tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10475831744313758792024-03-12T18:26:55.245-07:00crazymommaofthreeThis Blog is my so called me time not that that exists in my life, its a chance for me to ramble and rave over random topics that I may come across throughout the day, please forgive any typos or errors I do tend to type fast in the moment and don't always get to review what I have written before posting.... Happy Reading CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.comBlogger763125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-87485086586737223372021-12-28T11:42:00.001-08:002021-12-28T11:42:23.934-08:0028 December 2021<p style="text-align: justify;"> Hey guys</p><p style="text-align: justify;">So it's been a while, a few months now and all I can say is that it has been a year guys, a crazy year.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In my lost post I mentioned that I was struggling with this space, whether I would continue posting and where I felt this space fit in as far as my kids being of an older age etc.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Its not just that though, I have been doing a lot of introspective reflection this year and I have come to a few personal conclusions.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Looking back at myself, my parenting, my relationships and my life in general over the past few years, I have changed a lot, the person I used to be, I don't recognize that person anymore.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> A few years back; I was more than struggling, I was a really depressed and angry person, as a parent I was struggling with Loghan's special needs and the sexual assault that he experienced and how this greatly affected both him and our family. I was struggling as a person, as a child and growing up I always wanted that white picket fence dream, a prefect family, my dream job and all of that and I think I went through a period were I really struggled with how my life had turned out, not that I didn't want my children, my husband, my job etc, it just wasn't what I had envisioned and I think with everything compounding and my mental health struggles it just got to be too much and I just wasn't a very happy person, I needed to find myself again, I needed to let go of so much personal trauma and I needed to actually deal with this trauma.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I got to a point where I actively recognized this, I made the decision that this was not who I wanted to be and I actively tried to change, to become more present, more focused, more optimistic, I fored myself to deal with my past trauma an my mental health but dam guys I am being really honest here when I say it isn't easy.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Our family has been through alot, and this year there has been just as much good as there have been challenges, at times it just honestly feels like it is never going to get easier despite the good, as the years go on the challenges become increasingly difficult and it often feels like we like 2 steps forward and 10 steps back .</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Loghan has been seeing a psychologist at a private center in conjunction with his government appointed psychiatrist who changed this year because his previous doctor there retired, I have to be honest it isn't often I don't see eye to eye with a professional or that we have seen one that I dislike, but I wasn't happy with the change, the doctor was incredibly cold and showed no care or personal interest and now the current doctor is leaving so we will be changing again, his psychologist at government level has also retired and the private psychologist he has been seeing has transferred our case over to a male psychologist which was something she had suggested would probably work better when we first started seeing her but she has been seeing him for the last year in the interim. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">We managed to finally get somewhere with the department whereby Loghan was finally registered with a local government special needs school as an online student and we finally got it right to get the department to contribute towards a facilitator for Loghan. It took a lot of searching but we managed to find a local tutor/ facilitator who only tutors high school students and only a handful of them. Loghan has been with her for 2 terms now and so far it has worked out well and his marks although not at the level I would prefer them to be are at the top of his grade in the school he is attending and he has successfully passed into grade 9 next year. It hasn't been without its challenges and managing all of this has not been an easy feat but in this respect we have moved mountains and i can only hope that this continues to work as it it really is our last schooling option and one where Loghan at least has interaction with other children his age and above in a very controlled environment for a few short hours every day.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">On the home front he is living with us full time again, his tutor is located in our area and my ex isn't willing to make the accommodations we need to make in order to get him to and from school everyday etc. Its been really difficult, I have to fetch him on my lunch break every day and drop him at home and then return to work, which takes a full hour, he then has to stay home alone every afternoon, which is probably the most anxiety causing situation I have ever had to deal with as we never know what we are going to go home to and we literally have no other option.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">We have to ensure that our bedroom door is locked, anything dangerous is either shut off, locked away etc, we even have to lock away certain foods which sounds extreme but we have come home more than once to find the entire months lunches and snacks eaten within the span of 1 afternoon, with packets stashed and hidden all over the house. We have come home to items being burned the one time I left a lighter at home, one day I even came home to find he had broken the garage lock and gone around the neighborhood on his own, coming home after offering to work in some random persons garden so incredibly proud of himself and completely oblivious to the dangers of the situation he put himself in, which was terrifying to say the least. We have had physical altercations which are few and far between but still scary where we we have implemented a consequence due to his actions and he has gotten physical, because of his PDA he literally goes into a fight response for any sort of confrontational situation and considering that he is over a head taller than both my husband and I and is larger than both my husband and I, it is terrifying. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">He is a 14 year old in the body of an 18 year old with an IQ that an incredibly small percentage of the population has, he has the hormones, strength and general appearance of an 18 year old but the social and emotional development of a young child when he goes into this state it is unlike anything I would want any parent to go through. He can be the sweetest, most well mannered and kind child you will ever meet but at the same time, the intense manipulation, aggression, gaslighting and lies that come with his disorders are something I cannot even begin to describe.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">We have involved police, we have gone down the road of requesting the help of social workers and the court, we have literally been through the best of the best as far as therapy and doctors are concerned, it can get very disheartening especially as Loghan gets older and the realization that he may never live a life on his own becomes more and more of a likely reality.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I have also struggled with the courts this year, maintenance wise we do not receive anything extra towards Loghans full time care which has made things really difficult at home, I went to court and am still waiting for anything to happen which again has been really disheartening, and we also lost our mediator this year, he had been with our family for many years and I cannot explain how angry I was to lose him because of the selfishness of certain persons who have no respect for anyone. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Gabriel has also really struggled this year, the boys lost their Aunt this year which affected them both really badly, but his anxiety levels since covid have also been really high and he has also been greatly affected by things at home with Loghan as well, so he started with his own psychologist at the beginning of this year which has helped a lot, but we still have a long way to go.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Jesse has also struggled with so much anxiety since the start of covid as well as with things at home with Loghan, Gabriel isn't always home as he stays with his father as well as here but Jesse is always home which means he is most exposed when Loghan does have a meltdown or reacts physically with either my husband or myself.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">To answer the question, no there aren't any places that a child of his age with his issues can go to get help long term or in-patient care; we have gone to court and the only place available was at a government center which was not equipped for children with mental health struggles and the lack of care and mistreatment at that center only caused further trauma for our family.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Our entire family has PTSD from the many years of trauma, we all have anxiety and some form of mental health disorder or struggle, anxiety, depression, ocd, asd, pda, a laundry list, our family is so incredibly broken in so many ways and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't wish that I could just find a solution, some magic antidote to make it all go away and make life easier for our entire family, but there just isn't one.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I am being brutally honest when I say, the thought of death is not something that I fear for reasons one would ordinarily fear it, I fear death because the thought of what would happen to Loghan if I weren't around terrifies me to the very core of my being as there just isn't anywhere else for him to go or anyone else who would be able to care for him.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The truth is that so many special needs families and families with mental health struggles live this life and this struggle and I have learned that as much as I have many wonderful people in my life who want to help and try to help, this is an incredibly isolating and lonely road and that at some point most people shut off and don't want to hear about it. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Which I understand, I really do; everyone has their own struggles and it can be so incredibly draining but it does mean that most families and people going through these struggles myself included get to the point where you are either to scared to share your struggles or you just don't want to because you don't want to burden other people with these issues.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Being positive, it can help in some respects, people find it a lot easier to deal with an optimist and someone that hides their problems, which is sad but again I do understand.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I don't know what 2022 holds, but we are hanging on to the hope that things will get better.</p><p><br /></p>CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-88941022736002413882021-06-13T09:47:00.003-07:002021-06-13T09:47:51.050-07:00Stuck in quarantine....again<p style="text-align: justify;"> So I finally have a minute to sit down and write a post, its been a while I just don't have much time to sit down and put pen to paper so to speak these days, I've wondered for some time now whether I should hang up the towel with regards to this space but this space has seen me through so many ups and downs and looking back on past posts reminds me of just how far we have come and how much things have changed.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I think I that aside from finding the time I have just struggled with how to use this space effectively, with the boys getting older I no longer see myself as a mommy blogger but I still want to document and share our journey as a special needs family, if something I share helps even one mom or family out there then this space has served its purpose and so here we are.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">A lot has happened as I sit here now I am once again confined to our home along with my hubby and two of our llama monkeys due to covid, thankfully we are all well and covid free but Gabriel attended a family event with his father and unfortunately as careful as the were and that respect I can guarantee my ex is quite hectic, someone who attended tested positive and thus we are locked down for 10 days at home, I have to say its actually been great in the respect of spending time with my the boys and my hubby, its been peaceful for the most part and I was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed with so much going on.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I've changed job positions at work which was a big deal after sitting on reception for 9 years, not that there is anything wrong with that at all I had just reached a point where I needed a change and was thankfully afforded the opportunity to incite that change. I am also in the process of studying- which as a whole as an adult I can say is a whole different ball game; finding the time to study when you are working full time and have 3 kids and a household to raise isn't easy and the direction I have gone in now with my studies is so incredibly different from the direction I ever thought I would go in- quite honestly at the time I saw it more as a necessity than a field I wanted to fall into but now I am really enjoying it, crossing fingers, toes and eyes for my exam at month end =)</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The boys are doing well therapies with both Gabriel and Loghan are going well and Gabriel's psychologist has confirmed that Gabriel does indeed have ASD behaviors and traits that if he were more extensively evaluated will more than likely lead to an ASD diagnosis, for now we are not pursuing a more extensive assessment but it is a big help as far as helping us to parent and guide Gabriel in a more effective and supportive manner, at the end of the day I feel that a 4 grand assessment for a label is not going to do anything more for us or Gabriel at this point, we knew that this was most likely going to be the outcome and it helps us and his teachers help him we don't need a paper confirmation for that, at least not at this stage. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Loghan is making big strides and we rarely have an issue at home as far as extreme meltdowns and behaviors are concerned, he is doing well in (controlled/supervised) social settings and we have had success with the education department, its taken 3 years but I finally found someone at the department who has put in so much time and support to help us that we are in the process of enrolling Loghan in a school (online) with a facilitator and his overall therapy is doing really well.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">So as a whole things are going well, it really is great to be at a point where our steps forward amount to more than our steps backward, that is not to say that there won't be anymore bumps in the road but I feel that we are at a better place than we have been in years and that we have finally reached a point where people are actually listening and helping instead of ignoring and waving us off like we don't know what we are doing or talking about, it makes a huge difference for all of us and our overall mental and emotional states and although trying to fit in up to 4 therapy sessions in a week has been exhausting I know it will be worth it in the long run.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I guess that is it for now but I will pop in and update when we have more news to share- good or bad.</p>CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-66800710815821788692021-04-26T01:52:00.000-07:002021-04-26T01:52:01.813-07:00Moving forward!!!!!<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So it's been a while... a long while but I have delayed posting on here because quite frankly I just didn't want to jinx the direction of our journey at this point but also because I felt like and still feel like I am going to wake up tomorrow and everything is going to be some kind of dream, someones idea of a sick joke, but no matter how many times I pinch myself we are still here at this <strike>good</strike> better place headed in the right direction so today I decided to lay words to paper and update everyone on what has been going on these past few months.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">First off if anyone has read my blog and knows anything about our journey, you will know that it has been as long as it has been painful, filled with so much hurt, disappointment and trauma and yet through it all we hung on to hope, hope that one day we would find the answer and our missing piece, something that would make everything fall into place and just make sense.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">You see Loghan has been diagnosed with many things over the years: ASD, ADHD, OCD, Anxiety and ODD which was the most recent, but through it all I have always felt that there was something not quite right and although psychology is filled with diagnostic testing and criteria that one must meet for a diagnosis mistakes can still be made and/or things can be missed even by even the most brilliant doctors.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Just to make things clear I am incredibly grateful for each and every professional; doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor etc that has helped us along our journey even if it was for but a brief period of time, each and every one has given us more insight, another piece of the missing part we have been searching for. We still attend sessions at Red Cross and we have the most amazing psychologist there, a gentleman who has listened and been willing to search and try everything he possibly can but as I said even the best professionals cannot always see the full picture especially when you have a child or person who chooses to be selective about what they share or are willing to speak about.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In our search for help we have gone done many roads and tried everything we possibly could no matter how new or unconventional, you name it and we have tried it or at the very least researched into it and looked at the option, now my ex and I are vastly different in so many ways but this year a suggestion was made by my ex to try to go in a different direction and approach to try once again to find that missing piece, and when I say that I could not be happier that we took the leap and did this it would be an understatement.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">2 months back Loghan started attending appointments at another center, this help wasn't sought as a replacement for the care that we receive at Red Cross but rather to supplement support and to get a different point of view if there was any to be had and in case you haven't guessed it by now we did and we have and I just cannot believe that it took so long to get to this point.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So what does Loghan have or not have?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Well he is for sure an Aspie or on the Autism Spectrum but that was something I knew in my heart even before we received the original diagnosis from Red Cross but secondly <b>he doesn't have ODD</b> which is something I suspected to be true but we now know for sure, he didn't meet the full criteria even the doctors admitted as much and his reasoning behind his behaviors just didnt match up or makes sense with an ODD diagnosis.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Aside from what we suspected or already knew we have a new diagnosis that brings in the OCD, ADHD and anxiety; what we have is a diagnosis of PDA and that my friends is something magical because once we read the information surrounding PDA we were floored to say the least! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">At last we found that missing piece or at least one of them, a diagnosis that fit our child and his symptoms or traits to the T, something that proved that he was not just a naughty brat who did not want to listen just because, a diagnosis that proved he has an anxiety driven need for control (commonly found in ASD children particularly those who have experienced trauma) that is both very real and cannot be helped or at least he cannot help it, all the trauma as well as how certain people have reacted to him and treated him over the years combined with the way that he has dealt with that trauma I promise you it is so incredibly easy to judge a child or persons behavior when you don't know the full story or don't bother to find out if I wrote book I am sure people would find it difficult to believe, when I say our life has been a literal shit show circus and that our entire family has been told we have PTSD from having to deal with it all I am not exaggerating! