WINC Aug. 2014

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WOMENSINC.NET

W INC .

Back to school AUGUST 2014

Celebrating 10 years

WINC. Celebrating 10 years

Publisher Zach Ahrens Editor Lori Quinn

Creative Director Stewart Cole Contributing Writers Detra Clark Michelle Corbet Joe Lamb Andrea Lennon Jill McCollum Joe Lamb Susan O’Keefe Rachel Parker Dickerson Sheldon Slinkard Jennifer Stanley Chief Photographer Brandy Strain Contributing Photographers Lindsey Faith Watson Eric White Videographer Eric White Advertising Coordinator Leah Brown Advertising Sales Sarah Allen Betsey Barham Tara Mallett Advertising Artists Jay Prince Tyler Rachel Editorial Advisory Board Donna Benton Detra Clark Nicolle Fletcher Haley Crafton Fowler Sarah Frost Mary Harlan Nancy Jackson Cate Ketcheside Leslie Kostecky Caroline LaVan Velda Lueders Candace Meeks Misty Morse Carol Patty Amy Reed Lori Ross Mary Margaret Satterfield Katherine Thomason Stefanie Holt Vann Jessica Zimmerman Women’s Inc. is published by the Log Cabin Democrat.

Questions or Comments?

Call (501) 327-6621, e-mail: womensinc@womensinc.net or write to P.O. Box 969, Conway, AR, 72033 www.womensinc.net 4 WOMEN’S INC. / AUGUST 2014

FROM THE EDITOR

D

Lori Quinn

id you know Greenbrier has private school for students in preschool through 12th grade?

Ambassador Baptist Academy opened in 2006 and has 65 students enrolled this year. The school director, Josh Mendenhall, says there are plans for the school to continue to expand each year. Most of the classrooms have from six to 13 students, so the students have plenty of one-on-one interaction with their teachers. They are currently using the A Beka curriculum in their classrooms. Josh says they are able to provide their students with character training, exceptional teachers, a solid curriculum and affordable tuitions.

Check out the feature story on Ambassador Baptist Academy on page 6.

And did you know that you can go back to school just one night a week and get a four-year degree from Central Baptist College’s PACE (Professional Adult College Education) program? Amy Reed, Director of Non-Traditional Enrollment at CBC, says the PACE program was “designed to meet the needs of busy working adults.” More than 11,000 students have enrolled in this program since its launch in 1999.

Our shopping spread this month (pages 14-15) features some great looks from several of our area retailers, including MedCare Pharmacy’s baby department, E. Leigh’s, Bell & Sward, Grand on Oak and one of Conway’s newest retailer’s, Simply Sweet Kids (located on Harkrider in the former The Gathering location). Baby, children’s, men’s and women’s fall fashion is at its best right here in Conway.

Finally this month, our Home section features two beautiful pools located in Centennial Valley Subdivision. Brad and Nikki Burk worked with Jerrell’s Pools in Conway to create their backyard oasis, while Daniel and Mary Goodwin used Luxury Pool & Spa. Both families feel that their pools have become a great place for their kids to swim and hang out with their friends. When talking about her backyard Mary says, “it is selfcontained and entertaining. It allows the kids to camp out in the backyard during the summer.”

Until Next Month, Lori Quinn

contents

6 10 FEATURE STORY

FEATURE STORY

Ambassador Baptist Academy: Greenbrier’s faith-based school

FEATURE STORY

Back to school: It’s not just for kids

13 18 FOOD

Arkansas Preschool Plus and Imagination Library focus on literacy

BBQ ribs and rubs

12 teacher profile

14 shopping

16 landscaping

21 homes

25 homes

32 school spirit

St. Joseph’s Jennifer Fullerton water smarter

Goodwins kick back with Luxury Pool & Spa

fashion first

Burk family jumps in with Jerrell’s Pools Show your a fan with items from the Kitchen Store & More

34 style

fashion ideas for teachers

columns

accents

mommy blog

book review

spirituality

What’s next?

Have a picnic Page 17

‘The Book Thief’

by Markus Zusak Page 30

Moms’ back-to-school challenges Page 28

How to recognize and meet the needs of others Page 33 WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 5

F E AT U R E S T O R Y

GREENBRIER’S

FAITH-BASED EDUCATION 6 WOMEN’S INC. / AUGUST 2014

By Jennifer Stanley Photos by Brandy Strain Ambassador Baptist Academy (ABA) in Greenbrier is one of Faulkner County’s best kept educational secrets. Established in 2006, the private school has seen an increase in enrollment each year.

Currently, the school is pleased to have 65 students. Though ABA has advertised via billboard and in Winc., their predominant method of promoting the school has been grassroots. As school director Josh Mendenhall explained, “The primary way enrollment has grown is by word-of-mouth from satisfied parents.”

