FAMILY Magazine March 2015

March 2015 • Moms Just Know • Free

Spring Clean For Your Family’s Health

Wish I Would’ve

Known

Fail

Perfect

Spring Break

Destinations

The Real Meaning of Easter Serving: Granger • Mishawaka • Elkhart • South Bend • Goshen • Niles Edwardsburg • Middlebury & Surrounding Communities

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

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!

IN THE NEXT ISSUE: Child Care & Preschools

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.

Contributors President & Publisher: Betsy Tavernier

Betsy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

Managing Editor: Jessica Haviland

Jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

AD COORDINATOR & INSIDE SALES MANAGER

Amanda Oiler Amanda@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN Manager: Zuzanna Zmud

Zuzanna@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

Medical Editor: S. Jesse Hsieh, M.D. Distribution Managers: Mike Trentacosti Kevin Reynolds Family Magazines of Michiana would love to hear from you! Please submit press releases, event information and inquiries to: Jessy@Michianafamilymagazine.com The FAMILY Magazines PO BOX 577 Granger, IN 46530 PH: 574.387.5420 • FX: 574.217.4700 www.MichianaMom.com The FAMILY Magazines March 2015 Established in 2006.

All rights reserved.

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

FAMILY SPRING BREAK GIVEAWAY:

Read The FAMILY Magazines online each month!

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

Volume 9: Number 3

MyBuckleMate This mom-invented, award-winning product makes buckling up easier for kids of all ages! Start the habit early and start buckling up!

Visit www.MichianaMom.com and click on the "Contest/Giveaways" tab to enter-to-win MyBuckleMate!

Contest Begins: March 9th - March 11th Winner Announced: March 11th at Noon Photos: www.mybucklemate.com

Have an Upcoming Event?

Check out www.MichianaMom.com and post your events to our online Calendar for FREE!

Find the Hidden Acorn!

For your enjoyment and fun!

TheFamilyMagazineOfMichiana @FamilyMagazines FamilyMagazine TheFamilyMag www.MichianaMom.com Please use the information compiled by Michiana Family Magazines for your research. Michiana Family Magazines recommends that parents and families interview each business or organization to make sure that it is safe and a good fit for your family. The information presented here and provided by Michiana Family Magazines is for informational purposes only and although every effort has been made to present accurate information, Michiana Family Magazines does not, in any way, accept responsibility for the accuracy of or consequences from the use of this information and/or for the businesses and organizations presented herein. We urge all parents and families to confirm any information given herein through additional research. The views and opinions expressed by the writers, event organizers and advertisers do not necessarily represent those of Michiana Family Magazines LLC, its officers, editors, staff or contributors.

THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

3

F R O M T H E P U B L I S H ER

7

Things

We Learned Making

The March Issue

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

1. Think before you post! Visit page 18 to see why one mom is feeling different about posting pictures of her children on social media.

Things We (at FAMILY)

Love

Right Now!

1. Luck 2. Go Green!

3. Mashed Potatoes 4. Spring Sweaters 5. Siesta Key, FL 6. Classroom Mom Projects 7. 3-Wick Candles 8. Lent 9. Family Ping-Pong Games

2. Stop the “are we there yet” questions while traveling. Try these fun road trip games that the whole family will enjoy on page 14.

3. Spring cleaning can improve your health.

Learn more on the importance of spring cleaning on page 30.

4. Easter is a $12 billion annual industry. Discover the true meaning of Easter and share it’s importance with your children on page 22.

10. Positive Attitudes 11. Expectant Moms 12. Bunnies 13. Hot Tea

MARCH 2015

5. There are many different forms of pain relief during labor. Learn the different options on page 24.

6. Enjoy the little moments instead of rushing through them.

Read our Dear Mom column on page 32 and get inspired!

7. A spring break staycation doesn’t have to be boring!

Get our seven day staycation agenda on page 12.

