Two cats, Youngling and Me

Pre-Schools Could Shut!

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Ladd) — Thu, 31 May 2012 10:38:00 +0000

It may not be of concern to you and your community right now but there is an immediate threat to our Pre-schools and Nursery intakes here in Hertfordshire as of September 2013.

Local councils/educational authorities are proposing that there is only one intake to nursery schools in Herfordshire as of September 2013 meaning that children could be accepted to nursery earlier.

Currently 5% of Hertfordshire 2 year olds are also

eligible for free place funding. The Government has

recently announced an expansion in this funding to

20% by 2013 and 40% of 2 year olds by 2014.

These places are delivered through pre-schools and

day nurseries and removing the two intake policy may

free up the extra places needed for 2 year olds.

If the two intake policy is removed, children may leave

their pre-schools and day nurseries one or two terms

earlier to attend nursery school/classes which could

impact on the sustainability of many pre-schools and

day nurseries. These providers would need to revise

their business models to reflect a different balance of

2, 3 and 4 year olds attending

Source

With an earlier intake to nursery pre-school's as we know them could be non-existent by 2015.

Pre-schools currently can offer more flexible hours to suit you and your child. Without pre-schools in the future there could be more first time separation from the child/parent/career which could have emotional ramifications.

So what about the children?

The emotional and behavioural reactions from children going to nursery earlier could have an immense impact on their learning. I saw a remarkable difference in Youngling when he went to Pre-school at the age of 2. Now at 3 our relationship as mother and son has blossomed and I found I saw him in a new light. We are preparing for him to go to nursery in either September or January - he is eligible for both. There are pro's and con's for both intakes, but at least we have the choice.

Without that choice I don't think I would feel confident in him going any earlier.

I already have concerns/reservations regarding Youngling's Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia because I do not want it to be miss-read as bad behaviour as he really is a good little boy. He just gets frustrated sometimes when he cannot make himself understood.

Pre-schools are concerned that admitting 2 year olds

will make settling in difficult and that if these children

then move onto nursery earlier, they will be moving

on whilst still not fully settled in the pre-school.

Evidence has shown that poor transitions affect a

child’s learning and development.

The proposal for consultation is that:

From September 2013, to end the two intake

policy for admission to nursery classes

• Yes - change the policy and allow schools to

decide their own intake policy

• No - leave the policy in place

Please respond online at:

www.hertsdirect.org/consultations

The consultation is open from Monday 16th April until

Friday 1st June.

Source

What do you think about the proposal?

Take care

Love

Kate

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Ladd) — Wed, 30 May 2012 11:04:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Ladd) — Tue, 29 May 2012 16:11:00 +0000

I have been thinking a lot over the past few months on ways to improve myself, my lifestyle and my home. I only want to be the best that I can be and have the best that I can. Not just for me but for Youngling too. Don’t get me wrong we aren't underprivileged , in fact when Daddy Doo moved out he kindly left a few nice things for us. He also left a lot of junk for me to sort and get rid of but that is by-the-by now.

The things that are priceless to me are Youngling (and the cats obviously), my desk, stationary, books, clothes and DVD’s. I love my house and TV’s and pictures etc but a lot of things can be replaced if anything were to happen. The memories can’t.

A friend on Twitter recently had to move into a nearby hotel when her boiler/water tank decided to flood the house. I felt so bad for her, especially when her child was poorly on top of all that. I wouldn’t know what to do or where to begin. I am not covered for anything.

She told me it would be ok as she had Home Contents Insurance and had arranged for a nice plumber to come and help. I think it’s time I have another mental growth spurt. It seems like I’ve had many over the past few years – sheesh – it’s all so tiring being grown up and all. Even though I did get very excited over buying a kitchen blind recently!

said blind

Luckily I have some close friends to look after the house and cats whenever I go away although I would like a little more security for peace of mind and for theirs. You never know how things will pan out with Mr. Tweeter ;-) I may be spending more time away than at home and since we are only in rented accommodation you never know when you have to pack up and leave. If that were ever the case it would be nice to have some things to take with us.

I was contemplating moving when I was talking to some friends but if I’m brutally honest I am terrified. I am so scared though a little excited to start afresh somewhere new and try to leave bad memories behind. I am also terrified to stay put and mull along as I have been, though I am proud of how far I have come which nobody can deny.

Realising that I am over thinking too much of late the only clear conclusion I have reached is that it is definitely time for a makeover. Not only of my wardrobe and house but spiritually too.

What have you been thinking this week?

Take care

Love

Kate

*This post was sponsored*

ONE WEEK TO GO!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Ladd) — Tue, 29 May 2012 09:54:00 +0000

Only one week left folks, thats ONE WEEK, until the voting for the MAD Blog Awards closes.

I know you have all been super fantastic in supporting Two Cats, Youngling and Me, but I would really appreciate your votes if you haven't already.

It's super simple, all you have to do is click on this link:

The MAD Blog Awards

Then:

Scroll down to the voting form and fill in YOUR name and then YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS. Go to tab that says: The Best Family Life Blog, open it and highlight MAKESHIFT MUMMY - thats me.

It is that simple, and job done ;-)

I would like to say a humungous thank you to everyone who has voted already and to those of you who are going to vote now. Super chuffed to have even been nominated. I urge you all to please remain courteous and check out all the other nominations for all the other categories also.

Thanks again and please sign in to become a follower of my blog -----------> over on the right hand sidebar.

Much love and best wishes

Kate, Youngling and The Cats

Being a busy bee.

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Ladd) — Sat, 26 May 2012 10:32:00 +0000

Wow I feel like I haven't actually stopped lately. I am utterly exhausted though exhilarated from all my fabulous birthday celebrations. I all too aware now that I have several reviews to write, two guest posts to polish and send, posting my blog in the other forums which I regret to say I have neglected of late.

I have totally felt discombobulated and out of the loop. Perhaps its the natural come down from enjoying life so much?

I have had to fight my demons that are paranoia and over thinking. I have heard terrible things being said about me and I re-play them over and over in my mind when I really shouldn't worry what anyone but my Youngling thinks.

I have been all too consumed with wanted to make a good impression on people once again and have found I have lost that little part of me once more.

Since Daddy Doo went into hospital I do not know how to act around him and his family. Especially after the way and what his mother said to me. I felt and still feel useless in a way. That I cannot make him better and I cannot create this perfect picture image of family life that I have so longed for since I opened my eyes as a child.

Since hearing that gossips are on the war path (yet again) my confidence has wavered once more.

I am not unhappy, or particularly sad in fact, I have just been thinking far too much again.

Do you ever feel time is whizzing by you so quickly you can't keep up? How do you battle bouts of discombobulation?

Take Care
Love
Kate
xx

On my Birthday 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Ladd) — Thu, 24 May 2012 10:05:00 +0000

So yesterday was my actual official birthday and I had a lovely day, though there was a little drama along the way. Well it is me so my life without a little drama would be like cake without the icing. You've got to have the icing. Mmm cake...

Anywho.

