Kamloops Momma Issue 11 by Kamloops Momma Magazine

Feb/Mar 2012

The New and Improved Super Mom!

Changing the world... one imperfection at a time

Things

YOU Love:

2011 Parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Awards Winners Revealed! (p.25)

Family-Friendly Kamloops I Wish I Knew When I Was Pregnant... NEW! Community Resource Directory

Here are some of the awesome businesses you will see at Bump It! Welcome to the NEW way to buy your next vehicle!

*Ask us about the safety of our Ford vehicles *All who support Bump It! will receive first oil change FREE when purchasing your next vehicle *Receive $100 when you refer someone who purchases a vehicle!!

Call Jody Gyger and Darrick Boyes to get pre-approved today!

2555 E.T.C. HWY 250.372.7101

All Grown Up...

few months ago my daughter asked to have her ears pierced...well, she wanted them ‘peered,’ actually. This request caught me quite by surprise. I’d never mentioned having her ears pierced and was sure she didn’t get it from me wearing earrings twice a year. I wasn’t opposed to it. I knew I wouldn’t be the mom who waited until her daughter was a teenager, but I also had to make sure that it was something she really wanted. So I asked her why she wanted her ears pierced. She said, “Mackenzie in dance class got her ears peered.” “Ah ha! Peer pressure!” I thought. This was the first time that Letter from a I really saw a significant influence from her peers. It wasn’t like Kamloops she wanted the same toy as a friend; she wanted holes in her body - holes that could last the rest of her life! Momma And just like that, I felt my little girl growing up. It’s scary to think that, from here on out, her friends are going to play a more important role in shaping who she is. It’s no longer just her family she’ll look to for advice, assurance, and, of course, what’s ‘cool.’ And I fear a day when she no longer looks to us at all... Yes, I began to panic a wee bit! But then my sweet not-so-little girl said something that brought me back to earth, “Mackenzie said it hurts a little and then you have to clean them lots.” I realized that my daughter not only has great taste in friends, but that she can make good choices. Yes, she wanted her ear pierced because of a peer but this peer also shared her knowledge about the experience and aftercare...pretty awesome friend, if you ask me! So, did we get her ears pierced? Yes, after 2 months of asking, we did. And how did it go? Amazingly! We took her to a local piercing studio where they carefully explained everything to HER, not to me. They even had her sign her own consent form! It was a very proud mommy moment, though I was a little teary to see her so grown up. But she wasn’t teary - she just sucked on a purple lollipop with a huge grin on her face. This month marks another huge milestone in my daughter’s life: school registration. Part of me is excited, but I think a bigger part is nervous - she will be spending more time in the company of peers than with her family (unless sleeping counts!). I guess I can only hope that we have raised her to be a strong, caring, smart little person; that her good choices will far outweigh the bad; and that she makes many friends like Mackenzie. -Courtney Charlton, editor To share your ideas and comments, contact us at info@kamloopsmomma.com or find us on Facebook!

On the Cover: Gorgeous momma Danna & sweet little Marlow were the winners of Milk & Honey Photography’s 12 days of Christmas contest! The beautiful hair & makeup were generously donated by the talented staff at Beauty Code Boutique. Photo by Lisa DiGeso of Milk & Honey Photography. For more info, go to www.milkandhoneyphotography.ca

A Look Inside Kamloops Momma...

Noah, 8

Daniella, 7 months

Damon, 7 and Maxon, 1

Jade, 4

We Had Kids to Enjoy Them, Right?

I Have No Fancy Title...It’s My Life

Simple ways to find that authentic connection with your kids One mom’s experience with infertility

Moving on from Mommy & Me

The New and Improved Super Momma

On the Road Again...

Dame’s Investing in Social Harmony

Pink for Boys?

Moms with Cameras

Things I Wish I Knew when I was Pregnant

Family-Friendly Kamloops

The Parent’s Choice Awards Winners

Bringing Kamloops’ Sexy Back: Revealed

Deanie Hansen

Developing Physical Literacy

One mom’s career change for her family

Changing the world one small imperfection at a time

A year in the life of a homeschooling momma of four The Vagina Monologues

Redefining gender-neutral A year-long course for budding photographers And things to keep in mind once you’ve had the baby

Mapping local businesses that welcome and support families Find out what are the things YOU love! Joanna Carter

A helping hand to families for over 20 years Creating a lifelong learner and advocate for physical activity

Resources:

Oliver, 4 months

16 Health and Wellness Directory 23 Birthday Party Directory 29 Notes from a Boho Momma 34 Community Events Calendar

Kamloops Momma is the fun, reliable publication connecting local families to each other and to our community. We provide information about regional events, resources and businesses, as well as articles intended to inspire, enlighten and empower parents and caregivers. As a local resource, we want our community to get involved. We encourage and accept submissions from any person, business, or organization sharing our goal to strengthen our parenting community. Kamloops Momma is published every 2 months and available for free at businesses and resource centres throughout our region. Readers can also download the magazine online and subscribe to have it delivered right to their door. 6

www.kamloopsmomma.com

22 Dear Aunty 27 Things We Love 32 Community Resource Directory

Kamloops Momma Magazine

Published by Courtney Charlton, editor Contact: 778.472.0020 info@kamloopsmomma.com www.kamloopsmomma.com facebook.com/kamloopsmommamagazine All rights reserved. No written or illustrated part of this magazine may be reproduced, except brief quotations in articles or reviews, without permission from the editor and individual authors.

We Had Kids to Enjoy Them, Right? Simple ways to find that authentic connection with your kids Trisha enjoys some authentic connection with her daughters, Makenna, 5, Kelsa, 3, and Vanya, 8 months.

“

By Trisha Miltimore

Mommy, you look not very good today. You need more make up,” says my five year old to me the other morning. I didn’t look good? This coming from the little princess who was, I am embarrassed to admit, still wearing the previous night’s spaghetti sauce dried on her cheeks. I glanced in the mirror and shared her sentiments—after all, I was still in my pj’s, too busy getting the kidlets ready to impress the world with their cute pink tights, matching shirts and uneven ponytails. After waking up three times during the night for potty breaks and miscellaneous reassurance, I did need something….oh that’s right…it’s called SLEEP! Parenthood is tiring, relentless, incredibly challenging and, of course, AMAZING. Three girls later, I often wonder what I did with all my free time before they took over our world. I am so amused when parents-to-be state that THEIR children will follow THEIR schedule. Sure. Have fun with that! The reality is that there’s simply not enough time in a day for all that needs to be done. Our inbox will never be empty. Do you ever collapse in bed at night and, upon reflection of your day, feel overwhelmed and tired for...yourself? We are spending so much time, money and energy providing for our children, we are too often missing out on the most influential and character building opportunity of BEING with our kids. Not driving around from one activity to another. Not reading the paper or catching up on emails while they hang in their room (this is a tough one for me). Being there means being a part of their world in a PURPOSEFUL and PARTICIPATORY manner. After all, we had kids to ENJOY them right? Here’s a few ideas for you (from toddlers to tweens) - colour or draw together, while reminiscing about the many colouring contests you won during your glory kid days - bake your favourite treat TOGETHER and have an inside or outside picnic for the whole family to enjoy them - take a walk together work on family scrapbook photo albums (tweens/teens LOVE to do one celebrating all their BFF’s too) - plan an at home sit down dinner at LEAST once a week (try weekend brunches too!). Remember, no cell phones, TV or video games at the dinner table. Our kids, from babes to late teens, NEED US. They truly do. Don’t let a pair of rolling eyes and incessant “whatevers” convince you otherwise! It is our responsibility, as caregivers, to maintain and continually invest the most necessary time, patience and love into the relationships we have with our children.

TRY THIS: Surprise your child with a date night (something they would like to do). Get excited. Let loose and have FUN! We live in a challenging time for parenthood. Perhaps we should just take a BIG breath. Laundry can wait. Dishes will NOT spontaneously combust. Let’s not get too attached to expectations that seem to drive our daily routines. With family relationships, just like romantic ones, staying connected is much more difficult from afar. We need to BE together to STAY together. Opportunities for AUTHENTIC CONNECTION don’t always just happen: as parents we need to set the stage for such interpersonal magic! Enjoy the Journey. Trisha Miltimore is a National Inspirational Speaker, Radio Broadcaster and Mompreneur.

