I am a Decafe coffee drinker - which at times limits the flavor choices - but Coffee-mate has solved that problem. With so many flavors to choose from - the possiblities are endless! I am able to relax at night with french vanilla and get my morning going with a traditional cup of orginal Coffee-mate. I love Coffee-mate :).
But the best part is Coffee-mate stick packs. They are awsome I always have them on hand along with my Nescafe Decafe stick pack - so no matter where I am at, all I need is a little hot water - and I have the perfect drink.
In the past when I would attend trainings I was always left out and couldn't enjoy a cup of coffee because it was always regular - but with the help of Nescafe and Coffee-mate I don't have to go with out - I always have the choice when I want a relaxing and enjoyable cup of coffee with Coffee-mate. I am even to the point I keep the Stick packs in my glove box that way if I run out - I always know where there is more. I can't imagine life as it was before the Coffee-mate stick packs.
The best part is I have been selected and just received today my Coffee-mate sampling kit to share with co-workers so they can become Coffee-mate stick pack addicts like me :) Coffee-mate you rock! Thank you for adding flavor to my life!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Locks of Love
I love reaching personal goals I have set - especially my goal of running again. It has been amazing seeing how excited my three boys are about "mommy" putting on her running shoes and actually going out for a run. My oldest was so proud of my participiation with the Cornhusker Torch Run, he even shared the news with his teacher (who passed it on to me).
It is wonderful seeing how my goal setting is making such a positive difference in my children's lives. It was a great way to reach a personal goal and spread the message of physical fitness across the state.
Well my newest goal is donating my hair to Locks of Love. Lately I have been so busy caring for my own illness, my husband illness, and our wonderful children I haven't had my hair cut. I was trying to find the time in our busy schedule to make an hair appointment - but then had a second thought. Since it was already growing out - why not let it continue and donate it to someone who needs hair. What a great way to pay back all the wonderful deeds that have been down to our family during our illnesses. Plus it is another goal to reach and teach first hand the importance of giving to my boys. We may not have a lot of money (especially right now - lots of Doctor bills to pay) but money is not necessary to make a positive impact on your family and others.
I have explained to my oldest that I am going to grow my hair out so someone who is sick and doesn't have any can have mine. He relates this to a young friend (now 7 years old) that had cancer and went through treatment - she lost all of her hair. He thought this was a great idea - he asked if they would cut off all my hair and make me bald. I told him no - we would measure it every two weeks and see how it is growing. I have to have 10 inches at min. to donate. He loves math so that is something he can watch and record on his calander in his room. I love teaching/leading by example - it is something I have built upon with the help of FishfulThinking.com - it is an excellent resource for positive parenting.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
How Motherhood Has Changed Me
I would like to share with you all on How Motherhood has Changed Me since it is so close to Mother's Day.
I debated over many many different topics - including words you never thought you would ever say, that is until you became a mother. Which one of my favorites is "no that tree is not a bathroom, go inside and use the toliet". Boy you can't tell I am a mother of three very active boys! Then I thought I could share one of my very funny stories from parenthood. Like the day I went outside to check on my two older boys (at the time 3 and 4) because I had ran inside to start water boiling for lunch - it had been less then two minutes and to my suprise...they were both totally naked inside their playset playing bath.
But I think I have decided to share the most memorable moment as How Motherhood Has Changed Me. It was the evening of December 21, 2007 - I was 10 weeks along with my pregancy with our soon to be third son. I recieved a phone call from my doctor. He stated I had cervical cancer - it was a total shock as I had no recent history of abnormal pap smears. He stated I didn't have to make the decision right now - but it would have to be made if I wanted to continue the pregnancy or end it and start treatment for the cancer. In my mind there wasn't a decison that had to be made. I found out about my cancer due to this blessed pregnancy and I knew the only choice was to save my Guardian Angel I was carrying. I felt as a mother I needed give this angel a chance for life, which meant I was in turn risking my own life for the life of my unborn child - and the possiblity of not being around to rasie my other two boys and be there for my husband.
My children and family are my life and will continue to be until my last breath here on earth. I am so blessed to enjoy each and every new day - the experiences, struggles, challenges and rewards of being a mother. Happy Mother's Day to you all.
