by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Nov 16, 2020 | Holidays and Special Events
I can't let Black Friday pass by without offering some of my beautiful Christmas cards with envelope template FREE to my readers. All cards have bible verses on the back.
(Post contains affiliate links).
I love to encourage people to be more healthy. But I also know that the practical day-to-day world of homeschooling involves getting schoolwork done, even when the holidays are here.
During the Christmas season, dealing with the excitement of the holidays can make focusing on school more difficult. This is a perfect time to do art AND send Christmas cards out to the important people in your life. These beautiful high resolution Christmas cards can be printed and sent to friends and family without leaving your house. As long as you have a printer, scissors and paper, you can make envelopes to go with the cards in this freebie.
Learning how to make envelopes is not only fun, it gives you the opportunity to learn a new skill. Printing envelopes at home saves money too!
Create Your Own Envelopes
Yes, you CAN create your own envelopes for your Christmas cards. 🙂 It's super easy. All you have to do is find an envelope that fits the card you want to mail (it can be used). Open up the envelope and trace it onto paper. Then cut, paste, and you have a handmade envelope!
The cards I've created should fit A6 sized envelopes. Which you can purchase as well.
If you prefer, and you have an envelope in your house that's the right size, you can carefully open it up and use that as a template as well.
You can use any color or pattern of paper you prefer!
NOTE: MAKE SURE THE ENVELOPES ARE AT LEAST 4 1/4″ X 6 1/4,” AS ENVELOPE SIZES VARY EVEN BETWEEN GIVEN SIZES.
Grab the FREE Christmas cards here.
NEW for 2019 – Super Bundle of Bookmarks and Cute Cards
If you like to read and want some Christmas bookmarks, click here.
5 Ways to Prevent Holiday Weight Gain
by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Nov 13, 2020 | Food Allergies and Special Diets, Holidays and Special Events
6 Tips to Get Picky Kids to Eat Vegetables on Thanksgiving
My son has sensory issues with food and has since birth. As a result, I have discovered that forcing him to eat foods he can’t tolerate OR waiting until he is hungry enough to eat the foods he hates doesn’t work. Instead, I have found ways to encourage him to at least eat more of a variety of foods than he may otherwise eat.
Here are 6 Tips to Get Picky Kids to Eat Vegetables on Thanksgiving. (Post may contain affiliate links).
1. Serve at least one favorite vegetable (or fruit, if she doesn’t like veggies) as part of the meal.
For example, my son likes broccoli the best, but he also likes carrots. Since carrots (and fresh green beans) are part of our traditional Thanksgiving meal, we won’t have to serve anything extra for him.
2. Serve combination foods separately, if you can.
For example, my son is not willing to eat most combination foods. By serving the parts of mixed dishes separately, I can encourage him to eat more variety.
This year for Thanksgiving I discovered a salad that I know everyone except my son will like. The reason I’m going to serve this salad is:
- It’s healthy
- The recipe has several foods he likes–if they are served separately
- It looks delicious!
I’m planning to serve each food ingredient in a separate bowl. I will also offer another salad dressing as an option (one that I know more than one person likes, if possible). This won’t require more work because when preparing a salad, I chop everything up separately. The only extra work will be cleaning the dishes.
If you’re having special company this Thanksgiving, and you decide to serve this salad or something similar, you could put the dressing on the table in a cute salad dressing bottle and place the salad ingredients on fancy dishes. Most young children will eat the lettuce, apples, and cheese. If they don’t have an aversion to nuts, like my son does, the pecans will probably appeal to them as well (especially if you caramelize them*). If all they eat is the lettuce, apples and cheese, you’ve gotten two servings of veggies and fruit into their cute little bodies! The pecans are rich sources of magnesium and essential fats. So, if they eat the pecans, even better.
As a bonus, the little ones can pick up these foods with their hands, which I know toddlers love to do!*
3. Encourage your child try at least one new vegetable, fruit or other food that she didn’t like previously.
One taste is enough.
For example, we have green beans every year. They are southern style and have salt pork and onions in them.
