SPRING 2013
Vol.1 / Issue 1
From FREE M agazin e
Striding into
Motherhood
p. 08
Art Project
p. 12
Channel van Go with your kid gh s
Mother’s Day
Gift Ideas p. 14
Let the Sunshine In Get out and about for spring Find out more on page 28
Pregnancy
pointers p. 23
Ideas for your Spring Break Staycation p. 05
We are giving you the
strength
for Motherhood! Pre and Postnatal Fitness Classes
FIRST CLASS
FREE
800.970.7451
WWW.THRIVEFITNESSFORMOMS.COM glynisnelson@strollerstrides.net 2 | Spring 2013 | From The Nest
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Contents
From a d v e rt i s i n g
Advertising Director Trysta Herzog trysta@fromthenestmag.com
Pregnancy Pointers 24 Pinspiration Pinterest-inspired nursery decor
editorial
Editorial Director Kandice McKee kandice@fromthenestmag.com
26 The Dish Mexican Mac & Cheese Casserole
27 Healthy Smiles Expert advice for your little one’s chompers
From The Nest Publications P.O. Box 1896 Hollister, Missouri 65673 www.FromTheNestMag.com
p i n s p i r at i o n
c r e at i v e
Art Director Stephanie Lindberg stephanie@fromthenestmag.com
Features
From The Nest is published quarterly by From The Nest Publications, LLC. It is distributed FREE of charge. If you are interested in receiving complimentary copies of From The Nest to redistribute at your place of business, please contact us at (573) 434-6754. The opinions expressed in the editorial content of this magazine do not necessarily reflect the view of From The Nest. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the express written consent of From The Nest Publications.
10
05 Spring Break Staycation Vacation ideas that keep you closer to home
10 Holiday Crafts
Our Mission: As journalists and designers juggling motherhood, we hope to be an invaluable resource for fellow parents in Southwest Missouri through offering tips and information on child rearing, finance management, health and fitness, and socializing opportunities available in our area. We aspire to bring a unique perspective to parents from Springfield to Branson by publishing inspiring columns by local parents, promoting community family events, and a host of other educational and entertaining articles in our quarterly, FREE 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 1896, Hollister, Missouri 65673.
h o l i d ay crafts
Tips to planning your Easter events
14 Mother’s Day
24 Columns 12 Ms. Mahan’s Art Time VanGogh: Starry, Starry Night
16 Thrifty Tips Clipping coupons can be fun for whole family
19 Forever Families From paper pregnancy to motherhood: The journey of adoption
Gift ideas for all kinds of Moms
28 Flying the Nest Get out and about for Spring
In Every Issue 04 On the Cover Photography by Brenna Stark
08 Momtrepreneur Glynis Nelson
20 Mommy Club Moms get “me” time at Mothers of Preschoolers
32 Sweepstakes Enter for a chance to win a free 60-minute massage
Copyright ©2013. All rights reserved. www.fromthenestmag.com
From The Nest | Spring 2013 | 3
Photo Credit: Brenna Stark
On The Cover
Photographer Brenna Stark
www.BrennaStark.com
This issue’s cover features talent from Springfield, Missouri. Brenna captures moments in time through the medium of photography. This comes from wanting to illustrate and become more familiar with the idea of human existence and a psychological presence impacted by the physical nature of life. She photographs to view both the beauty and repetition of life’s patterns. Topics she tend to explore are order, time, our interaction with our environment, and questioning what exists beyond us. Contact her at brenna.stark@gmail.com.
Would you like to represent your region by producing our next cover? Submit samples of your work to ArtDirector@fromthenestmag.com or mail them to From The Nest, Attn to: Art Director, P.O. Box 1896, Hollister, Missouri 65673.
arents in Southwest Missouri are looking for ways to connect with each other, as well as with the businesses they frequent and the products they buy. They also want easily digestible tips on child rearing, finance management and shopping in our area. From the Nest provides the opportunity for our readers to get all of that and more. We aspire to bring a unique perspective from Springfield to Branson by publishing inspiring columns by local parents, promoting activities to get families involved in the community, and a host of other educational and entertaining articles as dictated by our readers and their distinctive needs. By picking up the first issue of From the Nest, you’ve already started that link in the chain to other parents in our region. With stories like our Momtrepreneur profile of Glynis Nelson, pointers on pregnancy, and a look at some local activities families can do to bring in Spring, you and other parents like you are actively creating a community web from which we all can benefit. To keep this community thriving, we encourage all of our readers to share their stories and comments with us via e-mail, on our website at www.fromthenestmag.com, on our Twitter page, www.twitter.com/ fromthenestmag or on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/fromthenestmag. With your collective experiences, we can reach thousands of diverse families who live in our area. Ultimately, our successes are your successes, and together we can celebrate those with the empowerment of education and information.
Name Our Birdie Contest
Our birdie needs a name, and we want your little ones to help! Go to www.fromthenestmag.com for details on submissions and prizes. 4 | Spring 2013 | From The Nest
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k a e r B g n i Spr ion
By Trysta Herzog
t a c y a t S
Photo Credit: BrandonAlmsPhotography.com
Trips to Disney World and cruises to Mexico are often the kinds of vacations families dream of for that one week off in the middle of the semester.
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From The Nest | Spring 2013 | 5
. . . r e wev
Ho
Lake of the Ozarks Located in Central Missouri, this destination is comprised of several small lake towns that are very accommodating. Lakeside resorts offer guests many amenities, including boat rentals and water activities. When away from the water, visitors can go to Miner Mike’s Family Fun Center in Osage Beach, take a helicopter tour, enjoy Tan-Tar-A’s indoor water park, or see the castle ruins of Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton.
For more ideas on how to have fun at the Lake of the Ozarks, visit www.lakeareachamber.com.
St. Louis
The second-largest Missouri city, St. Louis is the prime tourist destination of the state. With the free Saint Louis Zoo boasting more than 18,000 exotic animals, tours of the Gateway Arch, Six Flags and Meramac Caverns, this home of Major League Baseball’s Cardinals is a great place to stay for a week. Some other activities you may want to partake in include a tour at the Third Degree Glass Factory, strolling the U.S.’s oldest botanical garden at Missouri Botanical Gardens, taking in a Broadway show at Fabulous Fox’s, and/or exploring the six-block entertainment hub of Delmar Loop.
