Vitamins

 

Our poor children have a mother like me. I worry about everything from education, to the foods they eat or refuse to. And at dinner they get vitamins. I've read articles that children that can't afford vitamins are usually the ones that need them the most... while those that can usually don't need them at all. I figure if mommy and daddy take their vitamins why not the kids too!

 

I still think that as an obese nation that we've become too involved in other's lives than to focus on ourselves. I have never done portion control, or refused to feed my children. We do simple things, such as "no soda unless eating out" (restaurant). But little things like that are more to avoid dental bills than to make them feel deprived. When I was growing up I wasn't allowed certain things, which only made me over indulge as an adult. I'm hoping to avoid by limits not denying. The kids are also taught the difference between healthy foods and naughty foods.

 

I did recently learn and pick up a new trick. We've all likely heard about how cinnamon is a twisted little spice. It is mainly used in desserts but helps to prevent sugar spikes and insulin issues. Well, I was listening to the news as I was getting the boys ready for school when a parent shared how they have their child eat a protein before sweets. It is supposed to cause them to eat less sweets and bring down the craving (can't eat just one theory). I know I heard Dr. Oz saying to allow yourself a small bite of the craving/sweet with a glass of water to trick the brain and fill up so you don't over do it.

 

However... with children I don't think these are burdens they don't need on their shoulders. My children have no business counting calories, or feeling like they are fat! We teach them that they must eat healthy and that naughty foods are a treat not a meal. I only recently added in purple grape juice because it is supposed to have the same positive health effects as a glass of wine. Normally we side step juices for actual fruit.

 

 

Healthy Children

 

BCM

 

Nutrition.gov 

Pumpkin Carving - Halloween 2013

We... well I guess "I" finally bit the bullet... and we allowed our children to carve their own pumpkins.

Our eight year old and six year old did most of the scooping out of pumpkin guts and seeds. We helped a little, but not as much as we normally would have. We're trying a new approach with parenting. The boys first drew the face they wanted on paper, than hubby drew it on their pumpkins. Anthony did a traditional face while Tyler chose one that replicated Mine Craft (creeper). But, both boys actually carved their own pumpkin.

This new approach of allowing our children to take what I perceive as risks... and yes, they used the kits that cut pumpkins but not flesh (not that sharp). Or how they are using a bunk bed, and every bump in the night has me bolting for their room (to simply look). The good news is that I hear grandparents are more seasoned? Which means by the time they are all grown up I might finally "get it right" with the next generation? There is nothing more frightening than to bring another person into this world.

Crossword Puzzles

We try our best to push our children academically and intellectually. We make sure they have the monthly National Geographic (adult not just kids version). Their daddy pushes them to read at least one article in the Wall Street Journal and explain it back to him (teaches comprehension and vocabulary). And recently I started to help keep them sharp with a word search app. I figure the digital word search is not just mentally stimulating but we compete. Who found the first word (high five)? Who found the most words (high five)? And than as soon as one is done the next competition begins!

This isn't a new concept to my boys, we did them about a year ago. It was however recently that I brought it back. I figure it is a welcome break from Angry Birds, Bad Piggies, and Mine Craft.

Let the competitions begin...

Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013

Isn't it funny how parents tend to be more nervous about the things their children do than the child. Our "baby" (youngest) has a reading recital coming up this week, and I have butterflies. I know his steadfast personality and that he'll do just fine. But as a mom I am grateful to have moments like these to even embrace. He's a lot like his father and I, thrives academically and with goals/rewards.

I was asked to not say anything, and just show up at a certain time... I'LL BE THERE WITH BELLS ON!!! I plan to videotape him and take pictures with my phone to share with his daddy. I know his father is going to be upset to miss this, we both revolve our lives around our kids! And most sacrifices my husband makes are for his little men! I just hope that watching it second hand makes up for the fact he couldn't be there in person.

Our youngest is six years old and before we know it we'll blink and he'll be an adult. These are the most impressionable years that last a lifetime. And we plan to bask in and appreciate every thing we can and to the best of our abilities! I just hope I am equally as blessed with my future grandchildren (far future).

Update ... Sunday, October 20th, 2013

This past week has been absolutely amazing and I am reminded of just how blessed we are in life. We were able to settle things with Tyler's class (still has his bully but teacher knows). Anthony is still the same little man he's always been... and I think others are starting to realize I am not just a doting mother when I sing his praises. Each child I have has actually been better than the last (behaviorally).

This past week I went to the family day at the boys' school. This is the first time I actually thought ahead and brought a blanket to sit on (other parents bring blankets and chairs for adults). I was lost in the moment as we were lost in a sea of families, basking in my children. And it is a multi-generational thing. Everyone splurges on naughty foods (from McDonald's to like we brought Habit Burger) and eat with their children. I adored sitting back on my blanket after the kids were done eating and watching them play with peers. Tyler even got down in the field and played football with his friends! If his daddy didn't have to work he'd of been so proud. I tried my best to text him and take pictures of him to share later.

 

I shared my blanket with another parent, and ended up at her house. We'd been chatting off and on since last school year, and she'd even invited our Anthony to her child's birthday (last year, and new invitation for her other kid). But it was nice to integrate and live in the moments.

 

And just when I was getting used to not being a helicopter parent, I now have one day a week of volunteering with our youngest. When I first learned he was excited and I was grateful for the opportunity. All families play an active role, from parents to extended family members, and I wouldn't trade these years for anything! Last year I met more grandparents than I did actual parents. I just hope when my children are all grown up I can play such a pivotal role as I've watched others. I hope to help alleviate the burden of  strangers raising my grandbabies in the far future. And there isn't a selfish desire or hell's high waters to keep me from my family branch! For the time being I am simply thankful for being able to have this chance. I look forward to weekly volunteering, Friday Night board games, and Saturday nights watching movies with popcorn and blankets. And when the rain starts to pour we can be found dancing barefoot with hot cocoa after.

~*Memories*~

MUSIC: David Choi "Let Her Go"

Family Game Night... *Friday*

~*Friday*~ ... is FAMILY GAME NIGHT!!! First I made red velvet cupcakes, with Halloween décor. Fitting for this time of the year...

 

It took a little bit of time, but we settled on playing "Sorry"... after an amazing steak dinner! Which was fitting for what the day represented to "me".

There was plenty of banter back and forth, as we raced to the finish line (to win)... and quickly bumped each other off in a vein attempt to be first. Anthony won first, which would normally be the end but we played through to "take place". Quickly my loving husband took second place! The race between Tyler and I was neck and neck... he won! I don't mind coming in last, after all it about the time spent, and bonding moments. I wouldn't give up these years for anything. And I can't imagine my husband would want to be anywhere in life that didn't involve his boys!!!

I sometimes sit back and try to imagine life years from now... where board games turn into them sitting on the couch watching sports. And I imagine future wives, grandchildren, and I couldn't imagine not being right smack in the middle of it all.

~*Gratitude*~... I am in awe and thanks for the family I was blessed with. And I look forward to many more years!!! Here is a toast to things only getting better!!!