"" DiAmOnDs In ThE rOuGh

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

~Top Ten Ways to Increase Your Child's Veggie Intake~

Vegetables!!!

We all know that they're good for us, and that we should eat more. However, with our busy lifestyles.... and SO many families eating on the run, how can we make it possible for our children to eat the recommended 5-10+ servings per day??!

Here are some tried and true tips that should help ANY child be able to steadily increase his or her intake.



Note: I have used these tips with my own kids, my day care children, and recommended to my clients...successfully!




  1. Introduce fresh vegetables at the after school snack table! One of my fav things to entice my children to eat their veggies is to: gather a large sectional colourful try (you can buy these at almost any dollar store) and then stock each section with cut up produce (try snap peas, celery, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, a variety of peppers, baby tomatoes, cucumbers, etc.) and then place a very tasty dipping sauce in the middle section. You'll be surprised at how many they'll eat just while munching away throughout the afternoon. 
  2. However, my most favourite way to introduce new veggies is through the breakfast mealtime smoothie! I usually have a base greens powder (*make sure it's one safe for kids, check labels) that I buy from my local health store, and then add my choice of liquid, protein and some fat (usually flax or extra virgin coconut oil), and fruit or a bit of fruit juice to sweeten. After they're used to the tasty version, begin to hide in the real stuff! (dark greens and spinach, avocados, carrots...if a veggie doesn't blend well then it may be easier to juice it first & then add).
  3. Soups & stews are an easy way to hide additional vegetables! If the child won't eat the dish because they see the new veggies in there, they consider blending them up first before seasoning; many creams of veggie soups are done that way anyway. 
  4. Avoid giving a child junk that will fill their bellies and will prevent them from being truly hungry when the good stuff comes out. Also, along with that, watch their juice and milk intake. I've seen children not eat their meals & healthy snacks, but they may drink 4+ cups of milk before a meal, or other filling liquid. Keep the meals and snacks in balance with each other!
  5. For the younger ones, or truly very picky eaters, cook and blend the veggies first. Then add them to their fav dish. When my eldest was younger he refused to eat many green veggies, but he so enjoyed anything with noodles. So for the longest time he had 'green' flavoured sauce on his noodles!
  6. Model eating the vegetables yourself! I have had myriads of conversations with parents about their picky eaters. I always end with asking: "How about you? Do you eat 'such and such' food?" It amazes me how often the child will emulate the parent's picky aversion for veggies. Perhaps try hiding some veggies on yourself in some of the tips above??
  7. Let the children help out in the food prep. My children are homeschooled, so this is very easy to facilitate. However, when they were in 'regular' school I always encouraged them to help out when feasible. Children seem to be more adventurous when 'they' thought of the meal idea, or at least participated in it themselves.
  8. Teach your older children the benefits of eating fresh produce. Many children simply haven't been educated on the abundance of vitamins, minerals, and even phytonutrients (literally means 'plant nutrients') God has made available to us in fresh vegetables (and fruits!). Sometimes I nickname a food based on the main nutrition benefit "walnuts are 'brains" "carrots are 'eye food'" and "spinach makes us 'big and strong like Popeye" :)
  9. Try serving a variety of vegetables! Perhaps your child despises carrots, but have you tried cucumbers, celery slices, green beans, bok choy or some peas? 
  10. Don't give up including the veggie on their plate! Many children will require a whole bunch of times being offered the vegetable before they'll take the plunge, especially the younger kids. If you are consistent in offering them, eventually you'll find some vegetables that your child will begin to enjoy!! And until that time...just keep 'hiding' them using the above tips...



***If you have tips that you have found useful for your own family, please feel free to share below in the comments. Thanks!


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Sunday, May 12, 2013

~Mother's Day Reflections~



"The loveliest materpiece of the heart of God is the love of a Mother.
-St. Therese of Lisieux"


Mother's Day always causes me to take some time to reflect over the many wonderful memories I've made with my children over the years...







I've been a mother now for almost 13 years (14 if you count in utero!) 

