DALLAS
ISSUE 2.3
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P E R F E C T LY M I X E D , P E R F E C T LY M ATC H E D wisdom
JJ HELLER ON love, WISDOM page & PURPOSE 14
A NON-FICTION page
page
LIFE 14 still
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26 STANDING
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P E R F E C T LY M I X E D , P E R F E C T LY M ATC H E D
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FROM THE PUBLISHERS
TEAMOLOGY
HIS WISDOM FOR OUR LIVES School is officially out for summer and, while we can’t seem to get a break from the rain lately, many families are already planning their summer vacations, or staycations. I don’t know what summer means for you and your family, or if you have great, or any memories at all, of summertime when you were growing up, but for me summer is almost like a season of rest. In school it’s meant to be a time where you pause from learning and take a break. The weather is warmer and there are a myriad of outdoor activities available for kids [adults] of every age.
TRACI HUHN
ART DIRECTOR
AMANDA HENSLEY
MARKETING DIRECTOR
TRACI COKER
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
We invite you to take this summer as an opportunity to pause from your regular commitments, that you can pause from, and evaluate where you are in your life right this moment; mommy-to-be, mom of toddlers, mom of teenagers, empty nester, grandma. Take regular breaks and Sabbath days where you ask God what direction His will would have you go. Take this time to seek His WISDOM for your life. We hope you, as always, find encouragement between the covers of Momology 2.3, find interesting new businesses you haven’t tried yet in our advertisers, and feel a sense of renewal and understanding that we moms are Perfectly Mixed, Perfectly Matched, right where you are and with who calls you Mom. We pray that you have a blessed summer, and don’t start counting down to the start of school too soon.
JOHN LEWIS
EDITOR IN CHIEF
DAVID H. DARBY
EDITOR-AT-LARGE
ANDREA GAUL
STAFF WRITER
ALISON SCOTT STAFF WRITER
TERI DARBY
Traci, Amanda & Traci
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
OWNERS, ANNMICHELLE PUBLISHING
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: ROBYN WHITAKER
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TRACI HUHN Managing Partner
AMANDA HENSLEY Managing Partner
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Momology Magazine is a bimonthly publication of AnnMichelle Publishing. AnnMichelle Publishing is not responsible for any omissions or misrepresentations submitted to the magazine. Advertisers represented in this publication and their agencies assume all liability for the content of advertisements and photos. Opinions, advertisements, and articles expressed do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher or AnnMichelle Publishing’s employees, contractors or volunteers. Be advised many writers featured in this publication are not necessarily professionals but moms writing from personal experience and should be read as such. Reproduction or transmittal of any part of this publication is prohibited without express permission in writing from the publisher.
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2.3 WISDOM: IN THIS ISSUE
FEATURE
A NON-FICTION LIFE
COVER
J.J. HELLER ON LOVE, WISDOM & PURPOSE
FEATURE
STILL STANDING
FAITH
SHOP
ADVERTISER’S INDEX
ALONG THE ROAD TO WISDOM ..................8 VBS DIRECTORY ...........................................10 STAY OR VACAY? .......................................12
THE MODEST MOMMY ................................22 SUMMERTIME SANDALS ..............................24
MOCKINGBIRD BABY ... INSIDE FRONT COVER
DREAM JJ HELLER ON LOVE, WISDOM & PURPOSE ... .......................................................................14 5 REASONS TO KEEP A JOURNAL ...............16 A NON-FICTION LIFE ....................................18
HEAL
STILL STANDING ............................................26 A WISE NORTH STAR ...................................28 POOLSIDE FOODS ......................................30
ARBONNE .................................................... 9 JOURNEY PHOTOG .................................... 11 LADY E DESIGNS ....................................... 19 KELLI ALLISON | THIRTY-ONE ......................... 20 INHALE MINISTRIES .......................................29 BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE .................. ...................................... INSIDE BACK COVER ATHLETIC REPUBLIC THE WOODLANDS ....... .................................................. BACK COVER
ADVERTISERS
The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Texas area alone has over 6.9 million people with 50% being represented by the female population. Our readership extends far beyond this area by means of digital publication as well as an accompanying website and social platforms, reaching readers from California to Canada and anywhere in between. Our digital publication and social communities allows us to keep in contact with our readers, delivering news, words of inspiration, ideas and businesses to them frequently. We seek to match those readers with advertisers who have products and services that are geared towards the everyday mom. We are building readership, but we are also building a community of moms who will encourage, support and network with one another. Using the phrase “Perfectly Mixed, Perfectly Matched” we seek to encourage moms to embrace their mommy place in life and realize that as long as they are doing the very best they can, they are the perfect mommy for the children that call them MOM.
STORY IDEAS
Do you know someone who has an interesting or inspiring mom story? Sure you do! Just like all kids are different, all moms are unique in their experiences, perspectives and talents. We want to learn and grow from these different walks in the daily life of a mom and invite you to send your story starters to Stories@MomologyMagazine.com.
PERFECTLY MIXED, PERFECTLY MATCHED
5
HOBBIES & HEROES
Avery, a freshman at Magnolia high school, has found a passion for ballroom dancing. She calls Fred Astaire Dance Studio her “happy place�. Since she began ballroom dance, she has begun to grow from her time on the dance floor. The experience has helped her in all aspects of her life, from becoming more confident, working harder in academics as well as seeing improvement in soccer skills.
Avery
age 15
DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE AN INTERESTING HOBBY OR FAVORITE HERO? WE WANT TO FEATURE THEM!
We believe that it is incredibly iimportant to learn who you are. Hobbies and heroes help children develop a sense of self worth and confidence. If your child would like to be featured in the magazine, please send their first name along with a high resolution photo and a short description of why they like their hobby or hero for consideration in a future issue. You may submit it to Stories@MomologyMagazine.com
6
guided by
faith
PERFECTLY MIXED, PERFECTLY MATCHED
7
ALONG THE ROAD TO
WISDOM
BY JOHN LEWIS
Y
ou enter a tent by way of a beaded doorway as incense rises around you.
