Every mum’s family is perfect in her own way, if you ask any mum she will tell you she has angels when her children are sleeping and devils when they are all awake.This is the same in the Mission house; I used to strive for perfection and nothing less, but now I’m a little older I know that no one is perfect... that's why pencils have erasersMy family is no different we all have our ups and downs, we all say things we don’t mean from time to time and we can never all agree on most things. But that is now my perfect family.So I’m going to take you on a tour of the Mission Family, so if you ever visit us then you know our pit falls:Right well I suppose we had better start with the head of the house, the top dog, the one who has full control, that’s right ME! Daddy Mission would completely disagree with that and say it was him, but I’m the one who runs this house every day, I’m the one who makes sure EVERYTHING is done so we will start with me.Mummy Mission: Well what can I say, I’m a 34 years old I have 4 gorgeous children and a rather nice husband (well sometimes anyway). I have always worked in administration, until I was made redundant after 6 years of working for the same company. But this year I had already decided on a change and I went in to writing and Journalism (which I love so much). I am now a Freelance Media Consultant with my own business, so I have to juggle being Mummy and being business mummy but I love it all the same. The dream is to write my own articles and then maybe one day I may just get my own column somewhere.   I am very OCD in my cleaning especially when I’m worried about something, and I have a tendency to want to look after EVERYONE so beware!I would really love to be able to take the kids travelling, see different parts of the world and experience different cultures, something I never got to do as a child, the furthest we ever got was to my Nan’s caravan in Wales and everyone was ENGLISH!Daddy Mission:Well he is a 37 year old Maintenance Engineer who up until 3 years ago had worked for the same company he served his apprenticeship with (now not many people can say that) but change was brewing, and believe me with Daddy Mission that does not happen very often. He applied for a vacancy at the local Zoo and got the job, so now we get lots of days out to the Zoo and Daddy is a happier bunny. He has a love for old stuff, mainly old bands like Led Zeplin, Black Sabbath, Deep purple etc, and for his beautiful 1966 VW Split Screen Camper van (which he adores) he has said on many occasions if I made him choose between me and the van, then Oscar as the van is passionately know as would win hands down every time! Charming I know, but that is Daddy Mission once he is passionate about something he finds it hard to let go, but 13 years on and we are still going strong. We have our disagreements most of the time, but I know he loves his family more than the world and he would do anything to protect us all. He is also a Black Belt in Tae Kwon do, after watching Teenage Mission train hard every week he decided it was time to take up a new sport as old age and football really don’t mix.His ambition is in 10 years once the mortgage is all paid off he wants to travel the world in his camper van, but I have told him he will have to put his plans on hold for a little while as Monster mission will only be 12 and way too young to leave!Then there is Teenage Mission:He is a 12 year old computer boffin; he knows things even the IT team at school don’t know. He is a lovable little man with a big heart, not that he likes to show it to everyone, as he has been treated badly by previous girlfriends. But he is young he will learn, he used to be an active kid until 12 months ago he was struck down by a debilitating Joint problem, he is now under 2 consultants and has been told not to do any form of exercise until they discover what the problem is. He has been tested for Juvenile Arthritis, and luckily the test results shown that all was normal, until they done an X-ray and discovered a mass on his thigh which he now needs surgery on. But he can say he is a black Belt in Tae Kwon do from the age of 11 and the best defender in the world. His ambition in life to move to Australia or America and become the greatest game designer ever! (Not bad for 12, I think I wanted to be a ballerina). Next there is Drama Mission:She is a feisty 9 year old who knows what she wants but sometimes hasn’t got the confidence to pull it all off. She is very active doing everything from School football to Line dancing and she cartwheels everywhere. She can be the quietest little mouse ever, then in the next breath the drama queen comes flooding out and nobody actually believes me she is like this! They think she is a very quiet and sweet little mouse, believe me she is sometimes. She is the fussiest eater I know, she used to ask me to make her Hotdogs for tea and then only eat the batch! She has a passion for all things musical and is constantly bouncing around her bedroom to JLS, the Saturdays and a few more until her big brother starts banging