This year more than ever before I have felt the desire to limit the amount of T.V. intake and influence there is in our lives. I think I can identify a few of the reasons: Our oldest daughter began attending public school this year (4th gr.) rather than continuing with homeschool. Our oldest son would live in a T.V. if he could. Our youngest son is doing most things are oldest son is doing. Our kids are involved in a few evening activities in addition to Wed. evening AWANA fun.
When the weather was nice, the T.V. was much less of an issue. The 3 older kids would head outside as quick as they could after school to check out what the newest was with the neighborhood gang. But if the weather was bad and the T.V. was on, the black box was the center of attention, and most often the only discussion had to do with who had the remote and what show to watch next. I found myself wishing for nice days, because I liked what it afforded my children in their relationships with each other.
As I mentioned earlier, my son's world wouldn't be more complete if it had another piece of media in it. Tech-y someday he will be. We've kept a close eye on what the kids are watching on T.V. So the actual shows themselves weren't my concern with him. What I did notice was a decrease in his ability to focus if he had just finished watching a few shows on T.V., an increase in complaints about being bored, and a lack of awareness of his surroundings (baby sister near him who had something she shouldn't have). Yuck!
I was reluctant to do anything dramatic. I hadn't thought through a plan yet, and I really wanted them to experience the value in having less T.V. as well. So as the nice days decreased, and fall weather began to settle in, I began an internal experiment (I didn't tell anybody else about it :-)). When the kids would ask to have the T.V. on in the afternoon, I started saying 'No, not today. Go find a game to go play or a book to read ... or I could give you work to do.' As this continued, they began to ask less until one day I began to say 'We're not going to have the T.V. on in the afternoon during the week anymore.' Eventually too, we left the T.V. off until the kids went to bed and then my husband and I would turn it on after that.
So here is what I've noticed since we began this new routine:
As our daughter would come home from school and complete her homework, I began noticing that our sons were glad to see her. Eager to tell her about their day, to hear about this other world called 'public school', or to recruit another worthy opponent for a game, they were having a really hard time waiting for their big sister to join them. They enjoy spending time with each other more now. Perhaps it's because now they have enough time to have conflict and resolve it, instead of harboring it.
My media attached child has a new love: reading. He had been enjoying the various eye witness series books which are full of wonderful pictures that we would snatch up at the library, but I couldn't get him to pick up chapter books on his own for free reading. He is a fine reader, but he is a 7 yr. old boy who struggles with focus and follow-through. Toys and T.V. were a much better option in his mind. Now he can't get enough of 'Secret Agent Jack Stalwart'. I'm so proud of him!
The dust has been blown off of board games. Toys have been brought to me with long dead batteries. The basement is constantly a mess from block towers, car race tracks, legos, scrabble tiles, dress-ups. It's funny how when they were toddlers I couldn't wait until they didn't pull toys out everywhere, but now as elementary kids I'm so thankful that they do.
My daughter is sharing in more detail about her day at school. And, I, as her mom, don't want to miss a thing. I'm enjoying her so much more now too. How can 10 seem so old?
Tomorrow starts the weekend, so we will have on 'Saturday morning cartoons' (as if!! It's really what they have recorded on the DVR all week.), and College Footbal Gameday (Go Hawks!). The experiment was worth it for us, and I don't think we are going back to the old days. There is an unexpected, noticeable freedom that has come to our home.
"Everything is permissible for me"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"—but I will not be mastered by anything. I Corinthians 6:12
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
What I'm doing to build immunity for the season
I've gotten a lot of questions lately regarding what we are doing to build up everyone's immune systems for the cold/flu season. I've got my plan together now, so I thought I'd share it.
1. Water. Everyone is going to drink more water. I think a few of us are truly camels in our family, so those especially will be challenged by this. For me, I bought one of those BPA-free 2 L personal water jugs to drink from so that I reach my goal of 100 oz. in a day.
