Giggle Magazine February/March 2014

ALACHUA

COUNTY’S

PREMIER

PARENTING

MAGAZINE

SPECIAL BIRTHDAY PARTY ISSUE

happy family • happy communityTM FEB/MARCH 2014 • Volume 6 • Issue 1

PARENT-APPROVED TEEN DATES PG. 96 WIN THE BEDTIME BATTLE!

IT'S A SUPERH ERO

PARTY! pg. 3 7

RAISING A HEALTHY EATER

TALES OF LOVE 3 LOCAL COUPLES SHARE THEIR STORIES

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE BIRTHDAY PARTY DIRECTORY 2014 1 www.gigglemag.com

GIGGLEMAG.COM | FEB/MAR

FOR

BRACE THEM

SUCCESS

THE OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF SMILES 352.333.1946 | www.TiogaOrthodontics.com

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Richard E Donatelli, DMD MS

2014

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PUBLISHER Nicole Irving ART DIRECTOR Allison Raber MANAGING EDITOR Dana Kamp SALES ASSOCIATES Mark Chestnut, April Tisher EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Sayeh Farah CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Bobbi Bloom, Selena Garrison, Kelly Goede, Tara Griffin, Allen Haynes, Jen Hillan, Nicole Irving, Dana Kamp, Lisa Katz, Helen Kornblum, Danielle Michels, Christina Miller, Haley Ponnock CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Shandon Smith with Lifeprints Photography, Patricia Bishop Photography, Verve Studio INTERNS Meg Konigsburg, Haley Ponnock Mission Statement Giggle Magazine is a modern and refreshing magazine for the families and communities of Alachua County, Florida. With our sole purpose of keeping families and communities connected, Giggle Magazine will keep readers intrigued, informed and inspired, with up to date information and heartwarming stories.

Irving Publications, LLC reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Irving Publications, LLC is not responsible for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. Nothing that appears in Giggle Magazine may be reproduced in any way, without written permission.

Opinions expressed by Giggle Magazine writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion. Giggle Magazine will consider all never before published outside editorial submissions. Irving Publications, LLC reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates.

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Giggle Magazine is published by Irving Publications, LLC. Š 2014

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2014

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from the publisher pirate ships out of watermelons, made personalized button favors, constructed countless banners and probably baked nearly 400 cupcakes…and all for one reason. To celebrate the birth of my babies and to see them smile!

As I think of what new birthday party craft I will be doing for my youngest, whose 6th birthday will be here before I know it, I realize that I am writing this letter on the eve of my 37th birthday. I can’t even believe I admitted that. 37! It’s not that I am ashamed of my age. I can’t lie about it, can I? It’s on my driver’s license, my boys will proudly tell anyone that asks and well, it’s a fact. I was born 37 years ago.

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n the 9 years that I have been a mom, I have planned and hosted 22 birthday parties for my boys. Themes have ranged from the classic 1st birthday with the smash cake, to bulldozers, safari, Toy Story, Cars, Halloween, pirates, football and gymnastics. My next one…you guessed it, Superheroes! Just turn to page 37 to see the cuteness we have for your party planning! I have had anywhere from 5 to 50 little attendees at any given party, carved

In my short 37 years I have traveled to Europe, graduated college, gotten married, had three sons, started a career, created amazing friendships, built my first house and celebrated many other milestones.

Because of all those birthdays, I have seen many blessings in my life, and those include watching my children celebrate their own special days. And while I now have more fun celebrating their day than my own, I am always thankful that my day comes.

It means that I have had another year of sweet memories, new experiences, personal growth and incredible blessings.

So, as you read through this issue of Giggle Magazine, I hope that you too remember that celebrating your birthday, even though the number goes up, means that this is one more year, or day or moment that you have to celebrate life and love.

Nicole Irving, Publisher nicole@irvingpublications.com

Like us on Facebook FACEBOOK.COM/GIGGLEMAGAZINE Follow us on Twitter TWITTER.COM/GIGGLEMAGAZINE Visit us on Pinterest PINTEREST.COM/GIGGLEMAGAZINE

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If you live in Alachua County and are interested in receiving Giggle Magazine for free, visit our website at

gigglemag.com to subscribe now!

Meet our

Cover Cutie!

Lela Age: 6 Favorite food: Strawberries Favorite book: "Puppy Place" Favorite Valentine's treat: Sugar cookies with vanilla icing and sprinkles Favorite activity: Playing her violin Extras: Her brother is her best friend. She always asks him to be her valentine. She wants a puppy more than anything and she is a fashionista--at 6 she already chooses clothes over toys!

Giggle Magazine is a proud sponsor of this year's March of Dimes' March for Babies.

We also have our very own March for Babies team. We would love to have YOU or your family join us!

Please visit marchforbabies.org/team/t2036510 to donate or join our team.

Please help us make sure every baby is born happy and healthy!

February * March 2014 happy family • happy community

®

life

19

learn

9 LIFESAVERS

68 IN THE CLASSROOM

Make It A Day Trip!

Motivating Children to Love Learning

11 THE PARENT LIFE

Finding Joy in the Journey: One Father's

Story of Embracing Life with Cancer

72 HOMESCHOOL CORNER

Overcoming the Challenges of Homeschooling

17 JUST THE TWO OF US

What is Your Favorite Valentine's Day Memory with Your Spouse?

conception 2 college

24 2 CENTS

Planning for Retirement

28 HAPPY FAMILY

The Brewer Family

forks & spoons

Couple photo by Patricia Bishop Photography. Cake photo by Verve Studio. Family photo by Lifeprints Photography

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82 EXPECTING

Pregnancy At a, Ahem, Mature Age

30 LUNCH BOX

Great Greens!

86 INFANT

34 IN THE FRIDGE

Kid-Friendly Snack Shelf

88 TODDLER

health

90 THE EARLY YEARS

48 GET HEALTHY

92 KIDS

First Year Memory Keepers Winning the War on Bedtime

All About Me: Self Absorption in Your Young Child

The Unwritten Rules of Social Grace

Raising a Healthy Eater

94 TWEENS

52 GET PRETTY

Accepting the Change From Little Kid to Preteen

Beauty for Two! 59 GET MOVING

96 TEENS

No More EXCUSES!

Age-Appropriate Dating

happy home 61 MAKE IT. FIX IT. CLEAN IT.

37

The Writings on the Wall...And the Table, And the Cabinets, And the Car

62 ORGANIZED CHAOS

Don't Throw In the Towel: Wrap Up the Clutter

64 OUR SPACE

The Flanagans' Princess Bedroom

features

19 A Love Story to Tell 33 Chocolates & Conversation 37 It's A Superhero Party!

43 Planning the Perfect Party Starts Here 66 BWLC: The 2014 Adventure Begins 75 2014 Summer Camp Guide

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96 88

48 75

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Photo by Patricia Bishop Photography

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life

L I FES AVERS

Make It A Day Trip!

BY DANA KAMP

The holiday decorations have been put away (if they haven’t, that needs to be this weekend’s project!) and your kiddos are already looking forward to the next break from school. Let the planning for Spring Break begin!

While there’s always the beach, sometimes it’s nice to do something else with the family.

And if you can’t get away all week, that’s another factor to take into consideration.

These Day Trip Lifesavers will get you out of town and having fun before lunchtime!

ZIP lining, glass bottom boats

© 2014 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

and a singing mouse await you in Ocala!

There’s plenty to do at beautiful Silver Springs State Park, including peeking at underwater life as you ride in the famous glass-bottom boats. If you want a little adventure, you can check out The Canyons Zip Line and Canopy Tours.

Finish off the fun-filled family day with some pizza, music and skeeball at Chuck E. Cheese's.

SPLASH at a waterpark, play at hands-on museums and discover exotic zoo animals in Jacksonville!

The Museum of Science and History’s new “eco-zibit” Green Revolution REnewed and the Hands-on Children’s Museum’s amazing role-play exhibits are enough to draw you in. Then add the 100th birthday celebration of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and their new state-of-

the-art Asian Tigers exhibit. Top if off with The Pirate’s Play Village at Shipwreck Island Waterpark and you’ve got yourself a Spring Break trip to remember!

VISIT alligators, dolphins and a

lighthouse in St. Augustine!

We know about the gorgeous white sand of St. Augustine Beach, but there is so much more to see in this city. From touring the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum to being amazed at Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and swimming with the dolphins at Marineland to being captivated by albino alligators at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, there’s enough entertainment for several day trips here!

getaway are Chiefland’s Manatee Springs State Park, Fort White’s Ichetucknee Spring State Park (home to eight springs), High Springs’ Poe Springs Park and Ginnie Springs Outdoors, Orange City’s Blue Spring State Park (you may even see manatees still taking winter refuge) and Dunnellon’s Rainbow Springs.

RIDE the flumes or check out

the mermaids at Weeki Wachee!

Spring Hill is the home of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and Buccaneer Bay-the only spring-fed water park! With its wildlife animal encounters, its famous mermaid shows, and its water rides and kiddie play area, this is a park for children and adults of all ages. 

DIVE into the cool water of one

of Florida’s beautiful springs!

Florida has over 30 springs accessible for swimming, diving and kayaking. A few you might want to check out for your family GIGGLEMAG.COM | FEB/MAR

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life

T HE PARENT LI F E

Finding Joy in the Journey One Father's Story of Embracing Life with Cancer

BY DAX GINGRAS AND DANA KAMP | PHOTOS BY BRANDON CRUZ

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2014 11

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ost of us have, unfortunately, experienced a battle of cancer with a grandparent, parent or other loved one.

It is a life-altering experience, and with the prevalence of cancer, we’re likely to have to face it again with someone we love. As a parent of young children, I sometimes wonder what would happen if that person was me. How would I take care of my little ones? How would it change our lives? How would it affect my parenting? Would I do things differently if I was told I might not be around in a few years? While I choose to live each day as positively as I can, the thoughts can’t help but surface when I pray daily for my good friend, Dax. Dax is “one of us.” He is 38 years old with a loving wife, 3-year-old son and 1-year-old daughter. He was diagnosed in April 2013 with Glioblastoma, Stage 4 brain cancer.

While we were all stunned by the diagnosis (I still can’t fathom that this is real), he seems to be taking the bull by the horns and fighting this beast every step of the way. I asked him to share with our Giggle readers what he is going through and his thoughts and outlook as a young parent battling cancer.

This is his story.

happen to me...I have a family that needs me! They did their best to calm me down, and back into the loud, cold cylindrical tube I went. MRIs have no time for upset people.

I knew then and there that my life would be forever altered. I prayed silently inside the tube and asked God for courage and composure in the near future. I needed to put on a brave facade for my wife. Inside I was terrified, but I felt I had to conceal that for the time being.

By that afternoon I was scheduled to have a craniotomy the next morning. Clearly tumors in the brain were not to be taken lightly. I was in the trauma intensive care unit for eight days, all the while assuming my tumor was just a random fatty mass and not cancerous. On the eighth day, a doctor came in and said he had good news. He said I could go home. I was elated! My own bed in my own home! My wife had gone down to the café and I had one visitor at that point, my best friend’s father.

I asked the doctor if he had any news regarding the biopsy. His demeanor changed drastically. He said, “Have they not told you?” I replied, “Nope, haven’t heard a thing.” But I intuitively knew I didn’t want to hear what he was going to say. He replied, “I’m very sorry but it’s not good. You have Stage 4 Multiforme Glioblastoma.” I asked what that was and he explained that it is a very lethal and aggressive form of brain cancer.

My outlook on just about everything has changed drastically since that day I went to the emergency room.

I went in as what I would consider a typical 37-year-old working father of two. I was happy with the life I had built; slightly jaded with the world around me, but not having many worries and all in all I was in shock. That is quite happy. Then I was sent the exact moment that to get an MRI on my brain. my previous self ceased While in the MRI machine to exist and a new me I had to squeeze the panic started to take shape. button so I could shift my I was now a husband, body around because my back father, P.E. coach, friend, Dax, Kaci, son Briggs (3), and daughter Brinkley (1) was hurting. As they slid me son, and my new title: out, the doctor came running man trying to survive into the room and told me to get back in immediately. I asked why and and defy the bleak odds that accompany brain cancer. he said, "You have a growth in your brain." He then asked me about my previous bout with cancer (I had Hodgkin’s disease when I was 9 years As I previously stated, I was a little jaded with the world old and successfully beat it). I assure you there are few things more around me prior to my surgery. I read the newspaper daily frightening than being told you have a tumor, followed by questions and frankly it was filled with depressing stories. Within days about your past cancer history. of my surgery my outlook on life completely changed! The outpouring of kindness and love shown to my family and me I was alone on a cold slab in a gown, and I broke down. I immediately was truly overwhelming! Thousands of cards and other tokens thought of my children and my wife and me not being there for them. of care came flooding in. Many from people we did not even I started crying and telling the doctor and nurses that this couldn’t know! People who had heard my story secondhand were trying

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to help us. This made me realize that there are still many wonderful and amazing people in this world! The sad part is these people do not make headlines. However, rest assured they are out there. It confirmed my feelings that it's our job as a society to glorify the good and be a part of that good.

Since my diagnosis I have been living life to the fullest by traveling and trying to create as many memories with my family and friends as possible. Most recently, I took an impromptu road trip with my nephew, Jake, to the BCS National Championship Game in California. And yes, I do have a bucket list and I suggest everyone write one down! Next on mine is seeing some of the Civil War sites and, I’m not sure if this will happen but, visiting Alaska. I don’t recommend waiting until you’re diagnosed with a terminal disease to start checking items off your list. However, one positive to waiting is that you'll find your friends and family can't tell you no! That’s textbook lemonade from lemons!

I am trying to do as much as I can while I am still healthy. However the age of my children makes creating memories with them very difficult. I realize they will have little to no recollection of all these trips together. That saddens me deeply. My greatest memories of my youth are from vacations, and I desperately want my children to feel the same way. That's just one of the many difficult mental aspects of dealing with this horrible disease.

