3D REFLECTIONS OF LIFE

  Organising a 21st birthday party for your daughter is a GALACTIC affair. If men are from Mars and women are from Venus, then " Going on 21" daughters are from Jupiter. They will erupt like multiple volcanoes and fry you alive when you want to Mommy-mess with their party.   Don't lose heart, though. If your daughter still doesn't know what her 21st party must be like, it's okay. Breathe in the word, "calm" and exhale "peace" to centre yourself. Then, become the tight-loose negotiator all Moms are born to be. Here is your three-phase survival kit:   What Moms should accept:   Your ideas were only hip during the Noah's Ark cruise. Keep your signature brand for your own parties. You are only the boss lady of your cash and your credit card.   Black and White Decisions:   Be Gerrie Nel, with specs dramatics and clinch these:   Should the party be at a hired venue? Is the party a themed day or night event? What is the Mom/da...

Our children determine the quality time agenda at times When our children become teenagers, they slowly start shifting away from us. I am sure we are all too familiar with the signs: the irritation with all those supposed faux paus we make - laughing too loudly, not 'getting it', not cooking the right foods, not enjoying life - just about everything that was fine not too long ago.  Our own children are no different. And, when they wish to include us in their activities, I jump at these opportunities! Weekend nicknaks  This weekend was no different. Each of the Lewinsky trio had their own plans and somehow we were roped in at junctures which they determined. Brett and his lil' family had a movie day in front of the fireplace. All movie snacks and homemade burger rolls travelled to our bedroom at various intervals. Sasha was at Tyler's place where she and her friends worked on one of the items on their bucket list. They too had a movie night, watching some chick fli...