, reminding us every single day that little miracles can grow into incredible people. Mega proud mama here, kart-wheeling through this wild life!

The day was packed to the brim with laughter, chaos, and a few too many chocolate cupcakes (oops!). We had an absolute blast, but the fun didn't stop there! I got to hang out with my sister and her adorable crew of nieces and nephews. Picture this: a house full of kids running around like hyperactive Pokémon, laughter echoing through the halls, and all those delightful shenanigans! Honestly, this is exactly why I decided to have a troop of my own—the more, the merrier, right?

After the birthday festivities, my sister and I went on a little shopping adventure. Just a few bits here and there, but it was the perfect way to unwind and spend time together! Thank goodness for that, because my big shopping spree was yesterday! I had a fabulous day out with a friend, and we hit every store we could. It was a whirlwind of laughter and retail therapy—until my body decided it didn’t agree with the fun and left me limping around like a lost Pikachu later that night. Oof! That's the not-so-fun part of living with my disability. But hey, I scored some adorable frog plushies—yes, I’m a proud frog fanatic! Oh, and I treated myself to some stylish new threads from my all-time fave brand, Lucy & Yak. Definitely a day well spent, despite the aftermath!

As for today? I’m still on the mend, tackling pain like a boss. But you know what? I won’t let it steal my sunshine! My evening plans include snuggling with the kiddos for some cozy time with “Inside Out,” topped off with a little artistic expression through painting or coloring. Just a little something to unwind after life has had me on the go like a Turbo Pidgey.

Oh! And I almost forgot—today also marks the big 10-year anniversary for me and my partner in crime! Cue the confetti! We’ve hit double digits in love and chaos! While we won’t be jet-setting off to a fancy celebration (because, let’s be honest, with double the kids comes double the fun at home!), we don’t need grand adventures to keep the spark alive. Our love is like a rare Pokémon—strong and unyielding all year round!

Alrighty, my fingers are waving the white flag, and I’m off to rest and recharge. Remember, you all are amazing human beings—never forget that! ✨

"Just because she carries it well, doesn’t mean it’s not heavy".

I want to start by acknowledging that today’s blog post is arriving a bit later than intended. I've been meaning to sit down and write all day, but, as is often the case, life intervened. It's a bit frustrating, but I suppose that's just part of the journey we all navigate, right?

Today has been one of those challenging days—one of the kind where everything feels a bit off. I promised myself—and you—that I would share the good with the bad, so here I am, laying it all out for you.

The real struggle today stems from the physical pain I've been experiencing. My M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) and Fibromyalgia have really taken a toll on me lately. Most days, I manage to get up, put on a brave face, and try my best to shrug off the discomfort. I remind myself that my illness doesn’t define who I am, but today, it feels overwhelmingly heavy. The back pain has been particularly unbearable, and despite my efforts to find relief, nothing seems to work. When you’re managing a bustling household with ten kids, the concept of rest becomes almost mythical. There’s always a chore to tackle or a child needing attention, and it becomes nearly impossible to take a moment for myself.

Adding to the physical discomfort is a more intangible feeling. Today, I've found myself feeling down, and I can’t quite pinpoint why. It’s a strange sensation—discontent and fatigue creeping in without warning. There’s a part of me that knows a little self-care is in order, perhaps some quiet time to recharge. Yet, paradoxically, the thought of being alone feels equally unappealing. It’s a perplexing balance, wanting to escape from the chaos while simultaneously craving the warmth of companionship.

On days like today, I often wish for a way to switch off my racing thoughts, just for a little while. However, I’ve learned that it’s important to acknowledge these feelings rather than suppress them. Life has its ebbs and flows, and experiencing the downs allows us to appreciate the ups even more when they arrive.

In light of this, I’m writing to remind myself—and anyone who might be reading—of the importance of self-compassion. It’s okay to have off days. It’s okay to struggle. And it’s perfectly acceptable to admit when things feel tough. Sharing these moments is part of allowing myself to be authentic and real about my experiences.

