FAMILY Magazine February 2015

February 2015 • Moms Just Know • Free

How a Child Says “I love you”

Social Media in the Delivery Room

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

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IN THE NEXT ISSUE: Spring Cleaning

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Managing Editor: Jessica Haviland

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AD COORDINATOR & INSIDE SALES MANAGER

Happy Valentine's Day!

From The FAMILY Magazines

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

7

Things

We Learned Making

The February Issue Photography: Classic image photography Makeup: Camellia Maalouf, Camellia Cosmetics Granger

Things We (at FAMILY)

Love

Right Now!

1. Hearts of Course!

2. Fresh Flowers 3. Red 4. Crab Legs

1. Surprisingly, phone apps can help you through your pregnancy!

Learn more on free apps that you can download to help you on page 16.

5. Duck Boots 6. Family Game Night 7. Sloppy Joe's 8. Fresh Linen Scents

2. Birthing videos/photos have become more popular on social media. Visit page 18 to see why one mom doesn’t mind sharing!

3. Get back into the holiday cheer and engage in fun Valentine’s Day projects with the kids.

Check them out on page 10.

9. TJ Maxx 10. Semi-Annual Sales 11. Valentine's

4. Cheaper products doesn’t always mean they are comparable.

See what products we tested in our Product Testing column on page 36.

12. Big Hugs 13. Love. Love. Love.

5. A drawing your child creates is a sign of love. Learn more on how children who their love on page 14.

6. New and exciting events are happening near you!

Check out our Centerfold Calendar on page 20.

7. Childproof your marriage by taking some time off.

Yes, it is possible! Learn more on page 38.

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | February 2015

FEBRU ARY

Check it Out! Don

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

Bad

N O32

HAIR DAY? It’s time for

a change!

Is Your

FACEBOO Contest

5

Fun and Inexpensiv e

VALEN

TINE’S D DATE IDE AY AS

K

Legal?

Romanci Your Hom e

ng

2015

4Keeps

By: Casey Kiel

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

VIP

February

ADVERTISERS

Special THANKS to the following VIP February advertisers that help us provide The Family Magazine to the Michiana community for FREE: 32 Pearls Afdent

Testimonials From Our Readers

Classic Image Photography Gymnastics Michiana Mathnasium Midwest Orthoics MutualBank Memorial Children's Hospital Menno Travel Once Upon a Child Star Martial Arts Swiss Valley Ski Resort

“My friends and I have a “FAMILY Magazine Club” where we talk about the articles in each issue.” – Lisa F. “I love the Dear Mom Column! It makes me laugh, cry and inspires me to be a better mother to my children!” – Jess B. “I was so nervous while I was pregnant with my daughter but reading the FAMILY Magazine helped ease my concerns!” – Kourtney V. We'd LOVE to hear from you! contact: The FAMILY Magazines

jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015

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the FAMILY magazine table

Of

Family Kids

14 How A Child Says, “I Love You” By: Noelle Elliott

Family Pregnancy

contents

12

Live Your Best

By: Chaunie Bruise

18 Social Media In The Delivery Room: Too Up Close & Personal?

By: Meagan Church

4 7 Things We Learned Making This Issue

24 SPECIAL SECTION: Virtual Camp & Kids’ Care Fair 2015

4 Things We Love Right Now 5

16 6 Free Apps To Get You Through Your Pregnancy

Mommy and Daddy

Reader Testimonials

22 Dear Mom, Mutter Less, Matter More

5 4Keeps Comic

By: Meagan Church

7 Contributors

36 Product Review: The Perfect Mascara

8 The FAMILY Month Calendar

By: Lara West

20 Centerfold Calendar

38 Childproofing Your Marriage

33 Coloring Contest

By: Amy Westbrook Pracht

Movie & Book Reviews 9 The Best (Family) Movies About Love By: Cole Pollyea

Family Craft

7 Homemade Valentines

22

By: Jill Lebbin

Family Fun

10 8 Fun + Easy Family Valentine Projects By: Chaunie Bruise

12 How To Achieve A Post-Kids Valentine’s Day By: Meagan Church

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | February 2015

24

FAMILY contibutors

Meagan Church is married to

Jill Lebbin is a wife, mother,

Chaunie Brusie is a nurse,

Jackie Folkert is a freelance

her high-school sweetheart

craft fanatic and DIY blogger at

freelance writer and a young

writer and English teacher in

and is the mother of 3 kids.

www.EveryDayisan

mom of three (soon to be

South Bend. One of her three

She is a writer and children’s

Occasion.com. She and her

four!). She lives in SE Michigan

kids is allergic to tree nuts

book author. She is also the

husband Marcel have been

and is the author of Tiny Blue

and her husband is allergic to

brainpower of the online

married for five years and love

Lines: Reclaiming Your Life,

wheat. She’s glad she’s not

resource Unexpectant,

living in Granger with their two

Preparing For Your Baby, and

allergic to chocolate.

exploring the realities of birth,

spunky kids, Marcel Jr. and Lilly.

Moving Forward in Faith in an

babies and beyond

Unplanned Pregnancy.

Photo: Jill Lebbin

Homemade

OPEN Valentines Materials:

Instructions:

• 110 lb. White Cardstock

Step 1. Fold Toilet paper tube to look like a heart and dip into paint

• Toilet Paper Tube • Paint

Step 2. Allow paint to dry and then cut up and embellish. We used some Darice Heart stickers in the dollar bin at Target.

Step 3. Pass them out and enjoy!

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015

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The FAMILY Month Calendar 10

2

16

2015 Daddy/ Daughter Dance, 6:00 P.M. – 8:30 P.M., Century Center

Groundhog Day

19

President’s Day

6-7

17

14

11th Annual Magical Ice Fest, 5:30 P.M., Downtown St. Joseph, MI

27

Pirate & Princess Adventure- Disney Junior Live on Tour, 3:30 & 6:30 P.M., Morris Performing Arts Center

Valentine Day Soup and Ski, 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M., St. Patrick’s County Park

26

Let It Be – A Celebration of the Music of the Beatles, 7:30 P.M., Morris Performing Arts Center

Red Elkhart County Luncheon, Expo & Fashion Show, 10:30 A.M., Lerner Crystal Ballroom

22

Random Act of Kindness Day

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Harriet: The Musical, 7:30 P.M., The Lerner Theater

28

George Washington’s Birthday

Virtual Camp Fair 2015

Goodwill Glamour Wedding, Prom & Special Events, 11:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M., Double Tree, South Bend

1 3 4 5 8 9 11 12 13 15 18 20 21 23 24 25 26

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Valentine’s Day Facts for the Whole Family

1. More than 1/3 of men prefer not receiving a gift on Valentine’s Day.

Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries

2. 9 million pet owners are expected to buy gifts for their pets on Valentine’s Day. 3. Teachers receive the most valentines followed by children, moms, wives and sweethearts.

4. Hallmark made their first valentine in 1913.

5. The phrase “Sweets for the Sweet” is a line from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Act 5, Scene 1.

Valentine’s Day Word Scramble owb nda roraw ntasi eanivtlne bliorvdes ehrats rrmadie Answers: Bow and Arrow, Saint Valentine, Lovebirds, Hearts, Admirer

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | February 2015

Skip the Valentine’s Day cards this year and have the kiddos make Chocolate Covered Strawberries!

Ingredients: • 4 Ounces Semisweet Chocolate Chips • 1 Pound Strawberries, Washed & Patted Dry Directions: 1. Line a baking sheet with wax paper. In a microwave safe glass bowl, microwave the chocolate. Stir every 30 seconds until the chocolate is melted and smooth.

2. Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, holding the strawberry by its stem.

Then, transfer the strawberry to the baking sheet lined with wax paper.

