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CUTE COOKIES AT DOUGH RAYE MI BAKERY



 Recently, I came across an old friend and neighbor on Facebook and discovered that she started her own cookie baking business, "Dough Raye Mi  Bakery."  The cookies are so delicious and so adorably decorated, I just had to share some of the picture with you.







If you  are interested in ordering some cookies for your next party or just for fun, you can contact Marsha at: mccarronc@bellsouth.net or check out some more of her great cookie masterpieces on Instagram at: doughrayemibakery

doughrayemibakery

LIFE AFTER A BRAIN TUMOR

Let me start out by saying what I always say, "that I am forever GRATEFUL!"  I repeat, I am eternally gratefully that I survived a brain tumor. That is no easy task.  As many of my readers know, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor (*meningioma) in November 2013.  I was fortunate to have been blessed with a benign diagnosis.  Nonetheless, life changed.  Not many people can see it because, my scar healed and my hair grew back, but it is the little things, one must live with that change you.

Everyone expects you to go on as life was before, but that becomes difficult when little by little you realize, you do not remember things so well anymore.  It is not the normal "oh I forgot where I put my keys this morning."  It is the "Oh, I forgot to pick up my child at the bus stop today" kind of things, or not remembering if I showered or ate or having to ask for help to spell the most basic words, because my brain can not momentarily remember.  I can only explain it in Spanish right now because you see, I can't come up with the phrase in English. The way I feel is "No cuadro los pensamientos."  Sorry - go to Google Translate -   I mean, yeah, sure, I can think and write, but my "agile" mind has slowed down a few notches and that sucks when you are still relatively "young!"

What really bothers me is not having the confidence to take on new tasks for fear of not remembering something or not be equipped to do my best.  It is having to stop and realize I have been in a "staring trance" for minutes because now my brain does that constantly.

Sure, these are things that aren't really a big deal.  Everyone forgets things, but when you are accustomed to "sharp" thinking and being accurate about things all the time, it is hard to live with doubt.

Recently, I went on a 2nd job interview and forgot that I had already met one of the people there and re-introduced myself.  Sounds silly, I know but it made me feel really stupid afterwards when the person said "oh we've met."

The only real comfort is knowing I am NOT alone!  Those of us out there who have had brain tumors removed, are forever grateful at surviving.  The outcome could have been much worse. Some people are worse off than others, some people go on with their lives and they are fine.  Some of us have real shitty days. (Sorry, I curse now more than ever...no filter.)

It is annoying to wake up on a perfectly sunny day with a big headache and a "mask" feeling over your face, knowing full well it will rain that day.   It sucks that my kids tell me things, and I don't remember sometimes having had a particular conversation with them, when before I definitely would have!  Like most moms, I want to participate in my children's school activities, but there are so many days I wake up feeling like a "mack truck" is literally on my face and head, that it just becomes depressing and I become a recluse.

It frustrates me to have more headaches than BEFORE my "M" but I keep trying to remind myself of how badly it could have gone. It is no fun to feel worse than before when everyone EXPECTS you to be "better."  On the outside "you look fine," they say.

Intellectually, I know what I have to do to get myself up and going, it's just the moments where I say, "Damn, I didn't feel this bad before my surgery. Why do I feel like this now?"

Luckily, I have learned and have become wiser with the challenges I have faced. This is where I am now and I will conquer the "bad days," especially for my children.

 I CAN DO IT! (as Louise Hay says.)  Sure, I will keep bitching and complaining, being a being a crabby bitch is part of my charm but in the whole scope of things, I see myself as very LUCKY!

No one wants a brain tumor, but I am lucky to have survived. We, (all of us who have survived) must find a way to fight the pain, go to the doctor and insist on help and try to live a more holistic life.

We have to adjust to the fact that our lives have a new reality.