As I wrap up today’s post, I find comfort in the idea that tomorrow is a new day filled with potential. It’s a chance to reset, to breathe, and to hopefully look at the world with renewed optimism. Here’s to brighter days ahead, and to the strength we find in both the highs and the lows.

Putting a toddler to bed who isn't tired is like putting your drunk friend to bed.

There is singling to themselves, requesting water, claiming they love you, incoherent babble, crying, and then some weird yoga poses, hiccups, and then...

Ever notice how the days seem to be playing a sneaky game of hide-and-seek? One minute, I’m sipping my coffee, and the next, I’m wondering where the day went! Is it just me growing older while time is speed-walking through life on roller skates? Who knows! All I do know is that my to-do list feels more like a never-ending novel.

Today, the kiddos transformed into mini artists and oceanographers! We dove into a sea of learning about mystical ocean creatures and splashed in a whirlwind of creativity. Their drawings? Absolute masterpieces! When kids with autism tackle challenges, even pouring themselves a cup of juice can feel like a triumph akin to climbing Mount Everest, but we’re powering through like champions! Cue the confetti!

Now, let’s talk about the evening shenanigans. My son is off to his RAF training. Yes, you read that right—he’s thirteen and they’ve got him training with weapons. Someone send help! I’m a bundle of nerves over here—it's terrifyingly cool!

Meanwhile, my other rascals are gearing up for a culinary takeover. Who knows what adventurous dish we’ll end up with—perhaps “Pasta À La Chaos”? We’ll wind down later with some movie magic, while the others get lost in the pixelated realms of Minecraft and Fortnite. Bedtime? Ha! Sending them to bed is like herding caffeinated squirrels. I challenge you to count how many times I have to announce, “Time for bed!” Spoiler: It’s definitely over 100!

On that note of challenging parenting people alawyas ask me the the classic conversation starter: “Ten kids? How do you cope?” My answer is always a cheeky, “Why not?” It’s just like having one or two kids, but with a sprinkle of chaos—and a lot more snack time! Honestly, experiencing the wild ride of parenthood with so many tiny humans creates an amazing symphony of personalities. They may share genes, but they’re as unique as snowflakes, each with their own spark!

I adore the fact that I’ll never have a quiet house—there’s always someone around to cuddle or chat with. Sure, the thought of them growing up and leaving gives me a bit of the shivers, but that’s part of the rollercoaster ride of being a parent, right? Just hold on tight!

In the spirit of fun, I’m planning a spectacular Q&A about life with a large family. Got burning questions rattling around in your brain? Shoot them my way! I promise I won’t be fragile about it. After all, who doesn’t love a good chat over the wild rollercoaster of family life?

Let’s embrace the chaos together! 🎢💖

Hey there, fabulous humans! 🌟

Today? Let’s just say it’s been a bit of a faceplant — a spectacular, cartoonish slip on a banana peel of a day. Yup, we’re talking about a “bad luck” sandwich, with extra toppings of chaos and a side of “why me?” But hey, sometimes life decides to hand us lemons and we’re all out of sugar, right? 🙃

Now, I’m not one to dwell in the land of negativity (that place is boring, let me tell you). But since we're all about real talk here, I must admit: life isn’t always a sparkly unicorn prancing through a field of daisies. Nope, sometimes it resembles a soggy, crumpled-up napkin that fell into a puddle. So, let’s embrace the messiness together, shall we?

In keeping with our usual routine, the kids powered through their online learning — shoutout to my oldest for tackling a tutor session like a champ! While they were doing their scholarly thing, the rest of my time was spent managing cleaning, washing and work. The good news? I also managed to wrap up some Christmas presents! 🎁 Yes, I know, I know — it’s a bit preposterous considering it’s only October! But listen, when you’ve got 10 kiddos in the house, Christmas wrapping is basically a marathon, and the earlier you start, the less stress on this ADHD brain of mine. It’s like a full-time job with a side of juggling flaming torches!

