FAMILY Magazine August 2014

August 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

Guide

The Health and Wellness of Student Athletes

How to

Shop for Teens without

Breaking the Bank

Getting Your Kids Back Into A School Routine

Serving: Granger • Mishawaka • Elkhart • South Bend • Goshen • Niles Edwardsburg • Middlebury & Surrounding Communities

IN THE NEXT ISSUE: Fall Family Fun

Contributors President & Publisher:

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.

Betsy Tavernier

Betsy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

Managing Editor: Jessica Haviland

Jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

Marketing Coordinator: Jill Ludwick Jill@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

Stay connected with The FAMILY Magazine through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram!

AD COORDINATOR & INSIDE SALES MANAGER

Amanda Oiler Amanda@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN Manager: Zuzanna Zmud

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Medical Editor: S. Jesse Hsieh, M.D. Distribution Manager: Mike Trentacosti Kevin Reynolds Family Magazines of Michiana would love to hear from you! Please submit press releases, event information and inquiries to: Jessy@Michianafamilymagazine.com

on the cover:

Tatum and Teagan from Elkhart

The FAMILY Magazines PO BOX 577 Granger, IN 46530 PH: 574.387.5420 • FX: 574.217.4700 www.MichianaMom.com The FAMILY Magazines August 2014 Established in 2006.

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For your enjoyment 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.

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2014

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FRO M T HE P U B LI S H E R

8

Things

We Learned Making

Photography: Classic image photography Makeup: Camellia Maalouf, Camellia Cosmetics Granger

The August Issue

1.

Choose a dog based on your personality.

Make your adoption easier by following these few tips on page 10.

2.

Not all lemonade is created equal. Try these recipes on page 12 to add some kick to your refreshing glass of lemonade.

Things We (at FAMILY)

Love

Right Now! 1. Goals 2. Yellow 3. Cool Mornings 4. Being "Mom" Organized 5. Unique Restaurants 6. Date Night 7. Season TV Show Premiers

3.

Sudden Cardiac Death has become more common in youth today. Find out how local schools and parents are helping to decrease that number on page 14.

8. Local Stage Theatre 9. Blueberries

4.

An informed birth can calm your nerves. Visit page 18 to see what steps you need to take to be ready for delivery.

5.

New events are now in the Centerfold Calendar.

You can find those events on page 20.

6.

Slowly create a back-to-school routine with your kids. Get the tips and tricks on page 22.

10. Dark Jeans 11. Glimmers of Autumn 12. Redecorating 13. Road Trips 14. Pool Parties

AUGUS T

Guide 7.

Create a game to teach letters and numbers for your little ones. Try these games on page 25 and see how fast they will be learning.

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2014

8.

It’s officially Back-to-School!

Visit page 30 to see what local businesses have to offer.

Check it Out! Don

Ge

Cretati ve WINDOW EAR

N O26

With You

r

The Art of

’t forget to pick up your copy of the NEW SASS Fas Y TIPS hion For This& TRICKS Magazine!

Season

the

SASSY Special

Adverts

ing Sec tion

2014

4Keeps

By: Casey Kiel

Like '4Keeps' on Facebook or visit CaseyKiel.com

VIP

august

ADVERTISERS

Special THANKS to the following VIP August advertisers that help us provide The Family Magazine to the Michiana community for FREE: 32 Pearls Dentistry Club Tabby Darah Medical Equipment Elkhart Christian Academy Lanser's The Natural Way Mathnasium Menno Travel Once Upon a Child Premier Arts

Testimonials From Our Readers “The FAMILY Magazine always has great ideas of things to do with your kids. I have done so many that they have already suggested!”

– Suzanne R.

“The first thing I read when I get the issue of Family is the 4Keeps cartoon. Casey Kiel always has something that reflects on being a parent. I love her humor and look forward to each issue.”

– Karen

“I love the Dear Mom column that you have each month. It’s a must read every time I pick up the magazine.”

– Lily F.

Star Martial Arts The Kroc Center

We'd LOVE to hear from you! contact: The FAMILY Magazines

jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2014

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the FAMILY magazine

Of

table

SPECIAL SECTION: Back-To-School 22 Back To Reality By: Katie Carter

24 Teaching Preschoolers Letters & Numbers At Home

contents

10 12

Live Your Best 4

8 Things We Learned Making This Issue 4 Things We Love Right Now 5 Reader Testimonials 5 4Keeps Comic 7 Contributors 8 The FAMILY Month Calendar 20 Centerfold Calendar

Family Fun

By: Meagan Church

22 14 Playing It Safe: The Health And Wellness Of Student Athletes

12 Jazz Up Your Lemonade

By: David Palmer

By: Lara West

18 Is Your Kid Ready For A Cell Phone

Family Recipe

By: Ashley Talmadge

39 Fish Tacos With Summer Salsa

Movie & Book Reviews 38 Book Review: 1, 2, 3 The Toddler Years

Family Pregnancy

16 The Best Belly Support Systems For Pregnancy By: Chaunie Bruise, RN, BSN

By: Irene Van der Zande Reviewed By: Lori Walsh

18 How To Have An Informed Birth By: Meagan Church

38 Book Review: The Fault In Our Stars By: John Green Reviewed By: Emerson

9 Movie Review: X-Men & The Planet of the Apes: Why These Movies Are So Great!

By: Cole Pollyea

28 6

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2014

30 Back-To-School Guide

Mommy and Daddy

26 Dear Mom, Where Did The Time Go By: Meagan Church

28 How To Shop For Teens Without Breaking The Bank By: Kristine Smith

Family Kids

10 How To Choose A Dog

By: Robin McClure

12

FAMILY contibutors

Jill Lebbin is a wife, mother, craft fanatic and DIY blogger at www.EveryDayisanOccasion. com. She and her husband Marcel have been married for five years and love living in Granger with their two spunky kids, Marcel Jr. and Lilly.

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

Kristine Smith 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.

Chaunie Brusie is a nurse, freelance writer and a young mom of three (soon to be four!). She lives in SE Michigan and is the author of Tiny Blue Lines: Reclaiming Your Life, Preparing For Your Baby, and Moving Forward in Faith in an Unplanned Pregnancy.

FAMILY back-to-school dates PUBLIC SCHOOLS

PRIVATE SCHOOLS:

Elkhart County: Baugo Community Schools: August 14th Concord Community Schools: August 13th Elkhart Community Schools: August 15th Fairfield Community Schools: August 14th Goshen Community Schools: August 7th Middlebury Community Schools: August 13th Wa-Nee Community Schools: August 14th

Elkhart County: St. John The Evangelist Catholic School: August 7th St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic School: August 20th St. Vincent De Paul Elementary School: August 20th Trinity Lutheran School: August 20th

St. Joseph County: John Glenn School Corporation: August 12th School City of Mishawaka: August 19th South Bend Community School Corporation: August 20th Union-North United School Corporation: August 12th Cass County: Cassopolis Public Schools: September 3rd Dowagiac Union School District: September 2nd Edwardsburg Public Schools: September 2nd Lewis Cass Intermediate School District: September 2nd Marcellus Community Schools: September 2nd

If your school is not listed, please contact their administration office for their back-to-school start date.

