EAT MUFFINS FOR FUN

Some foods are fun to eat. Muffins-better than a donut but not as good as whole wheat toast- are a quick breakfast or road trip food. Now with blueberries and cranberries in some, some fruit can be eaten. Yes I know there is sugar and fat in the muffins but some carbs are needed in a day for energy. One of my favourites are the mini banana muffins I make for the grandchildrn. Use up the old bananas as well as getting a fruit into them!! But do the chocolate chip ones count as healthy? Hum-we all know chocolate is a food group!!

DO WE NEED MORE THAN A HEALTHY BREAKFAST TO START OUR DAY?

We are told a breakfast gives us a healthy start to the day. We need the food to give us energy. But are there other things that we need. Can starting with a prayer of thanks be mindful? Can conversing positively with a loved one give a sense of belonging? With little children around there are often hugs and kisses- giving us the much needed touch factor. Adults all need some touch too. Look at the elderly in care centers and visiting pets that allow touch. The start of a day brings a renewed sense of another day to live on this earth. I have a bathroom that faces east and the sunrises are beautiful. Often I find myself there giving a prayer of thanks and think about the day ahead. Are there routines you have to help you get your day started with good energy? Of course that first jolt of caffeine helps. Adolph usually brings me a coffee most days. It is a sweet gesture of caring that warms my heart! Is there a purpose to your day? I find I need a purpose- work, play, routines, hobbies- whatever it will be! Why do I want to get up in the morning? It does not have to be over the top events. Just good ordinary living with the people I love! Can I in my ordinary day help others to find a purpose too! Oh yes-trying to post something on my blog every day even if it is not extraordinary gives me some purpose. It keeps me disciplined to write. To find something to write about in a creative way. To find opportunities to take photos. Can reaching out to others that may be going through a difficult time give purpose too. Another day-another chance to be!    

NANA SAYS THE MORNING RUSH HOUR IS TOUGH

It does not mean the drive to work. As soon as a parent's feet hit the floor, there is the rush to get ready for work, breakfast, get the children ready and out the door on time. If there is bad weather, the pressure and worry, the ride to school and work can be delayed. To stay focused and calm takes lots of patience. Children sometimes want to sleep longer. Sometimes parents want to sleep longer. There can be the whining- " I can't find ........." Organization helps. Getting as many things ready the night previously and stationed by the door allows for saving time. Lunches made. Breakfast planned or snack food- a banana works- given to everyone as they leave to eat in the car. Of course, patience to allow a little mess in the car! Most day cares give the children a breakfast item on arrival. For older children, an item in their lunch box that can be eaten for breakfast or recess snack helps since many older children won't eat a prepared breakfast. Adults work out the breakfast thing for yourself! It takes strength not to yell and become impatience with the whole affair. It is a busy, stressful time but using some fun ideas too- work. Who can be ready first? Make a game of some activities. Keep score so at the end of the week-there is a weekly winner. Of course, trying to keep children relaxed in any drive helps the driver stay calm. Allow time for some morning hugs and snuggles! Especially with little children-time in a parent's arms means more than all the cleaning before leaving the house! Couples a hug or two and the kiss goodbye help to set the emotional tone of the day! Single parents do use other supports in your life to help with the day! Oh the morning rush hour- remember Saturday morning is coming soon!!