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Fishful Thinking: Positive Habits

I recently attended my very first meeting as a Fishful Thinking faculty member. And I cannot even begin to tell you how inspiring it is to listen to everyone! The meeting was only an hour long, but could have easily gone on for a lot longer – with very few complaints from everyone who was there!

Anyway, the meeting kicked my butt into gear for another wonderful year of Fishful Thinking. One of the things we chatted about was concentrating on the positive things in life rather than the negative. (An incredible example that was shared by Kelli, and then expanded on, was a Warm Fuzzy chart where the kids identify kind acts in each other and award warm fuzzies for the kind act. I’m  SO doing that in my house!)

To get my kids starting to think more positive thoughts, I did the Positive Habits activity with each kid – individually. Here are their (unedited, mostly unprompted) answers. (Keep in mind that we were outside while discussing these; I suspect if we were inside, I would have gotten much different answers!)

Maggie – Age 5.5

What are some things that you can do today that you weren’t able to do one year ago?

  • Flips
  • Dress up
  • Hug my mommy
  • Swing
  • Ride my bike
  • Hula Hoop

How does it feel to do those things?

  • Happy!
  • Really, REALLY happy!

What are some things you’ll likely be able to do a year from now that you can’t yet do?

  • Easter Hunt
  • Show things at school I really like (like flips)
  • Swim without noodles

What is a positive habit that you’d like to begin?

  • Draw
  • Eat more salad
  • Make nice soup

What are three things that we can do together to help develop this positive habit?

  • Plant salad stuff
  • Go to a farmer together
  • Go to the store together

Burke – Age 5.5

What are some things that you can do today that you weren’t able to do one year ago?

  • Make snow angels
  • Play baseball
  • Play Freeze ball/freeze tag
  • Hula Hoop

How does it feel to do those things?

  • Good! (with a BIG smile)

What are some things you’ll likely be able to do a year from now that you can’t yet do?

  • Skateboard
  • Ride my bike without training wheels
  • Draw
  • Eat lunch at school

What is a positive habit that you’d like to begin?

  • Practice baseball
  • Practice reading

What are three things that we can do together to help develop this positive habit?

  • Give kisses and hugs
  • Throw a ball back and forth
  • Find books at the library
  • Play at the playground

Logan – Age 3

What are some things that you can do today that you weren’t able to do one year ago?

  • Baseball
  • Dig holes
  • Feed myself

How does it feel to do those things?

  • Good! (with a BIG smile)

What are some things you’ll likely be able to do a year from now that you can’t yet do?

  • Baseball better
  • Swing in Burke and Maggie’s swings (out of his baby swing)
  • Climb poles
  • ABCs

What is a positive habit that you’d like to begin?

  • Practice baseball

What are three things that we can do together to help develop this positive habit?

  • Go to a baseball game
  • swing a baseball bat
  • throw my shoes

Maggie – Age 5.5

What are some things that you can do today that you weren’t able to do one year ago?

  • Flips
  • Dress up
  • Hug my mommy
  • Swing
  • Ride my bike
  • Hula Hoop

How does it feel to do those things?

  • Happy!
  • Really, REALLY happy!

What are some things you’ll likely be able to do a year from now that you can’t yet do?

  • Easter Hunt
  • Show things at school I really like (like flips)
  • Swim without noodles

What is a positive habit that you’d like to begin?

  • Draw
  • Eat more salad
  • Make nice soup

What are three things that we can do together to help develop this positive habit?

  • Plant salad stuff
  • Go to a farmer together
  • Go to the store together

Giveaway Winner!

Thank you to everyone who commented on my Picnic Party Giveaway! I now have a few new ideas for what to bring on our next picnic!

Rhonda – you are the winner!! Congratulations!!

I know where you are, so I’ll get the prize pack out to you 😉

If you didn’t win, you can still visit http://www.myblogspark.com/uc/main/7b3a/ to download a printable coupon for $0.75 off any flavor Yoplait Splitz!

