The Sweetest Gift

Over the past few years, when I un-pack Christmas decorations with my girls, one of them always asks about the dog in the Christmas box.  I have many ornaments from students that have always gone on our tree, but this dog has the best story by far.

I was co-teaching first grade at the time, and a little boy in the class had gone through a tragic event.  It was beyond heartbreaking.

Being as it was the week before Christmas, the students were all in a flurry, with many of them bringing in gifts for myself and the other teacher in the class.  I can remember seeing him out of the corner of my eye, as day after day kids lined up at my desk with their special presents.  He just watched as he unpacked his book bag.  

After the third day of non-stop present giving, he came up to my desk telling me he was getting me something too, but just forgot it.  I was pretty certain he wouldn't be bringing in anything, and I tried to explain that I didn't expect a thing.  My present was him trying his best everyday, and getting hugs from a happy first-grader, and that was more than enough.  

But it was really clear that it bothered him.

The next day, he unpacked his book bag and ran up to my desk with something in his hands.  He was smiling from ear to ear holding something wrapped in tin foil.  I unwrapped the ceramic dog and gave him a big hug.  I'm pretty sure he took it off of an end table in his house and wrapped it up himself, but it's the sweetest present I've ever gotten from a little one.  I asked if he was sure I could keep it, and he said yes, it was just for me.  Then he ran over to the other kids hanging up their coats, telling them how I loved his gift.  That little one had endured more than any grown up could handle, and just wanted to be like all the other kids. 

I can't help but think of that little one this time of year.  He is not so little anymore.

Have a Merry Christmas :)

{Jenn}

Signs

I needed balloons, and I was in a big hurry.  

My sisters baby shower was going to start in a few hours,  and we were hurrying to get there to set up for her big day.  I ran into the dollar store, and after seeing the huge line, I approached an employee in her teens, asking how I would go about getting balloons.  She tapped her ear and shook her head, indicating she couldn't hear.  So I signed, "no problem, I'm hearing but I know ASL".  Her eyes got big.  Then I asked her about the balloons, and she was easily able to help me.

She had the best smile on her face.  

As I finished paying for the balloons, I could see her glancing over at me from another aisle.  I signed "thank you for helping me today", and she signed back, "sure, happy to help you".  

You already know I was a special education teacher way back.  When I went to back to school for ASL {American Sign Language} at Delaware Technical and Community College, my intention was to become a freelance interpreter.  It was some of the most challenging course work I ever took {linguistics of sign language?  Wow.  No words....}.  But by the time I advanced through the program, there weren't enough students ready to move on to pay the teachers for the interpreting program, so it was cancelled.  I was pretty upset, but soon found out I was expecting our first daughter, and life changed a bit.

Now I can look back and be grateful for the experience of how in-depth that program was {taught by Deaf teachers~the D is capitalized on purpose..}, because it has clearly stuck with me over 11 years later...and when I am able to use sign, it's awesome.  

Our school district has been teaching ASL to students in middle and high schools, but I really wish it was in the elementary schools as a staple.  Why don't we emphasize languages more in the elementary level, when all the research about language learning revolves around children?  When my friend from Madrid calls me, and her 5 year old is fluent in English, it's pretty embarrassing that we are so "behind" in language learning.  Myself included.

It would lead to more people being able to communicate, and the girl working at the dollar store would have way more people to talk to at work.  When I started signing to her, she looked at me like she was seeing a unicorn in the store...  Could you imagine?  Being at work  8 hours a day, and no one could talk to you without playing a bad game of charades?  Or those people who thought if they TALKED LOUDER you could hear them?!  Every. Single.  Day.  Not really fair if you ask me.  

Since way back when I took classes, there are WAY more resources online to help you learn sign...check this out.  Even if it's just a few basic signs, it might make someones day {and yours} when you get to use it.

Have a great day!

{Jenn}

Infinite Giving

It's that time of year...you know, when we all go nuts trying to find the perfect gift for the people we love.  It's kind of overwhelming, especially when there are so many people to buy for {and thank} for so many reasons.  