We are all here for a reason and we are all MOMMY WARRIORS!  There is a group on one of the social networks that I am a part of, Meningioma Mommas that has been a life-saver and a sanity saver, for me. It helps  in knowing that I can vent and get advice from others on this topic.

If you are living with a brain tumor or struggling with the "after-life" of one, I wish you well!  You are not alone, there is life after a brain tumor, it is just a new reality!



* Ref.  
What is a Meningioma?

Benign

FREE CLIPART FOR SCHOOL PROJECTS

BACK TO SCHOOL MEANS PROJECT TIME! NOW GET FREE CLIPART BY CLIPARTLORD.COM

Back-To-School means projects, projects, projects! And we all know, the parents end up doing most of the work, especially with young kids, so when you can find graphics for FREE, wahoo!

This is just what every mom of an elementary school-aged child wants to hear! FREE!

Recently, I was helping my 2nd grader with an "All About Me" school project and I came across a great website that provides FREE clip art! CLIPARTLORD.COM



Some of the clip art on this site is quite unique and hard to come by on other clip art websites but the best part is that it is FREE!!

I took advantage and used a bunch of them to help my child with his project! Thank CLIPARTLORD.COM!

Visit their link and get your free clip art today! FREE CLIPART FROM CLIPARTLORD.COM
CLIPARTLORD.COM - FREE!

SUNDAY AT THE MUSEUM

The last time I posted about being alone with the kids I was not sure what we were going to do on our last day of the weekend.

We decided that we would venture to the local museum of discovery and science on Sunday afternoon.
.Museum Eco Discovery
As it turns out, my brother coincidentally had planned to go to the same museum with his kids and wife.  My kids were thrilled that not only they would be spending the day at the museum they love, but also with their favorite little cousins!

Museum SharkThe kids had a great time enjoying all of the wonderful exhibits and I loved it even more because I had coupons for FREE student admissions!  (I love when the kids’ school gives us those great end-of-the-year coupons for all of the local attractions.)
Luckily, for me, I remembered to use it this time!

We all enjoyed a Shark Exhibit for “Shark Week” and plenty of music provided by MUSE and the kids especially enjoyed watching the adorable otters in their habitat.
Museum otter

It turned out to be a great weekend with my little ones and they were not even phased about not being invited to the family wedding!  It worked out for everyone!



HAZEL WIDE AWAKE

Does your child hate to sleep at night? Always awake at all hours? I know that sounds crazy, but my kids are terrible sleepers and wake up at all hours on any given day.

When I saw this book, I fell in love with the story! Hazel Bedazzled!

It is about a little girl who hates to sleep and finds herself in trouble when her mom is too exhausted from lack of sleep to help her out!

HAZEL BEDAZZLED  Cute story with adorable illustrations!

FAMILY WEEKEND - SEPARATELY

So this is what our gorgeous older kids look like as they get ready for the wedding that my little ones were not allowed to go to, in Central Park. They all look gorgeous, as do the daughter-in-laws!


In the meantime, our adorable little grandson naps while he too, does not attend the wedding.

Back on the home front,  we are having a food fest back home! Friday night I had "date" night with the little peeps of the "Blat Pack." I took them out for sushi - our favorite!
Me & Drama Girl Blat

Me & HockeyMan Blat

And tonight, Saturday, it's quiet movie night with junk food!


We still have Sunday!

OBABIE - THE PLACE TO SHOP FOR MOM & BABY


Obabie-Website-Cover 
If you are a mother or mother-to-be or know one, OBABIE.COM is the perfect store to shop at.  The products sold, range from baby clothes and diaper bags, to clothes and accessories for women, including maternity.  Their products and clothing are made by local designers in the area of New York are quite affordable.   They allow mommies and babies to look good and feel good without breaking the bank.
Obabie

They have inventory for both mommy and child.  For example, unique items, such as cute ANIMAL PRINT RAINCOATS for children as well as adorable little hats for baby CUTE BABY HATS and comfortable, yet stylish clothes for the new mom MATERNITY SHIRT.