Is It Just Me?

I’ve been having a lot of very strange dreams lately. I won’t get into all of them here, but the one that keeps nagging me is the one where I have incredibly loose teeth. All of my bottom teeth except the molars, in fact. And they never actually fall out – they just look and feel like they’re about to.

If you look up what dreams are supposed to mean…be prepared to get a bit uncomfortable! Seriously – there are some dark people out there!!

One site I found said that losing your teeth is one of the most common asked about dream. (Guess that means it’s not just me… 😉 ) I liked the site because it had ALL the various interpretations (not just the “You’re going to lose a loved one” variation*. YIKES!)

My favorite two interpretations from there are:

Another rationalization for these falling teeth dreams may be rooted in your fear of being embarrassed or making a fool of yourself in some situation. These dreams are an over-exaggeration of your worries and anxieties. Perhaps you feel that you are unprepared for the task at hand. However, you will find that your worries are unfounded in most cases. Sometimes what plays out in your mind is far worse than what is reality.

Teeth are used to bite, tear, chew and gnaw. In this regard, teeth symbolize power. And the loss of teeth in your dream may be from a sense of powerlessness. Are you lacking power in some current situation? Perhaps you are having difficulties expressing yourself or getting your point across. You feel frustrated when your voice is not being heard. You may be experiencing feelings of inferiority and a lack of self-confidence in some situation or relationship in your life. This dream may be an indication that you need to be more assertive and believe in the importance of what you have to say.

Ya. Both of those fit. I do have anxiety (a topic for another blog post…), and I do feel like I’ve lost control of my kids lately (holy COW! Why won’t they listen any more??) But perhaps since my teeth never actually fall out, I’m just on the brink of losing control?? heh

Another site mentioned that the actual loss of teeth doesn’t mean anything – it’s how you felt while dreaming that means something. Oh goodie. I’m pretty sure I was quite panicked.

Anyone else out there dream about loose teeth? What about some other recurring dream you have? Have you looked up what it means?

*Note about losing loved ones…unless Fish count, I’ve had this dream enough times to know that THAT’S not true…

Way Back When-esday

Cheryl over at Twinfatuation hosts this one. Go on over to see who else is playing – and join in too!

In honor of my 1000th post yesterday, I’m using the very first picture I put up on my blog. It took me a few posts to get comfortable putting pictures of my kids up…and to remember to TAKE pictures. I’ve obviously gotten over both of those things 😉

Too big

Burke in Logan's Swing - June 2008

1000th Post

Holy crap. Really??

A few numbers for this 1000th post.

  • Obviously, 1000 posts 😉
  • 810 consecutive days of posting – have not missed a single day since I started
  • 55,003 total views to my blog
  • 3,652 comments
  • 12 giveaways (one going on right now!)

Thanks for playing 🙂

Help Support Children of All Abilities

CVS/PHARMACY AND BOUNDLESS PLAYGROUNDS JOIN THE PEPSI REFRESH CHALLENGE TO SUPPORT CHILDREN OF ALL ABILITIES

VOTE for your favorite Boundless playground!!  http://www.boundlessplay.refresheverything.com/

The winner Will Receive $70,000 to Build All-Inclusive Playground

The official stuff from CVS:

Woonsocket, RI – August 23, 2010 – CVS/pharmacy, Boundless Playgrounds, and Pepsi are inviting the public to join them as they work together to provide all children with the opportunity to play together in a truly inclusive environment.  The partnership is part of the Pepsi Refresh Project, a groundbreaking effort that funds ideas, big and small, that can refresh the world.

From now until September 28 at noon ET, the public is asked to visit http://www.boundlessplay.refresheverything.com/ and vote on which playground idea should receive $70,000 in funding to build a Boundless Playground.  Voting is limited to one vote, per person, per day.  The website will announce the winning idea on September 28, 2010.

On a Boundless Playground children of all abilities can gain the important developmental and physical benefits of unstructured play.  They also learn to appreciate the unique capabilities of others, regardless of any perceived ability, and are able to grow together while playing side-by-side in a safe environment.