Check it Out! Don

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

N O33

Trendy For

Nationa l

RE

CROSD S M onth

Building Resilie Commun nt ities

4Keeps

By: Casey Kiel

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

Testimonials From Our Readers “I love how FAMILY incorporates trending topics into their magazine. It keeps it fresh and conversational!”

– Nicki T.

“My favorite column in FAMILY is Dear Mom. Those articles makes me laugh, cry and even feel inspirational!”

– Courtney R.

“The Summer Kids Camp & Day Care is so useful and helpful for myself with three kids!”

– Lydia A.

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

jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

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the FAMILY magazine 12

table

Of

Family Kids

18 Before You Post By: Meagan Church

22 Bring The Real Meaning Of Easter Back Into Your Family’s Life By: Amy Westbrook Pracht

contents

Family Pregnancy 24 5 Pain Relief Options During Labor By: Chaunie Bruise

28 I Wish I Would’ve Known

Live Your Best

By: Meagan Church

4 7 Things We Learned Making

SPECIAL SECTION: Spring Cleaning

This Issue 4 Things We Love Right Now

30 Spring Clean For Your Family’s Health

5 Reader Testimonials 5 4Keeps Comic

By: Jackie Folkert

7 Contributors 8 The FAMILY Month Calendar

Mommy and Daddy

20 Centerfold Calendar

32 Dear Mom, Zumba Like No One’s Watching By: Meagan Church

Movie & Book Reviews

9 Movie Review: University Of Notre Dame Student Film Festival 2015

By: Cole Pollyea

26 Book Review: Baby & Toddler Play: 170+ Fun Activities To Help Your Child Learn Through Play

By Gymboree Play & Music/ Mona Behan et. Al. Reviewed By: Brittany J. Young

Family Recipe

27 Irish Bacon And Cabbage Soup

Family Craft

7 Completely Over The Rainbow, We’re Friends By: Jill Lebbin

22 Family Fun

10 Fun Easter Crafts For Preschoolers

34 Product Review: Toilet Bowl Cleaner By: Lara West

24

36 When The Best Plans Fail By: Noelle Elliott

38 Eric’s Promise By: Thom Villing

By: Titilayo Akhigbe

12 Staycation Ideas For Michiana Families By: Alexa Tupper

14 Are We There Yet? By: Lara West

16 Pick Your Perfect Spring Break Destination By: Michelle L. Shirk, J.D.

30

FAMILY contibutors

Meagan Church is married to

Lara West completed

her high-school sweetheart

her degree in Elementary

and is the mother of 3 kids.

Education and has spent the

She is a writer and children’s

last several years working

book author. She is also the

as a ghost writer, completing

brainpower of the online

manuscripts, children stories,

resource Unexpectant,

research papers and article

exploring the realities of birth,

rewrites.

babies and beyond.

FAMILY craft

Noelle Elliott works in publicity.

She is a writer and has been published on several websites and print publications. She is the owner and creator of the esteemed bowchicabowmom.com where she humorously shares the triumphs and failures of raising her four young sons. She is also the creator of the successful local staged production, The Mamalogues. She happily lives in South Bend.

Jackie Folkert is a mother of three and lives in South Bend.

She is a freelance writer and an English teacher.

Completely

Photo By: Jill Lebbin

Over the Rainbow We're Friends

Supplies for this Treat: • • • • • •

Cellophane Pretzel Bags Rolos Rainbow Twizzlers Stapler Tape Scissors

By: Jill Lebbin

Completely Over the Rainbow We’re Friends 2 Template You can print the Template at: (http://everydayisanoccasion.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/ Completely-Over-the-Rainbow-were-friends-21.pdf

Steps:

1. Make a decision to keep your Twizzlers long or cut them in half.

I cut mine in half because that made the Twizzler package last longer and we had a large group we want to hand them out to.