3. Refrigerate after all strawberries have been dipped for at least 30 minutes or until firm.

4. ENJOY!

FAMILY Magazine February GIVEAWAY I’m In Love With A Church Girl DVD (PG) Giveaway Date: Feb 7th Winner Announced: Feb 9th

Visit www.MichianaMom.com to enter-to-win!

FAMILY movie review

The Best (Family) Movies

Love

About

By: Cole Pollyea

In an attempt to stay on theme, it struck me as important to make note of the bestof-the-best romance films in order to spice up the month of February. Most of these are suitable for the whole family, but there is one I have chosen, and, of course, couldn't resist choosing, based on my family's exceptional viewing experience and that is geared towards the older members of the family. So, without further ado, Happy Valentines Month? Enjoy!

Image Courtesy: Flixster.com

About Time (R)

If anyone hasn’t seen this 2013’s hidden gem, the better-than-The Notebook Rachel McAdams romance film, the time travel movie that beats Back to the Future (even though it doesn’t try to), then this month is the best time to. About Time is a unique, deep and unbelievably vivid movie that not only details the individuality of a young man after he finds out that he can time travel (within moments in his own life), but also the developing relationship between him and his family, and him and a young woman he meets and attempts to woo. My mother, an appreciator of such insightful filmmaking, nagged me for months about seeing it. “About Time” is great, she said, “it’s moving”, she said, “It’s so well made,” she said. Convinced that it was none of these things—not an uncommon approach to seeing romantic films—I rolled my eyes and proceeded to watch Full Metal Jacket in the basement which (in my defense) wasn’t necessarily a bad decision.

What I didn’t realize and found out about a month later, however, was that I was missing a considerably different movie of equal caliber. That’s right; it’s not one you want to miss. So if you haven’t seen one of the best films of the very strong year of 2013, I’d say it’s about time!

Image Courtesy: aceshowbiz.com

We Bought A Zoo

We Bought A Zoo is more than a landmark film; it’s one of my absolute favorites. It stars Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson and divulges the immense struggles of a family who is attempting to overcome the aftermath of their mother’s death. They feel that their best chance is to move to a house with some baggage—it’s a zoo!

One can get lost when examining the impressive and influential portfolio of Cameron Crowe (director of said film) but, for me, the most emotionally penetrating is the one I present you with today.

Now whether or not it is a movie about your average romance is up for debate; what isn’t up for debate is that it is a showcase for more than one type of tender love—which includes that of memories and life itself. We Bought A Zoo packs in everything you could ask for and more, and you might just shed a tear or two when you check it out.

50 First Dates

Image Courtesy: popsugar.com

The Adam Sandler-Drew Barrymore duo in 50 First Dates is among one of the best Sandler films there are.

Now, just because the competition may not be that tough, no credit should be taken from this solid romantic comedy. What occurs here are the adventures of avid admirer, Sandler, who in desperate attempt to become involved with a young girl he meets, Barrymore, finds out that she has a rare case of short-term memory loss and as a result, her brain resets to a certain date every night when she goes to bed (a date that precedes their meeting). How will he do it? Well, that’s the pleasure that we attain from watching this picture. At some moments hilarious, and at others, completely touching, 50 First Dates shows us the proceedings in a (for the most part) non-crude and enjoyable manner. I recommend it.

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015

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FAMILY fun

By: Chaunie Bruise

8

Fun + Easy Family Valentine

Projects

Want to hear something funny?

The day after Christmas, many of my friends laughingly posted all of the new displays in the stores—that were full of Valentine’s Day merchandise already. Like it or not, we are a culture that loves looking to the next holiday and like any warm-blooded woman, I am a sucker for any holidays especially that involve love and chocolate. (Or just chocolate, I’m not that picky.)

As a parent, I love celebrating Valentine’s Day because it’s just the special occasion to get us through that dreary post-holiday slump when the kids and I have cabin fever from being cooped up in the cold. Here are a few of the fun projects we look forward to doing every year as a family:

1. Valentine's Bingo

Free printable bingo cards are a hit any time of the year in my house, because it’s a game that my kids love—and usually involves a sweet treat to go along with it. We pair these free downloadable Valentine’s bingo cards and tokens with sweetheart candy. Just don’t let the kids gobble up all the pieces before the games begin! Download free Valentine’s bingo cards at www. makoodle.com/valentines-bingo.

2. Fireplace Paint Chip Garland

3. Cupcake Decorating Party Cupcakes and kids are always a combo, right? Host a cupcake decorating party by pre-frosting cupcakes and setting out small bowls of decorations for the kids to use—think sprinkles, cinnamon hearts and printable cupcake toppers on toothpicks.

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | February 2015

My three-year-old daughter did this project last year and loved it. She was so proud of making a beautiful heart garland all by herself. Just head to your local home goods store, pick up a few paint chip samples in various shades of red and pink, trace out a heart, cut and hang. We used some old ribbon we had and simply taped the hearts on, then my daughter helped me hang in on our fireplace for an easy, heartwarming touch to our home. (Get it?) Get the full DIY at tinybluelines.com/paint-chipvalentines-day-garland/.

4. Valentine’s T-Shirt Wreath We look forward to hanging up our Valentine’s Day wreath on the front door every year—and making it together can be a fun family project. Pick up a foam heart, then use t-shirt pieces and some red spray paint to make some Valentine’s Day magic. Get the full DIY at tinybluelines.com/i-did-it-the-beautifult-shirt-valentines-day-wreath.

5. DIY Sharpie Heart Mugs

I’m happy to report that this famous Pinterest project really does work! Pick up a few cheap white coffee mugs (the cheaper the better, since the glaze needs to break down) and decorate away with some oil-based Sharpie markers. Let dry overnight, then bake for 30 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Frame It Up

One of my favorite ways to get festive is simply browsing Pinterest for free Valentine’s printables—I let the kids pick their favorites, print and pop in a dollar store frame for some cheap decorations around the house. Download for free from http://www.the36thavenue.com/ valentine-gift-idea-party-time.

7. Make A Love Jar As a special gift to my husband one year, I let the kids help me make a “love jar” for him.

We decorated an old mason jar with sparkly heart stickers, tied a festive ribbon on top and filled the jar with slips of paper that held all the reasons we loved him on it. This would be a fun project to have each family member do too.

8. Chocolate Fountain Fun Last year, when I was feeling pregnant and not very energetic, I ordered a cheap chocolate fountain off of the Internet for our V-day celebrations— and it was a hit. For under 20 bucks, we had a restaurant-worthy experience right at home and again, can you really go wrong with chocolate?

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FAMILY fun

How to Achieve a Post-Kids

Valentine’s Day By: Meagan Church

Let’s face it; Valentine’s Day and kids don't always work well together. Gone are the days of

grabbing dinner and watching a late movie without the care of bedtime routines, babysitters and middle-ofthe-night wake-ups. If we’re honest, once kids enter the picture, the thought of pulling together a date night requires more energy and finances than we can sometimes expend or afford. The trick is to realize just how important making the time is, while also understanding that Valentine’s Day as parents doesn’t have to follow a traditional route.

“Dating is an ongoing way to show that it matters for you to intentionally choose to set aside time to pursue fun and connection with each other,” said Angela Bryant, mother of six and a licensed mental health counselor who, along with her husband, co-leads the marriage workshop Beyond I Do at Granger Community Church.

“You truly love what you spend time, effort/planning and money on,” said Ted Bryant who holds a PhD in cognitive psychology and is the pastor of family ministry at Granger Community Church. “We all make these choices in marriage on a daily basis amongst our kids, our toys, our jobs, our friends and countless other opportunities. Dating your spouse provides substantial evidence of true love because it requires all three of the aforementioned components. In others words, dating communicates clearly ‘I still choose you!’”

