My SuNnY SiDe uP NooK

Your kids hate vegetables? No prob!

I used to be miserable and lazy in the kitchen because I always worry that Foster won't eat vegetables again. He goes for days without eating it. Sometimes he would eat it with his dada's prodding. Foster would gamely eat it because he wanted to please his dada but after a few minutes he'd spit it out (lol).


While waiting for my car tires to be changed in Costco, I went to the warehouse not to shop but just to look up what's new there. I always make it a point to look for books and cookbooks. I saw the book titled "Deceptively Delicious." I was there for like five minutes

Update on Foster

Foster has been going to school for almost five weeks now. He's still adjusting to the new environment and people. I bet its very traumatic for him having got used to only me and Randy in the last two years. Until now, every morning is a wrestling match between me and him. He won one time when Randy was out of town. Foster was pleading with his hands clasp together asking for a day off. I don't know for how long we'll have a wrestling match every morning.


Every time we took Foster to the school he was teary and had a sad look in his eyes as if telling us to stay with him or get him. The poor boy has resigned to the fact that he had to deal with it everyday. We are looking forward to picking him up in the afternoon. He would run to us, say bye to his teacher and friends. He was teary as soon as he sees us. I would always ask him if he had a good day  and would happily say "Yes!" Foster calls his teachers "A-bet" (Ms. Yvette) and At-ney (Ms Britt'ny). It was really cute.


Last Sunday, Randy was telling Foster to nap. He took his school nap mat and lay it on the floor in the dining area. Foster lay there but he was whining. He did'nt want to nap. He cannot get up because he knew he would have a time out from his dada if he gets up. So after about ten minutes I asked him to get up and fix his nap mat. Lo and behold, he did it! I bet they were taught to do that in school after their naps. He was actually good at it.


Also, there are days when Foster would bring home his art work he made in school. He would proudly show it to me and tell what he did. I did compile all his art work but ever as he was, Randy told me to throw away some stuff that doesn't make sense. Those are just like scribbles but that is Foster's art work. Yeah, the packrat  in me strikes again.


The cutest thing I ever heard from him was when he started calling me "mommy" or "mom" and calling his dada "daddy" or "dad." His teacher must have taught them that in school or maybe he heard from his friends or something. How can I not give in to him when I can't help each time he calls me "mom." So sweet!

I Refuse To Raise A Brat

I am currently reading two different books. One is called "I Refuse To Raise A Brat" and "Deceptively Delicious" The latter is about how to make your kids eat veggies without them knowing it. The secret is mixing vegetable purees like avocado, beets, broccoli, spinach, zucchini, yellow squash etc to the recipes. They're made ahead and are stored in the freezer. The purees are added in the recipe you are about to make. Whats nice about the book is the list of items in the first few pages of the book for all the recipes. That made it easier for me because I can have a two weeks worth of lunch and supper in one shopping.


The "I Refuse To Raise A Brat" book made me realize what Randy and my mother-in-law were trying to tell me how I should  raise Foster. Needless to say, Randy blamed me for realizing it later as Foster is exhibiting not-so-nice attitude at two years old -frequent whining and temper tantrums. I couldn't say anything because he was right.


I am savoring each word in that book because its oh so true. Its not too late for me though. Maybe it hit me at the right time. I am much more relaxed, rested and not stressed unlike before when Foster was still in my care because I have resentments, tiresome, stressed and upset most of the time. Also, while reading that book it was right timing too that when I browsed the channel the show "Nanny" caught my eye. The book that I was reading that time and the show are all about over gratification.


It HIT me all at once. Really hard. All I could think of was I was over protecting Foster as in overboard. In the "Nanny" show, the dad of four boys was putting all his sons to sleep each night to make them feel secure. He was surprised and can't believe what he have heard when the nanny told him that he is actually making the kids emotionally insecure. The nanny was trying to make him realize that he can't be there for his sons forever. They need to grow up. What will happen to his kids when he's not there for them? They will panic.


I have realized by shielding Foster from frustration, challenges and painful experience, I am denying him of his emotional growth. He will be an infant in adult's body not equipped to overcome problems.


BULLS EYE
Just as I thought that I am giving Foster a happy childhood, I was wrong. Surprisingly, he will not recall it fondly. Actually, he will resent it and will blame me for his miseries not to mention the depression.


