FAMILY Magazine January 2013

Moms Just Know • Free

Dressing the Kids

for the

Cold

Reading

Resolutions Confessions of a Tater-Tot Mom

The Making of

“The Good Life for Less”

January 2013

Serving: Granger • Mishawaka • Elkhart • South Bend • Goshen • Niles • Edwardsburg • Middlebury • Plymouth St. Joseph • New Buffalo & Surrounding Communities

Saturday, February 2, 2013 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The Orchards Mall Mall entrance 4, between Carson’s and Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts 1800 Pipestone Road, Benton Harbor Love Your Heart Wherever You Go! The first 200 adults to attend a screening or class will receive a free tote!

Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 2! It’s Lakeland’s second annual “Love Your Heart” event, filled with free information and screenings to show you how to take good care of your heart.

FREE activities will include: ♥ Cholesterol and blood pressure screenings Appointments are required; call (269) 556-2808 or (866) 260-7544 (12-hour fasting required for cholesterol screening; no food, only water).

Walk-ins will be accepted if space is available.

♥ Talk to a cardiologist, featuring J. Douglas Huggett, DO, Cardiology Southwest

♥ Free heart-healthy classes ♥ Fitness demonstration by Benton Harbor/ Benton Township Senior Services, Inc.

♥ Love Your Heart red-themed fashion show

♥

Heart-healthy cooking demonstration with a Lakeland registered dietitian

♥

MEGA Heart® XL, walk through the world's largest, most realistic inflatable heart exhibit

♥

Health information booths ~ Act in Time to Heart Attack Signs ~ Diabetes Education ~ Hospice at Home, a Lakeland HealthCare Affiliate ~ Lakeland Heart Center ~ Living Well with Congestive Heart Failure ~ Smoke-Free Life

New this year!

Step inside a 25-foot-long human heart and see how it functions.

Observe oversized examples of common heart diseases and the latest treatments for heart problems. Available 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

For more information, call the Margaret Beckley Upton Center for Health Enhancement of Lakeland HealthCare at (269) 556-2872.

Visit www.lakelandhealth.org/loveyourheart for event times and details

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Contributors "I never eat December snowflakes.

I always wait until January." ~Lucy Van Pelt

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: Betsy Tavernier

Betsy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

EXECUTIVE Editor: Stephanie J. Salisbury

Stephanie@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

Advertising Account Manager: Nicky Graham Nicky@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

Advertising Account Manager: Angie Miller Angie@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

Creative Promotions manager: Jena Bontrager Jena@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

IN THE NEXT ISSUE: Summer Camps

GRAPHIC DESIGN Manager: Zuzanna Zmud

Zuzanna@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

Fashion Editor: Kathy Friend Kathy@MMProd.com

If you would like your business and/or service to be included in the next issue, call The FAMILY Magazines at 574.387.5420 to reserve your space. Space is limited.

on the cover: Special thanks to the Liddell family for their adorable cover photo!

Photography: Classic Image Photography, Granger

Medical Editor: S. Jesse Hsieh, M.D. Distribution Manager: John Ferguson Family Magazines of Michiana would love to hear from you! Please submit press releases, event information and inquiries to: info@Michianafamilymagazine.com The FAMILY Magazines 1233 E. University Drive Granger, IN 46530 PH: 574.387.5420 • FX: 574.217.4700 www.michianafamilymagazine.com The FAMILY Magazines January 2013 Established in 2006.

All rights reserved.

Permission from the publisher is required for any reproduction or reprint of this publication.

Read The FAMILY Magazines online each month!

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Sign up for our Email Newsletter on our website and get your own organic copy delivered to your email inbox each month!

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The FAMILY Magazine is a proud member of PMA

For your Find the enjoyment Hidden Acorn! and fun!

Please use the information compiled by Michiana Family Magazines for your research.

Michiana Family Magazines recommends that parents and families interview each business or organization to make sure that it is safe and a good fit for your family.

The information presented here and provided by Michiana Family Magazines is for informational purposes only and although every effort has been made to present accurate information, Michiana Family Magazines does not, in any way, accept responsibility for the accuracy of or consequences from the use of this information and/or for the businesses and organizations presented herein. We urge all parents and families to confirm any information given herein through additional research. The views and opinions expressed by the writers, event organizers and advertisers do not necessarily represent those of Michiana Family Magazines LLC, its officers, editors, staff or contributors.

F R O M THE P U B L I S H E R

Things We

Happy 2013!

(at FAMILY)

Ahhhhh, I love new beginnings, new opportunities, new goals, edited bucket lists and new perspectives. It feels good to have a "do-over" time each year in January to make things right, better or just simply different. I'm not talking about joining a weight loss program on January 2nd - but just re-evaluating where I've been, where I am and where I want to go - with all things but especially as a parent.

Love

Right Now!

1. A New Start, A New Year 2.

Fruit Hills Winery & Orchard

3.

A Fabulous Staff - thanks to our stellar magazine team!

4.

Sledding

1. Spend more quality time with my boys

5.

Hot Cocoa

2. Be "present"

6.

Smart Wool Socks

7.

The Hammes Notre Dame Book Store

8.

Fun Napkins

9.

Pound Puppies from the Humane Society

As I've said many, many times ... this parenting stuff is hard core! I certainly need some do-overs from time to time and so I've been asking some of my friends that have younger kiddos about their parenting bucket list for 2013. Here are a few that have come up in our conversations:

3. Listen with my heart 4. More family dinners at the table 5. Assign chores 6. Celebrate the little things 7. Focus on my kids' strengths 8. Teach better manners 9. Keep promises

10. The Perfect Steak

10. Take a family vacation

11. XBox Kinect

11. Prepare healthier meals/snacks

12. Guardian Angels

I loved all of these parenting bucket list items and many of them can be pulled into my own list for 2013. What is going to make your 2013 parenting bucket list? Any of these here?

Give it some thought and come up with your own or adopt some of these - we are a work in progress as parents and do-overs are a welcome opportunity to improve.

13. Snowflakes 14. Pine Cones

Here's to a fabulous start to 2013 and to the parenting bucket list!

Throw snowballs, giggle and enjoy the great family time that January brings us each year in Michiana.

Betsy & Family

Check it Out! Do

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JANUA RY

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New tipars for 's Weightyelo ss

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2013

F R O M THE E D I TOR Happy New Year, Family!

The flurry of holiday craziness is finally over and we’re beginning 2013 with a fresh start. Resolutions abound, and the number one thing at the top of our lists? Spending more time with the people you love! This issue is chock-full of great ways to bond with your family.

FAMILY

Team

There are some great correlations between reading to your child (Andie Kingsbury’s article “Reading Resolutions”) and giving them the foundation they need so they can begin learning, too (Meagan Church’s “Teach Your Child to Read”).

Both offer some wonderful tips on how to spend a little time each day with your young ones to instill a love of reading and a thirst for knowledge for a lifetime.

And speaking of books – Amy Allen Clark, one of our longest-running writers, has a new book out called “The Good Life For Less”! We’re so proud of her, and very excited, too, because she’s shared with us the background story of how it all came to fruition. Be on the lookout, because in early February, we’re having Amy Allen Clark here at our offices to sign books for you, our readers, and you won’t want to miss it! Stay tuned…

By all means, laugh more this year. I’ve already done plenty of that, every time I’ve read Christopher Garlington’s “Hidden Mickey Nightmare Trip” and Jane Suter’s “Confessions of a Tater-Tot Mom”. I see so much of my own parenting in there – and so much of my own children, too!

We are delighted to bring on Angie Miller as the newest member of our FAMILY! Angie received her Bachelor of Science degree from Ball State University and her Master’s degree from IUSB, and joins us as an Advertising Account Manager. She and her husband live in Middlebury with their three boys

Hope your new year has started out splendidly and that things just keep looking up all year-round!

Stephanie

Now

Enrolling!

ABA Therapy for Children with Autism Hope for every child, every family

www.lighthouseautismcenter.com • 574.387.4313 • 3730 Edison Lakes Parkway, Mishawaka, IN 46545 6 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

Printed on Recycled Content Paper

South Bend Clinic/ Villing & Co.

the FAMILY magazine table

Of

contents

live your best

4 Find the Hidden Acorn 5 Letter from the Publisher 6 Letter from the Editor 7 Share your Instagram Photos 10 The FAMILY Month Calendar

book reviews

12 Airborn by Kenneth Oppel

Reviewed by Margo Ferguson

12 Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne

Reviewed by Jennifer Ludwig

family matters 14 Winter Recipes

16

By Diane Fisher

16 Dressing the Kids for the Cold

By Evelyn Kirkwood

28

family fun

18 Tips for Traveling Together

By Andie Kingsbury

20 The Making of “A Good Life for Less”

By Amy Allen Clark

family travel

22 The Hidden Mickey Nightmare Trip

By Christopher “Bull” Garlington

special promotion 24 CAMP FAIR!

family features

28 Teaching your Child to Read

By Meagan Church

family working mama 30 Working for 2

By Meagan Church

calendar of events

32 Go to www.MichianaFamilyMagazine.com for

tons of additional family events

– updated daily!

20 stuff kids say 36 Yadda Yadda

book review

37 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling

Reviewed by Cameron S.

family expecting

38 The Mom I Was Supposed to Be

By Noelle Elliott

family mommy & daddy 40 Confessions of a Tater-Tot Mom

By Jane Suter

42 Reading Resolutions

By Andie Kingsbury

family life

44 Clutter is Life

By Meagan Francis

early childhood education: 46 Recommended Reading by Age Group

38

"We only have this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand... and melting like a snowflake. Let us use it before it is too late." ~Marie Beynon Ray

LIVE your best

The FAMILY Month 8

11

Elvis's Birthday

1 New Year's Day

7

BCS National Championship Game — Notre Dame vs. Alabama

Michigan Territory was created, 1805

2 3 4 5 6 9 10 12 13 14 Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M

Top Five Baby Names from 2012: Boys:

Girls:

1. Liam

1. Emma

2. Ethan

2. Olivia

3. Noah

3. Sophia

4. Mason

4. Ava

5. Jacob

5. Isabella

Silly Kids’ Jokes: Q. Why did the chicken cross the road?

A. To get to your house! Knock Knock!

Q. Who’s there?

A. The chicken!

Q. What has four wheels and flies?

A. A garbage truck!

Q. What animal can jump higher than a building?

A. Any animal – buildings can’t jump!

January Gems  Sledding (with hot cocoa, of course!)  National Soup Month – make a new recipe with the kids, then find a version of the age-old folktale Stone Soup to read together.  Re-organize the toy room for the new Christmas toys – take one out for each one in.

10 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

Quotes: “We spend the first twelve months of our children's lives teaching them to walk and talk and the next twelve telling them to sit down and shut up.” ~ Phyllis Diller “January brings the snow, makes our feet and fingers glow.”

~ Sara Coleridge “The door was shut, as doors should be, before you went to bed last night; yet Jack Frost has got in you see, and left your window silver white.” ~ Gabriel Setoun “A lot of people like snow. I find it to be an unnecessary freezing of water.” ~ Carl Reiner “Snow provokes responses that reach right back into childhood.”

~Andy Goldsworthy

 Family Karaoke Time! Use Spotify online to select karaoke versions of your family’s favorite songs, then sing them together in the living room!  National Thank-You Month – help the kiddos write or draw thank-you notes for Christmas presents they received from friends and relatives, then mail them together.

Printed on Recycled Content Paper

Calendar 18

25

21

Hunter Ice Festival Begins, Niles

19

Harlem Globetrotters, Joyce Center

Martin Luther King Day

31

New Year's Eve

Craft for a Cause, Knollwood

15

16

17

20

Tu

W

Th

Su

F

Sa

22 M

Tu

23

24

W

Th

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26

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28

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31

Sa

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Tu

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Fun Things to Do with the Kiddos:

January Word Scramble snouesrtoil wen ryea hsrfe trats nosw yda cei mrots (resolutions, new year, fresh start, snow day, ice storm) Quick Side-Dish Recipe

1. Categories: Name a category (fruits, animals, colors – anything you can think of!) and go back and forth trying to name as many things that fit into that category as possible.

When you run out, start a new category.

