November 2013 - South Jersey MOM Magazine by Adam Nichols

2013

NOVEMber

19 Ways to Give

Thanks

Inside This Issue:

• Journey to Adoption • Beating Diabetes

Tips

on how to plan a

Family Reunion Holiday Shopping Gift Guide See page 14

2 | November 2013

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Table of Contents

pg 14

Holiday Gif Guide mom 2 mom

6 Family Crusaders Battle Childhood Diabetes 8 Find the Fairy Tale Ending in Adoption 10 The Gang’s All Here! Planning Family Reunions 12 Thankfulness, Appreciation and Gratitude

moms R women 2 16 Single Parenting: You Really Can Do It! know 2 grow 18 Toilet Roll Turkey

also in this issue 13 20 21 22

making a difference recipe corner things to do resource guide

Dear Readers, L ong a symbol of fall and Thanksgiving, the cornucopia or horn o’plenty represents the bounty of fruit, nuts, flowers and riches that harvest time brings. It’s such a commonplace image around this time of year that it’s hard to remember what it actually is or represents, except for a pretty, seasonal decoration fit for all the months between back-to-school and the holiday season. When searching for a suitable November topic for this column, my thoughts turned toward the cornucopia – what it means and how appropriate and profound a symbol it is for Thanksgiving, especially for families. In pictures, the cornucopia contains varied fruits, vegetables and grains, showing how successful the harvest has been and how it will provide for a family during the hard winter months. As holidays go, Thanksgiving is like a cornucopia – there are so many elements within this special day that offer so many possibilities in gathering the family together and celebrating our thanks for everything we have. Since Thanksgiving is a non-denominational, American holiday, it encompasses everybody, no matter your age, ethnicity, religion, lifestyle or family arrangements. Family and friends, first and foremost, make up the Thanksgiving celebration. We gather together at a relatives’/friends’ house or host the event ourselves. We welcome those who’ve always been part of our lives and people who’ve newly touched them. We reconnect, recalling special, sad and/or funny moments, reflecting on the events in everyone’s lives that occurred throughout the year. These bonding moments, peppered with run-ins with exasperating relatives and other mishaps, provide that nourishment needed in keeping the family together.

NOVEMber “Like” South Jersey MOM magazine on Facebook and find out about local events, win prizes and connect with other moms in the area! www. facebook.com/SouthJerseyMOM Visit our website and sign up for our e-newsletter

letter from the editor

November 2013

Of course, what holiday comes without food…and with Thanksgiving, you hopefully get lots of good eats. Turkey, stuffing, cranberries, sweet and mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, vegetables, pies, etc. – whatever your pleasure, here’s hoping you get your share and enjoy! Even if you have a non-traditional holiday and grill up a burger; if you enjoyed it, you celebrated. The simple act of eating, especially surrounded by loved ones, can provide enough good memories and spiritual sustenance for months to come. Finally, freedom to be who we want to be, what we want to believe and what to be thankful for and celebrate is a major part of Thanksgiving. All the food and provisions found in the cornucopia symbolically offer families freedom to live a happy, fulfilling life without struggling during the hard times, notably in winter, to search for food and sustenance. Thanksgiving reminds us of all the many blessings we do have,great or small,and how grateful we can be that we have them. From our families to yours, hope the cornucopia abounds with happy memories and love and laughter. Happy Thanksgiving! From Your Friend and Fellow MOM, MB ✲

Giveaways

H 4 tickets to The Franklin Institute H 4 tickets to CoCo Key Water Resort Visit www.southjerseymom.com to enter to win these prizes November 2013 | 3

4 | November 2013

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South Jersey November

MOM 2013

CEO/Publisher Christopher Ognibene • (609) 670-1794 chris@superiorgx.com

Marketing & Business Development Specialist Michelle Scianni • (856) 986-9606 michelle@superiorgx.com For General Advertising Inquiries: Marissa Josephick • (856) 537-7089 ocrazyjane@comcast.net Jennifer Kahoun • 856-906-7260 jenniferkahoun@me.com Chris Ognibene • (609) 670-1794 chris@superiorgx.com Production Manager Lisa Celfo lisa@southjerseymom.com Photographer Perfect Day Photography www.perfectdayphotography.com (856) 241-3850 Contributing Writers Angie Chadwell, Lisa Ann Panzino DiNunzio, Sharla Feldscher, Lisa Figueiredo, Samantha Gill, Jennifer Hague, Blythe Lipman, Deanna Robinson Submit Calendar Listing: michelle@superiorgx.com www.southjerseymom.com Created by Markations Adam Nichols • (215) 825-7499 Superior Graphics Print Management LLC publishes South Jersey MOM™ monthly and distributes it throughout the region. The publication is available free of charge at select locations. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without the authorization of the publisher. Superior Graphics Print Management, LLC Publisher of South Jersey MOM P.O. BOX 268 Wenonah, NJ 08090 Main: (609) 670-1794 Fax: (856) 210-1524