The book also mentions that if we, parents, hovers over our babies, instantly gratifying every demand and avoiding the slightest frustration, denies the baby the opportunity to begin the wondrous journey of emotional development that will lead to healthy independence and self-sufficiency.

ShoPPinG

I went to Willowbrook Mall this morning to look for a nice office outfit. I haven't been there in a long time. I don't really like going to the malls because it requires long walks and is eating my time. I am not meant for that although I love shopping. I am content just going to the small stores nearby. And if ever I needed something nice to wear for the holidays it was Randy who picks up the dress or anything like that for me.


So as soon as I entered the mall I felt dizzy just thinking I'll be walking around. It was really funny how I would just stare at the store and browse it through the glass or the entry way. As if I have a super power to tell if they have something there that I like. Judging from the displays or looking at the racks I am deciding from there whether I would love it or not. I know its W-E-I-R-D. For three hours, I just stared at the racks on each stores that I've been to, stand there not even touching the clothes lol. That gave me headache sa dami. Because there's a lot of choices, style, nice stuff and most of all its hard to find my size which is xxs/xs or 00P/0P. I bought a white dress shirt and a vest that ties at the back. It was nice but a little bit expensive. Na shock ako dahil di ko akalain na aabot don sa presyo na yon. Hindi ko na kasi tiningnan ang presyo kase akala ko mura yung store hahaha! (Idiot). So ang ending, I have to take it back some other time but definitely I'm not going there after that anymore... (totoo kaya?...lol)

Choosing A Childcare Provider

Choosing the best childcare provider for your child (note: not the best daycare in town) is tough. Paying a visit from one daycare to another is not enough.  It needs extensive research, reading reviews, asking for references, etc.



But one thing I have learned/realized if not for this incident I had witnessed: your child should be HAPPY.

Are kids happy in daycare?  Kids are going to act better when they are happy at daycare. If possible, go on a field trip or other longer-term outing and observe kids to see if they are mostly happy most of the time. Your gut feeling about your child's overall happiness and the quality of care being received may give you the greatest peace of mind. If you don't get that feeling of comfort, it may be time to seriously evaluate your options. There are countless qualified, loving and engaged providers who would love to care for kids!



What I have realized too is that a prestigious/private pre-k school may not always be the best for your child. Finding the right care provider for your child is the best childcare. Like I have said: your child should be happy. If your child is not happy how could he/she learn?


Second, finding the learning style of your child is important. In my personal opinion children at a very young age shouldn't be taught to count 1 to 10 or ABC. There's nothing wrong with it. While it may work for other kids doesn't mean it will work for your child.




Right now, I just want Foster to be happy. I am a firm believer of the Law of Readiness. I don't want to force Foster to learn if he's not ready yet.



I don't feel bad anymore for what I had witnessed this morning. In fact, if not for that I wouldn't realize what I had just realized today. I don't care anymore if I took Foster to the daycare full of toys. He have a lot of time ahead of him to learn what he needs to learn. He will learn by experiences and observations. He will learn from his friends and classmates. He will learn when he is ready to learn.



I trust my gut feeling more than ever before. Indeed, mother knows best.
 

Odds and Ends

Just as I was ready to do another blog entry, Randy just called to say he wants to pick Foster up (its only 4:00 pm). That means I have to go because the car seat is in my car. He's excited to pick his son up. Yesterday evening he was crushed and wanted to cry when Fosterkept saying "no dada!" Randy had just arrived from his business trip to Florida and was so excited to see Foster. Foster and I ran out the door but he wasn't as excited as I was. Obviously, he doesn't like to see his dada because he's the one who disciplines him. Meaning to say, a lot of don'ts and restrictions. Anyways, gotta go.... need to go to Foster's school now! see ya later alligator!

Knick Knacks Posting

Now that Foster has been going to school for almost two weeks, I got all the time to  clean our entire house. Some of the junks I got from garage sales are literally going to the junk and most of them will be donated to the Purple Heart. And then there are way too many stuff in each rooms we don't really need that would end up in the trash can, to Purple Heart, some I saved for the next year's garage sale and the rest I can probably sell online. I thought of sending them to the Philippines but they too have way too many junks there...haha.

I like the fact that I can relax a lot but still I can't get Foster off my mind. His first day at school was a little bit hard on me that I was crying from home all the way to his school. I was consoling myself that at least I won't yell at him anymore... Foster will learn a lot... he'll meet new friends. Its indeed exciting for us.

Back to his daily routine...