on the wall for her to be quiet.Her ambition is to be the next Hannah Montana and I believe in her every step of the way.Phew nearly there now, next there is Princess Mission:She is a very loving 4 year old, she says what she is thinking and if she thinks she has upset you she will be there with the hugs. She was a surprise to say the least but one of the nicest I have ever had. She will be starting full time school in September, and much to her disappointment she has been split up from her bestest friend in the whole world, but I’m sure she will get over it. She is funny and witty and says the funniest things when you least expect it. She too is a very musical little thing and when she thinks you’re not listening will make up her own little songs.Now last but not least is the youngest of the missionsMonster Mission:He is my beautiful 2 year old; he is full of beans and NEVER stops. He has a love of everything to do with cars, he is completely obsessed with Pepa Pig and George and knows most of the DVD’s off by heart. He is a character in he own right, and tries to sneak into Princess’s nursery class every morning and one day he will succeed. He can charm his way around you within seconds and his bestest friend is his cousin who is 2 weeks older than him.Well that is my beautiful family, our strengths, weaknesses and our dreams. I have learnt a lot in my life already and the one thing that sticks with me the most is that perfection is in the eye of the beholder, so don’t be too hard on yourselves.You can follow our day to day life at http://lena-mumonamission.blogspot.com/ View less

I really enjoyed talking with you all during my recent gurgle web chat. Here's another chance to read the questions and answers...Lucyb82: What was the grossest thing you ever had to do when you were on 'I'm a celebrity?'Myleene: It wasn't shown on camera, but we got so hungry in desparation, we squashed fish eyes and ate them. I was also called into the telegraph to stop eating berries I had found, as they were poisonous.Tredgigo: I was just wondering if you think that super thin celebrity mums like you put a lot of pressure on other mums to lose weight quickly? As a breastfeeding mum I haven't been able to diet but find there is immense pressure to look good and try and slim down anyway.Myleene: You're right - there was immense pressure and that fundamentally comes from other women in the public eye and I have felt it myself. However, I can assure you I am not super skinny. My body shape has completely changed since having Ava and I have learned to adapt my wardrobe around it, as well as buying big pants. I breastfed too and lived on plates of pesto pasta. You're absolutely right not to diet. You and your baby's health comes first. If it makes you feel better, a lot of the mummies you see in photos don't look like that in real life, me included.Maz: Any plans to have a brother or sister for your little girl soon?Myleene: I'm working on it!Danielle: When will the new range of Baby K be launched, I have already got my little girl most of the stuff that is in Mothercare just now?Myleene: Buggies in January, and Spring/Summer in February. I'm so glad you loved the range. I worked so hard on it and the fact that mummies love it is the ultimate accolade. Stop the press! The Baby K range is now extending up to five years old! Roz: Are you all ready for Christmas? Where will you be spending it?Myleene: Not remotely ready for Christmas. I'm in the process of trying to move house, which has put a delay on the decorations front. But my mum (grandma) has more than made up for it. You know the house covered in fairy lights that drains all the electricity from the national grid- that's my mum's. In fact, on Friday my Ava will be breaking the ribbon at the opening of the lights ceremony at grandma's!babyboyz: I'm loving the Baby K range and already awaiting the new stuff for next year! My baby almost only wears that and gets soooo many compliments! Can you let me know when is the new stuff coming out? Don't wanna miss out!Myleene: So glad you love the range! There has been a fantastic response from parents and babies alike. The range is growing in size due to this demand and we even have classical/musical toys and buggies on the way in the New Year as a result. I photographed the new range last week and I promise you won't be disappointed. Thank you for your support! IN FACT, please send the gurgle team pictures of your babies in Baby K to info@gurgle.com. I would love to see them!Lucyb82: What's the best thing about being a mum in your opinion?Myleene: To be able to love someone unconditionally. I love my daughter so much it overwhlems me, as I'm sure you understand yourself. At the same time, seeing her develop and grow as a little person is my greatest achievement. Fiona: I think what you've achieved in balancing your working life with motherhood is commendable and should be admired by working mums out there. I hear rumours that you are to expand the Baby K range into bigger practical items such as car seats and prams - I have two questions: 1. Is