The partnership with the Pepsi Refresh Project is made possible through CVS Caremark All Kids Can, a 5-year, $25 million commitment to support children with disabilities.  Since 2006, CVS Caremark All Kids Can has supported Boundless Playgrounds and donated more than $4 million which has resulted in the building of more than 50 Boundless Playgrounds nationwide.

“Our goal with All Kids Can is to help all children succeed in life.  A Boundless Playground has a real impact on a child’s physical and emotional development and we’re thrilled to be a part of creating an environment that encourages all children to learn and play with one another,” said Eileen Howard Dunn, Senior Vice President of Community Relations for CVS Caremark.  “We are excited to be part of the Pepsi Refresh Project and to give people the opportunity to support organizations like Boundless Playgrounds in their commitment to making local communities a better place for all children.”

“We are proud to partner with CVS/pharmacy and Boundless Playgrounds and support their mission to give children of all abilities the opportunity to play together in a fun and welcoming environment. The Pepsi Refresh Project supports powerful, creative and fun ideas that encourage positive change and we’re thrilled to be part of an initiative that has and continues to make a difference in the lives of children with all abilities in communities throughout the country,” said David Regine, Pepsi National Account Manager, CVS/pharmacy Team.

Through the Pepsi Refresh Project, Pepsi is awarding more than $20 million in 2010 to fund ideas that move the world forward.  At www.refresheverything.com, anyone can submit an idea and each month the public votes to determine which ideas get funded.

The Pepsi Refresh Project is an evolution of the Refresh Everything initiative Pepsi launched in 2009, which showed the brand as a catalyst for optimism.  In 2010, Pepsi is funding ideas that will move the world forward in six categories: Health, Arts & Culture, Food & Shelter, The Planet, Neighborhoods and Education.   The Pepsi Refresh Project features significant social engagement around people and the power of ideas.

Boundless Playgrounds

Boundless Playgrounds is the leading nonprofit developer of truly inclusive playgrounds where children of all abilities gain the important developmental and physical benefits of unstructured play.  On a Boundless Playground all children can be in the middle of the fun. There are nearly 200 Boundless Playgrounds in 31 states and Canada, with over 100 under development. For more information about Boundless Playgrounds, visit www.boundlessplaygrounds.org.

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo offers the world’s largest portfolio of billion-dollar food and beverage brands, including 19 different product lines that each generate more than $1 billion in annual retail sales. Our main businesses – Frito-Lay, Quaker, Pepsi-Cola, Tropicana and Gatorade – also make hundreds of other nourishing, tasty foods and drinks that bring joy to our consumers in over 200 countries. With more than $60 billion in revenue, PepsiCo’s people are united by our unique commitment to sustainable growth, called Performance with Purpose. By dedicating ourselves to offering a broad array of choices for healthy, convenient and fun nourishment, reducing our environmental impact, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture, PepsiCo balances strong financial returns with giving back to our communities worldwide. For more information, please visit www.pepsico.com.

About CVS Caremark All Kids Can

All Kids Can, a program of the CVS Caremark Charitable Trust and CVS Caremark, is a five-year, $25 million commitment to support children with disabilities. The goals of All Kids Can are to support children with disabilities by raising awareness in schools and in local communities about the importance of inclusion, creating greater opportunities for physical activity and play, and providing access to medical rehabilitation and related services. CVS Caremark and its more than 211,000 employees help children with disabilities learn, play and succeed through partnerships with leading local and national nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit http://www.cvsallkidscan.com.

About CVS/pharmacy

CVS/pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS), is America’s leading retail pharmacy with more than 7,100 CVS/pharmacy and Longs Drug stores. CVS/pharmacy is committed to improving the lives of those we serve by making innovative and high-quality health and pharmacy services safe, affordable and easy to access, both in its stores and online at CVS.com. General information about CVS/pharmacy and CVS Caremark is available at info.cvscaremark.com.

