FREE
November 2019
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YOUR BRAIN & YOU
‘Confirmation bias’
HOLIDAY BAKING
SENSORYSMART Holiday travel tips
TWITTER TO SNAPCHAT Media’s effect on kids
A fast cookie recipe
Emma takes an autumn walk through The Grove in Boise
Contents Features
Volume 7, Number 11 Publisher J.J. Plew Associate Publisher Adrianne Goff Adrianne@globalpsd.com
November 2019
Sensory-smart Holiday travel tips
4
Columns 12 The
Outdoorsman Dog musher’s knot
Cover Photo Mira Sebyakin Editor Gaye Bunderson editorgaye@gmail.com Sales & Marketing J.J. Plew jj@idahofamilymagazine.com 208-697-2043 Contributors Daniel Bobinski, Chuck Carpenter, Macaile Hutt, Dennis Lopez, Sandy McDaniel, Mary Ann Wilcox Graphic Design Carol Smiley csmileydesign@gmail.com Distribution Shauna Howard, Doris Evans
Idaho Family Magazine, published monthly by Gem Production Co., LLC, is committed to providing readers with informative and entertaining information to help them in maintaining healthy families and positive lifestyles. It is distributed throughout the valley as a free publication. Idaho Family Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements or opinions expressed by editorial contributors or advertisers. The acceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or information. Idaho Family Magazine does not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without express written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and editorial submissions are welcome. Idaho Family Magazine reserves the right to edit or reject all materials submitted. All rights reserved. Copyright 2019 by Gem Production Co., LLC. Follow us on Facebook
Your brain & you
6
15 Wednesday’s
‘Confirmation bias’
The family vehicle
Child
7
Prepare for winter
Meet Austin
In Each Edition
Quick 13 holiday goodies Cake mix cookies
Media & children
Departments
14
3 Editor’s Intro
Biscuits, butter and trees
8 Family Events Calendar
Adverse consequences
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2 NOVEMBER 2019 | Idaho Family Magazine
FREE
November 2019
Sponsor of
$10 OFF WEDN
ESDAYS
YOUR BRAIN & YOU
‘Confirma
tion bias ’
HOLIDA Y BAKING
A fast cook ie recipe
SENSORY SMART Holiday
travel tips
TWITTER TO SNAPCH AT Media’s effec t on kids
Emma takes through Thean autumn walk Grove in Boise
www.idahofamilymagazine.com
EDITOR’S Intro
Butter, biscuits, and Christmas trees
M
y cousin Randy once pounded a biscuit on our Thanksgiving table and said, “These are pretty hard.” It was an awkward moment, since the woman who baked and brought the biscuits to our Thanksgiving dinner that year was seated by him and heard everything he said. Randy was a good kid, just trying to be funny; and Mary, the baker of biscuits, seemed to get over the unintended insult fairly quickly. But I don’t remember her bringing biscuits ever again, and she came to our holiday dinners for years after that. There was also the time a friend of my sister’s tried to take a slab of butter to put on his Thanksgiving dinner roll, and the butter slipped off his knife. No big deal. Except that every time he tried to scoop the slice of butter up off the table, it wouldn’t stick to the knife and he ended up chasing it around the butter dish like it was a game and the butter was winning. Sure, there are all kinds of warm and fuzzy Thanksgiving memories. But I really do wish there were more genuinely funny ones. This one is a little quirky: Once, for some reason, everyone gathered around the Thanksgiving table started talking about Lou Gehrig’s disease, and my cousin piped up, “I just saw a movie about a baseball player who had Lou Gehrig’s disease. I don’t remember his name...”
and headed for the Idaho hills. We got there, we looked, and we looked some more. We walked, we hiked, we traversed. We searched, we scanned, and we...well...finally gave up. Idaho is a beautiful state, and we all love living here. But the particular hill we chose to fulfill a Christmas tree memory on that day let us down quite a bit. Talk about scrawny trees! They looked like gaunt, aging trunks and limbs, all quickly losing their vitality and near-ready for the arboreal assisted living facility. They may have been, in fact, a Bob Ross-style “happy little tree,” but they weren’t like the robust trees that graced the mountains of Nevada way back when. Whether you’re breaking a tooth on a hard biscuit, playing tag with a butter square, or trying to recreate long-ago memories, have a wonderful Thanksgiving. — Gaye Bunderson, editor
Hunting for a tree
The incident below is a “we’re originally from Nevada” memory. Every year in the small, isolated Nevada town where we lived, shortly after Thanksgiving we’d go out in the nearby mountains and choose a Christmas tree to chop down and bring home. It was all perfectly legal. We’d hike around in the cold and the snow, trying to pick the perfect tree. Well, that’s what our MOTHER would do. My sister and I likely didn’t care if the tree wasn’t perfect, and I can guarantee that my father just wanted to get the whole program over with as soon as possible. He carried the axe and would be responsible for the chopping. Mom would spot a nearly perfect tree and we’d all think, “Okay, this is it! This is our tree!” But no. There may be a more perfect specimen out there somewhere, according to our self-designated tree aficionado. So Mom would tie a little something around the close-to-perfect tree so we could locate it later, just in case Mother Nature failed to make anything completely perfect that year. After all, she was probably just shooting for beautiful and pretty darn nice when it came to her trees, because I think Mother Nature may see plenty of beauty in imperfection. After we’d all been in Idaho a very •long time, we wanted to recreate that joy of Christmas tree hunting in the mountains • just like we had done in Nevada. So we bought a permit •
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Idaho Family Magazine | NOVEMBER 2019 3 • •
SENSORY-SMART TRAVEL
Making holiday trips a bit simpler By Macaile Hutt
W
