You Are My Sunshine

 Dedicated to my family. I have been truly blessed! You all know who you are :)

And you don't know how blessed you are that I'm not long-winded.
I can honestly say I Know some writers :)

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Te"X"as Tea

The object of the song The Ballad of Jed Clampett, is the oil they find, the Texas Tea, that made them millionaires. And so the tv show went on for several seasons in their mansion in Beverly Hills.

But what is your Texas Tea? To children it's "sugar". Make no bones about it, sugar makes the world go round when you are a child. Think fairs and bazaars. Snow cones, cotton candy, ice cream, funnel cakes, taffy, and much more.

My Child Care Food Program is regulated by the USDA and they are updating their regs for meals and snacks. One of their biggies is "sugar". We will be limited, once approved, on the kinds of sweets available to children. There are many pros and cons about this and I am sure I could make a major debate on the topic. But I prefer to find solutions for myself and my little precious charges because the changes are most definitely coming. Here are some options I will be putting "On the Table" instead of "cake-type sweet items" as their laws will Xclaim.

Instead of Donuts, I will be topping off my biscuits with some fresh berries and a dab of Cool Whip.

No Poptarts anymore. Instead we'll be making some toast and strawberry preserve sammies in my Panini press. YUmmO!

Can't have Cookies? How about Graham Crackers topped with Pineapple Cream Cheese? We can use raisins, craisins, banana slices or grapes to decorate.

For partytime, I'm going to let them make their own Yogurt parfaits. Each layer will have different colored fruits and we'll use some of my Auction finds, ice cream glasses.

Brownies eliminated? No problem. We're serving up Muddy Buddies. Chocolate Chex mix has "Whole Grain Rice" as its first ingredient. So There!!

I need to make sure I note that the changes on sweet items is not yet in effect. But where the children are concerned, I will find ways to 'sweeten' their day:)

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What Child is This?

What child wants.......

• to Share---Set a timer so that when it beeps the toy can go to someone new for awhile and then back again.
• to Wash hands---I buy foamy soap to "smash" it.
• to Go Potty----especially in the middle of play. I am guilty. I bribe with stickers that have "special powers stuck to them". It keeps with the dramatic play they're involved in.
• to Eat their vegies---Puree them an add to the spaghetti sauce. It's ok to be sly.
• or tell them it makes their hair grow fast if they like getting hair cuts :)
• to Be Quiet just because the baby is asleep---Pretend to be quiet so the bear can't hear you in his cave
• to Take a Nap---Whe we wake up, it's time to do a "special" activity. And keep that promise.
• To Sit Still--- During storytime, involve them with asking them to find and touch an item on each page, like "I Spy".

Any helpful hints for children? I'm all ears!

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Vows

This is the one letter that gave me trouble. Everyone has theirs and this was mine (this year). So lets get on with it.

List of Kinds of Vows:

1.  Wedding vows
2. Divine vows
3. Monastic vows
4. Presidential vows  **I could have went on and on with this topic but I'm really not into disputes**
5. Congressional vows  **same as above**
6. Vows to pledge honor  to your country  #OOH RAH! to my Marine Vet husband#
7. Vows of revenge  **I do NoT Recommend**
8. Vows of declaration  (ex. "Well, I vow it is as fine a boy as ever was seen!" Henry Fielding)
9. Personal vows **to finish this blog challenge**

So just throwing out there that I am feeling "Venerated" (feeling of awe). Definitely Valuing each and every Visit and comment of you Virtuous people who I'm priviledged to meet on this Virtual space.

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Unchained Melody

Unchained may be the title of that song, but in my home, we definitely have chain reactions. No "Un" about it.
There's the time my daughter decided to adopt 2 puppies. Let me explain the problem with my chain reaction thought process.

We have #1. no fence as we've been "Under Construction" since last June.
#2. The back yard is still a mud pit.
#3. I am not going to be the one to go around the yard picking up land mines.
#4 Because, Mom's you know, it's always us in the end.
#5. I don't need a vet bill, much less a Double vet bill.

So, after a stressful year of construction, I honestly needed to take the time this year to bury myself in this song, "Unchained Melody" to bring myself some calm. This song was hard. It required intense concentration and time. But I'm pretty dog-gone (pardon the pun) proud I accomplished it.

To finish the story of the puppies, we were able to find a home for them and keep them together. A chain of hope ended this saga.

And Note to my daughter:  Once you have a home of your very own and decide to have pets, I will be more than happy to house sit your pets (just no snakes please).

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Silly Bill

My dad was Bill. Not silly by any means, but always welcomed wherever he went. Talk about big shoes to fill.
Simply put, I. Was. Shy.
And things kept me from growing out of that stage as time progressed.

One of the biggest was my constant knee injuries. Everyone had a cure for me other than actual surgery. The suggestion I got from all experts was doing those "fabulous" leg lift exercises. We used items from canned vegies to sand bag weights. Ug. Still hate them and still suggested by my doctors when the legs give me trouble. Finally had my first surgery at age 24. My first knee dislocation was at age 9. You do the math if ya want.

After the knee issue came the silver caps on my two top front teeth. Yep, right there front and center. I was playing tag in our school gym and met up with a brick wall, my teeth being the center point of gravity. They did not survive, naturally. So for a few years, I was blessed with those shiny, obnoxious, dreaded caps. I rarely smiled for photos and limited my talking to strangers. I wonder how many polaroids exist of m silver teeth? I bet not one.

So since becoming a childcare provider, the one thing I have always been partial to is the shy kids, the ones with delays, just waiting for the skies to open up.

To young mothers out there, I'd like to tell you to let your children be the wall flowers, but take them to the social events. Give them a hobby they can excel in. Never shame them. Be a role model.

