From Our Nest - Summer 2015

CONNECTING PARENTS ACROSS THE OZARKS Summer 2015 Vol. 3 / Issue 2

FREE MAGAZINE

Seizing Fatherhood SUPPORTING DADS TO ENRICH THE LIVES OF CHILDREN

Back-to-School for Parents

MEET FATHER &

BUSINESS OWNER DADTREPRENEUR MICHAEL ORMSBY

Photo Credit: Teresa’s PhotoWorks / Teresa Smith

GUIDE FOR MOMS AND DADS HITTING THE BOOKS

The Fatheerss & Famili Issue

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CONTENTS CONTENT DIRECTOR

Kandice Matteson kandice@fromournestmag.com C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R

Stephanie Lindberg stephanie@fromournestmag.com From Our Nest Publications P.O. Box 9641 Springfield, Missouri, 65801

Fathers & Families 14 Seizing Fatherhood Support for expecting and experienced dads

16 The Dish for Dads Yummy! Honey bacon chicken kabobs

17 Pinspiration DIY Father’s Day gift

www.FromOurNestMag.com Proud member of

OUR MISSION: As a journalist and designer duo juggling careers with motherhood and household management, we hope to be an invaluable resource for fellow parents in southwest Missouri seeking local resources and information from local parents and experts. We aim to promote a tighter sense of community in the Ozarks through educational and entertaining articles in our FREE quarterly magazine.

SUBMISSIONS: All unsolicited manuscripts must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Written changes may be sent to the advertising, editorial and creative office at P.O. Box 9641, Springfield, Missouri, 65801.

From Our Nest is an independently published quarterly by From Our Nest Publications, LLC, and is distributed free of charge. It is no way affiliated with The Nest website produced by The Knot. To receive complimentary copies of From Our Nest to redistribute at your place of business, please contact us at (937) 286-9434.

No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the express written consent of From Our Nest Publications.

Copyright ©2015. All rights reserved.

Printed by A&J Printing in Nixa, Mo.

17

A GIFT FROM THE HEART

ON THE COVER

08

Dadtrepreneur

10

Back-to-School for Parents

14

The Deck Company, Michael Ormsby

Guide for moms and dads hitting the books

Seizing Fatherhood Support for expecting and experienced dads

Columns 04 Thrifty Tips Great memories without great expense

06 Homeschooling Families A Dad’s perspective on homeschooling

18 Mrs. White Hearts Art Pop Art Popsicles

19 From the Guidance Office Families & fatherhood

20 Breastfeeding Support Breastfeeding support from Dad’s and Mom’s perspective

In Every Issue 05 Featured Photographer Teresa’s PhotoWorks, Teresa Smith

05 From Us In honor of our Fathers

08 Dadtrepreneur The Deck Company, Michael Ormsby

22 Non-profit Sammy’s Window

Printing PRINTING, INC.

www.fromournestmag.com

10

BACK-TO-SCHOOL FOR PARENTS FROM OUR NEST | Summer 2015 | 3

C O L U M N | THRIFTY TIPS

ByBy Cris Swaters Cris Swaters

GREAT MEMORIES

1

WITHOUT GREAT EXPENSE I have always been a daddy’s girl. Now that I’m a little older, I really value all the time I spent with my dad during the summer. I learned how to use tools and build things. I could always count on an excuse to have fun and make a mess. The best thing about spending time with dad—it didn’t cost much.

2

Now that the kids are out of school and you have to keep them entertained all summer, here are some budget — and dad-friendly tips.

1 | Water Balloons

4 | Hot Wheels Race Track

Do I have to say much more than this?

You can get a package of water balloons from the dollar store for $1. It takes a little forethought but if you have some on hand, you can fill them up and surprise the kids with a water balloon war. What kid doesn’t love throwing water and getting chased by dad?

This is another really simple activity. All you need is some tape and Hot Wheels cars. The blue tape you use for painting would work best. Tape a race track on the floor, up onto the couch, around to the table, back to the floor, or wherever you don’t mind tape and cars. Put a second line of tape a couple of inches away from the first to make a race track.

2 | Build Something You know that honey-do list that you’ve got? Many kids are always itching to help.

It may take you a little longer to complete the project but you can entertain a kid and teach them a new skill at the same time. It’s a win, win!

3 | Make a “Laser” Maze All you need for this one is a big ball of yarn, twine or string, and some stuff to tie it to. Tie the string or “lasers” to objects then take turns seeing who can climb, crawl and jump through the “laser” maze without touching the “lasers” the fastest!

3

5 | Blanket Fort

Some of my favorite memories with my dad happened in a cozy blanket fort. All you need are blankets, chairs and something to hold down the blankets. We always found that books worked but if a tickle fight in the fort got out of hand, the books would tumble down. Rubber bands work best for tying blankets up.

4

When in doubt, the best thing dads have in their tool belt is their imagination.