ith lots of fun holidays just 2. Bring fidgets and “car smart� around the corner, many activities families will be piling in the Create a fun bag of activities that are car to drive to Grandma’s, safe for the car and don’t include a lot of to see the cousins, to chase warmer weather, tiny pieces and parts that could get lost or or to visit an out-of-state family member to dropped. Bringing a lap tray (or even using spend the holiday festivities together. As much a lunchroom-style food tray with divided as this can be a fun and exciting time filled sections to use as a cheap lap tray alternative) with traditions and new memories, being in can help assist with lap activities and avoid the car for an extended amount of time can meltdowns when items are dropped or unable also heighten anxiety for parents and children to balance on the child’s lap. Allow your child alike. As a pediatric occupational therapist, I to help create this “activity bag,� perhaps hear a lot of these anxieties and fears spoken allowing him or her to choose a couple dollar Macaile Hutt aloud, along with horror stories recounting store toys or items to add to the bag and look forward to road trips gone wrong in the past. playing with in the car on a long trip. I have created a short list of sensory-smart travel strategies 3. Snack-smart to help your holidays run more smoothly. Happy (almost) Try not to change food or drinks too much outside of the Holidays from all of us at Idaho Family Magazine. We are all norm, and be careful not to snack too much in the car, as in this together. over-eating with vestibular input (movement of the car) can 1. Prepare children in advance lead to getting carsick. Oftentimes, families will stop at the Start talking about holiday travels enough in advance that it gas station or stock up on fun “road trip snacks� including doesn’t come as a complete shock when it’s time to go. Read lots of sugary candy and out-of-the-norm chips or cookies. stories about traveling, watch movies or television shows that This change in a child’s typical diet can lead to blood sugar depict positive family travel experiences, and google “social changes, headaches, and tummy aches. stories� for long car or airplane rides if your child needs If a larger meal is eaten during a road trip stop, take even increased visual reminders and information about what’s just 15-20 minutes before getting back on the road to let food going to take place. This can help decrease some of the begin digesting and avoid the dreaded carsick outcomes. child’s anxieties surrounding travel and help avoid meltdowns Also, if your child does struggle with carsickness, it isn’t a that seem to be “out of nowhere� but might actually be due bad idea to keep a bowl or trash bags on hand just in case, so to unexpected changes in routine, and inflexibility. a potential disaster can be avoided. Keeping baby wipes and
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paper towels on hand can also help with spills and accidents.
4. Use weight or compression
Adding a weighted vest or blanket can help reduce the instances of getting carsick, as weight and compression help to increase our body’s proprioceptive input, which is a fancy word for where your body is at in space. You can also get weighted stuffed animals or just bring a stuffed animal that the child is encouraged to hug when he or she is feeling sick. I’ve even seen backpacks filled with a few books or other items used as a last resort, worn backwards so the backpack rests on the child’s front. This light weight and compression helps a child’s body regulate even when there is external movement taking place from the car motion. My favorite brand for weighted vests and blankets is actually local and can be found at www.thesensoryproject.com.
5. Take body breaks
Encourage your kiddos to bunny hop from the car to the gas station bathroom, or stop to wheelbarrow walk in the grassy area near the restaurant you stop at for dinner. Adding short but effective “body breaks” can not only help your child regulate, but also help wear them out enough with heavy work to be more compliant with the car ride portion of the trip. Adding big body movements whenever possible is a simple and efficient way to help their bodies get the wiggles out and accept longer bouts where they’re expected to sit still. Come up with a code word to use when they are in need of a body break and try to take the breaks before a meltdown happens, not during or after. Also, teach your child(ren) ways to move his or her body while sitting in the car. Some of my favorite options are chair “push-ups” in which he or she places their
hands on the armrest of their seat and then presses up to extend arms/elbows, and repeats as many times as needed. This movement provides joint compression as well. You can also give light resistance to his or her legs while he or she presses against you, almost like a leg extension at the gym. Be careful not to apply too much resistance, just enough to get their muscles working and help get the wiggles out while stationary. You can “bike in place” to get the legs and core involved, have a “shadow boxing” match, or do the macarena! I’ve even seen success with families bringing 1- to 2-pound hand or wrist weights and using them to perform seated “work-outs” while driving. Encourage your family to have a dance party and share their silliest moves, taking turns copying one another as you make your way around the car. The holidays can be a really exciting time, but some of the logistics can also be stressful and overwhelming. I hope that some of these tips will be helpful and make your time in the car or on the plane more enjoyable, so the memories stand out more than the meltdowns. Happy traveling! Macaile Hutt is an occupational therapist in Boise, as well as a writer and contributor for The Sensory Project. Her therapy style takes a holistic and child-directed approach, with the goal of children succeeding across multiple environments. She holds a master’s degree in occupational therapy from A.T. Still University and has received continuing education in Handwriting Without Tears, pediatric kinesiotaping, Interactive Metronome, and Beckman Oral Motor. She is co-owner of the company Human Code, a candle and retail company with a larger purpose of promoting kindness and generosity. In her free time, she enjoys creative writing, backpacking, and traveling.
