FAMILY Magazine February 2013

Moms Just Know • Free

Night Owls Raising Early Birds

Camp Fair Extravaganza!

Silly String

Shenanigans

Trips:

With the Pets,

Without the Kids

Valentine’s Fun

February 2013 Serving: Granger • Mishawaka • Elkhart • South Bend • Goshen • Niles • Edwardsburg • Middlebury • Plymouth St. Joseph • New Buffalo & Surrounding Communities

EMERGENCY 2013 DEPARTMENT

GRAND OPENING

Come and Celebrate with Us! Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles Emergency Department

Wednesday, February 27 2:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Trust Your Heart to Us

Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles is accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers

We are opening our new Emergency Department Our Emergency Department has expanded to 18 exam rooms, each with its own telephone and flat screen television. Lakeland HealthCare professionals will be on hand to share the unique features of the 9,000-square-foot expansion.

• Register to win door prizes • Take a tour and enjoy refreshments • Visit the Lakeland Expo! Learn about Lakeland services and programs to keep you and your family well Located at the corner of 31 N. St. Joseph Avenue and Grant Street, just west of the St. Joseph River

www.lakelandhealth.org/niles

Lakeland is proud to have earned the Gold Seal of ApprovalTM for Primary Stroke Centers from The Joint Commission. This distinction recognizes centers that make exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke care

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Congratulations!

Contributors

To the talented December Coloring Winners.

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

Creative Promotions manager: Jena Bontrager Jena@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

Reed – Age 7

Tyler – Age 10

Emily – Age 6

GRAPHIC DESIGN Manager: Zuzanna Zmud

Zuzanna@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

IN THE NEXT ISSUE: Home is Where the Heart Is

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: Marlowe, just born Jan 1st to proud parents Blair and Tony: Congratulations!

Photography: Classic Image Photography, Granger

Fashion Editor: Kathy Friend Kathy@MMProd.com

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 February 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!

Go to www.MichianaFamilyMagazine.com and flip the pages, cover-to-cover the organic and green way!

Volume 7: Number 2

Want the "organic"/green version of The FAMILY Magazine each month with bonus articles?

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 (at FAMILY)

Love

Right Now!

1. A Clean Car

With all that us moms do, it is tough to find an extra second in the day for anybody other than our kiddos or our jobs ... but what about taking time for ourselves or taking the time to schedule a night out with our hubbies? If your household is anything like mine, scheduling this time is quite tricky and very inconsistent.

Sometimes a few months will go by and my husband will jokingly say, "Nice to meet you, I'm Dustin -- want to go on a date with me?" He's actually pretty good about reminding us that we need some kidless time to ourselves, if even it is to the grocery store or out for a coffee together. Just some "us" time to catch up without interruption from kids, pets, work, life.

How often do you make time for your other half? Are you on the same page with your spouse on important matters? Do you talk about things that are on your mind with your sweetie? I'm often curious as to what makes couples tick and what makes families stay together, happily.

2.

Cheap Flight Websites

3.

A Favorite Photo

4.

Crock Pot Meals

5.

Progress

6.

Pink

7.

A Winter Picnic Inside with the Kiddos

8.

The Smell of Clean Cotton

9.

Parenthood (TV Show)

10. Summer Camp Fair - February 23rd!

11. Fresh Lemons 12. Candles

I hope you take this quiet month and make a date with your husband ... not on Valentine's Day, but on a random "other" day when you can remember all the things you fell in love with - before the kids, the job, the stress, the everything else.

Make a date for some kidless time together; it's good for the soul, it's good for your marriage and it's good for your whole family.

Love each other.

Betsy & Family

Check i t Out! Do

n’t forget to pick up your cop y of the NEW SASS Y Magazine!

FEBRU ARY

N O10

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LAST

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2013

F R O M THE E D I TOR Dear Readers, I’ll admit it – I’m a big sap when it comes to Valentine’s Day. Even as a child, I was the one who wanted to snip and draw and paste and glitter my elementary school hearts and write personal notes to everyone in my 35+ student classroom. I’m not a real ‘girlygirl’, but there’s just something about love in the air that makes me all smiley…

Having a date night with your husband is pretty important not only to your marriage, but to your parenting. Your kids will respond better as they grow knowing that you and Dad take time out together, and they’ll see a healthy relationship being modeled for them even if they don’t understand it at the time. Meagan Church goes into the logistics of what date night really means and the psychology behind it in her article, while Stephanie Graham gives us some creative tips on how to think outside the box this Valentine’s Day in “Breaking the Mold”.

Thinking ahead a little, we’re gearing up for summer camp! The Camp Fair is February 23rd at the Century Center, and we have a fantastic section in here for you chock full of information about some of the camps that will be there. You’ll also get some great tips as a parent from Evelyn Kirkwood who gives us an in-depth preparation for what to expect and how to help the kids get ready ahead of time.

FAMILY

Team

The FAMILY Magazine is looking to bring on some new writers!

Do you have what it takes?

Please go to our website at www.MichianaFamilyMagazine.com and click on the "'Write for Us" link at the top -- check out our 2013 Writers' Guidelines and send me an email at Stephanie@MichianaFamilyMagazine. com if you're interested!

One of my favorite sections of our magazine is the Yadda Yadda page. My kids have said some absolutely hilarious things over the years, especially when they were little, and I’m sure your kids have, too! Did you know that you can email me directly when your kids say something funny or crazy, and it just might make it into the next issue? I would love to hear from you – it makes my day! Drop me a line at Stephanie@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com and tell me your story!

Wishing you lots of love in your life (along with sparkly purple hearts) this Valentine’s Day, Stephanie

6 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

Printed on Recycled Content Paper

Bonfire ~tishamattei

Bike rides when the sun's setting

~ maddiewegner

~stemplin

On our way... ~michellewegner

Use Instagram, a fun photo editing and sharing app for the iPhone, to show us what you see around town and what your family and friends are up to. Your photos may make an upcoming issue! Include the hashtag #michmag in your photo captions, and follow us on Instagram too: thefamilymag.

Hmmm...which is the real Bailey? ~meaganchurch

Majestic. ~meaganchurch

My Isabelle Joy. She brings beauty and joy wherever she goes. So proud to be her mamma. ~michellewegner

the FAMILY magazine table

Of

contents live your best

25

4 Find the Hidden Acorn 5 Letter from the Publisher 6 Letter from the Editor 7 Share your Instagram Photos

14

10 The FAMILY Month Calendar

book reviews

12 Wonder by R. J. Palacio

Reviewed by Anne Britton

12 Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Reviewed by Amber S.

family matters

14 Night Owls Raising Early Birds

By Andie Kingsbury

family travel

16 Taking Kidless Trips

By Meagan Francis

family features

Love, Marriage ‌ & Pets!

18 Date Night: Who, What, When, Where, Why and How

By Meagan Church

20 Hounds & Hotrods

By Jennifer Warfel Juszkiewicz

22 Breaking Valentine’s Day Out of Its Mold

By Stephanie Graham

18 special section

25 Camp Fair!

27 Preparing for Overnight Camp 28 Camp Mack 28 Growing Kids 29 What Your Kids Get Out of Camp 30 Camp Directory Featured Listings 32 St. Mary's College 32 Kroc Center 36 Camp Prep 101

By Evelyn Kirkwood

16

calendar of events

44 Go to www.MichianaFamilyMagazine.com for

tons of additional family events

– updated daily!

stuff kids say 38 Yadda Yadda

family fun

40 My Last Job as Party Supervisor

By Christopher “Bull” Garlington 42 Lucky Me

By Jane Suter

38 20

LIVE your best

The FAMILY Month 4

2 Groundhog Day

Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, Bendix Theatre

8-10 7

Honk, Jr., Bristol Opera House

14

Valentine’s Day

Amy Allen Clark Booksigning, Our Offices 4-6PM

1 3 5 6 9 11 12 13 F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th

Quotes: All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt. ~Charles M. Schulz I’d kiss a frog even if there was no promise of a Prince Charming popping out of it. I love frogs. ~Cameron Diaz

Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye. ~H. Jackson Brown, Jr. Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead.

~Oscar Wilde Fun Valentine’s Ideas for Kids: Reuse broken crayons: peel and break into small pieces, drop into small heart-shaped tart tins and put in oven for 15 minutes on 200. When melted but not runny, take out and let cool. When fully cool, pop them out and you have a heart-shaped, multi-colored crayon!

Low Fat/Low Calorie Strawberry Shortcake

Have your child use markers to draw lines or designs or dots on a coffee filter. Drizzle a few drops of water and let the filter dry flat so it appears to be tye-dyed. Then wrap a black pipe cleaner around the middle and create a butterfly (the filter = the wings!)

Use red and pink construction paper, stickers, glitter, or whatever else is age-appropriate to decorate a coffee can. Then take little slips of paper and write down what you love about each other (everyone in the family can be a part of this). At dinner, take out the slips and read them.

Smaller children can draw pictures and you can write down what they mean.

1 Angel Food Cake Mix 1 Small Sugar-Free Strawberry Jello 1 Small package fresh strawberries, sliced 1 Container Light Cool Whip Make and bake angel food cake according to box directions in a bundt pan. When cool, add 1 C boiling water to Jello mix, then drizzle over top of cake so it soaks in. Place sliced strawberries around top of cake. Slice and serve with a dollop of light Cool Whip. Delicious, and packs just a fraction of the fat and calories of a slice of regular strawberry shortcake!

10 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

Printed on Recycled Content Paper

Calendar 18

27

Josh Groban’s birthday (1981)

22

Presidents’ Day

Daddy/Daughter Dance, Battell Community Center

15 16 17

19 20 21

23 24 25 26

28

F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th

Valentine’s Word Scramble: asvotnonirec ehsrta upypp eovl schru oiittlfnra etda tingh

Take your Kiddo on a Date!

It’s important to spend one-on-one time with your child, whether or not they have siblings. Here are some great ways to spend time together without the television or video games!

(Answers: conversation hearts, puppy love, crush, flirtation, date night)

Go to a ‘fancy’ dinner where you sit down. Just like a date, you can ask ageappropriate questions about their day, what their goals are in life, who they like in school. Teach them to order their own food from the server instead of ordering it for them.

DID YOU KNOW? The average engagement lasts six months.

