Bringing Life into Focus for the Little One

Over the past few months, I've noticed the little one making adaptations to see things and having a unique desire for all things to be up close and personal! For example, books literally on the tip of his nose, standing inches away from the T.V and bringing his face right up to anything he wanted to observe more closely. I began to recognize that it wasn't just him being cute or inquisitive - he couldn't see! After asking around, I called and made an appointment to see a optometrist in our area that specializes in pediatrics. I was certain he would need reading glasses and on down the road we would go.

The small office was very accommodating for my little tornado of a toddler who thought all things his level were for playing with and all who worked there were there to play with him! They truly were so patient and exceptionally good with him! They had a children's waiting room with a train table and several toys including a Mr. Potato Head. While playing with "Mr. Tater" as he called him, we discovered he had glasses! The little one insisted on bringing his stuffed monkey to the appointment so we took the time to give him an eye exam while we waited. Check out monkey's new purple glasses (borrowed from Mr. Tater head).

After a long afternoon of tests and an eye examination we realized that our little one's vision was far worse than we expected. His prescription is extremely strong (+9) and will need a very thick lens. When someone else looks at a person wearing thick lensed glasses, the eyes appear magnified through the lens. I am some what apprehensive of how the lenses will change his appearance. However, excited that his little world is going to look so differently now! His tolerance for the doctor's office was fading and we decided to return the next day to look at glasses.

He tried on a pair of glasses that fit his face really well, however the lenses were much, much thinner than his prescription will be so it's kind of hard to visualize what they will look like with the correct lens. We also tried on "toddler friendly" (Julbo Brand) lenses that resemble goggles more than glasses. They are extremely durable and have a elastic pull cord (like sunglasses) to keep them on. But, I don't think I'm ready for those....

Anyway, we are going to follow up with his pediatrician just as precaution for his overall health. I am surprised by how upsetting this has been for me. Glasses are glasses, not that big of deal especially considering well, his mom, dad and grandparents all wear them so odds were he would too! But such extremely poor vision, at such a young age, is very concerning for me. I wasn't prepared to hear how bad his eyes were.

All this to say, this process has made my heart ache for families who go through major health issues with their children. Ours, thankfully, is not a major issue but it has still upset me. Good health is such a gift and something that we should give thanks for everyday.

Change. Transition. Endings and New Beginnings.

Change. Transition. Endings and new beginnings. In my life these things tend to be what I'm most resistant to. Why is this? In my kitchen I have several plants, the lucky ones that I have yet to kill are a reminder of the limits I sometimes put on myself. Eventually, a healthy plant will outgrow its pot. When replanted in a bigger pot, or outside, my experience has shown that the plant will transform into a much greater plant than I ever imagined it to be in its previous container.

Change. My career is the plant that has been repotted currently in my life. I have been blessed with the spectacular calling to teach. Graciously, God has given me many tools to do this job to the best of my ability, but moreover, he has given me an immense passion for children and their lives. After spending the last six years in the public school teaching as well as starting a non-profit educational foundation and curriculum within the state, I began to feel God calling me outside of the walls of the classroom. Striving to become a teacher and teaching have defined such a vast piece of my identity over the past decade. I'm finding that I miss my "little pot", my container, now that I've been repotted outside the walls of a classroom. However, my decisions for leaving the classroom at this time were rooted in these principals:

First and foremost grow closer to God and his desire for my life.
Second, become a better wife and mother to my family by making them the priority.
Third, allow God to use the gifts he has equipped me with in ways I have not yet imagined.

Transition. For the past two and a half years,I urned for my time with our precious son and struggled with the reality of him going to day care every day. Our time together during the week was minimized to the few short hours that were left after picking him up from day care, making dinner, giving him a bath and finally putting him to bed. I hated that others were watching his first steps, hearing his first words and spending more time with him than I was able to. As he grew, I began to appreciate the more positive aspects of his care and enjoyed watching his social skills develop. Many told me it wasn't the quantity, but the quality of the time we spent together as a family. Though, it never really got any easier for me to leave him at day care each day. All the while, I knew God had purpose and intention in what I was doing in my classroom each day during that time. Last spring, I started feeling like God was preparing me for a new purpose. Excited at the possibilities of the precious opportunity to spend more time with my family I was thrilled. Yet, at the same time, also heartbroken at no longer being a teacher at a school I adore with parents and children who teach me as much as I've taught them - who are like family in a way- to me. When the time came to turn a calling into action it came with great joy and deep sorrow. I know a classroom will always be there and these years that are already quickly passing will not. A few weeks after the decision was finalized, we found out we were expecting our second child. This, after miscarrying three times, felt like God was truly anointing our faithfulness to his calling for our family. Now almost 18 weeks pregnant, I rejoice in the great opportunity to wait upon the Lord and his timing for our next steps.