There are the teachers {thank god for them}, the bus driver {the man must be a saint, I can barely drive my bus with three kids in it}, the countless therapists/practitioners who help our kids everyday {so important!}.  I'm trying to keep it simple this year, but still, the list is long.

My own kids have made their lists for Santa, and I can't help but think, what DON'T my kids already have?  {Clearly we're blessed to have this problem}

So when a friend posted on Facebook today about donating an animal from Heifer International, I instantly knew it would bring us right back from the "I want" list, to the "what can I do to help someone?" list.

I called my three girls in to huddle around my laptop, and I explained how Heifer International provided animals to families in need all around the world.  The gift of these animals is a gift that gives indefinitely, because as their animals {whichever you choose} reproduce, the family promises to gift the offspring to other families in their community, and so on....it's the perfect way to pay it forward~forever.  My business has given me the opportunity to give back in such bigger ways this year, and I have total appreciation for that now.

So it's the initial gift of the animal or animals, that helps end hunger in their family or provide an income {selling eggs, wool, cheese} which can, in turn, send children to school, maybe for the first time in their lives.  When I tried to explain that part, I kept welling up.  It's kind of overwhelming when you take a minute to consider all the things we really take for granted.  I know I don't stop to appreciate basics like that enough.

We browsed the "Animals" section on the website, and they all agreed on the Basket of Hope.  It will provide rabbits and a flock of chicks to a family, as well as education on how to care for their animals, and the importance of passing the gift on to others.  It's not the most expensive item by far, but it's a start.  

One of my daughters asked, "How will they know it's from us?".  I tried to explain that the family will know the animals came from people somewhere in the world who cared for them, and it gets written on your heart, so it's OK they don't know who you are.  That's kind of the fun part.  It's our secret {except I'm telling all of you, in hopes that maybe you will do the same...}.

Check it out.  Maybe make it a family gift?  From this point on, it will be a tradition, for certain.  I typed up Honor Cards that each of my girls will get in the mail in a week or so, thanking them for their gift.  

Just make sure your kids realize they don't get to keep the animals, since mine are still asking how many chickens we will be housing.... :)

Have a great night!

{Jenn}

HOPE BASKET

The Hope Basket includes a gift of rabbits and a starter flock of chickens. Families also receive training and education in the animals' care to make sure their hope becomes a reality.

The gift of a Hope Basket:
Provides eggs and protein for nourishment
Boosts income through sales of extra eggs and offspring
Passes on the Gift to others, since animals multiply quickly

Rabbits are easy to care for and can reproduce in a short amount of time. Chickens lay eggs and provide manure for vegetable gardens. Your gift provides hope for struggling farmers looking for a way out of poverty.

Up To9XThe Impact

TO END HUNGER & POVERTY

Families who receive your gift become donors as they pass on the gift to other families in their community. This allows them to help others as you have helped them.

Lasting Impressions

I'm home for the second day with a sick little one, and it has given me some time to think about a conversation I had the other day with some co-workers.  We were talking about the importance of connecting with the kids we work with on a daily basis. It brought me back to my job as a direct care worker at a very special place.

Years ago, when I worked at Divine Providence (a residential institution for girls & women with disabilities) I was struck by a message shared with us by a priest during a community mass.  It was a story that described how every single interaction with a human being, child or adult, disabled or not, created an impression.  

Imagine the child as a ball of clay.  Every person who has contact with the clay, creates an impression.  Even if it seemed trivial, or fleeting,  even a minor interaction would  leave a fingerprint.  Regardless of how little it seemed, it still mattered.  It still left something lasting, tied to the person who held it in their hand.  Over time, the clay gets handled frequently, but HOW it is handled matters.  If it's treated gently, it remains in it's shape, pliable.  If it is roughed up, or forcibly handled, over time it becomes less pliable, hardens, dries up and crumbles.  It's kind of what happens to children who can't catch a break.  The kids who don't have someone looking out for them.

Maybe in that child's life, that ball of clay, gets tossed around, no one noticing how it is roughed up, disfigured, drying up, hardening....then what do we end up with?  A child lost.  The kids we see on the news.  The kids who end up hating their life, and everything around them.  


