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contents letter from the editor 4 protect our kids 6 couch talk sleeping children 8
fashion rules 10 mom you should know deserving moms 12
breaking bread easter brunch 14
fun & games
date night diva 16 snakes at a party 30
mtm health head trauma 20
get out & get fit spin class 21
community calendar 22
Front Cover Photo By: balee images
OUR TEAM Matt Scearce – Designer/Layout Eva Williams - Sales Priscilla Metros - Sales Mindy Gear – Contributing Writer Megan Ciszewski – Contributing Writer Brooke Recktenwall – Contributing Writer Beth Whitaker – Contributing Writer Emma Kester – Contributing Writer Nichole Odijk DeMario – Contributing Writer Amber Neace – Contributing Writer
Table of Contents Photo By: balee images Advertising & Submissions: Mom to Mom, NWI LLC 6212 US HWY 6 Ste. 170, Portage, IN 46368 • (219) 973-5138 Managing Editor / Publisher: Stephanie Vega Edwards stephanie@momtomomnwi.com Sales / Publisher: Roly Martinez 773-416-0665 • rolym05@comcast.net
Mom to Mom, NWI is a monthly publication by Mom to Mom, NWI LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. All photographs and articles submitted become the sole property of Mom to Mom, NWI.
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letter from the editor
by: stephanie vega edwards
it’s a …
with - and my husband was ecstatic because he’d have yet another daddy’s girl. I could feel my family looking at me, waiting for my reaction because I had always talked about having a “momma’s boy.” I have to say, although I wanted a son to play baseball with and teach how to respect women, I was really excited that my girls would now each have two sisters, just like I did growing up. Sisters are the best friends you’ll ever have, and now my girls would get to know what that’s like. Plus, the thought of changing a boy diaper scared the day lights out of me - I knew I’d be kicking motherhood’s butt with yet another girl! I’ve got this!
I’ve never been a patient person, so when my OB told me I’d have to wait until around 22 weeks to find out the gender of my baby, I nearly lost it! Even though this was our third time around, I had to know what I was having – the suspense was killing me. She suggested I go to Chicago to get a gender ultrasound, and I thought that was an excellent idea. When I called my husband to tell him we’d be making a trip to Chicago in the not so distant future to find out the sex of our child, he thought I was being ridiculous. Doesn’t he understand the mental preparation that goes into knowing the sex of your child? He tried to convince me that I wasn’t going to get anything accomplished just by finding out six weeks earlier, but I was convinced I would. For me, knowing the sex of the baby was important because I wanted to feel that bond forming between my daughter or my son. As you feel your baby grow, you want to talk to it, but referring to it as an “it” drove me crazy. I wanted to say “her” or “him.” It wasn’t that I wanted to start picking out paint colors and clothes (even though I was dying to go shopping); I just wanted to feel that special connection.
I loved being able to share the news in a special way with a gender reveal session with Brandi Lee of Balee Images. Even though almost all of my family and friends were convinced that we’d be rounding out our family with another girl, the anticipation and suspense was exciting for everyone, and these pictures truly capture the emotion of this time in our lives. I know my daughter will one day love looking back on these images of the family that loved her and was so ready to welcome her into the world!
It didn’t take TOO much for me to convince the hubby to go after all, he lives by the saying “happy wife, happy life.” So on a snowy Saturday in February, we headed out to our ultrasound appointment. I was a little concerned that at 15 weeks they wouldn’t be able to tell the sex, and all this would have been for nothing, but nevertheless, I was amped to go. We made it a family affair and had our girls in tow to catch their first glimpse of their sibling. My oldest Sam was convinced she was having a baby brother, but her sister Alex was convinced it was a baby sister. It didn’t take the ultrasound technician very long, and after seeing a few of these in my time, I knew exactly what the baby was before she said it – GIRL!
Take Care,
My girls were so excited – another girl to play house and Barbies
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by: Nichole Odijk DeMario
Protecting Our Children a huge misconception of what a child abuser looks like. They can be from any class, race, male or female.”
While springtime symbolizes signs of new life and hope, it is also host to an important time of year in the safety and welfare of children. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and has been since the early 1980s. It is a national effort to promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families in communities.
Statistics show that 90 percent of abuse comes at the hands of a parent or a parent’s partner. Henderson and Rager say oftentimes these are learned behaviors from the parent’s upbringing, but with resources and support behaviors can be improved upon. “There’s no hand book that comes with a child. Parenting is hard. Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know or you need help,” Rager says. “It’s okay to walk away from the baby as long as they’re in a safe place. Walk away and then come to parent.”
In its “Indiana’s Children 2012” report the Child Welfare League of America stated in 2010, Indiana had more than 23,000 children who were victims of abuse or neglect. This is a rate of 14.5 per 1,000 children. In the same year, 17 children died as a result of abuse or neglect. Abuse refers to physical and/or sexual abuse.
But what about abuse from others? Aguilera says abused children will typically act out. Any behavior that seems out of the ordinary can be deemed “acting out.” “If a child discloses something to you believe them,” Rager advises.
Dunebrook Director of Development and Communications Pam Henderson says while those numbers are astonishing, they can be misleading. Many cases of abuse and neglect go unreported. The not-for-profit organization advocates for children. It works toward prevention through its efforts of strengthening parents and families relationships. Last year the organization served 9,500 individuals from LaPorte, Starke, Pulaski, Newton, Jasper and Porter counties.
Henderson and Rager explain if a child isn’t willing to open up about what may or may not have occurred to seek a pediatrician for advice. Staggering reports state 1-in-4 girls and 1-in-6 boys will report sexual abuse by the 18th birthday. Aguilera says once children begin verbalizing, it’s not too early to discuss safety topics such as “good touch, bad touch.”
Henderson’s colleague Kim Rager says everyone has a role in the community to be a voice for a child. The state of Indiana has a mandated reporter law which requires certain citizens to report suspected abuse or neglect. Calls from any citizen can be made anonymously. The Department of Child Services (DCS) has procedures in place to handle each call the same. “If you make a call in good faith you don’t have to feel you’ve done anything wrong,” Henderson says. “If investigators don’t find abuse they won’t come back to you. You just have to suspect it that’s all.”
Along with the various services Dunebrook offer - from home visits, school programs to forensic interviewing for children that allege abuse - they also hosts many events promoting its vision, “Every Child: Safe, Healthy, Happy.” They will be hosting several events to bring local awareness to Child Abuse Prevention Month. Their theme, “There is no excuse for child abuse. They need you.” To show support for this awareness month, Dunebrook recommends using blue light bulbs in outdoor fixtures. Blue is the color of the Child Abuse Awareness Ribbon. Individuals
Lake County therapist Sarah Aguilera echoes the same sentiments. “If you care enough to have a second thought about a child it’s enough to report something,” Aguilera says. “There’s
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and/or communities can “plant” a pinwheel garden, which is a symbol for abuse and neglect. April 6th - 10:00am 2nd Annual Walk to Prevent Child Abuse - Ames Field in Michigan City to City Hall. We will plant a pinwheel garden at City Hall as a symbol of our commitment to making our community a safe and nurturing place for all kids and families. April 10th - 5-8pm Buffalo Wild Wings Give Back - LaPorte, A percentage of all food sales including carry-out will go to Dunebrook (no coupon necessary). April 10th-16th - Al’s Supermarkets - “Donate A Dollar, Keep A Child Safe” Al’s is partnering with Dunebrook during April. Customers will be able to donate a dollar at the register to buy a boy/girl “cut-out” to write their name on. The cut-outs will be displayed in the store during the month of April to promote Child Abuse Prevention in the community. April 13th - Al’s Supermarkets - Open House for Dunebrook 9-12pm - Come learn more about Dunebrook and receive a free book while supplies last from any of Al’s Indiana locations. April 13th - 9:00am “Fun in Michiana” WEFM 95.9FM Dunebrook in Michigan City April 16th - Holly’s Give Back (All day-coupon available on our website) - Michigan City and WEFM broadcast at Holly’s from 1-4pm; A percentage of all sales-both food and beverages-of all restaurant and carry-out will go to Dunebrook. April 17th- 5:30pm Laporte- Walk to Prevent Child Abuse starting at First United Methodist on Michigan Ave and going to the Courthouse. There will be a light meal provided before the walk and we will return to the church after the walk for pie and coffee.
offices. Thank you for showing your support of families in our community.
