A lot of people feel that they have to jump through a lot of hoops to make their child the perfect child, They try many different methods and buy tons of parenting books. Now I am not saying that some guidance is not necessary. But my children's first Pediatrician Dr. Fricker told me early on to pick only one book and not to be a slave to that book because each child is different. To that end I will not tell you what book that I have on my bookshelf, but will instead give my humble opinion on what you need to do as a parent to raise a happy healthy child.
The number one job of a parent is to raise happy children who find their own way to make the world a better place. No more, no less.
The first step in developing a happy child is for the child to know that they are wanted and are an important part of your life. The easiest way to get a smile from your child is to tell them that they were planned or in the case of an unexpected child is to tell them that it was part of Gd's plan and he pick the right parents for your child. With the adopted child this can be easier with the child being told that they are special because you picked them out.
The second step is to develop a sense of community for your child. Explaining that being part of that community involves rules and a certain set of standards. This does involve teaching a child that they can not have everything that they want and that no means no. This will lead to frustration on the part of the parent and child, with the child throwing the occasional temper tantrum. I let the tantrum run its course and then talked to my children when they were calmer.
Discipline comes in to the equation too. Discipline is a way to integrate a child into society, by teaching them what society excepts from them and what they can expect in return. Discipline does not mean that a belt has to be pulled out for each infraction. I found the best way to discipline my children is to walk up to them and whisper in their ear what they are doing wrong and in the case of my eldest is to ask her what corrective action she is going to take to resolve the problem. With my youngest he requires more direction so I tell him what I would like him to do.
Also it is important to realize that each child is different. Not every child will grow up to be the President of a large company or the United States, those jobs are very limited and not everyone is suited for those jobs. There are literally hundreds of different jobs that need to be done each day to make this world function and they all require different skill sets. It is your job as a parent to help your child find their own way. Some children might show artistic tendencies. While others excel in math or science. This is where you can let your child lead the way, and no it does not mean letting children abandon school. School teaches a very real set of skills that are necessary for your child to grow into a fully functioning adult.
The job of parenting is a very difficult one with no instruction manual is issued when the child is born. It is instead a learning experience for you and your child. Please feel free to ignore the latest study and go with your gut feelings. If in doubt ask someone you consider a great parent and ask your questions, but don't be surprised that after the basics are answered they often say you have to learn to go with the flow.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Rules of My House
OK so this is not the most novel blog title. Of course we all know the standard rules of the house:
Rule number
1: Mom is always right. Rule number 2: If mom happens to be wrong, please refer to rule number 1.
These rules are geared more toward people who come into my house to take care of my son. These rules are in no particular order, but are all equally important. They are all a result of past incidents that have occurred in our home.
1. Please do not rearrange my furniture, I put it where it is because I like it there. You have not come in as a decorator.
2. Please do not encourage bad behavior in my son. We really like decorum in the house, and good manners are a large part of that.
3. Please do not laugh at bad behavior in my son for you own amusement. If you want amusement go to a movie on your own time.
4. Unless you have a lot of prior experience with children like my son do not tell me I am doing my job wrong, or am not using his equipment right. The doctors and the therapists have the last word on how we do many of these things.
5. I have been doing this job for over 19 years, I think I know what I am doing by now. And No, I really don't care how other parents run their houses or take care of their children. My concern is my son.
6. It is fine to discuss religion with me, but you will not bring religion up with my son. He knows where we come from and that is all that is important to us as a family. Your job is to care for his body, we will take care of his soul.
7. If there is any eyrping or other bodily messes occurrence while you are working with my son, it is your job to clean it up. Please do not leave the mess for later, the next shift or I will have to clean it up.
8. You might be working with my son, but You are a guest in my house, please show some courtesy towards my family.
9. This is not a zoo please do not feel you have to stare at us for hours on end.
10 My purse is not your personal ATM, If you need money go to your employer or family.
11. If you get your self into debt it is not my responsibility to get you out of debt.
12. My house is not your shopping mall, If you need makeup, kitchen items, religious articles, or anything else, ask your parents, or go shopping.
13. If you decide to skip your mood altering prescription drugs, please feel free to skip work that day, I really don't need to deal with your break from reality or anger management issues.
14. Please do not treat my son like a brick. He may not be able to talk to or see you, but he has feelings and a great sense of humor.
15. If you are sick Please, Please, Please do not come to work. When you get my son sick, it leads to long days and nights caring for a sick son. I have noticed that in the past you have not volunteered to stay up all night with him.