Sweet Corn Casserole 1 can creamed corn 1 can whole kernel corn, drained 8 oz. sour cream 1 egg 1 box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix Mix all ingredients and put in 8X8 pan. Baked for 30 minutes at 350 degrees or until toothpick in center comes out clean. Let cool for five minutes and cut into 9 even pieces. Serve warm.

2. Bring Back Silly Putty: Get a few eggs-ful and teach your kids the joy of pressing it onto the Sunday comics, making the longest ‘worms’ possible or creations made of tiny little pink spheres.

3. Magazine collages: go through brightly-colored kids’ magazines and cut out favorite things, pretty letters, anything that tickles their fancy, then glue them to a piece of posterboard to show them what we used to do BEFORE Pinterest!

100% Recyclable

THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

11

BOOK reviews

Airborn

By Kenneth Oppel Reviewed by Margo Ferguson Bittersweet Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library.

Airborn by Kenneth Oppel is the first book in what is called the ‘Matt Cruse Series’ by the website Fantastic Fiction. The book is a true joy to read and an individual can get totally lost in the story. Airborn is recommended for 6th graders and above, but is one that adults would enjoy as well.

Matt Cruse is a cabin boy aboard a huge, luxury airship called the Aurora.

The story opens with Matt doing his shift up in the crow’s nest. He is a teenager working on the ship to support his mother and two younger sisters.

His father died a few years back in an accident on the Aurora. Matt has always been much more comfortable in the air than on land. He was actually born in an airship.

Matt spots a hot air balloon in trouble while doing his watch in the crow’s nest. The balloon is not on any flight plan. Matt is chosen by Captain Walken to board the balloon because he is the crew member with the least fear of heights. He feels like he is lighter than air.

With difficulty, Matt is able to rescue the balloon pilot who dies shortly afterwards. Before he dies, he asks Matt if he has seen the beautiful winged creatures. Matt lies and answers that he has seen the creatures. This question of the beautiful creatures comes back to haunt Matt later in the story.

After a year, Matt continues to live and work on the ship. He loses a promotion to the owner’s son, but continues doing his job to look after the well-being of the passengers.

He meets a lovely and wealthy teen passenger named Kate de Vries.

Interestingly, she is the granddaughter of the balloon pilot Matt rescued earlier. Kate is determined to find the winged creatures she believes her grandfather discovered. During this journey, the air ship is captured by air pirates and looted. The pirate captain appears at first to be colorful, but proves to be a ruthless individual.

The pirate’s air ship damages the airship Aurora upon its departure. The Aurora crew is unable to mend the damage. The Aurora crash lands on an apparently deserted island. Almost unimaginable adventures are about to happen.

I am not going to tell many more details or it will ruin the story. Is Matt involved with the crew and passengers getting home? What are the surprises they find on the island? There are a few. Where does Matt’s relationship with Kate go? We certainly cannot forget the son of the ship owner. He does play a role in the story.

Matt is a teenager who has most of his act together. He will not disappoint the reader and can prove to have his moments when he is not perfect.

The book has a great drawing of the ship. If you choose to listen to the book on CD, take a moment to take a look at the book and see the creative names given to the chapters. The book on CD is a lot of fun to listen to. It is fast-moving and the full-cast audio has a variety of actors who bring the story to life.

The story is fast moving and contains a few different story lines. The reader will be sitting on the edge of their seat through many parts, will become friends with the characters and will want to continue with the story in the next two books, Skybreaker and Starclimber.

12 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

Dinosaurs Before Dark

By Mary Pope Osborne

Review by Jennifer Ludwig Children’s Services, Downtown Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library At the end of 2012, one beloved children’s series wrapped up its 20th anniversary celebration. The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne began in 1992 with Dinosaurs Before Dark and introduced the world to Jack, Annie and all of the adventures that can happen just by opening a book. Over 70 titles have been published in the series, including the informative Fact Tracker companion guides.

Dinosaurs Before Dark introduces Jack and Annie, a brother-sister duo who encounter a tree house in the woods. Jack tells his little sister it’s time to go home, but Annie climbs the ladder to explore instead. Inside, she finds a room filled with books. With his curiosity piqued, Jack climbs up to see for himself. The fun begins when Annie finds a book about dinosaurs with a bookmark stuck inside. When Jack opens the book, they are transported back in time to the land of the dinosaurs!

At first, Annie tries to make friends with every prehistoric creature she sees. Level-headed Jack is more skeptical, taking notes and checking facts from afar. Luckily, the differences these siblings exhibit turn out to be their greatest strength when a T-Rex decides to make them dinner.

How will they escape? Find out the happy ending for yourself by checking out a copy of Dinosaurs Before Dark today at the Library!

Printed on Recycled Content Paper

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Temper Grille, Granger

Cheesecake Perfection

Cool, creamy and minty cheescake with a chocolate crust, topped with fresh housemade whipped cream. Great with a cappuccino or a glass of spiced cider.

Uptown Dining Group Restaurants – Uptown Kitchen, Granger

Specialty Cakes at Your Service!

This is just one of our many delicious custom cakes for any special occasion -- the only limit? Your imagination! From fun to fancy, let our pastry chefs put an exclamation point on your special day!

Uptown Dining Group Restaurants – The Mark Dine & Tap, South Bend

A Pearadise CelebrationTM

For a limited time only! The Pearadise Celebration™ features crisp pear wedges dipped in gourmet chocolate alongside pineapple shaped daisies and stars, honeydew, cantaloupe, fresh and chocolate dipped strawberries and grapes. A delicious reminder that ‘paradise’ is only a few bites away!

Edible Arrangements, Granger

FAMILY matters

Winter Recipes

By Diane Fisher

Get the kids back in the kitchen over their winter break and help relieve the doldrums. I loved to cook with my kids, and still do when they have the time. Traditions are always good to begin with your family if you haven’t already; it’s never too late to start!

Some of our favorites revolved around the Christmas tree.

We would go to the tree farm early as a family and pick out our perfect tree. One of the children would reserve it with a hang tag and, on the day it was to be cut down and brought into our living room, the men of the family would put on their matching flannel shirts, jeans and boots and head out to the tree farm. My daughter and I would stay home and bake fresh chocolate chip cookies and make homemade hot chocolate just in time for their arrival.

Now that we’re taking the tree down, we can still cook with the kids and make our own traditions. Be creative if you like, but doing even just one thing that can be counted on each year can be a great memory-builder.

Here are a couple of recipes that are easy and fun to make with your kids – and they taste great, too!

ASIAGO & CHEDDAR SOFT PRETZELS (Makes 12) 1 package hot roll mix (16 oz.) ¾ C shredded sharp cheddar cheese ½ c grated asiago cheese (divided) 1 egg, well-beaten

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Pour roll mix into bowl and add the cheddar cheese and ¼ C of the asiago cheese. Add the other ingredients that the hot roll mix calls for. Stir until combined and place dough on lightly floured space. Knead the dough until it springs back.

Divide the dough equally into half. Place half the dough in plastic wrap and place in refrigerator. Take the other piece and roll it into a rectangle and slice into six equal pieces. Roll each piece on the lightly floured space forming a rope approximately 18-20 inces long. Form each rope into a pretzel shape on a nonstick pretzel pan or cookie sheet. (Note: they will rise, so be sure there is ample space between each pretzel shape.) Brush pretzels with beaten egg. Sprinkle remaining ¼ C asiago cheese and optional toppings, if desired, over pretzels.

Bake until golden brown, about 16-18 minutes. Immediately transfer pretzels to a wire cooking rack. Repeat with refrigerated dough. Serve warm or at room temperature with mustard if desired. Pretzels may be stored in a tightly-sealed container at room temperature for up to four days.

14 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

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EASY HOMEMADE CHICKEN (OR TURKEY) NOODLE SOUP

(Serves 6-8) 1 T olive or vegetable oil 1 ½ lbs. fresh chicken breast or cubed cooked turkey 2 stalks celery, sliced 1 medium onion, diced 1 lb. baby carrots or 2 medium carrots coined 2 large cans chicken broth 1 ½ C noodles (more or less depending on type and desired final amount) Parsley to taste Salt and Pepper to taste Saute celery, onion and chicken breast in large stock pot after oil is heated. Cook until celery and onions are translucent and chicken is white in color. Add broth and carrots and bring to a boil. Boil until carrots are soft, about 30 minutes, turning heat down as needed to prevent boil-over. Slowly add noodles, keeping in mind that they will double in size. Stir occasionally until noodles are cooked. Add parsley, salt and pepper to taste. Serve.

Diane Fisher owns Catering By Design, LLC in St. Joseph, Michigan. She is married to Mike and they have three grown children and one granddaughter. She gives cooking classes for all ages at Perennial Accents in downtown St. Joseph.

You’re Invited!

Amy Allen Clark, creator of MomAdvice.Com and a long-time writer for The FAMILY Magazines, has a new book out called “The Good Life for Less”. It’s chock-full of creative tips on budgeting, managing your household, cooking and creating traditions, all without overspending.

We are so proud of Amy, and we’re having her here at our offices to do a BOOK-SIGNING FOR YOU!

Save the Date!

Thursday, February 7th 4 PM to 6 PM If you don’t already have Amy’s new book, it will be available here for purchase. You’ll be able to meet and greet with her, see our new offices, meet our staff and enjoy some refreshments while you’re at it.

BRING YOUR FRIENDS! The FAMILY Magazines is located in City Plaza at: 1233 E. University Drive Granger, IN 46530 Please call 574.387.5420 or email Stephanie@MichianaFamilyMagazine.Com with any questions or for directions.

Hope to see you there!

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

15

FAMILY matters

Dressing the Kids for the

Cold

Wintertime Gear Tips

By Evelyn Kirkwood There are snowmen to build and snow forts to capture! At St. Joseph County Parks’ winter inner-tubing hills, I’ve seen all kinds of children’s winter wear – some good, some bad. Here are a few tips to dress your child for warmth and fun outdoors. Think one, two, three!

Three general tips for comfort are: • Leave the cotton in the closet.

• Keep it loose.

• Add air by layering; air is a terrific insulator.

Water-resistant and Breathable Layer

For rugged play, your child’s outerwear should be water-resistant, water-repellent or waterproof. Look for linings with some loft to trap more air. Rib knit cuffs prevent body heat from escaping. Does the zipper have a flap to keep out the wind? You can’t beat a one-piece snow suit for warmth. As a child gets older, though, a one-piece suit restricts movement and is hard to yank off when it’s time for a trip to the rest room. A jacket that falls below the waist prevents snow from going up the back. Bib pants are also an excellent option.

The Base Layer

When temperatures plummet, long underwear is a great base layer.

But don’t select cotton long johns since they’ll hold moisture against the skin. If your child works up a sweat dragging her inner-tube up the hill, she’ll be chilled to the bone on the windy ride down. Instead, look for wool or polyester blends that wick moisture away. A pair of tights, sweat pants or pajamas may do the trick as long as they are not cotton and not too bulky.

The Hardworking Middle Layer

When children are so bundled they can’t bend their arms or legs, they can’t have fun! Tight clothes also restrict circulation, making your child colder. Be sure pants don’t fit too snugly over long underwear.

Corduroys, or polyester sweatpants, turtlenecks, fleece pullovers and wool-blend sweaters are all great choices. Wool or polyester blend socks keep toes toasty. Resist the instinct to layer on several pairs of tight socks.

16 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

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Accessorize!

I once helped a screaming toddler who was headed for frostbite. She was wearing an adorable pair of ladybug rain boots and cotton socks. The temperature was ten degrees, and her feet were bright red. In addition to having no insulation, the boots had filled with snow because her cotton jeans (another poor choice) were tucked inside. Boots need to be large enough for a child to wiggle her toes easily, so buy them extra big. Some of the warmest boots are pack boots with a removable wool or polyester liner.

Skip the Scarf

I’ve seen too many get caught under sleds or inner-tubes. Choose a neck warmer instead.

(There is less chance of losing it, too!) Mittens on strings can also be hazardous. Gloves are good for shaping snowballs, but are not as warm as mittens.

The king of winter clothing is the hat, since so much body heat escapes from our head without one. Be sure it is not itchy, covers your child’s ears and is thick enough to stop wind.

Ski masks can protect your child’s face, but they can restrict vision and be scratchy. A neck warmer pulled up over the mouth may help. Even a layer of Vaseline spread on your child’s face will protect tender cheeks from windburn.