ABA is an outreach of Ambassador Baptist Church in Greenbrier. “As families were added to our church, our pastor saw the need to start a Christian school with a strong academic program and solid biblical teaching and character training for their children. Today, not only do our church families benefit from this ministry, but also families from other local churches,” shared Josh.

Another goal of ABA is to provide training for the student’s entire life — school to home. “(We want) to work as an extension of the home and church to instill a Biblical worldview and lifestyle in the lives of all students as we give them a good general education. It is necessary that the school, the parent(s),

and the student work together to achieve this goal,” Josh added. “We believe in educating not only the student’s mind but also guiding the student’s heart toward the things of God.” The school began with only four grades, but now offers studies for students in preschool through 12th grade. This year, the school looks forward to its first graduation ceremony. Most classes have from six to 13 students. “With such a low student-teacher ratio, we are able to give each student individual attention.

Our teachers work to help every student become confident in each new concept as it is introduced throughout the school year. Our school even offers free help classes to new or struggling students in core WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 7

“We believe in educating not only the student’s mind but also guiding the student’s heart toward the things of God.”

Ambassador Baptist Academy Director Josh Mendenhall 8 WOMEN’S INC. / AUGUST 2014

Faculty and staff of Ambassador Baptist Academy

the highest quality materials for Kindergarten, elementary and secondary from a Christian perspective. ABA teaches reading in K5 using a strong phonics program.

“A Beka’s systematic phonics program teaches students to read at an early age while giving them a variety of strong character-building reading selections.”

Affordability “ABA offers affordable tuition. We believe our monthly tuition rates are subjects such as math, language and reading,” added Josh. “ABA is blessed with dedicated, loving teachers who try to exemplify Christ.”

When asked what differentiates ABA, Josh stated the following:

Character training “ABA offers character training in a quality environment; we believe character training is a vital part of a Christian education. Since obedience is the key to developing Godly character, we work to consistently train our students to obey quickly and with a right heart attitude.

“We believe this will help the student develop self-discipline. Our teacher-directed classroom approach for instructing students has proven

less expensive than those of other area schools. More tuition information is available by calling 501-679-1294.”

Interested applicants may be admitted per administrative approval; approval may be granted after a meeting with the administration.

To learn more, enrollment packets are available at the school office or by contacting ABA. “As the Lord blesses, we plan to grow and help more families give their children a strong academic and spiritual foundation.”

successful throughout the history of education. Our classrooms are bright and cheerful, air-conditioned, and completely carpeted. With clean, modern facilities and a safe environment, look no further than ABA to meet your educational needs.”

Exceptional teachers “ABA is blessed with dedicated, loving teachers who try to exemplify Christ. Our teachers work to build a strong relationship with each student in their classes. They go the extra mile to help each student succeed both academically and spiritually.”

Solid curriculum “ABA uses A Beka curriculum and textbooks. This curriculum provides WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 9

F E AT U R E S T O R Y

From left, Pam Sims, Amy Reed and Robin Stephens, with Central Baptist College PACE Program.

Back to school: It’s not just for kids

By Jennifer Stanley Photo by Brandy Strain

As Director of Non-Traditional Enrollment at Central Baptist College in Conway, Amy Reed works with non-traditional students to determine their path to an advanced degree. The program was implemented in the fall of 1999. “We saw a desire and a need for adult learners to obtain a college education, but due to busy work schedules and hectic lifestyles there wasn’t a program offered to meet that desire or need,” says Amy. Specifically, the Professional Adult College Education, or PACE, program offers an opportunity for working adults to earn a college degree.

Most PACE students either left college or never had an opportunity to begin college because of family or job obligations. “Unlike many traditional programs, the PACE program was designed to meet the needs of busy, working adults,” shares Amy. PACE courses meet one night per week from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.

Most courses can be completed in five weeks.

As director, Amy works with first time entering students interested in earning a college education.

“I sit down with the student and look at the degrees they might be interested in, show them the classes 10 WOMEN’S INC. / AUGUST 2014

that are required for that particular degree, and get them ready for their educational future,” she says. Her colleague, Pam Sims, works with students who have had some higher education hours and are interested in degree completion, and Robin Stephens serves as the director of military relations. “You would be surprised at the number of people who graduated from high school and who realize years later the importance and value of a college education,” adds Amy. Amy’s role extends beyond advisement. “I make weekly calls to individuals and businesses, especially those with employer reimbursement for education, and discuss their educational options. Our PACE and online programs have been a great fit for many.”

Indeed, 11,061 students have enrolled in the PACE program since its 1999 inception.The enrollment process is fairly standard as follows: • A prospective student completes an application.

• The recruiter communicates with the student and retrieves the required documents needed for entrance (i.e. transcripts from their high school if they are first time entering and transcripts from other colleges in which they have attended if they are transfer students).

