All posts in Real Live Mums

Together with the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation we are honoured to present today’s real live Mum.

Meet Karin, a survivor.

What makes you a Mum? Hearing the word “Mummy” and knowing it belongs to me and will always be.

Fghting to be here (breast cancer) for myself but also for my girls and father of my children.Its a feeling deep inside that nothing can compare to.

Loving unconditionally. No matter what my girls do. Being there for them.

Being compassionate , caring and loving at times but  a discipliner at others. Being a mum is about compromising sometimes  and  putting things aside to be there for your children. time is everything.

Knowing that no matter how many children I will have I will have enough love for all and even more.

Describe where you are right now At the moment I am fighting (positively saying that )  breast cancer. I have had surgery and treatments, still one more procedure to go and radiation. I have three girls and I love them with all my heart. I am constantly trying to juggle what I love doing which is my charity (paddleforhope.co.nz). Questioning if I am a good mum, what else I need to do, How can I do it better and trying to be the best role model I can for my children(2,3 and 6 years old).
I love life and I can wait to see what the future holds for me.

Describe the last dream you remember having.  It was actually today . I fell asleep again during the day (on medication from surgery) and I dreamt about my friend Kate and her partner. That we were all cooking a big meal together.(Haven’t told her yet ..hahaha) and we were in a different house. I suddenly realized I didn’t have a dish washer.

Use five words to describe your family. Happy, lively, blessed, giving, warm

What is one thing nobody knows about you? I cry sometimes, when I am heartbroken I can really go into a cocoon and cry. I can also cry when something has touched me, like a song.

What is your most treasured item?  My mother’s diamonds engagement and wedding rings and her heart pedant It was lost and stolen and in both incidents my partner found it for me..once even in the middle of the night while it was raining outside.  It has a really special meaning 

When was the last time you broke a rule? Probably parking and not displaying a valid ticket in the window

What is your best piece of advice? Be true to yourself and to the people you care for.Listen. Be kind and compassionate. Never give up.  

What’s your #1 go-to “I’m shattered and I have to feed people” meal solution?  It’s a really simple dish. I usually cut some vegetables such as carrot,broccoli,tomatoes, cucumber and celery . I quickly take out some dips . Hummus and Tahini that I make myself. Than I make Shaksuka which is an Israeli dish(this is where I am originally from). Baked eggs , capsicum and diced tomatoes. You can add spices and make it interesting. Toasts on the side make it easy to dip in too. It a really quick dish. 

When was the last time you forgot something important?  I usually write everything down. Because of chemotherapy I had a bit of memory issues which is getting better since I completed my treatments but with surgery recently performed, I have to make sure I have memo pads everywhere and alerts  on my iphone so I can remember.  I always have a calendar filled in and printed on the fridge so everyone knows where I am and what to do, (even taking out the rubbish bin) … 

Five minutes ago I was  watching X factor and looking at these questions. I actually had tears in my eyes when this amazing singer was performing. WOW!  and five minutes from now I will go and have something to eat and relax. 

What makes you a Mum? The butterflies in my tummy when I just sit quietly and watch my baby girl exploring and learning about everything she touches.

Describe where you are right now. I am a mother of a beautiful little girl and step-mum to a lively 8 year old. I am currently trying really hard to get my business off the ground so that I can have as much time with my baby as possible.

Describe the last dream you remember having. I have always had very vivid dreams, sometimes I would swear they are real! Most recently I have dreamt about travelling. 

Use five words to describe your family. Busy, Fun, Loving, Adventurous and Happy.

What is one thing nobody knows about you? No if I shared that then everyone would know wouldn’t they!

What is your most treasured item? My family and memories.

When was the last time you broke a rule? Hhhhmm a few days ago, never leave a nappy off too long when you aren’t close by! Continue reading →

What makes you a Mum?  My children and the ability to multitask. 

Describe where you are right now.  In my living room, watching toddler toons. 

Describe the last dream you remember having. An old (teenage) crush picked me up in his super fast car, asked me to get in, next thing I knew we were in a movie scene running away from the police. 

Use five words to describe your family. Dramatic Humourous Weird Precious FUN

What is one thing nobody knows about you? Incorrect grammar on anything annoys me. 

What is your most treasured item?  My brother who was cremated and sits in a glass teddy bear. 

When was the last time you broke a rule?  This morning when I was late for work and didn’t Continue reading →

What makes you a Mum?  Having children who I will do anything and everything for. 

Describe where you are right now.  I am lying on the bean bag – trying to organise thank you cards with  my 3 month old lying with me and 2 year old in bed.

Describe the last dream you remember having.  My 2 year old being hit by a car – it was awful.

Use five words to describe your family.  Fun and on the go. Continue reading →

What makes you a Mum? An unrivalled appreciation/love/understanding of my own mum and dad.

Describe where you are right now. I am a full time mum with 2 kids at school and one tucked up in bed, so being an active relaxer I am sitting at my laptop in the lounge thinking about what I can squeeze into the next valuable two hours!

Describe the last dream you remember having.  That is very difficult as I am so shattered sleep is deep. Dreams and sleep are instantly forgotten once the eyelids struggle open to each morning of school rush madness! Continue reading →

What makes you a Mum?  3 boys……ages 13,14 and 37.  

Describe where you are right now.  Sitting in my office looking out the window at tree ferns and birds – quite nice really!

Describe the last dream you remember having.  Swimming………water dreams are with me at least once a week.  Swimming, floating, surfing….you name it, it is in my subconscious!

Use five words to describe your family.  Boisterous, noisy, involved, funny, open.

What is one thing nobody knows about you?  I have a terrible middle name……

What is your most treasured item?  Apart from my family (which really has to be put first, although they don’t really count as ‘items’).  A book where my boys grandparents (and great grandparents who were alive at the time) have written about their lives.  I am also particularly fond of the blue china bowl I eat my breakfast out of each morning.

When was the last time you broke a rule?  Last week….. 

What is your best piece of advice?  QTIP – Quit taking it personally (wish I could do this more often).

When was the last time you forgot something important?  Last week….

What’s your #1 go-to “I’m shattered and I have to feed people” meal solution?  Eggs on toast if it’s the family.

Five minutes ago I was sitting at my desk.  Five minutes from now I will be eating my lunch.

What makes you a Mum?  Laying the largest egg for bird size in the world! That is commitment!

Describe where you are right now.  Sleeping in my cosy burrow under a native tree in the forest. 

Describe the last dream you remember having.  Flying away.  Wings would be really useful to get away from some of those pesky predators we have here!

Use five words to describe your family.  Feathered, Independent, nocturnal, iconic, endangered.

What is one thing nobody knows about you?  I have marrow in my bones – just like a mammal (but I am a bird!) 

What is your most treasured item?  My bill – long and slender and very sensitive.  I need it to find food and it does an excellent job!                                                                                                                                                                           

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