Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Letting Go

These last couple weeks, I've been trying to work on my tendency to over control my 3 y.o. and being more patient.  Somehow, I've come to micromanage her life more than I should and it has been taking its toll on both of us.  With her unpredictable nature of wanting to do what she wants to do (sometimes at the expense of others' well-being), I struggle between letting things "play out" vs "protecting" the other person.

Perhaps it went up a few notches when my son was first born.  I literally feared his life everyday and instinctively wanted to protect him from her.  For the most part, it wasn't maliciousness but rather loving or playing too hard on him.  :o) I'm grateful to be past those early days of that.

With my intention to let go a bit, I've definitely noticed an improvement in Rita Clare and my relationship.  I'm trying to trust her choices and "talk it out" more.  I've been trying to say "yes" more too.

Yesterday, I had 2 proud mama moments.  Rita Clare invited me to music time at her preschool. At one point, the leading teacher asked RC whether she wanted to come up to the front and sing me a song.  Without a hesitation, she went to the front of all the school.  She picked Twinkle, Twinkle and sang loud and proud.  Even though I felt embarrassed with everyone looking at me, I couldn't help but get misty.  It was definitely a moment I'll always remember.  My love was absolutely pouring out of me.  After the song, one of her teachers told how great she had been doing the last couple weeks at school.  Maybe it was partially from our improved relationship.  Maybe not!  Nonetheless, I was beaming.  :o)

THEN, Tyler and I were eating some lunch together.  I've recently been eating a bunch of beets and had them available to eat at the table.  Tyler leaned in and signaled he wanted some too.  He devoured it and on the inside, I was doing a happy dance.  OK, so I might have did a happy dance during it too! ;o)  But I caught it on video and it just warms my heart to watch him eat so well....and with character.  I attached it, if you want to join in the moment!

Loving being a mama,

Jen




Jen Starks, Owner www.ecologicalbabies.com ecologicalbabies@gmail.com 850.284.5887

Friday, March 4, 2011

Lasting Effect of Healthy Foods Seminar


You know the feeling of going through all the cookbooks on the shelf, picking one out, and bringing it home for the first time?  You can't wait to get started on some new recipes and a new found sense of energy surges through you in the kitchen.  That is how I'm feeling after our Healthy Foods Seminar with The Kitchen Goddess, Jill Welch. What's better is that I'm fired up about all my cookbooks and some of Jill's recipes she shared.

Even more still, I know which foods I want to focus on and have a bunch of new veggies, grains, sauces, dips to start my adventure.  Thank you Tyler (my son) for taking a nice long nap after visiting New Leaf Market to buy some goodies!  If I didn't have some peace and quiet, I wouldn't have nearly enjoyed this "free" time as much as I did.

As expected, the seminar went great!  I knew how much I needed the advisement from a whole foods educator, but am now even more convinced by how necessary these seminars are for the community at large.  Sure, we might have mastered the first solid foods for our baby.  And that's a great start!  But how are your mealtimes going through the week and weekend?  How do you manage to do it?

I'm the first one to admit that it is such a challenge for me to make dinners.  I've started getting the healthy snacks and lunches going.  But both kids home with me and running Ecological Babies takes away a lot of my gumption for preparing meals.  With this new energy and focus back on making it a priority, I'm feeling great about getting back on track.  I've learned some tips on which foods I'm integrating and how to get creative with fitting it all in.  A work in progress though!!!  Thanks Jill for a wonderful seminar.

A humble mama,

Jen

p.s.  If we decide to do another round of these seminars, would you come?  What day/time would be best for your busy life?


Jen Starks, Owner www.ecologicalbabies.com ecologicalbabies@gmail.com 850.284.5887