On the other hand there are things I don't mind at all.
1. You may fold and put away my sons laundry any time you want.
2. You may straighten and dust his room any time you want.
3. If his shelves are in a jumble please feel free to organize them, this is not one of my strong points.
4. You may talk to him all you like, he really will listen. Did I mention he has a great sense of humor and likes girls and music.
5. The following things always need to be done, vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, straighting his bathroom.
Please do not miss construe this to mean that we don't like you, the opposite is true. Just remember that your place of business is our home and refuge. That we like everyone else, likes down time and family time.
Thank you for reading my rant. Please feel free to pass this along to other families who use care givers on a regular basis.
Have a wonderful day and enjoy your families.
Rule number
1: Mom is always right. Rule number 2: If mom happens to be wrong, please refer to rule number 1.
These rules are geared more toward people who come into my house to take care of my son. These rules are in no particular order, but are all equally important. They are all a result of past incidents that have occurred in our home.
1. Please do not rearrange my furniture, I put it where it is because I like it there. You have not come in as a decorator.
2. Please do not encourage bad behavior in my son. We really like decorum in the house, and good manners are a large part of that.
3. Please do not laugh at bad behavior in my son for you own amusement. If you want amusement go to a movie on your own time.
4. Unless you have a lot of prior experience with children like my son do not tell me I am doing my job wrong, or am not using his equipment right. The doctors and the therapists have the last word on how we do many of these things.
5. I have been doing this job for over 19 years, I think I know what I am doing by now. And No, I really don't care how other parents run their houses or take care of their children. My concern is my son.
6. It is fine to discuss religion with me, but you will not bring religion up with my son. He knows where we come from and that is all that is important to us as a family. Your job is to care for his body, we will take care of his soul.
7. If there is any eyrping or other bodily messes occurrence while you are working with my son, it is your job to clean it up. Please do not leave the mess for later, the next shift or I will have to clean it up.
8. You might be working with my son, but You are a guest in my house, please show some courtesy towards my family.
9. This is not a zoo please do not feel you have to stare at us for hours on end.
10 My purse is not your personal ATM, If you need money go to your employer or family.
11. If you get your self into debt it is not my responsibility to get you out of debt.
12. My house is not your shopping mall, If you need makeup, kitchen items, religious articles, or anything else, ask your parents, or go shopping.
13. If you decide to skip your mood altering prescription drugs, please feel free to skip work that day, I really don't need to deal with your break from reality or anger management issues.
14. Please do not treat my son like a brick. He may not be able to talk to or see you, but he has feelings and a great sense of humor.
15. If you are sick Please, Please, Please do not come to work. When you get my son sick, it leads to long days and nights caring for a sick son. I have noticed that in the past you have not volunteered to stay up all night with him.
On the other hand there are things I don't mind at all.
1. You may fold and put away my sons laundry any time you want.
2. You may straighten and dust his room any time you want.
3. If his shelves are in a jumble please feel free to organize them, this is not one of my strong points.
4. You may talk to him all you like, he really will listen. Did I mention he has a great sense of humor and likes girls and music.
5. The following things always need to be done, vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, straighting his bathroom.
Please do not miss construe this to mean that we don't like you, the opposite is true. Just remember that your place of business is our home and refuge. That we like everyone else, likes down time and family time.
Thank you for reading my rant. Please feel free to pass this along to other families who use care givers on a regular basis.
Have a wonderful day and enjoy your families.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
My Version of Chili
This is my lazy version of chili, this recipe is easy to do. If however; your are a chili fan who will go to great lengths to find the perfect chili, this recipe is not for you. In other words if your are a chili purest go to the next recipe. For the rest of the world this is an easy dish to prepare.
2 pounds of stew meat
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 onion chopped
2 tablespoons of tomato paste
1-28 ounce can of whole peeled tomatoes in its own juice
1 cup of water
2 teaspoons of The Spice Hunter Salt Free Chili Powder Blend
2-16 ounces cans of kidney beans drained and rinsed
1 pound of frozen white corn
Non stick cooking spray
In a large Le Creuset pot, spray the bottom and sides with the non stick cooking spray. Add the stew meat, salt and pepper and brown the meat over a medium heat. Add the chopped onion and saute for a few minutes. Add the tomato paste and mix well. Add the canned tomatoes, water, chili powder, drained beans and the pound of frozen white corn. Bring to a slow boil and then turn the flame to medium low and simmer for a minimum of 2 hours, the longer the better. Check to pot every 15 to 20 minutes to stir and make sure that you have enough chili broth so that the chili does not burn. After one hour of cooking tasted the chili broth and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Serve with warm corn bread. It is not our custom, but you may add cheese to the top of the chili after it has been ladled into the bowl.