I Have No Fancy

Title...It’s My Life How one mom’s experience with infertility made her who she is today Photo: Erin Brule By Lisa DiGeso

“

You have a less than 2% chance of ever conceiving a child naturally on your own.” My husband and I just looked at each other in shock. I remember my eyes filling up with tears. We had spent the past 5 years ‘trying’ with no success. And here we were at the Kelowna Regional Fertility Centre finally with a diagnosis: we were an infertile couple. Our infertility came as quite a shock to us; we were young, healthy, and both had great jobs. And we wanted a child more than anything in the world. We got married young but waited a few years to settle into our marriage before considering adding a child to our family. Shouldn’t it have been easy for us? As time passed, our circle of friends all started to have their children and, as the months turned into years, their second and third babies. I felt like we were being left behind. Every month I would go out and invest in pregnancy tests and every month I would wallow in self pity at that single blue line. After a couple of years we stopped getting the perfunctory,

“when are you starting a family” as it became obvious we were having fertility challenges. Family and friends were trying to be helpful with “just relax” and other cliché comments and advice. No matter what anyone said, it still stung. Most of the time I felt very alone. We stopped getting invitations to baby showers, birthday parties, and felt left out of the mom club I so desperately wanted to be part of. Friends would avoid telling me they were pregnant. In hindsight, I understand they thought they were sparing my feelings and were trying to protect me, but at the time I felt very alienated. I remember the “Pregnant Man.” I literally spent a day in bed crying when I found out A MAN was pregnant before me. It wasn’t fair. But infertility isn’t fair: it’s random; it’s people you would never expect; and it’s a lonely lonely road. So finally after 5 years we had a diagnosis and a plan. We opted to do ICSI (Intracytoplasmic sperm injection), a medical technique used in assisted reproduction and a form of In Vitro Fertilization ( IVF). I have never been a big needle person. In fact, I once fainted when I had blood drawn, but I was one of the lucky ones and only had to give myself 3 needles a day for 16 days - some protocals require many more injections for a longer period of time. Over the 16 day period I drove to Kelowna and back for daily blood tests and hormone and egg production monitoring. I’m not going to lie: the hormones I was on did make me a little nutty and slightly irrational. I knew I could take the physical pain, but I underestimated the emotional tole of IVF. After 16 days, I was sent from Kelowna to Vancouver for the egg retrieval process. At the egg retrieval, eggs produced in that cycle were harvested and fertilized. We stayed in Vancouver while our embryos fertilized, impatiently waiting for a daily phone call to hear how many had made it through the night and how they were developing. After 3 days, we went back and had one embryo transferred. We watched our little embryo be transferred on a large moni-

“Most of the time I felt very alone. We stopped getting invitations to baby showers, birthday parties, and felt left out of the mom club I so desperately wanted to be part of.”

After years trying to conceive a child, this miracle baby entered the world and his momma hasn’t put down her camera since. Sweet baby Vann might just be one of the most photographed children ever! Photos: Milk & Honey Photography

tor. It was definitely surreal to watch myself get pregnant. The next 2 weeks darn well killed me. My hormones were all over the map and my body was bruised from the injections and the egg retrieval. My stomach was so swollen I looked 5 months pregnant and all I could do was wait. Two weeks after the transfer I was admitted into emergency after developing a rare case of ovarian hyperstimualtion syndrome (basically your follicles burst and leak fluid into your abdomen and lungs) - not fun. I was lying on a gurney in the ER when my blood test came back positive: I was pregnant! The next 9 months went both fast and slow. I was scared to do anything. I stopped swimming, having baths, and I had a full on meltdown because I ate a sandwich that had lunch meat in it. I bought a fetal Doppler so I could listen to my baby’s heartbeat on a daily basis and I was on eggshells until I first felt my baby move. But I had an amazing pregnancy, aside from crazy heartburn, and on Sept 29, 2009 our beautiful son was born. We made it. We overcame our infertility. We finally had a family. I was so excited to be a new momma, well, excited and scared...and full of hormones! I didn’t want to miss a single moment of my precious newborn’s life. At the time I had a point and shoot camera and I took really really bad photos; really really bad - so bad I started Googling, “how to take better photos of your child.” After 2 weeks solid on Google, I was hooked. I insisted I NEEDED a new fancy DSLR camera. My husband was not on board so I saved my ‘mommy money’ for 3 months and, in the interim, spent countless hours on photography internet forums learning the photography basics. I never intended to have a photography business; I just wanted to take great photos of my child and fell in love with photography along the way. In June of 2010 I started my own company and to date have photographed over 100 newborns and hundreds of babies and expectant mothers in Kamloops. I often get asked why I only specialize in maternity, new-

born and baby photography. It’s not that I don’t love big kids, because I really do! I am a maternity, newborn and baby photographer because of my experience with infertility. These precious little bundles are absolute miracles and I want to capture the magic, the joy, the newness and wonder a baby brings to a couple. I get to be part of their celebration and create art that will take them back to those first few days. My sweet baby just turned two and my photography company just turned 1.5 years. I hope to add another sweet miracle to our family in the next few years. What I want to leave you with is this: infertility is sad and lonely, but nothing to be ashamed of. IVF is scary, but so is not doing it. I would have walked through fire to have my sweet child. Not everyone has an IVF success story, or overcomes their infertility. I was one of the lucky ones. Infertility didn’t break me; it made me who I am today. Lisa DiGeso is the owner of Milk & Honey Photography. She specializes in fine art maternity, newborn, and baby photography.

Moving on from Mommy & Me By Lealle Pelletier (Stoughton) never planned to be a busiwhether you are there or not. I’m constantly thinking about ness owner – I never went to what I can do to improve it, the list of things to do is never done, school for it either – but here I and there are days where I feel overwhelmed. am running a thriving business: But then there are the days that are truly what life is about. I Mommy & Me Boutique. have built childhood memories with my two girls. They have I always thought business had so much fun visiting the store after business hours – whethowners were people that had er it be a pizza party on the floor or a good old game of make it in their blood – their parents believe where they shop and use a real cash register! owned businesses and passed I have also seen moms go through pregnancy and soon after the knowledge, and sometimes show off their new bundles. I have had heart to heart moments the business itself, down. with struggling parents, and have been able to share some Then there’s me – someone advise and personal experiences with others. who was in the right place at the right time and I definitely feel that I have been doing things “My career will right because my decisions have paid off...and buys one! Like many of you, I hated my job. It’s a strong some. During my 2nd and 3rd year, I was able probably change then to work less hours, make more money, and let the word, I know, but I did. I hated it so much that I literally got up off my chair, grabbed my purse a few more times business do what I built it to do. I have been able and jacket, and walked out. No 2 week written get a good head start on my children’s educain my life, but my to notice, no good-bye party, no good-byes at all tion savings, my personal investments, and our – just left. I think everyone thought I was crazy; family will remain family has been able to purchase a few luxury I had a government job with a good salary and my family – and I items as well! seniority – I had been there for over 10 years. Now life is changing for me once again. My will always make husband and I have decided that we want to raise That same day, 3 years ago, I walked aimlessly into the old Mommy & Me. I was blindly our children where he grew up, the Shuswap. We my decisions looking at the used clothing and overheard that have family close by and are currently building around that.” the business was for sale. I thought to myself, our dream home on a large acreage lot in Eagle “I could do this,” so I did! I jumped in with both Bay. feet and bought the store! It was that simple...career woman to My career will probably change a few more times in my life, entrepreneur. I was now self-employed! but my family will remain my family – and I will always make I had very little business experience. Sure, I experimented my decisions around that. Therefore, owning a business is soon going to be something in my past and in someone else’s future. with triangle businesses. I even managed to start an online I have recently listed Mommy & Me Boutique for sale and am nanny agency. Both of these, however, were very different. I didn’t rely on the money I made and there was little investment, passing my achievement on to someone else. Maybe after reading this, I have inspired you to go that extra thus little to be lost if I failed. With minimal experience as a sole proprietor under my belt, step and jump in with both feet as I did. For anyone who may be interested in pursuing this path - whether it be my store or I simplified things into black and white. I brainstormed a few ideas of how I wanted to make the business my own. The ideas someone who needs the support or advise to go elsewhere - I came pretty easy to me – the store definitely had to be bigger, will gladly make the time for you. And this time, I definitely won’t leave without saying good-bye! cleaner, more modern and more convenient. Location is always important to the success of a business so, after much research, I knew the business had to move. The first day on the job, I showed up with a moving truck and moved Mommy & Me to the North Hills Mall. The saying, “you have to have money to make money” was definitely true. Not only did I invest in a business, but I had to invest just as much to make the move to the mall possible. EveWant more info about my successful ry penny – and I mean every penny – of my first year of operaturn-key consignment store? tion I used to build up the inventory at the store. This sacrifice, however, made the store what it is today. Contact Me! It hasn’t always been easy. Owing the store is a full time job,

Mommy & Me Boutique is for sale! lealle@telus.net

Advertising Feature

The New and Improved Super Momma!

Changing the world...one small imperfection at a time

Photo: Robyn Sh

he new and improved Super Momma says, “Whoops, mommy brain!” and laughs out loud. She knows mommy brain is a mega super conscious quantum tool that is reminding her to ‘do less.’ The new and improved Super Momma looks at her unbalanced dinner, adds slices of apple to each plate and says, “good enough.” The new and improved Super Momma has a laundry room with a door and the clean clothes are in a clean pile most of the time. She might have baskets she and the kids playfully and haphazardly sort the clothes into in a very basketball gamelike way. Or not. If the Super Momma is going to fold clothes, she’ll do it on the couch watching a favourite movie or when someone has come for tea… guests will usually start helping. The new and improved Super Momma puts ‘ditto’ up in lights on their home that is next door to an extravagant Christmas light display. In spring, she posts a ditto sign in her one thriving shrub, pointed towards her neighbour’s fully landscaped, tweezer pruned yard. The new and improved Super Momma yells, “Honey I shrunk the kids!” after hiding the kids in a closet, takes one moment to give her husband a passionate kiss before the evening chaos begins, and calls that ‘relationship connection’ done. The new and improved Super Momma goes to yoga. If she likes yoga. But sometimes mommy mrain kicks in and she ends up at a coffee shop instead, sipping lattes and reading a good book. “Sheesh, how did that happen?” she wonders. The new and improve Super Momma plays with her kids doing the thing she loves. And if Barbies and trucks on the floor are not her thing, she calls that type of play ‘the children’s independent playtime.’ The new and improved Super Momma picks one night a month to do things she wants. She knows full moon is a good choice; family can be more easily convinced to support her outing because Full Moon can make people act oddly and they wouldn’t want to mess that. Not only that, if her family happens to be the ones acting oddly during full moon, she gets to escape.

iels

By Janet Whitehead

The new and improved Super Momma looks at her kid’s and says out loud, “Dang, you are precious!” even when they are dressed funny, the felt pen won’t wash off, and they’ve been whiny all morning. She notices she just feels good saying it. That, and she loves watching the older kids’ bewilderment when they know they weren’t being all that precious. The new and improved Super Momma passes the buck. When it’s hard for the kids to do their chores or homework, she makes a habit of asking them,“How can you make this fun?” and then she trusts that the children have an inner wisdom and innate playful creative side and they can come up with an answer. The new and improved Super Momma doesn’t go crazy cleaning up for guests. She doesn’t want her guests to miss an opportunity to really get to know her. She serves tea beside the laundry mess and says, “Tea? Towel?” The new and improved Super Momma enjoys creating her and her family’s life by design rather than default and, in finding ways to do that, she gravitates toward ‘simple and doable.’ The new and improved Super Momma models ‘doing things differently’ proudly, knowing the ‘old ways of the 50’s to 2011’s’ caused overwhelmed, over-guilted, under–‘fun’ed mommas. The new and improved Super Momma models imperfection proudly, knowing she is changing the world one small imperfection at a time. Janet L.Whitehead is a Professional Life Coach, Master Creativity Coach, and joyful facilitator of ‘Muses for Mommies’ – a course for Moms to live inspired lives with less guilt and more fun. www.musingsandmud.com

On the Road Again...

