Stand up and Walk!!!

Brain Power!!
Building a healthy brain isn't a new concept. It's been around for many many years. So why does it take us (westerners) so long for us to follow wisdom. I attended a workshop today that was about building a healthy brain. In my counselling training and experience, I have studied brain development and the different theories around growth. I have also learned how trauma can affect the brain, heart and body. Todays workshop not only made connections to how my students' brain learns and grows, it made connections to myself, my kids,  and my husband. There were many concepts I learned today, but the one thing I will always remember is that
   M o V e M e N t                             M o V e M e N t                      M o V e M e N t
is the most important thing about learning. Kids need to move throughout the day in order to learn and engage. They need to get outside in the fresh air, away from tv, internet and games, in order to stimulate their neurons to create more dendrites. So when I lectured my kids about how tv will make their brains soft, I was lying, because it already is soft ( I learned that today too). However, the message is still important - that too much tv will make you 'Stupid!' I am guilty of watching tv for hours at a time on some nights, especially on thursdays with Grey's and Private Practice. But I also try to model good 'down time' by reading quietly for long periods of time too. I came home today and taught both my kids, 6yrs and 11yrs, about brain growth and brain wellness. To my surprise, they were very interested in their brain growth. My eldest immediately went to the internet to look up images of healthy and unhealthy brains. After showing them some physical exercises on how to stimulate their brains, they said they already felt different, that they could feel the right side of their brain communicating to their left side - kids are so cute. They were very enthused to learn more exercises on how to grow more dendrites . . . WOW! We also talked about good brain food like fish (they were very proud because they eat a lot of fish), avocado, nuts, kale, blueberries, and water . So . . . get up and start moving, start a regular exercise program, kick your kids outside, open the windows and breathe, and eat brain food daily. I am happy that our family are doing a lot of these things already, but we have so much more to change in our lives to build and re-build healthy brains.
I am now going to get up and MOVE!!!

SUMMER of Camping and Travelling

Well, it has been a LONG TIME since my last blog. Even if I am the only one to view my blog, I will try my best to update as much as I can.

SUMMER was great for the Jones Family. We camped a lot in our trailer at LakeElse in Terrace BC. We went on our ANNUAL FAMILY Water Lily Bay Gathering - being with the whole family is so much fun. Every year at the same resort we have been gathering for over 35yrs. The kids do a lot of fishing, swimming, and boating. The adults do a lot of eating, participating in theme days, sitting around the fire til late in the night, and more eating. Most of our family live in the same town and we lead very busy lives but we always make the effort to visit for birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrations.

WE also went on our first HOT trip with the family. We wanted to take the boys to DISNEYLAND and ourselves to MEXICO. So we went on our first Cruise through the Mexican Riviera with the boys and then a week in Disneyland. OMG . . . it was so much FUN!! There were moments when I would take in the heat and scenery and think, 'why didn't we do this sooner!' Obviously, we were missing out. The boys were able to experience places they've only seen on tv. Kolby understood where we were on the map and was able to put things into perspective. He really enjoyed himself. Kade really came out of his shell and braved through a lot of activities he normally would have been conscious about. They both had a great expreience. We were able to do everything as a family - Rock climbing, mini-golf, swimming on the beach, surfing, all disney rides, driving in a convertible, taking in shows, Angels game and so much more. . .

I will always remember this trip. We plan on going on more before the boys get too old. We just need to start saving money now. Actually, we need to pay for this one first, then start saving for the next one.

Keeping with the Blog!!

I really need to keep up with the Blog. It feels good to write down thoughts and feelings and experiences of our daily life. Even if no one reads it, I feel better. I will try to keep updating our blog weekly, at least write one or two sentences about plans or goals. 

What to do??

What to do when you are a working mom?

My kids are in school and I am a full-time elementary counsellor. I regret that I didn't take the time off last year to be present for my youngest during his pre-school years. He is turning 5 this year and I am still thinking that I should take a part-time leave from my work to be available for kindergarten activities, before and after school activities, and lunch time. My house is always is in 'rush' mode and it seems to affect my work and my kid's day. Does anyone have any thoughts on this???