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How Would You Like to Say “Thank You?”

hanksgiving is almost here and try to take a few minutes to ask your kids what they’re thankful for. Think about gratitude. Are any of us grateful enough for all the good fortune in our lives? And I don’t mean financial fortunes — I mean the love that surrounds us. Invite your kids to say, “thank you” to everyone with whom you share Thanksgiving. How would they like to say, “thank you?” They have many options. In a personal note, they dictate on someone’s phone and play on Thanksgiving? In a video? In a card or drawing? Perhaps by preparing special “thank-you cookies” that your child passes around to each Thanksgiving guest. For those people who are not nearby, send a Thank You to them electronically so they wake up Thanksgiving morning with the thought of your child on their mind. And, to you, I say, “Thank You” for being here, for sharing KIDFUN with me. And it would be great if you sent your suggestions for kids on how they can share their gratitude all through the holiday season. I’ll be sure to tell our readers. HAPPY THANKSGIVING! A real kid-believer, Sharla Feldscher, a proud South Jersey Grandmom (Grammy) and owner of her own public relations business in Philadelphia, is the author of six books on creative ideas to do with young children including two KIDFUN Activity Books. Her blog at www.kidfunandmore.com has more easy-to-do KIDFUN ideas

Calling All Vendors... MAGAZINE

for South Jersey MOM Magazine’s 3rd Annual Camp and Education Expo Sunday, January 19, 2014 Moorestown Mall •11-4pm 2014

Executive Editor M.B. Sanok mbsanok@comcast.net

Tables are selling out quick! Call Chris at 609-670-1794

On the Cover Cutest Kid In Town Winner: Rashad is a loving and energetic 3-year old. He loves going to school and church to learn. He enjoys wrestling and playing football with his big brother Ralph. He makes his whole family laugh at the silly things he says.

November 2013 | 5

mom 2 mom

Family Crusaders Battle Childhood Diabetes By Lisa Figueiredo

“

I consider myself one of the luckiest people in the world. People wait their whole life and will sometimes never get a chance to meet their hero -I gave birth to mine. His name is Michael Micale II.

t’s estimated that every hour a new case of Type 1 juvenile diabetes is diagnosed, and every year, 13,000 kids are diagnosed. For Gloria Micale, South Jersey mother of three, the battle against childhood diabetes is one that impacts her life every day. At age 5, her son, Michael Anthony Micale II, was diagnosed with Type I diabetes. “My heart was broken forever, and my child lost his innocence,” she says. Before the diagnosis, Gloria noticed that her son Michael was drinking large quantities of water and had been bedwetting for two weeks, so she took him to the doctor. His pediatrician diagnosed his disease through a urine test. Through care she received at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), she was able to educate herself and her family about the disease. This meant changes for the entire family. Having diabetes means that her son Michael’s pancreas no longer works. Insulin in the body is produced by beta cells. His immune system made antibodies that attacked his beta cells, and the cells stopped producing insulin. Before the first sign of diabetes started in her son, this process went on for a number of years. Michael’s blood sugar kept

6 | November 2013

”

increasing higher and higher as less insulin in his body was made. The kidneys send the blood sugar out of the body through urine and pull body water with it. Even before Michael was diagnosed, he was a fighter. Born at just 31 weeks, Michael’s life began in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), with only an 80 percent chance of survival. After a month and a half, he was able to leave the hospital. At first glance, Michael is like any other third grader. He loves playing and watching sports and loves anything to do with wrestling. Despite his carefree, easygoing demeanor, his days are anything but. Every day Michael has to have seven blood sugar checks. He’s on the wireless OmniPod insulin pump system which is placed by a small catheter that’s changed every 72 hours and can be situated anywhere the body would normally take insulin. He also has a personal diabetes manager (PDM) that talks directly to the Pod.The Pod gives Michael basal insulin units throughout the day and never changes its rate. It’s used to keep his blood sugar level. Every time he eats or has high blood sugar, he receives a bolus of insulin which varies in rate due to the amount of carbohydrates eaten and what his blood sugar is. According to Gloria, Michael’s younger brother Nicholas, 6; and Emily, 4; are his biggest crusaders in his personal battle against diabetes. Though they fight as all siblings do, they pull together in tough times, too. “I see a different side of Nicholas and Emily when the diabetes is at its worst. When Michael has ketones, a diabetic complication, he’s required to get more insulin shots and drink tons of water to flush them out since they’re very dangerous. Nicholas is the leader in the crusade, holding Michael’s hand through the extra needles and cheering him on to drink the extra water,” Gloria said. Though she has adjusted her schedule and now works nights so she can be at home if Michael needs her, Gloria maintains a positive outlook. “Through every obstacle and road block, or whenever I feel overwhelmed, I turn my stress and sadness into determination, figuring out ways to help Michael live a healthy life. I consider myself one of the luckiest people in the world. People wait their whole life and will sometimes never get a chance to meet their hero -- I gave birth to mine. His name is Michael Micale II.”✲

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Eyecare At Its Best

The continues in November at Rastelli’s Sports & More! It’s a very busy time at Rastelli’s Sports and More! We offer unique programs and fantastic activities for boys and girls of all ages! Keep your children busy and entertained all fall and winter long! Going on this month at Rastelli’s Sports and More: New Weekday Class!

