Rasperry Fizz

Summertime in Florida is hot, Hot, HOT!

We need to drink lots of water to stay hydrated around here.  I know I should drink half my weight in ounces!  Most days, I keep my large glass Voss bottle full and chug my way through with no problem.  But every now and again, I long for something a little sweet… a little bubbly… a little classy.

Elizabeth (my sweet, classy cousin) introduced me to the perfect summer solution, created on a visit to Bok Tower Gardens’ Cafe.  I’m calling it Raspberry Fizz for now but could you suggest a better name?

Step 1: Pour your favorite bubbly, chilled, into a pretty glass.  By bubbly, I mean Perrier,

San Pellegrino, Voss Sparkling, Club Soda… you know, sparkling water.  Not champagne- though it’d probably be tasty!  Note to self: try champagne

Step 2: Add a splash of raspberry syrup.  I found a bottle with a clean label at Claude’s Chocolates in St. Augustine.  (Le Sirop de Monin Ingredients: Pure Cane Sugar, Water, Natural Raspberry Flavor, Citric Acid)  That’s way better than the bottle I picked up, then returned, at World Market.

Step 3: Make it fancy with a swirl of orange rind, a few fresh raspberries skewered on a pik, some mint leaves, or fancy ice cubes.  Or don’t.

Step 4: Sit down, take a sip, and feel refreshed!

This is a great last-minute-company drink.  Serve with a smile and enjoy.

SUMMER = lots of time, lots of opportunities for irritation, training, fun

You love your kids.  They’re sweet, fun and really cute!  But by the end of summer, you may be counting down the days until school starts!  Perhaps you dashed from VBS to surf camp to another friend’s house to the beach and find yourself running on empty.  Do you prefer to enjoy your time at home but now think you’ll scream if your “adorable” 11 year old moans, “I’m bored!” one more time.  Or have you already passed that point?  Is the freedom of summer resulting in your temper flaring as hot as an afternoon in July?

Summer break means a lot more down time for St. John’s County families.  More interaction between siblings, friends and parents means more fun!  But it also provides more opportunities for bickering, tattling, and outbursts of anger.  Instead of cursing these moments, be grateful that you are able to lovingly react and carefully train your children how to work through conflict.

You don’t need a degree in education or a summer full of distractions to think of ways to avoid conflict instead of struggling through it!  Nineteenth century British educator, Charlotte Mason, proposed that parents ought to provide their children with something or someone to love, something to do, and something to think about every day.  Charge your children with creating this list of “to-dos.”

The someone or something to love category could include reading to a younger sibling, writing a note to grandparents, or washing and combing the dog!  I’m sure you won’t have a hard time coming up with something to do; be sure to include instructive, as well as fun, things.  Teach the kiddos practical skills by organizing a closet, spending extra time setting a beautiful table for dinner, or surprising Dad by doing the lawn.  The point is to include the children and look at yourself as their loving instructor, not slave driver!

When choosing something to think about, you may be as formal or casual as suits your family.  A trip to the library is a great start, look for biographies, classics and books of experiments in addition to fiction.  If they are unfamiliar with the layout of the library, teach them or learn together from a librarian.  You may also read news from a magazine or website and discuss a current story.  Whether you are a FOX News or CNN consumer, look for the reporter’s bias and help the children learn to discern between facts and opinion.  A trip to the zoo, crossword or jigsaw puzzle is also stimulating.  Engage with your family!

Even with your careful planning and loving guidance, conflict is guaranteed to arise!  Consider this your opportunity to spend extended time teaching your prodigy how to resolve conflicts.  Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp and The Heart of Anger by Lou Priolo remain favorite resources for child training.

The Heart of Anger is not exhaustive but lists 25 ways parents can provoke their children to anger.  When my children are exhibiting poor behavior or arguing a lot, I first check to see if they are getting enough sleep or if we’re too busy.  After that, I often refer to this list and consider whether I may be contributing to their attitudes.

With the extra time together, is it easier for you to find fault than to praise & encourage your child?  Are you scolding instead of patiently instructing?  Modelling sinful anger is wrong no matter the season; might your children be learning their misbehavior from you?  My children talk a lot, lot, lot, so this next one is hard for me: are you making time just to talk with them?  (It is especially difficult for me when I’m preoccupied, but I strive to be available when they need me!)  Another challenge during long summer days is allowing too much freedom!

Parenting is a joy and a pleasure even when it is completely draining.  Enjoy your summer, take pictures, and remember- you’re creating a lifetime of memories!

This article was originally published in The Creekline

Swimming

This article was originally printed in The Creekline.

What do 76 million people know that you might forget in this scorching heat? Florida is amazing in the summer! Sure, it gets hot… but that’s why the Lord blessed St. John’s County with the longest river in the States and 40 miles of beaches!

All of us have access to refreshing water, whether it be a neighborhood pool or a quick drive to the beach. With a little advance planning, a fun trip with your children to cool down can be high on fun and low on stress.

First things first, let’s talk snacks!!! When the temps are in the 90s, snacks need to do double duty. Many beach trips, my kiddos are too busy to stop for a traditional lunch. A small cooler filled with watermelon, grapes, sliced apples and other fresh produce is a refreshing oasis from summer’s heat. You’ll also need lots of liquids to keep hydrated. 100% Juice boxes are a fun treat, but limit the kiddos to one. Water is the better choice so bring plenty and let it flow freely! Flip-top-straw containers, like Thermos’ stainless model, are great for the beach because with the push of a button you access the straw and keep the sand out. If you opt for water bottles, go for mini-sized ones so a spill or handful of sand doesn’t wipe out your water supply.

