I've always been of the mindset that a good relationship with food will help you to be a happier, healthier person. That being said, when you haven't been raised with a well-balanced diet, I understand that that relationship can be a bit off. Thankfully, I was raised in a home that did a good job of well-balanced meals. Sure, it wasn't EVERY night (come on, sometimes we WERE on the run and a hotdog was the only thing we had as we ducked in and back out the door for activities), but it was more common to eat correctly than not. So, people need some guidance on how to properly balance their meals/eating opportunities to be healthy.
That being said, I always thought the food pyramid was a bit whack. It's not really relate-able and, therefore, not easily followed. So, now that they have adjusted to LOOKING at our plates, because, let's be real, things in theory are a lot different than reality, this can really help people to start realizing what they are really doing because...they LOOK at their plates when they eat!! When I am taught a concept using an image, and I later see that same image, I am reminded of the teaching. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, when I look at my plate, I will definitely remember the "Choose My Plate" system.
Here's to hoping for a better, healthier populace! And check this out, if you haven't yet.
http://www.choosemyplate.gov/ (I kept trying to make it a link, but there is something wrong with the server at the moment.) And, in the event you are interested at some studies about veggies, check out "Forks Over Knives" at http://www.forksoverknives.com/ or on Netflix. The main point I want you to listen to is the way your stomach processes on three levels to "know" it is eating right.
17 January 2012
Cuteness Comes from Kids
Seriously, you want to hear something adorable? Ask Gianna to quote "her" scripture. She memorized John 14:15 last week and shared it with our Primary on Sunday. Although she can recite it completely on her own, she wasn't sure what she was supposed to do so I prompted her (um...it was her 3rd Sunday ever in Primary and remember, she JUST turned 3 before the New Year) . I love her version of "commandments"..."mamandments". Too cute!
And, Emily did the Family Home Evening lesson last night, which was super cute. She told the story of Jonah and then related a time in her life when she needed to repent...which she prepared that all on her own. This girl is going to be such a great example to people her whole life...namely ME. She informed me today that when she is old like me she is going to get married and say, "Time for Scriptures and Prayer! Just like you, Mommy. And then we'll do it."
And, Emily did the Family Home Evening lesson last night, which was super cute. She told the story of Jonah and then related a time in her life when she needed to repent...which she prepared that all on her own. This girl is going to be such a great example to people her whole life...namely ME. She informed me today that when she is old like me she is going to get married and say, "Time for Scriptures and Prayer! Just like you, Mommy. And then we'll do it."
16 January 2012
Learning from a Child
There are two things I want to share that actually go together.
First, I'm learning more and more what TRUE forgiveness is. There is a child with whom Emily plays with on occasion (see previous post about me being a recluse). I've had frustrations with the way the friend treats Emily and I've broached the topic with my child. Her response is so Christlike and put me in my place in that sweet, loving way the Spirit can move you. She told me, "But Mommy, I forgive (this person) and it's okay." OUCH! Apparently I was harboring a lot more pride than my daughter ever thought about.
Secondly, when praying this morning over our breakfast, Emily prayed thanks for "The man who's birthday is today." I have to say this really excites me. She can't remember the incredibly long name (come on, technically it IS four names!), but she does remember that he was an important figure in our nation's history. I KNOW I have shirked in my responsibility to explain what Martin Luther King, Jr. did and why, but I have to applaud her teachers for helping her to be culturally aware. And, because I want to encourage that, we're going to have a birthday party in honor of him and accomplishing that dream of black and white and all others of playing and getting along together. If we all were a little more liberal in our forgiving, we CAN have that world where we become not only color-blind, but remove all of those barriers that divide and anger citizens of planet earth.
First, I'm learning more and more what TRUE forgiveness is. There is a child with whom Emily plays with on occasion (see previous post about me being a recluse). I've had frustrations with the way the friend treats Emily and I've broached the topic with my child. Her response is so Christlike and put me in my place in that sweet, loving way the Spirit can move you. She told me, "But Mommy, I forgive (this person) and it's okay." OUCH! Apparently I was harboring a lot more pride than my daughter ever thought about.
