winter 2018
Inside Community Comes Together to Support Local Family p. 12 Online Shopping Makes Grocery Shopping Easy p. 16
Organ Donation: One Family’s Miracle p. 20
Hope in Local High Schools p. 29 Guide to a Pain-Free Pregnancy p. 38
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let ter from the editor When Mother Teresa was awarded the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize, she was asked, “What can we do to promote world peace?” Her response: “Go home and love your family.”
She explained, “When I pick up a person from the street, hungry, I give him a plate of rice, a piece of bread, I have satisfied. I have removed that hunger. But a person that is shut out, that feels unwanted, unloved, terrified, the person that has been thrown out from society…I find that very difficult.” Mother Teresa was a Catholic missionary known for providing basic services to some of the most destitute people in the world, yet, she looked at our society and saw a different kind of poverty — one of the heart. Her recommendation to cure this ill sounds simplistic, “Spread love everywhere you go: first of all, in your own house. Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next-
door neighbor… let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” So, it starts with your family and expands outward, to your neighbors, and on to your community. Watching the news is depressing. There is a lot to worry about, and much of it is downright scary. Still though, I believe there is more good than bad. I am in a position where I have the opportunity to hear about and share stories of people who are doing good things in our community. In this issue, you’ll read about the people of Cache Valley coming together to rally around one family in their time of need, a little boy whose life was saved by another family donating their child’s liver, and about high school students providing hope to each other in times of despair.
that will make parenting easier and feature families and individuals that are doing good. So, be inspired, and in this new year, and as we go into a month that celebrates love, start in your own home, love your family, and move outward, leaving everyone you meet a bit happier.
emily
Our mission at Cache Valley Family Magazine is to enrich family life. We share ideas, expert advice, and tips
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I N E V E RY I S S U E
From the Farmer’s Wife: Christensen Family Brownies — p. 8 Good Neighbors: The REALTOR® Value: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Real Estate — p. 9 PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Emily Buckley COMMUNITY EDITOR Schae Richards COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Heather Palmer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mark Anderson Tara Bone Emily Buckley Blake Cameron, DDS Sherelle Christensen Michael Cole, OD Paul Daybell Erica Keller Jenny Mathews Emily Merkley Brett Murdock, DC Nathan Nydegger, CPA Schae Richards Frank Schofield Dayia Shurtleff Josh Timothy LAYOUT DESIGN Rachel Cottrell WEBSITE DESIGN Kite Media Cache Valley Family Magazine is a free, trusted resource designed to inform, serve and enrich local parents and families throughout Cache Valley. Material in this publication is copyright 2018, Cache Valley Family Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission of the publisher is prohibited. The views expressed in the magazine are the views of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Please send all editorial correspondence to info@cachevalleyfamilymagazine.com or by mail to PO Box 6831, North Logan, UT 84341. All correspondence is sent on a non-confidential basis and Cache Valley Family Magazine shall be free to reproduce, publish, edit and/or use any such communications. All materials become property of Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Making a Difference: Cache Valley Community Comes Together to Support Local Family — p. 12 Kids Test Kitchen: Homemade Tomato Basil Soup — p. 14 Healthy Families: Depression After the Birth of Baby — p. 19 Cover Story: Organ Donation: A Cache Valley Family’s Miracle — p. 20 Family Budget: How to Keep Your Financial New Year’s Resolution — p. 22 Education Update: Tried and True: The ‘Secret Recipe’ for Elementary Literary Success — p. 24 How to Build Resilience in Children — p. 25 Family Firsts: The Happiest Place on Earth... with a Teenager? — p. 32
F E ATU R E S
Smart in Everything but Reading — p. 6 Teenagers Assemble at the North Logan City Library — p. 11 Lee’s Online Offers Convenient Grocery Shopping for Local Families — p. 16 Brush Up on the Basics of Dental Care — p. 26 Hope in Local High Schools: An Introduction to Hope Squad — p. 29 Local Trampoline Coach Flips Out — p. 30 Break the Habit of Distracted Driving — p. 31 The Rules of Landscaping — p. 34 Staying On Top of Tax Law Changes — p. 37 Your Guide to a Pain-Free Pregnancy — p. 38
PHONE (435) 764-0962 MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 6831 North Logan, UT 84341 EMAIL info@cachevalleyfamilymagazine.com WEBSITE cachevalleyfamilymagazine.com FACEBOOK facebook.com/ cachevalleyfamilymagazine YOUTUBE youtube.com/cachevalleyfamilymag INSTAGRAM @cachevalleyfamilymag TO ADVERTISE call (435) 764-0962 or email ads@cachevalleyfamilymagazine.com
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C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | W i n t e r 2 0 1 8
Smart in Everything but Reading
Michael Cole, OD Child and Family EyeCare Center
When you have a bright child, who doesn’t achieve to his or her potential, we often affectionately call them “underachievers” because we know they are capable of achieving so much more. While they may be able to slide by with what they learn by listening, reading can be a nightmare. Over the years, I have found that bright “underachievers” often have vision problems that make reading difficult. Sometimes they are described as auditory learners because they can remember things they have heard much faster and easier than anything they read. A clear sign that a vision problem may be at the root of a child’s difficulties is poor performance on written or standardized tests. It may surprise you to learn that many children who have vision problems interfering with learning actually have 20/20 eye sight (with or without glasses). That’s because 20/20 eyesight merely means you can see a certain size letter at a distance of 20 feet, whereas vision is a complex process that involves 17 visual skills that are critical to academic success. Seeing 20/20 is just one of those visual skills. More than 60 percent of children who struggle with reading and learning have vision problems that are typically 100 percent correctable, yet when undetected, these children continue to struggle, don’t reach their potential, and perform poorly on standardized tests. Undiagnosed vision problems can make it difficult for a child to make sense out of what they are reading, causing poor performance on written tests. Often a child with a vision problem that interferes with learning
has excellent verbal skills, causing parents and educators to think the child must be “lazy,” “not trying hard enough,” “an underachiever,” “ADHD,” “learning disabled,” etc. If your child struggles with reading, please ask yourself the following questions: • Do they omit or substitute small words (like “of” for “for”, or “if” for “of,” etc.)? • Do they get frustrated trying to read or do homework? • Does it take much longer for him or her to do their homework than it should? • Do they have trouble making out words? • Do they slow down when copying, or make lots of errors? • Do they find it harder to read at the end of the day than in the morning? • Do they skip words or repeat lines when reading aloud? • Do they reverse letters like b’s into d’s when reading? • Do they have a short attention span with schoolwork? Even one of these symptoms could
signal a possible vision problem. Will a standard eye exam uncover whether your child has a vision problem that could be interfering with academic performance? Probably not, since standard eye exams typically evaluate only eye health, acuity (how clearly you can see the eye chart), and the need for glasses or contacts. In order to determine if your child has a vision problem that is interfering with reading, learning, and even performance on standardized tests, a Developmental Vision Evaluation is needed to evaluate all visual skills required for academic performance: eye movement control, focusing near to far, sustaining clear focus, eye teaming ability, depth perception, visual motor integration, form perception, visual memory, and visual perceptual skills. Developmental Vision Evaluations are typically performed by developmental optometrists. The good news is that the majority of vision problems that interfere with reading and learning can be corrected. To find a developmental optometrist near you, visit covd.org.