So, this Valentine’s Day, don’t let logistics and family life discourage you from setting aside that ever-so important date time. Instead, try one of these creative, and perhaps unusual, ways to tell your loved one, “I still choose you.”

Head into Nature

Why sit in a climate-controlled movie theater when you could be out in the elements with your sweetheart? On Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s County Park will offer Soup and Ski starting at 10:00 a.m. Participants can strap on cross country skis and hit the trails. Then they can take a break and warm up for a bit at the Manion Cabin where soup from Victorian Pantry will be served.

If your relationship prefers more hills and thrills, and less cross-country action, then try night skiing at Swiss Valley where the slopes are lit and groomed for nighttime adventures.

If you prefer to wear shoes and not skis, spend a few miles walking or running with your Valentine during the Frosty 5K at Studebaker Park Pavilion in Elkhart. The race starts at 10:00 a.m. and ends with a fireside warm up. The path includes scenic trails and all finishers receive a memento just for braving the cold.

Create a Masterpiece

Perhaps the arts are more your style than sports are. If so, take a hands-on approach with Wine & Canvas. Spend the evening sipping wine and creating a work of art at the Wine & Canvas’ Granger location. Don’t worry if stick figures are your best attempt at a masterpiece.

You’ll receive a tutorial on how to create a painting, but more importantly you’ll engage in a memory-making experience that might even include a few laughs, especially if the finished product resembles more of a toddler’s artwork than Monet’s.

Order In

Let’s face it; sometimes schedules aren’t conducive to going out on Valentine’s Day, but that’s no excuse to not celebrate it. Instead of feeling the need to go out, put the kids to bed early and order in your favorite take out. The beauty of this option is that you don’t even have to agree on what food you want to eat. Go with his and hers options to satisfy both. Feel free to gaze into each other’s eyes as you feast, or fire up the DVD player and watch whatever flick you didn’t have the chance to see on the big screen.

Game Night

Babysitters aren’t always easy to come by, especially on Valentine’s Day when they have their own love lives to think about.

Chances are that if you are in the predicament of no childcare, your friends are as well. So, go a completely untraditional route and invite other couples over for a game night. It will give you the chance to still connect with your

partner, while catching up with friends. Make it a pajama and movie night for the kids, while the adults dust off their Euchre, Settlers of Catan or other such skills.

Get Nostalgic

Oftentimes the little things mean more than the large, expensive gestures. Remind your loved one of those early days of romance by getting nostalgic. Dig out old love letters and read them together.

Rent your first date movie. Create a playlist with your favorite songs from the past. Simply think back to your first dates, months and years together for inspiration.

Then tuck the kids into bed and let the memories flow.

The important thing is not how you celebrate or what you choose to do. What matters most is letting your partner know that “I still choose you.”

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015

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FAMILY kids

How A Child Says,

“I love you” By: Noelle Elliott

W

e have several hooks in our house. My husband thinks I have a hook obsession. Near every entryway we have hooks. We have them on the back of doors and in the hallways.

My intention with strategically placing these hooks was to encourage my kids to put their coats, backpacks and hats on a hook instead of their preferred place, the floor. It hasn’t worked.

As a mother, I get tired of asking them to hang their stuff up day after day. On some days I don’t even ask and just end up doing it myself. It makes me feel better if I announce that I am doing this as I am doing it. The most frustrating thing about it is that I feel ignored.

I have a fulltime job outside of the home. As with any job, some days can be more stressful than others.

When I arrived home after a particularly bad day, I wasn’t myself. As I entered the door I saw the familiar pile of coats. Rather than picking them up, I stepped over them and went right to my bedroom and collapsed. My husband made dinner and I decompressed with my head under my pillow.

“You will find that you will see a lot of small gestures of love every day.”

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A few minutes went by and my seven-year-old son, Jack, came in and sat on my bed. He said he wanted to show me something. First, I asked him how in the world he gotten into our locked bedroom and then explained that I needed to be alone. He left and I continued my pity party.

When I finally emerged from my room, I saw a trail of sticky notes with arrows. I followed them all the way to the mudroom where I saw all of the coats hanging nicely on the hooks. Above them was a sticky note with a smiley face.

Jack knew I had a rough day and thought by hanging up his and his brother’s coats it would make me happy. He was right; it made me happy but also sad that I had shooed him away earlier.

I tell them I love them probably more than they care to hear it. I tell them when they wake up, when they go to bed and about 10 times in-between. Sometimes I like to know that they love me just as much.

Deep down I know they do, but there are times where I just want to hear it. I explained this to my husband, and he said that our boys love me; they just show it in different ways. I wanted an example and he pointed to the coats.

A child shows love with actions rather than words. Just as their desire to hear the words “I love you” back, kids need to have their expressions of love acknowledged. On a day-to-day basis your child may be telling you they love you and you don’t even notice.

FAMILY MAGAZINE | February 2015

The following are a few examples of how they express love to their parents:

Sharing their food.

When a toddler hands you a sticky lollipop that they have been eating, it is a sign of love. It is a selfless act to share something that he loves with you.

13421 Mann Street Jones, MI 49061 269-244-5635

Taking personal items to school with them.

My son has always tried to sneak his blanket in his backpack to preschool. I explain that we cannot take toys or loveys to school because they could get lost. This usually causes a meltdown that lasts the entire ride.

What he is doing is taking a piece of me with him for comfort. Since then, I now allow him to take one personal item with him and stuff it in his backpack. When he misses me, he can unzip the pocket and see it, even if it’s just for a second.

Showing litt le gestures of kindness.

My son asked if he could learn how to make coffee. I was a little nervous but taught him one morning. He is 11 and likes having a “grown up” responsibility. Every morning before we head out the door he pours a travel mug full of coffee for me. It is his selfless small expression to show that he cares.

Drawings

Every time your child draws something for you, it is an expression of love. You may have enough drawings to fill a recycling bin, but before you glance at it and tell them it is nice, take a closer look. They did it for you.

After a while you will find that you will see a lot of small gestures of love every day. It is those small acts of kindness that are worth more than a thousand words ever could be.

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015

15

FAMILY pregnancy

6 Free Apps

To Get You Through

Your Pregnancy By: Chaunie Bruise

I have a confession to make— I’m not one of those women who loves being pregnant.

In fact, I’m a little envious of those types of women, the ones who seemingly sail through their pregnancies with nary a swollen ankle in sight and gain their weight in a cute-and-adorable basketball in the front kind of way.

That was not me, my friends. That was not me at all.

I trudge through pregnancy, fighting through the waves of fatigue and nausea, vowing that I will not gain a ton of weight this time and then step on the scale at 39 weeks and wonder what in the world happened. So when I became pregnant with our fourth baby, I knew that I would need a little extra motivation to keep me going with a positive attitude through the long nine months.

And I found that help in some of the most unexpected places—through a few free apps on my smartphone.

1. Instagram. It may sound counter productive, but I started following the Inspired Pregnancy account during my last pregnancy and although most of the women looked far better than I ever have while growing a human being, the gorgeous images helped remind me that pregnancy really is a beautiful time in our lives.

Available for free on iTunes.

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | February 2015

2. McLaren Family BirthPlace App.

Now, I may be partial to this one, because I happened to write it, but it’s the app that I used during my pregnancy. It shows weekly development and has the ability to store weight gain (if you would be so inclined…), kick counts and doctor appointment information. It shows how big your baby is every week, brings up the exciting new weekly development and tells you how many days are left in your pregnancy.

You know, if you want a countdown like yours truly.

Available for free on iTunes.