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So for a tad bit of insight...</span></p><h3 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; padding-top: 1.5rem; text-align: justify;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">What is PDA?</span></strong></h3><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box;">It is not just demand avoidance</u></strong><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">!!</strong> All human beings avoid some things and this is typical. The demand avoidance is understood in the following ways:</span></p><ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem 2.5rem; padding: 0px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Anxiety driven need to be in control and avoid demands and expectations; own and others</b></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Avoidance of anxiety about conforming to social demands</b></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Escalating amount of resistance</b></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Different to typical ASD avoidance (which is asocial; walking away/withdrawing). Socially manipulative strategies can be used</b></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Explosive strategies have been likened to panic</b></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Need to consider in terms of what is developmentally appropriate</b></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Extreme outbursts in 60% of cases</b></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Lose temper and recover quickly</b></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Driven to follow an impulse, ambiguity and need to be in control</b></span></li></ul><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; text-align: justify;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There are a number of additional defining clinical features:</span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Appearing sociable but with difficulties recognised by parents</span></em></span></p><ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem 2.5rem; padding: 0px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Can appear to be people orientated – this is due to a vigilance rather than a social need</b></span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><u>Can</u> use social niceties</b></span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Good eye contact and use of gestures and body language</b></span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Charming</b></span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Know what strategies work with who</b></span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Social approaches lack depth; confusion about level of response required – over power, oversensitive, over reactive</b></span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Gravitate towards adults</b></span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Uses adult scripts with peers</b></span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Over-familiar with adults</b></span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Uninhibited; lack of pride and shame</b></span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Difficulties accepting obligation/responsibility</b></span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Shock and confuse their peers by their behaviours which are often not developmentally or socially appropriate behaviours</b></span></span></li></ul><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Excessive mood swings, often switching suddenly</span></em></span></p><ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem 2.5rem; padding: 0px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Empathy on an intellectual level not a feeling level</b></span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Can recognise but not share emotion/modify behaviour</b></span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Ambiguity in mood – ‘Jekyll and Hyde’</b></span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Low self-esteem and perfectionism result in the mood swings, which becomes a vicious circle because of how they feel after engaging in some of the more extreme behaviours</b></span></span></li></ul><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Comfortable (sometimes to an extreme extent) in role playing and pretending</span></em></span></p><ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem 2.5rem; padding: 0px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>1/3 confuse reality with pretence; not just mimicking</b></span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Try to direct other person in joint play activities</b></span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Benefit from use of puppets; an indirect approach to interacting and communicating with others and plays to the person’s strength in this area</b></span></span></li></ul><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Language delay, seemingly as a result of passivity</span></em></span></p><ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem 2.5rem; padding: 0px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>More fluent eye contact and conversational timing than typical ASD</b></span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Less difficulties with pragmatics (non-verbal aspects)</b></span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Still literal and unusual content due to mimicry</b></span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Difficulties with processing receptive language (what is said to them)</b></span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Fluency strengths masks the difficulties that the person may have in understanding what is said to them</b></span></span></li></ul><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Obsessive behaviour</span></em></span></p><ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem 2.5rem; padding: 0px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Demand avoidance is obsessive</b></span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Can be related to people in a variety of ways:</b></span></span></li><ul style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: disc; margin: 0.5rem 0px 0px 2.5rem; padding: 0px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Blame</b></span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Victimise</b></span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Harassment</b></span></span></li></ul></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The psychologist that he is seeing at the center has also made headway in getting Loghan to fully open up about his feelings and past trauma which has heavily impacted his anxiety and approach to people in general, she has also arranged for him to attend sessions that will help with his trauma and education thereof that will help him in social situations and finally they are helping us as parents approach him and his behavior in a completely different way which is allowing us to make much further progress than we ever have.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We have been incredibly blessed with the most amazing support system, friends who have opened their hearts and their doors who have encouraged and supported us every step of the way especially when we have had a number of people over the years (not many but enough to cause significant backtracking and trauma for our entire family) who have closed their doors and said that Loghan wasn't worth the effort or was just a bad child, a child with ODD and a future psychopath!!!!! To those people I say look at your own doorstep and your own issues because holy moly did it take me a long time to get to the point of understanding how people can project their own issues onto you because they are blind to their own faults, it took me a long time to actually not just hear but take in and understand what professionals were saying when they said that we have done everything we can, that we are actually not shit parents which is how I felt despite knowing on a logical level that were and have been doing everything that we can every step of the way I would still feel and question every choice and every step instead of saying you know what that person was wrong or I shouldn't have just stepped aside and accepted what another person said or just walked away instead of standing up for myself, my child and my family.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We are making headway with the education department as well but that is an update for another day, for now I am just happy to report that we are moving forward, my middle son will be starting therapy soon as well and I have been back in therapy myself for a little over a year now, small steps and major changes so far and ahead.</span></div>CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-18801780102783421002020-12-30T05:19:00.001-08:002020-12-30T08:25:19.206-08:002020....<p style="text-align: justify;">I am absolutely one hundred percent certain that if you asked anyone this time last year what they envisioned for the year ahead, experiencing a pandemic would not have made the cut for anyone's list, I entered 2020 with quiet optimism, mentally emotionally an physically I felt that I was in a good space or headed towards the best space that I had been in for a while after what had been a hellish year for our family in 2019, I thought in all my naïve and newly found optimism that 2020 was going to be a good year and yet here we are headed towards the end of what has been one hell of year for everyone and I cannot speak for everyone but my personal mental health, emotional and physical well being, its not in a good space right now, the anxiety above everything has become incredibly overwhelming amongst other things.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I can still remember sitting on my bed as the president announced that we were headed into lockdown, shrugging inwardly and thinking bleh how long could this actually last, I mean looking at it from my perspective having experienced swine flu and at the time that being seen as such a terrible thing(which it was), many people died and yet we didn't shut down, ] I didn't see it reaching even the lockdown point that it did and as we headed into stage 5 of the lockdown in a way I was thinking that being more of an introvert when it comes to the outside world it would be a welcome break, I didn't expect it to be as hard as it was for all of us.... and it was.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Looking back on the year...</p><p style="text-align: justify;">My husband and I fell into a steady routine- wake up, make breakfast, start school work, stop for lunch, resume school work, start supper, go to bed, toss and turn, wake up and start all over.... every single day. As time went on the meltdowns started and escalated, emotions ran higher and being locked in doors not even being able to take a walk down to the park started to weigh quite heavily on my heart, my eldest sons behavior in particular started to escalate and the relationship between him and my husband completely broke own which put an enormous mount of strain on our relationship to the point where I honestly believed that we were headed into divorce, we had no access to therapy and being locked in doors all day with no where to break away this is something that I know so many families experienced during this time.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The day the president announced the extension I had an emotional breakdown, depression set in and hit hard and for the first time my husband was experiencing a depressive state as well, as selfish as it sounds, two people in a depressive state is a recipe for disaster, a person in a depressive state is not a good partner as much as you want to be, I know from experience; I am used to being the one who relies on my partner to pull me out of this state, I am not a very emotional or touchy feely partner I am sure some people would call me cold and I often find that I lack a sense of patience or emotional feeling when it comes to my partner, not intentional by any means, I attribute it a lot to past relationship experiences and the way I was brought up so unfortunately unless you are one of my children I can often tend to come off as uncaring- as a Sagittarian travel is one of the things that they make mention of in every zodiac write up, what I have found however is that is isn't about travel for me, its about movement and freedom without restriction and I was honestly feeling like a trapped animal in a cage, it wasn't pretty, my insomnia kicked into high gear, I gained weight which set off my disordered eating and body image issues again which further aggravated our relationship issues and the kids were really struggling with the lack of social interaction, my older kids did not see their father for months which affected them a lot, even my youngest who isn't or wasn't a social child at all was struggling terribly as a whole our household started to resemble a bit of a shit show circus to be blunt and I think we were all at breaking point.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">When I was able to return to work and it lead to a role reversal within our home- from the age of 19 I had a child and a family, I was used to running the majority of household on my own and making all of the decisions that pertained to schooling, child care etc, now my hubby was at home full time and had to take over that role while I was at work and while he had to work from home, this came with its own struggles, being ocd control is a big thing for me as is routine and structure and now it was all up to my hubby who was still struggling so much and he had to deal with my own pile of crap as well, to his credit he has done an amazing job, his cooking has always surpassed mine by landslide and the kids managed to pass out their year- all 3 of them with a house that is still standing, I cannot explain how it feels to go from having to thing all day every day to coming home sitting down and supper landing on my lap and relinquishing that control in some aspects had led to me taking control in other areas that I would normally have taken a backseat in, it has lead to a lot of changes, I started seeing a psychologist again, we tackled the visitation schedule with my kids and so many other things.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In July I contracted covid myself and after 16 days I returned to work, my hubby started going back to work twice a week as well and the kids headed back to school twice a week as well, making changes to my sons visitation schedule meant that we were able to work on our relationship and home, I broke my ankle at one point as well but it seemed like we were headed towards the end of this nightmare, no one I knew had contracted covid and passed - until someone in our office did, an amazing man who loved to play golf and had a wonderful smile and sense of humor, healthy and lively the one moment and on a ventilator and gone the next, we attended his funeral via zoom and it was just the most surreal and heartbreaking experience, another loved one experienced an almost fatal health issue after her husband had to undergo an emergency bypass, what was more scary was the thought of anyone developing a health issue that would lead to a hospital stay as everyone I knew that went into hospital came out with covid, my dad works for a local hospital and every week I would listen to him talk bout how few cases they had if any and then it started to turn, they lost one then 2 then several and more including nursing staff and it has all become so real, we have gone from knowing someone who knows someone who had covid to knowing at least several people who have it, have had it and have possible even died from it, as someone in our ladies group said today, no one takes it seriously until it hits close to home or hits home, until you have lost someone or someone you love has lost someone.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Having said all of the above all I can say is that if you are experiencing any form of depression or a drop in your mental health, reach out and get help, you re not alone, if you are feeling sad, anxious or scared, you are definitely not alone, we can and will get through this we just need to hold on to each other, hold on to your loved ones and stay safe, this will end and we will come out the other side, there are those who have lost their jobs, their homes, their loved ones, to those whose mental health has been affected which I think is pretty much everyone; I see you, I see you all and my thoughts and love go out to each and every one of you as we head into the new year my wish for you all is that you remain safe and that you get to spend this time with those you love, if you cannot for any reason be with your friends and loved ones due to covid just knw that this will end and you will spend time with them again. May 2021 be the year where we all come out stronger.</p>CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-32969501395798452232020-11-25T01:29:00.000-08:002020-11-25T01:29:17.029-08:00A simple message...<p> <span style="text-align: justify;">This is not my usual type of post
and I know I have not been posting much lately… I have just found it difficult
to put words together lately with everything going on in the world right now
and trying to come to terms with the fact that this is our new normal and everything
is not going to just magically return to normal come January 1</span><sup style="text-align: justify;">st</sup><span style="text-align: justify;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">There are so many special people
in my life who have gone through so much this year, illness, mental health
struggles, the loss of loved ones and my heart just aches as a friend, a
sister, a mother… a person; to see someone you care for struggle personally or
because someone they value and love is struggling or gone is so hard and
finding the words or the actions to support them through their struggles is
probably the hardest thing.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">What do you say or do? What can
you say or do when nothing can make that person come back or take away the pain
or the struggle, when all we can offer is a shoulder and sometimes even space
and an ear when that person is ready I think sometimes we fail to see how
valuable that support and space can be, sometimes it means more than we will
ever realise.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">We are approaching a time of year
which as a whole is already an incredibly difficult time for so many, when we
add Covid, finances and any other struggles into the mix I believe that it is
so vitally important that we be mindful of those who need our love and support
right now and going forward and that we remember to be grateful for what we
have and that this time of year no matter your religious beliefs or culture
signifies a time of togetherness, a time for reflection and a time of appreciation.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I remember so clearly the first
xmas period after the breakdown of my first marriage, I still have pictures of
the table over laden with a million gifts most of which I couldn’t afford in
the first place and that my kids would never even play with I was so sure that it would fix everything and would help my children through what was probably one of the most emotionally confusing periods of their lives (spoiler alert; it didn't!), as the years have
gone on I have taken so much from this period in my life and through this I
have tried to explain and encourage my kids to be mindful of what we have or don’t
have and that there are so many people and families out there that are not
blessed to spend this time with their family members, who have maybe lost
family members or don’t have a roof over their heads or a meal on the table as
we do, how blessed we are to have all of these things! </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This post is just
a reminder to all of us (myself included) to be mindful, to reach out to those
who need us even if they require space a simple message to tell them you are
thinking of them or a simple check in is sometimes worth more than we will ever
know, to support each other and to lift each other up, to encourage
togetherness in what has been an incredibly dark time for not only our country
and those who we love but to the world and the loved ones of others as well.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Take this time to let your
children be children after an academic year that has pushed them all out of
their confront zones and routines, a year that has pushed them in every way
possible, they have made it through and we all should be exceptionally proud of them, the teachers who have gone of their way to help them and we should remind ourselves to be gentle on ourselves if we feel that we have failed them this year in any way; homes have become both classroom and office and even a jail so to speak when no one could leave their homes, we have all had to make the best of what we have and whether we have cried, screamed or delighted in every moment of this time we have all done the best that we can with what we have in uncharted territory and that is what is important.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Take this time to thank your