For more information on St. Louis’ exciting offerings, visit http://explorestlouis.com.
Fayetteville Located in the heart of Northwest Arkansas, Fayetteville has a large city’s amenities while retaining a small-town charm. Terra Studios offers a variety of unique artistry. Nearby War Eagle Mill has beautiful scenery to view, delicious treats to buy, and expansive arts and crafts fair to peruse. For other entertainment, check out what live theater event is going on at the Walton Arts Center or visit the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks.
To plan your trip, visit www.fayettevillear.com.
if you’re looking for something closer to home, but far enough to feel like you’re getting away from it all, here’s a list of places you might consider.
Eureka Springs This quaint, Victorian resort village offers unique shopping, dining and lodging experiences and was selected as one of America’s Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Because no two roads intersect throughout this winding, mountainous terrain, there aren’t any stop lights. There are, however, plenty of eclectic shops, art galleries and restaurants that are easily accessible in the town’s historic section. And with more than 2,500 rooms to choose from, you can have your pick of bed and breakfast inns, rustic cottages, historic hotels, or fun tree houses in which to stay. Other family activities might include a tour of the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, horse trail rides with Red Bud Riding Stables, renting a canoe at the RiverLake Outdoor Center, or taking a train excursion on the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway.
To find out more about Eureka Springs, visit www.eurekasprings.org.
Kansas City This booming city is only a little more than three hours from home with many new attractions you won’t want to miss. In 2012, Kansas City unveiled its first aquarium, SEA LIFE Kansas City, complete with 30 marine life displays. LEGOLAND Discovery Center also opened up in May. For family-friendly factory tours, you can check out the Harley Davidson plant or Chips Chocolate Factory. Lastly, for cultural exposure and fun, purchase your ballet, symphony or opera tickets at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts or take the kids to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
For more adventures in Kansas City, visit www.visitkc.com.
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N e ls o n - at k i ns m u s e u m o f a r t
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Photo Credit: Doug Wertman / Flickr
Photo Credit: Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association
St Louis zoo Photo Credit: BrandonAlmsPhotography.com
Photo Credit: BrandonAlmsPhotography.com
Lake of the Ozarks
Ha ha tonka state park
Eureka Springs
From The Nest | Spring 2013 | 7
Photo Credit: BrandonAlmsPhotography.com
Momtrepreneur
Glynis
By Kandice McKee
Nelson
Motherhood is one career that doesn’t come with a dress code. But as a mom, we wear more hats throughout our days than questions a four-year-old asks in a week. After Glynis Nelson became a mom, she hung up her hat as a financial analyst and bought her own Stroller Strides franchise. A few children later, and Glynis continues to be a full-time mom and business owner —a Momtrepreneur— helping other mothers find their stride, strollers in hand. How many children did you have when you started the business? How many children do you have now?
Photo Credit: Brenna Stark
One child when I purchased the business, two when I started offering a full schedule. I have three now: Brighton, Rigley, Adleigh, and one on the way.
more about
Find out
When did you start your business?
Stroller Strides
on the web at: ThriveFitnessForMoms.com by phone at: (800) 970-7451 by email at: GlynisNelson@StrollerStrides.net
8 | Spring 2013 | From The Nest
One would think this is an easy question to answer, but it’s kind of tricky in my case. I purchased my Stoller Strides franchise in the fall of 2007, just after my oldest child turned one. I was getting my group fitness certification renewed, testing to get other certifications, and gearing up for a January 2008 grand opening. During my preparation, I found out I was pregnant with my second child. I don’t always have easy pregnancies and was not sure how long I would be able to teach classes during the pregnancy. There were two moms who had found out about the program and asked about starting, so I taught Stroller Strides classes on a trial basis for about five months in early 2008 until complications from pregnancy caused me to stop. The official start of classes was when I returned six weeks after having my second baby, September 2008. www.fromthenestmag.com
Brighton, 6 1/2 Years
What did you do in your past life before being a momtrepreneur (career wise)? Up until I had my first child, I was a financial analyst for a municipal government. I have come full circle — my undergraduate degree is in Business Administration with Health & Exercise Science concentration. I changed my mind about the career field after getting that degree and a Masters in Public Administration with a Public Finance concentration and worked in that field for a while. Even after having my first baby, I did some consulting in public finance.
Why did you decide to become a momtrepreneur and start your own business? Though I was good at public finance, it didn’t excite me. I was trying to balance motherhood with consulting, and it was draining me because I had to push myself to do the work and hated it. We moved to Springfield just before my oldest turned one year old. I started looking for fitness programs that I could do with him and couldn’t find any. Once I looked into the programs more, I realized that I had the right background and passion to bring the program to Springfield. I know that I never want to go back to a fulltime, 8–5 job answering to someone else. I am a mother first and love having the freedom to be with my kids when I need to or just want to be.
What was the toughest part of starting/sustaining your own business? The most rewarding part? www.fromthenestmag.com
Adleigh, 23 months
The hardest part is just managing all of the aspects. I can teach the classes and give my all while I am there, but trying to juggle the needs of home and kids while trying to keep up paperwork and all the other behind-thescenes aspects is what can trip me up. The most rewarding part is that I get to model a healthy lifestyle to my children— my youngest was doing her own version of push-ups at barely a year old! Also, I get to meet the most amazing moms, and they let me join them on their journey of motherhood. I absolutely love that Stroller Strides is not just about fitness; it is about building a community of mothers that support each other. I am so excited to expand the class offerings to all mothers and get to joing them in the various phases of motherhood, not just in the beginning.
What kind of advice would you give to moms thinking about starting their own business? First, and foremost, make sure it is something you love! I could have made a great income doing public finance consulting, but it would not have made me a better mom. Don’t look for what you can make the most money doing; look for what will make you the happiest. Next, make sure you research. My personality is the type that wants to know everything about a subject (much like Sid the Science Kid, I want to know everything now!), so before I decided what to do, I researched all of the different options for fitness programs for moms. I called others who were running various programs and even took a road trip to visit classes. Don’t just jump in based on one flyer. Talk to
Rigley, 4 1/2 years
people and go see things yourself. Talk to your significant other. It is going to make it much easier if your family and support system is on board with your new venture. Think through what your business will require and talk about how that will affect your home and family responsibilities.