Grab a stack of books and read them with the awesome, hilarious voices that dads are known for. Get on the floor and offer “pony rides.” Go crazy in mom’s make-up drawer and play dress up. The possibilities are endless!

5

CRIS SWATERS is the communications coordinator at White River Valley Electric Co-op and a lover of extreme couponing, frugal living, social media and healthy home cooking. Get more tips and healthy eating recipes from Cris at www.purrfectportions.wordpress.com.

4 | Summer 2015 | FROM OUR NEST

www.fromournestmag.com

08

Catch a glimpse of the memories Teresa’s PhotoWorks caught of Michael Ormsby and his children.

MICHAEL ORMSBY

FEAT U RED PHOTOGR AP HER

Photographer Teresa Smith Phone: E-mail: Website: Facebook:

417.235.4777 Teresa@TeresasPhotoworks.com www.TeresasPhotoworks.com www.facebook.com/TeresasPhotoworks

Teresa’s PhotoWorks specializes in baby’s first year, family portraits and high school seniors on location or in the studio. TPW serves the 417 area with the studio being located in Republic. Their style is a mix of fresh, fun & modern. In addition to their regular sessions, TPW offers a variety of limited edition mini sessions as well.

For more information, please contact Teresa today!

Would you like to represent your region by producing our future cover?

Submit samples of your work to ArtDirector@FromOurNestMag.com or mail them to From Our Nest, Attn to: Art Director, P.O. Box 9641, Springfield, Missouri, 65801.

www.fromournestmag.com

F ROM U S In honor of Father’s Day and our first Father and Families issue, here’s a little appreciation for the fathers in our own lives.

KANDICE MATTESON CONTENT DIRECTOR

More to Love My step-dad came into my mom’s and my life when I was in grade school. When he and my mom married, he gave me a ring after giving my mom hers.

Words can’t express how much he means to me for his acceptance and guidance. For my other father, I admire his hardwork and am thankful that was passed on. And for the father of my children and my husband, I’m thankful we’re able to go on this crazy thing called life and parenthood together, learning as we go!

STEPHANIE LINDBERG CREATIVE DIRECTOR

A Special Thankyou I feel so blessed to have two amazing male figures in my life, my father and my stepfather. I thank them both for teaching me so many of the things I know today and instilling in me a sense of strength and determination. They continue to be there for me through the various ups and downs in life, giving me advice and encouragement. It makes me proud to know that my son has those same inspirational men to call Grandpa and Papa. If there were a day for every smile they’ve brought upon my face, every day would be Father’s Day.

Share your most memorable stories of the fathers in your life with us on Facebook and Twitter.

And find our favorite crafts and recipes on Pinterest at Pinterest.com/FromOurNestMag

FROM OUR NEST | Summer 2015 | 5

C O L U M N | HOMESCHOOLING FAMILIES

By Jackie Wedge

A DAD’S PERSPECTIVE ON HOMESCHOOLING

A few women have shared with me their desire to homeschool and the disappointment they feel because their husbands are opposed to it. They then want my advice on how to handle their spouse’s opposition. My initial reaction is to encourage them with how my husband, Chris, was very much opposed to homeschooling at first, too. For fun, I interviewed Chris for this column.

When I brought up my desire to homeschool our future children, what was your initial reaction?

Not going to happen.

Why was this your response?

Because every homeschooled kid I knew just seemed socially awkward.

What made you change your mind?

My wife kept saying she wanted to do it, so finally I just gave up and let her.

Was there any kind of compromise?

I just remember wanting them to be tested.

6 | Summer 2015 | FROM OUR NEST

Why would you want them to be tested?

To make sure they weren’t falling behind and were at the grade level they should be at.

It sounds like you were concerned I wouldn’t do a good job educating them? Is this accurate?

Yes, and I was concerned about the socialization of our kids.

What is your opinion now?

I am now very pro-homeschooling. But it does overall depend on the parent’s commitment.

What would you say to other Dads opposed of their kids being homeschooled like you once were?

Give it a try. Talk to your spouse about it.

Find out their commitment level. Realize that in homeschooling, you can pick the crowd your kids hang out with and the values that they are taught.

Compromise by allowing the children to be homeschooled for a year and prove to the other spouse that they can be successful doing it. A year will show the other spouse the commitment of the homeschooling parent’s involvement and dedication. Other aspects of trying it for a year would be the way the family dynamic is impacted.

How has our family overcame the socialization aspect?

We involve our kids in community sports.

They are able to choose two sports to participate in each year. We are a part of a Classical Conversation homeschool community that meets once a week, and you meet with other Moms once a week for a fun review. Our two older boys participate in a free library program every Wednesday www.fromournestmag.com

done. I understand homeschooling does take time. I’m here to help you in whatever area you need help with so our home runs smoothly, with education being the top priority. Homeschooling overall is very flexible and very rewarding.

Overall, what has been your experience with homeschooling and would you recommend it to others?