Take a favorite board game to a ‘different than usual’ location in the house. Instead of the kitchen table, try the coffee table or kids’ bedroom floor. Make a special drink – hot cocoa with whipped cream and red sprinkles, or strawberry milk, etc.

One in five men proposes on one knee.

The Las Vegas Marriage License Bureau is open around the clock on February 14th.

Two out of five people marry their first love!

Around 9,000 couples per year get a marriage license and don't use it.

Go bowling, sledding, ice skating, fishing, walking… anything where just the two of you can be together.

100% Recyclable

THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

11

BOOK reviews

Wonder

by R. J. Palacio Reviewed by Anne Britton “I know I’m not an ordinary ten-year-old kid. I mean, sure, I do ordinary things… and I feel ordinary. Inside. But I know ordinary kids don’t make other ordinary kids run away screaming in playgrounds. I know ordinary kids don’t get stared at wherever they go… My name is August, by the way. I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.”

August Pullman was born with a birth defect that left him with a severe facial deformity. August would wear a helmet when he was little so people wouldn’t stare at him. His favorite holiday has always been Halloween, “I get to go around like every other kid with a mask and nobody thinks I look weird. Nobody takes a second look. Nobody notices me. Nobody knows me.”

Homeschooled during his elementary years, August’s parents decide that he should attend a private school starting in the fifth grade, the start of middle school. We experience the story through August’s eyes, as well as the perspectives of some of his friends and his sister, each giving their own viewpoint of their relationship with August and the cruelty that he faces from others on a daily basis.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio teaches life lessons of acceptance, kindness and respect and should be read by everyone ten years of age or older.

While there is cruelty and meanness in this world, there is also goodness, kindness and compassion that we can find from people in this world as well.

Shiver

by Maggie Stiefvater Reviewed by Amber S. If you’re looking for a page-turning fantasy book, then the story Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater is perfect for you. This book includes many mystical features that make your imagination run wild throughout the pages. This story is about a girl named Grace who lives in front of the woods. Grace and Sam first meet when she is eleven, and she gets attacked by his pack of wolves. Sam was just a wolf and for some reason he was confused about her. He saved her and took her away from the attack. Grace has been fascinated by this wolf ever since. Sam is a guy that has two lives: in winter, he only cares about the frozen woods, and the protection of his pack.

Summer is the only real time he can be human.

With Grace watching him all the time, he starts building a love type vibe towards Grace. They both share a major problem. It can't stay cold forever and it can't stay hot forever. So when the temperature slips toward freezing, Sam turns into a werewolf and only cares about his werewolf side; nothing else

matters to him. When the weather is warmer, he can be with Grace. Sam has a lot of worries on his mind because he knows his human side could fade away. Throughout the book, he fights to be with Grace. Find out on your own – will it work out? Or will Grace be forced to never see her werewolf crush again?

I would recommend this book to be read because it shows us a mystical story that allows us to imagine that we’re in the book; it is also an interesting take on werewolves.

We usually imagine them as big and scary, but this story shows us their lovable and caring side. The book describes a passionate love story between a human and a supernatural teenager that is not normal like everyone else. This is why I recommend the book Shiver.

My name is Amber and I am currently an 8th grader. My favorite hobbies are to dance, sing, draw, write and to participate in sports such as volleyball and basketball. My favorite types of books to read are books with imaginative factors that lets my mind run through the pages, but my favorite book in the whole world is the Hunger Games.

12 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

Printed on Recycled Content Paper

s

Slips&Slope Swiss Valley

With two terrain parks, a separate learning area and long carvable intermediate and advanced runs, Swiss Valley offers something for every skier and snowboarder. A great location and a variety of activities for the entire family.

Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboard Area • Jones, MI www.SkiSwissValley.com

Crystal Mountain

Crystal Mountain offers some of the finest lodging in northern Michigan, pristine terrain, great food and countless family activities. Enjoy downhill and X-C skiing, snowboarding, snow biking, Crystal Spa, indoor pool, dog sledding and more!

Crystal Mountain • Thompsonville, MI www.CrystalMountain.com

Five Pines

Five Pines features a 400-ft lighted tubing hill with five runs!

Staff-supervised, fun atmosphere, hill games throughout the weekend. Cross-country skiing available on groomed trails with hills, woods and open fields. Equipment provided.

Five Pines Ministries • Berrien Center, MI www.FivePines.org

FAMILY matters

Night Owls Raising Early Birds

By Andie Kingsbury

You have always been up with the late night shows, waking later in the mornings and functioning best in the evenings. Your favorite hours are the ones punctuated with the household’s snores. You struggle to go to bed before the clock strikes midnight. It is inevitable that when your precious little sunshine wakes you before the sun has even peeked above the tree line, all you can do is grunt a pleading request for him to lie down beside you for ‘just a few more minutes’. Here are a few helpful tips to help with your night owl vs. early bird struggles.

Pre-plan your Morning

Instead of clinging to every last moment of me-time you can squeeze from the end of your day, spend a mere fifteen minutes preparing for the next day. If figuring out a healthy breakfast is the farthest thing from your mind at 6:30 AM, set everything up the night before. Go a step beyond toaster pastries and sugar puffs and throw the ingredients for fruity baked oatmeal or an egg frittata into your crock pot so there can be a healthier option available – all you have to do is plop a scoop into a bowl! If you are a rock-star with breakfast, but can’t stand trying to find matching outfits every day, get a closet organizer that allows you to put each day’s outfit into its own separate cubby, and imagine all the time you’ll save; you’ll even be able to sneak in another cup of coffee!

14 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

Bedtime Rituals save Zzzzs

It may seem counter-productive to actually plan bedtime for your early riser. The truth is many young children are not getting enough sleep at night. Overtired children can have a harder time falling asleep and staying asleep. The average toddler should be getting 10-11 hours of sleep per night, but are getting between 6-8 hours instead.

Ask your doctor what is right for your son/daughter and then enforce a bedtime that is that number of hours earlier than what you want their wake time to be. Begin a 30-minute routine that is exactly the same every night and stick to it. This will allow your child’s body to transition from day to night. They will know what’s happening, and will eventually even tell you they are ready to start the routine. A good 30-minute routine is a warm bath, pajamas, tooth brushing and two bedtime stories before you turn off the light and say ‘goodnight’. Use a catchy bedtime phrase that you say each night to fill them with a sense of comfort and security. If they wake before their proper sleep hours have been achieved, remind them it’s still not time to wake, and tell them ‘goodnight’.

Printed on Recycled Content Paper

Toddler Clocks Save Zzzzs, Too!

You can catch a few more minutes of uninterrupted sleep for yourself if you invest in a sleep training clock. There are many styles available, but the basic concept is that they indicate whether it is night time or wake time by displaying a lit picture or a specific color. The alarms are programmable to meet your family’s schedule for sleep and wake time. Some are completely silent while some have wake up alarm options. Some play a bedtime song or story, and others can have additional features, like a timeout timer that shows an additional color for time-out purposes.

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Set Expectations and Boundaries

Let your early riser know that when she wakes up too early, she needs to stay in bed.

Provide a spill proof cup of water nearby so that she can quench her early morning thirst as she enjoys the sounds of morning. Place a small basket of safe, quiet toys beside her bed so she will be able to amuse herself for just a bit longer. Enforce the boundaries you establish for morning, and reward her for obeying when she respects those boundaries.

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If you still find yourself worrying about your early riser sneaking around the house in the mornings, install a door alarm to alert you to their morning activity, switch to espresso and try to get a nap in the afternoon – I do hope your early riser still takes naps!

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

15

FAMILY travel

Taking Kidless Trips

5 Tips to Make Leaving the Kids Easier on Everyone

By Meagan Francis

Some of you are probably packing right now for Blissdom while others are looking forward to work trips, family weddings or romantic getaways. Here are a few tips on leaving the kids without guilt or anxiety, making the separation easier on the whole family: 1. Leave a Little Piece of Yourself Behind

A special photo album, a favorite sweater that smells like you, a recording of you telling a story or even a last-minute snapshot taken on Dad’s cell phone… many children are comforted by a reminder of Mom when she’s gone. You can use a sweet, recordable storybook and plan to record your voice with a special ‘I love you’ message.

2. Set Dad (or Grandma or the Sitter) Up for Success

It’s taken you a long time to develop and hone your Supermom powers. And, fair or not, if Dad’s not used to doing the grocery shopping, getting the kids ready for school or taking care of the nighttime shuffle, it’s not going to be easy for him to jump in and do a perfect job. Sending texts every five minutes to check up on him or creating alerts on his phone to remind him to feed the kids might be over-doing it, but if he’s not used to managing the home fires, a little proactive information will definitely be helpful. Leave him a written schedule with any necessary data you’ve got locked away in your brain, make sure he has all the phone numbers he’ll need, show him how to access the school calendar and tell him where to find important documents like birth certificates and insurance cards. Just don’t micromanage! Give him the freedom to do things his way, too.

16 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

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3. Talk About Your Kids

I don’t mean exclusively, or at every opportunity, or until you notice everyone you talk to eventually starts squirming and glancing around the room. But talking about your children while you’re away from them can help you bridge the distance a bit and feel closer to them while you’re gone. You might also really help out another mom who’s been dying to bring up how much she misses her little ones but thought nobody else would want to hear about it. I’ve shared many a misty-eyed conversation about my boys and toddler girl with another kindred spirit missing her baby or brood.

4. Allow Yourself to Be Distracted

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Going away can feel ridiculously free, independent and exciting for a mom, especially if you spend the majority of your time with your children. Let yourself get carried away by the freedom and excitement and distractions that come with going away, and don’t feel guilty if you don’t think about your children as much as you thought you would. I’ve learned to give into the distraction that naturally happens when I’m surrounded by novel, exciting experiences, and to allow myself the pleasure of enjoying free time both body and mind.

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“She has a smile that can light up a room.”

- John Link Equipment Specialist

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5. Use Phone Calls Judiciously

I rarely talk to my children on the phone while I’m away. Sound heartless? Well, every time I’ve tried, the older kids didn’t care (you could practically hear them yawning through the phone) and it just upset my little ones, who had been having a grand old time with Dad or Grandma before Mom had to call and remind them of what they were missing. Some kids are comforted by calls from Mom, but choosing the time of the call is essential. You know your kids best, so you may be able to gauge whether a bedtime phone call will help soothe them or remind them you’re not there and lead to a huge meltdown. Sometimes it’s not so easy to tell ahead of time, so ask the person who’ll be caring for your children to look for cues that a call from Mom would be welcome – or might make things worse. He or she can send you a text to let you know this is a good time. And don’t feel guilty if it just works better for your children not to hear your voice while you’re gone – you can relay kisses, hugs and ‘I-love-yous’ through Dad, who can use his best judgment about if and when to dole them out.