I'm not an expert, but having been in this fight for around ten months I have formed some opinions on the issue of dealing with this. First and foremost dealing with my son, Briggs. (I say son because my daughter, Brinkley, is way too young to have any concept of what's going on. She has far more pressing matters to deal with such as poopy diapers, teething and nap time!) We didn't discuss what was going on in depth with Briggs. We simply said Daddy hurt his head. That seems to be working just fine. He likes to kiss my scar, which I love! Like most 3-year-olds he moves on quickly. I also found that during my treatment when I was physically exhausted, the moment my children came home I got a surge of energy. I took advantage of that every day and played with them until we were all worn out. I am relishing the time I have with both of them.

I have been living life to the fullest by traveling and trying to create as many memories with my family and friends as possible.

For a time my wife was essentially caring for our children. I was of not much use for the first four to six weeks post-op. She was worn down and I could see it. I vowed that when I got back on my feet I would try to go above and beyond with helping her. I am now a stay-at-home househusband. I do all the cooking and a majority of the cleaning. It gives me a sense of self worth and purpose that went away when I had to step down from my job. Plus I love the feeling of helping my wife. Hidden victims in this fight against cancer are the spouses. The stress of carrying on with day-to-day

life, while also mentally knowing your spouse is suffering, can take a wicked toll. If your spouse is in this situation, make time for her and also give her time away from you. You don't want your loved one losing her identity and becoming “the wife (or husband) of the cancer patient.” This is a tricky, yet very real, part of the recovery process. One that should not be overlooked!

I am currently doing what’s called Maintenance Chemo, which entails five consecutive days of oral chemo over a 28-day period.

This will be status quo until the cancer returns. At that time I'll have to undergo another craniotomy. Once I have sufficiently healed, I will go through eight weeks of daily radiation and chemotherapy. Anticipating this plan can be overwhelming.

While I have not gone to an actual support group, I have reached out to other brain cancer patients. We have regular lunches with each other and it is very cathartic. We realize that very few people can truly know what it’s like to be going through this process. We also take pride in the knowledge that we are battling one of the most deadly forms of cancer now. Strength in numbers! If you are battling an illness, I highly suggest you seek out others in your situation. It is always good to open up to someone who truly understands. I’ve also found that swallowing your pride and accepting the help your friends offer is a huge comfort. Battling an illness already makes you heroic! Ignore the desire to do everything yourself. Accept the help that's offered and save your super powers for healing!

For those in a similar situation, here are a few pointers.

1) Don’t play the “Why Me?” game because guess what? It

is you, and you questioning it will absolutely not change that.

2) Know that it is okay to be down and angry some days.

You are, after all, human. The key is for these negative emotions to not become who you are! Always try and find some positive in your situation!

3) If you’re religious (I am), then pray! Not just for healing but also to give thanks for what is still good in your life.

This will also help you take stock in the happy things around you.

4) Ask others how they are doing.

Reciprocate other’s thoughtful gestures of inquiring about your health. It's a nice thing to do and it will give you the satisfaction of knowing you extended a kind gesture forward.

Be a part of the good.

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parent

iPhone image courtesy of Kahnoodle.

app!

KAHNOODLE APP

Kahnoodle is a free couples' app with lots of tips and ideas to nurture your relationship with your loved one. There are pop-up reminders for special things you can do for your partner, love "koupons," and a love tank that you fill by earning "kudos." You can even find new date ideas for your area. Use this app to keep your relationship strong and your date nights new and exciting.

What would you do if... your child wanted to go on Spring Break with another family?

"Since my children are still young (10 and 8), I would not even consider this request. I consider Spring Break "family time." I would not be comfortable with my child going away with another family for a week, even if I knew the family well."

- Michelle Grabow, mom of two "I have let my 7-year-old daughter go with another family on vacation. I knew the mom fairly well and I let her know what my rules were (no walking anywhere without a grown-up...including to the bathroom unless 'home,' no being in the water past her knees without a grown-up with her, etc.). I made sure she was comfortable with my rules (and gave her a free pass to uninvite if not!). We also agreed on a daily time that my daughter would call home."

- Marlo Poole, mom of two

life

JUS T T HE T W O OF US

What Is Your Favorite Valentine’s Day Memory with Your Spouse?

My hubby

proposed

on February 13, 2002, which also happens to be his birthday. He told me if I said yes it would be the best gift he ever received!

My favorite Valentine’s Day was in 2007.

I had our daughter, Teagan, on the 13th so my Valentine’s Day was spent at the hospital, and my husband brought me flowers and my favorite chocolate candy.

-Jessica Tirado

My favorite Valentine’s memory was when my husband made me a

heart-shaped pizza and gave me a Don Juan rose bush so the roses would last! The heartshaped pizza is a tradition now!

We both agreed Valentine’s Day was a silly holiday back when we were dating, but I wanted just one good one before retiring the holiday all together. We got a hotel out of town; there were

-Karen Perrin

-Angela Eaton

One Valentine's Day, Matt was so busy at work he confessed he didn't have time to even get me a card. So I tossed the one I bought, got out the construction paper, markers, scissors and glue and we sat by the fireplace and

made each other valentines.

Most romantic Valentine’s Day. Ever.

flowers, champagne, chocolate and jewelry.

It was lovely. And now we just laugh and say “Happy Valentine’s Day” and enjoy a stress-free day!

-Alison Hightower

-Stacy Lang

Our first Valentine's Day together, my wife had to leave town before sunrise. She left a

single red rose on the nightstand

with an amazing letter that I still have. I don't think she (or I) can trump that one.

-Spencer Mills

My husband proposed the day before Valentine’s Day 2005.

Best gift ever.

-Christa Germany

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SPACE AVAILABLE

a story to tell...

Their stories are unique, inspiring and romantic. Our three featured married couples share how they met and how their love has lasted through life’s ups and downs and brought them to a place of happiness.

Photos by Patricia Bishop Photography

Walter + Corinne married 4 years | two children

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his love story didn't start out in the most romantic way with a first phone call, a nervous first date or even a perfect first kiss. It was more like a magnetic force field sent down from God. Apparently there is a person already chosen for you, but how do you know he’s the one? In our case, we know God had His hands in it the whole time, bringing us together and keeping us together.

We both moved into Melrose Apartments in Gainesville in August of 2000, while we were in college. Living one floor apart, it didn't take long for us to meet. Was it love at first sight? No. Actually it was an awkward moment when I walked into Walter’s apartment and he and his thengirlfriend were in an argument. The following week we got together for just a fun night hanging out with our roommates and getting to know our new neighbors. He and I stayed up all night talking and realized we had a lot of the same interests. It truly was a night to remember.

Three months later, on my 21st birthday, we became “boyfriend and girlfriend” and eventually moved in together in August 2002. Like most young relationships there were some trying times and amazing times.

The biggest one was discovering we were expecting a child the summer of 2003. The day we found out we were having a boy, we also found out he wasn’t developing properly. His lower jaw had stopped growing. It was confusing and heartbreaking. We knew once he was here he would need both of us. He strengthened our love and commitment to each other before he was even born. Yet, we still had underlying issues that we never fully addressed, therefore marriage was still not in the cards for us at the time.

Ashton was born June 19, 2003, and was diagnosed with Pierre-Robin Sequence. He was unable to eat or breathe completely on his own and was

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2014

at Shands for three months. He would need special care and teamwork from his parents. Walter and I have always been a great team when it came to Ashton. Our amazing son, who is now 10 years old, has been our glue. His strength always brought out the best in us.

Over the next several years, Ashton underwent multiple surgeries and procedures. I focused on Ashton and his needs, and Walter focused on Ashton as well as establishing himself in his career. (He had just received his engineering degree from UF in July 2003 and was hired by a local engineering firm.) But with our focus on everything but each other, we never took the time to nurture our relationship. When we realized we still wanted each other and our family, we fought for it. We went through tons of counseling and started going on dates and love trips, and really focusing on each other and rebuilding all the respect and trust that we had lost for each other over the years. We finally understood each other and were able to communicate what we needed. Through the ups and downs, we never lost that magnetic bond pulling us together and became engaged in February 2009. We were married May 23, 2010, and I gave birth to our beautiful daughter, Scarlett, on January 28, 2011.

Our story is a true story of love, sacrifice and fight. Today we are the strongest we have ever been and we are so thankful for all the choices and mistakes we have made along the way. Now, looking back over the last 13 years, it is certain that we were given the gift of finding that one person chosen for us and we thank God every day for bringing us together! So, even when you feel you have given it your all, take another look. You could miss out on lifelong happiness. Life and love aren't always easy, but they're always worth fighting for.

Byron + Sara married 9 years | two children

I

N BYRON'S WORDS: I remember having a dream where I met my soul mate. The connection was immediately obvious to us both as if we were best friends who hadn't seen one another in years but were picking up right where we'd left off. I never quite saw her face because that's the way those crazy dreams are!

been looking all over for you!" I was usually pretty nervous when asking a girl out, but on that day it felt more like a formality. We set up a first date and it was just as great as I'd imagined. Today we are married with two daughters and all I can say is I hope I'm not using all my good days because I've had a lot in a row.

Fast forward a year or so. I was starting a beanbag business that would become CordaRoy's and was passing out fliers in a crowded nightclub. All of a sudden the box was knocked out of my hands, spilling all over the floor where the trampling instantly began. I needed those fliers and had no money to buy more. So down I went onto my hands and knees to gather my crumpled marketing materials. That's when it happened. I heard a voice say, "Need some help?" I looked up and saw a gorgeous girl with curly blonde hair. The feeling I had when I saw her was the same feeling I had in the dream. It was her and I knew it. And I knew that she knew it as well. After a brief chat she rejoined her friends and I wondered if I'd ever see her again.

IN SARA'S WORDS: The evening we met I was with some girlfriends when I noticed this incredibly good-looking guy standing a few yards away. I asked if anyone knew who he was and got no information, and I didn't have an iPhone with Facebook. I kept my eye on him and as soon as that box went flying I knew that was my chance! I was happy he accepted my offer of help and once we finished with the clean-up, we headed to talk. It was the most amazing conversation I had ever had. It just felt natural, like I was speaking to my best friend. Since all good things come to an end (code for another girl walked up) I politely dismissed myself, even though I could tell that wasn't what either of us wanted. That moment stayed with me and set the bar to an unattainable height.

A year later I was going on a group outing and a good friend was bringing a girl named Sara as his date. It never occurred to me that it could be my Sara, but when I arrived at his house I was so excited to see her. Finally!

When my friend asked me what I thought of her I just started laughing and said, "You have absolutely no chance with her." He asked why and I just smiled and said, "Because we had a moment." I told him about our meeting a year before and agreed not to ruin his date, but assured him he had absolutely no future with Sara Clendenin. I was correct. Their date ended early. The planets were beginning to align.

Soon after that night, on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, my friend Eric and I were at a local pool hall when I turned around and there she was. There was no way I was going to let her slip away again. I remember saying, "I've

The night of the concert with friends was exciting. I couldn't believe Byron was there and was not sure if he would remember me. All night I kept thinking that I should have been there with him.

When I saw him at Silver Q I'll never forget him saying, "I've been looking for you everywhere!" That was exactly what I wanted to hear. I gave him my number and it's been an amazing journey since. We have two beautiful daughters, a wonderful family and great friends we consider family. I am consistently proud of my husband; he is truly one of a kind and I'm so happy he is mine.

GIGGLEMAG.COM | FEB/MAR

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Matt + Laura married 8 years | two children

W

e met at Buchholz High School our senior year. We maintained a good friendship throughout the year, and even went to the prom together. However, our “love story” did not start until a month after I moved away to attend the University of South Florida. We spent our four years of college in a long-distance relationship. Matt stayed in Gainesville to attend Santa Fe Community College. After college I moved back to Gainesville to start my teaching career and Matt attended the Police Academy.

Our engagement story is not one for the romance novels, but it was very typical for us. It happened the Thursday before Spring Break. I invited Matt over to my apartment for dinner since I was leaving the next day. The whole night was one missed opportunity after the next for Matt to propose. All of them were my fault. He was going to do it after the prayer, but I jumped up and remembered something in the oven. He was going to do it after dinner, but I started clearing the dishes away to clean the kitchen. We sat down on the couch to watch TV and I basically asked him if he would mind going home early because I was really tired and wanted to go to bed. We hugged and kissed goodnight and he was going to let himself out. I went to bed and all of a sudden Matt was by my bed turning on the light. He was on one knee with the ring in his hand. That is when I knew I totally blew it, but we still laugh about it!

We got married at our church, Grace United Methodist. It was honestly one of the best days of our lives! Our wedding was very beautiful and meaningful. However, our reception was the most fun we had ever had! We are huge fans of those cheesy group dances. Since it was our wedding, we did them all. We never left the dance floor! After the reception we set sail on a cruise to begin our life as husband and wife.

Our love story almost ended on October 29, 2011. Matt was on duty for the Alachua County Sheriff ’s Office and was hit headon by a drunk driver. His car caught on fire, but luckily there was an officer from the Gainesville Police Department behind him with a fire extinguisher. Matt suffered severe hand and hip injuries that required 18 months of rehabilitation. When we said our vows of “for better or for worse” and “in sickness and in health,” we had no idea they would be put to the test six years into our marriage. That tragedy brought us much closer together as a family, and reaffirmed our faith. We are glad to say that we are now in our healthy and better days enjoying our time with our children, Charlotte (4 years old) and Brady (8 months old).

GIGGLEMAG.COM | FEB/MAR

2014 23

life

T WO CENT S

Planning for Retirement

BY SELENA GARRISON

Retirement. Thinking about that word can be exciting or terrifying.

For some people, it brings visions of spending days gardening, building a dream house, or cruising the world, while others worry about how they will be able to make ends meet (if they are able to retire at all). We want your vision to be a positive one, so we have pulled together a few basic retirement planning tips!

