tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47533924022138294482024-03-13T06:21:05.768-04:00Our Day Our Journeychristine ~ ourdayourjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01066999830545686595noreply@blogger.comBlogger498125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753392402213829448.post-79285975926507255822013-05-17T11:11:00.003-04:002013-05-17T11:11:34.210-04:00Sensory Processing Disorder - what are the signs<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Webpages come and go. In attempting to make sure that I can help other families get early and proper treatment for Sensory Processing Disorder, I found this information helpful and it was copied directly from the website</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b><b>Sensory integration is a normal, neurological, developmental process which begins in the womb and continues throughout ones life.</b> Although, it is important to note, the most influential developmental time is in the first seven years of life. Sensory processing is the process by which our brain takes in sensory input and interprets this information for use.<br />
<b>When talking about typical sensory processing, a productive, normal and adaptive response happens as:</b><br /><br />
<li>our neurological system takes in sensory information</li>
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<li>the brain organizes and makes sense of it</li>
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<li>which then enables us to use it and act accordingly within our environment to achieve increasingly complex, goal-directed actions.</li>
<br /><br /><br />** It is this adaptive response which facilitates normal development.**<br /><br /><b>We, therefore use our sensory processing abilities for:</b><br /><br />
<li>social interaction</li>
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<li>motor skill development</li>
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<li>focusing and attending so we can learn</li>
<br /><br /><b>If this neurological process becomes disrupted somewhere in the loop of intake, organization or output, then normal development and adaptive responses will not be achieved. </b><br /><br />Learning, physical and emotional development, as well as behavior will therefore be impacted; sometimes severely!<br /><br /><b>It is this disruption which yields a neurological dysfunction called Sensory Integration Dysfunction/Sensory Processing Disorder.</b><br /><br />Keep in mind, sensory processing functions on a continuum. Please understand that we all have difficulty processing certain sensory stimuli (a certain touch, smell, taste, sound, movement etc.) and we all have sensory preferences. **It only becomes a sensory processing disorder when we are on extreme ends of the continuum or experience disruptive, unpredictable fluctuations which significantly impact our developmental skills or everyday functioning.**<br /><br />That being said, <b>it is important for us to break the sensory integration dysfunction symptoms down into categories based on each of the senses.</b>These categories are: </b></span><br />
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<li><b>Tactile:</b> the sense of touch; input from the skin receptors about touch, pressure, temperature, pain and movement of the hairs on the skin.</li>
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<li><b>Vestibular:</b> the sense of movement; input from the inner ear about equilibrium, gravitational changes, movement experiences and position in space.</li>
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<li><b>Proprioception:</b> the sense of "position"; input from the muscles and joints about body position, weight, pressure, stretch, movement and changes in position.</li>
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<li><b>Auditory:</b> input relating to sounds; one's ability to correctly perceive, discriminate, process and respond to sounds</li>
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<li><b>Oral:</b> input relating to the mouth; one's ability to correctly perceive, discriminate, process and respond to input within the mouth</li>
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<li><b>Olfactory:</b> input relating to smell; one's ability to correctly perceive, discriminate, process and respond to different odors.</li>
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<li><b>Visual:</b> input relating to sight; one's ability to correctly perceive, discriminate, process and respond to what one sees.</li>
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Since we are talking about input into the <b>senses</b>, it is those senses which must be looked at carefully and which <b>will</b> be affected. It is a careful observer (the one I wish for in every child's life!) who will pay close attention to <b>which </b>senses are affected and the <b>frequency</b>, <b>duration</b>, and <b>intensity</b> of these sensory integration dysfunction symptoms.<br />
As I have said, we all have some types of sensory preferences and perhaps even a mild case of "dysfunction". <b>However, it is the frequency, intensity, duration and functional impact of these symptoms which determines dysfunction.</b></b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">Signs Of Tactile Dysfunction:</span></b></div>
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<b> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">1. Hypersensitivity To Touch (Tactile Defensiveness)</span></b></div>
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__ becomes fearful, anxious or aggressive with light or unexpected touch<br /><br />__ as an infant, did/does not like to be held or cuddled; may arch back, cry, and pull away<br /><br />__ distressed when diaper is being, or needs to be, changed<br /><br />__ appears fearful of, or avoids standing in close proximity to other people or peers (especially in lines)<br /><br />__ becomes frightened when touched from behind or by someone/something they can not see (such as under a blanket)<br /><br />__ complains about having hair brushed; may be very picky about using a particular brush<br /><br />__ bothered by rough bed sheets (i.e., if old and "bumpy")<br /><br />__ avoids group situations for fear of the unexpected touch<br /><br />__ resists friendly or affectionate touch from anyone besides parents or siblings (and sometimes them too!)<br /><br />__ dislikes kisses, will "wipe off" place where kissed<br /><br />__ prefers hugs<br /><br />__ a raindrop, water from the shower, or wind blowing on the skin may feel like torture and produce adverse and avoidance reactions<br /><br />__ may overreact to minor cuts, scrapes, and or bug bites<br /><br />__ avoids touching certain textures of material (blankets, rugs, stuffed animals)<br /><br />__ refuses to wear new or stiff clothes, clothes with rough textures, turtlenecks, jeans, hats, or belts, etc.<br /><br />__ avoids using hands for play<br /><br />__ avoids/dislikes/aversive to "messy play", i.e., sand, mud, water, glue, glitter, playdoh, slime, shaving cream/funny foam etc.<br /><br />__ will be distressed by dirty hands and want to wipe or wash them frequently<br /><br />__ excessively ticklish<br /><br />__ distressed by seams in socks and may refuse to wear them<br /><br />__ distressed by clothes rubbing on skin; may want to wear shorts and short sleeves year round, toddlers may prefer to be naked and pull diapers and clothes off constantly<br /><br />__ or, may want to wear long sleeve shirts and long pants year round to avoid having skin exposed<br /><br />__ distressed about having face washed<br /><br />__ distressed about having hair, toenails, or fingernails cut<br /><br />__ resists brushing teeth and is extremely fearful of the dentist<br /><br />__ is a picky eater, only eating certain tastes and textures; mixed textures tend to be avoided as well as hot or cold foods; resists trying new foods<br /><br />__ may refuse to walk barefoot on grass or sand<br /><br />__ may walk on toes only</div>
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<b><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">2. Hyposensitivity To Touch (Under-Responsive):</span></b></div>
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__ may crave touch, needs to touch everything and everyone<br /><br />__ is not aware of being touched/bumped unless done with extreme force or intensity<br /><br />__ is not bothered by injuries, like cuts and bruises, and shows no distress with shots (may even say they love getting shots!)<br /><br />__ may not be aware that hands or face are dirty or feel his/her nose running<br /><br />__ may be self-abusive; pinching, biting, or banging his own head<br /><br />__ mouths objects excessively<br /><br />__ frequently hurts other children or pets while playing<br /><br />__ repeatedly touches surfaces or objects that are soothing (i.e., blanket)<br /><br />__ seeks out surfaces and textures that provide strong tactile feedback<br /><br />__ thoroughly enjoys and seeks out messy play<br /><br />__ craves vibrating or strong sensory input<br /><br />__ has a preference and craving for excessively spicy, sweet, sour, or salty foods</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">3. Poor Tactile Perception And Discrimination:</span></b></div>
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__ has difficulty with fine motor tasks such as buttoning, zipping, and fastening clothes<br /><br />__ may not be able to identify which part of their body was touched if they were not looking<br /><br />__ may be afraid of the dark<br /><br />__ may be a messy dresser; looks disheveled, does not notice pants are twisted, shirt is half un tucked, shoes are untied, one pant leg is up and one is down, etc.<br /><br />__ has difficulty using scissors, crayons, or silverware<br /><br />__ continues to mouth objects to explore them even after age two<br /><br />__ has difficulty figuring out physical characteristics of objects; shape, size, texture, temperature, weight, etc.<br /><br />__ may not be able to identify objects by feel, uses vision to help; such as, reaching into backpack or desk to retrieve an item</div>
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<b>Vestibular Sense:</b> input from the inner ear about equilibrium, gravitational changes, movement experiences, and position in space.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Signs Of Vestibular Dysfunction:</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">1. Hypersensitivity To Movement (Over-Responsive):</span></b></div>
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<br />__ avoids/dislikes playground equipment; i.e., swings, ladders, slides, or merry-go-rounds<br /><br />__ prefers sedentary tasks, moves slowly and cautiously, avoids taking risks, and may appear "wimpy"<br /><br />__ avoids/dislikes elevators and escalators; may prefer sitting while they are on them or, actually get motion sickness from them<br /><br />__ may physically cling to an adult they trust<br /><br />__ may appear terrified of falling even when there is no real risk of it<br /><br />__ afraid of heights, even the height of a curb or step<br /><br />__ fearful of feet leaving the ground<br /><br />__ fearful of going up or down stairs or walking on uneven surfaces<br /><br />__ afraid of being tipped upside down, sideways or backwards; will strongly resist getting hair washed over the sink<br /><br />__ startles if someone else moves them; i.e., pushing his/her chair closer to the table<br /><br />__ as an infant, may never have liked baby swings or jumpers<br /><br />__ may be fearful of, and have difficulty riding a bike, jumping, hopping, or balancing on one foot (especially if eyes are closed)<br /><br />__ may have disliked being placed on stomach as an infant<br /><br />__ loses balance easily and may appear clumsy<br /><br />__ fearful of activities which require good balance<br /><br />__ avoids rapid or rotating movements</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><b>2. Hyposensitivity To Movement (Under-Responsive):</b></span></div>
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__ in constant motion, can't seem to sit still<br /><br />__ craves fast, spinning, and/or intense movement experiences<br /><br />__ loves being tossed in the air<br /><br />__ could spin for hours and never appear to be dizzy<br /><br />__ loves the fast, intense, and/or scary rides at amusement parks<br /><br />__ always jumping on furniture, trampolines, spinning in a swivel chair, or getting into upside down positions<br /><br />__ loves to swing as high as possible and for long periods of time<br /><br />__ is a "thrill-seeker"; dangerous at times<br /><br />__ always running, jumping, hopping etc. instead of walking<br /><br />__ rocks body, shakes leg, or head while sitting<br /><br />__ likes sudden or quick movements, such as, going over a big bump in the car or on a bike</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">3. Poor Muscle Tone And/Or Coordination:</span></b></div>