2. Place Rolos and the colors of the rainbow Twizzlers in cellophane bag.

3. Fold over and staple the end of the cellophane bag.

4. Cut out Template. Put tape on the back of the cloud you just cut out 5. Enjoy!!

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

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The FAMILY Month Calendar 9

20

Baby & Me,

10:00 A.M., Cleveland Branch-Elkhart Public Library

3

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

M

Life Affirming Legacy, 5:30 P.M., Maple City Chapel, Goshen

18

10:00 A.M., Cleveland Branch-Elkhart Public Library Babysitting With Conference, 8:30 A.M., Meditation Yoga, Lakeland Hospital, Niles 5:30 P.M., Elkhart

Meditation Yoga, 5:30 P.M., Elkhart Environmental Center

Life Affirming Legacy, 5:30 P.M., Maple City Chapel, Goshen

28

Baby & Me,

21

Baby & Me,

10:00 A.M., Cleveland Branch-Elkhart Public Library

RETA’s Annual Fundraising Banquet,

11:00 A.M., University Park Mall

Su

Incredible Kid Day

13

7

Prom Expo 2K15,

1 2

15

Meditation Yoga, 5:30 P.M., Elkhart Environmental Center

Junior Lego Squad,

RETA’s Annual Fundraising Banquet,

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

Environmental Center

Temple Youth Center, South Bend

4 5 6 8 10 11 12 14 16 17 23 24 25 26 27 Tu

W

Th

F

Sa

Su

M

Tu

W

Th

F

Sa

Su

M

Tu

W

Th

F

Sa

Su

M

Tu

W

Th

F

Sa

29 30 31 Su

M

Tu

Saving the Planet

One Kid at a Time

March 20th is International Earth Day! Teach your kids the importance of saving our planet by making these simple and easy changes in their lives.

• Walk or Ride their Bike to School • Plant an Organic Garden Together • Recycle Used and Old School Papers • Turn Off the Water When Brushing Your Teeth • Help Pick up Trash in Your Neighborhood • Plant a Tree

Chocolate Mint

Fudge Ingredients: > 2 Cups Chocolate Chips (12 Ounces)

• Donate Used Toys

> 1 (14 Ounce) Can Sweetened Condensed Milk

• Skip the Plastic Baggies and Use Reusable Containers for Lunch

> 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

• Teach Your Children about Composting • Recycle Plastic and Aluminum Bottles or Cans

What We Are Pinning: Saint Patrick’s Day Crafts Shamrock Slime (www.mumsmakelists.blogspot.com) St. Patties Day Treats (www.fernsmithsclassroomideas.com) Sensory Bin (www.iheartcraftythings.com) 8

THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

> 6 Ounces White Candy Coating > 2-3 Teaspoons Peppermint Extract > 3 Drops Green Food Coloring

Directions: Melt chocolate chips with one cup of 1. condensed milk. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. evenly onto a square pan lined 2.Spread with wax paper and chill for 10 minutes.

Over low heat, cook and stir candy 3. coating with remaining condensed milk until smooth. Stir in peppermint extract and food coloring. Spread over bottom layer and chill for another 10 minutes.

remaining ¬¬chocolate mixture 4.Warm and spread over the mint layer.

5.Chill for two hours and cut into squares.

ENJOY!

FAMILY movie review

University of Notre Dame Student Film Festival 2015

T

he time has come yet again for an ensemble of talented students attending the wonderful University of Notre Dame to film and (in some cases) compile their best work to submit to the annual Notre Dame Student Film Festival. It’s hard to understand the difficulty of shooting a film with no budget and doing so on top of fulfilling other student-related responsibilities but, yet again, here it is before our eyes. A noticeable trend in the films this year was the lengthened running time of the projects, a trend I, myself, appreciated.

Without further ado, let’s dig in, if you will.

Starting off the festival was a very atmospheric depiction of writer’s block entitled “Cold Blue.” It featured no dialogue and was a triumph in action scenes for being filmed at the college level. Following said film was an out-of-the-ordinary choice for a student film which took on the life of a young man whose father resists sending him to college (or some type of training) entitled “The Way Things Were”. Several different filmmaking approaches are taken here; it’s up to the viewer to decide whether or not they resonate.

