It was fun while it lasted

Well, as is pretty evident, this blog was great fun in the beginning, and then, of course, we all became reconsumed with the lives of our children and postings have suffered. As smart as I think I am, I can post on my personal blog, as can Rachel, all our wisdom and most of you will see that intelligence anyway.

So, if you want to copy anything off this blog, do it because in a few weeks, it will be cleared to create cyberspace-tic room for others to blab in. Thanks to all who have contributed and read! It was a lot of fun for me to read!

Megan

Sesame Street Preparedness Website!

Here's a little addendum to my previous post. I found a cute website on preparedness by Sesame Street. If you go to THIS website and look at the right hand side of the screen, you'll see a kids handbook you can download and print out with fun preparedness activities for kids, and a list of cute preparedness videos your kids can watch. We did some of this for FHE tonight and the girls loved it! Enjoy!

Emergency Preparedness Websites

I just posted this on my family blog and thought it might be helpful here as well:

I have been researching emergency preparedness and food storage ideas lately. So I thought I would share my list of favorite websites. I have really been feeling to need to get my home in order in this way, with financial and food/supply reserves. Have any of you? It seems like it's been on many people's minds lately. No matter if the emergency be a natural disaster, or a personal financial disaster, I want to feel ready for anything! So here is a list of some good sites to check out when you have some extra minutes...

http://safelygatheredin.blogspot.com/ This is a wonderfully put together blog about Emergency Preparedness, that is very centered in what the prophets and apostles have counseled.

http://myfoodstoragedeals.blogspot.com/ This is a great site for down-to-earth food storage ideas, and she has a great sidebar list of her favorite preparedness websites, so I won't re-list them here :)

http://everydayfoodstorage.net/ This is a great preparedness/homemaking website

http://www.simplylivingsmart.com/ Another great website for preparedness, but a little more geared toward profit!

http://www.72hours.org/

There's lots more, but these are ones I have been liking lately. Happy Preparing!

Smart time in the kitchen

I saw this during a random channel-flipping on Rachel Ray, and I hope I'm not the ONLY person who hasn't thought of it. It is genius.

Onions. Kids hate them. But, we all know that they make things taste better. So her suggestion was to cut it in half, and dice up the half without the roots/strings. Then you pull as much of the strings off as you can with your hands and just plunk it in. When your food is ready, just take it out and toss it. Genius! The food still tastes good, but isn't infiltrated by onion.

I do this now with celery too, in soups. My kids won't touch celery, but it makes such good broth, I just cut each stalk in half then take them out.

Dinner in a Pumpkin

Here's a little recipe that might be fun to try this year. It's one my mom would make every year at Halloween and we loved it. If you have picky eaters as discussed below, however, this might not go over very well! But it's worth a try and makes a fun Halloween night dinner. Here goes...


Dinner in a Pumpkin

1 medium/small pumpkin, cleaned out, rinsed, with a good size top cut out for scooping out the casserole
1 1/2 pounds lean ground turkey or beef
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can mushrooms (sliced), drained
2 tbsp. brown sugar
2 tbsp. soy sauce (key to the flavor)
3/4 cups chopped onions
1 tbs. oil
1 1/2 cup cooked brown or white rice

Sautee onions in oil. Add ground meat, brown. Then add brown sugar, soy sauce and soup- simmer 10 minutes. Add cooked rice. Fill pumpkin with mixture and put top on. Bake at 350 for at least 1 hour.

Picky Eaters

Many of you, I'm sure, have experienced or are experiencing a "picky eater." I get the question "How do I help my child eat what we eat?" almost as much as the "My child doesn't talk yet but do I really have to take her to a therapist?" question. Hopefully some of this information may be helpful for you with your kids.

Background:

There are two types of "feeding disorders" (official term dysphagia), mechanical and sensory. Children can have one or both of these disorders. Sometimes, an aversion may be developed as a response to a physical condition, such as reflux, allergies, or indigestion. These issues should be consulted about with a doctor, as well as considering appropriate diet modifications.

Mechanical dysphagia is less common in children, but all children go through the learning stages of it-this is called "learning to eat." :) Children older than age 2 (possibly even at 18 months) who still drool excessively, have difficulty keeping food in their mouths as they chew (especially piecey food like rice or cooked vegetable bits), or cannot physically chew foods as solid as pretzels, pasta, or chicken nuggets would possibly fall into this category. Certainly, any regular coughing or choking during feeding is of concern as well.

