AUTHOR. Mother to 10. Home educator. Army mum. Military supporter. Devon girl. Outdoors & adventure. Photography. Mental health & exercise.
Positivity.
Raising, & home educating, 10 kids, from a humble terrace house, in the lovely SW of England.
We take 100% responsibility for our kids' futures, alongside writing, illustrating, & producing our books.
The House of Vidak, it's not just a name, it's a lifestyle.
#10kids
#newbio
It's the 1st time we've seen him in his 2s. His passing out parade was behind closed doors (C19). I'm so privileged & proud to claim this moment. Every feeling about myself, my image, has disappeared because I finally got this precious moment.
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
#10kids
I don't do politics, not my thing, I do, on the other hand, like soldiers... Even the odd Rupert. After many years of crushing on
@JohnnyMercerUK
I have to say my allegiance has most definitely switched. We're going to have to girl crush on
@mercer_felicity
what a LEGEND!
@dealwithit2510
15 with a school friend... by the time I got to 17, I had "upgraded" to a rather delicious 34 yr old and have never looked back. You can't beat an older man. Now in my 30s, older and wiser... I'd still only do much older men. Although these days I tend to attract 50+ 😘
2 years ago today we travelled from Devon to Yorkshire & left our just 16-year-old & his ironing board in the care of
@CO_AFC
. A crazy 2 years, but one filled with pride, as the boy & wonderful staff have done all this with covid.
#miltwitter
#9kids
#army
#belonging
#bethebest
When the boy joined the Rifles, I decided I wasn't going to be a fat mum on the side lines. So I started my 5st weight loss. Best thing I ever did, & moments like stealing his tee out the laundry remind me of our journey together & the success we have.
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
@Charlie533080
Thank you for this story, I've just read it to my older 4 kids, they're in awe of 'Z' & all his fellow interpreters. They have a soldier brother & are so thankful to the selfless acts of these men who help keep their brother & all mil safe.
#keepthestoryalive
#afghanistan
❤
Underneath that smile, I'd got to 32 yrs old & then experienced my first breakdown. I felt broken, hollow. I'll be honest... I've had a couple more since then & battle with my own overwhelming head space some days.
#WorldMentalHealthDay
#understanding
#wellbeing
#mindfulness
@welshden
@DrZoeWilliams
@thismorning
@BrocqSarah
We've spent so long perfecting inside and "chilling" that we forget what getting active is about. More time outside, being distracted by nature and not distracted by netflicks and some "munchies", would surely help improve mental health and attitudes towards eating...?
I used to own this exact same dress in a size 18. I loved it, a practical style "house dress", this one is a size 10, and I'm 5 stone (70lb) lighter. Maybe, sometimes, the simple moments make you rediscover how far you've come.
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
#10kids
#weightloss
#dress
I am astounded that the Falklands isn't a War discussed in schools... We can learn a lot from the Falklands.
It's a topic I cover with my children
#homeeducation
#9kids
#armymum
#humanity
September 17th 1982: HMS Invincible returns home from the
#Falklands
war after the longest deployment ever made by any ship without making port. I remember watching this ❤
Boiler engineer arrives. Does his checks... Sits down to do paperwork...
Him- "Are you in the Rifles?"
Me- "My eldest is, my family were Devon & Dorset, Tankies. I bet you're ex mil."
Him- "I was commando engineers"
Kids- "God we can't take mum anywhere"
#thursdayvibes
#10kids
2yrs today he finished AFC Harrogate as a Rfn. He got a CO's coin on his first tour, & has mastered how to make a toastie in frying pan.
Now he's loafing on my sofa in his Jammas & DnD tee before returning to his cadre tonight. So proud.
#rifles
#10kids
#miltwitter
#bethebest
The cut of my dress made me feel like my Nanny. She was tiny at 4ft 10' (I'm 5ft 3'). Reflecting on how amazing she was as the Matriarch of our family, the traits I have inherited & her way to stand & be counted. I'm a happy with that!