Vision Care for the Entire Family In a professional, family-friendly atmosphere. Michael Cole, OD, specializes in pediatric optometry and the diagnosis and treatment of binocular vision disorders
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C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | W i n t e r 2 0 1 8
Christensen Family Brownies Sherelle Christensen sherellechristensen.typepad.com Almost every family has a go-to brownie recipe. This has been ours for many years. I’ve tried to make sure each of my children are learning a few baking skills as they grow up, and these brownies are a must-learn skill in our home! Whenever the kids need to take a treat to a church or school activity, I’ve tried to teach them to bake something simple, so they can help themselves rather than always depending on mom. This brownie recipe is simple, and we always have the ingredients on hand, so each of the kids have learned to make and share them. I hope you and your family will enjoy this chocolatey goodness as much as we do!
WITH FROSTING
Brownies: 1 c. butter 2 c. sugar 4 heaping Tbs. baking cocoa 4 eggs, slightly beaten 1 c. flour 1 tsp vanilla 1 c. chopped walnuts (optional)
Frosting: 2 2 2 2 2
c. powdered sugar Tbs. butter, softened Tbs. baking cocoa Tbs. boiling water tsp. vanilla
Instructions:
Bake in a greased 9”x13” pan at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes. The edges should start to look a bit crispy and the center more gooey. Don’t over-bake. They should be moist and chewy.
Cream butter, sugar, and cocoa together. Add beaten eggs and vanilla until smooth. Beat in flour. If adding nuts, fold in very last.
Combine frosting ingredients until smooth. Allow brownies to cool for about 10 minutes before frosting.
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T H E R E A LT O R ® V A L U E Avoiding the Pitfalls of Real Estate Emily Merkley, association executive Cache-Rich Association of REALTORS®
Aiming to help homeowners avoid the common pitfalls of a real estate transaction when buying or selling a home, this issue details the process of contracts, counter offers, and negotiations. There are countless details that need to be taken care of between an offer and a closing, which leaves room and opportunity for time-consuming and costly mistakes. Navigating contracts,
negotiating offers and counter offers, and juggling multi-offer scenarios are just a few of those important details. Further complications often arise when buyers make offers without first being pre-approved or pre-qualified, when offers are contingent on the sale of an existing home, or if an appraisal does not support the offer price, in which case, additional negotiation may be necessary. Any of these can be overwhelming, and the possibility of error becomes high.
A REALTOR© is a professional who navigates the process and has the experience to help you avoid many of these setbacks. In fact, the ideal scenario is that a real estate transaction involves a willing buyer and willing seller, both of whom utilize REALTOR© representation. Kristine Fronk, of Dwell Realty Group, explains the complexity of real estate transactions and the advantage of using a licensed REALTOR©. “Rates have continued to remain low, prices have continued to rise, and we currently only have one-third of our average home inventory on the market. The competition is fierce, and pricing, staging, photos, and listing a home is just the tip of the iceberg in this seller’s market,” she said. “Knowing how to navigate this competitive market is crucial for both sellers and buyers. Understanding contracts and knowing how to protect yourself and your investment makes all the difference in your success.” During the buying and selling process of your home, you will find yourself in a position to negotiate many different things, but peace of mind and security of your investment shouldn’t be included.
Four New Year’s Resolutions to Help You Buy a Home This Year Put Your Savings Goals First
Improve Your Credit Score
Pay Down Your Debt
Contact a Local REALTOR®
Instead of just thinking about saving, start the New Year off right with a resolution to jump-start your savings for a down payment on your first home. Online mortgage payment calculators and mortgage affordability calculators can help you decide how much you should put away. If you’re worried that the traditional 20 percent down payment may be too difficult to save in a year, don’t be. There are many loan products available that require little money down.
Your credit score is a very important variable that lenders consider when deciding on your mortgage loan. To make sure you get the best possible rates, start improving your credit now. Make it a goal in the new year to keep your credit card balances low, pay your bills on time, and avoid opening new lines of credit.
While improving your credit score will help you secure a better rate, your debt-toincome ratio is still an important factor for lenders. To help you achieve a favorable rate, focus on paying down your existing debt as much as possible. With fewer dollars owed, you will be in a better position to afford a mortgage once you buy a home.
Buying a home on your own is no easy task, which is why most home buyers opt to utilize the talents of a knowledgeable, local REALTOR®. Talk to a friend or family member who has recently purchased a home and ask for recommendations. Do your research, and choose the right professional for you.
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10/11/2017 4:57:30 PM
C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | W i n t e r 2 0 1 8
Teenagers Assemble
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at the North Logan City Library
Paul Daybell, associate director North Logan City Library
The North Logan City Library has hosted a Teen Marvel Party for the last
four years, which is a part of our in-depth teen program that encourages local
teens to increase their engagement in both the library and the community as a whole. Teens who sign up for the program are given a goal of 100 points to earn over several months in order to earn an invitation to our special Teen Marvel Party, where they will enjoy a catered dinner, games, prizes, and (above all else) a ticket to a private screening of Avengers: Infinity War.
Some ways teens can earn points are attending library programs, engaging in library collections, hosting book clubs, joining the library’s Teen Advisory Board, and participating in library service projects.
redesigning and painting the library makerspace and hosting a STEMthemed carnival for local children. Last year, they hosted a special stuffed animal sleepover for many younger patrons.
Over the last several years, hundreds of teens have participated in the program and engaged in more than a thousand total service hours. Some of their projects included
At the North Logan City Library, we strive to think outside the box of what many people may think a library represents. There is no better example of this than our dynamic teen program. Our amazing teen librarians have utilized our library space to provide after-hours programming (every Thursday night from 7 to 8:30 p.m.), which provides a safe space for local teens to engage in games, crafts, creative writing, art, technology, Nerf wars, and much more. Local teens, grades 6 through 12 who are interested in learning more about our teen program, or would like to register for the Teen Marvel Party, should stop by the main information desk at the North Logan City Library.
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Cache Valley Community Comes Together to Support Local Family Schae Richards, community editor
April and Matt Turner experienced every parent’s worst nightmare when their then 14-year-old daughter, Deserae, went missing almost a year ago. Deserae suffered a severe head injury, and is still recovering from its effects today; however, she continues to get stronger every day. The last year was extraordinarily hard for the Turner family, and the people of Cache Valley have come together to help one of their own. April and Matt agree that the community’s support is what has helped them get through this difficult time. “The support has been overwhelming, helpful, comforting, and so appreciated,” April said. “Going through this has certainly been difficult and has turned our lives upside down, but we often say this would be so much harder without the support.”
April and Matt also note the several donations received through Etsy shop sales, craft fairs, and other local functions, and the people who helped with these fundraisers. “Deserae is literally a million-dollar girl,” April said. “The financial help has sustained us. Certainly, without it we would have sunk fast. We hold in high regard each of the donations. We know that we are so blessed to have these funds, and we are grateful that we can use these funds to care for her.” During Deserae’s hospital stay, people came to visit the family to show their support and brought them comfort items. People also donated money for their family’s hotel rooms. April said each of the hospital’s personnel took great care of Deserae and that they continue to support her through her journey.
