Tips From My Mom #13

There existed quite a bit of hullabaloo recently concerning the oft-predicted, highly anticipated, non-materializing Rapture.

Outrageously annoying on every front - from the sad crazies spewing fear and nonsense, whose disillusions include the insulting claim that they alone have a direct line to a higher power (of their creation) to the inconvenience of the ensuing media bombardment.

Because this pronouncement was utterly pervasive, and because I have a tendency to ponder hypothetical realities, I "couldn't help but wonder" what the criteria was for ascending or being left behind.

And I decided that it all centered on forgiveness. Jesus, may have said that the greatest commandment was to love one another but offering forgiveness and asking for it seem of paramount importance.  It's right there in The Lord's Prayer.

In the realm of forgiveness, my mom is an expert.  Throughout her life I have seen her ripped off, taken advantage of, hurt, disappointed and treated with less respect than this saintly woman deserves.  But she has always been quick to forgive. Her "live and learn" mentality (or credo) remains intact.  No bubbling anger, seething emotions or clenched teeth for her. She can let it go.

It seems as though I have inherited this ability.  Like my mom, I am quick to forgive.  I have come to believe that everyone is simply doing the best they can, the best they know how given their background and experiences. Once you can take on another persons perspective it is easier to forgive.

This does not mean that everyone operates nobly at all times, but it does mean that we are each capable of letting go of the anger and pain associated with holding on to whatever wrong was done to us (real or imagined).

As with most of the Tips From My Mom it is her actions and example that stays with me. Forgiveness isn't easy for everyone - I understand this. However, it can begin by simply saying the words "I forgive you". The power behind those words is freeing.

Give it a try.

And next time a group of attention seekers espouses the rapture, forgive them - for they know not what they do.

Fruit Pops!

We had another Kindergarten Café winner this week with Fruit Pops!

This simple, healthy recipe from Disney's Magic Kitchen Cookbook had our students skewering strawberries, blueberries, bananas, blackberries and grapes, although any fruit can be used - the cookbook suggests kiwi and we recommend a bit of pineapple.

Two main points hit home with this...

1. Healthy snacks inspire as much excitement as those involving chocolate, butter and candy.  As the kids passed trays of fruit they remarked that this was the best K-Cafe ever! Go figure.

2.  There are wonderful lessons about cooperation to be learned in the smallest of activities.  It was a pleasure to watch as they helped one another or politely asked for a strawberry.

We look forward to trying some of the other recipes in this cookbook.  A big thank you to Ian and Barby for bringing it to our attention.

The 3 R's

Our Kindergarten children offer a few helpful hints and encourage you to...

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

You can recycle plastic bags.

You can use a paper if you make a mistake you can use again and flip it over.

I gave a book to my friend.

I take a short shower.

You can reduce paper towels. You can reuse paper towels because it's easy to pick up.

Science Fair

Congratulations to our young scientists.  Our submission, entitled What is Biodegradable?, to the PS347 Science Fair resulted in a Best of Show ribbon!

The Best of Show title encompassed three criteria; student presentation, poster exhibition and use of scientific methodology.

Although we thought the kids did a fantastic job both Lauren and I were a bit shocked when the winner was announced.  We didn't expect that children this young would take best of show when entries ranged from kindergarten to 6th grade.

What we did...

1. We chose pieces from our lunch.

2. We each had 2 cups and filled it halfway with soil.

3. Then we buried the food item in one cup, a non-food item in the other cup and labeled both cups.

4. We filled the rest of the cup with more soil.

5. We watered the soil and let it sit by the window for three weeks, watering it occasionally.

6. On the third week, we put on gloves to protect our hands and covered tables with newspaper.

7. Next we dumped the contents from each cup and looked at what happened.

Some observations about the food items...

"The apple broke up."
"My cracker melted."
"It became part of the dirt."
"Broccoli is biodegradable!"
"I have nothing."
"My pizza became little. This is disgusting."

The children recorded their observations in words and/or drawings.  We also had the food and non-food items available for others to view during the science fair.

A trophy will be awarded on May 6th as part of the GO GREEN! Spirit Day celebration.  Thank you judges!  You made a bunch of children very happy.

Happy Easter!

Every Sunday morning I have the pleasure of interpreting the children's sermon into ASL for a deaf boy in our congregation. This Easter our pastor chose to read a children's book about the resurrection of Jesus, naturally. The children also covered a large cross in flowers - a beautiful tradition at our church.

And to top off this glorious day, the sun is shining and a warm breeze is taking off the rainy day chill of yesterday.  Perfect timing!