spouse or partner if you have one and your support system as well without them
where would we be. Take the time to ask them what they need and where they want to be or want to go leading into the future; is there anything we can do to help? What support do they need?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">If you have the opportunity to
spend some time with your friends and loved ones this year (safely) then do so
because we will never know how much time we have with each other.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Take this time to do something
for someone else- provide a family with a meal, join the Santa show box project
or invite someone to join you during the holidays if they do not have the
support system you have or they are missing a loved one at this time.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Reach out to those who are
struggling<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Love each other and hold each other
close<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I hope that every single one of
you, your loved ones and the loved ones of your loved ones are doing ok and
that the year ahead although abnormal or not quite the normal we are used to is
paved with blessings and support be that financially, physically or emotionally
and may we find comfort in the support and blessings that we do have and the people that we are lucky enough to have surrounding us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-34236631794135687452020-09-11T02:32:00.000-07:002020-09-11T02:32:48.470-07:00<p style="text-align: justify;"> So I have been radio silent for a while, I figured that with all that is going on in the world right now the last thing people need to see or hear about someone else's issues because quite frankly there are people dying, the world has just about lost its mind and so many people are hurting in more ways than one; financially, mentally, emotionally and physically 2020 for lack of a better word is just a complete f-up of note and all I want to do is curl up into a ball and cry.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">So much has happened and I am just in a really bad space, I have an amazing support system; friends and family who love and support me beyond measure but becoming a burden upon them is quite frankly my biggest fear so I have tried, I really have; to put on the face, to find the light in the dark every day, but it has gotten to the point where I am really struggling to find that light, to pull myself up and out of the hole that is depression and worthlessness.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I have always tried to be an advocate for mental health and awareness thereof, I encourage people to seek help, to reach out; I myself have an incredible psychologist and an aforementioned support system but it doesn't mean that every day or week or even month is a bed of roses and right now I just feel flat, dying from the inside out and I don't know how to pull myself through.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Our struggles with my eldest son in particular when it comes to his relationship with my husband and how that has affected our family life and quite frankly our marriage is devastating and my heart is so broken I don't think I can begin to repair the damage, the resentment and anger hangs in the air and it feels like no matter what I do it isn't going to provide a sustainable solution. I don't like who I am as a person right now, I don't like the decisions I have had to make or may need to make in the future or where I am in life right now, I just don't want to be here anymore, this space, this darkness, I so badly want to be the light that my children need, I want to be the loving and selfless wife and a good daughter and friend, I want to be a shoulder and support to those around me and it just doesn't feel like I am meeting any of those right now.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The pandemic has been the literal icing on the cake and I am sorry if this post is triggering to anyone or causes anyone distress it is not my intention to cause anyone discomfort or pain or to attempt to act like my issues are comparable to the pain or loss of what so many are going through at the moment.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It forms part of my personality and who I am to explain myself, I don't know what the solution is or where to from here and as a mom/family blogger I do feel like a failure and that I should be encouraging and uplifting my readers rather than offloading, from a personal perspective our family has more than one mental health professional involved so please do not see this as something that requires an intervention or emergency help etc, I just needed to explain I needed to express how I feel.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I just... I hope that everyone is keeping safe and healthy and that your family and loved ones are as well, I hope that if you have been affected by this lockdown period in any way that you will be able to see it through and come through the other side for the better, every single one of you is a light to someone just remember that.</p>CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-44449737732067730852020-07-27T07:12:00.000-07:002020-07-27T07:12:03.588-07:00Milestone birthdays and shifting expectations<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This past weekend my eldest son,
the 2.5kg preemie that once fit into the crook of my arm turned 13… I’ll say
that again THIRTEEEN as in a teenager as in 5 years until he is done with
school and on his way into adulthood, how did we get here it seems like only
yesterday I held aloft the 5<sup>th</sup> pee stick and shook to my core with
both sheer excitement and terror, I was 18…. I think that every mother enters
motherhood with a certain vision and expectations, as you go through your
pregnancy you can picture your child’s first words and first steps, their first
day of pre-school and then primary school, maybe even high school, their first
girlfriend or boyfriend, their matric ball, results may vary but personally I
had each and every one of these pictures go through my head at some stage or
another, and as we have travelled our path, as my son has grown and as we have
experienced both immense joy and struggles I have learned that many of this
visions; much of what I envisioned will not and has panned out as I thought it
would.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I never expected my son to speak
full sentences albeit basic ones but still at the age of one, I never thought
that he would be diagnosed with ADHD, and then ASD and then OCD and so forth, I
never expected to make the choice to put my son on medication and to be forced
into removing him from mainstream schooling, I never expected to see him
struggle so much and to navigate through so much pain….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
When I envisioned his 13<sup>th</sup>
birthday I pictured the 13<sup>th</sup> birthdays that I attended as well as my
own, a few friends a disco in the garage… ok maybe not a disco I knew times
would change but hosting a birthday during a Pandemic is not what I expected,
nor did I expect that we would be home-schooling and that my sons level of
social interaction would be so small, when he started dancing again he
expressed to me excitedly how he wanted to invite a few of his dance mates to
his birthday… that was months ago and we went into lockdown before I even had
the chance to exchange numbers with parents or for him to forge any meaningful
relationships, they were there and for the first time in a long time he fit in
with at least a few of the people around him but Covid hit and it wasn’t to be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It makes me sad, but truth be
told at the end of the day I think the pain and loss I felt was just as much
for the visions that I had and lost as the pain I THOUGHT he would experience. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In short my son had a wonderful
day, a day he shared with those who love him and have traveled this journey
with us, he wasn’t lacking in the department of spoils and experience and that
is what is important, many times as parents I think we need to shift our train
of thought to understand that what we envision doesn’t always come to fruition
and that’s ok.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
We had pancakes with enough
chocolate to make you sick for breakfast, I took him to choose his gifts and we
then had tea and cake with a very small family group i.e. my parents, my
brother and my future sil, we ended off the day with pizza and a movie picked
by the birthday boy, we played board games; we laughed… we cried, in my sons
words “it was perfect”… and it was!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I don’t know what the future
holds, I don’t know where we will go, what my son will do and how he will grow;
mentally, emotionally and everything in between.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do know that as a mother he has made me so
incredibly proud in so many ways and that the joy that we have experienced is
worth every struggle and every bend in the road that we have and probably will
still face.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-31743405273697053012020-07-18T08:07:00.001-07:002020-07-18T08:07:28.890-07:00My Covid- 19 experience<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am going to preface this post by saying that the thought of contracting Covid was not something that I was overly concerned over; after contracting Swine Flu during my second sons pregnancy in 2009 I know that I felt awful and it definitely wasn't a pleasant experience by a long shot but I just feel that at some point most of us are going to contract Covid 19 and that the majority of those who do will be ok, having said this it doesn't mean that I believe anyone should just carry on and be stupid about it, wash your hands, wear a mask and stay indoors if you are at risk, keep away from older family members or those at risk as well and if you cant ensure that you follow every precaution you possibly can to keep them safe! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am also not adverse to the idea of them closing down the schools again and my kids are still currently schooling from home and will most likely continue to do so for as long as possible, I am extremely lucky that my hubby continues to work from home and can work from home and we therefore can afford the opportunity of keeping our children home, I am acutely aware not everyone is in the same position however and I do not envy any parent who has had the decision of their child/ren returning to school forced on them at the same time I do not blame anyone who has allowed their child to return to school because every parent needs to make the decision for themselves and their family and I know that every parent that I know who has done this has done everything they can to ensure that every precaution is taken during this time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ok so I returned to work at level 3 of the lockdown and I was more than happy to do so, I may have a small circle and I may not be the type of person who likes to be in crowds, I am not a people person but I like a certain amount of human interaction and being forced indoors at home was driving me up the wall to say the least, I loved being at home with my family but at the same time I was eager to return to some sort of normalcy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our workplace was incredibly prepared and took every precaution possible, I used so much hand sanitizer that my hands literally began to peel from the alcohol content, however I was the only person at home who was leaving the house to work, purchase groceries etc so I was aware that out of our family I was the most at risk I also know that my father who works at a hospital has had numerous members of staff diagnosed and yet my father who is over 60 with high blood pressure and who is also a smoker has not contracted it and that someone else I know contracted it over the age of 60 and although they were incredibly ill they did recover. So although I thought that I may get it I didn't think I would if that makes sense at least not yet... or that it would hit as fast as it did which is stupid considering when I had swine flu the same thing happened I was feeling a bit ill the one day, got up the next and could barely function from one moment to the next.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I went into work last week feeling completely fine apart from a bit of sinus irritation and a headache which I believed was the start of a sinus infection, I left my office for a lunch appointment, I was screened at the appointment and didn't feel sick at all, until I returned to the office feeling really flushed, this was literally an hour span of time away from the office, I went from feeling perfectly fine to feeling like my face was on fire like a hot flush, I checked my temp and saw that it was climbing but I didn't trust the gun thermometers, if you change the position of the gun your temp can go from 35.8 to 38 from one temple to the other, we were approaching the end of the day so I decided to check again at home, it was hot outside and I honestly thought that I was probably just flushed from my drive in the car back to the office.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
By the time I got home my face was still burning and my head was aching, I checked my temp and it was fast approaching 38 degrees not a terrible fever but a fever none the less, I planned to take some meds and go to bed early. I spent the whole night tossing and turning up and down throughout the night, I couldn't sleep; every time I settled down in a position for more than 10 minutes or so my body ached and my head felt like it was in a vice.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I decided in the early hours of the next morning to book an appointment at our local Intercare and so I did. My fever was still on the higher side of 37 and I was finding it difficult to breathe, as a smoker when you cant bring yourself to even attempt one you know there is a problem, but at this time I was still convinced that it was nothing more than a really bad sinus infection, I do get them annually and last year had to go for a Voltaren and Cortisone injection to help ease the pain and symptoms so I wasn't too stressed out.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I went to the doctor and noted my temp and symptoms I was led to a separate waiting room and didn't have to wait long to be seen, after looking me over and disclosing my symptoms the doctor told me that it was not a sinus infection, in her opinion it was covid, I was still not convinced and argued with her, she told me that due to changes in regulations they were not allowed to test anyone without a pre-existing condition if they are under the age of 55, she said that because I was so insistent and she couldn't test me she would give me a high dose antibiotics but that if i was not feeling better within a few days I was to call her back until then I was to isolate at home, she gave me a government pamphlet on how to quarantine at home with family and I left, I did check with her whether my Celiacs counted as a pre-existing condition however I am not on immune support mediation only symptom medication so it doesn't.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Again I was still not convinced I went home and started on my meds believing that in 2 or 3 days I would start o feel significantly better.... I was wrong, the pain and headaches and lack of breath continued and a day later I lost my sense of taste and smell, I was now convinced,when I called the doctor on the 3rd day she confirmed that I definitely had Covid and I was to isolate at home for the remainder of a 2 week period.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is now almost 2 weeks later and I feel ok, almost a hundred percent but I do get tired out very quickly and I am still experiencing daily headaches, I tried to clean house yesterday and I couldn't do half of what I normally do before I had to stop which is incredibly frustrating but I am happy that I am feeling a lot better than I was.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
None of my family members have developed any symptoms, it hasn't been a pleasant experience- worse than swine flu... uhm yes and no; Swine flu was terrible I couldn't breath, my face was raw and I really felt the worst that I have ever felt; but I was also pregnant and isolated in a hospital room so I was miserable and alone, the body pain and headaches have been the worst of my Covid-19 experience and something I didn't have with Swine flu but as far as I can tell the experience is different for everyone with some people experiencing one or two of the symptoms, some all and some none, some being ill for weeks and some days.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My advice- take this seriously it isn't a joke or a myth; don't go stark crazy but be aware and be safe, do your part not for yourself but for those around you who cannot protect themselves or their loved ones. If you feel ill or just don't feel right don't leave it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-75459350028567913142020-05-28T05:24:00.002-07:002020-05-28T05:24:47.208-07:00Homeschooling- Please think first<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-align: justify;">I have said it at least a dozen
times on this platform and I will say it again I do not believe that education
is a one size fits all thing, I do not believe that home-schooling is the
better option or private schooling or government schooling, I believe that
every child is different and that their education should be adapted to what
will help them achieve their best form of themselves for some kids that may be
conventional schooling for others maybe not.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I am writing this post after
seeing the massive influx of moms in particular flocking to home-schooling
pages wanting to pull their kids out of school and either home-school for good
or temporarily and this is a huge concern for me as a parent who has literally
been through every form of schooling and now has 2 children in a tutor centre
and one who is home-schooled.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Listen to me clearly now DO YOUR
RESEARCH, make INFORMED decisions, SPEAK TO YOUR CHILDREN – THEIR OPINIONS
MATTER and lastly it isn’t as simple as just removing your child temporarily
and quick stix registering with the department.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I am going through this myself
with my eldest son at this very moment, first things first whilst they are
accepting applications they are not processing applications currently, the
process in general away from a pandemic can take up to 6 months and this includes
a home visit to check that you meet the criteria of the department for a home-schooling
environment, you also need to state in your application why it is you are
wanting to home-school and need to supply a schedule as well as which curriculum/s
you are using, the department does not have to accept your application or your
reasoning and this whole process is why many home-schooling families choose not
to register and to rather pay the Pestalozzi Trust for protection should the
department come a knocking.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
If you form part of the other
side of the coin ie parents who want to remove their children temporarily
please please PLEASE keep in mind that once you have removed your child you
will need to re-apply for placement within the schooling system when you want
them to go back; you are not guaranteed a placement just because your child was
there beforehand, the schools are already overladen and the waiting lists are
long think before you make a decision that you may regret in a few months’ time
when this is all over, rather approach your child’s school to continue on with
them whilst teaching your child from home yes you will be liable for school
fees hopefully at a reduced rate but unless you are willing to fight in the
long run I would suggest that you take this route.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Lastly as a member of home-schooling
groups most not all but most are very quick to say it is easy, it is cheap
anyone can do it etc, I will repeat what I have said before just because anyone
can doesn’t mean anyone should and what may be feasible or make sense now may
not be the most sensible decision long term and may not even be what your child
wants or feels is best for their own well-being.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I am one of those parents who at a point believed anyone could and should home-school, it would be easy and wonderful
and the best thing I could ever do for my child; it takes work and preparation and
some form of structure especially if your child has special needs if you
register with the department there are criteria that your child needs to meet
and processes that need to be followed, there are many curriculum's to choose
from and they can be expensive and again are not a one size fits all thing, if
you plan on getting a tutor keep in mind they are costly and not always easy to
find, you also need to ensure or keep in mind social interaction post the lock
down period can you afford to enroll your child in extra mural activities or do
