My Mum Story #7. Meet Michelle Asquith!
Michelle is a 47 year old (mad woman) mum of 3, her words not mine! Michelle is married to the very tolerant Steve, loves the smell of cakes baking in the oven and a freshly mowed lawn, not at the same time! Spring makes Michelle happy and fills her with excitement as to what the summer will bring. Her children are my world.
I am Mum to….
Charlotte 21, Olivia 19 and Oscar 3.
The best bits about being a Mum are….
With having two older girls I find such joy in watching them with their little brother. Well, just Charlotte at the moment, Olivia is studying in Georgia. We all chat on face time so Olivia can see Oscar and Charlotte sends Olivia snap chats of him all the time. We all miss her.
I adore watching them, how they interact with other people from work colleagues to children at nursery. I stand in awe, sometimes unable to quite believe I’ve brought them into the world. I am so proud and filled with anticipation of where their paths will lead. To have such a big gap between them has made me more tolerant. I have more patience and I try to embrace and enjoy every second they’re around me. Watching Oscar grow, develop and learn is fascinating, like I’ve never done it before. Time goes so fast. I’m still learning and it’s a pleasure.
The most challenging bits about being a Mum are….
When they (the girls) wind each other up….. I used to step in between them, tell them to stop (at the point where they were ready to pull hair or throw a punch). Now they’re too big for me to get involved! I just shut the door and let them get on with it!
I find being an older mum to Oscar challenging physically. Sometimes just bed time routine can be hard work though I wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s all worth it, even the inquisitive mind as he’s listening to me reading a book. I’m ready for bed myself and yet he’s still a million miles an hour. Bless him.
The best piece of advice I could give other mums is….
If they don’t sleep…. do what you need to do to get through the night. Even if that means letting them sleep with you.
If they have a tantrum….. make them safe, step over them, leave them to where you can still see them. Give them a few minutes to settle down themselves.
If they don’t eat the ‘right stuff’, don’t stress. Try to put the good stuff in front of them when you can.
If the ‘in laws’ know best…. remember, you’re the mum!
If the person on the bus or in the shop tuts at you for your child’s behaviour, just smile, stay calm and breathe. You’re the Mum!
Above all, every day take a few moments to see what you have. Your children are a gift. You only get them once and trust me, it goes far too fast!
Since I’ve become a Mum I….
Actually, I’m 47…… I can’t remember!!!
No, really…..
I’ve lived in 5 houses, collected dogs, ducks, hamsters, chickens and rabbits alongside children!
Had a beauty business for 20years. Now run a Pro Shop at a golf club.
Play golf when I can.
Performed in many a production, even at the Palace theatre in Manchester!
Danced until….
I had major hip surgery (it’s not worked…. watch this space). I can still dance the Argentine Tango with Steve. When I can no longer do that I’ll be one very unhappy dancer!
Had a C section with Oscar, which nearly ended our lives. I said my goodbyes going into theatre. Thank the Lord we lived to tell the tale!
I’ve watched my mum go through Breast cancer. She is an amazing woman, 74 and puts me to shame!
Having children made me.
I had my girls for 18 years then along came my boy! They’ve turned my world upside down. I’ve been through divorce, heartache, sadness, pain and happiness I’ve held hands, wiped tears, been nursemaid, house wife, cleaner, cook and everything else in between.
Women are the eternal peace keepers. I’m proud to be one of them!
My best mum photo is this one because….
It has my kids in it!

Other blog posts you might find useful:
My Mum story#5. Meet Susan Rushworth
Did your #bestnine2017 photos have the same problem as mine?
My Mum Story