The Bestie and her sister came round early to wake Youngling and I up with a birthday cake (candles and all) and singing at the top of their lungs. I almost cried. Then we had bacon sarnies (and said cake) for breakfast whilst opening cards and pressies.

Then we had a very worrying phone call. It was Daddy Doo's mum (the ex mother-in-law-to-be) calling to say that Daddy Doo had been rushed into hospital in the early hours of the morning as he was vomiting blood. Now I know we aren't together anymore but my initial reaction was to worry and panic about my baby's daddy. Just like I did for all those years when we were together and I tried to get him to the doctors. Those feelings don't disappear over night.

After a few hours and no word from his mother to say that he had made it through the operation ok The Bestie and I called every hospital we could to try and find him but no one had seen or heard of him for at least six weeks to almost two years ago. Now this seemed strange but worried me even more.

I couldn't sit and wait at home any longer as it wasn't much of a celebration with me trying to hide my worry from my son.

We got to the hospital and I still couldn't find out where he was so I asked his mother who quite rudely told me she had left him there herself for the operation at eight am and that she doesn't know if he even wants to see me. She went on to say that 'all he said was tell Kate so I cannot guarantee he'll even let you in to see him'.

Understandably she would be worried too but I still cared for this moronic idiot who had he pushed to get this seen to earlier like we all told him too wouldn't be in this mess in the first place and I wanted to know if I had to tell me son his father was going to heaven!

Needless to say he saw me and I think he was grateful as I had Youngling in the car so he had a kiss and a slight cuddle so as not to un-do all the work the surgeons had done. (Some procedure to do with a lump being removed on the lymphoid glands in his groin area).

When I knew he was ok The Bestie cheered me up with a picnic, spot of sunbathing, more cake, and a trip to get my new phone whoop whoop. Just before our girlie Pyjama Party (now now lads I know what you're thinking and it really isn't all pillow fights and cuddles - sorry) I got sent this lovely poem from one my lovely friends in Tweetville:

For @MakeshiftMummy A short and joyful greeting

And a happy birthday cheer

To my new friend who's called Kate

As she turns another year

No doubt she'll whoop it up with

The youngling and the cats

Along with wine and song

There will be cake and party hats

And maybe there might be a

A squeezy hug and sloppy kiss

From the mystery Twitter man

Who secretly courts our Miss

A happy birthday, Lady

I am so glad that we met

Let wait until the #FridayTwiz

And see how drunk we get! by @PaulaMayer

So that is almost my birthday over for another year. Just a few days with friends over the weekend and my birthday dinner and drinks with my brother and his wife on Sunday. Not that I like to stretch it out or anything ;-) Well the Queen has more than one celebration doesn't she ;-)

What's your best birthday memory?

Take care

Love

Kate

Finally on Sunday....

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Ladd) — Tue, 22 May 2012 17:05:00 +0000

...I went to Church with Mummy dearest and found that our Reader, Peter, did a great job of standing in for our Vicar who was at another Church. I found the sermons and talks about Joy really refreshing as far too often we overlook the 'Joy' in what could be construed as mundane everyday life. It really made me want to sing the hymn 'Give Me Oil In My Lamp' by Anon.

After Church I went back to Mummy dearest house and helped her with Christian Aid delivery's. I am in two minds about canvassing for donations although I have seen the amazing work just a few spare pounds can do in Africa, Europe and even more locally. Plus it was pretty darn cold and I wanted to get back down to The Letchworth Garden City Food and Garden Festival which I missed most of the previous day.

When we got to the festival I made sure that we sampled all the delicious delights from up and down the country. It was truly scrumptious and not only was the food so satisfying the market stall traders were an utter delight to befriend.

This is what I love about my home town the sense of community and spirit is exhilarating. Letchworth garden City is the worlds first garden city and homes the UK's first roundabout. Ebenezer Howard, the founder of Letchworth, believed that you could combine town and country life thus creating a garden city. He said:

'There are in reality not only, as is so constantly assumed, two alternatives - town life and country life - but a third alternative, in which all the advantages of the most energetic and active town life, with all the beauty and delight of the country, may be secured in perfect combination. Human society and the beauty of nature are meant to be enjoyed together.'

Ebenezer Howard, 1898

Everyone really did come together at the festival, as we always do. I really enjoyed hearing advice on how to enhance the flavour of sustainable meals with historic Ale Gar Vinaigre Range by the TV Chef and presenter Alan Coxon. Alan was so down to earth and friendly that I returned more than once to his stall where I purchased the 300ml bottle of 15th Century Ale Gar - the biggest alternative to Balsamic Vinegar. I can truly vouch that it is delicious. I would highly recommend you visit the Alan Coxon Website for more information. I will have to let you all know when I try some of his other recipes.

I am also a huge fan of fudge, olives and pretty anything but Liver, although if it's cooked by the right person I would give it go. So I got chatting to some other lovely traders and purchased their delights. Here are a few pictures of my purchases...

All my goodies

International Nuts and Snacks - best olives about!

There were also some fabulous cooking demonstrations from the local college and even some more famous faces with the likes of Dean Edwards:

Source

I have watched this multi cultural society blossom as well as having an amazing new makeover which keeps Youngling entertained for hours. I am so excited to take him to the opening of the new Howard Gardens next weekend.

I meet my brother and sister-in-law every Sunday for a coffee and/or dinner and catch up so after collecting Youngling from Daddy Doo I took him round and we all had a lovely time. My sister-in-law suggested we go to her friends house where she was holding a party for her son. Her son is one of the boys I look after of a weekend while she is out at work.

It was brilliant.

Youngling thoroughly enjoyed being the centre of attention, dancing in the middle of the room while everyone else sampled the delights of the Thai culture and famous cuisine. (My sister-in-law was helping a friend on a food stall at the afore mentioned festival too).

As soon as we got home both Youngling and I went straight to bed and then I felt a little pain in my foot. I looked down and low and behold my foot was covered in bruises. It started to swell and got incredibly worse over the next few hours but for the life of me I have no idea it happened.

Typically the sore foot is on the opposite leg to that of my dislocative knee. Excellent. Now I will be waddling around trying to balance the aches and pains.

So that dear readers was my ever so jam packed, fun filled, fruity, tasty, friendly birthday weekend. Now all that needs to be done is have my birthday on Wednesday and celebrate with a girly pyjama party and see the rest of the family next weekend. Talk about living it up like a queen hey.

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend too? What did you all do?

Take care
Love
Kate
xx

Then on Saturday...

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Ladd) — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:10:00 +0000

...I woke up reasonably chirpy considering the lack of sleep and events from the night before. However I woke up to several texts, emails, tweets and much more than I had expected.

Apparently The Bestie got a cab at 5am to a friends house so I checked to see that she was ok and was asked to take her for a fry-up as she was still a little delicate. Then my friend (Sir) text me to say this his other friend had The Besties house keys. Guys I just wanted to sleep. It was getting far too complicated for my fragile state to cope with. I managed to arrange getting those keys and was told the dress I wore the night before made my bum look good. I politely said thanks but shouldn't you be saying that to your wife?! Honestly was there something in the water or what?