Ancient artifacts, relics, and runes lay scattered about in no apparent order. As your eyes grow slowly accustomed to the low light and haze, you notice countless books laying all around. Many are left opened to specific pages waiting to be picked up and read again. In some, the print is fading. All are worn with time and use. A lifetime of study, meditation, and research is represented in the scene before you. You have entered the den of a sage. In all the movies and storybooks, wise men and women are eccentric, older than the foundations of the earth, and full of pithy tokens of wisdom they communicate slowly and sparingly. They read a lot, go on long mysterious journeys, and often smoke a pipe. When they do communicate wisdom, it is often in riddles or enigmatic expressions few understand. Wisdom is elusive, hard to grasp and usually involves some form of quest or journey to obtain. In the real world, in this very real life we are all living, what is wisdom and how do we get it? Most dictionaries define wisdom as knowledge gained through experience. As
8
is our custom, we will ask and attempt to answer the questions, “what does the Bible say
available to us in Christ the moment we
about wisdom?” and, “how does it apply to being a mom?”
believe. As we allow Him to live His life in us
In case you feel like me, under-qualified and greatly lacking in the wisdom department, take heart from Scripture: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5 NKJV)
more and more, we gain access to all He is. His love, His peace, His grace, His wisdom. The Christian life is utterly impossible without this one thing: allowing Him to live
And
His life in us. Moment by moment, day by
”For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;”
day, being crucified with Christ that He may
Proverbs 2:6 NKJV) Lord, You are the only wise God and we ask you now to guide our conversation and to give us Your wisdom. We are in desperate need of You. Thank you for Your life. Amen.
live His resurrected life through us. This is the wisdom of the ages, the secret to the best life we could ever live, but it is also
The Bible does talk about a wisdom that comes from experience. This is the wisdom that
counterintuitive to our flesh. We often boil
older, more life-worn people can pass on to those that are younger who will listen. We
it down to a list of dos and don’ts, focusing
see it in the Proverbs: “He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of
on having right behavior rather than a heart
fools will be destroyed.” (Proverbs 13:20 NKJV) and, “A wise man will hear and increase
that is right before God.
learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.” (Proverbs 1:5 NKJV) There
Our kids see this- they see us going through
are countless jewels of wisdom younger moms could learn from older moms and clueless
the motions of living for God without letting
dads could learn from any mom, period. Since I fall in the clueless dads category, we are
Him live His life in us more and more. And
going to instead try to dig a bit deeper and uncover what is the core, the very essence of
they mimic what they see in us. All they hear
biblical wisdom, without which all other such jewels and nuggets simply fall flat.
and see is the “what” of the Christian life
The journey for wisdom is a lot like the road to maturity. In a very practical sense, becoming
without the “how,” and so many turn away
mature is realizing more and more how immature you actually are. The immature person
once they can make their own choices.
has no idea they are immature- they do not have the capacity to see their own immaturity
They turn away because they have never
because they do not understand maturity. Then the time comes when they slowly,
seen the power of God working in us. More
moment by moment, day by day, begin to see the immaturity in their thinking and ways,
than anything else we could teach or show
and through this realization, maturity comes. It is much the same along the journey for
them, they need to see us allowing Christ to
wisdom. The wise have insider information the unwise have no access to, and access is
live His life through the Holy Spirit in us.
granted only as foolishness is revealed to the unwise at the heart level. The wise can share
-This one thing, more than anything we say
their experiences and the things they have learned with the unwise, but unless the hearts
or do, could mean the difference between
of the unwise are ready to receive it, it will mostly fall on deaf ears.
life and death for their soul. As it is written,
Let our hearts be ready to receive the wisdom that is from God. Let’s heed the warning
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
from Solomon, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.”
And he who wins souls is wise.” (Proverbs
(Proverbs 3:7 NKJV) and, “The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, And before
11:30 NKJV)
honor is humility.” (Proverbs 15:33 NKJV) and, “’The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.’” (Proverbs 9:10 NKJV) The fear of the LORD, humility, the knowledge of the Holy One. Wisdom is sounding less like obtaining tips, nuggets, or jewels from experience and more like a certain posture before God. We have covered recently how all of the resources we will ever need are
Wisdom comes with age, but you don’t have to show it on your skin. RE-9 anti-aging line. To learn more, contact Sibel Mandalincini, Independent Consultant sibelmandalincini@arbonne.com.
PERFECTLY MIXED, PERFECTLY MATCHED
9
Vacation bible school directory
DALLAS/FT. WORTH METROPLEX
← Journey Off The Map takes your kids to uncharted territory where they will begin to understand that obedience to God can lead them beyond the expected. Prepare to listen for God’s direction in this journey that is unknown to us, but known by Him. The “Everest” theme is the most popular this year, as organizers hope to teach children how to use the Bible and their faith to overcome challenges, just like climbing a mountain. →
June 8 - 12
Freedom Life Church
K - 5th grade EVEREST - CONQUERING CHALLENGES WITH GOD’S MIGHTY POWER 972 307 2304 VBS@FreedomLifeDFW.com 2435 E. Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton TX 75010
June 8 - 12
JOURNEY OFF THE MAP
9 AM - 12:30 PM
9 AM - 12 PM
First Baptist Church Allen
201 E. McDermott, Allen, TX
June 15 - 17
3 yrs - 2nd grade EVEREST - CONQUERING CHALLENGES WITH GOD’S MIGHTY POWER 214 706 9502 jillemery@llumc.org 9200 Inwood Road, Dallas, Texas (Deaf Children Welcome)
9 AM - 12 PM
Lover’s Lane United Methodlist Church
June 15 - 19
7 PM - 9:30 PM
4702 Saturn Rd., Garland, TX 75041
June 15 - 19
JOURNEY OFF THE MAP
9 AM - 12 PM
June 15 - 19
9 AM - 12:30 PM
7901 Main Street, Frisco, TX 75034
June 15 - 19
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
9:30 AM - 12: 30 PM
June 15- 19
9AM - 12 PM
Crosspoint Church
June 15- 18
972 698 0608 shilohgarland.org/vbs 5 yrs - 5th grade
972-403-1010 X127 bbruskas@parkwayhills.org 2700 North Dallas Parkway, Plano, TX 75093 K - 6th grade JOURNEY OFF THE MAP
First Baptist Church
Frisco Bible Church
1yrs - Adults
JOURNEY OFF THE MAP
Shiloh Church
Parkway Hills Baptst Church
8000 Sancuary Dr., Frisco, TX 75033
972 335-9830 michelle.nickell fbcfrisco.org
K - 4th grade 972 335 8150 vbs@friscobible.com
K - 5th Grade EVEREST - CONQUERING CHALLENGES WITH GOD’S MIGHTY POWER 214 578 7040 crosspoint-church.org 2101 S. Stonebridge Dr., McKinney, TX 75070
Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church
3 yrs - 5th grade EVEREST - CONQUERING CHALLENGES WITH GOD’S MIGHTY POWER 972 359 7777 vbs@cottonwoodcreek.org 1015 S.H. 121, Allen, TX 75013
June 15 - 19
JOURNEY OFF THE MAP
9 AM - 12 PM
9AM - 12 PM
Travis Avenue Baptist Church
800 West berry St., Fort Worth, Tx 76110
June 15 - 19
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
9 AM - 12 PM
First Baptist Church of Richardson
1001 N. Central Expresswy, Richardson, TX 75080
June 15 - 19
JOURNEY OFF THE MAP
9 AM - 12 PM
K - 6th grade 817 924 4266
celeste.albaugh@travis.org K - 6th grade
972 235 5296 ilassiter@fbcr.org 1st - 5th grade 972 613 2222
lakeridge.org
Lake Ridge Bible Church
1020 Northwest Drive, Mesquite, Tx 75150
June 22 - 25
Irvig Bible Church
K - 5th Grade EVEREST - CONQUERING CHALLENGES WITH GOD’S MIGHTY POWER 972 560 4600 info@irvingbible.org 2435 Kinwest Parkway, Irving, TX 75063
June 22 - 26
JOURNEY OFF THE MAP
9 AM - 12 PM
9 AM - 12 PM
First Baptist Dallas
10
K - 5th grade 972 727 8241 lezah.maitland@fbcallen.org
1707 San Jacinto, Dallas, TX 75201
3 yrs - 6th Grade 214 969 0111 info@firstdallas.org
“
“I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME.”