Make sure you take the time to enjoy the little things with your child this Mother's Day. Take a Beauty Detour with your children - At least once a week, take a 5-minute "beauty detour" with your child. The goal is to use the 5 minutes to notice something beautiful or inspiring or amazing or funny that you would not normally have noticed. For example, if you drive your child to school, leave 5 minutes earlier and drive down a street you don't normally take. Stop on the side of the road and notice something beautiful about the trees or the houses or the sky. Thank you fishfulthinking.com for this great activity.
I debated over many many different topics - including words you never thought you would ever say, that is until you became a mother. Which one of my favorites is "no that tree is not a bathroom, go inside and use the toliet". Boy you can't tell I am a mother of three very active boys! Then I thought I could share one of my very funny stories from parenthood. Like the day I went outside to check on my two older boys (at the time 3 and 4) because I had ran inside to start water boiling for lunch - it had been less then two minutes and to my suprise...they were both totally naked inside their playset playing bath.
But I think I have decided to share the most memorable moment as How Motherhood Has Changed Me. It was the evening of December 21, 2007 - I was 10 weeks along with my pregancy with our soon to be third son. I recieved a phone call from my doctor. He stated I had cervical cancer - it was a total shock as I had no recent history of abnormal pap smears. He stated I didn't have to make the decision right now - but it would have to be made if I wanted to continue the pregnancy or end it and start treatment for the cancer. In my mind there wasn't a decison that had to be made. I found out about my cancer due to this blessed pregnancy and I knew the only choice was to save my Guardian Angel I was carrying. I felt as a mother I needed give this angel a chance for life, which meant I was in turn risking my own life for the life of my unborn child - and the possiblity of not being around to rasie my other two boys and be there for my husband.
My children and family are my life and will continue to be until my last breath here on earth. I am so blessed to enjoy each and every new day - the experiences, struggles, challenges and rewards of being a mother. Happy Mother's Day to you all.
Make sure you take the time to enjoy the little things with your child this Mother's Day. Take a Beauty Detour with your children - At least once a week, take a 5-minute "beauty detour" with your child. The goal is to use the 5 minutes to notice something beautiful or inspiring or amazing or funny that you would not normally have noticed. For example, if you drive your child to school, leave 5 minutes earlier and drive down a street you don't normally take. Stop on the side of the road and notice something beautiful about the trees or the houses or the sky. Thank you fishfulthinking.com for this great activity.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Reaching A Goal
I am so exicted that I am finally able to reach one of my goals since my Cervical Cancer Diagnosis.
I just wanted to share how as a parent when you are able to reach one of your own goals - it can make a positive difference in your child's life and be a life lesson to them.
Here is my story - please share yours!
I am a busy mother of three boys - I was diagnosed with cervical cancer back in Dec. of 2007 while in my 1st trimester with my third son - I am a fighter and always will be! After giving birth in July of 2008 - I had to go through major surgeries - and was finally CANCER - FREE as of Oct. 2008 - but had a long healing road ahead of me -a Large mass was found Sept. 2009 during my 1st year cancer check up - I had to go back in for major surgery again Oct 2009 -- after a long road again of healing -
I was finally told I could start running again! That was a major goal in my life to be able to do that again. I love to run - it gives me time away to refocus and re-energize and make myself feel better physically! My boys are so excited to see my "running shoes" come out of retirement - like I always tell them if you put your mind to it you can make it happen. They think is a great that I am able to run once again and I don't have a "hurt tummy" anymore (and so do I).
I just found out today that I get to participate in the "Cornhusker State Games" Torch Run! I get to run a two mile streach with the torch as it makes its way across the State of Nebraska to the State Games - I am so excited and proud that I am physcially able to do this - what a great way to show my boys that anything is possible if you set a goal to take the steps to reach it - The sky is the limit!!! I love being able to teach my children by example - Today has been a great day in that respect!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Never take your children for Granted.
I has been awhile since I have posted an update to my Blog. Family and work has been keeping me busy. But I needed to share this important message with all. And i plan on making updates to my blog on a more regular basis.
****** *******
I just wanted to remind everyone NEVER take your children for granted! On 04-20-10 My family and I remembered KayLynn - it has been a year to the day since she passed away unexpectedly at the sweet age of 5 years old. She was just like part of our family and is missed so.
Take an extra moment of your day and give your children a hug and a kiss - enjoy and savor that momment - you never know when the Lord may call.
In memory -
KayLynn
We little knew that day,
God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death, we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you.
You did not go alone.