2. Echinacea. For preventative use, my daughter attending public school is taking a double dose once a day 5 days a week. 5 days on with 2 days off during the weekend keeps her immune system sharpened. Currently, she is using Viramune by Trilight Health. I also recently placed an order for a highly rated Echinacea product form iherb.com. It is called: Esberitox. This product is new for us, but I'm looking forward to trying out their chewable form. For treatment of colds, depending on how well each of us fights off the cold, we start the echinacea in some form. If the kids shake it off pretty quick, then I don't give them any. If they seem to be struggling and are running a fever, then I start the echinacea.
3. TrilightHealth.com is a long time favorite herbal company of mine. We have used it for 10 years now. My favorites to keep on hand: Viramune (for basic colds), Scout Out (for colds that turn worse, especially for us adults), Throat Care (by far, the best sore throat soother around...my kids ask for it every time and I always grab for it...even throughout the night), UrinaryTone w/cranberries (has always done a better job than antibiotics for UTIs for me.) My husband was very skeptical when I first started using these. He used to laugh and tell me that he wasn't going to 'drink grass' to get better. However, we have been antibiotic free for 5 years now, and I am convinced these have helped. He is now a regular proponent of these herbs and uses them himself.
4. Probiotics. Since the colon is one of the first lines of internal defense against viruses/bacteria, our entire family will be on this all year long. It's safe for all ages. We are currently using Jarro-Dophilus + FOS by Jarrow Formulas. It also has received very reliable ratings at iherb.com. With some many probiotics on the market, it is really important to get one that actually makes it alive to the colon. One of the things I have really liked about this product is that the capsules are small enough for my 10 and 7 year old to swallow whole, and of course, I just sprinkle it on applesauce, etc. for my 4 and 1 year old.
5. Vitamin D!! The research available now is so compelling regarding the connection between Vitamin D and immunity to colds/flu. The current recommendations in multi-vitamins appear to not be enough. From the research I could find online, it appears that a good maintenance amount per day (include all sources: milk, multi-vits, other vits.) is 4000 IU for adults, 2000 IU for children (1000 for toddlers). Adults should take 15,000 IU for three days at the onset of a cold. Again, I found products at iherb.com that I am excited to try. For the kids, Rainbow Light Vitamin D 1000 IU Sunny Gummies. For my husband and I, Bluebonnet nutrition, Vitamin D3, Natural Lanolin Source 1000 IU. If the kids are outside for more than a good hour in the day, then I will back down their necessary amount by 500 IU. Through the late spring to early fall, I won't be supplementing with extra vitamin D for my older children, since they are outside so much. If they are using sunscreen that day (i.e. at the beach), then I will give them extra vitamin D since sunscreen prevents Vitamin D absorption from the sun.
6. Multi-vitamins. I almost forgot the obvious! The kids are taking Animal Parade (comes in liquid and chewable forms). I am taking New Chapter Organics. These both are made from whole food sources. I like that since the body recognizes them as food and thus these have a higher absorption rate. That is why the % will be lower in these than in manufactured vitamins. My husband is taking Source Naturals Life Force Multiple. We have ordered these from amazon.com and have found them at our local health food store.
There are plenty of vitamin and supplement options out there, and a lot of them are not good or effective at all. Not all vitamins are created equal, so make sure you do your research and ask around about good ones for your family. Staff at local health food stores can be very helpful with this. Also, check online sites for ratings and see what people are saying about them. Dr. Mercola's site is a site that I often check to see what his opinion is on things. It's good to be informed and balanced when spending money and hoping things will work.
Whew! Well that's our plan.
1. Water. Everyone is going to drink more water. I think a few of us are truly camels in our family, so those especially will be challenged by this. For me, I bought one of those BPA-free 2 L personal water jugs to drink from so that I reach my goal of 100 oz. in a day.