June 22 - 26
8:30 AM - 12 PM
Willow Bend Church
June 22 = 26
9 AM - 12 PM
First Baptist Church of Lewisville
June 25 - 27
8:30AM - 12 PM
Milestone Church, McKinney Campus
July 6 - 10
JOURNEY OFF THE MAP
K - 4th grade
5701 W. Park Blvd. Plano, TX 75093 JOURNEY OFF THE MAP
972 985 5518 susan@willowbendchurch.org
1251 W. Valley Ridge Blvd., Lewisville, Tx 75077
4 yrs -5th grade
972 436 5502 fbclewisville.org/
LIVING INSIDE OUT
K - 4th grade
601 S. Graves Street, McKinney, Tx 75069
972 540 6700 info@milestonechurch.com
9 AM - 12 PM
JAMBO! CAMP KILAMANJARO 2015
Denton Bible Church
2300 E. University Dr., Denton, Tx 76209
July 13 - 17 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
FIRE FIGHTERS
North Highlands Bible Church
9629 Church Rd., Dallas, TX 75238
July 13 - 17
Philippians 4:13
9 AM - 12:30 PM
6 yrs - 5th grade 940 297 6700 dentonbible.onthecity.org 1st - 6th grade 214 348 9697 nhbc.net/
MISSION AIR FLIGHT 2015
1st - 5th grade
Countryside bible church
250 Contryside Ct., Southlake, TX 76092
July 27 -31 9 AM - 12 PM
ESTHER - “FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS”
Grace Bible church
1450 Oak Hill Road, Ft. Worth, Tx 76112
July 28 - 31
EVEREST - CONQUERING CHALLENGES WITH GOD’S MIGHTY POWER
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Prestoncrest Church of Christ
817 488 5381 cbctaff@countrysidebibile.org
12700 Preston Road, Suite 210, Dallas Tx 75230
3 yrs - 12 yrs. 817 451 0937 gbcfw@sbcglobal.net 4 yrs - 6th grade
972 233 2392 info@prestoncrest.org
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Use promo code MOMO to receive 30% off one regular portrait session. PERFECTLY MIXED, PERFECTLY MATCHED
11
stay or vacay?
ON A DIME
Sweet summertime! A time filled with laughter throughout neighborhoods, swimming pools, beaches, snow cones, family vacations and dreading going back to school in the fall. I don’t know about you, but I didn’t grow up going on elaborate summer vacations every year. We were blessed to be able to travel some, and I have a lot of great memories from those trips, but I find now that I’m an adult I feel sad when summer rolls around every year and our family isn’t going anywhere. I think it can be attributed to the explosion of social media in the last 10 years, because now we know the exact moment someone is leaving the airport on their trip to a tropical paradise based on their Facebook checkin, and even know what terminal they’re leaving from. That entire week, or longer, we’re bombarded with pictures of beautiful flowers, piña coladas, beautiful beaches and waves, and the thought of, “I just had my kid’s chicken nuggets they didn’t finish for lunch.” Yes, social media stirs up feelings of jealousy, which is a topic for another day, but what I always fail to remember is that when I think about childhood, I couldn’t tell you how old I was or when we went on vacations. I couldn’t even tell you how long we went or where we stayed. I remember vividly laughing with my Mom in the van on a road trip, or other memories made with my family, not any of the other specifics we often obsess over as an adult. So I urge you, sisters, as Summer is approaching, don’t fret on what you can’t do, but rather on what you can. Vacation is about being good stewards of the money God has given us as well, because those trips are but moments in time. Here’s a collection of unique and affordable ideas to make memories with your family this summer.
BEACH/LAKE HOUSE
PARK IT Many cities have parks
GET WILD
Get a group of friends or fami-
With Houston only 4 hours
ly together and rent a beach
away it’s feasible to make a
where they offer free concerts,
thing more than just general
or lake house. You can often
day trip to this Gulf Coast city.
movies nights and events all
admission if you’re willing to
rent them for just a few days or
There are so many sites and
summer long, along with good
pay the price, allbeit far cheap-
a week at a time, with many
attractions that Houston and its
ole’ playgrounds. You can find
er than an out of town trip. With
capable of hosting more than
suburbs offer that there’s too
these free events with a simple
options of a Backstage Safari
2-3 families comfortably. By the
many to list here. Visit Houston
web search. Go early in the af-
the adventure is wild and avail-
time you divide up the rental
city websites or check out our
ternoon and let your kids play,
able to you and your family!
cost you’re way below what a
calendar for some fun things to
then stay and enjoy free music
Many tours require advanced
hotel room would cost a family
do for the whole family! One of
or a movie. No matter how long
registration, so check online
of 4. With full kitchens in home,
our favorite resources is Houston
you choose to stay your kids will
before heading out. There are
you’re all set to do your own
On The Cheap where you can
love the quality time with you,
also fun and educational ani-
cooking, which cuts the cost of
find free or cheap options last
and they’ll get some pent up
mal presentations throughout
eating out and time spent trav-
minute.
engery out, hopefully crashing
the day at different exhibits. Be
in bed early.
sure and grab a schedule!
eling to and from restaurants.