4. My Pregnancy Today.

For you Android users, My Pregnancy Today is packed with everything a mother-to-be could need with daily updates and recommendations for health eating and activity. It has daily growth charts, videos and connections to shopping recommendations and online support group of other mothers.

Available for free on Google Play.

5. Baby Bump Pregnancy.

This award-winning app features the fascinating daily and weekly development of your baby and is also conveniently tells you what symptoms you might start experiencing in each stage of the game. Why hello back pain and heartburn!

Available for free on iTunes.

3. Embryo by National Library of Science. If you’re a

very scientific person, you may enjoy the Embryo app—it has very complete imagery and has tons of information about every building block of a baby’s development, including 2D and 3D imagery. This is a fun app, especially for the early developing days—you’ll be blown away by how much your baby grows in those first few days of life!

Available for free on iTunes.

6. Sprout. This app looks so cool

because of the pictures alone—it’s almost like a sneak peak right at your baby with a 4D ultrasound. It has the standard updates, advice from doctor’s, contraction and kick timers and shopping guides, but I think it’s the visual imagery that really makes this app stand out from the rest.

Available for free on iTunes.

FAMILY pregnancy

Social Media

in the Delivery Room: Too Up Close & Personal?

By: Meagan Church

A

few months ago, I witnessed a home birth thanks to social media. Friends of mine were attending the birth and were giving intermittent updates via Instagram and Facebook. As a very private person, the thought of having cameras and Facebook in my delivery room is a bit beyond my comfort zone, but I was so happy that the mom, Hilary Searcy, did not feel the same way because on that day, countless people witnessed a side of birth that few have ever seen. It wasn’t the Hollywood version of a screaming woman begging for drugs.

Instead they saw images of calm, but intense focus. They saw supportive friends and family by her side, patiently waiting. They saw a side of birth that few knew existed.

The images and updates helped normalize natural and home birth to many people. A few commented on how peaceful the mother looked. As I watched it all unfold via my feed, I started thinking about social media in the delivery room. I had my first two children before social media became all consuming. By the time I had my third child, I was on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest, and I was checking each of them more frequently than necessary.

My third child was born early in the morning and I remember wanting to share the news with all my friends and followers. But for an hour or so after having her, I was seeing spots. I’m not sure if it was low blood pressure or blood sugar, but my vision was somewhat impaired and I had a hard time looking at the screen to be able to write and post a status update. And it was good. Because instead of announcing to the world that our little girl had been born, my hands were free to cuddle, nurse and embrace her.

“I kind of knew that my labor was on social media, and being a birth junkie, I didn't mind. I have stalked many a labor on Facebook,” said Hilary. “There were already seven people there, so I knew privacy was out the window, although I knew at any time I could ask for more quiet, less people, etc. We didn't talk about it beforehand, other than the fact that this was my last labor and I wanted it well documented. By number four, I knew that I had really awesome labors and births, and I did want to share that in 18

THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | February 2015

Photos Provided By: Andrea Hartstein, Hartstein Photography

“Just as no two births are the same, each mother’s approach to social media is free to vary.”

a public way to help normalize natural labor and home birth. I wouldn't change a thing. It was perfect.”

Hilary went on to say that it was nice to get love and support from friends and family who weren’t present in person, but were staying up-to-date online.

We make math make sense.

Enroll now and build your math skills like never before!

Tiffaney Inks had similar sentiments when her labor began to drag on. “I was bored,” she said. “Being at the hospital for 36 hours before I had Whitney was not fun.” To help pass the time, she turned to social media, enjoying the connection to the world outside the delivery room. But when her labor stalled and concerns happened, Tiffaney turned off the outside world.

As the NICU was called in moments after birth, she and her husband had no thoughts of sharing their news online. “I really think it is good to be in the moment of that time. It was just Glenn in the delivery room with me.

We wanted it to be special and a moment we had together with no one else. Meeting our daughter was so exciting. It didn't go like we planned, but it was still special.” Tiffaney finally shared the news of her daughter’s birth the next day, once they had spent time together and had more answers.

888-850-MATH Mathnasium.com/Granger Heritage Square

When Michelle Soike had her third child, she planned in advance to leave social media out of the delivery room. “We just knew this was our last baby and we wanted the boys to meet the baby before anyone else did,” she said. “I also didn't want to feel like I needed to respond to someone asking how things were going and so on. We really just wanted this for ourselves.”

Michelle’s choice upset a few people who wanted a stream of updates. Even knowing that, she would choose to do it the same way again. “I was able to just concentrate on that baby getting here safe and sound. Then after everyone left that night, I was able to just relax and enjoy her all alone.”

Just as no two births are the same, each mother’s approach to social media is free to vary. Gone are the days of announcing births with cigars or snail mail. Now, the news travels in an instant, and for all friends and friends of friends to witness in their news feeds. It has the power to connect and to distract, to over share and even to normalize birth experiences, to show real births and not Hollywood versions.

CHECK OUT www.adecinc.com/jobs TODAY TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN FIND EMPLOYMENT AND CHANGE LIVES. THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015

19

1

10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., Century Center

Michiana Boat & Sports Show,

1:30 P.M., Swiss Valley Ski Area

Marty Miles

by The Slopes,

Sunday

2

Day

Groundhog

Monday

3 The Day the Music Died

Tuesday

4

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

11:00 A.M., Center for Outpatient Services, St. Joseph, MI

Breastfeeding Support Group,

8:00 P.M., South Bend

Brushville Concert at The Brick,

10:30 A.M., Peace Lutheran School, Granger

God’s Time for Little Ones Bible Story Hour,

5

6

5:30 P.M., Downtown St. Joseph, MI

11th Annual Magical Ice Fest,

5:30 P.M., Downtown St. Joseph, MI

11th Annual Magical Ice Fest,

7

– Unknown

“Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes someone special to catch your heart.”

Wednesday

2015

FEBRUARY

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?

All Day, Studebaker National Museum

The American Motorcycle: The Ride Goes On,

MAR 1

10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M., Century Center

9th Annual Michiana Golf Liquidation Sale,

4:00 P.M., DeBartolo Performing Arts Center Notre Dame

South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestras,

22

10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., Century Center

Shipshewana on the Road,

5:00 P.M. & 8:30 P.M., The Lerner

Bill Engvall,

15

11:00 A.M., Comfort Suites, South Bend

Record & CD Collector’s Show,

8

Kid’s Love Quotes:

2

Day

President’s

All Day, South Bend Museum of Art

Winter Art Classes,

4:00 P.M., Niles District Library

Video Game Day,

23

16

– Anonymous

“When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.”

9

3:30 A.M., Downtown BranchMishawaka Public Library

Junior Lego Squad,

10:00 A.M., Harris Branch-Mishawaka Public Library

Toddler Time,

3

6:00 P.M., Lakeland Hospital, Niles

Random Act of Kindness Day

Breastfeeding Class for Moms and Dads,

24

17

6:00 P.M. – 8:30 P.M., Century Center

2015 Daddy/ Daughter Dance,

10:30 A.M., Newton Center, Lakeville

Bingo at the Newton Center,

10

3:30 P.M., Harris Branch-Mishawaka Public Library

Legos and Literature Book Club,

4

11:00 A.M., Center for Outpatient Services, St. Joseph, MI

Breastfeeding Support Group,

25

11:00 A.M., Center for Outpatient Services, St. Joseph, MI

Breastfeeding Support Group,

18

11:00 A.M., Center for Outpatient Services, St. Joseph, MI

Breastfeeding Support Group,

11

3:30 P.M., Downtown BranchMishawaka Public Library

Junior Lego Squad,

10:30 A.M., Peace Lutheran Church & School

God’s Time for Little Ones Bible Story Hour,

5

10:30 A.M., Lerner Crystal Ballroom

Red Elkhart County Luncheon, Expo & Fashion Show,

26

8:00 P.M., The Brick, South Bend

Chicago Loud 9 Concert,

7:30 P.M., Morris Performing Arts Center

Let It Be – A Celebration of the Music of the Beatles,

19

8:00 P.M., The Brick, South Bend

One Night Band Concert,

10:30 A.M., Peace Lutheran School, Granger

God’s Time for Little Ones Bible Story Hour,

12

8:00 P.M., PHM Digital Video Theater/Planetarium

Laser Beatles,

12:00 P.M., Moreau Center for the Arts, Notre Dame

Spring Semester Art Exhibition,

6

7:30 P.M., The Lerner Theater

Harriet: The Musical,

3:30 & 6:30 P.M., Morris Performing Arts Center

Pirate & Princess Adventure- Disney Junior Live on Tour,

27

8:00 P.M., The Brick, South Bend

Chicago Loud 9 Concert,

20

– Anonymous

“There are two kinds of love – Our love & God’s love. But, God makes both kinds of them. Love is important to God.”

