Family Magazine December 2013

December 2013 • Moms Just Know • Free

PARENTIN G MEDIA AS SOCIATIO

N

2013 Silv Award W er inner G eneral Ex cellence

Holiday Gift Guide

For Teachers When The

Holidays Are Split

Christmas Break

Family Fun!

Kids &

Bullying:

What Are Your Rights?

10

Christmas Movies To Watch With Your Family

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

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IN THE NEXT ISSUE:

Contributors

FAMILY Faith

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

Assistant Editor: Chaunie Brusie

Chaunie@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

Creative marketing director: Jena Bontrager

Congratulations!

Jena@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

October Coloring Contest Winners!

Marketing Coordinator: Jill Ludwick Jill@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN Manager: Zuzanna Zmud

Zuzanna@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Katie Brenneman

Katie@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

Intern/Staff Assistant: Amy Kociolek Amy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

Miranda – Age 9

Alex – Age 5

Caleb – Age 10

Medical Editor: S. Jesse Hsieh, M.D. Distribution Manager: Mike Trentacosti

on the cover: Kayleigh from Goshen Photo: Classic Image Photography, Granger

Family Magazines of Michiana would love to hear from you! Please submit press releases, event information and inquiries to: info@Michianafamilymagazine.com The FAMILY Magazines 1233 E. University Drive Granger, IN 46530 PH: 574.387.5420 • FX: 574.217.4700 www.michianafamilymagazine.com The FAMILY Magazines September 2013 Established in 2006.

All rights reserved.

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

Read The FAMILY Magazines online each month!

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

Volume 7: Number 12

Want to win a FREE 1 Year Membership to Star Martial Arts?

Check out the coloring contest on page 43!

www.MichianaMom.com

The FAMILY Magazine is a proud member of PMA

PARENTING MEDIA ASSOCIATION

PARENTING MEDIA ASSOCIATION

PARENTING MEDIA ASSOCIATION

2013 Silver Award Winner

2013 Gold Award Winner

2013 Silver Award Winner

General Excellence

Editorial and Design Awards Competition

Editorial and Design Awards Competition

Find the Hidden Acorn!

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.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

7

Things

We Learned Making

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

The Holiday Issue

Things We (at FAMILY)

Love

Right Now!

1. The first snow 2. Bells ringing 3. Baking cookies

1.

Christmas = family time. And we have some classic Christmas movies on page 13 that you can curl up to and watch with your family this year! (Don’t forget the hot cocoa!)

4. The smell of balsam pine 5. The perfect gift 6. Blessings 7. Christmas programs 8. The solitude of church

2. What to do with all

those Christmas cards.

Finally! A cute solution for displaying all of those Christmas cards. Find the easy DIY steps on page 14 to create this craft you can use year after year!

9. Giving 10. Board games

3.

Moms, it’s time for you. As the year draws to a close, we have some advice and reflections on making next year the best yet— for you. Page 18.

4. You can

5.

What teachers really want this Christmas. (Hint: it’s not an apple!) Meagan Church gives us the holiday gift guide to make Christmas a little more merry for the teachers in your lives.

On page 32.

survive a holiday plane ride with a baby. And we have the tips and tricks to help you make it happen on page 19.

6. Holidays with

split families can be a challenge. But that doesn’t mean they have to be miserable. Keep the Christmas spirit alive in the midst of a split on page 30.

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | december 2013

7.

Your bullied child has legal rights. Both at home and at school. Find out what they are on page 22.

11. Christmas carols 12. Wrapping gifts 13. Leggings 14. Twinkle lights

DECEM BER

Check it Out! Don

’t forget to pick up your copy of the NEW SASS Y Magazine!

Glitz &

2013

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Sass

FASHION SH OW

The Fash ion Even t of the

Season

with Champ CELEBRATING

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What to get

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for Chris tmas

2014 Cl

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Printed on Recycled Content Paper

4Keeps

By Casey Kiel

About the artist Casey Kiel lives in Nappanee with her husband Matt and their four children – Mason, Caleah, Makinzie and Caden – who are the inspiration for this comic. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education and works as a Graphic Designer for the University of Notre Dame and as a freelance artist.

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

Testimonials From Our Readers We are super excited to have done so well and so happy to have so many friends and family “support us. We cannot wait to see the wonderful prizes from the sponsors and cannot thank them enough for their generosity.”

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

info@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

– Rebecca Foster-Robbins, with Hailey the Cheerleader, second place winner of the Cutest Kids Halloween Costume Contest

Thank you very much for this contest as it offers us a “chance to attend the tea gathering that my daughter asked

to go to when she was a dancer in the Nutcracker a few years ago! However, all our available funds were put towards her lessons and participation fee and I unfortunately couldn't afford the tickets at that time. Already counting down the days until Nov. 17th =)” – Tina Cannady

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THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | december 2013

5

the FAMILY magazine

Of

table

32

contents live your best

book reviews

4 7 Things We Learned Making 10 Gifted Hands

By Edith Jongsma This Issue 5 4Keeps Comic 5 Reader Testimonials 3 Coloring Contest Winners 8 The FAMILY Month Calendar

10 Weelicious

Reveiwed by Nancy Herman

movie review 13 10 Christmas Movies To Watch

With Your Family

By Cole Pollyea

family craft

14 Christmas Card Display

By Jill Lebbin

Special Section Fit Mama

16 Cranberry Almond Crunch Balls

By Jeannine Eubanks

18 Dear Mom

By Meagan Church

family kids

20 Baby’s First Flight

By Lara West

22 Kids & Bullying: What Are Your Rights?

By Jane Suter

family pregnancy

26 Pregnant With a Toddler Underfoot

By Chaunie Brusie

18 6

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | december 2013

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family mom

28 Remembering Who You Married

By Noelle Elliott

28

30 When The Holidays Are Split

By Taylor Neff

32 Holiday Gift Guide For Teachers

By Meagan Church

family pet

34 Dealing With The Loss of a Pet

By Noelle Elliott

36 Holiday Sitters for Your Four- Legged Furry Friends

By Jessica Schliska

38 This Month’s Adorable Adoptees From The Humane Society

mommy & daddy

calendar of events

40 `Twas The Lice Before Christmas

By Jane Suter

46 Go to www.MichianaMom.com for tons of additional family events

– updated daily!

22

Oh, Look at These Cuties!

Congrats again to our 2013 Kids Cover Contest Winners! (age group: 6-11 months)

Isn't our cover girl this month just so precious!

3rd Place Winner Noah, Goshen

2nd Place Winner Benaiah, Goshen 1st Place Winner of the Cutest Kid Contest Kayleigh, Goshen 100% Recyclable

The 2014 Kids Cover Contest is Coming Soon!

Watch for details in the January 2014 Issue of Family Magazine!

THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | december 2013

7

The FAMILY Month 6

1

3

“Annie,” South Bend Civic Theatre Breakfast With Santa, Old Republic

WunderKeys Music Class, Wedertz Music Academy

2

Audition Workshops for 4th -12th grade, South Bend Civic Theatre

Christopher’s Christmas O'Laughlin Auditorium, Saint Mary's College Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Jon Hunt Plaza/ Morris Performing Arts Center

5

Music Class, Wedertz Music Academy

7

14

8

Breakfast With Santa, WSBT Studio B

Santa’s Gingerbread Village, Downtown South Bend

The Nutcracker by the Southold Dance Theatre, The Morris Performing Arts Center

13

BellaNova Women's Health Holiday Spa Open House, BellaNova Women's Health

A Christmas Carol, Lerner Theatre

4 9 10 11 12 Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa

Stocking Stuffer

Alert!

ing t o

Indiana

Indiana

you. We know you want to be sure that your transaction is safe and secure, that's why we guarantee our tickets with our Fan Protect Guarantee™.

Have you been good?

is coming to

nta that protects Saaguarantee 1. Look for

Santa

Thinking about buying your preteen or teen his or her first concert tickets for Christmas?

Check out these tips from online ticket retailer StubHub. is c om

Who didn’t love that family-friendly movie Despicable Me? Now, we have two copies of the recently-released sequel, Despicable Me 2, to give away—just in time for Christmas! Head over to our Facebook page to get all the details and enter to win! is c om in g

Indiana

to

Are you ready to go to sleep?

Then Santa is coming to town! Read about what happens to Santa when he visits Indiana.

2. Narrow your search. With StubHub's many search options, including the ability to choose a price point, delivery method and more.

Juvenile Fiction Ages 4 and up

$9.99 U.S.

EAN

ISBN-13: 978-1-4022-8803-6

Written by Steve Smallman

a Illustrated by Robert Dunn and Jim Mitchell

3. Explore. Not sure what you want? No problem. StubHub is a great source to discover new events near you.

Santa Claus is Coming to Indiana

4. Be a smart shopper. Always buy from a reputable source.

Well, we know he is, of course, but now your kids can read all about Santa’s big trip down to Indiana in this adorable new book! Featuring all of Santa’s famous friends, right here in our hometown.

