We are on our way back from Breckenridge & what a great adventure it was! Little K took private ski lessons with Nico for 3 days. While she knows how to turn, she prefers to barrel down the mountain, shouting "Weee!" She takes after her father's adventurous spirit in skiing.
I on the other hand use a more cautious approach, which does not explain why I'm returning with a blown-out left knee. The doc in Breck said I have a torn ACL, MCL & meniscus. Ouch! So it seems our 2010 will begin with physical therapy, orthoscopic surgery & 3-6 months of rehab. I plan on it being a ploy to get my family to pick up everything off the floor. Hee. Hee.
Here's to an awesome 2010, no matter how you've started it. Until the next nap time...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Monday, December 28, 2009
Ski Patrol
Our family will reconvene in Breckenridge tomorrow for our annual pilgrimmage. We can't wait. Just finished packing. Hope to post videos of Little K's progress in skiing and maybe photos of the fireworks reflecting on the snow.
Happy New Year to all! Until the next nap time...
Happy New Year to all! Until the next nap time...
Friday, December 25, 2009
Discovering Christmas Morning
So, Little K made it until 7:45 am to maneuver downstairs and discover Santa's delivery. (Amazing since she was too scared to make the annual visit to chat with him at the store or mall.) Little K also stopped by the nativity scene in our dining room and found Baby Jesus had "been born" this morning. Yes, someone else was wide awake even before us today!
Within 10 minutes, Little K shouted: "This is the best Christmas ever!" How precious. We are so blessed to have family and friends to celebrate this joyous holiday.
Merry Christmas to all. Until the next nap time...
Within 10 minutes, Little K shouted: "This is the best Christmas ever!" How precious. We are so blessed to have family and friends to celebrate this joyous holiday.
Merry Christmas to all. Until the next nap time...
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Christmas Photos 2009
Here are a few photos from our December 2009 adventures, including Little K's Christmas concert at school, a trip to the movies and visit with Alvin & the chipmunks and viewing of "The Nutcracker" ballet in Galveston with Popi and Grand.Merry Christmas to all! Until the next nap time...
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Family Activities in Galveston in December & January 2009
Check out Santa on The Strand, which has been scheduled on Saturday, Dec. 12 and Dec. 19 from 1 to 4 pm. The Nesquik Bunny will also make an appearance courtesy of Chuck Sanchelli of Nestle Toll House Cafe.
Don't forget that the Galveston Municipal Police Association's annual Galveston Christmas Parade is scheduled to travel through downtown Galveston on Saturday, Dec. 12 beginning at 4 pm. The lineup will start at 3 pm. at 25th Street and Santa Fe Place. If you are interested in participating, contact John Bertolino at 409-765-3775 (day) or 409-682-0374 (evening). The entry fee is one canned good per person.
On Jan. 9 and 10, Galveston Historical Foundation will mark the 147th anniversary of the most important military event in Galveston's history: the Civil War Battle of Galveston, which took place in the early morning hours of Jan. 1, 1863. Camps representing the forces of the North and the South will be established on The Strand (Gray) and on Postoffice Street (Blue) by the 19th-Century Living History Association, Inc. and the First Texas Brigade. A reenactment of the historic battle will take place each afternoon.
Other special events include Civil War walking tours, as well as Civil War themed cemetery tours, Harbor Tours and driving tours, highlighting the city's antebellum architecture and locations along the waterfront used as forts during the war. The Tremont House is planning to offer a special package as part of this weekend. For older kids, these are great ways to bring history lessons to life.
For adults, ArtWalk is scheduled on Saturday, Jan. 23 from 6 to 9 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact the team in Galveston at 409-763-5806.
Until the next nap time...
Don't forget that the Galveston Municipal Police Association's annual Galveston Christmas Parade is scheduled to travel through downtown Galveston on Saturday, Dec. 12 beginning at 4 pm. The lineup will start at 3 pm. at 25th Street and Santa Fe Place. If you are interested in participating, contact John Bertolino at 409-765-3775 (day) or 409-682-0374 (evening). The entry fee is one canned good per person.
On Jan. 9 and 10, Galveston Historical Foundation will mark the 147th anniversary of the most important military event in Galveston's history: the Civil War Battle of Galveston, which took place in the early morning hours of Jan. 1, 1863. Camps representing the forces of the North and the South will be established on The Strand (Gray) and on Postoffice Street (Blue) by the 19th-Century Living History Association, Inc. and the First Texas Brigade. A reenactment of the historic battle will take place each afternoon.
Other special events include Civil War walking tours, as well as Civil War themed cemetery tours, Harbor Tours and driving tours, highlighting the city's antebellum architecture and locations along the waterfront used as forts during the war. The Tremont House is planning to offer a special package as part of this weekend. For older kids, these are great ways to bring history lessons to life.
For adults, ArtWalk is scheduled on Saturday, Jan. 23 from 6 to 9 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact the team in Galveston at 409-763-5806.
Until the next nap time...