I have also made this recipe with diced chicken or turkey, for poultry I would cut the chili powder in half.
I have not made this recipe to accommodate vegans or vegetarians.
If your store does not carry The Spice Hunter Salt Free Chili powder blend go to www.thespicehunter.com for where to buy locally. Amazon does carry The Spice Hunter Chili Powder but it does come in a six pack.
I am not being paid to promote The Spice Hunter Salt Free Chili Blend. This just happens to be the one that my family likes. Like wise I am not being paid to promote the Le Creuset Pots, I just love them and wish I could afford a full set.
2 pounds of stew meat
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 onion chopped
2 tablespoons of tomato paste
1-28 ounce can of whole peeled tomatoes in its own juice
1 cup of water
2 teaspoons of The Spice Hunter Salt Free Chili Powder Blend
2-16 ounces cans of kidney beans drained and rinsed
1 pound of frozen white corn
Non stick cooking spray
In a large Le Creuset pot, spray the bottom and sides with the non stick cooking spray. Add the stew meat, salt and pepper and brown the meat over a medium heat. Add the chopped onion and saute for a few minutes. Add the tomato paste and mix well. Add the canned tomatoes, water, chili powder, drained beans and the pound of frozen white corn. Bring to a slow boil and then turn the flame to medium low and simmer for a minimum of 2 hours, the longer the better. Check to pot every 15 to 20 minutes to stir and make sure that you have enough chili broth so that the chili does not burn. After one hour of cooking tasted the chili broth and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Serve with warm corn bread. It is not our custom, but you may add cheese to the top of the chili after it has been ladled into the bowl.
I have also made this recipe with diced chicken or turkey, for poultry I would cut the chili powder in half.
I have not made this recipe to accommodate vegans or vegetarians.
If your store does not carry The Spice Hunter Salt Free Chili powder blend go to www.thespicehunter.com for where to buy locally. Amazon does carry The Spice Hunter Chili Powder but it does come in a six pack.
I am not being paid to promote The Spice Hunter Salt Free Chili Blend. This just happens to be the one that my family likes. Like wise I am not being paid to promote the Le Creuset Pots, I just love them and wish I could afford a full set.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Improvising a Casserole Dish
It occurred to me yesterday when I was on the phone with Teri that a lot of people born in the last 25 years or so have not had mandatory cooking classes in middle school or high school, so I though I would write about improvising if you don't have the called for casserole dish.
To improvise a casserole pan is one of the easiest things to do. Most of you basic cooking sets will come with either a rectangular or square cake pan or a bread pan. And you should have aluminum foil as on of your kitchen basics.
Line your pan with the foil, shinny side down. added your ingredients and seal your pan with another layer of foil shinny side down. Make sure that your seal is very tight or you might run out of cooking liquids and end up with a very dry or burnt dish.
For metal pans you can use the the temperature called for in the recipe. For glass baking pans DO NOT put the oven temperature above 325 degrees Fahrenheit and give it a longer time to cook.
If you have any specific question on improvising just leave a note in the comment section and I will address the issue to the best of my abilities.
Have a wonderful day and enjoy your families.
To improvise a casserole pan is one of the easiest things to do. Most of you basic cooking sets will come with either a rectangular or square cake pan or a bread pan. And you should have aluminum foil as on of your kitchen basics.
Line your pan with the foil, shinny side down. added your ingredients and seal your pan with another layer of foil shinny side down. Make sure that your seal is very tight or you might run out of cooking liquids and end up with a very dry or burnt dish.
For metal pans you can use the the temperature called for in the recipe. For glass baking pans DO NOT put the oven temperature above 325 degrees Fahrenheit and give it a longer time to cook.
If you have any specific question on improvising just leave a note in the comment section and I will address the issue to the best of my abilities.
Have a wonderful day and enjoy your families.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
In Memory of Jarrad
In memory of Eric's friend Jarrad I will be donating 10% of all sales from http://www.tinyurl.com/handmadebysheri to the Tucson JCC Special Needs program till 9/8/2009.
Both Jarrad and Eric have enjoyed the Tucson JCC Special Needs Programs through out the years. I can think of no better way to honor Jarrad then to make a donation in his memory to a program that he loved so much.