One Last Tip

It’s better to be practical than pretty! Try second-hand stores, consignment shops and garage sales to save money, since there is a good chance your kids won’t fit in the same winter clothes next year. Then get out in the snow and have fun!

Evelyn Kirkwood is Director of St. Joseph County Parks in Indiana and host of Outdoor Elements, which broadcasts Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 5:30 pm on WNIT Public Television.

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“The Montessori Academy is a nationally accredited school offering a values-based education through brain-based learning - a school dedicated to promoting academic excellence, self-worth, self-discipline and a passion for learning.” www.aneducationforlife.org 574-256-5313 530 East Day Road, Mishawaka, IN (east of Grape Rd. and Main St.) www.tma-el.org 574-256-5313 530 East Day Road, Mishawaka, IN (east of Grape Rd. and Main St.) THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

17

FAMILY fun

Tips for Traveling

Together

On the Road with Little Ones

By Andie Kingsbury

T

hink of a road trip with children in the car and one of the first things you’re likely to imagine is the never-ending phrase, “Are we there yet?” Thanks to technology, it has become altogether possible to turn the kids into DVD zombies from point A to point B, but disappearing into movies for the entire trip takes away so many opportunities to build a lifetime of memories. Here are a few strategies to turn the time on the road into an enjoyable family adventure.

Map your Quest

Your children don’t have to be old enough to read in order to follow along on a map.

Let the GPS guide the driver while a printed map guides the rest of the family. Print a copy of your route for each child who is old enough to color without eating the crayons and one extra for the navigator. Highlight your intended route in a bold neon color on each map. Plan on regular bathroom breaks and meal stops, and then mark them on the maps with colorful stickers. Include your own legend to signify what the different stickers mean, like the blue smiley face = rest stop. The navigator should mark the Navigator’s Map as the family travels along so the kids can see the progress as it is being made. Encourage your children to draw landmarks along the route as you travel.

Assign a different restaurant to each child, and have them mark each one you pass on their map. Keeping the trip fun and interactive will result in fewer random bathroom breaks, will reduce the requests to know how much longer the trip will be and will help your children to take an active interest in what is happening outside your vehicle.

Souvenir Spree Begin your trip by passing out a roll of quarters to each child, and keep an extra roll for the navigator. Brainstorm a list of appropriate behavior for the trip, and make sure everyone knows what types of behaviors will earn rewards, as well as which behaviors will result in a consequence. Let the kids know that they have a roll of quarters that they can use at your destination or at designated stops along the way, if more appropriate.

Inform them that any time their actions or behaviors are disrespectful or in violation of what is expected of them, they will lose a quarter. You can also give bonus quarters for genuine acts of kindness, generosity or selflessness along the way. Remember to keep the competition individual to each child, and not a battle to see who has the most at the end for the best results and the most peace! Be sure to keep the standards reachable, and the tone light-hearted. Note: If your children still put things in their mouth, or are under three take appropriate precautions. Skip this activity or place the quarters in a child-proof container kept out of reach but within sight.

18 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

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Dollar Stops

Prior to your trip, make a stop at your local dollar store to stock up on cheap trinkets that are only likely to last a single trip anyway. Fill a basket or backpack with enough simple toys to pass out along the way, and be sure to include items that glow in the dark if you’ll be traveling at night. Choose a time to pass out a new trinket: • Each time you cross a state line • After each planned rest stop • Every even hour Don’t let the kids see what you’ve brought along so they can anticipate each new item with expectation instead of placing “gimme” requests.

Some of our favorite items have been: • Neon glow bracelets/necklaces • Colored pencils and sticky notes • Army men • Playing cards • Travel games • Kitchen timers • Dry erase boards/markers Wherever your travels take you, be sure to plan times to interact as a family. Whether you print off the license plates of all 50 states to see who can find the most plates on the trip, or play twenty questions and I-Spy, time spent relating to each other is special. Creating a positive atmosphere will set the stage for a lifetime of warm memories and a passion for traveling together as a family.

Andie Kingsbury, author of the blog “Ours+His+Mine=Nine!”, is the mother/stepmother of seven boys and two girls, so she knows how to stretch a budget! She and her husband live in Elkhart.

PreTEND Preschool – ages 3-5

Register NOW for the 2013 Winter Semester

Located at the O’Brien Center, 321 E. Walter St., South Bend, IN 46614 299-4765

Your child will find out how much fun learning can be when they’re enrolled in PreTEND Preschool.

Learning colors, numbers, shapes, the alphabet, and right & left become a game as we learn through recreational activities. Children will not only experience socialization, crafts and free play, gym time but spend time in our computer lab playing games and programs geared for their age.

Children must be potty trained.

For the three day class, the children must have turned 4 years old by August 1, 2012.

For the two day class children must have turned 3 years old by August 1, 2012.

Please provide a copy of the birth certificate for the teachers file at registration.

T/W/TH 3-4 age Class Information Location: O’Brien Dates: 1/8-5/8 Ages: 3-4 Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm Fee: $525.00 Payments: $100 non-refundable deposit applied towards class fee is due at registration $212.50 due by February 1, 2013 $212.50 due by March 1, 2013 th *No class April 1-5 –Spring Break M/T/W/TH 4-5 age Class Information Location: O’Brien Dates: 1/7-5/9 Ages: 4-5 Time: 9:00am-12:00pm Fee: $693.00 Payments: $100 non-refundable deposit applied towards class fee is due at registration $296.50 due by February 1, 2013 $296.50 due by March 1, 2013 *No class on January 21st, February 18th & April 1-5th 100% Recyclable

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FAMILY fun

The Making of

“The Good Life for Less”

By Amy Allen Clark This past year has been an incredible journey for our family, and I am so excited to share with you about our latest adventure. This month my book, “The Good Life for Less,” published by Penguin, will be hitting bookstore shelves nationwide.

This book is the handbook that I wish someone had given to me when I started my family. It is a book rooted in great family traditions on a dime, how to get delicious and inexpensive meals on the table, how to care for and decorate your home for less, how to have fabulous family celebrations without spending a lot, and truly living the good life for less! It is nine years of hard research and sharing the very best gems of wisdom I have learned over the years (much of which was learned through my own trial and error), as well as the beautiful words of wisdom my readers have shared with me over the years that have helped to shape our family.

The big question I am always asked is how one even begins the process of writing a book. My experience in getting published was a unique one because it came through a truly unique opportunity for our family.

Several years ago, I had replied to a media inquiry for a magazine that was looking for families that choose to live a life without credit cards.

I submitted our family as an example and shared that we also had celebrated paying off our credit cards with our kids by throwing a debt-free party with them. They loved this unique spin on debt-free living, sent a team out to my house to photograph me for Redbook and wrote a feature on us. It was, perhaps, the most glamorous day of my life and I couldn’t believe all of these people were in our little house in Granger. That magazine somehow landed in the hands of a literary agent who reached out to me and asked if I had ever considered writing a book. The rest, as they say, is history.

Of course, the process of going from a blog and freelance article writer to a book writer was a difficult one. The entire process took me three years, mainly due to my own obstacles with running my website and running after small children. When we finally sold ‘the book’, I had only gone over the first hurdle. With nonfiction books, you sell your proposal before you sell a book. Writing the proposal is actually just a blueprint for what you envision the book to look like. It sets up the skeleton of how it will come together, but it is not the book. Once that was sold, I still had a book to write.

Once it was written, we had to decide on a cover. When it came to the cover, I had a clear idea of what I wanted: something that was pastel and illustrated inside and out. When I spoke to the publisher, though, they said that everything on the market on saving money was pastel and illustrated right now. They really wanted this book to stand out among the crowd.

Our family pictures, taken by Nancy Lary Studios, had caught their eye. They wondered if they could see more of our pictures and then asked us how we felt about our family being the cover of the book.

20 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

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I had a long talk with my kids about how they felt about it. I have always made it their choice, especially as they have gotten older, as to whether or not they want to be photographed for the blog or any of the other media appearances that I have done. Their response?

Ethan: “I am going to start practicing an epic pose for the cover.”

Emily: “I know why they want me on the cover of the book. I am awesome.”

Clearly, they did not have the issue. Who had the issue with the book cover?

ME.

and has fed that creative part of my brain so well over the years.

Don’t love the book? That’s okay! The illustrated ‘me’ can take the criticism. For a long time on my website, we only had an illustrated version of me. It has taken a lot of bravery for me to come to terms with our family on the cover, but I also understand that it will make us more real and, hopefully, easier to relate to for another mom reading the book.

I just want to thank you, the reader, for your support over the years of reading our family’s column and The Family Magazines for providing this corner for me to share my tips on how to live on a budget. I have felt very blessed by our community and I hope you will be able to pick up my book and read more about our family’s journey out of debt and unemployment and into a life far richer than we could have ever imagined…in all the important ways.

When I finally received a copy of my book in my hands, it was a big girl’s little-girl-dream come true. I don’t know if I will ever get over how incredibly incredible it all is. You see, even as a child, I wanted to be a writer and to write my very own book. I used to type furiously on an old typewriter in my parents’ basement, writing my own little books of stories from my own imagination. As an adult, I am fascinated with writers and have often admitted out loud that the main reason I have a Twitter account is simply to talk to my favorite writers. I am the girl that sends fan mail to my favorite writers. I am forever a bookworm.

When my husband suggested I start a blog for my ideas, it turned out to be a fantastic outlet for me when I first became a stay-at-home mom

Amy Allen Clark: Foodie. Bookworm. Novice photographer. Java junkie.

Knitter & hot glue gun toting extraordinaire. A lover of the simple and familycentered life. Happily living this contented existence within a penny-wise budget and showcasing it on momadvice.com.

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www.novabella.com THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

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FAMILY travel

The Hidden Mickey

Nightmare Trip

By Christopher “Bull” Garlington

This winter, we did the same thing we always do to get relief from a murderous winter: we chipped our car out of its ice block, skidded into the airport and flew to Disney.

How can you find the people from the Midwest at Disney in January?

They’re in the pool. How do you find the Floridians? They’re dressed like extras in Ice Age 5. Go ahead; search for ‘idiots from the Midwest’ on Instagram, and you’ll find a picture of me in my shirtless glory, bellyflopping into a pool ringed with flabbergasted Floridians. Just fix that picture in your mind, please, because it was the last — THE VERY LAST — moment of joy I thought I would ever have in the Magic Kingdom. In that moment of idiotic, drooly happiness, I let my guard down.

No more.

As soon as our rental car is off the lot, my kids morph into pint-sized Sherlocks, combing through everything they see, looking for rodent signs.

“PULL OVER! PULL OVER!” “Why? Are you throwing up already?”

My daughter leaps out of the car and points her camera at some trees.

She confers with the boy. They glumly return.

I told my kids about hidden Mickeys and ruined Disney forever.

“False alarm.”

A hidden Mickey is a visual surprise left by the original engineers and designers of Disney; it’s the three iconic circles arranged to form Disney’s logo, placed in some inconspicuous place, perfectly visible, but undetected unless you already know they’re there.

“Alarm for WHAT!? I think I blew a tire!”

“We thought we saw a hidden Mickey.”

Then, as we approach the gates:

We used to prance around the parks like we were in a cheesy musical. I loved it. I looked forward to it. It was the only time my family actually looked like a family: bear-hugging and stupid, our smiles were so genuinely overflowing with spontaneous delight we bruised our cheeks. My kids pulled me through the crowds, screaming passionately with every step, “This is awesome, Dad!”

22 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

“STOP THE CAR!” My kids pile into the front seat, camera phones flung forward.

“THERE IT IS! WE SAW ONE! WE SAW ONE!”

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“That’s a stop sign.”

It goes on the whole trip. And I wasn’t alone.

On the ‘It’s a Small World’ ride, all the kids in our boat were perfectly mute, ignoring the addictive music while searching the scenery for hidden Mickeys. Every ride: Pirates of the Caribbean, the Tiki Room, Dumbo.

“Honey, did you like the Elephants on the Jungle Cruise?”

“We went on a cruise?”

I have to give them credit for ceaseless effort.

