ASD??

Well as many of you who have read my previous blogposts regarding DJ you will no he has dyslexia and dyspraxia.
We have also found out he has some low muscle tone and is double jointed in his hips.
ohh i remember the days when i was flexible and could walk like a crab and get into many strange posistions. its funny now watching DJ able to do it.
But on his last apptiontment with the OT she said she thought DJ may be on the asd spectrum but that if he is it is only very mild...
So we have now been referred to various other agencys although some have a 12month waiting list.
It will explain a few things if we find out for sure that he has. such as the love if routine and time spent being alone amongst other things.
If any of my followers have children or relatives that are on the asd spectrum i would be greatful of any advice/tips on how to cope with the routine. fear of various things and noises and so on.

My best friends birthday

Yesterday was my best friends birthday. unfortently i only managed to get a few pics.
one of me with my friends daughter and another of a friends leg cast that we had all done some silly random drawings.
As it was a week day and knowing we would have to get up early today we decided against going out and a few of us got together for pizza and a few drinks.
between us we had 10 portions of chips. 5 large pizzas and 2 cheesy garlic breads and boy was it yummy.
It was a good night loads if chatting few drinks and plenty of giggles.
I was glad to celebrate my birthday with my friend. we have known each other now 9years, not once have we had a bad word to say or an argument and i have to say she is always their for me.
I would be lost with out her sometimes.
So i would just like to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO A TRUE FRIEND LOVE YOU MILLIONS and hope u had a fab day and night and heres to the weekend celebrations whooo

Yummy Mummy

I was lucky enough to be able to go away for a week at the beginning of the summer holidays.
Ruby went to stay with her dad and Dj went to stay with his aunty and uncle.
I went to catch up with an old friend with whom i worked with 10year ago and i hadnt seen since leaving the job.
Now i have to admit i get up in the morning get the kids sorted and have a quick shower and always end up throwing anything on. hair up and no make up.

now im not saying their is anything wrong with that as i feel comfy this way, but i do sometimes feel like a scruff.

whilst i was away i got to have a few nights out and to dress up. Boy it felt good. i forgot what it was like to dress up and wear make up.

i felt so good. confidence was high got loads of compliments and as you can see from the pic im smiling.

so i have decided from now on i am going to make an effort with myself at least a few times a week.

Im back Whoooo

Its been a while since i last blogged and oh how ive missed it.
my laptop broke then my phone broke and its only now ive got a decent phone im able to blog again.
got sooo many posts i want to write up so think il be a busy bee over the next month or so.
lots to tell and lots to doo :)

NO LAPTOP

Arghhhh ive not had a laptop for weeks now and i hate it.
Im finding it so hard trying to do everything on my phone plus i cant do the research i want properly or enter comps i like.
Plus i cant update and do my blog properly, hopefully il have a new laptop soon but looks like it will be in around 4weeks time

2KIDDIES TO NO KIDDIES

Well its bank holiday monday and i have only just recovered from a rare but good night out on saturday.
Seems to take me a few days to recover now. Is that a sign im getting old? I hope not.
Dj has gone to stay with family in benllech for a few days and Ruby has gone to her dads until friday, so i have peace and quite.
What do i have planned i hear you ask, and the anwser is simple, absolutly nothing, yes it may sound boring but im looking forward to just having a lie in, tea in peace, a bath where i can actually relax.

DYSPRAXIA, DYSLEXIA AND DJ

Well as you all know it was confirmed the other week that as well as being dyslexic dj also has dyspraxia.
I thought it would be good to write a post on what i already know from researching and being told.
Apologies as this post will be quite long.

Dyspraxia is also known as development coordination disorder, or dcd for short, it is a disabillity which effects the persons movements and coordination. Their is very little known of what causes dyspraxia but it has been said that it could be linked to early labour, family history of dyspraxia, mother drinking and or taking drugs during pregnancy as well as a low birth weight.

In people with dyspraxia they say that the motor neurones in the brain haven't developed properly, so they cant send the electrial signal from the brain to the muscle as they should do.
Around 10％ of the population have dyspraxia, and its more likely to effect males, their is also no cure, it is said some may grow out of it, others dont.
Dyspraxia is often linked to one or more of the following,  autisum, add, adhd, weak muscles and dyslexia.
Dj has with his weak muscles and servere dyslexia.