Teachers have an important role in this story...we interact with so many children throughout the day.  I saw this TED talk video today, and it seemed to make perfect sense.  It's worth watching.  Focus on the good.  Focus on the relationship.  Build kids up, and they won't let us down.

Have a great day~
{Jenn}

March On...

As parents, we would do anything for our kids, right?

Imagine that your child wanted a bike, but there was nothing available for them that would suit their special considerations.  I'm pretty sure I would be frustrated...and annoyed...

But let's say you were a really positive person who doesn't give up easily, and instead of complaining, your wheels started turning.  After some diligent research, you find the perfect bike, only it doesn't cost $99 from your local Walmart.....it costs $2300.00.  Oh, and you're going to have to build it yourself.  Sure!  No problem!  

I recently met Deb Buenaga, Supermom and Executive Director of Preston's March for Energy.  That situation wasn't a hypothetical for Deb, it was reality when she tried to find a bike for her son Preston.

Deb is an amazing mom who has turned her own difficult situation into a machine that now grinds it's wheels to produce and gift bikes to children with special needs all over the country.  I met her during the vendor show at the Garden for Hope unveiling at the Herman Holloway Campus in New Castle County.

While my kids sat and read to the therapy dogs on site at the Garden Fair, (who they already knew from their own AI duPont Hospital visits) I talked with Deb, her son Preston (who sat on his awesome adapted bike) and her friends who are board members for their organization, Preston's March for Energy.  I looked through the photos of bikes they gifted to children with special needs, and could see that their mission was very clear~to make other kids as happy as Deb's own son.  I asked her how they got started, and why it was so important to keep paying it forward:

Preston loves to go outside and be outside but he used to just sit because there wasn't much he could do. When he was smaller we had small trikes, big wheels etc... When he got bigger there were less opportunities to adapt to his needs with less expensive options. When I saw the bike on FB I knew it was what he needed, but it was too expensive to buy. That night my friend set up a fundraising page on FB and in 5 days raised $2300 for the bike. All of our bikes are bought from either Triaid, which is based in Scotland, or from Top End, which is based in Rhode Island. The bikes are shipped to Brandywine Cyclery, which is located in N. Wilmington and they build the bikes for us. Then we deliver them!

Could that be any more awesome?  After those Facebook friends extended a kindness to her son, she instantly knew she wanted to pay it forward.  Now Deb and her husband go all over the country gifting bikes to children who would be sitting on the sidelines otherwise.

Even though I was a special education teacher before having my own kids, I had not had experience with Mitochondrial Disease, and really didn't know anything about it.  So I came home and jumped on their website to understand it better.  Click here for the nutshell explanation of Mitochondrial Disease.

Or just listen to Jack Black...who doesn't love Jack Black?

Preston's March has a fundraiser coming up, and if you are moved to do so, consider coming out to the event below, or make a donation to help a child experience the freedom of riding a bike!

Deb, you are an inspiration, and I'm so glad I got to meet you that day and make a new friend :)

Click below for event information on their upcoming event:

Corks and Cookies

November 8, 2013

Arsht Hall, University of Delaware

2800 Pennsylvania Ave. Wilmington, DE 

6:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Gourmet Hors d'oerves, wine tasting provided by Kreston Wine and Spririts and Moore Brothers Wines, silent auction music.  Local pastry chefs compete for the Top Cookie Award with their cookie extravaganzas!

Celebrity Judges include Lt. Governor Matt Denn, The Honorable Jane Brady, Richard Killingsworth, DPH's Division of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention,; and Dr. John Gould

Join us for the fun and cheer!

Have a great day!

{Jenn}

Peace

Love this. 

Have a great day...

{Jenn}

Noticing the skies

Sunrise and sunset has been beautiful lately...get up a little early, or notice the time in the evening.  Stop what you're doing, and take a peek. 

So worth it. 

There is nothing more beautiful and awe inspiring. 

Have a great day~

{Jenn}

How to be an Awesome Spectator

Yesterday my amazing husband competed in Ironman Wisconsin 2013. He planned for his nutrition, fluids and any technical issues he would have. My preparation as a spectator was kind of the same, but different....  Here is my list of what you can't live without if you are going to survive watching a race that lasts longer than...well, things that are really long. 