Enter to win a copy on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/pages/The-FAMILY-Magazine-of-Michiana/68599813713

5. Be patient. Tickets are a perishable commodity, so it may be worth the wait to snag a last minute deal!

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“Christmas isn’t a season.

It’s a feeling.”

—Edna Ferber Printed on Recycled Content Paper

Calendar

25

Merry Christmas!

22

15

Notre Dame Children’s Choir Christmas Concert, Church of the Loretto, Saint Mary's College.

Christmas Concernt, Memorial Presbyterian Church, South Bend

19

Nature Munchkins, St. Patrick’s County Park

31

New Years Eve

24

Christmas Eve

16

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18

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21

23

26

27

28

29

30

Su

M

Tu

W

F

Sa

M

Tu

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Th

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What We’re

Salt Dough Christmas Ornament

Pinning This Month

Follow us on Pinterest:

Be the envy of Pinterest—and craft precious Christmas memories in the process with this easy Christmas DIY ornament.

pinterest.com/familymags

Directions: Combine ½ c. salt, ½ c. flour, ¼ c. water and knead until dough forms.

Flatten into circles and impress your child’s handprint onto the dough. Poke a hole in the top for hanging and bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 hours. Paint and seal to finish.

Start a family Christmas tradition!

Looking for some ideas to start your own family Christmas tradition? Check out these very merry ideas from our readers and staff! (And log on to our Facebook page to share your family’s traditions!)

“Our favorite traditions are cutting down a Christmas Tree and spending the day decorating it together. Also, driving around and looking at all the houses with Christmas lights. Nothing is better then bundling up and driving around in a cozy warm car ooohing an aaahing at all the sights.”

– Trina Hall Nissley “We typically attend the Christmas Eve service at our church, which always puts us in the right spirit for Christmas the next day. Then, Christmas day we usually have a big breakfast then gather in the living room to open gifts. We pass out all the gifts under the tree so each person has their own, big pile of 100% Recyclable

presents in front of them. We each take a turn opening gifts one at a time from youngest to oldest which usually takes us about 3 hours to do. It is always my most favorite 3 hours of the year seeing the joy on my family members faces from the gifts they've received and feeling the love, joy and spirit of the Christmas season in the room!”

– Jena Bontranger “Before Christmas dinner we all stand up, visit each person around the table and give them our blessings for the next year.

Always brings tears and hugs!”

– Zuzanna Zmud THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | december 2013

9

FAMILY book review Weelicious: 140 Fast, Fresh and Easy Recipes By: Catherine McCord Reviewed by Nancy Herman, Children’s Services Library Assistant

This time of year is extremely difficult to keep the family eating healthy. The cookbook, Weelicious: 140 Fast, Fresh and Easy Recipes, has some fun and easy ways to help. Catherine McCord has included recipes that infants, children and even dads will like. Her philosophy is to put an end to the “short order cook” where everyone wants something different to eat and to prepare one meal for the entire family to enjoy.

drinks! Of course, we do not all like the same foods so tweaking the recipes is only natural. McCord suggests that we modify to suit our individual tastes.

This cookbook is full of colorful pictures and tips to help keep on track during the busy times. With all of these great tasting recipes and helpful hints to strategically help kids make better choices, healthy eating is just a meal away! I would definitely recommend Weelicious: 140 Fast, Fresh and Easy Recipes to anyone who is looking for delicious, healthy recipes! It is available for checkout at the Mishawaka Penn Harris Public Library.

McCord starts by explaining how to handle those picky eaters, how to grocery shop in a healthy way and how to get your kids involved in the kitchen. Start by taking the kids to the farmer’s market or grocery store. Let the kids help in the kitchen preparing meals by cutting and pushing buttons! Also, let them help prepare the menus. These easy, helpful tips are active ways for the entire family to gain healthy eating habits.

There are over 140 new recipe ideas that are healthy and fairly easy to prepare! The first few recipes are for feeding infants and making your own baby purees. Then, the recipes include meals for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinners, desserts and even

Gifted Hands

By: Ben Carson

Reviewed by: Edith Jongsma

I read the book, Gifted Hands by Ben Carson. Ben Carson was a black boy who grew up in the poverty-stricken side of Detroit. He was never very good at school and kids made fun of him for it. So his mom made him and his brother read two books every week and write or recite a report to her at the end of the each week. Ben's mom always pushed him and Ben ended up being at the top of his class. At age 14, Ben decided he wanted to be a doctor and his mom always pushed him to achieve his dream.

As a choice for college, Ben picked Yale. He did very well in all his classes but he struggled in chemistry. The night before his test, Ben asked God to help him remember all his equations and materials he needed to know for his chemistry test. That night, Ben had a dream. In his dream there was a man whose face he couldn't see. The man was writing equations on a board. The next day on Ben's test he discovered the equations in his dream were the answers on his test! From that day on Ben decided to always trust God. Years later Ben worked at John Hopkins Hospital and he was about to do a surgery on Siamese twins connected at the back of the head. Many other doctors would do the surgery but they would only try to save one of the twins.

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | december 2013

Ben wanted to save both. He did a twenty-two hour surgery and successfully saved both twins.

This surgery was the surgery that made Ben most famous.

Ben had an amazing impact on the world. I think because he would do many surgeries that other doctors wouldn't attempt because there was a chance that the patients might die.

Ben always did the surgeries with care and compassion. And he trusted God to help him through all his hard times. Ben showed the world that every person deserves a chance.

To me that is a great legacy to leave.

My name is Edith Jongsma. I am in eighth grade at Covenant Christian School. I love Jesus, sports and a good book. If I could "shout out" one thing I would say never give up! And you'll never know unless you try!!

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FAMILY stuff we love

Christmas Break Family Fun Great Places for the Family During Christmas.

Holiday Festivities with the Grandchildren!

Join us at Fernwood for Holiday Festivities and children's' activities throughout December.

Check out our website for further information.

Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve, Niles fernwoodbotanical.org

Compton’s Winter Wonderland!

Celebrate the holidays at Compton Family Ice Arena! We offer public skates Fri & Sat evenings from 7-8:50p and Sat & Sun afternoons from 2-3:50p. Check our website for extended holiday hours and curling classes!

Compton Family Ice Arena, Notre Dame, IN See website at comptonice.nd.edu for pricing.

LEARN HERE, SKI ANYWHERE!

Our Valley Kids is a great way for kids to learn to ski and snowboard. This all-inclusive program provides a fun and confident introduction to a wonderful family winter activity!

Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboard Area, Jones MI 269-244-5635

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | december 2013

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FAMILY fun

Staff Picks for

Holiday Gifts

Baby...

Chaunie, Assistant Editor: Building blocks–you can’t go wrong with those!

Zuzanna, Graphic Design Manager: “Baby First Christmas Gifts” such as ornaments, picture frames, stuffed animals, baby winter clothes/coat or holiday books for baby.

At a loss for Christmas gifts this year?

We’re happy to help! Our staff rounded up some of the must-haves on their own shopping lists this year. Take a look!

College-Aged...

Katie, Graphic Designer: Themed pajamas are always fun! Gift basket for college with movies, hot cocoa/coffee, popcorn and holiday treats.

Toddler...

Jena, Creative Marketing Director: Melissa & Doug Train Set from Lanser’s the Natural Way.

Parents/Grandparents...

Jill, Marketing Coordinator: Vera Bradley blanket, gourmet popcorn, Fannie May candy or a day at the spa.

Teenager...

Amy, Intern/Publisher's Assistant: Carhartt® Notre Dame Ripstop Active Jacket $110.

General...

Betsy, Publisher & Editor: Mike's Car Wash Passes now through December 31st, all Works and Works Plus books feature “Buy 4 Washes, Get 2 Free” special pricing. You can purchases passes at Mike’s Carwash, 7026 Heritage Square Drive in Granger, or at mikescarwash.com.

FAMILY movie review

The

TOP TEN

Best Family Holiday Movies

1. "A Christmas Story" This, amongst all, is perhaps my favorite Christmas movie of all time. It gets everything right, and can be viewed time and time again. (Rated PG)

2. "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" Another one of my family's favorites is this hilarious National Lampoon take on family Christmas. "Christmas Vacation" has it all; but for sure, it's the funniest holiday film there ever was. (Rated PG-13)

By: Cole Pollyea

Greetings,

from one holiday lover to another. Who, if anyone, doesn't enjoy a good, classic seasonal movie on a snowy Saturday afternoon with the family? Who, if anyone, could refuse such holly, jolly moments plastered on the silver screen with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate in hand? Well, as a holiday movie-lover, I've taken the liberty of recommending ten GREAT holiday films to spice up your family traditions. Whether you're looking to laugh, cry, appreciate, relieve your cabin fever or just spread some holiday cheer, I suggest you take a peek at this unbeatable list.

3. "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" While some can argue that it was unfaithful to the book, I found Ron Howard's vision of Dr. Suess' classic story to be delightful, original and totally entertaining. To that, I consider it a Holiday film to be remembered, along with the short animated feature that came in 1966. (Rated PG)

Happy Holidays, Moviegoers!

