The Need for Chocolate Milk in Kids Lunch Program

Yesterday, the Minneapolis Public Schools made public its decision to discontinue serving chocolate milk as part of its school lunch program. As a mom and dairy producer this is very upsetting news to me. Dairy producers and the dairy industry have, are and always will be committed to child health and nutrition. I believe there is a much better way to trim calories and sugars from school menus that removing nutrient-rich foods like chocolate milk.

When I went to join my first grader for lunch in his school’s cafeteria earlier this year, I witnessed majority of the kids (and by majority, I would say 90%+) drinking chocolate milk. These children in the Minneapolis Public Schools will now be deprived of having the choice of chocolate milk and in result; will drink less milk—and get fewer nutrients because that choice is being taken away.

As a parent in your child’s school—you have a voice!!! Please go to www.midwestdairy.com and www.dairymakessense.com for rock solid information that give the real facts about nutritious dairy products, like chocolate milk—and the vital importance that these wholesome dairy products play on your child’s growing body!

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Happy 7th Birthday, Tyler

Happy 7th birthday, Tyler James!

Every year seems to go faster! Between swim lessons, shooting hoops, riding his bike, playing with his sister & brother and working at the farm, it seems like Tyler doesn't have much down time. Of course, down time generally means he is emptying my pantry and zooming to the next level of reading. His growth, physical, academic and maturity seems to be off the charts.

He is kind, creative, smart and funny! His faves includes playing outside, Pokemon (which I don't even pretend to understand), reading, drawing and playing with his friends, which lately seems to include his sister and brother.

He easily makes his father & I proud. On cinco de mayo, I brought b-day treats into his classroom and he got to pick one friend to help pass 'em out. He quickly chose his classmate with special needs to help out. It was hard for me to hold back the tears.

Happy Birthday, Tyler! We Love you with every ounce in us.

XOXO!

Jersey beuties

My attempt to do an Easter photoshoot turned out okay. The good snaps are posted on FaceBook, but this picture explains, the novelity of this soon faded. BTW, a certain hot-shot, 7-year-old thought the idea of matching sweater vests were "lame," as later, I couldnt find the vest, as it was stuffed underneath his dresser.

Blog Therapy

I'm sad to admit that the last 90 days came and went, and it all seems like a blur. So much has happened, good and bad.

The good...the kids! They are growin' and growin' and growin'! Tyler's toothless grin is proof; Jacob continual rate of gain is proof and Cassie's debut at Kindergarten roundup is proof. It all is bittersweet. I've so longed for them to be independent and grown up, but when they do--in spades, it makes this Jersey mama teary eyed!

They constantly add a bounce to my step, a smile to my soul and just make my life so much better!!!

The bad came on March 4th. I lost my cheerleader, my confident, my friend--my mother, Michelle Davidson. She died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 67 after battling Advanced Lung Disease for several years. Scott, baby Jake & I made our way to Oregon soon after to say our goodbye, and honestly, easily the hardest day of my life. I'm comforted that she joins other loving family members, including her parents, and my late brother, Patrick. I'm also comforted that she is not suffering from her illness anymore. However, I miss her terribly and often find myself picking up the phone to share with her lil' highlights of my day or to ask a question about parenting or recipe idea. She is greatly missed by us all.

What I've found to be therapeutical dealing with this great loss is attending mass services, leaning on my sisters, father and friends, huggin my family tighter and honestly, writing! So, so I'm trying to do all of that more frequently.