Questions? Please contact Kim Rager: Feel free to visit our website at www.dunebrook.org kim@dunebrook.org
April 20th - 10:00am Walk to Prevent Child Abuse - Starting at the Porter County Courthouse we will be heading east down Lincolnway, north on Morgan to the Butterfield Pavilion (the old fairgrounds).
Dunebrook- MC office 502 Wall Street Ste 105 Michigan City, IN 46360 219-874-0007
Dunebrook is selling window clings for Child Abuse Prevention. They are $5 each or 5/$20 and you can pick them up M-F, from 8-4pm at our Michigan City and Valparaiso
Valparaiso Office 7451 W. Johnson Rd Valparaiso, IN 46383 219-510-6007
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family health Beth Whitaker Beth@momtomomnwi.com
Couch Talk Sleeping Children Sleep tips: • Learn to identify baby’s signs of fatigue. • Put baby in the crib when drowsy, not asleep. • Place baby to sleep on his/her back with face and head clear of blankets and other soft items. • Encourage nighttime sleep. • Use white noise to create a soothing environment for the infant.
In my time as a mom, I have found that people have very specific opinions about sleep or how to make their children sleep. There are books and methods that people swear by, while others wonder along all willy-nilly, like me. Either way, we figure out what works best for our child as they get older. With this thought in mind, it is a good chance to open the discussion on the importance of sleep for children of all ages. We also think about sleep as an integral part of infancy but then view it as less important as the child ages. Sleep remains a major factor in our health and well-being throughout our lives.
Infancy (3 to 11 months) By six months, many infants sleep through the night, most by nine months. Infants sleep 9 to 12 hours at night and take 2 to 4 naps per day, decreasing as they get closer to age one. Infants should be put to bed drowsy but not asleep so that they learn to self sooth during this time period. This allows them to fall asleep easily at bed time and put themselves back to sleep during the night. Developmental milestones can impact sleep in different ways but those stages pass as the child gets older.
Children today sleep an hour less per night then we did as children – this means our children could be at risk for problems beyond grumpiness. Some of the potential problems related to sleep deprivation for children are behavior problems, poor school performance, increased risk of obesity, and weakened immune system. In childhood, a growth hormone is secreted while a child is in the deep stages of sleep. If a child does not get enough sleep per night the child could develop growth problems. On top of that, there is an increased risk of hyperactivity in sleep deprived children. As adults, when we are tired we are more lethargic and sleepy. Children are hyper when tired and struggle with attention and focus. This could look similar to the symptoms of ADHD but be caused by sleep deprivation. With knowing the necessity of sleep, I think looking at sleep for children at each stage will be helpful.
Sleep tips: • Maintain a consistent and enjoyable bed time routine. • Establish a sleep friendly environment. • Allow the baby to fall asleep independently so they learn to self sooth.
Toddlers (1 to 3 years) Toddlers need 12 to 14 hours of sleep per day and by 18 months they decrease to one nap per day. It is common for toddlers to experience problems with resisting bed or nap time. They might also wake at night because of nightmares or other fears. Many parents think that their sleepless nights are gone after infancy, but that is not the case. There are many factors that can lead to sleep problems in toddlers, but daytime sleepiness and behavior problems may indicate poor sleep.
Newborns (1 to 2 months) With newborns, their sleep-wake cycle is based on their need to be changed, fed and nurtured. Newborns sleep between 10.5 and 18 hours per day and their sleep period could last several hours or just a few minutes. Newborns show their need to sleep in different ways. Some rub their eyes, fuss or display other behaviors that show their need to sleep. Eventually newborns will learn to fall asleep on their own. To encourage a newborn to sleep less during the day, expose them to light and noise or play more during the day time. In the evening, create an environment that is quieter with less activity.
Sleep tips: • Maintain a consistent bedtime routine and schedule. • Make the bedroom environment the same every night. • Encourage the use of a security object (blanket or stuffed animal) and set consistent limits that are enforced.
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Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
• Teach children about healthy sleep habits. • Make the child’s room conducive to sleep. • Avoid caffeine.
Preschoolers should sleep 11 to 13 hours per night and most discontinue napping as they get closer to age 5. Children in this age range also have difficult falling asleep and trouble with night waking. Sleep walking and sleep terrors are common during these years. Preschool children are more imaginative and tend to have more nighttime fears, so limit books or television shows near bed time that might cause nighttime anxiety.
Teens Sleep in the teen years is just as important as in the younger years. A teen needs nine hours of sleep per night but is biologically wired to stay up later and sleep later in the morning. This does not lend itself well to day to day activities at school. It is essential that teens maintain a consistent routine during the week and weekend. Try to reduce electronics and outside stimulation before bed and ensure that their room is set up for sleep. Sleep deprivation during this time can be similar to the young children - which can lead to difficulty concentrating in school along with other mood or behavior problems.
Sleep tips: • Children should have a sleep environment that is the same every night. • It should be cool, quiet and dark, without a TV or other gaming device. • Maintain a regular sleep schedule. • Engage in a relaxing bedtime routine that ends where the child sleeps.
School-aged children (5 to 12 years)
Sleep tips: • Keep All electronics out of the bedroom, this includes cell phones. • Encourage daily exercise to tire the teen out before bed. • Make sure that the teen sees day light and maintains a routine consistent to an adult. • Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
School-aged children need 10 to 12 hours of sleep per night. Children in this age range have more homework, social and extracurricular demands than younger children. They also have an increased interest in television and video games which can lead to less time spent sleeping. Changes in the child’s diet can also lead to difficulty with sleep (consuming caffeine products before bed). Research indicates that watching TV close to bed time is associated with resisting bedtime, difficulty falling asleep and anxiety around sleep. The school-aged years bring with them a prevalence of sleep problems. As I mentioned earlier, poor sleep can lead to behavioral problems like hyperactivity, mood swings and cognitive problems that impacts their ability to learn. Sleep tips: • Continue to emphasize consistent sleep schedules. • Keep TV and computers out of the bedroom.
After looking at sleep across all of the ages of childhood, there are many consistent items that can be identified. Children need a bedroom space that is centered on peaceful sleep. A white noise machine can help soothe the child, along with other items that might provide comfort. Television and other stimulating activities before bed can lead to difficulties falling asleep and sleeping peacefully. The long term consequences of sleep deprivation are significant so make sure you make sleep a priority for you and your children.
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shapewear
Spring Break: it’s officially Truth or Dare time with our New Year Resolution diets. Some of us stayed true to our promise to eat right and go hard in the gym. But for the rest of us (myself included), we have to fake it since we sure didn’t make it to our goal weight this spring. Luckily, shapewear makes faking it really easy to do! The revolution of slimming underwear provides a glimmer of hope that we can boost, contour and control our problem areas. So reach for the season’s hottest colored denim, t-shirt dresses and yes, even that little black dress - but first, layer up and smooth it out. Addressing your Trouble Spots… Tummy - The key here is to look for dual purpose panties. You want to control both the belly and the muffin top at the same time. Look for high-waisted panties that fit well: you do not want bulges where the shapewear stops.