Monday, November 30, 2009
5 Tips to Develop Positive Kids
I receive Jon Gordon's weekly e-Newsletter. It's a great way to kick off the week with a positive attitude, which is (let's face it) not the easiest thing to do. Jon's email today was tailored to raising positive kids so I thought I'd share it here.
"As someone who studies and teaches leadership and who is also a parent of two children, ages 11 and 9, I often notice the similarities between leadership and parenting. I guess that’s why I hear from a lot of people who tell me that they not only gave my books to their colleagues and clients but also to their family and children as well. There is no better feeling in the world than hearing from a 9 year old or a teenager that has read Training Camp or The Shark and The Goldfish and has benefited from it. This inspired me to write a recent article for a parenting magazine and I wanted to share it with you as well.
5 Tips to Develop Positive Kids
I have a confession. Despite the fact that I work to develop positive leaders, schools and teams, I’m not naturally a positive person. The research says it’s not my fault. Turns out some people are born with a more positive disposition while others are born with more of a negative disposition. But there is hope. The latest research in neuroscience and positive psychology demonstrates that we can mold our brains and ourselves to be more positive, which is great news for me and my children.
For the past eight years I’ve researched and practiced countless strategies to enhance positivity. I’ve worked really hard at becoming more positive which I guess is why I’ve become such a good teacher. I’ve seen the fruits of these efforts in my life and in the people I’ve taught—most importantly my own children. I’ve seen how simple strategies and daily rituals can make a tremendous impact on their mindset, belief system and outlook on life.
I believe that positive kids become positive adults and as parents we can play a significant role in shaping our children’s perspective and mindset. In this spirit I want to share with you several tips to develop positive kids.
1. Success of the Day - Each night before bed, at dinner or while taking an after dinner walk ask your children their success of the day. The success could be a great conversation, an accomplishment at school, something they are proud of, a situation where they helped someone, etc. The important thing is to help them focus on accomplishments instead of failures. When we help our children expect success, look for success, and celebrate success they find more success and gain more confidence. Of course they need to learn from their mistakes and failures, but let’s help them to not dwell on them.
2. Bedtime Prayer - A ritual such as this provides your children with a foundation of peace, security, and confidence that gives them the strength to take on the daily challenges of being a child.
3. Implement the No Complaining Rule - It’s a simple rule that says you’re not allowed to complain unless you identify one or two possible solutions to your complaint. This empowers children to become a driver of their bus instead of being a passenger griping on the bus. They also learn to use complaints as a catalyst for positive change and positive action. Visit www.NoComplainingRule.com
4. Teach them the Positive Shark Formula, E + P = 0 - This is from my latest book, The Shark and The Goldfish, which is a story about a nice and positive shark who teaches Gordy the goldfish how to overcome his fear of change and find food. After all, Goldfish wait to be fed. Sharks go find food. The formula reveals that we can’t control the (E ) Events in our life. But we can control our (P) Positive Response to these events and our response determines the (O) outcome. This formula helps children develop a strong locus of control which is a perspective that through their beliefs and actions they have an influence on their life. They come to believe that they are not a victim of circumstance but rather a hero in their own inspirational tale and that they can turn their challenges into opportunities and transform bad events into good outcomes. This helps them stay optimistic and believe that their best days are ahead of them, not behind them.
5. Feel Blessed instead of Stressed - As parents we need to realize that children, like adults, deal with a lot of stress...and stress is the enemy of positivity. Well, the great news is that when you are feeling blessed you can’t be stressed. The research says we can’t be stressed and thankful at the same time. Thus, a simple ritual is to help your children identify 3 things they are thankful for each day. You can create a gratitude journal together or you can encourage them to write these blessings on their blog, diary or simply talk about them at dinner. And anytime they are feeling stressed you can encourage them to recall something they are thankful for.I encourage you to think of your child’s mind like a garden. Each day you want to help them weed their negative thoughts and plant positive thoughts. One day of weeding and planting won’t do much. However if you practice these strategies each day, over a week, a month, a year, a lifetime, the garden grows more healthy and vibrant. Nurture your child. Take time to coach them and nourish them with lots of love and positive energy and you shall see the fruits of your efforts.
Stay Positive,
- Jon"
For more tips like these for you and your kids, visit www.JonGordon.com. Until the next nap time...
"As someone who studies and teaches leadership and who is also a parent of two children, ages 11 and 9, I often notice the similarities between leadership and parenting. I guess that’s why I hear from a lot of people who tell me that they not only gave my books to their colleagues and clients but also to their family and children as well. There is no better feeling in the world than hearing from a 9 year old or a teenager that has read Training Camp or The Shark and The Goldfish and has benefited from it. This inspired me to write a recent article for a parenting magazine and I wanted to share it with you as well.
5 Tips to Develop Positive Kids
I have a confession. Despite the fact that I work to develop positive leaders, schools and teams, I’m not naturally a positive person. The research says it’s not my fault. Turns out some people are born with a more positive disposition while others are born with more of a negative disposition. But there is hope. The latest research in neuroscience and positive psychology demonstrates that we can mold our brains and ourselves to be more positive, which is great news for me and my children.