1. Wear sneakers. That picture is from pre-race for HIM. Notice I'm all geared up too. Running shoes on. You will never make it to transitions if you don't run your ass off. And I mean run. It makes it easier if cops are chasing you (don't ask)...you have to run faster than them if you're going to make it to see him  leaving transition. Be ready. 

2. Wear a sports bra. You can't run fast without it. Plus it holds lots of stuff. I kept his race splits written down in there for easy access, my phone, phone charger, and a few bucks. 

3. Wear a backpack. Have a backpack packed for yourself, but remember he is going to give you all of his extra crap when he jumps in the water. You will look like a Sherpa and feel like one too, but you really don't get to complain on Ironman race days. Pack only what you NEED. Ladies, this is not a day for your latest Michael Kors bag. It looks cute, but your butt is just going to sit at Starbucks all day if you're dressed for cuteness on race day. That's a fact, Jack. 

4. Bring TP. Pack a roll of toilet paper, and hand sanitizer. You will have to most likely embrace the porta potty...just deal for 1 day. Think of how strong your thighs will be from all the hovering you'll be doing. And the TP? Yup, I needed it. There is no one to ask, "can you spare a square?", in a porta John. But I stole a roll from our hotel room, so I was good. Pack it. 

5.  Pack snacks. Make sure you pack crackers for yourself and a drink like coconut water (it has great electrolytes). You will need the electrolytes when you forget to eat all day and are ready to pass out. This came in handy yesterday (yes I had the snacks, but I'm lazer focused on race days on finding/cheering for/sharing some good energy with my husband, and I forget to eat). So be smarter than me and eat. 

6. Take maps. Chances are you are in an unknown city for the race, like we are, and you have no clue of where to go. I made it my job to pump locals we met for any extra info, and I made friends with a super nice cop (not the guy who chased me earlier) and picked his brain about how to beat the crowds from spot to spot. Yes, some side street I went down was desolate and had no "race goers" in thick lines down the roadway, but it just made me run faster to get to the next spot, and I was right up against the barrier. Score. I also circled locations where I thought I could see Bill the most, numbered them, and stuck to my plan. 

7. Know Splits.  Have your husband/friend/whomever give you their approx race splits, and corresponding times of day that will match up.  It makes estimating their arrival times into a viewing area much easier to predict. 

8. Be a hawk. You will get to know race goers as the day goes on, especially people who have loved ones around your persons timing...if their friend/family passes through an area before your friend/family member, take note. At the next good-viewing-spot, they may have a good position, closest to the racers. Stand with/behind them...as soon as their person comes by, they're bolting, and so are YOU, right into their spot. People are bat-shit-crazy when jockeying for position  to be closest to the race. I'm right there with them. That's why I watch, wait, then pounce into their spot as soon as they turn to go. I watched old ladies get pretty hard core yesterday trying to get into good position. Stay aware, people!  If your racer doesn't get to see/hug/kiss you along the race, then you may as well have stayed home. They NEED YOU out there! Hustle!

9. Be willing to wait. Especially during an Ironman, once they go out on a portion of the race, they will be gone for awhile. This does not mean you get a break. It means you have six hours to get your behind into the most perfect position to see them return. Waiting for my husband to come in on the bike, I stood on my tippy toes, hanging over a 3-story concrete barrier for about 2 hours. Yes, my toes went numb, and I think I bruised my ribcage, but I saw him come in off the bike, and was able to bust it to get a sweaty kiss from him as he was starting on the run. 

For the finish? I went over 2 hours early, staked it out, found the best position then waited for an opening. I got in, then stood still for a loooooong time. It was worth it. He saw me, and I saw him finish. Boom. My race was over too. 

10. Scream like crazy when you see your person. They will be in the midst of the most...ahem..."messed up" anguish and pain they have ever experienced. Letting them see you gives them the little lift that will help propel them through the next umpteen miles.  My husband kept saying, "My god you're all over this course!".  Well, hell yeah I am! 

I put those running shoes on for a reason. 

Have a great day, and remember to forgive my formatting until I can get home to an actual computer! Thx people!!

{Jenn}

IMWI 2013 finisher

Awesome job, babe!!! Love you💗

Ironman Wisconsin 2013. Done!