Hips & Thighs – The best option to slim the
Try these resources… JCP Spanx Target Bare Necessities Maidenform Shapeez.com Yummielife.com
thighs is to go with a short. They’ll likely look like biker shorts in the traditional nude or black colors. (See my disclaimer below about using the rest room.) A full or partial body skirt type garment might be a better choice. Look for what suits your lifestyle or event. Comfort is crucial!
Back Fat & Muffin tops – Camisoles in the lingerie department (rather than sleepwear) offer underwire support. Opting for one of these instead of a bra means you will maintain the support you need up-top while also extending the slimming effect throughout the torso.
Remember… Bear in mind that some things are too good to be true and as such, shapewear doesn’t come without disclaimers. First, think about the occasion for which you are choosing your undergarment. Using the bathroom just might prove to be difficult, so choose wisely! Next, realize that shapewear can tend to be quite pricey and some of the best brands are not available in our local stores. Do not wait until the last minute to experiment. Having said that, watch your fingernails and jewelry on shapewear because it will snag or run just like a pair of nylons. Do not let your investment go to ruin on its maiden voyage.
How did we ever live without Hollywood Fashion Secrets™??? I love these products and I think you will too! Fashion Tape – Double stick tape that helps with cleavage coverage! Garment Shields – Sweat too much? Not a problem! Accessory Dots – Stop those necklaces from moving around on you! There are so many more hints and cheats available to you at www. hollywoodfashionsecrets.com!
Lastly, remember what Audrey Hepburn told us long ago: “Happy girls are the prettiest girls.” So while shapewear can help boost your confidence, here’s our gentle reminder to love your life and accept your body. There’s no substitute for originality!
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deserving moms y Mom to Mom, NWI is a magazine by moms, for moms, so it only seems right to bring back a contest that recognizes some of the amazing mothers we come across in our everyday lives. The 2nd Annual Deserving Mom Contest is in full swing, and we are gearing up to choose our winner! We asked our readers and Facebook fans to nominate a loved one whom they felt deserved this title, and we received some great entries. Here is our Final Four, and you get to pick the winner! To cast your vote, first go to our Facebook page and “Like” it if you don’t already, and then “Like” the photo of the mom you think is the most deserving. Photos can be found in the “Deserving Mom Contest 2013” album on Thursday April 4th, and voting will begin on that day and run through Monday, April 8th at midnight. The winner will receive a photo shoot with Balee Images on Sunday, April 14th and will grace the cover of our Mother’s Day issue in May. If there ever was a deserving mom, in my eyes she’s it! I try to make her feel as special as I can, but I’m not always around to give her the attention she deserves.
Deserving Mom #1 – Meredith Berkshire My wife Meredith is a deserving mom because she always puts herself before our children. We have 4 beautiful daughters - ages 4, 5, 7, and 10 - that she takes care of every day. I am a field service technician for Mitsubishi water jets, which means I usually fly out of the state on Monday morning and don’t come home until Friday night, almost every week. With my being gone so much, I don’t get to help with our kids; she is the mom AND the dad 5 days and nights a week.
Deserving Mom #2 Trish Hammett My wife, Dr. Trish Hammett, deserves to be recognized in your contest because she is an amazing woman. She doubled majored from Northwestern University in Chicago (Molecular Biology and Political Science), then graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2003 with a doctorate in chiropractic. She was voted by her peers to be the Palmer Student Alumni President while attending Palmer. She co-authored a book with me that made the best sellers list for the chiropractic profession in 2010.
She gets four girls ready for school, dropping them off to different places, numerous times a day, and still manages to keep the house clean, do the laundry, take care of our two dogs and get dinner ready for everybody every night. What she does amazes me! To add to her accomplishments as a super mom, every Monday all four kids have cheerleading practice, and she takes them all there at 4 o’clock while each of them have separate classes all evening until around 8 o’clock when they are finally done. While she is at cheer practice and waiting on each kid to finish practice, she is a booster mom for the origination. She helps with fund raising and answering any of the questions any of the other parents have while the coach is busy and can’t answer. I’m always amazed by how well kept our house is and how happy the kids and dogs are every Friday when I get home. She has a very hectic and busy life but still manages to take good care of herself, look beautiful every day, and still do the jobs that I should be doing if I had a regular job where I would be home every night. In the summer, she still has to take care of all the kids, but she cuts the lawn and tries to plan as many outings as possible like going to the beach or a water park or to a playground while still taking care of the house and dogs. She really is an amazing woman and does an amazing job taking care of our daughters.
We have three small children, Michael (6), Charlotte (3) and Maggie (18 months). Trish maintains an office in Merrillville and Valparaiso and works with pregnant moms helping them go green and live well. She treats many babies and children, even assists at births no matter what time at night. She speaks in public to doulas, midwives, and obstetricians about pediatric chiropractic care and recently testified as an expert witness before the state senate to promote midwifery in Indiana. This year marks her 10th year anniversary as a pediatric chiropractor
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you should know:
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and a lovely wife and her 7th year as a mother. She brings our babies with her to the office and balances it all with seeing her patients. She is a super mom, a super doctor, a super human being, and I feel it necessary to honor her in some way for her services to the community. I have been blessed to be her humble husband. Most people have no idea how hard my wife works, and she receives no rewards for doing so. I would like you to help me change that by honoring this decorated hero in your magazine! She carries with her a pillar of inspiration for working moms and is a true leader in our community.
for me to do those things, and I’m not the one who’s sick! She said, “Let’s go for it!” She’s currently training to do her first 5K run in May, signed up for trapeze lessons, planning to go skydiving, and has started taking beekeeping classes. She doesn’t sit around and say, “I would like to…” or “I wish I could…” She makes it happen! Rea is a talented baker and cake decorator. She has made my two children’s birthday cakes the last couple of years, asking nothing in return, just because she enjoys it. She deserves to win this contest because in spite of her illnesses, she still manages to live her life with her great enthusiasm and provides her daughter with an excellent female role model, showing her that even though sometimes life isn’t fair and things happen that try to slow you down, you pick yourself up and keep going, keep living everyday with the people you love and fulfilling your dreams.
Deserving Mom #4 Marynell Rowe
Deserving Mom #3 - Rea Robinson-Ryzewski I’d like to nominate my best friend Rea Robinson-Ryzewski. She’s married to her husband Don, and they have a 6 year old daughter, Aira. Rea suffers from fibromyalgia and pulmonary hypertension. She was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension 3 years ago and was given an estimate of about 5 years to live. However, due to her positive outlook, treatment, and care for herself, her health is currently stable. Rea hasn’t accepted her diagnoses as fatal, and instead of worrying and focusing on the possibility of death, she embraces life and tries to live her days to the fullest with her daughter. She could send her daughter off to school and then stay in bed and let her illnesses and depression overtake her, but she chooses not to. She dedicates her days to taking care of her home, her five dogs, and homeschooling Aira. She seeks out different learning opportunities for her daughter and strives to enrich her education while balancing it out with play days, silliness, and fun. She takes her on field trips, art classes, and dance lessons. She does it all with enthusiasm and a smile no matter how she is physically feeling. Despite her physical limitations, she doesn’t hesitate to try new things and often encourages me to do things with her. She encouraged me to take a jazz and ballet class with her last summer and recently a Zumba class. I was the one who thought it wasn’t physically possible
I would love to nominate my sister-in-law, Marynell Rowe, to win the Deserving Mom Contest. She is a beautiful mother of four grown boys (two are in college) and worked tirelessly for over 20 years as a server at a couple of local restaurants to ensure that her boys had everything they needed and wanted at all times. She has managed to take care of these fantastic young men, her wonderful husband, Jim, herself, and both of her parents when they were ill (both have since passed on) in addition to working a full-time job the majority of these years and maintaining a spotless home, all at the same time. Marynell has always been very supportive of the dreams of each of her boys, even if they weren’t mainstream. I have never seen four young men love, honor, and respect their mother more than Marynell’s four boys do. Her new daughter-in-law also has a great relationship with her and will often call Marynell and her husband out of the blue just to see how they are doing. Not only did Marynell mother her own children, but she also helped mother the children of her six siblings as often as possible. From my own personal experience, she has always been available to be there for one of my daughters to attend an event, go on a shopping spree, or just listen to some worries if needed. She has done this same thing for countless nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; the list could just go on and on forever.