Okay, so problem number one, it’s a combo food.
Problem number two, it’s not a preferred vegetable.
Problem number 3, he doesn’t really care for green beans.
So, this year my challenge is for him to put one green bean on a plate (just the green bean) and take a small taste. Then if he likes it, he can have more. If not, that's okay. Praise him for being willing to put the food on the plates.
4. Make sure your child is hungry by the time you serve the meal.
Snacking all day long will obviously dampen anyone’s appetite, especially someone with a smaller stomach, like kids. Food always tastes better when you’re hungry. So, if possible, no eating/snacking for AT LEAST 2 hours prior to the main meal. This should help in the enthusiasm department.
5. Try not to worry too much if your child doesn’t want to eat much on Thanksgiving.
It’s a special day, and there are probably a lot of other things going on that are much more interesting than eating. Kid’s usually eat less when they’re having fun and are around new or non-routine people.
6. Put small amounts of each food they will be eating on the plate.
Sometimes an overfull plate can overwhelm the child and cause them to lose interest in eating at all. They can always ask for more!
GOING ELSEWHERE?
If possible, talk to the host ahead of time to get an idea of what will be served. That way you can create strategies ahead, especially if your child has sensory issues with or allergies/intolerances to food.
Pick something you know your child will like and serve it along with the other dishes served, so that it doesn’t appear like you are serving something special just for your child. For example, even if it is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, make enough to share, and put it out there with the other dishes.
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Click here for the article, “Why a Zinc Deficiency may be Contributing to your kid's pickiness.”
DON'T FORGET I HAVE FREE FALL/AUTUMN THEMED PRINTABLE BOOKMARKS AVAILABLE FOR MY READERS!
ALSO, IF YOU SUSPECT MILK ALLERGY OR INTOLERANCE, CLICK HERE FOR MY FREE INFORMATION BOOKLET.
Read about Homeschooling Dietitian Mom here.
*Click here for the salad recipe.
Thanksgiving is the best time of year to think on what we are thankful for.
If you need some inspiration and encouragement, click here for awesome and inspiring Mother (and other) Quotes, complemented by beautiful images.
Other Articles by Homeschooling Dietitian Mom:
What Attracts Kids to Fast Food?
High Protein Meals
3 Superfoods that Are Really Healthy
by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Nov 9, 2020 | Homeschooling
How Parents Working From Home Can Find Equilibrium
(Post may contain affiliate links).
Has your household felt off-kilter lately? It’s all-too-easy for life to become unbalanced when you’re a full-time parent and a full-time remote worker. Because it’s important to find a healthy equilibrium, here are these tips and resources:
Set Up for Success
If you’re trying to work in a space that doesn’t support your efforts, it’s sure to reduce your productivity. Stay industrious and focused with the right set up:
- Whether you’re working from home full- or part-time, a dedicated space is a must.
- Your garage can be an ideal place to set up your home office, but your flooring may need work.
- Your work area should be organized and tidy so you can focus and reduce stress.
- Natural light enables you to be happier, healthier and more productive, and it doesn’t cost a dime.
- Aromatherapy can give your productivity a boost, too.
Lighten Your Workload
An efficient and focused place to work is one positive step toward equilibrium. Next, make room in your days for your top priorities.
- Take breaks in your day for time with family and self-care.
- Cutting the stress out of your morning routine helps you start your day off right.
- Consider a windowed work schedule to help balance your days.
- Depending on the nature of your work, you might consider hiring some freelancers to help.
Focus Your Family
You’re a family, and you’re in this together. Make sure everyone is on the same page, and that your lifestyle is happy and healthy for everyone.
- Homeschooling Dietitian Mom offers a K-12 nutrition and food science curriculum!
- Have a productive conversation with your kids about your work.
- Give your kids appropriate activities to enjoy.
- Since kids love electronics, make sure they have video games that are beneficial.
- Everyone needs to eat; why not toss together a family picnic during lunch breaks?
- Exercising is a great way to burn off tension, stay healthy, and bond—do it together.