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Idaho Family Magazine | NOVEMBER 2019 5
‘CONFIRMATION BIAS’
Your brain, your emotions, and you By Daniel Bobinski
P
erhaps you’ve heard of the best-selling a name: confirmation bias. I personally believe book, “7 Habits of Highly Effective that confirmation bias is best understood from an People.” It was a book the world emotional intelligence perspective. needed, and it’s just as relevant today as To explain, when we’re very young we are it was when it came out in 1989. In many ways, simply observers of events going on around us. it paved the road for the field of emotional We have no control over them, they just happen. intelligence, because it provides a framework for So, when we’re one or two years old, the only self-management and relationship management. thing we can do is observe events and experience One of the recommendations in “7 Habits” any emotions that emerge during those events. is examining the lens through which we see the Let’s say at the age of one we see a dog that is world. Why? Because if we have a particular snarling and barking. If a parent is nearby (the Daniel Bobinski belief system, we tend to see everything through person who provides our safety and security), and that lens. the parent displays immense fear about our safety, we’re quite Do you believe children are lazy? Then you will likely to receive an emotional imprint of fear. If this emotion subconsciously look for — and see — that behavior to affirm is experienced after multiple times of being around barking, your beliefs. Do you believe people are typically selfish? You snarling dogs, we become emotionally imprinted. will look for — and see — instances of that, too. People If the emotion for any event is extreme, we may be tend to see what they believe. Examining our lens helps with imprinted with only the one event. At that age, we have no understanding ourselves. We also need to realize that our choice in the matter. We’re just too young to process events family members each have their own lens. cognitively. Until we reach an age at which we can cognitively This phenomenon of people seeing what they believe has reason otherwise, whenever we see a snarling, barking dog, we experience fear. This is how many people get their beliefs about spiders and snakes. Our emotions are powerful things, and they drive our behaviors and decisions much more than we realize. Once we form a view about something, confirmation bias kicks in quite easily. To quote Shahram Heshmat, writing in Psychology Today: “Once we have formed a view, we embrace information that confirms that view while ignoring, or rejecting, information that casts doubt on it. Confirmation bias suggests that we We understand don’t perceive circumstances objectively. We pick out those your time is valuable. bits of data that make us feel good because they confirm We won’t waste our prejudices. Thus, we may become prisoners of our a minute of it. assumptions.” From a neuro-chemical perspective, our brain chemistry plays a big role in this. We see something that confirms a Hassle Free pattern of belief, and the brain’s “reward center” sends off signals that make us feel good. But when we see something that Scheduling conflicts with our beliefs, it’s like our brain flashes a huge neon Upfront sign that reads, “Warning! Conflict! No neuropathways exist Pricing for this information! Avoid! Avoid!” You may see emotional imprints forming in your children, Clean & but it happens all throughout our lives. In fact, confirmation Professional biases continue to form even into our adult years. As long as there’s an emotional imprint associated with new learning, TheMagicTeam.com confirmation bias can develop. To make matters worse, our confirmation biases can create even more and different types Schedule Today 208-944-2107 of biases. 6 NOVEMBER 2019 | Idaho Family Magazine
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Let’s say you have a creepy, mean neighbor who always wears his favorite team’s jersey and always has a radio on in his garage, blaring music you can’t stand. You endure his obnoxiousness, but every interaction with him makes you want to run home and take a shower. Eventually this guy moves, but two months after he’s gone, someone moves in two doors down in the other direction. He blares the same obnoxious music from his garage and wears that exact same team’s jersey. It’s practically guaranteed your first impression of this guy will not be good, even though you don’t even know him! In fact, you may even develop a negative reaction toward anyone who roots for that sports team. And if you see someone else wearing a jersey for that team and the person is advocating for something, you may think negatively about anyone else who advocates for the same cause, even if they’re not wearing a jersey. See what I mean? Clients have told me more than a few stories about their confirmation biases, plus I have a few of my own. And those are just the ones I’m aware of. We get it from the media, too. If there’s a character in a movie whom we don’t like, we may associate negative attributes toward anyone who loves that character. And if our favorite news anchor, talk show host, or political pundit gives a look of disgust when talking about a particular subject, we may adopt a similar attitude of disgust when that subject comes up in conversation. If we’re not careful, our emotions can drive our opinions, even in the face of compelling data that shows our opinion is incorrect. So what’s your bias? Or biases? If you developed a belief as a result of a strong emotional imprint, it’s hard to consider an opposing point of view, isn’t it? Sadly, the neurochemical rewards that accompany anything that “confirms” our beliefs can be so strong, we may even perceive things that don’t really exist. So, with that, allow me to encourage you to read (or re-read) Steven Covey’s “7 Habits” book. The framework and principles he presents for how to manage yourself and your family relationships are super powerful, so I recommend this book to everyone. P.S. If you have teens, you might also pick up a copy of “7 Habits for Highly Effective Teens,” by Stephen Covey’s son, Sean. He presents the same principles, but in language that teens can easily relate to. Daniel Bobinski, M.Ed. is a best-selling author and a popular speaker at conferences and retreats. For more than 30 years he’s been working with teams and individuals (1:1 coaching) to help them achieve excellence. He was also teaching Emotional Intelligence since before it was a thing. Reach Daniel on his office phone, (208) 375-7606, or through his website, www. MyWorkplaceExcellence.com. www.idahofamilymagazine.com
THE FAMILY VEHICLE
Getting your car ready for winter By Dennis Lopez
N
ext to your home, the family car is probably one of your biggest purchases. And, just as fall is the time to prepare your home for winter, it’s also time to think about getting your car ready for the months ahead. Winter is the time when driving Detail technician Alex Hunter conditions, road salts, traction sand uses an orbital buffer to bring life to oxidized paint. Buffing and harsh weather all can combine to take the luster off any automotive paint. is the first step in producing a mirror-like finish to your Perhaps that’s why car washes are busier car’s exterior. in the winter than any other time of the (Photo by Dennis Lopez) year. A recent industry study shows that 32 percent of car washes happen during the winter months while spring and summer only see about 25 percent each. “Keeping your car’s exterior cleaned and waxed is important year around,” said Chris Mills, owner of a local auto detail shop. “But winter is pretty hard on cars because of things like road salts.” For Mills, owner of Boise Detail, it’s a three-step process to get the right level of paint protection for cars. After a thorough washing, he suggests first buffing your car’s exterior paint to remove any oxidation, then polishing the finish to brighten the paint and finally hand waxing it with a good quality carnauba automotive wax. “Detailers also can do specific small jobs like cleaning just the interior or perhaps removing tree sap or hard water spots,” he said. A complete detail package generally includes steam cleaning the engine compartment, a full cleaning of the interior including shampooing the carpets and a thorough search and removal of long lost “stuff” like French fries or teething rings. With prices around $250 for a full detail, the service isn’t exactly cheap but its benefits may be worth the cost. A well-cared for car can have a longer service life and a higher resale value when it comes time to sell, Mills says. Fall also is a good time to take a close look at your car’s windshield wipers. Look for signs of corrosion, broken frames, cracks or tears in the rubber blade itself and make sure the blade assembly is securely attached to the wiper arm. If your wipers are more than a year old, auto industry experts say it’s time to replace them. If you aren’t sure how, most major auto parts store employees will install wiper blades purchased from them at no charge. While you’re at it, check your vehicle’s windshield washer fluid reservoir and top it off with a good quality, premixed cleaning solution. With a little effort you, and your car, can be ready when winter snows fly. Idaho Family Magazine | NOVEMBER 2019 7
CALENDAR World of Fantasy
Lakeshore Learning Center at 417 N. Milwaukee St. in Boise holds a free crafts-for-kids program every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Craft topics for November include: November 2, Magical Reading Wand; November 9, DIY Wings; November 16, Fire-Breathing Dragon; November 23, Dragon Eggs; and November 30, Medieval Helmets.