2. Echinacea. For preventative use, my daughter attending public school is taking a double dose once a day 5 days a week. 5 days on with 2 days off during the weekend keeps her immune system sharpened. Currently, she is using Viramune by Trilight Health. I also recently placed an order for a highly rated Echinacea product form iherb.com. It is called: Esberitox. This product is new for us, but I'm looking forward to trying out their chewable form. For treatment of colds, depending on how well each of us fights off the cold, we start the echinacea in some form. If the kids shake it off pretty quick, then I don't give them any. If they seem to be struggling and are running a fever, then I start the echinacea.
3. TrilightHealth.com is a long time favorite herbal company of mine. We have used it for 10 years now. My favorites to keep on hand: Viramune (for basic colds), Scout Out (for colds that turn worse, especially for us adults), Throat Care (by far, the best sore throat soother around...my kids ask for it every time and I always grab for it...even throughout the night), UrinaryTone w/cranberries (has always done a better job than antibiotics for UTIs for me.) My husband was very skeptical when I first started using these. He used to laugh and tell me that he wasn't going to 'drink grass' to get better. However, we have been antibiotic free for 5 years now, and I am convinced these have helped. He is now a regular proponent of these herbs and uses them himself.
4. Probiotics. Since the colon is one of the first lines of internal defense against viruses/bacteria, our entire family will be on this all year long. It's safe for all ages. We are currently using Jarro-Dophilus + FOS by Jarrow Formulas. It also has received very reliable ratings at iherb.com. With some many probiotics on the market, it is really important to get one that actually makes it alive to the colon. One of the things I have really liked about this product is that the capsules are small enough for my 10 and 7 year old to swallow whole, and of course, I just sprinkle it on applesauce, etc. for my 4 and 1 year old.
5. Vitamin D!! The research available now is so compelling regarding the connection between Vitamin D and immunity to colds/flu. The current recommendations in multi-vitamins appear to not be enough. From the research I could find online, it appears that a good maintenance amount per day (include all sources: milk, multi-vits, other vits.) is 4000 IU for adults, 2000 IU for children (1000 for toddlers). Adults should take 15,000 IU for three days at the onset of a cold. Again, I found products at iherb.com that I am excited to try. For the kids, Rainbow Light Vitamin D 1000 IU Sunny Gummies. For my husband and I, Bluebonnet nutrition, Vitamin D3, Natural Lanolin Source 1000 IU. If the kids are outside for more than a good hour in the day, then I will back down their necessary amount by 500 IU. Through the late spring to early fall, I won't be supplementing with extra vitamin D for my older children, since they are outside so much. If they are using sunscreen that day (i.e. at the beach), then I will give them extra vitamin D since sunscreen prevents Vitamin D absorption from the sun.
6. Multi-vitamins. I almost forgot the obvious! The kids are taking Animal Parade (comes in liquid and chewable forms). I am taking New Chapter Organics. These both are made from whole food sources. I like that since the body recognizes them as food and thus these have a higher absorption rate. That is why the % will be lower in these than in manufactured vitamins. My husband is taking Source Naturals Life Force Multiple. We have ordered these from amazon.com and have found them at our local health food store.
There are plenty of vitamin and supplement options out there, and a lot of them are not good or effective at all. Not all vitamins are created equal, so make sure you do your research and ask around about good ones for your family. Staff at local health food stores can be very helpful with this. Also, check online sites for ratings and see what people are saying about them. Dr. Mercola's site is a site that I often check to see what his opinion is on things. It's good to be informed and balanced when spending money and hoping things will work.
Whew! Well that's our plan.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
10 Best Decisions I Made This Summer
1. Enrolled my kids in swimming lessons as soon as we moved. They swam M-F for 6 weeks. We met new friends, and my once fearful water babies are now more like fish.
2. Bought the boys loft beds for their cracker box room. Instead of bunk beds, we made the decision to buy University Loft Jr. loft beds. What an awesome purchase! Those 'caves' under their beds will be priceless play and storage spaces once the weather turns cold.