• The school retrieves placement scores (for example ACT, Asset, and Compass) and shot records.

• The student completes the FAFSA and the academic challenge application.

• The above documents are sent to the registrar, and the student waits for final approval.

The time needed to complete the degree varies by student; it is largely determined by the amount of hours a student transfers in and how many hours the student completes per semester. “We are always looking at ways to expand and change our program as the need arises for our adult learners. We are currently in discussions about adding more degrees and improving the degrees already in place,” states Amy. When asked about success stories, Amy struggles to decide on just a few. “There are so many success stories; I can’t begin to list them all. Working in this job, you realize how important and personal a college degree is for many adult students. I have seen students in tears because they never thought they would be afforded the opportunity to come back. I have seen some send their own children to college and decide, ‘Hey, I’ve never done that myself. This is my time!’ I myself am in the program, and when I graduate next May, I will be the first one in my immediate family to graduate from college. It truly is a pleasure to watch people obtain something they thought was impossible.

“That is why we are here.”

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TEACHER PROFILE

St. Joseph’s Jennifer Fullerton

By Rachel Parker Dickerson Photo by Brandy Strain Jennifer Fullerton of St. Joseph Middle School was born to teach.

A Hendrix graduate, Fullerton double majored in music and elementary education. She is entering her 13th year of teaching at St. Joseph School and loves her job.

The oldest of four sisters, she grew up in a family that valued education.

“I was always showing my sisters how to do things. I liked being in charge,” she said. “In high school I taught swim lessons. I thought, these kids are learning. I could be a teacher.”

Growing up in Fayetteville, many of her childhood experiences were linked with learning.

“I don’t remember any vacation that wasn’t connected to education. I have a love of reading. Teaching seemed to fit all of that. We’d go to museums. We got treated with books. In the summer the biggest thing was to go to the library and get your summer reading program card.”

She also has an aunt who is a teacher and who influenced her in her decision to become an educator, she said. When they get together, they “talk shop,” she said.

When Fullerton attended college, she ended up with a previously unplanned double major because the school offered her a music scholarship.

Later in life, that decision paid off with another surprise when she was hired at St. Joseph.

“I never really planned on teaching

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music, but St. Joseph needed a music teacher. I ended up loving it,” she said. She taught music for her first 10 years at the school. Since then she has gone on to teach sixth grade language arts and religion.

“I teach kids the way I was taught and the way I would want my kids to be taught. I do expect a lot of them

in and out of the classroom, but that’s because I know they’re capable. They will tell you I’m strict, but they’ll also tell you I’m fun.”

Fullerton also enjoys working at a school where she can share her faith with her students.

“I like being at St. Joseph because I can take my love of education and

my love of faith and God, and they’re combined. When we’ve done religion lessons, I’ve brought in my own personal experience — how I pray and how I live my faith. They can experience and relate to that.”

She said she doesn’t pine for the long days of summer vacation. Rather, she looks forward to going back to work in the fall.

“I don’t feel like it’s a job. I’m excited about things with my kids. When August comes around, it’s exciting.

I don’t think a lot of people feel that way about their jobs. I’m blessed that I do,” she said. “A lot of that is my great coworkers and great students.”

Fullerton has a master’s degree in gifted and talented education, which she earned at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2008. She said St. Joseph does not have a pull-out program, but all the teachers get to know their students and spend one-on-one time with them to make sure they are being challenged.

“My sisters and I all took GT classes growing up. It fascinates me,” she said.

This summer she is spending two weeks teaching at Summer Laureate University for Youth, a summer camp for GT kids that allows teachers getting their GT licensure or master’s to have a practicum setting. She also spent a week teaching science camp at St. Joseph.

Fullerton and her husband of three years, Micah, have a nine-month-old daughter, Mary Micah, and a dog, Bonnie Blue.

F E AT U R E S T O R Y

Kathy Powers, fifth grade literacy teacher at Carl Stuart Middle School and 2011 Teacher of the Year, reads to children at the announcement of Faulkner County’s launch of Imagination Library.

APP, Imagination Library puts books in homes

By Joe Lamb Photo by Eric White One of the most important lessons in Parenting 101 is also one of the shortest and easiest to remember: If you’re not reading to preschool-aged kids, you’re doing it wrong.

Literacy is the foundation of knowledge; this is well-known, but application of the old wisdom isn’t universal. Parents are raising their kids in an age awash with on-demand kids’ TV shows and movies (of varying quality) not only on TVs, but on computers, tablets and even phones — not to mention the angry or flappy birds. To steal a line from songwriter Leonard Cohen, it’s easier for kids to get lost in that hopeless little screen.

Arkansas Preschool Plus (APP), a local nonprofit, is working to help parents teach their kids to lose themselves in a book instead.

