Invitation Family - Summer 2017

SUMMER 2017

GET OUTSIDE!

Creative ways to learn from the great outdoors

SUN SAFETY tips from an expert

A Quick & Easy

Date-Night Dinner

Take a Trip

to the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast

Summer 2017 | INVITATION FAMILY

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in this issue ON THE COVER

Events 12 Canton Young Filmmakers Workshop 13 Hernando Sunset on the Square 14 Tupelo Elvis Festival 16 Columbus Sounds of Summer 17 Corinth High School Follies

Mississippi’s landscape provides abundant learning opportunities year-round. Read more about introducing little ones to the great outdoors on page 8.

Photographed by Joe Worthem

Life 6 Down by the Seashore / Discover adventure all along the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s 62 miles of shoreline.

20 A Fighter’s Spirit / A family has formed a circle of support around two young brothers battling cystic fibrosis.

Study Hall 8 #forestschool / Turn your backyard into a

Around the House 24 Project Porch / Creative vision and hard work come together to create a back porch full of personality and style.

classroom with creative concepts for teaching children.

Well-being 18 Safety in the Sun / Stay safe this summer by

CONTRIBUTORS

following this professional advice.

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Eats + Treats 26 A Summer Date-Night Feast 28 Ice-Cream Dream Sandwiches

Adrienne Brown-David

Adrienne Brown-David was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and lived in the Virgin Islands for several years before moving to Oxford in 2008.

Adrienne is a freelance artist and has been homeschooling her four daughters for the past 11 years. This is her second year incorporating Forest and Farm School into her homeschool routine. She currently resides in Water Valley with her husband and daughters.

Kimme Hargrove

Invitation Magazines’ food blogger, Kimme Hargrove, lives in Ocean Springs with her husband, James, and two children. She began cooking as a hobby and found a niche in balancing sophisticated recipes with simple preparation.

She is also part owner of Delta Supper Club and works part time as an account executive for a marketing firm out of Greenwood.

INVITATION FAMILY | Summer 2017

Dr. James Glisson

Born and raised in Mississippi, Dr. James Glisson has devoted his career to helping Mississippians heal the body, mind and spirit. He believes that the art of medicine places the physician not only as a healer but also as a mentor, counselor and teacher to the community. He enjoys literature and medicine in parallel and often sees them intertwined. He practices as a hospitalist at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson.

Lucy Schultze

Lucy Schultze is a longtime local journalist in Oxford and an adjunct writing instructor for integrated marketing communications at the University of Mississippi. She and her husband, Robert, have two children: Jacob, 7, and Eliza, 5.

hello WE ARE THRILLED TO PRESENT INVITATION FAMILY,

a new quarterly publication that focuses on Mississippi families with stories to share, from inspirational struggles and successes to tips on decorating and entertaining to advice for healthy living and managing the chaos of everyday life.

Invitation Magazines might already be familiar to some of you: We have been publishing Invitation Oxford and Invitation Tupelo for more than a decade with creative designers; skilled editors and photographers; and a sales staff, located around the state, that we believe is second to none.

With Invitation Family, we are expanding throughout the state because we want to show how all of you – from the Gulf Coast to Southaven, from Greenville to Columbus, and everywhere in between – are making Mississippi a great place for children to grow up and for families to thrive.

We are so excited to grow our brand with this new magazine. Here’s the thing, though. This isn’t our magazine. We want it to be a living, breathing, evolving, growing part of your families and your communities, too. We want to showcase how all of your stories are part of our bigger Mississippi story. We want you to be part of the Invitation Family.

Please check us out online at INVITATIONFAMILY.COM and follow us on social media. Email invfamilymagazine@gmail.com or call 662-234-4008 for story ideas or to advertise on our pages.

Published quarterly Summer I Fall I Winter I Spring For advertising information

call 662-234-4008 or email InvFamilyMagazine@gmail.com

Where you can find us: Southaven Horn Lake

New Albany Oxford

Greenwood Greenville

contributors

director of design & production

Lena Anderson, Adrienne Brown-David, James Glisson, Kimme Hargrove, Katherine Henson, Lindsey Meisenheimer, Mary Moreton, Lucy Schultze, Hallie Thomas, Amanda Dove Wells, Hubert Worley

Emily Suber

photographers

Jen Kadar-Brown, Joe Worthem

office manager

ad designer

Hollie Hilliard

Zach Fields

Starkville

Madison Jackson

Katie Carone, Alise Emerson, Hillary Jordan, Leigh Lowery, Lynn McElreath, Stacey Raper, Moni Simpson, Whitney Worsham

Kate Johnson

Columbus

Yazoo City

advertising consultants

copy editor

Grenada

Cleveland

Rachel West

Emily Welly

Tupelo

Clarksdale

publisher editor in chief

Corinth

Brandon

Vicksburg

Natchez

* A complete list of distribution points can be found at InvitationFamily.com Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

We hope you enjoy the first issue of Invitation Family!