The Besties sister then turned up on my door step and we waited the imminent arrival of said friend and we all crawled into my bed debating what to do with the day.

I was soooo hungry I threw some clothes on helped The Bestie back to her flat then we headed to the Love Letchworth Garden City Food and Garden Festival stopping by the last pub where The Bestie left her Driving Licence during the previous nights shenanigans.

Getting over the embarrassment quickly we wondered around the festival which was sadly starting to close. Well we had spent most of the day in bed - quite literally. We bought some mouth watering Best of British Beef Burgers which were out of this world let me tell you. Even when an old friend from the local Song, Pantomime and Drama Society (SPADS) came up to say hi. I still had a mouth full when we did the continental two cheek kiss. Luckily he didn't mind as I've known him since I was about seven or eight. Wow twenty years - eek. I'm actually thinking of auditioning in September for the next show. Double eek.

When purchasing said burger I made friendly chit-chat with another stall holder serving the finest Somerset Cider. I asked if I could take a picture of the stand for the blog and he invited me behind the pumps for a while and kindly acted as cameraman for me. Being a man (what man doesnt like Cider) and being a sparkling fruity refreshment, the stand reminded me of Mr Tweeter (not that he was on my mid or anything ;-) lol ).

We walked round the corner and decided it best to comeback in the morning to really get a feel for the festival. Who did we happen to bump into? No not Mr. Tweeter. Mr Lee Boswell, Letchworth garden City's Town Manager. The man who I thought I saw in the hairdressers the day before, then tweeted and he replied that it was him.

Source

I was clearly overwhelmed by the Burger and Cider for my confidence got the better of me this time and I strolled up to Mr Boswell and introduced myself. Oh readers *hits forehead with hand* I only did my "Hi I'm Makeshift Mummy aka Kate..." spiel from the introduction video from HERE.

Yup. Great representation of the worlds First Garden City there Kate.

It turns out that Mr. Boswell also did Drama which made me relax a little bit until he asked what I did. Like three times. This is it. I blog, I write, I am a stay at home mum. I am a friend, I am neighbour. I am taking a break from running a tots group and generally trying to thrive each day as a newly single mum to look ater my gorgeous son. But when he asked me I didn't feel I had a valid enough answer. I wanted to say something ground breaking and profound like so many other bloggers. But I didn't think anything sounded good enough.

I paused and I remembered how far I had come not only over the past thirteen months but the last thirteen years. Because of that I am proud and would be honoured to represent my town and the people in it. Of course I didn't tell The Town Manager any of this I just said how honoured I am to have been nominated for the final of The MADS Awards and would appreciate his (and anyone else's) support.

Ok before going on to say how I would like world peace and what not, The Bestie and I said goodbye to the lovely (I didn't need to be so shy to) Mr. Boswell and took her younger sister home.

Then the road trip began.

Birthday celebrations part two commenced with a two hour drive North on the A1 which was rather surreal in the fact that we were driving so fast (within the law obviously) yet everything seemed to be going by in slow motion. I think I bored The Bestie to tears with my choice of music for the journey, even though she managed a bit of Madonnas 'Vogue'. I was just so excited for where she was taking me.

We were headed to The Midlands or there abouts (listen I did Drama at uni not Geography ok). We were almost five mins away from my friend of twenty or twenty one years house when 'beep-beep-beep'. The petrol light pinged on and warning sounds blared at us through the music. Brilliant!

The Bestie wasn't too impressed by this and especially didnt want to call her breakdown cover to come and fetch us because she had run out of petrol. Yup she wasn't at all fased by the fact that it was almost eight in the evening and we could be stranded by the roadside surrounded by feilds which rape seed which for the life of us at the time we couldnt understand why the country would need so darn much of the stuff. Other than to irritate our hayfever of course.

Making the sensible decision to fill up with petrol we pulled off at the next junction following a sign that said - wait for it - 'Services'. Well could we find a services? Could we heck-as-like. We dorve through a built up area and a car almost went into our rear - ooh er. I had to wind down the window with Glee in the background (total car sing-a-long cd) and ask some random for directions. It was so late by this point and I was getting hungry again ;-)

Finally we found some petrol, The Bestie nearly broke her neck falling UP the steps to pay, and eventually we arrived at my friends beautiful house. We were introduced to everybody and everybody to us but I have no idea who's name was who's as there were so many people there. We ate some gorgeous BBQ meats and I even had a few ciders to wash it down with.

True to style I showed my friend how much I love her by buying her a bday cake (though shes a week younger than me) with candles and rallying all her friends to sing to her. Haha Love you chick.

The Bestie and I had to head back so said our goodbyes after random party antics and ventured home with a bit of Karaoke. During which 'beep-beep-beep'. The petrol light once again pinged on and warning sounds told us we were low on petrol once more.

We made it home in one piece and both crawled into my bed after feeding the cats and fell asleep mid conversation about how much fun the past two days had been.

Then there was Sunday...

So on Friday....

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Ladd) — Mon, 21 May 2012 20:17:00 +0000

...I kissed my beautiful boy goodbye and called The Bestie to arrange what we were doing for my birthday celebrations. Yes it isn't my birthday until Wed 23rd but when the child is away, mummy really must play ;-)

We started off running a few errands and visited a friend in a nearby village but had to be back just after lunch as The Bestie had surprised me by booking me a hair cut. At a salon and everything. Back at the friends we realised one of his pedigree cats had kittens only five days earlier. Now being a cat lover (unless they bring in birds or use my bath as a toilet) I couldn't resist having a little cuddle. I found myself really nervous as I had never seen such young kittens before. Plus at £400 a cat I really couldn't afford to break one.

Not only were these cats pedigree but they were stylish and clever too. As they were house cats they wore these claw covers to protect their claws and the furniture. I have never seen anything so random. The mother of the kittens was a bit of dog at heart for she loved to play fetch. see video below:

After recruiting said breeder to vote for me in The MAD Blog Awards (yes this weekend was definitely the start of my campaigning) The Bestie and I headed to buy some hair dye to fix my roots. Yes I realise how silly that sounds considering I was due at the salon in only an hour and a half time.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting my hair cut at The Avenue Salon in Letchworth, and it wasn't as embarrassing as I thought turning up with wet hair which I just dyed at home. The girl who cut my hair was also called Kate and such a friendly person. I invited her to come out with us in the evening but she had work the next day. Will definitely be going back for my next hair cut for the salon is stylish, friendly and really made me feel comfortable.