For example, Deserae recently started a series of hyperbaric oxygen therapy at Cache Valley Hospital. She says her “favorite thing about going is being friends with and joking with the staff and feeling better after each treatment.” K9’s Unleashed Academy LLC also helped obtain and train a service dog for Deserae. “Des loves her puppy,” April said. “It brings her joy. Now she thinks about a future career breeding and training service dogs.” While the family stayed with Deserae in the hospital, people from the community were taking care of things at the Turner residence. People volunteered to help run the family’s daycare, so they could continue to have that source of income. They helped care for the family’s home,
From the moment Deserae went missing, people started looking for her and supporting the family. The family has also received substantial funding from the community through fundraisers held by local schools, businesses, and individuals. These events have included: • A GoFundMe page started for the family in addition to an account at America First Credit Union. • An 11-year-old girl set a goal to raise $1,000 for the family at a hot cocoa stand. • Deserae’s friends sold pink and grey reminder bracelets at school and around town and gave the proceeds to the Turner family. • The volleyball team at Sky View High School volunteered their time at a bounce house for another fundraiser.
The Turner Family in March 2017. (Back: Lizzy, Branden, Matt, and April. Front: Matty, Deserae, and Kaycee)
C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | W i n t e r 2 0 1 8 finishing the basement and donating equipment for Deserae’s ongoing rehabilitation. They took care of their animals and yard, and brought the family dinners. School teachers also helped support the family, putting in extra hours helping Deserae’s siblings with their homework and lending a listening ear.
April said. “The police escort had me crying all the way through the Valley. People decorated and lined the streets to welcome Des home.” Shortly after coming home, the family received a new vehicle from Murdock Hyundai of Logan to take Deserae to her follow-up doctor’s appointments.
The Turner family continued to receive help from the community when Deserae came home.
Deserae has also been recognized throughout the community at local events, like the Cache Valley Cruise-In and Cache County Fair and Rodeo.
“The ‘welcome home’ was amazing,”
April, Matt, and the rest of the family
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are beyond grateful for the community’s support during their time of need. “The love and support that came so swiftly and abundantly from the community sustained us through the worst time of our lives,” April said. “We know the community cares. Figuratively speaking we became the whole community’s family. We know, without a doubt, the community cares and that there are many good people who live in Cache Valley. People here are so generous and caring. We truly appreciate the support. We appreciate it all: the big help and the little help. We know that people gave from the heart.” The Turner family has resided in Amalga for more than 15 years. Their family consists of Matt and April and their five children: Branden and his wife Kalynn, Lizzy, Deserae, Matty, and Kaycee. “We refer to ourselves as T.E.A.M. Turner (Together Everyone Achieves More),” April said. “We have learned to work together to help all of us accomplish more.” Like the rest of her family, Deserae loves animals and enjoys riding and showing her horses. April described Deserae as being persistent when she was younger. She said this is even more true today.
The Turner Family in September 2016. (Back: Deserae, Matt, Babe, April, and Lizzy. Front: Matty and Kaycee) | Photo credit: Lauren Anderson
“At times, Deserae is hard to parent because she is strong-willed and doesn’t take ‘no’ for an answer,” April said. “She is tough mentally and physically. She has a sense of humor as she once said, ‘I can take a hit,’ or declares ‘I am tougher than a bullet.’”
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C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | W i n t e r 2 0 1 8
Kids Test Kitchen Most kids think cooking is fun. Parents who take advantage of this interest at an early age have the opportunity to help their kids become interested in trying healthy foods, according to the American Dietetic Association. That’s why Cache Valley Family Magazine has joined forces with Lee’s Marketplace and Citrus Pear Dinners for a Kids Test Kitchen where kids get the opportunity to test healthy, delicious versions of kidapproved recipes to take home and share with their families.
Homemade Tomato Basil Soup and Fresh Grilled Cheese Croutons Ingredients
Instructions
4 cans fire roasted tomatoes 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp baking soda Fresh ground pepper to taste 1.5 tsp garlic minced 2 tsp onion powder
In a large pot, combine the roasted tomatoes, salt, and baking soda. Cook until tomatoes stop bubbling from soda. Add garlic, onion powder, brown sugar, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil for five minutes, stirring regularly. Reduce heat to a simmer. Use a hand blender or regular blender to purée soup. Once soup is blended, add evaporated milk and basil. Simmer for 15 additional minutes while assembling croutons.
1 cup chicken broth — low sodium
1 Tbs brown sugar 1 cup reduced fat evaporated milk 1/2 Tbs basil 1 baguette Fresh sliced mozzarella Butter
The American Heart Association says the benefits of involving children in the kitchen include: a sense of accomplishment, a higher chance of trying and liking healthy foods, increased quality family time, learning life skills, and a decreased chance of obesity, health problems, and drug abuse. So, take the extra time and patience and get cooking!
WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR CHILD TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR NEXT KIDS TEST KITCHEN? For a chance to participate, try this recipe at home and snap some photos while you’re at it. Share your experience on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #cvfmkidstestkitchen (make sure your account is public for us to be able to see it!) or message us directly at info@cachevalleyfamilymagazine.com.
Warm pan or pancake griddle. Slice baguette into half-inch slices. Place a slice of fresh mozzarella between two sliced pieces of baguette. Butter one side and place on hot pan or pancake griddle. Once cooking, butter the other side of baguette. Cook each side until toasted and cheese is melted. Cut mini grilled cheese into four pieces each, creating grilled cheese croutons. Serve croutons on top of soup and enjoy!
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C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | W i n t e r 2 0 1 8
Lee’s Online Offers Convenient Grocery Shopping for Local Families Schae Richards, community editor
Lee’s Online is an online shopping service through Lee’s Marketplace that offers home grocery delivery and in-store pickup, giving guests a unique and easy shopping experience. Jordan Falslev, the e-commerce coordinator for Lee’s Marketplace, said the idea of Lee’s Online was first introduced by CEO Jonathan Badger. “He knew grocery delivery services were becoming popular, and wanted to reach out to more of our guests,” Jordan said. The company first launched Lee’s Online in February 2015 at their Logan store, and since then, has expanded to all five of its locations. They were one of the first grocery stores in Utah to offer grocery delivery service. Guests can take advantage of the service by visiting Lee’s Online at leesmarketplace.com and shop for their groceries with an experienced personal shopper. “Groceries will always be picked and delivered by a Lee’s Marketplace team member,” he said. “We want to offer one-on-one customer service,” Jordan said. Through Lee’s Online,
guests can receive the same sale prices found in-store with the added benefit of their groceries being delivered to their doorstep. Delivery fees range from $4.99 to $14.99. “Guests should feel
comfortable knowing we always select the very best hand-selected produce, deli, butcher, and bakery items picked to their specifications,” Jordan said. Lee’s Marketplace offers its home grocery delivery
services within a 15-mile radius covering most of Cache Valley. Popular delivery times are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 3 to 5 p.m., and 7 to 9 p.m., with additional times in between, depending on the store location.