Their are various symptons and signs some sufferers have many symtons others only a few.

Struggle to sit and keep still.
Struggle with hand writting.
Struggle using cutlery.
Problems concentrating.
Struggle with buttons, zips and laces.
Make funny noises, flap and fidget with arms, legs, fingers, hands and feet.
Struggle to throw, catch and kick ball.
Sensitive to texture, touch.
Problems with brushing hair and teeth, washing themselves and wiping after being to the toilet.
Problems dealing with emotions, more sensitive than others.

That is just a few of the symptons but their are many more, it is said that no 2 sufferers are the same.

Being dyspraxic does not mean you arent clever in fact it is said that people with it often have a high verbal IQ.

Dj doesnt like that he has dyslexia and dyspraxia and weak muscle tone, and is finding it a little hard and confusing at the momment, i believe thats because things are all changing, which he doesnt like, i am lucky in a way as he doesn't have behaviour problems, but he is extremly sensitive so i have to be careful when i talk to him and the way i do.

I will post again soon about how the dyspraxia, dyslexia and muscle tone effects DJ, and myself and ruby, as well as what help he gets at home and in school

A SNOWY SATURDAY

As the weather as been horrible once today, Ruby has been stressed being stuck indoors so we got some arty bits out and ruby did a picture, glue was every where tho.
We also decided to have an afternoon nap, only we ended up sleeping for 2 hours oopppss, we both must of needed it.
Dj came home from his friends moaning he is bored so out came the playdoh.

We are of next door to my mums in 10mins for a lovely roast dinner, then home to bath kids in a gelli baff, film and cuddles on the sofa, relaxing start to the holidays.

Dyspraxia confirmed

On tuesday i had to take dj to our local child development centre for a dyspraxia test, we were their for nearly 2 hours, doing various tests to check his balance, coordination, handwritting, muscles and more.
It was confirmed that he does have dyspraxia as well as being dyslexic, and that his muscles are weak.

Their is no cure for dyspraxia but their is lots of help and information out their.
If im totally honest its all alot to take in and i feel guilty for shouting at DJ for things he hasn't been able to do as i no now that their a reason for it.

DJ has servere dyslexia and dyspraxia and his previous school offered no help, but since starting at a new school last september his work and confidence has come on leaps and bounds, it's great to finally see him mixing well with a wide range of children instead of just one friend.

DJ has no coordination at all so is unable to ride a bike or scooter, because of the dyspraxia he is also behind for his age in various other things, but excels in his maths, im so proud of him for coping and not letting anything get in his way.

I will blog again soon about Dj and his dyspraxia to let you all know how he is getting on

MOTHERS DAY

My first handmade mothers day card by ruby age 2 years

I am currently attending a 12 week course, Once a week on a monday for 2 hours and whilst i am their ruby goes into a creche to play with the other children and every week they do some sort of arts and crafts, last week i had a cat with blue ears, the week before that i had a red, white and black sheep and the week before that it was a green, blue and pink pig mask.

Well today it was my first hand made mothers day card from her, yes i no it's early but i had to have it today as she won't be in creche again until after mothers day and i have to say how proud i am and how happy i feel.

Love both my kiddies millions.

What has everyone got planned for mother's day this year? i'm of for a meal with my mum and the kids

WISH LIST 2013

As some of my blog readers may know already i like to enter competitions so i thought i would write a wish list of things that would be nice and fingers crossed i could win in 2013.

1) A new laptop or ipad as mines on it's way out and im hopefully going to collage in September

2) Some shopping vouchers or new clothes, for myself and the kids

3) Games, dvds and toys for the kids

4) A new mobile phone

5) A small holiday or night away for me and the kids

What would you like to win this year, is their anything in particular you would like? Big or small?

Would like to wish my fellow compers lots and lots of lucky dust and hope you all win something nice

DYDD GWYL DEWI SANT HAPUS

                                     

HAPPY ST DAVIDS DAY

MARCH 1ST 2013

Yesterday in Wales it was st davids day and my son went to school wearing his welsh rugby top, welsh scarf and a funny hat that has the welsh dragon on (no pics as ran out of batteries in camera :( )

My son's school did various activity's throughout the day with the children then served up a st david's day dinner.