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__ has a limp, "floppy" body<br /><br />__ frequently slumps, lies down, and/or leans head on hand or arm while working at his/her desk<br /><br />__ difficulty simultaneously lifting head, arms, and legs off the floor while lying on stomach ("superman" position)<br /><br />__ often sits in a "W sit" position on the floor to stabilize body<b><br /></b>__ fatigues easily!<br /><br />__ compensates for "looseness" by grasping objects tightly<br /><br />__ difficulty turning doorknobs, handles, opening and closing items<br /><br />__ difficulty catching him/her self if falling<br /><br />__ difficulty getting dressed and doing fasteners, zippers, and buttons<br /><br />__ may have never crawled as an baby<br /><br />__ has poor body awareness; bumps into things, knocks things over, trips, and/or appears clumsy<br /><br />__ poor gross motor skills; jumping, catching a ball, jumping jacks, climbing a ladder etc.<br /><br />__ poor fine motor skills; difficulty using "tools", such as pencils, silverware, combs, scissors etc.<br /><br />__ may appear ambidextrous, frequently switching hands for coloring, cutting, writing etc.; does not have an established hand preference/dominance by 4 or 5 years old<br /><br />__ has difficulty licking an ice cream cone<br /><br />__ seems to be unsure about how to move body during movement, for example, stepping over something<br /><br />__ difficulty learning exercise or dance steps</div>
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<b>Proprioceptive Sense:</b> input from the muscles and joints about body position, weight, pressure, stretch, movement, and changes in position in space<i>.</i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">Signs Of Proprioceptive Dysfunction:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">1. Sensory Seeking Behaviors:</span></b></div>
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__ seeks out jumping, bumping, and crashing activities<br /><br />__ stomps feet when walking<br /><br />__ kicks his/her feet on floor or chair while sitting at desk/table<br /><br />__ bites or sucks on fingers and/or frequently cracks his/her knuckles<br /><br />__ loves to be tightly wrapped in many or weighted blankets, especially at bedtime<br /><br />__ prefers clothes (and belts, hoods, shoelaces) to be as tight as possible<br /><br />__ loves/seeks out "squishing" activities<br /><br />__ enjoys bear hugs<b><br /></b>__ excessive banging on/with toys and objects<br /><br />__ loves "roughhousing" and tackling/wrestling games<br /><br />__ frequently falls on floor intentionally<br /><br />__ would jump on a trampoline for hours on end<br /><br />__ grinds his/her teeth throughout the day<br /><br />__ loves pushing/pulling/dragging objects<br /><br />__ loves jumping off furniture or from high places<br /><br />__ frequently hits, bumps or pushes other children<br /><br />__ chews on pens, straws, shirt sleeves etc.</div>
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<br clear="all" /><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">2. Difficulty With "Grading Of Movement":</span></b></div>
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<br />__ misjudges how much to flex and extend muscles during tasks/activities (i.e., putting arms into sleeves or climbing)<br /><br />__ difficulty regulating pressure when writing/drawing; may be too light to see or so hard the tip of writing utensil breaks<br /><br />__ written work is messy and he/she often rips the paper when erasing<br /><br />__ always seems to be breaking objects and toys<br /><br />__ misjudges the weight of an object, such as a glass of juice, picking it up with too much force sending it flying or spilling, or with too little force and complaining about objects being too heavy<br /><br />__ may not understand the idea of "heavy" or "light"; would not be able to hold two objects and tell you which weighs more<br /><br />__ seems to do everything with too much force; i.e., walking, slamming doors, pressing things too hard, slamming objects down<br /><br />__ plays with animals with too much force, often hurting them</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">Signs Of Auditory Dysfunction: (no diagnosed hearing problem)</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">1. Hypersensitivity To Sounds (Auditory Defensiveness):</span></b></div>
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__ distracted by sounds not normally noticed by others; i.e., humming of lights or refrigerators, fans, heaters, or clocks ticking</div>
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__ fearful of the sound of a flushing toilet (especially in public bathrooms), vacuum, hairdryer, squeaky shoes, or a dog barking</div>
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__ started with or distracted by loud or unexpected sounds</div>
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__ bothered/distracted by background environmental sounds; i.e., lawn mowing or outside construction</div>
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__ frequently asks people to be quiet; i.e., stop making noise, talking, or singing</div>
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__ runs away, cries, and/or covers ears with loud or unexpected sounds</div>
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__ may refuse to go to movie theaters, parades, skating rinks, musical concerts etc.</div>
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__ may decide whether they like certain people by the sound of their voice</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">2. Hyposensitivity To Sounds (Under-Registers):</span></b></div>
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__ often does not respond to verbal cues or to name being called</div>
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__ appears to "make noise for noise's sake"</div>
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__ loves excessively loud music or TV</div>
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__ seems to have difficulty understanding or remembering what was said</div>
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__ appears oblivious to certain sounds</div>
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__ appears confused about where a sound is coming from</div>
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__ talks self through a task, often out loud</div>
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__ had little or no vocalizing or babbling as an infant</div>
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__ needs directions repeated often, or will say, "What?" frequently</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">Signs Of Oral Input Dysfunction:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">1. Hypersensitivity To Oral Input (Oral Defensiveness):</span></b></div>
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__ picky eater, often with extreme food preferences; i.e., limited repertoire of foods, picky about brands, resistive to trying new foods or restaurants, and may not eat at other people's houses)</div>
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__ may only eat "soft" or pureed foods past 24 months of age</div>
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__ may gag with textured foods</div>
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__ has difficulty with sucking, chewing, and swallowing; may choke or have a fear of choking</div>
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__ resists/refuses/extremely fearful of going to the dentist or having dental work done</div>
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__ may only eat hot or cold foods</div>
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__ refuses to lick envelopes, stamps, or stickers because of their taste</div>
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__ dislikes or complains about toothpaste and mouthwash</div>
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__ avoids seasoned, spicy, sweet, sour or salty foods; prefers bland foods</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">2. Hyposensitivity To Oral Input (Under-Registers)</span></b></div>
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__ may lick, taste, or chew on inedible objects</div>
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__ prefers foods with intense flavor; i.e., excessively spicy, sweet, sour, or salty</div>
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__ excessive drooling past the teething stage</div>
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__ frequently chews on hair, shirt, or fingers</div>
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__ constantly putting objects in mouth past the toddler years</div>
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__ acts as if all foods taste the same</div>
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__ can never get enough condiments or seasonings on his/her food</div>
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__ loves vibrating toothbrushes and even trips to the dentist</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">Signs Of Olfactory Dysfunction (Smells):</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">1. Hypersensitivity To Smells (Over-Responsive):</span></b></div>
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__ reacts negatively to, or dislikes smells which do not usually bother, or get noticed, by other people</div>
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__ tells other people (or talks about) how bad or funny they smell</div>
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__ refuses to eat certain foods because of their smell</div>
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__ offended and/or nauseated by bathroom odors or personal hygiene smells</div>
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__ bothered/irritated by smell of perfume or cologne</div>
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__ bothered by household or cooking smells</div>
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__ may refuse to play at someone's house because of the way it smells</div>
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__ decides whether he/she likes someone or some place by the way it smells</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><b>2. Hyposensitivity To Smells (Under-Responsive):</b></span></div>
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__ has difficulty discriminating unpleasant odors</div>
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__ may drink or eat things that are poisonous because they do not notice the noxious smell</div>
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__ unable to identify smells from scratch 'n sniff stickers</div>
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__ does not notice odors that others usually complain about</div>
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__ fails to notice or ignores unpleasant odors</div>
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__ makes excessive use of smelling when introduced to objects, people, or places</div>
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__ uses smell to interact with objects</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">Signs Of Visual Input Dysfunction (No Diagnosed Visual Deficit):</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">1. Hypersensitivity To Visual Input (Over-Responsiveness)</span></b></div>
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<br clear="all" />__ sensitive to bright lights; will squint, cover eyes, cry and/or get headaches from the light</div>
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__ has difficulty keeping eyes focused on task/activity he/she is working on for an appropriate amount of time</div>
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__ easily distracted by other visual stimuli in the room; i.e., movement, decorations, toys, windows, doorways etc.</div>
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__ has difficulty in bright colorful rooms or a dimly lit room</div>
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__ rubs his/her eyes, has watery eyes or gets headaches after reading or watching TV</div>
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__ avoids eye contact</div>
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__ enjoys playing in the dark</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">2. Hyposensitivity To Visual Input (Under-Responsive Or Difficulty With Tracking, Discrimination, Or Perception):</span></b></div>
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__ has difficulty telling the difference between similar printed letters or figures; i.e., p & q, b & d, + and x, or square and rectangle</div>
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__ has a hard time seeing the "big picture"; i.e., focuses on the details or patterns within the picture</div>
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__ has difficulty locating items among other items; i.e., papers on a desk, clothes in a drawer, items on a grocery shelf, or toys in a bin/toy box</div>
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__ often loses place when copying from a book or the chalkboard</div>
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__ difficulty controlling eye movement to track and follow moving objects</div>