Said haircut later in eve at The Besties and bright flash ;-)

The Lectwhorth Garden City Town Manager (Lee Boswell) popped into the salon and I was almost going to call him over and give him a leaflet to vote for me for The Mads (well I am kind of representing the town in a way) but I chickened out. I am rather shy don't you know ;-) Anyway I ended up tweeting @LoveLetchworth (which is Mr. Boswell's twitter account) saying:

Lol. I really am shy, not that this is anything to go by ;-)

With my hair all spruced up we went on the hunt for a new dress. Every year for my birthday I get a new outfit. to be fair at the moment it's pretty much the only time I get a new outfit. I used to get one for Christmas but that was generally in the form of a present. Eventually we found this gorgeous sparkly little number from Dorothy Perkins in Letchworth Town Centre and bought it with their 25% discount voucher and an added 10% discount for there was a small fault, in the way of extra material where extra material shouldn't have been. A very helpful and friendly manager I must say.

The Bestie threw in some gorgeous earrings and I treated myself to a matching bling-ring and a necklace since I had saved on the above discounts. The owl necklace really reminded me of Twitter for some reason (even though Twitter has a blue bird on it). So I thought it was all rather personal. Ah getting sentimental in my old age.

So having shopped till we almost dropped we went out for dinner at the ever so glamorous McDonalds and ate every crumb we were so hungry. Having filled our stomachs to the gills we went back to The Besties and started getting ready. Initially we were going to hit the town for a few bevvies and then maybe head to a nearby town (or even London) for a bit of dancing and what not.

Well we didn't make it very far. We got stopped at the very first pub and asked for ID. "I'm 28 on Wednesday" I protested. "Wow" the doorman replied "what cream do you use to stay looking so young". Honestly, who says that! After showing our ID's we went straight to the bar and then sat down slightly redder than when we left the house.

An old work colleague (whom I will call Sir) with his two friends came over to our table and our two groups joined forces for the rest of the evening heading to the next bar to 'show our faces' as it were. This time I knew the doormen from on my nights out with Boog though by now The Bestie was starting to get a little loud shall we say and I was definitely warming up. You'd be surprised at how much noise someone of 4ft 11' can make. We were planning on calling it a night after a quiet drink round the corner when The Bestie and I were approached by two nice looking young men. We got to chatting though The Bestie was definitely on a roll and did most of the talking for the two of us.

It turned out that one of the nice looking men in a grey jumper had taken a little liking to little old me and I was truly flattered. However I soon found him repulsive when he told my friend (Sir) and chums that he had a girlfriend of 7 years. To be fair I had wished that Mr. Tweeter had been there all evening holding my hand but hey ho that wasn't a possibility. What is it with these men in committed relationships, flirting with women, enticing them into a false sense of security, and encouraging them to play a part of some sordid affair. It repulses me. I felt embarrassed and immoral to have even slightly entertained his behaviour. I didn't find this out from Sir and chums until much later as we all got a bit distracted from here.

Sir and his chums saw we were talking and said they'd meet us at the next pub so we said our goodbyes and headed off for the last drink of the evening. Well blow me down we only happen to bump into The Besties ex, and see that the two nice looking young men had followed us there.

This is where it all went a little wrong for everyone wanted to toast my impending birthday and that was it. The Bestie was well and truly a little bit too tipsy. I went into 'mummy mode' and asked everyone to help me help her home, which sounds easier said than done when your friends body (no matter how small) falls limp.

Needless to say back her flat she wasn't very well so we all stayed to nurse her. It wasn't at all a bad evening even when Sir, his friends and I were shouted at by The Bestie at 4am and told in a not so pleasant way to vacate her property after making sure she was alive and then we had to walk half an hour home. Double checking she was well enough to be left on her own before embarking on the trek of course #responsibleparent lol ;-)

I have never been so excited to see my bed I can tell you. I checked a few more times via text and a phone call that The Bestie was ok and then I could no longer keep my eyes open. I needed all the strength I could get for on Saturday....

It's hard for me to say....

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Ladd) — Fri, 18 May 2012 07:59:00 +0000

...but I think Youngling is developing a stutter.

Source

I have noticed over the past week that Youngling is becoming increasingly more conscious of his speech and the fact that we are encouraging him to speak well. He has started shouting at me again when he cannot get his point across. He even hits his chest/tummy when he tries to say a word but gets stuck on a sound 'G,g,g,g,g,g, Jojo's'. Trouble is he has started breathing heavily and becoming even more agitated when he cannot form a word.

I have tried not to sound like an over paranoid parent, especially with his Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia diagnoses, but it has really caught my attention of late. It is heartbreaking seeing how aware of the stutter he is at such a tender age of Three.

Of course before making my assumption I asked Daddy Doo if he had noticed any changes in Younglings speech patterns, he did not. I also enquired at the school and some key workers have noticed his struggles though couldn't differentiate between the Verbal Dyspraxia and a Stutter.

I will be calling Younglings Speech Therapist to ask her opinion and to see if the two disorders could co-exist or are a result of one another. I must also tell her of our 'motivational words'. Every so often we choose some motivational words to work on with Youngling. When we 'work' on these words we start my accentuating the first sound with something called 'cued articulation'. This method of treatment also includes a lot of repetition, rhythm and targeted motor learning. By this I mean we use toys to encourage the interaction and when the toy moves we are visually cuing the sound.

I will of course let you know how I get on with Younglings Speech Therapist and I am meeting an old work friend who now works at the local Dyspraxia Foundation. She has been extremely helpful and supportive since Younglings diagnoses, and I am hoping to gain more information/alternative advice to help Youngling progress .

For now though it is a Youngling free weekend and I can celebrate my 28th Birthday ;-)

What are you up to this weekend?

Take Care,
Love
Kate
xx

picture source of: http://www.dyspraxiauk.com/

What is Faith?

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Ladd) — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:02:00 +0000

Recently I have been discussing my faith a lot, not only at my Church but with strangers and new acquaintances alike. One question I get asked a lot is 'What is faith?'. I can never answer this question in the same way because to me my faith is influences that surround me which change on a daily basis.

Today faith means knowing right from wrong and being guided towards something bigger than that we can touch and see. Faith to me is knowing that I am here for a reason no matter how big or small. Faith is knowing that there is a purpose for every breath I take and every move I make - no I wont burst into song here ;-)

However I didn't always have faith and I wonder if that makes me a bad Christian?

I felt my belief fading when I was around fourteen or so when I hit a particularly bleak point in my life. At sixteen I was well and truly submerged in darkness. I felt I couldn't make things better for those around me and in the world. I didn't feel like a had a purpose. I couldn't see the light for many years but I will never forget the emptiness and nothingness that engulfed me during my second year at university.

My beloved Grandpa, my soul mate, passed away suddenly.

At a time when I was meant to feel warmth, care and guidance from someone that I had entrusted my entire life and morals on, God, I felt nothing. I felt starved of oxygen and soul. I was empty.

Don't get me wrong I had wanted to believe again, I knew I wanted to feel safe at the hands of Our Lord. But I didn't. I felt hypocritical saying I was a Christian. I felt so terribly and fearfully alone at a time when I needed God's Love the most.

Now I sit in Church, or I quietly pray at home, and I am brought to tears. I am overwhelmingly blessed which I must always remember and be thankful for. It has taken me almost six years to rebuild my trust and affirm my faith in God, Jesus and the Christian way of life. Yet I am thankful for my ability to feel and love, I am blessed with friends and family and my decisions and most of all for my son.