12
DAY TRIPS
The Dallas Zoos offer some-
believe in your
DREAMS
PERFECTLY MIXED, PERFECTLY MATCHED
13
J.J. Heller
ON LOVE, WISDOM & PURPOSE
BY AMANDA HENSLEY
O
ften we imagine that following our dreams and being a mother are incompatible –
Hellers
have
been
singing
and
writing music together for 12 years now. JJ
our dreams are set aside and we put everything we have … every thought, worry, ounce
recently referred to her voice as a “belty-
of energy and oomph into raising our families. We long for the days when our hearts were
innie” on Facebook, and after chuckling
filled with wild ideas and visions for our future and inwardly, wistfully think that maybe one
at the cute metaphor I asked how they
day we can pursue our dreams once again. With the weight of the pressure we put on
came to be singer/song writers. The mix of
ourselves and the constant chatter of the naysayers of the world in our ears, we begin to
inspiration is eclectic, and rockers like Alanis
doubt ourselves, questioning what we’ve been called to do.
Morisette and Jennifer Knapp inspired JJ
JJ Heller has found a way to do both. Chasing life with both passion and wisdom, she
in performance, but she figured out that
has built a music career and a
her voice is infinitely better when singing
beautiful family. Not only fulfilling
quietly, hence the “belty-innie” versus
her own dreams, but also coming
“belty-outie” voice. “My vocal cords have
into her purpose – pursuing God’s
also gotten damaged over the years,”
calling for her life.
says JJ, “so on those rare occasions that
Dave and Jennifer Judy (JJ)
I do actually want to belt something out I
met over 16 years ago in college
have to be really careful. I also simply love
where Dave was leading worship
the singer/songwriter genre of music. Patty
for Campus Crusade for Christ
Griffin is my all-time fave.”
(now known as Cru) at San Jose State
Photos by: Melissa Young
University
in
As time went on and their love grew
California.
stronger, they dreamed of not only having
JJ joined the worship team, in
their own children, but writing songs for
part “to get to know the cute
them as well. They’ve been writing songs for
worship leader,” says JJ with a
their children since before they were born
bashful cough and smile. They
and have featured many of their songs on
quickly became close friends and
each of their albums. “It’s interesting to look
began singing and writing songs
back and see which songs were written
together.
before kids, and which were written after,”
As
14
The
believing that there is no way to truly give ourselves to both. And when this happens,
graduation
approached
says JJ. “The post-baby songs have a little
there were decisions to be made
more realism.” JJ says it’s been challenging
about the future, and shortly
to write music together, but it’s amazing to
thereafter they were engaged,
see how the Lord uses music and poetry to
then
to
bring healing and comfort to people and is
married,
and
chose
pursue a music career together.
honored to be a small part of that process.
“We said we’d give it one year and if we were worse-off by the end of that year, we’d go
“My poor husband has to put up with so
get normal jobs,” says JJ. “When the end of that first year rolled around, it was a tough call,
much when we’re writing songs together,”
but we felt like God was still calling us to share our music. That was over a decade ago.”
says JJ. “I’m typically a pretty pleasant
Even prior to getting engaged, Dave and JJ showed true wisdom and vulnerability
person to be around, but when I’m in
by going to pre-engagement counseling. “One of the best things we ever did for our
writing mode I become a melancholy,
relationship was pre-engagement counseling,” says JJ. “A psychology professor at my
brooding artist. It’s almost like I’m accessing
school highly recommended it, explaining that when couples come in for counseling and
a different part of my brain. My bad mood
they’re already engaged, they are usually only interested in fixing their issues. They often
probably also comes from the fact that I’m
feel trapped and don’t want to ask themselves if getting married is the best plan.” After
a recovering perfectionist and song writing
all, once the ring is bought and the wedding plans start, it’s hard to take a step back. “I’m
is saturated with tiny failures. It’s taxing for
definitely not saying this is the only way to do things, but it worked really well for us. It
me to keep throwing ideas out there that
helped us walk into marriage with our eyes a little more open.”
don’t work. BUT when we do write a really
good song, it makes everything worth it.”
Mom and compare myself to them,” says
and passion as a wife and mother, and
If you follow Dave and JJ on social media,
JJ. “At the same time I look at other singer/
how thankful I am for the Christian music
you’ll clearly see how devoted they are to
songwriters and compare myself to them.
artists whose words inspire us to keep
their family. JJ shared her wisdom with us
It’s an impossible situation.” Dave brought it
pressing forward towards our goals and
about how they’ve continued their singing
to her attention and said to stop putting so
purpose in this life. His wisdom has shown
career while having two small children by
much pressure on herself. “You can only do
me “What Love Really Means” and has
placing boundaries around their family.
what you can do and leave it at that,” said
taught me to use that in every area of my
JJ shared a sweet part of her growth
Dave. They continually strive to pray for
life. And as I raise my girls to have hearts for
with us that all of us Moms can relate to.
wisdom and that they would make good
the Lord, I know that He has given me the
“The concept of boundaries was quite
choices in terms of their career and how
tools and wisdom not only to guide them
revolutionary for me a few years ago,”
much they need to be home. At the end
towards their dreams, but also to live out
shares JJ. “For most of my life, I mistakenly
of the day, it comes down to trust that He’s
the ones that He has placed in my heart
made the assumption that God wanted me
going to fill in the gaps for them.
along the way. ◘
to say “yes” to every service opportunity.
As I sit here listening to the music of Dave
I thought a real Christian would give her
and JJ Heller on my phone, I think of how
time and energy away until she had none
beautifully God has given me both wisdom
left to give. Praise the Lord I know better now! I’m learning that God comes first, then my family, then my career. Sometimes this means saying “no” to a gig, a radio station visit, or even a benefit concert for a really good cause. I’m learning how to let go of other people’s expectations of me, and trust in the wisdom God’s given my husband and me to make choices on behalf of our family. I’m not gonna lie. It’s super hard to make sure it’s all working, but the Lord is so good to us. He’s showing me that it’s not always one or the other, career or family. Sometimes it’s both. I think it’s fantastic that my two little girls can watch as their mommy and daddy pursue the Lord, pursue their dreams, and bring beauty into the world.” Every day is different for the Hellers, but they aim to keep some things consistent for the girls. Every day they walk their oldest daughter, Lucy, to school and are home when they can as she arrives from school. Since they’re singer/songwriters there’s always work to be done when preparing for a tour, so depending on how much they’ve been traveling at any given time, they’ll have a Nanny that comes in a couple days a week so they can get down to business. Every morning, whether mentally or physically, JJ makes a list of goals for herself that she can cross off throughout the day. Just like all of us, JJ has even found herself comparing her work to others. “I realized recently that it’s really easy to look at the Stay At Home
PERFECTLY MIXED, PERFECTLY MATCHED
Nativiti Staff
15
PEN-TO-PAPER WHY IT’S WISE TO JOURNAL TRACK PROGRESS OVER TIME.