1. Know how much you will need in retirement. This can be complicated

to determine based on your situation, but a general rule of thumb is to plan for about 75 percent to 85 percent of your pre-retirement income, adjusted for inflation. (This number can change drastically depending on your plans for retirement, how early you retire, etc.) There are several great calculators that you can use to determine how much you will need to retire, but one of my favorites is at money.cnn.com/ calculator/retirement/retirement-need/.

2. Start early! The earlier you start saving

for retirement, the more time you have to let your money build interest and earn more money for you! This is called compounding and is the most powerful tool you have in your retirement arsenal. Let’s look at a simple illustration: If Sally saves $1,000 a year with an average annual return of 5%:

After 20 years (with $20,000 of her money invested), Sally will have $33,065.95.

After 30 years (with $30,000 of her money invested), Sally will have $66,438.85.

After 40 years (with $40,000 of her money invested), Sally will have $120,799.77.

As you can see, after 10 years, Sally’s money had earned her just over $2,500. After 20 years, that increased to just over $13,000. After 30 years, her earnings were more than her

24

3. Invest wisely. It is true that higher risk

investments tend to lead to higher return, but this does not mean that you want all of your eggs in one high-risk basket. Diversifying your portfolio is very important. It is a great idea to find a financial advisor to help you with choosing which investments are best for your scenario, but various mutual funds within an IRA or 401(k) are usually a good start. If your employer offers matched contributions on your 401(k), it is in your best interest to contribute the maximum amount that you are allowed each year. This basically means free money for you!

4. Evaluate your situation over

time. As you get closer to retirement, it will

be important that you periodically reassess your retirement savings. When you have many years until retirement, you can afford to be more risky in your investments, generally producing higher returns. As retirement gets closer, you will want to shift to a more conservative portfolio, thus protecting your nest egg. A good financial planner can help you throughout this process.

Regardless of your retirement goals, good planning is vital! Remember that if you do not have a plan for where you want to end up, you will likely end up somewhere that you do not want to be. 

GIGGLEMAG.COM | FEB/MAR

2014

5

TIPS FOR SAVING EVERY DAY

Sometimes saving for a large goal can be overwhelming!

Here are a few tips for saving a little every day.

1. Cut out two cups of specialty coffee a week. That will add up to about $8 a week, $32 a month and $384 a year!

2. Bring your lunch to work instead of eating out. If you do this three times a week, that could add up to about $30 a week, $120 a month and $1,440 a year!

3. Use coupons for your groceries and deposit the amount you save into your savings account.

4. Bring soda/water bottles to work instead of buying from a vending machine.

Buying in bulk can save you around 50 cents to $1 per bottle!

5. Save big on your electric bill when you turn off lights and unplug appliances and electronics when you are not using them.

© 2014 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

After 10 years (with $10,000 of her money invested), Sally will have $12,577.89.

investment at $36,438.85. Finally, after 40 years, Sally’s investment had earned her $80,799.77, more than DOUBLE her investment! The key ingredient here is TIME.

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They also have additional experience and specialize in divorce-related financial matters as Certified Divorce Financial Analysts™ (CDFA™).

Their combined experience in financial planning and investment management allow them to assist divorcees through this emotional and stressful time. They help identify assets and liabilities when completing financial affidavits, structure settlement options, set budgets, and perform income projections to be sure that the client knows what their financial future will be. To this end, they work with numerous divorce attorneys, insurance specialists, valuation specialists and CPA’s in an effort to make the process as seamless as possible while getting the best results. Their end goal is to give anyone having to go through a divorce, peace of mind.

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Ashley is a graduate of the University of Florida with a major in Finance.

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We work with the clients to develop specific strategies for income, overall budgeting and lifetime goals. This strategy results in providing the client with an asset allocation strategy that is customized to match the client’s goals and objectives. Donna’s years of experience in this industry have allowed her to witness many market cycles and how to avoid mistakes based on emotions and help clients understand their situation and better know what to expect.

They are both very involved in the Gainesville community, serving on the Board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Alachua County, members of Children’s Home Society Auxiliary Board, Women Linked In, Women’s Giving Circle, GFWC Gainesville Woman’s Club. Members of Association of Divorce Financial Planners & Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts.

Ashley Banks, CFP®, CDFA™ Branch Manager Financial Advisor ashley.banks@morganstanley.com

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Banks Carroll Group at Morgan Stanley 4965 NW 8th Avenue • Gainesville, FL 32605

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life

HAPPY FAMI LY

The

Brewer Family

{ Sean, Laura, Justin (11), Kyle (8), & Blake (6)}

Occupation(s): Sean is division chief for the Crimes Against Women and Children Prosecution Unit. Laura is a reading teacher at St. Patrick’s School.

Favorite meal: We all have different tastes. However, our favorite family meal is spaghetti, salad and Texas toast.

Movie in our DVD player right now: "Cars 2."

Our family is most like: A gymnasium. At any moment there can be a game of indoor basketball, whiffle ball, hall soccer, or a wild game of trampoline football happening.

The kids’ favorite books: Justin likes the Percy Jackson series. Kyle really likes “Kenny and the Dragon.” Blake loves a book called “Pele, King of Soccer.”

Mommy and Daddy’s favorite TV shows: Laura loves anything on the Home and Garden Network. Sean likes to laugh with "Modern Family."

28

GIGGLEMAG.COM | FEB/MAR

Favorite sports to play: Sean-softball; Laurabackyard whiffle ball; Justin-basketball; Kylebaseball; Blake-football.

Favorite sports to watch: We love watching any sport that our kids and their friends are playing. We also love to go to Gator football, basketball and baseball games.

Pets: We had to say goodbye to our two dogs over the summer. There will probably be a new dog in our not-so-distant future.

Favorite vacation: Our favorite vacation was to New York City for the Macy’s Day Parade.

It was lots of fun seeing the balloons and floats with different celebrities on them. We also caught a few Broadway shows, went ice skating at Rockefeller Center, saw the Statue of Liberty, played in Central Park, saw life-size dinosaur fossils at the Natural History Museum, and visited the 911 Memorial. Even Blake got used to walking for blocks at a time!

2014

What makes our kids laugh: Our kids laugh a lot. Sometimes it is at their parents. Sometimes it is at each other. Other times, it is goofing off with their friends.

Why we love living in Gainesville: We love living in Gainesville for many reasons. We love living close to our family and

Photos by Lifeprints Photography.

Favorite date spot: We don’t get out too much without the kids, but we go to the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts when we can.

Websites we love: ESPN, Disney Junior, seeing pictures of our friends and family on Facebook.

At any moment there can be a game of indoor basketball, whiffle ball, hall soccer, or a wild game of trampoline football happening.

friends. We love all of the events Gainesville offers, such as Gator athletics. We love the educational opportunities our city’s schools have to offer. We love all of the trees and parks, and that we can drive a short distance and reach the beach, an amazing theme park or a pro sporting event. We also love all of the programs that are offered in youth sports in our city. Since 2005, Sean has coached over 90 teams in baseball, flag football,

basketball and soccer for kids in the 3-13 age range.

Favorite day trip: Heading to one of the theme parks in Orlando.

Favorite picnic spot: Grabbing Burrito Brothers and finding an open table on campus.

Must-have item: Any sports ball!

First word you think of when we say “family”: Love.

Three words that describe our family: Sporty, Loving, Happy.

Favorite family activity: We love to travel and explore new cities.

GIGGLEMAG.COM | FEB/MAR

2014 29

forks & spoons

LUNCH BOX

Great Greens!

BY DANIELLE MICHELS

Stronger immune systems, better overall behavior, improved ability to focus on tasks and more quality nights of sleep.

These are all things we want our kids to possess, and with the simple addition of a few more servings of green vegetables in your child’s diet these proven nutritional benefits can be theirs.

According to the USDA, children from 2 to 3 years old should be receiving ½ cup of green vegetables per week, and children 4 to 8 years old should be receiving one cup of green vegetables per week.

On a daily scale, half of your child’s daily intake of food should be comprised of fruits and vegetables.

THE

GOOD STUFF IN THOSE

GREENS

30

Here are a few ways you can add those incredibly nutritious greens to some common lunch box items:

✤ Banish the juice box and go for home squeezed instead. Make a

commonly liked flavor of juice to-go (think strawberry banana or mixed berry), but throw in a little kale for the green element. The dark color and sweet taste of the berries will mask any signs of the kale.

✤ How do you sneak greens in to the most common lunch box item, the sandwich? Rather than trying to slip

in a couple pieces of lettuce and hoping your child doesn’t pick the green stuff out (or have it “accidentally” fall out), try a grilled/pressed sandwich with some romaine lettuce hidden on the inside. With the sandwich being pressed and melted together it won’t be as easy for them to see, or pull out, any leafy greens.

✤ Make green items a fun side dish. Find an adventurous cookie cutter to

create a dinosaur- or lion-shaped sandwich and then use broccoli trees with a “lake” of ranch to paint the rest of the picture. Sometimes getting greens into a young picky eater’s diet is more about sidetracking rather than hiding. 

Vitamin K

Potassium

Vitamin C

Vitamin A

Iron

FIND IT IN: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, cabbage BENEFITS: Essential in the creation of proteins for blood clotting, bone strength and bone health

FIND IT IN: Spinach, Swiss chard, beet greens BENEFITS: Affects how we feel on a day-today basis by keeping our brains, hearts and nerves in proper functioning order

FIND IT IN: Green bell peppers, kiwi BENEFITS: Protects the immune system, prevents against heart disease and promotes good vision

FIND IT IN: Mustard greens, dandelion greens, kale BENEFITS: Important for functioning of vital organs such as the heart, kidney and lungs as well as maintaining a strong immune system

FIND IT IN: Squash, kale, turnip greens, peas BENEFITS: Helps to form red blood cells and is essential for proper brain function and muscle formation

GIGGLEMAG.COM | FEB/MAR

2014

© 2014 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

However, coaxing kids to eat their greens is a battle that has stood the test of time.

With the increasing amount of processed foods taking over our grocery shelves it’s time for parents to take a stand and fight.

While most of what our children eat is in our control at home, you have to wonder what kind of nutritional value your child receives at school.

With classroom pizza parties, birthday cupcakes, vending machines and fundraising snacks (mostly candy), it’s easy for healthy at-home efforts to completely come undone over the day.

oh the

places you'll go!

SPACE AVAILABLE YOUR AD HERE.

giggle@irvingpublications.com

CHOCOLATE IS HEALTHY Yes, you read that correctly! Chocolate is healthy, but only in small doses.

There are some significant nutritional benefits to this delicious treat. We have all heard about chocolate’s antioxidant benefits but there are other benefits that are not as well-known. More and more research is showing that chocolate may: • Lower blood pressure • Improve blood flow to the heart and the brain • Ease symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome • Regulate the clotting response in the bloodstream Chocolate also contains chemicals that can help alleviate stress.

Flavonoids, a type of antioxidant, are found in dark chocolate and can provide some protection from the sun’s UV damage. These are all wonderful health benefits!

But not all chocolate is the same. There are three main types of chocolate: milk, dark and white.

THE STORY BEHIND THE CONVERSATION HEART Conversation heart candies only come out one time each year, right before Valentine’s Day. Between January 1 and February 14, 8 billion conversation hearts are manufactured by New England Confectionery Company.

These whimsical heart-shaped candies, first introduced in the 1800s, started out as little messages printed on colored paper that was inserted into “cockles,” or candies that were shaped like the shell of a scallop. Later they became known as “motto hearts” because of the little mottos or sayings printed on the paper. Then, in 1866, Daniel Chase, the brother of NECCO’s founder, came up with the brilliant idea to print the words right on the sweet candies.

It wasn’t until almost 150 years later, in the 1990s, that the conversation hearts messages started to change. The messages began to reflect more modern sayings like “email me” or “text

&

ChocolateS Conversation

BY LISA KATZ

MILK: This is sweet chocolate made from cacoa liquor, sugar, cocoa butter, milk solids, milk fat, lecithin and vanilla.

DARK: This chocolate has cacoa liquor, sugar, cocoa butter,

lecithin and vanilla. It can be sweet, semi-sweet, bittersweet or even unsweetened.

© 2014 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

WHITE: This is chocolate made from cocoa butter, sugar, milk

solids, milk fat, lecithin and vanilla. Because it doesn’t have any ingredients from the cacao bean, it turns an off-white color. Purists do not even consider this a true chocolate.

It’s so nice to know that chocolate is good for more than just mending the occasional broken heart. If you reach for chocolate to satisfy your sweet tooth, try to reach for the dark kind. It has more antioxidants that milk or white chocolate. Most importantly remember, everything in moderation!

me” and, more recently, “tweet me” was debuted. NECCO receives hundreds and hundreds of suggestions every year for new sayings. Ultimately these requests have led to annual contests for new sayings and the occasional new flavor.

Soon after Valentine’s Day ends each year, NECCO begins its next production of Sweethearts Conversation Hearts. From late February until mid-January approximately 100,000 pounds of hearts are made daily. All of these candies are sold in just a six-week period. Nothing epitomizes Valentine’s Day like these iconic conversation heart candies!

SOM E TASTY FACTS

The biggest bar of chocolate was created in Turin, Italy, in the year 2000. It weighed 5,000 pounds!

The word “chocolate” comes from the Aztec word “xocolati,” which means bitter water.

At one time, conversation candies were made into many shapes including horseshoes, baseballs and watches.

GIGGLEMAG.COM | FEB/MAR

2014 33

forks & spoons

I N T HE F RI D GE

Kid-Friendly Snack Shelf

BY DANIELLE MICHELS

Trips to run errands and afterschool activities alike call for one essential item: snacks. Snack foods are things usually associated with the word “junk,” but with a little pre-planning, snack time can be healthy as well as easy.