Check out OBABIE.COM today! It is the perfect place to get adorable things for your baby, while still allowing YOU to shop for stylish and affordable clothing.
Cute Korean design Maternity shirt



TRYING TO FIND THE "PERFECT" DOG

My quest to find the "perfect" dog for my family continues!  I really do not want a dog but I know it is not fair to deny my family the joy of having a pet, at least once in their lives. Well, at least under my roof!

The dogs I love are all huge:  Doberman, German Sheperd, Rottweiler and so on... As one of my best friends pointed out to me, it would be incredibly expensive and messy to have such a huge dog, although I still believe they would be great guard dogs!

I have narrowed my search down to a few reasonable favorites, with this one leading the "pack!"

The Havanese

Havanese breed info,Pictures,Characteristics,Hypoallergenic:Yes

BLACK TEARS

No food, no freedom, no real life, but no matter how miserable life is in a poor country, music always brings happiness to it's people, especially a Caribbean country. It' in the blood!

I love the smile the music brings to this lady as they sing this heart-felt rendition of "Lagrimas Negras" to her. It is amazing how they are able to express joy and hope through song, despite what they are living.






NOTE: "Lagrimas Negras" = Black Tears

WHY IS SHE IN A WHEELCHAIR?

WHY IS SHE IN A WHEELCHAIR?

This is a sweet and tender story of a little girl named Cristina, who is the daughter of a lifelong family friend of mine, who was born with cerebral palsy, who went to visit her church.  The following is a letter written by Katie, a college freshman,who serves at her church in the ministry that is dedicated to helping people with special needs.

(Click current view for letter)
Current View

 Cristina Bequer

Not only is Cristina an amazingly beautiful soul but her mother, Haydee, is truly a MOMMY WARRIOR.  She tirelessly and effortlessly, takes care of Cristina with her special needs, as well as her two other children and still finds the time to be an amazing RN!

Kudos to this Mommy Warrior and her beautiful child, Cristina.  Together, they show us the true meaning of live, love and dedication.

ALONE WITH MY KIDS

The interesting thing about blogging and its readers, is that it is a little like voyeurism - you get to "peek" into someone's life, if only temporarily.  And since you are here reading this, I can only assume you would like to peek in and see what's happening in my "Mommy Warrior" World!

Well, this weekend is my weekend alone with the kids.  The "Blat Pack" has been split up. (Blat Pack is what I call ALL of our kids!)  No, I am not divorced.  My husband is actually out of town at a family wedding in the Big Apple. Yes, the Big Apple and the wedding is in beautiful Central Park!  Yeah, I know, why am I sitting at home behind this laptop you ask?
Well, children are not invited to this particular wedding. What can I tell you?  I adore the bride and the family and but to respect their wishes.  Sure, we could have "worked" around the wedding and still taken the kids to New York, but really? School just started here in this "neck of the woods,"  I mean Everglades, and we spent enough money this summer on various trips, if you'll remember our D.C. adventures & Beach Week!

My only concern really, is how my kids are going to deal with seeing pictures and hearing stories about their 3 older siblings, their father and their adorable little nephew (who will NOT attend the wedding) all together in the Big Apple, staying together in one house.  Geez, now I'm starting to feel guilty as I tell you guys about it!

I know it is going to be a great time for the 3 older siblings who never get to spend time together (alone) with their father. I just have to keep my little ones entertained for the weekend!

This is never a problem when I am alone with them. Besides, the fact  is they take full advantage of me by asking me to take them everywhere, like their favorite sushi restaurant (their dad hates sushi) and to have sleepovers and stay up extra late. I tend to comply because it makes me feel like one of the kids too! Of course, that is until they start fighting or doing something they are not suppose to, then my "mommy warrior hat" gets put back on and keep them in check. GET YOUR MOMMY WARRIOR HAT HERE!
It should be an interesting weekend! I will keep you all posted!