With the world shaken up this year, many families are feeling unbalanced. Moms and dads who work from home can regain equilibrium by incorporating these simple tips into their lives.
Other things you might find helpful:
How to Make Video Games Fun and Safe for Your Family
How to Send Love and Comfort to Pregnant Friends
25 Things A New Mom Will Love
Article written by Lacie Martin
“Lacie Martin created Raise Them Well to help inspire parents to raise
their children well by prioritizing love over everything else. She firmly
believes that all moms and dads raising kids who know they are loved and
cared for are successful parents.”
Image courtesy of Pexels
by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Nov 5, 2020 | Creation Education Resources
Religious Freedom and the Church
4 Things You (yes, you!) Can Do About the Persecuted Church
What do you think of when you hear about the persecuted Church? You would be right to think of countries such as North Korea, Pakistan, and Iran, which are within the top 10 extremely persecuted countries according to Open Doors USA. This list includes 260 million Christians who suffer high to severe levels of persecution.
That’s difficult to imagine, isn’t it? Hundreds of millions of our brothers and sisters in Christ are persecuted – attacked, killed, kidnapped, prevented from obtaining life sustaining food and provisions, etc.
All Because of Their Faith.
To be honest, even though I identified as a Christian my whole life, I did not think too often about the persecuted Church. I was (and still am) grateful for the relative freedom we have in the United States to follow the faith of our choice. However, even in the US, Christians are facing a level of persecution hitherto unseen. We will address this more in a moment.
After I became born again, I still did not occupy too much thought about what seemed like distant countries with unfamiliar rules, laws, and violence.
Then, God placed the idea of my persecuted brothers and sisters in my hands…directly.
Someone who worked at a factory that received component parts from China gave me a tract he found in one of the boxes.
It was “The Evidence of God” tract by Lee Strobel.
I was struck…by what exactly, I am not sure, but God was certainly behind it. The more I thought about how that tract got there…why it was placed there…I began to wonder, was someone reaching out for help, or to disciple others?
I thought about the Christian work camps I have heard about in China, and suddenly I knew God took this topic that seemed so far away and placed it smack on my heart.
It still took a while for me to understand what I could do, if anything, about it.
Over the months and years (in God’s perfect timing), I came to understand that I cannot fix the world. And this charge is not something that can be placed on any fallen human being.
Only an infinite God can do that.
God is the only one in the business of fixing the world; He has already sent His son who will return again, and in the meantime we are to do our good works that God has prepared for us beforehand as we go. Some will receive a special calling from God to more directly help the persecuted, while others will not. However, this does not mean that any Christian is excused from helping his brothers and sisters in need, just as no Christian is exempt from preaching the gospel.
So, what are some things we ALL can do as we sit in our homes, and walk by the way?
1. Get informed.
Find some websites with good information about the persecuted Church, as main stream media usually does not dwell upon (or even mention) persecuted Christians around the world.
- Some great websites that will get you started include:
- opendoorsusa.org
- the Voice of the Martyrs (persecution.com)
- Samaritan’s Purse (samaritanspurse.org)
- China Aid (chinaaid.org – more on China Aid below)
Other ways to keep informed include Christian-based radio and news:
- generations.org/radio
- theworldview.com
- https://world.wng.org/
- https://www.frc.org/
- https://www.christianitytoday.com/news
Many others exist; try searching for persecuted Church ministries.
There are so many resources today that there is no excuse for us not educating ourselves about our suffering brothers and sisters.
2. Pray
Once you know more about the reality of the situation, and who. For example, see the nations listed on opendoorsusa.org. These are the nations that need our prayers.
Pray without ceasing.
Make time during your quiet times and your prayer times to pray for those who suffer in the name of Jesus. Take part in a prayer event (in person or online). Pray with your local believers in Church. Jesus himself told us that we are to expect persecution as His followers, but the one Body exists to bear each other’s burdens.
3. Speak up
Call this step “advocate” if you will, but my point is to not remain silent. You are not too important to help your neighbor (Galatians 6:3). When wrong is happening around you, do not remain silent but stand firm in the faith.