Makes My Monday: Whack-a-Mole

LOVE this carnival game. (Like the pogo.com version as well…)

Burke’s been having some…frustration…issues. I was in search of a punching bag when I ran across this game. I figure it’ll be a good stand-in until I can find an affordable punching bag 🙂

Whack-a-Mole Makes My Monday!

Cheryl over at Twinfatuation hosts this one. Head on over to see what else makes people’s Mondays (there are always some really good ones!)

Giveaway: Picnic Party!

Sorry, this giveaway is now CLOSED.

MyBlogSpark and Yoplait sent me a picnic cooler, picnic blanket, and a coupon for free Yoplait Splitz.

We had a BLAST having a picnic on the blanket (that rolls up nicely for easy carrying). We haven’t used the cooler yet, but that’s because we’ve only been picnicking in the back yard so far…but it’s really well made and I can’t wait to put it to good use. (I can see this being handy on trips back from the grocery store on very hot days…)

I went out and got the Strawberry Banana Split Yoplait Splitz with my free coupon. It was devoured within hours of when I got it home. And upon finishing, Burke said, “Mom! Can we get MORE?!” Apparently, this is a big hit in our house 🙂

I think my next purchase will be the Rainbow Sherbet … that I’ll put in the freezer and take out after the kids are in bed 😉

The Blurb from Yopliat:

Now you can drive past your local sweet shop without looking back. Yoplait Splitz is the new yogurt that tastes like a sundae. Providing all of the goodness of 100% real yogurt, Yoplait Splitz is a good source of calcium and vitamin D. With no artificial flavors or sweeteners and no high fructose corn syrup, this 90 calorie dessert is the treat your family craves.

For an even “cooler” experience, just pop a Yoplait Splitz in the freezer and in a few hours you can enjoy a cool, creamy cup of authentic frozen yogurt. Available in three delicious flavor combinations including Strawberry Sundae, Strawberry Banana Split, and Rainbow Sherbet, Yoplait Splitz is sure to have your family screaming for more.

Don’t forget to visit Yoplait on Facebook or Yoplait on Twitter and “Like” or “Follow” the brand to keep up with the latest news on your favorite Yoplait products.

In addition, you can visit http://www.myblogspark.com/uc/main/7b3a/ to download a printable coupon for $0.75 off any flavor Yoplait Splitz today!

*This coupon offer for a free pack of Yoplait Splitz is not valid in some states, including California, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Jersey, Nevada, North Dakota and Tennessee.

To Enter to Win the Picnic Party:

MyBlogSpark is providing the picnic cooler, picnic blanket, and coupon for free Yoplait for me to offer to you!

There are multiple ways to enter. Only one of the ways to enter is mandatory, all of the others are optional – you do not have to do all of them to be entered!

You have until Midnight on Thursday, August 26th to enter. The winner will be posted on Friday the 27th.

Mandatory – 1 entry:

  • What flavor of Splitz would you like to try?

Optional – 1 entry each:

  • What’s your favorite thing to bring on a picnic?
  • Twitter about this post and leave a comment with a direct link to your tweet.

Optional – 2 entries:

  • Blog about this post and leave a comment with a direct link to your post.

Saturday Snapshot: Hula King

Burke has gotten REALLY good at hula hooping!

(Maggie too…her picture coming soon…)

Cheryl over at Twinfatuation hosts this one. Go over and have a look at what others are doing on this beautiful  Saturday.

Friday’s Fotos: Swinging, Praying, and Cooking

The kids decided that all 3 of them would fit on this swing…

Sharing the Swing

…and it worked! (For a little while…)

.

When I pulled up to our town’s ATM, I noticed a little critter attached to the side of it.

Praying Mantis

(Good thing no one was behind me in line…)

.

I made a double batch of Shepherd’s Pie in my new Calphalon 5 QT Dutch Oven!! Yum. 🙂

Shepherd's Pie

(It was awesome to brown the meat and then not have to transfer it to a casserole dish!)