Now, what else did today bring? *Drumroll please* … absolutely nothing remotely thrilling. Zero. Zilch. Just me contemplating life decisions that could rival an existential crisis. Sometimes I feel like all I want to do is just cruise through life like a carefree butterfly, flitting around, avoiding the ‘adulting’ thing altogether. *Sigh* If only I could time-travel back to my carefree days of adolescence — where decisions included what flavor of ice cream to get. 🍦

The rest of the week looks pretty much like the usual routine of schoolwork for the kids and work for me. But wait for it… next week, I’m breaking free! You heard it here first: a full day of ME time! 🎉 It’s a shocking concept, I know. A friend invited me out shopping, and I couldn't be more excited! Who knew that something as “ordinary” as shopping could light a fire in my heart? (Or maybe it’s just the thought of leaving the house without 10 tiny humans tagging along? Who's to say?!)

For now, I’m off to indulge in a Netflix binge of *Stranger Things* — I’m going to eat my body weight in chocolate 🍫 and take some pain medication because, let me tell you, my body is staging a revolt today!

And hey, just a quick reminder: each one of you is utterly amazing, even on those rainy, banana-peel-surfing days! Hang in there, and let’s keep on keeping on, shall we? 💪✨

Until next time, my wonderful readers!

Well, if today wasn't a rollercoaster ride of amusing calamities! It started with the kids (aka The Snotlings, with more sniffles than a tissue factory) deciding they wanted to get all eco-friendly. So, they rallied around their dad, who sadly thinks he's some kind of mad scientist but in a totally cute way. Apparently, their dad has been moonlighting as a recycling wizard, conjuring strands of filament out of plastic bottles. Yes, you heard that right! Our family’s effort in recycling has officially reached the point of wizardry. I can only imagine the future: “Dad, the necromancer of plastic!” 🧙‍♂️✨

While they were off saving the planet, I decided to embark on my own thrilling adventure: basic maths and English! What a glamorous life. I could feel the excitement in the air— or maybe that was just the overpowering aroma of ages-old socks from the laundry pile I neglected. But hey, they powered through! I had a blast listening to them read from their “awesome monster reading website.” I mean, does it get any better than a monster narrating educational material? If only I had a monster buddy to help motivate me through the never-ending piles of laundry!

Now, let's address the elephant (or rather, the tiny, snot-covered creatures) in the room. The cold crisis is upon us! It seems like only yesterday I was swanning around like a regal parent, and today, I’m just trying to figure out why I have a banging headache and a throat that feels like it’s been scraped by sandpaper. Guess what? It’s now my turn to join the ranks of the sickly! 🎉 What a party!

So, while I’m channeling my inner couch potato (and kind of feeling sorry for myself), I’ve also tackled the thrilling world of cleaning, working a shift, and of course, the never-ending game of “What’s for dinner?” Honestly, when did I sign up for this? Oh right, the moment I became a parent!

Now, here’s the thing—I’ve realized that parenting can feel a little like drifting through a deserted island sometimes. I mean, I can chat about the latest kids' cartoon until the cows come home, but deep down, all I really want is someone other than my partner or the kids to vent to. It's funny how, once you become the parent of many, the social scene turns into your front room with a bunch of people who drive you to delightful madness. Friends? What are those?

But despite the "no-friends-at-the-party" vibe, I assure you the kids aren’t all bad! You know, those little snuggle monsters have sprinkles of delightful chaos that make every day an adventure. And who wouldn’t want to be part of a sustainable future with a bunch of tiny, joyously noisy recyclers?

So, to all the fellow weary parents out there, keep your head up (or at least your tissue handy)! As they say, the days are long, but the years are short, and at the end of this wild ride, we’ll have stories to tell and possibly a few DIY filament creations to show off! Stay quirky, stay awesome, and let's conquer this parenting thing one snot-filled day at a time! 🤪✨

P.S. If you happen to come across an ultra-cool parent group or a friendly monster for chats, send them my way! 🙃

**Good Morning, Sunshine! ☀️**

Well, well, well! It’s one of those delightfully weird mornings where the coffee tastes a bit more bittersweet and the sun seems to shine a tad differently. Why, you ask? Because my little bird has finally taken flight—my son has officially launched into the adventurous journey of college life! 🎓✨

Now, let me tell you, this is not just any ordinary milestone. For the past seven years, he’s been nestled in the cozy cocoon of a specialist school, and now he’s stepping into the bustling world of mainstream college! Can you say "big leap"? It’s like watching him go from a well-cared-for caterpillar to a slightly bewildered butterfly flapping around in the garden of higher education.