At the end of the festival, the audience was asked to vote via text message for which film they felt should receive the “Audience Choice Award.” “Much Ado After School” seemed to be the favorite, but it happened to be a close second for me. It was a brilliant documentary about an after school center’s Shakespeare program, which united kids of all backgrounds to partake in something they loved. The filmmakers, Brian Lach and Nicole Sganga, clearly spent a lot of time in the field and did a superb job capturing the most tender and relevant instances to shed light on this wonderful collection of kids striving to reenact some of the most memorable moments in literature. It was a seamless project that, with a little more technical prowess, no doubt resembles future work of the talented students.

My pick for best film, however, came later, and trailed the following films: “The Night Out,” a technically wondrous movie fueled by an oddball story and “Love Thy Neighbor,” a metaphoric depiction of loneliness that featured an effective use of Notre Dame filming sites.

What also came in between the mentioned films were “Eat. Ride. Sleep.” and “Metta Johnson’s Video Portfolio.”

The first was another documentary that detailed the exhilarating lives of the Burford family during the eighty-some day bike journey that their nine-year-old, CJ, completed for a fight against cancer. At sometimes humorous, and at others completely truthful, this is an achievement in the young filmmakers’ careers. The latter stole the show in terms of humor. Though it could have used edgier scripting (which obviously wouldn’t have suited its current audience), it’s clear that the filmmaker has a potential future in the comedic filmmaking industry.

By: Cole Pollyea

The final three films in the festival read like this: “Curry and Erin,” “Reparation” and “J2K.” Eric O’Donnell and Maureen Gavin, filmmakers behind “Curry and Erin”, sit on a stool and paint us a portrait of a life stricken by ALS. It’s a pretty dismal picture that sheds light on a number of aspects of said condition that one wouldn’t contemplate on their own. It’s a tough one to watch, but it’s got it all.

Well done, students. Following was “Reparation”, a cynical and very complex kind of psychological thriller about the plight of a young woman trying to escape from a devilish kind of mental institution. A notable aspect of this short was its extremely professional method of editing throughout. An interesting choice for closure, “J2K” is one of those that requires of the audience a very specific taste to enjoy what’s onscreen. What occurs here, or so I think, is the reenactment of Immaculate Conception, where the soon-to-be mother believes she is soon to birth Jesus Christ, the Second? See for yourself.

Out of a total of 11 films, my favorite came eighth and was titled “Isn’t It Pretty To Think So?” This depiction of a distancing family is both beautiful and intriguing. It happens to be the best film of the festival because of its strength on both the technical and storytelling end. What’s more, the main actor genuinely looks like a movie star. Featuring such filming sights as my old neighborhood in Granger and the beaches of Chicago, the cinematography and set choice don’t disappoint. The movie conveys a message about family and expectations and it completely resonated with me. It’s a well-written (bearing one critical flaw concerning his major “screw-up”), well-acted, well-shot student made film that hit hard and, in my mind, should have won Notre Dame’s adaption of the “Best Picture” award.

But, alas, it did not. The anticipated pick, "Much Ado After School,” wound up winning and I couldn’t be any happier for the filmmakers who received said recognition. Events like this in the community are not only beneficial for the filmmakers seeking exposure, the college seeking exposure, and the program seeking exposure, but also for students all around, desperate to seek opportunistic outlets; places to invest their time and talent and get something out of it. This year’s festival marked the 26th annual Notre Dame Student Film Festival, and it’s an annual event that should and will be carried on in future years.

Photo Provided By: Cole Pollyea THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

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FAMILY fun

By: Titilayo Akhigbe

Fun Easter Crafts

B

eing stuck indoors for the better part

of the months leading up to Easter is not fun.

Finding ways to engage and entertain the little ones is no mean feat either.

But thankfully, crafts are always a great way to keep

for Preschoolers

1) Egg Stamping

Things Needed: A plastic egg, pencil, watercolor or finger paint, plain paper or card stock, hole punch, yarn and scissors.