Kid’s Love Quotes:

13

Linton’s Enchanted Gardens

Linton’s Winter Seminars and Workshops, 10:00 A.M.,

Northern Indiana Event Center at RV/ MH Hall of Fame, Elkhart

Elkhart for the Love of Art Show, 11:00 A.M.,

7

11:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M., Double Tree, South Bend

Goodwill Glamour Wedding, Prom & Special Events,

Virtual Camp Fair 2015, www.MichianaMom.com

28

10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., Century Center

9th Annual Michiana Golf Liquidation Sale,

21

9:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M., Century Center

Shipshewana on the Road,

10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M., St. Patrick’s County Park

Valentine Day Soup and Ski,

Happy Valentine’s Day!

14

FAMILY mommy & daddy

Dear Mom,

Mutter Less, Matter More By: Meagan Church

Dear Mom, Kids say random things. Take for instance the statement my two-year-old made recently, while we were driving down the road: “I don’t like mashed potatoes.” Mind you, it had been over a month since she had been served mashed potatoes, but I decided to engage her and see where this statement led. So, I asked, “You don’t like them?” Her response was even more random than her initial statement. “No,” she said. “Because they are orange and empty.”

Her little preschool-brain has a tendency to make out-of-thin-air statements. Sometimes those statements have to do with empty side dishes. Other times they are compliments, such as the time she grabbed my leg in the middle of the pet store, squeezed it tightly and said, “You are the best mom I’ve ever had.” Now, I know that I’m also the only mom she has ever had, but the statement was so pure, sweet and unprovoked that it melted my heart in the midst of a holiday shopping excursion with a twoyear-old in tow. It melted my heart so completely that I nearly bought her any (or all) the pets she wanted before we left the store.

The compliments don’t end there. During a different shopping trip, while she sat in the seat of the cart, she looked at me, her big, blue eyes filled with seriousness and said, “Mommy, you have a pretty neck.”

I must say that I have never before been complimented on my neck and probably won’t be ever again, but what this girl is teaching me isn’t about outward appearances. It’s that words do matter, and kind words can make a true and lasting impact.

As I think back to the plethora of random compliments she has given me, I realize that oftentimes my response is either “thank you” or to return nice words. The question is: why does it take the prompting of a child to get me to give a compliment? Perhaps the greater lesson she is teaching me is that I need to act more like a two-year-old and not be so reserved or delayed with my compliments.

I can think of countless times over the last few days alone when I have asked the kids to put away toys, get their shoes out of the walkway, remove their dirty socks from the couch or to pick up the Legos before the vacuum eats them. Reminders, reprimands and, yes, nagging come to mind, but compliments aren’t as easy 22

THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | February 2015

to recall. Perhaps that is just my pessimism, or perhaps it is because they haven’t existed.

I’m not saying that we need to compliment and celebrate every task and achievement.

I’m not a fan of the every-participantdeserves-a-trophy mindset. But, I do believe that we need to do a better job of speaking life into our kids, of taking a moment to really talk into the person they are, of encouraging them and complimenting them in a way that is not superficial, but is ever lasting.

Often, our tendency can be to jump to what’s wrong: the chores haven’t been done, the homework is incomplete, the dirty laundry is all over the floor, the dog still wants to be fed. Often, we huff out angry breaths and roll our eyes to the sky, wondering just. How. Many. Times. I. Have. To. Ask. If you’re like me, the huffy words are the easier ones to mutter. But instead of continuing the mutter, I want to speak what matters.

And, it isn’t just about the kids. What about your husband or friends or parents? When was the last time you complimented them?

When was the last time you thanked your husband for something he did instead of pointed out what you feel was wrong? Let’s go one step further: when was the last time you spoke words that matter to yourself?

If we are hard critics towards our kids and our spouses, how much harder are we on ourselves? Instead of looking in the mirror and seeing the flaws—the crow’s feet, the gray hair, the extra pounds—find the compliment. Find that bit of awesomeness in yourself and call it out. This doesn't have to be prideful or conceited; it’s about seeing the beauty and good in yourself.

Maybe it’s your eyes, your strong calves, your skill at making the perfect chocolate soufflé, the way you can carry a board room or maybe it’s your pretty neck. Whatever it is, recognize it and don't be afraid to own it.

I know a pretty neck may not be something to boast about, but to me, those words serve as a reminder to love others, to be slower to anger and quicker to compliment, to mutter less and speak what matters more, and that sometimes we need to act more like two-year-olds.

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THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015

23

The FAMILY Magazine Presents…

2015

The Virtual Camp & Kids' Care Fair starts February 28th and will continue to be online throughout 2015!

Join Us!

Camps  Summer School  Summer Workshops  Classes & s  Daycare amps  Athletic C s  Art Camp Camps  Specialty ed Camps  Faith Bas ps  Day Cam re!  Many Mo

24

THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | February 2015

There will be contests and giveaways during the month of March on www.michianamom.com and FAMILY Magazine’s Facebook page!

Want a reminder?

Sign up to receive the FAMILY Magazine’s eblast reminders on the homepage of their website!

Come visit all of your local and regional summer camps for kids in the comfort of your own home!

Camp Awareness Camp Awareness is a popular summer day camp that is celebrating its 55th year! Camp Awareness offers camping activities without the “sleeping out” experience. It’s a bug biting, stream stomping, fishing, archery, poison ivy, campfire cookout, bug juice, counselor hunt, tribal challenge, GET DIRTY camp!

Nature Detectives Summer Camp

The Nature Detectives Day Camp at Rum Village gives students ages 6 through 12 a chance to explore the natural world at a beautiful local park. Over three miles of hiking trails, an interactive nature center with wildlife window, and a staff of experienced naturalists make this camp a great choice for a summer adventure.

For details call the Nature Center at 574.235.9455

’

K

IDS

*Aquatics Programs

Learn to Swim, South Bend Swim Club

*Free Fishing Saturdays Pinhook Park

*Junior Golf Programs

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

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

Tiny Tots, Studebaker Jr Golf, Junior Tour

*Kids’ Triathlon *Leeper Tennis Center

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

*Potawatomi Zoo Camps *Jr. Baseball *Soccer Programs

Bertrand Farm

Summer Day Camp!

Kids learning where their food comes from.

Ages 4-13 years old

Now takin g registratio ns for summ er 2015!

Bertrand Farm, Inc.

3575 W Bertrand Rd, Niles, MI 49120

See all our summer programming at www.bertrandfarm.org

Camp Tannadoonah is a summer camp serving boys and girls ages 5-17, located on beautiful Birch Lake in Vandalia, Michigan. We’re an ACA-accredited residential camp and strive to provide a fun, safe, and life-changing experience.