With a specifically designated drawer or shelf with ready-to-go snacks, you’ll save time and frustration when your kids want something to eat when it’s not mealtime. By purchasing or sectioning out snacksized portions and housing those items on “the snack shelf” your kiddos know they have access to the kind of snack they want, when they want it.

The key is creating your own control concerning how many and what type

Additionally, keep snack options to a minimum. Having every type of snack

Snack Shelf Ideas

Buy tiny Tupperware bowls Having small dishes to portion out dips like peanut butter or caramel for sliced apples, ranch for baby carrots or hummus for pretzel chips keeps mess to a minimum.

Take away the work The biggest perk of having a snack shelf means no more time discussing and narrowing down the choices of what your children want to eat, making the snack and then cleaning

34

GIGGLEMAG.COM | FEB/MAR

up the mess. Set aside a bigger chunk of time on the weekends, or 10 minutes in the morning on a weekday, to pre-cut and package snacks for the week, saving you more precious time later.

Make friends with pre-packaged items Cheese sticks, yogurt cups with granola on the side, pudding cups and 100-calorie packs are easy to buy in larger packages and then divvy out to avoid over-snacking or having too many options on the snack shelf.

2014

CUTE WATER BOTTLE ALERT! This adorable Sophia the First water bottle promotes healthy habits! Dishwashersafe, it features a super cool infuser for flavoring water with fresh fruit or cucumbers. $7.99, zakdesigns.com

© 2014 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved. Water bottle image courtesy of Zak Designs.

You may be thinking, “Giving my kids access to an entire snack shelf is relinquishing too much control! I can picture the endless snacking and dinner spoiling now!”

of snacks sit on the snack shelf, as well item on the shelf at once will promote more as keeping it in sight. Make your snack mindless snacking simply because there is shelf at your kids’ eye level and not far food available. out of reach.

With a shelf that has a limited number of Keeping 90 percent nutritious snacks snacks we have the opportunity to teach our and 10 percent treat-like snacks on the kids how to ration snacks for when they are shelf gives your children some options, truly hungry or need energy between meals, and once the snacks you’ve allotted are as well as how to make the right eating gone for the day, that’s it. choices.

Inspired by vintage comic books and classic superheroes, this party is sure to wow!

PHOTOS BY VERVE STUDIO STYLING BY GIGGLE MAGAZINE SPECIAL THANKS TO THE HOGUE FAMILY

BAM!

Keep DĂŠcor Simple!

Using your food as the focal point, add a simple brick backdrop (we found ours at amazon.com), primary color balloons and a dramatic cake for a complete look. CAKE BY DREAM DAY CAKES

Have extra comic books lying around? Use them as part of your dĂŠcor! Here we used comic book pages for the letters in our banner. Trace the letters in your favorite font and cut them out. Then use double-sided tape to secure the letters to cardstock.

GIGGLE EXCLUSIVE!

We also used the comic books to line the bottom of clear plates. Trace the bottom of the plates onto your comic pages. Cut out the circles and use double-sided tape to attach one to each plate.

38

GIGGLEMAG.COM | FEB/MAR

2014

SUPER PHOTO BOOTH Every child loves to be the center of attention in front of the camera.

Create their very own photo booth corner using backdrops and props to coordinate with the party theme.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED: Theme-related backdrop. We got ours from Amazon, but you can also use a bed sheet, paper roll, textured or decorative wall, colorful door or even outside.

Painter’s tape to attach backdrop to the wall.

This prevents the tape from ruining the walls.

Mini trampoline for fun action shots (parental supervision required).

Props. We love capes, hats, tiaras, masks, glasses and scarves.

The ideas are endless based on your theme.

Make sure to set up in a safe area where they can have fun. Set the camera on a tripod for easy and steady shooting. Have kids bounce and smile their way into some great photos.

After each child has had a turn (or two), hook the camera up to a printer, print out the photos and place them in envelopes. Add them to the favor bags as a thank you!

Get your

game on

From old favorites (with a twist!) to new ideas that will get you moving, our game ideas are easy to do in a snap!

Kryptonite Hot Potato It's easy to turn a green, light up ball into a super foe! Play a CD of classic superhero theme songs and when the music stops...don't be the one caught with the kryptonite!

Super Silly Spiderweb Designate an adult to play the "bad guy." Give each child his own can of silly string and have him try his best to catch the villain in his web!

Hero Training Every little superhero has to start somewhere! Set up a "training camp" in the backyard. When the kids arrive, have them try their might at obstacles such as balancing on railroad ties, throwing a football through a hula hoop or jumping rope.

Superhero Tag Give this classic game an easy makeover!

One child is selected to be "It." When a player is going to be "tagged," they have to shout the name of a superhero and freeze in place. They remain frozen until another player comes to "untag" them. If you can't think of a superhero name before you are tagged, you become the new "It!" Get a Clue Uh-oh, who stole the cake? Set up a scavenger hunt filled with clues to find the party treat!

Bean Bag Boom Cut bean bag-sized holes in a sheet of cardboard and assign point values to each hole, depending on the level of difficulty. Have each player toss her bean bags to try and win the most points!

Let's Get Poppin' For younger guests, villainous bubbles are a great way to entertain. Encourage them to chase and pop as many bubbles as they can in 5 minutes!

40

GIGGLEMAG.COM | FEB/MAR

2014

SUPER COOL CRAFT

Cape Up! Set up a Cape Station at the party entrance.

As guests arrive they can decorate their own blank superhero cape with precut felt shapes and letters. Have an adult on hand to help with double-sided tape. The guests can keep their capes and change the design as they like!

We found our satin, reversible capes at Little Shepsters at etsy.com. littleshepsters.etsy.com

PARENTS!

DON'T FORGET TO WEAR YOUR FAVORITE SUPERHERO SHIRT TOO!

FUN FAVORS Send the little superheroes home with some super goodies! * Rock Candy * Slinky * Superhero Mask (so they can keep their identity

concealed!) * Snacks * A Keepsake Photo from the Photo Booth

Picture your child’s perfect, healthy smile!

We specialize in orthodontics for children, teens and adults utilizing state-of-the-art technology to create healthy, beautiful smiles that will last a lifetime.

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At Cohen & Montini Orthodontics, our top priority is to provide the highest quality orthodontic care in a patient-friendly environment.

7520 W. University Ave., Suite C • Gainesville

352-332-7911 Call today to schedule your complimentary consultation

VISIT US

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perfect party

planning your

Š 2014 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

{

starts here!

A Glimpse Into Our Area's Awesome Birthday Party Resources

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Publix

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Caricaturists & Face Painting Aviant Party Rentals

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Party Planners Capes and Tiaras Capesntiaras.com 352.587.2665

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Photo Booths Gainesville Photo Booth Rental

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Lauren McKinsey Designs Laurenmckinsey.com

Party Time Rentals Partytimerentals.us 352.373.8596

Michael’s

Über Booth

Taliasafa.com/uberbooth 352.577.5775

Michaels.com 352.377.9797

Venues ActionReaction, LLC Actionrxn.com 352.339.1298

Alachua County Parks Alachuacounty.us 352.374.5245

Balance 180 Sports and Gymnastics Academy

Gainesville Ecotours GainesvilleEcoTours.com 904.704.4087

Gainesville Rock Gym Gainesvillerock.com 352.335.4789

Gator Birthday Club

Balance180.org 352.340.1180

Gatorzone.com 1.800.34.GATOR x6600

Bouncin’ Big

Haile Plantation Golf and CountryClub

Bouncinbig.com 352.474.6356

See our ad in this issue!

Chik-Fil-A Oaks Mall

Cfarestaurant.com/oaksmall/home 352.331.6691

Coon Hollo

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Easton Newberry Sports Complex

Eastonnewberrysportscomplex.com 352.472.2388

Eclipse Sporthorses Eclipsesporthorses.com 352.283.3722

First Strike Paintball Firststrikepaintball.com 352.338.8408

Florida Museum of Natural History Flmnh.ufl.edu 352.273.2061

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Clubcorp.com/Clubs/Haile-Plantation -Golf-Country-Club

352.353.7012

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Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Kanapaha.org 352.372.4981

Kika Silva Pla Planetarium Sfcollege.edu/planetarium/ 352.395.5225

M2 Battlesports M2battlesports.com 386.965.5832

Regal Entertainment Movie Theater Regmovies.com 352.336.0408

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo Sfcollege.edu/zoo 352.395.5603

Simply Delightful! Confections Simplydelightfulconfections.com 352.378.5005

Skate Station Funworks Funworks.com/Gainesville 352.332.0555

Splash Park-City of Alachua 386.462.1610

Stage 7 KTV Stage7ktv.com 352.505.5156

Sun Country Sports Center

Suncountrysports.com 352.331.8773 See our ad in this issue!

Madonna’s Equestrian Academy

Sweetwater Branch Inn

Northwood YMCA

The UF Hilton and Conference Center

Horsebacklessons.com 352.222.3266

Ncfymca.org 352.374.YMCA (9622)

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Sweetwaterinn.com 352.373.6760

Hilton.com 352.371.3600

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health

GE T HE A LT HY Offer a variety of foods at every meal, but let your child decide how much and which foods to eat from what you put on the table. Don’t be a short order cook or offer a sandwich at every meal. She will never learn to try new foods if she knows you will make her favorite dish when she doesn’t like what’s on the table.

Raising a Healthy Eater

BY JEN HILLAN, MSH, RD, LD/N

Do you worry that you have a picky eater at home? Is the dinner table a battle ground? Here are a few tips to help make mealtimes easier.

eating and trying new foods, you will set a good example for your child to follow. And if there are foods you avoid, your child probably will avoid them too. He won’t eat his broccoli if you don’t eat yours!

Offer three meals and two or three snacks daily, and try to have them at about the same time every day.

Don’t offer any foods or drinks (except water) between meal and snack times.

This allows your child to come to the table hungry, but not starving.

Don’t bribe or force your child to eat. When you say, “Eat your vegetables and then you can have a cookie,” this sends the message that the vegetables really aren’t worth eating unless there is a treat.

Keep offering new foods. Studies show you may need to offer a new food 10-15 times before a child decides to try it. Pair familiar foods with unfamiliar foods.

Try to eat with your child and make mealtimes pleasant. When you have a positive attitude about

Give choices for other mealtime decisions. Ask your toddler if she wants to have her milk in the pink cup or purple cup. This helps her feel in control, but she’s still getting the milk she needs to build strong bones.

Offer a fruit or vegetable (or both) at every meal. Kids like to dip foods, so offering ranch dressing with carrots or peanut butter with apple slices may make the foods more appealing. If your child doesn’t eat a certain food, don’t try to hide it in other foods he likes. He may start to mistrust you and stop eating his favorite foods.

If you feel like your child isn’t eating foods from all food groups, ask your pediatrician about a multivitamin to be sure she is getting all the vitamins and minerals she needs to grow and develop.

Be patient, consistent and try not to worry too much! It will take some time, but gradually your child will learn to enjoy a variety of foods.

Jen Hillan is a pediatric outpatient dietitian and she also gives in-home cooking demonstrations as a Pampered Chef independent sales director.

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Reduce distractions at mealtimes.

Turn off the TV and don’t bring games, toys or books to the table.

Praise your child when he is eating well and ignore his behavior when he doesn’t eat. Children like to get their parents’ attention. If you praise him when he eats well or tries a new food, he will do it more often.

Limit meals to about 20 minutes, even if your child hasn’t eaten. Take away his plate and if he hasn’t eaten, let him know he will have to wait until his next scheduled snack. When he realizes you are going to stick with your schedule and not allow grazing between meal and snack times, he will learn to eat at those times. It will probably take awhile, he may miss a few meals, and he will definitely test you to see if you will give in. Be firm and consistent! It's okay if he misses a few meals…he will eventually get hungry!

health

GE T P RE T T Y

1Emily & Tony Aromatherapy Massage Oil Candles—

These unique candles are a two-in-one treat. When hot, the candle wax doubles as an extremely luxurious moisturizer with a nourishing soy and oil formula that cools quickly for instant comfort.

Each candle burns for up to 50 hours and is ideal for both men and women. Available in Crème de Vanille, Coco and Fougere scents. Price: $38.

Available online at EmilyandTony.com.

Beauty for Two!

BY DANA KAMP

BY DANA KAMP

2Anthony Logistics Glycolic Facial Cleanser—Aloe

As Valentine’s Day arrives, we can feel the warmth of love in the air.

To keep that love thriving at home, we found some amazing beauty products that are perfect for sharing with your loved one.

Cozy up, and pass the exfoliator.

vera soothes, glycolic acid lightens fine lines, and vitamins A, C and E nourish as this cleanser buffs away surface skin cells, leaving skin smooth and pimple-free. For men, it also helps prevent ingrown hairs and razor burn. Price: $21.00.

Available at Sephora, Beauty.com and Anthony. com.

3bliss Micro Magic Microdermabrasion Treatment—

Bring microdermabrasion home with bliss’ new formula with fine volcanic pumice, refreshing peppermint to energize, vitamin E and soothing aloe. The result is cleaner, healthier, smoother skin. Used twice a week, significant skin build-up is eliminated, pores look smaller and skin feels dramatically smoother and brighter. Price: $48 for 3 ounces. Available at bliss spas, blissworld. com and Sephora.

❶ ❷

4Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion (unscented original)—An exquisitely light and unscented body

lotion that is clinically proven to soften skin, it blends aloe vera, green tea and chamomile extracts plus antioxidants to nourish and replenish skin on contact. Hypo-allergenic and free of parabens, sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, petrolatum, artificial colors and phthalates. Price: $11.50. Available at natural food stores, Whole Foods Market and albabotanica.com.