St. Joseph County: Community Baptist Christian School: August 21st Covenant Christian School: August 20th Good Shepard Montessori School: August 25th Granger Christian School: August 20th Holy Cross Elementary School: August 20th Marian High School: August 12th Peace Lutheran School: August 18th Queen of Peace School: August 20th St. Adalbert Elementary School: August 20th St. Joseph High School: August 13th St. Joseph Grade School: August 20th St. Jude Elementary School: August 19th St. Matthew Elementary School: August 13th St. Pius X Catholic School: August 20th The Montessori Academy At Edison Lakes: August 18th Trinity School At Greenlawn: August 21st Cass County: Calvary Bible Academy: September 3rd Howardsville Christian School: September 2nd St. John Evangelical Lutheran School: August 25th THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2014

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The FAMILY Month Calendar 8

3

Movie In The Gardens: Shrek, 2:00 P.M., Wellfield Botanic Gardens

10

Midwest RV Super Show, 10:00 A.M., RV/MH Hall of Fame & Museum

Back-To-School Bash, 1:00 P.M., Osceola Grace Brethren Church

4

South Bend Civic Theater’s Summer Camp, All Day, The South Bend Civic Theatre

13

Children’s Book Sale, 9:00 A.M., Bittersweet Branch Library

9

Wednesday Wine Walks, 5:00 P.M., Downtown South Bend

19

Kroozin’ USA Car Show-Nostalgia Night, 5:00 P.M., Concord Mall

Kids TIME!, 11:00 P.M., Better World Books-Goshen

18

Father-Daughter Canoe Trip, 9:00 A.M., St. Patrick’s County Park

Toasted Marshmallow Day

Family Drop-In Activities, 1:00 P.M., Wellfield Botanic Gardens

Twice Is Nice Children’s Resale, 8:00 A.M., Apostolic Temple Youth Center

National S’mores Day & Lazy Day

30 29

23

16

The Christian HOME Back-To-School Fair, 6:00 P.M., South Bend Christian Reformed Church

22 National Tooth Fairy Day

28

Picnic With Your Pup, 6:00 P.M.,Cobus Creek County Park-Elkhart

1 2 5 6 7 11 12 14 15 17 20 21 24 25 26 27 31 F

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What we are

Pinning: Crayon Holder:

www.sugarbeecrafts.com

Movies to Watch with the Little Ones 1. The Mighty Ducks Trilogy 2. Harry Potter Series 3. FernGully

4. The Goonies 5. The Parent Trap

Lunch Box Recipe: Fruit Kabobs Pencil Treats:

www.makeandtakes.com

Lunch Bag:

www.landofnod.com

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2014

Ingredients: 1 Banana 4-6 Strawberries 10 Grapes 5 Pineapples Directions: Take a wooden or bamboo skewer and place each piece of fruit until the skewer is full.

Note: Cut up the strawberries, banana and pineapple into bite size pieces.

Kroc Fest August 16th 3-6PM

The South Bend Kroc Center and the South Bend Community School Corporation is hosting a free Kroc Fest extravaganza. Stop by the Kroc Center for carnival games, bounce houses, face painting, prizes, food and so much more. You can even enter to win a back-to-school backpack filled with supplies for the little ones!

Su

FAMILY movie reviews

X-Men & The Planet of the Apes: Why These Movies Are So Great!

I’

ve got a thing for movies that profess to be (and actually are) intense, exciting, fast pace movie going experiences, that also contain characters who push the boundaries of reality. More specifically, the titles mentioned in this title of the article (how original). What works out perfectly, though, is the fact that these two movies, which came out this summer, are some of my favorites so far this year, next to Edge of Tomorrow and Draft Day, and that’s saying something.

Be Entertained With Dawn Of The Plant Of The Apes

Ah, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. This one I saw at a late showing, and boy did it prove to entertain! I couldn’t encourage you anymore to pile your (I would say age 10 or older) children into your car and head to the movies on a Friday night to see this masterpiece, because it’s a lot of fun.

From shot one, “Dawn” emphasizes its serious atmosphere and doesn’t waste much time getting to the themes of the telling. It also doesn’t seem to care that humans take a backseat to apes, and that’s another thing I love about it. It would be a frightening world if we went to the movies to see a bunch of apes scratching themselves and behaving like, well, apes, now wouldn’t it?

Let’s Start With X-Men

Getting right down to it, I don’t quite remember the exact order of which I saw the X-Men films. Fact is, I don’t care, and neither should you. These movies do a superb job of making sure its harnesses on the viewers are fastened before taking off. It’s almost as if its director, Bryan Singer— director of The Usual Suspects (a genius at work)—and the team of screenwriters that made this film, know that its avid fans, like myself, don’t really know what order these films go in because they aren’t simply labeled X-Men 1, X-Men 2 and so forth; instead, its latest installment is titled, XMen: Days of Future Past, a title that leaks a little insight into what is in store for its viewers.

And what’s in store is a thrill-ride which sells itself nothing short of a successful installment in its wildly entertaining franchise. The plot goes like this: mutants are doomed because of highly operable, presiding machines that are designed for their complete and total destruction. The technology of these machines was harnessed and brought to life decades earlier, and in an enormous attempt to save their fellow kind, the X-Men send Wolverine back in time to stop a mutant from killing the person whose death wound up emphasizing the importance of the machine he tried to endorse.

There’s not much to say about the quality of X-Men: Days of Future Past that hasn’t been said about its predecessors except for that it lives up to the rest.

I thoroughly enjoyed it, but found that while it is exceptional, it doesn’t break records in Bryan Singer’s long running franchise—which, at this point, would be a hard thing to do.

Well, talented actor Andy Serkis and makeup specialists ensure that this is not the case. They effortlessly create a touching, unique connection amongst the apes via self-established hand gestures and expressions— and a connection is built with the viewers, as a result.

This installment picks up where the last one left off; the apes, having been exposed to genetically enhancing chemicals, have somehow generated an epidemic which, as a result, has obliterated the majority of the human race. The small civilizations of people who have survived— one of which is residing near Caesar’s Palace (the only humans in the movie)—are in a desperate attempt to survive and, if possible, flourish.

What’s needed in order for this to happen is access to a dam that the humans believe will restore power (electricity) in their society. The problem is, in order to get to the dam, they must cross the apes, and this fuels conflict filled to the brim in a two hour running time.

Possibly the most impressive thing about this film is how the screenplay and seamless direction weave character viewpoints into the proceedings. There’s not one side of any dispute that isn’t fleshed otut or, at least, left up for intelligent assumptions. This is especially prevalent amongst the apes and their hierarchy, and how they determine actions to take.

It goes without saying that the special effects for both of these films are topnotch. That’s just one of the reasons why I dig these franchises so much. Well-made escapade motion pictures that provide time to seep into another world are so sought after, and the purpose of this article was to commend these movies—which do just that—and push them forth into your busy summer life.

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FAMILY fun

How to Choose a Who doesn’t love puppies?

From their big brown eyes to their frantically wagging tales, they can melt your heart in an instant and coax you into adopting them before you realize what’s happening. Of course the cuteness can quickly wane if the pup you chose doesn’t fit the needs of your family.

While dogs can make great companions, they can also be a lot of work and a long-term commitment. That’s why it’s important to consider a few factors before adopting a dog.

I’ve always been an animal lover, but it wasn’t until I married into a dog training family that I really began to understand dogs, breeds and dispositions. Three years ago when I was months away from having our third child, we decided to add a dog to our family after our 14-year-old golden retriever died. Instead of making a spur-of-the-moment decision, we put a lot of consideration into what would best fit our family. We didn't want to fall for the cuteness factor alone and later regret our decision, so we carefully considered the following criteria:

The Family

The first question we asked was what we wanted in a dog. Did we want a companion, a protector or an accessory to be toted around in a handbag? For us, we had two small children and a baby on the way, plus two cats who already ruled the roost. We took into consideration the energy levels and demands of our kids, our 10

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2014

Dog By: Meagan Church

schedule and our availability to care for the dog. We wanted a dog that would be a protector, but not aggressive towards the kids and cats. We also wanted a dog with enough energy to go on runs with us, but not so high-strung that it required a lot of exercise when our schedule (or weather) didn’t allow for consistent walks.

The Space

Before choosing a dog, we had to consider how much space it would have inside and outside the home, including a fenced-in area for it to roam and, ahem, use for potty breaks. Space is important to consider because imagine someone who has always wanted a Great Dane, but only lives in a few-hundred-squarefoot apartment with several flights of stairs to descend before getting outside. In that situation, perhaps a smaller breed (or a cat) would be a better fit. For us, we have a decent-sized, fenced-in yard that is easily accessible, so space wasn’t a concern.

The Breed

While each dog is unique, understanding a breed is a good indication of what to expect in a dog. The dog’s owner can definitely affect a dog’s personality and habits, but understanding a breed’s tendency can be a good predictor for how the dog will act, and what its strengths and weaknesses are. While my husband would’ve preferred a large, intimidating breed for ultimate protection, I preferred a breed that displayed more gentleness.