I now know I am not able to control everything around me. I can control my actions and my reactions towards others and that is what counts for my self and my son.

I feel that I have only just started out on my Christian journey as adult and where it takes me I do not know. I know that when I am singing at the top of my lungs (much to the annoyance of my neighbours) I feel happier and closer to God than ever before.

I cannot help but giggle at something my mother said when I was growing up:

"ooh Katherine" she exclaimed "you are definitely going to be an actress when you grow up. That or a Nun"

Perhaps I can be a bit of both, you never know ;-)

Whether or not you class yourself as religious how would you describe faith?

Take care
Kate
xx

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Ladd) — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:43:00 +0000

Women & Children First by Gill Paul - Book Review #4

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Ladd) — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Title: Women & Children First

Author: Gill Paul

Publisher: Avon

ISBN: 978-1847563255

Available: Amazon, WHSmith and all good retailers.

Product Description:

Women and Children First explore the turmoil of the sinking of one of the most famous ships of all time and its aftermath through the eyes of several different characters.

The Titanic was the most magnificent ship ever built, offering every possible luxury to her passengers – yet on the night on the 14th of April, 1912, she sank in the North Atlantic, leaving the lucky ones floating in wooden rowing boats, and the rest struggling for their lives in the icy water.

This novel follows the fortunes of Reg, a handsome young steward who works in the first-class dining room; Annie, a gifted Irishwoman who is travelling to America with her four children; Juliette, a titled English lady who is pregnant and unmarried; an American millionaire and his wife who are trapped in a poisoned marriage; and a mystery passenger who never shows her face in public.

The sinking of the Titanic not only steals lives but blows apart the futures of those who survive. Coming to terms with the shocking events, survivors form new attachments, make decisions with tragic consequences, and watch all their old certainties crumble. How can life ever be the same again when you have heard 1,500 people dying in the water around you?

Firstly I have to apologise to the lovely Gill Paul and her representatives for the lateness of this review. I was due to begin reading this book when I fell ill with the flu. But nevertheless I have read it and here is what I thought...

I wouldn't initially have chosen to read/buy a book of this genre (Fiction and Fact) for the simple reason I am not used to reading this style. Plus having seen the film I thought 'Oh I have seen it all' What a mistake I have been making.

With 2012 commemorating 100 years since the voyage of the Titanic Gill Paul vividly describes what life must have been like on that beautiful ship which struck tragedy too soon into its short life. The story focus' on three main characters and the people involved with them. All from different classes. My favourite was Reg a steward tending to Annie a first class passenger. I enjoyed his memories and flash backs. His voice truly spoke through making him a very believable character. I also found I could empathise on some level with another character, Annie a third class passenger travelling with her young children.

I found this book to be intelligently written with a spell binding story which will captivate the imagination of any reader. I personally found this hard to read only because I didn't want to put it down and with a three year old running me ragged it was hard to concentrate ;-)

So if you have time to sit back, put your feet up and enjoy a good, well-written read, then this is the book for you.

Enjoy
Kate
xx

Singletons, do you...

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Ladd) — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:47:00 +0000

...keep all your eggs in one basket?

I hadnt heard this phrase for such a long time and it made me think about recent events/situations. So Mr. Tweeter has said he would like to see me again - YAY - *skips around the room*, *returns calmly to the laptop*.

Anyway I was talking to a very good friend about how she is planning a little rendezvous with an old flame, even though she is seeing someone locally. This someone she is seeing locally is also an old flame - it gets more complicated from here on in to be honest. But it got me thinking.

Now its not my place to judge or impose my opinions, views and morals onto anyone else. I wouldn't even try. I was brought up to believe that when you start seeing someone you are doing just that seeing some- ONE. When I said this to said friend she said she saw where I was coming from but that she didn't want to put all of her eggs into one basket.

I kind of get where she is coming from but I watched a film recently called 'Because I Said So' about a pushy mother trying to fix her youngest daughter up with the perfect man. So the daughter ended up dating two men at the same time until she could tell in her heart, and tell her pushy mother, of her true love. Eventually one guy finds out and was utterly devastated, it shattered his world.

So is it acceptable or expected when you start dating to see other people as well? When/how/do you even broach the subject with your said date? I mean what if Mr. Tweeter is meeting other tweeters, how would or should I feel about that? How you, my dearest friends, feel about it if you knew he was seeing other tweeple and tweeting/meeting me at the same time?

Hard isn't it?

What is a friendly attractive chappy were to ask me out - by the way this has not happened and isn't likely to happen any time soon ;-) Do I tell him about Mr. Tweeter when it was only one date? It was an AMAZING date *stares off into the distance*, *Snaps back to the room*. Does it count as seeing someone when I've seen them once though we tweet and text on daily (sometimes hourly) basis?

Well would you have one basket or a few?

Take care,
Love
Kate
xx

What Happened In London Stays In London - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Ladd) — Sun, 13 May 2012 19:52:00 +0000

I seem to have left you all on a bit of a cliff hanger with Mr. Tweeter saying he didnt want me to go home. I have to admit I didn't want to leave either.

Well all I can say is what happened in London stays in London ;-) It's for me to know and you nosey lot NEVER to find out ;-)

I can tell you though that Mr. Tweeter has indeed asked if I would like to meet him again however I can't make the date that he had in mind so I think we will have to re-arrange.

Yes I will let you know when and where etc. ;-) Gosh you guys know more than my own mother ;-)

Well I saw this and I thought you'd like it:

Take care
Love
Kate
xx

omg, Omg, OMG!

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Ladd) — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:41:00 +0000

OMG! I made it through. I am in the final *huge smiles* I cannot believe it *punches the air triumphantly* You are all so fantastically fab for voting for me and being the best support network I know. I cannot thank you enough. How exciting.

I am one of the five finalists in the MAD Blog Awards 2012 for The Best Family Life Blog category.

Eeek.

*jumps up and down happily clapping hands* I hope no one walked past the window then ;-)

I am so unbelievably overwhelmed and grateful I don't think the enormity of the achievement has sunk in yet. YAY.

The other finalist throughout the entire competition are all so lovely and I have found some great friendships through knowing them. I am excited to meet some of the new bloggers and tweeters alike. That's the great thing about competitions like this is you get to see so many others blogs, work and passions which you may not have come across before. Brilliant.

So now before I go on a rampant advertising campaign, I kindly ask you to all do me the great honour and vote for me once more (but please remain courteous and lovely as you are and check out all the other nominations for the other category's many thanks).

Like before you need to head to The Mad Blog Award website - click HERE Then head to the Categories Tab and follow the instructions below:

Scroll down to Fill in YOUR name. YOUR email address. Then on The Best Family Life Blog click on MAKESHIFT MUMMY. That's me ;-) Job Done.

Then tell all your friends and wait until September to see if I have won. I kind of already feel like I have because getting this far is such a honour, I am overwhelmed.It's a good job I'm sitting down really.