• Peewee Introduction to Sports • Our popular Tumble Times program • Former 76er, Tim Perry’s Basketball Program • Holiday Camps – Teachers’ Convention (11/4-11/8) and Black Friday (11/29) • SJ Storm Fall Cheerleading Championship – Nov. 9th • Breakfast with Santa – Dec. 21st • And more! Don’t forget, we also have the best birthday parties around! You pick the date and activities – we do the rest!

1855 Hurffville Rd • Sewell, NJ 856-401-8111 www.sportsandmorefun.com

Winter session starting now!

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FOR FALL/WINTER PROGRAMS Visit sportsandmorefun.com for a list of our programs and call us at 856-401-8111 to schedule your free trial class Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook

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November 2013 | 7

Finding the Fairytale Ending in Adoption By Jennifer Hague

or many families, November is a time of giving thanks for their loved ones. But for more than 100,000 children currently awaiting adoption in foster care, November is their second chance at finding a forever family. November is Adoption Awareness Month. On November 23, hundreds of events will be held nationwide to celebrate families brought together by adoption, to raise awareness and to finalize thousands of pending adoptions in court. Since its inception in 2000, National Adoption Day has aided in nearly 40,000 adoptions, each with its own fairytale ending. When Jodi Zullo, mother of three, recounted her first day as a new mom, her emotions paralleled that of any new parent. It didn’t matter that her first day on the job transpired on a flight home from Guatemala, instead of in Labor and Delivery. Nine-month-old Maya was now depending on Jodi and her husband John to survive – a daunting task for anyone. “We were new parents, and we had no idea what we were doing,” said Zullo.“The first thing I did, at the layover, I cried to my mother:‘What am I doing?!’”

When kids are adopted, it “doesn’t matter how old they

are, whether they’re infants or toddlers, they feel lost. The most important thing is to be honest.

”

The new parent jitters didn’t hold back the Zullos because, about a year later, Jodi and her husband John became parents again to four-month old Gaby. The girls are 17 months apart, and like a typical sibling relationship, they depend on each other for companionship – sprinkled with the occasional sisterly rivalry. And now that Jodi has a two-year old biological daughter Lyla, she has three girls in the house. “Of course, they fight a lot, but when they’re separated, they just want each other.They do everything together. And with my little one in the mix now, they like to take care of her.” Jodi stressed the importance of age-appropriate conversations about the girls’ history and heritage. “When kids are adopted, it doesn’t matter how old they are, whether they’re infants or toddlers, they feel lost.The most important thing is to be honest.” Jodi fields questions from her daughters as they arise. She lets them lead the conversation and answers the questions truthfully and age appropriately. But there’s no prouder moment than that of a mother watching the lessons she’s taught her children come full circle. The same was true for Jodi the day a stranger asked Gaby if Lyla was her sister. “The woman said,

8 | November 2013

‘She’s a little blonde to be your sister,’” Jodi recalled. “Gaby took Lyla’s hand and said, ‘God made us all different,’ and walked away.” She’s right – we’re all different, and yet we’re the same in many ways. Moms and dads all worry about their parenting techniques and the bullies at school. They worry about teaching their kids right from wrong, and if they passed the last math exam. But this month, there’s one more lesson parents can add to that list – teaching our children that families come in all shapes and sizes and that different isn’t wrong. And for those who have considered adoption and shrugged it off as being too expensive, keep reading. The cost of foster adoption averages less than $2,500 and is free in some cases.There’s also a wealth of support for families considering adoption, including social media, parenting groups, adoption organizations, grants, tax credits and loans. For a nearly endless sea of information, contact the Dave Thomas Foundation at 1-800-ASK-DTFA or www.davethomasfoundation.org; or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Child Welfare Information Gateway at 1-800-394-3366 or www.childwelfare.gov. Change the life of a child through adoption – they just might be the hero in yours.✲ Jennifer Hague is a freelance writer, mom of two kids and blogs at Mad Mom Diaries http://madmomdiaries.com