Don’t get me wrong; my heart is doing backflips of joy! I’m so excited for him to explore new horizons, forge new friendships, and dive into the whirlwind of knowledge awaiting him. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t feeling a tad bit nervous. I mean, what if he encounters some challenges? What if he doesn’t have instant access to his mum's legendary snack stash?!

And let’s be real, I may or may not have considered following him to class—just to keep an eye out and perhaps plaster a big ol' “Go Son!” poster on the wall. But I quickly realized that wouldn't score me any cool points... not even close! So, I’ll just have to channel my inner cheerleader from a safe distance.

As you embark on your own adventures today, whatever they may be, remember to sprinkle a little kindness—especially to yourself. Whether it’s treating yourself to a cozy moment, a guilty pleasure, or simply taking a deep breath and savoring your favorite warm beverage, you deserve it!

As the back-to-school season rolls around, I find myself reflecting on our unique educational journey. While my children are all home educated, my oldest son is stepping into a new world as he begins his college journey tomorrow! 🎉

It’s such an exciting milestone, and while he may not have been home educated, I’m proud of the foundation we’ve built as a family. I'm grateful for the experiences we've shared that have prepared him for this next adventure. It's a bittersweet moment—part of me wishes he could stay home a little longer, but I know he’s ready to spread his wings and embrace this new chapter.

Hello, my fabulous readers! 🌈✨

So, gather 'round, pull up a chair, and prepare for a whimsical tale because today, I’m here to regale you with my "exciting" life—which is about as thrilling as watching paint dry. Now, don't expect stories about skydiving with unicorns or running marathons while juggling flaming swords; instead, I’m here to share the riveting journey of trying to clean my house in the midst of a delightful flare-up of my old pal Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Yay me! Isn't that a mouthful? (And speaking of mouths, the baby has a nasty cold, and I’m sure the other kids are just biding their time before spreading their own germs to me. Super!

In between my staggering house-cleaning achievements and culinary feats, such as reheating leftovers (gourmet, I know!), I somehow managed to squeeze in a bit of work. Because who doesn't love multitasking like an octopus on caffeinated steroids? If you ever need a crash course on the art of doing five things at once — while questioning your life choices — you know whom to call!

But let's pause for a second and revel in some genuinely exciting news: My partner-in-crime (and my future hubby) has taken a monumental leap of faith! 🥳 He’s finally mustered the courage to launch his business page on Facebook for his beloved 3D printing models. (I like to think he’s finally found something he loves more than me... just kidding—mostly.) I mean, what can I say? The man has a passionate relationship with his 3D printers that even I can’t compete with.

So here I am, donning my trusty “supportive wife” hat, ready to cheer him on while making my own attempts to wrangle my wild bunch of kids. Speaking of which, the 18-month-old has decided that the fridge is now a fun adventure park. He’s taken to spontaneously running into the living room, triumphantly brandishing snacks like a tiny, victorious Viking. Case in point: today’s kitchen heist included a Muller Corner and a pork pie hanging from his mouth. I’m only partially convinced that I’m not living in some bizarre food-themed version of Survivor. Someone send help—preferably equipped with elbow guards and a cookbook!

As the sun sets and the chaos subsides, I find myself running in circles, accomplishing all of… uh, nothing? But that’s okay, because it’s finally evening! And you know what that means: cozy nights, fuzzy blankets, and a binge-watch of Stranger Things while painting one of my lovely new models. What could be more thrilling?

So cheers to embracing the quirks of ordinary life, where the real adventure is finding joy in the chaotic moments and appreciating the little wins—like finding a clean spot on the couch to actually sit down!

Motherhood is...