November Rocks
A buzzsaw shark display, meteorites from Mars and the moon, mining artifacts, Idaho rocks and minerals — see this and more on a limited schedule at Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology, 2455 Old Penitentiary Rd. in Boise. The museum is open from 1 to 4 p.m. weekends, only in November. It’s free to come see the displays. For more information, go to www.idahomuseum.org,
Foster/adoption meetings
A Fostering Idaho foster/adoption meeting is set for 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Meridian Library District branch at 1326 W. Cherry Ln. on November 6. If you have questions in advance, contact Monique Layton, recruitment coordinator, at 208-249-0180 or mlayton4@ewu.edu, or visit www.fosteringidaho.org.
Ada Library Activities
Ada County Library branches feature a number of family- and youth-friendly programs. Following is a brief list of events for November and December. For more information, visit the website or call the number listed for each branch.
Star Branch Library, www.adalib.org/star, 208-286-9755 • November 1 at 2 p.m. and November 8 at 2 p.m., Meet the Masters Homeschool Art Program, all ages • November 7 at 2:30 p.m. and December 5 at 2:30 p.m., Sensory Playtime, ages 3-6 with caregivers • November 19 at 7:15 p.m. and December 10 at 7:15 p.m., Cookies & Milk Storytime, all ages (pajamas may be worn) • November 21 at 11:30 a.m. and December 19 at 11:30 a.m., MOM’s Club, all moms welcome, all ages Victory Branch Library, www.adalib.org/ victory, 208-362-0181 • November 4, 4:30 p.m., Nerf Battle, reserve a spot by contacting Eric at ehovey@adalib.org, ages 12-18 • November 8, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Cardboard Drive-In Movie, create a cardboard kids’ car (supplies provided), then watch a Pixar movie, all ages • December 14, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Holiday Graham Cracker Cottages, supplies provided, all ages • December 16, 4:30 p.m., Blessing Bags, fill bags with unused personal items for the Women’s and Children’s Alliance, ages 12-18 Lake Hazel Branch Library, www.adalib.org/ lakehazel, 208-297-6700 • November 6, 4:30 p.m., Slime Party, ages 8-11 • November 15, 6:30 p.m., Family Yoga, all ages (children must be with an adult) • November 21, 6:30 p.m., Idaho Family Reading Week, all ages
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• November 23, 6 to 8 p.m., Hunger Games After-Hours Party, ages 12-18 • December 4, 4:30 p.m., Book Foods, tasty treats from your favorite books, ages 8-11 • December 9, 4:30 p.m., Garden Lab, all things gardening (with fun), ages 5-11 • December 12 at 4:30 for ages 12-18 and December 18 at 4:30 for ages 8-11, Murder Mystery Hidden Springs Branch Library, www.adalib. org/hiddensprings, 208-229-2665 • December 17, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Make-and-Take Graham Cracker Cottages, supplies provided, all family members of all ages welcome
Fish Fillet and Fry
Learn how to turn your fishing catches into awesome home-cooked meals in a hands-on program from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 6, at the Share Studio Kitchen at J.U.M.P. in downtown Boise. Participants will clean, prepare, and fillet a fish. After the fish has been prepped, they’ll cook up a meal of fish and chips to enjoy at the end of the program. All supplies will be provided. Ages 18 and up are welcome. Register at register.jacksurbanmeetingplace.org.
First Thursday in Downtown Boise
First Thursday continues year-round in downtown Boise. From 5 to 9 p.m., visitors may stroll through shops and galleries, enjoy in-store entertainment and special events. First Thursdays in 2019 and early in 2020 are: November 7, December 5, and January 2. Go to downtownboise.org for a full schedule of all that is going on each month.
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Tic k ets o nly inc l m ost f $10 ees
Jason Bishop: Straight Up Magic Thursday, March 19, 2020 • 7:30 PM
Dog Man: The Musical
Friday, May 22, 2020 • 7:00 PM
Suppor t by Morrison Center Volunteers, Greenbelt Magazine, IdahoPT V, KBOI Channel 2, and Morrison Center Endowment Foundation
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of Events
Beginning November, 2019 Please send family-related calendar items to editorgaye@gmail.com
Willy Wonka’s Sweet Celebration
DIY Paperback Book Pumpkin
Pickin’ Treasure Valley Vintage Show & Artisan Market
Tiny Tot Dance a Lot
The Oompa Loompas are taking over the Meridian Library. Take the whole family for sweet treats and fun from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, November 8, at the Cherry Lane branch of the library for Willy Wonka’s Sweet Celebration. Participants may even learn a new candymaking skill at this after-hours event. All are welcome. Go to mld.org.
Antiques, handmade furniture, unique home décor, and more will be on display to view or to purchase at the Pickin’ Treasure Valley event from noon to 9 p.m. Friday, November 8, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, November 9, at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa. The event is kid-friendly. For more information, go to pastblessingsfarm.com.
Saturday Morning Fun
Go to the main branch of Boise Public Library for Saturday Morning Fun for the whole family. There will be drop-in activities such as arts and crafts, science experiments, robot explorations, engineering and building challenges, and much more. Try it out from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, November 9.
Candy Cane Lane Bazaar
The Catholic Women’s League will hold its 2019 Candy Cane Lane Bazaar from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, November 9, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 510 W. Roosevelt in Nampa. This annual bazaar features an assortment of home-baked cookies for the holidays, other baked and canned goodies, gifts and several vendors, along with a homemade soup and pie luncheon. There will also be a nice selection of raffle items. For more information, contact Vickie Holbrook at vickie. holbrook@gmail.com or call 208-870-2782.