As a mother of three, what has been the hardest part of being a mom? The most rewarding part? I’ve adjusted really well to never sleeping! I think the hardest part is everything about having your first baby. From the adjustment from just being a couple and doing what you want to do, when you want to do it, to having no idea what to expect (despite having a bookshelf full of baby’s first year books). And if you are doing things the “right” way or not, that was the really hard part. Don’t get me wrong, adding another baby to the mix is never without its challenges, but we have relaxed so much that it isn’t overwhelming. The most rewarding part is the hugs, kisses and smiles. My 6-year-old tells me that I’m the best mommy in the whole world. While it might not be true, it’s what he holds to be true and that’s all that matters to me.
Are you a mom who also
owns your own business? If so, we want to hear your story! Contact us at
Editor@FromTheNestMag.com From The Nest | Spring 2013 | 9
H o l i d ay
EASTER } }
Crafts
Photo Credit: Geri-Jean Blanchard / www.sxc.hu
Crafts, décor and more
Many of us have fond memories of a crisp Spring day spent running from one end of a grassy field to the other in search of colorful eggs, careful not to dirty our new, pastel “Sunday-best” outfit. The day would end as we ate a large meal of deviled eggs and ham. As adults, we want to make similar memories with our own children, continuing on with family traditions while also creating new ones. Here are a few ideas to complete your holiday this March 31.
Easter parties After Easter services, the No. 1 thing we think of with the holiday is the egg hunt. Parents have a limited window in which they can expect
Unique Egg Decorating
Easter Egg Bocce Ball
Bejewel your eggs with this simple technique from http://crafts.kaboose.com.
Use one white and several colored hardboiled eggs for this game. Set the white egg a few feet away and each player will take turns rolling their colored egg toward it. The player closest wins.
their little ones to enjoy
Materials
the sport — usually ages
Hard-boiled eggs Glitter paint Flat-sided crafting jewels Egg carton
2 to 10. For the older kids on your guest list, it might be good to come
Directions
up with a few games
Working from one side at a time, use the glitter paint to make a circular pattern in which a jewel can fit. Place the jewel onto the center of the circle. Repeat as needed for desired pattern. Set egg in carton to dry.
and party ideas in which they can participate.
10 | Spring 2013 | From The Nest
How Many Eggs? Fill a large jar with chocolate eggs. On scrap paper, each participant will write down how many they think are in the jar. The person closest to the number wins the jar of chocolates.
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Easter Bunny Cupcakes
A cupcake (baked from your favorite recipe) White icing Shredded coconut Pink decorators’ sugar Jelly bean nose Chewable Sweet Tart eyes Large marshmallow Mini marshmallows
Directions 1. Frost a cupcake (baked from your favorite recipe) with white icing and sprinkle on shredded coconut fur. 2. Cut a large marshmallow in half widthwise. Squeeze each half slightly to give it an oval shape, then decorate the sticky side of each one with pink decorators’ sugar and set them in place for ears. 3. Add a jelly bean nose and either jelly bean or snipped Sweet Tart eyes, and mini marshmallows for cheeks. For a finishing touch, draw on decorators’ gel pupils or whiskers if you like.
Bunny on a Stick This fun and easy craft from www. amazingmoms.com will inspire the artists of the party.
Materials Easter egg pick 2 white pom-poms 1 pink pom-pom Googly eyes or buttons Blue craft foam White craft foam Craft glue Scissors
Photo Credit: http://spoonful.com
Directions 1. Glue three pom-poms on the front, bottom half of the egg in a triangular formation, with the pink on top and two white on bottom, forming the nose and cheeks of the bunny. 2. Glue on the googly eyes or buttons in their appropriate spot. 3. Trace the end of your index finger to make the two ears in blue craft foam and cut out. 4. Cut two smaller, but similarly shaped pieces for the inner ear in the white foam and glue to the blue foam. 5. Glue ears to the back of the egg.
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Photo Credit: Joy Zaehringer / FreeRangeStock.com
Materials
Photo Credit: AmazingMoms.com
Kids will have fun cooking up these kooky cupcakes from http://spoonful.com.
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By Jessica Mahan
Photo frame provided by: Robert Radermacher / www.sxc.hu
C o l u m n | Ms . M a h a n ’ s a r t t i m e
Artist: Carson Arnold Age: 6 years old Mom: Sarah Arnold
Starr , Starr Cit N ight
T
“For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.” —Vincent van Gogh
o be creative is to be open to all sorts of possibilities and is an important part of child development. At a young age, most children are brimming over with limitless amounts of creativity but lack the resources to put their ideas into action. Unfortunately, creativity becomes hard to maintain as they reach an age where they begin to lose self confidence in their ability to create. This happens at different ages, but the older a child gets, the more frustrated they may get in their artistic ability. It is
important to teach certain skills and techniques to foster the joy of creating at higher levels of child development. As an art teacher, I teach certain skills, techniques and process, while also allowing for each child’s unique creativity to show through. It is important to never tell a child their art is wrong. Instead ask questions that cause them to think deeply about what they are creating. With this practice, once a child enters the stage of self doubt, they have already acquired the skills needed to feel successful.
12 | Spring 2013 | From The Nest
I like to introduce young students to artists such as Vincent van Gogh, whose art brims with limitless creativity and possibilities. Vincent painted for the sake of painting. Showing children that famous artists have struggled, teaches it is OK to make mistakes.