The Disposition

Just as every person has their own personality, a dog will have its own disposition. The dog’s breed can affect the disposition, but each dog is different. When we first met our pup, we carefully observed her to see how she reacted to us and the kids. We wanted to see that she was kind and gentle, but not too timid. I learned the lesson of choosing disposition when I adopted a kitten based solely on cuteness. When I picked up the kitten to take her home, she immediately leapt out of my hands. She did not want to be cuddled or petted, and clearly preferred to be left alone. That should’ve been a red flag, but instead I persisted and chose her as my own. That loner of a kitten turned into a grumpy, growling, introverted feline that never became the loveable lap cat I had envisioned. When we observed our pup, she was playful and gentle, and had a deep bark to fulfill the protector qualification.

“Just as every person has their own personality, a dog will have its own disposition.”

The Age

I really wanted a young puppy, but with being seven months pregnant, I knew that housebreaking, while caring for a newborn probably wasn’t a smart decision. We didn’t want a dog that was too old, so we would hopefully have more years with it. During the process of researching dogs, we learned that some local agencies don’t adopt puppies to families with young children because they have the highest return rate. While puppies may be cute, they also require a lot of time and attention—two things families with little kiddos don’t have a lot of.

So what did kind of dog did we end up getting? After considering all of our criteria, we adopted Bailey, a nine-month-old golden retriever that has the energy to run with us and the gentleness to let the kids (and cats) crawl all over her. Two-and-a-half years later, she has been the perfect addition to our family.

Bridal Expo 2014 Elkhart County

Sunday, September 21, 2014 Northern Indiana Event Center 12:00 pm - 5 pm Fashion Shows at 1 pm & 3 pm

Get your free tickets online at www.sunny1015.com THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2014

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FAMILY fun

There is nothing more refreshing than a glass of ice cold lemonade to cool you down on a warm summer day. All you really need for delicious lemonade is three basic ingredients: water, sugar and fresh squeezed lemon juice. A glass of simple lemonade is never boring, but if you’re looking for a party in your pitcher this summer there is countless ways to jazz up this classic semi-sweet, yet mostly tart beverage.

By: Lara West

Fresh Fruits: Nothing has a better affiliation with summer than fresh from the market (or the u-pick) fruits. Use all the summer classic teams, like kiwi and watermelon or apple and mango, to keep delicious refreshments being served all summer long.

Apple-Berry Lemonade

Ingredients • 6-8 Lemons, Juiced • 2 Apples (1 Finely Grated) • 1-2 Pint Strawberries (Divided) • 4 Tbsp. Honey • 3 Cups Water

Fresh Herbs: Try infusing a variety of fresh herbs from

Directions 1. Mix lemon juice, grated apple, strawberries, honey and water in a blender.

Herbal Round-Up Lemonade

2. Refrigerate and serve chilled with apple dice and strawberry on toothpick for garnish.

your local farmer’s market to give your lemonade a big burst of fresh flavors. Mix and match all your favorites: basil, mint, rosemary, lavender and even different teas.

Ingredients • 6-8 Lemons, Juiced • ½ Cup Local Honey • 2 Quarts Water • ¹∕³ Cup Fresh Dill • ½ Cup Fresh Mint • 5 Sprigs Rosemary

Directions 1. Boil two quarts of water and add honey. When honey is dissolved, refrigerate until cool.

2. Juice the lemons into a pitcher and muddle herbs.

3. Combine the syrup, lemon juice and herbs.

4. Chill before serving.

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Vegetables: You can really go for gold with an enjoyable glass of vegetable lemonade. Vegetables enhance color, flavor and add nutrients to every glass. It takes time and elbow grease to perfect, but it’s worth it for the vegetable lover.

Spices:

They not only pair great with tea, but spices will also give your lemonade an amazing kick. Most spices like cardamom, fennel, ginger, cinnamon and cloves coordinate great with fall and winter beverages, but they can also be enjoyed in your summer lemonade.

Beet You Up Lemonade Ingredients • 6-8 Lemons, Juiced • ¹∕³ Cup Local Honey • ¼ Cup Finely Grated Beet • 6 Cups Water

Cayenne Lemonade

Ingredients • 3 Lemons, Juiced • 2 Tbsp. Local Honey • ½ Tsp. Cayenne Pepper • 2 Cups Water Directions 1. Combine lemon juice, honey and cayenne together.

Directions 1. Mix lemon juice, honey, beet and one cup of water in a blender.

2. Strain mixture through cheese cloth.

3. Discard grated beets and mix in remaining water.

2. Pour into pitcher and mix in water.

3. Refrigerate and serve over ice.

4. Refrigerate and enjoy.

Lemons are great for your body and your health. They are packed with nutrients like vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium and fiber. A small daily intake can boost your immune system, enhance your skins appearance, as well as aide the body to help dissolve kidney stones and reduce inflammation.

Gotta Love It

Help Goodwill put over 1,000 people back to work this year by donating & shopping!

GREAT SAVinGS in oUR SToRES AnD FREE GiFTS WHEn yoU DonATE!

Shop Goodwill thousands of unique items stocked dailY!

check in-stoRe oR visit goodwill-ni.oRg foR sale dates • 50% Off Sales on Select Saturdays • Senior Sales on Select Tuesdays • MGB Sales throughout the Year • Special Holiday Sales

michiana goodwill BoosteRs Join MGB for $5.00 and receive 12 coupons for $5.00 off a $10.00 purchase. Register in-store. Save with 50% off Sales and MGB membership. Check in-store or visit Goodwill-ni.org for sale dates.

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Industries of Michiana your Donation Bag, 2) Each time you fill Reward Card. we’ll validate your full, we’ll provide When your card is paid envelope. you with a postage information 3) Complete your contact Reward Card & on the back of the drop it in the mail. valued at $25.00!

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10:11 AM

FAMILY kids

Playing it

Safe:

The Health and Wellness of Student Athletes By: David Palmer

School sports

have long been renowned for teaching students of all ages dedication, strong work ethic and perseverance. Rarely, however, are school sports thought of as potentially fatal. But in recent years, more and more attention has been drawn to instances where the drive for glory on the court or field has been over shadowed by tragedy in the loss of a young athlete. Because of these terrible occurrences, school administrations and athletic departments, in conjunction with parents and student athletes themselves, have been working tirelessly to see that all young people are safe and cared for in their sports.

Beating the Heat

In recent years, more and more attention has been drawn to the issue of over practicing in the summer heat. Last year alone a local high school football player collapsed on the field during practice on a hot afternoon from what was declared and undiagnosed heart problem aggravated by over-excursion. While these instances are rare, and cannot be pinned or blamed solely on one cause, school administrations have since taken extra steps to safeguard against such tragedies to happen again.

According to Tim Pletcher, a former high school baseball and golf coach and current principle at Oregon-Davis High School, the issue of overpracticing is of upmost importance. “We take every caution we can to ensure the safety of our athletes,” says Tim. “As an administrator it would be impossible to imagine, but as parent and a human-being, it’s just unfathomable. We try to take every step we can to prevent anything like that from happening. I know the state has rules and regulations now dictating how often you can practice and in what temperatures. I mean, these are athletes, but they’re still kids.”

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How Much is Too Much?

It is not only extreme summer temperatures that can be a threat to student athletes, but over-excursion as well. While many high school age athletes are well-conditioned for their respective sport or sports, they still only have the resources available to high school students concerning physical health. In may seem to a driven school age athlete that they’re in the good shape, but over doing it on the court or field can prove otherwise. “What these kids don’t understand,” says Tim, “is that they’re still young, growing kids. They might be in good shape, but they aren’t at the professional level and shouldn’t push it like they are. Pros are like machines, because that’s all they do. They have constant attention and supervision for their health and wellness.”

Further, students shouldn’t feel they have to push themselves as hard as they can. And, according to Tim, it’s up to the student athletes, the coaches and the parents alike to determine how far is too far and how much is too much. With sports now running for more than just a season, and conditioning for sports considered to be a year-round necessity, it is growing evermore important for student athletes to be aware of how hard they are willing to push themselves and at what cost, because no amount of accolades on the field is worth a life.

Averting Tragedy

One of the best ways to deal with a tragedy is to avert it before it has the chance to strike.

