Anthony Robbins (adapted)
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Any time you sincerely want to make a change, the first thing you must do is to raise your standards. When people ask me what really changed my life, I tell them that absolutely the most important thing was changing what I demanded of myself. I wrote down all the things I would no longer accept in my life, all the things I would no longer tolerate, and all the things that I aspired to becoming.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Monday's Menu
Last week we had several fabulous meals. The lasagna for example, was honestly the best I've ever had, in spite of its name, "The World's Best Lasagna." A few meals we skipped for whatever reason, so I am moving those over to this week. I also cleaned the refrigerator and found lots of food that had to be tossed, which always breaks my heart, and I found a great deal that I need to work into this week's menu. Today I made four loaves of homemade bread. I had to bake them though, still haven't had any success with my bread machine.
Monday - Baked chicken nuggets for lunch (a Parmesan crust) with apple lady bug treats. Because I have several bags of soft taco shells, I thought we'd have our good 'ol Taco Bake.
Tuesday - Fast English Muffin pizzas and orange slices with Healthy banana cookies, and herb roasted pork, easy mushroom rice, fried broccoli, and fruit salad for dinner.
Wednesday - STAFF MEETING: Pineapple & Ricotta muffins. Bacon Cheeseburger pasta for dinner with chocolate pudding. (see recipe below)
Thursday - Peanut butter and apple sandwich with green grapes and pretzel sticks for lunch, and tuna noodle casserole for dinner with strawberry spinach salad.
Friday - Bacon, Cheese and Egg sandwich and Salmon and pasta of Keely's choosing.
Saturday we are camping -- Keely is competing in the Rebel Race.
Sunday - Parmesan Chicken
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1-1/2 tsp dried oregano, divided
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 egg
1 Tbsp water
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
2 Tbsp butter
2 cups meatless spaghetti sauce
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Hot cooked fettuccine or pasta of your choice
In a bowl, combine the bread crumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 1 tsp oregano, basil, salt and pepper. In a bowl, combine the egg and water. Dip chicken in egg mixture, then coat with crumb mixture. In skillet, cook chicken in butter on both sides until juices run clear. Meanwhile, combine the spaghetti sauce, garlic salt and remaining oregano in a saucepan; heat through. Spoon over chicken; sprinkle with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan. Serve with pasta.
Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
8 oz uncooked tube or spiral pasta
1 lb ground beef
6 bacon strips, diced
1 can 10 3/4 oz cond tomato soup
1 cup shredded cheddar
Cook pasta. Cook beef, drain. Cook bacon (in same skillet). Remove to paper towel and blot. Drain pasta, add to beef skillet. Add soup, beef and bacon to pasta in skillet; heat through. Sprinkle with cheese; cover and cook until the cheese is melted. Serve with BBQ sauce if desired.
Motorcycle Ride...to Physical Fitness
Yesterday, Mike took me to the high school parking lot and I was able to ride around a bit. I actually got into fourth gear for the first time and feel completely ready to take on the streets - country roads that is. I suppose this means I need to take the test for my learner's permit. Oy.
Prior to our ride however, Mike joined me at the new YMCA and we did a workout together. (Absolutely amazing YMCA by the way.) An interesting point, as most people know, where he is reserved, I am quite out-going. He is a pessimist and I am an optimist. His gut response is always no, and mine is typically that we can figure out how to make it work.
While at the gym, I became somewhat frustrated with him because after realizing he was lifting less weight than me, and performing fewer repetitions, I attempted to encourage him to discern his target range. I felt quite confident he could increase his effort without having any negative consequence, and more importantly, because his weight was so far below his ability, the machine was alarming that his repetitions were too quick and the weights were clanking. Clearly his arms and chest are stronger than my own, and I was barely breaking a sweat. I thought my weight alone would be his bare minimum. Mike was adamant however that he wanted to start low and avoid any soreness that might impact his work day... three days later. Avoid fatigue? Did he miss the point of physical exercise, particularly when the goal is to loose weight and build muscle?
Realizing I had disappointed him and myself when I became more adamant in my attempt to encourage him, I tried to better understand where my irritation was founded. I didn't feel he was giving the workout effort, which meant he would not gain benefit that would inspire him to commit to a long term exercise program, and ultimately, he would not join me as a partner in becoming more fit. It seems we don't do much together these days and I had really hoped joining the YMCA and organizing a workout plan would not only provide him a bit of wellness and make him feel better, but he would commit to it and enjoy his time there with his family. Maybe, by miracle, he would even be an encourager to me. However, it seemed quite clear that he was not engaged and like most other activities we do together, he retreats to his garage after day one.
On our ride home, forced into silence on the back of his motorcycle, I continued to ponder my frustration and consider my husband's unique assets. It seemed odd to me that I would have initially been so attracted to a man that was by most standards very meek and timid. I enjoy being active, even competitive, but also require a bit of encouragement and accountability, both of which he lacks completely. He is sexy on his bike though, and not much else builds up such confidence in him. Why is it that he can straddle one of the most powerful and eye-catching motorcycles on the street (or show trucks as when we first met), but lack this personality in all other aspects of his life?
I need to learn to ride. He enjoys it and while on the bikes, I get to be present with a very confident and joyful man. Lord, I pray that if it isn't your will for Mike to be my accountability partner, my encourager, in becoming physically fit, that you connect me with someone that can provide Godly sisterhood in this respect. My husband deserves a wife he can enjoy looking at and my children deserve a healthy mother. My profession demands that I live what I preach. If it is my husband who I am to grow fit with, please assist me in respecting our differences and give him confidence to accept my encouragement as genuine support.