When I reflect back to how I used to parent my first child, compared to how I find parenting now, I realize how much my perceptions have changed.

I remember how overwhelmed ~and in awe~ I was after I first gave birth. I spent the first 24 hours staring at my first born; couldn't sleep a wink. How could I now be responsible for this tiny little, fragile looking person? Would I be able to be a good Mother to him? 

The next one came...

And another.

And another.

And now we are expecting our fifth little bundle of joy!!!

Parenting a group of children is much different than how I found parenting only one oh so many years ago!

I recall how I used to find just taking care of my firstborn as a very tedious and difficult task. 

The sleepless nights. The wailing continuous cries. The spit-ups on the new outfits. The messy diapers.

And yet, when my next son came it seemed to get a bit easier. "I've been here, done this before."

Although having two rambunctious little boys around wasn't always easy, they did seem to enjoy entertaining one another :)

At that time I was a single mom (you can read more about that journey in previous blogs) so part of the challenge was simply the burden of parenting two boys alone.

Later, after marriage, when I gave birth to my first daughter, I was sooo thankful for our first girl! Finally, a little lady in our home to parent. It had been such a long-awaited desire of my heart :)

Lastly, when our lil JJ arrived on the scene, I can say I wasn't nearly as intimidated as I had been with the previous three. A fourth was just 'one more' in the mix to enjoy, love and join in with our fun-lovin' crew!




Why do I share this?

Well, I am thinking of all the new moms out there who may be feeling simply overwhelmed with this new 'call' on their lives...

I am thinking of all the single mothers out there who may be feeling overwhelmed, and alone...

I am thinking of the seasoned mom who is expecting another little one...with maybe a few already running around by her feet!

It's not always easy to be a mother. And certainly there will be difficult seasons for every one of us.

However, there is NOTHING so rewarding as knowing that we are investing in the next generation. We are literally 'making our mark' on the world around us!

I want to remind every mother out there, no matter what season of life you may be in, that you are NOT insignificant. You are more important than you realize :)

"The real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men - from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms." - Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894)"

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Monday Moments Linky Party!!!

Hey mamas!
Welcome back for another great week of Mommy Moments Link Ups! Thank you for linking up and for spreading the word! We love all of the great posts!

The most viewed link from last week's Mommy Moments belongs to Paula from Beauty Through Imperfection and her post titled, That Time I Failed As a Mom
For the days when you feel liked youve failed as a mother

What a great post Paula. I'm sure that it was encouraging to many moms who go through the same thing. Thanks for sharing!

This week we are welcoming Rachael from Diamonds in the Rough as our guest host!
 My Photo
Rachael has a surprise announcement on her blog...stop by and find out!

Now it's time to link up your posts! All you have to do is...

1. Follow Host: The Life Of Faith 
2. Link up your post!
Post can include anything related to mommy-hood, children, homemaking, pregnancy etc. If you aren't a mom yet, feel free to link up your preparation for motherhood, your journey as you try to conceive, or even a post that would be encouraging to the other moms in the party!

3. Add the Mommy Moments button to your post or blog so everyone knows where you are linking up!

4. Explore some of the other posts in the link-up and say hello to some new blog friends! 

5. Tweet or Share the link up on Facebook so we can all make even more friends!


The Life Of Faith
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P.S. We will be having a new guest host every week! Want to be a guest host of the Mommy Moments Blog Hop? Send Faith a message at farmprincess14{at}gmail{dot}com. We would love to have you!

Thursday, April 25, 2013

The Mesquite Tree

File:Velvet mesquite.jpg

It's been often said that trials can either make us or 'break us'.

Depending on our response to them.

I've recently come to realize that many of my trials have actually MADE me the person I've become.

In a positive way.

Let me briefly share two stories to illustrate my point:

When I was in middle school I had a heck of a time making friends, and even more so I struggled with the identity of who I was. It was a season of deep hurt and insecurity.

As a result, many of my classmates sensed my lack of confidence, and played on it. Some of them daily.