10-MONTH OLD BABY CRYING WHEN MOTHER SINGS

The sentiment in this video is absolutely priceless!  It is a mom singing this beautiful heart-felt song  to her baby and the baby feels the song and the emotion of it.  Not to say the baby understands the lyrics, but the rawness of the emotion is beyond words.  So cute!

God bless this adorable little baby and the momma, who has an amazing voice!

The Joyous Tears of a Baby Who’s So Moved by Her Mom’s Song That She Can’t Stop Herself

10-MONTH OLD CRIED WHEN MOTHER SINGS 

  Video credit goes to Аmаndа and Аlаin Lеrоux

 


                                                  

STEAMY SEX AND BORED HOUSEWIVES - 86 YEAR OLD AUTHOR WRITES NOVEL

Sexy novels, bored housewives...Shades of grey. These are things you hear that you do not associate with a great-grandmother, but this 86-year old author is responsible for writing about exactly these things.

Thumbs up for this MOMMY WARRIOR - actually GREAT GRANDMOTHER warrior, who wrote a steamy novel at age-86!

Good for her on expressing herself and making her dreams into reality!






86-Year-Old Great-Great-Grandmother Writes Steamy Novel, And We're Blushing

Posted: Updated:

This time it's the author who has shades of grey.
An 86-year-old Salt Lake City woman has written a sexy novel about a bored housewife who gets "turned on" by a radio host's voice. Georgia Gorringe, a great-great-grandmother, took five years to write her first book, titled "No Good-Bye," and she's reportedly spared no sizzle.

Bobbie Posey, her daughter, told Utah's KUTV in the segment above that the 176 pages are full of "steaminess," prompting her to ask her mom, "How can you write that?"

Gorringe, who goes by the pen name Georgie Marie, insists the work is fiction, but her daughter added, "We know who she's talking about."

Jezebel offered some sample text: "Gloria never told Dr. Ben that hearing his voice made her knees go weak and quiver. It was almost orgasmic!"

Did it suddenly get warm in the newsroom?

"What ensues is excitement, anticipation, rejection, and the entire swirl of emotions that come with any love affair," the Amazon description reads . (It's also been available on Kindle since she published the book in February.)

As for the surprise ending Gorringe has cooked up, she won't spoil it for her audience. “I think they'd better read it to find out,” she said to the station.

BABY GOT CLASS - A BACK TO SCHOOL PARODY

This back to school parody captures exactly how I was feeling about "back-to-school!"  Trying to get work done in the house with kids is nearly impossible.  Sure, we had a few great summer get-a-ways but summer can be really long when you do not have your kids in camp.

Here is a great video by the Holderness family that expresses how many of us were feeling at the end of summer!

The Holderness family captures your BTS feelings perfectly 

 

LASAGNA CUPS RECIPE


Lasagna Cups


Recipe from LaurenLatest.com

Yield: 12 cups
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours

Ingredients:

for the sauce-
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 large onion
1/2 pound lean ground beef cooked and drained
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1 small zucchini, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-6 oz. can tomato paste
1-8 oz. can tomato sauce {+1/2 can water to wash out can}
1-14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon dried basil
1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon sugar
salt & pepper to taste
for the cheese filling-
1-10 oz. tub Philadelphia Italian Herb & Cheese Cooking Cream
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
3/4 pound mozzarella cheese, grated & divided
1/3 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 egg
21 lasagna pasta sheets

Directions:

For the sauce- heat olive oil over medium heat and saute onions, pepper, zucchini and garlic until tender, 5 minutes. Stir in cooked ground beef and tomato paste until well incorporated. Stir in remaining ingredients and bring to simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook 30 minutes or so. {The longer it cooks, the better it will taste!} This will be very thick.

For the cheese filling- stir all ingredients together excluding half of the grated mozzarella cheese. Set aside.