Prior to our ride however, Mike joined me at the new YMCA and we did a workout together. (Absolutely amazing YMCA by the way.) An interesting point, as most people know, where he is reserved, I am quite out-going. He is a pessimist and I am an optimist. His gut response is always no, and mine is typically that we can figure out how to make it work.
While at the gym, I became somewhat frustrated with him because after realizing he was lifting less weight than me, and performing fewer repetitions, I attempted to encourage him to discern his target range. I felt quite confident he could increase his effort without having any negative consequence, and more importantly, because his weight was so far below his ability, the machine was alarming that his repetitions were too quick and the weights were clanking. Clearly his arms and chest are stronger than my own, and I was barely breaking a sweat. I thought my weight alone would be his bare minimum. Mike was adamant however that he wanted to start low and avoid any soreness that might impact his work day... three days later. Avoid fatigue? Did he miss the point of physical exercise, particularly when the goal is to loose weight and build muscle?
Realizing I had disappointed him and myself when I became more adamant in my attempt to encourage him, I tried to better understand where my irritation was founded. I didn't feel he was giving the workout effort, which meant he would not gain benefit that would inspire him to commit to a long term exercise program, and ultimately, he would not join me as a partner in becoming more fit. It seems we don't do much together these days and I had really hoped joining the YMCA and organizing a workout plan would not only provide him a bit of wellness and make him feel better, but he would commit to it and enjoy his time there with his family. Maybe, by miracle, he would even be an encourager to me. However, it seemed quite clear that he was not engaged and like most other activities we do together, he retreats to his garage after day one.
On our ride home, forced into silence on the back of his motorcycle, I continued to ponder my frustration and consider my husband's unique assets. It seemed odd to me that I would have initially been so attracted to a man that was by most standards very meek and timid. I enjoy being active, even competitive, but also require a bit of encouragement and accountability, both of which he lacks completely. He is sexy on his bike though, and not much else builds up such confidence in him. Why is it that he can straddle one of the most powerful and eye-catching motorcycles on the street (or show trucks as when we first met), but lack this personality in all other aspects of his life?
I need to learn to ride. He enjoys it and while on the bikes, I get to be present with a very confident and joyful man. Lord, I pray that if it isn't your will for Mike to be my accountability partner, my encourager, in becoming physically fit, that you connect me with someone that can provide Godly sisterhood in this respect. My husband deserves a wife he can enjoy looking at and my children deserve a healthy mother. My profession demands that I live what I preach. If it is my husband who I am to grow fit with, please assist me in respecting our differences and give him confidence to accept my encouragement as genuine support.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
NAET
Keely is seeing a physician who does quite a bit of alternative therapies, including NAET. I am not real familiar although he did come to our office and give a bit of information. Keely and Mike have both seen him. Essentially he uses muscle testing to discover "allergies" or weaknesses in her body. His findings were:
DNA (we knew she had a strong family history of poor emotional health)
D tap
Amygdala
Serotonin
Estrogen & Progesterone
Cortisol
Brain
Andrenals
Event of brother's death and passiveness, fear, grief, guilt and displacement
Nuva Ring
DNA (we knew she had a strong family history of poor emotional health)
D tap
Amygdala
Serotonin
Estrogen & Progesterone
Cortisol
Brain
Andrenals
Event of brother's death and passiveness, fear, grief, guilt and displacement
Nuva Ring
Friday, September 16, 2011
EMOTIONAL RELEASE
One of the classes I attended in Chicago for essential oil therapy was Emotional Release. Not a class I have done much with, but am ready to get started. I am reading through my notes from class and am reminded of a few great points.
Emotional release is vital. Our nature is to take short cuts, which does not lead to healing. Like the light that keeps going off on your dash, indicating a motor issue, the mechanic can unscrew the bulb to the indicator light, and even though he didn't fix the problem, we think all is well.
This weekend, or rather this program, was a Christian program. I was thrilled to better understand the relationship between my Father and essential oils. Our instructor however, had very different beliefs than my own. "I don't prescribe to be born into sin." She believes we are born perfect but we have veils draped over us that we need to release. Her belief removes the need for Christ, but I understand her attempt to rationalize that essential oils can bring great healing by the harms of our world.
The principle of the class is to teach how forgotten sins or pain can cause us physical injury. Those circumstances are no where in our conscious memory, so when we loose the memory and therefore can't make sense of our emotion, we resist the urge to feel the consequences. Emotions certainly can sabotage relationships and suppressed emotions can rob from us.
I wrote in my tablet: Don't take on too much energy exhausting circumstances or people. They will cause illness. Don't invest too much. The emotion I worked to release in particular was bitterness. The oil recommended was a recipe called, Forgiveness. I've just placed my order. The gallbladder is often the affected area when struggling with bitterness, oddly enough.
Just ordered a few books: A More Excellent Way: Be In Health, With DVD by Wright, Natural Home Health Care Using Essential Oils by Penoel (scratch that - couldn't find for less than $100), and Aromatherapy for Health Professionals by Price & Price.
Emotional release is vital. Our nature is to take short cuts, which does not lead to healing. Like the light that keeps going off on your dash, indicating a motor issue, the mechanic can unscrew the bulb to the indicator light, and even though he didn't fix the problem, we think all is well.