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breaking bread By: Mindy Gear
On a rainy spring day, there is nothing better than the smell of a fantastic pot of soup simmering on the stove. Add in the scent of fresh baked bread and brownies - I can’t think of anything I enjoy more. Rainy days require comfort food. Generally I think of comfort food as heavy, carb-loaded and fat-laden food. It doesn’t have to be those things. Chicken soup is a great comfort food that is low-fat and flavorful. There are many ways to vary basic chicken soup. You can use noodles or rice. It can be made creamy, with dumplings or left as a broth based soup. Maybe try a squeeze of lemon or toss in a handful of chopped spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. Also try adding some extra veggies (fresh or frozen mixed). Making chicken noodle soup from scratch is a fairly simple process. If you choose to make your own stock, it requires a few hours of cooking time. I like things simple and use just the basics. You can add or delete herbs and spices according to your own taste.
Chicken Stock:
1 chicken (whole roasting or already cut) 2 tsp. whole black peppercorns 2 tsp. salt 5 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed 2 onions, peeled and quartered 3-5 stalks celery, including leaves 2 leaks cut in half length-wise, white parts only (wash well) 1 tsp. poultry seasoning Dash of paprika Water - at least enough to cover chicken, up to 2 gallons per chicken (if pan allows)
-Bring to a boil and simmer for at least 2 hours or until chicken falls off the bone. Remove chicken and strain broth to remove any unwanted tidbits. Refrigerate broth to allow any fat content to congeal; remove layer and discard. -Remove chicken meat from bone and shred or chop. One chicken yields approximately 4-5 cups of chicken. You will need 2 cups for chicken soup and freeze the rest for later use.
Chicken Soup:
10 cups broth (homemade or low-sodium if using store bought) 2 cups chicken 1 Tbsp butter 1 small onion, chopped ½ cup celery, chopped 2 carrots, sliced or chopped *8 ounces frozen noodles (cooked according to package) Salt/pepper to taste 1 tsp. poultry seasoning Juice of 1 lemon, optional Flat leaf parsley, chopped -In a large pot, melt butter and soften onion and celery over medium heat (about 5 minutes). Add chicken broth, chicken, carrots, noodles (or rice) and seasonings. Bring to boil and simmer on low 20 minutes. *Rice or other noodles can be substituted
Dumplings, if desired:
1 cup bisquick and 1/3 cup milk gently stir to combine 1-1/2 cup flour, ½ cup cornmeal, 1 heaping Tbsp baking powder, 1 tsp kosher salt and ½ cup milk or half & half; sift dry ingredients and gently stir in milk 3 refrigerator biscuits torn into small pieces -If adding dumplings, drop by teaspoonfuls and simmer with lid half off for 15 minutes. Turn off heat and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
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rainy day comfort French Bread:
Homemade bread is such a simple thing to make. Why do I not make it more often? This French bread recipe calls for “Bread Flour”. It can be made with “all-purpose flour”, but does taste better when made with “bread flour”. Flour is made different types of hard and soft wheat. They contain different levels of protein, which contains the gluten. As I tend to obsess over finding new things to try, I have 6 kinds of flour in my cabinet. Surprisingly I use them all regularly. So give this recipe a try - you will love it! -In a mixer bowl whisk 1 cup hot water, 1 ½ tsp active dry yeast and 1 Tbsp white sugar; let sit about 2 minutes to proof. -Using a dough hook or wooden spoon, add 2 ½ cups bread flour and 1 tsp salt. Mix until dough forms balls and is mixed completely. If using mixer, continue mixing for 5 minutes or until dough is smooth and elastic. If mixing by hand, remove from bowl onto floured surface; knead 8-10 minutes or until dough is smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, turn to coat all sides. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until doubled in bulk (if indentation stays when you gently press, it’s ready). Turn out onto lightly floured surface and punch down dough. Separate into 2 pieces and roll each into 8” x 12” rectangles. Starting at the 12” side, tightly roll up. Press out any air to avoid bubbles in the bread. Wet edge of bread to seal seam and roll ends to taper. Place 3” apart on cookie sheet that has been greased and dusted with corn meal. If using stone, just sprinkle with corn meal. Make deep diagonal cuts across loaves every 2”. Cover and let r i s e 30 minutes or until doubled in bulk. While o v e n preheats to 375, mix 1 egg white with 1 Tbsp water and brush tops of loaves. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy while warm!
Brookies:
Brownies and chocolate chip cookies…what else can I say? Two of my favorite desserts rolled into one. There are many different versions out there. This recipe is a combination of my favorites. Again, you can use all-purpose flour as pastry flour is hard to find (I buy it at Whole Foods). Try them, you will be happy! Making the Brownies -Place 4 Tbsp butter (unsalted), 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate and 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips in a small saucepan over low heat until melted. -In a mixer bowl beat 3 whole eggs, ½ cup white sugar and ½ cup brown sugar on medium speed for 5 minutes. Add cooled chocolate mixture and 2 tsp vanilla; mix until almost combined. Add ¼ cup whole wheat pastry flour, 3 Tbsp cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking powder and ½ tsp salt. Mix until combined; stir in ¼ cup sour cream. Set aside. Making the Cookies -Mix 1 cup (unsalted) butter (softened), ½ cup white sugar and 1 cup light brown sugar for 3 minutes on medium speed. Add 2 eggs 1 at a time, mixing thoroughly in between each. Add 2 tsp vanilla, ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda and ½ tsp salt; mix for 45 seconds. Add 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour (or all-purpose) and 1 ¼ cup unbleached all-purpose flour and mix well on medium low speed. Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips.
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The Assembly -Preheat oven to 350. Grease 9x13 pan and dust with cocoa powder. Randomly drop spoonfuls of each batter in the prepared pan until all batter has been used. Gently swirl batter with knife. Bake 35-45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
Tapas Café 2486 Lincoln Hwy Merrillville, IN 46410 (219) 769-7008 If you are looking for authentic food, a Chicago like atmosphere, and great service, then a trip to Tapas Cafe in Merrillville should be on your “to do” list. For those who have never had Tapas before, the word “Tapas” simply means tiny plate. It is small portions of food, so you get the chance to sample a wide variety of dishes. When my husband and I went over to Tapas Café, we ordered the roasted red pepper salad, beef tenderloin skewers, carne asada with chimichurri, roasted potatoes, Paella, and we finished the meal with their famous flan with a layer of chocolate cake. From the moment the first dish came out, I knew I was going to be intrigued by this place. That’s because when my salad came out, it was warm. I had never had warm salad, but it was very good! It came with a side of balsamic glaze and large peppers – YUM!! As our entree dishes came out, I couldn’t wait to dive into them!! Each dish was AMAZING and perhaps the best part was that we got to enjoy our meal with our favorite bottle of sangria that we brought from home. That’s right – at Tapas Cafe you can bring your own alcohol – how cool is that? So whether you want a bottle of red or white wine, or your favorite sangria, you know you’ll enjoy your meal even more with a tasty beverage! Now that we’ve talked about the food - let’s talk about the atmosphere. I love Chicago, and you cannot find many places in Northwest Indiana with that feel you get at a Chicago restaurant. But I have to say, Tapas has a very cozy modern feel to it and I love that they have an open kitchen. It’s great for a date night with your significant other or with a group of friends. I can’t wait to go back – and we’re so excited we no longer have to drive to Chicago, pay parking, waste gas, just to have an experience like this!