Please share your feedback at InvFamilyMagazine@gmail.com or on social media

@invfam on Instagram & Twitter

Invitation Family on Facebook

Visit our website for more: INVITATIONFAMILY.COM 4

INVITATION FAMILY | Summer 2017

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CMY

Meet the Sales Staff KATIE

Katie Carone has a bachelor’s degree in art from the University of Mississippi and has 10 years of experience in sales and interior design. She lives in the Jackson area with her husband, Ray, and their new baby, Ava Ryn.

ALISE

Alise Emerson has worked for Invitation Magazines since 2010. She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Mississippi. She is married to Joseph Emerson, and they have two sons.

LEIGH

Leigh Lowery has worked for Invitation Magazines since 2009. She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an MBA in marketing from the University of Mississippi. She and her husband, Dan, have two daughters.

HILLARY

Hillary Jordan joined Invitation Magazines in 2017. She has a degree in fashion design from Mississippi State University and has worked in the furniture industry and stationery design. She and her family live in Hernando.

STACEY

Stacey Raper has more than 11 years of sales experience and has worked for Invitation Magazines in the Tupelo area since 2015. She is married to Philip Raper, and they have four children.

MONI

Moni Simpson has a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Mississippi and has worked for Invitation Magazines since 2011. She and her husband have one daughter and are avid dog fosterers and rescuers.

LYNN

Lynn McElreath has been with Invitation Magazines since 2007. She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Mississippi. A native Oxonian, she is married to Mark McElreath, and they have three children.

WHITNEY

Whitney Worsham, from Corinth, has been with Invitation Magazines since 2015. She graduated from Mississippi University for Women with a degree in business administration. She and her husband, Hayden, have four children.

For advertising information: 662-234-4008 InvFamilyMagazine@gmail.com

Summer 2017 | INVITATION FAMILY

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life Families will find natural wonders, a storied past and abundant adventure all along the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s 62 miles of shoreline.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY VINCENT CREEL

Written by Amanda Wells

PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT GULF COAST

BILOXI

BAY ST. LOUIS

In Bay St. Louis, history and charm are found in abundance, all in a picturesque seaside setting. Make a stop at the HISTORIC L&N TRAIN DEPOT, a circa 1928 mission-style building. The depot is a designated Mississippi

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INVITATION FAMILY | Summer 2017

landmark that now houses the Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum, where visitors can get up close and personal with folk art paintings, furniture, pottery and glass art, all in a setting that is a replica of the home of folk artist Miss Alice, as she was known.

Also housed in the depot is the Mardi Gras Museum, which celebrates the local culture with its exhibits, including one that features more than a dozen elaborate Mardi Gras costumes. Admission is free.

The quaint downtown offers a one-ofa-kind shopping experience. Discover more than 40 vendors at Antique Maison on Second Street, or grab a good beach read at locally owned Bay Books. Dining options are also plentiful, from casual beach fare at The Blind Tiger to upscale Cajun at Trapani’s Eatery.

Further down the highway, you’ll find Biloxi, a great spot for active families seeking entertainment and thrills, from a game of black jack to water sports and more.

Head to MGM Park, home of the Biloxi Schooners, for an evening of baseball, or enjoy family fun at Big Play Entertainment Center, where you can bowl and play arcade games.

The brand-new Margaritaville Resort boasts Volcano Rock, a 40-foot, two-story climbing wall; Sky Trail and Sky Tykes ropes courses; the Cloud Coaster; two multigame golf simulators; and much more.

Dive into the area’s rich history at the MARITIME AND SEAFOOD INDUSTRY MUSEUM. You’ll discover the story of the coast from the time of American Indian settlers through generations of immigrants who made the area what it is today.

GULFPORT

In Gulfport, there’s no shortage of fun in the water and sun. Choose from daylong fishing charter trips to the Chandeleur Islands, or get your feet wet wade-fishing in the coastal

PHOTO FROM GULFISLANDSWATERPARK.COM PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT GULF COAST

OCEAN SPRINGS

Ocean Springs’ welcoming tree-lined streets are filled with quaint local shops, art galleries, restaurants and bakeries. Visit the DAVIS BAYOU TRAIL, where you can stroll through two miles of coastal forest and over two local bayous. If bicycling is more your speed, hop onto the Live Oaks Bicycle Route, which winds through the city.

Discover the impact of generations of the

ISSISSIPPI M Beer Trail WRITTEN BY LAURIE TRIPLETTE ILLUSTRATION BY BRYAN NIGH

While visiting the Gulf Coast, check out these recently established watering holes; four of the state’s growing number of craft breweries are located here. For a full list of Mississippi breweries, visit

InvitationFamily.com.