To do so, thorough and consistent testing and monitoring of student athletes is extremely important. Not only should athletes always be thoroughly tested and checked for health issues before undertaking a sport, but continual monitoring throughout the season should also be important to athletes and parents as well. As a father and principal, Tim says that even if the “okay” is given by the doctors, but the parents or administration are uncomfortable, the player may have to be sidelined or asked not to participate, regardless of the diagnosis. “Even if the doctors say it’s okay, or a condition or something shouldn’t be a problem, if I’m uncomfortable or the parents are, it needs to be said. If it’s between unfortunately being left out or possibly losing someone, I have to do what’s necessary and, more importantly, what’s right.”

What’s more, the initial medical examination of student athletes is of upmost importance. Not only should the examination be a focal point of a student’s eligibility, it should be the most important factor at all times. According to Ray Behling, a Respiratory Therapist at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, both a physical examination and family history are imperative to a student athlete’s health and safety. “It only makes good sense,” says Ray. “A family history is should work in conjunction with a physical examination every time and athlete has one. It can help to catch things that otherwise not be seen in just a physical check. These kids aren’t going out and suddenly contracting heart problems, and a cardiac test beforehand will tell that”.

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There is little that can be done to assuage the pain of losing a student, a child or a friend to the sport they play and love.

But with careful attention to a student athlete’s health both on and off the field or court, future pain and suffering can possibly be avoided.

888-850-MATH THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2014

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FAMILY pregnancy

The Best Belly Support Systems

For Pregnancy By: Chaunie Brusie, RN, BSN

Something strange has happened to my body in my fourth pregnancy.

Walking? Has become a painful execution of aching joints and hips that go out at any moment.

Exercising? Um, about that.

Sleeping? Transformed into a complicated routine of packing approximately 8,700 pillows around my belly and hoping for the best.

In short, I am having a hard time with a larger-than-life baby bump and a body that has been through what feels like one too many pregnancies. So, when my doctor recommended that I look into a belly support system to get me through the last remaining months of my pregnancy, first I laughed at her—but then I did my homework. I discovered that belly support systems for pregnancy might just be miracles in the form of shapely undergarments.

The Blanqi

The Blanqi products seem to have their own dedicated following amongst my fellow pregnant ladies. Over and over, I encountered fierce loyalty to the Blanqi products, with some mothers claiming they were the best invention ever for pregnancy. I was really curious to see if the great Blanqi could tame my wild belly, so when I won one in a giveaway, I couldn't wait to try it out. My Blanqi made its grand debut on a family trip to the zoo when I was almost 33 weeks pregnant and I have to admit, the Blanqi really did save my life. I'm about 98 percent sure that I would have given up in a crumpled pregnant heap in the middle of the zoo had I not had my Blanqi backing me up. Well, from the front, that is. It was surprisingly comfortable, kept me cool when the effort of pushing three kids in a stroller got to me and most importantly, held my belly up and my back muscles in so I could stand up and convince my husband to buy us all ice cream. Priorities, people.

Belly Bra

The Belly Bra is similar to the Blanqi in providing all-over abdominal and lower back support. It looks like a tank top and helps to lift the weight of your stomach off your pelvis, which is something I have been in desperate need of in this pregnancy. The sciatic nerve pain has been terrible. The Belly Bra may be a good option for expecting mothers who would like that full coverage at a more affordable price.

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Belly Band

The Belly Band is actually just what it sounds like — an actual band that straps across the bottom of a woman's belly to provide abdominal support and according to the website, also relieve hernial discomfort.

It can be used from the very beginning of pregnancy (hello, round ligament pain) and will literally grow right alongside of you.

The Belly Band comes in all sizes and colors and features many different "add-ons," for additional support and pregnancy conditions.

Belly Bandits

The Belly Bandit products are extremely sneaky — almost all of the products have dual action purposes. For instance, their belly support system, Flawless Belly, also includes special anti-stretch mark cream to help keep your skin supple and smooth. It doesn't offer as much intense support as some of the other systems, so it is more for women with smaller bumps or those early on in the pregnancy just looking for a smoothing undergarment. What I love about the Belly Bandit line, however, is that they also offer some great postpartum products to help keep that famous "jelly belly" in line and promote and support postpartum healing and recovery.

Buy Used

Moms-to-be looking to save a little bit of money for all those baby supplies can also try their hand at shopping for gently used maternity bands or belly support systems.

Because they are so often used only in the later months of pregnancy, they can still be in great shape at used retailers. For example, Once Upon a Child, a used clothing boutique in Goshen offers maternity clothing and gear.

“We do occasionally offer maternity belts and support systems,” comments Amber Moan, Assistant Store Manager. She recommends calling before you come in to ensure that they have the item in stock and also notes that the staff is happy to hold requested items until the end of the day as well. Once Upon a Child can be reached at 574-830-5332.

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FAMILY pregnancy

How to Have an

Informed Birth By: Meagan Church

P

regnant women tend to fall into two schools of thought when it comes to preparing for birth. Some want to absorb every bit of information they can to help them prepare for what’s to come.

Others want to know nothing, assuming they will either figure things out in the delivery room or the doctor will be there to lead the way. But, when you consider these words by a famous midwife, Ina May Gaskin, birth takes on a whole new level of significance; “Whenever and however you give birth, your experience will impact your emotions, your mind, your body and your spirit for the rest of your life.”

The notion that birth can affect a woman for the rest of her life may seem extreme. But, after speaking with women at both ends of the spectrum (those who have stories of empowering births and those who are still working through traumatic experiences), Ina May could be right. Taking a more active role and being informed can help a woman improve the likelihood of a better birth experience and make her feel like more of a team with her doctor and midwife. To become more informed, consider the following ways of educating yourself about labor and delivery before contractions even begin:

Choose your practitioner carefully.

The first step to an informed birth is to choose a doctor or midwife carefully.

Interview several different practitioners until you find one that you believe will be a good fit for you and the sort of birth experience you hope for. Ask about c-section and induction rates, whether they continuously monitor the fetal heart rate, what their policy is on moving around during birth and more.

Choose your practitioner when you are happy with the answers you received.

Read a lot.

Many books exist on the topics of pregnancy and birth, so select a range. A month-by-month guide can be a good start, but also go deeper with statistics and perspectives on birth, real women’s accounts, and books about the history of birth to get an overview of where we have been, where we are and where we might be headed. Try reading “Your Best Birth” by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein, “Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth” by Ina May Gaskin, “Birth: The Surprising History of How We Are Born” by Tina Cassidy, “Get Me Out: A History of Childbirth from the Garden of Eden to the Sperm Bank” by Randi Hutter Epstein, “Pushed: The Painful Truth About Childbirth and Modern Maternity Care” by Jennifer Block and “Labor Pains and Birth Stories: Essays on Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Becoming a Parent” edited by Jessica Powers.

Watch and listen.

If reading isn’t your thing, you can still become informed through movies and podcasts. The documentaries “The Business of Being Born,” “More Business of Being Born” and “No Woman, No Cry” are full of great information. Also listen to free podcasts, such as Preggie Pals.

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Ask someone.

Every mom has a birth story and, in most cases, she loves to tell it. Don’t be afraid to ask other moms whatever questions you have. Ask them to share their stories, to tell you what it was like, what went well and what they would do differently. If you don’t know what questions to ask, just listen to them tell their stories and questions are sure to arise.

Take a class.

GYMNASTICS MICHIANA Athletic Development for all Sports  Students as young as 1 1/2 years old  Progressive program from recreation to competition  Small class size  Birthday parties  Martial Arts

A great way to get informed about birth is through childbirthw classes. Many local hospitals offer classes that will discuss what happens during birth, give a hospital tour and mention pain management options.

Other classes exist, such as HypnoBirthing, Lamaze and Bradley method. Find the one that is the right fit for you.

 Zumba (Kids/Adults)

Write a birth plan.

Back to School

Once you’ve done your research, you will better understand what you hope for in a birth, whether that’s an epidural or an all-natural water birth. Write down your preferences in a birth plan. Then discuss it with your practitioner to make sure all your desires are reasonable, and that your practitioner is a good fit for you. Take a copy of your plan with you to the hospital, and talk with the labor and delivery nurses upon check-in.