C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | W i n t e r 2 0 1 8 Jordan said guests should plan ahead as much as they can, and that they need to place their order at least four hours before the time slot starts. If guests prefer to come to the store, Lee’s Marketplace also offers an instore pickup service for $1.99. Guests can pick up groceries at their local store anytime from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Lee’s Marketplace can also arrange for a local pickup at a local business or other location within their 15-mile delivery radius, if your home is outside of proximity. Guests are encouraged to follow Lee’s Marketplace (@lees_marketplace) on social media to receive special offers and discounts. Lee’s Marketplace offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee on every online order, and their staff works hard to make sure all guests
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receive great service and great products. “We take the time to make sure the orders are what guests expect them to be,” Jordan said. “We are going to get the highest-quality product in a timely manner. We want them to be happy with their decision.” In addition, Johnathan said Lee’s Online is all about helping the people in the local community. “The reason we provide this service for our guests is so that they have another avenue,” Johnathan said. “Life is busy. We wanted to be able to offer a service that could help families save some time. We’ve had many comments that it has changed their lives and it’s a better fit for them. That’s what we strive to do, to provide a grocery shopping experience that is helpful for their lives, and not something that they dread doing.”
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Depression After the Birth of Baby Emily Buckley, editor in chief
Having a new baby is supposed to be one of the happiest times in a woman’s life, but after giving birth, many women (up to 85 percent) experience up to two weeks of “baby blues.” This period is marked with moodiness, anxiety, sadness, and unexplained crying — among other symptoms. Many sources site the cause of these “blues” as a result of hormone changes, stress from labor and delivery, and certainly, lack of sleep. For many women, the “baby blues” subside and they settle into a new routine, but for many others, they turn into postpartum depression (PPD). According to the American Pregnancy Association (APA), approximately 15 percent of new mothers will experience postpartum depression. Symptoms may begin within a few days after delivery or sometimes as late as a year after childbirth. Women who experience postpartum depression will have alternating good days and bad days. Symptoms can be mild or severe and usually last more than two weeks. So, how does a new mom, or those who care for her, know if she is just having a “bad day” or week, or is experiencing something more serious? Anna Lara, PAC, at the Cache Valley Women’s Center at the Lodge, says it is
hard to pinpoint the start of postpartum depression, but if a new mom is having more bad days than good, people around her are starting to notice that she is not acting like herself, or if symptoms are getting progressively worse, she has reason to talk to her physician. The APA says symptoms of postpartum depression vary from person to person, and it is not likely that a woman will experience all of them, but the following symptoms, especially if they are ongoing or become more severe, can be cause for concern: • Irritability or anger/mood swings • Anxiety • Sleep problems, such as insomnia or excessive sleep • Appetite changes • Suicidal thoughts • Lack of interest in the baby • Thoughts of harming the baby • Sluggishness • Exhaustion • Memory loss • Sense of guilt or shame • Sense of doom • Scary/odd thoughts repeating in your mind
“People who are really struggling may have a hard time coming in,” Lara said. “We usually find that when women do come in, they are at their lowest and often come because other people have noticed changes in their behavior and expressed their concern.”
Lara said that if a new mom experiences thoughts of suicide or harming her children, she should go to the emergency room immediately. “They have programs and crisis workers in place to help you right away. If you don’t want to go the ER, go to your physician’s office,” she said.
Coping with postpartum depression “Depression doesn’t always look like hopelessness or inability to get out of bed,” Lara said. “It can also come in the shape of anxiety or fear. There is a big stigma about mental illness, and people are often scared to admit feelings of depression. But, it is common, and there are people, like us, who are here to help control those overwhelming feelings.” If you develop postpartum depression, your doctor may suggest medication or therapy. “There are medications that are safe for nursing mothers,” Lara said. Lara suggested the following additional ways to help with postpartum depression: Make time for self-care. Eat healthy meals, exercise four or five times a week (even just a 20-minute walk), and get enough sleep. Be patient. Treatment can help, but it may take time to feel like yourself again. Say “yes” to help. Take people up on their offers to help around the house, watch the baby so you can sleep, run errands for you, or be there to listen when you need to talk. If you don’t have a circle who can help, ask your physician about local resources. Say “no” sometimes. Let go of some responsibilities and simplify where you can. Find a support group. It helps to be around other people who have experienced postpartum depression and can share experiences and coping skills. Take time with your spouse. Go on dates and spend time together without your children. Get regular doses of Vitamin D. It is hard to get enough Vitamin D, especially during the winter. Consider taking a supplement.
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ORGAN D O N AT I O N A Cache Valley Family’s Miracle Tara Bone, contributing writer
Rusty and HollyJo Karren of Richmond were overjoyed when their second son, Easten, was born on June 6, 2007, but their joy turned to heartache when Easten was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia, a rare liver disease that required something the family had never considered — an organ transplant. “I never thought transplant issues would affect me,” HollyJo said. “I never dreamed that I’d have these challenges.” HollyJo’s “world shook” when twomonth-old Easten’s liver specialist said he needed an operation that would only act as a “band aid” until a suitable donor was found. Doctors told the family to go home and spend time together because the operation’s outcome was unknown. Against the odds, Easten survived the operation, and the doctors learned more about the seriousness of his condition. HollyJo said doctors were surprised that Easten was even alive. Easten spent most of the next three years at Primary Children’s Hospital. He experienced fevers at 104 degrees, needed his stomach drained often,
had PICC lines and feeding tubes, and required oxygen because his scarring liver was causing lung issues. HollyJo decided to take care of Easten at home. She took the necessary classes at Primary Children’s Hospital to care for his PICC line and feeding tube and learned alongside the home health nurses. “I remember thinking, ‘I want to be at home and make life somewhat normal,’” she said. “I’ve got to be proactive. He just wasn’t even living.”
Ten-year-old Easten Karren holding the journal his family has kept since the day of his transplant. It’s full of letters from special days and occasions thanking his donor.
There were no donors, so Easten’s father, Rusty, stepped forward to make a living donation because he felt he “couldn’t just sit anymore and watch his little boy die.” But concerns for Rusty’s health led his transplant team to stop the risky procedure. They were left waiting again. On August 13, 2012, the call came that a suitable donor match was available from a 5-year-old male. The Karrens went to Salt Lake to prepare and spend a long night.
Stetsen said he didn’t worry about his little brother because “he was tough!” Easten and his entire family would need to be tough for challenges ahead.
“It was so unnerving not knowing if this was going to be our last time all together. You automatically think of that donor’s family,” HollyJo said. “I think about our donor family every single day. They gave our family everything we couldn’t — it’s a gift.” The transplant took only three hours. Everything went as planned, and Easten went home three days later.
At five years old, Easten started experiencing more pain. Doctors concluded from MRIs that tumors were growing inside his liver. They feared they might be cancerous and wanted to transplant quickly. Now it was a race against time to get a new liver.
Today, Easten lives a completely different life. He went from needing 14 medications daily to only one. He’s a healthy 10-year-old boy who likes to wrestle with his dad, play sports, and have Nerf gun wars with his brothers. But Easten will never forget his donor.
During these difficult times, it was Easten’s big brother, Stetsen, who was his “biggest fan and cheerleader.”
C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | W i n t e r 2 0 1 8
ORGAN DONATION FACTS • More than 121,678 people in the United States are waiting for an organ transplant. • On average, 18 people die each day waiting for an organ transplant. • You can still be an organ donor if you have been turned down for blood donation, have a past history of cancer, or have high blood pressure or diabetes. For more information, visit yesutah.com.