They also put on a small concert in the afternoon, which was followed by bara brith, ( also known as speckled bread) and tea and coffee, Their was a small charge for parents to watch and have refreshments afterwards but it all goes towards the school and new equipment which is great.

On st Davids day, alot of people like to pin a small leek or daffodil on their coat or shirt

DJ said he had a lot of fun and enjoyed his day which is what matters

Hwyl am y tro ( bye for now )

VAPESTICK

Before i get on with writing this post i want you to know i have a habbit i'm not proud of, I smoke and have done since i was around 13 years old, I'm now nearly 29 years old.
I don't smoke around my children, I smoke in my kitchen with the door open and it's a habbit i have tried to give up 4 times now and each time I have failed.

Their is a company that sell vapesticks in various packs and designs, and their products are avalible to purchase from their website as well as tesco pharmacy's and londis stores.

Check out their website http://www.vapestick.co.uk/

I have kindly been sent 3 different products to test and review but before i write up my reviews as im currently in the process of testing the products i thought i would do a post about the products and where the are avalible to purchase.

The products i have been sent are the vapestick classic e-cig,  v2 disposable and v-shisha.

The picture above is the vapestick v2 disposable.
These retail at £5.99 and are available to purchase from londis, Tesco pharmacy, vapestick website and 1000's of other retailers.

The v2 disposable contains around 300 puffs, which is equal to 25-30 cigarettes and contains 1.8% nicotine, The tip of the disposable cigarette has a blue led light, which lights up each time you have a puff on it.

This picture is the vapestick classic e-cig and this retails at £29.99, This is available to purchase from Tesco pharmacys and the website.
This comes packaged in a small box that contains everything you need to start with.

2 rechargeable batteries
6 classic cartomisers (various flavours)
1 wall plug adaptor
1 usb charger
1 user manual
1 v card
1 branded carry pouch

Both batteries are charged so will not need charging you will be able to use them straight away, each cartridge is around 300 puffs which equals 25-30 cigarettes
The cartridges do contain nicotine, how much depends on the flavour

The picture above is of the v-shisha vapesticks and these retail at £24.99 and are available from the website and Tesco pharmacy.
These contain no nicotine and come in a nice carry case that contains 5 vapesticks, each one a diferent flavour
The flavours are blueberry, peach, apple, grape and strawberry, Each one contains approx 300 puffs which again is around 25-30 cigarettes and have tips that glow blue.

All products have a 30 day hassle free returns policy and are not sold to anyone under the age of 18 years old.

They are not classed as nicotine replacement products but are a cheaper alternative to smoking.

I am going to be testing these as i am trying to stop smoking, so over the next few weeks i will be keeping notes of how i get on, and what i think of each product and will then do a new blog post.
So fingers crossed these will help in some way.

You can check out vapestick from the links below

WEBSITE  http://www.vapestick.co.uk/

FACEBOOK  http://www.facebook.com/VAPESTICK?fref=ts

TWITTER  https://twitter.com/VAPESTICK

RETAIL STOCKISTS  http://www.vapestick.co.uk/vapestick-stockists.html

WIN AMAZON VOUCHERS

Amazon voucher giveaway

PLEASE NOTE IT IS NOT FOR £100 VOUCHER AS THE PICTURE ABOVE SHOWS

To enter please fill in the rafflecopter below, open to uk only.
Voucher will be sent by email.

Their are 2 prizes, each one is a £10.00 voucher

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

A LITTLE BIT OF SNOW

Last month when the country seemed to come to a stand still as they was thick snow more a less everywhere we were still waiting for it to snow here.
Then on the friday night around 10pm i looked out of the window to see that it was snowing, it was coming down thick and heavy, Oh i got so excited i wanted to wake the kids up, especially ruby as the last time it snowed she was only a few months old so she didn't really get to play in it, But i decided not too, thinking their would be loads in the morning.

This is my front garden around 10pm that night, it hadn't been snowing all that long, You can see the snow flakes coming down

This is the back garden, again you can see the snowflakes and how thick they were and coming down quite fast.

The little snowman that DJ made all by himself, the snowman stayed for 3 days after all the snow had gone, he had daisy's for eyes

My 2 monkeys making snow angels, I wasn't sure what Ruby would be like in the snow, but she lay down in it straight away, was happy to pick it up an throw it around, she even took her gloves of at one stage and wouldn't put them back on saying her hands weren't cold

This is Ruby again playing it it, you can see how little we had when we all woke up, but the kids still had fun playing out in it, and walking around, It took me ages to get Ruby in as she wanted to stay out.