Reflecting upon the last few years, our testimony is a patchwork of God's grace, unconditional love and his faithfulness. With the downfall of our economy we nearly went bankrupt while at the same time riding the highs and lows of pregnancies and multiple miscarriages.

Painting by Caitlin Beidler of Redemption Art

Only God could have created this situation we are currently in that allows for me to be at home. Therefore, it also has brought an awareness that ONLY GOD knows how he will "grow" me for his kingdom and it is my job to be faithful in His timing and open to His call.

Endings and new beginnings. Though I do not have 24 little ones within four walls this year I do have one who looks to me for all things, who not only looks to me his teacher, but his mom. I also had been feeling like leaving the classroom was leaving my platform as a leader. Yet, God has shown me that when one platform is no longer there, build another. So, I'm building and I'm praying. What is God preparing you for? How are you using the leadership abilities he has given to you?

Hurricane Irene

The threat of the storm canceled our weekend plans so we suddenly had a wide open evening as a family! It turned out to be a real treat. After an incredible dinner (we tried another Clean Eating Recipe- from the July issue- for Ginger Soy Chicken and Edamame Stir-Fry) we played together as a family. First we painted with acrylics and then we played (or tried to) Chutes and Ladders with the little man.

Here is the recipe for the stir-fry. We served it over Basmati rice with a small salad.

Ingredients:
1 cup free chicken stock
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tbsp almond butter
2 tsp grated fresh ginger
2 tsp honey
2 tsp dry mustard
2 tbsp safflower oil, divided (we used sesame seed oil)
2 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1 inch pieces
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium red bell pepper (we used 1 red and 1 yellow)
1 1/3 cup raw cashews
2 cups frozen shelled edamame, thawed
4 green onions, optional

Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk broth with soy sauce, almond butter, ginger, honey and dry mustard. Set aside.

2. In a large nonstick wok or skillet heat 1 tbsp oil on medium-high heat. Add chicken and garlic and cook until chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a bowl; heat remaining 1 tbsp oil in wok. Add pepper, cashews and edamame and cook for 5 minutes.
Return chicken to wok. Add onions (optional) and sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook until sauce thickens, about 3 minutes.

Serve, eat and enjoy.

I almost forgot a picture! This was when we were cleaning up!

The Aquarium

Say cheese!

The aquarium is one of our favorite places to visit during the week. If you go, I suggest going earlier than later...it gets extremely busy as the day passes. Today we visited the aquarium with friends and really enjoyed our time. If you haven't been this summer you need to go and check out the shark exhibit. Year memberships are pretty reasonable. Children ages 2-5 are only $10.99 and adults are $49.99.

Afterwards we went to lunch, then fed the ducks and fish,played at the park and finally ended up at the toy store. It was a wonderful day!

The boys picking up fish food they dropped.

Kudzu Bakery and The Fresh Market

I've had pretty good luck with my first week of E-Mealz dinners. We've made a low fat sweet chicken salad (using greek yogurt), homemade meatballs with penne pasta, French Toast with baked Granny Smith apples and Spicy Tilapia so far this week. Though I chose the low fat meal plan option, not all of the meals are exactly as healthy as I'd prefer. I also opted for the 7 meals a week plan so I could pick and choose our meals. I went to the site and downloaded this week's meal plan and grocery list and wasn't as interested in about half of the meals this week. However, they were ok. And, I figure for the $12.50 I spent for 3 months, I will get my money out of it. If you're interested, check it out: (The coupon code: DAVE makes the total price $12.50 instead of $15 for 3 months)



Here are a few pictures of some of the meals I've made this week including our breakfast for dinner French Toast and homemade meatballs (which I ended up freezing about half of them) with Penne Pasta and Homemade Marinara Sauce.





There are a variety of meal plans to choose from and I think for what it costs its worth it even if you don't use it every week. As I said, I wasn't as interested in the meal plan for this week so I started thinking about what we were going to do for next week's meals. My chiropractor at Atlantic Spine (who I highly recommend) told me about The Kudzu Bakery in Litchfield. He raved about the fresh made, prepared, frozen food options. I decided we need to check it out! It is located in the "Shops at Mingo" behind the Piggly Wiggly in Litchfield. I ended up choosing:




Mediterranean Salmon (2 filets) for $9.95


Coconut Crusted Tilapia (2 filets) $7.95


Brie and Apple Stuffed Chicken (2 pieces) $9.95

Chicken Gumbo Soup $9.95

Crab Cakes $8.50 for two


Side dish Redskins and Peppers $3.25


In addition to their marvelous prepared frozen food selection, they have countless wines, baking goods and bakery items. We ended up picking up a homemade loaf of Blueberry Banana Bread and a jar of apple butter. Overall, I felt their frozen foods were priced pretty fairly and their bakery items were a little more expensive. The loaf of bread was $5.95 and the apple butter was also $5.95.