IMWI 2013....out of the swim

My husband is right on track...the race morning has been really exciting. Cool temps~ seem like perfect conditions for the bike/run!

{he always draws the girls faces on his arm~it's good luck...}

This team got the loudest roar from the crowd! I'm not sure if they are friends, brothers, or what...but I do know everyone was inspired when they came out of the swim!

Congrats to everyone on the course! They are all biking now...

Have a great day!

{Jenn}

IMWI 2013 Buzz

Pre-race in full effect...body marking, bike checks, and potty breaks...the energy is kind of like a live wire flopping around in a puddle..this place is buzzing!

IMWI Race Day 2013

Damn, it's early....

"Happy Accident" Bars

There are times in the morning when I don't feel like messing around with all the bags of ingredients...especially if I'm not in the mood for our apple cereal, or I'm feeling extremely lazy, and think that drinking coffee as breakfast is a good idea (it's not).

These bars happened by accident. It was a day when the apple cereal wasn't chopped up in the fridge already, and I figured I'd mix up a small bowl of ingredients for myself.  I had already mixed the dry ingredients, and added the milk when I realized we were out of apples (figures!). 

Instead of throwing it out (sorry that costs too much to pitch!), I put the mixture on a piece of foil and stuck it in the fridge. About an hour later I thought maybe I'd just add the blob to some yogurt and call it a day. But when I retrieved the blob from the fridge, I noticed it basically resembled a "bar" like consistency, since the dry ingredients absorbed the almond milk. So I mixed up more, and realized I had just figured out a way of making a portable version of our usual apple breakfast that required several bags of different ingredients. 

They hold up very well in the fridge in a container, but since they're kind of "wet" they will go bad (after maybe a week or so?), and they are NOT something you can take on a run (unless you don't mind a pocket full of mush). 

But if you're going on vacation, and don't want to travel with a ton of small bags of Bobs Red Mill products, this is a great alternative, and makes creating a healthy breakfast quick and easy. 

When I make these, I break one up in a mug with Greek yogurt, or add to some chopped fruit and slivered almonds. If I'm in a real hurry, I'll eat the bar on its own...but that's not the best tasting option, believe me...It does give you the nutrition you're looking for, though. 

Something tells me, on our journey to Wisconsin for my husbands upcoming Ironman competition, that these bars will be on the list of foods that travel with us.  God knows we'll be packing a ton...

 

"Happy Accident" Breakfast Bars

1c oats

1/2c ground flaxseed meal

1c shredded, unsweetened coconut 

1/2c hemp protein powder

1/4c sesame seeds

1/4c agave syrup

1c unsweetened almond milk

Mix together all ingredients (you can also put in whatever amount of "add-ins" you like, like chapped dates, mini choc chips, pulsed almonds). Flatten on piece of foil on cookie sheet or large plate.  Place in fridge, to set up for about an hour. 

Cut into bars as a "serving size". Makes about 36, 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" big. 

Mix them with....whatever!  Experiment with the add-ins, the recipe is what I make, but I'm sure they would be just fine to add, and still stick together :)

Enjoy❤

Have a great day!

 

{Jenn}

 

PS-I linked to Bob's Red Mill because I love the products, I'm not affiliated with them at all...just a favorite.

Give Blood

Recently, when a Philadelphia police officer was shot, there was a call to donate blood on the news. Thankfully people came out in force to help. Of course blood is needed  in the event if a tragedy, but it's also needed for people in hospitals everyday. It made me think of the day I was the one in need. 

I received a blood transfusion when I gave birth to our first daughter, and it saved my life. 

I remember thinking that I wished the bags of blood hung on that IV pole had pictures on them, so I could see who was saving me. But, of course, it's anonymous....so here is my thank you, after almost 11 years, to the people who gave me my life back, and allowed me to be a mom, wife and daughter. 

Dear Donor, 
 

I know this is a long overdue thank you, but to me it will always feel like yesterday when you saved my life.  Maybe it was on your way to work, maybe on your lunch break.  Maybe it was at a blood donation event where they had those tables set up, full of juice and cookies for your "after-donating" treat. Regardless, wherever you were, you saved me. 

