Seeds, Life, Herbs and Spaghetti

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Erin

Advice from my mom: “Your kids may be too young to learn about S-E-X but they’re definitely old enough to learn about the birds and the bees.”

Her point? If kids start learning young about God’s plan for life– in an age-appropriate way– then when the time comes to have “the talk”, they won’t be surprised, but instead will be ready, haven been given a framework on which to hang these ideas. Plus, she also says that as a parent, you have to become the “expert” to your kids– so that when they hear something at school, the first thing they’ll think is “Well, my mom knows a lot about this, so I’m going to go home and ask her.”

My mom’s pretty smart, isn’t she?

So, how do you teach preschoolers about the birds and bees? You teach them about life!

This Spring, we’ve been growing our own patio herb garden. We started out by going to the store and buying pots and seeds. I let my kids pick the pots they liked and the seeds they wanted to grow (my daughter picked the packet that had the prettiest pictures, my son picked the biggest seeds). When we got home, we talked about how God can take a tiny seed and with proper conditions, turn it into a plant. We planted and fertilized the seeds and diligently watered them. A few weeks later, the plants sprouted. More water, fertilizer and sunshine and they started to grow. And now, two months later, we have beautiful, thriving herbs– herbs that we can use for spaghetti sauce, salads, pizzas and more.

But the fresh herbs are just the added bonus. The best part of this little family project is the questions it has brought forth. Here are a few of the things my kids have asked:

From Kate (age 4): Mommy, if I didn’t water my plants, they would die, wouldn’t they?

From Joey (age 6): Why does it take so long for God to make plants grow? Why can’t they just pop up overnight?

And, the doozy, from Joey: Do animals and people grow from seeds just like plants do? (I admit I had to call my mom before I answered this one… but I did come back to Joey and tell him that yes, in fact, God does take a seed from a man and a seed from a female and join them together to create a life. Glad my mom helped me with that one!)

Anyway, this has been such a great project that has helped my kids to ask great questions… and has started great conversations.

Question for you: What do you do to teach your kids about God’s creation of life?

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Happy to be in Texas this Spring!

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Erin

The best present I could’ve gotten this afternoon… from my sweet Joey!

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Guest Post: Leading Causes of Abdominal Pain

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Erin

….In kids under 8. I’m going to focus on this age group because once girls enter the prepubescent phase; a whole new crop of issues can come up related to the reproductive system. So, let’s stick with younger children. I’m curious to know if this list surprises you.

1. Constipation. Shocked? Ask any pediatrician and this will likely be their response. Your child is full of poop. Pain associated with constipation can be excruciating, particularly when gas gets trapped. Children can have diarrhea and still be constipated. What happens in this instance is some liquefied stool leaks around the obstruction. A child can even have what appears to be normal bowel movements—and still be constipated.

2. Urinary Tract Infection. Girls are more prone to urinary tract infection than boys and this can present as lower type abdominal pain.

3. Strep Throat. A cluster of symptoms associated with strep throat are headache, sore throat, fever, abdominal pain and vomiting. So, don’t be surprised if your PCP tests for strep, particularly if the child has some of these other symptoms.

4. Stress. The stomach is highly innervated—meaning it has a lot of nerves. Stress, anxiety, and psychological issues can present as abdominal pain. It doesn’t mean your child doesn’t have pain; there just may not be a physical cause we can find.

5. Gastroenteritis. The “stomach flu”. These bugs can cause abdominal pain/cramping.

Are you surprised by what doesn’t lead this list? Appendicitis—sure, it happens but very rarely compared to these other diagnosis and is more common in older children. Obstruction? Again, a more rare diagnosis.

Does this list surprise you in any way?

Jordyn Redwood has served the pediatric population and their families for many years. She has five years of experience in the pediatric ICU and ten years of pediatric ER nursing which is the area she currently works. Jordyn also teaches CPR and advanced resuscitation courses.

Jordyn is also a suspense author. Her novel, Proof, will be published by Kregel June 1, 2012. She also hosts a medical blog for authors which you can find at www.jordynredwood.com.

 

Disclaimer: Remember, these posts are for education and discussion. If your child is sick and you think they require medical attention, take them to their pediatrician or local emergency department.

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Pasta Primavera w/ Asparagus and Turkey Sausage

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Erin

1 lb. penne pasta
1 bunch asparagus
1 lb. turkey Italian sausage
1 pkg. fresh sliced mushrooms
1 red onion, sliced
6 oz. fresh mozzarella
Fresh basil & oregano, torn
salt & pepper to taste

1.  Cook pasta in boiling, salted water according to the package directions.  2 minutes before pasta is done, add asparagus to water and blanch.  Drain pasta and asparagus together.

2.  Meanwhile, place sausages in large nonstick pan and cook until cooked through.  Remove from heat and set aside.

3.  Add onion and mushrooms to pan.  Cook until tender.

4.  Slice sausage.  Add to pan and cook 1 minute until warmed through.  Toss sausage mixture with pasta and asparagus.  Add herbs and mozzerella at the end.

4.

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20 Things to Do With Your Kids Outside

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Erin

It’s been beautiful here in Texas lately!  We’re making the most of our time outside right now because we know what Texas summers are like… and we know that come June we’re going to have to hole up in the air conditioning.  Anyway, here are 20 fun things you can do to get out in the lovely Spring weather.

 

1.  Pick wildflowers.  If you’re feeling really creative, press them between the pages of books to glue onto cards.

2.  Go on an insect hunt and see how many types of insects you can find.  Later, draw pictures of your favorites.

3.  Roll down a hill in the grass.

4.  Plant a garden.  Or if you don’t have space, plant a pot of fresh herbs.

5.  Make an obstacle course and see how fast you can go through it.  (Don’t have “obstacles”?  Just tell your kids to jump 10 times, do two cartwheels, run around the house and then give you a hug and time them.)

6.  Make your own “Survivorkids” movie and film your kids showing the world how to hike, backpack, build a (fake) campfire, fight off a (stuffed) bear attack, etc.

7.  See how high you can get on the swings.

8.  Go birdwatching.

9.  Draw on the driveway or patio with sidewalk chalk.  (I’ve actually seen someone make their own sidewalk chalk but I’m a slacker and chalk costs like a dollar so I just buy it.)

10.  Play soccer.

11.  Make mud pies without worrying about your kids getting dirty.

12.  Lay out beach towels on the grass and pretend you’re at the beach.  Sunscreen required, juicy novel optional.

13.  Make a rock garden.  See how many types of rocks you can find to put in it.

14.  Play croquet.  Or bocci ball.

15.  See how many different shapes of leaves you can find.

16.  Get a magnifying glass and look really close at the grass and see what (ants? sticks? caterpillars?) you see.

17.  Make homemade lemonade.  Bring a whole bowl full of cut lemons outside then let your kids do the sticky work of squeezing them.  Add ice, simple syrup, water and fresh mint if you have it.  (For those of you who are recipe people, the ratio is 1 cup simple syrup made from 1 part water and 1 part sugar, 4 cups water, 1 cup lemon juice)

18.  Do “outdoor aerobics” and walk your kids through an “exercise class” including jumping jacks, push ups and dance moves.  (Leg warmers optional.)

19.  Play fetch with your dog.

20.  Go on a scavenger hunt to see if your kids can find one thing from every color in the rainbow.  Or one thing that starts with every letter in the alphabet.

Question for you:  What do you do with your kids outside?

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