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__ has difficulty telling the difference between different colors, shapes, and sizes</div>
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__ often loses his/her place while reading or doing math problems</div>
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__ makes reversals in words or letters when copying, or reads words backwards; i.e., "was" for "saw" and "no" for "on" after first grade</div>
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__ complains about "seeing double"</div>
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__ difficulty finding differences in pictures, words, symbols, or objects</div>
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__ difficulty with consistent spacing and size of letters during writing and/or lining up numbers in math problems</div>
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__ difficulty with jigsaw puzzles, copying shapes, and/or cutting/tracing along a line</div>
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__ tends to write at a slant (up or down hill) on a page</div>
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__ confuses left and right</div>
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__ fatigues easily with schoolwork</div>
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__ difficulty judging spatial relationships in the environment; i.e., bumps into objects/people or missteps on curbs and stairs</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">Auditory-Language Processing Dysfunction:</span></b></div>
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__ unable to locate the source of a sound</div>
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__ difficulty identifying people's voices</div>
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__ difficulty discriminating between sounds/words; i.e., "dare" and "dear"</div>
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__ difficulty filtering out other sounds while trying to pay attention to one person talking</div>
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__ bothered by loud, sudden, metallic, or high-pitched sounds</div>
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__ difficulty attending to, understanding, and remembering what is said or read; often asks for directions to be repeated and may only be able to understand or follow two sequential directions at a time</div>
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__ looks at others to/for reassurance before answering</div>
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__ difficulty putting ideas into words (written or verbal)</div>
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__ often talks out of turn or "off topic"</div>
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__ if not understood, has difficulty re-phrasing; may get frustrated, angry, and give up</div>
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__ difficulty reading, especially out loud (may also be dyslexic)</div>
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__ difficulty articulating and speaking clearly</div>
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__ ability to speak often improves after intense movement</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">Social, Emotional, Play, And Self-Regulation Dysfunction:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Social:</span></b></div>
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__ difficulty getting along with peers</div>
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__ prefers playing by self with objects or toys rather than with people</div>
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__ does not interact reciprocally with peers or adults; hard to have a "meaningful" two-way conversation</div>
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__ self-abusive or abusive to others</div>
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__ others have a hard time interpreting child's cues, needs, or emotions</div>
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__ does not seek out connections with familiar people</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Emotional:</span></b></div>
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__ difficulty accepting changes in routine (to the point of tantrums)</div>
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__ gets easily frustrated</div>
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__ often impulsive</div>
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__ functions best in small group or individually</div>
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__ variable and quickly changing moods; prone to outbursts and tantrums</div>
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__ prefers to play on the outside, away from groups, or just be an observer</div>
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__ avoids eye contact</div>
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__ difficulty appropriately making needs known</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Play:</span></b></div>
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__ difficulty with imitative play (over 10 months)</div>
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__ wanders aimlessly without purposeful play or exploration (over 15 months)</div>
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__ needs adult guidance to play, difficulty playing independently (over 18 months)</div>
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__ participates in repetitive play for hours; i.e., lining up toys cars, blocks, watching one movie over and over etc.</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Self-Regulation:</span></b></div>
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__ excessive irritability, fussiness or colic as an infant</div>
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__ can't calm or soothe self through pacifier, comfort object, or caregiver</div>
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__ can't go from sleeping to awake without distress</div>
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__ requires excessive help from caregiver to fall asleep; i.e., rubbing back or head, rocking, long walks, or car rides</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Internal Regulation (The Interoceptive Sense):</span></b></div>
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__ becoming too hot or too cold sooner than others in the same environments; may not appear to ever get cold/hot, may not be able to maintain body temperature effectively</div>
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__ difficulty in extreme temperatures or going from one extreme to another (i.e., winter, summer, going from air conditioning to outside heat, a heated house to the cold outside)</div>
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__ respiration that is too fast, too slow, or cannot switch from one to the other easily as the body demands an appropriate respiratory response</div>
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__ heart rate that speeds up or slows down too fast or too slow based on the demands imposed on it</div>
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__ respiration and heart rate that takes longer than what is expected to slow down during or after exertion or fear</div>
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__ severe/several mood swings throughout the day (angry to happy in short periods of time, perhaps without visible cause)</div>
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__ unpredictable state of arousal or inability to control arousal level (hyper to lethargic, quickly, vacillating between the two; over stimulated to under stimulated, within hours or days, depending on activity and setting, etc.)</div>
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__ frequent constipation or diarrhea, or mixed during the same day or over a few days</div>
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__ difficulty with potty training; does not seem to know when he/she has to go (i.e., cannot feel the necessary sensation that bowel or bladder are full</div>
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__ unable to regulate thirst; always thirsty, never thirsty, or oscillates back and forth</div>
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__ unable to regulate hunger; eats all the time, won't eat at all, unable to feel full/hungry</div>
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__ unable to regulate appetite; has little to no appetite and/or will be "starving" one minute then full two bites later, then back to hungry again (prone to eating disorders and/or failure to thrive)</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>If you observe many of these signs in a child you know, please talk to a professional, such as an Occupational Therapist who can further evaluate and decide whether your child has a sensory processing disorder.</b></span>christine ~ ourdayourjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01066999830545686595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753392402213829448.post-23914116342240457182012-04-22T16:45:00.000-04:002012-05-11T09:02:22.712-04:00my sensation kid<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
I have learned so much about my son as soon as I started working with an OT, who specializes in a sensory integration approach, 5 months ago. Based on my experience, i can not stress enough to families going down this road to seek out an OT who specializes because it has been instrumental for my family. Our old OT just did not comprehend the totality of my son's sensory needs. For example, our OT who specializes in a sensory integration approach, pointed out that my son missed a foundational skill having only crawled for a brief period and started walking at 8 1/2 months of age. She implemented a sensory diet beginning with my son crawling while playing with his cars, having a tunnel accessible for my son to crawl through and crawling when his motor is running too high. Our old OT had my son sitting at a table trying to manipulate peg boards and a wide variety of sensory objects, of which also neglected to take into account his sensitivities (hypersensitive to auditory and visual input and tactile defensiveness) </div>
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Understanding my son's specific needs has alleviated so much frustration and confusion in my day to day life and has given me more strength and empowerment than i have felt in the last 3 years. </div>
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My son has:</div>
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Sensory Discrimination Disorder (SDD)</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Sensory-Based Motor Disorder (SBMD)</span><br />
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Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD)</div>
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He is a sensory seeker, </div>
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over responsive to visual, auditory and lite touch</div>
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under responsive to vestibular, proprioceptive and deep touch</div>
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Do you have or know a Sensational Kid?</div>
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</div>christine ~ ourdayourjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01066999830545686595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753392402213829448.post-80043049475937084582012-04-18T19:24:00.004-04:002012-04-21T16:30:13.872-04:00like switching off a light<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uqU-jI80veU/T49J6hDBjaI/AAAAAAAAEls/dwyMJtu7aTo/s1600/vinceEating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uqU-jI80veU/T49J6hDBjaI/AAAAAAAAEls/dwyMJtu7aTo/s320/vinceEating.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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here is my little guy finishing up a big bowl of salad. six months ago, i was so happy to come back and let everyone know that my son's "poor feeding" went away and it has. just as the doctor said it would between 2-3 years of age... <i>just like switching off a light, it will go away.</i><br />
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but with my son eating and sleeping in a healthier way, there were still these behaviors that i could not make sense of nor put my finger on. at times, i could not read him nor understand what he needed. it is a very helpless and frustrating feeling. every day could be so different and i had no explanation why.<br />
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i sought out additional occupational therapy services, aside from Birth to Three. at the consultation, my son's needs were magnified and there was no question that there was something much bigger going on with my son. I believe that my son has had <a href="http://www.sinetwork.org/about-sensory-processing-disorder.html">Sensory Processing Disorder</a> from the beginning.<br />