Jessica Mahan, an art teacher for the Republic School District, is also an area artist. Her artwork can be viewed at www.jessicamahanart.com. www.fromthenestmag.com
Art Project
Inspired by: Vincent van Gogh Adapted for: Ages 3-7 Objective: Wax resist painting
Starry, Starry City Night Process
1. Take a look at the short brush strokes and lines in “Starry Night” and practice making them in the air with your finger. Discuss how the swirling lines remind you of wind. Have the children close their eyes to imagine a windy, starry night. Van Gogh painted the “Starry Night” from his window. He lived a short, sad life, and it wasn’t until he died— one year after completing “Starry Night”— that people began to appreciate his artwork, which is now worth millions. 2. Using an orange crayon, draw several small dots for stars or planets. Draw an orange moon in the corner (crescent or full). Using yellow and white crayons, draw short lines surrounding the orange stars. You will not be able to see the white crayon until watercolor is added, so make sure this is an important step. Emphasize pressing down firmly on the crayon to achieve bold lines, rather than light wispy lines. Using a purple or blue crayon, draw a few swirls in the sky to show the wind. 3. Wax and water do not mix together (or oil and water in the case of oil pastels). When paint is applied over the wax drawing, the paint will adhere to the paper, not the wax. Paint over the paper with blue and purple watercolor. You are left with stars that pop off of your paper and lots of “ooohhhs” and “aaahhhs” from your child. I like to tell my students that what we are about to do is magic and they are going to see the stars pop off of their paper. 4. After the painting has dried, they will create the city or village below. Make sure the black construction paper is the same size as the white paper. With the black construction paper, draw a city line across the paper using a white crayon so the line is visible. Demonstrate first and if they are having trouble, direct the line drawing by saying up, over, down, up, over, down. 5. Cut out the city and glue to the bottom of the paper. 6. Using a white and yellow crayon, draw windows and other details onto the buildings.
What you need: Water container and brushes
1
2 Watercolor paper or heavy white paper
3 Watercolor paint
4
Black construction paper
Photo Credit: “Starry Night” by Vincent van Gogh
Crayons or Oil Pastels
5
“I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day.” --Vincent van Gogh www.fromthenestmag.com
From The Nest | Spring 2013 | 13
Mother’s Day
By Kandice McKee
Every Mom is different, but one thing we all have in common is the love for our families and the need for a bit of appreciation for our non-stop, 24-hours-a-day/seven-days-aweek job. While a full night’s sleep, clean house, laundry help, or a time machine may be on the wishlist for many moms, most would agree that the perfect Mother’s Day gift is a fun-filled family day. Here are a few ideas that can help make this Mother’s Day— May 12— one she will cherish for years.
Mother’s Day | May 12, 2013 14 | Spring 2013 | From The Nest
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For the artistic Village Pottery Café
You can get little one’s handprints done on tiles, coffee mugs, plates, and Christmas tree ornaments. Or your child can paint his/her own piece of pottery for Mom. There’s no kiln fee; you only pay for the price of the pottery. And if you want to make an event out of it, you can eat lunch or have a dessert while creating Mom a gift she will treasure for years to come. Be sure to visit the shop a couple weeks before to get your art back in time for Mom’s special day.
Photo Credit: Sofiaworld / Shutterstock.com
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thursday: 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, 12 a.m.–5 p.m. Decorate a frame for her favorite family photo Let the kids decorate a ceramic pot, or help them with it, and plant one of Mom’s houseplants in it. Or if she doesn’t have a green thumb, fill it with artificial flowers/plants. Get some non-toxic paint and a piece of paper to capture the little ones’ handprints (and don’t leave a mess behind for Mom to clean up!). This could be part of a homemade Mother’s Day card. Draw a portrait of her favorite family photo/photo of the little one(s)
For the animal lover Dickerson Park Zoo
Free admission for mothers on Mother’s Day Cost for others: 2 and under: Free 3–12: $3 Adults and teens: $8 Senior discount available Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (April–September)
Adopt an animal. If Mom loves animals and your family is ready for the commitment involved with a furry family member, consider adoption. There are several pet adoption agencies around, including the Humane Society and C.A.R.E.
Get a fish with a simple and elegant fish tank. If Mom loves animals, but your family isn’t quite ready for the commitment needed for a cat or dog, consider getting a fish, like a Beta. Fish can be relaxing to watch swim around, a way to teach little ones responsibility, and a lot less demanding considering there is no potty training, teething, or obedience issues.
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For the chef Give Mom a break from prepping and cleaning up after a meal! Several restaurants throughout Branson, Springfield, Nixa, Ozark, and Republic offer Mother’s Day specials, whether it be a special brunch or a discount for family’s head lady. Call your family’s favorite restaurant to see if there are any specials for Mom this year. Most recommend reservations as Mother’s Day is one of the busiest holidays for restaurants.
For the pampered Consider a spa treatment to let Mom relax; there are dozens of options available. Whether it is a one-hour massage or a full-day of pampering with a massage, manicure, pedicure, and facial, Mom will appreciate any time she can get. If needed, set up childcare so she doesn’t have to worry about where her minis will be while she takes a little R&R. Jewelry. Enough said. Be it a necklace or ring with the little ones’ birth stones, or a pair of sparkling earrings, moms that love jewelry will appreciate a few gems that shine almost as much as their child’s eyes.
For the festival lover Mother’s Brewery Company
This Springfield brewery will host its third annual Mother’s Day Festival on May 18, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will feature local food, artists, bands, and beverages. For more information, visit www. mothersbrewing.com.
For the homebody Bring Mom her favorite breakfast in bed or make her favorite meal for dinner. And, of course, offer to do the dishes afterward. Do some of the chores that Mom would normally do for her. For example, if Sunday is laundry day, help her out. Even if you’ve been banished from doing the laundry because you just can’t seem to get the right amount of soap down, offer to fold the mountains of clothes when they are dry. Take some photos of Mom with her children: Moms are most often on the other side of the camera, doing all the picture taking. Let her get some of the spotlight with her favorite people. Flowers and chocolates are often considered cliché, but they are nonetheless great gifts. Get her a bouquet that includes her favorite flowers (if you know them)— big or small, she will love every flower she gets. From The Nest | Spring 2013 | 15
C o l u m n | thrifty tip
By Cris Swaters
Photo Credit: Miflippo / StockFreeImages.com
Couponing
Can be fun for the whole family
Saving money everywhere possible is a necessity that most families have to contend with to make ends meet. Learning how to use coupons and vowing to never pay full price for items that you know you can get for free or pennies on the dollar is a great way to keep money in the bank (and even get the whole family involved). If you’ve ever had the chance to catch an episode or two of “Extreme Couponing” on TLC, you already have an idea of the kind of money you can save when you clip coupons. Granted, televisions shows like that are highly dramatized, and if you ask anyone of those coupon queens, they will tell you that their normal trips to the store are a mere fraction the size of what you see on the show. The point is to start with small trips and watch the savings pile up. I started “extreme” couponing about a year ago, and I can honestly tell you that I will never pay for toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, Thermacare patches, or razors ever again. During my year of couponing, I have built up a stock pile that consumes my spare bedroom’s closet and proven to myself that I won’t let the cost of consumable items control my budget. Going to the grocery store (or the drug store in many instances), should not be the most dreaded part of your week. When the deals start to fit together and it starts to make sense to you, you will look forward to the rush of leaving the grocery store having saved a lot of money on items you used to dread purchasing.