Every birth is different, and can be full of twists, turns and uncertainties.

But when you take the time to become informed, you better your chances of having a more optimal birth experience.

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56199 Parkway Ave. #13, Elkhart, IN 46516 574.296.SWIM (7946) www.ShepardSwimSchool.com FAMILY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2014

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10

National S’mores Day

1:00 P.M., Osceola Grace Brethren Church

Back-To-School Bash,

1:00 P.M., Snite Museum of Art

August Family Day @ The Snite Museum,

3

Sunday

All Day, The South Bend Civic Theatre

Wednesday

Thursday

5:30 P.M., Elkhart Environmental Center

Monthly Meditation Yoga,

while you are young,

8:00 P.M., The Round Barn Theatre At Amish Acres

Plain And Fancy,

Middle Child Day

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5

Toes Day

9:00 A.M., Bittersweet Branch Library

Children’s Book Sale,

13

Wiggle Your

6

7:00 P.M., Center For History

Moonlight & Merlot At The Mansion,

14

7:30 P.M., The Lerner Theatre

A Celebration of Dance,

10:00 A.M., Peace Lutheran School

Bible Story Hour: Miracles Of Jesus,

7

- Dana Stewart Scott

since life becomes too busy later.”

South Bend Civic Theater’s Summer Camp,

11

4

Tuesday

“Learn as much as you can

Monday

10:00 A.M., RV/MH Hall of Fame & Museum

5:00 P.M., Concord Mall

USA Car Show-Bike Night,

Midwest RV Super Show,

9:00 A.M., Nappanee

Amish Acres Arts & Crafts Festival,

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8

1

Friday

16

9

2

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?

8:00 A.M., Apostolic Temple Youth Center

Twice Is Nice Children’s Resale,

2:00 P.M., South Bend Civic Theatre

A Wrinkle In Time,

9:00 A.M., St. Patrick’s County Park

Father-Daughter Canoe Trip,

9:15 P.M., Wellfield Botanic Gardens

Yoga In The Gardens,

Saturday

2014

All Day, Amish Ares Historical Farmstead & Heritage Resort

Labor Day Weekend Celebration,

Labor Day

SEPT 1

11:45 A.M., Studebaker Plaza

Red Table Plaza Lunchtime Concert Series,

25

6:00 P.M., South Bend Christian Reformed Church

The Christian HOME Back-To-School Fair,

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August 19–31

12:00 P.M., Lemon Creek Winery

Much Ado About Nothing September 17–19

Toasted

Marshmallow Day

Lemon Creek Winery’s 18th Annual Harvest Festival,

6

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10:00 A.M., Kamm Island

Michiana Renaissance Festival,

1:00 P.M., Wellfield Botanic Gardens

Family Drop-In Activities,

23

Actors From The London Stage

5:00 P.M., Downtown Goshen

Goshen First Fridays: High Fashion,

5:00 P.M., Downtown South Bend

DTSB First Fridays: Arts Alive,

5

5:00 P.M., Concord Mall

National Tooth Fairy Day

Kroozin’ USA Car Show-Nostalgia Night,

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shakespeare.nd.edu

Henry IV

Michigan Flywheelers Museum, South Haven, Michigan

Antique Engine And Tractor Show,

July 20 through August 25

4

6:00 P.M., Cobus Creek County Park-Elkhart

Picnic With Your Pup,

The Merry Wives of Windsor

Day

Skyscraper

5:00 P.M., Acorn Theatre Three Oaks, MI

Night of Art and Music,

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6:00 P.M., Better World Books In Goshen

Just For Teens (At The Bookstore!),

21

Professional Company

3

27

Wagon Wheel Theatre

The Marvelous Wonderettes,

20

8:00 P.M., Valparaiso Community Festivals And Events

Outdoor Movies,

Young Company

– Karl Lagerfeld

“The only love that I really believe in is a mother’s love for her children.”

2

11:00 P.M., Better World Books Goshen

Kids TIME!,

National Dog Day

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World-class theatre. Right next door.

10:00 A.M., Howard Park-South Bend

Michiana Celtic Festival,

31

12:30 P.M., Island Park, Eklhart

SPA Women’s Ministry Homes 8th Annual 5K Walk “THE WALK” & Run,

Suite 11 At The Emporium Building

10:00 A.M.,

Bazaar Sundays In South Bend,

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National Tell A Joke Day

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5:00 P.M., Downtown South Bend

Wednesday Wine Walks,

Special Section Settling Back into a Routine

Back to

By: Katie Carter

Reality

Getting Your Kids Back Into A School Routine Summer brings a wonderfully-relaxed pace of life where schedules are thrown out of the rolled-down windows and routines are as solidified as a melting ice cream cone. How, then, can we possibly bring our kids (let alone ourselves!) back into the structure of the school year?

Here are some painless “getting-back-into-the-swing-of-things� tips for the whole family, as we all mourn the loss of long summer nights together:

1.

Start moving bedtime up 15 minutes per week in order to gradually ease little ones back under the covers before 8:30 or 9 p.m. Creating a thirty minute playlist with popular songs

is a fun way to ensure kids are bathed with teeth brushed and jammies on by the end of the last song. Reward their punctuality with a special bedtime story!

2.

Speaking of bedtime stories, start reading an engaging series to your child. A chapter per

night will keep them on the edge of their footie pajamas to discover what happens next to their favorite characters.

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3.

The week before school starts, wake your kids up around the time they need to be awake to scarf down their Eggos and make the bus. Plan an exciting end-of-summer week with activities

and outings to end their break on a memorable note (and tucker them out for that earlier bedtime).

4.

Begin more school-related conversations around 3:00 or 4:00 in the afternoon and maybe even assign some review worksheets (the

horror) to prep students for the homework routines of the school year.

Pair these tips with freshly cut watermelon and bathing suits and they will surely make the transition into a back-to-school routine a summer breeze!

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2014

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Special Section Settling Back into a Routine

Teaching Preschoolers

Letters&

Numbers At Home

By: Robin McClure Teaching kids to read and write is more complicated than singing the “ABC’s” and reading to them. But that’s where it starts. Kids learn through play. Songs, games and fun activities are all ways to teach numbers and letters at their pace. Try these fun games with your kids today:

The Sand Dig

Fishing

What You Need:

What You Need:

 Letters or Numbers (Foam, magnets and stencil cutouts all work.)

 Container to Fish In (A cleaned out ice cream tub or a box will work.)

 Sand (If you don’t have sand, you can use flour or uncooked oatmeal.)

 Letters or Numbers (Foam, magnets and stencil cutouts will work.)

 A Container of Some Kind (A sandbox, storage tub or 9x13 cake pan will work.)

 Straws for Everyone Fishing

 Paintbrushes

 Magnets

Bury the letters and numbers in the sand. Then, let your kids use the paintbrushes to discover them. Try to let them do it themselves.

When they find a letter or a number, ask which one it is.

When the digging activity is over, you can ask them how many green, red or yellow letters or numbers they think there have, or which color they think they have the most. Then, help them count it out. Later, encourage them to arrange the numbers from lowest to highest. With the letters, see if they can recognize the letters in their names and help them spell out their names. Also help them arrange the letters in alphabetical order. Sing the alphabet song and, if they get stuck, help them choose the correct letter.

Tip: For kids just starting to learn the alphabet, don’t use every letter. Use 10 or so, and include one or two they don’t know very well yet.

In addition to number and letter recognition, this is a great activity for counting, fine motor development, concentration and literacy.

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 Pieces of String, About 2 Feet Long  Paperclips  Tape If you want to, you can start by designing the container with fish or other underwater sea, but it’s not necessary.

If you’re not using magnetic letters or numbers, put a paperclip on each one so that the hook can catch it. Put the letters and numbers in the container Build fishing poles by taping the string to the straws and attaching a magnet, or if you’re using magnetic numbers or letters, a paperclip, to the end.

Take turns lowering poles into the container. Identify each letter or number as it’s pulled out. If your kids like point games, you can give points for each letter removed and correctly identified. For older kids, encourage them to spell out words with the letters that they catch.