If you would like to make a donation in Jarrad's honor you can send a check to:
Tucson JCC
Special Needs Programing
3800 East River Road
Tucson Arizona, 85718
This is a non-profit group and government funding has been reduced for special needs programing this year due to state budget constraints.
Both Jarrad and Eric have enjoyed the Tucson JCC Special Needs Programs through out the years. I can think of no better way to honor Jarrad then to make a donation in his memory to a program that he loved so much.
If you would like to make a donation in Jarrad's honor you can send a check to:
Tucson JCC
Special Needs Programing
3800 East River Road
Tucson Arizona, 85718
This is a non-profit group and government funding has been reduced for special needs programing this year due to state budget constraints.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Mohave Mango Salsa Chicken
This is what I am cooking for dinner tonight.
Mohave Mango Salsa Chicken Tacos
2 chicken breasts skinned and boned
1/2 cup of Goldwater's Mohave Mango Salsa
1/2 Cup of water
a pinch of salt and pepper
Corn tortillas
shredded lettuce
2 tomatoes diced
1 Avocado diced
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. 1 hour before dinner spray the inside and cover of a 2 quart Le Creuset casserole with non-stick cooking spray. Rinse the chicken breasts and place in the casserole. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add the water and put the salsa on top of the chicken breasts. Cover and cook for 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Once the chicken is in the oven clean the sink and any counter space used with your bleach solution of preference.
Wash and shred the lettuce and place in the fridge. Wash and dice the tomatoes and place in the fridge. Dice the avocado right before serving so it does not brown.
When the chicken has finished cooking very thinly slice or shred the chicken and place back in the casserole dish and cover. Dice the avocado and leave the pit in the bowl. Heat the corn tortillas 2 at a time in a fry pan on medium heat, turn once just till warm, be sure not to burn them.
On a plate assemble the salsa chicken taco's by placing the tortillas on the plate. Add the chicken, lettuce, tomatoes and avocado, for a spicier taco you may add extra salsa.
Serve with rice and/or beans.
This recipe will make 8 to 10 taco's.
The Vegan option is even faster to make, just dice the vegetables, heat the tortillas and cover with vegetables and add a dollop of salsa on top.
For the vegetarian option just skip the meat, dice the vegetables, heat the tortillas , cover with vegetables, cheese and a dollop of salsa on top.
For those of you that are not lucky enough to have an A.J.'s Fine Foods near your home, the salsa can be bought on line. Please go to http://www.goldwaters.com/ .
I am not being paid to endorse the Goldwater's Salsa, this is just a family favorite. Likewise I am not being paid to endorse A.J.'sFine Foods, it happens to be close to my house and have a lot of products that are not available elsewhere in Tucson.
Mohave Mango Salsa Chicken Tacos
2 chicken breasts skinned and boned
1/2 cup of Goldwater's Mohave Mango Salsa
1/2 Cup of water
a pinch of salt and pepper
Corn tortillas
shredded lettuce
2 tomatoes diced
1 Avocado diced
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. 1 hour before dinner spray the inside and cover of a 2 quart Le Creuset casserole with non-stick cooking spray. Rinse the chicken breasts and place in the casserole. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add the water and put the salsa on top of the chicken breasts. Cover and cook for 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Once the chicken is in the oven clean the sink and any counter space used with your bleach solution of preference.
Wash and shred the lettuce and place in the fridge. Wash and dice the tomatoes and place in the fridge. Dice the avocado right before serving so it does not brown.
When the chicken has finished cooking very thinly slice or shred the chicken and place back in the casserole dish and cover. Dice the avocado and leave the pit in the bowl. Heat the corn tortillas 2 at a time in a fry pan on medium heat, turn once just till warm, be sure not to burn them.
On a plate assemble the salsa chicken taco's by placing the tortillas on the plate. Add the chicken, lettuce, tomatoes and avocado, for a spicier taco you may add extra salsa.
Serve with rice and/or beans.
This recipe will make 8 to 10 taco's.
The Vegan option is even faster to make, just dice the vegetables, heat the tortillas and cover with vegetables and add a dollop of salsa on top.
For the vegetarian option just skip the meat, dice the vegetables, heat the tortillas , cover with vegetables, cheese and a dollop of salsa on top.
For those of you that are not lucky enough to have an A.J.'s Fine Foods near your home, the salsa can be bought on line. Please go to http://www.goldwaters.com/ .