Nobody actually noticing everything you do day to day to keep the house running and the kids happy and healthy, but everybody noticing as soon as you stop doing it.

Ah, another morning of delightful chaos! Or shall I say, unexpectedly serene? Picture this: my oldest daughter swooped in like a whirlwind, announcing her mission to take her siblings out for a grand adventure. Suddenly, it was just me, the ‘reluctant queen of calm,’ and our tiny baby cooing softly in the background. The house transformed into an eerie sanctuary, a stillness punctuated only by the gentle tapping of my keyboard—me, trying to squeeze some work into this whirlwind of motherhood.

Now, I must confess, silence isn’t really my jam. It’s a little unsettling, to be honest! I’ve produced a delightful troupe of rambunctious little ones, just to ensure my days are filled with laughter, shouts, and all-around delightful pandemonium. The thought of them growing up, spreading their wings, and flying off into the wild world? Let’s not even go there, or I’ll turn into a puddle of emotions! Cue the dramatic music.

As for our home education routine (or lack thereof), well, we’re embracing the “wing-it” philosophy for the next week, because why not? It’s school holidays! Not that we’re the conventional type anyway; we’re happily marching to the beat of our own educational drum. My kiddos have been busy scribbling down random subjects that tickle their fancy. We’re talking Roman history, the mysteries of WWII, the secrets of the Egyptians… and, of course, a sprinkle of slime-making, cooking, baking, and the delightful chaos that comes with it! I’d best get my backside in gear and whip up a plan before they decide that becoming professional slime specialists is their ultimate goal!

But today? Today is a day for serious adulting. Not only am I diving headfirst into work (yes, the full-time job that keeps the household running), but I’m also surrounded by half-finished Christmas present lists. I’ll admit it: I’m lagging behind this year, and that thought is looming over me like a dark cloud. I need to channel my inner elf and get this sorted, stat!

Hey there, fellow adventurers in the wild world of home education!

🌈 Grab your favorite cozy blanket, maybe a hot cup of something delightful, and settle in for a quick tale of spontaneity and self-acceptance.

So, I’ve been in a bit of a battle with my chronic pain lately (hello, M.E. and fibromyalgia – my uninvited companions). It’s definitely been one of those “tough-cookie” kind of weeks where I found myself without a single learning plan in place for my little crew. But you know what? Today, we decided to throw caution to the wind and just wing it!

And can I just say – it turned into a spectacular day! We dove headfirst into the world of fossils, becoming little archaeologists for a spell. But the crown jewel of our day had to be the spontaneous fruit taste-testing session! 🍉🍍 It’s no secret that with a group of neurodivergent kiddos, trying new foods can sometimes be a monumental challenge. But oh my goodness, watching them squish, taste, and sometimes even gasp enjoy new flavors filled my heart with joy! The laughter and the surprised faces were absolutely priceless. 😂

The rest of our day was spent savoring the simple pleasures of life. Who says kids have to spend hours on Maths, English and Science? Learning happens everywhere – sometimes in the silly songs we sing, the stories we create, or even the fruit that gets squished between tiny fingers. When you’re talking, sharing, and experiencing together, learning is woven into every moment!

Now, let’s keep it real for a second. I haven’t quite felt like my usual self today. Some lingering feelings have been dragging me down, making me question if I’m falling short on certain things. Honestly, I couldn’t pinpoint the source of my funk – oh, the joys of chronic illness, right? 😅

But in moments like this, I remind myself that we all have struggles, even if social media often tells a different story. Just because everyone appears to be living their best lives doesn’t mean they are. So, let’s lighten the load and offer ourselves a little grace!

Here’s a gentle reminder: Praise yourself for the little victories! Did you eat today? Well done! Did you manage to get out of bed? Awesome! Did you take a shower? You are downright amazing! Remember, not every achievement has to be grand – it’s the small steps that lead to big changes.

So here’s to embracing the chaos, finding joy in the unexpected, and cheering ourselves on, no matter where we are in our journey. Let’s celebrate the little moments, and remember that every day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and simply be.

Until next time, keep shining your light! 🌟