- Take righteous action.
- Use any social media accounts you have to promote the truth.
- Raise awareness and share the truth with others.
4. Give
Donate to any of the ministries mentioned here or to others you find. Or give to your local church, who should also be giving to help persecuted Christians throughout the world.
And one last point, the ones you may be giving to might end up being your own neighbors. The reality of the persecution of Christians in this country grows by leaps and bounds every day.
Take, for example, the ongoing plight of Bob Fu. Among other things, he is a pastor who runs China Aid and is being guarded by the police right now. This is happening in our own country, because people want him killed for his faith.
Please see the video below for details, pray for Bob Fu and his family, and give if the Spirit so moves you.
https://www.revelationmedia.com/BobFu/RM17401/
By Dana Timek
Dana Timek is a Christ-following wife and mother. She retired from the medical field to be a stay at home mom, and was called by her Lord and Savior to become a home-discipler (aka homeschooling mama). She is grateful for her family, for walks in the woods, for peaceful late nights…and for coffee in the mornings!
References
https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2020/january/top-christian-persecution-open-doors-2020-world-watch-list.html
World Watch List
Other Things You Might be Interested in:
Christian Christmas Activity Pack
Churches Can Make a Difference
by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Nov 5, 2020 | Homeschooling
6 Reasons I'm Thankful for Autism. (Post may contain affiliate links).
Oftentimes people assume that having a child diagnosed with autism would be extremely difficult. While there are some difficulties in raising a son who struggles with autism, there are also many things I’m thankful for.
Raising any child has its challenges, of course. Which is one of the main things I remind myself of when I'm having a bad day. The challenges are just different, depending on the uniqueness of the child. So, if I had a child that was “typical” then I might be worrying about some of the things listed below. But I'm not! 🙂
6 Reasons I'm Thankful for Autism
1. I don't have to worry about my son getting involved in hardcore music.
My son is 15 years old. At this age, many kids start listening to rock music.
Well, Nathan doesn't care for any music, partly because of sensory difficulties. He especially doesn’t like rock music—even Christian rock, such as Skillet. In fact, one time a song by Skillet came on the radio while in the car, and he was all, “Turn that off! That’s sounds awful!” (Reminds me of my mom coming home when I was a teenager). LOL
When I was a teenager in the 1980s, I started listening to punk rock, new wave, and other not so nice music. (If you've ever read the lyrics from secular rock music, you know what I'm talking about). And I honestly believe the music I got involved with contributed to my rebellion.
Thus, I am very thankful that Nathan is so picky about music.
By the way, one of the ways that I stay in a more positive mood is to listen to my favorite Christian music while at the gym.
In fact, this has been a great motivator to go to the gym!
Let me explain. So, Nathan basically hates and doesn't tolerate music around him. Thus, I have gotten to the point where I actually look forward to going to the gym so that I can listen to my favorite music–and then I even get a workout out of it. So, not only does the music help me to re-focus on Jesus, but I am much calmer when I get home. PLUS I feel so much better about myself because I know that I did something positive for my health.
You would be AMAZED at how this can boost your mood and help you to be more thankful!
Now we are all different with unique likes and dislikes.
So, my suggestion to you is to find something that you really love to do and that puts you in a better mood–and take time to do it!!!
And as a result of being a Registered Dietitian and Certified Health Coach, I want to strongly encourage you to get some exercise in whatever form you can enjoy.
I do not do anything at the gym that I hate doing. For example, I hate push-ups and sit-ups. So, I do other things like work the stomach machines. So, I would never tell you to force yourself to do something you hate.
Find something that you look forward to and don't dread. Whether it's at the gym, at the park or at the coffee shop. JUST DO IT!!!
2. I don't have to worry about what types of friends he has.
Nathan is even pickier than I would be about the friends he chooses. In fact, he's picky about who he will even talk to.
3. I don’t have to worry about him walking off with a stranger.
He's extra cautious about strangers. Again, you can hardly get him to talk to someone he knows. So, there is NO way he’s going to willingly go with a stranger anywhere. In fact, when he started ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy, it took two months before he would even get in the therapist’s car without mom or dad present.