On that note, here are 10 tips to get started saving money with coupons.
1
Extreme couponing really clicked for me when I read the book, “Pick Another Checkout Lane, Honey,” by Joanie Demer and Heather Wheeler. The authors were both on a season of “Extreme Couponing” and the way they explain it can really help you get started.
2
3
Clip your coupons as soon as you get them. You never want to let coupon inserts pile up on you unclipped. It becomes a monster of a task if you have a big stack of coupon inserts to clip. This is where you can recruit the kids, the man (or woman), the dog— really, anyone who can use scissors— to clip coupons and turn it into weekly family bonding. Teaching the kids how to save money is a skill they will thank you for when they are grown. (Thanks, Mom!)
When you get your Sunday paper, you want to get your paper(s) from the biggest market available in the area. Know what kind of organization system you want For example, if you live in Springfield, look for the Kanto have before you start to clip. Anything from an sas City Star (which is available at Dollar Tree, Walgreens and accordion folder, index card box, binder or whatevCVS Pharmacy). The coupon inserts for the papers with the big- er else you can think of. I found that a five-inch binder with ger region will have the better coupons. baseball card protectors and tabs was the best way for me.
4
16 | Spring 2013 | From The Nest
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5
Get the sale ad from every store in town and don’t be afraid to price match at Wal-Mart. This is a great way to get the best deal, especially on food, without driving all over town.
Odds of winning the U.S. Open twice
1/1.2 billion
6
Know the coupon policy for every store you intend to frequent. It’s always a good idea to print it out and keep it with you so you can reference it if you have trouble with the store accepting your coupons.
7
Read the details on the coupon. Make sure you know any size restrictions, if it’s good for a particular variety, etc. By reading the coupon, you can make sure that you aren’t committing coupon fraud.
Odds of having a child diagnosed with autism
1/88
8
Any time you go to a store with a travelsize section, take all of your coupons because you never know when you’re going to find something for free. Coupons without size restrictions can be used on the travel-sized items and most of the time this will make the item free!
10
Have fun! If you get too serious about couponing, it will consume your life and you won’t want to do it anymore. Enjoy it and don’t try to bite off more than you can chew in the beginning.
Photo Credit: photastic / Shutterstock.com
9
Especially in the beginning, do your best to focus only on shopping when you’re trying to coupon. That means that while you’re getting the hang of it, pick a time when you can leave the distractions at home—you know: the children, the husband, anyone who likes to pick up random things off the shelves and sneak them into your cart.
Ernie Els encourages you to learn the signs of autism at autismspeaks.org Early diagnosis can make a lifetime of difference. © 2012 Autism Speaks Inc. “Autism Speaks” and “It’s time to listen” & design are trademarks owned by Autism Speaks Inc. All rights reserved.
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From The Nest | Spring 2013 | 17
18 | Spring 2013 | From The Nest
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c o l u m n | f o r e v e r f a m i ly
There are said to be 143 million children worldwide who need a loving Forever Family. If you are interested in adoption there are a few basics I’d like to share:
By Bobi Spilker
Photo Provided by: Bobi Spilker
1. Get connected: In the greater Springfield area, we are fortunate to have IAF of SW Missouri (www.iafswmo.org) which is a support group that offers an impressive array of resources, educational programs, parent meetings, social and cultural events to prospective and all adoptive families.
The Journey of Adoption
From paper pregnancy to motherhood:
I’m mom to three precious daughters, ages two, three, and five years old. Like most moms I know, I have a phone full of pictures that I’m eager to show. We are an ordinary family who came to be by extraordinary circumstances — the miracle of adoption. My kids grew in my heart as they grew in someone else’s tummy. I had a Paper Pregnancy that included social worker home-study visits and safety inspections; fingerprinting; background checks; affidavits from family, friends, and employers; finance disclosure; physicals; parenting and adoption education; and mountains of paperwork that made my mind spin and eyes cross. The paperwork had to be notarized, and then authenticated by state and federal offices. At last my Paper Pregnancy gave life to a dossier stamped with approval. I toasted each time with a glass of wine — one of the benefits to a Paper Pregnancy. Thankfully I experienced the “mommy amnesia” about the paperwork pains just as others experience it about the birthing pains.
My Labor Pains lasted nine and a half months for my oldest, and more than three months each for my younger children. Time slowed to a crawl from finally seeing their beautiful little faces when I received their referral picture to having them placed in my arms forever. Delivery for me included travel agencies arranging planes, trains and automobiles, and U.S. Embassy interviews in the birth countries of my children. The assistants in my deliveries were lawyers, a foster family, an orphanage and a transition house. Delivery took place in either a hotel or a guesthouse instead of a hospital. Otherwise my family is just like families with biological children: I love my kids beyond words, with all of my heart and soul,
Submit your questions to Editor@FromTheNestMag.com
Subject: Adoption Column and questions will be answered in upcoming issues. www.fromthenestmag.com
2. Work with agencies and/or lawyers that are knowledgeable of and have a proven track record in adoptionwhether you are considering adopting domestically, through the Foster Care system, or internationally. 3. Get connected online with groups of families who have already adopted and seek out their experiences with the agencies you are considering. 4. Talk to adoptive families in your area and ask them about their experiences and journey. If you are sincere and considerate most are willing to talk or to schedule a better time to talk later. 5. Realize that nearly every adoption journey has similar aspects but each is unique based on very personal and profound circumstances that are usually sacred ground to the families and children involved.
now and forever — and just as profoundly as if I’d birthed them. I’m often told how lucky my kids are to have been adopted; however, it is I who am blessed to get to be their mommy. I didn’t do anything special for my children; they did something very special for me — they allowed me to be a parent. Estimates put the number of adopted persons in the U.S. somewhere between 6 and 10 million. A 1997 survey found that 6 in 10 Americans have had a personal experience with adoption: they themselves, a family member, or a close friend was adopted, had adopted a child, or had placed a child for adoption. I routinely get asked questions about adoption, even though it’s said so many have some experience with it. If you have ever wanted to ask questions about adoption, here is your chance!