This weekend, or rather this program, was a Christian program. I was thrilled to better understand the relationship between my Father and essential oils. Our instructor however, had very different beliefs than my own. "I don't prescribe to be born into sin." She believes we are born perfect but we have veils draped over us that we need to release. Her belief removes the need for Christ, but I understand her attempt to rationalize that essential oils can bring great healing by the harms of our world.
The principle of the class is to teach how forgotten sins or pain can cause us physical injury. Those circumstances are no where in our conscious memory, so when we loose the memory and therefore can't make sense of our emotion, we resist the urge to feel the consequences. Emotions certainly can sabotage relationships and suppressed emotions can rob from us.
I wrote in my tablet: Don't take on too much energy exhausting circumstances or people. They will cause illness. Don't invest too much. The emotion I worked to release in particular was bitterness. The oil recommended was a recipe called, Forgiveness. I've just placed my order. The gallbladder is often the affected area when struggling with bitterness, oddly enough.
Just ordered a few books: A More Excellent Way: Be In Health, With DVD by Wright, Natural Home Health Care Using Essential Oils by Penoel (scratch that - couldn't find for less than $100), and Aromatherapy for Health Professionals by Price & Price.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Monday's Menu
Monday - Baked Chicken Nuggets for lunch (a parmesan crust) with apple lady bug treats. World's Best Lasagna with Caesar Salad Supreme, Italian Bread and Balsamic Strawberries for dinner.
Tuesday - Chicken Noodle Soup with Healthy Banana Cookies for lunch, and Herb roasted pork, easy mushroom rice, fried broccoli, and fruit salad for dinner.
Wednesday - Peanut Butter and Apple Sandwich with Green Grapes and Pretzel Sticks for lunch, and meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, and cooked carrots for dinner.
Thursday - Fast English Muffins Pizzas with Orange slices and Granola Bars for lunch, and Tuna Noodle casserole for dinner with strawberry spinach salad.
Friday - Easy Snack Wraps and Carrot Sticks with Bombshell Brownies for lunch and Slow Cooker chicken and dumplings with three cheese green salad and warm dinner rolls for dinner. Bread pudding for dessert.
Saturday - Beef stew with peas and mushrooms, and chocolate pudding for dessert.
Sunday - Chicken Fried Chicken with gravy and steamed green beans, with cheddar bay biscuits for dinner.
Entire Lunch Menu was stolen from AllRecipes.com, as well as Dinner.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Institute of Medicine discusses Adverse Effects of Vaccines
The Institute of Medicine released a report last month evaluating vaccinations over time, and whether adverse effects are causally linked to a specific vaccine, and if so, if they these effects are appropriately termed "adverse effects." Under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Congress established the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) to provide compensation to people injured by vaccines. Information provided to the VICP when an injury claim is filed has been used to determine if a causal link is apparent. Again, these claims are not all encompassing of adverse effects associated with vaccines, but only from those seeking damages following administration of any particular vaccination. Anaphylaxis for example, is a known and accepted risk within the medical community, and would likely not be reported to the VICP, as it would not be perceived as a negligence.
The varicella zoster vaccine, the influenza vaccine, the hepatitis B vaccine, the HPV vaccine, the hepatitis A vaccine, the meningococcal vaccines, tetanus and the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. The committee concluded that the evidence convincingly supports a casual relationship between some vaccines and some adverse events.
As a live vaccine, the varicella zoster vaccine is linked to four specific adverse events, all due to infection from the vaccine virus strain: disseminated varicella infection; disseminated varicella infection with subsequent infection resulting in pneumonia, meningitis, or hepatitis in individuals with demonstrated immunodeficiences; vaccine strain viral reactivation; and vaccine strain viral reactivation with subsequent infection resulting in meningitis or encephalitis.
The MMR vaccine is linked to a disease called measles inclusion body encephalitis, which in very rare cases can affect people whose immune systems are compromised and usually occurs within a year of acute measles infection or vaccination. The MMR vaccine is also linked to febrile seizures, although typically benign and hold no long-term consequences.
Six types of vaccines - MMR, varicella zoster, influenza, hepatitis B, meningococcal, and tetanus-containing vaccines - are linked to anaphylaxis.
The committee also found convincing evidence of causal relationship between injection of vaccine, independent of the antigen involved, and both syncope and deltoid bursitis.
The committee rejects a causal relationship between the MMR vaccine and autism or type 1 diabetes, as well as DTaP and type 1 diabetes. The inactivated influenza vaccine and Bell's palsy, exacerbation of asthma or reactive airway disease are also not causally related per the committee's investigation.
For the vast majority, the evidence was inadequate to accept or reject a causal relationship. As most are well aware, individuals with certain characteristics are more likely to suffer certain adverse effects from particular immunizations. "Individuals who have serious immunodeficiences are clearly at increased risk for specific adverse reactions to live viral vaccines, such as MMR and varicella vaccines" (Institute of Medicine, 2011, p 4).
The authors conclude, "Vaccines offer the promise of protection against a variety of infectious diseases. Despite much media attention and strong opinions from many quarters, vaccines remain one of the greatest tools in the public health arsenal. Certainly, some vaccines result in adverse effects that must be acknowledged. But the latest evidence shows that few adverse effects are caused by the vaccines reviewed in this report" (Institute of Medicine, 2011, p 4).