3. Showed my daughter how to help scrape off wallpaper.
4. Stocked the cupboard with Magic Shell.
5. Had 2 garage sales.
6. Learned how to play Cornhole. What?!
7. Inquired about the warranty on our windows. Yes, they get replaced for free!
8. Realizing that pleasure and contentment aren't as far away as I thought.
9. Picking up my 4 1/2 year old son as much as he'll still let me.
10. Sleeping in.
2. Bought the boys loft beds for their cracker box room. Instead of bunk beds, we made the decision to buy University Loft Jr. loft beds. What an awesome purchase! Those 'caves' under their beds will be priceless play and storage spaces once the weather turns cold.
3. Showed my daughter how to help scrape off wallpaper.
4. Stocked the cupboard with Magic Shell.
5. Had 2 garage sales.
6. Learned how to play Cornhole. What?!
7. Inquired about the warranty on our windows. Yes, they get replaced for free!
8. Realizing that pleasure and contentment aren't as far away as I thought.
9. Picking up my 4 1/2 year old son as much as he'll still let me.
10. Sleeping in.
Monday, June 8, 2009
My new fave children's product: The Germinator
With all the colds recently in our home I was excited to find a non-alcohol based 'germ-x' type of product. It is by BabyGanics and it is called The Germinator. It comes out as a foam so the kids don't run through it as quickly. It's been great for them to use after blowing their noses, and for me after wiping so many noses. My hands haven't gotten all dried out like they usually do.
On a light note, my daughter wanted to hold her baby sister who was still healthy at that point. When I asked her if she would wash her hands, she replied with: "Yes, Mom, I already germinated." :-)
On a light note, my daughter wanted to hold her baby sister who was still healthy at that point. When I asked her if she would wash her hands, she replied with: "Yes, Mom, I already germinated." :-)
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Threats to my security
What a strange 10 days in my life!
In a nutshell, I had what appeared to be an attempted break-in at my house during the final night that my husband was planned to be gone. Over the following week we prepared for our move and closing on our old and new home. I watched as our belongings were packed up and loaded on a truck by people I did not know (moving company). While driving half of our children (my husband and sons were in the other car) to our new home in a new state, I was nearly sideswiped on the interstate and almost flipped our van as I swerved and tried to recover from avoiding the crash. Later on that afternoon, we arrived at our new home which I was then seeing for the first time. Not to mention last minute financial hang-ups with both closings and illnesses among our family to name a few.
From the outside, it seems insurmountable. A strange twist of fate, random events that make one want to stick their head in the sand. Threats to take away so much.
However, I do not believe in fate nor do I believe these were random events. My life is held in the One who created me, and knows the number of hairs on my head. Yes, the Lord quieted my spirit when I was trembling inside, and reminds me that He watches over and out for me. He is a good and faithful God. I do not understand why He protects me from some pain, but not others that I think He should. In recent months I have had more questions than answers. However, the Lord has taught me that His wisdom is beyond measure. He is threatened by no one and no circumstance is out of His control. It is why He is God and I am not. For that, I am grateful.
In a nutshell, I had what appeared to be an attempted break-in at my house during the final night that my husband was planned to be gone. Over the following week we prepared for our move and closing on our old and new home. I watched as our belongings were packed up and loaded on a truck by people I did not know (moving company). While driving half of our children (my husband and sons were in the other car) to our new home in a new state, I was nearly sideswiped on the interstate and almost flipped our van as I swerved and tried to recover from avoiding the crash. Later on that afternoon, we arrived at our new home which I was then seeing for the first time. Not to mention last minute financial hang-ups with both closings and illnesses among our family to name a few.
From the outside, it seems insurmountable. A strange twist of fate, random events that make one want to stick their head in the sand. Threats to take away so much.