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 MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

17

FAMILY features

W

• Love

& Marriage

Date Night

ednesday nights in Joanna Azar’s childhood home were sacred to her parents. It was their date night. “It rarely meant going out and hiring a sitter, as money was tight,” Joanna explained. “Their date night was basic and, at the time of course, it totally disgusted us and made our imaginations get the better of us. They would watch a movie in their bedroom with the door closed. There were no interruptions unless you were violently ill. If we wanted to ask about going to a friend’s house after school the next day or if we wanted to tattle on a sibling who was messing with us, there was no chance. They would completely ignore our knocks or give us a quick ‘no.’”

That sacred one-on-one time made an impression on Joanna and her four siblings. “We learned growing up that on Wednesday nights, we didn’t mess with them. They have been happily married now for almost 40 years and they maintain that was a key to their marriage.”

Deep down, every couple knows that date nights are important, but with busy schedules and little ones to care for, many couples wonder if setting aside that time is worth the effort.

“Yes, it is worth the effort,” said Ted Bryant, PhD in cognitive psychology from the University of Notre Dame. He and his wife have six children and co-lead a workshop on marriage and relationships called “Beyond I Do.” “It is not just the time away with each other that is valuable; it is also the effort and intentionality itself that you must commit to in planning such a time out that maintains the rightful place of your spouse in your life, family priorities and focus. Sacrifice and time are the evidence of importance in our marriages.”

Ted and a few other local families share their experiences on why dating your spouse is important. They give practical advice on the who, what, when, where, why and how of date nights.

Who

So who exactly should plan the date? According to Ted, both people in the relationship need to play a part. “Switch up and alternate who is planning the date, so that pursuit of each other does not get into a rut.”

18 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

Who, What, When, Where, Why and How

By Meagan Church

What

Ted suggests having two different types of dates. “The first being a ‘business meeting,’ where you discuss budget, calendar, meals/ groceries, events and conflicts. The second then could be free to be really fun-focused or experiential.”

Calling a date night a business meeting may sound strange, but it can also be rewarding. “Reserve some time during some dates to discuss real issues with kids and family life as well,” Ted said. “Often, more progress can be made with some of these concerns when you don't have kids hanging off you or screaming in the background. It is also amazing how much more progress is made when we are generally in a good mood.”

The conversation is one of the best parts of date night for Eric and Liz Holsopple, parents of two kids. “On date night, we can actually have a full conversation without interruptions. It also helps us reminisce about our early on relationship and what we enjoyed doing together.

That all makes it worth it!”

When

“We believe there is no secret frequency of date nights that will solve all your problems, but each couple should honestly assess for themselves in a spirit of mutual submission what their date nights should look like,” Ted said. “Some things to consider are each other's love languages, such as quality time, gifts, acts of service, etc.; times in your monthly or seasonal rhythm that bring more stress or tension to your marriage, like a business trip, going to the in-laws for a holiday, a string of consecutive of nights outside the home, etc., since you might want to sure up time together before those types of events; budgeting in babysitting money; and scheduling them in advance, so that the stress of setting up the date does not overshadow the potential reward of it.”

Why

“It is worth the time and effort because if you don't have time to relax and take a deep breath as a couple, you will lose yourself in everyday life,” Matthew Kissel, father of three, said. “Date nights are important because it seems like it is the only time to spend as a couple and to talk about other things besides school, diapers and so on.”

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How

Shanda Stevens, mother of two girls, knows just how important date nights are. “We started date nights when we realized that our lives revolved around our kids and work. We had forgotten why we fell in love and weren't sure we even liked each other anymore, let alone loved each other. We decided that we either needed to put ‘all the chips in’ or move on.”

Finding, hiring and paying for a babysitter can sometimes be the most difficult part to navigate when it comes to planning time together. To make it happen, get creative. “We know another couple that has three kids that we trade babysitting duties with. That way we don't have to pay for a sitter,” said Kelly Kissel. “It is definitely nice to get away for a night and you are actually in a better mood because of the time off from the kids. I like to call it ‘refreshed’. It is also a nice reminder that you are not just a mom, but a wife, as well, and you shouldn't take that role for granted.”

The Stevens’ became intentional about dating one another again.

“People put a lot of time into going to school or college to make a career for themselves, or spend time reading, on self-help therapy and on their friendships. Marriage should be the top priority for your own sake, as well as your children's sake. So, we felt that dating each other again would be a good start. We were right!”

The Holsopples turn to grandparents to help make it happen and they do not feel the least bit guilty for calling in the favor. “Setting aside date night is like exercising. If you don't do it, you will feel the effects.

By having dates, you strengthen your marriage. You cannot feel guilty about leaving the kids with a babysitter. It is beneficial for the kids to learn to respect the authority of other adults besides their parents. It really helps to have a grandparent that lives close by, too.”

Where

Joanna, now a mother to three small boys, remembers how intentional her parents were about that time together and it has affected her own relationship with her husband. “It has confirmed to George and I how important bedtime is for our kids, so that we have alone time each night. It has also confirmed for us that it isn’t necessary to go out on dates all the time. Sometimes we just take the time to put the computers and such away and veg together.”

In the end, remember that dating your spouse can have lasting benefits for you and those around you. As Ted said, “Date nights are very important to us as a family and our marriage. Both areas noticeably excel when we are in a good rhythm with date nights.”

Ted and his wife Angela sometimes take the same approach. “Date nights for us do not always mean time outside the home. We also mix inhome date nights that might be a movie, special carry-in for just us two or any number of intentional plans without needing to leave our home.”

Thinking of

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 MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

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FAMILY features

• Lovin' Our Pets!

Hounds

&Hotrods Keeping You and Your Pets Safe in the Car

By Jennifer Warfel Juszkiewicz

Let me begin by introducing you to Oliver, my lovable, goofy 100 pound Labrador mix. Then there’s Jack, my crotchety, energetic 50 pound coonhound mix. I own nearly my weight in canine, and I love it. They are my roommates. As such, they have equal right to my home, my couch and a fair share of my monthly food budget.

But I stand firm when they try to claim an equal share of my car. I’m happy to take them to the dog park or on a road trip, but they ride in the backseat, with a shoulder-high barrier between me and them.

They are not allowed to bark, whine or clamber down onto the floor.

Not all drivers place such restrictions on their pets. According to a 2010 New York Times article, nearly 90 percent of pet owners travel with their pets, and a survey in USA Today showed that at least twenty percent of those who do drive with their pet on their laps.

If you think text messaging is distracting, try having a living creature demanding your attention, rolling off your lap during a hard stop, getting excited about something outside the window – it’s a three-dimensional danger. As distracted driving laws become more all-encompassing, driving with an unrestrained pet in your vehicle may become illegal.

New Jersey, Hawaii and Rhode Island already have such laws in effect.

Here are some top ways to keep your pets calm and comfortable in your car, while you keep your eyes on the road.

Wind Through Their Ears

Nothing makes my day like seeing Oliver or Jack’s ears flying in the wind as they stick their heads out the car window. I just imagine what a thrill it is for them: the onslaught of smells and the wind in their ears. Since dogs’ sense of smell is at least 10,000 times as good as ours, this must be sensory overload. But unless we’re on an empty country road, I don’t roll the window down any farther than they can get their muzzles out. I have a terrible fear that I may drive too close to another car or sign and the dog’s face will be hit.

20 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

That’s just one of many dangers. Kathleen Krebs, dog obedience trainer and owner of Fetchers K9 Academy in South Bend (www.fetchersk9. com), told me stories of dogs spotting a passing squirrel or other animal of interest, becoming excited and jumping out of the car. Also, if the car stops suddenly and the dog’s head is outside the window, he may be hurt by the jolt.

“They don’t understand the danger of jumping out of the car,” explains Krebs. “That’s up to us to protect them.”

Keep the window rolled up to the point that they can’t get more than their nose out. Don’t forget to lock the windows and doors as well. “I remember a time when I was bringing a dog home and he managed to put the window down with his paw,” Krebs recalls.

Stay, Fido!

It’s one of the first commands we often teach our dogs. Krebs says that she also teaches a place command. “Teach them where they should be,” she explains, “If you’re consistent and persistent, you can teach your dog anything. They find rules comforting.”

If you designate a place – the backseat or rear area of the car – for your pet, ensure that he knows it’s his. If he’s afraid of the car, be patient.

Krebs advises moving slowly to get your pet accustomed to the vehicle.

Try just having the pet get into and then out of the car. Then try shutting the doors. Next, try driving up and down the driveway. Every time he does one of these steps well, give him a treat and praise him.

Equally important to making your pet comfortable is to be comfortable yourself. Don’t act alarmed or angry. If your pet thinks there’s reason to be upset, he will reflect that mood. “Dogs want a leader that makes them feel safe and happy,” Krebs says, so be that firm guide for him.

No one likes being stuck in one place for a long time. To have a peaceful ride, I just give the dogs a nice, hour-long walk and run beforehand.

They are more than happy to sleep for four hours in the car if they’ve just used up most of their energy beforehand.

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Safety in Accessories

Even when your dog knows his place in the car, that doesn’t keep him from flying forward in an accident if he’s unrestrained. When Nancy Biggum, owner of Canine Car-Go (www.CanineCarGo.com), was looking for a way to transport her malamutes, she couldn’t find anything that met her specifications.

She found dog hammocks (too loose), seat covers (not restrictive enough), booster seats (too small and not restrictive) and full harnesses that linked to the seatbelts. These last ones could work, but she worried that her large dogs might not be comfortable if they couldn’t lie down for long trips.

Frustrated, she designed her own product. It attaches to the headrests in front and back, coming up to form a fabric wall between the dogs and driver. Because it’s firmly attached to the seat via seatbelt straps and tucked side panels, it doesn’t shift when the dogs jump into the car.

The dogs are comfortable, but can’t get down onto the floor. Since it’s made from heavyweight upholstery fabric, it’s durable and washable.

Good Parenting Skills

We have clear laws for how to protect our children in our vehicles, but the state doesn’t offer such safety guidelines for our pets.