They didn’t eat until they’d thoroughly examined their Mac & Cheese for Hidden Mickeys. They were looking for them at Gatorland. Finally, I couldn’t take it and I asked a vendor if he’d show me a hidden Mickey. He whipped out his handy Hidden Mickey guide-book and found one right in front of us. I said, “OH MY GOSH!” and pointed at a crane and lo, as Disney’s convenient background soundtrack swelled, as if we were looking at a magic eye picture in real life, from a tangle of rebar and concrete, the Disney logo resolved, in all its splendor.

“Seriously dad? That’s a lamp.”

And I realized the great thing about hidden Mickeys is not finding them, it’s looking for them. So I gave the vendor five bucks and talked him into betraying their trust for the sake of my sanity. I called them over. The vendor pointed at a bush. “There’s one right there. In the bush. See it?”

“We strive to ensure your experience with us surpasses your expectations. That’s why I believe in an integrative approach to dental care that incorporates the Golden Rule philosophy where we would only do those things that we would have done to ourselves. We also use the most current technologies which provide the best possible dental and proactive solutions found in the industry today.” ~ Dr. Matt Brennan

574.259.9956 www.brennandentistry.com http://Facebook.com/BrennanDentalGroup

Christ Centered Education PreK -12

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR LIFE

My kids stared and stared and I thought, Rats… the jig is up. Then, suddenly, my daughter squealed, whipped out her camera, and took a picture. Of a bush.

“Oh my GOSH! I can SEE it! LOOOOK!” And, just like that, they forgot all about it.

Their quarry was captured. Their mission was accomplished. They shoved their miniature cameras back into their backpacks and lost themselves to the stupid joy of roller coasters and cotton candy. In our vacation pictures, to this day, is a picture of a sad little bush labeled “Mickey Mouse.”

Christopher Garlington is a columnist for Chicago Parent magazine, co-author of The Beat Cop’s Guide to Chicago Eats and an exhausted father. You can read more of his parenting misadventures at deathbychildren.com.

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25943 County Road 22 East Elkhart, Indiana www.elkhartchristian.org

574.293.1609 THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

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Saturday, February 23rd 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Century Center, South Bend The FAMILY Magazines and South Bend Parks & Recreation are bringing Michiana Summer Camp Fair 2013 to the Century Center! On February 23rd from 10 AM to 3 PM you can come learn about all the different summer camp options for the kids this year!

Whatever their interests, whatever their ages, there will be lots of great camps ensureout that your kids will camps from Michiana Area Summer Camps & to choose from and you can Check summer have a blast this summer by getting them signed up during The Michiana Families around the region Michiana Summer Camp Fair 2013! You won't want to miss it!

Check out summer camps from around the region Mishawaka Parks & Recreation Cross Country Camp 10am-1pm Holy Cross College Youth Summer Enrich Flag Football League IUSB Child Development Center Free-Gone Fishing The Century Center Mishawaka YMCA Junior Golf Program Free Event!

Come join the fun!

120 S St. Joseph Street, Girl Scouts Of Northern IN/MI River City Summer Programs

The Century Center 120 S St. Joseph Street, Rum Villiage Nature Detectives

Here are justSaturday, a few of the camps you can expect see at the Summer Camp Fair!

February 23, to 2013;

Health Works Kid MuseumDowntown South Bend Salvation Army Kroc Center Trinity School at Greenlawn Camp Mack Boys & Girls Club Track Camp South Bend Museum of Art Downtown South Bend Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes Leeper Tennis Center$5 Century Center Camp Ideal Parking Jewish Federation of St. Joe St. Mary's College Summer Camps Kids World Summer Day Camp St. Joseph&County Public Library Summer Challenge For more information call the South Bend Parks Recreation DeptReading at (574) 299-4765.

South Bend Parks-Camps Camp Awareness Or visit us at www.sbpark.org Aquatics Program SB Potawatomi Zoo Camp

You could win a FREE week of camp!

n! You could win a FREE week of camp!

tury Center Parking If you are a camp or program that would like to be a part of this year’s Camp Fair, please contact us at (574) 299-4765.

Bend Parks & Recreation Dept at (574) 299-4765.

Sponsored In Partnership us at www.sbpark.org By:

a part of this year’s Camp Fair, please contact us at (574) 299-4765.

With:

In Partnership With:

24 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

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Elkhart Christian Academy

Hey Kids!

NAME: _________________________________________ AGE: ______ ADDRESS: __________________________________________________ CITY: ___________________________ STATE: ______ ZIP: _________ Color this page and win! The coloring contest winners will DAY TIME PHONE: __________________________________________ receive a Creativity Gift Pack from Elkhart Christian Academy.

One winner will be selected from each of the three following PARENT’S NAME: ___________________________________________ age categories: 3-5, 6-9 and 10-12 years of age.

E-MAIL: ____________________________________________________

For your chance to WIN, color your best picture and mail entries to: Elkhart Christian Academy • 25943 CR 22 E • Elkhart, IN 46517. Coloring contest is open to children 12 years and under, and entries must be mailed by February 2nd, 2013. Winners will be notified via phone or email service by Family Magazines

by February 11th, 2013, and their artwork will be featured in an upcoming issue along with their first name and age. For additional coloring contest entries, this coloring page may be photocopied and printed off.

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Elkhart Christian Academy J E R Y O V C G W J Q H C W U C A H C W D A A W V U V M C O T I Z V L Z P C D P T N G I O I O J N T V D T A U I N R A C S B L I Z Z A R D T I C W H R V E X P R D G C W I I O E M Y F C V S Z K D U K D M O I X S S R W O X W I S Y I L T N C Y M R O V L T E E L S T O A P H A Q X S F G A O N E V R C F G X F Q M T Y H W N S F T S P I S P O Z H F V S A X H Y P A C E T S N O W Z M G V C K J R I T I S Z L P T E Z E E R F K C A N J D G S B U R T T L W A L K K E V I N B O O T S F O F E S L J R A K C S J M O H W S S S H H G U M I M M R H C F X U L C X V A Z Z A Q S C U Z U S N J H L Y U I T Y U H G Q P O

Wagon Wheel Theatre Have Fun! Blizzard Boots Cap Christmas Cold Freeze Frost 26 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

Find the words below in the Elkhart Christian Academy Winter word search puzzle.

Words can be forwards, backwards, diagonal, vertical or horizontal.

Gloves Ice Icicles Knit Mittens Parka Scarf

Skates Skiing Sled Sleet Snow Vacation Printed on Recycled Content Paper

Extraordinary moments happen when extraordinary people... . . . come together as one.

Our community is generous in its response to help others. That’s why we’re asking for your donation.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room at Memorial Children’s Hospital provides food and comfort to families of critically ill or injured children 365 days a year/24 hours a day. Last year, we served almost 2,000 families – and our numbers continue to grow.

The need is always there, and as we eagerly anticipate the new year, we know that we face even more challenges. That’s why your support is so important – and appreciated.

Our staff, volunteers and our families thank you!

Here’s what one of our guests had to say about being extraordinary.

The Gift of Togetherness We invite you to be an extraordinary supporter of the Family Room. Please choose one of the following options.

When my son was brought to the hospital after an automobile accident, I didn’t want to leave his side. But after awhile, I needed a break – food and a place to get away for a bit. That’s when a nurse directed me to the Ronald McDonald Family Room. It was a place to ‘just be’, a place of peace, and a place where others understood my tears and sometimes shared in them.

If I had to use one word to describe the experience, it would be ‘EXTRA-ordinary.’

The staff and volunteers asked us every day if we needed anything. When I forgot to eat, there was always a home-cooked meal brought in by extraordinary people doing extraordinary things for me and other guests.

Thank you for keeping the Ronald McDonald Family Room going!

JULIE ROGERS ZACK ROBBINS’ MOTHER

1. Donate online at our secure site: rmhcmichiana.org.

2. Complete this form, chose a donation amount, and enclose with your check in an envelope addressed to Ronald McDonald House Charities, P.O. Box 1274, South Bend, IN 46624.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room at Memorial Children’s Hospital has recently celebrated its 10th Anniversary. We are proud of our past, but are eager to face the challenges and rewards of the future. Here is a brief portion of the message we received from Ronald McDonald House Charities – Global: NAME _______________________________________________________

We know that it takes each of us, committed to a common mission,

ADDRESS ____________________________________________________

sharing values and working together, to directly improve the health and

CITY________________________________STATE____ ZIP ____________

well-being of children. Thanks for the great work you do each and every

PHONE (___________) _________________________________________

day to provide comfort and care to children and their families.

EMAIL_______________________________________________________

We appreciate the support of our community and would like to count you as one of our “extraordinary” contributors.

When we all give, we make the biggest difference.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

FAMILY features

• Early Childhood Education

Teaching Your Child to Read Raising a Lifelong Learner is

Easier than You Think

By Meagan Church

Teaching your child to read is easy, at least according to Marcia Haut, an early intervention therapist for children birth to age three and the president of SmartNoggin developmental toy company. Marcia believes that when parents lay the proper foundation early in their children’s lives, reading is a natural progression that doesn’t demand hours of formal training. In fact, that foundation is often laid unconsciously through simple interactions with children from the time they are infants.

In other words, eye contact and playing Pat-a-Cake are more important than worksheets are when it comes to teaching your child to read.

between the ages of three and six years of age. “Montessori calls this period the ‘absorbent mind’, when the brain acts like a sponge and soaks up what it processes, reading being one of them.”

Often, parents don’t realize that, through their interactions with their babies, they are laying that early foundation. After all, the first steps to reading begin early, before your child even knows his ABCs. “Reading begins before letter recognition,” said Beth Smith, a reading teacher at Paul F. Boston Middle School in LaPorte. “Children should first begin to understand the orientation of books and appreciate the time and enjoyment that reading can bring into their lives with family involvement. These are the first associations they will relate to books and they will impact their future feelings toward reading.”

Talk to your baby.

Time and encouragement go a long ways in teaching a child to read, just as it does when they approach any new milestone, according to Koren Knapp who spent seven years in the classroom teaching early childhood students and now is the Title 1 Coach at Marquette Montessori Academy, South Bend. “I like to think teaching a child to read is similar to teaching a toddler to walk. When a toddler is learning to take her first steps, there is a lot of coaching, trial and error, practice and excitement. The same attitude needs to be present as a child is learning to read. Being excited, presenting many natural opportunities to read, capitalizing on teachable moments, and allowing space for mistakes will make for successes. Pressuring the child will only cause a disdain for the task at hand and it will cause stress to the adult.”

According to Koren, generally speaking, a child is ready to learn to read 28 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

To encourage your little sponge to naturally absorb lessons on reading, Marcia provided specific pointers. Through her years as an early intervention therapist and as a mom who taught her own two children to read at early ages, she offered these ideas for each age group:

Birth to 1

“Some parents feel silly talking to a baby who can’t talk back, but your baby is listening to your speech and learning from it even before he can answer your questions,” Marcia said. So, as you go about your day, describe what you are doing, name colors and identify objects.

Play language games.

Sing, recite nursery rhymes, play Pat-a-Cake, take turns talking and repeat sounds your baby makes. As Marcia said, “Interacting with you is one of the best ways for a baby to experience language.”

Read aloud to your baby.

Marcia suggests getting in 20 minutes of reading every day, even before your baby can understand the story. “As your baby gets older, he will try to hold the book and put it in his mouth. By 12 months, she will be helping to turn the pages. Sharing a book helps build a lifelong love of reading.”

Don’t use the TV as a substitute for you.

“Babies need interaction with real people to learn language and process sounds. TV dialogue and videos are not the same,” Marcia said.

In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under the age of two not watch TV. Printed on Recycled Content Paper

Encourage visual tracking.

“Encourage your baby to watch a brightly colored object as you move it slowly from side-to-side, up-and-down and across,” Marcia said.

“Watching moving objects helps strengthen your baby’s eye muscles.

This will help him read someday.”

Age 1 to 2

Make reading time fun.

Again, Marcia recommends spending a total of 20 minutes a day reading. “It is a great opportunity to get in some extra cuddles.

Snuggle your little one on your lap and begin,” she said. “Bedtime is a great time to read, and after nap when she is waking up and ready to snuggle may be another good time. Continue to point and label pictures in her book. She may like to see the same book over and over again. She is learning to focus and pay attention.”

Interact with your child and the book.

As you read, ask “where is” questions and encourage interaction. Read touch-and-feel books. Let your child hold the book, drop it, chew on it and just get the feel for the object. Board books are great ones to start with for children this age.

Continue what you started.