Starting this year, APP has partnered with the Imagination Library, an international organization that puts together a curriculum of 12 age-specific books a year and mails them to a child’s household from infancy to 5 years. APP has raised money to enroll more than 400 households this year, and they’re hoping to get past 500 by next year.

“It puts books in the home, so yes, you’re going to get literacy, but it also promotes interaction between that parent and that child;” Dr. Charlotte Green, APP’s founder and executive director, said. “When the kid gets that book out of their mailbox, who are they going to run and show that book to?

They’re going to go to their parent or parents and say, ‘let’s read

my new book!’”

A kid will mostly forget the TV shows and toys as they grow up, Green said. But time reading and playing board games with mom or dad won’t be.

Michelle Ford, director of Conway’s APP program, said that getting a book in their mailbox addressed to them “energizes” both the kid and a parent whose had a long day, and makes reading a more special event for both.

The program is free for parents. Which is good because a parent can drop a lot of money in a bookstore’s children’s section. The books aren’t bargain-bin material either. There’s a Caldecott winner in this year’s reading list (1988’s Owl Moon) and books in the popular Llama Llama series and the classics Madeline and The Tale of Peter Rabbit. The first book is always The Little Engine that Could (published in 1930 and still hauling pocketknives over the mountain in its load of goodies for all the boys and girls), and the last is always Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!

The program is meant to work with other local efforts like Jim Davidson’s A Bookcase for Every Child project and, of course, the Faulkner County Library, which has a great children’s section (that includes another Caldecott winner, 2003’s The Man Who Walked Between the Towers — this writer’s favorite children’s book and I challenge anyone to get their kids to the end of it without getting at least a little misty).

Some of the books also come with tips for parents reading to their kids (tracking the printed words with a finger as you read them and stopping to ask questions, for example). The Imagination Library was founded by singer Dolly Parton.

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SHOPPING

Footed red Razorback creeper, $24.75 Embroidered long-sleeve gown, $36.50 Mudpie football 2-piece set, $26.75 Mudpie football socks, $6.25 Go Hogs bib, $19 Available at MedCare Pharmacy

Ditzy Daisy top, $26.90 Olive and Pim red shorts, $41.90 E. Leigh’s cardigan, $59.90 Necklace, $24.90 Available at E. Leigh’s

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Olive and Pim blue pin-striped top, $50.90 White skinny jeans, $65.90 Necklace, $32.90 Available at E.Leigh’s

Stately cotton red knit shirt, $75 Pennington and Bailes gingham shirt, $95 State Traditions T-shirt, $30 Mountain Khakis pant, $79.95 Available at Bell & Sward

Johnny Was sweater Kleen Lines tank Agave shinny jeans G. Spinelli lapis and prayer bead necklace G. Spinelli leather earrings Luchesse boot Available at Grand on Oak

Criquet knit shirts, $75 J Brand jeans, $165 Tommy Bahama shoes, $138 Happy Socks, $12 Available at Bell & Sward

Kindergarten Rocks T-shirt, $39.99 Hudson jeans, $47.99 Red and white striped hoodie, $32 Mudpie navy pajama bottoms, $23.99 Hand-painted hair bows, $23.99-$26.99 Available at Simply Sweet Kids WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 15

LANDSCAPING

Water smarter

More water means healthier plants, right? Um, no. The relationship between soil and water is even more important than the quantity of water. The perfect situation for plants is well draining soil and the correct quantity of water...plants grow, roots stay healthy, and all is well. But as we all know, the soils in Arkansas rarely drain well, natural water is sparse at times, and comes at flood rates other times. What does this mean for you? It’s time to put your landscape to the test!

Check your drainage!

Dig a hole in the ground about a foot deep, fill it with water, and see how fast it drains. Ideally, the water should drain in five minutes or less. If it takes more than that...eek...that’s poorly drained soil. Years of planting and maintaining landscapes have taught us that we have many such landscapes. In extreme cases, water has sat in freshly dug holes for 10 minutes with no movement at all! We have learned that digging deeper than the rootball, adding a few inches of gravel and packing it down, creates a small french drain under the rootball and can allow the plant to live and roots to become established. Once the roots are established, they will lessen soil compaction and increase drainage. For already established plants, dig a hole nearby about the same size as the rootball of existing plants and perform the same test. Unless you are dealing with aquatic plants, roots cannot survive in water, so the rootball gradually shrinks while the top part keeps growing. Eventually the shrunken root system isn’t able to support the upper growth, and the plant that looked fine last month turns brown and takes it’s last breath. After the soil drainage is known and addressed, what’s next? Keep reading!

Water longer and less often!

Less frequent, deep waterings are better for establishing roots than shallow, shorter waterings. If the soil is compacted, cycle and soak by watering for 10 minutes, then another 10 minutes, then 20 minutes, to increase absorption. Find out how much water is getting down into the root zone of plants by using a moisture meter. Moisture meters cost ten dollars and can save you hundreds of dollars... and your entire landscape! How long to water? Every landscape has its’ own issues; shade, sun, the aforementioned drainage considerations, and plant health. The main thing is watch your landscape to see how long it takes to dry out between waterings and adjust the time and days of watering appropriately.