DISCOVER YOURSELF.
Starting an exercise routine? Making changes/improvements to
We don’t always know ourselves as well as we think we do, and
your diet? Journaling shows you what works and what might need
can change tremendously as we grow throughout the various
tweaking. A food journal can not only help you track your diet for
stages of life. Discover yourself again and again by recording
weight loss and general health, but can also be a useful tool for
your past experiences, feelings, likes and dislikes and more in your
finding food allergies that would otherwise go undiscovered.
journal.
GET OUT FEELINGS, BOTH POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE.
GIVE FUTURE GENERATIONS A GLIMPSE OF YOURSELF.
Sometimes you need to get out some feelings and let’s face
Record who you are, what you feel and how you grow for your
it, social media is not always the best outlet! Your journal won’t
children … and their children.
accuse you of being boastful, throwing a pity party or argue politics with you – grab a pen and let it out!
LEARN FROM PAST MISTAKES AND VICTORIES.
IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH. It has been said that one of the greatest benefits of journaling is to combat the negative effects of stress in your life. Everyone knows
It’s often easy to forget the path that led to your destination.
that stress causes your health to deteriorate and by eliminating
Whether you’ve had a huge success or epic failure, consider
unwanted stress, you have renewed energy and focus to live life
jotting down some notes of what you think got you there so that
to the fullest.
you can pocket it (or not!) for next time.
RECALL CHERISHED DETAILS OF PAST EVENTS.
IMPROVE YOUR WRITING SKILLS. Whether you are a “writer” or not, journaling is one of the best forms
Have you ever had a glimpse of a memory that you wish was a
of brainstorming where you are free to write whatever comes to
little more vivid? Something that made you feel all warm and fuzzy
mind without any form of editing. Many times, this form of writing is
inside? Get these cherished memories down on paper so you can
unintentionally used for problem-solving in the workplace or other
relive the event later through your writing.
area of your life.
RECORD IMPORTANT INFORMATION.
RECORD GOD’S ANSWERS TO YOUR PRAYERS.
We all have important information that we need to keep on hand
Many times it may feel as if God has forgotten about you and
for various situations. Whether you are diabetic and need to track
you believe that your prayers are going unanswered. Recording
your vitals or you just need a place to keep track of your loved
His answers to your prayers often
ones birthdays, anniversaries and other special days, journals are
serves as a reminder of how
the perfect place to store this information!
perfect His timing and plan is for your life.
TripBook “Move” remember.de €13.95 Medieval Hand Sewn Italian Leather Journal jennibick.com $29-$291
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Classic Notebook moleskin.com $13.95
Extra Large Handmade Paper Journal turtleislandimports.com $18.95
EVENTS CALENDAR
Submit your family-friendly events and/or community events just for mom to stories@momologymagazine.com
Independence Day
JULY 4th
State Fair Midway Performances by: Razzmajazz Dixieland Band & Trio Grande Photo Source: www.houstontx.gov
More Info: FairPark.org
Photo Source: www.dallastexasrealestateblog.com
JUNE
6/13
through 7/26 Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure Union Station 400 South Houston Street Dallas, Tx Any day - Sunup to Sundown Admission: $49 or $39.20 for a team of 2-5 players after Promo Code VISITDALLAS Turn Dallas into a giant game board with this fun scavenger hunt adventure. Solve clues and complete challenges while learning local history. urbanadventurequest.com
6/4, 6/11, 6/18. 6/25, 7/2 Cool Thursdays Concert Series Dallas Arboretum Martin Rutchik Concert Stage & Lawn Dallas, Tx Gates open at 6PM Music is from 7:30PM - 9:30PM Admission: ADULTS: $27 (MEMBERS $17) SENIORS, 65 & OLDER: $25 (MEMBERS $15) CHILDREN, AGES 3-12: $10 UNDER 3: FREE The Spring/Summer Cool Thursday Concert Series features new and exciting national cover bands and some of the Metroplex’s best food trucks.
Dallas’s Best Farmers Markets Tour White Rock Market 702 N. Buckner Dallas, TX Admission: $39 Travel with us to explore some of the Dallas area’s finest farmers markets and discover some amazing gems---both produce and specialty foods. visitdallas.com
6/13 - 6/14 58th Annual Arlington Gem and Mineral Club - Jewelry, Gems, and Minerals Galore Grapevine Convention Center 1209 S Main Street Grapevine, TX Regular Admission: $6.00 Adult, $3.00 Senior (55 and Over), $3.00 Children (6-12), (Sunday half off with Saturday Ticket Stub), Free for Scouts in uniform or active military (Children under 6 free with paid adult admission) Free Parking Over 20 vendors of jewelry, gems, minerals, lapidary rough, arts and crafts with stones. Door Prizes, Silent Auctions, Raffles, On-site Jewelry Making Classes, Earth Science and Jewelry Exhibits, Club Jewelry Making Competition, Junior Activities. agemclub.org
dallasarboretum.org
6/20, 6/27 Galleria Dallas’ Showtime Saturdays Presents: Magician Jeff Lee Galleria Dallas 13350 Dallas Parkway Dallas, TX 11:30AM - 12:00PM Admission: Free Every Saturday DFW children and families are invited to enjoy the amazing FREE entertainment provided by Galleria Dallas and our friends from Slappy’s Playhouse. Jeff combines his graceful skills as an incredible magician with his insane antics that will have you in stitches! Shows are located near the Children’s Play Place and Nordstrom on Level 3. galleriadallas.com
6/25 - 28, 7/30 - 8/2 Original First Monday Trade Days 800 Flea Market Road Canton, TX Dawn to Dusk The Original First Monday Park is open to shoppers from dawn to dusk Thursday through Sunday before the first Monday of every month regardless of the weather. Home to some of the most exciting, cutting-edge home furnishings, antiques and collectibles that can be found anywhere. firstmondaycanton.com
JULY 7/4 Fair Park Fourth Fair Park Dallas 1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd Dallas, TX 4:30 - 11:30PM Admission: Free City of Dallas’ official Independence Day celebration features spectacular fireworks at the Cotton Bowl. Live music and access to food trucks will be available throughout Fair Park starting at 6:00PM. The family-friendly event will feature patriotic performances, “dancing water” shows at the Esplanade Fountain, entertainment, concessions, plus a spectacular fireworks show at 9:30PM. fairpark.org
7/10 - 7/19 The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Theatre Arlington Fridays & Saturdays @ 7:30PM Saturdays & Sundays @ 2:00PM Admission: $10 TThis C. S. Lewis classic faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-tobe-forgotten world of Narnia. arlington.org
PERFECTLY MIXED, PERFECTLY MATCHED
17
A NON-FICTION LIFE BY ALISON SCOTT
“I think the perfection of love is that it’s not perfect.” -Taylor Swift
W
e all dream of meeting the perfect man and living the perfect life, you know, the
So, for the sake of her children, she went
Hollywood version that is spoon fed to us from an early age. The loving family, the
off in search of a new life - one that she
house with the white picket fence in an upper-middle class suburban neighborhood,
knew wouldn’t be perfect, but one she
raising 2.2 children (obviously one boy and one girl), and a dog. One where having our
knew would be better.