“I believe the owner sets the rules, just like we do with our kids,” says Krebs, who has five children and one dog, Buster, who often travels with her. “The pets will learn the rules,” she assures us.

Even when you have a dog that’s well-trained and obedient, remember that anything can happen in an accident. “We can’t control the environment around us,” Krebs asserts. “You can train a dog to have his own seat, and you can train him to be comfortable, but there’s no difference between a trained and untrained dog in an accident if he isn’t restrained.”

And, don’t worry, even though they are restrained in the car, my Jack and Oliver are more than happy to go for a ride. After all, it usually ends in a walk. And what could be better than that?

Once she made one for herself, she realized that there was a need for the product, and she created a stock of various fabric designs. She now sells her Canine Car-Gos online and at pet fairs. “It took some work, but I found clasps and webbing straps that are American-made,” she said with pride.

“Since I use the end-rolls of upholstery fabric, I’m ensuring that the fabric is high quality, varied, fashionable and doesn’t go to waste.”

If you have a larger vehicle and your dog is crate-trained, consider strapping the crate or kennel into the back of the truck or SUV. Don’t leave the container unstrapped; it could roll or shift in the car, hurting your pet. If you’re only taking short trips, consider the harness option: easy to snap on and off your dog and relatively inexpensive.

Jennifer Warfel Juszkiewicz is a doctoral student in English at IU Bloomington. She previously taught at (and attended) Saint Mary’s College. She has two dogs, a husband and more books than she cares to count.

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

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FAMILY features

• Love & Marriage

Breaking Valentine’s Day

Out

By Stephanie Graham

Dinner and a movie: the classic date on Valentine’s Day and any time of year.

While there’s certainly nothing wrong with that, it’s been kind of… well, done.

And done, and done some more.

If you want to do your usual thing because it’s a great tradition that you cherish then, by all means, enjoy. But if you’re like many people, doing the same ol’ same ol’ because you’re stuck in a rut, maybe this could be the year to add some variety – and if it’s not yet February 14th at 5 PM, you’ve still got time.

Out and About

Find Fast(er) Food: Just a couple minutes on the internet or phone could help you rescue your date from the depths of the River Boring. If you’re like me, you may find that not having to cook for special occasions is part of the special occasion, but waiting in line for 45 minutes is a drag. This is where your research could pay off: try to find a lesser-known restaurant. Locally owned businesses often have shorter lines, an equally great selection of food and an atmosphere you can’t find anywhere else.

Some restaurants, big and small, join the fun and change up their style entirely for the day. Though it varies from store to store, one national chicken chain has been known to buck the normal fast-food style on Valentine’s Day, offering a section with white tablecloths, wait staff taking orders and a violinist nearby providing live music.

Find Your Common Interests: When you’re planning activities before or after dinner, stop and think about what you both enjoy. Like to dance? Ice skate? Go bowling? Studios, rinks and lanes often have Valentine’s Day specials. If you’ve both been stressed lately, some massage therapy centers offer couple's massages.

Shaking up your Valentine’s Day can be done as simply or as elaborately as you’d like (or have the energy for!) If you would both still like to watch a movie, for instance, you could create your own drive-in theater by taking your laptop or portable DVD player and driving to a semi-secluded area (or just sit in your driveway) and watch it in your car. Pack some popcorn, bring blankets if you don’t want the car running the whole time, and sit in the back seat for optimal cuddling.

Home is Where the Date Is

A Hearty Atmosphere: If you can’t find or afford a babysitter or just feel like staying put, you can still have an equally fun and relaxing date night at home.

Get your kids involved in the decoration process; this can help prevent it from 22 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

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feeling like it’s just any other night at home, and it can be as simple as construction paper hearts and window clings with favorite characters.

If you don’t want to wait until the kids are in bed to start the date, you could rent a movie for them and let them eat their dinner in front of the TV. This can make it special for them and help minimize your likelihood of being disturbed. Then, have a special homemade dinner or find online services that bring takeout from area restaurants to your door.

Keep It Simple, Silly: It bears repeating: creative does not have to mean extravagant.

Have a picnic on the living room floor complete with packed basket and red-checkered blanket.

Local husband James Mark created a scavenger hunt for his wife last year, buying multiple small gifts and hiding them around the house along with clues to find the next one.

eat well. Drink well. Be happy.

Enjoy an all-natural, high quality and mouthwatering array of fresh foods.

Breakfast, Lunch & dinner Weekly Dinner Specials Wednesday-Saturday Gluten-Free, Vegetarian & Vegan Entrees House-Made Salads, Sandwiches & Soups Full Bar With Craft Beer, Great Wine & Classic Cocktails Weekend Brunch Heritage Square

reSerVationS aCCePted

Carry Out • Private Dining • Catering

Uptown Kitchen

Corner of Cleveland Road & Main Street/Gumwood

574.968.3030

A fresh, contemporary gastropub with a gourmet twist.

Lunch & Dinner Served Daily Nightly Dinner Specials Gluten-Free, Vegetarian & Vegan Entrees Great Burgers & Tasty Comfort Foods Full Bar With Extensive List Of Craft Beer, Wine & Cocktails Weekend Brunch eddy Street

Think again about both of your interests. Do you like board or card games? Are you closet fans of your children’s video games? See if you can play them just as well as your kids.

Sky’s the Limit

Each couple shares at least a few interests; whether you go out or stay in, you can put your heads together and think up your own fresh and exciting Valentine’s Day date this year.

Across from the University of Notre Dame

574.204.2767

www.UptownDiningGroup.com

163113

• Meet the teachers and tour the school.

• Examine the curriculum.

• Learn about the admissions process and financial aid options.

• Learn about School Choice Scholarship Program (vouchers).

Stephanie Graham is a freelance writer and loves writing about some of the most important privileges in life - parenting and family. She and her husband have been married for 7 years and have a hilarious toddler.

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The fire is the main comfort of the camp, whether in summer or winter, and is about as ample at one season as at another. It is as well for cheerfulness as for warmth and dryness. ~Henry David Thoreau

24 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 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 fro 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 Michiana 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 just a few of the camps you expect to see at the Summer Camp Fair!

Saturday, February 23, can 2013;

HealthWorks! Kids Museum Downtown 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 Camp Ideal Parking Jewish Federation of St. Joe Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes Leeper Tennis Center$5 Century Center 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 Dept Reading 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!

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

In Partnership www.sbpark.org Sponsored By:

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

In Partnership With:

With:

Camp Awareness is a popular summer day camp that is celebrating its 53rd Year! Camp Awareness offers camping activities without the “sleeping out” experience. It’s a bug biting, stream stomping, fishing, archery, poison ivy, campfire cookout, bug juice, counselor hunt, tribal challenge, GET DIRTY camp!

Rum Village Nature Detectives/ WildWoods Nature Show Camp

The Nature Detectives Day Camp at Rum Village gives students ages 6 through 14 a chance to explore the natural world at a beautiful local park. The naturalists will once again offer the Wildwoods Nature Show Day Camp for older students.

The camp gives 13 and 14 year-old campers a chance to plan, film and edit a short nature film.

For details on both call the nature Center 574.235.9455.

Summer Camps, and so much more!

Call 574.299.4765 or search sbpark.org

•• Aquatics AquaticsPorgrams Programs

KIDS ’

Learn to Swim, South Bend Swim Club

• Cross Country Camp • Free Fishing Saturdays Pinhook Park

• Junior Golf Programs

WORLD Kids’ World is offered to children entering grades 1-7 who would like something to talk about when they return to school in the Fall. Campers will get to go to the pool and have one other field trip or special event each week. It is great to make new friends and see old ones while exploring arts and crafts, team building, science and nutrition, along with our favorite gym activities and other surprises. You won’t want to miss FUNomenal Fridays with Fear Factor, Tribal Challenge, and Fit to Play activities.

For more information, please visit our website, www.sbpark.org.

Tiny Tots, Studebaker Jr Golf, Junior Tour

• Kids’ Triathlon • Leeper Tennis Center

Little Shots, Pee Wee Tennis, Jr. Mini-Camp, Jr. Elite, Jr. Excellence

• Potawatomi Zoo Camp Nyati Zoo Camp (5-6 yrs), Nyoka ZooCamo (7-9 yrs) Nyuni ZooCamp (10-12)

• River City Summer Camps

Basketball, Cheer/Pom, Flag Football, Tee Ball

• Summer Track Program

Preparing for Overnight Camp Research the Camp – it will help you to feel more packs and brings everything home. Make it descriptive; comfortable and your kids to know what to expect.

Be Positive – if you’re worried about sending your

instead of ‘two shirts’, say ‘green button-down shirt with butterfly’ and ‘light blue turtleneck’ so a leader can help look in case the child can’t find it.

child away for a week or two, it will show. Then they’ll be worried, too, and it will put a damper on the good time Communicate – send pre-stamped and addressed envelopes with notebook paper so your child can write they could have had. home, and you can write/send letters pre-camp a day or Follow the packing rules – look at the list the camp two so they start arriving the day your child arrives. gives. Send the stuff that’s on it. Don’t send the stuff that’s not on it, or that is expressly forbidden. That’s why Post-Camp Fun – plan something family-related for the week after your child returns home so you can bond there’s a list! and talk about what they experienced more in-depth.

Name Everything – use a Sharpie to put your child’s name on everything that goes, and include a ‘packing list’ that tells what exactly was sent so your child re-

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

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Camp Mack C

ome live in Christian community where you are encouraged to go beyond your comfort zone and grow in self-confidence while learning leadership skills. Our program is intentionally designed to provide you with life-changing experiences that lead to the formation of personal faith within a safe Christian community. Our leaders are trained to focus on physical and emotional safety, skill development and age-appropriate programming that is exciting, educational and enriching.

In addition, our leaders have a heart for ministry and kids and a love of summer fun that they share with the campers. Our Bible study theme this summer is based on Isaiah 43:19: “Look, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; don’t you recognize it?” Our focus is to help campers recognize the new things God is doing in their lives.

Quick Info

Camp: Camp Mack Website: www.campmack.org Address: P.O. Box 158 (1113 E. Camp Mack Road), Milford IN 46542 Contact: Curt Rowland, Program Director 574-658-4831 Dates: June 9 –August 6 (3 to 6 day sessions) Ages: Co-ed 5-18 Cost: $148 - $550

Growing Kids Summer Camp

Quick Info

S

ummer Camp at Growing Kids provides older preschoolers and school-aged children with a full-day program of enjoyable and educational activities all summer long!