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.
You left us beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide.
And although we cannot see you,
You are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken,
And nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.
I believe that every minute you spend with your children makes a huge difference. The biggest thing is making it be a positive experience. As a parent we have opportunity to shape our children into productive memembers of society - we need to make sure to help instill the following ingredients in our children Optimism, Emotional Awareness, Goal Setting/Hope, Resilence and Empowerment. They learn these things from us by teaching them and from our own actions. Make an effort to be positive and Never, Never take a child for granted.
****** *******
I just wanted to remind everyone NEVER take your children for granted! On 04-20-10 My family and I remembered KayLynn - it has been a year to the day since she passed away unexpectedly at the sweet age of 5 years old. She was just like part of our family and is missed so.
Take an extra moment of your day and give your children a hug and a kiss - enjoy and savor that momment - you never know when the Lord may call.
In memory -
KayLynn
We little knew that day,
God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death, we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you.
You did not go alone.
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.
You left us beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide.
And although we cannot see you,
You are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken,
And nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.
I believe that every minute you spend with your children makes a huge difference. The biggest thing is making it be a positive experience. As a parent we have opportunity to shape our children into productive memembers of society - we need to make sure to help instill the following ingredients in our children Optimism, Emotional Awareness, Goal Setting/Hope, Resilence and Empowerment. They learn these things from us by teaching them and from our own actions. Make an effort to be positive and Never, Never take a child for granted.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Color Things Activity
I found another great activity idea on the Fishful Thinking website to help my children with their Emotional Awareness. I am planning on making time this weekend to do this with my 4 and 6 year old.
This activity couldn't have come at a better time. As were are constantly dealing with emotions as our family deals with my husband's continued illness. It think it is going to help get some emotions out on the table and talked about.
I am either planning on using my children's lego blocks or the colored bag of Goldfish crackers I have in the pantry.
Here is the activity:
Find colorful objects around the house, such as Goldfish® Colors crackers, jelly beans, colored blocks or beads. Each color represents a feeling (gold = proud, green = jealous, red = angry, etc.). You and your child take turns picking an object from the bag and sharing a story about a time you felt the emotion represented by the color chosen.
For younger kids (3-5) encourage the child to say a sentence or two ("I felt mad when Jon knocked over my tower because it was really big and he's always breaking my stuff."). Resist the temptation to challenge the feeling or problem-solve (e.g. "What do you think you could do next time so that he doesn't knock it over?"). Instead, just empathize with the feeling by saying something like, "Yes, it would make me mad too." For this young age, keep the emotions simple: just happy, sad or mad and that the goal is for them to say a few words up to a few sentences. Just saying, "I felt sad yesterday and I cried" is a great use of the exercise. You might find it useful to first give brief explanations of the feeling such as, "sad is when you feel like crying like if you don't get something you want."
For older kids (6-12), the feelings can be more complex (like guilty, jealous, proud) and to encourage the child to talk about the experience for a minute or two. Again, don't challenge the experience ("Oh, I don't think you need to worry about that" or "I'm sure she didn't do it on purpose", etc.). Instead, empathize by briefly sharing a time when you were that age and felt similarly.
This activity couldn't have come at a better time. As were are constantly dealing with emotions as our family deals with my husband's continued illness. It think it is going to help get some emotions out on the table and talked about.
I am either planning on using my children's lego blocks or the colored bag of Goldfish crackers I have in the pantry.
Here is the activity:
Find colorful objects around the house, such as Goldfish® Colors crackers, jelly beans, colored blocks or beads. Each color represents a feeling (gold = proud, green = jealous, red = angry, etc.). You and your child take turns picking an object from the bag and sharing a story about a time you felt the emotion represented by the color chosen.
For younger kids (3-5) encourage the child to say a sentence or two ("I felt mad when Jon knocked over my tower because it was really big and he's always breaking my stuff."). Resist the temptation to challenge the feeling or problem-solve (e.g. "What do you think you could do next time so that he doesn't knock it over?"). Instead, just empathize with the feeling by saying something like, "Yes, it would make me mad too." For this young age, keep the emotions simple: just happy, sad or mad and that the goal is for them to say a few words up to a few sentences. Just saying, "I felt sad yesterday and I cried" is a great use of the exercise. You might find it useful to first give brief explanations of the feeling such as, "sad is when you feel like crying like if you don't get something you want."