Always with hope, Bobi From The Nest | Spring 2013 | 19
By Trysta Herzog
Mothers of
P
reschoolers
L e t s M om s Ta k e B r e a k , C o n g r e g at e
Located in both Branson and Springfield, Mothers of Preschoolers, or MOPS, provides local moms of children five years old or younger with the opportunity to take a couple of hours away from the rugrats and come together for games, crafts, speakers and fellowship. Co-coordinators for Branson’s morning MOPS group, Erika Grimmer and Katrina Cramer, answered our questions about their group.
www.Mops.org | bransonmops.org
20 | Spring 2013 | From The Nest
Photo Credit: Trysta Herzog
M o mm y C l u b
What is the purpose of your organization and who is your target audience? MOPS International exists to encourage, equip and develop every mother of preschoolers to realize her potential as a woman, mother and leader in the name of Jesus Christ. Our target audience is any mom who has at least one child age 0–5 years old.
How often do you meet? We meet the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month, September– May, 9:15–11:15 a.m. at Woodland Hills Family Church.
What is the cost of the meeting or membership? The cost of membership is $90 for the year, or a mom can pay $50 per semester. We also offer partial scholarships and lend-a-hand opportunities to moms who may require financial assistance. www.fromthenestmag.com
What are some advantages for moms when joining a support group like this? A mom can expect two hours of great fellowship, teaching, craft time, games and food while her children are cared for by background-checked and trained workers. She can expect to get to know other moms in her same stage of life, find encouragement from these moms and her table mentor, and feel better connected to the moms in her community.
The advantages of MOPS includes fellowship with moms in the same stage of life, encouragement for the good and hard days, four hours per month of childcare, an opportunity to become more connected and involved in her community, and a chance to create real and meaningful friendships.
How can moms-to-be benefit from the meeting?
How did MOPS come to be in Branson?
Moms-to-be can benefit from our meetings by receiving encouragement, support and direction from moms who have “walked in her shoes” or may be expecting themselves. A mom-to-be also gets to create a great community of support so that when her baby does come, she has moms who will bring her meals, encourage her through the tough times and be there to walk with her through the newness of motherhood.
In 1997, Darla Spears, who had been in a MOPS group in Houston, founded Branson MOPS. This group began as an evening, MOPS PM, group with about 15 moms meeting in the parlor of First Baptist Church. Before the end of that first year, Darla moved away and Dee Goodwin and Jana Brown took over as co-coordinators. In 2001, a group of women from that group saw a need for a morning group and thus MOPS AM was founded. At first What are some activities you’ll be the PM group supported the AM group financially until they could get their hosting for the adults? ministry up and running. By 2006, there Every meeting includes ample time for were over 150 moms in the two groups “adult conversation”... uninterrupted by kids! combined. MOPS PM still meets at First Our meetings may also include a craft, a Baptist Church and MOPS AM meets at mentor speaker, a community speaker, or Woodland Hills Family Church. games. Occasionally we host MOPS & POPS events. These are usually evening activities, intended to create a fun date night MOPS of Branson for MOPS moms and their husbands. For AM Group instance, last October, we hosted a “Mom’s Meets: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays each month Night Out” at Vintage Paris in Hollister, and Time: 9:15 –11:15 a.m. in December, we hosted a “Birthday Party Location: Woodland Hills Family Church 3953 Green Mountain Drive, 65616 for Jesus” where families celebrated the true reason for Christmas together. AdditionPhone: (417) 336-5452 ally, each mom is “assigned” a table for each meeting and this small group of moms will PM Group try to organize times, outside of our regular Meets: 2nd Tuesday of every month MOPS meetings, to get together for coffee Time: 6:00– 8:30 p.m. or dinner or some other fun event. Location: First Baptist Church 400 S. Sunshine Street, 65616 Phone: (417) 336-5452 What are some activities you’ll be
hosting for the kids?
Last October, we invited all moms and kids to join us at a pumpkin patch for a fun MOPS outing. There will be several more events scheduled for the spring semester, which can be found on our website, http:// bransonmops.org/. www.fromthenestmag.com
MOPS of Springfield
Meets: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays each month Time: 9:30 –11:30 a.m. Location: Central Assembly of God 1301 Boonville Avenue, 65802 Phone: (417) 866-5013
Do you belong to or coordinate a mommy club that we should feature?
Photo Credit: Joy Zaehringer / FreeRangeStock.com
What can a mom expect when attending your meeting?
E-mail Editor@FromTheNestMag.com
and tell us all about it. From The Nest | Spring 2013 | 21
Call us today for an appointment or visit our website for more information!
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Sp e c i a l S e c t i o n
P ointers 24
26
27
Pinspiration
The Dish
Healthy Smiles
Pinterest-inspired nursery decor
Mexican Mac & Cheese Casserole
Expert advice for your little one’s chompers
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Photo Credit: Alexey Fursov / Shutterstock.com
Pregnancy
From The Nest | Spring 2013 | 23
P i n s p i r at i o n
By Trysta Herzog
Pinterest-Inspired
Photo Credit: Trysta Herzog
Nursery Decor
Materials Yarn Scissors Hot Glue Gun Hot Glue Sticks Cardboard (or Wooden) Letters 2� Wide Ribbon or Strip of Fabric
24 | Spring 2013 | From The Nest
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After hours of pinning and dreaming of what my daughter’s nursery would look like, I finally decided to tackle one of my favorite Pinterest posts: yarn-wrapped letters from a blog by Ciao Mama found at http://ciaomama.com/2012/03/06/ yarn-wrapped-letters/. The flowers were also inspired by a Pinterest post that linked to www.craftaholicsanonymous. net/fabric-rosettes-tutorial.
Isn’t your kid’s smile worth it?
Brushing for two minutes now can save your child from severe tooth pain later. Two minutes, twice a day. They have the time. For fun, 2-minute videos to watch while brushing, go to 2min2x.org.