you have a home-schooling support group or network in your surrounding area
that you can join that will help you and help create a social network for your
child…..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I know that I am far from an
expert in the schooling field, I can only speak from my personal experience and
I may garner a lot of flak for this post but this has been weighing on my mind
for a while now already and I think people just need to keep in mind that every
group will have an agenda and I don’t see it as intentional or even hurtful
agenda but anti vaxers will always put their opinion first the same goes for
those who cloth diaper or home-school anyone who feels strongly about a cause
will of course embrace those who show an interest in or want to take up their
cause again it is not with bad thought and I have absolutely nothing against
the home-schooling community as I have received so much advice great and solid
advice and help I just think people need to be more mindful because if they aren’t
this in my opinion could do more to hurt the home-schooling community than help
it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-26249890718161888712020-05-28T03:23:00.004-07:002020-05-28T03:23:42.166-07:0028 May 2020<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I am sure that if you asked
around every person will have their own say or opinion about what they feel is
the greatest travesty/ trauma/ downfall/ issue that has come about as a result
of Covid 19; for some it is the ciggie and alcohol ban, for others the exercise
restrictions and for others it is the fact that they cannot work/run their
businesses etc.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
From my side whilst all of these
things are varying levels of irritating, terrible or terrifying what I think
has impacted <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">my</b> family the most is
seeing the effect this had had on my children especially my middle son Gabriel.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Gabriel is probably my most
social child and without a doubt an extrovert and thus this lock-down period has
left him feeling down and isolated, emotionally he has regressed and even with
a firm and structured routine and although he has his brothers you can still
see the change in him, in all of my kids and speaking to other parents
especially those with only one child the feelings are mutual- it begs the
question of how our children will fare and cope once all this is over when it
eventually ends and how much or how greatly will they be affected, lastly is
the effect and trauma placed on our children because of this period and
pandemic worth it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I am not one of those people that
believes Covid does not exist, my father works for a hospital so I know it does
but at the end of the day with all death cases being classified as Covid,
proper testing not taking place in every province and inaccurate numbers and
testing how can we be sure that the number of deaths is not actually 2 or 10 if
many of the cases were not actually Covid cases and statistically we know that
more people in our country lose their lives to TB than Covid, are we putting
our economy into collapse and putting our people through all of this trauma for
something that could have been dealt with effectively without all of this chaos.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Our homes have become classrooms
and office spaces, our children are confused and isolated and people are
starving and losing their jobs and livelihoods left right and center.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In the beginning things made
arguable sense but now it seems more to do with politics, money and power than
our health and the people and I for one am tired, my heart is tired, as a mom,
as a South African; Mr President one could argue that you are not completely to
blame I would argue that you are just as responsible for the decisions made as
you are for your cabinet members and your choice of cabinet members. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
If one is pressured as a
government official to make decisions that are not right, that are not in the
best interests of the people one has the responsibility to stand firm and speak
up even if it costs the person their position they will have the respect and
support of the people, those who have entrusted their safety, well-being and
best interest to you. You have been undermined several times, you have lied and
allowed your members to lie and scheme, to make money from illicit alliances by
creating bans that do not make sense until you see that it is due to money
exchange and the sole benefit of those making the decisions- your family is not
and will not starve even with a salary cut what you have is far above what the
majority of South Africans have- your cabinet continue their lives without the
standards that the people have been forced into…. Enough is enough when will
you stop it all or will you continue to hide until there is no respect or
support left for you and you are then replaced by another.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
You talk about hard decisions and
the time to make them, now is that time, now is the time to stop being a coward
and to put the people first…. Now is the time!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-57294103204387465402020-05-08T06:07:00.001-07:002020-05-08T06:07:13.534-07:00Back to normal and role reversals<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
So on the 1st of May South Africa
entered Level 4 of our 5 stage Covid – 19 lockdown period, whether it stays this way
remains to be seen seeing as Cape Town (where I stay) is now the noted
epicenter of the outbreak -I will refrain from jumping for joy just yet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
With level 4 came some pretty
exciting things like…. Being able to exercise between the hours of 6am and 9am
on a daily basis, I cannot tell you how amazing it was on May 1<sup>st</sup> to
take a walk outside with my kids; their first time out of the house and garden
for 5 weeks and to hear all the doggies barking excitedly as their owners took
them out for the first time in too long, its cruel to be honest I really had a
problem with the not walking your dog thing, animals don’t understand and it isn’t
fair, my neighbor has two very large dogs and our duplexes are not big I felt
so terrible sorry for them when I saw them gazing longingly out the window… I
would also like to point out that at 6am it is still dark, Winter is coming so
it will only get darker and colder so it’s almost impossible to take the kids
out before 7am and if you work that just isn’t possible, the number of people
out at the same time is also a bit ridiculous I personally think that giving a
morning and afternoon time slot would have been better all around… but I
digress.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
You can now buy clothes but some
stores have prohibited the sale of underwear, you could buy toys on level 5 but
it now considered non essential in level 4, you can also buy make up and the
spaza shops are open but nail techs and hairdressers are still banned.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
With level 4 also came the long
awaited (for me) cigarette ban lift… oh wait no they banned it again; I am a
smoker and I was beyond livid, during this time it is the only reprieve and
slip of sanity I have had in the midst of home-schooling the kids and
everything else; the reasoning's are flawed and every time I get into it I just go off the deep end of anger so let's move on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
With level 4 also came a list of
industries that were allowed to return to work, given the state of our economy
this is great and I was quite excited when I saw that my industry was one of
those allowed to venture back into the ‘normal’ world… however with 3 kids at
home and a hubby also faced with a return to work I have to be honest I was
panicking, of course the government can sing its song and tell employers to be
kind and to take these things into consideration but not everyone can do their job
from home and with no money coming in more and more people are facing pay cuts
and company shutdowns every day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Honestly the prospect of ending
up on the street or not being able to feed my family or even get my son his
meds is scarier to me than the possibility of catching the virus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
So fast forward to this week and
I returned to work on a rotational schedule to accommodate the fact that I
still have kids at home (I am very lucky) and then my hubby got told that he is
going to be home until much… much later this year and thus I know have a house-husband…
yay me right!?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I think it hit my hubby pretty
hard at first, he wants to be back at work he is craving some normalcy and the
kids are going bonkers at home so I can’t blame him, it’s ironic really to see
so many introverted people suddenly craving or developing a need to run free
amongst the living so to speak, it’s been an emotional roller coaster ride and I
think everyone I know has had at least one meltdown over the past few weeks.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Now that my hubby is home I am
able to work more which is great but it is strange and truth be told I do miss
having the time with the kids although mentally I think I am a much happier
parent- last night I came home exhausted took a shower and then plomped onto
the bed to watch Peter Rabbit with my youngest; he was so happy and then I
chased my other two around for loves… it’s good to breathe, its good to be the
parent I want to be instead of the frustrated anxious mess that I have been at
times over the past 6 weeks- I take my hat off to stay at home moms I really
do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
School wise we are doing well,
our curriculum is built for home-schooling so it has been easy to navigate and
use it at home and we are practically done with the second term work the kids
are either doing revision or finishing up a subject or two so I am really happy
we pushed a little harder in the beginning as we can now relax the slacks a bit
and there is less pressure on hubby while I am at work.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I start my day off with a 6am
walk/run, get ready for the day, prep dinner and set out the school work, tidy
up a bit and get breakfast done if the kids are up and off I go to work only to
barrel through the door exhausted at 6pm take a shower eat dinner and
eventually fall into bed, I tell you during lock down I was up until 2am most
night and now I am barely making 11/12 o clock but it feels good and I am
beyond grateful that we are one of the lucky families with jobs to go back to,
a roof over our heads and food on the table, it is a new kind of normal, a
strange space of in-between but we will get there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I hope everyone is safe and
healthy<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
XoXo <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-20858752572132020702020-04-13T15:17:00.003-07:002020-04-13T15:17:59.647-07:00Day eleventy... seventy... something of lockdown<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well hello there, longtime no speak right?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The last time I posted all was somewhat well within the world and we weren't smash bang in the middle of a pandemic, I am going to be honest here I didn't think we would get here, yes I was one of those people, it wasn't that I didn't believe that Covid 19 was a serious thing I just honestly didn't think we were going to reach this point, the point where we would all be forced into our homes, the point where so many would be left without work and therefore pay and where homeschooling was suddenly the norm (shock and horror). I appreciated the severity of the impact of this scenario on both the economy as well as the people of our country as a whole and having had swine flu in the past which at the time was seen as an incredibly serious and devastating virus as well; we didn't reach this point then so I honestly didn't think we were going to get there now, and quite honestly as we drew closer to the original announcement my anxiety just kind of took over and I had to stop reading the news posts etc in order to stop a full blown panic attack; I mean I went into the store to get bread and a few simple staples an the shelves were empty, I burst into tears thinking about all of the people who had so little and who could't stock up in any way, those who relied on school feeding schemes and hose whose home situation are less than ideal.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Going into this I really didn't think I was going to make it this far with my sanity intact, I don't consider myself an extrovert by any means but I like my freedom and I think having that taken away, that simple human right that so many of us take for granted, I have to be honest it really hit home and there have been a couple of days where I have had an internal breakdown, especially last week when the extension was announced, knowing that I could not see my parents for another 2 weeks, knowing that after counting down to getting back to normal life was once again a distant desire and not something I could touch and picture so readily, I think it really hit home in that moment. I had tried so hard to stay positive ad in that moment I panicked wondering if we will ever know the feeling of normal ever again and can we actually ever attain that feeling of normalcy again.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am enjoying the time with my boys I really am, for the most part it has been great, I enjoy schooling them and actually taking part in their learning, we have had a few meltdowns on Gabriel's part when it comes to school work, he stayed with his father during the course of the first term and I collected him the evening of the start of the lockdown period, I am ever so grateful to have all 3 of the boys with me during this time and as I said I have enjoyed the time with them; we have baked, planted veggies played uno and found a new sort of scheduled normal whereby we wake up at 7 everyday a little later than we normally would, we all have breakfast, clean up etc and by 8:30 we are ready to start our school day, I have sat down ad mapped out the boys daily work schedules for the lockdown period so every evening I put out the work for the next day and we tick off what is done as we go along. I usually start off with Loghan whilst my hubby sits with Jesse and whichever of us finishes up first switches over to Gabriel, we are usually done with all 3 between 12 and 1, we then make lunch and then its free for all for the remainder of the afternoon, the schedule has been good for me and the boys it has at least created it own form of normalcy and the boys at least know what to expect from their day, come the weekends I still clean up and we don't do any work with the boys but honestly there is only so much Netflix you can watch, only so many things you can bake and admittedly I am going a tiny bit crazy inside.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At the same time it feels so wrong to complain, I know that in many ways we are so incredibly blessed, J and I have both been lucky enough to keep our jobs, in fact J is working from home, we have what we need for the most part and I have the access to my doctor and Loghan's should I need it, we are healthy and safe, we have roof over our head and food on the table, we have more than most and we have each other which I am grateful for, it has been lovely watching the boys develop a bond together and I am thankful that they have each other. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Loghan... its been ok for the most part we have had one very bad incident, right before Easter weekend, his meds changed going into lockdown and I do think that we have headed in the right direction in this regard, we received notice from the department heading into the lockdown period that the department has said he needs to be home-schooled, however because of Covid 19 we are flying in limbo when it comes to whether they are going to help us with financial support when it comes to a private tutor, I tried calling the department several times before the lockdown period started but couldn't reach anyone which is typical and at this rate I am just so frustrated and over it all that I think i am honestly just done with the department all together and would rather just register with Impaq next year and do it on our own because getting help is honestly like pulling teeth and then people still have the gall to ask you not to cc their supervisors in on their emails; well sorry Jane but if you actually responded I would't need to cc all and sundry in, i order to get a response after you have ignored me for weeks on end. The system in this country is just so backwards and broken I cannot even explain.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Otherwise I suppose we are fine, sitting outside and just listening to the changes in the air the sounds, the smells, just the feeling i n general, going to the store for staples is an experience of its own and I feel like I am breaking the law just stepping out of my front door, this will end I know that I just cannot help but hope that it ends sooner than later for the sake of all of those who are not nearly as fortunate as we have been thus far.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Stay safe everyone, moms stay sane I know its hard our kids feel it as hard as we do we do, it will end and we will come through, a changed world but we will get through.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-21396592541628802952020-02-24T05:02:00.003-08:002020-02-24T05:02:41.812-08:00Forced to home-school…<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p>Let me just start off this post
by saying that if you have been here for a while you will know my stance on
schooling and how I feel that every child is different and that schooling is
definitely not a one size fits all thing- none of my kiddos mainstream but that
doesn’t mean that I think mainstream schooling is the devil, many of my friends
kids excel and get by amazingly in the mainstream environment it just hasn’t worked
or hadn’t worked for 2 of my 3 boys and thus when it came time to place J for
grade 1 we decided to put him with his brother in a cottage school and see how
it went, so far he is incredibly happy and if I can pay what I would for a
government schooling for an environment filled with understanding and classes
of less than 10, individualised attention and schooling that caters to a child’s
individual needs well then it isn’t really a hard choice for me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
If one day my kids decide that
they would like to go into mainstream then we will definitely not hold them
back but for now this decision works for our family. Physically home-schooling
your child though is something that I both support and tilt my head against, in
the right environment if the child is given the time and support I truly
believe it can be the most wonderful thing, having had to home-school Lo
several times now over the past few years I can tell you there are times where
I adore the experience; walking the journey of experience with my child,
learning with him and through him is an amazing thing however it can be equally
frustrating and incredibly time consuming particularly when you work a full
time job, your hubby works late and travels via public transport and you have
other kids to look after as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
So when it came to Loghan; home-schooling
was not the choice I advocated for, maybe at first but once we had tried it I
believed that there were better routes to follow. As a parent I did not feel
that my child could navigate through his education and self-learning without
the aid of a tutor/parent and I believed that the lack of social interaction
would only hinder his progress even further but hey I am just the parent right
who am I to give my opinion on my own child I have only raised him for 12 years…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The problem that we face is that
even after a panel was held that included 25 professionals from all different
fields and departments not one can tell us exactly what diagnosis we are dealing
with or where to go to from here, he cannot function in mainstream and the
department doesn’t want to foot the bill for a facilitator, one has been
applied for but we have already been told not to hold our breath and they will
not cover a tutor even though we are not home-schooling by choice.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Anyhoo, so last week we were told
by the education department that we may as well register our son with a local curriculum
because they do not feel they can help us, we went to the family court on
Thursday and whilst the magistrate ordered feedback from the department and
said that they need to help us he also said that we may as well get educated on
home-schooling because that is the direction we will have to follow in the end,
over the yaers we have met many professionals some I have taken to and some I haven’t
it is the ones that get to the point, the ones that go out of their way to help
us but don’t beat around the bush, theses gems and we have had but a few are