For the pasta- Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta sheets 2 minutes less than package directions and drain. Place pasta on greased baking sheet until you are ready for assembly.

For assembly- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 12 jumbo muffin tins with squares of parchment paper. If they don't stay in on their own, that's ok--the pasta will help with that. Line the edges of the muffin tins with 1 pasta sheet per cup. {Pasta sheet will overlap about 2 inches.} Spoon about 1/2 tablespoon of sauce into the bottom of each cup {#1}. Next cut 9 pasta sheets into quarters and press one of these pieces of pasta into the bottom on top of the sauce {#2}. Top pasta sheet with a generous tablespoon of sauce {#3} and then a generous tablespoon of cheese filling {#4}. Repeat this pasta-sauce-cheese layering one more time being sure to press out any air bubbles.

Top these lasagna cups off with a 3rd piece of pasta, more sauce and the remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until everything is hot and bubbly. Serve hot.
Lasagna Cups from www.laurenslatest.com



Don’t these scream “Eat me! Eat me!”?
Lasagna Cups from www.laurenslatest.com

GETTING THINGS DONE BY YOURSELF

So here there I was at home, staring at an old beat up couch.  I had already removed the cushions and torn off the material that use to cover it. Now, I was left with a nasty looking torn-up couch in the middle of my living room.

My husband told me he would help me at night when we returned from work and that we might even recruit our oldest daughter to help, but I hate waiting for others when I want something done.  So I took matters into my own hands.  I didn't want to stare at the disgusting couch anymore.

I remembered when I was young I use to see my grandmother moving her furniture around all the time and painting and doing everything herself. I also remembered, how my dad used a skateboard once to roll something out of the house.  I don't really remember what that something was but I figured, why not try it with the couch.

I hurried into my garage and scoured for my daughter's old skateboard.  Boom! There it was upside down next to all the basketballs, baseballs and sports stuff.

I proceeded to flip the couch over and I carefully placed the skateboard right under.

I started pushing it out of the living room and then realized I would have to go through the front double doors, but first, I would have to get the couch UP the two steps to the door!  It wasn't easy but it was also not impossible.  I used the skateboard as leverage and lifted it up the steps.

I had to stop a few times to rest as the skateboard was getting out from underneath the huge couch.  (Note: if you are ever going to try this...go very slowly as you are wheeling this thing out!)

I got it all the way to the door, sliding it with the skateboard and the couch turned on it's side.  I actually didn't even have to open the double-doors!


Once outside I removed the skateboard and left it by the garage door to take it to the curb later on at night. 

Now, I just have to pray I took it out on the right day, "bulk" pick up day!

And that's the way a "Mommy Warrior" takes care of things her own way!



HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN BLOG

Ready to start your own blog and create your own website? Before creating your first blog and/or web page, remember what you should do:
  • come up with an original catchy name for your blog
  • decide what topic or topics you will write about
  • research what terms ("keywords") visitors search for in your field
  • know the competitive landscape and how to address it, and
  • plan how to monetize (the Web offers ways to monetize your business that you may not even know about).
Sound like a lot of work?  YES, it will take time and effort but if you truly want it, do not give up.

HOW TO USE PIC MONKEY TO MAKE A FACEBOOK COVER


YOU'RE THE ONE THAT I WANT - GREASE REUNION

Oh, Wow!  What a flashback!  This video brought a big smile to my face when I saw it online and it reminded me of all the times I watched the movie, Grease growing up.   I had the BIGGEST crush on John Travolta.

This was so cute the way he went up on stage to "sing" with Olivia Newton-John, "You're The One That I Want."  It might not have been great singing but so much fun to watch!

Watch & Enjoy!



KID-FRIENDLY SNACKS

It's that time of the year again when the kids go back to school and the moms have to figure out what in the world to give their kids for lunch and snack.  Sure, you can buy lunch at school but lately, the menu at my children's school has not been so appealing nor child-friendly.