It's fun and affordable. The camp includes three field trips a week to places like the zoo, area parks and museums. The kids pick strawberries, go bowling, enjoy roller skating, even take swimming lessons! Your child will enjoy a nutritious breakfast and lunch as well as snacks each day.

28 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

Camp: Growing Kids Summer Camp Website: GrowingKids.com Locations: 17475 State Road 23, South Bend 46635

17850 Ireland Road, South Bend 46614

2601 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend 46628

825 W. Bristol Street, Elkhart 46514

3400 Campbell Street, Valparaiso 46383 Phone: State Road 23: 574-273-9048

Ireland Road: 574-299-4979

Bendix Dr.: 574-288-3992

Elkhart: 574-266-1800

Valparaiso: 219-462-7777 Contacts: Beth Cauffman: director.sr23@growingkids.com

Jessica DeLeon: director.ireland@growingkids.com

Sarah Scott: director.bendix@growingkids.com

Heather Miller: director.bristol@growingkids.com

Angie Reyes: director.campbell@growingkids.com Dates: Camp begins the minute your child's school year ends and runs until the opening bell in the fall.

Ages: 5-12+ Cost: Varies based on families’ needs.

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What Your Kids Get Out of Camp Teamwork – working together towards a common goal.

Outdoor Activities – a refreshing change of pace from so much screen time.

Diversity – meeting new friends they might not otherwise have gotten a chance to meet.

New Skills – both creative and practical.

Culture – where else can you possibly go horseback riding, shoot archery, high dive, have a bonfire and a sing-a-long all in one place?

Self-Esteem – being away from home teaches a sense of independence and selfreliance.

Appreciation for Home and Family – you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone!

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For more info, see our SPOTLIGHT on page 28!

For more info, see our SPOTLIGHT on page 28!

Camp Name

Phone

Website

Contact Info

Compass Club

574-274-2764

www.familychildrenscenter.org/CompassClub.aspx

Boys & Girls Club

574-232-2048

www.bgcsjc.org

Camp Ideal

233-1164

www.thejewishfed.org/campideal.aspx

Camp Mack

574-658-4831

www.campmack.org

Curt Rowland Program Director

Ages

Dates

Cost

5-18

June 9 –August 6 $148 - $550 (3 to 6 day sessions)

Camp Mack, a Christian Residential Camp nestled on the edge of Lake Waubee near Milford, IN, provides dynamic Christian programs that help campers grow in faith, fellowship and friendship. We serve campers from 5-18 years of age, plus offer great activities for the family throughout the year.

Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana Michiana Summer Camp and Urban Day Camp

800-283-4812

www. gsnim.org

Growing Kids Summer Camp

574-220-6400

GrowingKids.com

Main Directory

5-12+

All Summer

Need-based

Summer Camp at Growing Kids provides older preschoolers and school-aged children with a full-day program of enjoyable and educational activities all summer long! It's fun and affordable. The camp includes three field trips a week to places like the zoo, area parks and museums. The kids pick strawberries, go bowling, enjoy roller skating, even take swimming lessons! Your child will enjoy a nutritious breakfast and lunch as well as snacks each day.

HealthWorks!

Kids Museum

574-647-2680

www.healthworkskids.org

Jacqueline Simmons: jsimmons@memorialsb.org Alice Hightshoe: ahightshoe@memorialsb.org

5 -12

Summer & School Breaks

Approx. $15

Kids 5-12 can attend half-day camps or pack lunch and stay all day! Parents will have lots of fun with toddlers in our pre-K camps! Camps are offered during the South Bend Community School Corporation spring, summer and winter breaks. We offer the craziest, wackiest and coolest camps in town.

Holy Cross College Youth Summer Enrichment

574-239-8364

www.hcc-nd.edu

Pat Adams: padams@hcc-nd.edu

8-14

June 17-21

$40-$99

The Holy Cross College Youth Summer Enrichment Camp is a variety of classes offered in the afternoons only. Students choose three classes and take them all week. Cooking, photography, various art and computer classes, nature courses, babysitting and more are offered each year. Refreshments are provided.

Irish Aquatics Swim Team

574-993-7946

http://www.irishswimming.org

IU South Bend Child Development Center Summer Camp

574-520-4485

sbchild@iusb.edu

Michiana Family YMCA Day Camp

574-287-9622

www.michianaymca.org

Jessie Emmons: jemmons@michianaymca.org

K-Age 16 June 10th August 20th

$100-$600

The YMCA of Michiana, Inc offers Michiana Family YMCA day camp, play during the day, every day! This camp has something for everyone!

Michiana Christian Service Camp

269-683-4403

www.michianacamp.org/

Michiana Family YMCA

574-287-9622

www.michanaymca.org/ michiana/camp

Jessie Emmons: jemmons@michianaymca.org

K-6th Grade

June 10th August 16th

$70-$100

Summer Camp at the Michiana Family YMCA allows campers to choose activities they like and allows parents to build a summer that fits their schedule and budget. Choose between a Creativity or Sports Track and Field Trip Fridays. Summer My Way is a customizable summer camp perfect for all families.

YMCA Camp Eberhart

269-244-5125

www.ymcacampeberhart. org

Brice Emanuel, Executive Director

7-16

July 16th August 17th

$612 (1st child, 1 week)

At YMCA CAMP EBERHART, we nurture the potential of youth, foster self-confidence and build self-reliance among campers of all ages. We encourage them to explore new interests through a variety of skill-based outdoor activities, including: Archery, Astronomy, Boating, Horseback Riding, Riflery, Sailing, Tower Course Challenge, Waterskiing and more!

For more info, see our SPOTLIGHT on page 32!

Rockin' by the River Day Camp

574-258-1664

www.mishawaka.in.gov/parksandrecreation

Saint Mary's College Summer Camps

574-284-4778

www.saintmarys.edu/ camps

Lisa Peppers Abbey Frick camps@saintmarys.edu

10-18

Fine Arts Camp:

July 7-12, 14-19, 21-26

See more camps below!

$470-$565/ week

Athletics Camp: July 7-11, 14-18, Summer Academy: July 7-12, 14-19, 21-26, Spiritual Leaders: July 7-12 Explore your interests. Make new friends. Live in residence halls under the care and protection of counselors, instructors and professional staff members.

Instruction is provided by Saint Mary's faculty, staff and area educators who are chosen for their expertise in the classroom and on the playing field.

30 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

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Featured 2013 Summer Camps!

Camp Name

Phone

Website

Contact Info

Ages

Dates

Cost

South Bend Civic Theatre Summer Camps

574-968-7496 574234-1112

sbcttheatreeducation. weebly.com

Sara Bartlett: sarab@sbct.org

K-12

Week-long sessions $150-$350 June 10 - Aug. 16

South Bend Civic Theatre’s summer camps offer students a creative outlet – a place where they can explore the world around them using their imagination, gain knowledge about theatre arts, learn to work with others and boost their self confidence. All the world’s a stage – come play on ours!

South Bend Community Tennis Association

574-208-5641

southbendtennis.org

Summer Art Classes for Kids

574-235-9102

southbendart.org

Peg Luecke: lueckep@southbendart.org

Preschool – Pre-teen

June 17-21 June 24-28 July 8-12 July 22-26

See website

Four sessions of one-week youth classes are offered in June and July. Choose morning or afternoon classes, or pack a lunch and stay all day. Experience art in the best studios with the best artists and educators. Choose from Jewelry, Pottery, Sculpture, Drawing, Painting and more! Classes posted on southbendart.org.

St. Joe Public Library Summer Reading Challenge

574-282-4648

sjcpl.lib.in.us/summerreading/

Kroc Kids: Summer Day Camp

574-233-9471 EXT 2208

www.mykroc.org

For more info, see our SPOTLIGHT on page 32!

Cheron Merten: cheron_merten@usc.salvationarmy.org

5-12

Weekly, June 10th Aug 16th

$100 members; $125 non-members

In keeping with The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center Mission Statement, the Day Camp program provides children of all ability levels the opportunity to play and grow in a positive and safe environment. We strive to develop the whole child: mentally, physically, and emotionally through structured group activities that aid in socialization and self-confidence. The registration fee includes food, all planned activities, field trips and a Camp Kroc t-shirt (must be worn on all field trip days). Activities include climbing our rock wall, singing in our recording studio, painting in our Creative Arts lab, playing video games in our Youth Activity Center, swimming in our indoor Aquatics Center and more all supervised by certified counselors! Come learn, explore and have fun this summer at The Kroc Center!

The Main Stage Inc. 574-210-0788 Summer Stock Music and Theater Camp

www.themainstageinc.com

Suzanne West: the_main_stage@hotmail.com

June - July

Entering K-12th

$115.00

Our camps focus on the process of putting on a performance. Students will gain, apply and enhance performance skills by exploring singing, dancing and acting. Camps begin with a script and end with a public performance incorporating all their newly acquired or refined skills in a fun and dynamic way.

The Riding Stable Summer Camp 2013

574-514-0904

574-287-5590 Trinity Classic Summer: Adventures in Greek Civilization

theridingstable.com www.ClassicSummer.com Gina Busk: gbusk@trinityschools.org

Finished 3rd, 4th, or 5th Grade

June 16 to 27, 10am - 2pm July 1-3, 8-12, 10am - 2pm

$230 before April 1; $250 after April 1

Children will experience the rich legacy of ancient Greece coming alive as they create Greek-themed art and crafts, learn about ancient Greek traditions and government and act in a play based on Aesop's Fables. Lively outdoor play will also be a part of the camp.

YMCA Camp Potawotami

100% Recyclable

260-351-2525

www.fwycamp.org

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31

Saint Mary's College Summer Camps E

xplore your interests. Make new friends. Live in residence halls under the care and protection of counselors, instructors and professional staff members. Instruction is provided by Saint Mary's faculty, staff and area educators who are chosen for their expertise in the classroom and on the playing field.