Maybe you donated because you thought it was nice to do. Maybe your employer encouraged you, or a friend was going that morning and you tagged along. Your simple decision to take a moment, and give your blood saved me. 

It's kind of obscure when you donate blood. You usually don't get to see the face of the person you are helping.  I am forever grateful, and there's something I want you to know...   I never thought I was going to need you. I had been a donor before, but never considered I'd be the one needing the donation. 

My first pregnancy was generally normal, but the delivery was not. My labor was extremely difficult and our daughter was a very big baby, got stuck, and had to have her clavicle broken to get her delivered. My body barely handled the prolonged labor, and trauma during birth.

About seven hours after having our daughter, I was in my room, alone with the new baby. My family had all gone home to change and get something to eat. I buzzed the nurse because I was in severe pain, and honestly thought I was having another baby. When she walked in I knew something terrible was happening. The look on her face, and the immediate call for every staff member on the floor told me something was very wrong. I was in the midst of a postpartum hemorrhage and had been bleeding out.

I could feel myself fading and wanting to sleep. There was one nurse whose only job was to hold my hand and stay in my face to keep me conscious. "YOU STAY WITH ME", is what I remember her saying the most, nose to nose with me, staring into my eyes. Others were on top of me in the bed, trying desperately to stop the bleeding. The pain was unimaginable, and I was scared out of my mind. 

My family arrived. I was taken quickly to the ICU. I remember the glass walls, and harrowed expressions. I was scared, but too compromised to realize how bad it actually was. I was in and out of consciousness but distinctly heard the doctor say, "If this bleeding doesn't get under control, we're going to have to do an emergency hysterectomy".  I was 28. I instantaneously realized the situation was worse than I thought.  The look on the doctors face was grim.  Then I started to bleed out, again. 

And that's when you came into my room, stayed by my bedside, and you saved my life. You didn't know it at the time, but nurses rushed in with bags of your blood, and started the transfusion. I recall two separate transfusions, but honestly, I have a hard time piecing my ICU visit together completely, so I'm unsure how much blood I actually recieved. I was very out of it, my body struggling with itself. The only blood I had left inside of me had rushed to my core internal organs. That's what your body does to try to keep you alive. It felt chaotic. 

But when you came along, my body calmed down. You may have been home playing with your kids, or eating dinner, but really you were saving me in my hospital room.  Superhero kind of work, and you didn't even know it.

I do have a perfect memory of looking at the bags of blood, and thinking, "thank you, thank you" to whomever had given me this second chance. I don't even want to consider what would've happened to me had blood not been available.  It was right before Christmas, and the nurses kept telling me I had better get well enough to 'get outta there' by Christmas Eve with that new baby. I listened. We left the hospital on the 23rd. 

You made that possible. You let me experience becoming a mom, continue to be a wife and daughter, and because your blood saved me, you gave me two more gifts. The hysterectomy never had to happen, and our daughter got to become a big sister, twice {I know, it sounds crazy that I had more kids...}.

My life with my family would not be what is without the gift you gave me. 

So even though we've never met, you stood by my side on the scariest day of my life, and have been with me ever since that day. Your gift runs through my veins. You became a part of me. 

Thank you for taking the time on that lunch break, way to work, or drive home to give blood. Your kindness was not lost on me. And it still makes me cry grateful tears. 

Sincerely, 

{Jenn}

To become a blood donor, go here and to find a local blood donation site (Delaware area) click here.

Book Club~follow up

Since starting our book club in the beginning of the summer,  something interesting has happened. My Super-mom-enthusiasm that got them interested has waned, as I'm not really super woman at all....I try, but... 

I've been tired at night when the girls are finally ready to settle down and read {and I want to sleep} but their enthusiasm has gained momentum, since we've gotten into the story, and they are the ones driving me to keep on reading. I figure this ebb and flow will be necessary to make this work...I can't always be the one driving this train. 

My oldest went to a sleepover, and missed a night of hearing the story. I didn't think she'd even notice, but before I started reading the other night, she said, "wait you guys have to tell me what happened last night, I missed it!!".   Music to my ears. 

So I asked each of the girls what they think of book club, and here's what I got...