Here are  few snacks that look great and rather easy to make!


Chocolate and Banana

This quick and easy bite-size snack is a tempting choice for kids and does a great job at satisfying adult-sized chocolate cravings.  >





Turkey Rollups

Satisfy your salty, crunchy, and savory cravings in one punch with this quick snack.




 

Strawberry and Cream Cheese Sandwich

Sliced strawberries and reduced-fat cream cheese come together in a sandwich for this quick and healthy lunch-box treat.






Quick Kebabs

Kids and adults alike will appreciate this skewered snack with bite-sized fruits like grapes, pieces of cantaloupes and pieces of cheese if you like.






Devilish Egg

A hard-boiled egg is a protein-packed snack on its own — give it a little more pizazz with a bit of mayo and mustard on top.





Citrus Berry Smoothie

This meal-in-a-glass is bursting with berries and orange juice, healthful sources of carbohydrates and powerful antioxidants. Let your kids add their favorite berries to create a taste they'll enjoy

(My 7-year old made himself this delicious smoothie.  He cut up a   banana, some strawberries, blueberries and I helped him pour in just a little bit of orange juice and mix it all in the blender and BAM a delicious smoothie that took less than 7 minutes to make!)





Turkey and Cucumber Salad Wraps

These turkey wraps are a light and easy on-the-go lunch.  You can substitute the cucumbers for tomatoes or anything else your child might like with turkey.





"Sushi" Surprise

Offer an unexpected twist on an afternoon snack of raw vegetables — wrap them up in bread to look like sushi.



(ref. Good Housekeeping, Parents.com, Delish.com)

DON'T IGNORE ME

 MOM CREATES APP TO CONTROL CHILD'S PHONE

This is such a GREAT idea.   My daughter is already cringing at the thought that I am getting this app but honestly, I don't know why.   She is actually pretty good about responding to my texts.  She knows better! She would lose her cell phone privilege if she did not answer me. She knows not to ignore me!

Nonetheless, I love the app and I think the mother who developed the app is brilliant!

Houston mom creates app to control child's phone

One local mom took control and invented an app that her kids and yours can't ignore

For parents of teenagers, not knowing where your child is can be frustrating, even frightening. Giving them a cell phone doesn't always mean they'll answer.

That's why one local mom took control and invented an app that her kids -- and your kids -- can't ignore.

Sharon Standifird was livid the day she called and texted her children and they didn't respond.

"It went from a frustration to a worry," Standifird said.

Once she knew they were safe, but ignoring her calls, she got an idea.

"We need to develop an app that just shuts their phone completely down and they can't even use it," she said. "I got on the internet and I literally just started researching how to develop an app."

Her husband said he wasn't surprised.

"Anything she's really set her mind to, she's done," William Standifird said.

She has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and has even served in the Gulf War.

"We did patrolling as military police. So we did convoys, security, escorts and things like that," Sharon Standifird said.

Becoming an app developer was just one more challenge for this mom on a mission. After months of design and working with developers, the 'Ignore No More' app was born.

"This is the parent phone and this is the child phone. As a parent, all I have to do is touch the app. I simply tap his name," said Standifird. "To lock Bradley's device, enter at least a 4-digit unlock code below. I'm going to re-enter it and now I'm going to press 'Lock Bradley's Phone.' And if you watch Bradley's phone, it's going to go blank. Bradley would pick his phone up and once he activates his phone, he's going to see that it's locked."

With one tap, a list of only parent-selected contacts comes up. The child can call someone on that contact list and get the password to unlock the phone.

"It takes away texting, it takes away gaming, it takes away calling their friends, surfing the internet. If there's an emergency, the child will always be able to call 911. It's a feature that no developer can take off the phone," she said.

How does her son feel about it?

"Well, I thought it was a good idea, but for other people, not me," Bradley Standifird said.

But mom says the app appears to be working.