LAZY MAGNOLIA BREWERY

Founded 2003 in Kiln; brewery completed in 2005; the state’s oldest and largest postProhibition packaging brewery. Co-founders Mark and Leslie Henderson are dedicated to providing great jobs and tasty local beer. Lazy Magnolia offers beers ranging from ambers, pale ales and IPAs to porters and stouts and makes specialty Mississippi Nectar mead using local honey and fruit. The brand is marketed in 18 states.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LA POINTE-KREBS MUSEUM

waters. Don’t miss GULF ISLANDS WATER PARK, where you’ll find miles of waterslides.

For something a little more low-key, take the little ones to Jones Park for a run through the splash pad and yet another spectacular view of the Gulf.

The whole family will be enthralled with the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies.

Here, you’ll find a fun, hands-on learning experience that will also help instill an understanding of and appreciation for the species that inhabit the waters of the Gulf Coast.

Once you’ve dried off, stroll through Gulfport’s entertainment district, a rapidly growing area that’s home to dozens of dining, entertainment and nightlife destinations.

Anderson family in Ocean Springs with a visit to the WALTER ANDERSON MUSEUM OF ART and SHEARWATER POTTERY. Artist Walter Inglis Anderson (1903-1965) became famous for his depictions of life on the Gulf Coast. His brother Peter (1901-1984) was the founder of nearby Shearwater Pottery. At WAMA, the watercolors, drawings, oils, block prints, ceramics and carvings of the Anderson family are represented in the museum’s permanent collection. At Shearwater, you can watch generations of the Anderson family creating pottery, which is also available for purchase.

BILOXI BREWING CO.

PASCAGOULA

Antebellum architecture and a 300-year history help define Pascagoula. Experience that history with a stop at the La Pointe-Krebs Museum, dedicated to the LA POINTE-KREBS HOUSE, the oldest structure in Mississippi.

The house, built in 1757, is currently undergoing extensive renovations. It is just one of several sites along the Pascagoula Historic Bike Trail, which can be followed to the Magnolia Birding Pier. From the pier, overlook a shallow tidal marsh and bayou, and gaze at a variety of wading waterbirds. The house and other points of interest can also be seen from the 10-mile Pascagoula River Blueway, which is open to visitors interested in taking in the sites from the water.

Whatever you do, don’t venture past the state line without treating yourself to a rainbow cookie at Anderson’s Bakery in Pascagoula. The 40-year-old bakery also offers an assortment of other European and Danish pastries, cookies, brownies and cakes – perfect snacks for the ride home.

Founded 2014; contract-brewed at Lazy Magnolia until October 2016; now provides contract brewing for other startups. Their five brews, produced in a 10-barrel brewhouse, focus on top-fermenting yeasts and are packaged in cans suitable for the casual, outdoors-oriented coastal lifestyle. Biloxi Pale Ale is the best-seller for shrimp and crawfish events.

MISSISSIPPI BREWING CO.

Founded 2013 in Gulfport as the state’s only brewpub; switched to contract brewery in Biloxi in 2016, distributing kegs and cans but with a months-long gap between brewery contracts.

Resumed distribution along the coast and statewide in March 2017, up to 20 barrels per month for the two flagship brews, Courage Pale Ale and Red Headed Step Child Red Ale.

CHANDELEUR ISLAND BREWING

Opened 2014 in a converted historic building in downtown Gulfport. Produces five core beers, including CBC Freemason Golden Ale and Lil Smack IPA. Special events include the annual Chandy Fest Music Festival. The team collaborates with local coastal food trucks and restaurants.

study hall

#forestschool

Turn your backyard into a classroom with these creative concepts for teaching children about the world around them.

WRITTEN BY EMILY WELLY AND ADRIENNE BROWN-DAVID

F

orest school is the concept of using the great outdoors to teach children lessons ranging from conducting scientific study to building self-confidence. Students taking part in Oxford Wonder Walks forest school (pictured above) prove that it isn’t always necessary to visit far-off places or invest in expensive equipment to learn about the world around them. “Learning from nature can be as easy as taking a walk around the backyard or visiting a

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INVITATION FAMILY | Summer 2017

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

nearby park,” said Adrienne Brown-David, whose four children attend Oxford Wonder Walks and regularly incorporate nature in their homeschool routine. One of their favorite ways to bring the outdoors to life is to create personalized nature journals detailing their discoveries. They also love setting up nature tables or shelves that encourage curiosity and hands-on exploration. On the following pages, Brown-David offers tips for creating these projects with your family.

