Hi, I’m Melanie, a 40-year-old mum of eight (yes, eight!) amazing kids, ranging from tiny tots to full-blown teenagers. Some are home schooled, some are in school, and some are still just learning how to walk without wiping out.
I’ve lived a life packed with chapters: marriage, divorce, falling in love again and building a beautifully blended family, surviving on pennies, doing alright financially, navigating the emotional rollercoaster of trauma and the legal labyrinth of family court. I had my first baby at 25, my latest at 40 …clearly I don’t believe in age limits when it comes to parenting… or chaos.
When I’m not refereeing sibling disputes or stepping on LEGO, I find peace (and sanity) in crocheting and creating all kinds of arts and crafts. This blog is where I share real-life stories, hard-earned wisdom, and maybe a few helpful tips along the way, all served with a side of humour and a cup (or 10) of very strong coffee.
Follow along if you’re into parenting, crafting, or just want to feel slightly better about the number of kids you have.
The Great Eight 