Keep going.

Continue reading for at least 20 minutes a day, singing, talking, pointing out objects and encouraging visual tracking.

Ages 3-4

Ask questions.

Ask “what” and “why” questions as you read. “Make the story interesting and also help her learn to think,” Marcia said. “Retelling the beginning, middle and end of stories helps her to develop her memory and comprehension.”

Continue letter recognition.

Teach your child all the letters and their sounds in his name.

Play with letters.

Alphabet refrigerator magnets and puzzles are great tools to encourage letter recognition.

Make an alphabet book with your child.

Have your child draw pictures, cut pictures from magazines or use old photos. Paste each picture into the book next to the letter in the alphabet that its name starts with.

Encourage visual tracking, talk to your child, sing and label objects.

Write his initial.

Write your baby’s first letter of his name on pieces of paper and tape them where they are easy for him to see, such as on the refrigerator, in his bedroom and by his high chair. As you pass the letter throughout the day, repeatedly point this letter out to him and tell him “That is a J, for Jack.”

Ages 2-3

Write her name.

Replace the papers that show the first letter of her name with a piece of paper that has her whole name written on it. Continue to point out her first letter and say the rest of the letters in her name. Teach her the sound of the first letter in her name.

Clap syllables.

As you say a word, clap once for each syllable. For example, cat (one clap), kitten (two claps), mommy (two claps).

Identify all parts of the book.

Let your child turn the pages. Point out the title, author, top of the page, bottom of the page, front of the book and back of the book. Track words with your finger as you read.

Encourage scribbling.

Let your child “write” and scribble. Show him how to write his first initial.

Ages 4 to 5

Encourage your reader.

“It is at this point that some kids may take off and start reading!”

Marcia said. “They have memorized enough words from watching your finger move from left-to-right while you have been reading to them, and they have put letter sounds in their long term memory, and have figured out how to combine the sounds to make words and they have figured out how to use pictures to help with meaning. These children are usually visual learners and have strong visual memories.

Our auditory learners, those that depend a little more on phonological awareness or letter sounds to read, will probably need a little more practice.”

Keep practicing.

Continue to read together, sing, practice letter sounds and recognition, write, play games and more to keep the learning process moving forward. And, as Koren said earlier, just as you cheered for their first steps, celebrate their early reading triumphs as well.

Through simple interactions beginning at birth, you start your child on a journey to learning to read, becoming a lifelong learner and finding joy in the printed word. “The best thing is to expose them to reading as early as possible and make sure it is an enjoyable experience for them,” Beth said. “Let them see that reading is important. They should see their parents, older siblings, teachers and other adults reading on their own without being forced. The most important thing is to read simply for the joy of reading.”

Teach more letters.

Start teaching more letters and their sounds. Start playing lettermatching games.

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Meagan Church is a writer and mother of three kids. Her current projects include DefiningMotherhood, and Unexpectant where she explores the realities of modern motherhood for her book project.

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family working mama

2

Working for

Experts Share Their Workplace Advice for Pregnant Women

By Meagan Church

With pregnancy come a lot of questions: Will I have morning sickness? What should we name the baby? How big will I get? Will I get cankles? How will my pregnancy affect my job? How will my job affect my pregnancy?

While not all of those questions have easy answers, we can at least help you in regards to work and pregnancy, thanks to the expert advice of Dr. Michele Whitt (OB/GYN for South Bend Clinic), Kristin Vincent (certified nurse-midwife at Saint Joseph OB/GYN and Midwifery) and Donna Stiver (Manager of Special Beginnings Maternity Center at Elkhart General Hospital).

Support your back.

Dr. Whitt said one complaint she most often hears from women in her practice is back pain. To help alleviate that, she advises her patients to elevate their feet when sitting down or to wear a back support. “In the first trimester, you are sick. The second trimester is the honeymoon.

The third is when you feel the weight and pressure. With the additional weight in front, you tend to arch your back,” Dr. Whitt said. “Finding good support can help put your spine in a more neutral position.

Pregnancy belts can help support your back when that happens.”

Move around.

Listen to your body.

For starters, Kristin was quick to point out that, “Pregnancy is a healthy state.” In other words, it’s not an illness and shouldn’t be treated as such. Though that does also mean you don’t receive a getout-of-work free pass when the pregnancy test shows positive.

Aches and pains sometimes come along with pregnancy. To help ward those off, Kristin suggests getting up from your desk and moving around every hour. “Usually you have to pee anyway, so you might as well get up and go for a walk.”

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Kristin advises her patients to stop and listen to how they are feeling and not over-stress their bodies physically or mentally. “People work in all different aspects and types of jobs. Regardless of what you do, it’s the same advice for any pregnant lady: you have to listen to your body.”

Rest up.

With deadlines, long hours and impossible co-workers, work can be stressful, making a pregnant woman wonder how that stress might affect her baby. “For most women, the stress you incur as a professional won’t have a major impact on your pregnancy,” said Dr. Whitt. “I don’t tell ladies they need to cut back hours. I don’t think that’s true. The main thing is to make sure you are getting enough sleep and eating well. You can still keep the pace, but you need to be aware of your body and what’s going on. At times when you are more tired, you need to take more frequent breaks and down time. I see frustration among pregnant professionals when they get tired and can’t go go go like before.”

30 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

Doing so improves circulation and moves water through your legs to help ward off edema, that dreaded swelling in your feet and ankles which leads to cankles. “Especially in the third trimester, edema is worse and made worse when your legs are hanging down.”

Moving around can have another added benefit: better baby positioning. Kristin said, “At the end of the day, a lot of times women will want to sit down in a recliner and just kick back, but doing that can turn the baby the wrong way.”

Exercise.

“Exercise in general is good for your overall health. Anything that is good for your overall health is good for your pregnancy,” Dr. Whitt said. She recommends moderate exercise to help make pregnancy a bit more comfortable. “If you aren’t otherwise physically fit, aches and pains can be worse.”

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Kristin agreed. “Labor is like a marathon. If you sit and don’t do anything and eat for two, it’s not going to be pretty. It can mean longer labor, longer recovery and you’re more likely to experience post-partum depression.” If that isn’t enough of a reason to exercise, while pregnant, Kristin included this reminder and motivator to start training now: “Remember, the average first labor is fifteen hours, so imagine you will be working out for fifteen hours.”

As Donna pointed out, new exercises for pregnant women can be challenging. “Your sense of balance can be off and your center of gravity can change. Be sure to talk with physician first to see what exercises are okay to do during pregnancy.”

Dr. Whitt and Kristin both recommend starting slow. Walking and yoga are both great options for women who haven’t been too active before pregnancy. “Don’t start off with high-impact exercises,” said Dr. Whitt. “It is hard on your joints and you don’t want to be achy and sore because you don’t want to take Motrin, aspirin or the like for the pain. Start slow with no more than thirty minutes a day.”

Kristin said most women can continue with the exercises they did before becoming pregnant. “If you are a runner, you can keep running. I had one patient who ran eight miles a day when she was nine months pregnant because her body was conditioned to do so already.”

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Don’t forget the Kegels.

While you can’t always do downward facing dog at your desk, Donna shared one exercise that you can do, while at the office. And on one will even know. What is it? Kegels.

“During pregnancy and after delivery, the pelvic floor, uterus, bladder and bowels can get laxed and stretched,” Donna said. “So the goal would be to help strengthen the pelvic floor and help strengthen the muscles that support it. We recommend doing Kegels as a way to keep those muscles strengthened and stronger later in life.”

As you work for two, remember to listen to your body, try to stay comfortable and do your exercises. As Kristin said, you’ve got a marathon ahead of you. So start training now.

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

31

January 2013 Calendar of Events 2

Journey to the Inside of the Earth

Curious Kids Museum, St Joseph, MI Would you believe that the ground you’re standing on may be millions of years old? There may have been an ocean where you're standing that changed the way rocks are layered beneath you.

What’s beneath our feet can tell us a lot about what the world was like before people even walked the Earth. Learn more about Michigan’s fossils. 12 PM to 4 PM. For more information, call 269.983.CKID.

The ROZ Puppets Presents: Holiday Hilarity Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Bittersweet and Downtown Branches Rufus, Pete and all your other ROZ Puppet pals are back! When the holidays arrive, anything can happen at The ROZ Puppet theater — dancing snowmen, singing chipmunks and maybe a couple celebrity sightings. 2:30 PM Bittersweet, 7 PM Downtown Tickets are required and are available now at the location at which you plan to attend. All ages are invited to attend this fun family program! Adult caregivers must attend with children 7 and under. For ticket information or other questions, please stop by the Children's Services desk at any location or call the downtown Mishawaka Library at 574.259.5277 EXT 242 or the Bittersweet Branch Library at 574.259.0392.

Tea begins at 12 PM. Afterwards, tea guests are invited to head to the Portage District Library for a free showing of the movie Samantha: An American Girl Holiday beginning at 1:30 PM. For more information, call the Department of Public Services at 269.329.4522.

4

Little One's Huddle

The Well, South Bend Weekly free story and craft time for little ones.

10:30 AM.

10

Preschool Kids’ Club Storytime

Barnes & Noble, University Park Mall, Mishawaka Preschoolers are invited to gather around the stage for a Storytime. This morning, we will read Ten on the Sled by Kim Norman. A special craft session will follow. 10:30 AM. For more information, call 574.247.0864.

The Winter Night Sky

P-H-M Digital Video Theater / Planetarium, Mishawaka Come and join us for an overview of the current winter night sky, which includes constellations, stars, colors of stars, Milky Way and planets, to name a few. 6:30 PM. For more information, call 574.258.9569.

3

12

Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Harris Branch Rufus, Pete and all your other ROZ Puppet pals are back! When the holidays arrive, anything can happen at The ROZ Puppet theater — dancing snowmen, singing chipmunks and maybe a couple celebrity sightings. 11 AM and 2:30 PM. Tickets are required and are available now at Harris branch. All ages are invited to attend this fun family program! Adult caregivers must attend with children 7 and under. For ticket information or other questions, stop by the Children's Services desk or call 574.271.3179.

Barnes & Noble, University Park Mall, Mishawaka Join us this afternoon as we read Rabbit's Snow Dance by James Bruchac. A craft will follow. 2:30 PM. For more information, call 574.247.0864.

The ROZ Puppets Presents: Holiday Hilarity

End of the World Survival Party

Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Downtown Mayan calendar enthusiasts predicted the end of the world would take place on December 21, 2012. It didn’t. So we’re partying. Children’s Services at the downtown Mishawaka Library is celebrating the world’s survival into 2013.

Children in grades 3-6 are invited to have fun playing games and eating treats. 2:30 PM. Registration is required and is happening now. For more information stop by the Children’s Services desk or phone 574.259.5277 EXT 242.

American Girl Celebration: Tea Party Stuart Manor, Portage, MI Take in the holiday décor friendly four-course tea memories together. We’ll our dolls with each other

as you enjoy a kidand enjoy making spend time sharing and playing games.

32 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

Storytime

Saturday Morning Stories

Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Downtown Children aged 2-7 will share stories, songs and fingerplays. Saturday Morning Stories is a nonregistered program that provides a sampling of the materials used in our preschool and toddler programs. Adult caregivers are expected to attend with their children. 10:30 AM. For more information, stop by the Children Services desk or phone 574.259.5277 EXT 242.

13

The Russian National Ballet Theatre presents "Swan Lake"

Lake Michigan College Mendel Center, Benton Harbor, MI Experience a classic story of the search for love, love unrequited, and redemption that only true love can bring with Swan Lake. This Russian National Ballet Theatre performance upholds the grand, national tradition of exquisite storytelling through the time-honored art of dance. 2 PM. For more information or for tickets, call 269.927.1221.

*Please be sure to call ahead to confirm times and information.

Smartphone Photography 101

Fernwood Botanical Gardens Harness the power of your smartphone camera in this introductory workshop. Learn basic tools, techniques and apps for taking great photos using your smartphone. Particular emphasis will be placed on iPhone capabilities. $15 (Members $12) Register by January 11. 1 PM to 2:30 PM. For more information, call 269.695.6491.

14 & 28

Storytime Sampler

Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Bitte rsweet Branch Storytime Sampler continues at the Bittersweet Branch Library. Storytime Sampler provides a sampling of the materials used in the preschool and toddler programs. Adult caregivers are expected to attend and remain with their children.