Above, children take part in Oxford Wonder Walks forest school. The weekly program, led by Katie Boyle, who has a background in environmental education, is designed for children ages 2-10. Learn more at oxfordwonderwalks.wordpress.com. At bottom left are pages from a nature journal created by Adrienne Brown-David’s children (who also participate in Wonder Walks). She encourages her children to keep creative journals and make displays with natural discoveries, original artwork, magazine clippings, nature books and more. Learn how to make your own on the following page.

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KEEP A NATURE JOURNAL SUPPLIES: Small container for collecting things (Altoid mint tins work well) Magnifying glass (for looking at fine details) Small notebook or sketchbook with sturdy paper Colored pencils, watercolors, markers and/or pens

(any drawing materials you are comfortable with) 1. Observe. Take some time to sit outside and quietly observe. Look around for interesting items such as wildflowers, leaves, mushrooms, birds, bugs, seeds or animal tracks.

2. Collect. Pick a few of these things to look at closely (anything that interests you will work).

3. Draw. The most important part of nature journaling is looking closely at your subject and drawing what you see. Look carefully at the colors, shapes and patterns in your objects. Don’t worry if you struggle a bit in the beginning. Like everything, the more you practice, the better you’ll get.

4. Research. You can use field guides (check your local library) or the internet to help identify objects that you don’t readily recognize.

5. Make it your own. Your nature journal can be as simple or as fancy as you want. Do you like calligraphy or hand lettering? Use it as your text. Try collage, cutouts or stickers. Stick leaves, flowers or feathers directly to the pages of your journal. Add poetry or quotes that you love, or write about your experience finding each object.

CREATE A NATURE TABLE SUPPLIES: Small table or low shelf Trays, shallow bowls or small jars for displaying objects Magnifying glass 1. Collect. Take a small basket with you to collect rocks, leaves, shells, seeds or whatever you see that’s of interest.

2. Make it beautiful. Use trays, shallow bowls or jars to display your found objects on the table or shelf. Nature has a beauty all its own, and using beautiful objects to display it only enhances that. A collection of prominently displayed nature books, cards, art and a magnifying glass encourages children to explore the table.

3. Invite exploration. Let children touch and observe the objects, books and art on the table.

4. Keep it interesting. Nature tables should be fluid. Rotate objects and books as the seasons change.

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events

CANTON YOUNG FILMMAKERS WORKSHOP

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Hubert Worley The Canton and Mississippi Film offices hosted a filmmakers workshop for children ages 8-18 June 13-24 in Canton. Small groups of young filmmakers worked together to produce short films that premiered at the end of the workshop.

William Mask, Madelyn Moudy, Astin Rocks, Patrick Collins and Adam Scott

Trace Bowen, Saralyn Teasley and Asher Walls

Jaya Grace Thompson, Lillian Boggan, Cat Leatherwood, Richard Sumrall and Eli Shows

Isaac Rossetti, Nolan Goodsen, Asher Walls, Phillip Washington, Mary Margaret Martin and Raina Jefferson

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INVITATION FAMILY | Summer 2017

Madelyn Moudy, Astin Rocks and Chloe Marion

Trace Bowen and Caleb Reed

SUNSET ON THE SQUARE

events

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Joey Brent

Kimberly Dunlevy, Terry Byrum and Susan Anglin

Michelle Ford, Mary Davis, Jesse Dement and Joel Rustenhaven

Jeannie and Richard Poe with Curt and Sonia Abraham, Sharron Hook and Roman Swatzyna

Ollie and Lauren Pettigrew

Janae, Jaxton and Jesse McCalister

Donna Knapp and Rachel Jolly

Hernando Main Street Chamber of Commerce and First Tennessee Bank presented the Sunset on the Square summer concert series June 1.

The family-friendly event featured local food trucks and live music on the Courthouse lawn.

Mackenzie, Mike, Mollie and Mary Jane Thaxton

Tiffany and Adah Street

Bobby Baker with Don and Delores Millrainey and Robert Baker

Libby and Brandon Hatchett

Ben, Reeves, Lindsey and Ann Wallin Piper

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events

TUPELO ELVIS FESTIVAL

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Lisa Roberts The 19th annual Tupelo Elvis Festival was held June 1-4 at various locations in Tupelo. The weekend event featured live music, local food vendors, a pet parade, a 5K run, a movie poster exhibit and living history on Main Street.

Joseph Peek, Ken Gassaway and Payton Temple

Wyatt Wheeler with Ethan and Liam Harrison

Alice Fagan with Stella

Landon and Tiffany Moss with Bennie Bear

Adalaide, Arabella, Landon and Adoniran Dowden

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INVITATION FAMILY | Summer 2017

Kendall and Ainsley Young with Jesse Hamilton

Colton, Alice and Brad Griggs

Evan and Shelby Benson with Samual Westmoreland

Alexxa and Michella Haggert

Reese Howard with Sam

April Hood and Ben Hall with Josie

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events

SOUNDS OF SUMMER

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Jessica Richardson An outdoor concert featuring Juke Joint Gypsies was held at the Columbus Riverwalk June 1.