How To: Draw an oval at least the size three quarters of your page. Cut it out. Open up your Easter egg, dip the round part in the paint and stamp on your (egg) paper. Let it dry. Punch a hole in the arc, thread yarn through and tie it up.

them occupied. These crafts are simple, fun, activities that won't break the bank, and your children will enjoy doing. Now, go on and have fun...

2) Pom Pom Painting

Things Needed: Pencil, clothespins, pom poms, finger paint, card stock, scissors, hole punch and yarn.

How To: Draw an oval on your card stock and cut it out. Use the clothespin to pick up a pom pom. Dip it in paint. Press hard onto your card stock. Once the paper is dry, punch a hole in it and thread yarn through, then tie it up.

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4) Pom Pom Art

Things Needed: Glitter pom poms, glue, scissors, card stock, pencil, paper punch, yarn or pipe cleaner

How To: Draw a big oval on your card stock and cut it out. Punch a hole in the top arc.

Rub glue on and stick your pom poms on it until the entire "egg" is covered. Thread your yarn (or pipe cleaner) through.

3) Paper Plate Bunny

Things Needed: Pencil, black pipe cleaners, googley eyes, paper plate, cotton balls, two different color sheets of construction paper and glue.

How To: Place child's feet on construction paper, trace and cut it out. Place the foot print on the other paper, and cut a thin line around it. Glue the footprint onto the page. These will be your bunny's ears. Cut four slits in your paper plate (for the bunny's whiskers) and thread your pipe cleaners through. Glue your cotton ball in the middle (for bunny's nose) and the googley eyes on top. Then glue the ears on to the top of your plate.

CHALLENGER Little League

DISTRICT #11 • SOUTH BEND, IN

PLAY BALL! The Challenger Division was established in 1989 as a separate division of Little League Baseball to enable boys and girls with physical and mental challenges 4-21 (or until completion of high school) to enjoy the game of baseball along with the millions of the other children who participate in this sport worldwide.

Opening Day: May 3, 2015 Visit our website to register your kiddo, challengerdistrict11southbend.com!

A PROUD SPONSOR OF CHALLENGER LITTLE LEAGUE Schedule a visit with your MOTC clinician before opening day to make sure your kiddo is fully equipped to play ball!

877.462.0711 midwestorthotics.com

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FAMILY fun

Staycation for Ideas Michiana Families

No Airfare? No Problem!

By: Alexa Tupper

As the weather turns warmer and Spring Break nears, chances are both you and your kids are ready for a break. If you still have to work and you can’t fly south toward sand and surf, there are plenty options right here in Michiana. Maybe you’re looking to save money and hit all the hometown mainstays that you’re too busy to do normally.

Either way, if you’re looking for some staycation inspiration, here’s a list of seven ideas for each day of the week:

Monday: Go Out to Eat

Dining out at an upscale restaurant is one of the best ways to unwind and relax after a stressful day at work. You don’t have to worry about cooking and you get to spend quality time with your family. Just like a vacation, try to unplug and unwind. Leave work behind when you exit the office and turn your phone off for a few hours while you dine together. Think about how little time you spend truly unplugged and make a point of focusing on family rather than your phone.

Tuesday: Dinner and Crafts

Sometimes including little ones in the preparation of dinner can feel stressful, but your little ones will enjoy the process. Nothing makes them feel more special than being included in such an important task like helping mom and dad cook dinner. For even more fun afterward, break out the crafts and get your creative juices flowing.

Let out your inner child and bond over a coloring book or feathers and glitter glue.

Wednesday: Family Game Night

Nothing brings a family closer together than some healthy competition. Bring out all the classic board games and deck of cards for a night that your kids won’t forget. Again, focus on tuning out your outside obligations for a few hours and making memories with your family.

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“Let out your inner child and bond over a coloring book or feathers and glitter glue.”

Thursday: Movie Night

Devote one whole evening to watching your favorite family movies. Go the whole nine yards with popcorn and candy to make it feel like a real theater, dim lights and all. Picking a movie is easy with Netflix and Redbox. All you have to do is sit back and relax.