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moving forward, I hope to share our triumphs and struggles of our family as we travel through our day a little differently than we had planned. </div>christine ~ ourdayourjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01066999830545686595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753392402213829448.post-43970343519077568592012-03-29T21:32:00.000-04:002012-03-29T21:32:38.472-04:00food allergy {dot} orghere is a great resource for <a href="http://www.foodallergy.org/section/helpful-information">HOW TO READ A LABEL</a><br />
to avoid unsafe foods from foodallergy.org.<br />
christine ~ ourdayourjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01066999830545686595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753392402213829448.post-23113053508508130922012-03-26T11:29:00.005-04:002012-05-08T12:51:30.129-04:00GF DF CF EF breakfasts<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
{updated}<br />
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my little one's breakfast completely changed last week with <a href="http://ourdayourjourney.blogspot.com/2012/03/elimination-diet.html">the elimination diet</a> to help alleviate his symptoms from henoch-schonlein purpura. he is currently gluten-free, dairy-free, casein-free, egg-free, corn-free, and soy-free.</div>
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in addition, my little one NEEDS crunchy food to satisfy his <a href="http://sensorysmarts.com/sensory_diet_activities.html">sensory needs</a>, so you could imagine toasted whole wheat breads and crunchy cereals were very much a part of our day. interestingly to note is that when i increased the amount of crunchy foods and cold beverages offered throughout the day and at every meal, i seen an increase in the amount of food he was consuming. <a href="http://ourdayourjourney.blogspot.com/2009/10/another-batch-for-dinner.html">pancakes topped with RAW nuts and seeds</a> have worked well in the past, easily topped always with hemp seeds and other raw nuts or seeds that we have on hand. muffins with nuts or seeds initially work well, but i believe a recently purchased mini muffin pan will offer a firmer texture that my little one will accept better. </div>
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My little one has been DF CF EF for some time now and i have been able to make easy substitutions for dairy, casein and egg. The GF seems to be the hardest yet. I have a variety of items in my pantry but I am having a hard time finding GF DF CF EF CF SF recipes that do not include 4+ types of flours and starches, as well as a handful of more of other ingredients. I would like to find a simple, <b>basic pancake recipe</b> and <b>muffin recipe</b>. I also need to make up for a failed attempt at <b>GF birthday cupcakes</b> :( my little one turned 3 years old through all of this and my recipe fell flat. </div>
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in my cupboard, i have: </div>
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FLOURS: brown rice flour, coconut flour, buckwheat flour, tapioca flour</div>
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GRAINS: quinoa, amaranth, rice, buckwheat </div>
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RAW SEEDS/NUTS: chia seeds, hemp seeds, cashews, coconut, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, walnuts, sesame seeds, almonds, pine nuts</div>
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OILS: cold pressed coconut, canola oil, extra virgin olive oil</div>
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MILKS: coconut, almond, hemp, rice</div>
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<b>safe breakfasts include:</b><br />
<b> </b>- quinoa</div>
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- <a href="http://www.attunefoods.com/products/Erewhon/erewhon-crispy-brown-rice-gluten-free-cereals">erewhon crispy brown rice cereal </a>(the one and only safe boxed cereal i found at whole foods)</div>
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- nut & seed granola, recipe <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/2010/12/a-week-of-elving-tuesday.html">here</a> (i substituted in brown rice flour and honey. i also added walnuts and whole flaxseeds. note for next batch to ground the flax seeds and to eliminate Trader Joe's raw pumpkin seeds)<br />
- pancakes (not as simple as I was hoping for, but the best <a href="http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/2011/08/karinas-gluten-free-pancakes.html">ones</a> so far) </div>christine ~ ourdayourjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01066999830545686595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753392402213829448.post-42943130077520137242012-03-25T22:02:00.001-04:002013-05-17T11:20:23.179-04:00the elimination diet<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<b>3/25/2012</b></div>
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Notes: the following posts are to update family with the changes in my little one's diet and have the information accessible. To others, who have worked with their little one's or themselves in determining food allergies and intolerances, please feel free to share your story, tips, recipes and links to helpful sites. </div>
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<b>we have eliminated</b> the following from my little one's diet:</div>
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dairy (intolerance)</div>
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eggs (intolerance)</div>
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beef (intolerance)</div>
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goat's milk (intolerance)</div>
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oranges <br />
strawberries</div>
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bananas</div>
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grapes </div>
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white potatoes</div>
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corn </div>
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peanuts<br />
cashews</div>
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wheat</div>
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soy</div>
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sugar</div>
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chocolate</div>
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food dyes <br />
preservatives</div>
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<b>alternatives:</b></div>
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milk (rice, almond) </div>
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coconut milk (yogurt, ice cream) </div>
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sweet potatoes</div>
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rice, quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat<br />
beans, lentils</div>
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almond butter, sunflower seed butter</div>
christine ~ ourdayourjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01066999830545686595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753392402213829448.post-53537691285515318142011-12-22T00:00:00.002-05:002011-12-23T15:36:35.404-05:00blessed with a ray of light<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">yesterday, at an event at my daughter school, I glanced over at her and thought she looked a little tired. by the time she came home from school, it was clear that she had come down with something. oh poor thing, to not be feeling well as she gets a break for the holiday. and my plans to start and finish up some gifts these last few days were not looking so good either, especially seeing that my other little one has been sick.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">so today, we kept my daughter out of school so she could rest. my husband went out in the morning to stock up on his toys to put under the tree. the children and i stayed in and did some snuggling until my little ones went off to their room to play. i took that time to do some quick cleaning then i needed stop to help clean up and organize the children's bedroom. the result of a 2 1/2 year old getting into a 7 1/2 year old's things, a reminder that we need to simplify again. (although we managed to sift 3 barbie dolls out)</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">the morning went by rather quickly and all were ready for lunch. as we were eating, the sun peaked around the side of our house as it usually does this time of year, bringing direct sunlight into our kitchen. my daughter moved her seat over to bask in the sun and a ray of light caught her swarvoski crystal bracelet (part of her mermaid halloween outfit, a reminder that i have lots to share). With joy she exclaimed, "LOOK, MY BRACELET IS MAKING RAINBOWS" and oh how we all love these rainbows. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">i had already accepted and felt fine that my christmas projects were going to have to be pushed back for upcoming birthdays as i have two little ones that need me but i was a little unhappy thinking about the type and amount of daddy gifts that were going to stocked under our christmas tree. but after that moment of joy and glee brought about by dancing rainbows, i just decided to let the ill feelings of commercialized toys go and just know that when i sit back and be present in these small moments, i will be renewed with wonder and awe and my children will be blessed with the same.</span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A happy solstice indeed. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">sorry no pics today. but i am reminded of how much i enjoy capturing the light <a href="http://ourdayourjourney.blogspot.com/2010/03/good-morning-sun.html">here</a>. happy solstice everyone</div>christine ~ ourdayourjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01066999830545686595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753392402213829448.post-70922978438751370592010-11-27T00:28:00.003-05:002011-06-06T13:02:10.699-04:00vegan pumpkin pie + preparing our advent sky<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TPHiwB2dMQI/AAAAAAAAEk0/EAIuiZ9DxL0/s1600/thanksgiving2010_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TPHiwB2dMQI/AAAAAAAAEk0/EAIuiZ9DxL0/s640/thanksgiving2010_1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">i hope everyone had a happy thanksgiving. we had a lovely day. much thanks and appreciation to my family, who made our dinner time later to allow my little guy a restful nap. while the little guy napped, we made some homemade cranberry sauce with clementines and cinnamon to bring with us. it was very tasty. we also brought, my vegan pumpkin pie, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">made with coconut milk, bananas and coconut oil. my pumpkin pie, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">came in second (depending on who you ask) just behind a dreamy turtle pie that was so amazing. my little guy gobbled up his piece of pumpkin pie and we had some left to bring home that he has been eating every day. i'll be baking another one this week :)</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TPHkLHXpvZI/AAAAAAAAEk4/q99PD1Iwbfg/s1600/christmas2010_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TPHkLHXpvZI/AAAAAAAAEk4/q99PD1Iwbfg/s640/christmas2010_1.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TPHmWwgFYmI/AAAAAAAAElA/vuDrfhOS8h0/s1600/christmas2010_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TPHmWwgFYmI/AAAAAAAAElA/vuDrfhOS8h0/s640/christmas2010_0.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">after the thanksgiving holiday, we also put our christmas tree up and hung our stockings. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">it feels like the right time for our family, allowing us more time to prepare for the festivals and the holiday season. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">everyone wanting to help this year. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TPHmR8c7tfI/AAAAAAAAEk8/3nKqN6V0onc/s1600/christmas2010_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TPHmR8c7tfI/AAAAAAAAEk8/3nKqN6V0onc/s640/christmas2010_3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">tonight, after the children were tucked into bed, i prepare for the first day of advent. i wish you and your family a beautiful advent. thank you to everyone who kept me in their thoughts and thank you again for all your kind words and encouragement. </span><br />
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</span>christine ~ ourdayourjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01066999830545686595noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753392402213829448.post-7772516058465655412010-10-22T14:51:00.000-04:002010-10-22T14:51:14.633-04:00finding my rhythm<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">school started and instantly a prevalent school schedule touched down like a tornado. my little one going off to school for another year and it is not what i envisioned with homeschooling in my heart, but it is our reality. in addition to a new school schedule, there were a lot of changes happening in our home. the little guy had just started sleeping through the night, i had survived months of sleep deprivation and i was in a better place to handle the daily ups and downs of poor feeding and to get our family back on track. it did take my body a while to adjust to being able to sleep but once i did get a good night's sleep, the world came alive to me, which is a beautiful thing. but seeing the world with eyes wide open, i saw a huge mountain of things to do around the house. there was so much to catch up on and i was completely overwhelmed thinking about all i had to do.<br />