Words can’t express how sincerely grateful I am to my husband for giving me the opportunity to educate our children, as well as how supportive he is by helping me with house work, our new baby, being a very involved Dad to our children, or just that hug when I need it. We have been overwhelmingly blessed on this journey by the friendships we’ve made, the amazing classical method of education Classical Conversations consists of, and the way it’s positively impacted our family. In the end, praying is the best advice I can give to someone whose spouse opposes the homeschool method of education. God will give you peace either way.

In no way do I think homeschooling is “the only way”. It’s just “the only way” for us. Chris and I argued over this numerous times before coming to agreement. I am definitely thankful he “gave in to me”. And to note, they have “yet” to be tested.

My overall experience is that my kids seem to be more advanced, more polite, and more structured. All of this has impressed me and really made me pro-homeschooling after seeing the results. I would recommend it to parents who are not lazy, because it’s a lot of work.

Do you help out with homeschooling or is it me who solely educates?

If I see you struggling with one of our kids, I step in and help. It’s just like helping a kid in public school with their homework. It is predominately you, but I do help when I can. I help you by doing housework so you can concentrate on homeschooling and not have as many things that need to be done. I don’t expect you to have all the housework

And do you still think homeschooled kids are socially awkward?

Some, but overall not as many. A lot of resources now exist for homeschooling family’s that didn’t exist in the past. Ultimately kids seem to mimic their parent’s demeanor, and it’s up to a parent to train their child in appropriate behavior.

JACKIE WEDGE has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Missouri State University and likes to joke that she attended school to be a stay-at-home mom and homeschool her three boys and raise her baby girl. She is also involved at her church, where she volunteers and works in the Early Childhood Department.

She has a heart for single moms and is the Children’s Program Director for SingleMomzRock. Visit her website, www.hopeineverything.com, dedicated to bringing hope to the hopeless through real life stories, including resources for military families and single moms.

COMING SOON

at the local library. You do play dates. Our kids are also involved in the children’s ministry at James River Church. We encourage volunteering as a family and have done this several times in numerous aspects, the most regular one being SingleMomzRock three times a month.

Of course, it does not take this much involvement to raise a well-rounded kid.

Grocery shopping is a learning experience in itself on how to interact with others. I tend to get several people wanting to talk to me and the kids when we go places.

We stress the importance of making eye contact when talking to someone and we require them to politely respond to people we converse with.

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As moms, we have to know a little bit of every thing, especially to answer the endless questions of a toddler. While our columnists know a little bit about every thing, they know a-lotta-bit about their column’s focus.

Read more columns online at FromOurNestMag.com/Columns www.fromournestmag.com

WWW.CAFECUSCO.COM FROM OUR NEST | Summer 2015 | 7

By Kandice Matteson

MEET FATHER & BUSINESS OWNER

MICHAEL ORMSBY

8 | Summer 2015 | FROM OUR NEST

Photos by: Teresa’s PhotoWorks

THE DECK COMPANY

DADTREPRENEUR

www.fromournestmag.com

For Michael Ormsby, it’s about creating an environment for families to enjoy. Whether that’s through the decks he builds with The Deck Company or the family time he prioritizes with his own, Ormsby knows the sweat, blood, tears and hard work it takes to be an entrepreneur, owning several businesses currently, and being a dad.

Kaden Ormsby, 10 Kallie Ormsby, 6

How long have you been in business?

Since 2002

What inspired you to start your own business?

I don’t know that one thing in particular inspired me in the beginning.

I am an entrepreneur at heart. So when I first starting building decks on my own, the business just naturally grew from two guys and a hammer to what it is today.

What is your favorite part of your job?

KALLIE

What are your kids’ names and ages?

Seeing how my clients make use of and enjoy the deck or outdoor living space we created and built.

What is your favorite part of being a parent?

Seeing my kids smile, laugh and accomplish great things in the activities that they love to do.

What are some ways you relax and find time for yourself?

We schedule family vacations and spend a lot of time down at the lake on our boat over the summer/weekends.

How do you balance work and family?

I use a schedule (lol). And try to stick to it as much as possible. It’s very easy to let a business take over every minute of your day. So scheduling time with my family is something that I make a priority.

Be ready to work hard and push through the hard times. Owning a business is a tough challenge that is not for the faint of heart.

THE DECK COMPANY

1700 South Campbell, Suite H, Springfield, MO

417.818.9494

www.TheDeckCompany.net Facebook.com/TheDeckCompany

www.fromournestmag.com

KADEN

What advice do you have for other dads starting a business?

FROM OUR NEST | Summer 2015 | 9

F E AT U R E

By Kandice McKee

Survival Guide for Parents in School

When you become a parent, every thing changes.

And your time in education as a parent is no different.

When my oldest daughter was 8 months old, I went back to school. I had completed my bachelor’s degree while working several jobs and imagined going to get my master’s degree while just staying home would be a breeze.