This game develops letter and number recognition, if the kids help you put everything together it helps develop fine motor skills and concentration and if they paint the container, it’s a very creative experience. It also teaches waiting turns and patience.

Target Practice What You Need:

 Chalk

 Water Balloons, Bean Bags or Soft Blocks Perfect for a hot summer day, or a rainy day inside, you can set this game up in a number of ways.

Draw several circles and write letters or numbers around the circles. Outside, you can do this on a sidewalk and inside you can do it on the cement floor in the basement or on an unfolded cardboard box. Make the center circle the most difficult: a letter they have trouble recognizing or a number they don’t always get right when counting. Also, have difficult numbers and letters sprinkled throughout the target.

Mark a line, about ten feet away. Then, take the water balloons, bean bags or soft blocks and toss them from a line, about ten feet away. When the item hits a number or letter, have your kids identify it. You can up the stakes by having them come up with a word that starts with the letter they landed on or by stacking something - blocks, pillows, legos, etc. - to the number they landed on.

The game can end when you can no longer see the letters or numbers. To adapt the game for older kids, you can write sight words, like “the”, “and”, “for” and “to” in the circles. This game emphasizes number and letter recognition. It also helps develop gross motor skills.

Put away the flash cards and try an activity game instead. They’ll understand faster and you can really see where they’re having difficulties. There are so many ways to teach kids in a fun way that makes them excited. Why waste time doing anything else?

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Through the performance of their products, SureStep works to fulfill their mission of making big changes in little lives.

17530 Dugdale Dr. | South Bend, IN | 877.462.0711 | www.surestep.net THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2014

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FAMILY mommy & daddy

“Motherhood; it’s the longest yet the shortest season of our lives.”

Dear Mom,

Where Did the Time Go? By: Meagan Church

Dear Mom, Where did the time go? Wasn’t it just yesterday when we sent the kids off to their last day of school? Yet, here we are gathering school supplies and sending them back. It seems like the last of the snow melted about a week ago, but summer is nearly over. How is this possible?

Where did the time go? And why does it seem like we moms are always asking this question?

That’s the thing about motherhood; it’s the longest yet the shortest season of our lives. Pregnancy seems to drag on endlessly, but before we know it, we have a crying newborn in our arms and we’re wondering if the hospital staff is really going to allow us to take her home without first having to pass a parenting test. Then we wonder if the baby will ever sleep through the night and potty training seems a distant hope.

But in a blink of the eye, we are picking out backpacks and sending them on their way to school.

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We imagine that the first goodbye will be the toughest, whether that’s day care or preschool. Then kindergarten round-up happens and we find ourselves getting teary eyed over registration forms. But, it doesn’t stop there. Before we know it, middle school hits and so do the tween years. As they struggle with identity and adolescence, we wonder what happened to that chubbycheeked toddler who would run around the house singing “Elmo’s World” on repeat.

Then it’s high school and driver’s licenses and college applications. Suddenly those diaper changes and late-night feedings seem like another lifetime and a world away.

What’s so difficult about this motherhood gig is that it’s always changing. Just when we think we have one life stage figured out, the next one sneaks up on us, catching us unaware and unprepared. Just as we had no clue what labor contractions would feel like until they hit full force, we don’t realize how quickly time will go, how much we will have to learn on the fly and how many tears (good and bad) we will shed along the way until we are in the midst of motherhood.

And here we are at the start of another school year. The summer passed quickly and there were probably plenty of bucket list items that didn’t get checked off. That’s okay. Life has a way of progressing at a pace faster than we predict. You’d think we would get better at this with each passing year, but we don’t. Instead, each year goes by more quickly, leaving us to wonder how we got where we are.

So, Dear Mom, as school starts up again and you wonder when she got so old or when he grew so tall, know that you’re not alone.

Let the tears fly and the memories come to mind. But, don’t look back with regret or mourn the time gone by. Instead, enjoy the season of life that you’re in right now because in the blink of an eye, it will have passed and you’ll be wondering once again where the time went and how motherhood can be composed of both the longest and shortest moments of our lives.

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FAMILY mommy & daddy

How to

Shop for Teens without

Breaking the Bank

Y

By: Kristine Smith

ou should be able to buy a teenager a gift nowadays that they will use and appreciate without spending half your salary to do so. It is expected for adolescents to desire the latest technology and want to be equipped with the most high tech gadgets. Girls tend to want only brand name clothing in order to keep with the latest fashion trends. But, sometimes the funds don't allow this to be reality.

Instead of not buying them anything at all or going into debt to buy them exactly what they ask for, here are a few tips to make the teenager happy but also keep some cash in your wallet:

1.

Video Game Systems: Of course video gaming systems are on the wish list of every adolescent boy any time of the year, and since there is a new system every year, this could be problematic when trying to watch your finances.

But, instead of buying a whole new game system, getting new games for the systems that the teenager already owns may be an easier fix. You can purchase new games at competitive prices at your local gaming store or online, at sites such as www.half.com or www.amazon.com.

2.

Shopping Trip: Give them a chance to go shopping with a gift card to their

favorite store. The great thing about gift cards is that you get to control how much is put on the card, making it easier to stay in your budget. You may also want to consider the very affordable e-gift cards that are specifically garnered towards the interests of teenagers. They give tech savvy teens the opportunity to shop for the gifts they want from the comfort of their computer.

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3.

Clothes: You can never have too

many pairs of jeans, and neither can your teen. Besides, durable denim lasts a long time and won’t have to be replaced as often as other types of pants. It is not unheard of for a teen to ask for a pair of shoes that costs a couple hundred dollars or more. Depending on your budget and the fact that teens can still grow right out of a pair of shoes that may not be the most practical thing to do.

For those who are more fashion forward, give them a choice: a variety of cheaper shoes or a couple of more expensive ones that can be matched with most of the items in their closet. A quick way to save money clothes shopping is to sign up for email alerts from your teenagers favorite stores. You will receive regular emails with special offers and discounts. Several stores will offer you a discount for signing up. Rue 21 offers a 20% off coupon at sign up, for example. Make sure you check your nearest outlet store's website and sign up for their emails also. Another option is thrift stores such as Goodwill, Plato’s Closet or Clothes Mentor which offers only name brand gently, used clothing.

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4.

Music: Downloading music has become easier than ever and does not have to cost too much to get the music your teen is asking for. Buying an iTunes gift card is probably the easiest and most cost effective way to get the music downloads you need to make them happy. You can also find great deals on downloads at www.amazon.com where they can have entire CD’s for $5.

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Guide First State Bank of Middlebury 111 S. Main Street Middlebury, IN 46540

574-825-2166 www.FSBmiddlebury.com First State Bank has provided financial solutions to families and businesses in Michiana for generations. As a leading lender, the money First State Bank reinvest into the local community helps families and businesses thrive, creates jobs and enhances our area by providing consumers with a variety of vendors.

It is important to teach children financial responsibility.

Here are a few tips for them to save money:

First State Bank has diverse products and services allowing customers to experience the ultimate convenience in day-to-day banking, longterm savings and, with the latest technology, customers have access to funds anytime, anywhere. We are dedicated to investing time and money in the communities we serve. In addition to involvement with several civic organizations, First State Bank also provides programs designed to provide financial assistance to our partners.

 Save any change you may have. Put it in a jar or a piggy bank.

You’d be amazed how quickly it adds up.

The School Spirit Debit Card Program is one example of our dedication to support local schools. Our partnership with several schools throughout Michiana provides opportunity for additional monetary support that is donated to participating schools, enhances school spirit, and provides a fantastic financial service to students, faculty and families. First State Bank is proud to support our communities.

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Guide

 Start by saving half of any money you receive as gifts. Put it in a safe place or put it in a savings account.

 Earn extra money by working. Babysitting, lawn mowing, raking leaves and walking pets are some examples of ways to earn extra money.  Set goals with the money you earn. You should have both short term and long term goals. Maybe it’s a new toy, sporting equipment, book or something else you want to buy in the near future.

Whatever your financial needs may be, First State Bank is here to help you reach your financial goal.