Friday: Putt-putt and Bowling

As the weekend approaches, get out of the house and get active. Both putt-putt and bowling are inexpensive and fun ways to keep kids entertained. Plus, try and engage everyone in the family by playing kids versus adults. If you’re willing to drive a bit further, check out some of the trampoline parks. You can jump and do tricks for hours, a great way to get moving and have fun.

Saturday: Cool Off

With more time on your hands, travel a bit to the nearest ski resort or indoor waterpark. Many ski resorts offer lessons for those who aren’t snow bunnies yet, while also offering thrills for those who do know how to ski and snowboard already. If you’re looking to get away from the snow, check out an indoor waterpark. You and your kids can slip and slide for a day and escape mundane routine.

Sunday: Day Trip to the City

Michiana is lucky enough to be only hours away from both Chicago and Indianapolis. The two cities are in driving range and offer plenty of options whatever your pleasure may be. Pro sports? Check. Exotic foods? You bet. Museums and aquariums? More than you can imagine. Take the last day of your staycation to tour around and see the sights while bonding with your family.

shopshopshopshop • Add some color • Affordable prices • Update your look • Make a difference

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5:50 PM 13

FAMILY fun

Are We

There Yet? By: Lara West

Travel Games

For Theily!

Whole Fam

Do you have big travel plans coming up? Are you excited to get to your destination but maybe dreading the trip with restless children in tow?

I know the squabbling, the crying and the endless questioning of “how much longer?” can make road trips a bear.

But, dread no longer my friend, for here are 12 easy road trip games to keep the kiddos happy for hours: • I Spy. This game is a timeless classic, but one that is easily forgotten in the frustration of dealing with crying littles. Younger children especially love this game, and they catch on to it quite quickly. One person spies an object and recites, “I spy with my little eyes, something…” A clue is shared to give others an idea of what they are looking for. (I feel like I must warn you, though, sometimes they want to play this game so long that you may end up begging them to play something else.)

• License Plate Seek.

This game can be a family effort to find all fifty states or it can be a competition. It can also be prepared in advance (making a state list/printing a free one off the internet) or just wing it in the car with just a piece of paper and pencil. Each child can have their own sheet to keep track of which states they find, if desired. When working together, everyone can mark off the state as soon as it is called by any player. Turn things into a friendly competition by making each player identify each state plate they see, but no one else can use that same car/plate to mark it off their list.

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•Share-a-Tale. If you’re looking for an exciting adventure full of laughs then this is the perfect game for your family. It takes a little imagination and requires some attention, but you’ll get lots of laughs. One person initiates the story with a single sentence, and then each person adds a sentence that piggybacks off the previous one until an exciting tale has been created. (Don’t forget to set a time limit for sentences to be given.)

• Travel Bingo. You played it. I played it. We all played it, so our children should to. You can print off paper versions of this, or you can buy actual game boards with neat little sliding markers. (These can sometimes be found for as little as $1 at the dollar store.) Make it personal by sitting around the coffee table and having your children cut out images of things they might/should see on the trip from magazines, and gluing them together at their bingo card a few days before the trip.

•Going on a Picnic. This is a great “brain food” game for playing just about anywhere, but it is a great time passer on road trips. At the start of each turn the players repeat the same phrase, “I’m going on a picnic, and I’m taking…” The first player names an item that starts with the letter A. The next player repeats the phrase and lists off the previous items and adds an item that begins with the next letter of the alphabet. A player is out when they forget an item on the list.

• Highway Waves and Honks. I’m a little embarrassed to be the initiator these days, but now I love waving back at children in other cars.

You can actually see their excitement as they fist pump and look around their car to tell everyone that they just got a wave. Have the children see how many waves they can get. For added fun, have them “pull the horn” as they pass semi-trucks and see how many blows they can get.