Secondly, when praying this morning over our breakfast, Emily prayed thanks for "The man who's birthday is today." I have to say this really excites me. She can't remember the incredibly long name (come on, technically it IS four names!), but she does remember that he was an important figure in our nation's history. I KNOW I have shirked in my responsibility to explain what Martin Luther King, Jr. did and why, but I have to applaud her teachers for helping her to be culturally aware. And, because I want to encourage that, we're going to have a birthday party in honor of him and accomplishing that dream of black and white and all others of playing and getting along together. If we all were a little more liberal in our forgiving, we CAN have that world where we become not only color-blind, but remove all of those barriers that divide and anger citizens of planet earth.
69 and Counting
I've finally gotten around to getting my sewing supplies organized. In doing so, I have scanned in all of my new patterns. By "new" I mean those patterns which I personally have purchased since getting married. I have a whole other collection of cool finds from patterns people have either given to me or that I have scavenged at estate and garage sales (those vintage patterns are really cool and I hope to resurrect some of them in the future...however near or far that future may need to be).
Anyway, 69!! That's a lot. And, sadly, a large majority of them are UNUSED!! Of course, since I only purchase them when they are on sale....okay, not "only" but some patterns just never do go on sale....I tend to purchase them in lots of 10, because that is typically the limit. So, with that in mind, I've only purchased patterns about 7 times in the past 6 years. Not really that awful when it is put into perspective, but STILL!! I hope to have a greater portion of these used by the end of 2012. We'll see if that can be accomplished.
Sewing is fun, but drooling over designs may be even more fun...because they stay perfect and I don't know the flaws of construction personally.
Anyway, 69!! That's a lot. And, sadly, a large majority of them are UNUSED!! Of course, since I only purchase them when they are on sale....okay, not "only" but some patterns just never do go on sale....I tend to purchase them in lots of 10, because that is typically the limit. So, with that in mind, I've only purchased patterns about 7 times in the past 6 years. Not really that awful when it is put into perspective, but STILL!! I hope to have a greater portion of these used by the end of 2012. We'll see if that can be accomplished.
Sewing is fun, but drooling over designs may be even more fun...because they stay perfect and I don't know the flaws of construction personally.
09 January 2012
Math Brain Meets Linguist Brain
This may sound mean to some, but it was hilarious in the moment.
Emily is VERY much like me. Letters, words, art...it all comes fairly naturally and easily. Gianna is very much like Eric. They are both very good with shapes and numbers and patterns.
Emily learned that 3 and 2 is 5. She can recite that. She can demonstrate it with objects. However, if you ask her the questions, "What does 3+2 equal?" she will take a moment to set it up on her hands and calculate. No big deal, the child is in kindergarten. So, then we asked her the reverse, "What does 2+3 equal?" Having already put down her hands, she again holds them up and counts out the fingers. We played this game a few times until she finally caught on that we were asking the same question. Next, we changed it up doing the same thing with 4+1. Again, it took her awhile to catch on. Eric and I just kept giggling.
This morning, we played with Emily again. We thought she had surely figured it out and memorized the fact. No! Here's where it gets even funnier. After asking Emily the first time, Gianna sat quietly, but once we started asking more, Gianna would shout out, giving her sister ample time to have already replied, "Five!" So, here, my just-turned-3-year-old had already figured out that the answer to EVERYTHING we were asking was five.
Oh, we had a good laugh, including Emily, but it also really defines the different types of thinking (aka "brains") in our family. Emily is exceptionally bright. She'll memorize facts like nothing, but Gianna is just as bright and catches us all off guard.
It's fun living here.
Emily is VERY much like me. Letters, words, art...it all comes fairly naturally and easily. Gianna is very much like Eric. They are both very good with shapes and numbers and patterns.