Well, it was a breeze— a hurricane-esque breeze. If you’ve ever spent time with a baby/child, which if you’re reading this, chances are you have, especially a high-needs baby/child, you know doing anything that requires brain power is going to be at least tens times more difficult than you originally imagined.

Going back to school, for me, was my first dose of this reality.

Luckily, I made it through (as did my high-needs now 4-year-old).

During the journey, I was able to bring another a baby into the mix, add in teaching part-time plus this magazine, and still graduate.

As many parents head back to books, whether to change career paths, finish something they started long ago, or determined to be an educated role model for their child(ren), here’s a mini-survival guide, put together based on information from Steve Koehler, media coordinator at Ozarks Technical Community College, and my own experiences.

Full disclosure: Kandice is an adjunct instructor at OTC’s Richwood Valley Campus. Other area higher education facilities did not return requests for information by this issue’s press time.

10 | Summer 2015 | FROM OUR NEST

www.fromournestmag.com

1

Get Support

From family, friends, co-workers, anyone in your network. Let them know how important going back to school is for you and tell them your goals. This will be motivation, and they can help to remind you of why you started this journey when it starts to get rough.

2

Get Reliable Childcare

Whether you reach out to your support system, an in-home provider or a licensed facility, plan to have someone watching your child(ren) beyond just the time you spend in class. Koehler says students should plan to spend two hours outside of class for every hour spent in class. So for a three-credit hour class (in most cases that comes out to be a single class), plan on spending six hours of outside-the-classroom homework, reading and preparation. It could be more, it could be less.

Either way, don’t let your goals get de-railed by not having enough time to dedicate to them.

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Check if the campus you are attending as an on-site child care facility or affiliated child care program. Care.com is another trusted resource to find childcare options.

3

Set Realistic Goals

Based on the time commitment school takes, along with parenthood and possibly employment, don’t feel rushed to take more classes than you can handle. Go at your own pace to ensure you can succeed.

Koehler says some students may start with a few classes “to get their feet wet and adjust to managing school/work/home life.”

Personally, when I went back to school as a parent, a four-semester program took me three fall semester, two spring semesters and two summer semesters. There’s no shame in going at your own pace.

4

Choose Classes You’re Interested In

5

Seek Help

The learning and homework will be more gratifying if you enjoy the subject. There are, of course, general education requirements, but make your education as exciting for yourself as possible. Choose a major/career path you enjoy, and take classes that will support that goal.

When choosing a major, Koehler suggest seeking career counseling early on. This can come in the form of visiting an on-campus career center, or the Missouri Career Center.

Also, be sure you are choosing a major that has classes that fit with your schedule. For example, the Allied Health programs at OTC often require a full-time, daytime commitment.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk with your instructors/ professors. Many of them have been in similar situations. Students also receive assigned academic advisers that can help navigate class schedules, requirements, and on-campus help, such as supportive counseling services.

Going back to school as a parent is life changing, for you and your family. Beyond the tests you will take in class, you will test yourself.

Your child(ren) will see the value you place in education, and your attitudes will influence their own (probably one of my most gratifying realizations when I was in school). Through all the late nights of balancing homework and families, moments of doubt and achievement, completing your education will leave you feeling victorious. After being a parent and a student, the life of just a parent doesn’t seem so intimidating. www.fromournestmag.com

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FROM OUR NEST | Summer 2015 | 11

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Seizing Fatherhood Supporting Dads to Enrich the Lives of Children

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The Dish for Dads Yummy! Honey Bacon Chicken Kabobs

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DIY Father’s Day Gift Salt Dough Hand & Footprint Heart

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Fathers & Families

It’s the season for baseball, grilling, and, of course, Father’s Day. So, we’ve dedicated this issue to Dads in the Ozarks, because being a dad is so much more than just wrestling on the floor with the kids or answering the obvious question of where Mom is. Find information on local support for fathers, an ultimate grilling recipe, how fathers affect the family dynamic and more in this special section and throughout our Summer issue.

FROM OUR NEST | Summer 2015 | 13

F E AT U R E

SEIZING FATHERHOOD Supporting dads to enrich the lives of children Whether “planned” or “unplanned”, pregnancies and children, while amazing blessings themselves, can also lead to great stress and anxiety.

These fears and emotional roller coasters are generally felt by all involved. Mothers are the first to recognize the change, the one required to attend appointments, entrusted to make decisions, and often reaching out for help when it all becomes so overwhelming.

At the same time, the feelings and roles of fathers can’t be marginalized and ignored.

While support and outreach for mothers, expecting and experienced, is more widely recognized, there is also support available for fathers facing the same feelings and responsibilities that come with parenthood. Here are some ways local fathers can get involved with local resources to make the transition to and journey through fatherhood more manageable.

Expecting Fathers

For fathers who are preparing for fatherhood, Pregnancy Care Center offers support beyond that for the mother and baby.