A year in the life of a homeschooling momma of four

By Teresa Wiedrick was asked a week before one of our trips if I was in preparation mode. Nope, I’m not there yet. I’ll start thinking about it the day before. Funny that on our most recent trip I wasn’t thinking about it the day before either. But I’ll give myself grace; it was New Year’s Eve. I’ve had enough exposure to our caravan life that the day before is a hefty day, but still well organized with the schedule imprinted on my mind. I don’t just want our things packed and organized, I want the house tidy and mostly clean. Who wants dirty floors, smelly clothes in the laundry room, moulding food in the fridge and a stench in the garbage on return? There’s serious work to do the day before, but the adventure is always worth the effort. The minivan is packed neatly, and tightly. Six pieces of luggage in the back, storage case with bags of studies, bags of pantry goods and spices, and a seasonal change of shoes if we’re staying two seasons. The van is filled to the brim with backpacks, violins, snack foods, and blankies and teddies (much to the chagrin of hubby, who has a less sentimental tendency). No matter the time of year, we have the freedom of the wind. British Columbia geography has been easy to explain to our children as we’ve travelled most ends of the province. A drive to Vancouver and three ferry rides brought us to Hornby Island: a step back in time, kind of how I envisioned the seventies. I was most curious about the advertised free-range children. There was a laidback community school with a primarily parent-motivated agenda for their kids’ education. Wide open spaces to play under the Douglas fir forest of an island. We spent an afternoon visiting with a mom and her three daughters at their home on the island’s southwest tip. There were goats and ducks wandering the acreage, a henhouse, and a rabbit hutch too. Snuggled overhead a towering fir was a home to baby eagles. Through the windows of this rainbowcoloured kitchen was a postcard view of a tiny lighthouse-lit island. Sublime. Clearwater, Armstrong, Ashcroft, and Salmon Arm, points on the map or places to pass through for some, but opportunities for my husband. And when there’s a pool, a playground, and a library, we’re always eager to explore. A community Mother Goose party in Salmon Arm allowed us to listen to a local book author and ask questions about her publishing experience. Downtown Ashcroft’s charming historical walk, and the view

from the hospitable bed and breakfast provided pristine views of the valley. Off to the land where trucks roam as freely, and ubiquitously, as cattle on ranchland: Fort St. John. Who decided the British Columbia border? Shouldn’t this oil-based town be on the side of productive, sunny Alberta? Energetic FSJ certainly has a buzz about it. A welcoming homeschool community and gracious guests made the visits feel like home. Of course we’d also spent a summer driving 3500 km to nowhere; I mean, the Arctic: the land of baby belugas and Smartie-coloured row houses on stilts. We’d lived in a two bedroom dormitory suite, played in every park, attended drum circle celebrations, ogled the taxidermied muskox at the Visitor Center, and learned to make muskox meatballs. An unforgettable journey to the great bright north. We’ve spent many hours familiarizing ourselves at the Vancouver Aquarium, Science Center, and Planetarium. Granville Island is a charmer; an idyllic market with rows of exactly organized fruit, cheeses, sausages…as delicious to taste as to drink in the visual experience. Staying downtown, we could acclimate ourselves to the bustling metropolis, continuous sirens, yelling people as they travel to BC Center, and gazing in wonderment at Four Points: a special name for the four Starbucks sitting kitty corner to one another. I have arrived! Seattle, another grey spot just over the American border, had the charm of an old city in Pioneer Square, but with modern tourist attractions. Pike’s Peak Market is as unique as people declare, with flavourful offerings, like the Salmon Cobb Salad at Lowell’s Cafe. Impossible to avoid the Space Needle, though it is a quicker elevator ride upward than the Calgary Tower, and a lot pricier. It was the Children’s Museum that equipped the kids with a play grocery store the size of Kamloops’ friendly Fratelli’s. We watched more than our typical share of television at the hotel: Frasier, anyone? Who could resist Sleepless in Seattle when you’re vacationing there? The Ride the Duck tour allowed us a close up of the residential location of the Meg Ryan/Tom Hanks hit...the fear on Rachel’s face was memorable as we went from land vehicle to boat. Blackberries alongside every road of nearby Bainbridge Island were as common as weeds in our cottage’s yard. I walked up and down back roads collecting pounds of these black gems for dessert cobblers. We had views of the Puget Sound, barnacles on oyster shells, and fishing boats. We wandered docks while the girls fantasized about the size of their future yachts... Our greatest anticipation for the coming spring, as we’ve prepared our children with more muscular invasions than they would prefer, is a trip to Africa. How many visits we’ve had with the travel vaccine nurse! Poor lady likely doesn’t feel welcome in our home as the children haven’t been eager to visit, despite her gifts of candy. With hopes to bookend our trip in London and Paris, we are anticipating a trip to Kenya, where Jim can share his skills in the northwestern mountains. The world awaits, and we are grateful for each of our adventures. I imagine our world travelled children and wonder what adventure awaits their futures. In the meantime, the girls study the map for our next trip while I hone my packing skills: five suitcases in an hour, and we’re on the road again.

Dames Investing in Social Harmony... By Marian Andeberg

one vagina at a time!

ve Ensler, the author of the Vagina Monologues, says that “We forget the Vagina, all of us. What else would explain our lack of awe, our lack of reverence?” After all, each and every one of us went in that way - we might not have come out that way, but we all started by going in there. We all have this point of entry at the point of conception in common as human beings. Down there. The V-Jay-Jay. There are many different words for “it.” The vagina is not something that you would think you could talk about for an entire evening - never mind on stage in front of hundreds of people - but it happens every year about this time all around the world. Eve Ensler originally wrote the Vagina Monologues after chatting with her friends about their Vagina’s and coming to the conclusion that talking about Vagina’s is something that is just not done enough. She started with funny questions such as, “If your Vagina could talk, what would it say?” and “If your Vagina got dressed today, what would it wear?” Eve’s conclusion after more than 200 interviews with women is that we don’t talk enough about vagina’s and we also don’t talk enough about violence against women. So she licensed the Vagina Monologues as a play to be used as a fundraising vehicle in communities around the world to raise money for agencies working to end violence. In 2010, the Kamloops DISH Society – Dames Investing in Social Harmony - was formed following a successful production of the show. Members of the DISH Board include Teresa Parisone, Terri Runnalls, Rebecca McLean, Kira Gosselin, Marian Andeberg, and Tracy Bergman (pictured above). The group took on the task of producing the Vagina Monologues for Kamloops. The 2010 and 2011 productions were both extremely successful raising close to $40,000! The profits from the performances were donated to local

Photo: Carmen How

organizations working to end violence here in Kamloops. Previous beneficiaries have been the Kamloops Women’s Resource Centre, Kamloops Respectful Relationships, the Kamloops Sexual Assault Centre and the Y Willow Tree Program. The women of DISH are currently in rehearsals with a group of over 30 women who will bravely take the stage for the 2012 production set for February 23rd, 24th and 25th. The recipients of funds from the upcoming production will be CMHA’s Emerald House Shelter, the Y Children Who Witness Abuse Program, and the Family Tree Program. The content of the production is at times humorous while at other times heart wrenching, covering subjects such as hair, moans, genital mutilation and rape. The production is delivered with joy and welcomes men and women to join in the celebration and take in the production. The members of DISH can often be heard saying that, “the more scrotums in the seats the better!” Ensler refers to men who join the pledge against violence as “Vagina Warriors!” The production takes place at the Kamloops Convention Centre with doors opening at 6 pm. In addition to the show, there is a silent auction and plenty of vagina merchandise for sale. Anyone up for vagina shaped chocolates and vagina-esque cupcakes from none other than the Sweet Spot? Tickets are available exclusively through Kamloops Live box office. Last year all 3 performances were sold out with no tickets available at the door so get yours early! Learn more about DISH at kamloopsdishsociety. org and watch for other events sponsored by DISH.

Pink for Boys?