❸ ❹

5ProActiv+ 3-Step System & ProActiv+ Cleansing Body Bar—Proactiv+ is a breakthrough 3-Step system

by Drs. Katie Rodan and Kathy Fields, featuring more medicine and skincare benefits than the original. Including the Skin Smoothing Exfoliator,

6Elemis Spa @ Home Skin Nourishing Body Scrub & Frangipani Monoi Salt Glow—These

luxurious body treatments use natural exfoliators to gently polish the skin, while nourishing and conditioning as well. The scrub includes rice, Bora Bora sand, bamboo, apricot and cherry powder to polish and a blend of sweet almond, macadamia and wheat germ oil to soften and nourish excessively dry skin. The salt glow’s mineral-rich salts and hibiscus cleanse and exfoliate dead skin cells to brighten skin while a coconut oil base melts upon contact with the skin to help seal in moisture.

Infused with Tahitian monoi oil and frangipani flowers for a delicate fragrance.

Price: Body Scrub-$46/Salt Glow-$58.

Available at TimetoSpa.com.

7Caudalie Beauty Elixir—Inspired by the

elixir of youth used by Queen Isabelle of Hungary, this treatment is perfect for all skin types that lack radiance. It smoothes skin texture, tightens pores and awakens the skin with a formula infused with grape, orange blossom, rose, mint and rosemary extracts. Perfect when used as a base for your makeup, and as an after-shave for men. Price: $49 for 3.4 ounces, $18 for 1 ounce. Available at US.Caudalie.com.

8PRIME TIME SMILE Active Blue Teeth Whitening Kit—Brush and shine your way to a whiter smile with this easy, two-step brush-on + LED light system. Whiten teeth in less than 30 minutes without messy trays, strips or expensive trips to the dentist. Price: $46.

Available at Ulta and Drugstore.com.

❼ ❽

52

❺

Product images courtesy of Alison Brod PR

❻

the Pore Targeting Treatment and the multifunctional Complexion Perfecting Hydrator, the system helps users, male and female, fix their acne and let their skin flourish. Use the cleansing body bar for deep-cleansing, exfoliating and unclogging pores all over.

Price: System-$29.95 monthly for a 30-day system/Bar-$40 ($29.95 with membership).

Available at ProactivPlus.com or by calling 1-888-710-2161.

February is

National Children’s

Dental Health Month

A

ccording to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children. Parents can help prevent tooth decay and cavities by following a few simple steps.

1

Check with your local water utility company to find out if your tap water has fluoride in it.

Most bottled water does not contain enough fluoride to prevent tooth decay, so if your tap water is fluoridated, drink that instead.

2

Help your children brush their teeth (with a fluoride toothpaste if over age 2) twice a day.

Young children cannot get their teeth clean by themselves and need your help to do a thorough job. Use a pea-size amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush, and encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste rather than swallow it.

3

Serve healthy meals and snacks.

Limit between-meal snacks to veggies and fruits and save the candy, cookies and soda for special occasions. Limit fruit juice and dilute it with water when you do allow it.

4 5

Take your children to the dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups.

Ask your dentist about dental sealants for your child’s teeth.

SOURCE: NIH MEDLINE PLUS (NLM.NIH.GOV)

© 2014 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

Sealants are put on in dentists' offices, clinics and in some schools.

health

GE T M OV I NG

FIGURE-IT-OUT FEBRUARY!

➜ EXCUSE #3

"The holidays are over and my bank account cannot afford a gym membership."

HOW TO SOLVE IT

Having a gym membership is not necessary in any way, shape or form. If you have willpower and a flat surface, you can exercise. Get online and research home workout circuits you can do in your backyard or in an open space in your living room. Additionally, use technology to your advantage. There are tons of free apps that give you workout plans to try based on what you want to work on and your exercise level.

Social media is also a great way to connect and see what free or small donation group classes you can attend in your community.

No More

EXCUSES!

BY DANIELLE MICHELS

February: the month where New Year’s resolutions have fallen short and moods can be in a slump.

There’s no reason why February should feel like you can’t restart those broken resolutions. After all, a resolution is something you plan to solve.

If that something is your exercise routine, it’s important to know that no matter what you’re looking to accomplish with working out, it’s going to take time.

© 2014 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

Time for your body to adjust, for your mind to grasp all the new things you’re experiencing (less stress, more energy), time to figure out what works for you and what doesn’t.

It’s time to take the failure out of February and make it Figure-It-Out February. Figure out how to make your fitness goals a routine, and not a resolution to be brought to the surface again next January. And figure out what kind of exercise makes you happy and how to do it regularly.

So let’s tackle those excuses, shall we?

➜ EXCUSE #1

"I’m a parent and I work and have to run my household; there are just not enough hours in the day! "

➜ EXCUSE #4

"Running on a treadmill sounds like a surefire way to put me to sleep before I even start."

HOW TO SOLVE IT

HOW TO SOLVE IT

The way to solve this one is acknowledging your children/family life as part of the reason why it’s hard to make time to work out. What you need to do is rework the equation and realize your children and family are the reason why you should make the time to be healthy. Create the time by doing your workout before your kids are up and out of bed for school, when they’re doing after-school activities, or once they have gone to bed. If you’re feeling particularly pressed for time, workout with your kids, and then you’re instilling healthy values in them while getting your body healthy.

➜ EXCUSE #2

"By the time I’ve conquered my mile-long to-do list as well as take care of all the daily life things that pop up, I have no energy or motivation."

HOW TO SOLVE IT

Find the things that do motivate you and create your own reward system. Maybe treat yourself to a manicure or a new piece of costume jewelry, but only when you deserve it. Enact some sort of “deserving effect” with working out. Set a reasonable goal, like working out three times a week for four weeks, and once you’ve hit your mark, treat yourself!

Boredom is one of the main reasons why exercise routines fail. Don’t do the same thing every day, and think outside-the-box in terms of what exercise means to you. A lot of people think about exercise and envision someone endlessly running in place on a treadmill. Try rock climbing in an indoor gym or go kayaking at a local lake. Better yet, do it with a friend and it becomes a fun experience—and you’re held accountable by meeting up with someone.

➜ EXCUSE #5

"Just the thought of working out in front of people makes me sweat. There you go, that’s my workout for the day."

HOW TO SOLVE IT

Lack of confidence is a huge hurdle for those who feel intimidated because they are too out of shape or they don’t really know how to exercise.

Knowledge is empowerment. Schedule a session with a personal trainer to help teach you the ropes as well as come up with a customized exercise plan. If finances are tight, find a workout buddy who has similar confidence issues. Tackling your hurdles with someone there to cheer you on (and you returning the favor) can really give you the boost you need to get out of your head and onto the road to fitness! 

GIGGLEMAG.COM | FEB/MAR

2014 59

happy home

MAKE IT. FIX IT. CLEAN IT.

The Writings On the Wall…

And the Table, And the Cabinets, And the Car

BY ALLEN HAYNES

We’ve all been there. You’re at home enjoying the peace and quiet of a spring afternoon.

Wait. What? You’re a parent.

Quiet only means two things: 1) The kiddos are sleeping, or 2) They’re breaking something, cutting a sibling’s hair or using the kitchen cabinets as a canvas for their art fair.

The first question we always ask is, “Where’d they get that?” because you don’t own Sharpies®. You know you don’t, because you searched for one last week for a solid hour and none were in the house.

The second question is, “How in the world am I going to clean that off?”

Here are a few ways to remove permanent marker, crayons and almost any other kind of medium your children get their little but powerful hands on.

AEROSOL HAIR SPRAY

© 2014 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

{WORKS BEST ON CABINETS}

That’s right, it’s time to stock up on a few cans of aerosol hair spray. No, we’re not bringing our 1980s big hairstyles back. This stuff is liquid gold when it comes to removing unwanted permanent marker ink from your home’s surfaces. Spray it directly on the markings and wipe it off with a cotton cloth. It’s that easy.

TOOTHPASTE {WORKS BEST ON WALLS}

If you don’t want to stock up on hairspray, you can always use toothpaste. This works especially well on walls. White toothpaste with baking soda works best. Do not use the gel kind. That’ll make a bigger mess. Put a little dollop of toothpaste on the mark. Once it’s dry, use a toothbrush to wipe away the mark.

SUNSCREEN {WORKS BEST ON COUNTERS}

Take some of that SPF 30 you’re sure to have lying around, and squeeze a little bit directly onto the markings. Take any old kitchen rag and wipe it up. The sunscreen may leave a residue, so clean the counters with your preferred kitchen cleaner afterward. Both the markings and sunscreen should be gone.

surface or paint, the markings may have already set in and these options could make it worse.

Sometimes having a can of spare paint is just the best option for touch-ups.

Regardless of how you choose to remove the precious artwork, ALWAYS take a picture before doing so. You’ll thank yourself later. 

{magic solutions} Here’s a list of a few other household products known to remove children’s art.

• Dry erase marker cleaner • Boiling water and white rag

COFFEE

• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser®

{WORKS BEST ON COUNTERS AND TABLES}

• Tide pen

Use black coffee – no sugar or creamer – as a cleaner to remove the markings. Make sure to use your regular cleaner afterward, so you don’t stain the surface.

Note: Make sure you check the surface before trying these options. Depending on the kind of

• Bug spray with 20% or more DEET concentration • Tea tree oil • Hand sanitizer

• Pencil eraser • Dad’s aftershave • Can deodorant • Nail polish remover

Has your little one done a number to your counters, carpets or car? Send us your photos and tell us how you solved the problem at Giggle@irvingpublications.com.

GIGGLEMAG.COM | FEB/MAR

2014 61

happy home

ORGA NI ZE D CHAOS

the like. Totes come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Line them with washcloths so you can clean them out as needed. Shared items on the counter now consist of hand soap, tissues, and whatever else your crew needs.

Don't Throw In the Towel: Wrap Up the Clutter

The key to a divide and conquer approach is color-coding. Match the totes and towels. There will be no denying whose wet towel was left on the floor! Extra towel racks are easy to install. You might prefer hooks that are already mounted on a board that matches the wood grain in the room or can be painted. Lowe’s and Home Depot have these. Consider freestanding or wall-mounted drying racks from the Container Store and Ikea.

The key to a divide and conquer approach is color-coding.

BY HELEN KORNBLUM

“Mom! He got toothpaste on my towel!”

“Mom! She spilled water everywhere!”

“Mom! Where’s my comb?”

To keep counter space clutter-free, create a carryall for each child’s personal items, starting with toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs and hairbrushes, hair bands and

Take inventory behind the shower curtain.

You can move hair products to special holders that hook onto the shower head or curtain rod. If you’re still in the “bucket of toys” stage with a preschooler, keep those in a tote or hang them in a special mesh hammock that attaches to the tile wall with suction cups.

A user-friendly bathroom will show the younger set in your household that sharing space can be peaceful. When their friends come for sleepovers, they will appreciate the effort too. 

 Helen Kornblum is a life coach and organizer in Gainesville, FL. She owns naturalorderorganizing.com. Her specialty is coaching teens and young adults who have ADHD or ADD.

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If you hear bouts of high drama coming from the kids’ bathroom, reorganizing or reconfiguring the space could help. You may not resolve all the conflicts, but you will see benefits from a few changes.

Older houses often lack storage space for towels and kid-friendly equipment, so you have to think outside the medicine cabinet. You have options for wall storage, beginning with a freestanding unit that fits behind the toilet tank or shelving on the wall above it. Consider adding a tall wicker bookshelf, which can withstand humidity.

You can mount inexpensive boards using standards and brackets to deal with oddly configured space. If you want more drawer space, buy a rolling plastic cart.

If the bathroom has adequate drawer space, assign one to each child. Furnish the drawers with divider trays in the sizes need to hold supplies. If you have a small linen closet in the bathroom, roll up the clean towels for tighter storage. Use plastic shoe boxes to create a first aid kit and for other small backup supplies. Be sure to store extra toilet tissue.

happy home

OUR S PACE

Princess Bedroom When Cynthia Flanagan decided to create a princessthemed wonderland for her daughter's bedroom, she really went all out.

"I wanted to create a space just for her," says Cynthia.

The valance above the headboard gives the room a royal look and handpainted murals of fairy-tale scenes adorn the walls.

The beautiful castle mural is every little girl's dream!

This window seat provides a cozy spot for story time.

Regal crown moulding frames the room and a painted sky ceiling truly transports you into a storybook!

Photos by Allison Raber. Murals by Rick Chance. Window treatments by Joann Quickel.

T he F lanagans'

The 2014 Adventure Begins...

The BWLC ladies and Dan Griffin of Sweat Life

{

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

}

BWLC II - AMANDA BIRRENKOTT

T

he Giggle Magazine and Sweat Life Fitness Big Weight Loss Challenge is back for its 4th year!

It sounds simple. But if it was, everyone would be doing it. And they’re not.

Eating clean and healthy, the way we are supposed to, is hard. Let’s be frank.

Many of us would much rather grab a drive-through burger, fries and diet soda than have to PLAN and THINK about what we are going to eat. That drivethrough meal must be good for us since it tastes so good, right? WRONG.

Amanda lost 24 pounds of fat during her challenge, and in the 17 months since her challenge ended she has lost even more weight and is continuing to eat mostly clean foods. She loved her experience, and the lessons she learned really did change her life. Not a day goes by that she doesn’t think about BWLC. She says she has continued to challenge herself in ways she couldn’t have before the BWLC. A few months ago she completed a half marathon (13.1 miles) in under two hours, something she never thought possible!

She and her family continue to enjoy their active lifestyle together and she still trains with some of the other girls regularly!

One of their first assignments as BWLC contestants was a tour of a local grocery store. Dan gave the ladies a lesson on the good and the ugly foods. It was here they were shown the proper way to read labels, shop the aisles and make the best choices for their bodies and minds.

Challenge Yourself!

Here is a sneak peak into the BWLC food rules. Could you do it? »» Consume nothing you cannot pronounce. »» The item must have no more than five ingredients. »» Does it rot? Real food should. »» Always eat your colors. ROYGBIV! »» Prepare menu/meals ahead of time. »» Eat every three hours.