Registration is not required. 10:30 AM. For more information, contact the Children’s Services desk of the Bittersweet Branch Library or call 574.259.0392 EXT 224.

15

Christmas At Barker Mansion

Barker Mansion, Michigan City, IN "Historic White House Christmases" explores White House Christmases from Presidents Lincoln to Obama. 10 AM. For more information, call 219.873.1520.

16

Walk-In Craft

Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Bittersweet Branch Children are invited to help celebrate the Chinese New Year and make a colorful dragon or snake to take home. 3 PM to 5 PM. For more information, stop by the Children’s Services desk of the Bittersweet Branch Library or call 574.259.0392 EXT 224.

17

Preschool Kids’ Club Storytime

Barnes & Noble, University Park Mall, Mishawaka Preschoolers are invited to gather around the stage for a Storytime. This morning, we will read A Perfect Day by Carin Berger. A special craft session will follow. 10:30 AM. For more information, call 574.247.0864.

Seven Wonders

P-H-M Digital Video Theater / Planetarium, Mishawaka Turn back the pages of time and witness the ancient wonders of the world as they appeared thousands of years ago. Explore the great pyramid, stand in the shadow of the towering Colossus and experience the rest of the world's Seven Wonders.

We will investigate the theories of how these wonders were created and get a glimpse of some of the universe's greatest wonders. 6:30 PM. For more information, call 574.258.9569.

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Have an event you’d like to submit?

Visit www.michianafamilymagazine.com!

18 – 20

Hunter Ice Festival

Downtown Niles, MI Join us as we celebrate the legacy of The Hunter Brothers Ice & Ice Cream Company. Be amazed as World Class Master carvers transform more than 25 TONS of Ice into ART! Murder Mystery Dinner Theater – Frigid 5k Run – Warming Center w/Kids Craft Area – Chillin’ Ice Bar on the Patio at Riverfront Café. For more information, call 269.687.4332.

19

Craft for a Cause

Knollwood Country Club, Granger Craft for a Cause is an event that will be raising money for Heartreach Michiana. By purchasing a ticket, you will be getting three craft kits which include a magnetic board, conversation chocolate kisses and a mini-book and box! There will also be a silent auction, continental breakfast and mystery crafts. 9 AM to 11 AM. To reserve your ticket, go to www.craftforacause.eventbrite.com.

Toy Show

Das Dutchman Essenhaus, Middlebury, IN Collectors, enthusiasts and anyone interested in toys is invited to attend this event. The event will be held in the restaurant building and will include an operating train display for viewing. Collections of die-cast toys, dolls, vintage games, trucks, miniatures and tractors will be featured at this event. Guests will receive either 10% off their entire meal purchase with paid admission or $1 off Toy Show admission by presenting receipt for meal. $3 individual; $6 family with children; under 7, no charge. 9:30 AM to 2 PM.

Storytime

Barnes & Noble, University Park Mall, Mishawaka Join us this afternoon as we read Tabby McTat, the Musical Cat by Julia Donaldson. A craft will follow. 2:30 PM. For more information, call 574.247.0864.

Discovering the Magic of Winter, Garden Walk Series

Fernwood Botanical Gardens, Niles, MI Join Fernwood horticulturists for an inspirational walk as we explore the magic of the garden in winter. This week learn about Seedheads and Berries. Seeds and berries can add pops of color and texture throughout the winter garden, in addition to providing food for wildlife. Explore some of Fernwood's favorite selections. Free with paid Fernwood admission. 1 PM to 2 PM. For more information, call 269.695.6491.

21

Free Family Movie: The Lorax

Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Bittersweet Enjoy a fun movie based on the environmentallythemed classic Dr. Seuss book The Lorax. The movie is free, but tickets are required. They will be available at the Bittersweet Branch Library

100% Recyclable

beginning Monday, January 7. Move will be at 2 PM. For more information, contact the Bittersweet Branch Library at 574.259.0392.

Martin Luther King Celebration Concert

Campus Auditorium, Indiana University South Bend, South Bend, IN African American Heritage! Honor Dr. King's Day with this concert featuring guest artist The Junior Sphinx Competition winner along with Dr. Marvin Curtis and choirs from IUSB. This concert includes Adolphus Hailstork's “Epitaph for a Man Dreamed – In Memoriam Martin Luther King, Jr.”, Copland's “Lincoln Portrait” and "We Shall Ovecome." Free. 7 PM. For more information, call 574.232.6343.

Magic Tree House Book Club: Night of the Ninjas

26

Spaghetti Dinner

Woodlawn Nature Center, Elkhart Take a break from kitchen chores and treat yourself and family to dinner while supporting our true "Haven in the City". Along with dinner, take a tour of our natural history museum and educational center with interactive exhibits for the kids and enjoy a program by led by our director.

The spaghetti will be homemade and authentic, the salad a variety of good things from the earth, the bread hearth baked – plus a variety of desserts! There will also be a raffle. Dine-in seconds/carry-outs will be available. $8 adult; $5 ages 5-11 & seniors; $1 ages 4 and under.

For more information, call 574.264.0525 or visit woodlawnnaturecenter.com.

Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Downtown Follow the adventures of Jack and Annie in the Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne.

Children in grades 1-3 will explore the book Night of the Ninjas through trivia, games, and crafts. Snacks are also included in the fun!

Registration is required and begins Monday, January 14. Children should read the book independently before the meeting. 3:30 PM. For more information, stop by the Children’s Services desk or phone 574.259.5277 EXT 242.

24

FORCES OF NATURE

P-H-M Digital Video Theater / Planetarium, Mishawaka Come close to nature's most powerful and extreme forces. Cameras capture massive volcanoes, earthquakes and storms as a team of scientists travel the world in an attempt to figure out what causes these dangerous, yet undeniably thrilling natural occurrences. Putting their lives on the line in the name of scientific discovery, the experts forge their way through erupting pits, through volcanic flows, along fault lines and in cars heading straight for tornado's' eyes. 6:30 PM. For more information, call 574.258.9569.

Preschool Kids’ Club Storytime

Barnes & Noble, University Park Mall, Mishawaka Preschoolers are invited to gather around the stage for a Storytime. This morning, we will read Lovabye Dragon by Barbara Joosse. A special craft session will follow. 10:30 AM. For more information, call 574.247.0864.

25

Harlem Globetrotters

Joyce Center, Notre Dame New this year: for the first time ever, fans – yes YOU – are in charge and get to call the shots!

First, go to www.harlemglobetrotters.com to vote on what you want to happen. Then, for tickets or more information, call the Joyce Center at 574.631.7356. 7:30 PM.

THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

33

Storytime

Barnes & Noble, University Park Mall, Mishawaka Join us this afternoon as we read Mousetronaut

by Mark Kelly. A craft will follow. 2:30 PM. For more information, call 574.247.0864.

Curious Coyotes: Winter Exploration

Fernwood Botanical Gardens, Niles, MI Children ages 6-10 learn about all that makes winter special: snow, animal tracking, active birds at the feeders and much more. Please dress for walking the trails. 2 PM to 4 PM. For more information, call 269.695.6491.

27

Russian Ballet Theatre Presents "Cinderella" Morris Performing Arts Center, South Bend The State Ballet Theatre of Russia, from the city of Voronezh, brings the world’s most beloved ballet in three acts to glorious life! This company of 65 distinguished dancers has showcased the unparalleled art of Russian ballet to countries throughout the world. Choreography by Vladimir Vasiliev. $28 - $48. 3 PM. For tickets or more information, call 574.235.9190 or visit www.MorrisCenter.org.

29

Theatre IV presents "I Have a Dream"

Century Center Bendix Theatre, South Bend The phenomenal impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is chronicled in this compelling dramatization of the life and times of one of the most influential and charismatic leaders of the “American Century”. Inspired by the arrest of Rosa Parks, Dr. King becomes the prime mover behind the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott, putting his philosophy of non-violent protest to work. He gains national recognition and becomes the dominant force in the Civil Rights Movement. For more information, call 800.275.5005.

31

Storytime

Barnes & Noble, University Park Mall, Mishawaka Preschoolers are invited to gather around the stage for a Storytime. A special craft session will follow. 10:30 AM. For more information, call 574.247.0864.

Feb 2

Ground Hog Day Skate

NIBCO Water & Ice Park, Elkhart Free admission for persons wearing a ground hog hat, mask or costume! Enjoy this remarkable outdoor facility that features a path and rink for ice skating. A warming facility enhances your experience while drinking your hot beverages and warming yourself. For more information, call 574.970.7490.

34 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

THANK YOU to our monthly distribution partners 32 Pearls Dentistry Allied Pediatrics Babies R Us Chic-fil-a Classic Image Photography Clay Preschool & Church Debbie Werbrouck School of Dance & Music Early Childhood Development Center at Notre Dame Elkhart General Hospital Eye Site Optical Family Sports Time Pub Fiddlers Hearth FitStop Granger Community Church Granger Family Medicine Growing Kids Learning Center Gymnastics Michiana ICE Athletics Kumon Learning Center Lakeland Healthcare Menno Travel Midwest Orthotics Mutual Bank Notre Dame Federal Credit Union Once Upon a Child Soccer Zone South Bend Clinic South Bend Medical Foundation South Bend Orthopedics Stacks Pancake House St. Thomas the Apostle School Strikes & Spares South Bend Chocolate Traditions Photography Trinity Lutheran School Urban Swirl YMCA of Elkhart If you would like to receive The FAMILY Magazine at your familyfocused business or organization each month, please email your request to: info@michianafamilymagazine.com.­

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Cutest

Kid

Photo2013 Contest

Get your camera batteries charged and start your holiday photo-taking of your kids.

The FAMILY Magazine wants your submissions of your kids from this Holiday Season for the January 2013 Cutest Kid Photo Contest.

Be on the lookout on our website www.MichianaFamilyMagazine.com and our Facebook page at the end of January for more details.

100% Recyclable

THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

35

family stuff kids say

a d d Ya a d d Ya

We asked our Facebook readers, “What are some funny things your kids have said?”

Here are some of their answers: Have you'd a Yadda Yad like to da s Send i hare? t michia stephan to: ie@ na family

maga

After a long lecture on why my young son Caleb has to eat his sandwich for lunch, I asked, “Is there something you’d like more?”

He answered, plain as day, “Yes. Cookies!”

– Jolean My son Liam told me, "Mom, I had cereal for breakfast, but I didn't eat the Lucky, I only ate the Charms." – Kristen As I’m walking into the bathroom, my three-yearold Olivia yells, “Don't turn the light on, Mom! My baby is sleeping!” I say that I wasn't aware her baby was in there and that I’m sorry I had woken him up. She replies,”I just wanted him to go to sleep so that I could get some sleep.”

– Amanda

36 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

zine.c

om

When I tell our son, Nolan, to behave, he says, “I AM being have!” – Rebekah After opening cards and gifts at his birthday party and being told to say thank you to each of us, my nephew opened his birthday card from grandma. She was not at the party, so my mom told him to thank her; he looked around for her but didn't see her, so everyone began trying to tell him where to look to say ‘thank you’, but he was still confused until I said, "Say thank you to the camera!" He looked straight into the camera and said, "Thank you, Camera!" – Dina

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family story time Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

By J. K. Rowling Reviewed by Cameron S. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is more than just the seventh and final book in J.K. Rowling’s series of Harry Potter books. This is the most exciting, thrilling, actionpacked book in the entire series.This book revolves around the famous Harry Potter who is attending this seventh and final year of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

It is a very dark time in the wizard world since Voldemort's return to power as many of his followers have been released from Azkaban (the wizard prison). The Ministry of Magic is now controlled by evil Death Eaters. Harry Potter is now known as "Undesirable Number One”. Voldemort, Harry’s arch-nemesis, is out to get Harry once and for all in this book. Voldemort has risen to his most powerful state in all of the series.

The main plot in this story is for Harry and his lifelong friends to gather all of the horcruxes (ancient magical treasures) and destroy them before Voldemort can get his cold, evil hands on them and be the most powerful wizard who ever lived. Harry faces hardships in the journey that no human should ever face, his friends abandon him, Death Eaters attempt to capture him, and he is nearly killed.

In conclusion, this is one of the greatest books I have ever read. I would recommend this book to nearly anyone because the pages turn themselves due to the excitement and action in every page from the first to the last.