“When a new dad visits our center, we are proactive to connect with him in the waiting area,” says Steve Proffitt, fatherhood director at Pregnancy Care Center. “A simple introduction and conversation about him and his needs lowers their anxiety level and lets him know that PCC is not just about pregnant women, but we are here to help him in his journey to fatherhood, as well.”

That help comes in the form of group sessions, couples sessions, and individual fatherhood coaching, and is available to any father that walks through the PCC doors. Group sessions offered by PCC for expecting fathers include:

24/7 Dad

This group meets twice for a combined six hours, in which expecting fathers discuss their own experience with their fathers and how they can make the relationship better with their own children. Topics like the father’s role as a provider, protector and spiritual leader in their home are discussed, and there is couple relationship education offered to further increase relationship success, having a positive effect on the family and child(ren).

14 | Summer 2015 | FROM OUR NEST

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Boot Camp for New Dads

This is a small group that has “veteran” dads bring their 4 – 8 month old babies into a group of “rookie” dads expecting their babies soon. This three-hour group session lets expecting fathers express their fears and concerns and get real answers from those that are currently living in the situation. This group does not allow any mothers present, so veteran dads are feeding, changing diapers and attending to their babies, and in doing so, encouraging rookie dads that they too can do this.

Dr. Dad

“I understand the pains and struggles of wanting to be a great dad, but not having the resources, encouragement, or support to become that, especially as a divorced dad,” Goff says. “Many fathers have told me that they wished they could find the support that moms were getting and that they felt left behind in many cases.”

There are no criteria to join the Daddyhood Project; Goff says the best way for men to get involved, whether they come seeking guidance or to offer mentorship, is to sign up for updates on the ministry’s Facebook page, at www.facebook.com/daddyhoodproject.

This 3-hour session seeks to give dads the tools and confidence to get involved in situations that are often passed on to the mother. Four basic areas of child care are covered, including child safety, children’s health, how to handle child sicknesses, like colds and flu, and how to offer care to injured children, from emergency situations to a simple cut.

Proffitt says PCC offers more groups that benefit the couple and the father, including: Parenting 101 (early childhood development birth to toddler); Parents and the Law (legal issues related to custody, paternity, visitation, and child support); Partners For Life (Relationship Education i.e. tools in communication, conflict resolution, expectations, roles and responsibilities, etc.); Money Management (budgeting, credit, landlord/tenant information, and much more); Labor and Birth; Nutrition; and Smoke Free homes.

“These couple classes offered to strengthen the relationship and family dynamic,” he says, with the ultimate goal of strengthening the relationship between mother and father to have a positive impact on their family, their children’s future, and society.

“Most of our clients are coming from a dysfunctional, if not chaotic, family history and have limited knowledge of what a healthy relationship and family should look like. Even though most desire something different, they need help believing it is even possible.” ~ Steve Proffitt, fatherhood director at Pregnancy Care Center.

For Us All

For mothers and fathers alike, seeking guidance and support for parenting and their relationship can be an invaluable investment into their family and child(ren). For some, reaching out for such support may be natural, but for others, it may be difficult to ask for help.

Current Fathers Having the tools before birth to grow into a healthy family are crucial.

However, things happen and life changes. While anxiety about parenthood can, and almost certainly does, last through the child’s life, these feelings — and more — can be compounded by the stress that comes when fathers are facing single parenthood, the military lifestyle and incarceration.

That is when the Daddyhood Project can help.

Open to all fathers and families seeking help, the Daddyhood Project specifically focuses on single dads, incarcerated dads, military dads, and the families of each.

Jay Goff, founder of the Daddyhood Project, says he “recognized a lack of resources and support for the fathers in the area” facing these stresses. Combined with acknowledging that he needed such encouragement, influence and mentoring support himself as a father, he began the Daddyhood Project in 2010. www.fromournestmag.com

PREGANCY CARE CENTER Website: www.pccchoices.org Phone: (417) 877- 0800

DADDYHOOD PROJECT

Website: http://daddyhoodproject.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/daddyhoodproject

FROM OUR NEST | Summer 2015 | 15

THE DISH

FOR DADS

Yummy!

Honey Bacon Chicken Kabobs No summer is complete without firing up the grill for some savory BBQ goodness, especially for Father’s Day and Fourth of July. While your go-to grilling favorites can never be replaced, these honey bacon chicken kabobs are a musthave recipe to try this grilling season.

Follow us on Pinterest For more recipes and projects we like, check out our favorite boards at www.pinterest.com/fromournestmag

Yummy! Honey Bacon Chicken Kabobs INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

12 slices bacon (uncooked) 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped into bite size pieces 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped 1 red onion, chopped

• Create your sauce first. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Add diced onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes or until the onion is tender. Stir in ketchup, water, honey, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and black pepper.

Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.

• While the sauce is simmering, skewer the chicken, pepper, onion and bacon onto the skewers*. Weaving the bacon in between.

• Brush the sauce over each of the skewers and grill for 4 to 5 minutes. Rotate each and then brush with more sauce. Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes or until chicken and bacon are fully cooked.

