April 2014 • Moms Just Know • Free
PARENTIN G MEDIA AS SOCIATIO
N
2013 Silv Award W er inner Edito rial an Awards Co d Design mpetition
From
Great
Good to
Pamper Yourself Stop…Drop…and
Raising Kids with Faith Why Saying Get
Motivated to Spring
No to
After School Activities
Can Be a Good Thing
Clean
Serving: Granger • Mishawaka • Elkhart • South Bend • Goshen • Niles Edwardsburg • Middlebury & Surrounding Communities
eyes Braxton, Elkhart
The
Sonia, Elkhart
have it.
Darnell, Bristol
Jill, Bristol
The votes are in. Boling Vision Center is the #1 choice for eye care. Maintaining good eye health is an important part of enjoying good overall health. And we believe that’s why, for more than three generations, residents of this community have overwhelmingly trusted their eyes to the Boling Vision Center team. From comprehensive eye exams and the finest eyewear, to the most advanced surgical procedures and vision-enhancing treatments available today, we are committed to helping the families of our community be as bright-eyed, healthy and happy as possible.
We hope that you are already one of our valued guests at Boling Vision Center. If so, we thank you for voting Boling as your eye care provider of choice. If not, we sincerely invite you to visit us and discover first-hand the amazing experiences that happen here every day.
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IN THE NEXT ISSUE: Spring Cleaning/Mom Bargains
Contributors President & Publisher: Betsy Tavernier
Betsy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com
If you would like your business and/or service to be included in the next issue, call The FAMILY Magazines at 574.387.5420 to reserve your space. Space is limited.
Managing Editor: Jessica Haviland
Jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com
Creative marketing director: Jena Bontrager
Congratulations!
Jena@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com
February Campfair Coloring Contest Winners!
Marketing Coordinator: Jill Ludwick Jill@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN Manager: Zuzanna Zmud
Zuzanna@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com
Medical Editor: S. Jesse Hsieh, M.D. Distribution Manager: Mike Trentacosti Kevin Reynolds
Sophia – Age 4
Peyton – Age 7
Jamie – Age 10
on the cover:
Griffen (3 yrs) and Avery (6yrs) from Buchanan, Michigan. Photo:
Classic Image Photography
Family Magazines of Michiana would love to hear from you! Please submit press releases, event information and inquiries to: Jessy@Michianafamilymagazine.com The FAMILY Magazines 1233 E. University Drive Granger, IN 46530 PH: 574.387.5420 • FX: 574.217.4700 www.MichianaMom.com The FAMILY Magazines April 2014 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.MichianaMom.com and flip the pages, cover-to-cover the organic and green way! Volume 8: Number 4
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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. THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | April 2014
3
F ROM T H E P U B LI S H E R
7
Things
We Learned Making
The April Issue
Photography: Classic image photography Makeup: Camellia Maalouf, Camellia Cosmetics Granger
1.
Get organized to make spring cleaning easier. Make lists, organize your cleaning supplies and set a timeline of when these chores should be completed. Find out more ways that you can tackle this year’s spring cleaning on page 32.
2.
3.
Spring activities will keep your family active. Visit page 14 for some fun ideas that you can do this month!
Breastfeeding is not as easy as you may think. On page 24 get some tips and tricks on how to prepare for breastfeeding.
4.
Take your marriage from good to great by scheduling date nights. Find fun ways to keep your marriage from going stale on page 34.
Things We (at FAMILY)
Love
Right Now!
1.
Sunshine!
2. Green Anything 3. Homemade Bread 4. Tulips 5. Bunnies & Chicks 6. A Strong Faith 7. Spring Wedge Sandals 8. The Perfect Trench Coat 9. French Manicure 10. Chalk Board Paint 11. New Towels 12. Fresh Air
5.
Taking a day to pamper yourself doesn’t have to be expensive. Check out these great ideas on page 26.
APRIL 2014
Check it Out! Don
6.
Fun family events have been added to our centerfold calendar. Find them on page 20.
4
THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | April 2014
7.
Don’t feel bad if you say “no” to some afterschool activities. Have your kids participate in activities that really interest them and avoid signing them up with what is available. Get out more on page 22.
N O22
Heather BACH Moving
The
Be
of Being nefits
an Early Ri
’t forget to pick CAPTURING up your copy of the Passion NEW SASS Best White Wi Y Sprinensg Magazine! ser
Sassy’s Cove
Forward
WITH
MAN:
r Girl Canc
er Warrior
Their
FOR
Taking the Stress
SPRINOUTGOF Cleaning
4Keeps
By: Casey Kiel
Umbrella
Like '4Keeps' on Facebook or visit CaseyKiel.com
VIP
April
ADVERTISERS
Special THANKS to the following VIP April advertisers that help us provide The Family Magazine to the Michiana community for FREE: 32 Pearls Darah Medical Equipment Early Childhood Development Center Elkhart Christian Academy Inspire Athletics Lanser's The Natural Way Mathnasium Premier Arts Shepard Swim School South Bend Civic Theatre Star Martial Arts Vite Greenhouse
888-850-MATH THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | April 2014
5
the FAMILY magazine table
Of
Happy Spring!
contents
28
Live Your Best 3
Reader Testimonials
4
7 Things We Learned Making This Issue
5
4Keeps Comic
Family Pregnancy
24 Five Tips For Breastfeeding A Newborn
By: Meagan Church
SPECIAL SECTION
7 Contributors
26 Stop…Drop… And Pamper Yourself
8
The FAMILY Month Calendar
9
FAMILY Easter Egg Fun
28 Raising Kids With Faith
10 Mommy Must-Haves 20 Centerfold Calendar
Family Fun
12 Get Your Child Interested in Mealtime Prep
By: Kristine Smith
14 5 Fun Things To Do In Michiana This Spring
By: Michelle L. Shirk
16 Kid-Friendly Places To Learn About History
By: Michelle L. Shirk
14
Recipe
Mommy and Daddy
30 Dear Mom, Enjoy The Chaos
Movie & Book Reviews
32 Get Motivated To Spring Clean
36 Book Review: The Top 50 Questions Kids Ask
Reviewed By: Kathy Winkel
39 Book Review: Game Changers
Reviewed By: Landen Cebra
38 Movie Review: FAMILY Movie Night
By: Cole Pollyea
Family Craft 7
Butterfly Wreath
By: Jill Lebbin
FAMILY MAGAZINE | April 2014
By: Kristine Smith
22 Why Saying No To After School Activities Can Be A Good Thing
THE
By: Kristine Smith
19 Straberry Oatmeal Shortcake
Family Kids
6
12
By: Noelle Elliott
By: Meagan Church By: Lara West
34 From Good To Great
By: Meagan Church
34
FAMILY contibutors
Meagan Church is married to her high-school sweetheart and is the mother of 3 kids. She is a writer and children’s book author. She is also the brainpower of the online resource Unexpectant, exploring the realities of birth, babies and beyond
FAMILY craft
Noelle Elliott is a social media junkie, blogger, writer and career woman. She lives in South Bend with her husband, four young sons and two chocolate labs.
Kristine is a freelance writer, living in her hometown of La Porte. She has been published both regionally and nationally and prefers to write articles that provoke, inspire or amuse. She attended Ball State University for her Bachelor's degree in Sociology and recently completed her Master's degree in Psychology.
Michelle Shirk is a longtime resident of Northwest Indiana and proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame Law School. She loves writing about family, travel and holiday/seasonal events.
Butterfly Wreath Materials:
By: Jill Lebbin
- Foam Wreath Form - Fun Fur (You can get at Hobby Lobby) - Butterflies (You can get in a package from Michaels) - Ribbon for Hanging Wreath
Step 1: Hot glue one end of the fun fur to the back of the wreath.
Step 2: Wrap Fun Fur around the wreath. You may
need to hot glue here and there to help secure fun fur onto the wreath.