Veterans Day at the Rec Center
All veterans and military members are invited to spend Veterans Day at the Nampa Rec Center from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, November 11. Shoot hoops, work out, swim in the pool, or relax in the sauna. It’s a free day of recreation.
Learn how to transform an old paperback book into a decorative pumpkin from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, at the Library! at Cole and Ustick. Supplies will be provided, but take your own scissors if you can. All ages are welcome, though kids under 10 will need a parent to assist with using scissors and a hot glue gun. Go to boisepubliclibrary.org. Toddlers and adults will love dancing, socializing, learning, and having fun together in the Tiny Tot Dance a Lot class, an ongoing program at J.U.M.P. Check it out from 9:15 to 10 a.m. Thursday, November 14. The program is a gentle and welcoming introduction to a classroom environment for little ones, while adults enjoy visiting with other parents, boogieing, and bonding with their toddlers. Everyone will benefit from the BrainDance and enjoy a balance of structured dance games and opportunities for free and expressive movement. Toddlers from walking age to 3 years old are invited to attend with a parent. Register at register. jacksurbanmeetingplace.org.
WaterShed Weekend
Join the Boise WaterShed every third Saturday of the month for nature and art activities the whole family may enjoy. Activities take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free, and no pre-registration is needed. On November 16, the topic will be “Map Mania: Around the World in Under an Hour.” Attendees will participate in robot races and learn about safaris and geocaching (modern day treasure hunting). For more information, go to www. BoiseEnvironmentalEducation.org.
4th Annual Christmas Is Coming to Kleiner Park There will be a variety of vendors, crafts, handmade items, food trucks, a scavenger hunt, and live music at the family-friendly Christmas Is Coming event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, November 16, at Kleiner Park (the Center in the Park is located at 1920 N. Records Way in Meridian). Admission is free, and all are welcome. Call 208-353-2678 or go to Facebook for more information. (A similar event is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, November 23, at the 2nd Annual Family Christmas Bazaar & Craft Show, at the same location.)
Winter Wonderland Festival
Every year, the City of Caldwell Street Department decorates Indian Creek in downtown Caldwell with nearly a million lights. Come watch as Mayor Garrett Nancolas “flips the switch” to turn on the beautiful lights at the family-friendly, fun-filled, free Winter Wonderland Festival, Friday, November 22, from 5 to 10 p.m. Lots of activities will mark the tree lighting, with the lights set to officially go on at 7:30 p.m. They will stay on throughout the holidays.
Canyon County Christmas Show
The annual Canyon County Christmas Show will take place November 22-24 at Ford Idaho Center, 16200 N. Idaho Center Blvd. in Nampa. For more information, go to fordidahocenter.com.
nampa rec center’s
FA M I LY
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker returns to the Nampa Civic Center from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, November 12. With world-class artists, over 200 dazzling costumes, stunning sets, towering puppets and soaring birds, don’t miss your chance to ring in the holidays with this acclaimed Christmas event. For tickets and other information, go to nampaciviccenter.com.
9
$
Member
D A N C E
per person
11
NonMember
$
per person
Dance the night away with a live DJ, blacklights, and glow-in-the-dark toys. Refeshments and a DIY photo booth will be available for your own fun social media posting. Bring the whole family!
NOVEMBER 23 • 7:30-9PM nampa rec center
SIGN UP AT THE NAMPA REC CENTER, ONLINE AT NAMPARECCENTER.ORG OR CALL 208-468-5858 FOR MORE INFO.
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Idaho Family Magazine | NOVEMBER 2019 9
CALENDAR of Events
“A Christmas Story, the Musical”
A Christmas Story, the Musical” brings the classic 1983 movie to hilarious life on stage. The show will be presented at the Morrison Center at various times (evening and matinee performances) November 22-24. For tickets and other information, go to https://www.morrisoncenter.com/events/ detail/christmas-story.
Family Glow Dance
Dance the night away at the Nampa Recreation Center with a live DJ, black lights, and glowin-the-dark toys from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, November 23. There will be refreshments and a DIY photo booth. Take the kids, aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents for a night out with the family. All are welcome. Cost is $9 / person for members and $11 / person for non-members. Go to nampaparksandrecreation.org.
Boise Holiday Parade
The Boise Holiday Parade Association will present “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” parade event, beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 23, in downtown Boise. For the parade route, go to boiseholidayparade.org.
Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees
The 36th anniversary of St. Al’s Festival of Trees is set for November 27 – December 1, with a gala on November 26 and a fashion show on December 2. Share in the magic as the Boise Centre becomes home to a holiday wonderland, featuring hundreds of lavishly decorated Christmas trees, wreaths and inspirational decor. There will also be a North Pole Village and something for everyone to enjoy. Go to saintalphonsus.org for more information.
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Laps Before Naps
Come and get your laps in before your turkey naps from 5 a.m. to noon Thursday, November 28, at the Nampa Rec Center. Bring 4 items of canned or non-perishable food and receive free entry to the center. Food will be donated to the Idaho Food Bank. Whether it is laps in the pool or laps around the track, come be active and kick off the holiday season. Go to nampaparksandrecreation.org for more information.
Winter Garden Aglow
The 2019 Winter Garden Aglow at the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, November 28, and run through Saturday, January 4. Go to idahobotanicalgarden.org for more details.
Downtown Boise Holiday Tree Lighting
Take your family to the tree lighting that welcomes the holiday season to Boise, this year on Friday, November 29. For more information as it becomes available, go to downtownboise.org.
Canyon County Festival of Trees
The Canyon County Festival of Trees is set for November 29 – December 1 at Ford Idaho Center. There will be vendor and craft booths, photos with Santa, a breakfast with Santa, and more. Go to fordidahocenter.com for a full roster of events.
The Nutcracker Ballet & Nutcracker Jr.
