Liebster Award

Thank you to Wendy at A Daily Dose of Del Signore for this blog award.  It's a nice way to get acquainted with other bloggers, so go check out her site!


The rules, should you be nominated:

1. If you were nominated, post 11 things about yourselves.
2. Then answer the 11 questions the person who nominated you created.
3. Create 11 more questions to ask the bloggers you decided to nominate.
4. Choose 11 bloggers to nominate with less than 300 followers.
5. Make sure and let these people know you nominated them! No tag backs, so don't nominate someone who nominated you.

11 things about myself: 

1.  I was named after a country-singing, braid-wearing, original Mouseketeer:  Darlene.  Dee is my nickname.

2.  I received a D in 7th grade algebra, because I spent the entire year staring at the back of the head of a boy I had a crush on instead of listening to the teacher.  

3.  I am afraid of spiders and have a ritual of checking my ceiling, walls, blankets, sheets, and pillows each night before going to bed to make sure the coast is clear.  

4.  I am also afraid of wasps.

5.  I've been interested in the environment and buying organic foods for the past 20 years, somewhere between the hippie movement of the 60's/70's and the current green awareness.

6. I used to write articles for our local parenting paper with topics like, Kid-Size Compost and My Favorite Day Trips -- Local Libraries.

7.  I was chubby/heavy my entire life until I lost 100 pounds in my 20's and lived life for a few years as a thin person.  I regained the weight over the years, and it is much harder to lose pounds now.  

8.  I like movies and television set in different time periods, like Downton Abby and Mad Men.  Life seemed much simpler then.  

9.  I am obsessive about certain items/motifs, but try purposely not to collect them or would definitely become a hoarder.  These items are maps/globes, tins, birds, vintage stationery/paper/advertising/stamps.  

10.  When I was a child I dreamed of being a singer, until the fateful day my dream died when I heard my voice played back on a tape recorder.

11.  Writing this list was very personal, and the first time I've told anyone some of these things!


11 Questions for Wendy's Nominees:

1. What do you struggle with right now?

Losing weight at 50!


2. What's your favorite comfort food?

Ben & Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk Ice Cream

3. What can you do really well that's unusual?

It's not unusual, but I am a fast and accurate typist.  I went to secretarial school out of high school, before going to college for early childhood education.  I'm a terrible texter though, because I am used to using all my fingers to type on a regular keyboard!

4. What can you cook that everyone absolutely loves?

Apple Pie with Walnut Crumble Topping (modified from a Martha Stewart recipe)

5. What inspires you? 

Nature, Children, and the Creativity of Others

6. What do you see yourself doing in ten years?

Teaching young children



7. What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Just like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, we've had the power all along to do what it is we'd like to do.

8. What one word do you think describes you best?

Unique

9. What is your best feature?

Eyes (according to my husband)
 
10. What's your favorite time of the day and why?

Late afternoon to evening, because my energy/creativity is in full swing.

11. Where is your favorite vacation spot?

 Anywhere peaceful and coastal with sun and a water breeze






Questions for New England Nanny's nominees:

1. What was your original goal when starting your blog?  Has it changed?
 
2. What would you do with your life if money was of no concern?
 
3. Did your parents have any other names in mind when you were born?  What name would you have liked for yourself?
 
4. Do you collect anything?
 
5. Do you feel that life has taught you an important lesson?  If so, what is it?
 
6. Do you have any words of advice for a younger you?
 
7. What are your "spare time" hobbies?
 
8. Is there something you'd like to learn to do?
 
9. What is your favorite childhood book or movie and why?
 
10. Are you a cat person or a dog person? 
 
11. What is one thing you wish people knew about you?

 
I'm tagging some fellow blogger followers:

Kristen at Crafty Kris

Sharon at Sha the Nanny

Crystal at Wanna Be Balanced Mom 

Angel at Chasing Serenity

CJ at   Killing Superwoman

Judy at Coffee Jitters

Beth at Create Your Traditions  

Janette at Jan's Crafty Nest

Silvia  at Mama Latina Tips

RJ's Mama at My Baby RJ

Lindsay at Lindsay's Tea Party 

Rockin' Lullabies

 Rockin' Lullabies

 
After years of working with young children, there are just so many times I can listen to Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.  Recently while searching my library's statewide catalog for soothing music to play during mealtimes in my preschool classroom, I stumbled upon lullaby versions (instrumental) of music from Journey, Aerosmith, Queen, and the Beatles -- classic rock songs that I grew up with.

Somehow they've taken out the harsh drums and guitars and replaced them with gentle bells and other calming instruments, yet they retain the melody of the original.  I love them; the children love them; so it's a win-win.
 
I've gone back to the library catalog for more titles and found versions available for everyone from Green Day and Nirvana to Black Sabbath and Bjork!

You'll find all available titles at their website listed below, including sample tracks to listen to first. Remember to also check your library!

Rockabye Baby!

Potty Training Part I - Readiness

 I've trained my share of potty goers over the years and would like to share three important related facts to start:

1.  When children are ready, things will go much more smoothly, so timing is everything.

2.  Too early and frustration and battles of will ensue -- no one is happy and potty learning goes on too long.

3.  Too late and habits have formed that are difficult to break.  Potty training becomes a stressful race against the clock to be ready for preschool instead of a naturally occurring life event.

Montessori-based educators state the sensitive period for potty training is between 12 months and 18 months, which is right for some children.  Other experts say that the parent is the one being trained, as they are responsible for making sure the child sits on the potty at specified times of the day, but still it can be successful.

In my experience, 18 months to up to 2 1/2 years is the window of time that seems successful for most children.

In order to begin using the potty for bowel movements*, children need:

1.  An understanding of the language of their body parts and functions

2.  A predictable or regular schedule of bowel movements

3.  Practice in pulling pants (loose fitting and elastic waist) up and down themselves

4.  A parent or caregiver who is willing to dedicate a period of time to the initial learning process (at least one full week of consistency and routine if possible.  If not, a long 4-day weekend may get you started on the road to success).

This step is especially important as the child will need guidance, reminders, and positive reinforcement to achieve this huge developmental milestone!  This will mean missing story time at the library or other scheduled activities, but it will be worth it.

*Urination sensations can be more complex for children to understand.  The best indicator of physical readiness for urination is diaper dryness after a nap period.  A child may still need a daily diaper, pull-up, or training underwear for occasional wetness, but may use the potty for all bowel movements until he or she can control urination.   


Photo Credit: Dreamstime/Anitapatterson