Step 3: Cut string after you have your entire wreath covered with Fun Fur and hot glued.
Step 4: Hot glue the butterflies onto the wreath. Step 5: Cut ribbon for hanging the wreath. Step 6: Enjoy!! THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | April 2014
7
The FAMILY Month Calendar 1
18
8
April Fool’s Day Granger Restaurant Week, | All Week Long
Fun Family Movie, Elkhart Public Library, 10:00 a.m.
4
Earth Day
15
“The Wiz” South Bend Civic Theatre 7:30 p.m. (March 28th – April 13th)
Passover Begins
5
22 25
Good Friday
10
13
Goodwill “Fill-A-Truck” Palm Sunday Donation Drive, Goshen 1st Fridays Goodwill Grape Road Retail Downtown South Bend Store in Mishawaka, National Siblings Day 1st Fridays, 5:30 p.m. 7:00 a.m.
Taxes Due!
17
20 Easter
Invisalign Seminar Open House, 3-6 p.m., 32 Pearls
Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival, Downtown Wakarusa
24
The Little Black Dress Fashion Show, The Hilton Garden Inn/Gillespie Center in South Bend, 10:00 a.m.
26
Amazing Elkhart Race, 10:00 a.m., Downtown Elkhart Civic Plaza
2 3 6 7 9 11 12 14 16 19 21 23 27 28 29 30 Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W
Youth Gardens Is your child interested in gardening? Start a youth garden just for them! Here’s how to get started. •
Designate a location in your backyard for the garden.
•
Have your child design a layout custom to the area you designated.
•
Take them to a local gardening center and choose flowers or vegetables for the garden.
•
Prep your child with the proper tools and equipment for gardening. Not sure what to get? Ask a sales associate at the garden center.
•
Start planting all seeds and bulbs into the garden. Make sure your child makes a detailed list of what was planted and how those plants should be treated (water, food, etc.).
•
Sit back, relax and watch their new garden grow!
TIP:
What We’re
Pinning: Add a splash of fun to your little one’s rain boots! www.popscreen.com
Invite your child’s friends and neighborhood kids to take part in designing and planting a garden!
Easter Games for the Family Egg Toss: Divide the family into two teams, lined up and
facing one another. Hand a raw egg to each teammate on EACH side. Have one teammate toss the egg to the opposing team. If the opposing team does not drop the egg, they take two steps back. Now, it is the opposing team’s turn to throw the egg to their opponent. If they drop the egg, the whole team loses and you must restart. TIP: Keep a towel nearby because this game could get messy!
Capture the Egg: This game must be played outside! Separate the family into two teams and then set four eggs at the end of each playing field. The goal is to have each team capture the opponent’s four eggs first and bring the eggs to their home base. The challenge is for the teammates to not be tagged by the opposing team. If they are tagged, the person tagged will remain “frozen” until they are tagged again by their own teammate. TIP: The more players, the more fun! 8
THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | April 2014
You just can’t go wrong with a lady bug umbrella! www.zulily.com Try something different this year and paint your Easter eggs!
www.diyncrafts.com
FAMILY
Easter Egg Fun Below are a several local Easter events happening throughout Michiana. For an updated listing, visit www.michianamom.com and click on “Michiana Calendar.”
March 17th-April 19th:
Bunnyville & Coloring Contest
Concord Mall April 8th: EGG-Stravaganza, Wellfield Botanic Gardens
Elkhart 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. April 9th: Egg-Stravaganza
Downtown Branch-Mishawaka Public Library 2:30 p.m.
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April 10th: Easter Egg Hunt
Elkhart Public Library 4:00 p.m. April 12th-13th & 19th-20th:
Linton’s Easter Egg-Straordinaire
8:00 a.m. April 12th: Naturally Eggscellent
St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn 10:00 .am. 7th Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Michiana Church of God 12:30 p.m.
Crossroads Community Easter Eggstravaganza
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Egg Stravaganza
Downtown South Bend April 19th: St. Peter Lutheran Church Easter Egg Hunt
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt
Newton Park-Lakeville 9:00 a.m. Eater Eggstravaganza
The City of St. Joseph 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | April 2014
9
Mommy
Must-Haves Wonderful Items for Moms
It's time for moms to have some peace and quiet and pamper themselves. Here are some amazing products and services locally that every mom should have!
Peace and Wubbanub Add some fun to your baby’s pacifier with this cute and colorful stuffed animal that is securely attached! Lots of different animals to choose from. Let this “mommy saver” keep your baby entertained. Indiana Backyards, Inc. - Mishawaka 574-968-7087
The Ultimate Mommy Pampering Escape from the stress of your responsibilities, soothe your body and mind. Retreat to our peaceful spa, where you’ll receive all the pampering you can dream of. We provide refreshing facials, waxing, and makeup services. Day la Sol Spa, Goshen www.daylasolspa.com
Casual, Comfortable, Stylish This awesome maxi skirt is a definite must-have for Spring! Also comes in black. Available in size S-M-L. Bella's Consignment Boutique, Elkhart - $29 Facebook.com/BellasConsignmentBoutique
Spring into our NEW Website! www.TheNaturalWay.org Lanser’s The Natural Way’s new website has launched! Come check it out! The new website will feature more than 6,000 new products from 300 plus manufacturers.
This easy to navigate website will offer:
Furniture (Dressers, Gliders & More)
Strollers, Car Seats & Travel Systems
Clothing, Shoes & Cloth Diapers
Bedding, Mattresses & Décor
Toddler Beds & Kid’s Furniture
se Easy-to-u Baby Registry!
5% CREDIT from what is purchased on your registry will be given to you as a gift card to spend in our store!
Independently and Locally owned by a woman, mother of 6, RN, BSN, Lamaze certified childbirth educator and Internationally board certified in lactation consultation
Featuring these brands and many more! 620 W. Edison Road, Mishawaka, IN Same plaza as Bonefish Grill 574.807.8797• www.TheNaturalWay.org Like us on Facebook!
FAMILY fun
Get Your
Child
Interested In
Mealtime Prep By: Kristine Smith
Do you feel like mealtime is such a hassle every day? Tired of being the only one cooking in the kitchen while the rest of the family whines about being hungry? Problem solved! Get your children involved in mealtime prep. Teaching children about food alongside you can provide them with knowledge to make informed decisions that can encourage them to live healthier later in life. And, not to mention, making mealtime less stressful for you!
Reading Resource
One particular book that I found, Plot to Plate: Grow, Cook, Create, is a non-fiction resource book published by Colorado authors Wendy McMillan and Melissa Real, designed to tempt children into seeing healthy food in a new light. In today's world of having a fast food restaurant on every corner and a child’s easy accessibility to fatty foods served right in a school cafeteria, this book shines a light on the ease at which a healthy and nutritious diet can be achieved with minimal effort in a kitchen. The authors also present the idea that the more children understand where their food comes from, the greater the connection to the earth and the world around them. Plot to Plate is educational and gives plentiful facts about the various foods they include in the recipes. As the authors state, “Go ahead. Play with your food.”
Kitchen Safety
Before you invite the children in the kitchen to join you, it is a good idea to teach them the basic kitchen safety. Then, incorporate fun equipment, such as an apron, a sturdy stool and tools that fit their smaller hands. Finally, introduce a few easy and interesting recipes that the child can mainly do themselvessupervised, of course, with results that will excite them and leave them motivated about cooking or baking again.