• Carefully remove skewers from heat and let cool slightly. Serve warm and enjoy!

If you’re a fan of veggies, try adding: 1 yellow squash, chopped 1 zucchini, chopped

SAUCE ¼ 1 1 1⁄3 ¼ 2 1 ¼

cup butter or margarine cup diced onion cup ketchup cup water cup honey TBS lemon juice TBS Worcestershire sauce TSP ground black pepper

16 | Summer 2015 | FROM OUR NEST

PREP: 15 mins

COOK: 10 mins

TOTAL: 25 mins

*Please Note: If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for approximately 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

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P I N S P I R ATI O N P I N S P I R ATI O N

By Stephanie Lindberg

From the Heart

DIY FATHER’S DAY GIFT ani

b ind eL e rg

1 cup flour 1 cup salt ½ cup water Pizza Pan or Cookie Sheet

te p h

• • • •

b y: S

Materials

P h o to s

Capturing your child’s foot and handprint will remind any dad of the memories built during this year. Paint the gift in his favorite color, his favorite sport team’s colors, or let the little one(s) go to town and decorate themselves!

• • • • •

Aluminum foil Non-stick cooking spray Spoon Acrylic paint Foam brush

Directions 1. Combine flour, salt and water into a large bowl. Mix the ingredients with a fork and then use your hands to finish creating it into a ball form. The consistency should be similar to playdough.

Note: If the dough is too sticky, add more flour. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water.

2. Cover the pizza pan with aluminum foil and spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray. This will keep it from sticking to the pan.

3. Form the dough into a heart shape directly on the foil.

4. Place the pizza pan on the floor. Gently press your child’s hand and/or foot into the dough to make the desired impressions.

Note: If you plan on hanging your finished product, use a straw to make one to two holes near the top prior to cooking.

5. Carve your child’s name and the year into the dough using the top portion of a small spoon.

6. Bake the dough for three hours at 200 degrees. Once it’s done cooking, check to see if it’s dry.

Note: If you made a thicker shape it may need more time to bake. In that case, flip it over and bake for another hour or until completely dried.

7. Once it’s fully cooked and cooled, paint with a foam brush.

8. Let the paint dry. Then display or wrap up as a special Father’s Day gift!

Note: If you plan on displaying it outdoors apply a sealant, like a craft spray sealer.

More DIY Father’s Day Gifts

Visit us on Pinterest to get links for these do-it-yourself Father’s Day gifts.

FOLLOW US ON PINTEREST For these and other ideas we like, check out our favorite boards at pinterest.com/fromournestmag www.fromournestmag.com

FROM OUR NEST | Summer 2015 | 17

C O L U M N | MRS. WHITE HEARTS ART

By Jessica White

POP ART POPSICLES

The Pop Art movement began in the 1950s in Britain. Pop Art often uses popular or everyday objects and changes them, such as making them larger and more colorful to draw attention to them. Pop Art is known for bright, bold colors and is sometimes quite silly!

These Popsicle paintings are inspired by pop artist Andy Warhol.

Warhol is known as “The Godfather of Pop Art.” He liked to repeat an image multiple times using different colors.

ARTIST: Kiley Edwards AGE: 6 years old GRADE: Kindergarten

ART PROJECT What you need:

Ages: 2 and up

1 Construction Paper

Objectives • Pop Art

2 Paint

• Painting • Contrast (color, texture, pattern)

3 Paintbrushes 4 Texture Brushes

Instructions

1. Use different color paints and texture brushes to create different painted papers to use for Popsicles. You can use found objects to create different textures such as corks, forks, bubble wrap, etc. Allow painted papers to dry completely.

or Found Objects

5 Craft/Popsicle Sticks 6 Glue

ARTIST: Lauren Shipley AGE: 5 years old GRADE: Kindergarten

2. Fold paper in half twice to create 4 rectangular sections. Open paper up and smooth out.

3. Paint each section with a different color. Start by outlining the section first with paint to make your edges neat and then fill in with color.

4. Cut Popsicle shapes out of painted paper.

5. Glue craft sticks to back of paper Popsicles.

6. Glue Popsicles onto middle of each section. Try to choose the background that makes each popsicle stand out the most.

Jessica White

Mrs. White is a K-5 art teacher for the Republic School District.

18 | Summer 2015 | FROM OUR NEST

ARTIST: Gabriel Benjamin AGE: 5 years old GRADE: Kindergarten

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By Shayne Brock

C O L U M N | FROM THE COUNSELOR’S OFFICE

Families &

FATHERHOOD

Prior to the industrial revolution, fathers often worked side by side with their sons and instructed their children in spiritual values. Soon, fathers left their farms and headed to the factories. Fourteen- to 16-hour workdays set the stage for the absentee father. Eventually, fathers came to be regarded as merely breadwinners who fulfilled their paternal duties by providing.

But, could that image be changing again?