We have a wide range of activities to appeal to all ages.

CAMP TANNADOONAH tannadoonah.org 574-387-6097 Camp helps kids develop independence, teamwork, and a connection to nature!

A Special Place for

Special People!

Camp Millhouse is a residential summer camp for people of all ages with varying disabilities. 24 hour on-site nursing with medication management. Staff to camper ratio is from 1:1 to 1:4. Activities include recreation, music therapy, arts & crafts, swimming, low ropes course, dances, special guests.

Camp Millhouse

25600 Kelly Road South Bend, IN 46614 (574) 233-2202

www.CampMillhouse.org

Come join the fun!

Summer Camps | July 12–31

She’ll explore her interests, make new friends, stay on campus.

FOR GIR

LS!

Fine Arts

Summer Academy

Athletics Visit saintmarys.edu/camps to register online.

For more information, email camps@saintmarys.edu or call (574) 284-4778.

REGISTRATION ENDS JUNE 3, 2015.

15-006 Camps Ad_Michiana Family Magazine.indd 1

1/16/15 3:40 PM

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SUMMER CAMP! Star Martial Arts camps are designed for children ages 5-12, and no martial arts experience is necessary.

Camp activities, including a weekly field trip, are based around a weekly theme and of course, martial arts!

With trained instructors, you are guaranteed a structured, high energy, well supervised, safe environment.

To maintain a safe atmosphere, each camp has a limited number of spots so reserve your spot today!

Our camps are tax deductible!

June 1-5 8am-12pm Tiny Tiger Camp (ages 4-6 only) June 8-12 8am-4pm Global Games *Elkhart location only June 15-19 8am-4pm Lego Week June 22-26 8am-4pm Minecraft Camp June 29-July 3 8am-4pm Summer Splash *Elkhart location only July 13-17 8am-4pm Nerf Week July 20-24 8am-4pm Super Smash Brothers *Elkhart location only July 27-31 8am-4pm Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles August 3-7 8am-4pm Star Wars

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Early Bird discount $115/week until March 31st Regular price $135/week until May 2nd Late registration of $150 after May 2nd

STAR MARTIAL ARTS (574) 277-KICK 5776-48 Grape Rd. Mishawaka

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*Family discount: After 2 campers, everyone in the household is free! **Campers will need a snack and packed lunch each day.

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | February 2015

Mathnasium.com/Granger

Preschool – Teen

Morning & Afternoon Classes

June 15 – 19 June 22 – 26 July 6 – 10 July 13 – 17 SBMA and Southold Dance

Art & Dance Camp July 6 – 10, July 13 – 17

SBMA-FamilyMag1-15.indd 1

1/21/15 9:23 AM

Kroc Summer Camps O Bu & G ne Wy We et a S eek ek e co n Feb 1/2 Of f d 1– M ! ar 2 9

Finding the Spark Within What Is Day Camp?

The camp program is an amazing opportunity for children to learn and develop new skills, make new friends, practice core values, build leadership qualities, and most importantly, have fun! Your kids will have a blast in an outstanding facility.

Campers enjoy fun-filled days of activities in the care and safety of trained and experienced staff. These memories and friendships will last a lifetime!

Camps

Kroc Pre-School Camp: Ages 3-5 Kroc Camp: Ages 5-12 Kroc Leaders: Ages 12-17

Come meet us at the Kroc Camp Fair on March 29 to see all the fun activities planned for camp this year!

When and where can I register?

Register anytime at the Welcome Desk or online at www.mykroc.org. Registration ends the Friday before the first day of camp.

What is included?

Registration fee includes all planned activities from 7:00AM – 6:00PM, before & after care*, morning snack**, lunch**, snack, field trips, an awesome Kroc Kids T-shirt!

Cost: Camp Costs vary : $50-$100 members / $75-$125 non–members depending on camp selection. Partial Camps available as well at discounted rates. * Not included for Leader Camp. ** The USDA and the State of Indiana are equal opportunity providers and emplopyers.

900 West Western Ave South Bend, Indiana 46601 574 233 9471 | www.mykroc.org

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015

29

Camp Name

Phone

Website

Contact Info

Ages

Dates

Cost

Bertrand Farm Summer Farm Camp

269-695-3306

www.bertrandfarm.org

Theri Niemier

4 Yrs – 13 Yrs

June 22nd August 14th

$100 - $210

3575 West Bertrand Road, Niles, MI 49120

Farm camp is a day camp program for children 4-13 years old. Children are hands on involved in the everyday activities of a small working farm. Each day includes farm chores, agriculture lessons, harvesting, cooking or nature projects. Nutrition and ecology are intrinsic parts of the experience.

Camp Awareness

South Bend Parks and Rec 321 E. Walter Street South Bend, IN 46614

574-299-4765

sbpark.org

Karen Myers kmyers@southbendin.gov Cathie Pynaert cpynaert@ southbendin.gov

7 Yrs – 12 Yrs

June 8th – August 7th

7 Yrs Old Week: $100 8 Yrs -12 Yrs Old Week: $120

It’s a bug biting, stream stomping, fishing, archery, poison ivy, campfire cookout, bug juice, counselor hunt, tribal challenge, GET DIRTY camp!

Camp Millhouse 25600 Kelly Rd., South Bend, IN 46614

574-233-2202

www.campmillhouse.org

Diana or Scarlett campmillhouse@ gmail.com

We Are A Camp Of All Ages, 7-70!

Summer camp: June 21, 2015 thru July 31, 2015 Respite Weekends: April 25th thru September 20th

$500 – $150

Camp Millhouse is a residential summer camp for people of all ages with varying disabilities. 24 hour on-site nursing with medication management. Staff to camper ratio is from 1:1 to 1:4. Activities include recreation, music therapy, arts and crafts, swimming, low ropes course, dances and special guests. Come join the fun!

Camp Tannadoonah 14751 Harvey St. Vandalia, MI 49095

574-387-6095

http://tannadoonah.org

Amber Grundy Amber@tannadoonah.org

5 Yrs – 17 Yrs

June 14th August 8th

$275 – $675

Camp Tannadoonah is a resident camp for boys and girls 5-17. A variety of activities appeal to all ages, including swimming, waterskiing, wakeboarding, boating, archery, arts, nature, sports, science, robotics, theater and more! Camp Tannadoonah is accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA) and licensed by the State of Michigan.

Children’s Arts in the Parks

574-299-4765

sbpark.org

(Various Parks)

Paula Garis pgaris@southbendin.gov

2 Yrs – 10 Yrs

June 11 – July 30

Free

Artistic programs in a park atmosphere. Purpose: To provide a wide assortment of various arts for the participant’s enjoyment.

Children’s Learn to Swim at Clay High School

574-235-9372

sbpark.org

Amy Roush aroush@southbendin.gov

7 Yrs And Up

June 15th - 25th June 29th - July 9th July 13th -23rd

$45 Financial Aid eligible -$25

American Red Cross certified Learn to Swim lessons. Multiple instructors will teach different levels every class time. The time and level will be set by the instructor and parent/guardian at registration.

Cross Country Camp 50651 Laurel Road, South Bend, IN 46637

574-235-9372

sbpark.org

Amy Roush aroush@southbendin.gov

6 Yrs – 13 Yrs

June 22nd – June 25th or July 13th – July 16th

$20 Per Child Per Camp

This is a fun interactive camp that teaches the basics in running: how to stretch, agilities and race strategies. There will be a race the last evening and every participant will receive a ribbon.