mini-van break down is about as bad as it gets. However, trying to actually obtain that version of life is a bit like trying to find a unicorn,
kind to a stay-at-home mom that has been
we all know what it’s supposed to look like, we all want one, but we know it only exists in
benched for 10 years. Lynita found herself
the movies.
in a dreadful situation with few skills and no
Hence, I call this desire to obtain something that we know doesn’t exist - “The Unicorn Effect.” Yet, as humans we are stubborn and hardheaded, so instead of us acknowledging that the perfect life doesn’t exist we all set out in search of one for our very own….
prior work experience. With limited options, Lynita took a job at a nearby restaurant where she could walk to work, taking day and night shifts just to make ends meet.
While on these epic quests, we eventually run into someone that has the potential to be
There she worked for about two years until
our perfect life mate. Once found and the “I do’s” are said, we all have this expectation
a fellow member of her church community
that our perfect Hollywood life is about to begin (cue the happy music, drive off in the
befriended her and offered Lynita a part-
mini-van.) Since Hollywood isn’t reality, most of us end up facing more adversity than
time job performing entry-level accounting
anticipated, some much more than anticipated.
for her real estate company.
This is one such story where the main character thought when she said “I do” her life would go one way; instead she was faced with trials and tribulations. When Lynita Elkin met and married her perfect man, P.M. for short, she was a single mom of a two year old. Since her P.M. was also a father of a two year old, they were an instant family of four.
That was 11 years ago. Today, Lynita owns her own business, doing real estate accounting for a portfolio of real estate investors. The lesson of Lynita’s story is simple. In
Shortly after their “I do’s,” Lynita began to see that something was off. Unbeknownst to
reality marriage isn’t perfect, and neither is
Lynita, her P.M. had another side to him - a dark side that abused drugs and alcohol. So
life. The truth is that life is full of adversity.
much for perfection. This behavior led to many late nights of Lynita begging P.M. to come
However, it’s always possible to achieve
home. And, eventually, he would.
happiness, just maybe not in the way we
The days continued to go by. Their life carried on, but with a few unexpected speed bumps. Lynita found herself pregnant again… and again… and again…
had initially intended. Once we accept this wisdom it frees us
Lynita and P.M. soon found themselves with three more children in the course of a
from the chains of the Hollywood fantasy
four year time span. Due to some prior health problems, Lynita had thought that she
and allows us to write our own individual
could no longer conceive. Therefore, with their first child, they were surprised, but excited
non-fiction lives. Ones that may not be
nonetheless. With their second child, they decided P.M. needed to get a vasectomy.
easy, but ones that are better because
Vasectomies are funny things…who knew they came with directions…now kiddo number three.
they are ours and they are REAL. So while Lynita may not have found
There she was, a mother of five small children doing everything she could to save her
Hollywood’s version of life, she found her
marriage. At the time, Lynita was a stay at home mom and her Perfect Man was a
own story as a strong, successful, hard-
functioning alcoholic and drug abuser that shifted from job to job. He even went as far as
working, single mom.
limiting Lynita’s budget to $200 a week for any food or activities that she and the children
18
However, Corporate America isn’t always
Who may or may not drive a mini-van…
might want to do. Even still, Lynita and P.M. ended up losing everything because of his
If nothing else, remember this - it’s OK to go
wild ways. By that point in her life, Lynita knew she had to make a change.
off script, in fact I encourage it!! ◘
afalmmoosut s E
Lad y E
y l i m r r/a
e own
ma mom / t tis
DESIGNS
a little bit of class. a little bit of sass. + you.
GRAND Reopening
VISIT: www.etsy.com/shop/ladyedesigns CHAT: ladyedesigns@live.com
FOLLOW.LIKE.LOVE: www.facebook.com/ladyedesigns
KELLIALLISON.COM
Kelli Allison AN ORGANIZED LIFE | EST. 2015
Kelli is a mom who loves creative projects, DIYs, baking and ANYTHING chocolate. She gets excited about cleaning and organization, which makes her job as an Independent Thirty-One Consultant a perfect fit. Follow Kelli’s blog at kelliallison.com for organization tips and tricks and how you can use your Thirty-One products to simplify your life as a busy mom. Shop with her at https://www.mythirtyone.com/KelliAbueita/.
Customer SPECIAL
summer
Get set for with TWO great styles!
ON JU LY I NE N
With every $35 spent, get either:
All-In Tote
$25* $80 Throw on and go with an adjustable strap!