Baja’s Family Restaurant 10749 Randolph St. Crown Point, In. 46307 (219) 226-0669 If you are looking for a fun, family friendly restaurant the kids will enjoy, then Baja’s Family Restaurant in Crown Point is a place to check out. Family time is really important, and one of the things we all love doing together is going out to eat. We all love to eat, but finding a restaurant that is easy on the wallet is hard to findespecially with a family of six! When a friend told me about Baja’s, I knew I wanted to try it. We have never eaten their so we decided to give it a whirl – and we were not disappointed! The waitress came to our table immediately upon being seated to get our drink order. With four antsy kids it’s hard for them to sit and have to wait - I really liked that they were so quick. After drinks arrived, we ordered our food which was a tough decision to make for the kids. They have a great kids menu (12 and under) with a variety of choices – plus the prices are phenomenal for portion size. My little ones got PacMan Pancakes and Mam “G” Spaghetti Bowl – and they finished their whole meal! This is a first - normally we are taking home leftovers! The bigger kids, and the hubby and I ordered dishes like: Country fried chicken, Grecian-Style half chicken and Grilled Reuben. Everything we ordered was so flavorful and tasted like it was made at home. I really enjoyed the atmosphere, and the staff was cheerful and eager to please. We did not feel rushed through our meal. I highly recommend visiting Baja’s - the prices are affordable and portion is worthwhile. If you’re a family on a budget this is the way to go!
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Are TV’s in your kids Room Okay? As parents, there are many decisions that need to be made – some require the advice of other parents. At Mom to Mom, NWI we love to help parents with those issues. So when we received the following question, we knew it was one that needed to be posed to our Facebook fans. The question: Should your child have a TV in their bedroom? This topic received a diverse amount of responses. Here’s what our fans had to say: Nancy H., “I don’t think they should ever have one. It gives them an excuse for not being with the rest of the family and/ or spending more time in their room. I do not have one in my room. The bedroom should be for sleeping.” Tina G, “My almost 2 year old has one on the wall. I choose a Netflix educational or soothing show and go in and turn it off
when it’s over. He lays and watches and then I’m able to get the 8 month old to sleep easily.” Leann D., “I will not allow TV’s in their room because they could at any time during the night turn on that TV and watch it and can interfere with their bedtime. Plus, you would have to worry about taking it out of their rooms when they are being disciplined when you take away their privileges.” Laura O., “I told my kids when they are in high school we will discuss it. My house is small, and we only really have a TV in the living room (there is one in my bedroom, but it’s only really used as a sleep timer at night). As much as I believe families should spend time together, I also think teens need time to relax away from their parents too.” Amber W., “Never! They have one in their playroom and that’s enough. Even that is only on when I turn it on (the satellite box is in my bedroom so I control what they watch on it). When
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I told my 6 year old that I didn’t have one in my room until college, she looked at me like I had three heads – won’t be the last time I’m sure!” Angela R., “They’ve always had televisions in their rooms/ playrooms! As babies, I had the Baby Einsteins playing and now my 4 year old watched Sprout (Goodnight Show) at night and my twin 9 year olds watch stuff on Disney (or sometimes sports that are on). I monitor it and limit it.” Katie E., “Never! I think children who fall asleep to a TV become adults who need a TV to fall asleep. A good sleep is so important for kids and adults – keep bedrooms for sleeping.” Heather D., “We don’t have TV’s in any bedrooms in our home. Bedrooms are a place of peace and quiet. We set up a separate playroom for our soon with a TV – we don’t sleep and play in the same room.” Alicia H., “NEVER! My son got an alarm clock for Christmas and once a week he tells me what time he fell asleep and woke up during the night. I think he would get more sleep if it wasn’t in his room.”
Amber N., “My boys share a room and they do have a TV – it is a 19 inch TV/VCR combo that I had when I was a teenager. There is no cable hooked up to it, just a DVD player. They can’t reach the DVD’s, so they have to ask me to get one down. They are not allowed to watch it while they fall asleep and honestly hardly ever use it. We have the TV in the living room that they get a lot of use out of, and I think that as long as the TV in the room is not abused there is no harm in it. It has come in handy when they are sick and just want to lie around.” Christine S., “There is no reason for children to have televisions in their rooms. They are already so disconnected from family time and the world around them with the overabundance of electronic media out there.” Kim Y., “My girls do not have TV’s but my boys share a room and they do have a TV –they are 11 and 16. They use it to help them fall asleep, and don’t go to their rooms during the day to watch it. Our kids are all happy, healthy and honor roll students. It works for us, but not obviously all.”
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HEAD Trama by: Sheila Pochron
Now that spring is officially here, so is the promise of baseball games, bike rides, and everything else spring has to offer. I am looking forward to living at the little league field and hopefully teaching our daughter to ride her bike without her training wheels once the warm weather hits. As an emergency room nurse, the warm weather also reminds me of the increase in facial and head traumas that will be heading our way once kids are outside playing more. My hope is to educate parents on the severity of this issue and to show a few different ways in which you can help keep your kids safe and prevent any unnecessary injuries. Bike riding accidents account for the largest number of head traumas that will be seen in most emergency rooms. 34 % of the nearly 240,000 injuries will result from some type of biking accident. Kids not wearing helmets and proper protective equipment are most at risk for facial and head trauma. Although wearing a helmet offers a certain amount of protection, it is most important to make sure that the helmet is the proper size and is worn correctly. A helmet should sit on the top of the head in a level position and cover the forehead. If you are able to move the helmet front to back or side to side, than it is not the proper size or needs to be adjusted. Make sure that the chin strap sits snugly under the chin and behind the ears. By teaching your kids to wear a helmet early on, you are instilling a positive habit that will hopefully continue the older they are. Sports related facial and head trauma injuries rank up there with biking accidents. I am sure most of you have witnessed a foul ball, a pitch gone astray, or a hard hit on the football field. In order to properly protect your kids from these types of sports related accidents, you need to know which protective equipment is recommended for their sport. Baseball and softball players should always be wearing helmets even if they are just out on the practice field. I have started to see more and more facial shields being attached to batting helmets to help reduce the amount of dental or facial injuries. Batting helmets and face guards may prevent or reduce the severity of facial injuries by 4,000. It is also recommended for kids who are playing any type of contact sport such as football or hockey to wear a mouth guard. Mouth guards help to
reduce the amount of dental injuries, decrease spinal cord injuries, and help to absorb the impact. A properly fitting mouth guard should cover the upper and lower gums and should allow for normal talking and breathing. The American Dental Association estimates that mouth guards reduce oral injuries by 200,000 per year. I found this statistic really shocking, and will definitely make me think twice before choosing my sons mouth guard for football this year. Although biking and contact sports make up the largest percentages of oral and facial trauma, remember it is important to protect yourself and your children whenever the possibility of an injury is present. Make protecting your family from these types of injuries a priority during your spring activities. Not only will you be reducing the amount of potential injuries, but you will also be saving money that could have been spent on bills at the dentist or hospital.