simply amazing I know that our case is one that most choose to ignore or walk
away from because it is a headache of note but for those who have given their
time I am incredibly grateful, the magistrates words were blunt but his genuine
empathy was something that I felt to the core and I am grateful that he is
trying to help us by telling the departments who aren’t helping to get their
acts together, fighting alone is hard, having to follow up with every
department day after day on your own is difficult and time consuming and
frustrating, it takes a toll I won’t lie and lately there have been times where
as much as I am trying to just put on that smile and push forward my soul says
NO, enough now and just wants to crumble into the foetal position and disappear.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The department is saying they
cannot help; we asked for a special needs school entry with a facilitator but
they are forcing us into a position with no benefit and cannot offer any help
by way of a subsidy, facilitator or tutor and we cannot afford a minimum of 8k
a month for a facilitator or full time tutor so I am having to try and provide
my son with an education whilst I work full time, the department will not or
has not provided me with answers surrounding home-schooling i.e. how are marks
captured, how is your child assessed, we are doing the work I have gone out of
my way to piece together the curriculum on my own and we are working through
it, every night I put the next day’s work together and just hope that when I
get home it is done and I don’t have to put 2 hours in before bed because that
is a meltdown waiting to happen on its own, I have to push time in over the
weekends for the subjects that he simply cannot navigate on his own like
Afrikaans, he is a very bright child but there are areas he just needs help, I
feel as though I am completing my own schooling all over again which would be
fine if I didn’t need to work but I do. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I have also had trouble finding
an extra mural for socialisation and just to get him out of the house, most
extra murals start late afternoon and when you work until 5 it just isn’t possible
to get him there, thankfully it seems like I have found something we are
attending a trial class this evening so at least that covers some form of
social interaction… when your child turns to you after hearing this and remarks
that maybe just maybe he can make a friend by his 13<sup>th</sup> birthday…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I came to the realisation this
weekend that Lo may never get to experience simple adolescent milestones like a
matric dance…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I am frustrated beyond the point
of comprehension and as a mother I am just heartbroken and overwhelmed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-29984415844982177132020-02-12T00:39:00.003-08:002020-02-12T00:39:42.308-08:00Changing my perspective<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
At the beginning of the year I
decided to instill change within myself and my life, I have not only amped up my
activity level and changed my eating habits but I have also set aside non-negotiable
time for myself and become more introspective and mindful of my approach particularly
when it comes to stressful situations.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Has this worked?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I have to say that without a
doubt yes; for example last week my son neglected to do his work properly
normally I would have flipped my lid both internally and externally and I would
have spent the rest of the evening doing his work with him and negated my
evening walk nit this time, I told my son to get started and left for my walk
whilst my hubby made supper, when I got back I sat down with him to complete
the work and although we went to bed a bit later than usual we got through it
in a calm and constructive manner, I got my half an hour or so walk and time to
calm down and regroup and could approach the situation when I got home in a much
better space, my son also had the opportunity to think through the fact that he
now had to sit and lose technology time because he had not completed his work
properly and the work that he produced that evening was of a much better
standard because he wanted to actually complete it and do it properly.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I feel so much better, our household is so much calmer, I am feeling better, sleeping better and am actually enjoying being a parent instead of constantly running damage control and being on edge and miserable all the time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
My advice to anyone going through a hard time or anyone who feels like they have lost the joy of parenting:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Take time out for yourself, for self care and to process your day, your decisions and your stressors</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Find an <b><i>activity</i></b> that you enjoy and take time to do it even if it means a 15 minute walk or a 10 minute yoga session something that allows you to release endorphins and release stress with increased activity and focus while also allowing you to step away or outside of the situations that are weighing you down.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Block out some time every week for tech free family time- whether you take a walk down to the local park or play board games</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Find someone that is unbiased and that you trust and can talk to- if you cannot afford a therapist there are resources available within Cape Town and other areas that offer reduced cost therapy sessions or if you just find someone who you can talk to do it, talk it out no matter how silly it is; I cannot explain what an hour session a week has done for me, just being able to talk about my day, my week, what is going on or not going on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Finally I know I am going to get a few eye rolls with this one but optimize your health; drink water, eat good food and enjoy your food. Often as mothers or even just as parents we tend to lose our love for food and our enjoyment in it, it becomes something we simply have to do, something we simply have to make and something that we shovel down so fast because the next thing has to be done and we hardly even get the chance to taste what we are taking in. Be mindful of what you take into your body and enjoy it, our bodies keep us going and if we don't protect and provide it with "high grade oil" and rather just keep shoving in "low quality oil" just because eventually it is going to shut down... </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Speaking of oil, my car broke down last week, it is fixed now thank goodness but it was a very expensive experience I will just leave it at that.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A lot has gone down the past few
weeks… A LOT<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Our therapeutic team organised a
mass meeting whereby numerous professionals and person involved and not
involved in our case were invited to attend, to put their heads together to try
and help our family, which is just amazing guys, to know that around 20 people
got together to help us and brainstorm/share ideas is just mind boggling and I
feel incredibly lucky that our psychologist has worked so hard to help us get
somewhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The road is long but much was
gained from the meeting and I am hoping we can now move forward and can help
our son get both his education and therapeutic help.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In the meantime he is home-schooling
which has its pros and cons, its good and bad days, a lot that I won’t get to
on this space but we are moving along. We had to give him a cellphone which a
whole other kettle of fish, my dad gave me his old cell…. OLD so there isn’t anything
to be done on there besides message and call but it is scary none the less.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-39313986961819931482020-01-14T01:08:00.002-08:002020-01-14T01:08:16.782-08:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
2020…. A new year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I have had a lot of time to
reflect and share my own personal introspection, a lot of time to dwell and
mull through what I want from the coming year, my goals, plans and thoughts,
although I have learned very well that planning is not always a great thing
because Murphy has a lovely way of kicking your legs out from out of you as
soon as you get to comfortable but still I am a planner, routine and structure
is what drives me and old habits die hard… I have had a lot of time to think
about certain people, people who affect my mental health in a bad way and how I
react to them and how my reaction fuels them, I have an amazing support system
and without them I am not sure where I would be but there are certain people
that unfortunately I cannot remove from my life that I need to learn to deal
with in a way that doesn’t bring me down and give them the satisfaction they
derive from pushing my buttons and limits beyond the levels of comprehension.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In short this year is about
finding my balance, finding my level of wellness and what that means for me, it
means trying to be the best version of myself so that I can be the best mom and
wife and friend and support to the others who support and love me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I do not deal well with stress,
over the years I have dealt with it in many shapes and forms, self and
prescribed medication, over eating, under eating, meltdowns and breakdowns, I
just want peace and yes I know at this point/ stage that is pretty near impossible
with wheat we have to deal with but I want to get to the point where I can separate
and ascertain what I can change and what I cannot, to take a step back and not
have an internal meltdown every time something crazy happens and to not go in to
fixing mode every time our journey takes a sharp turn or comes to an uncertain
fork in the road.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I have started by taking steps
for my health, I have installed a fitness app on my phone to keep myself moving
and make myself accountable and I have set aside an hour every day for Yoga at
home which I have to say is pretty amazing, to just have that hour of stillness
is an amazing feat and I am pushing my body and self in ways that I never
thought were possible, in turn I am actually sleeping again and sleeping well,
my body feels good and my mind feels still and calm instead of frazzled and
tired.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Look everyone has their own point
of health and wellness, I just want to feel good, I had gotten to a point where
I was doing really well with my gluten free eating and my other health related
dietary restrictions but with all the stress and disorganization last year and
of course the xmas period I just felt terrible, bloated and in pain and I don’t
want to feel that way so I need to make a change.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Aside from exercise and mindful
eating I will continue to see my psychologist on a weekly basis which has
helped tremendously, I am trying to avoid medication because I know how it
makes me feel and the meds themselves affect my tummy and digestive system as
well but so far this is working and I feel like I am in a good space right now.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
My youngest starts grade 1
tomorrow which is just… I cannot even fathom how fast the time has slipped by
and I am so excited for his journey and to watch him grow this year, Gabriel
starts grade 5 with his first year of exams behind him I think that he is going
to settle down quite easily and that he is also going to do great things this
year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As for Loghan things are up in
the air but instead of freaking out and having that internal meltdown I am
going to take it one step at a time and we will see how it goes, it doesn’t mean
that I am going to just sit back and do nothing but I am going to allow things
to play out with a bit less stress and struggle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-85058584206577164122020-01-03T06:50:00.003-08:002020-01-03T06:50:59.419-08:00The 4 gift rule- how it panned outI did a post during the course on December on how we were planning on incorporating the 4 gift rule for our kids in 2019 and I just wanted to give you all some feedback on how that went down and whether I felt it was worth it, saved us money etc.<br />
<br />
First off I am going to say that I don't feel it cost us any less going this route, we decided to go with 5 gifts for each child and not 4 and we allowed the boys to choose three things that they really wanted and I then chose two from that list for the something I want portion of the rule.<br />
<br />
The gifts I purchased were broken down as follows for each child.<br />
<br />
Loghan- 12<br />
<br />
Something he wanted- Blue tooth headphones and Pokemon cards<br />
Something he needed- Power bank<br />
Something to wear- A Batman shirt and chino shorts to wear on Xmas day<br />
Something to read- A manga (My Hero Acadamia)<br />
<br />
My mother also purchased something for each child, for Loghan she purchased another manga (Naruto volumes 1-3, clothing and an assortment of sweet treats)<br />
<br />
<br />
Gabriel- 10<br />
<br />
Something he wanted- Drone and a Bogey Board<br />
Something he needed- A new school lunchbox and bottle and I had the names printed on them<br />
Something to wear- 4 pairs of shorts (he needed them) and a new shirt to wear on Xmas day<br />
Something to read- A Fornite manual of tips and tricks<br />
<br />
My mother also purchased something for each child, for Gabriel she purchased a new school backpack as well as a new pencil case, clothes and an assortment of sweet treats)<br />
<br />
<br />
Jesse- 6<br />
<br />
Something he wanted- Bakugan Figurines and a coloring book, crayons, chocolate and bouncy balls (it wasn't a tall order so he got a few small things)<br />
Something he needed- A new school lunchbox and bottle and I had the names printed on them<br />
Something to wear- 2 new outfits which included one for Xmas day<br />
Something to read- 2 new story books<br />
<br />
My mother also purchased something for each child, for Jesse she purchased a new school backpack as well as a new pencil case, clothes and an assortment of sweet treats)<br />
<br />
<br />
I also knitted a stocking for each child and filled it with small items, glowing bouncy balls, bubbles, chocolates etc<br />
<br />
The costing for each child varied but I don't budget an exact amount for each child as their requests particularly as they get older can vary in cost and I would rather spend based on what they actually want and will appreciate than cut costs on something that is just going to go to waste.<br />
<br />
What I gained from this experience is definitely time, I knew exactly what my kids wanted and needed and could map out exactly where I needed to go and the aprox costs beforehand, I was far less stressed usually I am a barrel of anxiety and nerves at Xmas time, particularly when it comes to shopping and I went in and just took my time in a mall that was not empty but definitely not chaotic and I didn't feel like I was wasting my money because everything that we bought was well thought out and appreciated.<br />
<br />
I love that this rule incorporated clothing which I needed to buy anyway and reading material, in a day and age where kids are losing touch with books and activities that do not relate to tech and screen time I was more than happy to pay the cost of a book that I know each one of them would appreciate and actually read and the 2 gifts that came off of their want list were met with such smiles and happiness in comparison to some years where I have been so overwhelmed and just bought whatever they listed or I thought they may like.<br />
<br />
At the end of it all this is definitely something that I will be using again at the end of 2020 and I would highly recommend this method for anyone who struggles with this time of year!<br />
<br />
I also like that you could easily swap the titles out for a hobby instead of a book or even a board game, my eldest sons need doubled up as both a need and a want as well as he is currently in-between schooling I didn't need to get him a backpack etc. I am also glad that I got to make my younger 2 sons schooling experience by providing them with school items that were both needed and personalized.<br />
<br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-30655502561057251432019-12-28T15:22:00.003-08:002019-12-28T15:22:25.767-08:00Where to... anger, disappointment, so many emotions...<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is a little ways past midnight and I'm lying here trying to piece together the emotions of the past few weeks... so many emotions... so man questions, I think I go between a feeling of internal hysteria, anger and extreme sadness.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As a special needs parent I never found myself asking myself why me or why my child in respect of his autism diagnosis as hard as it was as hard as the journey was, autism was something to me that made my child who he was, I didn't love him any less (quite the opposite) and I didn't see it as being something that was "wrong" with him, as I understood it he was just wired a bit differently and that was a good thing not a bad thing, it was something he could grow from and we could learn from.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But after 7 years of fighting, 7 years of not getting the help we have pleaded and begged for, 7 years of trying everything and doing everything by the book and then not just to be sure that we had covered every base and quite honestly I just feel defeated, completely and utterly defeated.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A month ago today I was sitting in a court room begging a magistrate to put my son into a program that we believed was our best hope, we believed that this was our only option and we were so desperate for just a small sense of hope and of promise that we were willing to say that we believed our son deserved more than the care we could provide him therapeutically that we had exhausted all of our options and were therefore reaching out to the government to help us find answers and care, it it devastating as a parent to get to this point where you love your child so incredibly much and have and will do anything to ensure that your child has everything that they need, having to do this when you have been told over and over again that you have done everything that you can and should have, that the system has failed you but you now need to reach out to that very system and beg for help; as parents we were broken, facing losing our jobs from all of the time we have had to take off, no schooling options available to us and no form of care for him whilst we go off to work everyday so that we can afford the medications and therapies we have been told our son needs but to no avail when it comes to improving our home and family situation or my sons mental health and behavioral issues, we were so incredibly desperate.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I wish I could put into words what we have been through and what my son has been through in one post... I can't. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A week later and the day before my birthday we drove up to the program dead set in the middle of nowhere, upon our arrival we were sold a story of hope, we were told our son would be well taken care of and that after 8 weeks of continuous assessment by a panel of professionals who dealt with children with extreme difficulties every day we would be given a way forward.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2 weeks later we were back in court for a court order to have him removed from the program with immediate effect after visiting him over the weekend and arriving to find my son covered in bruises and abrasions/ open and healing wounds. His tooth had been knocked out, he had a black eye and had visibly lost weight (4 kg in 2 weeks), as we sat with him his hands shook and s he ran his hands through his hair- his hair fell out, to see your child in that state knowing that you cannot remove him without a court order was probably the worst parenting moment and experience of my life, to see my mother in tears, his brothers in tears, to hear my youngest ask me why we had put his brother in a place where he was getting hurt, I never felt more worthless as a parent and when I had to leave literally having my son puled of of me with a sheer look of terror in his eyes, every fiber of my being screamed and there was absolutely nothing I could do.</div>
