I know that is probably how the majority of people will begin their blogs and I feel it's an appropriate opening to the new year. What's your clean start? Reorganization of your closets, more time for yourself (which I might add is a feat when you have children, period), or decrease your poundage? I have always said that resolutions shouldn't be only for the new year. They should be a constant effort throughout your life.
Well, Christmas and the holidays are over. Both my the children did well this year with loot. My oldest son C who is 11 this year, found out about Santa and was disappointed in his parents for telling him. BP actually doesn't really know the difference yet and maybe he never will but I am honestly not concerned.
They received the "big" gift this year of a Wii, complete with the controllers, the Mario wheel, light sabers, and about fifteen games to boot. I suggested to their Dad through a link actually through AutismVox. It mentioned that Wii was supposed to be beneficial for learning and eye-hand coordination and the classroom. It's been interesting to watch BP play. His behavior goes from being a frustrated boy with no attention span to someone who is thoroughly enjoying it. We have a wide variety of games and the one that seems to be a hit is bowling!!! It is so awesome to see him get truly excited about something so simple! He also wants to try the more complicated games that require more concentration on his part, this is when BP can't control his behavior.
I also was a bit disappointed in MY choice of gifts for him. I purchased toys I thought would help motor and sensory skills. I tried doing my research as to what were the good toys for him. We did get a bean bag thinking that it would calm him down. I guess to some extent but only on "BP's time." I did also try some of those textured therapy balls. Did purchase a Lava Lamp to place in his bedroom to see if it can calm him down when he hits the pillow. My boys share a room. I will let you know if it actually calms him down in a few weeks or so.
My boys have three weeks off for Winter Break and they don't return to school until January 12th, so it gives me plenty of time for Doctor and Dental visits. The boys had their annual six-month dental exam last Monday. Boy was I nervous. Outings like this really give my nerves a run for their money. Last time BP had a dental visit we ended up putting him under at Children's Hospital to clean and do what work that was necessary on his teeth, 10k later...
As expected, BP flatly refused to sit in the dental chair after we tried various ideas to get him to sit down so they could at least see if he had any cavities. After several attempts the doctor suggested that I would try having him sit with me in the chair while they take a quick look inside. Wasn't easy, I had to sit with my legs facing outward, while BP would sit facing me with his legs wrapped around me and I would have to restrain (dislike that word) his arms while the dentist would give a 10 second scan. Needlessly to say, both boys have no cavities and were given a clean bill of health until the next six months!
Since we all would like a clean start, how about a recipe for you. It's a recipe with less than a gram of fat. How's that for a great start to the new year? Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins. They are very good tasting and simple to make. Low in sugar, fat, and they are great for those of you that have your kids eating Gluten-free. I can't simply say enough about them, my kids love em'! Here's the recipe:
Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins
Well, Christmas and the holidays are over. Both my the children did well this year with loot. My oldest son C who is 11 this year, found out about Santa and was disappointed in his parents for telling him. BP actually doesn't really know the difference yet and maybe he never will but I am honestly not concerned.
They received the "big" gift this year of a Wii, complete with the controllers, the Mario wheel, light sabers, and about fifteen games to boot. I suggested to their Dad through a link actually through AutismVox. It mentioned that Wii was supposed to be beneficial for learning and eye-hand coordination and the classroom. It's been interesting to watch BP play. His behavior goes from being a frustrated boy with no attention span to someone who is thoroughly enjoying it. We have a wide variety of games and the one that seems to be a hit is bowling!!! It is so awesome to see him get truly excited about something so simple! He also wants to try the more complicated games that require more concentration on his part, this is when BP can't control his behavior.
I also was a bit disappointed in MY choice of gifts for him. I purchased toys I thought would help motor and sensory skills. I tried doing my research as to what were the good toys for him. We did get a bean bag thinking that it would calm him down. I guess to some extent but only on "BP's time." I did also try some of those textured therapy balls. Did purchase a Lava Lamp to place in his bedroom to see if it can calm him down when he hits the pillow. My boys share a room. I will let you know if it actually calms him down in a few weeks or so.
My boys have three weeks off for Winter Break and they don't return to school until January 12th, so it gives me plenty of time for Doctor and Dental visits. The boys had their annual six-month dental exam last Monday. Boy was I nervous. Outings like this really give my nerves a run for their money. Last time BP had a dental visit we ended up putting him under at Children's Hospital to clean and do what work that was necessary on his teeth, 10k later...
As expected, BP flatly refused to sit in the dental chair after we tried various ideas to get him to sit down so they could at least see if he had any cavities. After several attempts the doctor suggested that I would try having him sit with me in the chair while they take a quick look inside. Wasn't easy, I had to sit with my legs facing outward, while BP would sit facing me with his legs wrapped around me and I would have to restrain (dislike that word) his arms while the dentist would give a 10 second scan. Needlessly to say, both boys have no cavities and were given a clean bill of health until the next six months!
Since we all would like a clean start, how about a recipe for you. It's a recipe with less than a gram of fat. How's that for a great start to the new year? Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins. They are very good tasting and simple to make. Low in sugar, fat, and they are great for those of you that have your kids eating Gluten-free. I can't simply say enough about them, my kids love em'! Here's the recipe:
Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins
1 cup old fashion rolled oats (not instant)
1 cup nonfat milk
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 egg whites
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. sugar
raisins or nuts (optional)
Nutritional Info,
Fat: 0.5g
Carbs: 20.5g
Calories: 93.5
Protein: 2.9g
Soaks the oats in the milk about one hour. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spray muffin pan with cooking spray. Combine the oat mixture with the applesauce and egg whites, and mix until combined. In a separate bowl measure and whisk the dry ingredients together. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until just combined. Add raisins or nuts if desired. Do not over mix the batter of the muffin will be tough. Spoon muffin mixture into muffin pan. Combine the cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle each muffim with some of the mixture. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from pan, cool and enjoy.
These can be frozen and reheated in the microwave for a quick breakfast.
Yield one dozen
Enjoy the new start to the new year with this recipe.
1 cup nonfat milk
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 egg whites
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. sugar
raisins or nuts (optional)
Nutritional Info,
Fat: 0.5g
Carbs: 20.5g
Calories: 93.5
Protein: 2.9g
Soaks the oats in the milk about one hour. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spray muffin pan with cooking spray. Combine the oat mixture with the applesauce and egg whites, and mix until combined. In a separate bowl measure and whisk the dry ingredients together. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until just combined. Add raisins or nuts if desired. Do not over mix the batter of the muffin will be tough. Spoon muffin mixture into muffin pan. Combine the cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle each muffim with some of the mixture. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from pan, cool and enjoy.
These can be frozen and reheated in the microwave for a quick breakfast.
Yield one dozen
Enjoy the new start to the new year with this recipe.
Yes the Wii for hand eye co-ordination is a real winner around here. The boys had Wii music for Christmas which has proved a great hit much to my surprise.
ReplyDeleteAs for my 'start the new year' project, that would be......dog training, but that's no real big surprise I'm sure.
BEst wishes