Fun Tools
Another idea to get your child interested in helping in the kitchen is to include them in the prep work for the dinner with the use of fun and colorful kitchen tools. At curiouschef.com, a parent can find safe and useful kitchen tools designed with children in mind. For example, the fruit and veggie prep kit contains the Curious Chef® nylon plastic knife that cuts food but not skin, an easy to grasp silicone mixing spoon, an adorable apple shaped slicer, a vegetable scrubber with a graspable handle, fruit and vegetable peeler and a melon baller. The kit also includes a handy grocery list to get your child involved in the planning process. Whatever the method used for getting your child interested in what happens in the mealtime preparation, you are sure to increase their awareness of the process while instilling in them a sense of self-worth as well as a sense of accomplishment. The earlier a child is introduced to the ins and outs of the kitchen and the meals that come out of it, the more appreciation a child may have on where their food truly comes from. But remember that your kitchen might be a little messier than usual once a child is introduced to the tasks of helping you out but the short and long term rewards are well worth the mess.
Try this snack recipe that makes a healthy snack more appealing to even the extremely picky child. The Stick Stack Pancake recipe, from Bean Appetit, is an easy recipe to start off with. You can dip these snacks into maple syrup or even a Greek yogurt of your choice.
Stick Stack Pancakes Makes 12 to 14 mini pancakes Ingredients 1 ¾ cups unbleached all purpose flour 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 2 tablespoons flax meal Pinch of ground cinnamon 3 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened 1 cup milk 4 strawberries, cut widthwise into thin slices 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced widthwise into circles ¼ cup blueberries You'll also need: 4 skewers Directions 1. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, flax meal and cinnamon. 2. Combine the eggs and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Add the butter and milk. Slowly add the egg mixture to the flour mixture. Stir until smooth. Chill in the freezer for five minutes. 3. Preheat a griddle to low. Lightly spray the griddle with nonstick spray. Ladle the pancake mixture onto the griddle to make two-inch mini pancakes. 4. When the pancakes start to bubble lightly and the edges turn golden brown, flip them over. Cook on the other side for one to two more minutes, until the pancakes come off the griddle easily with a spatula. 5. Layer the pancakes and fruit on the skewers. Dip in maple syrup or another dip of your choice, and eat one layer at a time.
Kids like
Growing Kids Summer Camp because every day is packed with fun!
Parents like it because it’s such a great value. Summer at Growing Kids provides older Summer CampCamp at Growing Kids provides school aged aged children with Neawfullolder preschoolers preschoolers and and school Center day program of activities all summer long. OpIt’senfun children with a full-day program of and all affordable rates! ing in activities summerwith long.all-inclusive It’s fun and weekly G oshen t his affordable with weekly rates! We fill theall-inclusive summer with fun and educational
Fall!
including twoand to three field trips a week. We fillactivities the summer with fun educational The including kids pick two strawberries, go bowling, activities to three field trips a enjoy rollerskating, even take swimming lessons! And your week. The kids pick strawberries, go bowling, enjoy child will enjoyeven a nutritious breakfast and lunch roller-skating, take swimming lessons! And as your well snacks day. childaswill enjoyeach a nutritious breakfast and lunch as well asissnacks each Space limited, so day. call the center of your choice now to learn more and get registered.
Space is limited, so call the center of your choice now to learn more and get registered.
www.GrowingKids.com • N. Bendix Dr., South Bend – 288-3992 • Ireland Rd. @ Ironwood, South Bend – 299-4979 • W. Bristol & Edwardsburg, Elkhart – 266-1800 • SR 23 @ Douglas, South Bend – 273-9048 • Campbell @ Bullseye Lake Rd., Valpo – 219-462-7777
THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | April 2014
13
FAMILY fun
5
Fun Things
to Do in Michiana
this Spring By: Michelle L. Shirk
T
he change of seasons always brings a fresh energy, but most Michiana families are probably feeling a little extra excited about spring after this year’s wild winter weather. Below, you’ll find a roundup of exciting ways for your family to get active, get outside and enjoy spending time together this season. Happy spring!
1.
Catch up with your animal
friends
after a long, cold winter. Potawatomi Zoo (www.potawatomizoo.org) reopens for the 2014 season at 10:00 a.m. Visitors can check out lions, lizards, cockroaches and everything in between before grabbing some popcorn or taking a ride on the zoo train. For those with animal-loving kids, an annual membership might be a smart buy. A family membership costs just $65.00, meaning a family with two adults and two kids between the ages of 3 and 14 would start saving substantially during their third trip to the zoo. Members also receive an invite to attend the annual members’ only picnic.
2.
Celebrate the warmer weather by spending plenty of time in the great outdoors. Michiana residents are fortunate to have plenty of great city, county and state parks to choose from. If you are looking for a structured activity, try the excellent Nature Center at Potato Creek State Park, which regularly offers special programs and animal feedings. Visit www.in.gov/dnr/parklake for a current schedule of events. Of course, you don’t need to plan an elaborate adventure to get your family outside. Spring is the perfect time for kite flying, bubble blowing and sidewalk chalk drawing, all of which can be done from the comfort of your own yard.
3.
Practice your best bunny hop at downtown South Bend’s Egg Stravaganza (www.dtsbeggfun.com) on Saturday, April 12th. The day’s lineup includes an egg hunt, cookie decorating, face painting and photos with the Easter Bunny. The City of St. Joseph hosts a similar event called Easter Eggstravaganza (www.stjoetoday.com) on April 19th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Shopkeepers will pass out eggs to kids 14 and under. Your child might even receive a golden egg with a special prize! 14
THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | April 2014
Through the
eyes of a child
4.
Get your family moving with
g .or
2014
ct
May 30-June 8,
sb w.
ww
one of Michiana’s many exiting spring walks or runs. If you have young children or are new to fitness, the Silver Mile Run for Education & Health and Fitness Fair (www.phmef.org) offers a 1-Mile Fun Walk option. This event will be held at Penn High School on May 10th. Those ready to tackle a longer distance may want to sign up for Ryan’s Run (www. ryans-place.org), scheduled to take place on April 20th in Middlebury, which offers 5K run and walk options as well as a longer 10K run. To view a calendar listing these and many other area races, head to www.michianarunners.com.
To Kill A Mockingbird is a timeless tale of good and evil as seen through the eyes of a child observing her father defend an innocent black man in the rural south. First a classic movie and then an iconic movie, this powerful story comes to life as never before on the main stage of the South Bend Civic Theatre.
For tickets, call 574-234-1112 or order online at SBCT.org. To Kill a Mocking Bird FamilyMag.indd 1
3/26/14 12:28 PM
5.
Eat brunch (or dinner) out
at the Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival (www.wakarusachamber.com), which will be celebrating its 45th year in 2014. The festival runs April 25th through April 27th and offers All-You-Can-Eat Pancake & Sausage meals on Friday and Saturday for $8.00 per adult, $4.00 per child. Free activities include a parade, wood carving demonstrations and live entertainment. Plus, all attendees receive complimentary kettle popped popcorn!
(574) 243-2025
THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | April 2014
15
FAMILY fun
Kid-Friendly Places to Learn
About History By: Michelle L. Shirk
I
t’s never too early to start helping your kids develop a love for history. Fortunately, Michiana residents have a number of excellent family-oriented history museums and attractions within easy daytrip distance. Our list of kid-friendly places to learn about history offers something for every interest. Don’t worry – the grown-ups in your group are practically guaranteed to have a good time and learn a thing or two as well!
If Your Kids Like: Amusement Parks
If Your Kids Like: Planes
If Your Kids Like: Trains
www.silverbeachcarousel.com
www.airzoo.org
www.hesston.org
Visitors of all ages will enjoy checking out the photos and old ride vehicles at the free Silver Beach Amusement Park Museum. The museum is small, but quaint and well-maintained. Follow up your visit with a spin on the gorgeous hand-carved Silver Beach Carousel. Riders can mount a traditional horse or choose from array of more exotic creatures that includes a tiger, a panda, a peacock and even a praying mantis. A token for a single trip costs $2.00, while a family of three can ride for $5.00.