The varicella zoster vaccine, the influenza vaccine, the hepatitis B vaccine, the HPV vaccine, the hepatitis A vaccine, the meningococcal vaccines, tetanus and the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. The committee concluded that the evidence convincingly supports a casual relationship between some vaccines and some adverse events.
As a live vaccine, the varicella zoster vaccine is linked to four specific adverse events, all due to infection from the vaccine virus strain: disseminated varicella infection; disseminated varicella infection with subsequent infection resulting in pneumonia, meningitis, or hepatitis in individuals with demonstrated immunodeficiences; vaccine strain viral reactivation; and vaccine strain viral reactivation with subsequent infection resulting in meningitis or encephalitis.
The MMR vaccine is linked to a disease called measles inclusion body encephalitis, which in very rare cases can affect people whose immune systems are compromised and usually occurs within a year of acute measles infection or vaccination. The MMR vaccine is also linked to febrile seizures, although typically benign and hold no long-term consequences.
Six types of vaccines - MMR, varicella zoster, influenza, hepatitis B, meningococcal, and tetanus-containing vaccines - are linked to anaphylaxis.
The committee also found convincing evidence of causal relationship between injection of vaccine, independent of the antigen involved, and both syncope and deltoid bursitis.
The committee rejects a causal relationship between the MMR vaccine and autism or type 1 diabetes, as well as DTaP and type 1 diabetes. The inactivated influenza vaccine and Bell's palsy, exacerbation of asthma or reactive airway disease are also not causally related per the committee's investigation.
For the vast majority, the evidence was inadequate to accept or reject a causal relationship. As most are well aware, individuals with certain characteristics are more likely to suffer certain adverse effects from particular immunizations. "Individuals who have serious immunodeficiences are clearly at increased risk for specific adverse reactions to live viral vaccines, such as MMR and varicella vaccines" (Institute of Medicine, 2011, p 4).
The authors conclude, "Vaccines offer the promise of protection against a variety of infectious diseases. Despite much media attention and strong opinions from many quarters, vaccines remain one of the greatest tools in the public health arsenal. Certainly, some vaccines result in adverse effects that must be acknowledged. But the latest evidence shows that few adverse effects are caused by the vaccines reviewed in this report" (Institute of Medicine, 2011, p 4).
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Cooking Oats
I really love oatmeal, and so does Samuel. It is a cheap and wholesome breakfast, but unfortunately, although I've tried, I have failed to successfully cook oats in our crock-pot.
I was raised eating the instant oatmeal from a package and really thought this was a special treat. Of course I now understand that if the cereal can cook that quickly, there probably wasn't much nutritional benefit to gain and whatever was available, is surely nullified by the artificial flavors and added sugars.
I am optimistic I'll conquer making oatmeal from scratch. Whole grain rolled oats or steel cut oats are packed full of nutrition, including protein, fiber and many vitamins and minerals. Though they might not be appealing to everyone, they can be cooked to different textures, and topped with such a wonderful assortment of goodies (raw milk or cream, honey, maple syrup, dried fruit, fresh fruit, cinnamon, etc). They can even be baked into an incredible breakfast casserole for those who really can'd to the regular hot cereal texture.
Preparation is apparently the key. Whole grains contain phytates, which are anti-nutrients that are hard to digest and can actually impede our body's use of their nutrient content or the nutrients our body already ingested. One source shares that skipping the soaking step over time can lead to mineral losses, allergies, and irritation of the intestinal tract.
Soaking grains for 12-24 hours neutralizes this phytic acid and makes the nutrients much more accessible and absorbable, not to mention digestible. Simply pull the pot you would want to cook the oats in, drop in the oats, add the necessary water for cooking, add about a tablespoon of an acidic liquid (yogurt, kefir, buttermilk, whey, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice) and let sit overnight. No need to drain before cooking in the morning, unless you find them particularly sour and want to rinse and drain. Turn on the stove and cook according to the type.
Rolled Oats: bring just to boiling, then turn lower to simmer with the lid on. Ready in 5 minutes. Water ratio is 1 to 1.5 cups of water to 1 cup of oats.
Steel Cut Oats: same procedure as above, but simmer closer to 10 minutes. Use 2-3 cups of water to 1 cup of oats.
Flakes are an option too: spelt, kamut, and rye. We have no experience with these. Millet or brown rice apparently make a nice fluffy, hot cereal served in the same manner as oats. Rice pudding is another great option.
Here is a recipe for a crockpot whole grain breakfast cereal. This recipe has barley, brown rice, millet, wild rice mix, groats, and wheat berries.
Reading about oats reminded me that I really need to read Nourishing Traditions. I might make that a required reading for Keely's nutrition course.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Monday's Menu
We made ham and beans from our garden this past week. Fabulous. We also made spaghetti from our home-grown tomatoes.
Mike has requested white chili and as he does every week, requests porcupines. I found this grilled peaches recipe and thought it looked fabulous.
Tuesday - Chicken Cordon Blue Grilled Sandwich with mandarin oranges.
Wednesday - Porcupines
Thursday - Beef Nacho Casserole
Friday - White Chili with grilled peaches and cream.
Saturday - Chili and caramel apples
Sunday - Homemade pizza
School Lessons
I found a fabulous website for art lessons! We are going to do a ten week on Vincent van Gogh and will share our progress and activities as we dig in further. The kids are intimidated by this particular subject, so I am going to have to work hard so they really enjoy and find confidence in expressing themselves through art.