Research shows that tweens and teens need the firm leadership a father provides.

A child performs better in school if his father takes an interest in his education.

Children have more confidence when their fathers spend time with them and show them affection. Kids learn from watching their fathers’ decisions and listening to logical explanations.

Work pressures and other commitments may make it easy for some men to feel they don’t have the time. However, a 2002 study found that men born after 1965 spent 50 percent more time per workday with their children than boomer fathers (an average of 3.4 hours, versus 2.2 hours). That same year a workplace survey conducted by the Society of Human Resource Management discovered that men ranked the need to balance work and home life higher than their female colleagues.

Involved fathers find the time to attend www.fromournestmag.com

their children’s games and recitals. They pull themselves away from the TV to show their children how to change a tire and balance a checkbook. They set firm limits and encourage their kids to do their best — even when they fail.

Take a look at the questions below.

• What did you need from your father that he gave you?

• What did you need but didn’t receive?

• How did his positive input help you to succeed?

“Kids spell love T-I-M-E”, says Dr. Ken Canfield, Founder and President, National Center for Fathering.

He goes on to say, “The time a father spends with his children is important for at least three reasons. First, spending time together enables a father to get to know and to be known by his child. A father can best discover his child’s virtues and vices, hopes and fears, and aspirations and ideals by spending lots of time with his child. Second, a father who spends lots of time with his child tends to be better at caring. Time spent together makes a father more sensitive to his child’s needs for love, attention, direction, and discipline. And third, as the quotation above illustrates, children often do see.”

Fathers’ nurturing may be less openly expressive than mothers’. In fact, one unique way that fathers nurture their children—especially toddlers and teenagers—is by remaining calm when the child is upset or acting out. Studies suggest that fathers who respond calmly when their children misbehave, get upset or otherwise lose control have children who are more popular, boys who are less aggressive, and girls who are less negative with their friends. Fathers exercise a critical role in providing their children with a mental map of how to respond to conflict and other difficult situations. The art of self-control is essential.

Being a role model is not an easy task.

In the way that fathers treat other people, spend their time and money, and handle the joys and stresses of life, they provide a template of living for their children that often proves critical in guiding the behavior of their children, for better or worse.

As discussed earlier, a father’s treatment of the opposite sex, his ability to control his own emotions, and his approach to work all play a formative role in shaping his sons’ and daughters’ approach to romantic relationships and marriage, interpersonal relationships, and school and work.

• How did the negative aspects possibly set a series of consequences into motion that you may still experience?

RESOURCES: www.fatherhood.gov

The answers to these questions may reveal what your children desperately long for. Now it’s up to you to provide it. It may make your pocketbook a little thinner, but the benefits could be priceless.

SHAYNE BROCK, LPC is a Professional School Counselor in the Nixa School District. She has been in the education and counseling field for 16 years.

FROM OUR NEST | Summer 2015 | 19

C O L U M N | BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT

“The spit up doesn’t smell as bad...

...the diapers doesn’t smell as bad...

...it can save your family a lot of money...

...it is always available (as long as Mom is near).”

By Colleen Keeter, MSN, RNC-OB, IBCLC

Breastfeeding Support

from Dad’s Perspective As a father, I can tell you I am pragmatic about breastfeeding. I found that there are four main benefits of breastfeeding: the spit up doesn’t smell as bad, the diapers don’t smell as bad, it can save your family a lot of money, and most important it is always available (as long as Mom is near).

I wanted to do my part to make breastfeeding easier for both my children and my wife; she is doing the hard work (but is also saving our family money). During those first few weeks after birth, Mom really needs extra rest so I found ways to make sure that she had everything she needed with each feeding. First, I got up in the middle of the night, grabbed a burp cloth, and brought baby to mom. After the feeding, I made it my responsibility to change the new baby. To be honest I didn’t mind this diaper changing thing; it was my opportunity to have skin to skin contact. This was my special time with our new baby and it became my job. I felt like as long as Mom was responsible for feeding, I could change the diaper.

I know that Grandmas and Grandpas also want to be involved with things like feeding the new baby. Especially since this nursing thing was unusual for them (I was adopted and so breastfeeding was not an option); it’s easy for them to feel left out. Burping the baby or bringing mom a cool drink are things anyone could do, even our older son.

Sometimes he would just sit and entertain Mom while she was feeding our baby.

I have to say one of my favorite parts of helping was to organize the freezer to accommodate all that stored milk. As a stay at home dad, I was responsible for making sure our system worked so the first milk in was the first milk out. Okay, so I did get to do some of the feedings, but I soon realized there were no “baby” dishes to do if Mom was home, so we saved the frozen milk for when Mom was gone.

Every time I went to the store I checked out the formula prices and realized again how much money we were saving. Okay, so I know that is not the point, but I’m pretty logical and it made sense to me. It was just cool that we each had an important role in our baby’s life; Mom was food and I was clean-up and organization. Together, we were also saving money.