Fernwood's 2015 Summer Camps

269-695-6491

13988 Range Line Road Niles, MI 49120

www.fernwood botanical.org

Wendy Jones, Head Naturalist wjones@fernwood botanical.org

4 Yrs – 16 Yrs

June 9th and runs thru August 7th

Cost varies with each session.

Fernwood's Jon Meyer and Rou and Ethelbel Art Camps utilize our forests, pond, prairie and gardens to teach children about Nature & to inspire a variety of art projects. Please visit our website or call Wendy Jones, Head Naturalist for more information.

HealthWorks! Kids' Museum

111 W. Jefferson Blvd. South Bend, IN 46601

574-647-KIDS (5437)

www.healthworkskids.org

Eliana Ramos ERamos@ beaconhealthsystem.org

Varies

April 6th – August 3rd

Varies

Get your kids out of the house and into HealthWorks! Kids’ Museum for the zaniest, most adventurous camps you’ll find on the planet! Whether you come for the entire week or just one day—don’t miss out—have your kids’ creativity and imagination soar to new heights at HealthWorks!

Kids’ Triathlon at Potawatomi Pool

574-299-4765

sbpark.org

2000 Wall Street South Bend, IN 46615

Swim 25 yards (50 yards for 13-14 year olds), Bike 1.3 miles, Run ½ mile

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THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | February 2015

Paula Garis pgaris@southbendin.gov

5 Yrs – 14 Yrs

July 11, 2015 Race begins at 8 A.M.

$24 per child

Camp Name

Phone

Website

Contact Info

Ages

Dates

Kids World Summer Day Camp

574-299-4765

www.sbpark.org

Karen Myers kmyers@southbendin.gov Cathie Pynaert cpynaert@ southbendin.gov

Ages 5*12 Yrs

June 8th August 7th

South Bend Park and Recreation Dept.

321 E. Walter Street South Bend, IN 46614

* Must Have Completed Kindergarten

Cost 3-Days: $72

(Add $10 T-Shirt Fee to First Weeks Fee)

4-Days: $96 5-Days: $110

Kids' World is offered to children entering grades 1st -7th. Campers experience two fieldtrips per week and activities such as crafts, teambuilding, science and nature, favorite gym activities and other surprises.

Kroc Summer Camp Salvation Army Kroc Center 900 W.Western Avenue South Bend Indiana 46619

574-233-9471 ext 2227 574-300-8117

www.mykroc.org

Jacqueline J. Davis Youth Activities Manager jackie.davis@ usc.salvationarmy.org

3 yrs – 17 yrs

June 8th – August 14th

Prices vary for members and non-members.

Kroc Camp will be 10 weeks of fun filled adventures for Campers ages 3-17. Campers will receive free before and after care, breakfast lunch and afternoon snack. Kroc campers will receive a t-shirt, and field trips and other surprise amenities all included in the weekly price.

Mathnasium of Granger

888-850-6284

mathnasium.com/granger

7321 Heritage Sq. Dr., Suite 170 Granger, IN 46530

Cari Waggoner 4 Yrs – granger@mathnasium.com 16 Yrs

All summer...

June-August

219 to $299

depending on age

At Mathnasium, we help kids in K-12 reach their potential in math by teaching in a way that makes sense to them. Kids leap way ahead – whether they started out far behind or already ahead in math. With no tests or homework to worry about, summer is the perfect time to catch up, keep up or get ahead!

Nature Detectives Day

574-235-9455

Camp Rum Village Nature Center 2626 S. Gertrude Street South Bend, IN 46614

http://sbpark.org/ activities/camps/naturedetectives/

Hannah Teshka hteshka@southbendin.gov

6 Yrs – 12 Yrs

Camp Dates Vary on Age of Your Child. Visit www.michianamom. com for full listing.

3-Day Camps $35 4-Day Camps $40.

The Nature Detectives Day Camp gives students ages 6 through 12 a chance to explore the natural world at a beautiful local park. Over three miles of hiking trails, an interactive nature center with a wildlife window and a staff of experienced naturalists make this camp a great choice for a summer adventure.

Outdoor Adventures Summer Day Camp

574-654-3155

www.sjcparks.org

50651 Laurel Road, South Bend, IN 46637

Amal Farrough afarrough@sjcparks.org

5 -14 Yrs

Camp Dates Vary on Age of Your Child. Visit www.michianamom. com for full listing.

K-1st Grade:

$65.00/Week 2nd – 8th Grade:

$90.00/Week

Paddle, hike and navigate your way to adventurous outdoor fun at St. Patrick's County Park! Go fishing or learn to steer a kayak. Canoe on our creeks and ponds. Catch a praying mantis. Through active challenges, games, crafts and quiet moments of observation, you’ll find surprising discoveries around every corner.

Pet Refuge Summer Camp Unleashed

574-274-5065

petrefuge.com

Melissa Eikens

4626 Burnett Drive, South Bend, IN 46614

10 Yrs – 15 Yrs

June 15th – 19th July 13th – 17th August 3rd – 7th

$150

Pet Refuge has partnered with SBACC to provide a unique, educational and fun filled summer camp program for the animal lovers in our community. Kids will enjoy guest speakers, animal art, quality time with shelter animals, hands on education including bite prevention, dog training, the language of cats and how to make a difference for animals in our community.

Prairie Winds Nature Farm

574-344-1753

21439 Osborne Road, Lakeville, Indiana 46536

www.prairiewinds naturefarm.com

Charlotte P. Wolfe pwindsfarm@gmail.com

3-12+ Yrs

Camp Dates Vary on Age of Your Child. Visit www.michianamom. com for full listing

Ages 3 Yrs -7 Yrs $75 Ages 8 Yrs + $250

Working educational farm. Roam 85 acres of natural area; learn earth friendly gardening skills; care for animals & enjoy an old fashioned barn. Daily pony rides for younger campers and riding lessons for older campers. Kids relax, make new friends and appreciate the farm and nature at their own pace.

Saint Mary's Summer Camps

574-284-4778

Saint Mary's College Notre Dame, IN 46556

www.saintmarys.edu/ camps

Camps Email camps@saintmarys.edu

Grades 5th – 12th

July 12th – 17th July 19th – 24th July 26th – 31st

$440 – $565

Saint Mary's offers the best in summer camp fun and learning though our overnight camps! Join us in July for one of our amazing camps: Athletics, Fine Arts and Summer Academy! Explore your interests. Make new friends. Live in residence halls under the care and protection of counselors, instructors and professional staff members.

Star Martial Arts Camp 123 N Elkhart Ave. Elkhart, IN 46516 5776-48 Grape Rd. Mishawaka, IN

Elkhart 574-522-5425 Mishawaka 574-277-5425

www.startkd.com

kick@startkd.com

4-6 Yrs 5-12 Yrs

June 1st – August 7th

$75 – $150

$20 registration

Star Martial Arts camps are designed for children ages 5-12, and no martial arts experience is necessary. Camp activities, including a weekly field trip, are based around a weekly theme and of course, martial arts! With trained instructors, you are guaranteed a structured, high energy, well supervised, safe environment. To maintain a safe atmosphere, each camp has a limited number of spots so reserve your spot today!

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Camp Name

Phone

South Bend Museum 574-235-9102 of Art Summer Camps

Website

Contact Info

Ages

Dates

Cost

www.southbendart.org

Hannah Fischer fischerh@ southbendart.org

Ages 6 Ys – 18 Yrs

June 15th – July 17th Art and Dance with Southold July 6th – July 17th

$160/Week

120 S. Saint Joseph St. South Bend, IN 46601

Summer Camp Artists can pick a class (or more!) from our list of fun and exciting classes. Take drawing, painting, ceramics, architects of art, primary art, fibers, jewelry and more!

