Archives for July 2011

We Have A New Baby On The Way

July 16, 2011 by

I’m so excited, I have to share my news with you.  We have a new baby on the way!  My daughter is expecting, and Mama will be shopping up a storm over the next months preparing for the new arrival.  The due date is 11/11/11, how cool is that.  My daughter has decided that she doesn’t want to know the sex of the baby this time around.  We’ll be decorating and purchasing everything in neutral colors, yellows, greens, beige etc. 

For more blog parenting, don’t miss what’s happening on Mother 2 Mother blog. 

Filed Under: baby announcements, Birth Announcements, Uncategorized Tagged With: ,

Grow Your Own Veggies

July 16, 2011 by

I decided to plant a vegetable garden this year.  I have fond memories of my grandparent’s garden when I was growing up, and I remembered the taste of a tomato straight from the garden.  There’s nothing like it.  I want Xavier to experience his summer’s in Mama’s garden and enjoying the taste of fresh veggies and fruit.  He loves apples, pineapples, and strawberries.  I’ll be planting an apple tree next year and a strawberry patch in the fall so we can have fresh strawberries next spring and summer. 

This year I planted tons of tomatoes for canning and salsa, green beans, peppers, eggplant, squash and zucchini.  He’s not fond of veggies yet, but I’m adding a little to my sauces so I can sneak some in.  I’m also looking for recipes that I think he may like without there being a hint of veggies.  So far Zucchini Bread without the walnuts, don’t trust him eating those yet, is at the top of the list.  He loves spaghetti, so I’m finely chopping and I do mean finely chopping peppers and onions to add, lol.  He saw a carrot in some sauce once, and it ended his entire meal. 

Planting your own garden is also a great way to save on the grocery bill, and there’s no pesticides used.   It’s also a great family activity.  Xavier is picking hot banana peppers for Mama’s hot pepper ring mix.   He loves a hot banana pepper, cauliflower and jalapeno mix that I purchase from the store.  I’m going to can a few quarts for his enjoyment. 



After picking the peppers, Xavier watered the garden for Mama.  He now understands the importance of sunshine and water to a garden.  I didn’t leave out weeding either, lol.  We’re going to put a little patch for him next year to include strawberries, raspberries and colorful carrots.  Check out his gardening boots.  He loved them so much, he took them home with him to wear when he waters his mother’s flowers.  Aren’t they adorable, I’ll be doing review on the boots in another post.

Because I acquired poor eating habits growing up, I want to teach my grandson the importance of eating fresh veggies and fruit.  What better way than to walk into your back yard and pluck them off the vine.  I must saw that Michelle Obama’s Get Moving program and White House garden inspired me to plant mine.  What an excellent idea to get children involved in an outside activity, and one that is so important to their health.  We need to get them off the computer and sofa and back outside to get some physical activity and fresh air.  I’m grateful that Xavier would rather be outside than in the house.  He runs an entire acre catching fire flies, making mud pies and cakes, swinging from trees.    Do you have a garden?  What outside activities are your children involved in?  Leave us a comment, we may want to try it. 

Filed Under: children's activities, first vegetable garden, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

Healthy Eating Tips for Children

July 13, 2011 by

I heard an interesting question on one of the news channels, and I’ve really been pondering the answer.  Should social workers take obese children from the home?  I’ve taken time to really think about the question.  Is the obesity due to a medical problem?   If it is a medical problem or unhealthy foods?  It’s a parent’s responsibility to teach good eating habits.  So, today I’m sharing parenting tips on healthy eating tips for children.

 

 

healthy eating tips

 

 

So, the American Medical Association believes instilling healthy eating habits is the ethical thing to do.  Most importantly, they believe the child should be removed from the home and taught the proper eating habits.  The importance of getting physical activity is included as well.  Once this is accomplished, the parents and child can be reunited.  Do you agree?  Teaching healthy eating as a family would also be beneficial?

Because children spend so much time on the computer or playing computer games these day, they rarely get physical activity.  The lack of physical activity along with unhealthy meals has lead to severe obesity in our country.  There are approximately 2 million obese children in the United States.  This is a serious problem wouldn’t you say?  I do see a few kids in my neighborhood out riding a bike or walking.  And it’s so pleasing.

Unfortunately, doctors have told parents that they are literally killing their obese children.  It’s such a sad and break breaking situation to see.  Parents are literally loving their children to death.

Also, many parents complain that they can’t afford the healthier foods.  It’s cheaper to buy soda and other junk than all natural juice,  veggies and better cuts of meat.  I decided to plant a garden to cut down on my food bill.  Canning and freezing freeze fresh veggies and tomatoes for sauces, salsa, soups and chili will produce healthy meals.  For example, soups and chili are nutritious.  Homemade salsa with chips make a great snack.  Use homemade sauce for pizza or dipping sauce for baked mozzarella sticks.  Plant corn for popcorn and season with your own spices.  Gardening can be a great learning experience for kids.

 

 

healthy eating tips

 

Unfortunately, not everyone has room for a garden,  But there are alternatives like container gardening that can be done on a patio or balcony.  The prices in the grocery store are ridiculous and the vegetables taste like cardboard.  Furthermore, fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries can also be grown in containers.  I don’t blame the kids for not wanting to eat produce from the grocery stores.  I can barely get them down, and one of the reasons I started gardening.  There’s a million recipes for chicken, which is the one meat that is not that expensive and considered healthy.

I’m not sure about removing the child from the home, but I am sure that we have a child obesity problem in this country and it is leading to high blood pressure, diabetics, and other health problems.  Do you promote healthy eating and physical activity in your home?

 

Filed Under: Meal Time Tagged With: , ,