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Get Out Get Fit
SPINNING
Finding new fitness studios and classes in Northwest Indiana can sometimes be like finding a needle in a haystack. We have access to many amazing full service fitness centers that offer the complete package of equipment, group classes, pool, child care, etc., but many of these great all inclusive health clubs come with hefty monthly membership fees and lengthy contracts. So when I am feeling non-committal and am looking to burn calories, I go searching for smaller fitness studios that offer great classes at a reasonable price – with no contract.
participants through a series of phases, from warm-up to more challenging phases, to a period of peak effort followed by a cool down. Bikes are generally lined up in a room with an instructor leading on a bike facing the class. The tension or resistance on the spin bike can be adjusted according to specific fitness level of the person riding it - essentially creating a cycling workout tailored to your personal fitness needs. With upbeat music pumping and the lights turned down low, the instructor leads the class through different cycling scenarios such as hills, jumps and speed work.
When my fitness colleague and friend Krystal Cole told me she was going to open a new fitness studio in Chesterton I was pumped! I have to admit, I have a soft spot for other women (like myself) that have started their own small fitness businesses. Krystal’s new studio, Absolute Fitness Chesterton, offers specific forms of exercise that would almost be impossible to experience if you are not a member of a fitness club. At Absolute Fitness Chesterton, you can take a spin class, circuit class, TRX group class, and Piloga - all without a lengthy commitment and for as little as $7 for a single class!
Indoor Cycling/Spin Experience: Sweaty! Fun! Energizing! The warm-up had my heart pumping almost immediately. Spin Instructor Kim Parks cranked up the volume to a great playlist of upbeat, modern songs while guiding us through jumps, up and down hills and even under imaginary branches. The class offered a high intensity cardio session that I would never have experienced riding a stationary bike independently in front of a TV, or even riding my bike outside on the road. It’s official, I’m hooked!!!
So for this month’s get out and get fit experience, I decided to try a spin class at Absolute Fitness Chesterton with Instructor Kim Parks. Here are all the sweaty details: Indoor Cycling/Spin Explained: Spinning is a relatively recent phenomenon, where participants take part in a group workout on exercise bikes that typically lasts anywhere from 30-75 minutes. The classes are led by instructors who normally guide
Where to find Indoor Cycling/Spin Classes: Spin classes are offered at most health clubs and gyms in this area. The beauty of trying out a spin class at Absolute Fitness Chesterton is that you can drop into a class without the commitment of a membership. Check out www.absolutefitnesschesterton. com for schedules and pricing. Do you have a workout you’d like me to try? Send an email to momtomomnwi@ gmail.com with the subject “Get Out and Get Fit”.
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Family & Kid Events:
*Spring Kids Closet Sale April 13th from 8:00am – 12:00pm - Mothers & More of Porter County are hosting there annual fundraiser - the Spring Kids Closet Sale. The sale is open to the public and offers over 30 tables of fantastic things for baby, toddler, child and mother-to-be. From clothes to toys to high chairs, there are gently used items at prices that can’t be beat! The sale will be held at the Butterfield Family Pavilion in Valparaiso at the corner of Evans and Calumet. Admission is $2.00 per person from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. After 10:00 a.m. admission is $1.00 per person. Persons under 18 years old are always admitted without charge. There’s always a line out the door, so arrive early!
*YMCA’S Healthy Kids Day®- Griffith Branch April 27th from 10:00am - 1:00pm - The YMCA Griffith Branch is Hosting their Annual Healthy Kids Day®. This is a free community event for all kids ages 0-12 and their families that aims to get kids more active and engaged in learning, so they can maintain healthy habits and academic skills to achieve goals and reach their full potential. For more than 20 years, Healthy Kids Day has celebrated kids’ health and continues to teach healthy habits for kids and families, encourage active play, and inspire a lifetime love of physical activity. Activities include: Soccer, Basketball, Cooking Demo, Art class, Zumba, Drums alive, and more. Also, those in attendance
can visit all the vendors’ booths for a family photo, vision screenings, health screenings and more. A free t-shirt will be given to the first 150 children preregistered for the event. Call 219.750.1082 ext. 101 and ask for Pam.
*Pins for Peyton and Gracie Too! May 18th at 6:00pm -The 5th Annual Pins for Peyton and Gracie Too, a fundraiser to support the Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation (LDSF), will take place at Camelot Lanes in Portage on Saturday, May 18th Tickets are $30 per bowler and $15 per non-bowler – price includes bowling and shoe rental, pizza, non-alcoholic beverages, snacks and door prizes. For your added entertainment, there will be music by Part of the Problem and Rhino & The Acoustic Earth Shaker Band. For more information, or to reserve your lane, contact Sarah at 219.718.1260 or by email lagacy1@ hotmail.com.
Upcoming Races in Northwest Indiana: *Knight’s Run 5K in DeMotte
April 6th with a start time of 8:00am -$20 for pre-registration with a shirt, $25 for day of registration and shirt if available
*Hammond 10K Charity Run April 13th with a start time of 8:30am -10K Run is a Gold Cup Event, 5K Run/Walk is a Junior Gold Cup. Awards will be given for top finishers in age, gender, masters and overall.
*2013 Crossroads Marathon and ½ Marathon in
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Lowell
*Tri Kappa Dash in St. John
April 14th with a start time of 7:30am -Marathon Fee: $80, Half Fee: $65. Finisher medals will be awarded to tall runners who finish the course(s) within the specified time limit.
April 27th with a start time of 8:00am -Join the Zeta Psi Chapter of Tri Kappa on their inaugural 5K Run/Walk for charity. All proceeds will be donated to local charities in the community. Entry fee is $20 per person before April 13th, $25 after.
*2013 5K Spring Fling Ramp Run/Walk in *Black Cat Strut in Valparaiso Hammond April 20th with a start time of 9:00am -3.1 miles of fast racing includes PUC’s parking garage with 4 incline ramps. Registration fee is $20 before April 6th, $25 after. Ramp Run Gloves will be given to the first 300 preregistered runners and walkers.
*Ten Mile Run at County Line Orchard April 21st with a start time of 8:00am -Registration is $30 by April 14th ($2 discount to 2013 active CRS members) and $32 after April 14th and on race day (No CRS discount).
W h y d a n c e at M i r r or I m a g e Da n ce Ac a d em y? • We are a Christian based dance
studio focused on building strong dancers and strong character. •Our competitive teams have earned top honors! •Our music, costuming, and movements are contemporary, yet age appropriate! •We have been an integral part of the community with over 12 yrs of exceptional dance instruction.
219-462-3160 www.mirrorimagedance.net
Dance for all levels 18 months-adult! Ballet-Tap-Jazz-Contemporary-Hip Hop-Modern-PointePraise Dance-Performing and Competing TeamsAcademic/Dance Preschool
3207 Cascade Dr., Suite G, Valparaiso Just off Silhavy Rd, 2 blocks north of Target
April 28th with a start time of 9:00am -5K Run/Fun Walk and 1 Mile Dog Walk at Sunset Hill Farm in Valparaiso. T-shirts are guaranteed to all pre-registered participants. Bandanas will be provided for dogs. Dogs must be leashed at all times, vaccinated and must be friendly.
*2013 Hub Run in Crown Point May 5th with a start time of 2:00pm -The race will start and finish at the Courthouse downtown. The race is a 5K Competitive Run and 2K Run/Walk.