there any truth in this? 2. In your opinion, do you think branded celebrity items are perceived as being as safe for baby?Myleene: Excellent questions. Yes the Baby K Pram is out in January, but collaborated with an extremely well-known and reliable company to do this. Which brings me onto your next question. Many celebrity endorsements are purely endorsed and the finer details are overlooked. When it comes to looking after babies and parents alike, I feel exceptionally responsible in providing a safe, practical and affordable service. By teaming up with Mothercare the stringent tests that they employ to ensure the safety of their clothes, to me as a mother, are second to none. (I have seen them test a button 60 different ways!) At the same time, nothing is signed off without my consent and I do, contrary to belief, design the outfits myself.Emma Jo: Why does the Baby K range have so much black in it? I really don't like seeing babies in black.Myleene: It's becuase I think just because babies are little, people don't have to dress them like clowns. I was so tired of the influx of clothes with giraffes and ABCs. With the response to the Baby K collection, I can see other people felt the same way. It has been franchised to 12 countries, high street and design house are copying the range, which is very flattering, and yummy mummies and glamorous grannies around the world are buying the collection.leigh: Wondered what your views on why so many celebrities have affairs like Tiger Woods. Is it harder for celebs to stay faithful in a relationship?Myleene:  Every relationship is unique. I know I have to work at my relationship to keep it strong. The problem with the world of celebrity is it begins to believe its own hype. People live the fairy tale and think that things just fall into place, like they did for Cinderella. In the real world, there are temptations and the grass always looks greener. However, if you're lucky enough to find someone that loves and respects you, and you feel the same way about them, then you are blessed, but you still need to keep working at it. The problem with celebs is they think they can get away with anything and they can't!Maz: I'm currently 17 weeks pregnant with my first baby - and really enjoyed reading your book. Any plans to write another baby related book?Myleene: So glad you loved the book. I've met alot of people recently who said it helped both them and their partner through the pregnancy, which makes me very proud. As its easy to forget what a scary time it can be, as well as exciting. I would love to write another book about the toddler years, but don't think my relationship could get through it as every mum and dad know how tiring, testing and hectic this time is!justina: Are you still friends with any of Hearsay? Is it hard for them that you are so much more successful?Myleene: Define successful. We are all successful in our own right. To see my friends, who I shared so much with, raise their children, juggle motherhood and work, makes us all successful in our own right. Its not a competition between us, or the sisterhood in general!Amy: What is the single best piece of advice you got while pregnant?Myleene: Mama knows best. Everyone loves to give advice, especially complete strangers, and especially men! Do it your way, and when your baby arrives, do it their way! You'll have little choice!Laura: Please spill the beans: Can you give us some celebrity gossip - best and worst celebrities you've met (rudest celeb?) Also, worst celeb baby names?Myleene: Jennifer Rush told me I needed a face job in front of a whole room. She told me I needed my lips done, but she also said my bottom was fine. The power of love was weak in this one. The rudest male, I can't name because he is a Hollywood superstar who dated one of the Friends girls. But, he was extremely mean to me when I was pregnant and accidentally fell into a lighting rig. He made me cry, and then later, sent his agent round to ask me for a dinner date. Outrageous! Also, naming no names, a married footballer got hold of my phone number and sent me extremely suggestive texts and obscene jokes...his talent was best left to the pitch. The most upsetting bit of it all, he played in the team Gray supports. Sadly ladies, there are lots of creepy guys in celeb land!lucybaker: I'm amazed how much you seem to be able to fit in whilst bringing up a little one. do you have a team of personal assitants, hairstylists and make-up artists helping you get through the day? Please say you do or I'll feel like a complete failure ! I don't have time to put make up on!Myleene: Take the pressure off yourself, I do! And on the off days that I don't, it can be scary! I just do the best I can like everyone else, and when it comes to looking a certain way it really is part of my job and it takes hours and lots of hands!Suzie: Does Ava throw tantrums and if so, how do you cope with them?Myleene: Ava hit two and from that moment on, tantrums have been pretty forthcoming. Recently she didn't want to leave a shop because she was playing with jewelry. She threw the