The Eugene Ballet will present The Nutcracker Ballet at 7 p.m. December 3-4 in Jewett Auditorium on the College of Idaho campus in Caldwell. See the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, fly away to the Snow Kingdom and the Land of the
Sweets, and battle the Mouse King and his pirate henchmice. Then, Nutcracker Jr. will be presented at 1 and 6 p.m. Thursday, December 5, also at Jewett, featuring all the wonder of The Nutcracker but in a smaller shell. It is a 1-hour performance for younger children. In conjunction with these programs, Clara’s Tea Party is set for 5:30 p.m. December 3-4 and at 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 7 p.m. December 5, at the Langroise Center next to Jewett. These are presentations of Caldwell Fine Arts. For tickets or more information, go to caldwellfinearts.org or call 208-459-5275.
Downtown Boise Santa
Come tell Santa your Christmas wishes and get your picture taken with Old St. Nick at D.L. Evans Bank, 890 W. Main St. in Boise. The first Santa visits take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, December 5, and then will continue on Saturdays, December 7, 14, and 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations will benefit the Women’s & Children’s Alliance. For more info, go to downtownboise.org.
Buy Idaho Holiday Market
The 8th Annual Buy Idaho Holiday Market is set for 1 to 10 p.m. Thursday, December 5, at the Linen Building, 1402 W. Grove St. in Boise. There will be holiday festivities and fun, and Idaho businesses will showcase their products.
Winter Lights Parade & Christmas Tree Lighting in Meridian
The City of Meridian will launch its celebration of the holiday season with the 7th Annual Winter Lights Parade & Christmas Tree Lighting (Generations Plaza on the corner of Main and Idaho streets) on Friday, December 6. Other events will include a Twilight Christmas Market on Wednesday, December 11, and a Children’s Winterland Festival on Saturday, December 14. For times and other information as it becomes available, go to christmasinmeridian.org.
Boise Christmas Show
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The annual Boise Christmas Show at Expo Idaho is set for December 6-8. Event hours are: Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit expoidaho.com.
Free Children’s Christmas Party
Children (ages 3 years to 6th grade) are invited to celebrate the Christmas season with games, crafts, songs, stories and, of course, cake and ice cream from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, December 7, at New Covenant Baptist Church, 624 Lake Lowell in Nampa. RSVP to marshadianelane@gmail.com to ensure there are enough supplies for all guests. Also, please arrive 15 minutes early for registration so that the party can begin on time.
Idaho Family 1-4.indd For more House information contact J.J. Plew, Publisher Phone
208.697.2043
Email JJplew82@gmail.com
10 NOVEMBER 2019 | Idaho Family Magazine
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Ice Show
The annual Ice Show co-produced by Idaho IceWorld and the Boise Figure Skating Club will be held Sunday, December 8, at times still to be determined. This show is professionally choreographed and features local youngsters. It has become an IceWorld tradition so big there are two sold-out shows every year, with tickets selling out early. Because of the popularity of the show, it has been moved to CenturyLink Arena. Go to idahoiceworld.com for updates as they become available.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis A Mannheim Steamroller Christmas program will be presented Tuesday, December 10, at Ford Idaho Center in Nampa, beginning at 7 p.m. For tickets and other information, go to http:// www.fordidahocenter.com/events/mannheimsteamroller-by-chip-davis.
Santa’s Workshop
Children ages 3-12 are invited to spend 2 hours making holiday crafts, playing games and decorating cookies at Santa’s Workshop from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, December 14, at the Nampa Rec Center.
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TODDLER WEDNESDAY
First Wednesday of the month, 10 a.m. - noon November 6 Explore patterns.
Cost is $5 for members and $6 for non-members. Advance registration is recommended. Call 208468-5858 for more information.
Handmade Holiday
Meet Santa, sing carols, make wreaths, and create holiday decorations at the free Handmade Holiday event for the entire family from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, December 14, at the Dick Eardley Senior Center, 690 Robbins Rd. in Boise. Go to cityofboise. org for more information.
Wintry Market: Handmade for the Holidays
The 9th year of Wintry Market will be held Saturday and Sunday, November 23-24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the 5th and 6th floors of J.U.M.P. in Boise. There will be free admission during the two days of the sale. This event is an upscale indie art / craft show held the weekend before Thanksgiving, with more than 70 regional artists and crafters selling their one-of-a-kind goods. For more information, go to wintrymarket.com.
Come make art together. Dress for mess! Drop-in, designed for children under 6 years of age. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
STUDIO ART EXPLORATION
First Thursday of the month, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. November 7 Outside the Lines Make a print with line and shape. Drop-in, designed for all ages. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
FAMILY ART SATURDAY Last Saturday of the month, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. November 30 Outside the Lines - Build and sculpt with clay. December 28 Ceramics & Textiles of the Southwest Create designs with yarn. Drop-in, designed for all ages. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Idaho Family Magazine | NOVEMBER 2019 11
The OUTDOORSMAN
Dog musher’s knot not so foolproof By Chuck Carpenter