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November 2013 | 9

and becoming better acquainted with their extended family. Through the Decades: Make a list of historical highlights for each decade in which attendees were born. Everyone stands, and as the details of their birth decade are read, they sit down. Begin with the earliest decade so that the elders are limited in their time standing. It’s eye-opening for the younger members to realize some of the events that their elders witnessed. Family Jeopardy: Fortunately, my great aunt has compiled the genealogy for this side of my family. So I was able to pull facts from the book that she published in order to produce “answers.” If your family doesn’t have a written history, interview or ask members to offer some potential Jeopardy “answers” when they RSVP for the reunion. Just as in the game show, divide up the “answers” into categories, such as a particular generation. Make a visual display of the game board to help the players and crowd follow along. Scavenger Hunt: For the children, make lists of items that could be found in that area. For example, our reunion was held at a pavilion in a state forest, so the lists contained specific items found in nature. If your venue is indoors, fill your list with items that the children can ask family members to find in their purse, picnic basket, etc. This will give the children an opportunity to strike up a dialogue with family members they may have never met. (Try to choose items which need not be returned, e.g., pine cone, paper clip.)

The Gang’s All Here!

Planning Family Reunions By Angie Chadwell

his summer, we headed back to our roots for a family reunion. As idyllic as it sounds, combining many generations of family, close and distant, calls for some intentionality. With some advanced planning, everyone from great-grandparents to the newest member of the family will enjoy the day and take home memories to last a lifetime. Keeping all the relatives entertained is part of the reunion planning that I’ve undertaken for the past couple of years. The following games and ideas were hits with my extended family: 10 | November 2013

Guess Who?: Each attendee is given a list of around twenty characteristics. They’re directed to circulate among the room, trying to find family members who possess one or two of these characteristics and initial before it. For example, a distant cousin told me that he “has a large garden” and his “middle name begins with the same letter as mine.” Therefore, he initials next to these lines on my paper. The person who fills in all of the blanks first wins family bragging rights. However, my experience was that everyone continued to circulate, getting their papers filled in,

Kids’ Activity Table: To keep the kids occupied while the adults catch up on old times, fill a small table with items that they can play without guidance. For example, indoor events could include coloring books and crayons, balloons, pipe cleaners, cereal and yarn to string necklaces. Outdoor events can add sidewalk chalk, bubbles and beach balls. Photo Booth: Designate an area for taking the entire group’s pictures and smaller clusters of the family. Provide a few chairs for the patriarchs of the family, perhaps a potted flower, and a sign that identifies the event and date. If the background isn’t attractive, hang up a sheet as a backdrop. Offer to take photos so that everyone in the group can be in the shot. Post them onto a photo-sharing site or your Facebook page so that they can be accessed by all. With just a couple of these ideas, family members will leave your reunion with the greatest party favor of all—lifelong memories. Priceless!✲

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November 2013 | 11

Thankfulness, Appreciation and Gratitude By Blythe Lipman

Thanks: an expression of appreciation or gratitude. Appreciation: an expression of gratitude and admiration. Gratitude: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. (all as defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

he holidays are approaching faster than ever.The second you turn on TV there are commercials showing the newest and greatest toys. Everywhere you look…things, things and more things to buy. But this is not what our holiday celebrations should be about. Holidays are about families and the wonderful get-togethers. The familiar smells of turkey, stuffing, potato latkes and jelly donuts. And oohing and ahhing over the new baby and the grown-up toddler. Enjoying each other, reminiscing, telling stories, laughing, sometimes crying but just sharing your love while creating wonderful memories and giving thanks. Remember, charity, appreciation and gratitude start at home and don’t cost a penny. The following suggestions will not only make your heart smile but warm the hearts of whomever you touch. 1. Smile when you pick up your baby…it’s contagious. 2. When baby won’t stop crying, ask daddy to help and tell him he’s a great dad! 3. Get down to your toddler’s eye level when teaching him something new. A very loving way to bond. 4. When your toddler is coloring a picture, color with him.Your time’s more valuable than any toy you could buy. 5. If you have a million things to do and your toddler won’t nap, ask him to help you. Then tell him how much you love him. 12 | November 2013

6. Ask your toddler to draw a special thank-you picture for his teacher or caregiver and include a personal note of appreciation from the family. There’s no better gift. 7. Talk to your older toddler about children that are less fortunate. Then ask him to pick out a toy to donate during the holiday season. 8. Put family pictures in your children’s rooms. This is such a loving way to show them you’ll always be there. 9. Tape a family picture on the outside of your baby’s crib or wall where she can see it. 10. Welcome Grandma and Grandpa with open arms when they want to help you with the baby and toddler. And don’t forget to say, “Thank you-- I really appreciate you.” 11. 11.Visit the pet store with your little ones and talk about donating dog or cat food to the Humane Society. 12. 12. When you’re at the grocery store, pick up some extra food to donate. The food banks always run low this time of year. 13. 13. Don’t just put your baby or toddler’s outgrown clothes in the garage. Donate them to another family member or a charity. 14. 14. When you’re getting the house ready for the holidays, put on some music, place your baby in the front-pack and