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while, i still am trying to understand and accept the last 17 1/2 months, i know that i was doing the best that i could, but my mind, body and spirit were in crisis mode. i wish to be as far away from that way of living. it is more than wishing, it is having the awareness of what i could do for myself to keep myself calm and centered and slow paced. it really brings the importance of what truly matters in life, the health and happiness of my family. <br />
<br />
and while there was a lot to do around the house and getting everything ready for my daughter to start school, i am only one person. run around with my head chopped off would not have helped anyone out. it was a challenge to keep myself calm, centered and slow paced during this time and i continue to work on this daily. i work on being present. to be in nature, to find my breathe, to be in the moment, to enjoy sweet moments with my children, to nurture my patience and work on my rhythm. i get back to making time to be creative. and caring for myself. and when my head is spinning, i get outside or color <a href="http://ourdayourjourney.blogspot.com/2010/09/mandalas-and-first-days-of-school.html">mandalas.</a> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
i try to keep my enormous to-do list out of my thoughts. i keep a small to-do list, mostly for memory but i find being able to cross items off my list very rewarding. the list is continuous and i prioritize as new items are added. i also committed to spending 15 minutes decluttering (from the flylady) i work on planning our meals and try out a few new recipes a week to take into account my little one's dietary needs. a very important step is my night time routine, which makes my mornings run smoothly.<br />
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of course, some days are smoother than others and i am still working on all this. <br />
during all this, i did end up having a tag sale against my better judgment and it proved to be too much. i became stressed and ended up getting sick. once again, it presented an opportunity to learn a lesson. life, it's funny that way. <br />
and while, i have made great changes, i still have not found peace with everything, but i'll know when it is here. this nursery rhythm has been on my mind<br />
<br />
row, row, row your boat<br />
gently down the stream<br />
merrily, merrily, merrily<br />
life is but a dream<br />
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i have been working on this post for a while. still not having the exactly right words that i want. maybe still not being in the place i would like. but, either way, i good way to end.</div>christine ~ ourdayourjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01066999830545686595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753392402213829448.post-5311282481973467512010-10-09T13:58:00.002-04:002011-04-16T17:36:01.752-04:00navratri celebration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TLCn7CxADFI/AAAAAAAAEkg/0H_eG8VHOBU/s1600/NavratriCelebration1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TLCn7CxADFI/AAAAAAAAEkg/0H_eG8VHOBU/s1600/NavratriCelebration1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TLCqadlxmpI/AAAAAAAAEkw/5spGTwQOpNg/s1600/NavratriCelebration2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TLCqadlxmpI/AAAAAAAAEkw/5spGTwQOpNg/s400/NavratriCelebration2.jpg" width="351" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> :: we celebrate the beginning of autumn with new friends. seeking blessings for new endeavors and enjoying traditional music and dance.<br />
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(<i>notice my little one wearing a playsilk. always a reason for a playsilk :)</i> ) </div>christine ~ ourdayourjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01066999830545686595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753392402213829448.post-19207153671189127312010-10-06T11:06:00.003-04:002010-10-25T21:56:04.862-04:00open eye meditation<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">a recent webcast over at the waldorf connection on 3 ways to create a nourishing home for your child offers some thoughts. danielle epifanie </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">started off discussing the importance of "creating a space of breath around the child" and to be aware of the "what is presenting itself in front of us". heaven on earth author, sharifa oppenheimer, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">discussed that "rhythm is life". the inner rhythm of the parent is important (i could not agree more) steady. calm. nourishing. (sleep.) start with an open eye meditation. turn your attention to your heart. breathe and let the breath move in and out of your heart. let it swing in and out of your heart (love that) bring gratitude in. the importance of sitting in nature. lastly, lisa boisvert mackenzie talked about play and the child's world being one of awe and wonder. say, "humm, i wonder" to a child's questions and importance of the child being free to play.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">check out the webcast <a href="http://www.elementsofearlychildhood.com/">here</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">websites mentioned:</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">margaretsgarden.org and elementalmother.com</div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ourheavenonearth.net/">our heaven on earth</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://celebratetherhythmoflife.blogspot.com/">celebrate the rhythm of life</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.waldorfinthehome.com/">waldorf in the home</a></span>christine ~ ourdayourjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01066999830545686595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753392402213829448.post-47043278864432865312010-09-27T12:55:00.000-04:002010-09-27T12:55:05.498-04:00just as i remembered<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TJ_oAm-y2eI/AAAAAAAAEkc/ykig9hTIrqM/s1600/vincebasket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TJ_oAm-y2eI/AAAAAAAAEkc/ykig9hTIrqM/s400/vincebasket.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><br />
we had great news last week. our little guy jumped up to the 10th percentile. i usually am right next to the nurse as she marks his measurements on the growth chart but this time i was was just playing around with him, although i did glanced over and saw that his numbers increased from his last check-up. i was not my old anxious self of needing to see exactly where he was on the charts. when our doctor came in and told us, i was shocked. warmth and comfort came over me and i became surrounded by huge arms that filled the small room. i felt secure and protected and i immediately knew it was my grandfather, who i know is still here with us.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">my grandfather was not one of many words, although his presence was greatly felt. he has come to me a few times other times to let me know that things will be alright. once, after a medical procedure and two times the day i broke my collar bone when i was 6 months pregnant. my grandfather came to me when i just realized that i broke my collar bone and then in the emergency room when my concern for the baby escalated. comfort and warmth for a short while in-between the intense pain i was feeling.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TJ_iEW3xpxI/AAAAAAAAEkY/t4dNIrkpfLQ/s1600/pic_grandpa+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TJ_iEW3xpxI/AAAAAAAAEkY/t4dNIrkpfLQ/s400/pic_grandpa+me.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>my grandfather was the first man in my life and he was a constant figure in my life. we spent a lot of time together, he and i. if i slept over on the weekend, we would have an early breakfast together (my grandmother always slept in) it was always an omelet and he made the best omelets, i still can taste them but have yet to duplicate them. in the spring, we planted his garden together i remember so vividly the feeling of poking my finger down into the cool earth and how vested i was in the entire growing season. in the summer, i always arrived to a bowl of fresh ripe raspberries and a refreshing pitcher of ice tea with mint from the garden. in the winter, we gathered around the wood burning fireplace and we put in the sparkling colors. those colors were beautiful amidst the flames. and my grandfather always had a big cozy chair. there was always room in his chair for me and that comforting feeling is just as i remembered.</div>christine ~ ourdayourjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01066999830545686595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753392402213829448.post-74860402929732975522010-09-21T13:02:00.000-04:002010-09-21T13:02:55.166-04:00last bits of the summer sun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TJelMbCBEbI/AAAAAAAAEjY/RxQg4CxtFiY/s1600/avapool2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TJelMbCBEbI/AAAAAAAAEjY/RxQg4CxtFiY/s400/avapool2010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TJelSwIRJVI/AAAAAAAAEjg/6-LI-DvB2hc/s1600/vincepool2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TJelSwIRJVI/AAAAAAAAEjg/6-LI-DvB2hc/s400/vincepool2010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TJelZAogMsI/AAAAAAAAEjo/VpeOsF8Yqiw/s1600/ncSummer2010Teepee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TJelZAogMsI/AAAAAAAAEjo/VpeOsF8Yqiw/s400/ncSummer2010Teepee.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TJelfyjVfCI/AAAAAAAAEjw/oKa-28VRuuM/s1600/ncSummer2010feather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TJelfyjVfCI/AAAAAAAAEjw/oKa-28VRuuM/s400/ncSummer2010feather.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TJelwl5QDbI/AAAAAAAAEkA/UbMZFjC87Sk/s1600/ncSummer2010BerryInk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TJelwl5QDbI/AAAAAAAAEkA/UbMZFjC87Sk/s400/ncSummer2010BerryInk.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TJel22Uj1iI/AAAAAAAAEkI/MMvEH-smP4s/s1600/nc2010SummerAutumnLeaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TJel22Uj1iI/AAAAAAAAEkI/MMvEH-smP4s/s400/nc2010SummerAutumnLeaves.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TJetaWpZa4I/AAAAAAAAEkQ/mpJlDu7MnuM/s1600/vincerainbowfoot2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TJetaWpZa4I/AAAAAAAAEkQ/mpJlDu7MnuM/s400/vincerainbowfoot2010.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">i love this time of year. autumn is beginning to make it's arrival. little bursts of autumn color can be seen amongst the lush greenery of the trees. a light sweater is required for our evening walk and cool, dewy mornings. but, by midday, the summer sun is so prevalent. we explored a nature center and seized the opportunity for the children to swim in their pools. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">on the top of my to-do list is to brush up on my picture taking skills. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">i continue to try and capture vince's little hands and toes playing with the rainbows around our house. if he would just sit still it would be so much easier. i am always a second too late in capturing the pic. i also never imagined how difficult it would be to capture a picture of both children together. i have my work cut out for m<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">e. </span>i also have to search out some camera options. any suggestions? </span>christine ~ ourdayourjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01066999830545686595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753392402213829448.post-74956056246840590412010-09-18T21:13:00.002-04:002010-09-20T20:03:40.400-04:00do you know how to fly?<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">do you know how to fly? well, i am trying to fly. but not up in the air, silly. i am trying to fly in my home. that's right. flying inside via help from the flylady. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">i have searched around her <a href="http://flylady.net/index.asp">website</a> (she also has books) and i think i have the jist of what she is trying to say. basically, consistently do her suggested routines so that they become second nature to you. you will always be a step ahead in your cleaning, and you'll be dressed and ready for company at any time. you'll have a clean sink and bathroom all the time. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">i signed up for the daily emailing list, which is rather lengthy, but i am just working on the daily flight plan and mission (it follows the daily flight plan) i am focusing on my bedtime routine, morning routine and decluttering in small increments. there is a weekly home blessing, where she wants you to set the clock and do all the sweeping, moping, dusting, etc in 1 hour. it takes me far longer to do this, but i think i will be getting more efficient as a practice this more? we'll see because i am not sure if this is possible and i do have a smaller house.