Sensory dysphagia is more along what most people call "picky eaters." For some children, it is so severe that they cannot be in the presence of food without feeling sick. You may be able to relate to that from pregnancy where even the sight of a particular food made you feel so averse to it you had to look away. So, naturally, you avoid that food until it looks good to you again. Sensory dysphagia involves any smell, sight, touch, or taste of a food that produces a negative reaction or aversion in a child.

What can I do about it?
Mechanical dysphagia is best treated by a speech pathologist trained in feeding, and who will train you to work on it at home. Sensory dysphagia may require professional help in the most extreme cases (ie vomiting, persistent refusal of food with subsequent weight loss and malnourishment as a result). However, for picky eaters, usually you can make some small modifications at home to help your child get past it.

1. Evaluate your family's eating habits

Start with looking at what your family eats. Do you eat a lot of one kind of food? Do you have regular mealtimes? How much of your foods and snacks are high in sugar? My favorite thing is parents who complain their child won't eat at mealtimes, and it's because they get a huge snack RIGHT BEFORE dinner? Of COURSE they won't eat if they just had 10 Oreos. Do you do this? Children, just like adults, can easily set their bodies to know when it's mealtime. Just because they're hungry as you're cooking doesn't mean that they need a snack. It just means they smell dinner and their bodies are getting ready to eat. Are they drinking lots of juice, which is sweet and yummy, AND fills their tummy before they can eat anything?

2. Familiarize the child with food:

Starting with sight and touch, have the child experience foods that he/she is averse to. Have him/her help in the kitchen with preparation, let the child play with the food in perhaps a messy way. For example, if your child doesn't like foods with mixed textures (ie, pasta with meat or veggies, casseroles) let them have some dry rice/pasta, and pieces of whatever else you put in it and let them play with it in play dough or something else that could mock sauce. This will help their eyes and hands adjust to the idea of multiple textures in foods (thus eliminating 2 sensory pathways). Be sure to talk about how it feels in your fingers, what different "treasures" you can discover in your mudpile, and praise the child for touching the foods. If you can use the actual food, it is even better. As the child explores the food with their hands, they will become somewhat "desensitized" to it, and may even sneak a bite of something they find. This should definitely be encouraged.

3. Don't be afraid to use flavor!

As adults, we don't always like things with bold flavor, but children do not have as developed olfaction as we do. Sometimes, they can't even taste what is in their mouth. If your child likes sweet, try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes, on toast, to warm milk-anything! If your child likes salty, add curry, paprika, chili powder, or garlic to anything-even what you wouldn't think to put it in (like oatmeal or pancakes, macaroni and cheese). If you cook a dish with any of those spices in it, add extra to your child's serving. The flavor will draw them to it, and drown out anything about it they may not like.

4. Build on what they like

Many parents say, "Well, they really like all these foods..." GREAT! Use them! If they like something, combine it with something they don't like. You may think it's weird to put cereal on spaghetti or ice cream on broccoli, but if it works for them-let them do it! It gives them a sense of control over what they're eating. It also bridges the gap between "will eat" and "won't eat" without you having to make everything "will eats." Ketchup, cheese, syrup, and ranch dressing can become your best friends with almost any meal. Either put it on top, or if they like to dip, give them a dollop and let them do whatever makes them happy. As they begin to eat the new food with more regularity, you can place conditions on it, such as "Eat this one piece first, and then I'll put cheese on it." You can also say, "This first, and banana next." Even very young children can understand that. See #5 below to see varying stages of "forced" eating.

I have tried a few of those pureed vegetable recipes made famous by Jerry Seinfeld's wife. To be honest, I'm not impressed. First, I just didn't like them. Second, I think it is very important to not DISGUISE the unliked food so much that the child is unaware of what they're eating. This is my personal opinion-I don't know that research anywhere supports or disproves it. It can be very easy to add some chopped broccoli or spinach to macaroni and cheese. If your child is like one of mine and doesn't like whole chicken, it can be chopped small and put in mashed potatoes or smothered in ketchup. But the original food is still there, so he knows he's getting chicken.