Redefining Gender-Neutral By Teresa Thompson he dictionary definition of gender-neutral is, “Free of explicit or implicit reference to gender or sex.” Why are some things even associated with gender? Is it really important that we know if “du lait” is masculine or feminine? And why is it that the ends of an extension cord are called male and female? Okay, maybe those things are important, but as far as colours go, I say there should be no such thing as a “boy colour” or a “girl colour.” I was recently speaking to a pregnant friend about genderneutral colours and her face went blank. She said, “I know the sex of my baby, so why would I want gender-neutral colours?” Well, my friend, gender-neutral colours are not just for unborn babies whom the gender is not known; gender-neutral colours are for every girl and boy. I love seeing boys wearing pinks and purples and girls wearing greens, browns and blues. A young boy who wears purple is not going to act more feminine because of it. I don’t want to come across as a hardheaded colour activist (although I think that may be exactly what I am). Pink is also a great colour for girls. I would just like to see more colour choices out there. I often wondered who decided that blue was the official colour for boys and pink for girls? I did some research and discovered that it was marketing companies in the early 20th century. They thought it would be easier to sell clothes for kids if each gender had a specific colour associated with it. Before this marketing decision, blue was known as a softer more feminine colour and, yes, as you probably guessed, pink was a lighter shade of the stronger and masculine colour red. In the early 19th century, all babies wore white dresses. Back then it wasn’t as important to distinguish gender as it is now. Which brings me to another question: why is it important for children to fit into predetermined gender roles early on in life? Every child of every gender should be allowed to decide for themselves who they are and what they want to be. But that is another rant for another day... My friend did not seem as moved by my rant as I was, so I went with plan B: “What if your next baby is a boy? Then you can reuse all of the clothes from your first child!” Teresa Thompson is the owner of Bubbs and Buggs Wear, an eco-friendly, gender-neutral clothing company.

Moms with Cameras “A new Mom fades out of her old roles and into her new one.” Photo: Reagan Day By Sara Schriener, Life Unfolding Photography

“

A new Mom fades out of her old role and into her new one.” The image above was created by Reagan Day, a Moms with Camera’s student. Moms with Camera’s is a 12 month course designed to teach two aspects of photography: the technical and the art. What is shutter speed? What is Aperture? Why do they matter? How do they work together? ISO? How high should I shoot? Why are there black lines across my image? Why are my images orange? And sometimes...how do I turn this thing on?! And how did Reagan create that image? Moms with Camera’s meets twice a month. Once a month, I teach the technical aspects of photography through the hands on experience of taking images. Every month we meet in the field to create images together. And not just random images. - we re-create work by Van Gogh. We learn how to use studio lights, what angle to shoot our kids from, photograph a stunning night time view, try our hand at boudoir photography and learn how to work with models. You can, if you are a read and learn type of person, pick up your manual and sort through all of the technical mumbo jumbo. But learning the technical aspects isn’t enough to turn your images into art. Moms with Camera’ s monthly assignments are designed to take you on an emotional journey that will teach you how to tell a story in a single image: images like Reagan’s that cause the viewer to stop and consider what is being said; images that capture who your children are, how your family laughs, how you have changed and how your family is

evolving. Every month students receive assignments such as Magic, Who am I, Super-hero, and Courage. We then meet for coffee and assignment sharing. We talk about how we took the images, what our intentions were behind the photograph, and let our audience, the other moms, critique and respond to our work. And because my perspective is not the only one to learn from, Moms with Camera’s include guest photographers who will come and sit in on some classes and offer their perspectives on the students’ work and open themselves to questions. Every second month an image is chosen to be published in Kamloops Momma Magazine and the chosen photographer will help me write an article based on the assigned theme. No Mom’s class is complete without some ‘break from the kids time.’ Included in the class is an overnight photographers retreat where we take everything we have learned and spend the time creating images, having loads of fun, and learning about editing. The class is $600.00 for the year. If you are a newbie or amateur or just want to be better at what your already good at through collaboration with others, Moms with Camera’s meets a wide range of skill and needs. To register, please e-mail Sara at photographer@lifeunfolding.ca. Also ask about our second class: The Happiness Project! Whether you take the class as a student or follow along in the magazine as we explore topics that relate to all of us, I hope you will join us for an incredibly rewarding and fun year! Advertising Feature

“Moms with Cameras changed my life! I wish I could do it over and over again. Before this class, I was stuck shooting my camera on Automatic. I am now confident shooting on Manual and am no longer intimidated by the dials on my DSLR. As well as the technical growth, I developed a strong core group of friendships with other mothers that I didn’t have before. We all opened up and shared vulnerable sides of ourselves with our art. Sara and Nat do a wonderful job at fascilitating a safe and comfortable environment to share and speak up in. No question was too big or small. No photo went unseen. Thank you, Sara, for an amazing year. Thank you for pushing me to be creative and step outside the box. Thank you for bringing out my inner photographer and making me feel welcomed, appreciated and relevant.” - Opal, Moms with Camera’s student

Health and Wellness Directory

Things I wish I knew when I was Pregnant graphy

tter Photo

utterbu Photo: B

(and things to keep in mind once you have your baby)

By Kelly Tuohey

’m not a parenting expert, or a baby expert, but this month I Put the parenting books down. Yes, put them did want to let all those pregnant mommas know some things down. The world has been having babies for thousands of that I really wished I’d known before I had my babies. Maybe years. The very fact that you exist on this planet is proof that you won’t put your foot in your mouth as much as I did! we, and those who came before you, knew what they were doing. As moms I believe we have our “sixth sense” for a reason Accept help. Don’t be a martyr. I’m so independent – listen to it. I was a horrible “by the book” person with my first I was fiercely firm about not having any help with my first child and it did nothing but stress everybody out because I was baby...until I laboured for 30 hours and then had a baby who so unwavering in the fact that “the book” was right – it was the wouldn’t sleep at night...or feed very well. It was a very humbling experience and I wish now I’d accepted more help. With only way. (I never even contemplated that there were literally thousands of other books out there that may have said somemy second, I was all over that extra help. People drove me thing different.) With my second child, those books didn’t even around, they cleaned my house. When they asked, “What can come out of the closet, and everyone was much happier! I do?” I gave them a job. Apparently, the only time my fridge gets cleaned is when I have a baby. Seeing as my youngest is Try not to be one of those people who almost two now... I think I’m due for another baby! never leaves the house. We are born resilient. Let Be nice to your significant other. Really nice – your baby experience the world. And get yourself out of your and I know it’s hard, because you feel like you are the one house at least once a day, even if just for a quick walk around doing all the work. You, after all, are carrying and growing a the block. It’ll help your mood and probably calm your baby. baby, along with all that extra weight. But, most of the time, I Maternity leave (and just having had a baby) can sometimes think our significant others feel out of place and try to help as be a really hard adjustment to make. We are used to being sobest they can. When I was breastfeeding, my husband would cial, being able to go wherever we want whenever we want and get me a glass of water with ice and a bendy straw every single having a baby really does change all that. Now we are stuck at time. I would constantly forget and he never, ever complained. home with this brand new baby that really doesn’t know how They also stick with you through labour – I know labour hurts, to carry on a conversation. It’s hard when everybody you know but it must hurt for them to watch us in pain too. They love us. is still working during the day too. But there are lots of play Let’s give them some credit! groups and support centers around town that always welcome

“Let your baby experience the world. And get yourself out of your house at least once a day, even if just for a quick walk around the block.” new faces – even if you don’t know anyone, it won’t be long before you make some new mommy friends.

As soon as you think you have everything figured out, it’ll change. I guarantee it. As soon as

I thought I had my oldest on a schedule, he would suddenly not nap for three days in a row. I’d finally get him to bed and sleeping by 7pm for a week and then the next week there’s no way he’d settle until 9pm. With my second, she slept through the night until she was three months old....and has only just begun sleeping through the night again (she’s almost two). Whatever starts and stops for you, just remember that it won’t last forever – it really won’t, so don’t worry too much about it while it’s happening. Everything is a stage. I remember thinking if I deviated at all from my schedule, my son would forever be confused, would never nap again, and would never forgive me. Seriously.

You’ll lose some friends but you’ll make new ones too. I was adamant my circle of friends

wouldn’t change once I had kids. I still do have some close friends from before kids, but some friends I just couldn’t keep up with. Those relationships that relied on wine and late nights didn’t survive – we had differing lives, and that’s OK. You’ll find you have a lot in common with other moms who have just had babies – we all love to talk about our babies. It kindles new friendships, a new sense of belonging, and it’s a great way to pass by the afternoon. My advice is just to accept that your life will change, acknowledge it and look forward, not back.

Lastly, you will become your mother. It doesn’t happen overnight, or even over a month...but one day, you’ll find yourself spouting words that stop you dead in your tracks. Just the other day I did something I swore I’d never, ever do to my kids: I took them into the fabric store. Horribly boring memories from my childhood flooded over me and I thought, “I am my mother!” And I find myself saying too often, “because I said so.” Arguing with a three year old really levels the playing field. Your kids will change your life but I wouldn’t trade my life now for anything I had before. Congrats on becoming a new momma and I hope I’ve been able to give you a glimpse of what’s to come, and maybe how to handle it! Kelly Tuohey operates Butterbutter Photography. Her emphasis is on colour and fun with a fresh approach to newborn and family photography. www.bbphotography.ca

Advertising Feature

Celebrate Last Year All Over Again!

t’s a New Year! Are you feeling so overwhelmed with your photos that you don’t even know where to start? Let me help you get your 2011 photos off your camera and hard drives and into some beautiful albums that you can enjoy forever.

Start Today!

Time, money, space, creativity… these are some of the barriers that keep people from preserving their precious memories in photo albums. Creative Memories is different from the “scrapbook store” approach to scrapbooking. My role as a Creative Memories Consultant is to help you past the barriers: Time: I offer customer-tested organization systems and speed tools. Money: I sell high-quality, long-lasting products that will help you preserve your memories for generations. I also offer many opportunities for you to earn FREE product! Space: Workshops and cropping events provide a spacious, away-from-home setting for cropping alongside other scrapbookers Creativity: No pressure to be creative – we support all scrapbooking styles from simple to decorative! Creative Memories offers so many opportunities to the novice as well as the “career scrapbooker.” My role is to help you do it! Call me today so I can help you from Overwhelmed to Ecstatic!!