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I had already voiced concerns over the welfare of him and the other children after he relayed to me his experiences in the program during our phone calls every second day which took and hour or so of constant redial to even get through as the nurses and officials would simply ignore the phone as they pleased, to be told by your child that he was wearing the same underwear even though we had sent at least 10 pairs (they left him with a single pair for 10 days strait), to be told that he had resorted to hiding a block of soap in a wall socket and that he could not sleep as he had been choked by some of the other children at night, to be told of the vulgarity and the racism and to be ignored when I inquired about these issues and telling myself that my son must be exaggerating only to arrive for visitation and to come to the sickening realization that my son was indeed telling the truth, to see another child with a bite mark under his eye and a black eye among with numerous other wounds on his face and body and to be told by the team leader that they could not possibly watch the children all the time and that this was how the children played... to say that I left that day completely and utterly distraught would be an understatement.</div>
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When you are told that this place includes the care of children in witness protection and children without parents to ensure that they are cared for and that their well being both mental and physical is ensured, it is completely devastating and utterly shocking.</div>
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After removing my son and on our drive home he laid his head in my lap as I ran my fingers through his hair and just thanked the universe that we were free of that place. We went to our gp and then the police station and since then it has been a constant back and forth between the hospital and the police station because we as a family cannot sit back and let that place carry on portraying themselves as therapeutic help for children or as a place of care and safety, and we have been informed that we are far from the only family with this experience and that to me is even more shocking because why on earth was our child or is any child being sent there if people; doctors, court officials etc are aware that the program is an issue and isn't safe. Why is it always left until the point that one family or parent makes enough noise that it can no longer be ignored, these are children and this is the standard of mental health care that is considered acceptable.</div>
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We have been apologized to but at the end of the day where does it leave us and leave Loghan, we are again at square one with no where to go, we are still without a plan and I just go between that state of extreme anger and disappointment because all I want is to get help and for someone to show us a way forward... so many promises that have come to nothing and I am now at the point of why?</div>
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Why my child, why my family?</div>
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WHY!!!!???</div>
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We surely cannot be the only family and we have been told that Loghan is not the only Loghan out there so if this is the case then are there other parents, families and children going through the pain and frustration that we are, I just find myself wondering when we will get the help we need or if we ever will, will my son ever be able to lead a normal life, will he ever be able to go out on his own safely and that includes the safety of himself as well as those around him; or will it take a point of no return an episode of violence towards on of his family members or someone in public or even himself before someone actually helps us.</div>
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I am scared for my son and for our family... I just want a tiny bit of light, a tiny bit of verified hope....</div>
CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-21640044237664547442019-12-10T02:36:00.002-08:002019-12-10T02:36:40.493-08:00Implementing the 4 gift Rule<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ohLrMNNFo3A/Xe91MOXqsJI/AAAAAAAAE1U/uOaU_5-tWVYFKhTR7LyytQc5g8FUVS4GwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="434" height="290" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ohLrMNNFo3A/Xe91MOXqsJI/AAAAAAAAE1U/uOaU_5-tWVYFKhTR7LyytQc5g8FUVS4GwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Untitled.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I remember most vividly the first Christmas after my ex and I separated, I remember it so vividly because it was the year that I went completely overboard with Xmas for my then 2 boys aged 3 and 1, I am talking an entire trestle table of gifts it was complete madness, and why?<br />
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I felt guilty, I felt sad and I felt the need to over compensate and by the end of it my kids were overwhelmed and if they played with anything I had bought for more than an hour it was something.<br />
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Since then we have gone through varying stages of the amounts of gifts bought and as the years have gone on I have realized that I need to bring it down a notch.<br />
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I am not Christian and have never been mad about Xmas in general so for the most part it has always been more about the gifts for my kids and I realized that not only is this a senseless waste and a support of rampant consumerism but I don't want my children to go on through the years just expecting and wanting and needing more, tomorrow I may only be able to give a bar of chocolate and that should be enough.<br />
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So after reading an article online I decided that this year we would be going through our own interpretation of the 4 gift rule and by that in our case I mean 5 gifts.<br />
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So if you are not familiar with the 4 gift rule it includes well 4 gifts that pair with the following;<br />
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- Something you want<br />
- Something your need<br />
- Something to wear<br />
- Something to read<br />
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There are some variations some people include a hobby (something to do) or a handmade item, I quite like the idea of like a baking kit or something as well to do as a family.<br />
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Now in our case I am allocating 2 gifts that they really want but you get the gist of it, I think it is an incredibly nifty idea. It will mean that my kids get a small amount of well thought out gifts rather than a mountain of useless rubbish that they don't really want or need, it will mean that they will have a greater appreciation for what they are given and it will allow for some money saving on our part so that we can fix up our home which we never have the money to do.<br />
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<br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-20837100936261857862019-12-09T00:56:00.002-08:002019-12-09T00:56:29.408-08:00A change of heart<br />
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For the longest time I have been
an unashamed and very vocal Xmas scrooge, I am not Christian and even though many of
the traditions that are linked with Xmas i.e. the Xmas tree are inherently pagan in origin the extreme consumerism and sheer chaos that comes with
the influx of tourists and the amount of people and noise and lights I just
become a miserable mess and would much prefer to hibernate the entire season through.<o:p></o:p></div>
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However on Saturday as I sat at
my brothers place drinking coffee I gazed across at their Xmas tree decked out
in all its finery and I was overcome with internal emotions, especially with
Loghan not being home and that he won’t be home for Xmas it hit me that I was
perhaps doing my children a disservice by robbing them of the magic that so
many children experience at Xmas time. How can my children enjoy putting up a Xmas
tree for example when I moan and see putting it up as a chore and when I
literally take it down on the 26<sup>th</sup>. It just hit me that I only have
so many years left to set out traditions that they can carry through with them
onto their own future children, I only have so much time to make these experiences and
memories and I have already wasted away so many opportunities.<o:p></o:p></div>
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With that I turned to my mother
who usually buys my hubby and I an appliance or something household related for
our house every year and asked if she would consider buying us a tree for our
gift this year seeing as the one we have was tiny and I actually couldn’t remember
where I had thrown it, she looked at me rather skeptically but she agreed and
after we left my brothers place we went off to choose a tree and some
decorations that included a llama, a unicorn, a kitty cat and lots of bells
because if I am going to put up a tree I am going to make sure it is the most
US tree that I can possibly muster.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We put it up over the weekend and
I have to say it’s actually really nice to walk into our home and see this
beautiful tree it just feels well... festive I suppose, it just feels a bit more like home.</div>
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Not having Loghan home is so
incredibly hard, I know we are doing what is best for him but it is so
incredibly strange to not have to be on the go or on the alert all the time, to
not be able to see my own child every day or to even phone him whenever I want
to to even take him luxuries or treats, I just have to trust that at the end of
the day we are getting him the help he needs and that it will allow him to have
the future that I know he can have.<o:p></o:p></div>
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All of my kids passed so I officially
have a grade 1, grade 5 and grade 7 going into 2020 which is as scary as it is
exciting, we are not too sure what direction we will be going in for Loghan
next year we need to see how the program pans out and what his team recommends for
him at the end of the 10 weeks next year, quite honestly given the upheaval of the last 6 months, the fact that we couldn't physically school him except for a few hours over weekends so he mainly had to self study and the fact that he had to complete 3rd term assessments in the evenings whilst completing 4th term work and still preparing for 4th term exams, I was surprised that he passed the year, even though his marks weren't the high end ranges that I am used to I think that he made it through a lot, our family made it through a lot and I am incredibly proud of all 3 of my children!<o:p></o:p></div>
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My leave starts on Friday
afternoon so I am looking forward to baking cookies and making home decorations
with the boys next week, I also have plans to repaint and fix up a few things
that have become neglected in the house this past year which is helluva exciting
for me although once I get into it I am sure there are going to be a fair
amount of choice words that shall escape from my mouth but for now I remain
filled with enthusiasm =)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-72907878409866308592019-12-03T02:57:00.000-08:002019-12-03T02:57:19.985-08:00Give A Meaningful Gift this Holiday Season with TOMS<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M-FOOe2p4Eo/XeY_ZhzljPI/AAAAAAAAE1A/j1z1iVyWVs0ikEmAlo-kISW0AW7U5XRXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="783" height="159" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M-FOOe2p4Eo/XeY_ZhzljPI/AAAAAAAAE1A/j1z1iVyWVs0ikEmAlo-kISW0AW7U5XRXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/images.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>TOMS</b> was born of a belief in a better tomorrow. Since 2006,
the TOMS community has been providing shoes, sight, and safe water to millions
of people around the world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now,</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">in</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">addition</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">to</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">our</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">One</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">for</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">One</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">programs,</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">we</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">are</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">partnering</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">with</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>change makers<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>and organizations who are striving for
progress—by creating, by inspiring, by doing. Because it’s bigger than shoes.
It’s what we do in</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.4pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With every <b>TOMS</b> purchase, you stand with us
on issues that matter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>its<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>inception,<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>TOMS<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>has<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>given<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">
</span>over<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>93,<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>000,<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>000<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> </span>pairs<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>shoes,<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;">
</span>over<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>770,<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>000<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> </span>sight
restorations, over 720, 000 weeks of safe water to deserving communities and<span style="letter-spacing: .95pt;"> </span>over<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">$6,5 million in
impact grants.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Supporting a business rooted in giving can be the
greatest gift you give to yourself, and others this festive season. Visit <u style="text-underline: #0462C1;"><span style="color: #0462c1;"><a href="http://www.shoptoms.co.za/"><span style="color: #0462c1;">www.shoptoms.co.za</span><u style="text-underline: #000000;"><span style="color: #0462c1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: #000000; text-underline: none;"> </span></u></a></span></u>to view
the Spring/Summer ’19 range and shop.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Giving back:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The holiday season is generally acknowledged as a time
to give. There's an array of worthy causes that one can give to or volunteer
time to, however not many of them allow you to spoil yourself while you give.
Giving feels good, and if you can give to yourself while contributing to a
worthy cause, why not go for it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here’s a list
of simple ways to give meaningfully this festive season:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></b><span lang="EN-US"><b>Spend money on<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>others</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is often
said that spending money on others makes people happy. Give presents<span style="letter-spacing: -1.8pt;"> </span>to<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">people<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>who<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>matter<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>you.<span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;"> </span>Even<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>smallest<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">
</span>gift<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>can<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>put<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>smile<span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;"> </span>on<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>someone’s<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">
</span>face.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></b><span lang="EN-US"><b>Give time</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Giving<span style="letter-spacing: -.65pt;"> </span>time<span style="letter-spacing: -.7pt;"> </span>can<span style="letter-spacing: -.7pt;"> </span>mean<span style="letter-spacing: -.85pt;"> </span>anything<span style="letter-spacing: -.6pt;">
</span>from<span style="letter-spacing: -.65pt;"> </span>volunteering<span style="letter-spacing: -.7pt;"> </span>at<span style="letter-spacing: -.75pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -.6pt;"> </span>local<span style="letter-spacing: -.65pt;"> </span>hospice<span style="letter-spacing: -.6pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -.8pt;"> </span>spending<span style="letter-spacing: -.6pt;"> </span>time with<span style="letter-spacing: -.45pt;">
</span>loved<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> </span>ones.<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>In<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> </span>today's<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> </span>busy<span style="letter-spacing: -.5pt;"> </span>world,<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>very<span style="letter-spacing: -.4pt;"> </span>few<span style="letter-spacing: -.45pt;"> </span>people<span style="letter-spacing: -.45pt;">
</span>have<span style="letter-spacing: -.4pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -.45pt;"> </span>chance<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -.55pt;"> </span>spend<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;">
</span>time with<span style="letter-spacing: -.45pt;"> </span>family<span style="letter-spacing: -.4pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> </span>friends<span style="letter-spacing: -.5pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -.5pt;"> </span>be<span style="letter-spacing: -.45pt;"> </span>present<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;">
</span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -.4pt;"> </span>that<span style="letter-spacing: -.5pt;"> </span>moment.<span style="letter-spacing: -.45pt;"> </span>Visit<span style="letter-spacing: -.5pt;"> </span>an<span style="letter-spacing: -.4pt;"> </span>old<span style="letter-spacing: -.5pt;"> </span>friend<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;">
</span>or<span style="letter-spacing: -.4pt;"> </span>spend<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> </span>the day with<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>relatives.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></b><span lang="EN-US"><b>Be<span style="letter-spacing: .05pt;"> </span>kind</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Everyone has challenges, many hidden from sight. Giving
the gift of kindness can be the greatest gift you give someone. Lead with
compassion this festive season and create a habit of performing random acts of
kindness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></b><span lang="EN-US"><b>Support brands that give<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>back</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Giving makes people happier, more fulfilled and
gives purpose and meaning to life. More<span style="letter-spacing: -.75pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -.75pt;"> </span>more<span style="letter-spacing: -.8pt;"> </span>businesses<span style="letter-spacing: -.7pt;"> </span>are<span style="letter-spacing: -.75pt;"> </span>shifting<span style="letter-spacing: -.7pt;"> </span>from<span style="letter-spacing: -.9pt;"> </span>being<span style="letter-spacing: -.7pt;"> </span>only<span style="letter-spacing: -.75pt;"> </span>profit-focused<span style="letter-spacing: -.65pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -.9pt;"> </span>being<span style="letter-spacing: -.85pt;"> </span>people- focused. Giving back has always
been at the core of TOMS values," says Moosa Mayet, Managing Director of
TOMS South<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>Africa.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Social Media<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">IG: @Toms_southafrica FB: @tomssouthafrica
#tomssouthafrica #shoptoms #standfortomorrow</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-85637453640609049242019-11-19T22:44:00.000-08:002019-11-19T22:48:01.063-08:00Spur Steak Ranches introduces Plant-based and vegan friendly menu <br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I was
vegetarian for quite a number of years and in fact a vegetarian or even vegan
meal is something I still thoroughly enjoy from time to time, I have also found
that with my stomach/digestion issues and my gluten allergy that when I do experience
a flare up that a veggie meal is usually a good call to make until my flare up
settles down so although I did find that having a completely vegetarian diet
was not the best thing for me long term I do like to have a few vegan/veggie
options on hand at home and at times if I am eating out I will opt for the
veggie option.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Taking this