Forget lions, tigers and bears – Air Zoo has fighter planes, displays about space travel and wild rides. Dozens of historic aircraft are scattered throughout the museum campus. My personal favorite plane is the sleek, modern Lockheed SR-71B Blackbird – the only one of its kind that remains in existence. Your kids will probably love the indoor Ferris wheel, swirling balloons and assorted flight simulators, although some of the rides definitely have the potential to induce nausea in those who are prone to motion sickness. If you fall into this category, skip the spinning in favor of enjoying a snack at Kitty Hawk Cafe. The seating area on the second floor mezzanine provides an excellent view of the museum’s exhibits.
This hidden gem strives to educate the public about the history of steam machinery in general and steam trains in particular. Guests can ride three different sets of rails on various sizes of trains. While the large locomotives that travel the Narrow Gauge Railroad provide the most traditional train experience, the 1/8 scale tracks may actually give the most exciting ride. You can definitely feel the wind in your hair! Round out your visit by viewing the saw mill and power plant displays and stopping for ice cream in the new soda fountain. Hesston Steam Museum only operates on designated weekends and holidays, so call or check the website before you make the trip.
Head To: Silver Beach Center – St. Joseph, MI
Photo Courtesy: www.silverbeachcarousel.com
16
THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | April 2014
Head To: Air Zoo – Portage, MI
Photo Courtesy: www.airzoo.org
Head To: Hesston Steam Museum – La Porte, IN
Photo Courtesy: www.hesston.org
Photo Courtesy: www.studebakermuseum.org
If Your Kids Like: Automobiles
Head To: The Studebaker National Museum – South Bend, IN www.studebakermuseum.org
If you haven’t taken the kids to tour this local gem, you should. Expect to see approximately 70 vehicles from different eras on display. If your family enjoys Jim Henson’s work, don’t miss the 1951 Commander used in “The Muppet Movie!” After checking out all the cars, children can don work shirts and get hands-on in the Studebaker Super Service Center, designed for ages 3-10. Note that those wishing to extend their history adventure can purchase a combo pass that includes admission to both the Studebaker Museum and the adjacent Center for History.
THINK
Spring
FASHIONS!
Get Cash on
the Spot!... when you bring in your gently used women and children’s clothing and accessories.
Get more for
Your Closet
Photo Courtesy: www.mennohof.org
tm
All the trendy name brand clothing and accessories you want for your kids, without having to sacrifice your own business and casual attire, at a fraction of retail prices!
If Your Kids Like: Learning About Different Cultures Head To: Menno-Hof – Shipshewana, IN www.mennohof.org
Menno-Hof strives to educate visitors about the history and belief systems of three different groups of Anabaptists – Hutterites, Mennonites and Amish. The center features a series of neatly organized displays that take visitors from the beginnings of the Anabaptist movement in the 16th century to the present. Highlights include a simulated Amish room, a surprisingly intense “Tornado Theater” and a photo array showing the diversity that exists within the Anabaptist community today. Menno-Hof does feature a play area toward the end of the tour. However, due to the amount of reading involved in many of the displays and the mature themes discussed, Menno-Hof is probably a better pick for older kids than younger ones.
®
Elkhart Rd. • Goshen (Near Dunlap area, by Walmart)
574.830.5332 Grape Rd. • Mishawaka (Located in Indian Ridge Plaza, near Sofa Select)
574.247.1099 www.OUAC.com
Grape Rd. • Mishawaka (Located in Indian Ridge Plaza, near Sofa Select)
574.855.4493 www.ClothesMentor.com
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FAMILY MAGAZINE | April 2014
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FAMILY recipe
Strawberry Oatmeal Shortcake Ingredients
1 Cup of Milk 1/2 Cup Rolled Oats 1/2 Tsp. Honey 1/2 Tsp. Vanilla Extract 1/8 Tsp. Cinnamon 1/4 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt 4-6 Strawberries Cut into Quarters
Instructions
1. Boil milk and add the oats. Reduce the heat. 2. After thickened, add honey, vanilla extract and cinnamon. Stir. 3. Once the consistency of the oatmeal is to your liking, pour into a bowl. 4. Top with several spoonfuls of Greek yogurt, strawberries, drizzle of honey, sliced almonds and another splash of milk. According to HealthyEating. Org, oatmeal contains fiber which will feep you feeling full longer. This can help prevent overeating later on in the day and help keep your child’s tummy at bay during school!
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FAMILY MAGAZINE | April 2014
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National Sorry Charlie Day
The State Theater, South Bend 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Monday
5:30 p.m. Elkhart Environmental Center
Monthly Meditation Yoga
14
2:00 p.m. Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library-Harris Branch
Paws to Read
7
— Edgar Guest
“Spring’s greatest joy beyond a doubt is when it brings the children out.”
BAZAAR SUNDAY AT THE STATE
13
6
Sunday
9:00am -11:30am South Bend Kroc Center
Toddler Tuesdays
10:00 a.m. Elkhart Public Library
Fun Family Movie
9:00am -11:30am South Bend Kroc Center
Toddler Tuesdays
15
8
9:00am -11:30am South Bend Kroc Center
Toddler Tuesdays
5:30 pm ETHOS Science Center, Elkhart
Sneak Peek Science
1
Tuesday
4:30 p.m. Dunlap Branch-Elkhart Public Library
Teen Time
16
2:30 p.m. Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library-Mishawaka Branch
Egg-Stravaganza
9
8:00 p.m. DeBartolo Performing Arts Center Notre Dame
Vertigo
2
Wednesday
Downtown BranchMishawaka Public Library, 6:30 p.m.
Junior Writer’s Club,
17
10:00 a.m. Mishawaka Public LibraryHarris Branch
Children’s Book Sale
4:00 p.m. Elkhart Public Library Main
Easter Egg Hunt
10
6:30 p.m. Osolo Branch-Elkhart Public Library
Movie: “Frankenweenie”
3
Thursday
Center for History in South Bend, All Day
POW! Comics!,
18
7:30 p.m. South Bend Civic Theatre
The Wiz
National School Librarian Day
11
4
Friday
April 2014
St. Patrick’s County Park, 10 a.m.
ABC Spay 5K Run & Walk,
19
8:00 a.m. Linton’s Enchanted Gardens
Linton’s Easter Egg-Straordinaire
9:00 a.m. Brandywine High School
Carnival and Craft Show
Goodwill Grape Road Retail Store, 7 a.m.
Goodwill “Fill-A-Truck” Donation Drive
The Old Bag Factory 9 a.m.
The Spring Craft Show
12
5
Saturday
Scan this QR Code to get connected to our online calendar at MichianaMom.com!
Want to check out even more things to do in Michiana?
3:00 p.m., St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, South Bend
The School of Mediterranean Cooking,
The State Theater, South Bend 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
BAZAAR SUNDAY AT THE STATE
11
4
National Babe Ruth Day
27
Easter
20
5
9:00 a.m., Resurrection Youth Academy, South Bend
Register Now For Tales From The Lemonade Stand: Summer Youth Writing Camp,
Bittersweet BranchMishawaka Public Library, 10:30 a.m.
Stories N More,
28
National Kindergarten Day
21
7
National Honesty Day
National School Nurses Day
30
Elkhart Public Library, 5 p.m.
Super Reader’s Book Club,
23
8 10:00 a.m., Elkhart Public Library
Story Time,
Noon Niles-Buchanan YMCA
Hope Grows Fundraising Luncheon
MAY 1
10 a.m.
The Hilton Garden Inn/Gillespie Center in South Bend,
The Little Black Dress Fashion Show,
24
9 National Lost Sock Memorial Day
5:30 p.m.
Downtown South Bend's First Friday
5:30 p.m.
Goshen's First Friday
2
Downtown Wakarusa, 10 a.m.
Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival,
25
Starting May 19th through May 23rd you have the chance to enter to win several fun prizes for you and your daughter. Be sure to visit our website or Facebook page to show your inner Girl Power!
FAMILY Magazine is all about Girl Power in the month of May!