Plus, he has absolutely no desire to chat with strangers online (or chat with anyone for that matter). So, I don't have to worry about him being lured on the internet, either. (Yes, he has been educated on the dangers).
4. He's content with what he has.
Nathan has one main pair of shoes he wears, and he will wear his old clothes until they're so snug, I'm embarrassed for him. In fact, I usually have to talk him into getting a new pair of shoes, and it's always my idea when it's time to get new clothes. He never thinks he needs new clothes. I can honestly say that Nathan has not ever asked for a new outfit or a new pair of shoes.
Also, Nathan usually only has one or two items he wants at a time (even at Christmas), and he has never acted like he wished he hadn't chosen that item. In other words, he's not greedy and he is careful about choosing before buying. (I could learn a thing or two from him)!
A recent example of how he's not greedy was on his birthday last May. His grandma was planning what to buy him for his birthday. The item he chose was less expensive than what she was willing to spend. So, she asked him if he'd like to have more Bendaroos. (He uses these all of the time, since he was a little tyke). When I asked him if he needed more Bendaroos, he said, “No.”
By the way, if you struggle with being thankful, you most definitely are NOT alone.
Homeschooling special needs children can be really hard at times. And I am most certainly NOT the perfect example of if you struggle with being thankful, However, one of the things that helps me immensely to stay focused (or to re-focus) on what I have to be thankful for is a devotional I do in the morning.
You may be familiar with the free YouVersion Bible App?
Before I had a child, it seemed that I could always find time and energy for Bible study. Well, the past few years, I have found it much harder to stay focused on a lengthy Bible study first thing in the morning. The YouVersion Bible App has been SUCH a blessing during these times!
For example, you can choose to just listen to the Bible read to you—and most versions are available. It took me a while to find a voice I could enjoy. But there are lots of choices! Also, there are pre-written devotionals (100s of them) that last anywhere from 2 days to 30 days (and maybe even more). You can choose whatever topic seems to fit your needs. I am currently going through “Different” A study of 1 Peter. Of course, there are tons of plans on the simple topic of thankfulness or being thankful.
Another thing that is super cool is that you can create images out of verses and you can even use your own photos. This is something my husband does a lot. He posts on Facebook and it is really encouraging. I also pick images that are already done, which is quicker, and then share on Facebook. Not only is it an encouragement to others, but I can go back later and read it myself and find relief from stress!
There is just something about sharing God's love with others that also helps us to stay in a positive mood and be more thankful!
By the way, the app is absolutely free and is available for Android, iPhone, iPad, and pretty much every device you can imagine.
There is Even An App for Kids.
The thing I like the most about this Bible app, besides that it's free, is that I can always find time to be in God's word, even when I'm feeling seriously pressed for time.
5. He's a Cheap Date!
Most of the time, Nathan doesn’t even want to eat out. And when he does, he always chooses small portion sizes. For example, if he goes to McDonald’s he just orders the six piece nuggets.
6. He's Resourceful
When he’s trying to figure out how to do something at home, he uses whatever things he can find at home. Only occasionally will he request something to buy. For example, he'll print stuff off the internet, cut and paste to decorate his trains, use whatever pencils or pens are around the house. And speaking of Bendaroos. He will reuse his Bendaroos even when they are the wrong color (if he runs out of a particular color, for example).
So, I'm sure I could think of lots more things to be thankful for besides the 6 Reasons I'm Thankful for Autism that I just discussed. But for now I will close with this:
When we struggle with our attitudes and moods, God is always there waiting to encourage us:
Psalm 9:9-10 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Psalm 34:10b Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Isaiah 26: 3-4 Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock.
Read more from Homeschooling Dietitian Mom here:
Does Food Affect Autism?
Diet and ADHD in Children Part 1
Free just in time for Fall:
Thanksgiving Turkey Safety and Kid-Friendly Fall Recipes
30 Days of Thankfulness and Gratitude
Foods that Contain Gluten
Cool Christmas Stocking Stuffers