B:10”
The task seemed simple enough: Wrap yarn around cardboard letters and then make flowers out of fabric or ribbon to glue on said letters. However, it cost more money and time than I anticipated (about $40 for three spools of yarn, hot glue gun and sticks, letters and ribbon). But after hours of work, and a few hot-glue burns, they turned out beautifully.
Two minutes, twice a day.
Yarn-Wrapping Directions
1. Choose a starting point on the back of the letter near an edge to put a drop of hot glue. 2. Once that is dry, start wrapping your yarn around the letter. I’d recommend starting with the most horizontal or vertical surface before moving on to the harder-to-cover areas like the curve of an “S” or top of an “M.” 3. When you’re done with one direction, start with a fresh piece of yarn for the next direction, making sure to glue the last bit of yarn to the back of the letter. 4. On the difficult spots, trial and error was the easiest way for me to find what would work best for that particular letter. Any mess-ups can be easily fixed by unwrapping and starting again on that section (which is why I started a new yarn string often). 5. If any holes were left or cardboard was showing through, I cut a smaller piece of yarn to wrap around just that area and glued it in place. 6. Measure and cut the ribbon you will use to hang the letters and glue both ends to the back of the letter. For letters like “H,” which has a large space in the middle, I glued a piece of yarn across the top and through the ribbon to hold it in place. Otherwise, it will likely flip forward and look out of place.
Rosette-Making Directions
1. Fold the ribbon or strip of fabric in half and tie a knot at the starting end. 2. Glue down the tail to the knot and begin to wrap the ribbon around the knot, making sure to put a dot of hot glue down at different sections to ensure a secure hold. (Hot-glue tip: Put your glue near the bottom of the rosette to make sure it doesn’t look sloppy on top.) 3. Remember, the longer the fabric or ribbon, the bigger the flower. 4. An optional finish to the rosette would be to glue a circular piece of fabric on the back to help affix it to the letter, but it isn’t necessary. With a few balls of glue on the back of the flower, I was able to easily fasten it to the letter. www.fromthenestmag.com
©2012 Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives
From The Nest | Spring 2013 | 25
ThE Dish o n C r av ings
By Trysta Herzog
Roll all those cravings into one When I was pregnant, I had such strong cravings for Mexican food, macaroni and cheese, and jalapeños. Adversely, in the beginning of my pregnancy, meat was the last thing I wanted, so my husband had to find creative ways to hide what little ground beef I permitted in our food so we could still get in that much protein. Here’s a quick recipe we used to satisfy all of those requests in one dish. Substitute silverware for tortilla chips for a more festive, hands-on dining experience.
Share your recipes or cravings with us at Editor@FromTheNestMag.com or by sharing with us on Facebook.
Mexican Mac & Cheese Casserole
Photo Credits: Trysta Herzog and Stephanie Lindberg
Ingredients 1/2 pound ground beef 1 can of Rotel 1 box of Velveeta Shells and Cheese, prepared (or your favorite macaroni and cheese brand) 1/2 package of taco seasoning 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 Sliced jalepeños (for reduced heartburn, take out the seeds)
Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare macaroni and cheese as directed. Brown ground beef and drain, and then add taco seasoning. Mix beef, macaroni and cheese, Rotel, and jalapenos together before placing in a casserole dish. Sprinkle on the shredded cheese and place in oven to back for 45 minutes. (For a healthier spin on this meal, Rotel can be replaced with freshly chopped tomatoes and cilantro.)
26 | Spring 2013 | From The Nest Nest
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Little Grins,
H e a lt h y Sm i l e s
Lots of Love There is so much to learn about prenatal and postnatal baby care — it’s easy to forget about our pearly whites while prepping the nursery or tending to the marathon of diaper changes, feedings, naps, and playtime. So we cut some of the work out for you and did a little Q & A about teeth with Dr. Craig Rechkemmer, a general dentist who focused on treating children for the past ten years. Is there anything pregnant mothers can do to help their unborn baby’s dental development as well as protect their own teeth and gums? The best thing you can do to support prenatal development for your baby is to take prenatal vitamins and maintain overall good nutrition, including foods that are high in calcium. Pregnant women have a higher gum disease rate due to hormone changes, so they are a larger concern for mom. Expectant mothers need to be very diligent about oral hygiene and keep up with their regular dental visits. Flossing while pregnant becomes especially important. It’s also a good idea to use mouthwash on a regular basis to help maintain healthy gums. Some studies show that chewing gum that contains xylitol can also help reduce the occurrence of cavities.
The Rechkemmer Family
Does formula/breastmilk have different effects on an infant’s dental health? If so, what are these effects? There is no difference between formula and breastmilk in relation to an infant’s dental health. Once a baby has teeth, starting at about six months, both formula and breastmilk need to be wiped off of the baby’s teeth after each feeding. This will help prevent the build up of cavity-causing bacteria. You can use a soft cloth, or a soft finger brush with rubber bristles to do this. I like to say, “Water won’t rot your teeth — everything else will.” That includes breastmilk, formula, cow milk, fruit juice, and other flavored drinks. This is also why it is important not to put baby to bed with a bottle.
When should parents begin taking children to the dentist? Why is this first visit so important at this time? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children visit the dentist starting at age one, and I completely agree. This sets the stage for early prevention. With these first visits, if the dentist sees that there are problems developing, there are preventative measures that can be taken to avoid having to get cavities fixed later on. A one-year-old visit is typically a lap exam — mom or dad lays the child across their lap, and the dentist examines the child in the parent’s lap, and the dentist examines the child in the parent’s lap. This first visit also helps get young children comfortable with the dentist and the process of a dental exam. Most dentists’ goal is to have cavity-free patients, so the earlier we start with preventative care, the better. www.fromthenestmag.com
From The Nest | Spring 2013 | 27
F ly i n g t h e n e s t
S
By Trysta Herzog
pring
After a winter of being cooped up, it’s time to open up your windows and trade those heavy coats for jackets. Between replenishing rain showers, get the family out of the house to soak up the year’s first rays of Vitamin D with the following locations and events around the Ozarks.
Action into
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
features a museum and exhibits dedicated to the second major battle of the Civil War—the Battle at Wilson’s Creek.
Nothing says Spring in the Ozarks like taking in a Cardinals game.