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">she has a monthly focus and this month is the <a href="http://www.flylady.net/pages/focus_sep.asp">before bed routine</a> and beginner steps on her <a href="http://flylady.net/pages/begin_babysteps.asp">website</a>. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">anyone else try flying yet?</div>christine ~ ourdayourjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01066999830545686595noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753392402213829448.post-90612241390230156112010-09-14T23:15:00.001-04:002010-09-14T23:16:04.445-04:00mandalas and the first days of school<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TJA5zby2opI/AAAAAAAAEjQ/WAPtsHynyYc/s1600/mendala1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TJA5zby2opI/AAAAAAAAEjQ/WAPtsHynyYc/s400/mendala1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">school was about to begin and homeschooling still was not in the cards for me this year so i chose the next best thing. we transitioned my daughter to a new school. it was a big decision to make. in </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">making the decision, i sought support and i was able to make a decision from a calm and peaceful place. of course, some family was supportive and some family can not think of possibilities outside of what they know. in the past, i was one who let myself be overcome with stress in making such a big decision. this is such a huge progression for me. thank goodness i am getting more sleep. </span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">coming up to the first day, i have been waking up earlier each day in preparation for </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">the start of school. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">i wake up before the children and i am greeted by a rising sun that casts a warm glowing light throughout our downstairs. i am able to get a coffee, start breakfast and start the day slow. these are my first days of waking before the children and i remember how great it is to start the day this way and it is definitely a time that one can have a little mama time :) wink wink </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TH6FgwXM2cI/AAAAAAAAEiw/lN6N3kH_6KI/s1600/mandalas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TH6FgwXM2cI/AAAAAAAAEiw/lN6N3kH_6KI/s320/mandalas.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">my mind was busy and </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">i could have found a hundred things to do on that first day, but i didn't. i was conscious to keep a slow pace. i spent time with the little guy, we started the dance between inhaling and exhaling, bring more rhythm to our day. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">while the little one napped, i enjoyed some tea, read a little and worked on some mandalas.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> the house was noisy, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">mostly answering the little one's calls to his "sissy"</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> but yet the house felt quiet. i am missing my little girl terribly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">here's a <a href="http://www.marcels-kid-crafts.com/mandala.html">link</a> to the mandalas above</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">more mandalas <a href="http://www.fantasyjr.com/mandalas-for-kids/">here </a></span>christine ~ ourdayourjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01066999830545686595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753392402213829448.post-3486889015363506652010-09-01T11:46:00.000-04:002010-09-01T11:46:59.093-04:00drum roll please<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TH50Wqm0B9I/AAAAAAAAEio/HippzjJD7QU/s1600/vincesweeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TH50Wqm0B9I/AAAAAAAAEio/HippzjJD7QU/s400/vincesweeping.jpg" width="335" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">after 17 1/2 months, my son is sleeping through the night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it has been 10 nights or so, i actually lost count. my son's diet has expanded to include coconut milk yogurt, coconut milk ice cream and peanut butter and he has an upcoming checkup. my body has just begun adjusting to being able to sleep and the world is unfolding more and more each day. i feel alive, but </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">i feel like i have so much to process, so many thoughts, so many feelings that i suppressed or not thought about logically because of my sleepless situation. i feel that i have so much to catch up on, so many things i would like to do, so many books i would like to read, so many things i would like to make. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">but i tell myself to take it slow, allowing myself a new start by choosing healthy choices for my mind, body and spirit. allowing peace and calm to be part of my life. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">i am get back to a regular sleep pattern. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">i work on a slow and peaceful bedtime routine, filled with hot showers, steeping tea, a book (still reading simplicity parenting) i ground myself in the now and work at establishing new rhythms to my day (and my daughter is off to full day first grade, more on that later). i am trying out new recipes my little guy and my new found joy is sweeping. i used to pull out the vacuum out due to our 2 dogs and 2 children and our inside/outside routine. it was taking so much energy to lug the vacuum around and i was just so exhausted afterward. and the sweeping is light, playful, and very rewarding in many ways. i am also trying to commit to an opportunity to take some time for myself once a week. and i know i am worthy of the time, worthy of nurturing myself, i just have to put it into action. and i write it down as a little step closer towards my commitment to self-care. how do you find time to nurture yourself throughout the day?</span><br />
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</span>christine ~ ourdayourjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01066999830545686595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753392402213829448.post-85805715039835406122010-08-06T19:15:00.000-04:002010-08-06T19:15:54.847-04:00juicy peaches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TFyXTqhkAQI/AAAAAAAAEiY/_9gK1DzT2bg/s1600/peachcrumble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TFyXTqhkAQI/AAAAAAAAEiY/_9gK1DzT2bg/s400/peachcrumble.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">i found <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/peach-and-strawberry-crumble-recipe/index.html">this</a> awesome recipe, just in time to enjoy some juicy, deliciously peaches in season. i lessened some of the sugar. it is so yummy i had to share.</span>christine ~ ourdayourjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01066999830545686595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753392402213829448.post-67187554146721440042010-07-15T21:29:00.002-04:002010-07-16T12:54:07.639-04:00wip - skirt for a mermaid doll<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TD-f8E63-LI/AAAAAAAAEiI/3l3yMlZ6l1w/s1600/dollskirt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TD-f8E63-LI/AAAAAAAAEiI/3l3yMlZ6l1w/s400/dollskirt1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">:: this was an impromptu project my little one thought of, an hour before she was off to a sleepover with her grandparents. she has been engaged in play with her mermaid after our seasonal nature table changed to incorporated treasures from the sea shore. after fiddling around with her tail, she discovered the doll has legs underneath and her play has taken a new journey, full of adventure and new lands to explore. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TD-f2l3ovZI/AAAAAAAAEiA/qUkIHwbHhbY/s1600/dollskirt0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TD-f2l3ovZI/AAAAAAAAEiA/qUkIHwbHhbY/s400/dollskirt0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">:: </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">my daughter drew a sketch and instructions were given in detail. the little guy was napping, we had the supplies and i could not honestly give my daughter a reason not to make a skirt for her mermaid. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TD-Xzy4kUHI/AAAAAAAAEhw/whYNKIJJ6WA/s1600/dollskirt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TD-Xzy4kUHI/AAAAAAAAEhw/whYNKIJJ6WA/s400/dollskirt3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TD-fwe6kqFI/AAAAAAAAEh4/nT9x1O_SprQ/s1600/dollskirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TD-fwe6kqFI/AAAAAAAAEh4/nT9x1O_SprQ/s400/dollskirt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">:: an hour or so went by, my little one had already left for her grandparents' house, and i was cutting out the finishing touches on the double-tiered wave pattern. and this little project taught me a valuable lesson that i needed to relearn. to take a chance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">for years, i have wanted to make my little one a doll. and one day make clothing for my children and knit them sweaters to keep them warm. and to one day make a quilt like my grandmother used to make. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">i have long searched the internet for doll making kits, supplies and books, only to find a reason not to proceed forward with making a doll. a</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">fraid of failing or even worse, making a mistake and picking out the wrong yarn for hair (that darn perfectionism coming into play) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">and i have searched flickr for quilt patterns and inspiration, only to feel like the task was too big to take on. and i guess at times, we can put up road blocks or little speed bumps in our own path. but life, of course, is about learning to overcoming them.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TD-XqsIbZ0I/AAAAAAAAEho/wiGhcectSi4/s1600/dollskirt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TD-XqsIbZ0I/AAAAAAAAEho/wiGhcectSi4/s400/dollskirt2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">:: and my first attempt at the mermaid's skirt did not work. i learned from it, adjusted the pattern and made another one.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> and here's the beginning of taking more chances. </span><br />
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</span>christine ~ ourdayourjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01066999830545686595noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753392402213829448.post-21232641337349312382010-07-14T17:13:00.001-04:002010-07-14T17:13:47.617-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TD4n_dpyDBI/AAAAAAAAEhY/MzcRanAVoe8/s1600/eggplantgrilled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TD4n_dpyDBI/AAAAAAAAEhY/MzcRanAVoe8/s400/eggplantgrilled.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">last night, my little guy needed his mama's comfort. i am still in my jams (pajamas) i have not looked in the mirror nor brushed my hair back, my body is achier than usually. my thoughts drifting and i gave myself TWO tasks today. to find and make a delicious new meal for this evening and tomorrow evening with my 2 beautiful eggplants. and my second task is to have a calm, peaceful ending to my day. giving myself time to savor some tea, mediate, think about what tomorrow may bring and curl up with a book this evening. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">so, i went searching for some recipes and here's what i came up with, some will be modified to be dairy free:</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/summer/end-of-summer-recipe-grilled-eggplant-topped-with-goat-cheese-and-tomato-097056">grilled eggplant topped with goat cheese and tomato</a> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://apronanxiety.com/post/443947210/rainy-day-rigatoni-when-you-dont-have-to">rainy day rigatoni</a> <a href="http://apronanxiety.com/post/443947210/rainy-day-rigatoni-when-you-dont-have-to">here</a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/quick-weeknight-meals-2009/laurens-new-orleansstyle-vegan-muffuletta-quick-weeknight-meals-recipe-contest-2009-096512">vegan muffuletta</a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/michael-chiarello/stuffed-foccacia-with-roasted-eggplant-and-oregano-recipe/index.html">stuffed foccacia with roasted eggplant and oregano </a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/trenette-with-eggplant-and-basil-pesto-recipe/index.html">trenette with eggplant and basil pesto </a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/recipe-roundup/15-essential-dips-and-spreads-for-summer-parties-recipe-roundup--118850?image_id=1491271">15 dips and spreads for summer parties</a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/veganism/10-vegan-lunch-ideas-114283">10 vegan lunch ideas</a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/veganism/10-vegan-breakfast-ideas-113446">10 vegan breakfast ideas</a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">i decided to grill the eggplant because no matter which recipe i decide upon, the grill brings out an amazing flavor. and i remember how much i enjoy this part of the season when we have delicious eggplant to nourish ourselves with. i decided on the rainy day rigatoni for tonight and vegan muffuletta for tomorrow. and i look forward to the trenette with eggplant and basil pesto next. what is your favorite eggplant recipe?