We have finished week one of our school year and are still quite motivated to keep going. They are both studying American History, which is the first time we have focused on our own nation. We have otherwise had a world view to our studies because I think our government schools tend to be too focused on America, and children have very little knowledge of cultures outside their own.
Keely received her curriculum this week and I think she's excited. Savanna was here the day the books arrived and as Keely unpacked, she was squealing in delight with each new book. Savanna would say, "This book is my favorite book!" Then with the next one, "Oh my goodness! This book is absolutely amazing. You'll love this one." Literally she repeated that at least fifteen times. I think God certainly played a role in having her here to give Keely some inspiration and optimism about her final high school studies.
We have also asked Savanna to teach us beginner's Spanish. We have previously studied American Sign Language, which we all ADORE, but we can't seem to retain a teacher and they are rather hard to find. Spanish will ultimately be an important language for them to learn either way. She's excited about teaching, and her enthusiasm will be great for the kids. Noah is really quite good at Spanish already, so we're taking the plunge together two hours, every other week.
Keely and Noah are both in biology, which Noah LOVES. Keely is also taking Basic Chemistry of Essential Oils. She's not in love, but chemistry is part of her high school education and focusing the lesson on essential oils will make it more applicable in her future.
We have also committed to completing a 4-H project a month, rather than cram them in at the last minute and ultimately not complete all we had committed. We are still in need of a piano teacher, and they continue with guitar once a week. We also need to get them enrolled in swimming lessons once again. Noah hopes to join the gym for his thirteen year birthday and it will be fun working out with him.
Samuel and Simon have lesson plans this year as well. I shared those in a previous post, although the 3 month old curriculum, I am using on Simon. He is a brilliant little kid, thanks to his older siblings, but I found the curriculum to still be quite appropriate for him - lots of reading, playing and singing.
Here are a few ideas for exercises a two-year-old might enjoy:
We have finished week one of our school year and are still quite motivated to keep going. They are both studying American History, which is the first time we have focused on our own nation. We have otherwise had a world view to our studies because I think our government schools tend to be too focused on America, and children have very little knowledge of cultures outside their own.
Keely received her curriculum this week and I think she's excited. Savanna was here the day the books arrived and as Keely unpacked, she was squealing in delight with each new book. Savanna would say, "This book is my favorite book!" Then with the next one, "Oh my goodness! This book is absolutely amazing. You'll love this one." Literally she repeated that at least fifteen times. I think God certainly played a role in having her here to give Keely some inspiration and optimism about her final high school studies.
We have also asked Savanna to teach us beginner's Spanish. We have previously studied American Sign Language, which we all ADORE, but we can't seem to retain a teacher and they are rather hard to find. Spanish will ultimately be an important language for them to learn either way. She's excited about teaching, and her enthusiasm will be great for the kids. Noah is really quite good at Spanish already, so we're taking the plunge together two hours, every other week.
Keely and Noah are both in biology, which Noah LOVES. Keely is also taking Basic Chemistry of Essential Oils. She's not in love, but chemistry is part of her high school education and focusing the lesson on essential oils will make it more applicable in her future.
We have also committed to completing a 4-H project a month, rather than cram them in at the last minute and ultimately not complete all we had committed. We are still in need of a piano teacher, and they continue with guitar once a week. We also need to get them enrolled in swimming lessons once again. Noah hopes to join the gym for his thirteen year birthday and it will be fun working out with him.
Samuel and Simon have lesson plans this year as well. I shared those in a previous post, although the 3 month old curriculum, I am using on Simon. He is a brilliant little kid, thanks to his older siblings, but I found the curriculum to still be quite appropriate for him - lots of reading, playing and singing.
Here are a few ideas for exercises a two-year-old might enjoy:
Make Play Dough
- Make play dough by mixing 3 cups flour, 1 cup salt, 3 tbsp. oil and 1 cup water together. For color, you could add a few drops of food coloring or part of a mix drink packet. Give the 2-year-olds cookie cutters, jar lids, small roller pins and even flat wooden sticks to play, shape and form the play dough.
Water Play
- Most 2-year-olds love water. They love to fill items with water and dump them out again. Give toddlers a few buckets or a tub of water and then add in some soap to make bubbles. Give them spoons, measuring cups, plastic glasses and even toy boats to play with. Protect your floors by laying out towels under the water area.
Finger Paint
- Two-year-olds enjoy creating and designing. Buy some finger paints and let them draw on big scraps of paper. As an alternative to finger paints, you could consider using shaving cream with a drop or two of food coloring. Then let your children paint on the sidewalk.
Tear Paper
- Tearing paper apart is an activity that your 2-year-old will probably enjoy. Give them old or used wrapping paper and allow them to tear the paper into pieces. Allow them to glue the pieces they have torn onto cardboard or heavy construction paper to make a collage.
Jumping Party
- Make jumping safe and fun. Put pillows, mats and mattresses on the floor and allow your 2-year-old to have a jumping party. This activity is also great for exercise and expending energy.
Dance
- Play children's music or put in a fun exercise or dance video meant for young children. Two-year-olds will enjoy trying to imitate motions being performed by their favorite character or by you.