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Three months after the procedure, Easten told his mom he couldn’t refer to his donor as just “my donor.” He said he wanted to call him “Little Jack” because he “was a person who had a brother, a dog and a favorite color, and he deserved a name.” The Karrens celebrate Jack’s life every year on Aug. 14 and though they haven’t met their donor family, the Karrens send letters and packages. Easten is grateful for the miracles he’s experienced.
honor her daughter by donating one of her kidneys.
“I now have a good life and I’m with my family. I didn’t know what it was like to not hurt [before the transplant],” Easten said. “Now that I have Jack’s liver, I get to have him with me everywhere I go. That is a pretty cool thing, you know, to have someone with you, always, that saved your life. I take him with me. Sometimes I get sad thinking about Jack and his mom, but I know he would want me to stay happy and keep living for him, too. I hope one day I will meet his family and know who he was.”
HollyJo’s wish is to touch just one person, to reach something inside of them and to spark a conversation about organ donation. “Once you start the conversation, you will be amazed at those surrounding you that know someone or lost someone they loved,” HollyJo said. “In our own community, we can help one another by simply saying ‘yes, I want to be an organ donor.’”
Since Easten’s transplant, the Karren family has continued to be affected by organ donation. A cousin’s daughter received a heart transplant, but died following the transplant so the family chose to donate her organs to others who were waiting. Another cousin’s daughter who died from cancer wasn’t able to donate her organs because of chemotherapy treatments, but her mother chose to give life and
“I strongly encourage every single person to go in today and change it if you’re not an organ donor because it may be you or a loved one who needs a donor one day,” HollyJo said. “If you do that, then somehow, I have done some good in honoring Easten’s donor. Whenever I see a picture on my wall of our family together, I think this is a beautiful picture of what organ donation looks like.”
For the Karrens, these dramatic experiences on both sides of organ donation have ignited a passion for organ donation advocacy and a desire to generate awareness about how organ donation changes lives. HollyJo encourages families to talk about organ donation, even though it can be an uncomfortable topic.
It’s the Karren family’s hope that every driver will say “yes” to organ donation on their driver’s license, and that those who aren’t organ donors will reconsider.
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How to Help Keep Your Financial New Year’s Resolution Dayia Shurtleff, marketing assistant Lewiston State Bank
It’s yet again the beginning of a new year. Did you happen to keep those goals you were so eager to start last January? We all know how hard it is to keep New Year’s resolutions; in fact, a study by US News found that 80 percent of all New Year’s resolutions were forgone by the second week in February. Why is it so hard to stick it out? Well, if you are anything like me, it is because you set too many goals, making it nearly impossible to complete them. Making goals to better your financial future is a worthy effort. By focusing on one primary goal, you may be surprised at the impact it has on the other goals you had in mind. Here is a list of four ways you can help create a positive impact on your finances in 2018.
Develop and stick to a detailed budget. According to Statista, nearly 30 percent of Americans made some type of budgeting goal. Budgeting is harder than many people want to believe. Developing a budget takes time, and there are several ways to approach it. When developing a good budget, you should track all of your expenses and categorize every dollar you earn. This can be done through simple spreadsheets or budgeting tools, like MoneyDesktop by MX®. By creating a detailed budget, you can discover ways to cut back on unnecessary spending and potentially increase how much you are saving.
Make more and spend less. If having a detailed budget has not worked for you in the past, adopting the method of ‘make more and spend less’ may be a good goal for you. You can increase your income by building a side hobby into a business, taking on a part-time job in your free hours, or starting some type of freelance work. If more work is not realistic, you can try to minimize spending. Spending less money is not always fun, so we suggest making a game out of it. You can host coupon contests between friends and family to see who can get the best deals, compete with your significant other to see who can spend the least in a week, and find cheaper ways to entertain yourself. By increasing the dollars in your account, you will be better able to accomplish your financial goals.
Build your savings. If you are someone who wants to be more financially fit, but never seem to have time for either of the previous goals, a good first step could simply be to work on building your savings. Try opening a new savings account for 2018 — one that you will keep separate so there is less temptation to “dip” into it when you are thinking of
making a frivolous purchase. Set up a direct deposit from your primary account to transfer a sum into this savings account each paycheck. This will help you to save without having to think about it. You may also look into holding the funds at another financial institution if better rates for savings accounts are available. This will create another step for you to reach the funds when temptation arises, but will not cause you to suffer penalties in an emergency like many long-term savings accounts, such as CDs or 401(k)s.
Invest in a financial adviser. If you struggle to make any new financial goals work with your lifestyle, it might be wise to look for a professional financial adviser, or implement a money-managing app to help you make better financial decisions. Many financial institutions offer free consultation services, or have contacts to financial advisers who offer courses or consulting on an individual basis.
KNOW WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES. No spreadsheets. No calculators. Budget visually with our money manager tool.
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Tried and True: The ‘Secret Recipe’ for Elementary Literacy Success Erica Keller, Cache County School District
Every memorable recipe requires
1 cup data analysis
1 cup desire to succeed
quality ingredients, patience, and hard work. For the Cache County School District, educators and administrators have worked together over the years to develop a “recipe” of our own, which we consider our “Secret Sauce” for fluent readers: a multi-tiered system of support.
Next, reading facilitators analyze the assessment data and form small reading groups. This analysis takes place every four to six weeks, allowing students to interchangeably experience new literacy lessons based on their current academic needs.
The final ingredient is desire. It is imperative that not only the students have a desire to learn, but also that teachers and aides have a passion to see the “recipe” through. The multitiered system produces outstanding fluency results, but it also requires higher levels of commitment from teachers and aides.
“We know that a research-based program is the best way to approach literacy,” said Sara Krebs, a literacy coordinator for Cache County School District. “What this means is that we will not guess at what will work. Instead, we use instruction that has been tested and proven to be effective over many years of research.”
If it is determined that a student needs a change in their reading instruction, the literacy facilitator and teacher collaborate and, with the support of the principal, decide which program will best meet the student’s needs. Students are then placed in a group which will target the specific reading skills that need improvement.
The system, used in elementary schools throughout Cache County School District, provides three tiers of instruction: first, core instruction, next, supplemental instruction, and finally, intensive instruction. Perhaps the most unique aspect of the program is implemented in the second tier during small group supplemental instruction. That is where the “Secret Sauce” is created. The crucial element? Direct instruction.
The interchanging of students within the program is an essential ingredient. Every four to six weeks, as needed, small groups are reconfigured. These reading groups are seamless and do not convey stigmas of high and low reading groups. This allows students to learn what they need to learn with confidence and success, emphasizing individual growth and mastery.
“It’s all about small group instruction that is targeted to the specific abilities of the students,” said Robin Clement, an elementary literacy coordinator for Cache County School District. “These are prescribed lessons taught with fidelity.” The ingredients for the “Secret Sauce” for fluent readers are:
1 cup student assessment We begin with an assessment of each student’s reading abilities. It is here that teachers and literacy facilitators identify a student’s strengths and challenges.