5. "Elf" This is, what I consider to be, Will Ferrel's best film. It is indeed one of the best family Christmas movies because of its incredible sense of humor. You may be a Scrooge if you don't love this movie! (Rated PG)

4. "Scrooged" The original may put some to sleep, but this lively, comedic adaption of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" is at no times disappointing; it's rather hilarious, heart-warming and involving. Murray is excellent here, too, along with a cast that makes this a whole lot of fun. (Rated PG-13)

7. "It's a Wonderful Life" What happens to be a more experience-oriented film, and what also happened to be a movie not even intended to be viewed during the Holidays has to make my list because of its self-realizing themes and beautiful ideas. Don't shy away because it's in black and white; you'll get more out of it than what you think.

(Rated Approved)

6. "The Family Stone" Perhaps the most endearing Christmas movie that there ever was, The Family Stone is a tradition in my family. To be quite honest, I don't believe there's been a time when I've watched it and haven't laughed heartily in addition to tearing up. Add this one to your holiday movie-watching spree.

(Rated PG-13)

8. "The Santa Clause" A classic. Tim Allen, by fault, becomes Santa Clause. What ensues is a delightful moviegoing experience for all members of the family. (Rated PG)

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9. "Home Alone" When the young, smart-mouthed kid Kevin McCallister is left home (accidentally) over the season, two clumsy robbers put their sights on the helpless (or so it may seem) kid's house. Amusing and heartwarming are the two qualifications I have to include this inventive movie onto this list. (Rated PG)

10. Disney's "A Christmas Carol" Yet another adaption of the classical tale makes the list, but for many reasons: the animation is both intelligent, younger-audience oriented and appropriately dark. Add Jim Carrey to the narration, and you get a holiday classic. (Rated PG) THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | december 2013

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FAMILY craft

Christmas Card Display Holder By: Jill Lebbin

Christmas Card Photo Credit: Barb Zappia Photography 14

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | december 2013

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Our mission

is to guide each child in living the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Academic excellence will be achieved through diverse and challenging learning experiences. Each student will also develop the qualities necessary to face the demands of life, while serving God and others, in an ever changing society.

• Named a 4-Star School for 2013 • Before and After School Care • State of the art iPad and Smartboard Technology

• Christian Family Atmosphere

• School Choice Indiana Option

• Recently Renovated and Expanded

• Outstanding Academics

• 21st Century Learning Facility

• Safe Environment We received an “A” on the state accountability report card!

Jill Lebbin is the owner and operator of Every Day is an Occasion LLC (everydayisanoccasion.com). She designs for paper manufacturers and teaches craft classes.

Her projects can be seen on the Disney Blog, HSN, WSBT and published in craft magazines. She resides in Granger with her husband and two children.

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For a tour call (574) 264-4855

www.stselkhart.com THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | december 2013

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Special Section fit mama

Cranberry Almond

Crunch Bites By: Jeannine Eubanks

Ingredients: 4 cups dry oats 2 cups crushed, sliced or slivered almonds 1 cup ground flax seed 6 oz. package dried cranberries 2 cups peanut butter (use natural peanut butter for less sugar—still just as tasty!)

1 cup honey Âź cup cocoa powder (optional) Directions: 1. Mix all dry ingredients in large mixing bowl.

2. Melt peanut butter in microwave or on stovetop.

This makes it easier to mix. Natural peanut butter is usually runny, so no need to melt.

3. Add peanut butter and honey to oats mixture and stir well.

4. Refrigerate about 30 minutes.

5. Shape into 1.5" -ish balls (or whatever size you want them), then store in the fridge or freezer.

Makes about 60 balls.

Jeannine Eubanks is a mother of five, real food advocate, food/parenting blogger and photographer. She loves art, gardening, reading, green living, healthy eating, camping and gourmet coffee. She blogs at Eubanks Eutopia.

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | december 2013

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Offering Pilates Reformer, Trapeze Table, Chair, Wall Towers & Mat, Yoga, Barre Effect, TRX, Kid’s Yoga, Massage Therapy

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Childcare provided for most class sessions. See schedule for details.

Located in Toscana Park in Granger!

318 Toscana Blvd • Granger, IN 46530 269-612-0038 bridgette@beyondzenstudio.com

Check out our Facebook Page for our 12 Days of Beyond Zen Specials!

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This program allows you to have your very own personal trainer, yoga, meditation teacher, and nutrition coach all in one place and when you need it most. Using only free weights and your own body weight, you can do the workouts anywhere; your home, gym, or outdoors. Yoga and meditation will help you gain peace of mind and body and the nutrition will get you on the right track with your diet.

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Special Section fit mama

Dear Mom, Sit Down. Seriously.

Dear Mom, Have you taken time to breathe this season? I know it’s difficult, but it’s necessary. The holidays are upon us and nearly gone. It’s hard to pass up the temptation to bake one more dozen cookies, schedule one more holiday party or try to check off one more Christmas break bucket list item. But you know what’s more important?

Breathing.

Beyond the Christmas craziness, a new year is upon us. I know you’re wondering where the time went. How did another year slip by you so quickly? Here’s the thing: 2014 doesn’t have to be the same way. A year from now, you don’t have to ask yourself where the year went and ponder whether or not you lived it to the fullest. You don’t have to regret missed opportunities and mourn spending too many moments fatigued, stressed and at your wits’ end.

Instead, sit down for a while. Seriously. Sit down. Turn off the computer. Silence the smart phone. Put the dog outside. Just sit and ask yourself a few questions. How will 2014 be different from 2013? What do you hope for the new year? What do you not want to repeat?

Think about it.

Consider the possibilities.

Dream big.

Don’t settle for quick answers.

Go deeper.

This isn’t a time to make New Year’s resolutions like finally dropping the rest of the baby weight. Forget about signing up for a gym membership or swearing you will start getting to bed earlier. This is a time to just stop. Rest. Breathe.

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It’s such a simple act and yet it is so difficult. In our fast-paced society, we don’t think twice about taking a few minutes to scroll through Facebook updates. In fact, we absorb our minds in content overload with news nuggets, Pinterest, texting and the like. We don’t want to be left out of the conversation, so we engage and we comment and we retweet. We Instagram the moment instead of being present. We consume, but we don’t rest.

Give yourself permission to rest. Build into this upcoming year intentional moments of letting your mind wander. If solitude works for you, find a quiet space and veg out. If community is what you need, meet a friend for coffee, watch a movie with the kids or schedule that date night with your spouse before the calendar becomes booked. And when that moment comes, disconnect. Not from the people you’re with, but from the avatars inside your phone. Turn it off. Put it away. Engage the moment you’re in.

And, now, before getting back to the world around you, before checking your notifications and letting the dog inside, ask yourself one last question:

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | december 2013

19

FAMILY kids

When Your Baby Takes

Flight

T

he holidays have arrived, and you’re taking the first plane trip with the baby to show the family how amazingly adorable those little cheeks are in person… except you’re not sure how to pack your carry-on, or what to expect at the airport now that you have a little one. Traveling with a baby can seem impossibly difficult, but there are a few tricks of the trade that can make you look and feel like a seasoned traveling team on your very first trip. (Really!)

It wasn’t long after our little bundle of joy arrived in October that we were dragging our luggage, a stroller, a car seat, two diaper bags, a mountain of toys, an armful of blankets and a baby through the airport for our first holiday excursion as parents.

I’ll admit it. We over-packed the diaper bags, spent more on baggage fees than we spent on the plane tickets themselves and without any extra effort, we managed to shut down the x-ray machine with a stray stuffed animal.

What I learned is that the secret is (mostly) in the packing. Here are a few tips to help your holiday travel go turbulence free: • Ship the gifts. Save space and money. Ship gifts you order online directly to the holiday host’s house. Many sites offer gift wrapping now, which makes the holidays that much easier.

• Pack enough, but not too much. It’s that time of year when snow, wind and ice can cause delays and even re-route you for an unplanned night. With airlines charging you an arm-and-a-leg in baggage fees, it’s best to pack the essentials that you can’t easily buy away from home. (Thankfully, taxis and convenience stores are pretty

By: Lara West

easy to find just about anywhere.) Have enough diapers for travel and about three hours worth for unexpected delays in your carryon bags.

Pack a few in the luggage for travel to the hotel and the next morning, and then pick the bulk up after arrival. Be sure to pack an extra layer of clothes, or a small blanket, as the plane’s cabin can become very cold.

• Pack a few small toys at the top of every bag. Because you never know which bag is going to be the most convenient after stuffing everything under the seat and in the overhead bins, it’s handy to have a handful of tricks to pull out at random times to keep the entertainment fresh. Also, it’s good to have easy access to a pacifier, bottle/nursing cover, or snack for takeoff and landings to help their little ears adjust to the pressure change. (A plastic bag or two for any multitude of reasons never hurt, either.)

• Be security ready. Have any and all liquid/cream substances (including diaper rash ointments and food) in a baggie and ready to pull out of the diaper bag, and wear easy on/off shoes. Even though you can usually get away with extra carry-on bags because of the baby…it’s best to save the stress. Secure your wallet in the diaper bag, along with any other must-haves.

