What's in a Yes?

No is such an easy word to say.  Short, quick, it slips off the tongue without even having to stop and think about it.  Since it's so painless, I use that word often. To  my kids: "No, you can't turn on the tv right now.  No, you can't use the couch for a trampoline. No, don't touch.  No, you can't have another cookie.  No, we aren't  painting your room camouflage - that's not even a color! And definitely NO, you can't have a pet snake."  To my husband: "No, let's not eat there. No, I don't know where that is. No, I didn't get the mail." And finally, "No, I have a headache."  To my mom, "No, I don't have time right now, No, we aren't coming home for Easter, No, I forgot about that." And on and on, the NO's keep coming.

Oh, don't get me wrong.  There are plenty of legitimate reasons for No. No has it's rightful, proper place. No is necessary and good. It's just, well, habit-forming after awhile.   When I say it, everything stays the same.  No effort, no thought, no mess, so easy.  Uninterrupted, I get to continue on.

But what if I had said yes?  Yes to different ideas, some other way, an unexpected plan.  Would it have been so hard?  Would it really have mattered if things didn't turn out how I anticipated?  What would yes mean to the  person on the other end of the question?  Yes is risky.  It means stepping out, change. Yes means a new perspective, spreading wings, flying. Yes can mean new opportunities, rewards, things I would miss out on, otherwise.

Today I said YES to popsicle making.  The smiles made the mess totally worth it. Talk about reward!

                 


Smoothie Popsicles

I have a collection of Tupperware popsicle molds. I have no idea if Tupperware still makes them.  I've been scrounging people's castoffs for quite awhile.  My mom gave me the ones she used when we were kids, my mother-in-law added hers, a yard sale or two and I have enough molds to make a couple dozen at a time.  If  you don't have molds, you can use a dixie cup with a wooden craft stick.

This recipe is so refreshing  made with delicious summertime fruits.  I love it because it's packed with calcium and  fiber, a yummy alternative to chemical and dye laden frozen treats. It's a yes you can feel good about.  Swap in whatever fruit you have on hand. We love this with peaches, blueberries, raspberries, mangos - whatever is in season.  Locally, strawberries are coming into season, so this is what we used today.

4 cups strawberries, stemmed and halved
2-3 very ripe bananas
2 cups  yogurt
1/2 tsp vanilla
milk (optional)
sugar or honey (optional)

In blender or food processor, puree berries,  Add in bananas and blend until smooth.  Add in yogurt and vanilla.  Blend until mixed well. Taste!  At this point you can pour into mold and freeze, or add a cup or so of milk.  I add enough so the mixture fills my blender container.  Depending on how sweet your fruit is and what kind of yogurt you use,  you may need to add a few spoonfuls of sugar or some honey.  I like Stoneyfield Farms Vanilla Yogurt.  It is sweetened, but just enough that I don't need to  sugar to our popsicles. Be daring!  Do something different.  Make some popsicles!