Springfield Conservation Nature Center has much to offer on a sunny Spring day.
28 | Spring 2013 | From The Nest
Mina Sauk Falls Trail www.fromthenestmag.com
Photos Provided by: BrandonAlmsPhotography.com
National Tiger Sanctuary is a privately funded sanctuary dedicated to providing a comfortable and enjoyable life for the animals.
Dickerson Park Zoo
with these activities
Springfield
Ozark
The third largest city in Missouri, the Queen City and its immediate surrounding area has quite a few appealing places to spend a sunny day with the family.
Dickerson Park Zoo Whether you’re looking to stalk each other around a vast, outdoor paintball arena or indoors with six-shot Nerf revolvers, this destination is ideal for families. The business also offers batting cages and miniature golf on site to complete your family outing. More Information Website: http://paintgamesplus.com Address: 1411A W. Kearney St., 65803 Phone: (417) 866 - 8862 Hours and pricing vary.
Springfield Cardinals Baseball Nothing says Spring in the Ozarks like taking in a Cardinals game. With the season starting in April, the local minor league team offers modest ticket pricing with around 2,500 general-admission seats. With the smell of hot dogs and nachos looming in the air, watch as future stars take the field in this American pastime. More Information Website: www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t440 Address: 955 East Trafficway, 65802 Phone: (417) 863-2143 Hours: Varies depending on game Admission: Ranging from $6 to $47
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Located just outside of Springfield, this historic location offers walking trails with beautiful scenery and educational opportunities with a museum and exhibits dedicated to the second major battle of the Civil War—the Battle at Wilson’s Creek. More Information Website: www.nps.gov/wicr/index.htm Address: 6424 W. Farm Rd. 182, Republic, 65738 Phone: (417) 732-2662 Hours: Daily 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission: $5 per person, or $10 per car
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Fun for all ages, the zoo is a great place to let the kids get out some energy while actively learning. Among the beasts they boast, Dickerson houses elephants, tigers, giraffes (which you can feed during regulated hours), lions and more. Along with their exhibits, they have seasonal events sure to keep your kids entertained. More Information Website: www.dickersonparkzoo.org Address: 1401 W. Norton Rd., 65803 Phone: (417) 864-1800 Hours: October – March, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily; April – September, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily Admission: Adults and teenagers, $8; Children ages 3–12, $5; Seniors 60 & older, $5; Children 2 and under are free; FOZ members are free
Springfield Conservation Nature Center This 80-acre property is filled with wildlife across various terrains, including forests, fields and creeks, all accessible by walking trails for every type of hiker. With regular educational events and exhibits, the Nature Center has much to offer on a Spring day. More Information Website: http://mdc.mo.gov/regions/southwest/springfield-conservation-nature-center Address: 4601 S. Nature Center Way, 65804 Phone: (417) 888-4237 Hours: Building: March 1 to October 31, Tuesday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, Noon – 5 p.m.; Closed Monday Trails: March 1 to October 31: Daily, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Admission: Free
Photo Credit: Zsuzsanna Kilian / www.sxc.hu
Paint Games Plus
What better place to enjoy fresh air and the unique geography of our region than in and around Ozark, the heart of the Ozarks.
Smallin Civil War Cave First occupied by Native Americans, evidence suggests the cave was taken by Union soldiers during the Civil War. Afterward, it is said to have been inhabited by local outlaw Baldknobbers. In addition to its rich history, the cave offers unique wildlife with blind crayfish and salamanders. The cave’s opening, one of the largest in Missouri at 55 feet by 100 feet, along with its beautiful rock formations, waterfalls and fossils, are just a few of the sights you won’t want to miss. More Information Website: http://www.smallincave.com Address: 3575 North Smallin Road, 65721 Phone: (417) 551- 4545 Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sundays, 1 – 5 p.m. Admission for one-hour tour: Adults $15.95; Children $8.95; Free to children 3 and under (for other tour prices, call or visit the website)
Mina Sauk Falls Trail From the highest point in Missouri to its tallest waterfall, this sometimes challenging trail leads to wonderful rewards. Located at the 7,500-acre Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, the three-hour trek will take you 1,772 feet above sea level to gaze out over the Ozarks and will eventually give way to the 132-feet drop of the Mina Sauk Falls. More Information Website: http://mostateparks.com/trails/ taum-sauk-mountain-state-park Address: 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middlebrook, 63656 Phone: (573) 546 -2450 Hours: Sunrise to sunset, year-round Admission: Free
From The Nest | Spring 2013 | 29
Branson National Tiger Sanctuary With various types of wild cats, including tigers, lions and leopards, along with domestic animals such as cats and dogs, this privately funded sanctuary is dedicated to providing a comfortable and enjoyable life for the animals in their care. Apart from other similar organizations, the group keeps each rescued animal for life, giving it stability and perpetual care.
Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours
See the World in Branson
With several tours to choose from, this thrilling adventure allows you to soar through the stunning tree line of the Ozark Mountains. Its certified guides take beginners and seasoned zipliners (between the weight of 70 pounds to 275 pounds) on a safe and fun birds-eye-view ride into the Wolfe Creek Preserve. More Information Website: www.bransonzipline.com Address: 2339 US Hwy 65, Walnut Shade Phone: (800) 712- 4654 Opens: 9 a.m. Pricing and packages: Range from $18.95 to $249.99; for more details, call or visit the website
During this annual Spring event, you get the rare opportunity to experience the cultures, cuisines and entertainment from around the world without ever leaving home. Various restaurants, businesses and venues will represent different countries to bring a diverse educational opportunity to your family. More Information Website: www.seetheworldinbranson.com Address: Branson area Phone: (800) 339-2216 Dates: April 1 – May 5, 2013
FOR MORE FAMILY Activity ideas, go to www.FromTheNestMag.com
Before
More Information Website: http://nationaltigersanctuary.org Address: 518 State Hwy BB, Saddlebrooke, 65630 Phone: (417) 587-3633 Guided tour schedule: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Awareness tour admission: Adults $15; Seniors $13.50; Children (3 –12) $10; Free to children under 2 (for other tour prices, call or visit the website)
This family-friendly town certainly doesn’t lack in events and venues to check out, but here are a few ideas that locals might enjoy.
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