However, I do not believe in fate nor do I believe these were random events. My life is held in the One who created me, and knows the number of hairs on my head. Yes, the Lord quieted my spirit when I was trembling inside, and reminds me that He watches over and out for me. He is a good and faithful God. I do not understand why He protects me from some pain, but not others that I think He should. In recent months I have had more questions than answers. However, the Lord has taught me that His wisdom is beyond measure. He is threatened by no one and no circumstance is out of His control. It is why He is God and I am not. For that, I am grateful.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Children just like Daniel
I spent some time with a friend and her children the other day. It had been a while since we had seen each other. Kids sure change quickly in a short amount of time. We couldn't believe how each other's had grown since the last time we saw one another. Most noticeably to me, however, was the way her elementary children talked to me. When they needed to know where something was, they looked directly at me, spoke clearly and loud enough. They used 'please' and 'thank you' without being prompted by a nearby parent. I was visibly impressed and commented to my friend that her children had stellar manners.
As I reflected more on our time together, it became clearer to me why her children made an impression on me. It wasn't just what they did, but also what lack of I see from so many other children day to day. I was at the store recently and a mother was asking her son, who was about the same age as my friend's boy (7 yrs.), what yogurt he wanted. As she went through the varieties, his responses to her where disheartening and frankly uncomfortable to hear. "Ah, yah. Ah, no." With all the attitude included. And the mom, she seemed oblivious to the whole thing, perhaps just happy to get an answer out of her boy.
Our children know that they are expected to speak kindly to any adult, be it a parent, grandparent, store clerk, neighbor, teacher, etc. Unfortunately, I think a lot of parents give up too early when teaching their very young children how to be respectful to them. And in return, they and their children miss out on the rewards that come from leading a life of properly placed respect.
In chapter 1 of the book of Daniel in the Bible, we see that Daniel was taken as a youth from his family and forced to live in a foreign culture, and given food that was forbidden by his God. It is recorded in two separate instances where he makes a request to an authority that would allow him to follow the dietary laws of his faith. The scriptures say that God had given Daniel favor in the sight of these authorities. Let's think about this for a minute. This child, probably a very young teen, ripped from his parents, was asking to do something other than his captor had commanded just because he wanted to obey his God. Aside from the awesome fact that he was standing up for what he believed in, I want you to notice how he must have talked to the authorities in such a way that God had given him favor with them.
When my friend's children spoke to me with respect, I wanted to help them, I wanted to 'go that extra mile' to see that they had what they needed. By them treating me with respect, I treated them with respect in return. I know that I have felt this in my own life, and I think we can see that happening in the Daniel example as well. My husband and I often tell our children that many good things come from talking rightly, and it starts at home. What is done at home will overflow into other settings, and it should, for the home is the training ground for life.
These 2 very different examples that I came upon were a strong reminder for me to stay the course with our children. I want them to have the best opportunities in life. It's not easy to stay on top of disrepectful attitudes, but the rewards are much longer than the toil it took to train them.
Be encouraged my mom friends, your hard work is worth it!
As I reflected more on our time together, it became clearer to me why her children made an impression on me. It wasn't just what they did, but also what lack of I see from so many other children day to day. I was at the store recently and a mother was asking her son, who was about the same age as my friend's boy (7 yrs.), what yogurt he wanted. As she went through the varieties, his responses to her where disheartening and frankly uncomfortable to hear. "Ah, yah. Ah, no." With all the attitude included. And the mom, she seemed oblivious to the whole thing, perhaps just happy to get an answer out of her boy.
Our children know that they are expected to speak kindly to any adult, be it a parent, grandparent, store clerk, neighbor, teacher, etc. Unfortunately, I think a lot of parents give up too early when teaching their very young children how to be respectful to them. And in return, they and their children miss out on the rewards that come from leading a life of properly placed respect.