Denise Swoboda, Creative Memories Unit Leader 250.578.8589 deniseswoboda@telus.net www.mycmsite.com/denises

Family-Friendly Kamloops

Mapping local businesses that welcome and support families By Francy Hayward amloops businesses are involved in raising awareness about the importance of investing in a child’s early years. In a successful partnership with the United Way, Success by Six, Make Children First, and Interior Health, we have developed a Google map that helps families identify locations that are welcoming to young children and where moms can feel comfortable to breastfeed. As a province, British Columbia spends less than the national average on its early childhood programs but the science of early development is convincing and we know that quality early experiences play a significant role in children’s social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development. We also know the importance of closing the gap that emerges soon after birth between children - we must invest in children and their families. The long-term projections of these investments can realize a minimum return of $7 for every $1 invested! If we proactively support children and their families now, we won’t have to reactively invest as much in job re-training, alternative education or the criminal justice system later. One of the simple ways that we can support children and families in Kamloops is by supporting our local businesses that are family friendly. These businesses not only employ the people of our community, but they also welcome them to their services. “Frequently in my work mothers ask about finding comfortable and supportive places in their community where they can breastfeed or care for their young child or children,” explains Mary Hunter, Public Health Nurse. “Creating a map of family friendly and breastfeeding friendly places seemed like an ideal opportunity to not only identify these places for families but also promote creation and celebration of a supportive community that welcomes mothers, children and families into their businesses.” We have a toolkit that is filled with easy, inexpensive ideas that businesses can readily embrace to make their space more supportive and welcoming to families.

Tumbleweed Toys is an excellent example of a familyfriendly business. This play area is a safe, clean, fun place for kids to enjoy while parents shop. It is also equipped with a comfortable adult-size chair perfect for nursing. Some of these ideas include: • Clean, quiet, comfortable areas provided for breast-feeding mothers (other than in a bathroom) • Staff who regularly greet children and make an effort to help them feel welcome • Play areas that are equipped with clean, safe toys and books for children, including school-age children Our map is full of locations throughout the city that are family friendly. To view the map, visit the Make Children First website. Please nominate a place in Kamloops that you have experienced as family friendly and/or breastfeeding friendly. The map is continuously growing and we’d love your input! http://www.makechildrenfirst.ca/family-and-breast-feedingfriendly-map.html If your business is interested to learn more ideas like these, please contact Francy for a toolkit at United Way 250.372.9933 or francy@unitedwaytnc.ca.

Dear Aunty...

Do you have a question for ‘Aunty’ Erin? Contact her at cdnnurse1995@yahoo.ca

Answering questions about you and your child’s health DEAR AUNTY: My son has “the cough that just will not die.” No fever, no vomiting, nothing really other than a run of the mill runny nose and the fact that no one has slept in a week because of the allnight hacking. I’m exhausted. He’s exhausted. And worse, during the day he’s absolutely fine - I’m sure my family doctor thinks I’m nuts since Junior coughed exactly once during our appointment. I’m at my wit’s end and willing to try anything for a bit of sleep. Thoughts? -Raj. DEAR RAJ: I feel your pain. I didn’t sleep for 4 straight nights over Christmas when my own son had the dreaded cough. I was losing my ever-lovin’ mind, and on day seven I basically begged my coming-off-a-week-straight-of-work Emergency Physician husband to do something. Anything. I was willing to buy any prescription, any over the counter drug, or try any treatment (rubs, sprays, humidifiers, de-humidifiers...) to give my poor son some relief. And what did the good Dr. Mitchell think? Read on... AUNTY: “Isn’t there a case for one of the Children’s Cough and Cold medicines here, despite the fact he’s younger than 6? DR. MITCHELL: Nope. Cough and Cold Medicines (or CCMs) are preparations made from a combination of several medications including cough suppressants, expectorants (which bring up mucous), antihistamines (treat allergic reactions and make you sleepy), decongestants and anti-fever medicine. When they were first approved in the US in the 1970s, there was actually no data supporting the safety and effectiveness of their use in children - recommended doses were just based on adult dosages. In the 2000s the approval of their use in children was reviewed based on some serious concerns that the medicines were actually causing more harm than they were doing good. In the end, studies showed that there was no evidence that over the counter CCMs do anything to reduce the frequency or severity of cough and colds, and in 2008 Health Canada advised against the use of all CCM formulations in children younger than six years of age, with caution being exercised when these formulations were used in children older than six years of age. AUNTY: “But you just said studies showed that CCMs didn’t work. So why would Health Canada say that they can be used in kids older than 6?” DR. MITCHELL: Some of the medicines found in CCMs, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can help the child (and the parents) get a good night’s sleep - though this is due to the drug’s sedative properties rather than any positive effect on the cold symptoms themselves. Also, some decongestants can be beneficial in older children, but are not recommended for younger children due to concerns about toxicity. Finally, acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) are very effective for fever and headaches. They won’t help the cold itself, but it will help with some of the pain and achiness. So some of the medicines in the CCMs do actually work. My advice for parents would be to avoid CCMs that contain multiple ingredients and stick to buying only the medicines that your child needs and have actually been shown to work. AUNTY: “But what about the cough? Is there nothing we can do for the cough itself?” DR. MITCHELL: Honey! Pasteurized honey can safely be used in children older than one year of age. It is inexpensive,

has an excellent safety profile, and is shown to have potential benefit for cough and cold. In a recent study, honey was significantly superior to no treatment or dextromethorphan (cough suppressant found in CCMs) for cough frequency and severity, the bothersome nature of the cough, and the child/parent sleep quality, as rated by the parents. If your child is older than one, try a teaspoon of honey. AUNTY: “Okay, what about granny’s favourites, like plenty of fluids, a humidifier, zinc and vitamin C? DR. MITCHELL: Fluid intake: Go for it Humidified air: No reputable studies have shown that it causes any real benefit, however, no significant adverse events have been reported either. Zinc: It has been suggested that zinc can inhibit viral growth. Zinc has been tested and in some studies some benefit has been found, but others have shown no benefit at all. There is no good evidence for recommending the use of zinc in children with cough and cold at present. Vitamin C: There has been some promising research with Vitamin C with respect to prevention of colds. However, at present, there is no clear recommendation on how much Vitamin C is needed to be effective or whether Vitamin C might prove harmful when taken with other medicines on a regular basis. So far there has been no clear benefit from taking Vitamin C, especially once a cold has begun. AUNTY: “Anything else you’d like to mention?” DR. MITCHELL: Not long ago, a father brought in his little girl, about 5 years old, to the ER with a fever and general cold symptoms. He said that the medicine that he had given her had not brought her fever down. I asked to see it and after looking at the numerous and bizarre ingredients, finally found small print at the bottom labelling it as a homeopathic product. My immediate response to the father was, “Well, the reason it isn’t working is that you are giving her water.” He was shocked. He had no idea that he had picked up a homeopathic product: he had just picked up one of the medicines labelled for children’s cold and fever on the pharmacy’s shelf. For anyone not familiar with homeopathy, it is a theory of treatment that dates back to the late 1700’s requiring the original active ingredient to be diluted many times. With each dilution, the solution must be shaken and hit against something firm - in the original preparations, a bible. The homeopathic treatment this father purchased retails for $15.99. In my opinion, this is wrong. Scientific studies do not support the use of homeopathy and parents giving their children this treatment may overlook more effective treatments such as acetaminophen, which has an actual effect. AUNTY: “So your final, best advice?” DR. MITCHELL: I would advise parents to avoid treatments containing multiple ingredients. Stick to acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) for fever and aches. Decongestants are safe and helpful for older kids, aged 6 and up, and like Granny said: stay home, get lots of rest, and stay hydrated. Dr. Ian Mitchell is an Emergency Physician at Royal Inland Hospital and a Clinical Instructor with the University of British Columbia. “Aunty” Erin Mitchell is a proud nurse, momma, and owner of Aunty’s House Registered Family Daycare. She is currently working on a degree in child and adolescent psychology through TRU.

Birthday Party Directory

The Things

YOU Love:

And the Winners Are... Children’s Clothing Store: The Children’s Place

Dentist: Dr. Daryl Shinkewski

Toy Store: Tumbleweed Toys

Alternative Health Care provider: Dr. Jennifer Matthews

Consignment Store: Lizzie Bits Baby Co. Children’s Haircuts: Fintastic’s Cuts for Kids Pet store: Petland

Delivery Doctor/Midwife: Joanna Nemrava Community Support Group: YMCA

Bookstore: Chapters

Preschool: Kamloops Kidz

Sporting Goods store: Sportcheck

Daycare: Kamloops Kidz

Pediatrician: Dr. Trent Smith

Elementary School: Beattie/Parkcrest

Family Physician: Dr. Jason O’Connell

Indoor Play Place: Kamloops Gymnastics and Trampoline Centre

Thanks to everyone who completed the survey. Bryanna Lukinchuk is the winner of $450 prize pack sponsored by: Aina Spa, Ana Banana’s Custom Cakes and More!, Lizzie Bits Baby Co., Musings and Mud Coaching Studio, and Tumbleweed Toys

2011 Parent’s Choice Awards Winners

Congratulations to all of the winners! Thanks for helping make Kamloops such a great place to raise a family!