dance away. Makes tidying much more fun! 15. During the holidays, bake some cookies for your pediatrician and staff, mailman, hairdresser, newspaper delivery person and include a personal note of thanks for making your life much easier. 16. Smile when you answer the phone -- the caller will hear it in your voice. 17. Call your parents and in-laws and tell them they’re the best grandparents and parents in the world! 18. When your husband comes home from work, tell him what a great husband and father he is and how much you appreciate him. 19. And remember to appreciate and honor yourself. Appreciation and Thanks wouldn’t happen without you. Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they’re the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom!! Wishing you all a Wonderful Holiday Season filled with family, friends, good food, new traditions and lots of memories!✲ Blythe Lipman is the president of Baby Instructions. She’s passionate about babies, toddlers and their parents. After working in the field for over 35 years, Blythe wrote her fourth award-winning book, HELP! MY TODDLER CAME WITHOUT INSTRUCTIONS, which is available at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Audible.com, Tablets and all major bookstores. You can hear Blythe’s weekly radio show on Wednesdays, 11am EST @ www.toginet. com To schedule an in-home (AZ only), video or telephone consultation, call (480) 510-1453. Become her Fan on Facebook and Twitter. Visit our website and sign up for our e-newsletter

Jubilation Creations®, Inc.

hen Dr. Judy Weinstein lost the use of her hands 17 years ago, she thought her life was over. A former radiologist who enjoyed arts and crafts, Dr. Weinstein sustained a severe upper body nerve injury and diffuse chronic nerve pain syndrome, due to a work-related injury. “Every therapy – everything – I tried to relieve and alleviate the problem,” she recalls. Recovery came slowly, and when the use of her hands started returning, she started beading; initially for her own “therapy”, then, seriously. Her need for creativity and productivity filled Dr. Weinstein with new ideas for the future and her professional life. She opened a jewelry-making and mixed media crafting store, Jubili Beads & Yarns®, in Collingswood, in 2003. Expanding into a larger building the next year, she began employing disabled young adults to help manage inventory. That positive experience started her thinking about how her crafts could help special needs individuals. By 2008, Dr. Judy,

now known as “The Bead Doctor,” started the first Jubilation Creations® Arts and Crafts class for special needs individuals. The classes provide a therapeutic creative outlet, using a wide variety of hands-on materials, to create handmade gifts and art. Dr. Judy says, “Everyone wants to be creative. Every craft [is suited to their] individuality [and structured around] whatever their interests, capabilities, and focus levels are.” Those with autism, Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities, including those with chronic illnesses and depression, are welcome, ages 8 to adult. Receiving personalized attention and guidance, Visit our website and sign up for our e-newsletter

By M.B. Sanok

attendees develop their social skills, fine motor and project planning skills, and eye-hand coordination. Some skills can also translate into ones that might be viable in the job market. “I made [Jubilation Creations©] into a non-profit in 2010, and I am now certified to start an evaluation, training, and job placement program for those who desire creative types of employment,” she says. The non-profit is a Real Life Choices/Self-Directed Day Services Provider, which, through the NJ Department of Developmental Disabilities, offers funding for special needs individuals over 21, to enroll in classes like these and/or job training programs. Special needs schools and organizations bring high schoolers and/or graduates to the store for training in a variety of retail or general business-oriented tasks, accompanied by that organization’s “job coach.” Once her vendor licensing requirements are complete, Dr. Judy can provide her own evaluation, training, and job placement program, on a private, fee-for-service basis, eliminating the need for organizations to provide their own staff, and allowing private individuals to take advantage of these hardto-find services. She will specialize in those seeking employment in the creative fields. Along with crafting classes, special needs yoga classes are also offered as group or private lessons. Each year, they host an Annual Jubilation Creations© Craft Artists’ Exhibit, where students display their work to friends and family, and show off the beautiful art they’ve created. Since Jubilation Creations®’s birth, Dr. Weinstein and her staff have received much recognition from parents, caregivers, educators and the state. On the bead store side, her fervent commitment to

making a difference

The Bead Doctor is In:

helping others heal by “nurturing their creative spirit” has also been rewarding. “Customers come up to me, saying, ‘I’m recovering – you have helped me,’” she says. “I opened my store originally as ‘therapy’ for myself, but I never thought ‘creative healing’ would be such a tremendous help to others!” However, the proof is shown in the store’s longevity, and how quickly the classes have grown in size. Now with 26 regular craft class attendees, she’s outgrown the facility, and further growth requires a larger building, and more professionally-trained, full-time staff. Dr. Judy hopes to get funding to relocate to an even larger, more handicap-accessible facility, to continue and expand her services to the special needs community. Steadily growing her craft supply inventory, the popularity of her classes combined with the job training program has increased her need for supplies such as crafting tools, new computers, and staff. Ongoing donations and fundraising goals