She does him good. (Prov. 31:12)
Lord, I pray that my husband will choose healthy, God-honoring activities. I pray that he will not live in bondage to any questionable habits or hobbies, or be bound by his anxieties. I pray that he experiences freedom in holiness as he yields to the Spirit's control. (1 Cor. 6:12; 10:31; 2 Tim 2:4)
Saturday, September 3, 2011
“If you’ve spent any time around horses, you know a stallion can be a major problem. They’re strong, very strong, and they’ve got a mind of their own. Stallions typically don’t like to be bridled, and they can get downright aggressive—especially if there are mares around. A stallion is hard to tame. If you want a safer, quieter animal, there’s an easy solution: castrate him. A gelding is much more compliant. You can lead him around by the nose; he’ll do what he’s told without putting up a fuss. There’s only one problem: Geldings don’t give life. They can’t come through for you the way a stallion can. A stallion is dangerous all right, but if you want the life he offers, you have to have the danger too. They go together.” —John Eldredge, Wild at Heart
YMCA
I've struggled through the years with our various club memberships. As a first year college attendee, my desire was to one day own a gym and be a personal trainer. My path became more clear after Keely was born and I veered towards nursing, but I never thought I'd step completely away from fitness. I was absolutely in love once upon a time.
Through the years, I've had various gym memberships and not one seemed to rekindle my long ago love. I suspect that is because the fire has to come from within and I now have so many other sparks that are more easily tended to it seems.
A successful membership for me means the childcare area has to be as exciting as the work-out opportunities. If my children are screaming and protesting when we head into the gym, I certainly struggle with keeping up the routine. I've seen closets used as the childcare area and a YMCA with childcare through age 6, but no where for my home-schooled eight-year-old. After signing a contract with each of those gyms and loosing hundreds of dollars I have slowly disconnected with that area of my life. Returning seems like a complete uphill battle.
Two years ago, January, I did join the gym here in Lebanon. My New Year's Resolution. It has fulfilled its purpose fairly well. (Ha! I've added weight to my frame.) The kids do enjoy the play area, even Noah. However, in spite of attending fairly regularly I haven't connected with a single person. I hate to admit that I do sort of need some companionship to obtain some accountability. The course instructors, with exception of two, ignore every single person in the room except their "buddies," and not only are the rest of us isolated, but we're sort of aware we're outside the cliche. I hate feeling those high school insecurities at the gym.
The only pool is in Crawfordsville and nearly every time I drive all the way there to swim laps, they have a geriatrics class that completely ignores the lap lane division. I can't even count the number of times I've conked my cranium on a senior citizen. The cardio-machines aren't plentiful, so often they are taken or one is broken and out of commission.
We visited the YMCA yesterday. Not sure why I feel such loyalty to my current gym, because the YMCA is a spa compared to the gym we currently pay membership for at twice the price. (I suspect as a small business owner I realize the impact this new YMCA will have on the future of the very dilapidated gym.) However, I am jumping ship.
The childcare at the YMCA is free, and I pay $3 a trip to my current gym. Having a family focused ministry is near perfect and because of the lay out of the equipment and the plethora of classes, the kids and I are certainly more likely to connect with other families. I am excited. Two lanes for lap swimming, can't beat that!!
The YMCA also hosts Free Monthly Family Nights which the boys will really enjoy. They also have free body composition testing and free wellness appointments with a wellness coach. Noah can take his own class and become certified to use free weights. Then he can join the Youth Training Program and work-out with kids his own age! Classes on land and water are included in membership fees.
The first Friday of every month from 6 to 7pm, the YMCA hosts a family night in the pool. Water volleyball. Big Blow up Toys. Water Polo. Funky Water Relay Races. Fun!
The boys have wanted to return for swim lessons, but for whatever reason we haven't accomplished that this year. We'll certainly be inquiring about lessons at the YMCA. They have classes for Simon and even Mommy and Me.
In the past, we've done Gym & Swim with other homeschool children at the YMCA. Keely and Noah really enjoyed this and I think Samuel would as well. I am not sure how they pull it off, but the Gym & Swim program appears to only be an hour long. I believe though, our previous program was every other week and this one appears to be each Wednesday.
When I am fit, I hope to join Social Cycle. It is a small group that meets at the gym and then rides 15 to 20 miles through Boone County. Sound like fun!?!
Oh, did I mention the strategic board game club? This group meets every other Friday in the multi-purpose room at 7pm. Totally Noah's style... A card club is also available every Wednesday afternoon.
Karate for age five and up. Maybe next year for Samuel. Basketball clinic as well, or soccer. Flag football. Volleyball. T-ball clinic starts in November. Simon can attend tumbling, even Samuel. Kids Night Out. Keely would enjoy the Teen Nights. I hate to admit it, but I am considering the adult kickball league.
Not going to overwhelm. Just going to introduce some fun.
Through the years, I've had various gym memberships and not one seemed to rekindle my long ago love. I suspect that is because the fire has to come from within and I now have so many other sparks that are more easily tended to it seems.
A successful membership for me means the childcare area has to be as exciting as the work-out opportunities. If my children are screaming and protesting when we head into the gym, I certainly struggle with keeping up the routine. I've seen closets used as the childcare area and a YMCA with childcare through age 6, but no where for my home-schooled eight-year-old. After signing a contract with each of those gyms and loosing hundreds of dollars I have slowly disconnected with that area of my life. Returning seems like a complete uphill battle.