I FEEL YUMMY AGAIN

For a few months i have been feeling slightly low and trying to lose weight at the same time, I've not socialized much, stuck in the house which isn't good for me at all.
Well i managed to lose half a stone but still felt low, when a friend who i hadn't seen for a few months asked me if i fancied a night out, saying i could get ready at her's and stay their as well.
My daughter was already in her dad's so i just had to find a sitter for DJ, not having any luck i phoned my friend back and said i wouldn't be able to go out as their was no-one to look after DJ, when she said her daughter would do it.

Now im happy to walk round in my leggings, baggy tops most days, don't often bother with my hair, it's normally thrown in a pony-tail, make up is very rare, I always feel like a scruff and if im honest look like one to, This is because of the way i have been feeling.

This is me, all ready to go out, dressed up, hair coloured, and make up on, I feel like a new me, and i love this pic as it shows that i do have a decent figure ( Not bad for having kids ) and with a push up bra i have a cleavage whooo, LOL

This is me and my friend, her daughter took the picture and told us to pose like lady's, so this is our best pose.
I felt and looked good and it's given me back some of my confidence, made me feel happier again, I did get a few compliments as well which was a great boost

So i have decided from now on just because im a mummy it doesn't mean i can't look good, and if it make's me feel happier, more confidence in myself then thats good as it will rub of on the kids as well

I'VE BEEN NOMINATED

Hello everyone

I'm proud to say that i have been nominated for The Mads 2013 parent dish awards,

I haven't been blogging long and haven't been able to blog as much as i like but that will all change as i have loads to blog about and loads of pictures to share with you all

Im really proud to of been nominated and would just like to say if you think that my blog fit's into any of the 15 catergories and you would also like to nominate me and my blog please can you do so here

http://www.the-mads.com/awards/

Thank you to all my readers and for my nominations

DYSLEXIA AND DYSPRAXIA

My son DJ is 7 years old, He will be 8 in august, about 6 months after he first started full time school i realized that he was having a few problems with work and spoke to the school, They said it was because he was one of the youngest in his class, so i left it another few months but he was still having problems so i asked they test him to see if he was dyslexic, the reason i asked for this is that im dyslexic myself, we also have family members that have dyslexia, so they tested him and it confirmed what i thought.
It was put down that dj should have help but this help never happened  I kept speaking to the school and still no help was given so after speaking to the education department i decided to transfer him to a different school.
DJ has been in his new school since September 2012 and has settled in well, his teacher has given me regular reports and I can already see a change in him, His confidence has grown, it's lovely to see him finally coming out of his shell and wanting to learn.
DJ mainly suffers with his reading and writing, and is now getting 1 to 1 reading lessons and a request has been put in for him to have a 1 to 1 teacher full time. We have also been referred to an OT and are currently waiting for an appointment to come through to have him tested to see if he also has dyspraxia, and after speaking to his teacher and some friends who have children/brothers/sisters with it we are 99% sure he has.
DJ has no balance or co-ordination and for a few years i have got so frustrated with him thinking he wasn't trying, I feel awful now for not supporting him more as this is all linked to the dyspraxia.

Does anyone have children who are dyslexic and/or have dyspraxia? If so have you any advice or help that i can use to help DJ and learn to understand it more myself.

I will be writing more about being dyslexic and having dyspraxia as i learn more and will be writing about DJ and his procress

GIFTSONLINE4U.COM

Are you looking for something to buy for someone but unsure of what to buy, Want to get them something different to what you would normally buy, Then I recommend you check out http://www.giftsonline4u.com/

They have a wide range of gifts to choose from, Not only can you search by gift type, you can also search by price, They have gifts for all occasions, from Christmas, valentines, fathers day, birthdays and so much more.
I have spent hours browsing their site and would be over the moon if I were to receive some gifts from their and have mentioned their site to a few friends and family members

I also like the fact that their contact number is clearly noted at the top of the page, and not only do they except credit/debit card as payment but they also except pay pal.


I think this engraved compact mirror is absolutely stunning, I also like that you can have it engraved with a personal message all for just £34.99, Not only is it something you could use but it would also make a lovely keepsake gift.