into account I was so incredibly excited when I received the news that Spur was
bringing in a veggie/vegan menu!</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Patrons of Spur Steak Ranches
restaurants can now enjoy vegetarian and vegan friendly food at their favourite
local eatery, following the introduction of a new plant-based menu at the
restaurants across Spur in South Africa.</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The official vegetarian and plant-based
menu offers the option of vegan cheese and includes the following meals: Veggie
Schnitzel, Crumbed Veggie Burger, Bean Burger and Soya Burger, all served with
Spur-style crispy onion rings and chips or baked potato or sweet potato
fries. The restaurant will also be adding the innovative, plant-based
protein burger, Beyond Burger, to the menu from 22 November 2019. Beyond Burger
will be supplied by Infinite Foods – distributors and manufacturers of the
best-in-class plant-based food brands.</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Nachos Mexicana (nachos smothered
in zippy salsa, sticky cheese, chunky cottage cheese and guacamole) and the
large cheesy quesadillas will stay as starter options for everyone, including
vegetarians, who also have the option of a Greek Salad and or fresh hot
vegetables.</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Spur Steak Ranches is a on a journey
of transformation as a brand and business. The introduction of the plant-based
menu is one of the progressive steps we are taking towards a </span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">more sustainable brand and business, while giving our customers greater
choice, “explains Robertson.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">“A major part of our success as a business is rooted in our steak house
heritage but inclusivity is still important to us, so while our based meals are
prepared in a kitchen that handles animal products, we urge our customers to
walk the journey with us as we evolve as a brand. We value the feedback of each
and every single patron; and we’d like to continue to bring them together over
great food as they create unforgettable memories.”</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Personally I
know the struggle that comes with having a specialized diet whether by choice
or because you are forced to all you want is to enjoy a meal without feeling
like you are an inconvenience or that there are no options for you on the menu
so I think it is great that a restaurant that has basically built its history
and reputation on that of a steak house has seen the need to cater to people who
would prefer another option or cannot eat meat for some or other dietary/health
reason.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I think that moves likes these will eventually pave the way to a point where ''specialized" menus will be common place and not something that is few and far between and that will open doors for so many people, maybe one day it will become common place to walk into a store and find entire vegan/ veggie, gluten free/ dairy free etc isles instead of it being a find in a million at great expense type of experience and I think moves like this only show retailers that there is a demand and need and that it should be something that is catered for as a norm and not a luxury or nice to have.</span></div>
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<br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-13152289641423651632019-11-11T06:05:00.000-08:002019-11-11T06:05:07.607-08:00Is ADHD over prescribed?<br />
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Lately I have seen a lot of
people commenting on posts in response to moms/ parents facing a new ADHD
diagnosis for their children, for the most part the responses are positive
filled with tips and supports from other moms and parents who have traveled what
can be a very daunting road with their own children, however there are often
many posts especially of late admonishing the parent in question for choosing
to go down the road of medicating their child, telling them that ADHD is over
prescribed or better yet that it doesn’t exist.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As a parent who has been down
this road I can tell you that ADHD is indeed very real for both the parent and
family in question, on the note of it being over prescribed though I do
actually agree although maybe not in the same way that the posters intentions
come across.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
You see as real as it is ADHD has
blown up as far as a form of diagnosis is concerned and whilst I would factor
in that times have changed and that we live in a time where people are not only
more aware of the symptoms and issues that come with a child who has ADHD, our
food and all the hormones that they pump into it is also something I believe
plays a huge role as well as the change in environment and structure in our children’s
lives today where there is less free play encouragement at schools and our
children are often tied to a host of overstimulating technological devices
throughout their daily living, taking this all into account I do still agree
that it is a diagnosis that often is too easily and overly diagnosed or
suggested as a diagnosis factoring in that our teachers and schools are over
prescribed and overburdened with admin and that one teacher is forced to cope
with up to 40 or more children on their own- if your child is not able to cope
or function within difficult and often emotionally taxing situations- they are ADHD,
ADHD symptoms and behaviours can often tie into other disorders that look like
ADHD but aren’t as well so often a diagnosis of ADHD is quickly made without a
second opinion or a consideration of other options.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Now getting an assessment and
diagnosis is expensive I get it so I understand, I also understand that as a ‘normal
every day Joe’ you want to trust that the person who has studied for a number
of years that you are paying a small fortune to knows what they are doing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
My advice to all parents who are concerned or have been pushed to get an evaluation by your child’s school; ALWAYS:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> - </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Do your research, make sure that you are
comfortable with the professional that you choose, do not be afraid to ask
around to see how other parents have fared with the professional in question.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> - </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->If you are unsure of the diagnosis, the assessment,
the report or even the professional (post assessment), get a second opinion!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> - </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Run through all the options post diagnosis and don’t
be afraid to go home and do your research first before making a decision.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> -</span></span></span>Try everything else you can before meds- involve
your child in extra murals, create a structured daily routine, remove excess
technology, change their diet, talk to your child and ascertain how they feel
sometimes how they feel can help you ascertain if the issue is something within
their environment or if it is actually something that can be diagnosed as a
learning disorder, also have your child’s eyes and ears checked to make sure
that there are no issues there that could be causing an issue.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Gabriel started grade R on a good
footing but he struggled to sit still, was often incredibly needy and emotional,
he rocked, he made noises constantly and although academically he was doing
well we were a bit concerned as was his teacher about his behavior, we even
asked that he be kept back in order to ensure that when he got to grade 1 he
was as emotionally prepared and ready as he possibly could be- his birthday
falls mid-December so it is not uncommon for Children at the younger side of
the year to struggle a bit especially emotionally and I have met many older
parents who chose to keep their children back because of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately our request/ suggestion was
denied by the school because he was academically strong and he went through to
grade 1, of course the issue didn’t stop and eventually it was suggested that a
government/ department appointed psychologist come in to do an evaluation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The evaluation spanned 3 hours after
which Gabriel was an emotional mess, he had asked to take a break half way
through and he was denied and of course the evaluation ended in an ADHD
diagnosis which I did not agree with AT ALL, the school of course once they had
this diagnosis would not hear any other which way about it and insisted we put
him onto medication, eventually we chose to remove Gabriel from the school as
the school had unfortunately started on the same route as they had with Loghan
where I was called for everything and I had to collect or keep him home so many
times for something ridiculous it just became to much and I couldn’t see us
mentally coping with that road again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It has not been 3 years and
Gabriel has been medication free for all this time, he currently attends a school
that leaves the decision up to you as a parent and embraces your child and
encourages them rather than forcing them to conform to one learning strategy
and way of expressing themselves and their emotions. Having said this if your
child needs medication to cope or be their best self then do not remove their
medication, if a person has diabetes you would not deny them their insulin.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Over these past 3 years I have
come to the realization that we were right and Gabriel’s issue is not ADHD but
rather that he struggles or has issues with sensory processing. He is
incredibly sensory seeking hence why he always wants to move, always makes
noises, is always in motion and loves touching and feeling everything, its why
he sucks his thumb and hangs onto objects that have a certain feel to them at
the same time when he is tired or overwhelmed he will close his ears to the
noise around him and will seek out a quiet place with no one around him, he
also more often than not needs an afternoon nap particularly when he has done a
lot during that day or the classroom has been particularly active or noisy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Since coming to this realization
and approaching his behaviors from this point we have managed to get a handle
on his behavior and emotions (for the most part) much quicker and easier where
we can walk away calm rather than ending up with a meltdown.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
You can never do enough research,
listen to your instinct, although I will agree that a teacher has your child in
the care for a good amount of time and that they can often pick up on things or
see things that we don’t always see or see as an ‘issue’, no one knows your
child like you do and it is up to you to ensure that you do as much research as
you possibly can and that you make a decision that allows them to be their best
self and achieve to their greatest capacity while remaining emotionally
fulfilled and whole.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-90411368323791067522019-10-22T02:26:00.001-07:002019-10-22T03:13:30.693-07:00Make Christmas Gifting easy with Hasbro<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK3"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>I’m
going to be honest here, Christmas…. Not my thing, I grew up in a household
where although we were always blessed with gifts etc during the holidays but
the overall so to say spirit was never there, it was just never a major thing
in our family and from the age of 13 I was already choosing and wrapping up my
own gifts to go under the tree.</b></span></span></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK3"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></a></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Then I had my own children and although I still don’t
get the whole craziness of the holidays I do of course try to make it something
special for my kids, I have to admit though the older they get the more I
struggle with gift ideas and that is one of the things I love about Hasbro they
always have a wide range of good quality toys and games and all of my kids will
love which makes things a whole lot easier when it comes to compiling that Christmas
list that every parent loves oh so much.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Back to Hasbro- every year they make things a bit
simpler by taking the time to compile a list of their most anticipated gifts,
toys and games, t<span lang="X-NONE" style="color: black;">hey </span><span lang="EN-US">ensure
that there is something for everyone – from fun family activities to active
play, imaginative play, creative play and so much more, if you are out of ideas
or looking for something that your kiddos will love this list is for you!</span></b></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">HASBRO’S 2019 ‘BEST SELLER’ SELECTION FOR THE UP-COMING SEASON: </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><u>FurReal Cubby
</u></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;">Is the
Curious Bear Interactive Plush Toy, is a dream companion for kids. He has over
100 </span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 115%;">different
interactions and responds to touch, voice and motion</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;">. Cubby plays peek-a-boo,</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">and let’s not forget snack time - feed
him his bottle or treat and he’ll make eating sounds. When</span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> it comes to bedtime, you
switch him into a nighttime mode and he slowly falls asleep and plays a
variety of music and white noise to also help the child sleep.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pMbghI0hxAw/Xa7FFt8C-1I/AAAAAAAAExc/dsJ-_aXYXAMlaJNHEfmPst3pxyji5V_vwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/177849_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pMbghI0hxAw/Xa7FFt8C-1I/AAAAAAAAExc/dsJ-_aXYXAMlaJNHEfmPst3pxyji5V_vwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/177849_7.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: blue;"><u>Nerf-
New and Exciting Blaster options</u></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Nerf<b> Trilogy DS-15 </b>toy
blaster has ejecting shells to heat up your Nerf dart-blasting action. Unleash
a triple-dart blast with this Nerf N-Strike Elite blaster that shoots 3 darts
at once from each shell. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pkMG7h_rQK8/Xa7FKY6XADI/AAAAAAAAExg/tstG0xEnbRsmY7Ka8LlNfzFF8AKGuNBMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2e82fd2b-c8ed-4683-979e-afef40f9857b_1.65997a515fcab69787766968c3369811.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pkMG7h_rQK8/Xa7FKY6XADI/AAAAAAAAExg/tstG0xEnbRsmY7Ka8LlNfzFF8AKGuNBMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/2e82fd2b-c8ed-4683-979e-afef40f9857b_1.65997a515fcab69787766968c3369811.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="color: lime; font-family: inherit;"><u>Nerf
Fortnite AR-E blaster</u></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Inspired by the blaster used in Fortnite, is the
only way to play Fortnite in real life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Drop into indoor and outdoor Fortnite action with this motorised,
dart-firing Nerf Elite Fortnite blaster that features </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">two flip-up sights to help you
align your shot and an acceleration button to power up the motor.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lKa1vC_RjM/Xa7FPZWZmtI/AAAAAAAAExk/XuilQRvqYKgrnpHQYyQSTBLrTBQMQQt2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/GUEST_753591c3-ec63-45a2-ba94-15098235e215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="488" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lKa1vC_RjM/Xa7FPZWZmtI/AAAAAAAAExk/XuilQRvqYKgrnpHQYyQSTBLrTBQMQQt2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/GUEST_753591c3-ec63-45a2-ba94-15098235e215.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit;"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span>Nerf
Rival Helios XVIII-700 blaster. </u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pull back the bolt to prime the blaster and
unleash rounds at a velocity of 30 meters per second. The bolt placement can be
customised to accommodate right or left-handed battlers.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xPlcjQvvLf0/Xa7FSgnku5I/AAAAAAAAExo/raDXp1V1dL83JwbCR4-1LKFR2lIoQSeDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/71DbRJEPh8L._SX466_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="466" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xPlcjQvvLf0/Xa7FSgnku5I/AAAAAAAAExo/raDXp1V1dL83JwbCR4-1LKFR2lIoQSeDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/71DbRJEPh8L._SX466_.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify;"> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">* My kids love both Nerf and Fortnite so I just know that these new
additions are going to be a winner this year, we have amassed quite the
collection of Nerf guns over the past few years and I have to be honest as far
as gun toy options go I really don’t mind these at all and as a parent its
actually fun to join in and even launch an ‘attack’ on your unsuspecting
partner… who may be asleep… on the couch… *<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><u>Transformers
War for Cybertron: Siege toy figures</u></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Siege plunges
fans into the epic fight to survive on the final day of the Autobot and
Decepticon battle to control Cybertron. Build the ultimate battlefield with these figures that come with
customisable weapon configurations.</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tGKciNCrOok/Xa7FZe2h6xI/AAAAAAAAExs/Pdjqig1_ZqkX_VH7upDWcCFWIOHH5dMqACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81s5vqmPzpL._SX425_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="425" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tGKciNCrOok/Xa7FZe2h6xI/AAAAAAAAExs/Pdjqig1_ZqkX_VH7upDWcCFWIOHH5dMqACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81s5vqmPzpL._SX425_.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: magenta;"><u>Power Rangers Beast Morphers Action Zord
figure assortment</u></span></span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Imagine teaming up and battling the Power
Rangers' toughest enemies standing 25 cm tall, and with the included
accessories, these action figure toys are ready for action against any foe. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><u>Frozen 2 Singing Elsa and Anna
Fashion dolls</u></span></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Young fans of the Disney Frozen
movies will love the<b>se, </b>each doll includes a Frozen 2 inspired outfit,
press the button on the bodice to watch the dress light up and hear a snippet
of an original song from the Frozen 2 movie. Sing along while imagining scenes
with Arendelle's favourite sister duo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6x42O2KlR0/Xa7HEGUJHxI/AAAAAAAAEzc/VGYkR1_9cFItIhhDt9H5xdIaAYmyjL9BgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/singing-elsa-and-anna-frozen-2-dolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="1034" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6x42O2KlR0/Xa7HEGUJHxI/AAAAAAAAEzc/VGYkR1_9cFItIhhDt9H5xdIaAYmyjL9BgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/singing-elsa-and-anna-frozen-2-dolls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*My best friend’s
daughter would go absolutely moggy for these, I don’t think I have ever seen a
bigger Frozen fan.*</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><u>Baby Alive
Happy Hungry Baby </u></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This baby doll<b> </b></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">loves to eat. Mix baby’s food with water to make doll food that looks
like the real thing. When you give baby her spoon, she opens wide and really
eats her doll food. She also giggles, moves, and asks for more. With over 50
sounds and phrases, this sweet baby doll makes feeding and changing time feel
oh-so-real and fun. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L4798Sxob6g/Xa7FwB0O_WI/AAAAAAAAEx8/05S_SNtNT6UBEXWeerlMrj81GlNjpQsqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/177858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L4798Sxob6g/Xa7FwB0O_WI/AAAAAAAAEx8/05S_SNtNT6UBEXWeerlMrj81GlNjpQsqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/177858.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><u>Play- Doh: Tootie,
the hilarious unicorn ice cream maker</u></span></span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Picture </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">a land of colourful dreams where unicorns poop
Play-Doh ice cream. Meet <b>Tootie, the hilarious unicorn ice cream maker</b>
who loves to create silly Play-Doh sundaes. As she dispenses Play-Doh colours
this unicorn toy makes laugh-out-loud sounds and even changes her facial expression.