The family-friendly event was hosted by the Columbus-Lowdes Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Columbus.

Jim Sutherland with Emily and Samuel West

Angie Nolan, Mikki Atkinson, Meredith Fraser and Amelia McPherson

Collin and Allison Krieger

Kathy and Buddy Easley with Rose and Danny Coggins

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INVITATION FAMILY | Summer 2017

Taylor, Lauren and Locklyn Barker

Bethany, Jim and Jamie Gore

Hope Harrington Oakes, Fred Kinder and Lillian Wade

Anna Kathryn McGill and Penny Gilley

Tracy Kaiser and Lisa Ulmer

Muriel Porteous and Jacquiline Baumbach

Brady, Pam and Bailey Stewart

CORINTH HIGH SCHOOL FOLLIES

events

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Whitney Worsham

Vicki Bowen with Kelsey and Sandra Fulghum

Akaya Campbell, Timantha Turner, Tamara Tyes and Kristen Herman

Christy Butler Casey, Bo Butler and Caroline Casey with Ashley and Elisabeth Harris

Lori, McTyeire and Billy Davis

Kim Ayers, Taylor and Jackie Coombs, Sadie Ayers

Maris Richardson and Patti Welch with Margo and Annie Richardson

More than 100 members from Corinth High School’s class of 2017 participated in the annual variety show, A Night with the Stars. The show was held May 30-June 3 in the high school auditorium.

Nolan Grady, John Ellis Murrah, Cooper Frazier, Payne Sleeper and Caleb Patterson

Katie Rose and Heather Burnett

Caroline and Ronnie Sleeper

Madison and Christy Mayhall

Rhett Robinson and Suzanne Hand

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well-being

Mississippi families spend a lot of time outdoors under the sun, which can pose risks to children and adults alike. Stay safe this summer by following this professional advice.

ANSWERS BY DR. JAMES GLISSON OF ST. DOMINIC HOSPITAL IN JACKSON

Why is sun safety important for children and adults?

When the worst happens, how do you treat sunburn at home?

DR. GLISSON: Without the sun, we would not have rainbows, flowers or human life. However, too much of a good thing can be harmful.

Excess sun exposure can lead to premature skin aging, sunburn and cancer. Artificial sunlight (tanning beds) can cause the same harm. Protecting your skin is important.

DR. GLISSON: The first treatment is to avoid continued sun exposure; in other words, get out of the sun. Do not rupture blisters if they occur on the skin. Take frequent cold showers and drink plenty of water. Avoid rubbing sun-damaged skin with rough towels; instead pat dry with a moist cloth. Use a moisturizer with aloe vera to help trap in moisture. If the sunburn is painful, acetaminophen by mouth or topical hydrocortisone can be used for relief.

How, when and where should sunscreen be applied?

DR. GLISSON: Sunscreens should be applied 15-30 minutes prior to sun exposure and on all areas of the body that are exposed to direct sunlight. Specific areas that are at high risk for sunburn include the face, neck, lips, nose, ears and tops of the feet. Reapply with every water or snack break, generally around every 2-3 hours, or set an alarm on your phone as a reminder to reapply. Remember that exposure to moisture (swimming or sweating) can remove the sunscreen from your skin.

Is sunburn a risk year-round?

DR. GLISSON: Sun injury can occur on overcast days and in any season. Proximity to sand, water, snow or ice increases the likelihood of sunrelated injury. Remember that sun injury can occur even while inside a house or vehicle by ultraviolet rays passing though the windows.

What other precautions can children and adults take to protect themselves from the sun?

DR. GLISSON: In addition to sunscreen, wear proper clothing and avoid peak sun times (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) to help reduce the risk of sunburn.

Wear hats and long-sleeved shirts, and use umbrellas to help protect the skin against direct sunlight. Sunglasses are also an important part of sun safety as the eyes are also susceptible to ultraviolet damage.

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INVITATION FAMILY | Summer 2017

At what point should you seek medical attention for sunburn?

DR. GLISSON: Any sunburn in a child under the age of 2 should not be self-treated; consult a medical provider. Teens and adults should seek immediate medical advice for any sun injury that leads to chills, fever or confusion.

One other summertime risk we’ve heard a bit about is dry drowning.

What is dry drowning, how much of a risk does it pose, and how can it be prevented or treated?