• Take a travel-friendly stroller. You don’t want the bulkiest one, but skinny umbrella strollers are not convenient when you’re lugging around extra bags. Buy one that has a storage bin underneath to help save your back from aches and pains, and keep everything together. The universal strollers where you just buckle the car seat to them are great for travel, and they save you from having to rent a car seat. If you don’t have a universal stroller, but want to take your car seat

too, you can easily carry it around by sliding the stroller handles through the carriage arm of the seat, and letting it hang off the stroller.

(It can be checked at the counter.)

• Tackle security with confidence.

Arrive fifteen to thirty minutes earlier than what you think is early enough. Use the family lane if the airport has one. The lines are usually much shorter, and everyone else has children going through, too, so they understand if you take a little longer getting things loaded and unloaded. If there is no family lane or you get snaked into a regular line, don’t let the grumpy business man behind you make you panic.

• Slip your shoes off early. Have your shoes, your baggie of liquids/creams and your cellphone on top of the stroller, ready to toss into bins. Put the car seat on the belt upside down, and the stroller goes in the x-ray machine wheels first.

• Get your gate check ticket. Go straight to the gate counter and ask the representative for the number of tickets you need. It’s free, but you want to do as soon as you can, because you run the possibility of getting pulled to the side to obtain one, and thus having a longer wait in line to get to your seat, (and losing valuable bin space.)

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• Strategic seating. If it’s not a full flight and you have someone with you, claim a window and an aisle seat. Most people don’t prefer the middle, so they will quickly snatch a window or an aisle seat over a middle seat even if it means having a baby next to them.

It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics that children (up to 40 pounds) have their own seats with an FAA-approved car seat. Some airlines do offer discounted seats if you prefer to have your baby buckled in the car seat while flying. (If traveling with a lap child, do not buckle the baby in the seatbelt with you.)

Flying with a baby does not mean an unpleasant experience awaits you or other passengers. Each trip is going to be unique with the challenges that are presented, but hopefully this list helps to make your Holiday air travel go smoothly for you and your baby.

Happy traveling!

Christmas is for giving. Giving gifts to loved ones. Giving thanks for blessings received. Giving feels good. Especially at this time of year. But nothing feels better than giving hope to those who are struggling or are in real need.

Although monetary donations are always appreciated, gifts can also come in the form of donations of used clothes, furniture and household items to our thrift stores. These donations help support our mission of service to the poor.

Bring your donations to one of our conveniently located drop boxes or our stores at LaSalle Square and Greenwood Shopping Center. Thank you for your kindness.

Lara West completed her degree in Elementary Education and has spent the last several years working as a ghost writer, completing manuscripts, children stories, research papers and article rewrites.

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | december 2013

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FAMILY mom

Bullying What are your child's legal rights?

By: Jane Suter

As students

are now well-established into their school routines, it’s important that parents are aware of their students’ legal rights—especially in regards to bullying. According the National Education Association, "The statistics are startling. One in three American schoolchildren in grades six through ten are affected by bullying. Eighty-three percent of girls and seventynine percent of boys report experiencing harassment. Students who are targets of repeated bullying behavior experience extreme fear and stress, which can be expressed as: fear of going to school, fear of using a public bathroom, fear of the bus ride to and from school, physical symptoms of illness and diminished ability to learn." It is a real problem. So, what are the bullied child's rights?

When can a public school be held liable if my child is injured at school?

According to Ken LaMance, Legal Match Law Library Managing Editor and Attorney at Law website, "Most schools have set rules governing the provision of safe and hazard-free environments for students to learn in.

Liability for injury of children at schools is therefore mainly based on a negligence cause of action. In order to hold a public school liable under a negligence theory, the injured party must prove that the school had a duty to protect against the child’s injuries. They must also prove that the school breached their duty, and that the duty was the proximate (immediate) cause of the child’s injury. Finally, the child must in fact have suffered some sort of injury in order to recover damages. With regards to children’s injuries, the duty of school officials generally One in three American schoolchildren in grades 6 covers two situations: injuries caused by other students and injuries resulting from unsafe or hazardous premises through 10 are affected by bullying. or equipment. School authorities have a duty to adequately supervise children, and they also have a duty to make sure that areas such If a parent suspects their child is being emotionally or as stairs and playgrounds are hazard-free.

physically abused by another student, what legal steps can parents take to prevent this from occurring?

While there are no federal laws that specifically apply to bullying, there are steps parents can take if a school fails to respond appropriately. According to the Michigan-based Nacht Law firm website, "There are limited protections available to students who have suffered discrimination, harassment or unfair treatment [such as]: • Discrimination based on a person's race, color or national origin is prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

• Discrimination based on a student's sex or gender is prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972.

• Discrimination against disabled students is prohibited under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

The site goes on to say, “When a school district knowingly allows these kinds of violations to occur, it may be legally responsible."

"In general, school officials will have breached their duty of care if they knew about an unsafe situation or condition and failed to take measures to address the situation. Extracurricular activities such as sports, field trips and nighttime dances usually do not present negligence issues. This is because these types of activities generally require parents to sign a permission slip or waiver acknowledging that the child is assuming the risks associated with these activities."

It is also important to note that every state has established rules protecting public schools and how they can be sued. It's often referred to as school district or governmental immunity. It doesn't mean you cannot take legal action, it just means you are faced with more legal exceptions because many, but not all schools are considered government entities. You must research the laws in your state or contact a lawyer who specializes in government law or personal injury law to clarify its entity status.

Parents, too, play a major role in their student’s safety.

It is the parental duty to ensure the school is properly notified of their child's situation, special needs and other special circumstances that are unique to them. However, if a child is injured at school, it should be addressed immediately so other children are not put in harm's way.

When it comes to bullying, each case is different and every state has vastly different laws. Please consult your state's Department of Education website and refer to your school districts handbook for their specific In general, a school policies regarding bullying. If you feel you have a case, you may want of care if they knew to contact an attorney.

official will have breached his or her duty about an unsafe situation or condition and failed to take measures to address the situation.

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As a parent, you are your child's best advocate and strongest defense against bullying. Start by doing your homework.

Each state has specific rules, regulations and procedures about bullying that many parents are not aware of. Research the guidelines and expectations for your school district as well as the responsibilities of the school administrators and faculty. To hold school personnel accountable, you must also know their responsibilities. A good place to start is your state's Department of Education web site.

Then study your local school district's web site and student handbook.

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer.

The school does have a moral and legal obligation to provide a safe learning environment. Here is a step-by-step way to approach the school [if bullying is suspected]: • Document each bullying incident.

• Contact your child's teacher and the school's administrative office in writing to request a meeting.

• In the meeting, discuss the incidents and give copies of your documentation to the administration.

• Ask about what action would be done according to the school's policy and get a time frame for taking action.

• Take notes and ask for a written copy of what was discussed.

• Follow-up to make sure the actions are followed through.

• If the issue still isn't resolved, be prepared to keep going up the ladder to the superintendent, the school board, the police or an attorney if the bullying continues.

Partnering with your child's school as early as possible can help resolve the issue quickly and effectively to ensure your child's safety. (From Randelconsulting.com.

Derek Randel is an author and nationally recognized bullying expert.)

Jane Suter is an award-winning writer and mom of two very energetic boys, one in kindergarten and the other in second grade. Born in Chicago, she is proud of her Midwestern roots.

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8

Downtown South Bend

Santa’s Gingerbread Village

Old Republic

Breakfast With Santa

South Bend Civic Theatre

“Annie”

1

Sunday

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South Bend Civic Theatre

Audition Workshops for 4th -12th grade

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5pm-8pm The Hearth at Juday Creek, Granger

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Wednesday

Thursday

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The Res

Christmas Tree Sales Begin

Wilshire Plaza, Mishawaka

Stephenson's Express Store Grand Opening

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– Buddy the Elf

Friday

Lerner Theatre

A Christmas Carol

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Downtown South Bend

Downtown For The Holidays

Saint Mary's College

Christopher’s Christmas O'Laughlin Auditorium,

6

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”

Tuesday

December

14

7

WSBT Studio B

Breakfast With Santa

St. Mary’s College

Winter Wonderland

Saturday

2013

29

30

23

16

Newyear's Eve

31

Christmas Eve

24

17

presents

Southold Dance Theater

Howard Park Ice Rink

Ice Skating

Memorial Presbyterian Church, South Bend

Christmas Concert

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College Football Hall of Fame

Santa’s House & Workshop

Church of the Loretto, Saint Mary's College.

Notre Dame Children’s Choir Christmas Concert

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25

18

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9am St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn

Christmas Bird Count for Kids

2013

For tickets call (574) 235-9190 Or visit www.MorrisCenter.org

At the Morris Performing Arts Center

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–Andy Rooney

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“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day.”