Now I had better get back to writing part 2 of my Date with Mr. Tweeter. Or at least pluck up the courage to ask him out for a second date - eeek. May even invite him to meet me after the awards *blush*

Much love and thanks
Kate
xx

What Happened In London Stays In London - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Ladd) — Wed, 09 May 2012 17:27:00 +0000

Source

So I only went to London yesterday to meet Mr. Tweeter are you impressed that I didn't bottle it? ;-) The Bestie helped calm my nerves and give me outfit approval after several changes and disregards. She even came to station to wave me off. I think she just wanted to ensure I actually got on the train to be honest.

Source

I didn't hear from Mr. Tweeter for the entire journey so was a little apprehensive as I neared London. Luckily I was entertained by listening to the passengers behind me discussing a scary car ride with a narcoleptic driver which had be chuckling under my breath.

I arrived at London Kings Cross station and tried not to fall over in my new, very high, wedged shoes. I wish I could have taken a picture for you all to see. I went for a bit of a rock-chic(ish)-chick look with a black and gold cat suit, leather jacket and all. I almost bumped into Kirsty Alsopp (the first of a few celebrity-lookalike sightings) as I made my way out of Kings Cross to St. Pancras station which is utterly gorgeous. Have you seen the architecture of this monumental building and beautifully they have restored the old structure?

So I pass three bars/restaurants and don't recognise any of them from when I googled the destination. See it does help to do your research before hand ;-) I called the two Besties and let them know that I had arrived safely and that there was no sign of Mr. Tweeter. Brilliant, I thought, I've only been stood up on the first date.

My phone bleeped and so I said my goodbyes and checked the text. It was from him! He said he was waiting for me - eek. I rounded the corner and my phone rang once more. It was one of The Besties asking if I had found Mr. Tweeter yet, just as I opened my mouth to reply I smiled the cheesiest smile as there he was. Right in front of me even better looking in the flesh than his pictures. Wow. Oh dear friends my heart skipped a beat.

Still smiling as I approached him he stood to greet me, the perfect gent, then I realised I was still on the phone. Excellent first impression Kate. I told The Bestie I would speak to her later and asked if I could now say hello to my date who was now inches away from me (still sounds foreign saying date).

Apologising I said hello and he politely gave me a continental two cheek-kiss greeting and lead the way to the bar opposite. I was a quivering wreck but tried my best to glide when walking without falling over.

Well I was so nervous I didn't know where to look, how to sit, and my lack of confidence took over as I kept biting my lip and twiddling my fingers. We talked freely and openly as we did in tweets and text and I realised just how passionate a man he really was. A very attractive trait which I think I made obvious when I giggled like a school girl and touched his knee tentatively. *blushes* I guess you could say I made the first move.

Source

When walking to a quaint Tapas bar called Bar Pepito I told Mr. Tweeter how much funnier he was in person. This was meant to be a compliment as I am always laughing-out-loud at his tweets and texts, but it came out as the first of many foot-in-mouth moments.

At Bar Pepito, which served the best Cream Sherry I've ever tasted, Mr. Tweeter moved his stool closer to mine which I took as a good sign. Then I became all tongue tied and ditzy - I'm not so used to this flirting milarky contrary to popular belief. I showed my true colours and lack of geographical knowledge, my lack of memory and general blondness personified.

When I didn't know what to say or ask I came out with "Right. Ok. So. See ..." to which Mr. Tweeter smiled the sexiest smile which made it even harder to concentrate. He said he said he could now put my voice to the words and actions in my tweets and almost made me fall off my stool when he verbalised the Twitter-text-talk:- "star blushes, star, winky face, hashtag dot, dot, dot".

We moved across to the adjoining bar/restaurant Camino when it all went a bit High School Musical with a quick fire quiz round from me and Mr. Tweeter taking my hand in his. I'm actually getting goosebumps just thinking about it. Mr. Tweeter said he didn't have any questions for me as he said he was liking getting to know me from me just being me. Without thinking I asked "well who else would I be" to which he replied "err, The Bestie". *cringe* I was so embarrassed about the first phone call and had hoped it wouldn't come up in conversation (If you missed that post you can read it HERE). Well I couldn't sink far back enough into my chair when he said he was quite peed off with me. Not for the fact that it happened for the fact that I hadn't told him - eek.

I don't know whether it was the Sherry, the wine or his 'take me to bed eyes' that made me do what I did next. I said sorry and then I had to excuse myself to visit the ladies room. As I lent forward to get up I was so close to him, my heart was trying to escape from my chest. I took a deep breath and placed my lips on his.

OMG!

The kiss took us both a little by surprise but I don't think he minded so much for he pulled me close to him again, smiled that smile and kissed me back.

Eeek. I feel like I'm sixteen all over again.

I tried even harder not to fall over when I walked away for I could hardly feel my legs from the shivers that had been sent down my spine.

When I returned I realised the time. It was only half an hour until my last train. I didn't know what to do, we were having such a fun time I didn't want the evening to end. That was when Mr. Tweeter asked "Do you have anything to rush back for?" I replied honestly and said "No, but I should really get back to feed the cats". He laughed then looked at me seriously and said something along the lines of "I don't want you to go".

I will let you all digest this first essay and fill you in on the rest of the details later *grins like a Cheshire cat*

Much love
Kate
xx

The Dating Diary according to Makeshift Mummy

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Ladd) — Tue, 08 May 2012 11:43:00 +0000

Well you'll never guess what? I am only going on a blind-ish date with Mr. Tweeter tonight!

Ok you can pick up your jaws now ;-) I know. I don't know what's come over me. I had begun to think things were starting to quieten down on the whole Mr. Tweeter front. I thought my squiffy videos had scared him away and lets face it after the debacles of the past year I didn't set out to take our tweets too seriously. Well one wouldn't.

This will be my first real date in six years! I am bricking it. After going from one relationship with Boog to then being engaged to Doo and having Youngling I then started seeing Boog again briefly after Doo and I realised we would be better parents if we weren't together. I still find it difficult to imagine anyone else holding my hand or brushing my hair away from my face. Let alone kissing my neck the only way I like it.

Doo and Boog were the only two men who knew ALL about me. They knew my past, my present, my fears and my passions. What makes me laugh and definitely what makes me cry. But if they can't accept and love me for who I am then honestly how do I expect anyone else to? What if I make a fool of myself, which lets face it there is a very high chance of that ;-)

I don't even know how to date anymore. I have grown up a lot in the past six years what if things have changed in the dating world?

I made a list (yes I am that anal) about the Do's and Do Nots of a first date. Let me know if I have missed anything out:

Do Not apply fake tan or hair dye the day before or day of said date this could be very disastrous and you may have to cancel with some exotic disease for an excuse.

Do scope out where you are going first so not only do you know where the nearest exits are when said date is a bit of a nightmare. You can know what to wear, what to order (if its even a restaurant), how to plan your journey to and from said destination.

Do wear matching underwear! Not because your date might disapprove if he/she has the privilege of seeing such items. But what if you have an accident such as spilling food or drink down your brand new outfit, dislocating your knee and passing out. This could happen and who knows what the ambulance crew may have to do to bring you round again!