DR. GLISSON: Dry drowning is when water gets into the lungs from the nose or mouth and causes a bronchospasm, similar to asthma. This can lead to an inflammatory response, which is called secondary drowning. It can present with a child (or adult) who has a persistent cough or increased difficulty breathing after swimming. If this happens, seek medical advice immediately. Dry drowning and secondary drowning are rare but can be very serious, and everyone should be aware of the danger.

The most important water-safety advice is to make sure children are supervised at all times.

FESTIVAL 2017 SHOP. DINE. PLAY.

VISIT

S M , H CORINT

MAKE MEMORIES SLUGBURGER FESTIVAL JULY 13-15 HISTORIC DOWNTOWN

ALCORN COUNTY FAIR SEPTEMBER 14-16 CROSSROADS ARENA

History is only half our story.

HISTORIC CORINTH, MS CO R I N T H A R E A CO N V E N T I O N A N D V I S I TO R S B U R E AU

(662) 287-8300 | visitcorinth.com D O W N LOA D O U R V I S I T CO R I N T H A P P FIND US. FOLLOW US. SHARE US.

Summer 2017 | INVITATION FAMILY

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life

A FIGHTER’S SPIRIT WRITTEN BY LUCY SCHULTZE

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM AND LINDSEY MEISENHEIMER

A family has formed a circle of support around two young brothers battling cystic fibrosis.

MILLER MEISENHEIMER CAN CRAWL LIKE A BEAR, RUN LIKE A

TIGER AND CHARGE LIKE A BUFFALO.

A

mong the youngest fighters at Hit Fitness kickboxing gym in Oxford, the 6-year-old works out with trainer Codie Shuffield two times a week. It’s part of Miller’s regimen for managing cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder affecting his lungs.

Regular exercise can help improve Miller’s lung function and keep him healthy. But as far as he’s concerned, it’s like playtime with a kick.

“He’s got such a fighter’s spirit, and it shines through whenever you’re with him,” said Shuffield, a professional mixed martial arts fighter who started training Miller in December. Shuffield researched cystic fibrosis and found out about Miller’s interests, then tailored a workout around one of his favorite themes – Noah’s Ark. “I’ll have all the weights out that he can pick up, and he’ll move them across the room, two by two,” Shuffield said. “We do duck walks, kangaroo hops and frog jumps. I’ll unscrew a bag from its base and have him run and knock it over like a buffalo. He really seems to enjoy it all, and it’s helped with his strength and energy.”

The workout is just the latest piece in the Meisenheimer family’s aggressive response to cystic fibrosis, which affects both Miller and his 2-year-old brother, Bennett.

Their journey began in 2011, when Miller was diagnosed with CF at six weeks old. Like most people, parents Tyler and Lindsey Meisenheimer had heard of CF but didn’t know much about it. The internet fed their worst fears.

“THE LIFE EXPECTANCY, YOU READ, IS 38 YEARS,” LINDSEY REMEMBERED. “I’M LOOKING DOWN AT THIS SIX-WEEK-OLD BABY AND THINKING, ‘I’M GOING TO HAVE YOU A MAXIMUM OF 38 YEARS. I’M GOING TO HOLD YOU THE WHOLE TIME.’ ”

Miller Meisenheimer works with trainer Codie Shuffield. Exercises like kickboxing help Miller manage cystic fibrosis.

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INVITATION FAMILY | Summer 2017

Tyler and Lindsey were living in Olive Branch. Still in shock, they brought their tiny son to Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center in Memphis for an initial consultation, accompanied by grandparents Ed and Molly Meisenheimer and Larry and Judy Krouse.

They each took a seat around a big boardroom table, joined by a

team that included physicians, nurses, nutritionists and therapists.

Dennis Stokes, M.D., chief of pulmonary medicine at Le Bonheur and director of the University of Tennessee Cystic Fibrosis Care and Research Center, helped them understand the challenges ahead. He also encouraged them that research is adding both years and quality to a life with CF. “If this were your son, what would keep you up at night?” Tyler asked the doctor. The response surprised him: being safe on the road when he starts driving, and getting a good job someday. Essentially, the same things that would worry any parent.

Throughout that meeting, Miller’s parents and grandparents took careful notes and took turns holding him, keeping him quiet and content. “I looked at that baby and said, ‘I don’t know what will happen,’ ” Tyler recalled, “ ‘but I will do everything I can to give you the best life I can.’ ” A progressive disease caused by a defective gene, CF involves a buildup of thick mucus in the lungs, pancreas and other organs. In the lungs, the mucus clogs airways and traps bacteria, leading to infections and lung damage. In the pancreas, it prevents the release of digestive enzymes that allow the body to break down food and absorb nutrients.

From the outside, Miller and Bennett today look just as healthy as middle son Aaron, 4, who does not have CF. Among the regimens that have become a normal way of life, both boys spend two to four 30-minute sessions a day wearing a vest that performs chest physical therapy through high-frequency vibrations.