Yes, my dad was awesome! Thanks Bill Randall!

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Question: Shall We Gather at the River?

My favorite activity to do with my daycare children is "Conversation Starters". There are good reasons to try this activity, even at home with your own children. First of all they love to talk. Second, it's so good for their self confidence, language development, social skills, and so so much more. I ask them a question and they answer while I dictate their answers. They'll make sure I get it all written down too. I hear, "Did you get that part?" So adorable. Parents get to see the conversations too since I post them on a large sheet of paper beside the coats. Smiles abound! And who couldn't use a smile after a long day at work?!

Things happen when we engage children like this. Curiosity is unlocked and they take an active part and become more involved with others. In other words, the little shy kid gets to shine :)

If you have time, check out my daycare blog to see one of our conversation starters from November.

Special thanks to Osage Plains Images for permission to use photos in the slideshow. Please take time to see his Facebook page Here


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Power in the Blood

Power in physics equals the rate of doing work. So while I think I do pretty good "powerful" work in my day job, there are many areas I lack "power". Here's a couple for sure:

• After 3 knee surgeries including one broken knee cap in the mix,

 I. Can't. Run.                            No Power there

• Pulling an all-nighter these days would be a Big FAIL.

On the positive side:

• Having enough power to do this A to Z challenge has been time-consuming, but do-able. Feeling some power as I made it this far for a 2nd year. Yay to me :)

•  I probably appear powerful to a child  when I can reach up high (even though I'm pretty short)
• And when a child runs to me for a hug, they feel powerful hugging as tight as they can.      Love that!!!

Most of the time we don't strive for power. We just use powerful means to help each other out. Like the times a family member or friend suffers health issues. Seeing and experiencing these hold us powerless many times (we initially think.) But what we learn is that by encouraging them and doing our part, we give them comfort, hope and time to regain their own Power.

 

Yep, another Bible Verse:

Isaiah 40:31

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.     

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Church in the Wildwood

Happy Good Friday!
Pettis County, Missouri has plenty of country churches. In a recent Sunday drive, I chose three along the southern portion of the county to photograph. I love listening to the old hymns the most and in the little backwoods churches is where you're most likely to hear them. If you're ever near here, step inside and listen. You'll be warmly welcomed.
 I hope you'll enjoy this little journey.




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No No Nook

I recently purchased a tablet for Nook thanks to some Christmas $$ generosity. Very pleased  for the most part. But did you know it's beyond my knowledge on how to actually learn a new song when using said tablet. Reason being, you can't see the whole page at once and so you're  constantly starting and stopping.  And imagine for a minute the finger speed of a 5-string banjoist trying to accomplish some sort of good sound from this situation. Nook, you fail!  Miserably.

So please reconsider purchasing a music book for your *$#×! Nook. FYI when you print it on your printer, it's  the same 2 inch size as your tablet.
Not funny.

A Little Banjo Humor

Earlier this week I tried sharing this pic but it didn't work. so once again....

 

Preparing for my A to Z April Challenge as we speak.

But this time I'm using this blog. Hoping for user-friendly options with my audio. 

I've also lined up a good picture source or two. Thanks in advance to those who agreed as my pictures aren't as plentiful this year.

Now off to practice that banjo!
Link :A to Z Blog Challenge

Chocolate

Above you will see me beginning the unloading of Salt and Pepper Shakers. I have a post about my cabinet on this link. But that's not really what I'm talking about this time. Although the unpacking of the cabinet is tedious and time-consuming.

I'm on the 2nd shelf as of this writing and the excuse to write this post was much more enticing than finishing another shelf.

Mainly because Kirsten walked in with a plate of these cupcakes. I'm definitely taking a break now from the salt and pepper project.

Thanks Kirsten for the diversion.

I needed that!

 

Earl Scruggs & Steve Martin - Foggy Mountain Breakdown (Best

When I was 9 years old, my daddy took me downtown in Sedalia, Missouri to Ike Martin Music Company. We went in thinking about buying a guitar or violin. I saw a man playing a banjo and insisted that I wanted to have "one of those". Well, ya know it sure is hard being daddy's girl! Because I got my way. I wish I could tell you that the man playing was Earl, but sorry, can't. But I can tell you that he was playing "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" and I was totally hooked. I hope my little blog post on "Brother Earl" is enjoyable to my readers. For me it's a small personal tribute and I thank you, Earl, for your contribution, inspiration and for being my hero!!

Trophy This Weekend

Kirsten won a trophy playing her mandolin Saturday in St. Louis at the M.A.M.A (Mid-America Music Association)music festival located at the Airport Marriott. She had to memorize 2 songs, play them in front of a judge and score average of 95 or above. We don't have her score sheet yet, but we know she won a trophy. We don't have a trophy yet either because they ran out of them in her category. But we'll post a pic of it as soon as she has one in her possession. When she completed her songs, she came out of the room & told us the judge asked her to repeat her last song. She couldn't understand why. I told her that he wanted to hear her play that "bluegrass" of course!!! I also told her that all the years I competed, no judge ever asked me to repeat a song. She beamed. Me too :)

 Kirsten with my 'musical mother' Ruth Bockelman. She's taught countless people of all ages to play guitar, banjo, steel guitar, violin, mandolin, accordian & who knows what else. I am priviledged to say she has taught a second generation in our family to play music. She's a blessing to us all.

After the contest, Ron showed us a little place in Old Downtown St. Charles, Mo, Lewis and Clark's. We had lunch there. The food is wonderful! So is the atmosphere.

This is the front door. They serve on all 3 floors.

We're thinking St. Charles has senior pic potential.