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Morris Arts Performing Center

The Nutcracker

FAMILY pregnancy

Dealing with Pregnancy

Toddlers By: Chaunie Marie Brusie

While pregnant with my third child, I found myself chatting with a first-time mother who

was due around the same time that I was.

“Oh my gosh, I just can’t believe how tired I am!” she said with a laugh. “I take a good three or four hour nap every day before my husband gets home!”

I stared at her through bleary eyes. A three or four hour nap? With a four and two-year-old at home, the last nap I had taken was…well, never. I managed a small smile while willing my jealousy not to show.

There’s no question about it—a pregnancy with young children underfoot is a much different experience than the first time around.

I know that for me, one of my biggest struggles was with keeping the kids entertained and busy with fun and educational activities while I could barely manage to grocery shop every week. If you are pregnant with other young children, here are some tips:

Let go of the guilt. The exhaustion that overtook me while I was pregnant with my third left me reeling with a severe case of mommy guilt when I didn’t feel like playing with my two older children. It finally took me learning to let go of the guilt and allowing myself to sit on the bench at the playground, rather than running around with them. I got to put my feet up and they learned a little more independence. Win-win.

Appeal to their desire to help. There comes a point when miraculously, your children will actually

have the ability to help you. And nothing brings out their helping side more than the addition of a new baby, even

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if that means just asking them to be on their best behavior. Have a talk with them in the morning about how mommy isn’t feeling so well and will need their help to get ready for the baby. And be sure to praise and reward their efforts!

Realize that you are taking care of another baby already. In

my rush to do things and cram everything in “before” the baby came, I had to remember that the pregnancy was already part of my job as a mom. It’s important to realize that by taking care of yourself, resting, and giving yourself a break, you are caring for your baby already.

Enlist help. Even with recognizing that

you are doing your best, it can still be hard to keep young children entertained while you are battling morning sickness and falling asleep while making lunch. If you can, enroll your other kids in an activity or class they can do independently, drop them off at a babysitter’s for an afternoon, or ask a family member (Aunt? Uncle? Grandma?) to take them out for a special time together.

Stay home. This one was big for me. For

whatever reason, I always feel like I have to take my girls somewhere out of the house in order to have fun. It took my massive size and lack of energy during pregnancy to realize that honestly? They can have just as much fun staying at home. Embrace it.

Chaunie Brusie is a labor and delivery nurse and mother of three. Her first book, Tiny Blue Lines, a non-fiction guide to young motherhood will be released in 2014.

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FAMILY mom

Remembering

By: Noelle Elliott

Who You Married

M

y husband and I have been married for 12 years and been together for 14. In that time, we have had four boys. I recently came to the realization that I have been referring to my husband as “daddy” longer than his actual name.

The truth is, we fall into a pattern in the family building stage of our lives. We spend most of our time talking about our children. The remaining time we have is spent sleeping.

As a writer, I have spent numerous hours on the topic of not getting lost in the mother role. Reminding women that you were a person before you gave birth, and to never stray too far from your true self.

But in my quest to remain true to myself, I may have lost sight of my partner.

We recently had an opportunity for a free night out. My husband is a teacher and one of his student’s parents gave us the best gift—free babysitting. When we were planning our night out, we fell into the same old routine. Dinner followed by a movie. Maybe even some ice cream if we were not too stuffed from the movie popcorn.

I almost fell asleep just writing that. Has our life become that boring?

We do movie night with popcorn and ice cream at home almost every weekend. I genuinely enjoy our family time, but if we had the opportunity to go out, why not make it more exciting?

I wanted to step outside the box, but when I tried to think of things my husband would like to do, I came up short of ideas. I decided to do a little research and I didn’t need to go very far. I pulled out an old photo album. Immediately, I overcome with nostalgic feeling towards the father of my children before he was “Daddy.”

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If you are finding yourself in a similar marriage rut, I came up seven ideas that may help you remember the man you married:

Go Someplace “New”

After so many years of being together, it is easy to fall into stagnate waters. One of the things that is fun about dating is the excitement you feel spending time with someone new and going to new places.

We decided to go to an old bar that was new to us.

Allow Your Partner to Teach You Something

In our case this was darts. I was shocked to learn that my husband knew so much about darts. Obviously, with young children, we don’t have flying sharp objects lying around our house, so not surprisingly, the subject of darts never came up. I enjoyed seeing this hidden side of my husband and he enjoyed teaching me something new.

Ask Unloaded Questions

I am guilty of asking loaded questions. For example, “Are you planning on watching football all day?” He knows that if his answer is yes, I will get upset. If his answer is no, I will have a list of things for him to do.

Instead I asked him about something he would like to accomplish in the next 5 years. I was surprised by his answer. Knowing what his goals are, I can help support him in his future pursuits.

Bring Up The Past

This can be treacherous territory for couples. It’s easy to bring up a disagreement that has happened in the past. Since the point is to grow closer to your partner, try and focus on what brought you together in the first place.

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Over drinks I gave my husband a detailed account of our first date. Of course he knows the story (he was there, after all), but telling it again reminds me of how excited I was to go on a date with this new guy. Just listening to me retell the story made him happy.

Flirt

It is easy to forget what this feels like. It can even feel a bit awkward. When my husband and I were dating, I would playfully surprise him or kiss him for no reason. Allowing yourself to be flirtatious is a fun way to initiate play with someone other than your kids.

Open Your Eyes

This is going to sound really bad, but I don’t look at my husband that much. We communicate on the phone, or via text messages. When we are at home we can carry on a conversation from two separate rooms. We have become experts in multitasking. When you stop and look your partner in the eyes its easy to remember who you fell in love with. It sounds simple, but try it at home and count how many times you look your significant other in the eye for longer than a minute. You may be surprised.

When you devote some time to your spouse it isn’t hard to remember who you married. Buried beneath the daddy exterior, I was able to uncover the guy I fell for. After all, love is the foundation to which a happy family is built.

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

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FAMILY mom

When The Holidays Are By: Taylor Neff

D

ivorce has the power to both burden and refresh the hope of the holiday season. Folly and jolly often go hand-in-hand when a family starts to think about planning festivities with split parents. Even though divorce can be a devastating event for those involved, with a few strategies, it is possible to navigate the holidays as split families, all while remembering the reason for the season.

First, consider the children

The holidays are a time when families set aside time to spend together and connect around some core values. But when there is a divorce, there is a tear in the family fabric, and there is a major shift in the worldview of a child.

“The first thing that pops into my mind is that a kid for the first time realizes that her parents aren’t perfect,” said Youth Pastor Peter Renton, of Living Gospel Church in Nappanee. “It’s not very often that the children sees the fault or sin of a parent, and it’s hard for them to process why their parents aren’t doing what’s right in their eyes.”

During a child’s first holiday season with split parents, they continue to process what the holidays are going to look like.

“I personally believe that it is each parent’s responsibility to help their children process what they as children are comfortable with,” said Pastor Rick Graves, of Grace Community Church in Mishawaka.

“By addressing the new family dynamics with great consideration, care and patience, the children will feel that they are not being forced into these new dynamics. It really starts with the children being overwhelmingly loved and cared about.”

Traditions: the new and the old

When children are accustomed to certain traditions during the holidays like decorating the tree together or sipping hot chocolate on Christmas Eve, there is often a break in those traditions with a divorce situation. This might leave a child wondering what will happen with the “old ways?”

“There’s no way that any child would let a parent say, ‘we’re not going to do these traditions anymore,’” said Pastor Renton. “As hard as it might be for the parents, the traditions must be driven by the kids.” Traditions provide a sense of stability, identity and uniqueness to a family, and just because a family is divorced, it does not mean that the family is now dysfunctional or no longer a family unit. So, sometimes, a modification like implementing new traditions can be a merry change to this new type of family unit. Pastor Renton also suggests simply talking with the children (with love and patience) about starting new traditions with each parent.

Holidays bring out the best and the worst of everybody

When a family goes through a life-changing dynamic, especially like a divorce, it’s hard. And when the stress of the holiday season gets added, the emotions may be a little bit more on edge than normal.

“When I meet with students that are going through something like this, I tell them that the holidays are going to be tough and different,” said Pastor Renton. “But those underlying things that they’re celebrating and the fact that their parents love them aren’t gone.”

Parents, the holidays are surely powerful for your children, and sometimes in the midst of it all, it can be hard to see beyond yourself.

“Parents going through the divorce need to expect that they have broken the trust and confidence of the children,” said Pastor Graves.

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“This is different than the children’s forgiveness. The kids at all ages will forgive because they love their parents. However, the magnitude of emotions will be extreme in these times because everyone is faced with obvious changes. The parents need to make the holidays about what works for everyone else and not them.” When the focus is on the children’s happiness during the holidays, parents can show their children their best side rather than dig up any negativity.

When the time is right, plan to schedule the holiday festivities to avoid miscommunication, and if at all possible, keep the family together by celebrating together. The holidays are truly the most wonderful time of the year, so consider them an opportunity for happy memories formed and later shared.

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Taylor Paige Neff is the wife of a hilarious and God-honoring man named Mike and currently works at ABC 57 as the weekend news director. Currently a journalism major at IUSB, Taylor will graduate in May 2014.