6:30 p.m., Morris Performing Arts Center
Sesame Street Live-Can’t Stop Singing,
6
9:00am -11:30am South Bend Kroc Center
Toddler Tuesdays
29
9:00am -11:30am South Bend Kroc Center
Toddler Tuesdays
22
7:00 p.m. The Lerner Theatre
Family Feud Live
7:30 a.m., Indiana University South Bend
Walk MS: Michiana 2014,
FOP Lodge #52, Elkhart 3pm - 8pm
Blue Line Handmade Market Place
10:00 a.m., Downtown Branch-Mishawaka, Public Library
Mother’s Day Walk-In Craft,
10
3
10:00 a.m. Downtown Civic Plaza, Elkhart
Amazing Elkhart Race
8:30 a.m. Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles
Babysitting With Confidence
St. Patrick’s County Park
Red Barn Rummage Sale 8:00 a.m.
26
FAMILY kids
Why Saying
No to
After School Activities Can Be a Good Thing By: Noelle Elliott
“I didn't worry about
anything.
That was a grown ups job.”
W
hen our oldest son turned three, I enrolled him in soccer. It was a disaster. He didn't want to go. I thought with two boys under the age of three and one on the way, it would be a great way for him to feel special and to expel some of his ridiculous energy. Then I felt guilty, so I enrolled his younger brother in swimming lessons. Then I thought that we should start them out in some kind of body movement class. Fast forward to my oldest son turning seven years old. Now, we have four children and each evening of the week was spoken for. Sports, music, dance. Our home calendar had more red marks then my English papers in high school. I was starting to use outside sources to transport my own children. Free outside sources, otherwise known as "Grandparents.” We would have logistic meetings on Sunday nights. Pick up here; drop off here, etc. etc. At one point I decided to enroll my sons in tap dance class. Did I ask them if they wanted to be the only boys in the entire dance school? No. But being their mother, I knew best. By the time we left rehearsal it was 7:45 at night. Dinner had been eaten in the car. I peered into the dance class and my sons looked like extras from the Thriller video. Dancing zombies. They were exhausted and I was too. My husband and I became resentful towards each other, when we actually “Our home saw each other which was rare. It was then that we decided that we were not going to adapt to our children's lives, they were going to adapt to ours. That isn't a decision that we made lightly. We thought about it. My reasoning behind signing my boys up for things was to make them well rounded. It is a good intention, but at what cost?
calendar had more red marks then my English papers in high school.”
I understand that if my sons want to get a place on varsity when they are in high school, they are going to be competing with kids that have been playing that sport five days a week, 12 months a year since they were four years old. If it’s not for fun, what is it for? The chance of any of the varsity players actually becoming collegiate athletes is slim. The chance of any of those collegiate athletes becoming professional athletes is even slimmer. After speaking to my friends, I often wonder why parents create this pressure on themselves and more importantly their kids. Would it be so bad if your child just didn't play a sport?
Darah Medical
So we just stopped and have not looked back. Most nights we are home, together. Being a working mother means I am with my kids for about four waking hours a day, maybe five hours if they go to bed late. If I add an activity after school, that time can be decreased to an hour which does not include weekend games. If they are on a travel team I might as well kiss our family time goodbye. But even if take myself out of the equation, I couldn't help but notice how stressed the boys were. They complained about going places and often asked to just stay home. At first I was worried that they would be inactive. With childhood obesity becoming more and more of an epidemic I worried they wouldn't be getting enough physical exercise. We don't have junk food in the house, and they are still extremely active by nature. As of today they are all lean machines. So I quickly put that worry to rest. When I was a kid I had two jobs. Go to school and play with my friends. I didn't worry about anything. That was a grown ups job. I see nothing wrong with adjusting our families schedule to accommodate pleasurable after school activities. I enjoyed soccer as a child and continue to play as an adult. I loved it as a kid and was never forced to do it. Yes, I played in college but I wasn’t recruited to be on team USA. That doesn't make the time I spent with my various coaches and teammates any less fruitful, it just means that I did it for fun and didn't have pressure beyond that. For this brief moment, I recognize that we are in the "glory days,” the time we will look back on with nostalgia when we get older. As long as my boys prefer to be under one roof, I will not force them out.
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FAMILY MAGAZINE | April1/22/14 2014 23 2:59 PM
FAMILY pregnancy
Five Tips
for Breastfeeding
a Newborn
By: Meagan Church When Joanna Azar’s first child was born, she wanted to breastfeed him, but being a new mom, she had no experience. “I went in thinking I would see how it went but then quickly made it my mission not to give up. I decided to do it for a year,” Joanna said. But when breastfeeding started, it wasn’t exactly comfortable. “I don't think I was prepared for the soreness of that first week of breastfeeding.” Joanna is like three-fourths of moms in America, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Statistics show that 76.9 percent of new moms initiate breastfeeding after birth. But, at six months of age, only 47.2 percent are still breastfed and at one year, the number drops to 25.5 percent. These numbers are low considering the World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding to six months of age and continued breastfeeding to age two years or beyond. So what’s going on?
“Statistics show that 76.9 percent of new moms initiate breastfeeding after birth.”
“There are many good reasons to breastfeed but I think most important is that it’s the best nutrition for your baby,” said Mimi McNamee, a DONA-certified birth and post-partum doula. “Breast milk actually changes and adapts to your baby's particular needs. There are other reasons like breastfed babies have fewer allergies and higher IQ scores, breastfeeding is less expensive than formula and it helps a new mom lose the baby weight. But, I find most moms really just care about doing what's best for their babies. That's why it’s so sad when they have trouble at first and want to give up and then feel terribly guilty about doing so. I think if we told the truth and prepared women for some of the difficulties they might experience, then they'd be less likely to give up.” Even though breastfeeding is natural, it’s not always easy. That’s why informed advice and proper support are vital in helping a mother succeed at breastfeeding. Thankfully after some advice (and trial-and-error), Joanna’s discomfort went away and breastfeeding got much easier, which is often the case when moms receive the support they need.
The learning curve to motherhood is high, but these five tips can help new moms get breastfeeding off to a good start:
Practice skin-to-skin contact.
As long as mother and baby are both healthy, skin-to-skin contact should be practiced immediately after birth. Babies have a natural instinct to nurse, so when given time, they can even initiate their first breastfeeding. Even after those first moments after birth, skin-to-skin contact has benefits. It helps with bonding and regulating baby’s body temperature and it makes access to the breast easier.
Don't wait for the baby to cry to feed them.
“A crying baby has a much harder time latching on, leading to a crying mom,” Mimi said. Instead of waiting for the baby to cry to signal hunger, watch for early cues, such as licking her lips, sucking on her hands, sticking out her tongue and rooting. Once she has reached the stage of crying, latching becomes more difficult and frustrating for both you and the baby.
Don't expect breastfeeding to be easy at first.
Just as Joanna experienced, breastfeeding isn’t always easy (or comfortable) at first. But, Mimi said, “Convenient and effortless breastfeeding will come with time but both mom and baby need to figure it out, and the first few weeks can be tough, especially when you add in exhaustion.”
Latch, latch, latch!
The old adage says practice makes perfect. Don’t be afraid to put your baby to breast often. Newborns need to feed every two to three hours, even at night. Remember, babies feed often because their bellies are tiny and breast milk is so efficient that it digests quickly.
Seek support.
Hospitals have lactation consultants on staff whose purpose is to help moms and babies get breastfeeding off to a good start. They can offer advice on latch, positioning, feeding cues and more. “Moms who have had their babies in a hospital should be sure to ask for the lactation consultant to visit with them, while they try to breastfeed to make sure the latch is good,” Mimi advised. After you leave the hospital, seek support from friends who have breastfed, the local chapter of the La Leche League, lactation support groups and clinics, lactation consultants and postpartum doulas. If you experience any pain or discomfort, seek qualified help. Breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful when done right. While Joanna’s start to breastfeeding included a bit of discomfort, she and her baby both caught on and she reached her goal of nursing him for the first year of his life. She did the same with her second and third children. Having just had her fourth baby, a new breastfeeding journey has begun with great success. “I feel confident now that I can do it,” she said. “I know that the initial exhaustion will soon pass and the lasting bond between us will be strong.”