In the early 1960’s my family was living half hitch around the loop. “There now,” in Alaska. My dad was trapping for a living he smiled, “them ole dogs can pull as hard and the first winter he traveled around a lot as they want and it will hold them. Then all on a pair of snowshoes. By the second year you have to do is pull off the half hitch and he had a dog team. He bought 7 trained sled pull the tail of the rope and you’re off!” I dogs, harnesses, dog sled, and towropes. After pulled my team over and tied them the same a few weeks of extra hard work and lots of way. determination, he had the ole dogs working Dad needed a couple of poles for a project fairly well. We started raising sled dog pups as he was working on at home. He grabbed soon as we could and it wasn’t long until we the axe and we started trudging through had plenty of dogs for a couple of dog teams. the snow that was close to 4 feet deep to As often as we could, my brothers or I would cut down the poles. We didn’t put on our go along on the trapline with our own dog snowshoes because we was just going a few Chuck Carpenter team. Ole Dad would always have lots more feet. I plowed through the snow behind Dad. dogs on his team than we would have. He would usually He started to chop one of the small poles when we heard have 10 or 12 dogs, and we would follow along behind his something in the direction of the dog teams. When we team with our sled and 4 or 5 dogs. Dad had a reason for turned around, Dad’s dog team was loose and headed for this. In case we crashed, got throwed off, tipped over, or lost home. “Catch them dogs,” he yelled, “they will run forever.” our team or whatever else might happen to us greenhorn I ran through the deep snow as fast as I could as Dad’s mushers, the dogs would just keep on going on up the trail, runaway dog team continued down the trail. Dad decided following his team and he could catch them and tie them up. to go straight down the hill and hit the trail at the other We would then go huffing and puffing up the trail until we side of the switchback. Before I went around the corner, I would find the dog team tied to a tree. As time went on, we looked back and poor ole Dad was going fast as he could had less and less trouble and hardly ever lost our team. with snow up above his belt. Years before we moved to Alaska, folks had been coming I went around the first corner and there was Dad’s team. to Alaska looking for oil. They made a number of dirt roads The sled had tipped over because of the sharp corner and for moving machinery around. The roads grew back in with the weight on the sled. It had slid off the trail and was stuck trees and brush and became just narrow trails that went on in the brush. I tied up my team and went over to his. I tied for miles. These trails made great roads for dog teams. They up the sled then tipped it upright. I loaded everything back were used by all kinds of wild animals. in the sled. I looked up the hill where Dad should have My dad used some of these trails to run a trapline. One been but saw no sign of him yet. I sat down on the sled and such trail was near where we lived. He would take the dog waited and waited. I was starting to get worried he might team down the road from our house. The road forked and have fallen down and hurt himself or something. Finally the one to the right went into town and the old trail went left. I heard this huffing and puffing up the hill. Here comes After about a mile, the trail left the flat and switch backed in poor ole Dad with his hat in his hand, red in the face and a big arc and up to a ridge. sweating like crazy. It was below zero, too. One Saturday he asked if I would like to go dog sledding. He waded through the snow and looked over toward me It only took a second for me to agree and we were soon and wiped his brow with his sleeve. “PHHEEEWWW, sure harnessing dogs. We had a great day out on the trail and glad you caught them,” he puffed. He staggered over to the were headed home late that afternoon. Just before we come sled and set down beside me and wiped his brow again. I to the switchback and before coming to the road, my dad looked over at him, smiled, and asked, “Hey, Dad, one more pulled his team over and waited for me. I pulled up beside time before I forget, will you show me that Famous Dog him and he said, “I want to show you something. Dog Mushers Knot again?” “Oh, shut UP!” he snorted. mushers needs to know how to tie up their team. This here is Chuck Carpenter likes to hunt, fish and trap. He worked on a farm what they call a dog musher’s knot.” as a boy; then, as an adult, he took a job with the Department of I watched as he took the tie down at the back of the sled Interior’s Animal Damage Control, now called USDA Wildlife and made a wrap around a small tree. He then made a loop Services. He ultimately became a district supervisor. He retired and pulled it between the wrap and the tree, then threw a in 2011. 12 NOVEMBER 2019 | Idaho Family Magazine
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NO TIME TO BAKE?
Try this quick holiday cookie recipe By Mary Ann Wilcox
I
f you’re pressed for time this holiday season, there are some recipes that lend themselves to coming up with something FAST. This is an oldie but a goodie and one of my go-to cookie recipes. Whenever I need a large batch to share at an event, or if I want to really impress someone, I reach for this recipe. The very best part about it is the vast versatility of it. With all the flavors and kinds of cake mixes out there, the sky is the limit on flavor options. Here I will give you the basic recipe, some of the flavor combos we have tried, and my very favorite version of it: Almond Poppy Seed Cheesecake Cookies.
Cake Mix Sandwich Cookies Cookies 2 (18¼ oz.) packages any flavor cake mix 4 eggs 2/3 c. oil Filling 1 8oz. pack of cream cheese 2-3 c. powdered sugar (just enough to make it Mary Ann Wilcox frosting thick) 2 Tbsp. jam or jelly to flavor as desired Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). 2. Blend the above ingredients together until mixed (hands work best). Roll in balls about the size of a quarter and place on ungreased baking sheets. 3. Make an even number of balls. 4. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cookies stand on cookie sheet for 5-6 minutes before removing them to cooling rack. After cookies have cooled, put filling between two cookies, putting bottom sides together.
Here are some of our favorite combos
1. Chocolate cake mix with plain vanilla-flavored frosting, or add mint flavor and a little green color for a Grasshopper Cookie. You could flavor the frosting cherry or strawberry with a couple tablespoons jam or jelly. 2. Lemon cake mix with any fruity flavored jam or jelly to make cherry / raspberry / strawberry / blackberry lemonade cookies (my hubby’s favorite). 3. Strawberry cake mix with chocolate filling, just add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the filling. 4. Spice cake mix with some fresh ginger added to the filling, or pumpkin puree (just a little) and pumpkin pie spice to taste. 5. And here is my favorite: Almond Poppy Seed Cheesecake. Add about half of a small can of almond paste or 3-5 Tbsp. from a tube, 1-2 tsp. almond extract (personal preference here, I like mine really almondy) and 1 Tbsp. of poppy seeds to the cake mix. Add the rest of the can or about another 3-5 Tbsp. almond paste as well as another 1-2 tsp. extract to the filling mix. It helps if you crumble the paste up or cut it into small pieces before adding it to either. I hope you and yours enjoy these as much as my herd does. For more time-saving recipes, go to www.MaryAnnsCupboards.com. If you have questions about this or other recipes, contact Mary Ann at wilcoxfun@aol.com.