Me: What do you think of book club so far?

The Oldest: I like that you read it. I like using the flashlight to read. Why are you asking me questions?

The Middle: It's great I guess. I have no idea why. I like the flashlight part...can you stop asking me questions?

The Youngest: It's fun, I like when you read. I like when you talk and I think about the story that you do. I imagine that I am Harry Potter and I see the story in my eyes and my brain, like, its cool and it calms me down. 

Invigorating, ladies, really.  Thanks for your insight.  I'm just going to take it for what is is.  FUN.  And try my best to keep it that way.

Just last night, as I was reading to them with my eyes closing and was about to close the book for the night....they begged me to keep going. 
"Just a few more pages, Mom?  Please?!" 
How could I stop?  So I propped open my eyes, and kept reading.  After all, this is what I wanted, right?  That "intrinsic motivation to read" switch flipped to the "on" position.  It's on.  And tired or not, I'm thrilled :)

Read to your kids, even if all you want to do is sleep.  You're teaching them something they will keep with them for a lifetime.  And one night, when they're reading to their children, they will remember the nights you plowed through, and read to them.

Have a great day

{Jenn}

Finally Updated...

Sorry for the lag time...I have finally updated all of my "pages" above, so you can click on the tabs and find info faster!  One day I will re-do the layout of the blog, but for now, I'm plugging along :)  Enjoy.

Centered

I love when science and spirituality match up.  It makes me happy, and lets me feel validated that my meditative time is valuable.  There are many studies that show the benefits of meditation on the brain, and over all well-being.  It's not just an ancient religious practice.  The benefits are real.

Over the past several years, I have volunteered in a religious education program in the summer.  My kids attend, and I have always taught the second grade class. During that first year, as I was going through the curriculum to get my plans done, I noticed that contemplative prayer and meditation was mentioned several times in the manual as a "note to the teacher", but it wasn't explored in depth {like I would've wanted it to be} in the kids part of the book. 

This kind of bothered me, as no matter what religion you are, or what you believe, the effects of meditation on the mind and body are amazing and measurable.  Check out this Harvard study where the results are rock solid.  The book based on a different study is one that you won't be able to put down...at least I couldn't.  It's explained in a very relaxed way and you don't need a degree in astrophysics to understand it.  

The lack of focus on meditative practice made me start trolling the Internet for resources on how to teach meditation to children.  I found this book, Journey to the Heart, and fell in love with it.  I have used it in my class ever since, and now the entire program uses it too.  They recommend that the meditation take 6 minutes.  But when you're in the 2nd grade class, that feels like eternity, so I start with one minute.  I mean, really, can you think of the last time your kids actually sat still and quiet for 6 minutes?!  I can't.  It can be done though...start with 1 minute, then add 30 seconds each time you try it.  It gets easier each time you do it. 

This book offers a god-centered meditation, but you can take the "religious" aspect out of it if its to be used in a public school type forum. I'm not saying teach religion in school, but spirituality is a fundamental need so why not give kids the toolbox full of strategies? Maybe that's another post...

Meditation offers kids something they actually need in their lives...they just don't know it yet.  I realize that my students may not decide to do this each day after my class ends this week, but I do hope down the road, when they hear the term meditation, or centering prayer, they remember this class and that teacher I used to have who did this with us. 

After my last summer-class meditation, I asked the children what they thought of it. Some kids said they liked it because it was quiet, some kids said it was okay, but one boy had a very specific response. One that I found to be really insightful. He said, "I didn't like it when we got quiet, I liked it better during class when there was noise, cause when the room got quiet the noise in my head got really loud and I didn't like that".
 

That was a really grown up observation. I explained that THAT was precisely what meditation allows you to experience. The noise in our heads is really loud, and the only way to quiet it is to sit in that uncomfortable quiet space and become an observer. Pretty big concept for kids. Sit in the quiet, and hear the noise in your head, and see it move through your mind like a TV episode.  Or like you've tuned into a radio station. Observe it, but don't feel like you have to interact with it. Have a seat and just watch. Listen. Don't fight the noise, just keep observing. Say that sacred word to yourself which is what YOU are directing. That is the point~YOU are not your thoughts running through your mind. YOU are the observer. I know, it's heavy for 2nd grade. But kids can handle it. 