Follow their progress on Facebook at facebook.com/ GiggleMagazine

and

facebook.com/ SweatLifeFitness

Group photo courtesy of Sweat Life Fitness. Personal photo courtesy of Amanda Birrenkott.

Thank you, Giggle and Sweat Life! I’m a changed and happy mama.

One of the very first things we teach the women of the BWLC is how to eat. As Dan would say, “You CANNOT out train a bad diet.” True fact. You can run all you want, but if you are stuffing cream puffs and root beer down afterward, you will be at the same spot you started…in poor health. For the ladies, eating clean and healthy will become their JOB. It will consume them; their thoughts, actions and habits. Their families will hate them…then love them. Eating the core nutrients, the way they were intended, is key.

THANK YOU TO THIS YEAR'S SPONSORS

If you would like to join us as a sponsor, please contact Nicole Irving at nicole@irvingpublications.com.

learn

T HE CLA S S ROOM

Motivating Children to Love Learning

BY CHRISTINA MILLER, PRESIDENT, MILLHOPPER MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Excitement for and love of learning is what all parents and teachers want for their students.

As a teacher I find nothing more exhilarating than having my students’ eyes twinkle with excitement or laugh with delight during a lesson.

Because children are innately curious, they are usually eager to embark on a learning challenge if they feel a sense of safety and that they can take risks. If students know it is safe to try, they have a greater expectation that they will succeed. There is actually a neurochemical released in the brain associated with fear that will inhibit learning. Stressful and challenging activities can be embraced by students as long as they know it is safe to try.

HAVE YOU

HEARD ABOUT...

68

There are a lot of great resources for teachers as well as parents too. All parents want their children to thrive in school and become lifelong learners. The parents’ role in their children’s academic success often comes in the form of helping their children with homework and school projects. After school is out for the day, children are often busy with sports and afterschool activities and homework comes on the heels of a full day.

Working parents are also tired after their full days and everyone wishes they could just kick back and enjoy each other. Motivation comes into play even more profoundly at this time.

Children are motivated to play video games even after a long day. The reason children are drawn to video gaming is because there is no one to judge a failed attempt. They can fail and fail again during each subsequent attempt, all the while thinking that they can and will succeed. They like choosing activities that are challenging, never needing to be prodded, having keen concentration while on task and persevering for hours.

To harness this into ways to motivate children in school, parents can learn how to mentor their children in seven easy steps.

The Parent Institute (parent-institute.com) has put out a guide called “7 Proven Ways to Motivate Children to Do Better in School.”

The Parent Institute has many other guides as well. The guide for motivation is geared for middle school but the steps are true for all ages, and the younger the child is the easier it is to establish habits for learning.

There are also six 5-minute video case studies that parents and children can watch in which other students describe the process by which they were able to master a subject at whatkidscando.org.

As parents and teachers we need to learn what it means to be a coach and facilitator to our children. We need to have meaningful conversations where we are active listeners to what they feel is relevant. We need to create an environment where our children feel safe during the trial and error process while having high expectations that they will eventually succeed. If our children can learn in this type of environment, they will not only be motivated to learn, they will become lifelong learners.

Youngzine is a child-centered website that provides articles, images and videos about world news, science and technology, society and arts, movies and books. Check it out at youngzine.org!

GIGGLEMAG.COM | FEB/MAR

2014

© 2014 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

Another component to motivating learning is to have the task or challenge relevant, according to Kathleen Cushman, author of “Fires in the Mind: What Kids Can Tell Us About Motivation and Mastery.” Her findings from years of interviewing students were that students need to feel that the learning task matters and has a value.

Her group of teachers, students and scientists developed eight conditions that they felt were vital for learning. The first is for the student to feel that he is okay and the second is for the learning to matter. Beyond the first two the list expands to requiring the activity to be active as well as having to use the skill

or knowledge being acquired. The students need to feel that they are being stretched.

They also feel the importance of having a coach and mentor. Finally, they need to be able to reflect and think back on what was learned and be afforded the time and opportunity to plan ahead to what will come next.

learn

HOM E S CHOOL CORNE R

BY TARA GRIFFIN

You’ve heard me raving about the benefits of homeschool.

I love the flexibility, the family time, the low teacher-student ratio. So I must be a perfect super-mom-teacher all the time, right? WRONG. I’ve encountered many challenges, most with the addition of my second student, Torie, our wily 7-year-old daughter. Tanner (age 9) has mostly been a model student. It’s pretty easy to be good at soaking up life skills, knowledge and wisdom with one-on-one teaching/learning. But that all changed when we threw a second student in the mix. Here’s what I’m working on and what I’ve learned so far:

 Sibling Rivalry

doing (or the “awesome” teaching I am doing to explain a concept).

I don’t know why I didn’t anticipate this.

I’m pretty competitive. My husband, Dan, is very competitive. The kids, as it turns out, are totally competitive. While they normally love school and play pretty nicely with each other, we’ve had unexpected major meltdowns when one child finishes spelling before the other finishes piano practice, and when one gets all the math questions right and the other misses one. Reminding them that they are two years apart doesn’t usually help. What to do?

SOLUTIONS: Headphones The child doing math has Mozart on headphones while the one working with Mom gets to work out loud.

Separate workspaces Often one kid is outside working at our picnic table while the other is inside at the kitchen table. Or one is in a room and one is on the sunny bench on our porch. This is very effective. And when the weather’s nice and they both want to work outside, we just do the headphone method outside.

SOLUTIONS: Team Griffin In our house, we have a family phrase (“Griffins…EARN IT!”). We literally put our hands in and say it before any big event. I like that we are a team.

Everyone on a team has a different role. We celebrate each others’ strengths. We teach each other. We say what we like about each other. And when a kid gets in time-out for being unkind, the consequence is to write five things he or she loves about the person that was hurt.

Quiet Time We take a one-hour DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) almost every afternoon. Every person is in a separate room reading, writing or drawing quietly.

It’s a reset button for any craziness that came before it.

I am not as good at this as I thought I was.

While I always make sure academics are in our day, I’m finding that I sometimes forget to think about dinner until six o’clock and start scrambling. (Sometimes literally. Eggs are a pretty quick and easy dinner!) Also, with everyone home all the time, we seem to use more laundry, create more dishes, make more messes, do more art projects and have more books lying around than ever before.

The 5 "C's" of Homeschooling

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2) Communicate your expectations of how they are to treat one another. We have a strict kindness and respect policy in our house. It’s the only rule I really enforce.

3) Carve out time for each child to be alone. Daily quiet time. Everybody needs it.

2014

A third grader and a first grader in our school this year.

FOR EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO BEGIN HOMESCHOOLING IN ALACHUA COUNTY, VISIT:

sbac.edu

4) Create an atmosphere of acceptance. I love for the kids to celebrate each other’s strengths.

Having the kids say things they like about each other really goes a long way.

5) Commend the moments when they are getting along. This is really the easiest step to follow. Who doesn’t love and appreciate a cute sibling moment?

Headshot by mikifoto. Photos courtesy of Tara Griffin

SOLUTIONS: A detailed whiteboard list for each family member that is ever-changing to meet the daily needs. This amazingly keeps me and the kids on track all day. If I have a list, I refer to it, and usually accomplish all the tasks and more. The kids love to check things off and add new things as they arise. Who knew a board and a marker could be so fun? 

With kids two grades apart, often one or the other of my kids is distracted by the “awesome” assignment the other child is

1) Cultivate similar interests. Both my kids like to sing and play music, so I’m always encouraging them to write songs together.

Painting together is always fun.

 Time Management

 Multiple Curriculums/Distractions

I found The 5 “C’s” of homeschooling siblings on girlstogrow.blogspot.com and I’m working hard to implement the strategies:

Headphones with Mozart playing are often a necessity.

2014 SUMMER CAMP

GUIDE

© 2014 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

Your guide to all of the summer camp fun Alachua County has to offer!

SPORTS

OUTDOOR/RECREATION

Gator Volleyball Youth Day Camp

300 Club 300clubswimandtennis.org

Gatorzone.com/camps

City of Gainesville Cityofgainesville.org

Crosstrainers at Trinity United Methodist

Girls Place Girlsplace.net

4-H

Alachua.ifas.ufl.edu See our ad in this issue!

City of Gainesville Cityofgainesvilleparks.org

Camp Good News

Haile Plantation Golf and Country Club

Campgoodnewsfl.com

clubcorp.com/Clubs/ Haile-Plantation-GolfCountry-Club DB Racquet Club See our ad in this issue!

Trinitygnv.org See our ad in this issue!

Dbtennis.com

Kevin Maris Baseball Camp Florida Fencing Sfchs.org Academy Floridafencingacademy.com

Kids Sports and Fitness Camp Florida Track Club Junior Champs Kidssportsandfitnesscamp.com Floridatrackclub.org

Meadowbrook Golf Gator Baseball Camp Course Gatorzone.com/camps

Playmeadowbrook.com

Gator Golf Camp

Oak Hall Sports Camps

Gatorzone.com/camps

Oakhall.org

Gator Lacrosse/Elite Lacrosse Camp

Skate Station Funworks

Gatorzone.com/camps

Winshape at Gator Soccer Academy Westside Baptist Gatorzone.com/camps

Winshapecamps.org

Gator Softball Camp Will Muschamp Gatorzone.com/camps Football Camp Gator Swim Camp Gatorzone.com/camps

Gator Tennis Camp

Gatorzone.com/camps

YMCA Ncfymca.org

Gatorzone.com/camps

SWIMMING Gator Swim Club gatorswimclub.com

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DANCE/GYMNASTICS

Skatestationfunworks.com

Makos Aquatics makosaquatics.com See our ad in this issue!

GIGGLEMAG.COM | FEB/MAR

2014

Cameron’s Dancenter

Pofahl Studios

IndepenDance Studio

Tumblemania

Camerondancenter.com

Independancestudio.com

Pofahldancestudio.com

Tumblemania.com

SCHOOLS A Child’s Academy achildsacademy.com

Brentwood School gobrentwoodschool.com See our ad in this issue!

P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School pkyonge.ufl.edu

St. Michael’s Day School

Gainesville Country Stmichaelsgnv.org Day School Gainesvillecountry St. Patrick dayschool.org Interparish See our ad in this issue!

Catholic School

Stpatrickschoolgnv.org Healthy Learning Academy See our ad in this issue!

Healthylearningacademy.com

Jordan Glen School Jordanglen.org

Kiddie Academy of Gainesville kiddieacademy.com/ gainesville See our ad in this issue!

The Rock School Therocklions.com See our ad in this issue!

Queen of Peace Academy qopacademy.org See our ad in this issue!

THE ARTS Corks & Colors Harn Museum

© 2014 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

corkscolors.com See our ad in this issue!

harn.ufl.edu See our ad in this issue!

Do Art Hippodrome

thehipp.org doartstudios.com See our ad in this issue!

See our ad in this issue!

Expressions Academy Musical Me Theater Expressionsacademy.org

French, Fun, Food & Foreign Language Frenchfunfood.com

Musicalmetheater.com

MARTIAL ARTS Aikido for Kids Aikidoofgainesville.com

Global Mixed Martial Arts Academy gainesvillekarate.com

Pro Martial Arts promartialarts.com See our ad in this issue!

Star Martial Arts Star-tkd.com

Okito Okitoamerica.com

EQUESTRIAN Dreamstone Horse Farm Pony Paddock dreamstonefarm.org

ponypaddockatcedarlane.com

Haile Equestrian

Twin Oaks Stables

haileequestrian.com

twinoaksstables.com

Madonna’s Equestrian Academy horsebacklessons.org

SCIENCE

SLEEPAWAY

Camp Invention I Love Bugs Entomology campinvention.org Field Camp

Boy Scout Camp Girl Scout Camp

FL Museum of Natural History

Camp Kulaqua YMCA Camp McConnell

entnemdept.ufl.edu/bug_club

flmnh.ufl.edu See our ad in this issue!

Alachuascouting.com

Campkulaqua.com

Girlscouts-gateway.org

Ymcasummercamp.com

MIXED ACTIVITIES Boys and Girls Club myboysandgirlsclub.com

Sun Country Sports Center

Suncountrysports.com Girls Place See our ad in this issue! girlsplace.net

O2B Kids

O2bkids.com See our ad in this issue!

YMCA Ncfymca.org

Summertime Fun at Trinity United Methodist Trinitygnv.org See our ad in this issue!

SUMMER FUN Alachua County Bouncin' Big Library District Bouncinbig.com Aclib.us See our ad in this issue!

conception2college  EXPECTING Pregnancy At a, Ahem, Mature Age

 INFANT | 0-1 First Year Memory Keepers

 TODDLER | 2-3 Winning the War on Bedtime

 EARLY YEARS | 4-5 All About Me: Self Absorption in Your Young Child

 KIDS | 6-7 The Unwritten Rules of Social Grace

 TWEENS | 8-12 Accepting the Change From Little Kid to Preteen

 TEENS | 13-18

Photo by Little Marie Photographie

Age-Appropriate Dating

GIGGLEMAG.COM | FEB/MAR

2014 81

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expecting

P RE GNA NCY

Pregnancy At a, Ahem,

Mature Age…

BY DANA KAMP

My medical chart had three initials on it that I didn’t remember seeing on my charts from my previous pregnancies.

A.M.A. I couldn’t figure out what that stood for…until the nurse offered me a few extra tests because of my “advanced maternal age.” Ahhh…there it was. I was 35 years old and therefore in the category of Advanced Maternal Age. If you fall into this subheading as well, your medical professional may offer you optional tests such as an amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling to determine the risk of Down Syndrome in your growing fetus, as the A.M.A. label means you are at a higher risk of having a child with Down Syndrome. These tests do slightly increase the risk of miscarriage, so discussing the pros and cons with your doctor is important.

This does not mean you will have a complicated pregnancy simply because you have 35+ candles on your birthday cake. It just puts the doctors and midwives on notice to watch for issues and recommend testing, extra ultrasounds or lifestyle changes if they feel something may need extra attention.