must be secured to ensure their future and growth. Dr. Weinstein also notes that they want to employ a certified Art Therapist and an Occupational Therapist, and are currently looking for a volunteer graphic artist. She’s in the process of drafting grant proposals, and also plans “to expand our website to include e-commerce, so that we can sell some of our wonderful craft artists’ work.” So if you know someone who could benefit from “the joy of creativity” or would like to donate, please contact Jubilation Creations® (856) 240-1558, visit their web site www.jubilationcreations.org, or contact Dr. Judy drjudy@jubilationcreations.org.✲ November 2013 | 13

Holiday Resource Guide Pitman Theatre World-renowned magician and performer Richard Gustafson returns to the Broadway Theatre of Pitman for the fourth year in a row! Don’t miss 2 hours of spectacular enchantment brought to life with 5 tons of illusion and scenery! For tickets, call 856-384-8381 or visit pitmanbroadwaytheatre.com john davidson Agent, New York Life Insurance Company, 1000 Atrium Way, Suite 500, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054, 856-534-3049 Davidsonj@ft.newyorklife.com www.facebook.com/Jonathan DavidsonNYL

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November 2013 | 15

moms R women 2

Single Parenting:

You Really CAN Do It!

By Samantha Gill

can testify if I can drag myself out of bed before they wake up, get a shower and get moving before they wake, it makes the day MUCH easier to start and less “panicky” when you wake.

2 Calendars, Lists and More Lists

I have 5 calendars. Yes, 5. One for doctors’ appointments, one for therapy appointments, one for medication refills and 2 for general life schedules -- one in my car and one in my purse. This is because my special needs child has so many daily medications, therapies and doctors appointments, etc. But I really need to be this organized to keep it all straight. It’s simply not to have things written down. I write to-do lists, too. Usually, the night before I’ll start to make a list for the next day, even if it’s scribbled, it helps keep things together.

3 A Wash a Day Keeps the Pile Away

I actually started this habit BEFORE I was a single parent; however, it really does help. Commit to a minimum of one completed load of laundry a day, every day. Really. This saves you time, and then there’s no “pile-up” at the end of the week when you were really hoping to have some “free time.”

4 Tired or Not -- SET UP THE NIGHT BEFORE!

remember clearly the evening that my mom passed away. Not only was I young, but so was she. It was devastating for everyone. As I stood in the hallway of the hospital only moments after she passed away, I clearly remember my friends’ parents standing there. They drove me to the hospital that evening. The father grabbed me by my 12-year old shoulders and said, “You need to be strong for your dad now; he is alone. He needs you, too.” I think it made me, for the first time, think of what it was like for HIM. I knew my Mom was dying. We all did. She did her best to prepare; she was so selfless. She wanted to be sure we would be “ok”. But I rarely, if ever, 16 | November 2013

took my Dad and what his world would then be into consideration. That moment was an awakening. Whether or not you became a single parent by the death of a spouse, a divorce or a separation, single parenting is very difficult for everyone involved. But you CAN do it.You can survive! Here are some “Keep Me Sane” tips to help the day (almost) run smooth. Sometimes, if the basic structure of a day flows... everything else seems to fall into place.

1 Early Bird Gets the Worm

I know ... that stupid bird! Who came up with that saying?! But it’s OH so true. And, believe me, it’s hard. I know. I’m a single mom of a 4-year old and a special needs 2-year old. But I

Even if your eyelids are half-closed and you can visualize your bed... don’t give in! Take the 10 minutes to set up for the morning routine. It can be a life saver for sanity. And I mean really set it up. As silly as it sounds even the tiniest things can add to stress in the morning during “rush hour” with the kids. Literally get lunches ready, school bags lined up, outfits and shoes picked out (and agreed upon!), breakfast choices made and ready to go and most importantly all of YOUR things ready, too. I even put my shoes by the front door (yes... one day I actually stepped out of the house still in my slippers... I was THAT distracted. My 4-year old LOVES to tell everyone that story.)✲ Samantha Gill is a geriatric social worker, mommy of two daughters and writer from Northfield. You can read her blog, especially for special needs parents, at http://www. addies4everfriend.org Visit our website and sign up for our e-newsletter

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November 2013 | 17

know 2 grow

Toilet Roll Turkey! By Deanna Robinson

You need: An empty toilet paper roll, 2 googly eyes, 1 red pipe cleaner, brown paint, pen, scissors, glue, 1 piece of red, orange and yellow construction paper.