OR Double Duty Caddy
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Side mesh pockets add extra storage! Nativiti Staff
20
sensible
ShopPING
PERFECTLY MIXED, PERFECTLY MATCHED
21
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What a classic and yet super chic outfit! By combining these delicious pastels we’ve created an outfit that screams sophistication in a palette many body types wouldn’t be able to pull off. These mint green skinny jeans will give your body the illusion of curves, whether or not you have them, because of their taper at the ankle and form fit. The pop of color will also draw attention downward, with a fabulous boot on bottom. This beautiful white needle point lace top is cut to show curves and a waste. Belt it with this rich mustard belt that has beautiful gold leaf detail and you’ll draw attention to your natural waste, making it appear smaller than your top and bottom. We said don’t overdo any style, so we kept it simple with these beautiful drape earings that compliment this ensemble and sleek, yet useful, backpack purse that will help add literal volume to your top half. You’re sure to stop the show with this one! Mint Skinny Jeans - $80 theoutnet.com Needle Lace Shell - $98 cabi.com Mustard Golf Leaf Belt - $20 nanamacs.com Chain Drape Earrings - $24 shopluxe7.com Most Wanted Boots - $59.99 heels.com Backpack Purse - $25.95 uniikstuff.com
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24
Healing for the heart
STILL STANDING. BY ANDREA GAUL
“I look back on the challenges in life in my rear view mirror now. They will always be part of me, but they no longer define me.” ~Jennie
26
E
ach of us has a title. In fact, we each
Jennie got her college degree and has
nothing short of a gift. “Life was turning
have many different titles that define
obtained a long and stable career in
in the right direction for me,” Jennie
different parts of ourselves. For example,
marketing and advertising. She got married
explained. Then, she was diagnosed with
Jennie Windorf is a mom. She is a proud
and had three children, who she considers
breast cancer, and underwent a double
“Michigander.” And, like many of us, she’s
to be her most amazing accomplishments.
mastectomy. Fortunately, Jennie is still here
also a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a niece,
to tell her story.
a girlfriend and a friend. However, the title
“Honestly, for many years, I’ve struggled
Jennie most identifies with, and deservingly
with being away from my kids so much
“I feel like the most amazing part of my life
so, is “survivor.”
while working full-time. However, when I
is starting at 43. I have the most wonderful
look at my life now, I see that my kids are
boyfriend, and the best family and friends I
not only okay, but they are thriving. I think
could ever ask for.”
“When I call myself a “survivor,” Jennie concluded, “It covers a lot of ground.”
I’ve shown them it’s possible to balance work priorities and also to be present for
Perhaps the earliest and most upsetting
them at home.”
title that was given to Jennie was “orphan.”
Jennie’s most recent venture is to start a blog. “I’m launching a lifestyle blog called “Jennie Loves” in May. This is something
When she was just six years old, Jennifer
Even in times of such joy, Jennie remembers
I’ve wanted to do for years, and I’m
found her young, single mother dead in
feeling much sorrow as she struggled with
finally doing it!” She plans to feature all
their apartment as a victim of domestic
depression. “I loved my children so much,
of her “loves,” including family, health
violence.
but felt so much emptiness and sadness
and wellness, cooking, home décor, DIY,
most of the time.”
bargain shopping, fashion for women over
“Despite the fact that I only had six years
40, and finding love post-divorce.
with her, she taught me so much about
Her marriage eventually came to an end,
being a mom. I felt so loved by her, and
as she battled depression and he battled
“There is so much possibility and goodness
I’ve carried that with me my whole life.”
alcoholism. For Jennie, the cliché was
that lies ahead,” Jennie said. “I look back
confirmed: When it rained, it poured. In the
on the challenges in life in my rear view
When her mother died, Jennie was alone,
course of two years, she lost her marriage,
mirror now. They will always be part of me,
as her father had never been part of her
her job, and her home to foreclosure.
but they no longer define me.”
life.
However, Jennie never lost hope. She had “three little people” depending on her and
“When I look back on that day, I realize
she wasn’t about to let them down.
Jennie’s new blog can be found at JennieLoves.com. ◘
that I immediately grew up. My childhood was essentially over.”
“To say that I hit rock bottom was an understatement,” Jennie said. “I prayed
Though different members of her family stepped in to help raise her, Jennie reflects
more than ever before. I never lost faith that one day things would get better.”
that she essentially raised herself. “To grow up without parents is really indescribable,”
Her faith was not disappointed. In the
Jennifer began. “There is a void that
midst of it all, Jennie had a longing to know
never gets filled, despite the love you may
her father. When she was 40 years old, she
receive from others. There is just nothing like
finally mustered up the courage to write
a parent’s love.”
him a letter. “I was prepared for rejection,” Jennie said. To her surprise, she got a letter
Jennie remembers her home life growing up as filled with depression and despair.
back. In reality, Jennie’s father had been searching for her for years.
However, she used that circumstance to shape her future.
“I had a brother and a sister, too. That also meant I could give my children a grandpa,
“Early on, I knew that I wanted so much more for myself. I wanted a good and
and an aunt and uncle! I felt an immediate sense of love.”
stable life. I wanted children, and a marriage. A career. I made a choice to
For the past three years, Jennie has begun
have a better life, and not let myself be
building relationships with her father and
destroyed by what life had thrown at me.”
her siblings, an opportunity she counts as
PERFECTLY MIXED, PERFECTLY MATCHED
27
A WISE NORTH STAR BY ROBYN WHITAKER
“Where are you going as you age?” “Do you have a North Star?” “Who do you want to become after a lifetime of suffering?” “How will you sustain beauty, strength and goodness?”
What holds your heart captive? Do you know what echoes from your past into the present and is determined to persist into your future? I hope you will ponder
You probably feel just like I did when I heard these asked of me. Intense questions for which I had no quick answers. For weeks, I pondered my responses.
these questions and find what imprisons you from the past. Possibly, it is the pain of your own sin/wrong choices or maybe it is
I do not want to pursue a woman of folly or to become a foolish woman. Yet, true wisdom
sin that was committed against your young
can be an elusive find. Contrary to popular belief, intelligence, knowledge, age and gray
body, emotions or spirit. A wise woman asks
hair don’t necessarily equate with “wisdom.” I’ve seen more than my share of intellectually
such questions.
verbose women with silver tresses acting more than a bit foolish while claiming that age has set them free. So, what am I looking for?
I know you are wondering if I have a North Star. I do! No, she is not perfect and she
A woman who knows her heart well and asks God to clearly reveal what holds it captive.
would be the first to admit she struggles.
She is aware that a heart can easily be entangled by perfectionism, the desire to and for
That is so refreshing to me. It gives me hope!
control, comparison, envy, and gossip among other prisons. She is a woman who has been
She is further along this journey called life
caught and exposed in her sinful choices. Resentment whispers, but truth takes her heart
and her heart’s desire is to merely point the
to repentance.
way. She encourages me to come further up and further into the life that Jesus Christ
This wise woman has the courage to create a different future by looking at her past. She knows, accepts, and understands that so much of who she is was created years ago from
has for me on this earth and someday more fully with Him.
pain that echoes into the present. Facing her heartache, she experiences more of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a result, she begins to hold both sorrow and joy with the capacity
So, this is your life.
to extend life and love to others. For you see, knowing her story, she begins to know her true identity in Jesus Christ and in this world.