5. Always force "just one bite"-or not

For some kids who absolutely cannot tolerate a certain food, it is unreasonable to make them eat one bite. That is just going to make a psychological block to the food, and make their aversion worse. In these instances, use this hierarchy:
-touch with hands
-touch the food to their lips
-touch the teeth
-touch the tongue
-touch the tongue for several seconds
-hold the food in the mouth for several seconds, and spit out
-chew the food in the mouth and spit out

THEN, you make the child eat one bite and swallow it. As appropriate you increase the bites. It may sound silly to go through the steps, but I promise this works. Remember to moderate quantities, and they realistically may not eat all you give them. The general rule of thumb for a minimum is 1 tablespoon of each food for each year of age (ie, a 2 year old should do 2 T each of veggie, main dish, and side dish), or somehow a total of 6 T for the meal.

6. Make meal time FUN!

Most of all, there shouldn't be pressure at meal times. It should be a fun time. Some of the best things to do with picky eaters is play with their food. Yes, goes against all manners we have ever learned, but it makes eating seem more like something enjoyable to do when the child doesn't like to do it to begin with. Use cookie cutters for sandwiches, let them choose shapes for pancakes (that you have snuck apples or peaches into to give them varied texture), use food coloring, make sculptures out of pasta or mashed potatoes, throw in some goldfish and make them swim in the tomato soup. There are so many ways to make meal times more enjoyable for the child-which in turn, should make it more enjoyable for you.

7. Praise

Honestly, eating a variety of foods is something we expect our children to do. So, when they do anything that is a major step in broadening their repertoire, STAY CALM! Be sure to give praise, but don't break out in dance and song. They need to know they've done something good, but not be treated like they've won the Olympics because it is EXPECTED for them to eat the food you prepare for them. A quiet, "I am very proud of you for eating that" or "I love the way you held that in your mouth" will give them the appropriate encouragement. And you can anticipate, "I am excited to see you do that again another time."

There is SO much more to this, but this should give you a good start on getting the picky out of eating. If you have specific questions, feel free to email me. Good luck!

Scripture Stickers

Just thought I'd post a scripture study idea I got from MeckMom.com. I needed a quick and easy, daily scripture study idea for my girls (4 1/2 and 3) that they would be interested in.

MeckMom has the Gospel Art Picture Kit download that you can make into to scripture stickers- it's the pictures from the kit, made smaller and the colors lightened, so that when you print them on clear sticker paper, you can cut them out and stick them over the scripture (as seen in above picture). Go to THIS website to download the pictures pdf's, and then go to any office supply store to get Avery #8665 Clear Full Sheet Mailing Labels to print them off on.

I also put the pictures kit pics in a binder, with the stickers in the back. So in the morning, we grab our Scripture Pictures & Scripture Stickers, and one girl gets to choose a picture. Then I tell the story and read 1 or 2 scriptures about it, and then they get to put that sticker in their own little Book of Mormon. It has been a great way to do scripture study for this age. They love it!

Potty help!

Another potty training question, moms. Brigham (4 and 1/2) is potty trained. Until he isn't. And I don't know what to do. When he has some emotional trauma (ie, new preschool, Daddy out of town, leaving the Grandmas) he regresses. All the way. And I mean, all the way-both ends. Although, recently, there has been no reason.

I even pulled out his old sticker charts the other day. Seriously, if this is the one developmental thing that's hard for him, I can cope. But honestly-there have to be some better ways.

HELP!!

Halloween Fun

What are some of your favorite memories/activities to do with your kids for Halloween? I know I've seen lots of you with super crafty pictures on your blogs of things you make together-PLEASE SHARE!

Mommy quotes

I was just going back over my May 2008 Ensign (411-LDS church magazine) and found so many good quotes that I had completely forgotten about that really pertain to motherhood.

Sooo, in anticipation of another conference, I thought I'd share a couple "mommy quotes" and invite you to share some of yours as well.

Elder Russell M. Nelson-Salvation and Exaltation

"The home is to be God's laboratory of love and service."

"Do not try to control your children. Instead, listen to them, help them to learn the gospel, inspire them, and lead them toward eternal life. You are God's agents in the care of children He has entrusted to you. Let His divine influence remain in your hearts as you teach and persuade."

Cheryl C. Lant-Righteous Traditions

"Are [our traditions] what we want them to be? Are they based on actions of righteousness and faith? Are they mostly material in nature, or are they eternal? Are we consciously creating righteous traditions, or is life just happening to us? Are our traditions being created in response to the loud voices of the world or are they influenced by the still, small voice of the Spirit? Are [they] . . .going to make it easier for our children to follow the living prophets, or will they make it difficult for them?"