</span><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TIb5RHyUmPI/Xa7F0uU8PHI/AAAAAAAAEyA/5AF7XJr9NfQVl0GADbUIx1o2dRqMCKu5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/R2561439_40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TIb5RHyUmPI/Xa7F0uU8PHI/AAAAAAAAEyA/5AF7XJr9NfQVl0GADbUIx1o2dRqMCKu5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/R2561439_40.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><u>Play-Doh popcorn maker & </u></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><u>Play-Doh Stamp 'n Top Pizza Oven</u></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">There's no stoppin' the poppin' fun with
this toy, which includes everything you need to make creative Play-Doh popcorn
masterpieces. Crank pretend popcorn into the 3 bucket sizes and mix it up with
silly snack mixes. Add fun play food toppings like pretend pretzels, crazy
candy, and more with the candy-themed stamps and moulds. Don't forget to
squeeze in some silly syrup or butter with the syrup tool.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Little chefs
can also go pizza crazy with the <b>Play-Doh Stamp 'n Top Pizza Oven.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stamp a pizza crust in the oven, then go wild
creating and customising with the variety of tools and moulds included.<b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jfiLb0L1UXc/Xa7F-N1OPoI/AAAAAAAAEyI/Wf_w_V33Ihs4hpkbYknTpgBzBWqunJwiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/GUEST_fd231bb8-21f0-4f8a-8124-8d43ba9b403a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="488" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jfiLb0L1UXc/Xa7F-N1OPoI/AAAAAAAAEyI/Wf_w_V33Ihs4hpkbYknTpgBzBWqunJwiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/GUEST_fd231bb8-21f0-4f8a-8124-8d43ba9b403a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qXNdYjjcN1o/Xa7F6HRb78I/AAAAAAAAEyE/TF4WF8KS4x8GlQcJAoJLNDH-YR4QalyKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/play-doh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="695" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qXNdYjjcN1o/Xa7F6HRb78I/AAAAAAAAEyE/TF4WF8KS4x8GlQcJAoJLNDH-YR4QalyKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/play-doh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*These are actually really cute, Play Doh is
one of those classic ‘toy’ items that most children are bound to love and I really
love seeing these new play sets and options that are coming out, it just makes
the Play Doh even more interactive and fun.*<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><u>Oh My Giggles
Pinkie Pie</u></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The My Little Pony world is filled with magic, friendship, fun and laughter. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tickle this version of Pinkie Pie and
watch as she starts to giggle, wiggle and laugh - the more she is tickled the
harder she laughs and the faster she moves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTCLascoQ14/Xa7GCFp_oQI/AAAAAAAAEyQ/yHWn8wumMpcLdXFf8jJV3pL1g49xKRGUACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/oh-my-giggles-pinkie-pie-toy_000000000006462193_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="767" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTCLascoQ14/Xa7GCFp_oQI/AAAAAAAAEyQ/yHWn8wumMpcLdXFf8jJV3pL1g49xKRGUACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/oh-my-giggles-pinkie-pie-toy_000000000006462193_f.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;">*My Little
Pony is another great hit in our house and Pinkie Pie is my absolute favourite,
well her and Flutter Shy (Did you know they are voiced by the same person?). I
love how the show and the toys encourage friendship, love and understanding
rather than just being a show or story that a child gains nothing further from,
both my younger sons (even my older son on occasion although he tries to hide
it) love the show and I have purchased a few ponies along the way.*</span></i></b><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><u>Mr. Potato
Head Movin Lips </u></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is an interactive
talking toy, that’s fun and entertaining for kids as well as adults. Just
attach his mouth and press the buttons, his lips </span>synchronize<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to wacky songs and
some funny phrases.</span></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OyO17ZmGrNE/Xa7GFkeSWLI/AAAAAAAAEyU/_ZEFbfPiwPAq0aoiNXypszHiRuZO4sh8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/13620235829278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OyO17ZmGrNE/Xa7GFkeSWLI/AAAAAAAAEyU/_ZEFbfPiwPAq0aoiNXypszHiRuZO4sh8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/13620235829278.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Board Games</u><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk21200786"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><u>Ms Monopoly</u></span></b></a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk21200786;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We all know the guy in top hat and tails right but have you met Ms
Monopoly a self-made investment guru, who is here to celebrate women
trailblazers in the first game where women make more than men. Instead of
buying properties, players invest in groundbreaking inventions and innovations
made possible by women throughout history. From inventions like WiFi to
chocolate chip cookies to space station batteries, MS. MONOPOLY celebrates
everything from scientific advancements to everyday accessories. In the MS.
MONOPOLY game, women get a higher payout at the start of the game and more
money when passing ‘Go’, but who you are is up to you! </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk21200786;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QcpwB9ZgWhI/Xa7GJcSqnTI/AAAAAAAAEyY/0cwDZjchIYwQb5S_gsiib6XHXkJklijjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ms-monopoly-hasbro-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="664" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QcpwB9ZgWhI/Xa7GJcSqnTI/AAAAAAAAEyY/0cwDZjchIYwQb5S_gsiib6XHXkJklijjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/ms-monopoly-hasbro-01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk21200786;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 20.5pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk21200786;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*Monopoly is one of those games that I have kind of avoided given the
length of time that a game takes up and my children’s very limited
concentration span but I have to say that this idea rocks and it may be
something that I will try out in the near future, The Nerf Fortnite may go down
a better treat for my boys though, we will have to see.*</span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><u>Monopoly Fortnite</u></span></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><u> </u></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In this thrilling
Fortnite inspired edition of the Monopoly game, players claim locations, battle
opponents, and avoid the Storm to survive. The gameplay, design, and components
of the board game include elements inspired by the video game including
Fortnite locations and loot chest cards. Instead of Monopoly money, players
earn Health Points (HP). Like in the Fortnite video game, the last player
standing wins!</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7zOZgp42Dnk/Xa7GMnnQSyI/AAAAAAAAEyg/fdYixALasZAi3k_bAU66bz2-OGcxeJL0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/c16e76bab220b15ad69fe0399bbffe73.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="728" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7zOZgp42Dnk/Xa7GMnnQSyI/AAAAAAAAEyg/fdYixALasZAi3k_bAU66bz2-OGcxeJL0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/c16e76bab220b15ad69fe0399bbffe73.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;"><u>Connect 4
Shots</u></span></span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This game
combines the </span>game play<span style="font-family: inherit;"> of the original Connect 4 game with fast-paced,
competitive excitement. Two players at a time race to get four balls of their
colour in a row to win. Kids can also practice solo to prepare for a future
Connect 4 Shots </span>match up<span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*I grew up
loving this game, I still love it and we have a mini set at home!*</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Stocking Fillers<o:p></o:p></u></span></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><span style="color: orange;">Play-Doh
Colour Burst</span></u><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The classic
non-toxic Play-Doh compound with an innovative way to mix and play. Use the
roller or your hands to squish and blend the two colours together for a cool
marbling and blending effect and watch the colours swirl and change before your
eyes. </span><b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e0sge7kbJ6M/Xa7GRoJRUDI/AAAAAAAAEyo/mNubxzRk6lwFjP_lpC7j4S9V39r-Uwf9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/182658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e0sge7kbJ6M/Xa7GRoJRUDI/AAAAAAAAEyo/mNubxzRk6lwFjP_lpC7j4S9V39r-Uwf9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/182658.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><u><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Nerf Microshots Fortnite</span></u></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A series of collectible, mini-sized Nerf
toy blasters. Blasters in this assortment include replicas of the Fortnite TS
blaster, Fortnite RL blaster and Fortnite Llama blaster, inspired by the iconic
purple pinata loot box used in the popular video game.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-okqOt6vm_IQ/Xa7GVe6ynqI/AAAAAAAAEy0/yhY5FvRswwcO1QHMz96AuduV-4Hw-CDCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81SLV0UK5BL._SX425_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="425" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-okqOt6vm_IQ/Xa7GVe6ynqI/AAAAAAAAEy0/yhY5FvRswwcO1QHMz96AuduV-4Hw-CDCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/81SLV0UK5BL._SX425_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*Since this mama is a llama with llama
minions for children I know I will need to pop at least 3 of these in our
trolley this year!*<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: cyan;"><u>Lost
Kitties Mice Mania milk carton singles</u></span></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Each of these include a mouse or kitty figure, meme stickers, two hidden
accessories and a collector’s sheet. Store the compound in the resealable
carton so you can keep discovering over and over again.</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-owo1zjrL0Kg/Xa7GZ2j5q4I/AAAAAAAAEy4/Plf2IQy_mmAMw79Rbs6sj1RqK0PsbXCJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81fdJoeN%252BSL._SX425_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="425" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-owo1zjrL0Kg/Xa7GZ2j5q4I/AAAAAAAAEy4/Plf2IQy_mmAMw79Rbs6sj1RqK0PsbXCJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/81fdJoeN%252BSL._SX425_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: magenta;"><u>15-cm Power Rangers Beast
Morphers figures</u></span></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; line-height: 115%;">These feature multiple
points of articulation and design. With the included Morph-X key, kids can
imagine unlocking hero powers in the Beast-X Morpher toy (<i>sold separately).</i></span><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;"><u>Marvel
Figures</u></span></span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Classic
Marvel design action figures, kids can create scenes from the Marvel Universe
or imagine their own incredible adventures. This assortment includes Captain
America, Hulk, Iron Man and Thor. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: orange;"><u>My Little Pony Cutie Mark Crew</u></span></span></b><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These
combine the worlds of My Little Pony and Equestria Girls to imagine a universe
of play and friendships. With a tropical vacation theme e</span></span><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">ach blind bag includes an adorable 4cm figure,
beach-themed accessory, collector card and a cute storage case.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t53KnPSrMSU/Xa7GjLYl4lI/AAAAAAAAEzE/klN4S0iYeNkZQgQEjypKyILmTqMaJhvCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81gaM8jh-pL._SX425_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="425" height="269" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t53KnPSrMSU/Xa7GjLYl4lI/AAAAAAAAEzE/klN4S0iYeNkZQgQEjypKyILmTqMaJhvCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81gaM8jh-pL._SX425_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">*These will for sure make their way into our trolley
this year for my younger sons too cute for words!*</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><u>My Little
Pony Equestria Girls Fashion Squad</u></span></span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dolls <i>(each
sold separately)</i> in this assortment to mix and match more styles. Each mini
doll comes with two outfit pieces recognisable to her character, a pair of
shoes, and an accessory to dress her up in her signature style.</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqK1vht8B1E/Xa7Gomt5P-I/AAAAAAAAEzI/1ep6ybwhEswPaIR5RrmNcyqgNxWcjeigQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81-p8wAjAqL._SY679_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="334" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqK1vht8B1E/Xa7Gomt5P-I/AAAAAAAAEzI/1ep6ybwhEswPaIR5RrmNcyqgNxWcjeigQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81-p8wAjAqL._SY679_.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">Hasbro products are available from </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">leading retailers including: </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.takealot.com/"><span style="color: black;">Takealot.com</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="text-decoration: none;">, </span></span>Makro,
Toys R Us, ToyZone, Toy Kingdom, Game and Checkers.</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For more information visit:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;">Facebook <a href="mailto:%20@PlayDohSouthAfrica">@PlayDohSouthAfrica</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;">Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MyLittlePonySouthAfrica/">@MyLittlePonySouthAfrica</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-88365217920971147642019-10-11T03:21:00.001-07:002019-10-11T03:21:07.010-07:00World Mental Health Awareness, I am not coping.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FvDCLy8SnQA/XaBXRv95SXI/AAAAAAAAExM/uwLkjw4RGicYa-zJ51-yzeoLp39xw_0VACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/788f83f1b60ff08cdb668deecf7b3f64.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FvDCLy8SnQA/XaBXRv95SXI/AAAAAAAAExM/uwLkjw4RGicYa-zJ51-yzeoLp39xw_0VACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/788f83f1b60ff08cdb668deecf7b3f64.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
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This post should have gone up
yesterday but to be honest I couldn’t string two words together yesterday… In
the wake of world mental health awareness I am struggling right now, seriously
struggling.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So many friends and loved ones
have told me I am strong, to have people say that who love and care about you
is an amazing thing but truth be told every time I hear those words a voice
inside my head literally screams because I am not as strong as people would
like to believe.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At the moment I am honestly dying
inside I spend most of my day passing between a day dream is this my life kind
of state and what the fuck am I going to do going forward state, it is never
ending and I just wish that someone would tell me and us what to do because I
am honestly at a point of second guessing everything all over again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I feel so angry, hurt and
confused- I have been doing this without meds, with the support of my tribe and
a I can do this attitude or a I must do this attitude for so long and truth be
told I just don’t know if I can put on a face do it anymore.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Suck it up Buttercup! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Just keep pushing<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tomorrow is another day<o:p></o:p></div>
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You are strong<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Your children need you to do this<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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You don’t have time to rest<o:p></o:p></div>
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You don’t need a break and shouldn’t
need one<o:p></o:p></div>
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You need to work, you cannot stay
at home<o:p></o:p></div>
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You can’t take off for another
appointment or leave work for one you will get fired<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you don’t fight who will<o:p></o:p></div>
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You’re fine you just need to
smile, change your attitude<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Every day all day from every
angle- what next, where next- how can I be a good mother, wife and friend
whilst still keeping my shit together and keeping my job.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You want to know how I cope?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I start painting our bedroom on a
Sunday afternoon and spend the next few nights painting into the early hours, I
clean our shower with a toothbrush (at 2am), I start re-grouting our tiles at
11 o clock on some rando Saturday morning, I cry when I watch anything remotely
cute, sad or even happy and I laugh inappropriately, I drink wine and smoke too
much, I snap at my kids and then cry because I did, I get out of bed at 10 pm
because my mind won’t stop racing and start baking muffins because my kids love
them, I flow between feeling like a shit mother because I won’t just quit my
job and dedicate my entire existence to my children and my eldest sons
education and well being and a shitty person for wanting to just walk away from
it all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In short… I am not coping right
now; my anxiety is through the roof my OCD is taking over...<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I feel everything and nothing at
all and my heart is tired so is my soul and I just wish someone out there could
give me the answers, I just wish someone could tell us we are making the right
choices, taking the right path but that person doesn’t exist and it scares the
hell out of me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today I just need to be sad, It’s
not about anyone else, I have an amazing support system who has gone out of
their way to help and be there for us and that support is something I cherish
and value; tomorrow I may wake up with renewed optimism ready to go and face
the world again, to fight and be strong but today, today I just need to be sad
and angry, I just need to not be ok.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1047583174431375879.post-87074293045733846262019-10-01T07:33:00.002-07:002019-10-01T07:33:56.758-07:00A new journey....<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've taken a step back over the last month or so, we recently received some devastating news with regards to my eldest son and it has been a roller coaster of a fortnight trying to navigate a way forward; a lot of things have come into perspective for me personally and I find myself more than ever grappling with the need to do more, to be a voice for other parents, families and children facing the same road we are, I feel there is not enough said, not enough support and resources and so many people out there need to know that they are not alone, so a new blog that will run alongside although focusing specifically on our journey with my eldest is in the works as well as something else, if I can help even one person realize that they are not alone then I will have done what my heart has set out to do!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;">So here it is the start of a new journey, the title of the blog may seem intense and I encourage you to follow us along our journey if you want to educate yourself on just what we are dealing with and how far our family has come and what we have had to deal with up until this point, there is a long journey ahead of us but we are finally getting the answers we have so desperately fought for, we are not the only family going through this and we will not be the last but we</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline;"> will not lie down and give up, please help me be apart of the solution spreading awareness and raising the call to demand better mental health therapy access, support and guidance. Become an advocate for change! I know it is still early days so please forgive the basic look of the blog and the lack of content at this stage I am putting this time in around my working schedule and trying to navigate the point of our journey we have reached, but I know in my heart that this is what I am meant to do, I am tired of feeling ashamed and scared to share our story as I am sure many families are!</span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit;">I will continue to post on this space but this space will center around our general family life, sponsored posts and such whilst the other blog will be related specifically to our journey with my eldest and our call for change and support in the mental health community.</span></span></div>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://raisingpsychopathy.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>https://raisingpsychopathy.blogspot.com/</b></span></a></div>
CrazyMommaofThreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07408798135923712677noreply@blogger.com0