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"I had my babies at 29, 31 and 36. I've learned something new about myself each time. Pregnancy is definitely harder on your body the older you get.

But my heart and mind were much better prepared with my last pregnancy. I am more patient, more appreciative and more in awe and in love with my children at this age and this time around."

CHRISTY NASH "At the age of 41 I am SO tired compared to when I had my first at age 24, but would not change it for the world! I have learned what is important rather than what is not. And I hold on to EVERY moment because I know it does not last forever!"

HOPE VEGTER

I had children at 30, 32, 34 and 36 and we are probably not done. I am glad I had children later. Not only were my 20s filled with travel, education and fun experiences I can talk to my children about, but I am also in a better place emotionally, financially and personally to really have fun with the kids and make wise choices for them, and truly appreciate them fully in a way I would not have been able to do had I had them younger. I feel like I had the opportunity to explore myself for 30 years and really decide what I wanted in life...and even though personal growth never ceases, I feel my self-interest is less now and I am more focused on exploring who I am as a mother; I’m in a different rite of passage due to waiting to have children.

LISA LOSINSKI

2014

"I loved having a baby at my age (36) because I find that I have much more patience and feel much wiser at this age versus when I had my first at age 24!"

CARI HUNTER

"I am 36 and my first child is due Feb. 1. I think I am more grateful for him than I would have been at a younger age because I didn't think I would have a baby. I also believe I'm more prepared and more stable at this age."

CRYSTAL ISSAC

"I will say that with age I have definitely gained an ability to relax on the little things.

The first child was very well monitored, documented, watched and worried about, while the fourth could be juggling knives as I answer this, for all I know. Not sure if it's an age thing or a fourth child thing though."

TARA CECCHINI

© 2014 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

The magical age of 35 also brings an increased chance of carrying fraternal twins (which can be a positive or negative point, depending on your personal view and your health), developing gestational diabetes and/ or pregnancy-induced hypertension, and going into premature labor.

When asking moms about their experiences with having a baby after age 35, there were more positive answers than negative. Pregnancy and parenthood are difficult to navigate at any age, but most agreed that being older gives you a bit more mental stability to tackle the issues.

Above all, it seems each mommy just wants to relish having a little one and not worry so much about those initials on her chart.

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infant

AGES 0- 1

First Year Memory Keepers

BY KELLY GOEDE

My first child’s first year exists in my memory as a blur of images—sleepless nights, crying, smiling, tiny teeth, laughter, crawling and walking.

And I have an unsorted (albeit chronologically organized) collection of photos on my computer to validate my fuzzy memories.

My feeble attempts at first year memory-keeping bumped along like a country road—winding and full of potholes. Lacking from my attempts at chronicling her first year were convenience and a plan, both of which are vital to successfully documenting anything involving children. I did wizen up with my subsequent children, although my attempts still did not yield a complete record of all the first year firsts. In my defense, the dawn of Pinterest happened after my youngest children were born, and by then I was in the throes of multiple-children-fog.

And even if I possessed the most whizbang fill-in-the-blank baby album, I doubt I would have triumphantly produced a completed work, because I needed convenience...and a plan.

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2014

READY FOR

{ EXPERT-LEVEL} FIRST YEAR MEMORY-KEEPING? *Build record-keeping into your daily routine by keeping a calendar or journal at the changing table. *Start a perpetual micro-journal, with 365 index cards in a file box. Each day, record that day’s highlights in a sentence or two. *Create an email address for baby and jot him an email regularly to update his progress. *Utilize apps for your smart phone, like “My First Baby Diary,” and “First Year Baby Tracker.” *Use “Mom’s One-Line-a-Day Memory Book,” keeping it somewhere convenient and writing in it during nap time each day. *A pre-made baby book will prompt you to remember milestones as they happen. *Create a photo book on Snapfish or Shutterfly, uploading pictures, journaling and saving it each month. Order it when your baby is 13 months old.

© 2014 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

So what actually matters when you are trying to record all the highlights of your baby’s first year? Do you need a photo of every bath? Every sweet smiling face whilst baby is squished into her infant bucket?

And how are you going to document each momentous milestone? Both questions need to be answered as you will ultimately be the historian of the family, and you know your limits and personal style for record

keeping. Personally, I cannot scrapbook (or perhaps refuse to is more accurate)—the scraps and bits of paper and glue tease out a special brand of OCD in me that doesn’t yield a happy page or a happy mommy.

But I took to blogging, and I could actually manage to pound out a post or two on the computer while my photos were uploading (into photo purgatory, where they continue to languish). And even though I lack a decent organizational system for labeling pictures and publishing them, I did manage to keep my camera on my kitchen counter, easily seize it and record my daughter’s adorable smile, because it was the first time she had smiled at bubbles, or because she picked up a pen and scribbled on paper for the first time. And some nights, even when I was exhausted and bleary-eyed, I scribbled on my own paper, letters to her in a journal I kept on my nightstand. Now as my daughter looks through what I did manage to produce from her first year, she sees not what could have been, but beautiful evidence of her awesome first twelve months.

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toddler

AGE S 2 - 3

Winning the War on Bedtime

Mom

BY KELLY GOEDE

The magic of the big boy bed...the allure of not having to change a crib sheet juxtaposed with the reality that your young child is no longer confined on four sides and is now prone to wander, just because he can.

What he doesn’t know (but the experts at WebMD do) is that lack of sleep “affects a child’s development, behavior and emotions,” even increasing his risk for obesity later. So if a solid lecture extolling the benefits of sleep

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Routine is key for helping your child feel secure. Although we adults can absorb the disruption of schedule changes, children are more susceptible to meltdowns and anxiety when their routine is interrupted. A bedtime routine cues your child to know what to expect and what is expected of him.

Bedtime actually begins a few hours before Junior is under the covers. Turn off the TV and spend time in quiet activities, like book reading.

A warm bath, as part of the routine, is relaxing and soothing. Make sure your nighttime explorer also visits the potty and has one final bedtime sip of water before he actually hits the hay. Once he’s in bed at a reasonable time, consistency is paramount for your success at keeping him contained. When he appears at the door, do not engage him in conversation.

Simply say “bedtime,” and usher him back to bed. Over time he will realize that you mean business and his exit strategy is fruitless. And as difficult as the bedtime battle may be, it is a war worth fighting, as winning means a happier, well-rested child.

2014

2

Mom Sometimes you can be doing everything right and your little monster, er, sweetie, just won’t stay in bed. As nice as it is to dish out “this too shall pass,” it is not pleasant to be on the receiving end of that advice. When your child has fought you night after night, the cumulative effect hangs around your neck like an ugly necklace of guilt, frustration and exhaustion. Without trying to sound like that ever-so-(un)helpful lady at the grocery store who tells you to “enjoy every moment” because “they grow up so fast” and “you’ll miss this stage when they’re grown,” I will say that it is something they will eventually outgrow. So hang in there, Mama!

Keep trying what you know is right for your child and don’t be afraid to make a course correction if something isn’t working. Every child is different and you may have to try several methods before you reach your end goal...a child who sleeps through the night but who also speaks to you during the day.

-Kelly

© 2014 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

Although graduating from the crib is a baby book-worthy milestone, it invites a special new battle to be waged nightly as your child’s growing sense of independence and curiosity combine to prompt him to test the boundaries of his domain after dark. And as his parent, and sherpa for the Mt. Everest that is bedtime, it is your job to firmly and lovingly train him to stay in his bed and go to sleep. He most likely will not see eye-to-eye with you on the virtues of rest—after all, there are drinks to be had, potties to visit, and scary noises to investigate and report.

doesn’t put your child to sleep, help yourself out by following these tips for a smooth bedtime.

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early years

AGE S 4- 5

All About Me: Self Absorption in Your Young Child

BY KELLY GOEDE

Recently I saw a cartoon with a mother and child engaged in several scenarios that really hit home. In one, the mom has her hands full and the child asks her to carry his toy. In another, the mom has two pancakes on her plate and the child (with a foot-high stack on his) asks his mom for some of hers.

Each scenario showed the same sentiment—the child, completely absorbed in his own needs and wants is oblivious to his mother’s full hands and overwhelmed spirit.

In my own home, I once accidentally inhaled my coffee and as I was gagging, choking and vomiting over the sink, my sweet son (while watching me wretch) pipes up with, “Mom, can you get me a glass of milk?” Really?

According to Dr. Enrico Gnaulati, normal childhood narcissism boils down to “overconfident self-appraisals, craving recognition from others, expressions of personal entitlement, and underdeveloped

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Some of our goals as parents are to guide our children to adulthood with authentic self-appraisals, feeling empathetic, confident and not entitled. Hopefully this translates into our children being the ones holding the door for others at Starbucks, and waiting in line cheerfully.

Sometimes the weight of those goals feels rather daunting as a parent, yet the key to moving the proverbial ball forward lies in the countless daily interactions, teachable moments and leading by example. Parenting, after all, is more like a leaky faucet than Niagara Falls, and all of the little drip, drip, drips add up to a sizable (and empathetic, not-entitled, and confident) puddle (er, adult) over time. 

2014

 WHAT CAN YOU DO? BE EMPATHETIC Use your conversations to make her stop and think, asking your child, “How would you feel if that was done to you?” and “How do you think she felt when you hit her?”

Over time these thought processes will internalize, but until they do, you must act as her conscience.

GIVE PRAISE When commenting on your child’s efforts in art, sports, schoolwork, etc., ask lots of questions. Be specific about what you notice in his efforts that is praiseworthy. “I noticed you saying kind words to your brother. I bet that made him feel good.”

BE A LEADER Let them follow your lead. Teach them through your actions and words to allow others’ needs and wants to take precedence.

© 2014 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

So what gives? Why does your little darling act as if the planets all realigned on the eve of her birth with her at the center? Psychologists, in their clinical, yet reassuring, way will answer that your child’s narcissism is completely developmentally appropriate. Listen in on an early childhood classroom and you will hear evidence of teachers trying to train children toward empathy and modesty.

Concepts like sharing, taking turns and waiting in line all attempt to override the narcissistic urges that accompany normal childhood development.

empathy.” Sound familiar? And we’ve all seen when narcissism goes unchecked and produces an adult who thinks they are the center of the universe. If it’s annoying in a young child, imagine the disgust it propagates in a fully-grown adult. Picture the rude guy at Starbucks, who has cut in line, complained about his overly complicated drink and will most likely pull out in front of you on his way out of the parking lot. Like Gru from “Despicable Me,” but not as charming.

Not pretty, right?

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kids

AGES 6-7

The Unwritten Rules of Social Grace

BY KELLY GOEDE

Has your child ever said something out loud that has you looking for the nearest table to crawl under and hide? One of my sons has asked my sister-in-law why she didn’t have a baby yet—he wondered if it was because she was too old! My four children have asked some dubious questions, either within earshot of or directly to someone I’d rather they not.

And even though I chalk up their embarrassing faux pas to childhood curiosity and ignorance, at some point the buck has to stop and they will know where to stand and not to ask such things, right?

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Sometimes scenarios don’t naturally arise, and our job as parents is to anticipate the potential for an awkward situation and head it off at the pass. This means talking with your child before they venture out into a social setting.

And ultimately, our children are going to make mistakes. They are going to ask the embarrassing question, stand too close to people, and make others feel awkward or sad. We cannot anticipate every possible scenario. Thankfully, the more this happens when they are young and the stakes are low, the more opportunities we have to teach them. 

2014

HE SAID

WHAT?!

Foot-in-mouth disease is something every child is stricken with at least once during his childhood career, and how you handle his verbal faux pas will help him manage future tricky social situations. Once the offending utterance is stated, follow these steps to help smooth over the situation and teach your child what to do from now on.

1.

Apologize sincerely to the offended party and flee the scene.

2. Engage in conversation

with your child about why her statement was out-of-bounds.

3. Discuss what to do in the

future, should a similar situation arise.

4. Cut yourself some slack. Kids say embarrassing things. Get some sleep and begin again tomorrow.

© 2014 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

Even amongst their friends, my children are learning (and stumbling through) social procedures. When someone is excluded from a birthday party, sometimes a child must learn the hard way that it’s best to not discuss said party with those not invited. Figuring out social cues and absorbing and learning from social missteps are all normal aspects of childhood that require you, as the parent, to take the helm and help your children navigate so they do not become awkward teenagers (beyond the normal awkward that afflicts all teenagers).

Children are often affected by their peers’ clumsy attempts at social grace, and as sad as we may feel about our own child’s pain, we can use it as a teaching moment that may resonate more than a scolding when our child is the offender.

If your child has been asked about something different in his appearance, the embarrassment he feels is the best teacher for how others would feel if the situation were reversed. Guiding conversation toward empathy helps your children not only process what they are experiencing, but also cues them to keep their mouths shut in the future when they may be tempted to say or ask something awkward.

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tweens

AGES 8- 12

Accepting the Change From Little Kid to Preteen

BY LISA KATZ

For some of us, change is easy. For others, change is a little harder to accept. But, whether it is something ordinary like your child going from one grade level to the next, or an even bigger change like moving to a new home, changes are going to happen in our everyday lives.

What about when your child wants to change, or transition, into some big kid stuff? This could include wanting to watch more “grown-up” television programs instead of cartoons, or even the desire to have more “teenage” or older-looking clothing. It is sometimes a hard balance for a parent.

You want to be involved in your child’s life yet not be completely overprotective.

To tackle the issue of television programming, our prayers have been answered (or at least assisted).

Most television networks are using universal ratings now. These are fantastic guidelines and offer you a small overview of the content and approximate age-level that is appropriate for viewing a specific program. Using these ratings can help when determining whether certain program topics are still too mature for your children.

According to Wikipedia, maturity is “the ability to respond to the environment in an appropriate manner. This response is generally learned rather than instinctive.”