Guide

Solace Yoga Studio 620 West Edison Road, Suite 132 Mishawaka, IN 46545 574-855-4111 www.SolaceYogaStudio.com

Solace Yoga Studio is committed to helping you begin or evolve your yoga practice in our classes or even take that next step in our 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training

“Solace Yoga Studio is a peaceful and beautiful place to go to further your yoga practice. Excellent for any level from beginner to advanced. All of the instructors are very kind and helpful. I would recommend everyone to check this place out!”

– Ranae

program. Our studio provides a soft and warm ambiance that will uplift the spirit and help relieve your everyday stresses. We

“I love every moment I spend at Solace and would highly recommend it and all the instructors to my friends and family.”

– Leslie

look forward to seeing you at Solace Yoga Studio where your worries and stresses may just evaporate as you enter the studio.

You’re Invited to our FALL OPEN HOUSE! Wednesday, September 3rd 5:30-7:30pm Come on in and relax. Take a tour and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and beverages as you learn about Solace, our classes, and meet our teachers.

Huge Sales on Memberships, Class Packages and Retail items in our Boutique.

Receive a free gift when you bring a friend.

“Best yoga studio I've been to!

Everyone is so pleasant and most importantly, willing to help!”

– Amy

20 CLASS PASS for $200 ($10 classes)

620 W Edison Rd, Suite 132 Mishawaka, IN 46545 574-855-4111 www.SolaceYogaStudio.com THE

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HealthWorks!

111 W. Jefferson Blvd.

South Bend, IN 46601

574-647-5437 www.HealthWorksKids.org

HealthWorks! has been "infectiously contaminating" kids of all ages for more than 14 years. More than half a million children have experienced HealthWorks! irresistible health education through field trips and

– Jake, Age 5

community outreach programs. HealthWorks! is also available for special functions, birthday parties, camps, babysitter certification and much more. HealthWorks! is a one-of-a-kind place that merges the best of both worlds from children’s museums and health education centers with its own creative spin of health edu-tainment!

"I like everything here. I like the games and I like the slide. I like the people. I like the puppet shows! We have fun every time we come."

"I like the dancing game."

– Maddie and Miles

"I like Healthworks! because I get to spend time with my family. My favorite game is the dodge ball game."

– Yoyo

Healthy Fun Begins Here!

Make HealthWorks! your child’s first “field trip” of the new school year. Open six days a week, our 10,000-square-foot learning playground engages the body and the mind. Your child will learn to make healthy life choices while enjoying fun at the same time!

Did you know you can party with us?! Ready to have the most fun, most memorable birthday party ever? Then check out the cool programs we have available for your next birthday party.

Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Closed Sundays 111 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, IN 46601 Healthworkskids.org | 574-647-KIDS (5437) 32

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Debbie Werbrouck School of Dance & Music and Academy Arts Preschool 1106 Lincoln Way Osceola, IN 46561

3466 Douglas Road South Bend, IN 46635

574-674-9353

574-247-1590

“The many performing opportunities have given our children a great deal of self-confidence that has carried over into many academic and athletic activities.”

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 50-A Osceola, IN 46561

- Emy Berger.

www.danceeducation.net Debbie Werbrouck School of Dance & Music is dedicated to providing outstanding opportunities for students of all ages and abilities. From the child or adult beginner taking classes for enjoyment and physical benefits to the aspiring pre-professional, the dedicated faculty and staff focus on meeting the needs of each individual student. Our greatest pride is teaching lessons that provide benefits for life.

Academy Arts Preschool provides a unique learning experience that incorporates dance, music and arts into the academic curriculum. Through this combination, preschoolers develop school readiness skills. We focus on building positive selfesteem, appropriate social skills and strong academics through a rich, multi-sensory, developmentally appropriate curriculum of core knowledge. Developed from more than forty years of preschool education experience, this unique approach along with our caring faculty, prepares students for a lifetime love of learning.

“Taking dance classes at Debbie Werbouck’s School of Dance has been a very positive experience for my daughter. In addition to lessons in dance, she has also learned life lessons including discipline, commitment and self-confidence.”

- Angie Binion

“The Academy Arts Preschool program has allowed my daughter the opportunity to learn in ways she never would have in a traditional preschool. The program has allowed her to be creative and expressive in her learning environment.”

- Candice Warnke, AAP parent of two years

Prepare your preschooler for a lifetime love of learning with this unique program that combines academic learning with dance, art and music.

Give your child the gifts of

CALL TODAY! 574-247-1590 • 3466 Douglas Rd.

at Debbie Werbrouck School of Dance & Music.

All ages, styles and levels of classes. egin Classes b n o so .

W! CALL NO

Visit our website for information and a virtual tour.

www.danceeducation.net 247-1590 Douglas Rd.

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K12, Inc. www.K12.com

K12, the nation’s leading provider of online learning programs for students in grades K-12, is working for thousands of Indiana families. Through individualized learning, K12 is helping children across the state unleash their true potential. But don’t just take our word for it! See what our families have to say about their experiences.

“I have nine kids in Hoosier Academies! The school provides an amazing level of flexibility for our family. Each of my children are unique, and with Hoosier Academies, they can learn at their own pace. The teachers help out a ton when someone needs extra attention or gets stuck. The online curriculum challenges my kids in a way that keeps them interested and engaged in what they’re learning. You should have seen how ecstatic my son was when he earned a top grade in algebra!”

- Teresa M. “Our son is a really smart kid. What's great about Hoosier Academies is that he can move ahead at his own pace. So he's never bored or having to wait around during lessons that he's already mastered, which can happen at traditional schools. Even though he's a great student, our son still needs to be challenged, and the Hoosier Academies classes and teachers do just that. Plus, the school provides plenty of ways for our son to interact with other students – both online and during in-person school events.”

- Jaunny L. “My son is a standout gymnast, so he spends a lot of time practicing his routines and traveling to gymnastic meets. With Hoosier Academies, we can customize our school schedule in a way that works for us. My son gets to dedicate the time he needs to gymnastics, without sacrificing his school work. The curriculum is great, challenging and fun at the same time. Plus, there are teachers there every step of the way to provide feedback that's specific to my son. I don't know what we'd do without Hoosier Academies.”

- Anna S.

Personalized education for all Develop your child’s full potential through statewide, tuition-free, online public schools for grades K–12 with state-certified teachers.

Request a free info kit today.

K12.COM | 855.677.2444

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McDonald's of Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan Twitter: @McD_NorthernInd www.mcdonalds.com New Reasons to Feel Good McDonald’s® is offering guests new reasons to feel good about their food choices. Now, parents and kids in the Michiana area have an additional side option for Happy Meals and Mighty Kids Meals – Go-GURT® Low-Fat Strawberry Yogurt. Made exclusively for McDonald’s, Go-GURT yogurt:  Contains 50 calories  Has 25 percent less sugar than the leading kids’ yogurt*  Is made with natural flavor  Delivers about one quarter cup of low-fat dairy  Is a good source of calcium and vitamin D. In 2012, McDonald’s introduced the new Happy Meal®, which automatically included apple slices and kids-size French Fries. Together with the introduction of yogurt, these options provide more balanced choices for kids, along with 1% low-fat white milk, fat-free chocolate milk and 100% apple juice beverage options. Guests can now choose either Go-GURT Low-Fat Strawberry Yogurt or apple slices, or choose both together as their sides in place of a kids-size fry.

“At McDonald’s, we’re always looking to bring happiness to families and listening to our customers’ requests to have more variety and wholesome options for kids to enjoy in their Happy Meals,” says Dave Sparks, owner-operator of McDonald’s restaurants in South Bend, Mishawaka, Granger and southwest Michigan. “Go-GURT Low-Fat Strawberry Yogurt is another option we’re providing to parents and their children.”

These latest offerings support McDonald’s partnership with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, an organization founded by the American Heart Association and Clinton Foundation to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity and empower kids to develop lifelong, healthy habits. The Alliance and McDonald’s are working together to increase customers’ access to fruit, vegetables and low-fat dairy and help families and children make informed choices in keeping with healthy, balanced lifestyles.