Mulch!

This will help the soil, and plant roots, retain moisture in the root zone area.

Check your system!

Like everything else, technology has made great strides in the efficiency of sprinkler systems, including the improvement of rain sensors and the creation of smart systems.

Renovating your system to include these features is a perfect way to water smarter. We can help you with this!

Watch for problems!

Stress is accumulated in plants, so water issues paired with pest problems this year will mean more highly stressed plants next year. So water smarter and watch for issues! Happy watering and call us if you need help!

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ACCENTS Fresh floral available at A Southern Tradition napkins available for rent at A Southern Tradition candles and holders available for rent at A Southern Tradition barrel riser, marble cutting boards, pillows, bud vase available for purchase from Park Hill in Conway Plastic gotino wine glasses are from Jessica’s personal collection and were originally purchased at Eggshells Kitchen Co. in Little Rock

WHAT TO DO NEXT: GO ON A PICNIC

By Jessica Zimmerman

Believe it or not, fall is just around the corner, and soon the weather will be turning a bit cooler, which means the next thing on your “must do” list is…have a picnic.

1

Keep the food simple To be honest, you don’t have to cook for picnics. It doesn’t have to be elaborate sandwiches and homemade cookies. Like I’ve said before, no one has more fun if you’ve spent all day cooking. Take the easy way out and head to a meat and cheese shop for a party platter. An assortment of different cheeses, meats, fruit, olives and roasted almonds is a filling and attractive meal. All you have to do is pick it up! Food – done! It doesn’t even have to be fancy. In fact, my husband’s favorite picnic we ever went on consisted of a bucket of fried chicken picked up through a drive-thru.

2

Use your good stuff One thing I will never quite understand is why people don’t use their “good stuff.”

There are people out there who have never used their wedding china because they are afraid they are going to break a piece of it. Use it! If a piece breaks, it breaks. How often do you have 12 guests over for a formal sit down dinner, really?

Let’s face it – picnics are fun! They are super casual and a change from the norm.

Here are some tips for a fun and stress-free picnic:

For instance, for this picnic, I used a quilt my grandmother made. This quilt means the world to me. Instead of hiding it away in a linen closet to keep it perfectly preserved, I have snuggled up in this blanket just about every single night since the day I received it. It has holes in it, snags in it, it has completely lost its gleaming white look and now is a bit dingy, but that’s because I use it. If something happens to it, that’s okay, because I’ve had 14 years of warm nights under this quilt. I couldn’t think of picnicking on anything else.

Also, the picnic basket shown here was handed down to me from my parents – they received it as a wedding gift. It means so much to me, why would I use anything else?

3

A couple of details Two simple details can elevate your picnic so much: Flowers and candles. The flowers in this photo are extravagantly arranged (hey, it’s for editorial), but even just the simplest bud vase with one single flower paired with a couple of candles

gives so much warmth and beauty to your picnic.

4 5

Elevate the food Bring something to elevate the food so you’re not eating directly off the blanket. A tray from home flipped over to give it some height would do just the trick!

Pillows You may be sitting, you may be lying down, but either way pillows are nice to prop up against. They make your picnic even that much more comfortable!

Jessica Zimmerman is the owner of A Southern Tradition in downtown Conway. Her work has been featured in regional and national magazines. As a graduate of the University of Arkansas’ Art program, she’s an avid blogger, a lover of travel, and has a passion for all things creative! She resides in Conway with her husband Brian and daughter Stella. For more, follow her blog at asoutherntradition.com/blog.

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FOOD

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BBQ

RUBS

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By Chef Jill McCollum, cc Photos by Lindsey Faith Watson

Simple BBQ Ribs 2 21/2 pounds county style pork ribs 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 tablespoons salt 1 cup barbeque sauce Place ribs in a large pot with enough water to cover. Season with garlic powder, black pepper and salt.

Bring water to a boil, and cook ribs until tender. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Remove ribs from pot and place them in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour barbeque sauce over ribs.

Cover dish with aluminum foil, and bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until internal temperature of pork has reached 150 degrees.

Memphis Rub ¼ cup paprika 1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar 1 tablespoon white sugar 2 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons monosodium glutamate (MSG) 1 teaspoon celery salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste 1 teaspoon dry mustard 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder In a small airtight container, mix all ingredients together. Seal and store till ready to use.

Texas Rub 1 (16 ounce) bottle seasoning salt ¼ cup paprika 2/3 cup chili powder 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 2 teaspoons ground dry mustard 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon dry mesquite flavored seasoning mix 2 tablespoons garlic salt 1 tablespoon black pepper 1 cup packed brown sugar In a large bowl, mix all ingredients.