Not only do they have some lovely gifts for women but they also have gifts to suit baby's and children and men, They even have personalised football gifts with a wide range of football teams to choose from.
I have already found the gift I will be purchasing for my step-dad for his birthday later in the year


 
A personalised zippo lighter with the Liverpool football team logo on the front and on the back of the lighter you can add your choice of message, again a great gift to receive, and also one to keep for just £34.99

When choosing a personalised item, it is easy to do, and you can also follow an easy how to tutorial, and whats more is that postage to the UK is free no matter how little or how much you spend.
I highly recommend you check out their site.

You can also find them on twitter and facebook

http://www.giftsonline4u.com/

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New Years Eve 2012

NEW YEARS EVE 2012

Most new years eve for the past 7 years, Their is a few of us who get together, Their's myself and my 2 children, My mum and step-dad, My friend emma and her partner steve and their 2 children.
Also any one else who turns up and decides to join us.
We all gather in one house and have a few drinks together whilst the kids play or watch dvds, we then around 10.30ish start to get the kids ready and wrapped up warm to walk to our local town to watch the fireworks at midnight from the castle.

A picture of the kids monkeying around, trying to get them to sit still and have a nice picture was a task in itself, after taking 3 or 4 of them making faces I gave up

The top picture is of me and emma, This was just before we were about to start walking, I'm already merry their, The picture below is of dj and kai pulling their party poppers

Ruby flat out in the pram, she did well as she was awake until 11.30pm, woke up for 2 seconds whilst the fireworks on and went straight back to sleep, The 2nd picture is of kai, dj and another friend with their sparklers.

And the lost lot of pictures are a few of the fireworks, Sorry their not brill but by this time I was slightly worse for wear, and the last picture was taken when we got back in from seeing the fireworks, It's my step-dad who was also a little drunk and thought it was funny to pretend to be a reindeer.

I have to say that 2012 wasn't the best year for me, so I am glad that it is finally over, although new years eve was fantastic, but again I was with my kids, great friends and family.
I am looking forward to 2013 and what it has in store for me as I have a few goals I hope to reach, although I won't tell you about them just yet.

Happy new year to all who read my blog, I hope 2013 brings you lots of luck, love and happiness
What are your aims, goals and wishes for this year?

CHRISTMAS DAY 2012

I have to be honest and say that I wasn't looking forward to christmas this year, Yes I no I have 2 wonderful kids to enjoy it with, but earlier in the year I lost some-one very dear to me, she was only 14 years old and it was the first christmas in 3 years that I wouldn't be able to speak too.
But I did enjoy christmas as luckily I was surrounded by my wonderful children, family and friends.

The kids pile of presents, Ruby had a bike as her main present, Dj's main present was alot smaller as it was a childs touchpad with various learning apps on, that he can also play games, listen to music, access the net and take pictures on.
I decided on the kids touchpad for dj as he is dyslexic so I wanted something that not only would he like but will also learn on.

A few more pictures from throughout the day, The kids opening their presents, Ruby who decided it was a good idea to sit in her dolls pram, and wanted pushing around the house in it, which I will say was hard work as i had to bend right down, and was scared of the pram breaking whilst she was sat in it.
Dj and ruby playing with one of the play-doh sets they each had for christmas, and another of some of us who were here for dinner.

The kids had a fantastic day and loved everything that santa had got for them, I loved everything santa got for me as well, especially my new pj's and slippers, perfect for these horrible cold nights we're currently having.
I hope you all had a fantastic day and got lots of lovely presents

A Rare Night Out

Last month I had a rare night out with my auntie, A few friends were also out.
I only went to my local town about a mile from where I live, and to one of the local pubs, Their was a drag act on and I have to say I was happy I went out as I had such a fantastic night.

 Me and my auntie singing simply the best in the pub, I have to say I can't sing to save my life I was lucky I didn't smash any of the windows with my voice, But its all fun

This is me and the drag act, coming towards the end of the night, as you can see by my face

 Me and a young lad called jamie, Believe it or not jamie is only 18, Im 28 and used to babysit for him, strange how I now end up in the pub joining him for a few drinks

 My lovely auntie and one of her best and oldest friends, They have been friends since they were in school, My auntie is the one of the right wearing a black jacket

Me and jay, he was chewing on that straw for some reason most of the night, My eyes look evil, their soo red