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FAMILY kids

Forget the

Mugs: Gifts Teachers Really Want

C

By: Meagan Church

hristmas is a great time to show some gratitude and appreciation for all the hard work teachers do in (and out of) the classroom each day. But, when it comes to choosing a Christmas gift for your child’s teacher, please, step away from the coffee mug!

You might have had great intentions when you spotted that cute, owl-shaped mug, but after speaking with several area teachers, it became apparent that every Christmas, teachers are showered with well-intentioned mugs, along with a whole host of ornaments that could fill a tree…or two.

So, make a list of the teachers that are impacting your child’s life and consider these gift ideas that come courtesy of a handful of area teachers who gave their own thoughts on the subject. And by the way, don’t overlook the high school teachers. “I don't get many gifts anymore since I teach mostly high school,” said Jodi Kayser of LaVille High School in Lakeville. They also appreciate tokens of gratitude.

Gift Cards The top-ranked idea was a gift card. These can range from a chance for relaxation (spa) to an evening out (restaurant), a good cup of joe (Starbucks) or a good book (Barnes and Noble) and even a full tank of fuel (gas card).

Supplies

Teachers run their classrooms on a tight budget and often are in need of supplies, such as pencils, crayons, books for the classroom library, tissues and hand sanitizer. Tara Williams, a teacher at Woodland Elementary in Elkhart, said she always appreciates “cute notepads to write parent notes, even fun pens and markers would be nice— things that I like, but don't want to spend my money on.”

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13421 Mann Street Jones, MI 49061

Treats

“Baked goods are good, too. I usually don't do any baking because I get so much,” said Kristy Holland, pre-k teacher at Holy Cross School in South Bend. Baked goods can be a special treat, especially if the student played a hand in making them. But, also be cautious to not overload teachers with too many empty calories. If you know his favorite beverage, surprise him with a supply. Or, if she is watching her weight, maybe some clementine tangerines would be a better choice.

Give the experience of skiing!

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269-244-5635

www.SkiSwissValley.com

Cards

Gifts don’t have to be expensive and can even be free, especially when they come from the heart. Beth Smith, a teacher at Boston Middle School in LaPorte, said one of her favorite gifts is “a card saying something nice or telling us that you appreciate what we do.” A hand-written note from the parents or a hand-drawn picture from the child is a great way of saying thank you.

In the end, it really is the thought that matters.

“Honestly we are happy to receive anything because it is truly the thought that counts and the children feel such pride in giving something special to their teachers,” said Lisa Vukmirovich, early childhood teacher at Marquette Montessori Academy in South Bend. “My co-teacher and I always make a great big fuss over the gift and are sure to show the gift (even if it is a drawing the child has made specially) to the whole class.”

But, really—put that mug down, ok?

Expires 12-31-13

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

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FAMILY pet

Dealing with the

Loss of a Pet By: Noelle Elliott

When I was in college, I decided to get a dog.

I did extensive research on how to adopt a pet. My heart was set on a chocolate lab. I worked as a waitress and saved for over six months and the day finally came when I got to bring him home.

I’ll never forget seeing my chocolate ball of fuzz sitting in a crate. I took him home and I think we were both stunned. I had no idea how to care for a puppy and he had no idea how to live in an apartment. After searching through baby name books, I named him Graham. Gone were the days of going out. I now had a full-time responsibility. Who knew puppies cried so much?

pride in. We consulted with our vet and he told us that Graham was at the end of his life and was suffering from cancer. We had to make the horrible decision to put him down.

I decided to make the boys part of this decision. This may have been the hardest discussion I have ever had. I told each one separately, and each reacted uniquely. My oldest son was ten and became argumentative.

My second son was tearful and quiet. My six-year-old was confused.

My-three-year-old knew his brothers were upset but didn’t understand.

All of us were heartbroken.

My boyfriend (who eventually became my husband) and I worked diligently on potty training my new dog and it was not easy. Graham was our first “child” and as crazy as that sounds, we learned how to sacrifice, care and nurture a dependent.

Once the information was processed, we all agreed to make the last few days of Graham’s life his best. I allowed the boys to sleep next to his bed and give him table scraps and endless treats. When the day finally did come, we took a final group picture and said a long goodbye. Although the vet had told me it was the right thing to do, I doubted myself.

Graham eagerly welcomed each of our four sons home, knowing he was getting pushed lower and lower on the totem pole. He served as their playmate, a vacuum and a pillow willingly. He also was protective of each of us.

I sat in the car along time before going in. Graham had been with me for all of my major life milestones; graduation, engagement, marriage and family births and deaths. He will always have a special place in my heart.

After 13 years of loyalty, the day came when we knew his health was failing. After trying to treat his arthritis for years, the time came when he could no longer get up to greet us—something we knew that he took

I found a great book called, "Dog Heaven" by Cynthia Rylant. I also came up with a few things on my own that helped my family deal with losing a pet.

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

First, be honest and use words they understand. Part of the confusion with a child is the terminology. My son took it literally when I told him I was putting Graham to sleep, assuming he would eventually wake up. It was important to explain that Graham was going to die, and he would not see him again.



Secondly, let them grieve and talk. My first son retreated to his bedroom and was angry. I told him when he was ready to talk, that I was ready to listen. When he did come to me he had a lot of questions about the process of euthanizing, I answered them as honestly as I could.

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With savings this big, rooms will fill up fast! *The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Length-of-stay requirements may apply. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room. Additional per-adult charges may apply if more than two adults per room. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required. Offer excludes campsites, 3-bedroom villas and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid standard rooms. 35% savings for select Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts; lower savings may be available at other resorts.

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Don’t rush to get another pet.

Sometimes the emotional highs and lows can be overwhelming for a child. It is all right to let your child experience the sadness of grief.



Do a special tribute. A few days after he was gone, each of the boys released a balloon with a message for him in Heaven. It helped them feel that they could reach out to him. Surprisingly, one of their biggest concerns was that he would be lonely.



Don’t be afraid to reminisce. It has been several months since we put Graham down. Although we miss him terribly, we find comfort in reminiscing and looking at pictures.



Give your children something to remember your pet by. To help with the grieving process, our veterinary office offered a clay imprint of your pet’s paw. Our vet made a special exception by making four imprints so that each of the boys could have one. This thoughtful gesture gave the boys a tangible item to touch or carry whenever they feel sad.

When a child loses a pet, it is never easy. But it can be an important lesson in selfless love and compassion, both of which we would do well to remember this holiday season.

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Visit :210 S. Main St, Goshen, IN Call: (574) 534-1521 • Web: www.mennotrav.com Noelle Elliott is a social media junkie, blogger, writer and career woman. She lives in South Bend with her husband, four young sons and two chocolate labs.

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FAMILY pet

Holiday Sitters for Your Four-Legged Furry Friends

By: Jessica Schliska

T

he holidays can be stressful for any family. If you’re planning to travel during the Christmas season, it may be even more stressful to try to find somewhere safe for your pet to go. Many people consider their pets as part of the family and want to share those special moments with them. But to a happy pet, every day spent with you is a holiday.

This year, don’t feel bad about leaving your favorite canines with a sitter. There are plenty of boarding kennels throughout Michiana that guarantee your fur babies will enjoy Christmas day with other dogs, instead of in a present-packed vehicle.

Kryder Kritter Hotel A stay at the Kryder Kritter Hotel in Granger includes fresh food and water twice a day, exercise three times a day, a clean blanket for your furry friend to snuggle with and an afternoon treat. They have also been voted Michiana’s Favorite Pet Boarding by the South Bend Tribune’s Readers’ Choice.

Cost: The cost of boarding depends on the size of the kennel and the number of dogs occupying. This can range anywhere between $23-31 per day. You can expect to add $8.00 more per day for two dogs in one kennel, and $13.00 more per day for three dogs.

Requirements: The Kryder Kritter Hotel requires documentation of the following vaccines: DHLPP, bordetella and rabies.

Hours: Reservations are required during the holidays one to two weeks in advance. Pick-ups and drop-offs are not allowed on Christmas day.

Concord Kennels This family-owned-and-operated business is located in the country setting of Goshen. Furry guests stay in indoor shelters, with complete floor heating and air conditioning. Daily walks and fenced-in playtime are included.

Cost: The cost for a standard kennel is $16 per day. Discounts are given for multiple pets per kennel.

Requirements: All guests must be up-to-date on vaccinations, including bordetella.

Hours: Concord Kennels requires a reservation 2-3 months in advance around Christmas time. There are also no pick-ups or drop-offs on Christmas day or Christmas Eve.

Bittersweet Pet Resorts & Stables Bittersweet offers several different boarding options to better accommodate your fur babies’ needs. Their luxury suites are private rooms that offer home décor to make your pet feel more at home. The indoor/outdoor runs allow your dog to enjoy the peace and quiet of an indoor shelter, while also giving them the option to roam outside and enjoy other dogs through a fence paneling. The resort also has an option for dogs under 30 pounds to remain in a quiet room. Those who qualify will enjoy a cushioned floor, raised food dishes and a TV. There is no access to an outdoor run, so playtime is included. They are also given four potty breaks.