Seal and store till ready to use.

Chef Jill McCollum, CC is the Caterer and Food Service Director for Central Baptist College. Jill is the owner of Jill McCollum Catering in Conway. She can be reached at jmccollum@cbc.edu or (501) 730-4422

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F E AT U R E S T O R Y

Burk family jumps in with Jerrell’s Pools

By Sheldon Slinkard Photos by Brandy Strain “When Brad and Nikki Burk and their children looked to bring their pool dream to reality, they looked no further than Jerrell’s Pools. The team helped Nikki, “envision and collaborate to develop” the perfect pool.

A cascading fountain looks over the 16x32 foot Roman shaped pool, which is rimmed with natural rock and lined with beautiful blue and white.

Nikki explains that the pool team was, “Really great to work with and were always on time.”

The pool has become the hip place to be, for the entire family, especially children Bailey and Blane. “We’re in it all the time, my son’s a little fish, said Nikki. “We like that the kids have a place to hang out with their friends where we can keep an eye on them. It makes us feel more at ease.”

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Bailey and Blane Burk

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F E AT U R E S T O R Y

Goodwins kick back with Luxury Pool & Spa

By Sheldon Slinkard Photos by Brandy Strain Luxury Pool & Spa has shown exceptional work since it’s opening. One success story comes from the Goodwin family of Conway.

“The service has been outstanding. Shane and Jeremy Lawson were always available in person or by phone or text whenever we had a question or concern, said Mary Goodwin, Luxury pool customer.

“We had never owned a pool and they have done a great job of educating us on what we need to do, even if it was at night or on the weekends.”

The pool building experience was completed recently and the family is ecstatic, Daniel Goodwin stated, “The pool has

become a nice place for them to play and cool off. I love having my kids and their friends at our house.”

Daniel also explained that the pool has become a gathering place for his children and that gives him peace of mind.

He no longer has to wonder where his children are and can simply relax while his family has a good time in the pool.

The pool and pool area boasts a pool house with a kitchen and half bath. The back yard is, “self-contained and entertaining,” said Mary, “it also allows the kids to camp out in the backyard during the summer.”

Alongside the pool house is an outdoor fireplace to stay warm even in the winter months.

Working with the Luxury Pools team, the Goodwins developed a budget and with great effort, the team stayed within the budget.

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Jackson and Ethan Goodwin

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MOMMY BLOG

Moms’ back-to-school challenges

By Brooke Allen

I

remember the excitement of the first day of school as a child. I could barely sleep! The adrenaline was flowing; my mind was racing. I was pumped to pack up my Trapper Keeper and head out on the first day of school adventure.

As a mom, the excitement somehow turns me into a frazzled mess!

Between Pinterest projects showing me how easy it is to hand sew my son’s name on his Pottery Barn backpack and organized Facebook moms showing me how to get said backpack ready for the first day in only 531.2 easy steps, it’s no wonder I sometimes feel inadequate and, frankly, overwhelmed.

This year I’m adhering to a new standard, a new rule of thumb that can be summed up in four words: “no comparisons, no expectations!”

As we all prepare for back-to-school, let’s look past what we feel is expected in the great world of social media and moms “one-upping” each other.

The first few weeks of school I come out of the gate like a well-oiled machine. Lunches are packed with fresh fruits and veggies, all organized in a cool lunchbox adorned with the latest Lego mini figures. Backpacks are organized and prepped every night. That enormous stack of papers that I pull from my boys’ folders each night is thoroughly examined and placed into piles or filed away. All scheduled events are put into calendars, and all permission slips are signed and returned in a quick manner. But somehow, the newness wears off, and in no time, I’m throwing brown bananas and prepackaged ham sandwiches into a brown paper sack for lunch. I go through backpacks in a rushed manner 10 minutes before school, and that pile of papers ends up strewn all over the floor board of the backseat of my car. But over the years I’ve finally realized that neither of these school routines define me as a mom.

I will never forget my oldest son’s first day of Kindergarten. I was so nervous! What if they don’t like him? What if they don’t like me? What if they don’t see how smart he is or accept his quirkiness? Will he make friends?

What do I send for lunch?

Can he have a snack? What about bathroom breaks? And the funny part of it all, is that he was never concerned about any of that.

He was just excited, just like I used to be. The

Trapper Keepers are now plastic folders of red, yellow and green that the teachers request, and the Lisa Frank six-color pen I loved circa 1985 is now a large box of yellow No. 2 pencils — but that adrenaline that we used to feel as young girls is the same rush that our children feel. Instead of getting lost in our own mom insecurities, let’s get lost in the little things that make back to school special for the wee ones in our lives!