Play Therapy, Behavioral Health, Trauma, Drug and Alcohol Treatment
WENDY PEREZ Social Worker, LCSW, ACADC 925 Main St., Suite A Meridian, ID 83642 Wendyperez@abundantserenity.co abundantserenitywp.com
208-918-0380 www.idahofamilymagazine.com
Idaho Family Magazine | NOVEMBER 2019 13
TWITTER TO SNAPCHAT
The effects of media on our children By Sandy McDaniel
W
anting to know more about the effect of the media addiction on our children, I read a book titled, “Marching Off the Map,” by Andrew McPeak and Tim Elmore. What I learned was completely disarming, discouraging, and depressing. My first thought (because of my age —78) was that I won’t be here to see it all. Then, the educator in me kicked in and I began dissecting the problem. Here are some of the primary issues that are occurring because of our addiction to TV, cell phones and iPads: 1. Non-creative. All the things that are created “outside of the box” will cease. 2. Non-intuitive. Not listening to a higher source (God, Allah, whomever) inside of yourself; failing to trust your instincts. 3. Non-empathetic. With no concern for others, our world becomes very narcissistic. Kindness and compassion become extinct. What a lonely world! 4. People are increasingly anxious, nervous, and having anxiety attacks because of the constant input from media and the speed of content. 5. Our moral code is eroding. Ethics and morals are amusing to those who think cheating is okay as long as you don’t get caught (70% of college kids). A world that teaches a person to out-lie, out-maneuver, and out-cheat another person is not a world that will survive. 6. Suicide. The six results of too much media listed above can lead to anxiety and depression, which can, in far too many cases, lead to suicide. Precious lives are lost because people’s existences are spinning too fast. What can we do to create a balance? Here are tips: 1. Sharply regulate the use of media. During the school days: 1 hour. During the weekend: two hours. Keep all cell phones, tablets, and keyboards in a basket and farm them out like a library. 2. Have face time with your children every day (no media), and talk to them, listen to them, do something fun with them. 3. Be savvy about Twitter, FaceTime, Snapchat, etc. so you can monitor what your child is watching. Make random checks on what they are viewing and texting. 4. Talk to them about the shows they are watching. Watch a show with them and discuss it with them. 5. Have your children do the chores that are necessary to run a home. When they leave (I promise they do!), they need to know what is involved in keeping a living space livable. 14 NOVEMBER 2019 | Idaho Family Magazine
6. BE WITH YOUR CHILDREN! Children used to pull away from their parents, turning to friends, at age 13/14; now, due to the media, it is happening at earlier and earlier ages. This is your time to imprint their lives with your love, your morals and values, and your ethics. This is your time to be sure, without any doubt, that even when you want to flush them, they know you love them. Do things that are creative, require thinking, teach empathy — and make your number one rule “We are kind.” Often a parent will ask me how they can regulate media with their children. Let’s say a child has a 1-hour allotment that day, so the child comes to a parent saying, “I’m taking my media time now; may I have my (iPod, keyboard, cell phone), please?” If they don’t say please say “no!” Set a timer on your phone, kitchen oven, etc. In 55 minutes, say, “You have five minutes left!” When time is up, time is up. Every minute that child continues using the media object after you ask for it costs that child five minutes off tomorrow’s allotment. If needed, put a sticky note on the refrigerator to keep track of the commitment. This requires paying attention and following through, especially for the first two days; once the child believes you will serve the consequence, the game is over. All media objects are in a basket at bedtime; anyone who fails to comply loses all media the next day. Texting instead of sleeping is at an epidemic level. You won’t win a popularity contest doing this, but you may save your children from failing on the road to being a successful human being. One last thought: You teach most by what you model. This is terrible news, and if you are a rage-o-holic, your children are likely to become the same. As far as the media is concerned, you are constantly engaged or not engaged with your children, and if the reason you are not engaged is due to media, they will follow that path themselves. If time with a child (in the car after school, helping with homework, putting to bed, etc.) is interrupted with a cell phone call, the message is, “The call is more important to you than your child.” There is something exceptionally disturbing about seeing a family at a restaurant and every member is on a cell phone instead of talking to each other. One thing that is at stake is our connection to each other — and feeling lonely on an over-crowded planet will steadily increase. For more than 55 years, Sandy McDaniel has been an international speaker and recognized authority on families and children. Author of five books, columnist, founder of parentingsos.com, she is a resident of Meridian and loves spending time with her three Idaho grandchicks. Semi-retired, she speaks to schools, churches, and MOPS groups and provides parent coaching sessions in person and on the phone. She is available for parenting talks/trainings in the Treasure Valley and may be reached at sandy@parentingsos.com. Also, go to YouTube: Sandy Spurgeon McDaniel to see videos on specific parenting issues. www.idahofamilymagazine.com
WEDNESDAY’S CHILD
Teen not a relationship scorekeeper
The following information is provided by Wednesday’s Child, an organization that helps Idaho foster children find permanent homes.
F
ourteen-year-old Austin is one amazing young man. Austin’s permanency team is searching for a caring and very committed single dad or two-parent family of any age to make Austin’s wish for a Forever Home come true. Austin would thrive in a family with a dad who is truly hands-on and engaged in day-to-day parenting, one who will spend time with him participating in outdoor activities such as swimming and camping. An ideal fit for Austin would be an adoptive home where he might be the only child or the youngest child in the family. Austin would love to be part of a family that lives in the country or on a farm as he is great with animals and loves riding horses. Austin’s permanency team describes him as kind and caring and states that one of his best attributes is that he doesn’t “keep score” in relationships.
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This bright and curious boy would like a Christian family as his faith is very important to him. Austin would be grateful for parents who are patient and understanding homework helpers. A family who has or is willing to gain knowledge surrounding childhood trauma would be a great match for him. Austin’s team is specifically searching for an adoptive family who resides in Idaho or eastern Washington. If you are someone who values starting every day with a clean slate and believe you possess the qualities to be the parent who can love and guide this intelligent, loyal and resilient young man as he becomes everything he is capable of being, please inquire about Austin today (see below). For more information on the Idaho Wednesday’s Child Program, visit www.idahowednesdayschild.org, or contact Recruitment Coordinator Shawn White at swhite52@ewu. edu or cell 208-488-8989 if you have specific questions.
Idaho Family Magazine | NOVEMBER 2019 15
Forever homes. Dream rates. Whether building, buying, or moving up, ICCU has the home loan to fit your needs: • Fast approvals • No-fee and low-cost loan options • IHFA, FHA, VA and Rural Housing Loans • Construction Loans available
Apply online, or stop by your local branch.
WE BELIEVE home really is sweet. 16 NOVEMBER 2019 | Idaho Family Magazine
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