• Have your child paint an empty toilet paper roll brown. • Trace one of their hands on all 3 pieces of construction paper. • Trace one of your hands on all 3 pieces of construction paper. •Cut them out.You should now have 2 red, 2 orange and 2 yellow handprints from both you and your child. • Glue the handprints to the back of the toilet paper roll. (Stack them on top of each other like a fan.) • To make the eyes, you’ll want to glue the googly eyes onto the front of the turkey. • Now, to make the beak, you’ll want to use your pen to poke 2 small holes below and in-between the eyes. (Tip: Have the holes stacked on top of each other.) • Cut your orange pipe cleaner so that it’s about 2 inches. • Thread the pipe cleaner through the hole, then the other end through the other hole. Push it through until the beak is the desired size. Pinch the end so that it comes to a point. That’s it – you’re done!

Visit Deanna’s blog at http://fromwinetowhine.com or www.facebook.com/FromWineToWhine

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recipe corner

Grateful Side Dishes to Gather For By Lisa Ann Panzino DiNunzio

Thanksgiving is a great time for people to reflect and focus on what they’re thankful for. Family and friends will gather around tables full of appetizing, treasured dishes, and will spend quality time chatting, laughing and creating cherished memories. I’m personally thankful and grateful for all God’s blessings and for the loving family and friends that are such a vital part of my life. As I sit to dine at our family Thanksgiving Day dinner, I’ll, as always, first give thanks! Happy Thanksgiving!

Homemade Creamed Corn

• 2 (16 oz.) packages frozen whole kernel corn • 1 stick butter • 1 cup heavy whipping cream • 1-2 tbs. sugar or natural sugar substitute • Sea salt, to taste • Black pepper, to taste Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add frozen corn, stir and continue cooking over medium heat for a few minutes until thawed. Add in heavy whipping cream, sugar, salt and pepper. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent cream from scorching. Cook for 10-15 minutes until corn is cooked through and sauce thickens. If desired, after corn has been cooking for 5-10 minutes, crush some of the corn in the skillet with the back of a ladle or potato masher to create a creamier texture.

Cranberry Orange Sauce

• 1/2 cup water • Zest and juice of one orange • 3/4 cup raw sugar or natural sugar substitute • 1 (12 oz.) bag fresh cranberries, rinsed In a medium saucepan, over medium-high heat, add water, orange zest, orange juice, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add in cranberries and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the cranberries burst, and the sauce thickens (about 8-10 minutes). Cover and cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours, or overnight, before serving.

Simple Drop Biscuits

• 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour • 1 tbs. non-aluminum baking powder • 2 tsp. raw sugar or natural sugar substitute • 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar • 1/4 tsp. sea salt • 1/2 cup butter, melted • 1 cup milk Preheat oven to 450°. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, cream of tartar and salt. Stir in butter and milk just until moistened. Drop batter on a lightly greased cookie sheet by the tablespoonful. Bake until golden around the edges, about 8-12 minutes. Serve warm. As always, Bon Appetit!

Lisa Ann Panzino DiNunzio is the author of “Seasoned With Love,Treasured Recipes” & “Lisa Ann’s Seasoned With Love II”, and the children’s book, “Snicker Learns An Important Lesson.” Visit her blog http://lisaanndinunzio.blogspot.com/ or Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001935347501 20 | November 2013

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For a complete list of events, log onto www.southjerseymom.com

To submit your event, send an e-mail to michelle@superiorgx.com. Entries are due six weeks prior to the event and are filled on a first-come first-served basis. Space is limited.

ATLANTIC COUNTY Neighborhood Toy Store Day Saturday, November 9th 10am and 4pm Toy Market - 204 Bellevue Avenue Hammonton, NJ 08037 Children learn how to play clever games, demonstrate specialty toys and activities. Most of these activities are led by children, allowing for a fun peer to peer learning environment. In addition to all the activities every customer will receive a free toy! www.mytoymarket.com 609-561-2121

BURLINGTON COUNTY Spin Skate Shop Extravaganza Sunday, November 3 11-4pm Mount Laurel, NJ Elite Cycle and Fitness Sign up for a free spin class, skating from 1-2:30pm, shopping with multiple vendors. For more info call 856-638-5845 www.elitecycleandfitness.com

