Life Long Learner

The nebulizer has become a regular part of our days and nights around here. Shannon has never been a fan of the nebulizer. In fact, last June when she had to get a treatment in the hospital the Respiration Tech stopped and claimed she was the worst neb patient ever. I've tried to brainstorm creative ways to distract her during treatments this time around. I really hope this helps other parents with children who refuse to use the nebulizer. We do not use the mask...I just hold it up in front of her nose and mouth. 3. Watch a movie, or youtube clip on a computer, tablet, or phone. It is impossible to hear the regular tv over the noise of the nebulizer, but if the device is in close proximity to the child it tends to hold their attention better. Allow your child to hold a favorite toy or blanket. 2. Sing songs together. This works well for an active child because you can bounce them up and down and swing their head from side to side. Again, hold hands which keeps the hands awa...

(FRIDAY) The alarm sounded at 5AM this morning and I hit snooze...5 more minutes! When it rang again I sprung from bed, put on my workout clothes and headed out the door to yoga. I love to begin my day with yoga, and find on the days that I practice in the morning I am more centered and peaceful. I've often thought about how incredible it is that so many people wake up early to come to yoga, or to work out. It's like an entire different universe of people who are up before the sun - ready to start their day on their terms rather than on the typical hustle and bustle that fills our lives. This morning just as class was beginning one of the other ladies jumped up from her mat and said, "Ok, plan B today. The first teacher overslept, and I'm going to be teaching class this morning. I recognized this lady right away - she is another teacher at the studio, so it wasn't just a random person. But, then I thought, she came this morning for herself, and when she found out...

Read with a flashlight! Children are fascinated by flashlights. And, if you have a smart phone you can download the flashlight app. It is so much fun to read by flashlight. So, tonight (or tomorrow night hopefully!) give it a try. Snuggle in bed, pull the covers up and shine your flashlight on a favorite book. If your child is a little older, play "I spy" and shine the flashlight on parts of the picture.

In 10th grade I decided to switch high schools. Initially, I was a bit nervous to make the move, but the moment I walked into Upper Dublin I knew it was the right move for me. The music, athletic, and academic programs were top-notch. But, most of all, the people I met at Upper Dublin were welcoming, kind, and caring individuals. There was one girl I knew that even back in high school when you are easily influenced, was not afraid to be herself. I remember on one of my first days as a new student she welcomed me and asked if I needed any help. Really she always went out of her way to chat with me. I would say in high school we were acquaintances. After high school I lost touch with her. But, she reappeared at my cousin's wedding. One of her best friends was marrying my cousin. Weird. But, it was nice to reconnect and check in on how life was going for her. The next year, she began teaching Special Ed in Central Bucks School District. I remember looking around the auditorium and s...

There is nothing better than a great happy hour after a long week of work. During my first years of teaching, I would frequent happy hour with my colleagues up in Doylestown. Happy hour started and would run right into a regular Friday night out. I cherished the time spent with my teacher friends talking about school, then our business friends would join us and slowly our conversations would shift from school life to personal life. I still keep in contact with many of my first group of professional friends. Since having kids, I have not made it to many happy hours. Actually, I have made it to one. After a long week of work I really want nothing more than to pick up my children and take them somewhere fun. After all, they have also survived a long week away from their mom! I'll let you in on a secret...the hot spots like My Little Adventure and Jellybean Jungle that are mobbed in the early morning and afternoons are less busy during dinner hour on a Friday night. I have tested my t...

Ok, so it hasn't been quite a Happy New Year for my little family. I'm not complaining, I am just proposing to put off my New Year's Eve til Saturday. Here are 3 reasons why... 1. Both my children are sick. Shannon has her 4th ear infection in 4 months. I feel horrible for her. She is a real trooper, though. Every time she gets an ear infection, she gets a TERRIBLE diaper rash, which then requires a different ointment to get rid of it. She doesn't sleep well, and she is irritable all day long. Poor baby girl. Patrick is also sick. He has a cough and fever. And, I haven't felt good for 3 weeks. The doctor told me it was allergies and an ear infection. So, on Christmas Day, we took down our Christmas tree. I thought I felt better, and maybe I did feel better for a couple days before feeling worse. Now I am so congested I feel like I am in a tunnel. I am hoping by Saturday we will ALL feel better! 2. We decided to eat healthier in the fall. We did great with it unt...