"I do have to say that he responds to my texts and my calls a whole lot quicker than he used to," Sharon Standifird said.

The Ignore No More app is $1.99 and only available for Android phones on Google Play. To download it, click here.

Sharon Standifird is working on an iPhone version that will be released soon.
Ref.
http://abc13.com/family/houston-mom-creates-app-to-control-childs-phone/256235/

TEACHING LITTLE ONES TO TIE THEIR SHOES

Are your little ones starting school this year? Or do you have a pre-schooler who you are trying to teach to tie their shoes? This can be a very tedious task for some.  Here is an easy video to show them and have them practice.

Last year, Ross Elementary School's Parents Teacher Association (PTA) in League City, Texas posted a video, borrowed from the Rosemeade Elementary PTA, on their Facebook page with the caption, "On the 'wish list' of many Kindergarten, 1st grade, and PE teachers are students who know how to tie their shoes!"

The 25-second shoe-tying tutorial, which is making rounds on Facebook currently, gives the "bunny-ear" method a run for its money. Basically, you make two knots, leaving space in between, then you thread both laces through, and pull.




ENCOURAGING OUR CHILDREN

As I sat at the rink in the "figure skater" side, I analyzed so many parents faces.  I am usually on the hockey side, where it's more aggressive with more yelling and screaming but this time I was observing a different perspective.  Either way, my conclusion was the same, sometimes as parents we are never satisfied with our children's performance.  Sure, I understand how we all want the best for our kids but sometimes, just being proud and a few words of encouragement are all a child needs.  Anyone of us, really.


I watched how some of the moms watching their "figure skaters" cringed every time their skater did something wrong.  I get it because I do the same thing on the "hockey side" but this time, I was an outside observer.

There I was, watching these young kids & young teens skating at incredible speed and doing amazing pirouettes, and thinking they are fabulous.  Sure, they need practice but I could see they were trying "their best" and doing a fantastic job in their own right.

It is through this "outside" lens that I observed and learned  that I must take this lesson with me to the "hockey side" and to life: to learn to give my children LOVE and SUPPORT and above-all, ENCOURAGEMENT and to remember that they are trying their best.

Sometimes, we forget how young and fragile they really are.  It is usually our own hopes and dreams that we try to instill in them and then demand of them.

Here are some tips to remember to support & encourage your child:

 

TIPS:

1.  Be careful what you say. Kids can be sensitive to parents' and others' words.

2.  Be a positive role model. Nurture your own self-esteem and they'll have a great role model.

3.  Identify and redirect inaccurate beliefs.  Helping kids set more accurate standards and be more
     realistic in evaluating themselves will help them have a healthy self-concept.

4.  Be spontaneous and affectionate. Your love will help boost your child's self-esteem. Give hugs
     and tell kids you're proud of them when you can see them putting effort toward something or
     trying something at which they previously failed.

5.  Create a safe, loving home environment. Kids who don't feel safe or are abused at home are at
     greatest risk for developing poor self-esteem. A child who is exposed to parents who fight and
     argue repeatedly may feel they have no control over their environment and become helpless or
     depressed.

6. Remember that you are your child's best teacher. School, educational games and 
    television,shelf full of books all can't accomplish what you can in the education of your child.
7.  Provide your child with free time. Children need plenty of free time to discover and explore. 
     Don't jam pack your schedule with errands and activities.
8.  Over-praising kids does more harm than good.   If you keep telling your child she is already 
     doing a fantastic job, you’re saying she no longer needs to push herself.
9.  Encourage them to pursue their interests (fully.) Encourage children to take on tasks they 
     show interest in, then make sure they follow through to completion.
10. Don’t lose sleep over itParents think that struggles and failure will hurt their kids’  
      self-esteem, but it’s actually a golden opportunity to help build it.”

Remember, " Self-confidence rises out of a sense of competence. In other words, kids develop confidence not because parents tell them they're great, but because of their achievements, big and small."