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
#10kids
#Matriarch
I've taken on the mantle of knitting my dad a hat, like his mother did. This from a woman a who can't knit too well. I'm now obsessing about getting the brim right. I love my passion, not sure about the hyper-focus...
#mentalhealth
#positivitea
#tradition
#crafts
#knitting
#yarn
Really enjoying being back in my old shorts. It's been a journey to get here again. They were the first pair I bought post 5st loss. I feel awesome achieving this. Positivity massively promotes further inroads for me, both physically & mentally.
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
#achieve
The little "party goer" has been up since 1am, screaming, & nothing soothing him. 5am he decides to vom over me & the bed. We're now cwtched on the sofa. As frustrated & tired as I am, I get to start my day happy with this little bundle in my arms.
#10kids
#5amclub
#goodmorning
How I went out vs how I came home.
I don't normally do heels, they were just too cute, & called to me, so I decided to put myself out of my comfort zone, & zhuzh up my life. I'm loving how contoured & svelte my legs look, gone are the days of "chunky".
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
A familiar sight. We undertook this journey as a family of 10 with the boy last year. His journey has continued with his new Army family
@CO_AFC
and our unconditional support. It's an amazing life and journey. The Army is our family now too!
As busy as ever at
#BritishArmy
Assessment Centre (Pirbright) - our next intake collected this evening, straight into briefings, Army Cognitive Testing (ACT) & literacy & numeracy assessment. This mixed intake are all aiming for training at Army Foundation College (Harrogate). 🇬🇧
Endicott/Endacott, a proper Devon Anglo-Saxon name meaning "end cottage". Originating in the North of Dartmoor. We're a special breed, & hardy to the storm, character traits I see in myself & the kids. I'm really proud of my genetics.
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
#devon
#heritage
Not every day is a pretty frock. Today, I'm tired & bloated, looking for enthusiasm to go & "gym it". Deep down, I know my efforts make me a much better person than just asthetic. Today I'm feeling positive I showed up & went beyond an excuse.
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
#10kids
At 17, I wanted a house, I bought one at 18. I'm very determined. I've had many lacks of focus over the yrs.
In this current social climate, I make no apology for getting my cocky teenagers back in line. I'm their parent, not their friend!
#10kids
#mentalhealth
#positivitea
#teen
@MrsDMaths
I have shorts on in all these pictures. It means you get to wear dresses and just feel totally at ease with yourself. I wear these dresses shopping or hiking the shorts allow such freedom I love it.
3yrs ago- 'The Boy' started his military career. Barely 16, & taking a leap of faith... An adventure for us all, navigating his initial training through C19. A sterling job from AFC(H). As parents couldn't be more proud & on board with this life choice.
#rifles
#10kids
#bethebest
An alright day, my usual wit, charm, & repartee with chaos. I spent a while berating myself for not running, then I saw the curve of my waist. A rest day will not hurt when my eating is in-line. Perspective regained, onwards we go.
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
#weightloss
#fitness
@FitFounder
I don't send my children to school, because I believe as their parent, I can offer them a better education, that is positive, organic, and autonomous; I know their needs and passions better than any professional, and can facilitate them better, as I'm not trying to tick boxes.
Today's flowing river was certainly ferocious, in the murky waters sh!t flows down hill.
2 babies with temps >40°C & shares in Calpol.
My hair's greasy, I look a wreck; I was able to care for them as I have the self-respect to care for myself.
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
#10kids
@suetthatsme
Reading this thread is lovely. I don't have a relationship with my parents, but I always send my eldest away with a food parcel when he visits.
A good day. I'm comfortable in myself, I can see & feel progress, & I can get these shorts back on after a 2yr hiatus! I know there's still room for improvement, right now I'm feeling enthused & spurred on with these small attainable achievements.
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
#steps
Time comes & goes, our family weekend gone!
I'm in a 20yr old hoodie, thinking how overweight & unwilling I was at 15 yrs old, the huge leaps I made since hitting 30, then I happy-dance at my kids in comparison. Hopefully, I'm a good example...