Altogether, we spent just over $70 at the bakery and have 5 complete meals and bread for breakfast for a week. For the main dishes that we were able to get, I'm very satisfied with what we spent.



And..let's be honest...we didn't leave without trying their chocolate chip cookies. They are worth the drive there. :) I highly suggest them.



Next, we went to The Fresh Market in Pawley's Island. Our intentions were to buy the necessary ingredients for a recipe we are making for our Supper club tomorrow night, Salsa-Style Fusilli, a recipe from Clean Eating magazine. However, we got a little carried away in the Bulk Food section and enjoyed the rows of barrels with amazing, semi-healthy, snacks in them! Finally, we took Sushi for carry out and went to Huntington State Park for a picnic lunch.




A Great Picnic Lunch


Then, we ended our perfect morning on the beach playing in the waves and digging holes in the sand (as the little one loves to do) for a few hours. It was a wonderful day! Just think, my meals are finished for next week no planning, searching the internet or fingering through cookbooks! I highly suggest checking out the Kudzu Bakery and The Fresh Market! You can find out more about both of them on Facebook or on the web.

a Teacher's Favorite things...

I have fallen in love with a great Blog called . I encourage you to check it out! She has great DIY ideas and is also a past teacher. Today she blogged about a back to school idea which I love. She created a "Favorite Things" survey to give to her child's teacher at the start of the school year. It's precious and we will definitely be using it this year!

Powerful food for thought

E-Mealz, What's for Dinner?

I heard through a friend that E-Mealz was a great, affordable option for planning weekly meals. I decided to give it a shot. It costs $15 for 3 months but if you use the word "DAVE" (as in Dave Ramsey, who endorses this program) it will take $2.50 off your bill making it $12.50 for 3 months. I'm going to give it a try. We are trying the "Low Fat 7-Day Meal Plan" and we'll see how we like it before we renew in three months. Check it out, from what I can tell it seems to be worthwhile.



E-MEALZ Easy Meals for Busy and Frugal Families

http://www.e-mealz.com/

Taco Night!

Here is an awesome and easy recipe I found for delicious tacos! This recipe eliminates the prepackaged Taco seasoning for a MUCH healthier more flavorful taco!

** I use a rotisserie chicken from Costco instead of Lean Ground Beef**

Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
1 Onion, minced
3 Garlic Cloves, minced
2 Tbsp Chili Powder
1 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Coriander
½ tsp Oregano
¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper
Salt
1 pound Lean Ground Beef (or chicken)
½ cup Canned Tomato Sauce (I Use Hunt's)
½ cup Low Sodium Chicken Broth
2 tsp Cider Vinegar
1 tsp Light Brown Sugar
8 Taco Shells


Directions:
1 Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat until simmering.
2.Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3.Stir in the garlic, spices, and 1 teaspoon salt.
4.Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5.Stir in the ground beef or chicken.
6.Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
7.Stir in the tomato sauce, broth, vinegar, and sugar.
8.Simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes.
9.Season with salt to taste.
10.Divide the filling evenly among taco shells and serve, passing any desired accompaniments separately.

Crock Pot Cookin'

Crock Pot Cookin' tonight!

Today has been an extremely busy day with the Global Leadership Summit (hosted by Christ Community Church) sandwiched by shuttling the little one to and from his last day of Summer Camp. As he catches his daily afternoon nap, I am anxiously awaiting our return to the Leadership Summit Conference this afternoon. For those of you who are unfamiliar with it, check out www.willowcreek.com. It's incredible leadership wisdom and a call to action. Bill Hybels was the first speaker this morning and he challenged his audience with 5 reflection questions about themselves as leaders. Words that have stayed with me from his opening session are "Are you making excuses or creating solutions?" There are very detailed summaries on the WCA blog. Visit it at http://www.wcablog.com/. You won't be disappointed!