Do Not compare the date sitting in front of you to your ex (s). There is a reason he is your ex and yes you are loveable just the way you are. This guy in front of you could possibly be the one to love you right.

Do Not compare yourself to his ex. There is a reason they were together but again there is a reason they are now apart.

Do Not invite your mother, sister and best friend to attend your first date. This could get a little awkward when it comes to splitting the bill.

Do offer to pay your half, however do graciously accept when said date puts the bill on his Gold card ;-) Ha, wishful thinking.

Do meet somewhere public. If he invites you to meet him at an abandoned dock this is not for your love of the ocean, he is probably planning to murder you instead.

Remember to have fun and share all the details with your Blogging buddies and Tweetipies. Please let me know in the comments below if there are any Do's and Do Not's that I have missed out.

Take care

Love Kate

I will always remember the day....

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Ladd) — Sat, 05 May 2012 18:08:00 +0000

...that Youngling got accepted to one of the best schools in Hertfordshire, though I almost didn't.

Good things come to those who wait. On the morning of Monday 30th April 2012 I felt energised and full of love as Youngling always makes me feel. Especially when he has spent the weekend with his daddy. I woke up and engaged with the world through texting and tweeting and debating with friends (see this post in case you missed out).

Then I remembered.

Today was the day that I was due to find out if Youngling had been accepted to the Nursery of my choice.

I had remembered with only fifty minuets until the online application was open for viewing. Yes dear friends gone are the days where you would get a letter confirming your childs place at school which you could pop into your memory box. Instead you must a) own a computer or b) have access to a computer c) have access to the Internet d) click accept on your childs preferred place (if offered).

After distracting myself with a bath and blow drying my hair I then switched on my laptop and paced impatiently across the living room. At 11:59am I typed my parent ID and password which I had been given only months before.

My heart began to quicken.

A warning sign flashed up before my eyes saying: WRONG ID OR PASSWORD!

Typical. I frantically searched for my error and realised I had typed a little l instead of a capital L. As you can see from my grammatical errors why I am so keen for Youngling to have a head start with education for with me as his mother he will need all the help he can get.

Second time lucky and there it was in black and white: Place - Offered. Action: Accept /Decline. Of course I accepted straight away.

I am over the moon with his place and I will spend the summer trying to help prepare him for Nursery trying to improve his concentration and pencil holding skills etc. We spent the day with friends and family at the park. Though a few problems were plaguing others, for which I tried my best to be sensitive and comforting, nothing could deter the fact that on Monday 30th April 2012 my son was accepted to a ruddy good school. #proudmummy

Then I saw two blistered spots appear on his head. Uh oh, Chicken Pox, I thought.

By Thursday no less than 40 spots had appeared and the doctor flippantly confirmed my suspicions. He had indeed caught the Chicken. Two mile stones in a week. He is doing well though the two on his left eye are irritating him and those of sensitive sight look away now for I think one of them in his hair line has become infected!

How did you cope with your Younglings Chicken Pox?

Take care
Love Kate
xx

Birthday Meme - 23rd May 1984

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Ladd) — Fri, 04 May 2012 10:30:00 +0000

I was tagged for this meme by the lovely @CoffeeCurls who has tagged by the also lovely @Kateab who set up a linky and hopes to get at least one post for all 366 days of the year.

If you also do this meme (which is open to everyone) please add your post to it and remember to mention the date of your birthday in the link title. It won’t matter if we get more than one post for the same date, the aim will be at least one post for each day on the calendar.

What you will have to do is answer questions about your birthday. If you don’t know where to look, the best way is to go to Wikpedia, type in your birthday in the search box and it will tell you all you ever want to know (and more) about your special day. Obviously, you can take what is said with a pinch of salt but it’s mostly correct.

When is your birthday?

23rd May 1984 *coughs* "really soon" *coughs*

Pick three people who share your birthday and share what you know about them.

1. Artie Shaw 23rd May 1910 from New York, Songwriter, Bandleader, Composer.

2. Joan Collins 23rd May 1933 from London Film Actress.

3. Margaret Fuller 23rd May 1810 Cambridgeport, Massachusetts, Womens rights activist, writer.

Is anyone listed as being born on the same day as you (ie the same year)? If so, what do you know about them?

Well it appears that lost of creative people were born on my birthday two in my year were: 1984 – Adam Wylie, American actor and 1984 – Sam Milby, Filipino-American actor and commercial model.

List three people who died on your birthday and tell us what you know about them.

1. 1125 – Henry V, Holy Roman Emperor (b. 1081)

2. 1906 – Henrik Ibsen, Norwegian writer (b. 1828)

3. 2010 – Simon Monjack, English actor, producer, & writer (b. 1970)

List three notable events that took place on your birthday.

1. 1430 – Siege of Compiègne: Joan of Arc is captured by the Burgundians while leading an army to relieve Compiègne.

2. 1900 – American Civil War: Sergeant William Harvey Carney becomes the first African American to be awarded the Medal of Honor, for his heroism in the Assault on the Battery Wagner in 1863.

3. 2008 – The International Court of Justice (ICJ) awards Middle Rocks to Malaysia and Pedra Branca (Pulau Batu Puteh) to Singapore, ending a 29-year territorial dispute between the two countries.

Tell us about a holiday that falls on your birthday.

Apparently its Christian Feast Day. Which is quite spooky what with me being the new Sunday School Leader and all.

What have you learnt about your birthday?

I get a name birthday in Spain, very cool I am like the Queen with two birthdays ;-) Also quite a few creative people were born throughout history on my birthday. Directors, Composers, Writers. Hmm must be the Gemini Sign.

Finally, please tag some people who will hate you some lovely people to carry on this meme, then link back to this post so they can find the badge and link up their post once published.

Consider your lovely selves tagged:

Nadine: @DaisyMaisyLou

Tinuke: @circusmum_

Vikki: @LoveFromMummy

Jo: @JoDC77

Sonia: @mummyconstant

If it is your birthday today, Happy Birthday *pulls out party poppers and cake*

Take care

Love Kate

I think I caused a bit of a stir!

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Ladd) — Wed, 02 May 2012 21:13:00 +0000

I started a bit of a debate on that there Twitter on 30th April when I randomly tweeted my thoughts out loud for all and sundry to see.

Having said good morning I then randomly asked: Question: if you tweet, email, +comment on anothers blog and they repeatedly do not reply do you un follow them or continue to show support?

The question was met with some interesting replies (some of which have remained anonymous) but went a little something like this with @mummyconstant and @circusmum_ and @stressymummy:

No comments on whether I'm normal please ;-)

A few of the other comments were basically saying that if someone has repeatedly ignored you then totally 100% unfollow them. What is the point of following someone if they aren't going to follow you back or even talk to you.

