Moms Inspire Learning

Can a strength and a weakness be the same thing?

In my case, yes. If you've been reading this blog for a while, you've probably spotted what "it" is.

Do We Need to Redefine Self-Esteem?

"Self-esteem, as defined by our culture, is a myth." ~Terry Diebold, Marriage and Family Therapist, Presbyterian Minister, speaker, and author of The Myth of Self Esteem - 50 Ways to Stop Sabotaging Yourself

That's a pretty bold statement in this self-esteem obsessed world of ours, isn't it?

I must say, I have always wondered what all the hoopla was over it, though. I mean, really, is there a person out there who feels positive about everything about themselves every minute of every single day?

Adding a Splash of Color to the Learning Process

 I don't accept review requests very often; but when Barbara Esham asked me to review 4 picture books in The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses series, I didn't have to think twice. They're right up my alley, and a much needed addition to the world of children's literature.

Normally, I'm not interested in books that clearly set out to teach something, but somehow these are different. Children will be able to see themselves in, and learn along with, each of the main characters. Katie, David, Stacey, and Max all start with a black and white view of intelligence, and end up with a much more colorful one.

How many of us, as adults, still see light in our strengths and darkness in our weaknesses? How many have them all in such a gray area that they can't see them at all?

Strengths and Weaknesses: We all have them!

So, why do so many of us examine our weaknesses through a magnifying glass? It would make sense that such a tendency would relate to events or conversations that happened when we were children.

A Quote to Start the Year

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

What will these words mean for you in 2012?

Happy New Year!

Thinking Outside the Box this Holiday Season, Part 2

You've probably been running around trying to finish your holiday shopping the past few weeks. I'm not even done yet! It seems to get harder every year, knowing what the perfect gift is for each person.

And yet, we give so many gifts every day that we don't think about! That random hug, a phone call to someone who may not be feeling her best, a handwritten note of encouragement or cheer, or even just a passing smile. All these things are gifts because they very well could help turn around someone else's day.

Thinking Outside the Box this Holiday Season

"Give away that which you most wish to receive." ~quoted from The Leader Who Had No Title: A Modern Fable on Real Success in Business and in Life, by Robin Sharma

Please take a moment to think about what these words might mean to you.

From my Son to Yours: Books that Pull Teens In

My 13 year old goes through cycles. Sometimes he barely reads at all, and sometimes he can't put a book down. Since he started middle school, so many things are now competing for his time and attention. And let's face it, books aren't exactly what boys talk about at the lunch table.

A Very Cranberry Thanksgiving to You!

What would Thanksgiving be without the cranberry sauce? Whether you serve it out of a can or make your own homemade version with fresh cranberries, the holiday would not be complete without it.

If you have small children, why not buy a bag of fresh, organic cranberries and encourage them to get creative and make designs out of them? You can bring in the math by having them count a random bunch (how many fit in mom's handful as opposed to the child's handful?), or arrange them in groups of 5 or 10 and have them skip count. Or, they can just make faces or animal designs with them.

Did you notice that when you cut them in half, they look like they have flower petals or four leaf clovers in them? If you ask a child what he thinks a berry looks like on the inside, he'll be fascinated when you actually cut it open. What a way to spark curiosity, which might even get him to try that homemade cranberry sauce. Actually, he might even want to help you make it!

And here's a little secret: cranberry water is a refreshing substitute for the dreaded soda. So, if you or your family members are trying to kick that habit once and for all, now's the perfect time to start. All you have to do is cut some cranberries in half and let your child count out some to place in a water glass. Before you do, though, ask them if they think the berries will sink or float. It could spark a science experiment relating to buoyancy, using all different kinds of objects! An added plus is it would keep them busy while you take care of some things on your own.

Doesn't that look beautiful? You might find yourself making a whole, glass pitcher of it for your Thanksgiving table. Just be sure to let the water sit for a couple of hours before you drink it, so it soaks up a subtle cranberry flavor.

Who knows, this activity could spark a whole new, healthier way of drinking! Lemon water is wonderful too (no sugar needed), and looks pretty. Just make sure you buy organic lemons so you can place the peels in the water without worrying about lacing it with chemicals. And once again, all kinds of science experiments can come out of this...even cucumber water is delicious!

I wish you a safe, healthy, and happy Thanksgiving to my US readers, and a wonderful start to the holiday season for everyone else around the world!

Cheers to your health.

Thank you so much for reading my blog. 

Open 2 Books: Turnips for Thanksgiving!

Freshly picked, organic kohlrabi and turnip. Delicious!

For as long as I can remember, I've always eaten turnips on Thanksgiving. My grandmother started the tradition, and surprisingly, my mother has not continued it.

I have.

For me, not having turnips on Thanksgiving would be like not having turkey. The same goes for the carrot raisin salad my grandmother used to make, and also her apple pie. Hers was the BEST. That tradition, my mother does continue.

Her mincemeat pie, not so much.

Thank goodness for that.