For older kids (6-12), the feelings can be more complex (like guilty, jealous, proud) and to encourage the child to talk about the experience for a minute or two. Again, don't challenge the experience ("Oh, I don't think you need to worry about that" or "I'm sure she didn't do it on purpose", etc.). Instead, empathize by briefly sharing a time when you were that age and felt similarly.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Valentine's Day Activity Focusing on Positive Events
Valentine's Day is about showing the people in our lives that we care for them. I found this great activity on Fishful Thinking and the boys and I are going to work on this activity this weekend. Here is what you do: Find a photo of your family that captures a happy experience and share it before Valentine's Day.
This is the way we are going to share our photos:
We are going to glue the photo in the center of a piece of paper (Shaped like a Heart - of course for Valentine's Day).
Next I will help my four year old by filling the paper with words and phrases that describe that experience. I am going to let my six year old write his own words - we call it "kid writing" - he loves to do that and it makes him feel like he is growing up (which he is too fast :( )
I am going to make my own heart with a photo. I am planning on putting the pages together in an album.
What a great way to create a personal memory book that can be looked at time and time again - especially next Valentine's Day.
Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!
http://fishfulthinking.repnation.com/Log.ashx?a=2&i=431&r=4763d707-5829-405d-b922-d8a3310fd862
This is the way we are going to share our photos:
We are going to glue the photo in the center of a piece of paper (Shaped like a Heart - of course for Valentine's Day).
Next I will help my four year old by filling the paper with words and phrases that describe that experience. I am going to let my six year old write his own words - we call it "kid writing" - he loves to do that and it makes him feel like he is growing up (which he is too fast :( )
I am going to make my own heart with a photo. I am planning on putting the pages together in an album.
What a great way to create a personal memory book that can be looked at time and time again - especially next Valentine's Day.
Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!
http://fishfulthinking.repnation.com/Log.ashx?a=2&i=431&r=4763d707-5829-405d-b922-d8a3310fd862
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Lots of Glue and Feelings Collages this weekend.
I have many issues of Parents magazine around my house - as I am sure some other mothers also do. The stack was getting big enough that I was going to throw them away (recycle them) - but decided to try to find an activity to do with them and my boys.
We are making Feelings collages - (to help with their emotional awareness.)
Dylan picked the feeling of suprise - it has been a little difficult to find photos -but he is doing a great job and enjoying writing on his collage and doing his own illustrations.
Keegan my wild child, picked the feeling of happiness - which is an easy one for him to do.
I just had to make sure I had enough glue sticks on hand - Keegan LOVES glue and thinks the more the better - it will take days for his collage to dry :)
Give it a try ****Pick a feeling and work with your child to make a collage that illustrates that feeling. Use pictures from magazines, family photos, drawings or words to illustrate what that feeling is like for your child. Paste the pictures onto one piece of paper. Post them on the wall. Consider making color photo copies of the "happy" collage and use it for greeting cards.
*I will try to post a photo of their collages when they are completed - please share yours.
http://fishfulthinking.repnation.com/ShareVideo.aspx?i=429&r=4763d707-5829-405d-b922-d8a3310fd862
We are making Feelings collages - (to help with their emotional awareness.)
Dylan picked the feeling of suprise - it has been a little difficult to find photos -but he is doing a great job and enjoying writing on his collage and doing his own illustrations.
Keegan my wild child, picked the feeling of happiness - which is an easy one for him to do.
I just had to make sure I had enough glue sticks on hand - Keegan LOVES glue and thinks the more the better - it will take days for his collage to dry :)
Give it a try ****Pick a feeling and work with your child to make a collage that illustrates that feeling. Use pictures from magazines, family photos, drawings or words to illustrate what that feeling is like for your child. Paste the pictures onto one piece of paper. Post them on the wall. Consider making color photo copies of the "happy" collage and use it for greeting cards.
*I will try to post a photo of their collages when they are completed - please share yours.
http://fishfulthinking.repnation.com/ShareVideo.aspx?i=429&r=4763d707-5829-405d-b922-d8a3310fd862
Monday, January 11, 2010
When Frustration becomes an Issue.
I found this wonderful activity through Fishful Thinking which is making a positive difference with my children and myself. It is called the Shake Off the Frustration Dance. What a better way to destress and put things back in perspective - by being crazy for a few moments with your children.