I had a few people DM me to ask if I were ok or if something had happened, which nothing major has happened just me making some random observations on the world around me. I felt incredibly guilty over the past three to four weeks for not being there due to illness. Firstly as a mother to Youngling, well you would wouldn't you, then for neglecting my friends in 'real' life and all my cyber chums. The trouble with being poorly, in and out of the action for a while, is that everything can change in literally the click of your fingers. Or in this conversational observation, the click of the mouse!

There has been a lot of talk recently throughout the blogosphere about cyber bullying and what not. I have only been subject to some cyber bullying emails which I have chosen to disregard and ignore, taking the moral high ground apparently, no matter how difficult and upsetting it was at the time. I haven't intentionally set out to upset anyone or hurt anyone and wouldn't do so in the future for I do not believe myself to be a malicious person. I have never heard anyone say directly to me that I have upset them for which I am rather pleased.

But there are people out there who are doing this. Why? What is there to gain from it?

Yes I have felt belittled sometimes when I have gone out of my way to help new bloggers or tweeters or to generally help a local single mum get in touch with like minded single mums on the internet for example. But when they 'drop' me for their 'new-friends' (of which they seem to have many) why does it hurt me so much? Shouldn't I take the advice from the lovely ladies above (and all those who tweeted and emailed me?). Not to take it so much to heart and blog and tweet for the purpose of blogging and tweeting. Surely I should just accept our friendships for what they were, and move on?

I do admit to wanting to reach a certain numbers target *coughs - at least 500 - coughs* because that is just me. I have a little OCD thing going on with targets and numbers and there is a heck of a lot that many people do not know about me and it is secret for a reason. But people change.

At least I am honest about my changes and I will try to go out of my way to befriend someone whether in person or through a computer screen. To me friends are more than just the words I see before me or the voice on the end of the phone. They are a lifeline to Youngling and I.

How then do you know when you and your friends, in 'real' life or your cyber chums, have changed so much that you really start to consider unfollowing them?

Is it too harsh to 'unfollow' a friend in 'real' life? If yes, why then is it ok to do it online? What do you think?

Take Care,
Love Kate
xx

PS: my beautiful friends can be found at:

@mummyconstant : http://www.mummyconstant.com
@circusmum_ : http://www.circusmums.com/
@stressymummy http://nikki-stressymummy.blogspot.com

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Ladd) — Wed, 02 May 2012 08:36:00 +0000

The morning after the night before.

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Ladd) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 08:13:00 +0000

Feeling better than I had in weeks The Bestie, and her new man friend, popped over for take away and drinks on Friday. Well I can only assume it was down to my having been poorly for so long that I got utterly hammered on literally two glasses of wine. It was hilarious. I couldn't stop laughing, which then made me cough but we had such a funny evening.

The highlight of the evening was thinking that now would be a great time to record my next Vlog. I had a few ideas that evening and I even roped The Besties new man friend in to playing the host / narrator for a comic conversation with Big Bear - you can see said Big Bear Ted in the video below.

Alas that didn't quite come to plan but I will keep it in mind for another time.

I do have a bit of juicy gossip for you though. Are you sitting comfortably?

It was after yet another glass of wine Shh I am over 18 and was without Youngling for the weekend that I decided it was a good point to call Mr. Tweeter. Yes that's right folks. Mr Tweeter from my post Would You Ever...? We have been tweeting one another since then.

We accepted each others Facebook friend requests and after having a nosey at each others pictures decided we weren't totally put off. Stupidly I have kept my mobile number on my Facebook page and I got a very random text one day.

It was Mr. Tweeter!

After checking it was actually him for I don't go about randomly giving my number out these days I saved his number.

Yes. I did indeed call Mr. Tweeter. Curiosity got the better of me and I needed to know what he sounded like. Well I say I when in fact I dared The Bestie to call. However after switching the phone onto speaker I bottled it, held my hands over my mouth in excitement and nervousness.

"Hello"

He answered.

"Hello" he giggles "Hello?"

I couldn't speak I was far too stunned so The Bestie did what The Bestie could. She said hello trying to sound just like me. She was freakishly good especially when she used phrases only I would use etc. We have been asked soooo many times if we are sisters for sounding alike and being so close and what not so it's easy to imitate one another.

The conversation with Mr Tweeter didn't last long but it was lovely and I was so glad that I, we, The Bestie, did it.

I am a little concerned for Mr Tweeter texted soon after saying how lovely I, The Bestie, did sound. I wonder when we'll talk again? What if he doesn't like the real me? We probably wont after he sees this video but it's been fun while it lasted. Enjoy.

Take One:

Take Two:

Take Care

Love

Kate

Meeting Myself Coming Back - Week 3

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Ladd) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:08:00 +0000

This weeks meme has been postponed out of respect for A Twenty Something Mum who's partner is in hospital having under gone major surgery. Our thoughts, prayers and love go out to Chloe and her family at this time.

Instead of us asking you, I would like to open up the questioning to all our lovely readers. This is your opportunity to ask us anything. What would you like to know about us? What would you like people to ask you but they never do? This is your chance to get those burning questions off your chest and they don't have to do with parenting, motherhood, careers. They can be as random and as wacky as you like.

You can leave your questions (the more the merrier) in the comments below or email me at: Kateladd1@gmail.com if you wish to remain anonymous. So don't be shy and get asking. As with everything else in this blog, pretty much anything goes ;-)

Take care and best wishes.

Kate

It's all gone a bit MAD

noreply@blogger.com (Kate Ladd) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 08:30:00 +0000

HOLY SCHAMOLEY what a week it has been. I have had so many ups and downs this past week that I could be a human YoYo. I've just checked and Ive been nominated for not 1 but **7** Mad Blog Awards *stunned into silence*

WOWZA! Shocked doesn't even come close.

Thank you guys for voting thus far *hugs* Not sure what happens next but I believe there will be a short list of people through to the next round being posted next week. The shortlist nominees will be competing with some of The Best Mum and Dad Bloggers in the UK!!! *squeals with excitement*

So for now I am chuffed that I have been nominated for:

~ Most Inspiring Blog 2012
~ Most Helpful Blog 2012
~ Most Thrifty Blog 2012
~ Best Home Blog 2012
~ Best Family Lfe Blog 2012
~ Best Family Fun Blog 2012
~ Best Blog Writer 2012

So here is my badge of honour to say that I Makeshift Mummy would indeed like to be considered to go through to the next round, thanking you kindly ;-)

It's amazing to see how many people were nominated. (You can see the full list of nominations HERE) I have found some wonderful friends through blogging and I have kept myself sane by reaching out and expressing myself the only way I know how. Writing. I have always written. Even when my Mum and Dad used to take me aside and tell me, separately, to change my handwriting. My Mum didn't like it when my writing slanted forward (like my Dad). My Dad didn't like when my writing was too big and bubble like (like my Mum's). If I have learnt anything throughout my blogging experience it is how to be me, and be happy with just that.

Thanks again to everyone who has voted. I will keep you posted as to what happens next. A huge congratulations to everyone who has been nominated and to all those who run the @MadBlogAwards Keep up the good work guys and gals.

Love from,
Me
XxX