Pick back-to-school projects according to what you want for our family, not what others say you should do. If laminating your child’s school supplies and hand-painting them an organized first-aid kit for their backpacks is your thing, then please keep on keeping on (and stop by the Allen house if you get finished with yours and are itching to make more). But if it’s just not up your alley to make DIY projects with or for your children, then don’t sweat it! “No comparisons, no expectations!”

Pick after-school activities by priority. If your priority is to have your daughter in every dance and gymnastics class that is offered, sign that baby up and hold your head high! If you’re like me and you make your children pick one or two activities tops, then stick to your guns and don’t give in when more activities are presented. You have to make the choice for what’s right for your family and stand by your decision. “No comparisons, no expectations!”

If you look around and everyone seems to be “on top of things” and you feel like you’re the only one who’s hanging on by a thread, I promise you, you’re not alone.

There’s something that you’re doing that’s equally as great as those moms who seemingly have it all together! Maybe you wake up your children with a song and a smile, or maybe you let go of control and let your daughter pick that tie-dyed unicorn T-shirt for her first day ... be proud in whatever it is that makes you the great mom that you are. Because those things — that aren’t Pinterest or Facebook induced — those are just as wonderful!

You have gifts as a mom that you don’t even know about. Gifts that aren’t taught, or pinned or blogged about, gifts that God gave you, that come from deep in your belly; gifts that you give to your children without thinking twice. And those are the things that your kiddos will remember. They love you. You are mom. Release the expectations, stop comparing yourself to other moms. You are you, and you’re doing a great job!

Now go pack up those backpacks with the 3,921 items that were on the school list & take a deep breath. You rock, sister!

Brooke Allen lives in Conway with her husband, Josh, and two sons, Bryce and Brennon. Brooke is a stylist at Studio Skin and a blogger.

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BOOK REVIEW

‘The Book Thief’ by Markus Zusak

Reviewed by Susan O’Keefe

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t’s a haunting story. It screams and silences at the same time. It creeps into your thoughts long after finishing the last page. Set in Nazi Germany and spanning pre and post war times, The Book Thief captures readers with uniquely crafted writing by author Markus Zusak. The story’s narrator is Death, a voice with much to say about the manner he sweeps in and subtly cradles a war-torn soul in his arms, or relieves the torturous starvation of a concentration camp prisoner.

Aside from Death, a German girl named Liesel Meminger is the story’s main character. As the novel opens, Liesel is on a train with her mother, en route to a foster home, supposedly a safer place. Her brother travels with them as well. Tragically, the boy dies on the train. In the snow, near her brother’s hastily dug gravesite, is a small book. The symbols are mesmer-

izing and mysterious. Liesel picks it up and her first act of book thievery is committed. Thus, begins her lifelong bond with books.

At her foster home, Liesel’s accordion playing father, Hans, teaches her to read. Her foster mother, Rosa, built like a wardrobe, mostly yells boisterously at the two of them. Rosa scolds them equally and curses when necessary. She is a redeemable character, however, as Rosa is a woman everyone wants around during crisis. And nearly every stage of this book carries a bit of crisis.

A cast of colorful characters resides on the fictitious Himmel Street. Imagine a steady row of poor ashen gray dwellings located on the outskirts of Munich.

Kids play soccer in the dirt. A taped up, discarded, nearly airless ball serves as the only equipment. Food is scarce. Clothes are threadbare. Adults face defeat nearly everywhere they turn.

Upon Liesel’s arrival on Himmel Street, she is

stalked by nightmares. There is the recurring one when her brother coughs and coughs and coughs.

Suddenly, there is no more coughing, just a deathly silence. There is also the recurring nightmare as Liesel searches for her mother. During the day, she decides to write letters home. There are no answers though. Straining to hear adult conversations, Liesel barely makes out the word “communist”. What does it mean? Why doesn’t her mother answer? How long will she live on Himmel Street, and will it be her final home?

As readers’ hearts race and palms sweat, a lonely Jewish man knocks on the German family’s front door. He checks that he isn’t being followed. The man is Max. He has come to cash in on a promise Hans made during World War 1. Max becomes a permanent household fixture in the basement behind the junk. He shares his harrowing story and just like Liesel, is tormented by nightmares. An unlikely friendship is kindled between the two. She becomes his eyes and ears to the outside war ravaged world, and he becomes an avid listener to tales from the life of a preteen.

Death, the narrator, appears early and stays late.

There are war veterans who return to Himmel Street only to end their lives due to the sheer torment of living. Air raids force residents to take shelter in nearby basements. The book thief calmly reads aloud from her latest stolen item. Her words allow a sense of comfort to settle lightly on the nervous neighbors, crammed elbow to elbow with barely enough room to breathe.