Miller spends 15 to 20 minutes a day doing breathing treatments. The boys must also take enzyme pills before every snack and meal.

“We’re lucky, because these boys have never been in the hospital,” said Judy Krouse, Lindsey’s mother. “THEIR MOM AND DAD

Tyler, Lindsey, Aaron, Bennett and Miller Meisenheimer. Miller and Bennett were both diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as infants.

Life expectancy for CF continues to improve well past the 38 years Lindsey and Tyler were initially told.

HAVE PUT THE BOYS’ HEALTH FIRST. THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS SKIPPING A THERAPY OR LETTING THEM EAT WITHOUT HAVING THEIR ENZYMES FIRST. IT’S A LOT OF WORK MAINTAINING THAT KIND OF STRUCTURE, AND WE TRY TO RELIEVE THEM WHENEVER WE CAN.”

After Bennett’s diagnosis in 2015, Tyler and Lindsey moved to Oxford, where the family has formed a circle of support around them.

Summer 2017 | INVITATION FAMILY

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Tyler’s parents already lived in Oxford, and Lindsey’s parents bought a condominium to make frequent trips from their home in western Kentucky. The Krouses also have a home on Dauphin Island, Alabama, where Lindsey takes the boys as often as she can for the respiratory benefits of salty sea air.

Day to day, paternal grandmother Molly Meisenheimer spends time with Miller after school, fixing his favorite snacks and tapping her art-teacher repertoire for fanciful crafts.

She has also taken the lead in the family’s advocacy efforts to raise money for research through the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

“I can do a lot of the things Lindsey and Tyler don’t have time for,” she said. “They have ideas, and I can make them happen.”

A survivor of stage 4 breast cancer in her 30s, Molly was a volunteer regional leader for the Susan G. Komen Foundation during its early years. She brought Race for the Cure to the Memphis area while living in Germantown, Tennessee.

She and husband Ed moved to Oxford in 2004. When Miller was diagnosed, Molly turned her well-honed advocacy skills to CF. She was struck at once by how much smaller

the CF community was. In the United States, only about 30,000 people have cystic fibrosis; more than 10 times that number will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone.

“We learned that, with such a small number of people affected, there’s no federal funding for research,” Ed said. “Most of the money the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation receives is through the fundraising efforts of individuals around the country.”

Embracing the challenge, the Meisenheimer family has organized walks, auction events, bunco games and bowling tournaments to benefit the CF Foundation. The family also volunteers to help at other fundraisers organized in partnership with the CF Foundation’s state office in Jackson. Since Miller’s diagnosis in 2011, the family, along with their friends and supporters, have raised more than $50,000 for CF research.

“BEING FACED WITH SOMETHING LIKE THIS WILL EITHER TEAR YOUR FAMILY APART OR BRING YOU CLOSER TOGETHER,” MOLLY SAID. “MILLER AND BENNETT HAVE WONDERFUL DAYS, BUT IT TAKES A LOT TO MAKE IT HAPPEN. WE ALL WANT TO MAKE THEIR LIVES AS GOOD AND AS FUN AS WE POSSIBLY CAN.”

YOU CAN HELP

The artwork pictured above was created

by Laurie G. Fisher for a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation fundraiser coordinated by the Meisenheimer family. Fisher is author and illustrator of the Where Do They Go on Game Day? children’s book series.

For a donation of $25 to the CF Foundation, we will mail you an 8.5- x 11-inch print of this special illustration.

To purchase, contact Laurie Martin at the CF Foundation-Mississippi Chapter at 601-981-3100 or lmartin@cff.org.

Upcoming Mississippi events benefiting CFF: Oxford Bowl for Breath: 9/19, Premier Lanes Tupelo Great Strides 5K: 10/14, Fairpark

Managing the disease involves daily breathing treatments and spending time in the salty sea air.

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around the house

Project Porch

WRITTEN BY EMILY WELLY PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEN KADAR-BROWN

Creative vision, hard work and a love for making old things new again came together to create a Madison back porch that’s full of personality and style.

THIS SUMMER, TULLY JOHNSON is likely to be found relaxing on the back porch of her Madison home. Her love for design and passion for gardening are reflected in the backyard space, which is made up of items she found and repurposed to suit her own eclectic style.

A focal point (pictured at left) is a wall of windows she salvaged from Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Lexington. It is situated behind a vintage picnic table she found in a pile of junk nearby. Her husband, Greg, rewelded and painted the table’s rusted iron, and Tully replaced the top and benches. A whimsically painted vintage chair with new cushions and pillows, pictured below, makes for comfortable seating in the shade provided by curtains made from affordable painter’s drop cloths.