Athletes do it before major events, successful professional people in business do it as well. As far as I'm concerned, meditation is a life skill that should be taught in school, and practiced everyday.

As someone who didn't learn meditation until adulthood, I see how it could've been a useful tool for me through the years, even through college when prepping for exams. My routine of all-nighters with mountain dew really didn't cut it. 

So try it for yourself, or try it with your kids.  Unplug them for 5 minutes.  When I started on the first day with my class they acted like 1 minute was an eternity...by day 8 they were silent for almost 10 minutes.  Not even fidgeting. 

Set the expectation, and your kids will rise up to meet you.

Promise.

Have a great day!

PS-I don't get any kick back from anywhere for you reading these books, just my own personal favorites...

{Jenn}

Lemon Sesame Crackers

I've already mentioned here how I love the Thrive books, and how the recipes have become staples in our house.  But I've also told you I don't follow directions very well... So here is a recipe for an easy cracker, that works as a snack, or something to have with a salad for some crunch.

The original recipe is called "Lemon Rooibos Cracker", but I didn't have all of the ingredients that it called for on hand. I'm all about sort of following the gist of the recipe, but using what I do have in the pantry.  A trip to the grocery store is just too far...and my kids would just complain, I'm sure you know how much fun that would be. 

Here is my version of the crackers based on what I had on hand, and the next time  it will probably change again. These crackers hold up very well in an open container in the fridge. when I'm craving a slightly salty snack with some crunch, it's easy to reach for one of these, and be satisfied. 

Original recipe:
(from Thrive: The Vegan Nutrition Guide to Optimal Performance in Sports and Life)

1/4 c almonds
1/4 c pecans
1/4 c sesame seeds
3 Tbs fresh lemon juice
1Tbs lemon zest
1 Tbs coconut oil
1 tsp ground rooibos
1/2 tsp agave nectar
Sea salt to taste

Makes 2 servings.

My version: (I literally jotted it down as I went along)...

Lemon Sesame Crackers
1 c walnuts
1 c sesame seeds
1 teabag of yerba mate
2 tsp Agave nectar
1 tsp chia seed
2 Tbs coconut oil
zest from 1 lemon
juice from 1 lemon

Makes almost 40 crackers.
*adding or omitting the yerba mate is not a deal breaker for this recipie

Pulse.  Press.  Bake.  Eat....

*To be more specific....

Step 1: scrape the zest from one lemon, and squeeze the juice of it into the food processor. 
 

Step 2: grab the Yerba mate, and cut open 1 tea bag. Empty into the food processor. {what the heck is Yerba Mate? I'll explain below}. 

Step 3: add the walnuts, sesame seeds, agave syrup, chia seeds and pulse until it forms a paste. 

 

Step 4: spread mixture on a cookie sheet, and press it down as flat as you can. I just used the heel of my hand {you could use a rolling pin}. Score the crackers with a pizza cutter before baking. 

 

Step 5: Bake at 300 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until the crackers look browned. I used my pink sea salt grinder to sprinkle a little salt over the top as soon as they came out of the oven.  I took these out at 18 minutes to be exact.

Enjoy! They have a nice hint of lemon, and taste great.  Store them in an open container in the fridge. I hope you give them a try.

 

*What is Yerba Mate? It's in more than a few recipes from the Thrive books, which is how I was introduced to it. It's actually a 'tea' from South America, which is made by steeping the leaves of the plant in hot, but not boiling water.  It contains a natural caffeine which varies in strength which is determined if it's a male or female plant. In this case, the female plants are a little less 'high strung' as it's the males with the higher caffeine content.

 

There are many benefits to yerba mate, some of which are high antioxidants, help in digestion, and a natural boost without the let-down usually associated with most 'caffeine fixes'.  Of course, as with anything there are risks to any long term love affair with anything herbal.  There is plenty to read on the topic. 

 

I added this to my crackers because I had it on hand, but you can use it or not without affecting the flavor of the crackers.  Read more about yerba mate here and here. 

 

 

 

Have a great day!

{Jenn}