Quick Info

s College Summer Camp Camp: Saint Mary's 78 Phone: 574-284-47 rys.edu/camps tma ain w.s Website: ww Summer Camps Address: Saint Mary's Saint Mary's College

6 Notre Dame, IN 4655

s or Abbey Frick Contact: Lisa Pepper arys.edu ntm camps@sai

: July 7-12, 14-19, 21-26 mp Ca s Fine Art Dates:

, -18 1, 14 Athletics Camp: July 7-1

2, 14-19, 21-26 7-1 July y: dem Aca r Summe

7-12 Spiritual Leaders: July

Ages: 10-18 $470 - $565/week Cost:

I

The Kroc Center

n keeping with The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center Mission Statement, the Day Camp program provides children of all ability levels the opportunity to play and grow in a positive and safe environment. We strive to develop the whole child: mentally, physically and emotionally through structured group activities that aid in socialization and self-confidence.

The registration fee includes food, all planned activities, field trips and a Camp Kroc t-shirt (must be worn on all field trip days). Activities include climbing our rock wall, singing in our recording studio, painting in our Creative Arts lab, playing video games in our Youth Activity Center, swimming in our indoor Aquatics Center and more all supervised by certified counselors! Come learn, explore and have fun this summer at The Kroc Center!

Quick Info

Camp: Kroc Kids: Summer Day Camp Phone: 574-233-9471 EXT 2208 Website: www.mykroc.org Address: The Salvation Arm y

Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Com munity Center

900 W. Western Ave

South Bend, IN 46601 Contact: Cheron Merten:

Dates: Ages: Cost:

32 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

cheron_merten@usc.salvatio narmy.org Weekly, June 10th - Aug 16t h 5-12 $100 members; $125 non -members

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Hey Kids!

Color this page and win! The coloring contest winners will be featured in our April issue of FAMILY Magazine! One winner will be selected from each of the three following age categories: 3-5, 6-9 and 10-12 years of age.

NAME: _________________________________________ AGE: ______ ADDRESS: __________________________________________________ CITY: ___________________________ STATE: ______ ZIP: _________ DAY TIME PHONE: __________________________________________ PARENT’S NAME: ___________________________________________ E-MAIL: ____________________________________________________

For your chance to WIN, color your best picture and mail entries to: The family magazines • 1233 e. University drive • granger, IN 46530. Coloring contest is open to children 12 years and under, and entries must be mailed by March 4th, 2013. Winners will be notified via phone or email service by Family Magazines

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

Wagon Wheel Theatre Have Fun! Activity Camping Camp Mack Craft Drama Experience Food 34 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

Find the words below in the FAMILY Magazines Camp Fair word search puzzle.

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

Friends Games Growing Kids Hike Horseback Kroc Center Learning

Saint Marys Sleepingbag Songs Stories Swimming Tent Printed on Recycled Content Paper

family recipes

Baked Macaroni & Cheese

By Jeannine Eubanks

What can I say about homemade baked macaroni and cheese? The stuff in the blue and yellow box isn’t really even the same food. (Is it even food?) THIS is food. This always disappears first at our dinners.

Ingredients:

2 C uncooked elbow macaroni (7 ounces) ¼ C butter or margarine ¼ C all-purpose flour ½ t salt ¼ t pepper ¼ t ground mustard ¼ t Worcestershire sauce 2 C milk 2 C shredded or cubed Cheddar cheese (8 ounces)

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350º F. 2. Cook macaroni as directed on package.

3. While macaroni is cooking, melt butter in 3-quart saucepan over low heat.

4. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, mustard and Worcestershire sauce.

5. Cook over medium low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat.

6. Stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute.

7. Stir in cheese. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted.

8. Drain macaroni. Gently stir macaroni into cheese sauce. Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole.

9. Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly.

family camp tips

101

Camp Prep

By Evelyn Kirkwood

Camp. Getting your child there can be exciting or excruciating, especially if it’s their first time away from home. After fifteen years of leading nature day camps, I’ve seen many parents prepare themselves and their children well, and a few that fail miserably. Here a few tips, whether your child will attend a local day camp, or a resident camp far from home.

Pick the right camp. Going to camp is a learning opportunity, and develops a child’s independence and social skills. But if Susie hates art, and you signed her up for drawing camp, you may be setting her (and the camp leaders) up for failure. Talk about what kinds of activities children will do in the camp and invite older children to help select their camp focus. But don’t be afraid to expand their horizons.

Today, you can find a camp on any theme imaginable.

Reduce separation anxiety. If your little one is Kindergarten age or younger, “going away” can be scary. It might be their first experience away from home, and as a parent it’s hard to let them go! If your youngster will attend a local camp, visit the park or school ahead of time so they can see it. You’ll get a sense of where to drop off your child on the first day, which will eliminate some nervousness on your part, too.

For camps farther away, look at photos on the camp website together, and talk about what they see in the pictures. Check with relatives to see if your child can stay with them overnight or for a weekend, to get them used to being away from home. Share fun stories about your camp experiences when you were a kid!

Read the list. Most camps provide a list of items in advance that

are required, or will make your child’s camp experience more pleasant.

If Ben goes to fishing camp, but doesn’t have bug repellent or sunscreen, he may be in tears before day’s end. Likewise, think about footwear and clothing that suits the camp. Are snacks provided, or should you send some along?

Older children will be expected to keep track of their belongings at camp.

Involve them in the packing, whether it’s a back pack for day camp with lunch and a hat, or duffle bags with toiletries and rain boots.

36 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

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Model good behavior. On opening

day, greet the staff. Introduce yourself and your child. Don’t hang too long. Kids can sense when mom is nervous about leaving them.

They throw a tantrum, and mom whisks them away. Camp leaders are usually very skilled at reading a child’s body language on Day One, and will involve them in an activity to take their mind off their fears.

Let day camp counselors know if someone other than you will pick your children up, or for some reason they will be late or need to leave early. But try not to alter the schedule at all. Routine is comforting to new campers, and camp leaders shouldn’t have to (or may not be able to) re-arrange the day’s activities if they planned to be hiking during your newly proposed pick up time.

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

&

more at

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!

St Thomas Apostle Pulse FM School

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

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

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

Stay connected, but not too connected. Overnight camps often

encourage parents to send a letter addressed to their child before camp starts. That way, Brandie will have mail waiting for her. Even in today’s world of texting and emails, a hand-written letter from Mom or Grandma is fun. Many resident camps have special one-way email systems or web sites so family members can send messages to their children. Some camps post pictures or videos on password protected web pages. Thinking of packing a smart phone? Some camps don’t even allow them. And, if they do, their usage time will likely be limited. Don’t be a relentless texter.

Most adults who attended camp as a kid have strong memories of those experiences. Help make your child’s camp memories happy by preparing them (and yourself) for a positive camp experience.

• Outstanding Academics

• 21st Century Learning Facility

• Safe Environment

Recently Renovated and Expanded

• Before and After School Care • Christian Family Atmosphere

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

100% Recyclable

www.stselkhart.com

www.stthomaselkhart.com THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

37

family stuff kids say

a d d a Y a d d a Y

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

Here are some of their answers:

Have a Y you'd likadda Yadda e to shar e?

Send it t o : stephan m ie@ milymag azine.com

ichianafa

While trying to work with my youngest on asking for things using his manners and trying to teach "may I" instead of "can I" he now says "Can I may please have . . ."

~Melissa

I had to use my serious mommy voice AND a child's full name today.

When my grandson was asked, "Ethan, what are you thankful for?" He replied, "That my name has a ‘T’ in it or I'd be called E-han". ~Deb

Well played, son.

I said to my son,“Liam, next time, let's just listen to the pastor and not talk.” Liam responded,“But, Mom, he stopped talking and then it was my turn.” ~Kristen

38 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

I barely had the scolding tone out of my mouth when the child in question says "Mommy, do you like hugs?" with the cutest grin on his face and runs over to throw his arms around me. ~Andie

The other day over breakfast my four-yearold daughter, Ada turned me to and said, "It's so weird how you don't have a name, Mom. You're just 'Mom.' " ~Chaunie This holiday season we taught our 2-yearold Aidan to greet people with "Merry Christmas". He took it one step further and greeted them with "Merry Christmas Tree!" ~Rebekah Printed on Recycled Content Paper

Sweet Deals For Your Sweetie Pie! that melt Prepare for anything without prices Once wallet.

Upon A Child,We the nation’s largest chain of children’s your $$$ payon the spot for gently resale stores, has deals waiting for you! used clothing, toys, furniture equipment you We buy and sell gently used children’s clothingand (newborn size 16), toys, furniture, equipment and more. kids have outgrown. Plus low prices on No appointment necessary to sell items. everything they now.

Snuggle into that. $$$ on the spot need for all items accepted.

Premiere Once Upon A Child Arts Huge selection of items at up to 70% off retail!

5640 Sunrise Highway • Sayville, NY 11782 5936 Grape Road • Mishawaka • 574.247.1099 631-244-9400 • www.onceuponachildsayville.com HOURS: Mon-Sat 10am-8pm • Sun 12pm-6pm

4024 Elkhart Rd. • Goshen • 574.830.5332 HOURS: Mon-Sat 10am-8pm • Sun 12pm-6pm (Near Dunlap area, by Walmart)

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

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

For information please call:

574-284-4693 or online at: www.nd.edu/~ecdcnd 100% Recyclable

NAEYC Accredited – Promoting Excellence in Early Childhood Education

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family fun

My Last Job as Party Supervisor

I

n reliving my childhood vicariously through my son, I made a pact with my eleven-year-old self (currently at the controls) that if I didn’t teach the boy how to fish, play ball, fix a flat or bluff on a pair of deuces, I would at least throw him the most awesome birthday parties ever. And I do. Or, I used to. I am currently banned.

Here is why: eleven-year-old boys are not sane. Witness the last sleepover birthday party I will ever throw (according to the Cease and Desist order). Mistakes were made.

Mistake No. 1—Tell your son to invite his friends.

By Christopher “Bull” Garlington

kid or they’ll set you on fire. Not just that, no; but because I am a man and there is no such thing as ‘just a second’. By the time I wrenched my gaze away from the TV and remembered there was a basement full of boys, it was too late. Knowing me, you’re expecting they’d set the chainsaws on fire, they’d filled the washing machine with my rare vintage jazz record collection or they’d dressed the dog in women’s clothes. And while all of that is true, it pales in comparison to the spectre of arriving to find them mid-toga party in my 300 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets dancing to “He’s Going The Distance,” eating pizza they’ve modified to include Doritos and Gummy Bears.