</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div>christine ~ ourdayourjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01066999830545686595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753392402213829448.post-20779580231231240522010-07-02T15:14:00.004-04:002010-07-03T09:56:18.023-04:00a new plan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TC46BeAMgfI/AAAAAAAAEhI/PKk8fjpPP-Q/s1600/newcookbooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TC46BeAMgfI/AAAAAAAAEhI/PKk8fjpPP-Q/s400/newcookbooks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">our new journey is re-establishing our family rhythm and learning to nurture oneself. part of our plan is being helped through new services my son is receiving. the wonderful part of the program is that the occupational therapist comes out to your home, observes and offers suggestions. there was high hopes that after we determined his intolerance to milk protein and eliminated milk protein from his diet that he would start eating in a healthy manner and his poor feeding would discontinue. everyone also hoped that my son would outgrown his milk protein intolerance after his first birthday. so we have kind of been in limbo, until recently.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">after introducing milk to my son's diet, very slowly, for the past six weeks, we determined that he can not tolerate milk protein. he also has tracked consistently at the 5% for weight on the growth chart, so we still are working with his poor feeding.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">our new plan includes:</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1. helping establish a healthy eating and sleeping pattern for my little guy. we have adjusted his eating routine where he will eat 5 times a day, instead of every hour and a half. (he needed meals every hour and a half back before. he was so small and constantly active. he now will take some time to sit and read a book and he also takes some time to cuddle so we felt we were able to work with changing his eating routine) now that we are establishing a consistent eating routine, with meals spaced out more so he could experience a feeling of hunger and the ability to feel fulfilled with food, it has already greatly helped his napping routine. he now sharing a bedroom with his sister, which brings us to</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2. getting mama a healthy block of sleep. transiting my son out of our bed and into his crib was a very hard decision. i had too many people that love the both of us urging me to do this and ultimately i decided that this was the best decision for our family. i slept on the floor many nights and watched the sun rise, but this is getting better </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">3. cooking without milk protein and eggs. (eggs is something that we will try in his diet in the future. my daughter was allergic to egg until she outgrew it at 3 years of age, so this is why he has been egg free) </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div>christine ~ ourdayourjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01066999830545686595noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753392402213829448.post-10243346933408112422010-06-27T10:00:00.427-04:002011-01-19T19:40:28.016-05:00new waldorf kindergarten resources<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">:: there are a few books that i use and reference quite frequently. first and foremost is the book, you are your child's first teacher by rahima dancy. i find myself going back and re-reading chapters time and time again. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">i am finding simplicity parenting by kim john payne to be very useful. i am still reading it and have already utilized the book in simplifying my daughter's bedroom. i have started working on small sections around the house and we are doing our second round of simplifying the kids' bedroom and going through the bookshelf, which we did not get a chance to go through yet. kim john payne spoke on <a href="http://thewaldorfconnection.com/">the waldorf connection</a>. i jotted down some notes that i am hoping to post soon.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">a real treasure is, a child's seasonal treasury by betty jones, which is out-of-print (the first part of the book could be <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=2iZPEg4b4UAC&printsec=frontcover&dq=childs+seasonal+treasury&ei=v01XStjePIWyNvm_rY0H#v=onepage&q&f=false">found</a> on google books. it would be wonderful to copy as much as you could) i am still introducing new ideas from this book and i have used it for years now. the book includes verses, poems, movements, fingerplays, games, activities, handwork, baking and cooking for each season. it also is a great introduction to mornings, mealtimes, cleaning up, evening verses, with roughly 2 verses for each. the treasury also contains the birthday anticipation verse as well as a number and alphabet verse that could be used for a first grade resource.<br />
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another great book that i can not say enough about is earthways, by carol petrash. the book includes seasonal activities and crafts and seasonal nature table ideas. it also offers valuable earth-friendly tips and ways to create a natural indoor and outdoor play space. there is also a tremendous resource section in the back of the book, included seasonal book recommendations. it is also on google <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=twW78Z5iXKQC&printsec=frontcover&dq=earthways&hl=en&ei=WVYnTIvYJoWClAejg-2zAg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCwQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false">books</a> and you could definitely use the index to plan your projects. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">for songs, there are nursery rhymes, folk songs and a series of songbooks that i really love is from <a href="http://www.naturallyyoucansing.com/books/">naturally you could sing</a> that i would recommend. the song books from naturally you could sing include a cd, which really helps if you do not know how to read music. we own sing a song of the seasons and i have used it for years, with movement and fingerplays in circle time or on our car rides. their website includes a list of contents for each of the songbooks, including this is the way we wash-a-day, sing a song with baby, lavender's blue dilly dilly, and the wonder of lullabies. i discovered some new lullabies that i really enjoy singing, as well.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">for verses, i really like seven times the sun by shea darian, is a wonderful resources, which provides verses and songs for morning, mealtime, play, work, quiet, healing, bedtime, family time, personal renewal and peacemaking. there are a section of family rituals, a passageway for parents and book recommendations for each chapter. there are a few songs that i use all the time and really never would have thought to use at these times because i never really experienced someone singing at these times, in particularly for healing and quiet times.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>quiet moments </b> by shea darian</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">quiet as the wings of a butterfly</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">quiet as the gentle falling snow</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">quiet as the light of a firefly</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">quiet as a seed starts to grow</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">quiet as the clouds that are drifting by</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">quiet as the rocks by the sea</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">quiet as the mist cross a country road</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">quiet as the wind in the trees</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>loving arms</b> by shea darian </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">loving arms that hold you</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">loving hands that care</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">loving eyes that see your pain</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">guide you back to health again</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">loving arms that hold you</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">loving arms that care</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">another series which is great for verses is the wynstones series, which i see cited all the time. we have gateways. along with verses and songs for morning, evening and birthdays, gateways also has a section of fairy tales that are shorter in length. at this time, i can not remember anything so i do use index cards (or cards from our watercolor paintings) or sometimes i only have short amounts of time, which makes this there fairy tale section a great resource for puppet shows.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">for stories, of course, a grimm's fairy tales is an essential going into the first grade. we also have a tasha tudor's fairy tales, which has some abbreviated tales that might work well. an enormous resource for FREE stories could be found at <a href="http://www.mainlesson.com/displaystoriesbytitle.php">www.mainlesson.com</a>. 10397 stories to be exact. WOW. you can <a href="http://www.mainlesson.com/">search</a> the site by authors, books, stories and curriculum. here is the <a href="http://www.mainlesson.com/main/displayarticle.php?article=k_books">waldorf kindergarten book list</a>.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">i have a relatively young journey into waldorf and i have discovered <a href="http://theparentingpassageway.com/">the parenting passageway</a> to be so resourceful. carrie is well versed in waldorf, homeschooling and shares valuable parenting information and book reviews. i am really enjoying the new energy that her postings are bringing me, i have so many postings bookmarked. you could spend hours over there. carrie has a bunch regarding resources, that you might find helpful:</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://theparentingpassageway.com/2010/02/09/which-early-years-book-should-i-buy/">which early years book should i buy?</a><br />
<a href="http://theparentingpassageway.com/2010/03/20/fairy-tales-books-and-storytelling-with-the-little-ones/">fairy tales, books and storytelling with little ones </a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://theparentingpassageway.com/2009/03/10/resources-for-the-waldorf-kindergarten-years/">resources for the waldorf kindergarden years</a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://theparentingpassageway.com/2009/12/17/favorite-waldorf-resource-1-joyful-movement/">favorite waldorf resource guide #1: joyful movement</a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://theparentingpassageway.com/2009/12/26/favorite-waldorf-resource-2-simplicity-parenting-using-the-extraordinary-power-of-less-to-raise-calmer-happier-and-more-secure-kids-by-kim-john-payne-and-lisa-ross/">favorite waldorf resource guide #2: simplicity parenting by kim john payne and lisa ross</a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://theparentingpassageway.com/2009/12/28/favorite-waldorf-resource-3-for-inner-work-as-a-parent-melisa-nielsens-be-a-beacon-program/">favorite waldorf resource guide #3: melisa nielsen's be a beacon program</a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://theparentingpassageway.com/2009/12/29/favorite-waldorf-resource-4-the-files-of-marsha-johnsons-yahoo-group/">favorite waldorf resource guide #4: the files of marsha johnson's yahoo group</a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://theparentingpassageway.com/2009/12/29/favorite-waldorf-resource-5-three-resources-to-help-you-get-more-movement-into-your-homeschool/">favorite waldorf resource guide #5: get more movement in your homeschooling</a></div><a href="http://www.movementforchildhood.com/index.htm" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">www.movementforchildhood.com </a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">, </span><a href="http://www.healingeducation.org/resources.htm" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">www.healingeducation.org</a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> , and the book, Movement Journeys and Circle Adventures by Nancy Blanning and Laurie Clark </span><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://theparentingpassageway.com/2009/08/26/book-review-a-lifetime-of-joy-a-collection-of-circle-games-finger-games-songs-verses-and-plays-for-puppets-and-marionettes/">review of a lifetime of joy</a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