For income, Rosa washes and irons. She sends Liesel for pick-ups and drop-offs, hoping that customers would pity the girl. The mayor’s house is on Liesel’s route. His wife, with her tousled hair and empty eyes, opens the door each week in a near catatonic state. Upon entry into the massive foyer, Liesel spies the ultimate prize, a library. This room will serve as a sanctuary for the girl, even when she surrenders to the temptation to take what isn’t hers. And the mayor’s wife gruelingly tries to find her way back to the living. It seems the narrator has paid a visit to the mayor’s son.

Words are incredibly and creatively used on every page of Zusak’s novel. From the way he divides the book into nearly a dozen sections to the conversations among characters, there is never repetition or predictability. The story is original and worth every ounce of sadness it invokes. Liesel finds solace in words; words painted on the basement walls, words read while sitting on the library floor at the mayor’s house, even words aptly spoken by the Fuhrer himself. The book is a courageous reminder of the simple power … of words.

Susan O’Keefe recently moved to Augusta, Georgia, with her husband, Jack, four children, and enthusiastic black Labrador puppy, Oxford.

Susan plans to continue reading and reviewing as books create a window and relationship to thousands of lives and adventures. Drop Susan a line or suggest a book by emailing her at womensinc@womensinc.net.

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Where’sYourSpirit?

SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY BY SUPPORTING YOUR SCHOOL

We are fortunate to live where education is so important.

—Jeanne Smyers, owner at The Kitchen Store and More.

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SPIRITUALITY

Recognize and meet the needs of others

By Andrea Lennon

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aily we have the opportunity to recognize and meet the needs of others. This process requires us to be intentional in the way that we live. We have to purposefully slow down. It is important to note that getting involved in the lives of others requires time, energy, and resources. In 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, the Apostle Paul encouraged the believers in Corinth to live generous lives. Paul used the Macedonian churches as models in giving. 2 Corinthians 8:5 records the formula for recognizing and meeting the needs of others. “They (the Macedonians) gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.” (New International Version) Let’s examine this verse and see what we can learn.

“They gave themselves first of all to the Lord…” Have you ever wondered what it looks like to give yourself to the Lord? For those of us who have placed our faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, we understand the first important step of giving our lives to Jesus. But what does it look like to give our lives to Jesus each day?

2 Corinthians 8:5 answers this all important question.

The word Lord that is used in verse five carries the meaning of ownership. When we give ourselves to the Lord we give ownership of our daily lives to Jesus. This means that our time, resources, and talents belong to Him, not us. “…and then by the will of God also to us.” Giving ownership of our lives to Jesus leads us to discovering

God’s will. Discerning God’s will requires daily communication with the Lord. Good communication involves two components—- talking and listening. We talk to the Lord when we present our praises, confessions, questions, needs and struggles to Him. Pouring out our heart to Jesus always leads to a deep sense of peace and helps us to clear our mind of the busyness going on around us so that we can sense the move of God and respond in faith.

When we are in the daily habit of talking to God, we find it easier to listen to Him. Listening to God is hard.

We have to learn how to hear His voice. Too bad listening is not as simple as receiving a text message, a phone call, or a handwritten note. Then again, we would have little need for faith if listening came in such tangible forms.

Listening to the Lord involves discerning God’s direction for our life. Listening is the ability to know when to move and when to remain. In the context of recognizing and meeting the needs of others, we can know that God willingly directs our lives based on His plan in the midst of each situation that we face. Do not miss this point as written in 2 Corinthians 8. Once the Macedonians gave ownership of their lives to Jesus, they were able to know the will of God in regards to their level of involvement in the life and ministry of Paul.

The bottom line question is this: How do we know God’s will in regards to recognizing and meeting the needs of others? God willingly speaks to us in at least three ways. First and foremost God speaks to us through His Word, the Bible. The Bible is not just a book. The

Bible is God’s living and active Word. As we read and study God’s Word we are equipped for life. The more we interact with the Bible the more we learn how to hear God’s voice and respond to His call.

Second, God speaks through the circumstances of life. God uses every day occurrences to lead us including hardships and triumphs as well as victories and defeats.

Through life experiences we learn how to be sensitive to the needs of the people around us.

Third, God uses the encouragement of others to help us know how to live a life of faith. Have you ever noticed that other people can see strengths in you that you cannot see in yourself? I know from experience that God uses the encouragement of others to challenge me to step out in faith even when I think the step is impossible to take.

Today give ownership of your life to Jesus. Take time each day to read the Bible. Examine your life and see how God has worked through your circumstances.

Finally, listen to the input of others. As you take these important steps, God will show you how to recognize and meet the needs of others.

Andrea Lennon lives in Conway, Arkansas, with her husband, Jay, and sons, Jake and Andrew.

Andrea ministers to the women of Arkansas through a speaking and writing ministry called True Vine Ministry. To learn more about this ministry, access Andrea’s website at www.andrealennon.net.

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STYLE

back to school styles for teachers

Reborn dresses // Sizes small-3X // available at statements

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