most outrageous fit in the street and a woman came up to me and asked 'can't you handle your child?' Through the tears I replied 'evidently not.' It happens to us all! Just hang in there! There are funny tantrums too.lou: I am 13 weeks and really finding it hard to love my pregnant body, I have always been a slim build, a petite size 10, but recently the weight has piled on. Will my body ever go back to normal or will I have to go religiously to the gym? YOU were very lucky with your body after pregnancy, did you exercise and how did you find the time?Myleene: I won't lie to you, no is the answer. But, when you're holding the most beautiful creation you ever did see in your arms, you will feel like wonderwoman that your body can grow a baby and you will feel proud of your body. At the same time, it can be hard to adapt to the changes. the first four months are hard as noone knows you're pregnant and just assume you've put on the pounds. I felt most comfortable with my pregnancy in the third trimester. My body isn't the same as it was before, and let's be honest- how could it be? It grew a human! At the same time, I make the best of what I've got and I try not to be so hard on myself. Penelope: What are you buying Ava for Christmas?Myleene: Something to do with Noah's Ark. She mad about animals! I think I have a future vet in the family. I was reading Noah's Ark to her the other night and when I said the rains came down, Ava exclaimed, ' Don't worry animals. Here's my umbrella!' Clearly very caring!Fiona: What would be your ultimate can't live without product be for the first year of baby's life?Myleene: For baby- baby gro's and muslin. For mama- coffee.Mrs Applebottom: I wanted to ask what sort of themes will be incorporated into the new Baby K range in Spring Summer? I loved the lace/leather incorporation this season and am excited to know what comes next!Myleene: You won't be disappointed. The boys' collection is to die for and the girls' collection, I only wish they did in my size. All the mums that brought their babies to the photoshoot wanted to take the clothes home with them! And the baby buggy coming in January has been a hit with all the new mums at Mothercare.Julia: Your skin is flawless... what's your secret? What annoys you most about being a celeb?Myleene: I can't take all the credit- I'm sure much of the credit goes to genes, but I religiously take my makeoff at night. What annoys me about being a celebrity, I don't think I can really moan about my position. Its hardly working down the mines! The gurgle team: We're obsessed with Percy Pigs - are you?Myleene: Me too! How do you eat yours? I bite the ears off first!Crystal: Why do celebrities always wear massive sunglasses, even when its not sunny?!Myleene: From personal experience, its when I haven't had a chance to put on makeup and have huge dark circles under my eyes when baby's been up through the night.MK: Do you have any advice for expectant dads?Myleene: Be patient when she tells you she hates you - she doesn't mean it. When she tells you she loves you, she does. Be ready with muslin, cups of tea, and tissues for the tears! It might be scary for you, but its a whole lot scarier for the mama, who's expected to have all the answers when the little one arrives and doesn't. At the same time, its going to be the most amazing trip of your life. Just don't lose the labour photos in your sleepy haze of the first few days like my fella did!Layla: What do YOU want for Christmas?Myleene: I just want to be in my house, be with my family and see Ava open her presents saying 'Santa says ha ha ho'. Cute!See more pictures of Myleene in the gurgle office on our Facebook pageThanks to everyone who took part! View less

Here are our 10 favourite discussions from gurgle chat this week (in no particular order)...1. Is sex different for men after we've given birth? (from our Just for Dads forum) - started byettaandrews2. Breastfeeding a 6 and 3-year-old - what do you think? (from our Toddler forum) - started by KandLmommy3. The silly things people say to you when you're pregnant (from our Fun & Games forum) - started by Pinkfluffmum4. Disgusted and scared by the paedophile nursery nurse story (from our Toddlers forum) - started by babybaby10015. Does carrying at the front mean it's going to be a boy? (from our Baby forum) -  started by mamfajane6. Pinksparkle has her baby - 4 weeks and 5 days early! (from our News forum) - started by pinksparkle7. Finding it hard to find private time with my partner since we found out we were pregnant (from our Relationships forum) - started by TruRude108. Those bloody twins on X Factor! (from our Lifestyle forum) - started by katethegr89. My partner has to have a DNA test to see if he's the father of a 12-year-old (from our Lifestyle forum) - started by carlymummy10. Need advice about what I have seen on his phone (from our Expert advice forum) - started by Rich1jackTo join in the chat register a free account with gurgle hereDid we miss something good? Tell us in the comments below... Pic: Pinksparkle's baby before it was born View less