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Christina's Corner

Finally! I can't believe the day has arrived- I have my official child care license in my hand! It has been a LONG road to get here, but it was definitely well worth it. I began the process almost 1 year ago so I thought this day would never come!

There was so much work leading up to this day...loads of paperwork, background checks and TB clearances for five different individuals, home repairs, retaking a Health Certification class(that shouldn't have had to be done), buying supplies and toys, purchasing a mini van, not to mention installing a new bedroom window(to comply with pool regulations). For most future providers, the headache of it all would have been enough to stop the project altogether. Not me, though- I saw each challenge as a reason to continue, not give up. I've never seen myself as a quitter; never have, never will. So what how long it takes me to get there...at least I get there!

Several years ago I completed a marathon in Hawaii to raise money for the American Stroke Association. The course took me almost 9 hours to complete. Yes, 9 hours to walk 26.2 miles. Most people don't usually take that long, but I became discouraged at the halfway mark(that's a whole other story, ask me about it one day). I seriously considered giving up around mile 21 since I was mentally and physically exhausted. However, I continued on and around the 24th mile I spotted my trainers rallying for me on the side of the road. One of them joined me and gave me an awesome pep talk. My zeal was renewed and we jogged in the last mile together, straight to the finish line. I had not given up; I made it!

Now my daycare journey has begun. I'm looking forward to helping families who are in need of reliable, quality care for their children(I don't take sick days; once again-never have, never will!). My program is designed to allow children choices about their activities and provides opportunities for them to explore their environment. I enjoy watching them play and grow and consider it an honor if parents choose to leave their children with me.

So, if you or someone you know(in the Sacramento/Elk Grove CA area) is looking for a preschool program and daycare in a family home environment, please don't hesitate to look me up! Christina's Corner can be found here, here, here and oh, yeah here, too!

**Sorry for the shameless plugs, but if I don't do it, who will?!**

Michael's Official Kindergarten Graduation Announcement

I just wanted to share this with everyone!
See Him Go Graduation Announcement

Shutterfly graduation invitations and gifts.

View the entire collection of cards.

Cancer Scare

Cancer. When you hear that word, what comes to mind? For many, we know of "someone" who has been affected by this horrible disease, but it's not too close to home. We have somewhat of a buffer. A couple of months ago, that buffer disappeared for me. It wasn't just "someone" or so-and-so's mom that had cancer....it was my mom.

Once you hear the news, you're just not sure how to react. Do I become the researcher and find out all I can? Do I take a step back and become the supportive daughter? Do I offer to help out with appointments and errands? Check, check and check...I decided all three were necessary.

At first we thought it was cervical cancer and that because it was caught very early, a simple outpatient procedure would take care of it. However, that was not the case at all. A small misunderstanding between my mom and her doctor caused her to be misinformed. It actually turned out to be uterian cancer and was a bit more serious. She needed a total hysterectomy and was hospitalized for several days. Plus, she was facing the possibility of radiation treatment depending upon what the pathologist found. Thankfully, the doctor was able to remove all signs of the cancer and radiation was not necessary.

Although her recovery has not been easy due to some previous disabilities, my mom always has her brave face on. She doesn't like other people to see her in pain and sometimes won't even acknowledge that she's in pain. She will stubbornly attempt to do things on her own, refusing to ask for help from anyone. I suppose I can understand since I am so much like her, but I definitely don't want my mom to experience any unnecessary pain. I am so thankful that her cancer was treatable and removed. Now, we will just have to play the waiting game and find out if she continues to be cancer-free every 6 months. No matter what, though, I will always be there for my mom just as she has for me.

My Dad

Even though my Dad was in his early 50's when I was born(I'm the oldest of four!), he never let his age restrict his involvement with our family. We always did so many things together like having picnics at the park and beach or going to the museum, aquarium and zoo. My Dad even took us rollerskating and ice skating on a regular basis-all while he was in his 60's!

Every summer we would take our annual trip to Disneyland with a side trip to either Magic Mountain, Universal Studios or Knott's Berry Farm. Now none of this seems that extraordinary; in fact, any dad could do any of these things. What amazes me, though, is that my Dad found a way to make all these things happen for us four children on a very strict budget. He not only provided what we needed, but went above and beyond in the recreation department while on a modest pension and Social Security benefits.

The most heartwarming part for me, by far, is that my Dad took the time to understand what was special to each one of his children. He knew that I had a passion for horses and would literally go out of his way for me to just see a horse. He made sure each year while in Los Angeles that I was able to ride a horse in Griffith Park. He would take me to local stables to visit horses. He would even go as far as to call up private owners of ponies and miniature horses and arrange for me to see their horses. We would sometimes drive for hours so I could enjoy these experiences. Yet, my Dad never once complained; he just seemed happy to see me happy.

At times when other people would think my Dad was our grandpa, he wouldn't let that phase him. Instead, he would use that as an opportunity to tell one of his corny jokes. They may have been corny, but even now I find myself telling those same jokes to my boys. My childhood was never boring since my Dad kept things fun and exciting.

