Impromptu Walk to Lowe's

While getting ready to run to Lowe's, Lady Slipper happened to notice her fold up stroller where it sat behind the vacuum cleaner.  I'm not sure why she noticed it today when she hasn't paid any attention to it in a while, but I am glad she did.  Her request for a "walk, mommy" led to Daddy's suggestion that we just walk there instead of driving today.  It turned into a fun family date instead of just a simple thing checked off the to-do list. The bonus was 1.5 miles of exercise.

Sand Squats

While out on our walk, Lady Slipper just stopped at the sandbox, squatted down and began scooping sand into a cup.  She stayed that way for several minutes so I decided to do squats too, and to balance and stair step up and down the railroad ties . . . so I got my exercise too without losing patience during the stop.

Toddler Tetherball

"Come and play with me, Mom" is what the cute little beckoning arm must mean as Lady Slipper motions for me and then runs to . . .

the tether ball.  Her little actions say: "It's for balancing, walking around the pole in circles until we are dizzy . . .

. . .and the ball is fun too, as long as we don't hit it to hard. . .

Spur-of -the -moment Sister's Dance

As I tried to stay down on the couch and direct Morning Glory how to make fruit veggie rolls, I also hoped to help entertain little Lady Slipper with some fun kids music on the Pandora radio. When it was time for the yeast mixture to sit and rest, I was delighted. to watch Morning Glory sweep up her little sister in a fantastic waltz. As the songs increased in tempo, the sister dance became more and more energetic. What a fun family fitness moment!
I love being a mom!

Be Fit,

Janelle Joy

Healthy Snacks: Pear, Carrot Cookies

Mmmmm these turned out great.!
See the recipe at Family Fit Food

Be Fit,

Janelle Joy

Healthy Snacks: Freeze Dried Peas

While trying some samples in Costco a few weeks ago, I discovered a new healthy snack:  Freeze dried vegetables and fruits.  The sample was freeze dried corn and I was surprised at how crunchy and good they were to eat straight from the can.  I had generally thought of freeze dried stuff as food storage.
Not anymore!  I now carry around freeze dried peas and blueberries in my car with me.

I still try to serve regular cooked and raw vegetables to my family regularly, but feel much better now when they are turned away.  I know that at snack time I can offer the dried peas (which are my toddler's favorite right now) and still get some green veggies into her system.  My favorite brand so far is "Just Peas"  I find in little pouches from a health food store.

Nutritiously nurture your family!

Be Inspired,

Toddler Monkey-packing

My husband found what he thought was a little monkey backpack for $1 at a thrift store.  We found out that the monkey tail had a handle and it was actually one of those little toddler leashes.  Well, I had never bought one of those before because it seemed like walking a toddler like a little puppy was a little strange.  However, when we put this little monkey backpack on my cutie, she thinks it is wonderful.  She can walk around with us herself without holding our hands. 

We first tried this monkey-pack out on a morning walk on a walking trail near our home.  I was so surprised when my toddler wanted to run.  She would run and run.  Then she would stop and look at anthill or a rock or a spot on the path . . . and then run and run some more.  Daddy and Mommy got more exercise than we usually do with all the running.

There was even a bonus . . .nap time was a cinch and it lasted a lot longer too.

Be Inspired,