Foster is still having a rough time in school. He seem to have not adjusted well yet. His teacher, at least, told me that he's not crying anymore and is playing with his friends now. He's not eating his food much. He seem to be quiet everytime I come to pick him up.

Whats so nice about his school was the fact that the administrators and teachers has been there for many years now. Our separation with Foster on his first day wasn't that of a big deal. No drama. His teacher just told me “mommy, say bye-bye to Foster” and “Foster, say bye-bye to mommy.” Just like that and then he pick him up and went to the back door where the other kids were playing. His teacher made sure that the other children were at the back yard probably so that they won't stare at Foster. And so that Foster won't feel ashamed or embarrassed.

The other advantage is that the owner's brother, on the other hand, owns the gymnastic school at the back of Foster's school. So every Tuesday, There's a gymnast instructor who comes to their class to teach them some acrobats? Lol.

And then they are taught to play musical instruments, they cook and paint too. Last Monday, they listened to classical music. Fridays are swim days and pack lunch which should consist only of sandwhich, fruit and vegetable. Just like a regular school.

I've found out that Target store don't sell nap mats. I have to buy it online. Personalized ones are nice but expensive. So I am stayingclose to my budget (which is $25).

Foster's Daily Sked

Foster's Daily Schedule

6:00 – 7:45 Breakfast/Gathering Room

7:45 – 8:30 Toy Work/Outside Play

8:45 – 9:15 Line Time/Attendance/Pledge of Allegiance/Group Lessons

9:15 – 10:00 Work Time/Snack/Potty Time/Diaper Changing

10:00 – 10:30 Outside play

10:30 – 11:00 Potty time/Stories/Songs/Finger plays

11:00 – 11:30 Lunch

11:30 – 12:00 Nap Prep

12:00 – 2:30 Naptime

2:30 – 3:30 Potty Time/Diaper Changing/Snack

3:30 – 4:15 Outside play

4:15 – 4:30 Potty Time/Diaper Changing

4:30 – 6:00 Toy/Work/Story Time/Indoor Games/Music

6:00 – 6:30 Jr. Staff classroom

The Unauthorized Chef

This yummy dinner is so easy to make. All you need is:

(click the photo to view)

1.) beef (flank steak or skirt steak)
2.) corn
3.) portabello button mushroom, rub with extra virgin olive oil then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4.) spinach with lemon and garlic recipe
5.) herb (I suggest peppermint because this goes pretty well with the beef)
6.) butter and salt for the corn

To make:

* Grill the corn first with the innermost part of the skin on. Wrap in aluminum foil when already done to keep it warm.

* Grill the beef next. Cook it according to the desired doneness (Randy and I prefer medium to rare). keep in foil to keep it warm too.

* Grill the mushroom. The trick is to tasty mushroom is always grill it right after you grill the meat. Put it exactly where you grilled the meat. The mushroom absorbs the flavor of the meat.


Spinach with Lemon and Garlic Recipe

Ingredients:

Spinach
Garlic
Lemon
Lemon zest
Salt and pepper
2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

To make:

Slice the garlic thinly then mix with olive oil in the pan. Start the heat. Saute for a minute. add spinach by batch. Transfer the spinach to the coriander and drain the juice.  Return to the pan. Add salt, pepper, lemon juice and lemon zest. Voila!



Bon apetite!

Peter's Online Typing Course

I have discovered something addictive but worthwhile, useful and so much fun.

I took proficiency test for our school district last month. Part one of two tests was typing. Since I am applying for a job that requires typing, I am using my free time to learn.


And what a nice website I've just found two days ago! http://www.typing-lessons.org/lesson_1.html. I am getting addicted to it because their typing exercise is like a game. I am taking the authors advise seriously (lol because I am determined to get any kind of job):

• No mistakes. Always be sure and in control. Follow the principle of 100% correct practice: to make a mistake is to learn incorrect things, and to confuse that which you already know.
• Slower is faster. Speed comes from certainty. The more you type things correctly, no matter how slow it has to be, the more certain you will be, and the faster you will become a proficient typist. Increase speed only when you feel sure enough to do so.
• Don't look at the keyboard! If you don't know where a key is, look at the keyboard to find it, then look away and type the key. Do not guess; always be sure.
• Relax. No unnecessary or dysfunctional tension!
• Hit the keys squarely in the center. If you find you aren't consistently doing so, SLOW DOWN!!! It should feel good to type!

I am recommending this website to those who still use the point system typing. Enjoy!