Anyway, we are very much out of our normal routine. The gym has been put on hold for the last two weeks and cooking has been as well. Though I am anxious to get back into our routine I've enjoyed the company we've hosted and events/activities we've been blessed to attend! However this post this is for Marti! My HCS teacher friend who asked me today, "What is for dinner?" I thought on her first day back to school I couldn't leave her empty handed. So, Marti, we are having a fancy-free, crock pot masterpiece with ingredients pulled out of the freezer and pantry early this morning. If you hadn't asked, my family probably would be having cold cut sandwiches at 7:30 tonight after we get home from the Summit. So, they thank you! And, I thank you! Hope you and all my other dear HCS friends had a wonderful first day back! Today is the first year out of the last several that instead of Staff Development I was enlightened with spiritual and personal development through the Global Leadership Summit event. It felt very strange today not being in a classroom but - also very purposed - that I was instead sitting, 4 months pregnant, at a Leadership Summit, listening to God's prompting of my heart for His purpose as I learn how I can be a leader outside of the walls of a classroom and beyond my identity as a teacher. I am so thankful to Him.


So, here is What's for Dinner tonight! Marti, thank you again for asking!
Boneless Pork Chops with Vegetables adapted from: The Busy Mom's Slow Cooker Cookbook

Ingredients:
2 cups lowfat cream of mushroom soup
1/4 cup nonfat chicken broth
1 lb boneless pork chops
1 tsp. pepper
1 10oz bag of frozen veggies (I used peas because it was what was on hand)
6-7 small red potatoes

Cook on low heat 4-5 hours. Stir mixture and serve!

Works of Art!

One of my summer projects has been to showcase some of my little one's art work from his preschool last year. We do not have a magnetic fridge so I've had to be more creative in displaying his work. I decided to frame some of his work to hang in our home and also to display around the house. Earlier in the year, I had the idea to buy cork boards and cover them in fabric. Then, use tacks to hang up his work. It's worked great for us! Here are a few pictures of his little gallery .

Responsibility Chart

The teacher in me loves positive reinforcement and concrete ways to measure "desired" behaviors. With my own two year old son, we decided to introduce Melissa and Doug's Responsibility Chart to him. I chose 6 goals that we are currently working on with him. His six are:

1. Put toys away.
2. Potty when asked (Potty in the potty)
3. Show Respect
4. Listen the 1st time
5. Say Please and Thank You
6. Help with chores

Every evening before bed we go over his Responsibility Chart. We talk about if he met his goal and why or why not. The first several times we did it his response to every goal was "Yes Ma'am" (gotta love Southern living)....so it's taken him some time to realize the difference between meeting his goal and not. For example, he knows if he has an accident now he doesn't earn his magnet for the board. But, if he goes in the potty, he earns his magnet. To make it even more meaningful for him and to begin teaching him about money, each magnet he receives is worth one nickel. Therefore, he can earn a $0.30 allowance every day for meeting his goals. Now he has his own piggy bank (which he LOVES). After several weeks when we feel he has mastered these goals and does them automatically we will move on to some new goals. It has been a really positive way to reinforce desired behaviors in our house. I found my Melissa and Doug Responsibility Chart at Tanger Outlet at Osh Gosh. The sent a $10 coupon in the mail which I used on the board - so I was able to buy it for around $11. Otherwise, many places sell them (including Bob Evans, AC Moore, Barnes and Noble, etc.) or you can find them online. Amazon has them on sale for $14.99 right now. It comes with a big set of "goals" and a ton of colorful smiley face magnets. Check it out: http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Deluxe-Magnetic-Responsibility/

I did attach velcro to the backside of the board so mine would hang as one piece instead of two separate pieces. I also took all the other goal/smiley face magnets off the board for now. It was too much of a temptation for little hands and also kind of distracting to him.

Snack Short Cuts

Now that I have time to actually read and research many other things outside of what I am teaching (because I've decided to stay at home this year), I'm enjoying the world of teaching and parenting blogs. Today I came across a blog with some interesting snack time ideas.The blog that I found is: www.michellescharmworld.blogspot.com.
On this blog, the author shared timesaving tips on keeping single serve snacks in the fridge. Now, I know this isn't new news to anyone however I've never done it. After seeing her suggestions and thinking about the amount of food we were letting go bad because it wasn't convenient or quick, I decided it was time to cut up the fruits and veggies in our fridge. Here's what I came up! I used some awesome tupperware that I found on sale at Costco a few months back and I lined the bottom of each one with a piece of paper towel because I swear it magically makes things last longer :). Cherries are always difficult to give to my little one because of the seeds (he doesn't get how to eat it without biting the seed - then what to do with the seed) so I just cut them up! My little project was time consuming today (about an hour) but it's raining outside and the next time we want a snack there are all kinds of fruits and veggies washed and cut!