CAMDEN COUNTY Women’s Empowerment Symposium Saturday, November 9 12:30-5:30pm Cherry Hill Come be inspired with likeminded women for a great cause! 6 leading expert speakers. Relax with crystal bowl meditation and boost your energy with an empowering movement class that can be enjoyed even from a wheelchair! For more information and to register, contact Yoga for Living at www.yogaforliving.net or (856) 404-7287. MOMS Club of Blackwood Craft Fair & Boutique Holiday Bazaar Saturday, Nov 9 10am-2pm St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church 433 Park Ave., Laurel Springs The proceeds from the event will

support the children’s art activities within the MOMS Club of Blackwood Area and the Ronald McDonald House of Southern NJ. The Holiday Bazaar is one-stop shopping for all your holiday needs! If you have a product that you think will complement the Vendor/Craft boutique, a few spaces are still available. To reserve a space, please contact Michelle Perkowski at mperkowski3@verizon.net. Mainstage Center for the Arts presents Peter Pan, sponsored by the Law Office of Michel A. Smolensky, LLC Friday, November 22, 7 pm; Saturday & Sunday, November 23 & 24, 3 pm Join Wendy, Michael and John as they fly off with Peter Pan and Tinker Bell for Peter’s adventures through Neverland – dancing with the Indians, horsing around with the lost boys, and battling his nemesis Captain Hook! A delightful romp, this musical based on J.M. Barrie’s classic tale, is sure to bring out one’s inner child. In the newly renovated, fully accessible Dennis Flyer Theatre, Lincoln Hall, Camden County College, 200 College Drive, Blackwood. Ticket prices: $12 reserved, $10 senior citizens/children 12 and under. Group prices available. Purchase tickets on line at www.mainstage. org or call (855) 93-MAINSTAGE (855-936-2467). Santa at the Garden! Saturday, November 23 Camden Children’s Garden Santa Arrives – Always a festive day at the Camden Children’s Garden, this day includes a sponsor tree-decorating activity, Santa’s afternoon arrival, crafts and a reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! 3 Riverside Drive on the Camden Waterfront. Tree Decorating 12-4pm. Santa arrives

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mid-afternoon and will arrive at approximately 1pm via fire truck (pending emergency). South Jersey Dog Walk Benefiting Autism Sunday, November 24 Cooper River Stadium North Park Drive Pennsauken Township Check-In: 9am Dog Walk Starts: 10:30am Registration Fee for Dogs $25 in advance - $30 Bark Day Visit www.facebook.com

things 2 do

November Calendar

Friday, November 29 through Sunday, December 8: Annual Holiday Studio Sale in the Event Center. Free admission to the sale. WheatonArts prototypes, seconds and overstocks, studio glass by Melanie Guernsey and David Leppla, and a wide selection of pottery by WheatonArts artist, Terry Plasket, at discounts of 30-70%. For more information, contact Janet Peterson, Marketing and Public Relations Director, (856) 825-6800, Ext. 108.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY

GLOUCESTER COUNTY

WheatonArts and Cultural Center presents exhibits, programs, classes, workshops, and family activities in Nov. 1501 Glasstown Rd., Millville Saturday, November 2: Join local woodcarver Domenick Maggio in the Brownstone Emporium Christmas Shop from 1-3pm. He explains the carving processes he uses as he works on one of his Santa ornaments. Friday, November 8: Studio Wide Open with the Creative Glass Center of America Fellows in the Glass Studio at 6:30pm. Free and open to the public. Meet and greet the new fellows: Valentin Manz (Germany, Great Britain, U.S.), Maria Bang Espersen (Denmark) and Stine Bidstrup (Copenhagen, Denmark). Watch artist demonstrations. Light refreshments will be available. Sunday, November 10: Spirits In Sequins: Vodou Flags of Haiti. Special presentation by Nancy Josephson. Noon-1pm. Sunday, November 10: Remembering Ginen: Traditional Music and Dance of Haiti. Featuring La Troupe Makandal of New York. 3pm-5pm. Included with admission to WheatonArts. Sunday, November 24: Hanukkah Celebration in the Glass Studio. Time to be determined

Hope for Ella–Sunshine Inn at Camp Sun ‘N Fun Sunday, Nov 17, 10am-2pm 7-year old brain tumor fighter Ella lives right in Williamstown and has a not-so-rare neurological, genetic disorder called Neurofibromatosis (NF). Even with all of the challenges she faces, she still puts others first and has been busy planning a Christmas Party for the kids still affected by Hurricane Sandy for months!aWe would need all gifts by Friday, November 15, so they can be ready for the Wrapping Party on Sunday, November 17, which you’re also invited to. Come on out and volunteer for a few hours to wrap presents as we prepare for this awesome event! Support Hope for Ella’s event by calling Terri at (856) 308-6663 to make arrangements. 1036 N. Tuckahoe Rd, Williamstown. For more info, go to www.facebook.com/HopeForElla‎, call (856) 308-6663 or e-mail Hopeforella@gmail.com

Buy American Expo Saturday, November 16 9am-3pm Vendors - Made in USA Products Kids’ crafts Entertainment - Food St Charles Borromeo Church Johnson & Stagecoach Roads, Washington Township

November 2013 | 21

Open your heart and your home You Can Make a Difference! Be a Foster or Adoptive Parent For more information contact:

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