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FAMILY MAGAZINE | April 2014
25
Special Section pamper mom
Stop…Drop…and
Pamper Yourself
By: Kristine Smith
What mom doesn’t dream of a weekend retreat at a five star spa? But the reality is that two full days of tranquility are nearly impossible to obtain. Because of work, children and finances, a whole weekend spent on relaxation and taking care of your own well-being may seem like a fantasy. However, with a few easy and cost effective pampering ideas, your weekend retreat can become a reality but a lot closer to home. Take a long bath with candles. Put in
your favorite soothing music and your favorite bubble bath. Then enjoy a long and relaxing nap.
Plan a free day. Let your impulsive and creative side make the rules for a day. Whatever you feel like doing on that particular day, do it. No chores or responsibility choices allowed on this day. Go see a movie solo or enjoy a day at Starbucks. Whatever tickles your fancy, be spontaneous and just do it. 26
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Take a class. What did you always want to learn? Take a class on a hobby or skill you always wanted to learn about but never quite had the time. If you love art but have never painted, try taking a watercolor class. If you enjoy a glass of wine and were curious on how wine is produced, take a tour of a winery.
Use aromatherapy. Lavender and
Eucalyptus are two scents with proven soothing properties. Buy some lavender oil or Eucalyptus incense and use it generously around your home.
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Treat yourself or your mom to the gift of fitness and fun this Mother’s Day! Don’t have a quiet spot to get Zen? You don’t need it. Try a mindful meditation, the simple practice of momentto-moment awareness to quiet the mind and calm the body.
Enjoy the outdoors. Wake up your senses
by heading outside. Even a rainy day can be soothing when you look at Mother Nature with a fresh eye. On a warmer day, pack up a picnic and head to a grassy field. Pampering yourself is really a mindset. Give yourself permission to enjoy your own time. Don’t feel guilty for wanting to treat yourself to something you enjoy once in a while. Moms are notorious for caring for others and neglecting their own needs. There is a big difference between taking care of yourself and selfishness. Knowing that you have to care for yourself first, then care for others is a big step in enjoying these pampering ideas. Go ahead and indulge. You are worth every second.
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FAMILY MAGAZINE | April 2014
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Special Section pamper mom
Raising Kids with Faith By: Kristine Smith
F
aith is defined as being a person’s belief that a statement or idea is true.
It is the very sum and substance of life. While many equate the word ‘faith’ with Christianity, on a broader level, faith forms the foundation of every achievement, new invention or discovery that humans have made. Without faith, human beings cannot achieve their goals. Faith cannot be forced upon another as it comes from deep inside one’s heart and thus cannot be measured.
Faith is also where motivation comes from. Let’s say if a child has faith that they will succeed in a particularly difficult math class, odds are, they will graduate from that class. However, if they lose that faith or belief in themself, they may give up and not succeed. Faith in humanity is what drove and empowered Mother Teresa and her followers to serve the ill and underprivileged. Some feel as though faith is missing from our world today and since it is up to parents to instil appropriate values in their children, how does one teach a child to obtain and keep faith? Regardless of whether we are referring to faith in a religious sense or faith in the broader sense of what faith means, parents should lead by example. In religion, showing a child what faith means can be attending a mass each week or practice the rituals that make up whatever particular religion they practice. Those rituals set the tone for the child and help to remind the child and the rest of the family what the objective is. Children need to observe the parent acting the way the parent expects the child to behave. How can a parent expect a child to be ‘good Samaritan’ if they themselves do not give back to the community in some way? We cannot ask a child to be kind and full of compassion if they see the parents as acting selfish and inconsiderate of others. Teaching a child how to appreciate what they have by volunteering for a homeless shelter or in a food pantry is a great way to also teach them what faith in humanity looks like. Exposing a child to others that also share that faith in humanity encourages them to seek out kind-heartedness in even the grimmest or discouraging circumstances.
Children need to observe the parent acting the way the parent expects the child to behave.
Faith comes down to trusting what it is you cannot see. Keeping the faith sometimes means trusting in something or someone that may have no visible finish line or no feeling or sense of relief. An important step for parents is by teaching their child how to keep the faith as often as possible which can be uncomfortable and may have no clear reward.
Underwritten by
Jack and Laura Smith
Gaska Tape Inc.
Les Misérables
In this age where information comes instantly towards us at the click of a button or the swipe of an iPhone, children should realize that in keeping the faith, there may be no instant gratification and the rewards in doing so may never really be seen. The reward for keeping the faith is felt, instead. “But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” (Luke 8:15)
May 2 & 3, 2014 7:30 pm May 4 – 3:00 pm All performances at The Lerner Theatre, downtown Elkhart
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$18 $15 Senio Adults rs & $12 Ch Students 12 and uildren nder
Parenthood is described by most as a marathon not a sprint. At the end of the day, parents wish their children to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. Life is full of teachable moments and it is up to us to recognize and seize that moment to turn it into a lesson of faith. Faith can seem as though it is lacking in the world today but if you look hard enough, it is present all around us. Whether it is in in the obvious places, such as a church, or hidden deep in our everyday lives, faith does exist. The more we see examples of faith in our lives, however small it may seem, the easier it will be for us to point out this faith to our children and encourage them to keep the faith.
D
CA R GI FT
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FAMILY mommy & daddy
Dear Mom, Enjoy the Chaos
By: Meagan Church
Dear Mom, We’ve all seen them. You know those pictures of perfectly decorated homes? The ones in magazines, on TV and Pinterest? Sickening, aren’t they? I don’t know about you, but my home looks nothing like that, at least not on a consistent basis. Sure, it may resemble a small degree of that for about five minutes. Then the kids wake up or come home from school and all bets are off. Nowhere in those glossy images are there LEGOS waiting to cripple your heel and bring you to your knees. Nowhere do you see a tea party that apparently ended in a battle if the ways the cups and saucers are strewn about are any indication. Nowhere are the couch cushions and throw blankets repositioned into forts and tunnels. Nowhere do you see a dining room table overtaken by half-completed art projects, covered in dried glue, paper bits and glitter. And yet, those images are much more realistic concerning life with children. I’ll be honest; I wish my home more resembled those pictures instead of the reality that it is. I wish my house felt calm and orderly at all times and not just for those five minutes a week. But do you know what my un-glossy house shows? It shows that a family lives here. It shows that my kids love using their imaginations. It shows that sometimes tea parties aren’t always as calm and polite as if you were sipping Earl Gray with the royal family. It shows that we are making memories.
So, I say, let’s embrace the chaos. Well, maybe embrace is too strong of a word. Perhaps tolerate is more like it. And I’m not saying that we should forgo cleaning and straightening up until the kids are off to college. No, I do believe in order and I also believe in teaching the kids to clean up after themselves. What I am saying is that sometimes you just have to let them have some freedom to create and explore. Sometimes those explorations are messy and chaotic. Sometimes the couch cushions are used for ramps and slides. Sometimes they are castle walls. On some occasions, they are even used for sitting, cuddling and enjoying time together.
Of course I wish they were more often used for the latter. I admit that sometimes 30
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FAMILY MAGAZINE | April 2014
Enroll NOW! Tours Available! Call to Schedule yours today! When I walk into the family room, I fail to see the fun they are having and the cooperative play they are engaging in. Instead I see the mess. And then I thwart their good times by barking commands and reminding them that I. Just. Cleaned. The. House. So, along with embracing the chaos, let’s also vow to let go a bit more. Instead of barking, try breathing. Look beyond the mess and instead see it through their eyes. This is an adventure, a story to engage. It’s not an inconvenience, but a way of learning and creating. Before long the LEGOS will be packed up. The tea parties will be a thing of the past, the dining room will be used for eating and not crafting and the couch cushions will be reassigned to their original, boring job description. And, who knows; maybe I’ll long for a bit of that chaos in the quiet of my own solitude. So I suppose I should enjoy it while it’s here and toast to another tea party.