#positiveme
#mentalhealth
#10kids
Again, ye olde faithful is taken for an outing. I love this dress, it just makes me feel good. I really enjoy how it suits my life, and every season. It's consistent, which is an approach I like in every aspect of my life.
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
#consistency
#faithful
#dress
@CO_AFC
AFC really is something unique and gives young people such an opportunity. The army life seems to be pretty united from the beginning of their careers until the end and all that's inbetween, it's something to be admired. This picture shows it perfectly.
@CO_AFC
My son who graduated from AFC on Saturday and his sister, walking with Major Chris Brannigan on the final day of his 700 mile barefoot walk from Land's End to Edinburgh. We're part of the Army Family now.
#hopeforhasti
Our not so little Merry has had me up most of the night teething. It's a good job he's a Mamma's boy, and gives the best cwtches ever. I'm so lucky for this experience, he absolutely melts me.
#10kids
#blessed
#bigfamily
#cwtch
#family
Making excuses, & exercise dodging, most of the day, wanting the end goal, without putting in the hard work. I broke the cycle with discipline, it's how I got to this point of healthy in the beginning, & I like it so much more. Health is wealth.
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
#health
I'm really fortunate to live where I do, I never take it for granted.
Nature is full of lessons... & tiny flowers!
We can take the obvious, easy route & look no further, or we choose to look beyond & find the most spectacular.
#mentalhealth
#lifecoach
#dartmoor
#mindset
#elevate
We take 100% responsibility for our kids, their education & lifestyle, preparing them to be good contributers, not self entitled.
We work to provide them with a humble beginning, producing our books & legacy, they're 100% created & promoted by us, & us alone!
Always the hardest day of the year, the hurt that death brings, never leaves, just eases.
I had an early morning message from a friend, they reminded me I'm alive, that life moves on, that was enough to make the day easier. Time heals...
#mentalhealth
#bereavement
#positivitea
Not sure how I'm feeling about me, it doesn't really have a defined moment of "I feel" or "I think" xyz about myself. I've been out & about, just merrying along. I take that as a positive thing, that I didn't over think, & could just get on with it.
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
I'm massively hating on the tum today. The "apron" is horrid, stubborn, & slow to improve.
Using the mirrors in the gym, not for vanity, to check form, highlighted how much work/ improvement I've made to my shoulders & neck.
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
#fitness
#gym
#weights
I look like I rolled in the laundry basket & got the 1st things I found. I'm so glad I don't "conform" to a standard other than my own, it's made a helluva adventure so far. Showing up for a 4.5 mile run, I'm owning my body, my style & my future.
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
#10kids
Not my usual style/ combo. It's my husband's old jacket, & part of my random militaria collection. I felt super comfortable, although out of my comfort zone, enjoying being outside. My legs looked pretty long too, so a nice bonus.
#positiveme
#mentalhealth
#outside
#legs
#camo
I used this beautiful word in a book I wrote this year (Jack and Suki). I am absolutely elated
@susie_dent
has made it her word of the day. It's almost like it has a sense of occasion.
I'm starting to address the post-baby body. I hate it! I'm being realistic, it's not an overnight process, it took 9 months, a baby, & a whole extra organ to look this vandalised. The snail is a sweet reminder: slowly wins the race.
#5minsinnature
#mentalhealth
#exercise
#health
We've had a lovely afternoon, just having some mum & son time, out & about. I love getting to hear how they are doing!
Some kids shouted at Austin, "Are you a Nerd?"
He looks...
"Define a Nerd?"
Some kids, "What's define?"
So very glad I home educate!
#10kids
#homeeducation
#nerd
I started the day feeling "yeah" & confident in my attire. An inside & out day. Lots of garden fun & doing DIY.
I foolishly ate lunch out, my guts have been protesting ever since. I've ended the day feeling rough, lesson learned & not to be repeated.
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
@Charlie533080
This is heart warming to read, thanks Charlie. It's a wonderful perspective, we so very often take this beautiful landscape for granted, and to moan. Never again.
Keep doing good. I'm so thankful my kids have examples like you!
Slow & steady transformation. I think of the strength & will power, I use to elevate daily, sculpting my physical & mental into a better version of myself, I feel proud.