You know your child better than anyone! Can he handle watching a girl and a boy kiss on TV or is he still grossed out by girls? Can she handle watching a

"I look at each of my children individually and set the boundaries necessary for each one based on who they are. Each one needs something different from me." - G.B. (Mom to 3 children)

94

2014

Then there is the want by your tween to look older. These days it is sometimes difficult to see any difference in what an adult wears from what a preteen wears. What your daughter is allowed to wear is truly your call. If, for example, her body is already developing, she may be ready to shop in the junior department of the store.

All of these transitions or changes that your child craves are just baby steps towards independence.

Fortunately, these little steps come in small stages. There’s plenty of time for the parent to adjust… well, maybe.

friends feel about this transition?

"My daughter goes by those TV ratings for every show she lets her kids watch. Her kids have learned to look at the ratings too.” - V.C. (Mom to two adults who are both mothers with children)

GIGGLEMAG.COM | FEB/MAR

You will need to determine her maturity level, both physically and emotionally. Look for signs.

Taking her to that department will make her feel like a big girl but you can still guide her and have the final say. Sometimes even if she is developed, your daughter may prefer to wear athletic or even baggy clothing because she is still unsure about her changing body. Just remain supportive.

"I watch shows with my younger daughter to make sure they are appropriate. With my older daughter, she doesn’t usually watch TV. More often, she watches YouTube music videos or makeup tutorials.

While these are typically unsupervised, my daughter does share many of the videos with me.” - A.F. (Mom to 3 children)

"Of course I wasn’t ready for my daughter to dress like an older girl.

Some of the clothing nowadays takes things a little too far. I just hope she always makes the right choices because first impressions are often based on what you look like.” - A.K. (Dad to 2 children)

© 2014 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

How do some of our Giggle

show about shoplifting or bullying?

The best way to determine this is to ask your child and evaluate her reaction and response. Separating siblings to view certain programs may be ideal for everyone. A younger child can watch cartoons in one room while your older child can watch something “older” that you allow, like Nickelodeon, in another.

Regardless of the age of your child, program supervision is important.

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teens

AGES 13-1 8

AgeAppropriate Dating

BY BOBBI BLOOM

Wouldn’t you love an intimate dinner with your spouse?

Imagine eating an entire meal at your favorite restaurant with uninterrupted conversation.

What about being able to watch an adult movie in a theater with no phone calls? Sounds like a heavenly Saturday night to me!

You might be surprised to learn that your teenager may feel the very same way.

Children nowadays are all too eager to begin dating and have some kind of a relationship with the opposite sex. But what is age-appropriate dating for our kids and are they (or we) really ready for it?

For teenagers ages 13-15, parents typically feel that group dates are the most appropriate. Kids can go to the movies, go bowling, skating or even hang out at the local mall.

Dr. Ron Eagar views group dating as a healthy way for adolescents to ease into the dating pool rather than dive in.

As a parent, you need to decide what you feel comfortable with when it comes to your son or daughter dating.

Here are a few things to consider about your teen:

“There’s an enormous difference between a 14- or 15-year-old and a 16- or 17-yearold in terms of life experience. You might add or subtract a year depending on how mature and responsible your youngster is,” he says.

• What is her maturity level?

• Does he have good communication skills?

• Does she use appropriate manners around others?

• Is he honest and trustworthy?

For the older teens, ages 16-18, dating takes on new responsibilities and rules.

Now we add in the component of driving and curfews. Typically, unsupervised dating starts around these ages.

Some, or rather most, parents may not be ready for their child to enter the dating world. Your apprehension is understandable. Since dating is an inevitable part of growing up, wouldn’t it be better for your child to have as much knowledge and support from you as possible? It’s up to you to help guide your teen into this next phase of his adolescence. 

Consider asking your teen questions about being in a difficult or awkward situation and asking her to explain how she would react to it. That answer is a great indicator for what she may or may not be ready for in terms of dating.

GIGGLEMAG.COM | FEB/MAR

2014

Movies Bowling Miniature golf Walk around the mall Ice cream Rollerblading or ice skating School sporting events Indoor rock climbing School dance Paint-your-own-pottery place Group dinner at a restaurant Chaperoned parties at friends' houses

© 2014 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

Remember that what works for one of your children may not necessarily work with another. For that reason, many parents feel that dating rules and guidelines should be created on a case-by-case basis. Communication is the key!

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LOCAL DATES THAT MOM (AND TEEN!) WILL APPROVE

happy community The Cade Museum for Creativity + Invention is named for Dr. James Robert Cade, a professor of renal (kidney) medicine at the University of Florida. Dr. Cade is well known for being the lead inventor of the popular sports drink Gatorade, which is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2015, the same year the Cade Museum plans to open. Dr. Cade and his family established the Cade Museum Foundation in 2004, which is endowed by a permanent gift to cover staff and operating costs. The foundation’s goal is to design and build a museum in Gainesville for everyone, young and old, to enjoy. Its mission is to inspire creative thinking, future inventors and early entrepreneurs.

The Shively Foundation, whose board president is Jamie Janes, sees the museum’s opening as an essential part of the growth of our area children.

Patti and her grandchildren at the Cade Museum

“This is a great opportunity for kids and parents to explore something with no limits, and to learn about Dr. Cade,” says Janes.

It is because of this dedication to our children’s education, community growth and the sciences that the Shively Foundation presented the Cade Museum with a gift of $250,000 in November 2013.

BY NICOLE IRVING | PHOTOS BY ALLISON RABER

A

s Patti Shively, founder of the Shively Foundation, sits at a table with seven of her nine grandchildren, things begin blowing up, bubbling over and flying up to the ceiling. Squeals and giggles from the children echo in the Creativity Lab of the temporary Cade Museum for Creativity + Invention location, as science, learning and fun collide. Shively, a teacher herself and a resident of Gainesville for 34 years, takes it all in with a smile.

It is quite obvious that the Cade Museum for Creativity + Invention brings joy to families and children in Alachua County and surrounding communities.

“I am glad to see it become available for children everywhere,” says Shively.

It is because of generous gifts from donors and foundations like The Shively Foundation that the Cade Museum will open sooner rather than later.

“We are extremely honored, excited and humbled,” says Jennifer Denault, the Cade Museum’s development director of the Shively Foundation gift.

According to Denault, “The support from our community is essential as the museum will be built by and for the community. I hope that this generous donation inspires others to donate as well.”

The Cade Museum is currently in the fundraising stages for the approximately $10 million needed to begin construction on the 21,000-square-foot museum, labs, exhibits and workshops. In addition, many volunteer hours and in-kind donations are needed to make it a success. It is with the community support that this museum will become a place to grow, learn and truly experience what happens when science and creativity are combined.

For more information about the Cade Museum and the exciting classes it offers, please visit cademuseum.org

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happy community February

FEBRUARY 1

Dudley Farm Plow Day

FEBRUARY IS

BLACK HISTORY MONTH FIND OUT MORE AT HISTORY.COM

FEBRUARY 8

University of Florida Habitat for Humanity Annual Hearts and Homes 5K

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Dudley Farm Friendsofdudleyfarm.org

7:30 a.m.

Westside Park

FEBRUARY 16

FEBRUARY 1-2

FEBRUARY 11

Valentine’s Day Crafts

7 a.m.

Fivepointsoflife.com

Alachua County Fairgrounds

3 – 4:30 p.m.

High Springs Branch Library

FEBRUARY 18

FEBRUARY 2

FEBRUARY 12

Registration: 8 a.m./Race time: 9 a.m.

UF Commuter Lot Floridadm.org/ft5k

5:30 – 7 p.m.

Library Partnerships Neighborhood Resource Center

FEBRUARY 7

FEBRUARY 12-15

6 – 9 p.m.

Thornebrook Village Thornebrookvillage.com/uptownarthop. html

7 p.m.

Eastside High School Ehsdramagvfl.org/shows.html

FEBRUARY 8

Happy Valentine’s Day!

4 – 8 p.m.

Trinity Episcopal Church Facebook.com/TrinityEpiscopalChurchMe lroseFlorida

FEBRUARY 14

Hoggetowne Medieval Fair

University of Florida Dance Marathon FT5K

Uptown Art Hop

Melrose Winter Jam

FEBRUARY 8

Rock the Cradle - March of Dimes Fundraising Event 7 – 10 p.m.

Tioga Town Center Tiogatowncenter.com

F.R.E.D. “Fathers Reading Every Day” Kickoff

The Outsiders

FEBRUARY 14

March of Dimes Family Teams Kick-Off

5 Points of Life Marathon

Pilobolus

7:30 p.m.

Phillips Center Performingarts.ufl.edu/events/2013/ pilobolus FEBRUARY 19-MARCH 16

Leveling Up

Hippodrome Theatre Thehipp.org FEBRUARY 20-22

Will Muschamp Scramble for Kids

Mark Bostick Golf Course at the University of Florida Designyour.org/muschamp-scramble-forkids/ FEBRUARY 22

Wolf to Woof Celebration

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Sun Country Sports Center 352.331.8773

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Florida Museum of Natural History

FEBRUARY 15

CPR Training Event

5 Points of Life Kids 5K 8 a.m.

Fivepointsoflife.com

FEBRUARY 23

2 – 4 p.m.

High Springs Community School Heartsafeschool.com

© 2014 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

happy community March MARCH 1

Pirate & Princess Fun Run

Registration: 8:30 a.m./Run: 9:30 a.m.

O2B Kids—Newberry Rd. Kids4kidsflorida.org MARCH 1

Tioga Car Show 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Tioga Town Center Tiogacarshow.com MARCH 1

5th Annual Run for Haven 4:30 – 8 p.m.

Tioga Town Center MARCH 15

Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast 7:30 – 11 a.m.

Gainesville High School MARCH 17

Happy St. Patrick's Day! MARCH 22

March for Babies

Tour of Kitchens

Gainesvillejrleague.org/?nd=aprons

Registration: 7 a.m./Walk time: 8 a.m.

Westwood Middle School Marchforbabies.org

MARCH 7-9

MARCH 22-23

Winter Fine Art Fair Tioga Town Center MARCH 8

Spring Garden Festival Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Kanapaha.org/spring.htm

Run Amuck with the Duck

MARCH 24

MARCH 8

2 p.m.

Alachua County Library—Tower Road Branch

Registration: 8 a.m./Race time: 9 a.m.

North Florida Regional Medical Center

The Wiz

1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Danscompany of Gainesville Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Danscompanyofgainesville.org MARCH 11

Stuffed Animal Parade

Once Upon a Springtime Tea Party

MARCH 24-28

Spring Break

Alachua County Public Schools MARCH 29

Fallen Heroes 5K

3 p.m.

Millhopper Branch Library

9 a.m.

University of Florida Commuter Lot Facebook.com/FallenHeroes5K

MARCH 14

MARCH 29

St. Patrick’s Day Fest 5 –10 p.m.

Haile Village Center © 2014 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

MARCH 15

MARCH 15

Family Day at the Dairy Farm 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

University of Florida Dairy Unit MARCH 15

Puttin’ on the Ritz

7 p.m.

Fine Arts Hall at Santa Fe College Chsfl.org/Ritz

2nd Annual Butterfly Festivus 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Greathouse Butterfly Farm Butterflyfarm.com MARCH 30

Main Street Festival 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Alachuabusiness.com

extra! extra!

e! there's mor

What's Trending in the World of

BIRTHDAY PARTIES?

BY NICOLE IRVING

K

ids now want it all, and who can blame them? Who doesn’t like an all out fiesta in your honor? Using your local retailers, Etsy and the beloved Pinterest, anything and everything is on the table for an amazing shindig. But, that doesn’t mean it won’t be as stressful as planning your own wedding of 15 years ago.

So, put on those ballet flats and get out that Cricut machine because here is what I see trending for the birthday party circuit of 2014!

AMAZING FOOD

Kiddies are becoming little foodies.

From sushi to sliders, salad bars to lasagna trays, kids’ palates are changing, and for the better. Keeping it creative and healthy can always be tricky, but with their growing palates the ideas become endless.

CREATIVE DECORATIONS

Gone are the days of streamers and a few balloons. We now have lanterns, hay bales, ice sculptures, full-size cutouts, homemade banners, life-size stuffed animals and even live ones… the sky is the limit as to what to use to bring the party together.

UNIQUE THEMES

Mickey Mouse and Sesame Street are okay, but now the trend is to think outside the box for a theme and run

½ BIRTHDAY PARTIES

In an effort to place more stress on our already overbooked schedules, some are squeezing in the celebration of the ½ birthday. While this sounds fun and dandy, it is, let’s face it, stressful and somewhat unecessary unless under these circumstances: a) Your baby’s birthday is on Christmas, b) His birthday occurs over the summer and everyone is gone on a cruise the exact weekend you want to plan the celebration.

IMAGINATIVE FAVOR BAGS

From molded chalk in the shape of butterflies to race cars, buttons and tattoos, your favor bags can be as uber creative as you want. Try old-fashioned candy, popcorn balls, homemade photo frames, puzzles or pet rocks. Again, creativity is key.

BORROWING

Borrowing items, especially for décor, one-timeuse games and food displays, is the way to go. It makes others feel good to help with your party and if you create an “exchange” partner, you can keep your décor costs down!

Yes, our children’s birthday parties are on the trend to be as elaborate as they can be, but they don’t have to break the bank. With a little creativity, some elbow grease and a few friends willing to help, all of your child’s over the top ideas, and your desire to give her the best party ever, can still be accomplished on a set budget!

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2014

© 2014 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved.

Forget the bubble machines and clowns, and pizza and punch were so yesterday. Kids, even at the ripe old age of 5, know exactly how they want to celebrate their birthdays, and let me tell you, it goes beyond the streamers and soda pop.

with it! Karaoke, laser tag, superhero, dozer daze, pirates and princesses, tea parties, Mad Hatter, arts and crafts, cowboys, under the sea, rock and roll… oh my, the ideas are infinite. And the best part is, you can use your own toys, room décor and sports gear for decorations!

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