Children’s Day Camp: River City Gymnastics/YMCA

Spa: La Dolce Vita

Annual Event: Canada Day

Hair Salon: La Dolce Vita

Children’s Birthday Parties: River City Gymnastics

Home-Based Business: Delish Naturals

Cake Shop: Sweet Spot Cupcakes

Direct-Sales Business: Discovery Toys

Ice Cream Shop: Scoopz

Photographer: Milk & Honey Photography

Grocery Store: Real Canadian Superstore

Realtor: Tracy Moffett

Family Restaurants: Red Robin

Fitness Instructor: Sabrina Sinclair

Children’s Menu: Red Robin

Music School: Lee’s Music

Date Night Restaurant: The Keg Steakhouse & Bar

Dance School: Academy of Dance

Coffee Shop: Starbucks

Place to Take Kids on a Rainy Day: Tournament Capital Centre

Bringing Kamloops’ Sexy Back... One Momma at a Time: Joanna Carter

e asked you to tell us 5 fabulous things about a deserving friend. Here’s what Grace Wong had to say about her friend, Joanna Carter:

“I would like to nominate my good friend Joanna Carter - this loving stay-at-home mother of three children all under the age four. She is always willing to help out friends, neighbours, and family even though she is busy taking care of her children and their hectic schedules. She is one of those moms who truly deserves to be pampered! “Five things: selfless, devoted, best creative tiered cake baker ever!, A+ at house cleaning even if her kids mess it up all over within a few hours, and has the best cheeky sense of humour!”

Want to WIN your sexy back?

Our next photoshoot is just in time for Mother’s Day (hint hint) Check out www.kamloopsmomma.com for all the details! Deadline for entries is February 17, 2012

Thanks so much to our fantastic sponsors: *Kathleen Ferguson Photography (photos) www.kathleenfergusonphotography.ca

*Evie Beauty (make-up) www.eviebeauty.com

250.574.2225

250.819.0234

*Ailsa Ainscow, Ra Hair Studio (hair) www.rahairstudio.com

250.372.8746

*Aradia Fitness (private party for up to 15 people) www.aradiafitness.com 250.314.0011

Things We Love... {We’ve tried it and we love it and we don’t want to live without it!}

For the Kiddos:

Eco-friendly t-shirts by Bubbs and Buggs

Why do we love it? What’s not to love? These shirts are made of fair trade, certified organic cotton, low impact azo-free dyes, and printed with water-based inks. They feature super cute unisex designs, bold colours, and are extremely soft. And they are designed and printed locally! $22.50, www.bubbsbuggwear.ca

For the Expectant Mommas:

Gift certificates from Beautiful Beginnings Lactations Services

Why do we love it?

Breastfeeding can be a wonderful experience, but it doesn’t always start out that way. Sometimes it’s challenging, especially for firsttime moms. Beautiful Beginnings offers interactive workshops and private consultations to help empower new and expecting moms. We think that a gift certificate for services with these caring, knowledgeable lactation consultants is the perfect gift for an expectant mother. Various denominations, Beautiful Beginnings Lactation Services

For the Family:

Family-friendly map at www.makechildrenfirst.ca

Why do we love it?

Ever walked into a restaurant with your kids in tow and had the wait staff glare in your direction? Breastfed in a change room? Run your toddler next store to pee? Ever wish there was a list of businesses that welcome families? There is! The United Way, Success by 6, Interior Health, and Make Children First have joined forces to create a map of family and breastfeeding friendly businesses in Kamloops. It’s a great way to find out what businesses support families. Free! www.makechildrenfirst.ca

Deanie Hansen:

A helping hand to families for over 20 years By Jennifer Sloan

choing through the hallway, sing-song voices and the pat, pat, pat of little hands on little legs welcomes late arrivals for the morning’s play group. “Where, oh where is my friend…,” a pause, and a soft voice with a big smile says, “Emma.” Each person in the circle is greeted similarly. Everyone included, everyone singing, everyone enjoying being together. This unity is no small feat. When dealing with upwards of 12 wiggly children trying hard to stay on their spots for the song, ages ranging from 3 months to 4 years, Deanie Hansen’s experience shows. Expectations are clear, activities are structured enough to keep everyone together yet loose enough to allow for individual expressions of imagination, and parents find respite in knowing that their kids are in loving hands when they’re with “Auntie Deanie.” Hansen, age 49, has been working with children and families for 23 years. Her mom always said that she should get into the field, and it didn’t take long for Hansen to realize that working with youngsters is “kind of my calling in life. It’s just part of my personality; it’s who I’ve always been.” And being who she is has taken her through many transitions, the latest being a move from Dawson Creek to Kamloops 4 years ago, where she left her two sons, aged 23 and 25. “It was a big adjustment leaving Dawson, but I love it here…This is where I was meant to be,” says Hansen, going on to cite how

her current role as the Early Childhood Development Team Leader at the Interior Indian Friendship Centre has connected her with her own aboriginal heritage. During the first “Changing of the Seasons” celebration Hansen attended, toward the close of the ceremony, the leader had the participants form 3 concentric circles. In the innermost, all the children came together, held hands, and began walking in a clockwise direction. In the next, the parents and other adults joined hands and started walking counterclockwise. The last ring was formed by Elders. Hansen learned the significance of the demonstration for that group: that children are the center, it is the parental role to encircle and protect, and it is the role of Elders to support both the caregivers and the little ones. When asked to say the closing prayer at the event, Hansen had to decline, “I was in tears; it was so beautiful.” That idea, that it takes a whole community to raise a child, is something Hansen actively embraces. Part of her current job includes being a Family Support Worker. But while she now holds the title, assisting families through parent education has been a longtime passion of Hansen’s. From her days at the Dawson Creek Early Childhood Development Center, and then during her time in Kamloops at the Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism, the White Buffalo Society, and now, when people find out what she does for a living, they start asking questions. According to Hansen, parents’ number one concern centers on child behavior. Regardless of the age of the child, or what the issue might be, Hansen holds, “We have to look at WHY they’re doing it, not WHAT they’re doing.” Her other three most common pieces of advice: if you say it, mean it; follow through; and if it’s not a choice, don’t make it a choice. As for Hansen’s concerns, she emphatically asserts, “Kids run on imagination, NOT BATTERIES!” Parents who frequent the Friendship Centre can attest that Hansen calls on caregivers to get children away from electronics and out doing more hands-on activities. A parent spoke about a rant Hansen went on one day on how TV and video games are ruining speech development, stunting the improvement of motor skills, and contributing to the childhood obesity epidemic. “I had to agree with her, and now I watch how much TV time my kids get.” Perhaps a small achievement, but Hansen sees each little victory as a building block that contributes to the broader success of families and children, and as motivation to keep going. On some days, staying positive is easier said than done. For Hansen the hardest thing about her role is when the families she supports are not successful and have fallen into crisis, where she can’t help them, reach them, or make a difference: “It’s hard not to take it personal, although I know not to.” Yet Hansen persists, stating with confidence, “I make a difference and if I can give a little something back to these children and families, it’s worth it.” Hansen’s team facilitates a family group called Under the Eagles’ Wings on Mondays at the Interior Indian Friendship Centre Parkcrest Location. Call 250-376-1617 for further info.

Notes from a Boho Momma By Amanda Barker

ello Mommas! Since this issue has a lot about pregnancy and birthy business, I would like to bring an exciting possibility for our city to your attention. For the past few months I have began to help raise awareness of the fact that Kamloops needs a Birthing Center! Now I know what you may be thinking…some natural birthing, great but not needed, cost us too much money, hippie dippie dream? The natural birthing part is true, but the rest? Not so much. Read on to get the scoop. Birthing centers support optimal health in women and babies! Birthing centers have a lower rate of interventions such as forceps extraction, vacuum delivery, and c-sections, as well as lower rates of perineal injury, while having the same rate of perinatal outcomes as hospitals. In keeping healthy women and their babies out of the hospital, a birthing center would reduce their risk of hospital based infections such as MRSA, influenza outbreaks and other respiratory illnesses.

A birthing center would provide an opportunity for women from remote communities to stay in a safe place from the early stages of labour thus reducing the incidence of a roadside emergency birth and an unattended home birth. A birthing center gives a labouring woman an opportunity to use drug free methods of pain relief such as water immersion, which reduces the risk of complications and the side effects of pain-killing drugs. Birthing centers save us money by: • Lowering rate of expensive interventions • Not having high risk specialists (OB/ GYN’s, anesthetists etc.) for low risk births • Less time spent in the hospital/birthing center due to early discharge common for midwifery clients A birthing center would be a huge benefit for our community. Please join me in supporting this cause by visiting www. KamloopsNeedsBirthingCenter.blogspot. com for more information. There are templates for you to choose

from and all you have to do is print one out, sign your name, and send it in to the address given. WE CAN DO THIS MOMMAS! “Every mother counts and healthcare is a human right.” ~ Midwife Robin Lim (CNN Hero of the year 2011) Amanda Barker is a herbalist, doula, CBE, and owner of Ovio Organico skin care and Boho Birth. abarker@gmail.com.