It sounds so simple. As long as you’ve known him, he’s only had three: James (whom you’re fairly certain lives with you), the kid with a birthmark shaped like Italy and the one who only eats Mac & Cheese.

This is what you mean by ‘his friends’. Your son thinks everyone is his friend. On the day of the party, 25 kids marched into my tiny house and began passing gas.

Mistake No. 3—Silly String.

Mistake No. 2—Leave the room for ten seconds.

What else could go wrong?

I should have known better. The basement was stacked to the eaves with hyperactive unreasonable nutjobs who imagine ridiculous uses for everyday junk that would make MacGyver call 911. I should have known that leaving them in the basement while I stepped out for ‘just a second’ was idiotic. Not just because you can’t take your eyes off a 40 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

There are three classic themes for boys’ toys: things you burn, things that fly, things you can shoot. Silly string does all three. I sent the boys into the front yard, following them with a crate of silly string. I had spent an hour hiding all the matches and lighters and I was reasonably assured no flaming gouts of string would occur.

I passed out the cans, yelled “Go!” and watched as 25 eleven-year-olds chased each other around my yard shooting colored streams of foam into everything in sight. Into themselves, each other, my shrubs, the cars, the sidewalk, the neighbor’s dog…

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…and then it happened.

As a strict mother pulled up, her face a rictus of horror, her son leapt off the front steps, tangerine colored jets erupting in all directions and, while screaming, “Ay Caramba!” jammed the silly string nozzles INTO HIS OWN EARS! Admittedly, I was seized with an urge to high-five him but I couldn’t as I saw his mom’s face fall from “look-all-the-boysaren’t-playing-Call-of-Duty,” to “oh-my-goshmy-son-just-went-deaf.”

I jerked the kid up from his Tebow celebration, dug two nubbins of hardened orange gack out of his ears and whisper-yelled ‘that was awesome,’ before carrying him to his mom who inspected his ears like a miner digging for bullion.

She came up empty, but the hairy-eyeball I received still haunts me to this day.

* * * 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.

100% Recyclable

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family fun

Lucky

Me

By Jane Suter

M

ost people don't know this about me, but I'm a shy person. I cover it up pretty well; yet, when I'm around unfamiliar people I become… socially awkward. While all of the other adults are having polite conversations and behaving normally, I geek out. There I am. See me? I'm the babbling moron acting all ‘Duhhhh, blip, blerrrrb’ as my self-consciousness strangles me. So I overcompensate to try to fit in. But then I feel even weirder. So I have another glass of wine and fill every lapse in conversation with inane drivel, positive this will put me on the same page as these grown-up aliens. Yes, friends, you can almost hear the ‘click’ as my brain filter switches to the ‘off ’ position and awkward Jane comes pouring out. At least, that's how I visualize these encounters.

So I'm left to wonder, why do I feel so remarkably strange around strangers? It reminds me of a pet fish we once had.

Many years ago my son won a goldfish at a carnival. When I say ‘won’, I mean he tossed a ping-pong ball at a gazillion jars filled with fish and his ball landed on one of the containers. There was no chance of losing. Ever. So they handed him a plastic bag (which he immediately dropped) with the creature inside. Oh, how he loved his live prize. He named the fish Lucky.

After a stop at Wal-Mart to buy supplies, we brought this newest member of our family home. For the next two hours we installed air pumps, filled the bowl with colored gravel, positioned a miniature treasure chest, two shipwrecked galleons and an assortment of plant life. You could barely see the goldfish amidst the clutter, but he seemed happy enough and my little boy was overjoyed.

Unfortunately, a few months later, the unthinkable happened: we had a power outage. As I lit candles and worried about the food in the fridge, my son fretted over Lucky. With no electricity to power the air pumps, how would he survive?

I assured him Lucky would be fine and ushered my toddler into bed. But Lucky wasn't fine. Seems he had gotten used to an aerated bowl. After the first hour, he started swimming funny. Then he started leaning to one side. In a panic, I grabbed a straw and started blowing air into the water ... until I realized I was blowing co2 into the bowl and not oxygen. Oops. By the time the lights came back on, there

42 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

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was Lucky: capsized with his eyes freakishly bulging out of his head. How am I going to explain this to my three-year-old? But I was tired, so I left the floater in the bowl and went to bed.

The next morning I awoke to, "Mom! You gotta see Lucky! He's soooo funny!" And there, in the middle of the fishbowl full of stuff, was Lucky. Alive and well, swimming sideways, his eyes as big as golf balls.

From that moment on, every time someone stopped by our house they would see Lucky and say, "What's wrong with your fish?"

And, because they couldn't take their eyes off of our swimming train-wreck, the colorcommentary would go on and on, "I swear that is the strangest thing I have ever seen.

Look at him. Look at him!" So we got used to defending Lucky; after all, we loved him.

"Isn't he a miracle!" we would interject. "Just beautiful!" we would add. But most people didn't understand.

Know what else people don't understand?

Shy people pretending to be extroverts who act weird at parties. I guess I shouldn't blame them. It's not their fault I'm socially awkward around strangers. And, who knows, maybe some of these other people I meet are feeling a little bit uncomfortable too? Maybe they are secretly lop-sided and blown-up, but just better at hiding it than I am. But nobody's talking. Except me. Again. Sigh.

Oh, well, that's OK. If there's one thing I learned from our goldfish, it's that it doesn't matter how strange I think I act around other people. What really matters is how the ones I love see me. And they really see me -- far past the sunken ships and through all of those weeds. To them, I'm a beautiful, confident person. How could I be otherwise? So I'll just keep on swimming. And the next time I talk to a ‘grown-up’, maybe I'll fit in. Maybe I won't. Either way, I'll consider myself lucky, because my particular fishbowl is crammed full with all kinds of love.

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Call the Travel Professionals at 574-534-1521 www.mennotrav.com

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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American Express Vacations tours operated by Travel Impressions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. Offers valid on 3-night minimum stays for new Perfectly Paired

by American Express Vacations bookings made and traveled by 12/31/13. Terms and conditions may apply to amenities and vary based on the property and package booked. Please ask your counselor for more details.

Blackout, weekend, holiday and peak season surcharges apply. Promotion is accurate at time of printing and is subject to changes, exceptions, cancellation chargers and restrictions. Not responsible for errors or omissions in the printing of this ad. Menno Travel acts solely as the sales agent for travel suppliers and is not liable for the actions or inactions of suppliers. 7VD0125-13_ND_1.17.13.

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February 2013 Calendar of Events All Month

6

Studebaker National Museum, South Bend, IN The Studebaker National Museum's “A Trip Through the Studebaker Factory” exhibit replicates a Studebaker factory tour through images from the Museum’s Archives. Visitors can see how Studebaker’s South Bend plant appeared during its peak period in the early 1950s and the methods and materials used to build Studebaker automobiles. 10 AM to 5 PM. For more information, call 574.235.9714.

Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Harris Branch Children of all ages are invited to listen to stories, sing songs, and participate in fingerplays at 10 AM. Registration is not required and all ages are welcome. Adult caregivers are expected to remain in the room with children aged 7 years and younger during the 30-minute storytime.

For more information, stop by the Children’s Services desk of the Harris Branch Library or call 574.271.3179.

A Trip Through the Studebaker Factory

1 -10

The Coastline Children’s Film Festival in partnership with Brookview School announces the unveiling of the 3rd annual international children’s film festival for Southwest Michigan. This one-ofa-kind family event will take place in ten locations in Berrien County and beyond. We are offering over 50 films in this year's festival. There’s comedy, adventure, love, music, dancing, lots of happy endings and a few sad ones. For descriptions of each of the films and a downloadable entry form for the Young Filmmakers Competition visit www. brookviewschool.org. For more information and to find out places to see the films in your local community, call 269-757-1491.

1

Meet Me in the Gallery

South Bend Museum of Art, Century Center The South Bend Museum of Art and 88.1 WVPE invite you to mingle in the Warner Gallery and enjoy the jazzy Merrimans with Jim Steele as we celebrate the opening of the Scholastic Art Awards Exhibition, showcasing the region's best junior and high school artists. Refreshments available. $5; Children 12 and under FREE. 5:30 PM to 9 PM. For more information, call 574.235.9102.

2

Storytime

Barnes & Noble, University Park Mall Join us this afternoon as we read Lenore Finds a Friend by Jon Katz. A craft will follow. 2:30 PM. FREE. For more information, call 574.247.0864.

4

Theatre IV presents "Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad"

Century Center Bendix Theatre, South Bend, IN Co-produced by the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia. This stirring drama with music is a classic tribute to the great American who freed herself and hundreds of her people from the bonds of slavery. Her courage helped to change the world. Share her adventurous life with your students in this accurate and deeply moving musical history lesson. 9:30 AM. For more information, call 574.235.9711.

44 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

Treetop Tales

Walk-In Craft

Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Downtown All ages are invited to make a monkey or an elephant Valentine for someone you love. The craft is available while supplies last. 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM. For more information, stop by the Children’s Services desk or phone 574.259.5277 EXT 242.

7

Amy Allen Clark Booksigning Event

Our Offices, City Plaza, Granger Amy Allen Clark's book "A Good Life For Less" will be here -- meet and greet with a national author and with our staff, and enjoy refreshments. Lots of fun, and you won't want to miss it! 4 PM to 6 PM. For more information, call 574.387.5420 or email Stephanie@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com.

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Honk, Jr.

Elkhart Civic Theatre, Bristol The last of Ida Duck's five eggs emerges with a loud "Honk!" and is one that only a mother could love. Called Ugly, he is humiliated by his dad and siblings and runs out into the world where he is immediately lost. How Ugly finds his way to home and self esteem is a classic tale with a solid message for all ages. For more information or tickets, call 574.848.4116 or visit www. elkhartcivictheatre.org.

9th Annual Magical Ice Carving Festival

Downtown St. Joseph, St Joseph, MI New this year: ICE WARS! Watch professional carvers duel it out in 15-minute bouts of ice carving chaos (4 PM – 6PM on Saturday).

Professional Ice Carving Competitions: Saturday 10 AM to 3 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 2 PM. Friday's "Street Competition" will begin around 4 PM along State Street. Snow Biz Scavenger Hunt of the logo sculptures - check in at the Welcome Center for your scavenger hunt form. Begins Friday evening and runs through Sunday. FREE. For more information, call 269.985.1111.

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

in the Lions Room for a morning of fancy fun!

