The three-year-old Philanthropist

It was an exciting morning: Ellie’s daycare sponsored a March of Dimes Wonderwalk. All of the children collected pledges, and are going to walk around the play area, do a variety of activities at different stations and then end with a snack.

As someone who makes a living fundraising for important causes, this was an exciting milestone in my young life as a mother. I really enjoyed explaining to Ellie that she was helping little babies, and she seemed to understand the concept in her three-year-old way…

I will talk more on my thoughts of getting children involved with fundraising at some other point (I have my own fundraising to go do), but for now, enjoy some pictures from her morning. :)

She raised $52!

Thanks for reading...

A Very Happy "Unbirthday"

Ellie has recently become obsessed with Alice in Wonderland. Driving into work this morning I thought of a fun activity related to the story. If you familiar with the story, you know that Alice happens upon the Mad Hatter and friends celebrating their “Unbirthdays”- it is a zany celebration and Alice starts out having fun, but soon becomes exasperated by their non sense chatter and logic.

On the next rainy, nothing to do day, I think I will surprise Ellie with an “Unbirthday” Celebration. Really, it is just a glorified tea party- but throw in the zany song, and some reverse logic and I think it will produce a heap of giggles.

If you have the book or movie, try it with your kids. Read the book or watch the movie together and then the next day, surprise them with an “Unbirthday” party- a memory maker I’m sure!

If you need a copy of the movie, you are welcome to come and get it….. please… ;)

Summer time memories

On the way to school this morning Ellie peered out the window at the rain and asked when we could go back to the beach at night and look at the stars. This was something we did last summer, and I was surprised she remembered it. Her ability to remember things sometimes astonishes me. Her question sent me on a nostalgic journey back to a warm summer night last August when we did, on a whim, pile into the car and drive down to East Beach for a little star gazing.

When we got to the beach it was dark and we ran into some local folks heading back to their cars from some night fishing. The minute we decided where to put the blankets we saw fireworks in the distance! It was PERFECT. After they ended the three of us just sat there looking at the stars. It was a really nice way to relax and spend an evening. We headed down to the water to get our feet wet. Surprisingly the water seemed warm. Warmer than usual. When we decided to head back Elle was pretty wiped out. Playing all day, ocean air, fireworks... she fell asleep in the car. I think we all could have.

It's nice to have memories like that to help us get through the blustery winter months!

Snow Day

A few weeks ago, we had what I hope will be the last storm of the season (dare I dream?) but we really made the most of it. Mike and I both got out of work early. I picked Ellie up from school early and got to watch her nap for a few minutes while I talked to the teacher (I still can’t believe she naps at school!). When I woke her up she was so excited to see me!

Mike and I pulled into the driveway at the same time- and the snow was just so pretty we decided to have an outdoor fire in our little fire pit. I made hot chocolate while Mike made the fire. We sat out there for about an hour, it really wasn't cold and it was such a nice moment. It felt really good to be outside- and I felt happy knowing that we really made the most of the snow. Ellie had a great time "shoveling" the deck and making snow angels. She is my little angel!

Lost in the Winter Snow...

This winter has been very busy, and I have neglected the blog. This is not to say I have neglected my quest for family togetherness- but it has been hard to get to the Blog. A lot has gone on lately- most notably, a lot of thought about priorities and being the architect of the life I want to live, and give.

I have also uncovered many interesting articles about families, children and communities. I plan to share these articles on this blog, as you may also find the topics interesting.

I heard a great quote from a friend recently “Even if my son is not “good” student, I can make sure he is a “good” person.” I think that sums it up perfectly- as society pushes children to excel academically, we lose sight of what is really important; teaching our children to hold doors for people, to say please and thank you, help a friend in need and consider feelings over fights. ..

On a slightly different topic, NPR recently produced a great piece (link below) on imaginative play for children and the effect this type of play has on cognitive development and executive function. After I read this article I found myself wondering about teenagers. If this latest generation has grown up with the electronic “low imagination” toys the article references, how has this affected their executive function as teens and adults? I’m wondering if an ADD diagnoses could be confused with just poor executive function skills….. something to consider.. I’m interested in what you think…

Thanks for reading… more soon.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=19212514

Ellorie is 3 today!

Today is the day that we get to celebrate Ellie. This time three years ago, she was just 1 hour old and so tiny (I was about to enjoy a spaghetti "breakfast" since I hadn't eaten anything during my 30 hour labor!). I didn't know it at the time, but I was just about to begin what has been the most challenging, fun, crazy, exhausting and soul filling adventure of my life!

Fast forward three years and she is literally, the BEST THING I have EVER DONE in my life. I think this at least once a day. She has such an amazing little sense or humor; she is compassionate, enthusiastic and FUN. We all have a great time together. It is crazy how someone 29 years younger than me can make me so happy!

A lot of people want children and can't have them, or have children who are sick. Hearing their stories breaks my heart. We are all guilty of taking the wonderful things in our lives for granted from time to time. Today, I will remember that we are blessed to have this wonderful little being in our lives, and send a babydust to all who are trying for little ones, and healing dust to all who are sick. Let's all take a minute to do that- maybe our combined energies will make something magical and miraculous happen.

Happy birthday Ellie, Mom and Daddy love you every second of every day...

Thanks for reading...

Delicious traditions when the family is sick...

Ahhh, AUTUMN... crisp leaves, apple cider, Halloween costumes, and yes, the flu and cold season. Today I offer you, (thanks to my sister who is a nutrition EXPERT) a delicious remedy to give all of your family members when feeling under the weather. Add this to your roster of "traditions"; serve it in a fun bowl or mug and give your little sick one some cuddle time while eating it. The nutrients from the soup and the chemicals released from the cuddling will help heal that heart and cold!

** Soup-er Nutrient Chicken Soup to boost the immune system. **
I never measure things out, preferring instead to eyeball things, so I didn't include exact measurements...
Low sodium/fat free organic chicken broth
Diced chicken breast, cooked and seasoned with black pepper
Approximately a cup and a half of shelled edamame
Tons of fresh spinach (in my case, a whole container of it since it reduces so much)
Half an onion, sliced not diced
Several (about four) handfuls of chopped baby carrots
A couple handfuls of chopped celery
Seven diced cloves of garlic
More black pepper, to taste -- please don't add salt!!!

Simmer until carrots are cooked and the spinach has reduced.You might notice that I omitted rice, pasta or other starches sometimes found in chicken soup. I did this on purpose; when you eat starch, it breaks down internally into a gluttonous mass that only adds mucous and wetness. Plus, the recipe provides plenty of substance from the protein-rich edamame and a decent amount from the chicken. Have this soup twice a day, preferably with a warm--not hot--drink-Recommended: Yogi's Immune Support tea to help loosen congestion.
Nutrients in the soup include vitamins A, D, C, B, iron, calcium and, of course, lots of protein.