Phyl's Blog

...when the box is always so much more fun? Me: What are you up to guys? Anna: Oh, we're just sitting in this box and I'm readin...

If you've read me before, you know I'm a big fan of Humans of New York . Once again, Brandon's left New York and is currently in...

Last week we went to Ikea's Xmas party to celebrate St Lucia in true Scandinavian style. The kids had a ball as always, as they danced...

As honorary Scandinavians, we made our annual pilgrimage to Ikea canteen last week for salmon, meatballs and a selection of Swedish d...

"Listen Mummy, I can play my jumper!"

Thomas: Come on kids, let's tidy up, granny will be here soon!   3,4&5: Awwwwh!  Thomas: Don't you want granny to come?  3,4...

Anna: Mummy, you know how Lily is a Syrian hamster? Me: Yes. Anna: Are the hamsters going to be ok? I heard there was a war in Syri...

Children really know how to make you feel guilty!  Today Anna came bouncing up to me: I think it's probably about time I stopped c...

So I was sitting in the TV room reading to the youngest two, one on either side. Anna was on my left. She started twiddling my engagem...

I remember the first time I moved away from home and from Glasgow for any significant time, that is to say for a stay of more than a coupl...

When Marcel moved out, I wondered what effect that would have on the relationship between him and the very youngest of his siblings. I won...

"Put your shoes away in the shoe cupboard Amaia, please" Two hours later... Wow, I love it for its innovation - this is a firs...

Amaia: The other day the teacher was going over the letter O with us. Me: So did you all have to put up your hands if you knew any words...

Winter Spring Summer Autumn

After Marcel moved out, we promised the girls we'd redecorate their room (and then Léon's). In the days when we had only the oldest ...

One of those amusing parenting moments: Amaia: Mummy? Me: Yes? Amaia (pensive): Can you only get Wee Willie Winkie's sausages...

Yeah, I know I'm a soppy old fool but this made me cry. As I get older, it never ceases to amaze me how short life really is. Yesterda...

Charlotte has been helping out at Amaia's old nursery this week as part of the compulsory work experience scheme in her school. Today sh...

This week HONY's photographing refugees arriving in Europe and having them recount their stories. Read them.

Leafing through this month's Waitrose magazine with a view to finding the recipe for their ghost meringue Halloween cake, featured o...