Two years ago, January, I did join the gym here in Lebanon. My New Year's Resolution. It has fulfilled its purpose fairly well. (Ha! I've added weight to my frame.) The kids do enjoy the play area, even Noah. However, in spite of attending fairly regularly I haven't connected with a single person. I hate to admit that I do sort of need some companionship to obtain some accountability. The course instructors, with exception of two, ignore every single person in the room except their "buddies," and not only are the rest of us isolated, but we're sort of aware we're outside the cliche. I hate feeling those high school insecurities at the gym.
The only pool is in Crawfordsville and nearly every time I drive all the way there to swim laps, they have a geriatrics class that completely ignores the lap lane division. I can't even count the number of times I've conked my cranium on a senior citizen. The cardio-machines aren't plentiful, so often they are taken or one is broken and out of commission.
We visited the YMCA yesterday. Not sure why I feel such loyalty to my current gym, because the YMCA is a spa compared to the gym we currently pay membership for at twice the price. (I suspect as a small business owner I realize the impact this new YMCA will have on the future of the very dilapidated gym.) However, I am jumping ship.
The childcare at the YMCA is free, and I pay $3 a trip to my current gym. Having a family focused ministry is near perfect and because of the lay out of the equipment and the plethora of classes, the kids and I are certainly more likely to connect with other families. I am excited. Two lanes for lap swimming, can't beat that!!
The YMCA also hosts Free Monthly Family Nights which the boys will really enjoy. They also have free body composition testing and free wellness appointments with a wellness coach. Noah can take his own class and become certified to use free weights. Then he can join the Youth Training Program and work-out with kids his own age! Classes on land and water are included in membership fees.
The first Friday of every month from 6 to 7pm, the YMCA hosts a family night in the pool. Water volleyball. Big Blow up Toys. Water Polo. Funky Water Relay Races. Fun!
The boys have wanted to return for swim lessons, but for whatever reason we haven't accomplished that this year. We'll certainly be inquiring about lessons at the YMCA. They have classes for Simon and even Mommy and Me.
In the past, we've done Gym & Swim with other homeschool children at the YMCA. Keely and Noah really enjoyed this and I think Samuel would as well. I am not sure how they pull it off, but the Gym & Swim program appears to only be an hour long. I believe though, our previous program was every other week and this one appears to be each Wednesday.
When I am fit, I hope to join Social Cycle. It is a small group that meets at the gym and then rides 15 to 20 miles through Boone County. Sound like fun!?!
Oh, did I mention the strategic board game club? This group meets every other Friday in the multi-purpose room at 7pm. Totally Noah's style... A card club is also available every Wednesday afternoon.
Karate for age five and up. Maybe next year for Samuel. Basketball clinic as well, or soccer. Flag football. Volleyball. T-ball clinic starts in November. Simon can attend tumbling, even Samuel. Kids Night Out. Keely would enjoy the Teen Nights. I hate to admit it, but I am considering the adult kickball league.
Not going to overwhelm. Just going to introduce some fun.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Florida Vacation
I haven't shared about our Florida vacation, mostly because as soon as we returned, my cell phone was stolen which held all our pictures. Takes the motivation out of blogging a fabulous trip!
Cindi is a dear friend of mine, and a midwifery associate. She has stayed with me a few times over the years and modeled her own midwifery practice in Florida after my own practice. It is an absolute honor to be able to share with her all that I've learned. She was my saving grace in graduate school after Lyric died. I sure wouldn't have made it without her encouragement. Independent practice can be very isolating, particularly as a homebirth provider. Having her to bounce ideas off of is comforting beyond measure.
As we attended the Vaginal Breech Birth Workshop, we had our final July baby - a few weeks early. And knowing our next mother wasn't due until the end of August, expected to birth in September, I saw the window of opportunity that so rarely presents itself. We were off!
The kids and I rented a fabulous automobile (oh, I wish I could remember the name because I absolutely LOVED it) and drove ourselves (only a single speeding ticket!). It wasn't a horrible drive. We survived and had quite a few giggles along the way. The stay was very relaxing. Cindi had a very busy week, so it was nice to just hang out and find stuff to do as she worked. She was very gracious and let us stay with her, and her children were so kind and merciful with my very rambunctious boys and pouting daughter that was way too far from her new found sweet heart to let a smile grace her face in Florida.
We visited the beach the first day we were there. Beautiful. White sand. Clean. Quaint little shops. I am definitely going next time without the kids! The water was very choppy though - yellow warning flags flapping in the wind. Noah and I had a great deal of fun riding the waves in his inner-tube but it was quite nerve racking keeping the younger boys from drowning and of course, Keely was in such a poor mood that she had no ability to appreciate her first step into the Florida sand, or even the vast ocean. I was rather shocked by the amount of beach we brought back with us and had to visit the nearest car wash and vacuum the next morning. That prevented us from visiting again, and the fact that her housing edition had a phenomenal pool. I am fairly certain we visited it at least once a day until our departure, sometimes more than once. I loved the sun. Loved it. I even loved the heat. I spent a great deal of time visioning a life in Florida, even peeking at newly built homes. Noah had the same visions.