For the past eight years I’ve researched and practiced countless strategies to enhance positivity. I’ve worked really hard at becoming more positive which I guess is why I’ve become such a good teacher. I’ve seen the fruits of these efforts in my life and in the people I’ve taught—most importantly my own children. I’ve seen how simple strategies and daily rituals can make a tremendous impact on their mindset, belief system and outlook on life.
I believe that positive kids become positive adults and as parents we can play a significant role in shaping our children’s perspective and mindset. In this spirit I want to share with you several tips to develop positive kids.
1. Success of the Day - Each night before bed, at dinner or while taking an after dinner walk ask your children their success of the day. The success could be a great conversation, an accomplishment at school, something they are proud of, a situation where they helped someone, etc. The important thing is to help them focus on accomplishments instead of failures. When we help our children expect success, look for success, and celebrate success they find more success and gain more confidence. Of course they need to learn from their mistakes and failures, but let’s help them to not dwell on them.
2. Bedtime Prayer - A ritual such as this provides your children with a foundation of peace, security, and confidence that gives them the strength to take on the daily challenges of being a child.
3. Implement the No Complaining Rule - It’s a simple rule that says you’re not allowed to complain unless you identify one or two possible solutions to your complaint. This empowers children to become a driver of their bus instead of being a passenger griping on the bus. They also learn to use complaints as a catalyst for positive change and positive action. Visit www.NoComplainingRule.com
4. Teach them the Positive Shark Formula, E + P = 0 - This is from my latest book, The Shark and The Goldfish, which is a story about a nice and positive shark who teaches Gordy the goldfish how to overcome his fear of change and find food. After all, Goldfish wait to be fed. Sharks go find food. The formula reveals that we can’t control the (E ) Events in our life. But we can control our (P) Positive Response to these events and our response determines the (O) outcome. This formula helps children develop a strong locus of control which is a perspective that through their beliefs and actions they have an influence on their life. They come to believe that they are not a victim of circumstance but rather a hero in their own inspirational tale and that they can turn their challenges into opportunities and transform bad events into good outcomes. This helps them stay optimistic and believe that their best days are ahead of them, not behind them.
5. Feel Blessed instead of Stressed - As parents we need to realize that children, like adults, deal with a lot of stress...and stress is the enemy of positivity. Well, the great news is that when you are feeling blessed you can’t be stressed. The research says we can’t be stressed and thankful at the same time. Thus, a simple ritual is to help your children identify 3 things they are thankful for each day. You can create a gratitude journal together or you can encourage them to write these blessings on their blog, diary or simply talk about them at dinner. And anytime they are feeling stressed you can encourage them to recall something they are thankful for.I encourage you to think of your child’s mind like a garden. Each day you want to help them weed their negative thoughts and plant positive thoughts. One day of weeding and planting won’t do much. However if you practice these strategies each day, over a week, a month, a year, a lifetime, the garden grows more healthy and vibrant. Nurture your child. Take time to coach them and nourish them with lots of love and positive energy and you shall see the fruits of your efforts.
Stay Positive,
- Jon"
For more tips like these for you and your kids, visit www.JonGordon.com. Until the next nap time...
Friday, November 27, 2009
Review of Lola's Restaurant in the Houston Heights
Several times, I drove by Lola's on 11th Street and Yale, and was intrigued by the big sign that hangs above its door. Today, we ventured in. First, Little K and her father remarked at the front door, that is fashioned from an old telephone booth.
"Can you get the phone please?" Trent asked his four-year-old daughter, who has never seen a phone booth. The door handle was an old-fashioned phone. Cute.
I had read on another blog that you need to first order your food at the diner's register. No problem. We approached the counter with really cool wood finish below, read the menus and placed our orders. We then picked a booth beside a window and waited a short time for our food to be delivered to our table. The eclectic place was clean, light and bright. Interestingly, it supposedly was once an old car dealership so I enjoyed taking a few minutes to entertain my imagination.
Little K was delighted with her plate full of 2 big pancakes and 2 pieces of bacon. The taste test passed, too. I really enjoyed my vege omelette, although the accompanying breakfast potatoes, sausage and wheat toast were way to bland. I've had better at my house. My husband ordered a ham and cheddar cheese omelette, specifically asking for the cook to leave off the parmesan cheese. When delivered, the parmesan cheese was included. Trent said it was an interesting kick to the omelette but not what he wanted. Still, I noticed he cleaned his plate, which also included 
bacon, hash and toast.
bacon, hash and toast. Overall, for $36, we felt like the food should have been better. It was average for kid-friendliness ad the food is served quickly and they have a small kids menu, but no kids activities. We agreed we'd be willing to try it again, especially since rumor has it that Lola's has the best chicken fried steak in the Houston Heights. Hmm...
Until the next nap time...
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