Please share your favorites before we get more great info this weekend!

Lynes Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

Lynes Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Family history - Genelogy

Lynes Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

Lynes Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

Lynes Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Geneology - Free pedigree charts

GUITLY as charged...

So this isn't an Emotional Development question for children, it's my OWN emotional development question! Is that allowed in this category? I hope so... I need help! So I'm hoping any of you Smart Mommies can share your thoughts-
I think my biggest challenge with being a mom is this constant nagging guilt I feel. If I'm running on the treadmill, I feel guilt because I'm having my girls zone out in front of a TV show for an hour every morning while I run and shower. But if I don't run I feel guilt because I'm not taking care of myself. If I say "I can't play with you right now, I'm cleaning/cooking dinner/etc" I feel guilt because I should be paying more attention to my kids. But if I play with my kids, I feel guilt because my house isn't getting any cleaner and there are a thousand projects I should be doing. If I practice my music lessons I feel guilty because it takes time away from my kids and house. But if I don't practice I feel guilt because I'm wasting money on lessons and not helping myself develop talents. If I am strict with my kids I feel guilt. But if I am too lenient I feel guilt. And the list goes on... I know, it's ridiculous.
I know there is a HAPPY medium somewhere, and several times I feel like I've found it- where I can enjoy the moment and not worry about other things, and enjoy my children and be content with how things are going. But all too soon it slips away and the guilt starts creeping in again.
Does anyone else struggle with this? Is this just a common factor of being a mom? What do you do? Any good books/scriptures/quotes you can recommend? I would love to read your insights of how you enjoy being a mom, move past guilt, and be satisfied with your efforts as a mother without being guilt-ridden. Please share!!!

Happy Cards

This is a discipline idea that I've used, and honestly, it was more my salvation than beneficial for my kids.

I made little pouches for each out of paper, and wrote on the front "I can be happy" with a smiley face. We have a million Thomas cards around the house, so they each get 3 to start each day in their happy card pouch. On the first instance of freaking out, disobeying, sassing, whatever, they lose the first happy card and we decide what the punishment will be when all 3 are gone. This works well, because by this point in the day I can see what will be important to them, thus I know what privilege to revoke. The next time they misbehave, they lose another happy card. The third time, they lose the happy card and the privilege (usually a favorite toy, playtime outside, going to a friend's house). If they continue to misbehave, they just continue to lose privileges.

They can, however, have their happy cards reinstated by getting "super star" cards. These are given out after the happy cards are gone, and can be traded to get a happy card back. Each instance of good behavior, helping with a chore, showing good manners, earns a super star card. When he gets 3 super star cards, he can trade for 1 happy card, and his privilege is restored. I know is sounds complicated, but it actually is very logical to their little brains.

The best thing about this, is that instead of losing my temper or feeling like all I do is time-out or take stuff away, this gives us both a gradual outlet for discipline and learning consequences. It really worked well for the 2-4 age range, and Brig has kind of out-grown it now. He did make happy cards for Mommy and Daddy too, which was good, because we couldn't argue when he took our happy cards, just like he can't argue when we take his. It gave us some useful insight to what he feels is inappropriate to him!

Teething Idea

My youngest Adin is teething, which at 8 months I'm not complaining. But the other day he was unbearable because he was not only hungry (there is only so much that breastfeeding can do) but his teeth were bothering him. I had a brilliant idea at dinner time. I have some bananas that I fast froze in my freezer. I pulled out one and gave it to him (actually I held it while he bit it because it was quite cold). It worked like a charm!! Not only was it cold to help with the teeth but he got some nurishment because it was a banana. Beware though because as it melts it gets messy and gooey.

Super Saturday?

Okay Smart Ladies...

Any ideas for great enrichment meeting - super saturday activities? I've planned too many of these the past few years and my ideas are running short!

What have you guys done or would like to do??? Anything jumping out at you?

Thanks in advance!

Summer Boredom

Help!! I'm not sure what is going on but ever since my 6 year old finished kindergarten we have been in an "I'm bored Mom" stage. He doesn't express himself that way, mostly in other ways like pestering his brother and sister, wanting to watch TV constantly, destroying things around the house. Every suggestion that I make is met by a "no." I try to do or go to one fun thing a day and there are friends in the neighborhood to play with, but the attitude and problems remain.
Any suggestions will be most welcome!!