*Brothers and Sisters in Christ Basic 5K Run in Crown Point May 11th with a start time of 9:00am -Entry fee for this race is $20 pre-registered, $25 for Race Day.
*2013 Valpo Police K-9 Unit 5K-9 Run May 11th with a start time of 9:00am -The 5K Run and non-competitive 1 Mile Dog Walk will be held in Downtown Valparaiso. The 5K run is a road course with moderate hills.
*Great Futures Family Bike Ride in Chesterton May 11th with a start time of 8:30am -This Family Bike Ride is a new special event hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County. It is a non-competitive ride that celebrates families and living healthy lifestyles. The Great Futures Family Bike Ride is open to the entire community. Families can ride a portion of the trail or the entire length
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and back.
*2 Big Hearts 5K in Long Beach May 25th with a start time of 9:00am -5K Competitive Run and 5K Fun Walk at the Long Beach Fitness Center. Registration is $20 (before May 20th) and $25 after May 20th. Calumet Region Striders can deduct $1 for early registration only.
*RE/MAX Affiliates Memorial Day Trail Run Xtreme 12K in Portage May 27th with a start time of 8:15am -The Kids’ Mile (a cross country/trail race) begins at 8:15am. Then the Xtreme 12K begins at 9:00am. The race takes place on the East side of Imagination Glen and is a rugged 12K trail course traversing hills, log jumps, thigh-high creek crossings, mud and switchbacks over single track mountain bike trails. Runners will get wet and muddy and shoes have been lost on the course.
*Field Station Frenzy in Chesterton June 2nd with a start time of 8:00am -This 5K Run/Walk Kid’s Fun Run and Tot Trot will take place on the scenic trails of Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve. The course offers a variety of running surfaces including pavers, gravel and boardwalk. Supervised childcare will be available for pre-registered participants throughout the event.
April 4th from 4:30pm-6:00pm *Super Scrabble Saturday April 27th from 10:00am-12:00pm Central *Mother Goose on the Loose (birth to 23 months) April 2nd and 16th from 10:00am-10:30am *Toddler Time (2 and 3) April 15th from 10:00am-10:40am *Preschool Story Hour (4-5 years) April 9th and 23rd from 10:00am-11:00am *Craft Table for Children (All Ages) April 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th from 9:00am8:30pm -Children are welcome to make a craft at the craft table in the Children’s Department.
Dyer-Schererville
*Mother Goose on the Loose (birth to 23 months) April 8th, 9th, 15th and 16th from 10:3oam11:00am *Toddler Time (2 and 3) April 10th and 17th from 10:15am-10:55am, 11:15am-11:55am and 1:30-2:10pm *Preschool Story Hour (4-5 years)
Library Events (Lake County) Cedar Lake
*Mother Goose on the Loose (birth to 23 months) April 5th and 19th from 10:30am-11:00am and 11:30am-12:00pm *Toddler Time (2 and 3) April 11th and 25th from 10:30am-11:15am *Preschool Story Hour (4-5 years) April 2nd and 16th from 10:30-11:30 and 1:00pm-2:00pm *Lego Mania (K-6th grade)
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April 8th, 9th, 15th, and 16th from 1:30pm2:30pm *Lego Club (K-6th grade) April 3rd from 6:30pm-7:30pm *Power Paws for Kids (4-5 years and K-6th grade) April 13th from 11:00am-12:00pm *Dynamite Duplo (2–5 years) April 4th from 10:00am-11:30am
Griffith Branch
*Mother Goose on the Loose (birth to 23 months) April 10th and 24th from 10:30am-11:00am *Toddler Time (2 and 3) April 3rd and 17th from 10:30am-11:15am *LEGO Mania (K-6th grade) April 15th from 3:30pm-5:00pm *Kids Cook (7-12 years) April 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th from 4:00pm5:00pm -Children will be using the microwave over to make simple meals and snacks to share with their family. There is a fee of $6 for all four cooking sessions. We go from breakfast to dinner and dessert in these classes. Registration is not required.
Highland Branch
*Mother Goose on the Loose (birth to 23 months) April 3rd and 17th from 10:30am-11:15am April 2nd and 16th from 6:30pm-7:00pm *Tremendous 2’s and 3’s April 8th and 22nd from 10:30am-11:15am *Fabulous 4’s, 5’s and 6’s April 10th and 24th from 10:30am-11:30am *Family Story Hour (3-7 years) April 9th and 23rd from 6:30pm-7:30pm (all ages) *Family Craft Night (All Ages) April 4th from 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Hobart Branch
*Mother Goose on the Loose (birth to 23 months) April 3rd and 17th from 10:15am-10:45am *Toddler Time (2 and 3) April 11th and 25th from 10:15am-11:00am April 8th and 22nd from 11:15am-12:00pm April 9th and 23rd from 6:30pm-7:15pm *Preschool Story Hour (4-5 years) April 9th and 23rd from 1:30pm-2:30pm
Lake Station Branch
*’Tween Time (4th-7th grade) April 10th from 6:00pm-7:00pm
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April 9th and 23rd from 10:30am-11:30am
*Family Nutrition Program (All Ages) April 12th from 11:00am-1:30pm
Library Events (Porter County)
Munster Branch
*Mother Goose on the Loose (birth to 23 months) April 10th and 24th from 10:3oam-11:00am *Terrific 2’s & 3’s April 15th and 29th from 10:15am-11:00am and 11:15am12:00pm *Fantastic 4’s & 5’s April 9th and 23rd from 10:30am-11:30am and 1:30pm2:30pm *Lego Building (K-6th grade) April 11th from 3:00pm-7:00pm
St. John Branch
*Mother Goose on the Loose (birth to 23 months) April 11th and 25th from 10:15am-10:45am *Toddler Time (2 and 3) April 2nd and 16th from 10:15am-10:45am OR 11:15am11:45am *Preschool Story Hour (4, 5 and 6 years)
Hebron
*Toddler Time (2 and 3) April 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th from 10:15am-10:45am *Story Time (4 and 5) April 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th from 11:30am-12:00pm
Kouts
*Mother Goose on the Loose (birth to 23 months) April 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th from 11:0oam-11:30am *Toddler Time (2 and 3) April 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th from 10:15am-10:45am *Story Time (4 and 5) April 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th from 10:15am-10:45am and 1:00pm-1:30pm *Homeschool Hangout (K-8th grade) April 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th from 11:15am-12:15pm
Portage
*Baby Time (Birth to 23 months)
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April 5th and 19th at 10:00am *Toddler Time (2 and 3) April 4th, 11th and 18th from 10:00am-10:30 and 11:00am-11:30am *Story Time (4 and 5) April 9th and 16th from 10:30am-11:00am *Lego Club (K-5th grade) April 27th from 10:30am-11:30am
South Haven
*Toddler Time (2 and 3) April 9th and 16th from 10:15am-10:45am *Preschool Story Time (4 and 5) April 9th and 16th from 11:00am-11:30am
Library Events (La Porte County) Coolspring
*Gardening 101 with Sacha Burns April 20th at 10:00am
Main
*Baby Story time (newborn-24months) April 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th at 10:00am *Daytime Story time (2-5 years) April 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th at 10:00am *Nighttime Story time (newborn-5 years) April 29th at 6:30pm
Rolling Prairie
*It’s Raining Cats and Dogs! April 15th, 22nd and 29th all day -Check out one of our featured titles to get a free treat for your cat or dog. Kids can come in to create a different dog or cat craft each week!