The kids are my reason not an excuse. Best shape of my life so far!
#10kids
#positiveme
#positivemindset
This was the beautiful yellow rose I was "obsessing" about. It's like a metamorphosis. We all have phases of personal growth, it may not be linear, not bound by time. We should still realise its worth & admire the journey.
#5minsinnature
#mentalhealth
#growth
#lifecoaching
On the left I feel quite svelte, the right puffy. Reality is, the ebb & flow of feeling poorly isn't reflecting how I actually look. I've eaten OK (ish) with some comfort food, & exercised today. Right now, I'm listening to my body, & that's good enough.
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
Looking 70s boho chic in my curtain dress. I haven't worn it since New Year & I feel great in it, it's looser & I feel more shapely in it, rather than a sack of spuds. Recognising the small gains, to keep on keeping on, positively going forward.
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
#fashion
I've felt frumpy in this dress all day, still love the loose cut & pattern, it's just a tone I felt. And then... I saw these pictures & felt completely the opposite. I just adore them as a highlight of the day, I liked what I saw in me.
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
#bodypositivity
Bank holiday & bucketing down - A lesson in adaptability (indoor selfie) & the demonstration of consistency in my usual attire. Appreciating the hard work, the legs feel good, & although it may not be obvious, the solid foundations are building.
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
#adapt
I've felt irrationally good sad, if that makes any sense.
I did a workout, after grappling "No" all day, remembering my own mantra, "You're only as good as your excuse!" I'm ignoring the exterior, the interior has a natural mood boost, & that's a winner.
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
A day of "goodbyes"- we live, we learn, we grow.
The sun has made the mood particularly positive, as we transition into a new dynamic again. Being able to potter about, & happily move to & fro, is a good thing, not to take for granted.
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
#10kids
#grow
I set myself the challenge of running 15 miles, & I did it. Why...? Because wearing positivity is better than any outfit!
Post run, back in my favs. Positive body image goes beyond a stance, it's about the inner health, strength, & longevity.
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
#running
My kids say I'm like Hyacinth in this hat, I should be insulted, however...
Although misguided, she tried to elevate herself. I'm OK being Hyacinth, trying to be my best version.
I massively appreciate my legs - they took me on more adventures.
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
#devon
Son sends pic, "Guess what this is?"
Me: "A coin?"
Him: "Yeah, the CO coin."
Me: "What for?"
Him: "Saving 2 people's lives."
He's 19 yrs old, joined the Army at 15yrs 7 months, just done his first tour! In dramatic context his baby bro just rolled over.
#miltwitter
#proud
#10kids
I've felt grizzly all day, the 18-month-old thinks 4 hours sleep is enough... I feel exhausted & it shows.
My favourite part of the day was all 12 of us home for dinner around the table. Those moments are few & far between, & so very precious.
#positivitea
#10kids
#mentalhealth
Mamma has a full nest (Yay). Pte Pike's home (Not that I like to talk about the Rifles much). It's good to hear Captain Mainwaring is being kind to the boy! Although the weather is so bad Mamma might have to send him back with an extra scarf (sattire for the serious ones)
#10kids
I like the image & personality of the version of myself that I meet. I like my defiance to never settle, or make excuses, to always strive for more. I see that in my positively changing body shape, looking forward to another phase.
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
#body
#fitness
I think today's look totally speaks for itself...
I've finished my working week absolutely comfortable with who I am, & the brand I'm growing, in all it's raw honesty, socks & sandals included.
My mantra is to absolutely be me & nothing else.
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
#style
After a potential non-starter of a day, we got up, and got on with it. A day entangled in "box ticking" exercises, and remarkably I'm still smiling. Some days, tackling it all head on is the only solution.
#mentalhealth
#10kids
#positivitea
#smile
I had a dizzy spell this morning, no idea why, stood up one minute, limp the next. Bounced back fine after a little while. I've spent the day resting, listening to my body. I've eaten & drunk plenty. Bodies are truly amazing when respected.
#mentalhealth
#positiveme
#body