Developing Physical Literacy

Left to Right: Velena, 4, Jeremy, 4, and Tessa, 2, are all having a great time at River City Gymnastics. By Tammy Croissant n an era of trendy catch phrases in almost every consumerbased market, a new term has emerged in the fitness realm: Physical Literacy. With its origins based on developmental science, physical literacy has become the new national push. Parks and recreation organizations are employing it, education systems are implementing it, sport organizations are rebranding with it as the focus, but what is ‘it’? The quest for a definition begins with a variety of websites: Canada Sport for Life, Active for Life, Physical and Health Education Canada, various parks and recreation sites and even some sport specific sites Physical and Health Education Canada defines physical literacy as: “Individuals who are physically literate move with competence and confidence in a wide variety of physical activities in multiple environments that benefit the healthy development of

the whole person.” It continues: “Physically literate individuals consistently develop the motivation and ability to understand, communicate, apply, and analyze different forms of movement. “They are able to demonstrate a variety of movements confidently, competently, creatively and strategically across a wide range of health-related physical activities. “These skills enable individuals to make healthy, active choices that are both beneficial to and respectful of their whole self, others, and their environment.” The Physical & Health Education Canada brochure on physical literacy begins with the UNESCO definition of literacy as a stand alone term. It states that literacy is “a basic requirement for an individual to fully participate in society.” It continues with UNESCO’s Education For All goal: “literacy is crucial to the acquisition by every child, youth and adult of essential life skills that enable them to address the challenges they can face in life.” Based upon this definition, literacy is not restricted to merely reading and writing. Literacy is concerned with how we communicate in society. It is about social practices and relationships, knowledge, language and culture. Physical literacy then becomes a piece of that global literacy puzzle. With a world wide epidemic of obesity both in adults and children, along with a decline in overall physical activity, physical literacy addresses the portion of the literacy equation that focusses on our body being able to ‘read’ situations with confidence and precision while maintaining health. How does this development take place? By the simple introduction of basic movement patterns common to many sports and recreation activities: running, jumping, swinging, throwing, rolling, swimming, skating, etc. are all the building blocks of

sport and the building blocks of physical literacy. Toss in a healthy dose of speed, agility and nutrition and now we have the overall plan laid out for us by groups such as Canada Sport for Life. But what does this mean to us? Although rebranding keeps things fresh and exciting, what it comes down to is getting back to basics. Children learn through active play; the play and implementation of common movement patterns that children will naturally explore in childhood if given the opportunity. Physical literacy holds many facets necessary for the optimum development of a child and the creation of a lifelong learner and advocate for physical activity. What can we do? Look for programs that offer multiple components to physical activity. The introduction of dominant movement patterns listed above, coupled with age appropriate skill development, thus taking the attention off of the competition side of physical activity and focusing on overall fitness, will encourage successes that many young people have been missing. Canada Sport for Life advocates children begin with rudimentary programs to introduce balance, flexibility and overall strength. A program that offers multisport components as well as basic gymnastics training is great. The Sport for Life site has many research documents to educate you on the proper time to introduce certain sport specific skills. But, at the primary level, they advocate that play and fun are key. Tammy Croissant is the co-owner of River City Gymnastics and an advocate for physical literacy. River City Gymnastics has formed many partnerships in the community to promote and advocate for literacy, physical literacy, play as a primary learning tool in early learners, as well as overall physical health and fitness. And fun! Their Early Learning Sport Academy introduces children to 2 hours of preschool learning and 1 hour of sport/fitness training, 2 or 3 days a week. For the older developers, they offer Micro Sport classes introducing movement patterns from several popular sports such as soccer, lacrosse, basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, etc. Parkour is also a component that is introduced into almost every class that is offered at the club.

With a little help from Coach Christina, Joshua, 3, and Samuel, 4 are developing their physical literacy at River City Gymnasticsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Early Learning Sport Academy.

References: www.phecanada.ca

Community Resource Directory Auto Dealership Dearborn Ford

The new way to buy your next vehicle 2555 East Trans Canada HWY 2250.372.7101

Birthday Parties & Events *see P.20 for Birthday Party Directory

Childcare and Preschool

Green Space Services

Eco-friendly & DRY carpet cleaning 250.682.1066 www.KamloopsCarpetCleaning.ca

Dance Academy of Dance

Dance classes for ages 2 and up 250.314.9974 www.theacademyofdance.ca

Kamloops Kidz Early Learning Centre Family Resources Montessori enhanced programming for Big Brothers and Sisters ages 0-12 250.319.9044 821 Seymour St 250.374.6134 River City Gymnastics

Interior Community Services

Children’s Retail

Ministry of Children & Family Services 250.371.3600

Bubbs and Buggs

Parent Helpline

Gymnastics and Mutli-sport facility 250.554.3134 778.471.5767 www.rivercitygymnastics.ca

Unisex, eco-friendly clothing 778-220-7034 www.bubbsbuggwear.ca

1.888.603.9100

Welcome Wagon

Fit By Design

Precision Fitness Training...for Body and Mind - Family Friendly Fitness 250.819.0822 www.kamloopsfitbydesign.com

Let’s Move Studio

Yoga - Dance - Wellness Classes, workshops, and events letsmove@gmail.com 250.372.9642 www.letsmovestudio.com

Musings and Mud Coaching Studio

Workshops, workbooks, personal coaching with a creative twist. Janet L. Whitehead, certified professional coach janet@musingsandmud.com 250.376.8402 www.musingsandmud.com

Relaxing Reiki for Busy Moms

Experienced certified reiki practitioner Refreshing, revitalizing, and reasonable 350.320.0082

Smooth Effects Laser Hair Removal

Littlest Toy Shop

Hot Wheels, Barbie, Disney, Puzzles, Board Games & More 1800 Tranquille Rd 250.299.6448 (Brock Shopping Centre)

The leader in laser hair removal Expecting, have a baby under a year old, #8-1390 Hillside Dr. 250.372.2261 moving, or getting married? Welcome www.smootheffects.ca Wagon has programs, and/or basket gifts * See P. 16 for Health & Wellness Directory for you. Call Pamela Lee 250.573.2823

Lizzie Bits Baby Co.

Food and Beverage

Cloth diapers, unique children’s items, high quality children’s consignment 205-450 Lansdowne 250.374.8706 www.lizziebaby.ca

Mommy & Me Boutique

Largest selection of new and used items 3-700 Tranquille 250.376.1914 www.shopmommyandme.com

The Enchanted Teacup

Princess/fairy/character hostess, Dressup theme parties, fun retail, tea retail 410 Tranquille Road 250.376.8327 www.enchantedteacup.com

Tumbleweed Toys

Safe, Sustainable & Inspired toys, games, puzzles and more. Sahali Mall 250.372.3500 www.TumbleweedToys.ca

Children’s Services Fintastics Cuts for Kids

Where haircuts are cool and fun rules 490-500 Notre Dame Dr 250.374.1200 www.fintasticscutsforkids.com

Snug Glee Bumz Diaper Service

An easy way to cloth diaper your child 250-554-9722 www.snuggleebumz.com

Cora Restaurant

Breakfast and Lunch Cityview Shopping Center 778.471.5944 www.chezcora.com

Nature’s Fare Markets

Organic and Natural Foods Grocer 5-1350 Summit Drive 250.314.9560 www.naturesfare.com

Sweet Home Cafe

Cafe with a staffed kids play area 1380 Hillside Dr 250.319.3742 www.sweethomecafeforyou.com

Health & Wellness Aina Massage Spa

Massage therapy and aesthetics using organic and natural products 248 Victoria St. 250.319.4111 ainaspa@live.ca www.ainaspa.ca

Creative Memories

Denise Swoboda, Unit Leader Photo-safe scrapbook albums and more! 250.578.8589 deniseswoboda@telus.net www.mycmsite.com/denises

Delish Naturals

Organic & natural body care for the whole family. www.delishnaturals.com

Discovery Toys, Alison Gregory Discovery Toys Team Leader 250.851.2270 aligregory@telus.net discoverytoyslink.com/aligregory

Karla Weiss, Independent Consultant The Pampered Chef Products to help you cook and entertain affordably 250.682.4435 anjel@shaw.ca www.pamperchef.biz/karlaweiss

Lindsey S., Independent Regal Rep.

Aradia Fitness

Convenient, practical solutions, cool toys, cards and personalized products. lindsayregalrep@hotmail.com 778.220.4297 www.LindsayS.shopregal.ca

Body by Vi Challenge

Little Block Company Beautiful blocks for beautiful babies suelissel@gmail.com 250.319.1192

Pole Dancing for Fitness 250.314.0011 www.aradiafitness.com

Cleaning Services

Make a healthier change in your life Rosie & Dan Worsfold 250.574.6029 www.ahealthierkamloops.com

Dust Bunnies Cleaning

Dr. Hallgren Inc. Medical Spa

Professional Residential and Commercial Offering the latest in medical aesthetic and skincare treatments Cleaning 778.470.0607 dustbunniescleaning@hotmail.ca 250.851.4465 www.drhallgren.com

Home-based Sales and Services

McSew

Seamstress & Fibre Artist specializing in sleepsacks, felting, knitting, & alterations 250.828.2309 McKnit@hotmail.com

Community Resource Directory Moms Helping Moms – work from home

Perfect opportunity for moms and others www.lookaround.ca choiceofwellness@gmail.com

Music Kamloops Symphony Music School

Mother Goose

StrongStart Programs

Group classes and private instruction for (during school year) all ages and levels. 250.372.5000 Bumblebees Station Plaza #3-510 Lorne St. Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, 8:30-11:30 Wed, 12-2:30 Arthur Hatton Elem. Medical Services 315 Chestnut Ave., 250.376.7217 BC Nurse Line 1.866.215.4700