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INVITATION FAMILY | Summer 2017

Tully says she has had a knack for redecorating since she was a child, but she’s unlikely to purchase new items for her space in the traditional manner; instead, she seeks out long-forgotten pieces to make her own. “I have in my mind what I want, and I make it myself,” she said. “I enjoy it more that way.” She transformed an old bathtub unearthed from a wooded area in Yazoo City into a water garden complete with goldfish (above). Similarly, a door taken from a Camden post office before it was torn down serves as the top of a coffee table (top right). Throughout her porch and yard, thriving plants and fresh-cut flowers are juxtaposed with the vintage items bringing even more color and life to the space. See more of Tully’s eclectic creations at INVITATIONFAMILY.COM.

Summer 2017 | INVITATION FAMILY

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eats + treats

A Summer Date-Night Feast

Create a memorable and romantic summer date night at home with this meal featuring fresh shrimp and grilled bread, a salad with seasonal herbs and berries, and a sophisticated dessert with an unexpected ingredient.

Recipes by Kimme Hargrove

Shrimp Scampi

3 Tablespoons butter 3 Tablespoons olive oil 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 pound fresh, raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (if desired, keep tails on for extra flavor and presentation)

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) ½ cup white wine (or ¼ cup vermouth) 3 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped Juice of half a lemon Salt and pepper, to taste

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large sauté pan on medium-high heat until butter foams. Add garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn.

2. Add shrimp and red pepper flakes (if desired), and stir until coated. Carefully add wine. Sauté shrimp 2-3 minutes on one side; then flip and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.

3. Remove pan from heat, and sprinkle in fresh parsley, lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.

4. Serve scampi in a wide, shallow dish (over pasta, if desired) with extra sauce poured over the top.

Grilled Bread Loaf of French bread Olive oil

Kosher salt Fresh parsley, chopped

1. Heat grill (or grill pan) to medium.

2. Cut the loaf in half crosswise, then lengthwise. Brush olive oil on cut sides only. Sprinkle with kosher salt and fresh parsley.

3. Place bread facedown on the grill, and toast 2 minutes on each side or until grill marks appear.

4. Serve alongside shrimp scampi to sop up extra sauce.

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INVITATION FAMILY | Summer 2017

Spinach, Arugula &Basil Salad 3-4 cups lightly packed spinach and arugula mix 2 Tablespoons fresh basil, chopped Balsamic Dressing (see recipe below) 3 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut or torn into bite-size pieces ½ cup blackberries, strawberries or blueberries Toss salad mix and basil in a bowl. Shake dressing, drizzle a small amount over salad greens, and toss again. (Reserve leftover dressing for a later use.) Plate, and top with fresh mozzarella and berries.

Balsamic Dressing: 2 Tablespoons olive oil 1 Tablespoon fruit-flavored balsamic vinegar (such as fig, blackberry or blueberry) ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper Mix all dressing ingredients in a small container with a lid. Shake vigorously until combined.

Classic Vanilla Ice Cream with Balsamic &Berries Vanilla ice cream Fresh berries (such as blackberries, strawberries or blueberries) Fruit-flavored balsamic vinegar (such as fig, blackberry or blueberry) Scoop ice cream into small bowls or martini glasses. Sprinkle berries of choice or a mixture of all on top. Drizzle a small amount of balsamic vinegar over the ice cream and berries.

Summer 2017 | INVITATION FAMILY

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eats + treats

When it’s hot outside, the whole family will come running for these cool treats.

Recipe by Kimme Hargrove

Ice-Cream Dream Sandwiches

The possibilities are endless for these homemade ice-cream sandwiches. To make this dessert extra family-friendly, set up an ice-cream sandwich bar so kids can create their own. Get creative with ingredients, or try some of our favorite combinations:

• • • • •

Chocolate chip cookies with vanilla ice cream and rainbow sprinkles Sugar cookies with strawberry ice cream and Fruity Pebbles cereal Double chocolate chip cookies with chocolate ice cream and mini chocolate chips Peanut butter cookies with vanilla ice cream and crushed Butterfinger candy pieces Chocolate chip cookies with mint chocolate chip ice cream and chocolate sprinkles

YOU WILL NEED: Refrigerated cookie dough of choice (store-bought/deli cookies work, too) Ice cream flavor of choice, softened 3-5 minutes Toppings of choice, spread on plates or bowls Wax paper

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DIRECTIONS: 1. Bake cookies according to package directions. Let cool completely.

2. Scoop about ¼ cup softened ice cream, and gently spread and press onto the inside of two cookies to make a sandwich.

3. Roll edges of sandwich in topping of choice.

4. Immediately wrap sandwiches individually in wax paper; freeze for up to 3 hours. If not serving immediately, place wrapped sandwiches in a freezer-safe plastic container or bag for extended storage.