I am currently using this activity with my five year old son who is a perfectionist. Many times he has difficulty focusing on and staying postive when a new activity doesn't come to him right away. He gets frustrated and can't move beyond it. So when something gets to the breaking point with him, I tell him it is time to shake all the bad thoughts out of his body. I have him stand up and we start wiggling and waggling all the bad thoughts out. We look so silly and quickly start laughing. After the laughter dies down he is able to re-focus on the task at hand and give it another try.
If the "shake off the frustration" dance doesn't appeal to your child, work with your child to find a ritual that helps him or her calm and refocus. Taking deep breaths, repeating a positive phrase such as "It's okay. I can calm down and get back to work. My frustration doesn't have to stop me." For younger kids, doing something physical to help release the pent up energy that sometimes comes with frustration is often helpful.
Keep in mind, that these techniques will require practice, so don't expect them to work the first time. The more you practice them, the more effective they will be.
I am currently using this activity with my five year old son who is a perfectionist. Many times he has difficulty focusing on and staying postive when a new activity doesn't come to him right away. He gets frustrated and can't move beyond it. So when something gets to the breaking point with him, I tell him it is time to shake all the bad thoughts out of his body. I have him stand up and we start wiggling and waggling all the bad thoughts out. We look so silly and quickly start laughing. After the laughter dies down he is able to re-focus on the task at hand and give it another try.
If the "shake off the frustration" dance doesn't appeal to your child, work with your child to find a ritual that helps him or her calm and refocus. Taking deep breaths, repeating a positive phrase such as "It's okay. I can calm down and get back to work. My frustration doesn't have to stop me." For younger kids, doing something physical to help release the pent up energy that sometimes comes with frustration is often helpful.
Keep in mind, that these techniques will require practice, so don't expect them to work the first time. The more you practice them, the more effective they will be.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Ring in the New Year with Positive Parenting.
I am going to give the gift of time to my three boys in 2010. I don't believe there is a better or simpler gift I can give them (and is doesn't cost money). I have found three different ways to do this positive activity with children. I listed them below from Fishful Thinking website.
We are currently doing the Time Share method. My four year old is even enjoying this activity.
This is how he decided to design his gift of time for his five year old brother (who he drew out of a hat). He said he would let his brother use his Leapster while he watched and cheered him on. My five year old was so happy with the gift of time - and they did a great job sharing the Leapster and time together. It was great to see the Inspire an Attitude of Gratitude in action - they are praising each other with out even thinking about it - it is wonderful to see.
Family Time
Ask each family member to write on a note card one "Gift of Time" they would like to receive from the family: watching a DVD together, camping out in a fort in the living room, playing a board game. Put the cards in a box and pull one out each night to do together.
Time Share
Each member of the family picks a name out of a hat and has to design a "Gift of Time" to share with the person they chose.
Time Checks
Family members can give each other "blank checks" of time. Each check is good for a certain amount of time (e.g. 30 minutes, 3 hours) and can be cashed in whenever they would like to have some special time with that family member. Of course, everyone must understand that they may sometimes have to wait in order to get their check cashed.
http://fishfulthinking.repnation.com/Log.ashx?a=2&i=361&r=4763d707-5829-405d-b922-d8a3310fd862
We are currently doing the Time Share method. My four year old is even enjoying this activity.
This is how he decided to design his gift of time for his five year old brother (who he drew out of a hat). He said he would let his brother use his Leapster while he watched and cheered him on. My five year old was so happy with the gift of time - and they did a great job sharing the Leapster and time together. It was great to see the Inspire an Attitude of Gratitude in action - they are praising each other with out even thinking about it - it is wonderful to see.
Family Time
Ask each family member to write on a note card one "Gift of Time" they would like to receive from the family: watching a DVD together, camping out in a fort in the living room, playing a board game. Put the cards in a box and pull one out each night to do together.
Time Share
Each member of the family picks a name out of a hat and has to design a "Gift of Time" to share with the person they chose.
Time Checks
Family members can give each other "blank checks" of time. Each check is good for a certain amount of time (e.g. 30 minutes, 3 hours) and can be cashed in whenever they would like to have some special time with that family member. Of course, everyone must understand that they may sometimes have to wait in order to get their check cashed.
http://fishfulthinking.repnation.com/Log.ashx?a=2&i=361&r=4763d707-5829-405d-b922-d8a3310fd862
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