In chapter 1 of the book of Daniel in the Bible, we see that Daniel was taken as a youth from his family and forced to live in a foreign culture, and given food that was forbidden by his God. It is recorded in two separate instances where he makes a request to an authority that would allow him to follow the dietary laws of his faith. The scriptures say that God had given Daniel favor in the sight of these authorities. Let's think about this for a minute. This child, probably a very young teen, ripped from his parents, was asking to do something other than his captor had commanded just because he wanted to obey his God. Aside from the awesome fact that he was standing up for what he believed in, I want you to notice how he must have talked to the authorities in such a way that God had given him favor with them.
When my friend's children spoke to me with respect, I wanted to help them, I wanted to 'go that extra mile' to see that they had what they needed. By them treating me with respect, I treated them with respect in return. I know that I have felt this in my own life, and I think we can see that happening in the Daniel example as well. My husband and I often tell our children that many good things come from talking rightly, and it starts at home. What is done at home will overflow into other settings, and it should, for the home is the training ground for life.
These 2 very different examples that I came upon were a strong reminder for me to stay the course with our children. I want them to have the best opportunities in life. It's not easy to stay on top of disrepectful attitudes, but the rewards are much longer than the toil it took to train them.
Be encouraged my mom friends, your hard work is worth it!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
oldnavyweekly.com
Have you been to www.oldnavyweekly.com yet? Old Navy puts coupons good for one week only on this site. You search throughout the webpage flyer with your cursor looking for hidden coupons and offers. There are only a certain number of these so once they are gone, they're gone. Some of the coupons are as good as $60 off $100 and so on.
I usually can find a 15 or 20% off coupon but have never struck it rich with the big ones. It may be because I just found out recently that Old Navy changes their coupons at about 3 a.m. Friday mornings, and that several people have been staying up until then just to grab these deals. Old Navy has caught on to this and is now beginning to release the bigger coupons throughout the week. Deal Seeking Mom in my faves section below outlines where these coupons are located on the site.
Happy hunting!
I usually can find a 15 or 20% off coupon but have never struck it rich with the big ones. It may be because I just found out recently that Old Navy changes their coupons at about 3 a.m. Friday mornings, and that several people have been staying up until then just to grab these deals. Old Navy has caught on to this and is now beginning to release the bigger coupons throughout the week. Deal Seeking Mom in my faves section below outlines where these coupons are located on the site.
Happy hunting!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
The Waiting Room
We have been waiting this year. Waiting in God's waiting room. Shane and Shane (www.shaneandshane.com)
have a song called 'Waiting Room' that parallels what we experienced.
Lord i know if i change my mind
You will change my heart in time
Sovereign Lord this time's from You
so i sit in the waiting room of silence
cause its all about You
He designed our time here, and just recently, our name was called to move on. After facing a year of uncertainty in my husband's employment, our souls were parched and bewildered wondering if we had missed anything else in this time of self-examination. No, it had so much less to do with us, and so much more to do with God's orchestration of events. It continues to amaze me that when I think nothing more can be squeezed out of a deadline, He does it, and so masterfully like only the Creator God can.
He is a good and faithful God. Even though moving to a new state was not part of my plan for this year, His goodness awaits my family and I there. Though the boxes and the parting goodbyes are never easy nor pleasant, I am so thankful to be out of the waiting room.
have a song called 'Waiting Room' that parallels what we experienced.
Lord i know if i change my mind
You will change my heart in time
Sovereign Lord this time's from You
so i sit in the waiting room of silence
cause its all about You
He designed our time here, and just recently, our name was called to move on. After facing a year of uncertainty in my husband's employment, our souls were parched and bewildered wondering if we had missed anything else in this time of self-examination. No, it had so much less to do with us, and so much more to do with God's orchestration of events. It continues to amaze me that when I think nothing more can be squeezed out of a deadline, He does it, and so masterfully like only the Creator God can.
He is a good and faithful God. Even though moving to a new state was not part of my plan for this year, His goodness awaits my family and I there. Though the boxes and the parting goodbyes are never easy nor pleasant, I am so thankful to be out of the waiting room.
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