Valparaiso
*Lego Club (K-5th grade) April 12th from 3:45pm-4:30pm
Westchester Public Libraries Hageman
*Play Date (newborn to 12 months) April 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th at 10:30am *Tickle Tales (9-24 months) April 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th from 10:00am-10:30am *Toddler Time (2–3 years) April 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th at 10:00am *Stepping Stone (3 years) April 10th, 17th and 24th at 10:00am *Story Time (4-6years) April 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th at 3:00pm
Thomas
*I Can Do That!!! Art – Drop In April 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th from 10:00am-1:00pm *Wiggles & Giggles April 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 25th and 26th at 10:00am *Tickle Tales (9-24months) April 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th at 10:00am *Story Time (4-6 years) April 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th at 10:00am
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KIDS EAT FREE OR REDUCED:
Amarillo Roadhouse –Kids eat free on Tuesday at the location in Schererville.
Bob Evans – Kids eat free on Tuesday nights with the purchase of an adult entrée at Merrillville, Chesterton and Valparaiso locations.
Boston’s Gourmet Pizza – Kids eat free on Sundays with the purchase of an adult entrée at the Schererville location.
Buffalo Wild Wings – On Wednesday and Sunday, kids 12 and under get half-price kids meals at Buffalo Wild Wings in Valparaiso.
Denny’s – Kids can eat free at Denny’s on Tuesday and Saturday night from 4pm to 10pm. For every one regularly priced adult entrée purchased, two free kid’s meals are given. That means a family with four children can eat for the price of just two adult entrees. The deal is limited to children 10 and under and is available at the Merrillville, Hebron, Portage and Michigan City location.
Fazoli’s – On Tuesdays, kids 12 and under eat for $.99 from 5pm to 8pm at the Valparaiso location.
Golden Corral – All day, every day, kids 3 and under eat FREE from the buffet with the purchase of an adult meal (limit 2) at the Merrillville location. Kids ages 4-7 are $2.99, 8-10 are
$4.99, and 11 and 12 year olds are $5.99. A drink is included in the price.
Goodfellas Bar and Grill, Cedar Lake
– Kids get a free meal when an adult entrée is purchased. The daily special is not included in this deal.
Quaker Steak and Lube – On Wednesday’s, the Portage location offers a $3.99 kids meal, all day long. This includes a drink. Pops Italian Beef, Dyer – On Tuesday’s, kids get a $.99 kids meal with the purchase of a value meal.
Reuben’s Mexican Grill – Sunday is Family Day! Kids 10 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée. Dine in only.
Shenanigan’s Pub and Eatery – Kids eat free on Wednesday’s and Sundays with the purchase of an adult entrée. Shenanigan’s is located on Route 20 in Portage.
Texas Roadhouse – On Monday nights, the Dyer location has $.99 kids meals, with the purchase of an adult entrée. There is a limit of 2 kids meals per family. Andy Armadillo, the mascot, can also be found on these nights, walking around the restaurant and playing with the kids! ***Do you have an event you want to share with us? Just send an email to Stephanie@momtomomnwi.com. The deadline for your entry is due by the 15th.
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*
Li -
mtm editorial After having a countless number of these days, I have now found a few solutions for this. First, wear a bulky coat, no one will notice my no bra wearing – though I don’t know what will happen once nicer weather comes through. Second, wear a hatit hides the messy greasy hair. Third, do not talk to people and they will not notice the morning breath.
by: krystal taylor Like most mothers, my mornings are absolutely nuts! From the time my feet hit the floor in the morning I am breaking up fights, bribing children to get ready for school, and beating myself up for not ALWAYS making a “wonderful breakfast!” After having this discussion with a friend (which made me feel better), I thought I would share it with you - after all, we moms can’t be perfect all of the time!! There are many mornings - I lied most mornings - that I dread the “kids getting ready process!” After being awake for only 10 minutes I am already drained. It does not matter what time we wake up, we are always running late and one of the kids has to go poop at the last second. After all this happens, I realize I have no time for myself in the morning- which means I leave the house (don’t judge) with no bra, my hair is not brushed, and neither are my teeth, and I am normally not showered.
Now, some will read this and think that I am a complete slob, and others will read this and think, “Wow, I am not the only one who is trashy in the morning.” I bet some people will read this and never talk to me again (and always wonder if I am currently wearing a bra when they see me). Do I care – don’t really – judge all you want. You know why?? Because, even though I may be a mess in the morning, I get my children to school on time. You see, society has us mom’s believing that we are supposed to be perfect, but the truth is – WE ARE NOT!!! To those who are in denial- I’m sorry for you. I highly recommend that you leave without a bra tomorrow (and don’t brush your teeth). ATTENTION MOTHERS: every mother is a super Mom in my eyes. We do not need to wake up super early, shower, or have a four course breakfast on the table every day to be “perfect”! So tomorrow be a slob (unless like me, you already are), give the kids a few boxes of cereal, and let them go to town on it!
Krystal is a mother of three children: 6 year old Karson and twin 3 year olds Ethan and Brooklyn. Krystal is a full time wife and mom, full time student and a Scentsy Consultant. Krystal enjoys her life as a super busy mom, and is excited to share her adventures in mommyhood with our readers!
mom on the run
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snakes at a party
r Neace
By: Ambe
It is very rare that you can spend your life doing something you love, but Dave DiNaso is one of the lucky ones. With a fascination for animals that started at a very early age, DiNaso turned his passion for all things creepy crawly into an out of this world reptile show that is not only entertaining but also educational. The kids have so much fun they don’t even realize they are learning! In 1993, DiNaso started his business, and after lots of preparation he performed his first show in April of 1994 at an elementary school in Chicago. “I’ll never forget that first show,” he said. “I had no experience speaking in public and there I was standing on a small stage, staring back at 800 students in a gymnasium. The teachers and students were amazed at the animals I brought and I had everyone laughing. My tension and fears disappeared, and somehow, someway I pulled off a great show that very first day.” From that point on his shows seemed to get better and better. As the years went on, DiNaso added three other reptile enthusiasts to his show - all share a background in working with animals. Chris Boerema, Jim Galeno and Jeremy Taulbee all put their own spin to each and every performance. With so many different animals and personalities, you can see the show over and over again and each time, although similar, it is very different. I personally have seen the show four times –one was an early show of DiNaso’s at my elementary school – and every time they never fail
to impress me. Now, you are probably thinking “What’s the big deal - this guy brings a few snakes and lizards to a party?” This is not the case at all! With a collection of animals that include a 150 lb. 16 foot python, a 90 lb. tortoise, 6 foot monitor lizard, 5 foot iguana, 5 foot alligator, a tarantula and a large snapping turtle, guests of any age will be in awe. “Our show is very funny, educational and interactive,” DiNaso said. “It is a high energy show, where we bring about a dozen different reptiles. Our message is simple - we do not try to convince people to ‘like’ reptiles, but rather to respect them. We want everyone to understand their importance to the environment, as well as to people.” Having a show like this in the comfort of your own home sounds expensive, but it’s not. The show cost ranges from $225 for birthdays up to about $350 for “bigger” events such as corporate events or county fairs. No deposit is required and you aren’t charged if you have to cancel for any reason at any time. DiNaso advised those wanting to book an outdoor party to be mindful of weather conditions. No shows will be done outside if the temperature is below 70 degrees or above 95 degrees - this is for the safety of the animals. It’s also recommended to book your party early (up to two months in advance) as their schedule tends to fill fast - especially on weekends. If you want to know more about Dave DiNaso’s Traveling World of Reptiles, check out their website travelingworldofreptiles.com or on Facebook.
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