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FAMILY MAGAZINE | April 2014
31
FAMILY mommy & daddy
Get
By: Lara West
Motivated
to Spring
Clean
Spring is such a beautiful thought mid-winter. Sometimes the dream of warm days working in the garden and gentle breeze picnics on luscious green grass hills with the family is the only thing giving people hope that winter has to end at some point…especially this year. The best way to get rid of the winter blues is by bringing out the cleaning gear and giving the house a good head to toe scrub. Spring cleaning is the bon-voyage party to winter and the symbolic rolling-out-the-welcome-mat for all things spring. It’s not an easy undertaking and this might be the one time where you’re actually excited to pull out drawers, reorganize cabinets and scrub the base boards. (Alright, maybe not excited per se but definitely motivated.) Whether you have several days or only an hour every couple of days to devote, it’s important to have a plan when tackling a project as big as cleaning your entire house from top to bottom.
• Make a detailed list by room. Get out a pen and paper and look around each room separately. Make a list of everything in the room that can be cleaned, including vents, base boards, lamp shades, fans and furniture legs. • Organize cleaning supplies. You don’t want to lose focus or motivation once you get started. Reference your detailed room list and organize your cleaning supplies to be sure you have everything you need on-hand. It helps to have all the supplies needed within reach, so put them in a cleaning caddy (or a bucket/box) and take it from room to room. • Top to bottom. Those little dust bunnies will fall and settle in wherever they land. Don’t let them dull the sparkle you worked so hard putting back into your home. Start with the ceiling, the fans, pictures and work your way down from there. 32
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Making a good detailed list and being prepared will help encourage you to carve out the time needed to really get rid of all this winter buildup. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
• Painted Wall:
Clean with a clean cloth. For spot cleaning add a little dish soap to a sponge, and gently rub in a circular motion being sure to clean any soap residue that may be left behind. It’s never a bad idea to keep a small can of paint for each room for touchups.
• Bedrooms:
Often when we clean, even during the annual deep cleaning, we forget to clean the most sensitive items that we use every night. Sprinkle the mattress with a little baking soda, and give the mattress a good vacuuming with the brush head. Don’t forget to wash the pillows (following tag instructions).
• Air vents: These use to be troublesome
and time consuming to clean but why not let your dishwasher do the work? That’s right. Just put them all in the dishwasher and turn it on short cycle. (You’ll want to be sure to dry them right away.)
• Computers:
Although it should be done more frequently than once a year, backing your computer up once a year is better than never. Be sure to add that and update virus protection to your cleaning to-do list.
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• Dryer: If you look up ways to quickly start a campfire without starter fluid, you’ll find lint from the dryer is a top suggestion (and it works well). Unfortunately, this also rings true while trapped in your dryer at home. Even though you clean the lint trap after every load, you should clean the vent every one to two years. The short days, long nights and miserable cold of winter convinces a lot of us to slack in our home cleaning routines and I’d say our lack of drive is validated by the fact that there is such a thing as “spring cleaning,” so let’s accept a temporary defeat and take back our homes.
Happy Cleaning and Hello Spring!
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FAMILY MAGAZINE | April 2014
33
FAMILY mommy & daddy
From
Good to
Great
Tips on how to strengthen your marriage.
By: Meagan Church
Let’s be honest; marriage isn’t easy. To make a marriage great, it takes hard work and effort. Too often though, we settle for less than great. Sometimes we settle for good and sometimes we settle for even less. “We know that one of the biggest dangers to a great marriage is people being satisfied with ‘good enough’ or settling for the mentality of ‘well, I guess this is as good as it is going to get,’” said Ted Bryant, who holds a PhD in cognitive psychology. “When marriages remain stagnant, they are incredibly susceptible to being brought down in today's culture where commitment and fortitude often seem to be considered optional.” “Having a great marriage is what so many people desire and yet what few seem to have. We are passionate about helping couples experience a life-giving relationship that is full of love and joy,” said Angela Bryant, licensed mental health counselor. She and Ted have been married for over 13 years and have co-led the marriage workshop “Beyond I Do” at Granger Community Church for the past five years. “We want to show people it's totally possible and worth the investment, especially in a current culture that leads people to believe great things don't last.” Nobody starts a marriage hoping that it will become stale over time. Yet, as time goes on and life gets in the way, many couples find themselves in a relationship that lacks the luster and perhaps even dedication and devotion that they first desired. As the Bryants pointed out, it takes intentionality to keep a marriage moving forward. Life isn’t a neatly packaged Hollywood romance, it takes effort.
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“We could definitely take the stand that our spouse already knows we love them and we shouldn't have to work at anything,” Angela said. “But no where else in our lives do we expect greatness with no effort. We don't take a job half-heartedly and expect great respect and a promotion. We are all in. That's the mentality we must have for marriage. It's a privilege to get to love this person each day. This isn't a five- to 10-year career move. This is for life and it has the potential to be full of passion and be a connected friendship, if we choose to keep our hearts open.” So how can couples strengthen their marriages? The Bryants offer these suggestions:
Schedule regular date nights.
Couples should take turns scheduling, planning and organizing an evening to themselves, free of kids and other distractions. Turning off the phone would also be a good idea. As Angela said, “Reinstill creative pursuit! Enjoy finding ways to remind one another of your love. Have fun. Find ways to be silly and laugh together, and create spaces to enjoy quality time together over dates.”
Attend an annual marriage workshop.
Find a seminar or retreat to get fresh perspectives on relationships.
Be on the same team.
“Decide right now that undeniably, you and your spouse are on the same team,” Ted said. “Thus, every conflict is not about winning and losing but about greater understanding.”
Be last.
Both people in the relationship must put the other person first. As Angela said, “If both people are practicing this mentality, each person feels immense value from the other.”
Be honest.
CELEBRATING our 40th year!
Speak with love and honesty, building up your spouse and honoring him/her. Don’t allow resentment to build. Instead agree to open communication. “Recognize areas where desires and hopes have turned into expectations and resentments,” Angela said. “Decide to choose ways you can authentically express gratitude for one another daily.”
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Apologize.
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“Choose a humble heart and be willing to graciously apologize for ways you create hurt, whether it was intentional or not. Don't just assume they know you are sorry. Know that they are important enough to you for you to verbalize when you are sincerely sorry,” Angela said.
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St. Joseph County Parks
Outdoor Adventure Seek help.
When a marriage is struggling, seek professional help together. “Whether this is your first, second or third marriage, make this the one that lasts,” Ted said. No marriage is perfect. “Struggles happen,” Angela said. “Commit to being the spouse you want to be with less time focused on who you wish your spouse was or wasn't. Shift your perspective so that a struggle isn't a failure, it's a chance to better understand who you are as a couple, and a way to grow together to allow your relationship to be full of meaning and value again. Praying together is one of the most powerful ways to let anger and hurt dissipate and forgiveness and hope to grow for what's possible in the relationship.” In the end, Angela pointed out,
“Marriage is hard work and it's absolutely worth it.”
DAY CAMP
K-1st Grade: July 7-11:
Wildlife Super Sleuths 2nd-3rd Grade: July 14-18:
Habitat Hunters 4th-5th Grade: July 21-25:
Art Week 6th-8th Grade:
July 28-August 1:
In Search of Big Trees Sessions held at St. Patrick’s County Park, South Bend, and led by park interpretive naturalists to help your child explore the outdoors!