1 cup team collaboration
1 cup student movement
Some may disregard this “recipe” because of the effort and time required with each student, but Gary Thomas, executive director of elementary education, understands why each ingredient is essential. “We believe the key to effective reading instruction is the multi-tiered support system. It is more work, but we do it so our students can succeed,” Gary said. With 88 percent of Cache County third graders reading at grade level, the “Secret Sauce” has proven its significance in training young readers. For more information on reading programs and how to help your child succeed, visit cachedistrictliteracy.org.
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HOW TO BUILD resilience IN CHILDREN Frank Schofield, superintendent Logan City School District
Halfway through the school year is a good time to discuss the progress children have made toward their personal goals, talk about the challenges they are working through, and identify potential support caregivers can provide at home. As we have those conversations with children, we are likely to become aware of difficulties they are facing that may not have been communicated to caregivers previously. A child’s ability to thrive, despite those challenges, arises from the skills of resilience. Building resilience, which includes the ability to adapt well to adversity, threats, or other significant sources of stress, while not eliminating future stress, does help children manage those stresses in a healthy manner. Caregivers can help children develop resilience over time by using the following tips recommended by the American Psychological Association.
• Make connections. Teach your child how to make friends, including the skill of empathy, or feeling another’s pain. Encourage your child to be a friend in order to make friends. Build a strong family network to support your child through his or her inevitable disappointments and hurts. Connecting with people provides social support and strengthens resilience. Some find comfort in connecting with a higher power, whether through organized religion or privately, and you may wish to introduce your child to your own traditions of worship. • Help others. Children who may feel helpless can be empowered by helping others. Engage your child in age-appropriate volunteer work, or ask for assistance yourself with a task that he or she can master. Brainstorm with children ways they can help others.
• Maintain a daily routine. Sticking to a routine can be comforting to children, especially younger children who like structure in their lives. Encourage your child to develop his or her own routines. • Teach your child self-care. Be a good example, and teach your child the importance of making time to eat properly, exercise, and rest. Ensure your child has time to have fun, and make sure they haven’t scheduled every moment of his or her life with no “down time” to relax. Caring for oneself and even having fun will help your child stay balanced and better deal with stressful times. • Keep things in perspective and maintain a hopeful outlook. Even when your child is facing very painful events, help him or her look at the situation in a broader context and keep a long-term perspective. Although your child may be too young to consider a long-term look on their own, help him or her see that there is a future beyond the current situation and that the future can be good. An optimistic and positive outlook enables your child to see the good things in life and keep going, even in the hardest times. In school, we use history to show that life moves on after bad events. These are skills we reinforce regularly in our schools as part of the Logan City School District’s mission to ensure all students leave our schools ready to create a positive future for themselves and their community. For more information on how you can help the children in your life develop resilience, visit apa.org/helpcenter/resilience.aspx.
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Brush Up on the Basics of Dental Care
Blake Cameron, DDS Aspen Dental
When was the last time you heard someone say, “I can’t wait to go get my cavity filled!”? My guess is never. If you’re like most people, you would rather have your dental visits end with a congratulations from the dentist, telling you that your home care is excellent and you have no need to come back until your next routine exam and cleaning. So, while we’re still in the spirit of the New Year, let’s get back to basics and see what adjustments
Blake Cameron, DDS Justin Carter, DDS Jeffrey Wegener, DMD 1451 N 200 E #200, Logan
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C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | W i n t e r 2 0 1 8 we can make to our daily routine that could make that ideal dental visit a reality. First, let me say, even as a dentist, I have nothing against treats. Instead, I’m all for good oral home care and being smart about what you eat, how much you eat, and how often you eat it. None of this is rocket science; it’s just good sense. Let’s talk about good oral home care first, and we can discuss eating habits next time. How long are you brushing your teeth? If you don’t have an electric toothbrush with a timer built in, you probably find yourself brushing for what feels like long enough, and then you’re done, right? Try timing yourself and see if you’re actively brushing for a full two minutes, twice a day.
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What do you do when you’re done brushing? Do you rinse your mouth out? Do you know what the single active ingredient is in any toothpaste recommended by dentists? It’s fluoride. Fluoride is what helps get your teeth back to their original strength after the onslaught of acid that takes place every time we eat. I’d recommend that you don’t rinse your mouth out after brushing. I know that may sound strange, but go ahead and try it. You can brush your tongue off or use a tongue scraper when you’re done brushing, but see if you can let the fluoride work on your teeth a little longer. It may take a few days or weeks to get used to, but it will give your teeth added strength. Should we talk about flossing? I don’t want to give you a guilt trip if it’s not your forte. Trust me, you’re in good company. Fewer people floss than care to admit, but flossing daily will prevent the most common type of cavity: the cavity between teeth. Finally, let’s talk about mouthrinses. Mouthrinse can do more than just freshen your breath, although that is a nice benefit. Mouthrinses can help combat the harmful bacteria in our mouths that make our gums bleed (a sign of some forms of gum disease). Use a mouthrinse with the added benefit of fluoride to help keep your gums happy and to protect your teeth even more.
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IN LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS AN INTRODUCTION TO HOPE SQUAD
Jenny Mathews, contributing writer
It’s an issue that no one wants to discuss but that can’t be ignored. Utah’s youth suicide rate ranks the ninth highest in the nation. With this problem in mind, Dr. Greg Hudnall created Hope Squads in Provo in 2005. Knowing how influential a teen’s circle of friends can be, Dr. Hudnall’s vision was to increase awareness among peer groups and provide training to those willing to be the eyes and ears of the student body. The idea has caught on and has proven to reduce the rate of suicide and suicide attempts among students at schools with Hope Squads. Each year, more and more new squads are formed, and this year they have reached Cache Valley. Hope Squad members are recommended by fellow students who know them to be kind, compassionate, and trustworthy. Members are taught to recognize suicide warning signs and how to respond when they suspect someone might be struggling. Hope Squad meetings include training Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR). Members learn what questions to ask, what questions to avoid, and explore the different resources that are useful when the time comes for them to refer someone who
The Green Canyon High School Hope Squad was established this school year.
has confided in them. As students in Hope Squads are teenagers themselves, they are reassured in their training that they’re not expected to carry the burdens of their classmates or take on the role of counselor, but instead, become gatekeepers, guiding and encouraging fellow teens from a state of despair through the gate of hope. These peers are also an important link between students who are hurting and teachers, counselors, health care providers, and even parents. At Green Canyon High School in North Logan, the Hope Squad is directed by two student interns, Hailey Maire and Melissa Yardley. Both women have completed required training and attend Hope Squad meetings acting as mentors and supervisors to the student members. “We are trying really hard to increase awareness and reduce the stigma around discussing suicide by changing some of the language and working closely with the staff and Hope Squad members,” Hailey said. Melissa and Hailey also work directly with students who are referred to them for mental health issues. Within the Hope Squad, there is a presidency who has taken on the task of organizing and planning their first annual Hope Week, which will be the first week of May. They have also started working with two other budding Hope Squads at Logan and Sky View High School to create awareness and support within the community. Intermountain Healthcare has provided some funding, and the Bear River Health Department has sent professionals to run the training meetings so far. When a child takes his or her life, the question, “What could I have done?” breaks the heart of all who were within their circle of influence. If you or someone you know could use a little hope, or would like more information on suicide prevention, visit Hope4utah.com, download the SafeUT app, or call the helpline at (800) 273-8255 (TALK) (Spanish speakers call (800) 628-9454). Additional resources may be found at brhd.org, mentalhealth.gov, samsa.gov, afsp.org, nimh.nih.gov and mantherapy.org.