Royal Inland Hospital 250.374.5111 Walk-in Clinics: Northshore Treatment Centre

700 Tranquille Rd 250.554.4265

Summit Medical Clinic

5 - 1380 Summit Drive 250.374.9800

Kamloops Urgent Care Clinic

Dragon Flies

Mon-Fri, 8:30-11:30 Marion Schilling Elem., 2200 Park Dr. 250.376.2027

Eagles’ Nest

Mon-Fri, 8:45-11:15 South Sahali Elem., 1585 Summit Dr. 250.374.2451

#4 - 910 Columbia Street 250-371-4905 YMCA Child Interactive Centre Mon-Fri 9-12 Southwest Y/CCRR Online Resources Unit E, 1420 Hugh Allan Dr 250-372-7791 KamloopsMompreneurs.ca Online local resource for info on momPrenatal and Postpartum Care preneurs in Kamloops Beautiful Beginnings www.kamloopsmompreneurs.ca Breastfeeding classes and private KamloopsParents.com lactation consultant services The online resource to all things familywww.beautifulbeginningslactation.com friendly in Kamloops. Birth Matters - Jodi Anderson www.kamloopsparents.com Doula and Childbirth Educator elizabeth@kamloopsparents.com birthmatters.doula.prenatal@gmail.com MakeChildrenFirst.ca 250.372.3733 250.819.2099 Map of Family & Breastfeeding-friendly Breastfeeding Centre businesses in Kamloops Drop inbreastfeeding info and help www.makechildrenfirst.ca Downtown Health Centre @ Lansdowne 250.554.3134 Mall 250-851-7300 Parent-Child Groups Mondays 1:00pm to 4:00pm Thursdays 9:00am to 12:00 noon Attachment Parenting 2/month - days and locations vary Mighty Oak Midwifery 250-376-4723 Personal, professional, woman-centered Family Tree Drop-in maternity care. Mon and Wed 9-4 250.377.8611 283 West Victoria St. 250.377.6890 www.mightyoakmidwifery.ca Healthy Beginnings Tues 9:45-11:45 / Thurs 10:30-12:30 Interior Indian Friendship Society 2355 Parkcrest Ave. 250.554.3134

Kamloops Connexions

Fri 9:30-11:30, 700 Hugh Allen Drive S.W. Community Church 250.828.1114 coffee-connexions@hotmail.com

Kamloops Wiggles and Giggles Adoption Playgroup Monthly, times and locations vary Deanna Jones jones_A@telus.net

Photography

Various times and locations 250.554.3134 Butterbutter Photography www.interiorcommunityservices.bc.ca Newborn & maternity fine art portraiture Next Steps 250.377.5890 www.bbphotography.com Fri, 1-2:20, Kamloops Public Health Unit Find us on Facebook! 519 Columbia St. 250.851.7300

Carmen How Photography

250.371.0155 www.carmenhowphotography.com carmenhowphotography@me.com

C’est La Vie Photography

Babies - Families - Weddings www.cestlaviephotography.net info@cestlaviephotography.net

Life Unfolding Photography

Photography for all your little wild things Moms with Camera’s facilitator www.lifeunfolding.ca

Milk & Honey Photography

Lisa DiGeso milkandhoney@mail.com www.milkandhoneyphotography.ca

Real Estate and Investments Chelsea Mann, Realtor

Royal LePage Westwin Realty (P) 250.374.1461 (C) 250.571.6666 chelsea@chelseamann.ca www.kamloopshomes.net

Karen Lanoue

Canadian Scholarship Trust Boost your post-secondary education savings by $7200 karen.lanoue@cstresp.com 250.573.2299

Ken Featherstone, Realtor

Royal LePage Westwin Realty Personal Real Estate Corp. 250.374.1461 kenfeathetone@royallepage.ca

Nicole Crichton, Mortgage Consultant A mortgage that works for your family 250.319.9542 niccrichton@telus.net www.nicolecrichton.com

Tiny Blessings Prenatal

Prenatal education focusing on late pregnancy, labor & delivery, breastfeeding, & newborn care. www.tinyblessingsprenatal.com 250-819-0510

Community Events Calendar

presented by:

Visit www.KamloopsParents.com for a complete, up-to-date calendar of family-friendly events! Feb 4-5: Kamloops Classics Valentine Splash Meet TCC 250.828.3660 Feb 4/18: Kamloops Old time Fiddlers Dancing Heritage House, 7:30 – 10:30pm 250.376.2330 Feb 5 (Cont): Kamloops Library Family Storytime Sunday, 1 – 1:30pm 250.374.8866 (free) Feb 2 (Cont): North Kamloops Feb 6 (Cont): North Kamloops Library After School Club Library Tiny Tunes Monday, Thursday 3 – 4pm (free) 10:15 – 10:45am (free) Feb 2: Cloth Diapering 101 Feb 6: River City Gymnastics Lizzie Bits Baby Co 7 – 8pm, Open House RCG, 5 – 6pm 250.374.8706 778.471.5767 Feb 3 (Cont): North Kamloops Feb 6–10: TRU International Library Family Storytime Days TRU 250.852.6449 Friday 10:15 – 10:45am (free) Feb 7/Mar 6: Mom’s Morning Feb 4 (Cont): Chapters Craft Out Mighty Oak Midwifery, and Storytime Saturdays 11- 11am – 1pm 250.377.8611 12pm 250.377.8468 (free) Feb 8: Kamloops Adoption Feb 4 (Cont): BIG Little Support Group 396 Tranquille Science Centre Thurs/Fri 3-5 Rd, 7 – 8pm 250.579.8950 pm, Sat 10-4, 250.554.2572 Feb 11/Mar 10: Home Depot ($10 family) Kids Workshop 10am – 12pm Feb 4: Meet Author Duane 250.371.4300 (free) Lawrence Kamloops Library Feb 11: Valentine’s Day (downtown), 10:30am Skate Brock Arena, 2:15 – 4pm 250.377.8468 (free) 250.828.3653 ($2) Feb 4-5: BC Wheelchair Feb 11: Barnhartvale Family Curling Championships Dance Barnhartvale Hall, 6 – Mc Arthur Island Arena. 10pm ($5) 250.554.1911 Feb 18: Fit for Fundz Feb 4-5: Adaptive Snow Zumbathon® Extravaganza Sports Festival Sun Peaks. Kam United Church 9am, 12pm, 250.578.5542 6pm fitforfundz@gmail.com Feb 1, 8, 15: Sun Peaks Skating and Family Fun Sun Peaks Skating Rink, Wednesday 5 – 6:30pm, 250.578.5542 (children free with adult) Dec 2 (Cont): Shambhala Meditation Mon/Thurs 7 pm, Sat 12pm, 433b Lansdowne St. kamloops.shambhala.org, 250.376.4224 (free)

Feb 18: Mark Recchi Skate-aThon TCC, 10am – 12pm Feb 19: Kamloops Young Naturalist’s Club Meet 1 – 3pm 250.573.3127 Feb 19: Cloth Diapering 101 Lizzie Bits Baby Co 1 – 2pm, 250.374.8706 Feb 20/Mar 19: Kamloops Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group 250-535 Tranquille Rd, 7 – 8:30pm 250.376.4646 Feb 22: Craft Club at Kamloops Library 3 – 4pm, 250.374.8866 (free) Feb 23 – Mar 3: Noises Off Sagebrush Theatre 250.374. LIVE Feb 23: School of Choice Information Night HGEC, 6:30pm Feb 25: Seedy Saturday Sahali Mall, 9am – 4pm 250.374.3033 Feb 26: Bump It! The Ultimate Baby Shower Trade Show Event Sahali Mall, 10am -4pm 250.299.2456 Feb 26 – Mar 18: Kamloops Festival of the Performing Arts 250.372.9339 Feb 27-29: School of Choice Kindergarten Registration school hours Mar 1-3: CCAA Badminton Nationals TRU Gymnasium 250.828.5000 Mar 1: The New Afton Mine: An Update TRU Mountain Room, 7pm (free) Mar 1 (Cont): North Kamloops Library After School Club Thursday 3 – 4pm (free) Mar 2 (Cont): North Kamloops Library Family Storytime Friday 10:15 – 10:45am (free) Mar 3 (Cont): BIG Little Science Centre Thurs/Fri 3-5 pm, Sat 10-4, 250.554.2572 ($10 family)

Have an e vent? Tell us abo ut it and w e’ll put it in our Co mmunity E vents Calendar for FREE! info@kamlo opsmomm a.com Find us on Facebook ! Mar 3: Prenatal in a Day 250.828.3500 Mar 3, 17: Kamloops Old time Fiddlers Dancing Heritage House, 7:30 – 10:30pm 250.376.2330 Mar 3-4: BC Judo Provincials TCC Fieldhouse Mar 4 (Cont) Kamloops Library Family Storytime Sunday, 1 – 1:30pm 250.374.8866 (free) Mar 4: Lord of the Dance Interior Savings Center, 7pm. 250.828.3335 Mar 5 (Cont): North Kamloops Library Tiny Tunes Monday, 10:15 – 10:45am (free) Mar 5-8: Regular Kindergarten Registration school hours Mar 7-10: BCCAA High School Basketball Championships TCC and TRU Mar 8-11: Kamloops Cowboy Festival 1.888.763.2221 Mar 11: Kamloops Young Naturalist’s Club Meet 1 – 3pm 250.573.3127 Mar 14: Kamloops Adoption Support Group 396 Tranquille Rd, 7 – 8pm 250.579.8950 Mar 16-18: Wild West Fest Gymnastics KGTC 250.374.6424 Mar 17: St. Patrick’s Day Skate Brock Arena, 2:15 – 4pm 250.828.3653 ($2) Mar 19-23: Spring Break 2012 *many programs will be available* www. kamloopsparents.com Mar 24-25: Highland Dance Competition TCC Fieldhouse Mar 31: Femsport TCC Fieldhouse *Fit By Design Family Fitness Fundraiser details TBD, fb/fitbydesign