My name is Cameron and I attend Edwardsburg Middle School. I am currently in the seventh grade.

My hobbies include football and baseball as well as reading. I have always enjoyed a wide variety of authors and genres. I think reading has opened many doors for me and I will continue to choose challenging and engaging books.

201 Organic Baby Purées The Freshest, Most Wholesome Food Your Baby Can Eat!

By Tamika L. Gardner Reviewed by: Rachel Clemans, Reference Librarian Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Harris Branch Starting a baby on solids can be a daunting task. 201 Organic Baby Purées helps to make the transition from breast milk or formula to solids go smoothly. The recipes included in this book are tasty, flavorful dishes that babies are sure to love.

Gardner breaks down what foods to feed at what stages in an easy-to-follow format. The book includes suggestions on which foods to introduce first as well as some of the benefits of each. The book also gives ideas on what to add so the whole family can enjoy one meal.

Gardner begins by addressing different cooking methods and what kitchen tools are necessary. She also talks about the “toxic twenty” foods that should always be organic. The recipes start for a six-month-old and move up through the toddler years. Each chapter contains suggestions for which foods to introduce at each stage. Also included are sample menus for 100% Recyclable

babies that are over six months and additional recipes for when a baby is past the puree stage. Some of the recipes included are Cucumber- Melon Mash-up, Hiya Papaya and Fruity Chicken Stew, just to name a few.

If you are looking for more books to help make the transition to solid food go well check out Baby Love: Healthy, Easy, Delicious Meals for Your Baby and Toddler by Norah O’Donnell and Blender Baby Food: Over 175 Recipes for Healthy Homemade Meals by Nicole Young.

THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

37

family expecting

The Mom

I Was

Supposed

To Be

By Noelle Elliott

When I lived in Los Angeles, I went to an exclusive gym.

I took boxing and spinning classes and trained with a personal trainer. Afterward, I went to a hidden coffee shop in Santa Monica – it didn't even have a name. I would sit for one, even two hours, sipping soy lattes and writing in my journal. This was only Monday, Wednesday and Friday because I had all my classes on Tuesday and Thursday. I worked as a cocktail waitress on Friday and Saturday nights.

To think that I actually had a daily planner is baffling to me now. Seriously, what did I have to schedule? When I was going to go grocery shopping for myself, when I was going to do laundry for myself? Occasionally, I would have panic attacks – you know, the pressure of gaining a percentage body fat? During the six hours that I would spend in the coffee shop each week, I would reflect, write and think about how easy my life would be when all I was doing was being a mom.

I had a vivid picture of what kind of mother I would be. First, I needed to find a husband, but that was in the works… hence the time at the gym. I had a clear idea of how children should be raised and it wasn't what I was seeing along the Pacific Coast. To be fair, I didn’t see many children on a daily basis. I woke up at 9 AM and the coffee house, gym or bar I worked at weren’t exactly kid-friendly.

But, trust me: I knew what was wrong with parents. I have the journals as proof of my intentions, and I want to slap myself after reading them.

This is what I predicted and the reality of what came to be: When I become a mom, I will only eat organic foods during my pregnancy.

Reality: I ate Arby's roast beef like there was no tomorrow.

I will have a glow during pregnancy and have beautiful, artistic photos taken of my belly.

Reality: I had back acne, stretch marks and a sparse beard.

I will have a natural water birth.

Reality: I was trying to Lamaze-breathe and became irritated when 38 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

my husband forgot if it was "who-who-he or he-he-who." The Epidural couldn't have been administered soon enough.

I will use cloth diapers.

Not after I witnessed meconium.

I will exclusively wear my baby and breast-feed for a year or more.

Reality: I breast-fed for three months. He was latched on for around 20 hours of every day. Why wear him the only four hours of freedom I had?

I will puree his baby food.

Why do this when Gerber does it for you?

I will have my home set up in Montessori fashion, with textiles and manipulatives to encourage curiosity for learning.

Reality: It starts that way, and two days later ends up with McDonalds toys scattered in every corner. McDonalds is not an ideal dinner, but when its 7 PM and I have been at work all day, followed by baseball practice, it looks very appealing.

My children won't be baby-sat by a television.

I agree, two hours is enough. At least, before breakfast.

I will never let them play video games.

Good goal, except when I need to make dinner.

Character clothing is cheap marketing and my child isn’t a billboard.

Reality: I try my hardest, but they like it and it helps start Printed on Recycled Content Paper

conversations on the playground like, "Hey I like Super Mario Brothers too."

“Is that a 100 percent natural cotton parka you’re wearing?" said no child, ever.

A baby will strengthen a marriage; it is beautiful combination of two individuals who adore and love each other.

Remember, I didn't have a husband yet. I also failed to consider that the baby could inherit our worst habits, like my husband’s ability to leave socks in the same pile every single night.

I wonder what my spoiled, know-it-all hippie self would say to my opposite-of-that self now? It doesn't matter, because she would have not listened to my chubby middle-aged self anyway.

I'm glad I had a Pollyanna ideal of the mom I was going to be. I wouldn't have had the confidence or courage to have children knowing what I know now. I’m a mom in progress. If I had followed a false ideal that is not who I truly am, failure would have been my only option. My boys laugh more than they cry. To me, that is reassurance that I have become the mom I was supposed to be.

Scotland: A Brave Adventure From the bustle of Edinburgh to the beauty of the Scottish Highlands, ancient castles to mysterious lochs,

Discover Scotland in a Way You Will Never Forget

Pulse FM

• Edinburgh - Capital city of Scotland and the seat of the Scottish Parliament

Experience Scotland’s Classic Attractions and Merida’s Favorite Pastimes…

Just Like in the Movie • Archery lesson at Glamis Castle • Horseback riding

• The Scottish Highlands - Inverness, Isle of Lewis, Loch Ness and Isle of Skye

• Participation in a special version

• Incredible Castles - Dunnottar Castle, Urquhart Castle and Eilean Donan Castle

of the Highland Games • Mountain biking at Rothiemurchus Estate

• Ancient Monuments - Callanish Stones and Dun Carloway Broch on the Isle of Lewis

• Canoe on Loch Ness in search of the Loch Ness Monster • Scottish dancing and making scones

Adventures by Disney Travel Services, Inc. CST# 2082519-10.

GS2012-7865

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Noelle Elliott is a social media junkie, blogger, writer and career woman. She lives in South Bend with her husband, four young sons and two chocolate labs.

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574-534-1521 1-800-635-0963 www.mennotrav.com

THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

39

family mommy & daddy

Confessions of a Tater-Tot Mom

By Jane Suter

I think as mothers we all tend to be a little too hard on ourselves when it comes to raising our children. Add to that the reams of research that seem to come out daily imploring us to change our evil ways and rear our kids ‘their way’, lest we ruin them for life. Just yesterday, I turned on the news and was coldly slapped in the face with the latest ‘evidence’ that proves, once again, I am doing it all wrong. So, am I raising healthy, productive individuals or am I failing them miserably?

Will my boys have great self-esteem or are they doomed to failure?

It is in this atmosphere of critical scrutiny that I’ve decided to bare all to my sister-mothers. To ‘take one for the team’, as it were, and prance around in my dirty laundry for all to see, judge and compare. My wish is to fling open the doors of our shame-filled homes and Febreze them with some truth.

Below are a few of my offenses and shortcomings. Be aware, this is by no means a complete list of my failings as a mom, but I’ve tried to highlight the biggies for you. For the perfect moms out there, devoid of any malfeasance, my words will make you feel like a child-bearing rock star! If, in fact, you are as wicked as I am, then I offer you absolution.

So it’s confession time. Things so shocking, I fear I will be thrown out as a kindergarten room mother, shunned by my neighbors and kicked to the curb by my friends. I warn you, what I am about to share with you is so truly horrifying the pages of this story may spontaneously ignite in your hands. Do not read on if you are faint of heart or have high blood pressure.

JANUARY 2013 2012 40 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | DECEMBER

Welcome to my shame: Offense #1

I allow my kids to watch more than the ideal 2 hours of television a day. Based on current research, I understand this will cause their brains to turn to Go-Gurt. They will be doomed to be obese, drooling ding-dongs, prone to drop out, take drugs and suffer a myriad of other horrible consequences, but I still allow it. I am not lazy or uneducated or even unkind. I just don’t buy it. I seriously do not believe that the things I do right, like reading to them, exposing them to art and culture, demanding good manners, having family meals, etc. will all be for naught because I let them watch a ‘Dora the Explorer’ marathon every now and then. To be honest, there have been days when the tube was never even turned off. There I’ve said it. The icy frigid truth in all of its ugliness. So, does this make me a terrible mother? I think not.

Offense #2

I did not give my kids a single vegetable last night for dinner. Sure, I usually do, but last night was crazy. I had a million things to do so I tossed (brace yourself) fish sticks and Tater Tots in front of them. Ya’ know what? They loved it. I loved it, too. I think I ate more Tots than they did! Yes, they also eat vegetables and know all about healthy foods, yet I bet there is a study somewhere that links Tater-Tot-eating to obesity. I just can’t win.

Offense #3

Last Saturday my entire family, including me, lay around the house in our PJs all day. I know, I told you, you will be shocked and offended. We Printed on Recycled Content Paper

ate popcorn on the sofa and played several rousing games of Hungry, Hungry Hippos on the floor. It was decadent and lazy and fun, fun, FUN! I’ll say it: I’d do it again … maybe next Saturday. That’s how I roll.

Offense #4

Some nights (gasp!) I don’t even read a story to my boys before bedtime! Uh huh, they go to bed without the benefit of such classics as Goodnight Moon and Curious George every now and then. Will this consign them to the ranks of the un-employable? I just can’t see how.

n e t r a g r e d n i K

&

Offense #5

My 5 year-old has seen a PG movie. Yeah, that’s right -- PG! It was an old Superman movie and we watched it together in case it got too scary. It didn’t, and we had a ball later playing superhero. Should I be thrown in jail?

You decide.

Offense #7

St Thomas Apostle Pulse FM School

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School 1331 North Main Street Elkhart, IN 46514

I spank my children too. Yup! On the bottom, and not often, but I do it without guilt. I’ve even done it in public, boldly announcing to the throng of horrified onlookers what I was about to do, just so they wouldn’t miss the rare display, but also so they’d know that it wasn’t just some out-of-control outburst, but a plan. It worked, too. I really can’t remember the last time I spanked them, but it’s amazing what a firm swat on the rear can accomplish.

So there they are. Seven deadly sins of modern day motherhood submitted for your judgment and trending fully against the popular opinion of ‘experts’ and social scientists yet, hopefully, resonating with some moms out there who live the imperfect, wonderful and often trying life of the average mom. Let us all forgive ourselves and simply love our kids. At the end of the day, all our children will remember are the hugs and the kisses. Not the Tater Tots.

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School!

Please call our school office at 574.264.4855 for more information or to schedule a tour.

Visit us at www.stselkhart.com or www.stthomaselkhart.com!

Offense #6

My youngest son almost exclusively eats white and tan food. If it weren’t for Flintstone vitamins he’d probably have scurvy. Sure, I insist on the ‘one bite rule’ for every other colorful thing on his plate, but I don’t force him to scarf down more than that one bite.

Am I a criminal, a crazy, a maverick? Still don’t think so…

more at

St. Thomas the Apostle School is Catholic in character, but open to all faith traditions.

Approximately 12% of our current enrollment is non-Catholic.

• Outstanding Academics

• 21st Century Learning Facility

• Safe Environment

Recently Renovated and Expanded

• Before and After School Care • Christian Family Atmosphere Jane Suter is an award-winning writer and mom of two very energetic boys, one in kindergarten and the other in second grade.

Born in Chicago, she is proud of her Midwestern roots.

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www.stselkhart.com

www.stthomaselkhart.com THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

41

family mommy & daddy

Reading Resolutions

By Andie Kingsbury

It’s common to see sitcoms portraying a parent scolding their teenager because they’re always texting or a forlorn wife sobbing because her husband is always working. The truth is, we are living in a very technological society where we are connected to one another via cell towers and wi-fi 24/7. Sometimes our littlest priorities – the kiddos – don’t get the one-on-one interaction they need and deserve. If you haven’t already done so, make a conscious decision to power down the electronic leashes from time to time. Spend some moments on the floor at eye level with your kids, reading, every day We all know that reading aloud to our children is supposed to be an important part of a child’s development but, often, we don’t understand the reasons why. According to studies done at Brigham Young University, here are a few facts about reading to young children: • A two-year-old is able to learn twenty new words a day if they are exposed to them.