As his 90th birthday recently passed, my Dad is still the same man I've always known-warm, funny and genuine. Everyone loves to be around him and can't wait to hear his next story. Did I mention he's an awesome storyteller? Anyway, I thought my Dad is well-deserving of a "Job well done!" since he's had such an impact on not only my life, but countless others. Thanks, Dad...I can't imagine my childhood any better than it was. I only hope I have and will continue to create such memories for my boys.

Toxic Lessons

Several days ago, I watched a program entitled "Toxic Childhood" on CNN with Dr. Sanjay Gupta. It actually aired in the beginning of June, but through the magic of DVR I watched at my convenience. I'm glad I took the time to watch it because it really opened my eyes to all of the hazards that face our families; hazards that we don't normally think of or may not even know how to pronounce. Chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, PFOA, formaldehyde and PBDE are found almost everywhere yet they're linked to health concerns such as cancer, sexual problems, behavioral issues and weakened immune systems.

I haven't turned into a closet scientist or even a tree hugger, but I don't believe ignorance is bliss either. Although we can't possibly protect ourselves from everything out there, especially the things that are out of our control, we can still do the research necessary to be well-informed. Only then can we make the best decisions possible for ourselves and our families.

What are some facts I should know?

*Newborns have been exposed to over 200 chemicals in the womb.

*Only 200 out of 80, 000 known chemicals have been tested for safety.

*The standard for testing is based upon a 150 pound male so the findings are even worse for babies and young children.

*BPA is found in water bottles, baby bottles and even dental sealants. It's linked to reproductive problems, obesity, diabetes and cancer.

*Phthalates are found in personal care products, perfume, air fresheners, shower curtains and food packaging. They are linked to ADHD, male reproductive development and endocrine disruption.

*PFOAs are found in nonstick cookware, stain-repellent coatings, furniture and carpet. They're linked to cancer and developmental problems.

*Formaldehyde is found in personal care products, pressed wood products, glue and cigarette smoke. It's linked to nausea, skin irritations and respiratory and gastrointestinal cancers.

*PBDEs are found in televisions, computers, wire insulation and furniture foam. They are linked to liver and kidney damage as well as affecting the brain and behavior.

So, I'm informed....now what do I do? There are many things we can personally do to protect ourselves. Some are easy and affordable while others require a bit more effort and can be an added expense. The following are some ideas, but ultimately you need to decide what's right for you and your family:

1) Take your shoes off at the door; pesticides, fertilizers and workplace chemicals can all be tracked unknowingly into your home. This is especially of concern if you have young children who spend a lot of time on the floor.

2) Instead of non-stick cookware choose to use stainless steel or cast iron.

3) Buy organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible. As an alternative, wash and peel before eating for a simpler solution. (See Dr. Gupta's lists of The Dirty Dozen and The Clean 15)

4) Use a carbon filter pitcher for your drinking water to remove lead, chlorine and bacteria.

5) Buy meat and dairy products that do not have antibiotics or growth hormones.

6) Use glass instead of plastic to store food. If you do use plastic, be sure the number 7 is not on the bottom. This would indicate BPA.

7) Add houseplants to your home. They help to remove up to 90% of the toxins from the air.

8) Regularly dust and open your windows for ventilation. Inside air is 2 to 5 times more polluted than outside air due to to the formaldehyde in our furniture, carpets and drapes.

So, like I mentioned, these are just some ideas for you to consider. Making some or all of these changes to our daily routines can have very positive benefits. Some may think the ideas are laughable or unnecessary while others will not hesitate to do all they can. Whatever you choose, you may want to ask yourself, "How safe is my home?"

Just Getting Started

Finally, a thought has become my reality. I've officially decided to open up my own family daycare.....Christina's Corner. There's so much to do and plenty of time to do it! Since I'm a stay-at-home mom, I have the luxury of getting everything ready without the hassle of working outside the home at the same time. Don't get me wrong! I do work....just at home! I already own a home-based referral business. I truly enjoy helping other families create safer and healthier homes by means of a simple shopping decision. It has become my passion to live a healthy, chemical-free life.

However, I have another passion. Ever since I entered the daycare industry nearly 20 years ago, I quickly realized how much fun it is to be around children. They have so much energy that you have no choice but to keep up with them. They definitely keep you young!

Although I've always said I would never have a daycare in my own home(especially since I grew up with one), I've had to readjust my thinking. Opening my own center involves a lot of time, energy and money. I've got the time and energy covered, but I'm lacking just a bit in the revenue department. It's certainly not that a modest center couldn't be opened fairly easily; it's just that I have a vision of what I believe would be an ideal center. Now that requires some serious moola!

I want whatever I do to be done well and done right. There are no shortcuts with me. So my "vision" is going to be scaled back in order to get this whole thing started. If that means starting in my home, then so be it. And trust me...we're just getting started!