My guidance counselor at the time actually said "I have never seen a kid get picked on in my entire career, as much as you have." When she said that, all I could do was wince. Gee, thanks. How does that help me??

The teasing was relentless. Name calling. Shoving in the hallway. Encouraging other classmates to stay away from me as well.

My mom allowed me to stay home from school on occasion. My home room teacher let me work in the computer room by myself, on days it was perceived that I was particularly struggling. Kids even began "crank calling" our home. Throwing things when my mom walked by our school. One day some of them began shouting unkind words about me to my father, while he was at our local park. When I found out, I was absolutely mortified!

I look back at that time with such disdain....and yet, I know that, by the grace of God, I have a much deeper compassion for those who are picked on in life. I can see a person struggling to "fit in" and feel a burning desire to befriend them. I don't see that as a coincidence.

Another tremendously difficult season of my life was my first unplanned pregnancy. It was during my freshman year of university. I had even received a partial scholarship to enter this prestigious program, and yet in one moment I knew many felt I had 'flushed' my academic goals down the toilet.

The university staff wasn't much more helpful. When I was diagnosed at their clinic, they sent me home with a paper describing the side effects of an abortion. They could tell I was in shock, and felt it was best if I took care of this 'issue' as quickly and quietly as possible.

I am ashamed to say I seriously considered their recommendation. I was scared, and feeling very alone.

Then some AMAZING friends~ from a church I had frequented as a teenager~ contacted me and offered their unconditional support. Their loving support ultimately led me to the decision that I would keep my son.

Thirteen years later and I still tear up thinking of what damage could have been done in one emotionally-packed moment.

But I can emphasize with those in that position...I can feel their pain...and feel their weariness...their loneliness & desperation.

Their have been many a girl I've had the privilege of being able to share my story with...

"You are not alone."

Two difficult seasons of life. Two seasons that led to a greater understanding.

***********

What does this all have to do with the mesquite tree?

Here's some interesting facts about this unique tree:

The mesquite is an EXTREMELY HARDY, drought-tolerant plant because it can draw water from the water table through its long taproot (recorded at up to 58 m (190 ft) depth). It can also use water in the upper part of the ground, depending upon availability. The tree can easily and rapidly switch from using one water source to the other.

Mesquite is a phreatophyte, which means it has DEEP roots and transpires efficiently.

ERADICATING A MESQUITE IS DIFFICULT because the plant's bud regeneration zone can extend down to 6 in (150 mm) below ground level;[13][14] the tree can regenerate from a piece of root left in the soil.

(courtesy of wikipedia; emphasis mine)

Woooow! This plant is absolutely not going to allow ANY condition to cause it to die!!! 

When I read about this interesting tree, I thought: this is what God desires for us. 

Not to allow the unfathomable circumstances of this world to hold us back from our destinies... Nor to allow them to hold us back from receiving and giving HIS love....


My question to you today is: are you continuing to allow past trials to hold you back? Or are you choosing to   make your roots go down deeper?

While some trials will certainly be MUCH more difficult to work through then others, I firmly believe we should not give up! 


"Others are like the seed that fell on rock. That is like the people who hear God’s teaching and gladly accept it. But they don’t have deep roots. They believe for a while. But when trouble comes, they turn away from God."

(Luke 8:13)


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And I wanted eight pickles...the BIG announcement!


I asked for my favorite grilled cheese sandwich and wiped the drool from the side of my mouth...

"How much for some extra pickles?"

"Okay then, I'll take eight please."

My cravings were already beginning to spin out of control.

Hummus, butter & tomato sandwiches.

Grapefruits like no tomorrow.

Crackers with feta cheese.

Olives.

Anything with salt in it.

How many symptoms DOES it take for a woman to know she's expecting??

A lingering 'flu'

A desire to sleep the entire day

A propensity to tears....for no good reason!

It was about 3 weeks ago that we confirmed the amazing news:

WE ARE EXPECTING!!!

(*photo courtesy of the web)



This was something that my husband and I had long had the desire for, and we are VERY excited!!!



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Questions for the comments section: how did YOU first know you were expecting? Any weird cravings??