The First Tee of Indiana-Michiana

800-779-7271

Attn. Treasurer PO Box 385 South Bend, IN 46624

www.thefirsttee indiana.org

Jackie Potter Mullin firstteemichiana@ gmail.com

7 Yrs – 12 Yrs

There will be a session in June and July.

Check the website or email for more information

$50.00/child per session.

The First Tee Program is part of the curriculum in 45 area schools within St. Joseph and Elkhart County. The First Tee of Indiana strives to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.

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Coloring Contest

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 April 2015 issue of FAMILY Magazine!

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

For your chance to WIN, color your best picture and mail entries to: FAMILY Magazines of michiana • P.O. BOX 577 • Granger, IN 46530 • (574) 387-5420. Coloring contest is open to children 12 years and under, and entries must be mailed by March 2nd, 2015. Winners will be featured in the April 2015 issue of FAMILY Magazine. 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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F F F G F H X Q G O G J S E H W O R K N Q P G J Q B H T X I S W O I X I N K O Q X U O P K P M S D E I N O Z M K N R E E D Z K K M N U R I T K D I R L F A N M W F D D A B W P E I E J T I A R P R S R E W X S E R F W C A M P I N G M L H B N I S L E E P I N G B A G M H C F E E A I D S E R I W U O Q E P E X M S Q F R L S G R Z O K M R B V A H B T V U S B C T I A T A I F G L H H E F R O N Y C K Y R Z G R I B U A U T E V T X J F G U R A G F J E P L Z D M O N C B C P T H N P S E P E N E E P K X C M T T Z B V O V Y T I V I T C A M A R D N K R S O N G S R N S T V C A E Y U B D U B Y S R Z T S C N Y M C

Have Fun! Find the words below in the FAMILY Magazine's Camp & Kids' Care Fair word search puzzle. Words can be forwards, backwards, diagonal, vertical or horizontal.

Activity Camping Flash Light Craft Drama Experience Food

Friends Games Trees Hike Horseback Canoe Learning

Campfire Sleepingbag Songs Stories Swimming Tent

Time To Go Camping!

Get your kids out of the house and into HealthWorks! Kids’ Museum for the zaniest, most adventurous camps you’ll find on the planet! Whether you come for the entire week or just one day—don’t miss out—have your kids’ creativity and imagination soar to new heights at our Spring and Summer Camps.

• Experience • Investigate • Create • Play!

These are all part of the fantastic fun to be had! Find out why parents are raving fans about their children’s experience at HW! Camp!

Some exciting new camps include: • • • • • •

Springy Shenanigans – April 6 & 7 Artsy Fartsy – July 6 Wild Wonders – July 13 Get Under Your Skin – July 20 Fit as a Riddle – July 27 HealthWorks! Hoopla – August 3

Adventures await your child at HealthWorks!

Don’t wait another minute! Visit HealthWorksKids.org for more information.

111 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, IN 46601 HealthWorksKids.org | 574.647.KIDS (5437)

FAMILY fun

Product Testing:

The Perfect

Mascara By: Lara West

Diamonds are forever, but mascara is…not. It’s something we replace pretty often. If you’re saving up for a beautiful pair of diamond earrings like me, then you’re pretty much willing to save anywhere you can.

I don’t normally skimp on my makeup budget, because my older sister suffered a lot of skin irritation from cheap makeup. I always thought it was best to buy the expensive makeup with “better” ingredients, however, when my teenage niece sent me a laundry list of different makeup she wanted for Christmas I jokingly said, “And I’m going to have to get another job to afford all this.” She looked at the list and laughed, “Exactly how cheap are you going this year? Everything on here is like $30, total.”

Turns out- she was right, and her makeup always look like it was professionally applied. This wasn’t just a purchase to seal my title of “World’s Best Aunt,” it was an opportunity to SAVE! (Well, possibly. Let’s find out.)

Mascara: This product test included a purchase from a dollar store ($1), a drug store ($7), and a high-end brand ($18). The dollar mascara was heavy and gritty feeling. I had to apply three layers to make my lashes longer, but in the process (even with ample drying time between applications,) they became bound together and the term, “tarantula eyes” was far too polite. My lashes became so stiff that when I smiled just right they actually poked the corner of my eyes, and it was a quick way to stop the fun. By the end of the day most of the mascara had flaked off.

The mid-priced drug store makeup was easily spreadable and smoother than the cheapest mascara. I applied two layers and had long lashes that were mostly separated, with only a couple bounding together. They were moderately stiff (but not enough to cause bodily harm,) and I could feel a little weight from the mascara for a short time after applying it, but it soon felt comfortable. By the end of the day most of the mascara was still on my lashes.

The high-end mascara was light and smooth. I applied two layers to achieve the desired look that I prefer. My lashes separated as I hoped they would, and curled easily. There was a slightly stiff feel, and a little weight. At the end of the day the mascara was still visible, but had lost the curl that was there before.

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“If the dollar store mascara sounds nightmarish, that’s because it was.”

Recommendation: If the dollar store mascara sounds nightmarish, that’s because it was. This one of those cases where I can say I like to save a dollar, but I’m not willing to sacrifice quality to that extent. What I did discover is that I don’t have to spend as much; in fact, I can save between $10 and $12 by buying my mascara at the drugstore instead of the specialty retailer.

There was a difference between the two, but it was so minimal that you can have gorgeous, natural looking lashes for a fraction of the cost, and grow your savings account at the same time. (Maybe even buy them new diamond earrings sooner than planned?)

Learning Begins e r e h W PRESCHOOL

REGISTRATION Begins in March.

My Preschool St Pauls.org

St. Paul’s United Methodist Preschool 405 W. Beardsley Ave. Elkhart In 46514 574-293-0482

It’s not how much you pay.

It’s how good you look.

Snow, sleet or even rain.

Everyday bargains on vintage and lightly used clothing.

S.R. 23 & Ironwood | 1827 N. Bendix | Vinnie’s at 4644 Western Ave. | svdpsb.org SVDP Winter Ad HiRes Fam Mag.indd 1

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12:15 PM

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2O15 AT 6PM O’Rourkes, Eddy Street Commons Jesse Ryan Project begins at 9pm

SPECIAL GUEST

Miss Indiana USA 2014 Mekayla Diehl NO MORE is a public awareness and engagement campaign focused on ending domestic violence and sexual assault. Using its signature blue symbol to increase visibility and foster greater dialogue, NO MORE seeks to break social stigma, normalize the conversation around domestic violence and sexual assault and increase resources to address these urgent issues. NO MORE is aligned with hundreds of organizations working at the local, state and national levels on prevention, advocacy, and services for survivors.

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Compassionate Help for Your Parents “Compassionate Caregivers was there for not only my Mom and Dad, but for our entire family.

My Mom was grateful for their care—as we all were. And because of their help, our family

Compassionate Caregivers and Partners in Personal Care are here to help you.

Our services include

was able to spend quality time with our Mom in her final days.

• Companionship

It wasn’t too long after when

• Transportation and running errands

we called on them again to assist us with Dad. To ease our family’s concerns while we were away and he was home alone, we called on our Compassionate Caregiver family for assistance. They were there to help with meals, cleaning—and most of all—they were there to help him if needed. It meant that we could rest better, knowing that he was not home alone all of the time.

Compassionate Caregivers are truly a wonderful group of people who are compassionate about helping your loved one and family.”

• Meal preparation

• Help to ensure medications are taken properly • Housekeeping • Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming and mobility • Vacation care • Care when you need it: hourly, overnight and around the clock

—Michelle S., Granger

Call us today for a FREE home visit and evaluation.

Three convenient locations: Goshen: 574.533.5627 | Elkhart: 574.295.1111 | South Bend: 574.647.8510 40

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | February 2015

HomeCareBeacon.com