Nice Bucket Challenge Needs YOU!

Attention Parents!  I have a "challenge" for you!

Ironically, I stumbled across an article from Today's Parenting Team which magically partners with the Positive Action "word of the week."  This week, we are talking about KINDNESS!  The blog discusses two magical words that can change not only a student's day, but also yours too!

I facilitate a class at our local elementary school where approximately 380 children participate in a series of lessons to raise student's assets called Positive Action with the Morgan County Partnership.

This final nine week term, we are focusing on becoming a school "community that cares" by following the Golden Rule.  Each week, we discuss a new "code of conduct word."  "Positive Action is a systematic education program that promotes an intrinsic interest in learning and encourages cooperation among students.  It works by teaching and reinforcing the intuitive philosophy that you feel good about yourself when you do (or choose) positive actions."

Warm Springs Intermediate School has been challenged by Positive Actions to seek, recognize, celebrate, and perform random acts of kindness this week.  We have asked the children to be kind by using "nice" words at school - and at home!

As we return to school, we will be asking students to participate in the "Nice Bucket Challenge" where a classmates will fill a bucket with "nice" words describing another student.

So, by beginning your child's day with these two little words, "Be Kind," you will help Positive Actions to encourage students to follow the Golden Rule to "treat others the way you want to be treated!"

Do you accept the "challenge"?

Team Fox Superstar Emerges

"It's not about how fast you run but how you run fast!"

Have you heard this?  Well, actually... maybe not.  You see, in Disney's movie "Planes" they tell Dusty that "it's not how fast you FLY but how you fly FAST!"  LOL!

Check out our new Team Fox Superstar!  Levi Hott, age 8, finished third in his age group at the Morgan County Partnership's  "Run for Recovery 5K" on Sept. 14, 2013.   Who knew he could run fast?  And who knows?...maybe he'll become a marathon runner for Team Fox someday and raise lots of money for Parkinson's Disease research.

Wouldn't that be a cool way to contribute to the cause to find a cure for PD in our lifetime?  It was quite by accident, by the way, that Levi chose to wear his "Team Fox" racing shirt.  But it was no accident that all six Hott's participated in another 5K.

This week, Dan had his five year appointment at Johns Hopkins Hospital where he has been a part of a research program for Parkinson's Disease.  His neurologist, Dr. Zoltan Mari, was wearing a button with the Michael J. Fox Foundation's logo and a phrase "ask me about PD research".

So... I asked!  Wow....  Dr. Mari's enthusiasm was encouraging and hopeful that all their work will lead to progress in finding ways to help those living with this stinking illness.  Most of all, we talked a great deal about the importance of exercise.  With four active kids and busy schedules, it is hard not to keep Dan active.

Dr. Mari told us that "they believe that exercise may slow down or improve the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease" (well... he said something like that!).

Oh yeah!  So... exercise is the secret to beating Parkinson's Disease?  Well, let's get busy, off our butts, and exercise!  Come on!

Actually, Dan stretches and walks quite a bit.  In fact, we often find that when people see Dan they always say "Wow Dan!  You look great!"  I guess what they mean is "...for a 56 year old with Parkinson's Disease."  Well, fact is, he does look great!  (Pretty "hott" actually!)  And with well timed meds like levodopa it is hard to tell he has a chronic neurological problem at all.

An exercise program to help with Parkinson's Symptoms?  Sign us up!  Or, at least sign us up for a local 5K for a fun, family night out!  Makes this 48-year-old-grey-haired-PD bloggin-hott-mama-of-four remember our family's first attempt at running a 5K.  It was 2011 when I signed up my reluctant crew to run at the Morgan County Fair, one of the many days my hotthubby Dan shone as our PD "Superstar".

But move over, Dan!  There are new stars in the house!  LOL!  And, these stars never have to finish first to show how much heart and soul they bring to our crazy race.

I'm proud of our stars every day.