While in Florida, Cindi purchased a maternity boutique and signed a lease on a new birth center. Again, she stirred up a few dreams, but not nearly as dear to my heart as finishing my PhD. I would like to offer a bit more retail, but am not sure I am up for managing a birth center. Honestly, I really love what we have here with Believe. I like working from home and I like a small practice. I can't imagine attending births anywhere else but in the privacy of each client's home. There are advantages to a birth center, clearly, but they just aren't quite fantastic enough for me to take that leap. After returning home, I put it to considerable thought, and concluded that I'd gather information, create a resource file, and sit on it for a few years. I have the file, although it is empty and I haven't even given it another thought until now. Again, I am much more intrigued by the thought of earning my PhD.
My final day in Florida was an NRP day. I really do enjoy teaching that class and wish I had so much more time to spend developing it. I could teach a two day class easy. Not sure any I attended was ever longer than four hours, so I try hard to stick to eight. I have considered this topic as my doctoral study, but have another idea or two that are big contenders.
Just after returning from Florida, Cindi hired a second midwife. Her practice seems to shadow mine by only a year or two. I am really stepping onto a path without a lamp to guide my feet. Seems the Lord likes it that way and I am going to keep on walking as long as I can get up in the morning. It is quite interesting visiting her practice, understanding her rationales and organization, and comparing that to my own thought processes and management. It helps me question myself, gain perspective and accountability. It is validating and inspiring, encouraging. We really need to write a book about creating and sustaining a midwifery practice.
I admire Cindi and thank the Lord she is part of my life. I do hope we can continue to build each other up and get to know each other better. Samuel sure fell in love with her girls, and Noah really enjoyed hanging out with her son, David. Maybe some day they can come visit the farm.
Cindi is a dear friend of mine, and a midwifery associate. She has stayed with me a few times over the years and modeled her own midwifery practice in Florida after my own practice. It is an absolute honor to be able to share with her all that I've learned. She was my saving grace in graduate school after Lyric died. I sure wouldn't have made it without her encouragement. Independent practice can be very isolating, particularly as a homebirth provider. Having her to bounce ideas off of is comforting beyond measure.
As we attended the Vaginal Breech Birth Workshop, we had our final July baby - a few weeks early. And knowing our next mother wasn't due until the end of August, expected to birth in September, I saw the window of opportunity that so rarely presents itself. We were off!
The kids and I rented a fabulous automobile (oh, I wish I could remember the name because I absolutely LOVED it) and drove ourselves (only a single speeding ticket!). It wasn't a horrible drive. We survived and had quite a few giggles along the way. The stay was very relaxing. Cindi had a very busy week, so it was nice to just hang out and find stuff to do as she worked. She was very gracious and let us stay with her, and her children were so kind and merciful with my very rambunctious boys and pouting daughter that was way too far from her new found sweet heart to let a smile grace her face in Florida.
We visited the beach the first day we were there. Beautiful. White sand. Clean. Quaint little shops. I am definitely going next time without the kids! The water was very choppy though - yellow warning flags flapping in the wind. Noah and I had a great deal of fun riding the waves in his inner-tube but it was quite nerve racking keeping the younger boys from drowning and of course, Keely was in such a poor mood that she had no ability to appreciate her first step into the Florida sand, or even the vast ocean. I was rather shocked by the amount of beach we brought back with us and had to visit the nearest car wash and vacuum the next morning. That prevented us from visiting again, and the fact that her housing edition had a phenomenal pool. I am fairly certain we visited it at least once a day until our departure, sometimes more than once. I loved the sun. Loved it. I even loved the heat. I spent a great deal of time visioning a life in Florida, even peeking at newly built homes. Noah had the same visions.
While in Florida, Cindi purchased a maternity boutique and signed a lease on a new birth center. Again, she stirred up a few dreams, but not nearly as dear to my heart as finishing my PhD. I would like to offer a bit more retail, but am not sure I am up for managing a birth center. Honestly, I really love what we have here with Believe. I like working from home and I like a small practice. I can't imagine attending births anywhere else but in the privacy of each client's home. There are advantages to a birth center, clearly, but they just aren't quite fantastic enough for me to take that leap. After returning home, I put it to considerable thought, and concluded that I'd gather information, create a resource file, and sit on it for a few years. I have the file, although it is empty and I haven't even given it another thought until now. Again, I am much more intrigued by the thought of earning my PhD.
My final day in Florida was an NRP day. I really do enjoy teaching that class and wish I had so much more time to spend developing it. I could teach a two day class easy. Not sure any I attended was ever longer than four hours, so I try hard to stick to eight. I have considered this topic as my doctoral study, but have another idea or two that are big contenders.
Just after returning from Florida, Cindi hired a second midwife. Her practice seems to shadow mine by only a year or two. I am really stepping onto a path without a lamp to guide my feet. Seems the Lord likes it that way and I am going to keep on walking as long as I can get up in the morning. It is quite interesting visiting her practice, understanding her rationales and organization, and comparing that to my own thought processes and management. It helps me question myself, gain perspective and accountability. It is validating and inspiring, encouraging. We really need to write a book about creating and sustaining a midwifery practice.
I admire Cindi and thank the Lord she is part of my life. I do hope we can continue to build each other up and get to know each other better. Samuel sure fell in love with her girls, and Noah really enjoyed hanging out with her son, David. Maybe some day they can come visit the farm.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
The Help
I read another fiction novel. I feel like I've just admitted to eating an entire birthday cake all by myself. Seems like gluttony. This one was well worth it though and will most certainly be a mandatory read for each of my children. Love it. Lived it. Treasure it. Will most certainly be dashing off to the movies to be watching it.
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