Children will enjoy the story Fancy Nancy: Bonjour Butterfly by Jane O’Connor and participate in several pink, posh games. A craft and a parent/ child tea party will round out the morning’s activities. Everyone is encouraged to dress up in their ‘fanciest’ attire. 10 AM. Registration is required and is happening now. For more information, stop by the Children’s Services desk or phone 574.259.5277, EXT 242.

Omaha Theater Company presents “How I Became a Pirate” Benton Harbor, MI Shiver me timbers! Young Jeremy Jacob is recruited by Captain Braid Beard and his mates to find the perfect digging spot for their treasure.

While experiencing adventures of pirate life, Jeremy comes to realize that the simple things in life are among the most important. $17. For more information, call 269.927.1221.

The Wizard of Oz

Campus Auditorium, IUSB The IU South Bend Theatre and Dance Company has been thrilling young audiences with their annual children’s theatre production for 49 years.

Celebrate the 50th anniversary with us as we bring the magic of theatre to life through The Wizard of Oz. $3. 11 AM and 1:30 PM. For tickets or more information, call 574.520.4203.

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Start Healthy Early

Battell Community Center, Mishawaka Bring your family and learn all about healthy eating and living choices! It never hurts to start these habits at an early age! 7 PM to 7:45 PM. FREE. For more information, call 574.258.1664.

Paws to Read

Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Harris Branch Children will have fun reading aloud to a friendly dog and their handler from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Participants may bring a book from home or select one from the library’s collection.

Registration and parental permission is required for each 15-minute session beginning Friday, February 1. For more information stop by the Children Services desk or phone 574.271.3179.

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Walk-In Craft

Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Bittersweet Children are invited anytime between 3 PM and 5 PM to make a valentine to share with someone special. The craft is available while supplies last. For more information, stop by the Children’s Services desk of the Bittersweet Branch Library or call 574.259.0392.

Fancy Nancy Tea Party Soiree

Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Downtown Children aged four through eight years old, with an accompanying caregiver, are invited to join us Printed on Recycled Content Paper

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14

Bethel College presents “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”

Bethel College Everest-Rohrer Chapel/Fine Arts Center, Mishawaka, IN The biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to vibrant life in this delightful musical parable. Joseph, his father's favorite, son is a boy blessed with prophetic dreams. Joseph endures a series of adventures in which his spirit and humanity are continually challenged. Set to an engaging cornucopia of musical styles from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum and rock-n-roll, this Old Testament tale emerges both timely and timeless. 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM. For more information, call 574.807.7080.

Egypt: Secrets of the Mummies

PHM Digital Video Theatre/Planetarium, Mishawaka Journey to the royal tombs of Egypt and explore the history of ancient Egyptian society as told through the mummies of the past. The film follows explorers and scientists as they piece together the archaeological and genetic clues of Egyptian mummies, and provides audiences with a window into the fascinating and mysterious world of the pharaohs. To unwrap the secrets of the mummies is to perhaps glimpse our own future. $3 Adult, $2 Seniors, $1 Kids. 6:30 PM. For more information, call 574.258.9569.

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Give Kids a Smile

Mahoney Family Dentistry, South Bend Free dental care to those 18 years or younger that qualify for their school lunch program. 8 AM to 5 PM. To schedule an appointment for your child, please call 574.272.0466.

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Superhero Party

Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Downtown Calling all superheroes aged 4-8: meet in the Lions’ Room at 10 AM! Come dressed in your crime-fighting best to enjoy ‘save the day’ stories, make a caped crusader craft and participate in games that will test your superhuman strength.

Registration is required and is happening now.

For more information, stop by the Children’s Services desk or phone 574.259.5277 EXT 242.

Clifford’s Special Storytime

Barnes & Noble, University Park Mall Join us this afternoon as special visitor Clifford joins us to read Clifford Takes a Trip by Norman Birdwell. A craft will follow. 2:30 PM. For more information, call 574.247.0864.

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Snowfest

Bair Lake Bible Camp, Jones, MI Your family is invited for a FREE day of fun at Bair 100% Recyclable

THANK YOU to our monthly distribution partners 32 Pearls Dentistry Allied Pediatrics Amore Hair Design and Spa 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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FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

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Have an event you’d like to submit?

Visit www.michianafamilymagazine.com!

Lake Bible Camp! Snow tubing (tubes provided), ice climbing on the ice wall, free food from 5pm6:30pm, cross-country skiing, campfires, game room, nature hiking, crafts, snackbar/gift shop open. For more information, call 888-899-7712.

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Breastfeeding Class for Moms and Dads

Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles, MI Breastfeeding provides the best nutrition for your baby and is a special time for moms and babies to bond. The class will cover: he benefits of breastfeeding, how to know when your baby is hungry, proper latch-on methods, checking your baby’s input (feeding) and output (dirty or wet diapers), how to prepare to return to work and weaning. 6 PM to 8:30 PM. $30 due at registration. For more information or to register, call 269.556.2808.

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Treetop Tales

Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Harris Branch Children of all ages are invited10:00 a.m. to listen to stories, sing songs, and participate in fingerplays at 10 AM. Registration is not required and all ages are welcome. Adult caregivers are expected to remain in the room with children aged 7 years and younger during the 30-minute storytime. For more information, stop by the Children’s Services desk of the Harris Branch Library or call 574.271.3179.

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Twilight Time Tales

Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Downtown Children of all ages are invited to attend Twilight Time Tales at 6:30 PM. Enjoy stories, music and a craft based on books by Jonathan London. Adult caregivers must attend with children aged seven years and under. No registration is necessary.

For more information, stop by the Children’s Services desk or phone 574.259.5277 EXT 242.

Legends of the Night Sky: Orion & Perseus/Andromeda

PHM Digital Video Theatre/Planetarium, Mishawaka Another two for one deal! Legends of the Night sky: Orion the mythological Orion to life in a fun-filled, animated adventure. Accompanied by narrators Aesop the owl and Socrates the mouse, we follow Orion’s adventures as he grows to manhood, battles mythical beasts, foils the plot of an evil king and wins the heart of Artemis, the beautiful moon-goddess. By the end of the story, we learn how the constellation Orion was placed in the sky, forever turning overhead throughout the seasons. $3 Adult, $2 Seniors, $1 Kids. For more information, call 574.258.9569.

46 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

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February 2013 Calendar of Events

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

Disney’s Little Mermaid, Jr.

Bendix Theatre, Century Center Embark on a magical journey “Under the Sea” with the mermaid Ariel and her friends! Based on the animated classic, Disney’s Little Mermaid Jr. is a musical for all ages that will have you swimming along with favorites like “Part of Your World,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls” and “Kiss the Girl.” Shows are Feb 22 at 7 PM; Feb 23 at 3 PM and 7 PM and Feb 24 at 3 PM. Tickets are $10 each or 4/$32. For tickets, call 574.234.1112 or www.sbct.org.

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Daddy – Daughter Dance

Battell Community Center, Mishawaka Spend a special evening with your “dad”. The dance is for elementary and middle school girls along with an adult male escort. 7 PM to 9 PM. $25/couple; $5 additional daughter; $5 additional pictures. For more information, call 574.258.1664.

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Awake & Alive Hope Gala

Bread & Chocolate, Old Bag Factory 3rd Floor Friends, desserts, wine, live entertainment, silent auction and opportunities to give Hope! Awake & Alive is a champion for educating children in Ethiopia, Africa. Awake & Alive is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. All donations to Awake & Alive are tax deductible. $30 individual/$50 couple. 7 PM. Please RSVP by February 9. www.razoo.com/story/Hope-Gala-Rsvp.

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Storytime Sampler

Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Bittersweet Storytime Sampler continues at the Bittersweet Branch Library from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Join us for stories, songs and fingerplays for all ages. Adult caregivers are expected to remain in the room with children aged 7 years and younger. Registration is not required. For more information, contact the Children’s Services desk of the Bittersweet Branch Library or call 574.259.0392.

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Storytime

Barnes & Noble, University Park Mall 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.

Printed on Recycled Content Paper

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

Advertiser Index:

MutualBank

32 Pearls Family Dentistry

Once Upon a Child

Boys & Girls Club of St. Joe County

Menno Travel 32 Pearls Family Dentistry Classic Image Photography

Creekstone Properties

Eye Site Optical PulseFM/WHME TV Elkhart Christian Academy

Edible Arrangements

Goodwill Industries

Elkhart Christian Academy

Edible Arrangements

Elkhart General

Heritage Square Mall

Five Pines Ministries

Momadvice.com

Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana/Michigan 25-32

St. Joe Public Library Summer

Lakeland HealthCare

Granger Community Church

Reading Challenge

Mathnasium

Growing Kids

Novabella Inc.

Gymnastics Michiana

Premier Arts

Hartstein Photography

Gymnastics Michiana

Healthworks 25-32

The Kroc Center

Early Childhood Development Center at

Holy Cross College

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The Main Stage Inc. Summer Stock

Notre Dame

IUSB-Child Development Center

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Music and Theater Camp

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South Bend Medical Foundation

Irish Aquatics Swim Team

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The Montessori Academy

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

100% Recyclable

Michiana YMCA

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25-32

Mishawaka Parks & Rec

25-32

Camp Alexander Mack

25-32

Momadvice.com 41

Camp Ideal

25-32

Novabella Inc.

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Once Upon a Child

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Crystal Mountain

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Premier Arts

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Early Childhood Development Center,Inc.

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Saint Mary's College

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South Bend Civic Theatre

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South Bend Community Tennis Assoc.

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South Bend Museum of Art

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KathyFriend.com Lakeland HealthCare Menno Travel

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3 23 Back Cover 13

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Southold Dance Theater

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St. Thomas the Apostle School

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Swiss Valley Ski Area

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The Electric Pineapple

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Michiana Christian Service Camp

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Michiana YMCA

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The Riding Stable

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Trinity Schools at Greenlawn

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Uptown Kitchen

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YMCA Camp Potawotami

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Trust your heart to Elkhart General Hospital.

A place that provides collaborative care, and always has. A place that’s the leader in the region for clinical research of the heart. A place with diagnostics on par with anything you’ll find at a major university. These are the things that should be important to you.

This is your heart we’re talking about.

To learn more about the only hospital rated #1 for Cardiac Surgery in all of Indiana, visit www.egh.org.

600 East Boulevard • Elkhart, Indiana 46514