I am not being paid to endorse the Goldwater's Salsa, this is just a family favorite. Likewise I am not being paid to endorse A.J.'sFine Foods, it happens to be close to my house and have a lot of products that are not available elsewhere in Tucson.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
The Friday Pattern -Wash Cloths and Beyond
This was the most wanted pattern by new knitters on Friday.
The pattern is for a wash cloth for new knitters this is a perfect pattern to leap off from. Use the needle size recommended by your yarn of choice. I like Lilly "Sugar and Cream" or Lion Brand cotton for dish cloths, but feel free to use any cotton you like.
Cast on 2
Row 1 knit one (K1), yarn over (YO), knit one (k1)
Row 2 knit one (K1), yarn over (YO), knit (K) till the end of the row.
Repeat row 2 till your wash cloth measures 10 inches up the diagonal side.
Row 3 knit 1 (k1), knit 2 together (k2tog), knit (K) till the end of the row.
When you have 2 stitches left on the needle bind off (BO).
Weave in the ends.
The abbreviations in the brackets are like the ones you would see in a typical knitting pattern. The pattern would look like this in in a typical book.
CO2
Row 1 K1, yo, K1
Row 2 K1, yo, K till the end of the row
Repeat row 2 till the diagonal measure is 10"
Row 3 K1, k2tog, k till the end of the row.
repeat row 3 till you have 2 stitches left on the needle.
BO and weave in ends
The thing I like about this basic pattern is that it can be grown into different projects by just adding a little more knitting. I like to use cable needles when knitting blankets, the weight is distributed more evenly and does not get as heavy as if knit on straight needles.
For a preemie blanket knit till the diagonal is 20-26 inches long. I would use a soft washable yarn with NO metal threads in it. The nurses in the NICU's generally do not like wool because it tends to felt when washed and is not quite suitable for their smaller charges.
For a full term baby blanket knit till the diagonal is 36". Use any yarn you like. If it is meant to be a show only blanket the yarn does not matter, if however, you want a usable blanket make sure that the yarn is machine wash and dry able.
To make different size blankets make 9 (3 blocks by 3 blocks)to 30 (5 blocks across by 6 blocks long) wash cloth size squares and sew them together. This is a good way to use left over yarn. Once the squares are sewn together a a small crochet trim to bring the project together.
If you have any questions please feel free to leave me a comment with your e-mail and I will answer to the best of my ability. Have fun knitting and see where the yarn will take you.
Have a wonderful day.
The pattern is for a wash cloth for new knitters this is a perfect pattern to leap off from. Use the needle size recommended by your yarn of choice. I like Lilly "Sugar and Cream" or Lion Brand cotton for dish cloths, but feel free to use any cotton you like.
Cast on 2
Row 1 knit one (K1), yarn over (YO), knit one (k1)
Row 2 knit one (K1), yarn over (YO), knit (K) till the end of the row.
Repeat row 2 till your wash cloth measures 10 inches up the diagonal side.
Row 3 knit 1 (k1), knit 2 together (k2tog), knit (K) till the end of the row.
When you have 2 stitches left on the needle bind off (BO).
Weave in the ends.
The abbreviations in the brackets are like the ones you would see in a typical knitting pattern. The pattern would look like this in in a typical book.
CO2
Row 1 K1, yo, K1
Row 2 K1, yo, K till the end of the row
Repeat row 2 till the diagonal measure is 10"
Row 3 K1, k2tog, k till the end of the row.
repeat row 3 till you have 2 stitches left on the needle.
BO and weave in ends
The thing I like about this basic pattern is that it can be grown into different projects by just adding a little more knitting. I like to use cable needles when knitting blankets, the weight is distributed more evenly and does not get as heavy as if knit on straight needles.
For a preemie blanket knit till the diagonal is 20-26 inches long. I would use a soft washable yarn with NO metal threads in it. The nurses in the NICU's generally do not like wool because it tends to felt when washed and is not quite suitable for their smaller charges.
For a full term baby blanket knit till the diagonal is 36". Use any yarn you like. If it is meant to be a show only blanket the yarn does not matter, if however, you want a usable blanket make sure that the yarn is machine wash and dry able.
To make different size blankets make 9 (3 blocks by 3 blocks)to 30 (5 blocks across by 6 blocks long) wash cloth size squares and sew them together. This is a good way to use left over yarn. Once the squares are sewn together a a small crochet trim to bring the project together.
If you have any questions please feel free to leave me a comment with your e-mail and I will answer to the best of my ability. Have fun knitting and see where the yarn will take you.
Have a wonderful day.
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