Cost: Luxury Suites -- $35.00 per day Indoor/Outdoor Runs -- $20.00 per day Quiet Room -- $27 per day Discounts are offered for multiple pets. The Bittersweet Pet Resorts & Stables also offer extras that your pets will love from playtime, nature walks, grooming and treat time for an additional cost. For dog parents’ peace of mind, the resort also offers emailed photos of what your pet is up to while you’re away.

A $50.00 deposit is required during holidays.

Requirements: All dogs are required to have current shots for rabies, parvo-virus, distemper and bordetella. Pet owners are also required to fill out a kennel contract.

Hours: Reservations are required during holidays two weeks in advance.

Magrane Pet Medical Center If you have a dog with special needs you may want to consider a medical center to house them during the holidays. Magrane Pet Medical Center is located in Mishawaka, but is only minutes from Granger, South Bend and Osceola. They have standard kennels and runs for your pet and guarantee a stress-free stay.

Rooms are normally reserved for clients, but the center has been known to take in special cases.

Cost: Staying at Magrane Pet Medical Center can cost anywhere between $23-31 per day depending on your canines’ size and kennel area.

Requirements: All dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations and require a bordetella vaccination. Magrane does not require a leptospirosis vaccine, because they do not offer playtime with other dogs.

Hours: Pets can only be picked-up and dropped-off during regular business hours. The center is not open on Christmas, but will be open half-day on Christmas Eve.

Linda’s Camp K9 Worried your pooch won’t get enough exercise? Linda’s Camp K9 in Mishawaka is known as “the kennel alternative.” Dogs play all day while boarded, guaranteeing a tired-out bundle of fur when you get home. All dogs are arranged in play groups based on size and compatibility. Every play area is equipped with a minimum of three counselors that are trained to spot bad body language in order to keep every environment happy and dog-fight free.

Cost: The cost for boarding at Camp K9 is $28.50, which includes all-day playtime.

Requirements: All dog owners are required to fill out an application. This gives the staff at Camp K9 a better idea of your dog’s temperament. This application also requires a vet sign-off, guaranteeing your pet is up-to-date on all vaccinations. A fecal examination is also required to guarantee all dogs are healthy.

Your furry friend must also pass an all-day evaluation interview. This allows the counselors to introduce your dog to the Camp K9 pack. The interview costs $19.00 for an all-day stay.

Hours: During the holiday season, Linda’s Camp K9 requires all dogs to reserve a spot in the pack. The facility is open on Christmas Eve until noon.

Pick-ups and drop-offs are not allowed on Christmas day. To keep Christmas from being a bust for your pal, counselors work three two-hour shifts on Christmas day to guarantee all dogs get at least six hours of playtime.

And before you leave on your holiday journey, make sure you check your list twice.

If your canine was on the nice list, Santa will leave a crunchy treat on his pillow.

CONTACTS Concord Kennels 574-875-5469 57690 Old C.R. 17 Goshen 46528 www.concordk9.com Kryder Kitter Hotel 574-271-8480 12751 Sandy Drive Granger 46530 www.kryderkritterhotel.com Linda’s Camp K9 574-256-2267 1817 Elder Road Mishawaka 46545 www.lindascampk9.com Bittersweet Pet Resorts & Stables 269-684-7361 2100 Weaver Road Niles, Michigan 49120 www.bittersweetpetresort.com Magrane Pet Medical Center 574-259-5291 3945 Edison Lakes Parkway Mishawaka 46545 magranepmc.com

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FAMILY pet

The Elkhart Humane Society Needs your Help!

Loving animals are in need of families!

Thresh

Thresh is a polydactal cat! He has extra toes on each of his front feet. Thresh has a great personality. He is spunky, fun and loving–the perfect mixture. Thres is already neutered, microchipped and up to date on all of his vaccinations. Come visit Thresh today!

Babbette

Babbette is a unique looking girl who is only 10 months old and has so much love to give! Babbette gets along well with other dogs. She is spayed and up to date on her vaccinations. Babbette is a little shy when first meeting new people. She will need a home that will give her time to adjust and love her inside and out! Stop by the shelter today to visit with Babbette. She will win over your heart!

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Orthotic & Prosthetic Solutions

Custom Orthotics Prosthetics Sports Support & Bracing Gait Analysis

Catwoman

Catwoman is a young girl who came to the shelter as a stray.

Catwoman will still need to be spayed. She is independent and definitely beautiful!

54687 County Road 19 Bristol, IN 46507 (574) 848-4225 www.elkharthumanesociety.org

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17530 Dugdale Dr. South Bend, IN 46635 574-233-3352 www.midwestorthotics.com THE

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FAMILY mommy & daddy

Twas the LICE before Christmas By: Jane Suter

Two weeks before Christmas, came a call to my house, The school nurse found nits, we had to de-louse!

I considered her words, as they hung in the air, There is simply no way lice infested OUR hair!

So I drove to the school, my mind racing with dread, To see for myself, these bugs on the head.

And there in the office, with a lift of a cap, Was proof of the critters I now had to zap.

Then out in the hallway I heard such a clatter, I turned around quickly to see what was the matter.

And there before me, I beheld in a flash, My other sweet child—itchy head and a rash.

To the drugstore we raced, before we went home, To buy armfuls of RID and NIX and a comb.

When what to my horrified eyes did I spy?

The label: Lice may take up to two weeks to die!

By now we're ALL itching and I'm losing my mind.

Do I burn every bed sheet? Will these salves make us blind?

More rapid than eagles my blood pressure rose, As I washed every pillow, the toys and our clothes.

Now Kids! To the shower! Now Kids! Once again!

On spotlight! More combing! More laundry! And then, From the tops of the ceiling to the cold basement floor, I cleaned until weary. It was hell. This was war!

These dark days continued, I'm not gonna lie, And despite my best efforts, they just wouldn't die.

Home remedies were next. I mixed stuff together.

Tree oils and coconut, hair dyes and heather.

In shower caps we slept with mayonnaise so smelly, and by the next morning -- our house smelled like a deli!

I even considered, by the end of two weeks, Shaving all of our heads and looking like freaks.

I tried to stay strong as my heart filled with shame, These mean mites were winning, was I somehow to blame?

But then, like a miracle, one day after dawn, Each scalp was unsoiled and the parasites were gone!

So remember, this Christmas, when you gather once more, With your crazy-weird family and your Auntie Lenore, We all know dysfunction, and some aren't so nice, But thank you, dear Santa, they don't have head-lice!

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Birthday Party Resource Guide

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

SWIM PARTIES ALL YEAR ROUND!

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14583 S.R. 120 Bristol, IN 46507

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CorporateEvents Events Festivals Festivals Festivals Corporate • Mechanical SchoolEvents Events Church Events Bull School Events Church Events Church • Dunk Tank CollegeEvents Events Birthday Parties College Birthday Parties LICENSED • Carnival AND GamesINSURED Birthday Parties • Walls Bouncers RockClimbing Climbing Walls • •Rock

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Up to 12 children

Enjoy a gymnastics or nerf darts themed activity time, eating cake and opening presents in the air conditioned, private dance room and playing princess dress up during craft time. Add pizza and cupcakes to any package. See package prices at www.inspireathletics.com.

24615 C.R. 45, Suite 3 • Elkhart, IN • 574.295.4348

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STAR MARTIAL ARTS 574-277-KICK (5425) www.STARTKD.com

Color this page and win a

FREE 1 Year Membership to Star Martial Arts!

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

Color this page and win! The coloring contest winners will be featured in our February 2014 issue of FAMILY Magazine and receive a FREE One Year Membership to Star Martial Arts!

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

For your chance to WIN, color your best picture and mail entries to: STAR MARTIAL ARTS • 5776-48 GRAPE RD. • MISHAWAKA, IN 46545 • (574) 277-KICK (5425).

Coloring contest is open to children 12 years and under, and entries must be mailed by January 3rd, 2014. Winners will be featured in the February 2014 issue of FAMILY Magazine and will be notified via phone or email by Star Martial Arts. Winners' artwork will be featured along with their first name and age. For additional coloring contest entries, this coloring page may be photocopied and printed off.

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STAR MARTIAL ARTS 574-277-KICK (5425) www.STARTKD.com

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

Have Fun! Find the words below in the Star Martial Arts word search puzzle.

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

Respect Discipline Focus Confidence Self Defense Bully Prevention Leadership 44

THE

Fitness Yes I Can Star Martial Arts Integrity Courtesy Goal Setting Perseverance

FAMILY MAGAZINE | december 2013

Never Give Up Good Grades Stranger Danger Black Belt Kick Punch

50% off the enrollment fee

for anyone that brings in this coupon.

Offer expires 12-31-13.

Not valid with any other offer.

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Holiday Sale!

November 23rd - December 31st

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All Melissa & Doug® Puppets & Puppet Theater

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100s of More Educational Gifts Are Also On Sale!