Emily learned that 3 and 2 is 5. She can recite that. She can demonstrate it with objects. However, if you ask her the questions, "What does 3+2 equal?" she will take a moment to set it up on her hands and calculate. No big deal, the child is in kindergarten. So, then we asked her the reverse, "What does 2+3 equal?" Having already put down her hands, she again holds them up and counts out the fingers. We played this game a few times until she finally caught on that we were asking the same question. Next, we changed it up doing the same thing with 4+1. Again, it took her awhile to catch on. Eric and I just kept giggling.
This morning, we played with Emily again. We thought she had surely figured it out and memorized the fact. No! Here's where it gets even funnier. After asking Emily the first time, Gianna sat quietly, but once we started asking more, Gianna would shout out, giving her sister ample time to have already replied, "Five!" So, here, my just-turned-3-year-old had already figured out that the answer to EVERYTHING we were asking was five.
Oh, we had a good laugh, including Emily, but it also really defines the different types of thinking (aka "brains") in our family. Emily is exceptionally bright. She'll memorize facts like nothing, but Gianna is just as bright and catches us all off guard.
It's fun living here.
07 January 2012
Accomplishment Wish of 2012
I know I won't finish it this year, but I would like to REALLY start writing my autobiography. Working with Mr. Jarrett has encouraged me along this path. I can write EVERYTHING I want and edit later. We'll see how it goes.
How am I going to do this? Well, I have found the benefit of recording things online...such as this blog...but I also have an online journal that I write in. So, I will write in there and it will be a continuous entry or something. I thought about doing it with the self-publisher I found, but there is something screwy in the program at the moment. I mostly want to work on recording my mission memories and early marriage years before I forget important things. From there I will work backwards and start chronicling my college years, high school years, and such. My childhood still has others who can help me remember, but most of the rest is on my own.
So, here goes! Wish me luck.
How am I going to do this? Well, I have found the benefit of recording things online...such as this blog...but I also have an online journal that I write in. So, I will write in there and it will be a continuous entry or something. I thought about doing it with the self-publisher I found, but there is something screwy in the program at the moment. I mostly want to work on recording my mission memories and early marriage years before I forget important things. From there I will work backwards and start chronicling my college years, high school years, and such. My childhood still has others who can help me remember, but most of the rest is on my own.
So, here goes! Wish me luck.
01 January 2012
It's Not About Me
It's a brand new year. A year bursting with excitement and anticipation of what all will happen; both those things we expect and the unknown that may surprise us.
With that in mind, I hope I can remember all through the year and, therefore, all through the rest of my life that it isn't about me.
I'm nearly finished with the "90 day challenge" that was given to members of my ward, nearly 90 days ago. There are so many things I learned, relearned, and increased in understanding through this most recent reading of this sacred book.
I wish I could convey those new insights I have gained. I am completely powerless to express them to you. I wanted to share them with my congregation today. I attempted again just now. I've tried to write them in my journal. At no point am I able to give words to the thoughts and understanding I am now blessed with. What I am required to do now is not to TELL you what I have learned, but hopefully, through my actions, you can come to understand the greater peace, knowledge and wisdom that has graced my life. Because, it is not about me. It is all about God. God and his wonderful, matchless love for each and every one of us. If I can just remember that it IS all about Him, I'll do okay.
Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth and goodwill to men.
Have a very fabulous New Year, my friends.
With that in mind, I hope I can remember all through the year and, therefore, all through the rest of my life that it isn't about me.
I'm nearly finished with the "90 day challenge" that was given to members of my ward, nearly 90 days ago. There are so many things I learned, relearned, and increased in understanding through this most recent reading of this sacred book.
I wish I could convey those new insights I have gained. I am completely powerless to express them to you. I wanted to share them with my congregation today. I attempted again just now. I've tried to write them in my journal. At no point am I able to give words to the thoughts and understanding I am now blessed with. What I am required to do now is not to TELL you what I have learned, but hopefully, through my actions, you can come to understand the greater peace, knowledge and wisdom that has graced my life. Because, it is not about me. It is all about God. God and his wonderful, matchless love for each and every one of us. If I can just remember that it IS all about Him, I'll do okay.
Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth and goodwill to men.
Have a very fabulous New Year, my friends.
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