Connecting your child to NATURE! For details and registration info:
(574) 654-3155
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FAMILY MAGAZINE | April 2014
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FAMILY book review
The Top 50 Questions Kids Ask By Dr. Susan Bartell Reviewed By: Kathy Winkel, Children’s Services Supervisor, Harris Branch of the Mishawaka-Penn Public Library If you are a parent and have not yet faced challenging or frustrating questions from your child, chances are you will at some time in the future. Dr. Susan Bartell, nationally renowned family psychologist, has authored two editions of The Top 50 Questions Kid Ask which gives concrete responses to assist in opening a dialog between parent and child on a variety of difficult topics. The first edition is geared for parents of pre-k through second grade children and the companion volume is aimed at parents of children in third through fifth grade.
Want to win a free gift card? Take a picture of yourself with the current issue of FAMILY Magazine and post it to Instagram! Write what you love most about this month’s magazine and tag us in the photo. Hash tag #lovefamilymag for your chance to win a $25 gift card to a local Michiana business. Instagram.com/TheFamilyMag. Winner will be announced at the end of each month and their picture will be printed in the following month’s issue!
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According Dr. Bartell children’s questions fall into various types: curious, nagging, touching, annoying and downright weird. The questions addressed in the books were selected from hundreds submitted by parents from every state and many foreign countries. Each book contains ten chapters addressing the same topics but the questions explored are different in each edition. For example, in the edition for parents of younger children, Chapter 1 – Nag, Nag, Nag, addresses questions such as How Much Longer (or Are We There Yet)? and Why Can’t I Have Donuts for Breakfast? For children in grades three through five, the nagging questions become more sophisticated and persistent: Can we get a dog (or cat or horse)? or Can I have a cell phone?
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FAMILY MAGAZINE | April 2014
The chapters are introduced with an overview of the topic. Dr. Bartell then uses a standard format of first presenting the question and then proceeding to investigate the underlying meaning. Finally, the author examines the best ways to respond to the queries. Dr. Susan Bartell, family psychologist has been helping children, teens and families for nearly twenty years. She has appeared on such programs as Good Morning America, 20/20, and The Today Show. In addition, she has been a frequent contributor to such sources as the New York Times, Parenting magazine, Family Circle and WebMD. If parents and caregivers are looking for sources that offer straightforward, readable advice and clear steps to assist them in figuring out the answers to those tricky questions posed by children, I would highly recommend both editions of The Top 50 Questions Kids Ask.
Birthday Party Resource Guide
Everything you need to plan the party of the decade for your kiddo!
The Ultimate WINTER Birthday Swim Party! 2 hour party up to 30 guests!
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56199 Parkway Ave. #13, Elkhart, IN 46516 574.296.SWIM (7946) www.ShepardSwimSchool.com
PARTY in the Park!
At St. Joseph County Parks!
Plan an outdoor birthday party designed to engage your child and 14 guests in hands-on nature activities and adventure with our park staff. Choose from: Outdoor Fun Adventure, Owl Prowl, Sensory Sensations, Ponds are Plentiful and more! For info or to register call (574) 654-3155. www.sjcparks.org
Does your business host birthday parties for kids? Contact us to get featured in this special section!
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FAMILY MAGAZINE | April 2014
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FAMILY movie review
Family Movie Night By: Cole Pollyea
I speak from experience when I say that family movie nights are much harder of a task than they sound. Getting everyone around, accumulating the treats and selecting the right movie is nearly impossible; it’s understandable why it’s only done once a week (if that). A busy family’s movie going time is precious and must be spent wisely, and I’m here to report that there are some real time-wasters out there that will do nothing but the opposite of what a family movie night should. Here compiled is a list of some movies that I, as a member of a large, active family, consider to be worthy of your time.
“The River Wild” (1994)
“Rocky IV” (1985)
“Madagascar” (2005)
The River Wild came out in 1994 and it, to this day, is one of the most exhilarating and frightening movies that can occupy your family’s time. It chronicles the endeavors of three innocent people—a mother, a father and a child— on a rafting vacation who come across two seemingly nice guys who just want to find their friends down river. Or do they? Events take a climactic turn in this edge of your seat, worthwhile showcase for the talented Meryl Streep, Kevin Bacon and John C. Reilly.
I rolled my eyes, shrugged and threatened to go to bed when my family decided on Rocky IV (without me, might I add), as I saw it to be the umpteenth sequel to the classic boxing motion picture that has neither style nor content. And while it isn’t a masterpiece, I came to this conclusion after our viewing: Sylvester Stallone makes it a fun, kick-butt movie to watch on a Saturday night with the family. It won’t let you down.
There hasn’t been a day this year that has gone by without at least one of my family members quoting Madagascar, and that’s because the screenplay packs intelligent, hilarious characters that truly create an exuberant experience. It follows the misadventures of four animals—a lion, zebra, giraffe and hippo—who get shipped, by accident, from their zoo to the jungles of Madagascar! What fun!
Recommended for ages 9 & up
Recommended for ages 9 & up
Recommended for all ages
FAMILY book review
Game Changers Reviewed By: Landen Cebra
By Mike Lupica
8th Grade Student at Edwardsburg Middle School
Mike Lupica is a great author who has also written many sport books like "Million Dollar Throw, Summer Ball and The Big Field." The book "Game Changers" is about a star football player Ben McBain and his journey to become the team’s starting quarterback. The only obstacle standing in his way is the coach’s son, Shawn O’Brien. Shawn put so much pressure on himself to make his dad proud, but he doesn’t have what it takes to produce wins as the team’s starting quarterback. The team falls to zero wins and two loses as the season begins. Ben didn't give up up on his dream of being the starting quarterback. Ben even helps Shawn be the best he can be and to not take the game so seriously and to just have fun. Ben learns that Shawn doesn’t even want to play quarterback but he is too scared to tell his dad because he is afraid he will be disappointed in him. In the third game, things switch as the coach makes the
“AWEINSPIRING”
move to put Ben in as the starting quarterback. Ben brings the team back from a 20 point deficit. Ben then leads his team from 0-2 to 5-2 and makes it to the championship game. Ben does win the game but not without the trust of his teammates to get the job done. Ben and Shawn eventually become good friends. Ben becomes the star quarterback and Shawn becomes a good running back. I would recommend this book to anyone because it portrays loyalty, friendship, and never giving up. Sometimes in sports we can end up playing our best in a position that we thought we wouldn’t be good at.
Those are the words that Dr. Cedric Walls, the newest member of our Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, used to describe his first experience delivering a newborn while in medical school. Since then, he has dedicated himself to providing quality and compassionate care to women in all stages of their adult lives. Dr. Walls completed his medical degree from State University of New York Downstate Medical Center before completing Obstetrics & Gynecology residency programs at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, PA, and Medical College of Georgia. He is a Fellow at American Academy of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (FACOG) and is also a member of Advancing Minimally Invasive Gynecology Worldwide (AAGL). He will see patients at the Main Clinic Campus, 211 N. Eddy St., in South Bend. Learn more about Dr. Walls at southbendclinic.com
Dr. Cedric Walls
NewDoc_Walls_MichianaFamly.indd 1
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We’ve Moved! Come Celebrate with Us! Community Open House Saturday, April 26 | 9 a.m. to Noon 5155 Verdant Drive, Elkhart Elkhart General Home Care is celebrating the opening of our new facility at 5155 Verdant Drive in Elkhart. We have relocated our facility from 225 East Jackson Blvd. Connecting health and wellness services to people living at home, Elkhart General Home Care is here to serve you and your family with all of our services under one roof.
Bring in this coupon for
20% off
Open house will include: • Free health screenings: blood sugar, blood pressure, balance • Free fittings for diabetic shoes and mastectomy products • Personalized pharmacy consultations available for scheduling • Refreshments • Giveaways • Gift drawings
Elkhart General Home Care Advanced Pharmacy/Home Medical Equipment Free home assessment and delivery. Discounts do not apply to insurance or Medicare reimbursement purchases and cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer expires May 31, 2014.
To learn more, visit HomeCareBeacon.com or call 574.294.6181.