Plus, Don’t Miss Our Cyber Monday Sale!

Save 20-50% on every product on our website, www.UnitedNow.com 12:00 am to 11:59 pm on Monday, December 2

Visit Our Mishawaka Store!

Mishawaka, Indiana The Regular Price of Any Single In Stock Item

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Michiana Family Coupon may not be combined with other coupon offers. Good on merchandise purchases at retail stores only. May not be redeemed for cash, gift cards or on prior purchases. Limit one per customer, per day. Reproductions not accepted. Valid

Through 12/31/13

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Associate Initials: ________________________________

5924 Grape Rd (574) 257-1800 Hours: 9-9 Monday - Saturday, 12-5 Sunday For online shopping, additional locations, maps & directions, visit www.unitednow.com.

December 2013 December 1-31

MPHPL Locations Accepting Donations

During the month of December, all MPHPL locations, in cooperation with the “Sole Food” Project, will be collecting new hats, gloves, scarves, socks and slippers for the residents at the Center for the Homeless. Patrons are encouraged to knit or crochet winter gear items, but store bought items are also accepted.

Donation boxes will be located at the downtown Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library, the Bittersweet Branch Library and the Harris Branch Library. Call: 574-259-0392.

4

Annie

7:30 pm

South Bend Civic Theatre Everyone’s favorite orphan charms her way into your heart in this well-loved musical! During the Great Depression, the plucky girl escapes the clutches of the vile Miss Hannigan to find a home with zillionaire Daddy Warbucks, inspiring audiences of all ages that no matter how bleak today may be, the sun will come up “Tomorrow.” Call: 574-234-1112.

5

Christmas Tree Sale

Preservation of the Res Inc. The Christmas Tree & Wreath Sale at The Res begins Thanksgiving weekend, and will continue through the December weekends until sold out. Saturday hours are from 9am to 3pm, Sunday hours are noon to 3pm. The Res will have soft needle White Pines, along with the short needle Scotch Pines. Donation is $20 per tree / $25 per wreath. Wreaths will be decorated with pine cones found on The Res. Call: 574-259-1850.

6

Downtown for the Holidays 5:00 pm- 9:00 pm

Downtown South Bend Come out to the streets of downtown South Bend to celebrate downtown for the holidays. This event includes the annual tree lighting as well as Santa’s arrival, shopping and fireworks. And who could forget the first cup of hot chocolate of the holiday season? Call: 574-282-1110.

Christopher’s Christmas 7:00 pm

O'Laughlin Auditorium Christopher's Christmas is an original story in dance written by local artistic director Debbie Werbrouck.

The performance was written for younger audiences, has been running for over 30 years and is truly a celebration of the true meaning of Christmas. Bring your family, small and tall, to enjoy this unique holiday treasure and support dancers in our own community. Call: 574-247-1590.

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Calendar of Events

7

Winter Wonderland 11:00 am- 1:30 pm

Student Center, Saint Mary’s College A Christmas event for children affiliated with South Bend public schools. Children will decorate Christmas cookies, create winter crafts and play games. There will also be special appearances by Santa Claus and a few University of Notre Dame athletes. “Winter Wonderland is an important event because it brings the community together and puts everyone in the holiday spirit,” Nicole DelMonte, co-chair of the Traditional Board said. “This event allows families from the area to attend a fun, free day where children can participate in crafts and even take a picture with Santa.” The media is invited to cover the event. About 75 families are expected to attend. Call: 574-284-4579.

Notre Dame Hockey vs. Massachusetts 6:35 pm

Compton Family Ice Arena

8

Christmas at Copshaholm 12:15 pm

Center for History, South Bend The wonder and cheer of the Yuletide season can be found on these guided tours of Copshaholm, the 38room Oliver Mansion. Twinkling lights and ornaments adorn all 10 Christmas trees in the historic house.

Winter scenes on table tops and festooned fireplace mantels add to the delight of the tour. Tickets are limited. Call: 574-235-9664 ext. 233.

41st Annual Madrigal Dinner 2:00 pm

Regina Hall St. Mary’s College The Saint Mary’s College Department of Music is proud to present its 41st annual Madrigal Dinners, a Renaissance-style holiday banquet and performance celebration. The merry feast includes entertainment provided by colorfully attired singers, actors, dancers, instrumentalists, jugglers, a jester and a lord of the manor. Performances will be held in the North Lounge of Regina Hall December 6-8.

Website: moreaucenter.com Call: 574-284-4626.

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Storytime /Adopt-an-Elf 11:00 am

Barnes and Noble, Mishawka Join us for the Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, featuring Storytime, activities and an Adopt-an-Elf event. This event will take place in our Reader's Lounge in the back of the store. Please see any bookseller for sign-up and details. Call: 574-247-0864.

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Breakfast with Santa 9:00 am- 12:00 pm

WSBT Stations A breakfast with Santa will be held at WSBT Studio B. Children 5 and under are welcome with an adult and tickets are $5.00. They will enjoy breakfast, a studio tour and complete a craft project. Adults are encouraged to bring a camera for pictures. You can purchase your tickets at the WSBT studio on Douglas Road in Mishawaka. Call: 574-472-7316.

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

The Nutcracker Ballet 2:00 pm

Morris Performing Arts Center This timeless holiday classic returns to thrill and enchant audiences of all ages. Delightful sets and costuming will enhance your travels with Clara as you watch her Nutcracker come to life, see her Christmas tree grow and travel with her to the world of the Sugar Plum Fairy. From dancing soldiers to pirouetting snowflakes, it's a treat for the whole family!

Santa at the Newton Center 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm

Newton Center, Lakeville Santa is coming to the Newton Center! Get your free picture taken with Santa. Bring an unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item to help Santa provide a special holiday season to those families in need.

Call: 574-784-2749.

Seven Poor Travellers 7:30 pm

The Acting Ensemble Experience Victorian England when AE presents the premiere production of this new adaptation of Dickens’ Christmas story, “Seven Poor Travelers”.

At the time of its publication, the story was the most popular of Dickens' Christmas tales. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door and are $15 per person. Call:574-807-0108.

15

Lessons and Carols 7:30 pm

Church of our Lady of Loretto Campus Ministry and the Department of Music present a service with traditional Advent and Christmas music and scripture in the candlelit church. The Saint Mary’s College Women’s Choir, the Collegiate Choir, the Loretto Choir, the Liturgical Choir and Moreau Chamber Ensemble participate.

The public is invited to attend this free event.

Santa’s House and Workshop 12:00 pm- 4:00 pm

College Football Hall of Fame Bring the family out to the college football hall of fame to meet Santa! Everyone must bring their own camera if they wish to get their picture taken with the jolly man. Aside from the meet and greet with Santa Clause, there will also be live music performances as well as coloring stations where kids can show off their art skills. The gingerbread workshop will also be on display to view and vote on. Call: 574-282-1110.

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Nature Munchkins 9:30 am

St. Patrick’s County Park Nature Munchkins is designed for parents or grandparents to discover nature with their 3- to 4- year old. The sessions are the third Thursday of every month from 9:30 to 11am at St. Patrick s County Park. The fee is $5 per adult-child pair and $3 for a second child. Participants may register for four sessions for $16. Advance registration and payment are required. Siblings outside of the age bracket are not allowed to attend. Call: 574-277-4828.

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Christmas Concert 12:00 pm- 2:00 pm

Memorial Presbyterian Church Memorial Presbyterian Church invites you to a Christmas Concert featuring pianist Konstantinos Griveas and other musical and vocal talent. Come and enjoy the sounds of the season! Call: 269208-3427.

Ice Skating

4:00 pm- 6:00 pm

Howard Park Ice Rink Come out with your family and take advantage of the open skate at Howard Park Ice Rink in South Bend. Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for kids and free for anyone under the age of 5. Skate rental will come complementary with tickets; however, children under age 5 will have to pay $3 for skate rental. Call: 574-235-9451.

Christmas at Loretto 7:30 pm

Church of our Lady of Loretto The South Bend Chamber Singers, an ensemblein-residence at Saint Mary’s College, presents the sounds of the season as part of its 25th concert season. The annual event will take place at the Church of Our Lady of Loretto on the Saint Mary’s campus on Sunday, December 22, at 7:30 p.m.

Ticket information is available at moreaucenter. com. Call: 574-284-4626.

Notre Dame Women’s Basketball vs.

Central Michigan 2:00 pm

Purcell Pavilion Notre Dame

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THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | december 2013

47

The little things are important to us.

When it comes to your newborn’s health and safety, the little things are probably pretty important to you, too. Which is why we offer a Level 2-B Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, along with certified neonatologists and experienced neonatal nurse practitioners right here in our Special Beginnings Maternity Center. This way, you can be sure that should a situation arise, we’ve got the right people in place, ready to help. Because when it comes to watching over your little one, no amount of caring is too big, or too small.

To schedule a personalized tour of the Special Beginnings Maternity Center, call 574-523-3444.

600 East Boulevard • Elkhart, IN 46514