In addition, one penny of each Happy Meal sold goes to support Ronald McDonald House Charities®, a non-profit organization providing comfort and care to children and families by supporting the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Memorial Children’s Hospital in South Bend. *Go-GURT® at McDonald’s has 6g of sugar per 2.25oz. The leading kids’ yogurt has 9g of sugar per 2.25oz.

eeny

meeny

miny

Feel-good choices in your Happy Meal. ®

@McD_NorthernIND Available at participating McDonald’s ®. © 2014 McDonald’s. Yoplait and Go-GURT are registered trademarks of YOPLAIT MARQUES (France) used under license.

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South Bend Museum of Art Located Inside the Century Center in Downtown South Bend 120 South St. Joseph Street South Bend, IN 46601 www.southbendart.org

Since its founding in 1947, the South Bend Museum of Art has provided insight into the art, history and culture of the region and nation. The SBMA features a full spectrum of historical and contemporary art featured in five galleries with changing exhibitions throughout the year. The SBMA offers classes in a wide range of artistic traditions for all ages and abilities in its studios, as well as programming and events for families throughout the year. Membership is available at a variety of levels and includes benefits such as tuition discounts, free admission to special events and supports free admission to the galleries.

Located inside the Century Center in downtown South Bend, Indiana, the SBMA is an architectural delight. Designed by Philip Johnson and John Burgee, the museum occupies three levels in the northern wing of the building. Here is a testimonial we just received about the Drawing Class for adults: “I just want to send a quick note to share that I am LOVING the Joy of Drawing class with Cathy Isza. I have taken a few classes at the museum and this class has been amazing. Cathy has been my favorite instructor and the class has been very productive. She strikes the perfect balance between instruction and allowing us time to explore and develop our drawing skills. Her passion for art and teaching has been inspiring and made me love art more.�

Nurturing artists of all ages since 1947!

Classes for preschoolers to adults start the week of September 8.

Visit

southbendart.org for class descriptions and online registration. located inside Century Center in downtown South Bend | 587. 235.9102 36

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Once Upon A Child 5936 Grape Road Mishawaka, IN 46545

574-247-1099 www.OnceUponAChild.com

Once Upon A Child knows what is best for your family: quality, value and kids’ stuff that is safe.

“I love shopping here for my niece and nephew! I can get so many more things than I can anywhere else! Can't beat the price, quality and quantity!”

– Lauren

Once Upon A Child buys and sells gently used kids’ clothing, shoes, toys and baby gear brought in by local Michiana residents. Visit Once Upon a Child to turn those no longer

“We've always been able to find the items we have been in need of at reasonable prices.”

– Tammy

needed items into cash or trade today!

UNIFORMS! Buy and sell your gently used school uniforms for cash on the spot at Once Upon a Child.

Plus, low prices on trendy brand name items for kids up to size 18.

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

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FAMILY book reviews

1, 2, 3, The Toddler Years A Practical Guide for Parents and Caregivers

By Irene Van der Zande Reviewed By: Lori Walsh, Children’s Librarian, Harris Branch The author, Irene Van der Zande, demonstrates in three parts how to understand, navigate and enjoy the toddler years. Although interactions and methods described in this book take place in a child care center, the techniques used are applicable for parents and caregivers at home.

Parents and caregivers will find the topics that are addressed such as, “Let me choose,” “Mine” and “I understand more than you think,” to be ones that they can relate to on a daily basis. After reading the short chapters with real examples and solutions, the parent/caregiver will be able to help the child understand their feelings and give the child the words they need to express themselves.

When the time comes to find child care for your little one, Part Three of the book provides lists that help families make educated choices. It details where to find childcare, questions to ask child care providers, what to look for when you visit centers and how to keep track of what your child does during the day. Having a plan for when your child is sick is also discussed.

Whether you read the entire book or pick and choose topics that are of interest to you, I think you will want this book on hand to help you with your ever-changing toddler.

FAMILY student book reviews

The Fault in Our Stars

By John Green

Reviewed By: Emerson, Freshman at Edwardsburg High School The Fault in Our Stars is a book about a girl named Hazel who, at the age of 12, was diagnosed with stage 4 thyroid cancer. She is just waiting to die until at the age of 14, a medical miracle shrinks her cancer tumors. She is getting more and more depressed even though her cancer tumors have shrunk. Her mom and doctor decide that Hazel needs a support group. She doesn’t want to go at first, but after she does she meets this boy named Augustus Waters. They become friends and start hanging out together.

They share everything with each other. Hazels shares her favorite book with Augustus, An Imperial Affliction. He reads it and they talk over and over again about the unsolved ending.

Augustus somehow manages to get through to the author’s assistant to try and find out what the author originally had in mind. After a few emails back and forth, Augustus asks the genies for his one cancer wish, to go with Hazel to Amsterdam to meet the author of An Imperial Affliction and found out the unsolved answers. Hazel is overjoyed and she also manages to convince her parents into letting her go. When they arrive in Amsterdam, Hazel and Augustus have a lovely dinner together and rest before they go and meet the author. The next day they go to Peter Van Houten’s house.

What they found out is that Peter is just a drunk grumpy old man that doesn’t care about anything anymore. Hazel storms out with Augustus

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following. Van Houten’s assistant apologizes to them and takes them to the Frank’s house museum. After that they go back to their hotels and have some time to themselves.

Augustus drops a bomb, telling Hazel that his cancer has returned.

When they get back to Indianapolis, the doctors see that it is too late for Augustus, and that he will die soon. Hazel is devastated. At Augustus’s funeral, Hazel is surprised to see Peter. She finds out from him why he wrote the book, (because he had a daughter that died from cancer) and she finds that Augustus wrote an alternate ending and sent it to Peter. It had questions for Hazel asking her if she was happy of the choices she had made. She said she was.

Some people may say that this book is bad for some kids because of cursing. I kindly disagree because it shows a point and how life can really turn things around on you. If you are looking for a good book to read, I suggest this one because it has twist and turns of different events happening in the life of a cancer patient.

Birthday Party Resource Guide

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!

Everything you need to plan the party of the decade for your kiddo!

Does your business host birthday parties for kids?

Contact us to get featured in this special section!

For info or to register call (574) 654-3155. www.sjcparks.org

FAMILY recipe

Fish Tacos with

Summer Salsa

Ingredients • 1 Pound White Fish Fillets • Juice of 2 Limes • 1 (11) Ounce Can Whole Tomatillos • 4 Zucchini Peeled, Seeded and Cut into Cubes • ¼ cup Chopped Cilantro • 2 1/2 Teaspoons Salt • 8 Corn Tortillas • 2 Tablespoons Chili Powder • ¼ Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper • 1 Tablespoon Extra-Virgin Olive Oil • 1 Avocado, Peeled and Thinly Sliced Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 225 degrees and place the fish in a medium bowl. Then drizzle with half of the lime juice.

Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

2. Squeeze the juice and flesh from the tomatillos into a medium bowl and mash the tomatillos with a fork. Add the zucchini, the remaining lime juice, cilantro and two teaspoons of the salt and toss.

3. Spread the tortillas on two baking sheets and warm in the oven for about five minutes.

4. In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cayenne pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Remove the fish from the lime juice, pat dry and cover with the spice rub.

Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and cook the fish, about four minutes on each side.

Break the fish into bite-size pieces and season to taste with salt. Arrange the fish in the tortillas with some of the salsa and avocado slices.

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Memorial BrainWorks presents Mary Morris Leighton Lecture 2014

Becoming Your Best Self: The New Science of Stress and Willpower September 10 | 7 p.m. | 53995 Indiana 933 | South Bend

Hilton Garden Inn

What would life be like if • Stress was your friend?

• You could rely on your willpower?

• Feeling “stuck” was a thing of the past?

One of Forbes 20 Most Inspiring Women and bestselling author of The Willpower Instinct, and The Neuroscience of Change, Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D., is passionate about exploring the latest research on motivation, temptation and procrastination, and turning them into easy-to-use ideas to transform habits, persevere at challenges and make successful changes.

Join us for an evening of insights and strategies!

Kelly’s upbeat, dynamic, and humor-filled style makes it easy to grasp new ways to achieve your personal and professional goals—and get even closer to becoming your best self.

Reserve your seat for this FREE event!

Call 574.647.6628 or visit MemorialBrainWorks.com