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Local Trampoline Coach FLIPS Out
Emily Buckley, editor in chief
Thomas Theobald came to Highpoint Tumbling and Gymnastics at the Sports Academy 19 years ago for an opportunity to utilize the equipment and “play around on the trampolines.” He later became a coach and is now the manager of the program that serves approximately 400 students each session. The focus at Highpoint is trampoline training. The Highpoint junior and senior competitive teams participate in state and national tumbling and trampoline events, but the program includes toddler- to university-level students being trained in gymnastics, tumbling, and trampoline by a group of about 30 skilled coaches.
NBA, and NCAA halftime shows, corporate events and fairs and festivals around the world. “When I first started doing this kind of work, I was amazed that I could make money jumping on trampolines,” Thomas said. “Now I have made a career of it.” Between all this, Thomas and his wife, Jeni, who reside in Richmond, are the parents of four girls, who also enjoy jumping and tumbling. Visit sportsacademy.com/tumbling for more information about Highpoint.
“Our teams compete around the county,” Thomas said. “Our program is designed for all of our students to be able to work through it and join the competitive team, if they desire.” Highpoint teams have produced two national champions in the last 10 years. Over the holiday break, while the gym was closed, the Sports Academy, which owns Highpoint, invested about $50,000 into updated equipment for the facility. Thomas says the next phase is to add a parkour set up, so athletes can participate and train for American Ninja Warrior events. In addition to his full-time job at Highpoint, Thomas spends about three weekends a month performing across the country with Flippenout, a team of professional and Olympic athletes from across the United States who specialize in trampoline demonstrations, flying as high as 25 feet above the ground in single, double, and triple flips, often on skis and snowboards. Flippenout performs about 50 shows a year, including NFL,
Thomas Theobald and Olympic skier Mac Bohonnon performed for a corporate event in Jackson Hole, Wyoming last month.
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BREAK THE HABIT OF DISTRACTED DRIVING Josh Timothy, community liaison Cache County Sheriff’s Office
You are on your way home from work, and you hear that familiar tone. You know that you shouldn’t text and drive, but it is probably your spouse asking you to pick up something from the store on your way home. Traffic seems to be flowing well, and there is considerable distance between you and the other cars. You decide to look at your
phone and quickly respond to the text. That is when it all happens: Traffic comes to a stop, a child crosses the road, or the light turns red. Time and time again, it is the same story that leaves multiple families with sadness and devastation. One of the most difficult things our deputies have to do is to let a family know that
their loved one was hurt or killed in an accident. Many accidents could be avoided if drivers were not distracted while driving a vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration explains three main types of distractions: • Visual: taking your eyes off the road. • Manual: taking your hands off the wheel. • Cognitive: taking your mind off driving. While driving, many distractions compete for our attention like picking up a toy that a child has dropped, watching a thunderstorm in the distance, or eating lunch. It is essential to try to limit
these distractions the best we can. However, there is one distraction that we CAN get rid of entirely: cell phones. The State of Utah passed a law prohibiting the use of handheld wireless communication devices while operating a motor vehicle to try to reduce the number of accidents caused by distracted driving. Texting while driving is hazardous because it incorporates all three types of distractions. No text, email, or Snapchat message is worth your life or the life of another person. Cache County Sheriff Chad Jensen wants to remind everyone, “Focus on the road, not your phone. Your life is worth the wait.”
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THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH...
with a teenager? All parents must face the fact from J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan that “all children, except one, grow up.” No amount of pixie dust, or trips to Neverland via Peter Pan’s Flight at the Magic Kingdom can stop the inevitable: Kids grow up, but not before taking a detour to “teenagerdom.” I’m new at “teenagerdom,” and I had not fully realized we had entered this world until last fall. My husband and I decided to take our boys to Disneyland before we passed the peak of ultimate Disney magic for kids. We excitedly announced our plans. There would be tears of joy and intense jubilation as seen on social media about Disney unveilings — right? Wrong. Our teenager declared that he would rather go to the beach.
Tara Bone, contributing writer
learned a few tips that may help others experiencing “teenagerdom.”
Guardians of the Galaxy, Indiana Jones, and Star Wars before the crowds.
However, the best thing I learned is that having your kids grow up doesn’t have to be negative. Sure, there are childhood moments you’ll miss, but there are adventures to be had with teenagers and adult children. Embrace every moment and embark on different kinds of experiences. Remember the words of Peter Pan, just “to live will be an awfully big adventure.”
For shorter lines, avoid weekends. Disney offers “Magic Mornings” to three-day park pass holders on Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Go Wednesday, Monday, or Friday if you’re not a three-day pass holder.
Disney Teen Tips Disney is magical. Even if your teen doesn’t want to go, they will magically stop protesting and start having fun once inside the Disney realm. Don’t cancel a Disney trip at first protest.
The beach? This, from my son whose favorite Disney ride used to be Peter Pan’s Flight? After a few deep breaths and the talk that he needed a good attitude for his younger brothers, I realized we had officially entered “teenagerdom.” He was growing up.
Compromise. Plan something in addition to Disney in the Anaheim area. Catch an Angels baseball game or Anaheim Ducks hockey game. Hit the beach, shop at Anaheim GardenWalk, stay at a Disneyland hotel for the water parks. You can also cycle, fish, or hike at Ralph B. Clark Regional Park or visit the Park Canyon Nature Center.
But even a skeptical teenager can enjoy Disneyland. We braved the crowds to experience Disneyland and California Adventure in two days and created amazing memories. We also
Focus on thrill attractions. Hit the park early — before gates open. This could be tough for some teens, but if you do, they will experience Space Mountain,
Take advantage of teen independence. Utilize the single-rider option on rides. Access the Disneyland App, let your teenager take the lead and teach them the art of the FastPass. Avoid “hangry” teens. Make dining reservations online 60 days out and take time to sit and eat at the park. Hungry and tired teenager = miserable family. If you watch a parade or outdoor show, make dining reservations with reserved seating options and wait at the same time. Bring in snacks for eating anywhere, anytime. Utilize Disney’s website. Find interactive teen attractions like the Animation Academy at disneyland. disney.go.com. The site filters options for kids based on age and interests.
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The Rules of Landscaping Mark Anderson, owner Anderson’s Seed and Garden
Winter can seem to last forever in Cache Valley. During that cold, dark, and sometimes dreary period, I love to focus on the upcoming spring and what beauty and wonder nature will offer when it awakes. I know there will be days of hard work to prepare the garden or plant new flowers and plants, but just the anticipation makes winter go by quicker. Over the years, we have helped a lot of gardeners and homeowners design and build their own gardens, and have discovered a few basic guidelines that never lose their value. They may seem simple, but if you live by these landscaping rules, you will avoid headaches later.
don’t prepare and improve the place they will grow? Often, I see trees and shrubs planted in holes that are barely the size of the pot in which they were purchased. The ultimate planting environment for those plants is two-to-three times the size of the pot. The soil removed from the hole should be cleaned of rocks (just the big ones; little rocks are good for drainage) and debris and amended with 25-to-30 percent of a well-composted soil enhancement (not manure). Most importantly, the new plant and its new home need supplemental microbes, microorganisms, and mycorrhizae added to the soil and root zone to build up its natural ability to gather and utilize water and nutrients.