We have found that early morning beach trips work best for our family. Not only do you beat the crowds, which is important when you’re keeping an eye on small children, but you can also enjoy lots of playtime before the scorching sun chases you in. The sun’s rays are needed for our bodies to produce Vitamin D, but everyone knows midday rays cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. If you can make it to the beach for breakfast and playtime then head back in around 10, current research shows you may be able to opt out of sunscreen. Little ones and fair skinned folks should wear a hat and don a swim shirt or long-sleeved cover-up. Although your body is unable to absorb the rays necessary to make Vitamin D when you’re wearing sunscreen, SPF15 or greater is a must if you’re outside between 10 & 4!

Another advantage to those early trips is more room to run with a kite! Giggles are guaranteed if your child is able to get their kite airborne. Fish nets can yield fun finds in tidal pools. For more beachy fun, bring a shovel and bucket for sand art or a boogie board for easy-on-the-body surfing. Play giant tic-tac-toe in the sand, have your little mates dig for Mom’s hidden treasure, or just take a walk enjoying this wondrous creation. These classic pastimes never get old- and you’ll never get too old to join in!

When it comes to poolside fun, the possibilities are endless! Babies enjoy the simple things like blowing bubbles and splashing around. For the bigger children, we keep squirt guns, a kick-board, and rings & torpedoes to fetch from the pool floor in our pool bag. Many other toys have come and gone, but these are our longstanding favorites. If you’re taking a couple of brave non-swimmers to splash around, don’t hesitate to put them in life jackets or “muscle” swimsuits! The security and peace of mind this brings is priceless. Timothy, our brave 4 year old, swears he can swim- even though he sinks like a rock! I have to remind him every pool trip that noodles and floaties are not safe if he can’t swim without them! He is not allowed to use them unless an adult is with him. Even if you don’t bring these types of floaties, they are often shared by well-meaning playmates. Safety first! Give the children your family’s rules ahead of time (including no running and no diving) for an accident free swim.

Enjoy Florida’s many sunny mornings and evenings (and rainy afternoons for naps!) this summer with your little water-bugs!

Get Outside!

This article was originally published in The Creekline.

The sun is bright, the day is fine- in Florida it is SUMMERTIME!  Before hoards of tourists rush to our state for summer break, get outside and enjoy some of the natural beauty our state has to offer your family

Sinking your feet into the cool sand on a hot day is a luxury many Floridians take for granted.  Don’t wait for the scorching days of summer to head to the beach.  Beat the crowds, litter and excessive heat by heading to one of the pristine St John’s County beaches this month.  Whether the children are boogie boarding in Guana River State Park’s ocean side, castle building at Anastasia State Park, or looking for shells at another area beach, you can find the perfect place along our coast.  Always try to head out in the early morning or late afternoon and still protect the children’s sensitive skin with hats, sleeves and sunscreen.

Did you know our county website lists over 60 parks?  Go beyond playgrounds (though we do have some fabulous playgrounds!) this year and enjoy the nature trails before the mosquitoes invade.  Younger children can see how many different color flowers they can find or search for different mushrooms on a “fungus walk”.  Encourage all ages to respect nature by bringing a bag to pick up trash as you walk along.

Geocaching is another great way to discover new parks and favorite “secret spots”.  This family activity requires no more than your car, a computer and a GPS.  Check out geocaching.com for hidden “caches” nearby.  We discovered Alpine Groves Park in Switzerland this way and have been back several times.  It has a themed playground, paved nature trail to the St. John’s River and some hidden caches to boot!

My hubby thinks that a day off in Florida isn’t complete without time on the water.  He says Thoreau had it right when he said, “Everybody should believe in something, I believe I will go fishing.”  If you feel the same way, head to one of the county piers, the stocked ponds at Davis Park, or the Guana River Dam.  Fishing can teach patience, stewardship, and sportsmanship as children learn to release small fish, big fish and fish out of season.  Another of my hubby’s favorite quotes may describe your day, “The fishing was good… it was the catching that was bad.”  Enjoy making memories whether your child brings home the big one or not!

If you do end up at the Guana River Dam, definitely make a point to visit the GTM National Estuarine Research Reserve while there.  Your children can do a scavenger hunt while touring the education center and view many different exhibits.  Ask about guided nature walks and enjoy education combined with fun throughout your visit to the education center.  Admission is $2 for adults and free for children under 10.  Call 823-4500 for more information.

I cannot close an article about St. John’s County without mentioning the Castillo de San Marcos.  Our children always enjoy watching the soldiers (wearing wool even in the scorching sun!) fire the cannons!  You can see the St Augustine Lighthouse from the top of the fort, and start planning your next family outing.

The green space in front of the fort is yet another picturesque location to enjoy a family picnic.  You may even be inspired to roll down the hill or start a game of tag!  One thing is for certain, take your time enjoying the natural beauty of our state with your kids and you will definitely be inspired to plan another day off soon

For more information:

www.co.st-johns.fl.us/BCC/Parks_1_Recreation/Park_Facilities/index.aspx

Under Park Facility Listing, there is a chart of some parks & the amenities they offer and a map with the location of all St John’s County parks.