You Can Have it Both Ways

One of my favorite shows to watch comes on PBS, Saturday mornings - Everyday Food. A production of Martha Stewart and hosted by five VERY down-to-earth women, the recipes are actually quite normal. Yet, for this full-time working mom with two little ones, it kicks chicken nuggets and fries up a notch! I was watching this weekend and loved a couple of snack ideas I'm planning to add to my own rotation. I thought some of you might like them as well. Especially as we're entering the time of year when Middle Tennessee can't make up its mind on what kind of weather it's having, these hot AND cold snacks are quite handy for after school. Both are make-ahead friendly, ready and waiting for you to determine if it's a sweatshirt or shorts kind of day. Enjoy, and tune in for the show at 10:30 AM, Saturdays on PBS, for more great ideas that are healthy and busy-family-friendly.

Frozen Fruit Salad

Ingredients
Serves 4
2 bananas
2 cups red grapes, seedless
2 cups green grapes, seedless
Directions
1. Peel bananas; cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Place banana slices and grapes on a small rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until fruit is frozen throughout, at least 1 hour. (Once frozen, fruit can be placed in a resealable plastic bag and kept frozen up to 2 months.) Divide fruit among four bowls, and serve.

Warm Fruit-and-Nut Snack

Ingredients
Makes 12 servings
2 cups assorted dried fruit, such as apricots (slivered), raisins, cranberries, or cherries
2 cups salted nuts, such as peanuts, almonds, or mixed**

Directions
1. In a medium airtight container, combine fruit and nuts. To store, keep at room temperature, up to 1 month.
2. Preheat oven or toaster-oven to 350. For 1 serving: Spread 1/3 cup mixture on a small rimmed baking sheet; bake until warm, about 5 minutes. Serve.

** I might suggest pretzels in place of nuts if there's an allergy issue in your family.

A Hula Hoop and Song

Hasn't someone out there had a great-aunt who would never miss a chance to grab your cheeks and squeal how cute you are? How about the stranger in the grocery aisle patting your belly asking the baby's due date? Personal space. Many people get it, and so many others do not.

The kindergarten teachers decided to tackle this concept with their classes early on, hoping to help them discover one another's personal space and how to stay safe by respecting it. We have a terrific group of K-5s, but for any parent of one - including myself - we all know what an issue this can be at times.

I was excited to meet with this crowd first thing this morning. We discussed hands and feet, elbows and even teeth (suggested by a participant in the front row), reminding ourselves that if they're on our body, they're ours; we keep them to ourselves. A hula hoop provided a great visual of the space "bubble" we each require. The children were cute as could be standing and rounding their arms in front of them, "floating" and practicing to stay in their own space as they moved about to a bubble song. I knew the concept had resonated when I asked for some ideas on how to deal with others getting in our space. One little boy eagerly raised his hand and exclaimed, "You could say, 'Hey! You're poppin' my bubble!'" I just love my job.

Later on this afternoon, I happened to think of a simple song to help your young ones remember what we talked about today. To the tune of Frere Jacques (Are You Sleeping), sing these words with your child whenever you can. Oh, and maybe - just maybe - you might save someone's cheeks, and mommy dignity, in years to come.

I am safe, I am safe (Are you sleeping, are you sleeping)

Yes, I am, Yes, I am (Brother John, Brother John)

I can keep my hands and body to myself (Morning bells are ringing, Morning bells are ringing)

Yes, I can, Yes, I can (Ding, ding, dong, Ding, ding, dong)

Shine bright,

JDG

We've Only Just Begun

Don't you remember your first days of school, especially having experienced the unusually low temps we've had this weekend? The chill in the air certainly brings back pictures of my first grade teacher's big, wooden, apple earrings and the smell of Elmer's glue, not to mention the cafeteria's version of "grilled cheese and chili." It's such a terrific time of year, full of excitement and anticipation for what's to come.

Our school got off to a roaring start last Monday! By the week's end, the entire group - faculty, staff, and students - was working like a well-oiled machine with smiles everywhere you turned. "Meet the Teacher Night" was a HUGE success at standing-room-only. Our university president, Dr. Lowry, shared some wonderful news about the tremendous growth and success Lipscomb University has experienced and promised his continued commitment to helping make our campus school better and better. He was able to spend a good amount of time visiting classrooms and listening to the question-and-answer sessions teachers provided their students' families. There was such energy in the air, two calls over the intercom had to be made to encourage visitors to head home... what a wonderful problem to have!

We've only just begun, and we still have some spots available in a couple of grades. Spread the word about the remarkable school we have. It's guaranteed to change lives!

Shine bright,
JDG