• Reading aloud helps them to understand the relationship between sound and print as well as the difference between written language and everyday conversation.

• Through listening to books read aloud, children are able to learn the meaning of many words as they are exposed to a variety of writing styles.

• Reading enhances their knowledge of the world in which they live.

• Children develop the pleasure of reading themselves.

42 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

Many young children haven’t yet developed the attention span necessary to sit and listen to an entire story. If this is the case with your youngster, continue reading aloud as they play with their favorite toy or wander around the room. The heartwarming scene of an adult in a rocking chair cuddled up with a quiet toddler who is mesmerized by the story is really not the most typical scenario! However, a squirmy child who can’t wait for you to finish the sentence before they are turning the page for you is still soaking up the necessary building blocks to enhance their love of reading throughout a lifetime.

Take your cues from your child and adjust your style to meet theirs.

If your little princess loves to sing and dance, choose books that are modeled around the tune of well-known children’s songs, like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,”— then sing the book! Perhaps your two-year-old boy is in a train stage; choose books that cater to his current favorite subject and help him to learn more about trains until he switches to the dinosaur stage. Then cater to that new interest.

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Instill a learning mindset while they’re young to help them take away more from what they’ve heard. While you’re still reading to them, help them talk about what you’re reading. Ask these basic questions: What, Where, When, Why and How. • What is that the main character is holding?

• Where do you think he is?

• What time is it in this story?

• Why do you think she hid that?

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• How do you think she felt?

• How did they know that?

When you teach your child to dig deeper into the story, you set them up for a lifetime of comprehension success from their very foundations.

"You may have tangible wealth untold; Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.

Richer than I you can never be— I had a Mother who read to me."

(From ‘The Reading Mother’ by Strickland Gillilan)

Spending time in your child’s world and on their level will not just hone their educational skills later in life. A child who is being read to is also receiving emotional and psychological benefits that are too often neglected in the busyness of life in this tech age. The connections that will be woven between your hearts will also help instill a level of trust that cannot be nurtured through time in front of an LCD screen. While you encourage your child to dig deeper into what they’re reading, you’ll also be strengthening your ability to communicate verbally which can be nurtured all the way through the dreaded teen years.

Read with your children, the benefits will last a lifetime!

Premiere Premiere Arts Arts Announcing our 2013 season!

Call the Lerner Box Office at 574-293-4469 for tickets or visit us at www.premierarts.org

Excellence in Early Childhood Education OPEN HOUSE 2013-14 SCHOOL YEAR

at the Early Childhood Development Center at Saint Mary’s College Come see our program and meet our early childhood teachers ECDC-SMC Open House dates: Sunday, 1/20/13 . . . . 1:30 - 3:00 Sunday, 2/17/13 . . . . 1:30 - 3:00 Andie Kingsbury, author of the blog “Ours+His+Mine=Nine!”, is the mother/stepmother of seven boys and two girls, so she knows how to stretch a budget! She and her husband live in Elkhart.

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Early Childhood Development Center, Inc. at Saint Mary’s College

NAEYC Accredited – Promoting Excellence in Early Childhood Education

THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

43

family real life

Clutter Is Life The Tale of my Perpetual Stray Sock Pile

By Meagan Francis

W

hat I’m about to share may shock you, and I understand why – clutter has never been less popular. We’ve come to embrace the idea that, unless we spend a lot of time ridding our homes of all extra stuff so that our spaces look as though they were styled by a monk-turned-interior-decorator, we’re failing as adults. Yes, I love getting rid of clutter. I adore the sight of a bare desk adorned only with carefully-chosen items. I delight in clean spaces absent any stray papers or candy wrappers. I like knowing that my things are intentionally and purposefully arranged instead of just ending up somewhere by chance. I love nothing more than wandering the Martha Stewart area of Staples or the home-organizing section in Home Depot, imagining which cubbies or filing systems might get me that much closer to a life of clutter-free perfection.

But I’ve also seen how this “a place for everything, and everything in its place” mentality can get in the way of accepting what life actually looks like. I’ve finally begun to embrace an unpopular philosophy of my own: Clutter Is Life.

I’m not suggesting we turn a blind eye to piles of crap mounting in every corner. I believe that we live more functional lives when we care for and control our things, and I know I’m a lot happier when I live in a reasonably neat and tidy house. But human beings naturally leave a wave of stuff in their wake. We do what we can to stay a step ahead, but when we fight reality and try to perfectly rid our homes and offices 44 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

of all those minor ‘not quite sure what to do with this’ piles, we get in the way of our own sanity and actually make it more difficult to keep up with important things that need to be systemically organized like medical records, financial paperwork or legal documents.

For instance? My Perpetual Sock Pile.

This sock pile is a lot smaller than it used to be. It used to take up an entire laundry basket. Any orphaned socks went into the basket. I’d tuck it behind the sofa when I wasn’t actively sorting or folding, and revisit it often to cull those socks who were really and truly alone in the world.

However, there’s a problem with the orphan-sock-basket method: just as problems tend to expand the amount of space you allow them, an entire laundry basket devoted only to lonely socks will quickly turn to cotton chaos. So, one day, I washed every stitch of clothing in the house, made as many complete pairs as possible, and tossed the rest in the rag bag. Bye-bye, sock basket!

That did not solve the problem. I have five kids. I do laundry daily to stay on top of it all rather than face a mountain on the weekends, but even so, the chances of two socks from the same day ending up in the same load of laundry are not great. Sometimes kids lose a sock in their sheets, not to be found until the bedding is washed a week later. Sometimes, inexplicably, one sock is stuffed into a shoe while the other makes its way to the bathroom. Sometimes, one sock gets a hole, Printed on Recycled Content Paper

but I’m loathe to get rid of its partner since there’s a good chance it’ll need to replace another holey or missing friend soon.

Hence, my Perpetual Sock Pile.

For a while, I resisted allowing the pile to become an accepted part of my living room.

If I had the perfect system, there would be no need for a sock pile. If I just kept up with the laundry better, had more storage, were more ruthless about keeping our sock supply streamlined.

But, you know what? My house does not have to be clutter-free and company-ready at every moment. Sure, I could purchase a cubbie in which to place all the not-yet-dealtwith socks and then devote some precious storage space to their keeping, but why?

There’s the kind of living you do when you’re kicking back at home with your kids, and it’s different from the kind of living you do when you’re throwing a party. It’s not bad housekeeping, it’s sanity. Plus, putting the socks ‘away’ would just make more work for me the next evening, when their partners turned up in the clean laundry.

Transient things like not-yet-matched socks are not necessarily mess, just stuff.

I’ve finally decided to just accept that, on days when I’m not expecting anyone to drop by, there will be a small stash of socks on the side table next to the chair where I fold laundry every night. Keeping it out in the open will make it easier to stay on top of it, and will force me to deal with the issue rather than hiding it away in a basket.

And when company does drop by? There’s a special drawer in the back of that round side table that I’ve always used to stash the M&Ms I didn’t want anyone else to find. But there’s plenty of room for that little sock pile.

Now, if you ever come for a visit, you’ll know my dirty little secret: there are socks stuffed in a side-table drawer! It might make some perfect homemakers wrinkle their noses but, to me, it feels like a perfectly reasonable solution. If you ask nicely, I’ll show it to you.

And if you promise not to judge, I’ll even share my M&Ms.

Meagan Francis lives in St. Joseph, Michigan and is a mother of five children. She is also the author of the books “The Happiest Mom: 10 Secrets To Enjoying Motherhood” and “One Year to An Organized Life with Baby.”

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family early childhood development Here is a list of books as recommended by the Children's Reading Foundation.

Books for children 0 - 12 months • • • • • •

Books for children 3 years old

All Fall Down by Helen Oxenbury Animals On The Farm by Feodor Rojankovsky Black On White by Tana Hoban Blue Hat, Green Hat by Sandra Boynton Goodnight Moon by Margret Wise Brown How Baby Grows by Stella Blackstone

• • • • • • • •

Books for children 12 - 18 months • • • • • •

I Love Colors by Margaret Miller Jamberry by Bruce Degen Mama, Do You Love Me? by Barbara Joose Moon Bear by Frank Asch Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt Peter's Chair by Ezra Jack Keats

Books for your toddler • • • • • • • • •

Rain, Rain, Rain Forest by Brenda Z. Guiberson Jamberry by Bruce Degen The Dinosaur Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta The Three Bears by Paul Galdone Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert Sylvester And The Magic Pebble by William Strig Lyle, Lyle Crocodile by Bernard Waber Mouse Paint by Ellen Soll Walsh

Books for children 4 years old

The Little Red Hen by Bryon Barton Clifford The Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell Wibbly Pig Likes Bananas by Mick Inkpen Stellaluna by Jannell Cannon Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Curious George by H. A. Rey The Cat In The Hat by Dr. Seuss 1,2,3 by Tana Hoban Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett

• • • • • • • • • •

Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear? by Nancy White Carlstrom Friends by Helme Heine The Owl And The Pussycat by Jan Brett Counting in the Garden by Kim Parker Cookie's Week by Cindy Ward The Cat On The Mat by Brian Wildsmith Color Zoo by Lois Ehlert If You Give a Moose a Muffin by Laura Joffe Numeroff Blueberries For Sal by Robert McCloskey Bug Safari by Bob Barner

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574-202-2000 | josh@creekstoneinvestments.com 46 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013

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Thank You!

to a few of our Advertising Magazine Partners who support FAMILY and our Magazine every single month!

These annual advertising partners make it possible to produce this magazine and offer it for free to Michiana Families. Please support these local partners in Michiana!

Elkhart General Hospital South Bend Clinic Midwest Orthotics Notre Dame Federal Credit Union MutualBank Once Upon a Child

Advertiser Index:

Menno Travel

32 Pearls Family Dentistry

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Ronald McDonald House Charities

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South Bend Clinic

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Creekstone Properties

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St. Thomas the Apostle School

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Brennan Dental Group

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Temper Grille

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Goodwill Industries

Early Childhood Development Center,Inc.

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The Summer Camp Fair

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Edible Arrangements

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The Montessori Academy

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Heritage Square Mall

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Momadvice.com

Elkhart Christian Academy

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Uptown Dining Group Restaurants - Uptown Kitchen

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Lakeland HealthCare

Elkhart Christian Academy

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Uptown Dining Group Restaurants - The Mark Dine & Tap

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Mathnasium Novabella Inc. Premier Arts Gymnastics Michiana

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Lakeland HealthCare

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Legacy Heating and Air

Notre Dame

Lighthouse Autism Center

South Bend Medical Foundation

Menno Travel

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Novabella Inc.

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Once Upon a Child

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Premier Arts

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Early Childhood Development Center at

& Many, Many More that we will highlight in future issues! We appreciate you all very much!

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The Heart of the Matter: Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention Open House Thursday, February 7, 2013 • 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Elkhart General Hospital West Wing • 600 East Boulevard Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women. To prevent yourself from becoming a statistic, connect with the award winning Elkhart General Hospital Center for Cardiac Care as they provide numerous educational opportunities and hands-on activities that will improve your heart health.

Free Screenings Non-Fasting Cholesterol • Blood Sugar • Blood Pressure • Body Fat Review your test results with physicians and clinicians who specialize in heart care Free Carotid Artery and Peripheral Artery Disease Screenings will be conducted on a registration-only basis (must be at least 40 years old). To register, please call 574-523-3303.

Heart Healthy Cooking Demonstrations will be held at 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm Free seminars will be held in the Prenatal Classroom including General Surgeon Luis Benavente, MD “How Weight Loss Improves Heart Health” Nurse Practitioner Jill Newcomer “Women and Heart Disease: Know the Risk Factors” Cardiologist Wai Lee, MD “Ultrafiltration: The Answer When Diuretics Fail” This event is free and open to the public. Door prizes and healthy refreshments will be provided.

Free gift bag to the first 200 attendees. Wine from Fruit Hills Winery of Bristol will be available for purchase.

For more information, visit www.egh.org.