if you are like me, this is something new to me. there can be a lot that i feel i need to research and i could spend hours searching the web to find more information. it can be overwhelming trying to choose the right thing. but, i have learned that it just is about doing and being with my children, baking with them, cleaning with them, singing with them, being in nature with them, creating joyful moments with them and making connections. slowing down, taking time and nurturing relationships by giving, receiving and responding with love, warmth and truth. rhythm is also key, i am working at re-establish it here because i have experienced the harmony that rhythm brings.<br />
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marsh johnson, of waldorfhomeeducators@yahoogroups.com, can put you at easy with her words. she writes the following...<br />
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<b><i> </i></b><br />
<b></b><i><b>Playing, helping, resting, imagining, thinking, painting, modeling, <br />
experimenting with blocks, logs, string, trees, mud, wind, cooking, <br />
eating, sharing, giggling heaps of preschoolers in a rainbow house, <br />
planting and gardening, sewing, fingerknitting, listening, singing, <br />
playing with bubbles and learning to cut with scissors and use glue, <br />
and sitting on a warm human lap…….hearing the stories, hearing <br />
the words, creating the images inside those adorable curly and stick <br />
straight haired heads………..this is the intellectual development <br />
of the human child in the best sense of the word: addressing all the <br />
aspects, the head, the heart, and the hands.</b></i><br />
<br />
<b><i>At home, you can accomplish this so much more easily, in a sense, <br />
because YOU are the creator of your world. Your home, your schedule, <br />
your possessions, your choices, your stories, your food, your tone of <br />
voice, your joy and creativity, you are the queens and kings of your <br />
child’s universe, the King Peter and Queen Susan and Aslan all rolled <br />
into one! In a sense, you are the suns of your galaxes, and your <br />
children dance around you in their own ellipses…as such, you can <br />
select and create elements that will shine on all of us….now and in <br />
the future times. </i></b><br />
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<b></b> <br />
are there any resources that you love or find helpful? please share<br />
<b></b> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div>christine ~ ourdayourjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01066999830545686595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753392402213829448.post-15064806468365161872010-06-26T22:27:00.001-04:002010-06-27T21:11:22.316-04:00summer solstice wet felted doily<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCanBTjrSlI/AAAAAAAAEgY/YGqoKGtdc7c/s1600/summersolsticesundoilie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCanBTjrSlI/AAAAAAAAEgY/YGqoKGtdc7c/s400/summersolsticesundoilie.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCamj9IaeyI/AAAAAAAAEgA/tmKXeg6bAxE/s1600/vincewoolsun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCamj9IaeyI/AAAAAAAAEgA/tmKXeg6bAxE/s400/vincewoolsun.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCamq2f08fI/AAAAAAAAEgI/DNfu6v31z00/s1600/summersolsticesun1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCamq2f08fI/AAAAAAAAEgI/DNfu6v31z00/s400/summersolsticesun1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCamwh2T6kI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/PX90FY1RNzA/s1600/summersolsticesun2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCamwh2T6kI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/PX90FY1RNzA/s400/summersolsticesun2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">:: we made our doily using the wet felting process. <a href="http://ourdayourjourney.blogspot.com/2010/06/moments-from-our-summer-solstice.html">here</a> are some instructions on making it, from the other day. as the piece became firm, we were able to add some details to it. we added details to each side individually, using a small amount of fairy sprinkles:) and gently rolled in the beginning. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">adding detail to each side gives you two different looks and our doily could even be hung on a wall or used on our nature table. smaller ones would be great for coasters. wet felting is pretty fun and i really like the end result.i am still getting the hang of it and used to the process. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">have you tried wet felting? if so, what have you made? i'd like to try something new</span><br />
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</span>christine ~ ourdayourjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01066999830545686595noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753392402213829448.post-15898880420480702262010-06-24T23:58:00.004-04:002010-06-27T20:53:57.100-04:00moments from our summer solstice<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCQfOSHv_CI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/YH14mzYmTdg/s1600/summersolstice2010.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCQfOSHv_CI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/YH14mzYmTdg/s400/summersolstice2010.3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCQqE2G_YKI/AAAAAAAAEf4/zEuh8kdhXSA/s1600/summersolsticeflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCQqE2G_YKI/AAAAAAAAEf4/zEuh8kdhXSA/s400/summersolsticeflowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>:: magical floating flowers from all year round and a silk streamer i made for my little one. i also made up a little sun decoration the same way i did for <a href="http://rhythmofthehome.com/summer-2010/birthday-ring/">rhythm of the home</a>. our paper flowers flattened as soon as we placed them into the water, as i ventured off the directions. (i thought the beeswax would allow them to keep their cupped shape, but they did not) they were lovely for breakfast.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCQeC4Q-hnI/AAAAAAAAEe4/XEMEAUdGfFo/s1600/summersolsticebasket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCQeC4Q-hnI/AAAAAAAAEe4/XEMEAUdGfFo/s400/summersolsticebasket.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>:: a fairy basket filled with treasures i found around the house.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCQe3BRf8GI/AAAAAAAAEfI/3JGW3yZsPXI/s1600/vincerainbows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCQe3BRf8GI/AAAAAAAAEfI/3JGW3yZsPXI/s400/vincerainbows.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCfxFZvLc5I/AAAAAAAAEgg/BovjcSqR5wE/s1600/vincerainbows2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCfxFZvLc5I/AAAAAAAAEgg/BovjcSqR5wE/s400/vincerainbows2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
:: the little guy discovering some rainbows from our sun catcher just before he went down for his nap. my daughter was so happy celebrating and asked about a treasure hunt. how could i say no. so, i quickly came up with a handful of clues, which took her on an adventure about the house and the yard. during the treasure hunt we enjoyed some orange tea, searched our gardens for newly blooming flowers and read a seasonal book out on our swing. the last clue brought her to a basket of golden hued roving for a wet felting project ~ a sun doily. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCQVwsPD0bI/AAAAAAAAEeQ/4rArWlb6HK4/s1600/summersolstice2010makingsun1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCQVwsPD0bI/AAAAAAAAEeQ/4rArWlb6HK4/s400/summersolstice2010makingsun1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>:: we started by laying out short pieces of wool roving to create a circular shape on bubble wrap. the pieces were fluffed apart and put down in thin layers, alternating the direction of the wool. to create depth used a bunch of different colors in the same colorway. we used yellow, golden yellow, pale yellow, tangerine, and pumpkin. we then we added some fairy sprinkles of soapy, warm water before we tightly rolled up the wrap.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCQVp3bAGjI/AAAAAAAAEeI/MsadGzBImlU/s1600/summersolstice2010makingsun2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCQVp3bAGjI/AAAAAAAAEeI/MsadGzBImlU/s400/summersolstice2010makingsun2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> ::it was gently rolled on the ground then unrolled to add more fairy sprinkles. then we wrapped up the bubble wrap in the opposite direction and repeated the process a bunch of times. i completed the last few rolls with piping hot, soapy water which really felted up the edge. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCQWVRihJ9I/AAAAAAAAEeY/0CLVD2ULkzU/s1600/summersolstice2010oj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCQWVRihJ9I/AAAAAAAAEeY/0CLVD2ULkzU/s400/summersolstice2010oj.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">:: zesting and juicing some oranges for our tea and muffins</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCQVlaMioqI/AAAAAAAAEeA/jUUmmcJxVyE/s1600/summersolstice2010orangetea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCQVlaMioqI/AAAAAAAAEeA/jUUmmcJxVyE/s400/summersolstice2010orangetea.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCQoxVf4NbI/AAAAAAAAEfY/okWB_OEpktY/s1600/june2010perennial1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCQoxVf4NbI/AAAAAAAAEfY/okWB_OEpktY/s400/june2010perennial1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCQo5o5wYVI/AAAAAAAAEfg/Z5n0WtSuhcA/s1600/june2010perennial3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCQo5o5wYVI/AAAAAAAAEfg/Z5n0WtSuhcA/s400/june2010perennial3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCQo_NbLD8I/AAAAAAAAEfo/CGhagODFTTA/s1600/june2010perennial4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCQo_NbLD8I/AAAAAAAAEfo/CGhagODFTTA/s400/june2010perennial4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
my little one also loved this verse from a little verse from a child's seasonal treasury. </div><b>sunshine fairies</b> by betty jones</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">we are the sunshine fairies</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">and with our sparks of light</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">we shimmer and glimmer in the air</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">hugging flower with colors bright</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
hope you having a beautiful solstice. we have a few more pictures of our sun doilie that i'll show you later. please stop by <a href="http://wonderment.typepad.com/moments-of-wonder/">wonderment</a> (my new community space) to share stories and pictures about your summer solstice celebration.<br />
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</div>christine ~ ourdayourjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01066999830545686595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753392402213829448.post-76946292151213003332010-06-21T21:48:00.000-04:002010-06-21T21:48:47.547-04:00happy solstice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCAV5Qpp7bI/AAAAAAAAEdw/MTvdQdNcKNc/s1600/summersolsticebasketwool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TCAV5Qpp7bI/AAAAAAAAEdw/MTvdQdNcKNc/s320/summersolsticebasketwool.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">:: happy summer solstice. </div>christine ~ ourdayourjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01066999830545686595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753392402213829448.post-2560155220523839622010-06-19T18:58:00.002-04:002010-06-19T20:53:28.337-04:00ideas for planning your summer solstice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TB1LODMsTqI/AAAAAAAAEdg/kEXtdVLsCEA/s1600/summersolstice2010.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_85lijLlNMh0/TB1LODMsTqI/AAAAAAAAEdg/kEXtdVLsCEA/s320/summersolstice2010.1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">please join me over at <a href="http://wonderment.typepad.com/moments-of-wonder/">wonderment</a> to discuss and share ideas in <a href="http://wonderment.typepad.com/moments-of-wonder/2010/06/planning-for-the-summer-solstice.html">planning your summer solstice</a> celebration. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://wonderment.typepad.com/moments-of-wonder/">wonderment</a> is a space that i created for capturing childhood moments of magic and joy. i hope that we could share and exchange ideas, stories, inspirations and moments of wonderment that bring us to look at the world in a different way ~ through the eyes of our children.<br />
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connect. share. inspire moments of magic and joy. visit <a href="http://wonderment.typepad.com/moments-of-wonder/">wonderment </a><br />
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</div>christine ~ ourdayourjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01066999830545686595noreply@blogger.com1