More than anything, I realized this wasn’t necessarily easy, but both of us were focused on the same goal of breastmilk for baby until at least age one. As parents of school-aged children, I now realize that this was the first step of many as parents working together to do what is best for our children. What a great foundation for our family.

Kyle Vogel and Kecia Leary Kyle is a stay-at-home dad and Kecia is the pediatric dentist at Jordan Valley Community Health Center.

20 | Summer 2015 | FROM OUR NEST

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Breastfeeding Support

from Mom’s Perspective Do a little reconnaissance work. Read up on the basics of breastfeeding. Help her find answers to problems on a good website such as www.kellymom.com. And then when she is worried in the middle of the night because your baby is spitting up a lot and she doesn’t know if it’s just spit, reflux, vomit, or something worse (because our Mombrains will come up with all kinds of things to worry about!), you can look up the differences and figure it out together.

Help get her nursing setup just right. Mom may be sitting down for a while once the baby starts nursing. Offer to change the baby’s diaper while she goes to the bathroom or whatever she needs to do right before settling in. You could also help settle down other children in the house or bring her something to drink.

Offer help with diapers and bathing. These moments are a chance to have some play time with baby. While you are wiping and drying, you can sing songs, tickle, and be silly with baby.

Sit down with her a while. Breastfeeding moms sometimes feel like they are “stuck” in one spot while they are nursing, especially with newborns. Sit down with her a while, cuddle, and talk about your days. Admire all the sweet little things about your baby that you have both noticed lately. Take a few minutes from being so busy with a baby in the house and just enjoy each other’s company.

All of this can be summed into two words: Support Mom. When she doesn’t feel like she’s alone, and when she knows she can rely on you, she will feel immense relief during a time that can also be very stressful. And that helps build stronger relationships all around.

Rebecca Block Rebecca is a certified birthing and postpartum doula and mom of two breastfed kids.

“Do a little reconnaissance work.”

Greater Ozarks Regional Breastfeeding Coalition

Founded in January 2013, the Greater Ozarks Regional Breastfeeding Coalition is a collaborative group of lactation professionals, health workers, and interested community members dedicated to promoting, supporting, and protecting breastfeeding in our community. Representatives from Cox Health, Mercy-Springfield, Jordan Valley Community Health Center and the Springfield-Greene County Health Department work together to improve the health of our community by protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding as the normal method of infant nutrition. This is undertaken solely as a public health initiative to achieve optimal health, enhance child development and foster effective parenting. The Coalition plans to accomplish this purpose through education, outreach and advocacy.

Visit the Greater Ozarks Regional Breastfeeding Coalition online at health.springfieldmo.gov.

www.fromournestmag.com

“Help get her nursing setup just right.”

“Sit down with her awhile.”

FROM OUR NEST | Summer 2015 | 21

NONPROFIT

By Kandice Matteson

Why was your organization started?

There are thousands of children in southwest Missouri in foster care. Often, they do not have items they need when they enter the foster system, or during their stay in the system.

Whom does your organization serve?

We serve families in 28 counties in southwest Missouri who are touched by foster care, adoption, kinships or are in danger of slipping in to foster care.

What services do you provide?

MISSION STATEMENT Helping children and their families touched by foster care and adoption.

SAMMY’S WINDOW

417.849.7941

www.facebook.com/sammyswindow E-mail: mark@mfcaa.org

LEADERSHIP MARK HAY – Director Foster families have an abundance of love to share, but they often times they need help with resources when they bring in children in need. That’s where Sammy’s Window comes in, ready to connect families with the resources they need.

22 | Summer 2015 | FROM OUR NEST

We provide food, clothing, hygiene items, diapers and wipes, school supplies and other practical needs through Sammy’s Window. We also provide links to training, crisis intervention, support groups, advocacy and counseling referrals through our parent company, Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association.

How does someone obtain services?

Contact me at (417) 849-7941 or mark@mfcaa.org.

We will start the ball rolling!

Do you accept volunteers?

Yes, but in limited numbers. A great way to volunteer is by doing a supply drive.

What kind of donations do you need/accept?

Food items such as: Canned corn, green beans, tuna, soup, canned fruit, mac and cheese, beans, cereal and peanut butter.

Shoes or gift cards.

Hygiene items: Detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, dental products, detangler, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, kids shampoo and body wash, diapers, wipes, and school supplies.

New or gently used clothing in all sizes.

Cash is always welcome. Always needed.

Is this a local chapter of a larger organization?

If so, when did this chapter begin?

Sammy’s Window started on its own in 2009 as a project to assist a Foster Caseworker with an expressed need. As that need was met, more and more needs became known. Now we have a store, store, located at 1774 1/2 S. Grant Ave. in Springfield, for the families we serve, where our clients can make their own selections. We charge no fees, and everything is completely free. We are now a part of Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association.

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Invest in our future by helping to donate books to Wish I May and Sammy’s Window for children in the Ozarks.

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