Do you know who you want to be?
I seek a woman who lives from her heart. She sees with her heart and persists in finding
Oh, I hope you find women who will be
dignity in others – her heart seeks the “needs beneath the deeds” and offers kindness and
your North Star. It’s one of the best ways to
compassion. She will speak from her heart. Her words speak truth in love and kindness.
find your way. And in this life of suffering,
Silence occurs when we do not understand how to love. She desires to love well. You
our hope of sustaining beauty, strength and
will also see her heart as she is unashamed to express her desire for true life and love. Her
goodness is found only in Jesus Christ. True
authentic vulnerable heart is out in plain view sharing sorrow, joy and all of it’s in- between
North Stars always point us in that direction.
passionate spaces. Lastly, she prayerfully and purposely sacrifices her heart for the sake of giving others an opportunity to choose life. No, she is not a doormat. She is lovely, wise, vulnerable, kind and strong – a woman who does not short-change her intimate relationships by offering crumbs. So, I know some of you might be thinking, “Well good grief Robyn, that’s more difficult to find than a Proverbs 31 woman!” I would agree – there are often few women of wisdom to pattern our hearts after. Maybe authenticity and deep connection, although we long for it in relationships, scares us to death and we bury or ignore this God-given hope. Why do we do that? Could it be that we do not know our stories of pain?
28
Where am I going and who do I hope to become? My desire is to be a North Star.◙
™ M
LIV
I
V O L E.
N
I
S
H . E H AT E R E. B
T
R
I
E
S
inine soul. m e f e h t r ope fo
• Inhale Weekends • 4 Winds Retreats • O2 Events • Counseling For More Information Contact Robyn at InhaleMinistries@gmail.com InhaleMinistries.org
PERFECTLY MIXED, PERFECTLY MATCHED
29
PACK IT FOR THE POOL SUMMER IS HERE! These are the days where our kids will want to spend hours upon hours at the local pool, water park, or beach. If you’re like me, I hate eating out on days like this because it gets expensive, and the last thing that sounds good after spending all day in the sun is a greasy drive through cheeseburger or carbonated beverage. That’s just asking for an upset stomach. Health
studies
have
shown
the
WATER
importance of nutrition in not only every
HARD BOILED EGGS
aspect of our lives, but also how quickly
Yes there’s water all around you, but you
I always keep a container of hard boiled
your body recovers from exposure to heat
become dehydrated more quickly when
eggs in my fridge for when you need a
and dehydration.
you’re in water being cooled off because
quick bite of protein to get you going and
you don’t notice the hydration leaving you.
provide lots of energy. Boil a bunch and
easy to pack up, but also healthy and
Drink up!
put them right back in the carton. Just
beneficial to your pool or beach-side day,
Image Source: freundcontainer.com
make sure you label them! They last up to
We’ve found 5 items that are not only
because let’s face it, the last thing you
a week pre-boiled. Peel and toss them in
want is to be slaving in the kitchen when
a container ready for the pool, just make
you’re trying to catch some waves!
sure you keep them cool! Image Source: nomnompaleo.com
Have a blast families, and don’t forget your sunscreen!
WATERMELON
VEGGIES & DIP
PINWHEELS
What better way to get even more water
Yes chips and dip are tempting as well,
These are such filling bites that can be
into your family than through nice sweet
but make sure you pack some veg to dip
packed with protein and little bread, so
watermelon! Cut it ahead of time so you
too. Chips are very salty and will draw out
you don’t eat a bunch of empty carbs with
don’t have any sharp objects packed with
moisture even more than the heat, causing
every bite. You can readily get spinach
you and tote it along in freezer sized food
you to lose even more water. Swimming
tortillas/wraps at your local grocery store
storage bags. They can go right on top of
works up an appetite as it is so fill your
now as well so sneaking in a few extra
the food and drinks in the ice chest and
kiddos (husbands) up with healthy stuff
servings of greens is easier than ever. Wrap
be nice and cold when your crew is ready
while their chowing away. Use hummus
up fresh deli meat like turkey breast, swiss
for a refreshing snack. The natural sugars
instead of ranch dip to get even more
cheese, a sour cream and cucumber
will give them something sweet and won’t
protein into your crew.
sauce or dressing and any vegetables you
make them crash later either for a hangry
Image Source: webmd.com
like and you’re set! They store easily in air
ride home.
tight containers and can go right in your
Image Source: blog.snapkitchen.com
cooler. Image Source: phamfatale.com
30
PARENTS! Does your 10-12 year old CHILD LOVE to play VIDEO GAMES?
WE ARE LOOKING FOR KIDS TO: PLAY 2 HEALTH VIDEO GAMES over 6 MONTHS and: •
Attend 3 visits
•
Provide 3 fasting blood samples
•
Must have a home computer with Microsoft Windows and Internet access COMPENSATION provided.
COOL!
To join the G4H Study visit: www.G4Hstudy.org/s3/Eligibility or call Courtney at 832.786.0763
Videogames: Good or Bad? Video games are a major entertainment medium. In the US, more consumer dollars are spent on video games than on Hollywood cinema. Video games can be engaging and immersive, with stories, animations, and interactivity. Despite many parents’ fears and concerns, most children love playing some form of video games. Video games’ widespread popularity and engaging nature have led a number of health institutions and scientists to wonder whether we could use the many entertainment type attractions of video games to promote, for example, healthy lifestyles among children and their families. Research is needed to answer such a question. To do this, we need a) a game that addresses children’s eating and physical activity habits, b) families who can benefit from playing the game, c) ways to measure whether playing the game improves children’s health, and d) random assignment to play the game or not. Random assignment is like flipping a coin or throwing a die: pure chance determines the results. Random assignment works to equalize all other possible influences on the results of the study, leaving just an answer to the question “does playing the game change children’s behavior, or not.” Baylor College of Medicine’s Children’s Nutrition Research Center has developed such a game and is testing if children playing the game will improve their health. By participating, children and their families are helping scientists find ways to help children and their families everywhere develop healthier lifestyles for a more productive life. Sincerely, Tom Baranowski, PhD Editor-in-Chief, Games for Health Journal Professor of Pediatrics (Behavioral Nutrition & Physical Activity) USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center Department of Pediatrics Baylor College of Medicine tbaranow@bcm.edu PERFECTLY MIXED, PERFECTLY MATCHED
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