Never plant a $100 tree in a $1 hole. This goes for vegetable, flower, trees, shrubs, or any other type of plant. How can we expect plants to thrive when we
When planting new gardens, always start with the largest plants first. For example, plant trees first, then shrubs,
Feed your family for $30 a year. We’re serious when we say you can feed your family for a year on $30-worth of vegetable seeds. If you have a 50X50 foot garden (2500 square feet), we can help you fill it with about $30-worth of vegetable seeds. All it takes is a little effort and a little know-how. Come on in before spring planting is here. We’ll provide the know-how, and you can make the effort.
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C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | W i n t e r 2 0 1 8 then perennials, and finally ground covers. This holds true for practical reasons and design principles alike. Visually, it is easier to compose the garden when you see the proportion of the largest elements after they are added to the “blank canvas.” From a practical perspective, while some gardeners would quickly understand that planting a large tree will allow space and room to work without damaging smaller plants in the process, many gardeners cannot resist the temptation to plant some smaller, easier, more colorful additions first. Resist that urge.
Masses of plants, especially smaller plants like flowers and perennials, look amazing compared to a few plants placed sparingly. Consider the beautiful tulip fields in Holland where of tulips catch the eye with amazing colors. Many gardeners plant one bulb every few feet and expect Holland-like results. Using a mass of the same plant in a garden design gives a very distinct and specific look that will make your design stand out. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Many times, we get so involved and
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determined about our design, our choice of plants, or a certain color scheme, that we forget that we are doing this for enjoyment. As my wife and I built our home and started to create our landscape, part of the fun was figuring it out together, realizing that we had made mistakes, fixing those mistakes, and then realizing we wanted something completely different as our family grew and our circumstances changed. We would sit down every winter and make a list of needs, wants, and wishes, and then start on the needs first. Then we would see how far we could get into the wants and wishes before the energy and money ran out. At the end of the year, we would assess our progress. It was always surprising how many needs and wants we could get done. Then we would make new plans and start all over again the next year. We never felt badly over what we didn’t do, but got excited about what we could accomplish together. Yards and landscapes evolve over time. It’s an ongoing process, and, whether you like it or not, your landscaping job will never be finished, so enjoy the journey!
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Staying On Top of Tax Law Changes Nathan Nydegger, CPA Saunders & Wangsgard
Hardworking families know that minimizing their tax liability each year is an important part of wise financial management. It’s good to be familiar with basic tax laws so that you can best position your family to save tax dollars. For 2017 taxes, our laws are largely unchanged. However, for 2018 taxes there are many changes that will affect every taxpayer in the country. Here are some important changes you should know about. The standard deduction nearly doubles. The IRS let’s each taxpayer choose between a standard or itemized deduction on their taxes. This deduction shelters your income from taxation, and, as a
result, lowers the tax you pay. The most common itemized deductions are state taxes paid, mortgage interest, and charitable contributions. Many families who own a home or have significant charitable contributions will frequently opt for an itemized deduction. For 2018 and beyond, families previously itemizing may suddenly find that taking the standard deduction is a better choice. No more personal exemptions. For 2017 and earlier, each person you claimed as a dependent on your tax return resulted in a personal exemption. Exemptions lower your taxable income. For example, in 2017, each exemption you claim will
lower your taxable income by $4,050. Those claiming many dependents will consider this a hurtful change. The Child Tax Credit doubles. Children who are under the age of 17 and you claim as a dependent will generate a $2,000 child tax credit starting in 2018. Credits lower your tax directly and can be quite powerful in saving tax. The credit has previously been at $1,000. Part of the Child Tax Credit is refundable. This will hopefully help many families offset the loss of personal exemptions. New pass-through business tax deduction. If you own a small business structured as an LLC or S
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corporation (frequently called “pass-through” entities), you may be entitled to receive an additional 20 percent deduction on your passthrough income. The rules are somewhat complex, so it will be wise to talk to your tax professional to see if your business qualifies for the new deduction. More favorable treatment for business asset purchases. Small business owners who purchase business assets for their operations will find more favorable depreciation tax laws in 2018. Section 179 (accelerated depreciation) limitations have increased. Plus bonus depreciation of 100 percent can be taken on all asset purchases. Previous bonus depreciation was for brand new asset purchases only. The new tax laws now allow bonus depreciation on used asset purchases. There are several other changes that are in effect for 2018. There will be new tax brackets and changes to Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). The corporate tax rate was cut; alimony and moving deductions are eliminated; net operating losses are limited; unreimbursed employee expenses will not be deductible; and state tax deductions are limited. Now more than ever, it is important to have a good relationship with your CPA.
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C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | W i n t e r 2 0 1 8
YO U R G U I D E TO A
Pain-Free Pregnancy Brett Murdock, DC Murdock Family Chiropractic
For many women, back and hip pain are an inevitable part of pregnancy. While it is common, it doesn’t mean you always have to deal with it for nine months. As a family care chiropractor, I deal with these concerns from pregnant patients daily. Below are a few tips that you can use to make your pregnancy a little easier.
hormone relaxing. This can lead to instability in the pelvic joints, which is a common cause of back and hip pain. A chiropractor with experience in prenatal care can identify areas in your pelvis that have shifted and correct them with gentle chiropractic techniques. Maintaining balance in your pelvis is crucial to a pain-free pregnancy.
Physical activity
Sleep position
Staying active is possibly the single best thing that you can do during your pregnancy to prevent and eliminate lower back pain. Ideally, you should start before you conceive. Start off by walking five to 10 minutes per day to keep the joints in your lower back and pelvis moving and your muscles strong. Think about your delivery as an athletic event that you need to train for, concentrating on the muscles that you will be using during labor. Do simple exercises to strengthen your core and pelvic floor muscles without pushing yourself too hard.
Stretching Muscle spasms are one major cause of lower back pain. This can be avoided by adequately stretching and strengthening the muscles that support your lower back, hips, and pelvis. Some of the main culprits that contribute to back pain are the piriformis, psoas, hip flexors, and abdominal muscles. Find some good stretches that target these areas and do them at least once a day.
Chiropractic care By the end of the first trimester, the ligaments that support your pelvis will start to become loose, thanks to your body’s increase of the
We spend nearly one-third of our day sleeping, so it’s important to make sure your sleep position isn’t contributing to your back pain. While pregnant, I recommend sleeping on your side with a small pillow between your knees. This will keep your hips in
a neutral position and reduce strain on your pelvis while you sleep.
Posture As your baby begins to grow, the added weight will shift your center of gravity forward. As this happens, our instinct is to lean back, which can put extra strain on your lower back. When you feel this begin to happen, monitor your posture to ensure that you are sitting or standing tall and upright, and that your shoulders are pulled back. While most back pain is easily managed, it’s always best to be on the safe side, especially when pregnant. If you have pain during your pregnancy, always consult your doctor first.
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