•20 Questions. Yes, it’s still fun. One player thinks of an object/

person/animal, and the team gets 20 questions to narrow down the countless possibilities and guess the subject.

• Spelling Bee. Why not continue raising scholars in the car? Create a fun, energetic and friendly atmosphere by having a backseat spelling bee.

•Rock, Paper, Scissors. It may not be the game to get you out of a hairy situation if the children are already crying, but add a sweet treat for the best-out-offive winner and chances are they will play a few rounds.

•Scenic Counting. Choose objects that are plentiful on your route and see how many can be counted from start to finish. This can be cows, road signs, and/ or orange construction barrels (not that we want them, but we usually come across them).

• Name that Tune – You can play this with a cd/mp3 player by fast forwarding to the middle of songs and turning the volume up just for a few seconds.

Another popular way to play is by humming a songs tune, this way everyone has a chance to play host and pick a song they like.

• Plate Math. Have a genius or two in the car? Amp up their math skills and have the children add or multiply the numbers on passing license plates.

If you want to add a little extra incentive for your fellow passengers you can add a prize for the winners, or keep tally and whoever wins the most games at the end gets to pick one exciting thing to do the next day.

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FAMILY fun

Pick Your Perfect Spring Break Destination By: Michelle L. Shirk, J.D

Spring break is almost here, which means you probably have vacation on the brain. Whether you’re getting ready to hit the road or sticking close to home this year, it’s fun to daydream about future trips you hope to enjoy with your family.

Take the quiz below to find your perfect spring break destination:

1. Your youngest child is: A. 3 or younger.

B. Between 4 and 8.

C. Between 9 and 12.

D. 13 or older.

2.

On a warm but rainy Sunday afternoon, your family is most likely to be found: A. Reading, playing board games or watching a good movie at home.

B. Shopping, dining or people-watching at your local mall.

C. Donning rain boots and splashing around in puddles.

D. Visiting a nearby museum, aquarium or other indoor attraction.

3. Your family’s dream dinner would include: A. Fresh seafood served alfresco.

B. Hamburgers and French Fries.

C. Hot dogs roasted over an open fire.

D. Authentic Lebanese, Thai or Ethiopian cuisine.

4. And for dessert, you’d dig in to some: A. Ice cream cones.

B. Cotton candy or a funnel cake.

C. S’mores.

D. Mini cupcakes or cronuts.

5. Your favorite weather conditions are:

A. Hot, hot, hot!

B. Mild temperatures and clear skies.

C. It’s tough to say. Every season has its advantages!

D. 70 degrees and sunny.

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6. During a vacation, you like your schedule to be: A. Wide open.

B. Completely jam-packed.

C. Laid-back with a few “must-dos.”

D. Busy, but flexible.

7. Your favorite Disney movie is: A. The Little Mermaid.

B. You can’t possibly pick just one!

C. The Lion King.

D. The Princess and the Frog.

8.

Congratulations! You’ve won a free annual pass to one of the following. Which do you choose?

A. Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone in St. Joseph.

B. Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend.

C. Indiana State Parks.

D. The History Museum in South Bend.

9. Your ideal vacation playlist includes:

A. Reggae and Calypso.

B. A selection of Disney’s all-time greatest hits.

C. What playlist? You’d rather keep the iPod turned off and listen to the sounds around you.

D. A few show tunes from Broadway favorites like "Wicked" or "Annie".

10. The word that best describes your family is: A. Easygoing.

B. Fun-loving.

C. Active.

D. Curious.

Mostly A’s: The Beach

Your family believes vacation is for relaxation, and the best place to relax is right next to a large body of water. Whether you choose Saugatuck or Sarasota, you’re sure to have an amazing time swimming, building sandcastles and taking leisurely sunset strolls along the waterfront.

Don’t forget the sunscreen!

Mostly B’s: A Theme Park

Satisfy kids and kids-at-heart with a magical week of riding coasters and posing with characters. While Orlando is the obvious choice for theme park action, don’t overlook closer, more affordable destinations like Pigeon Forge and Wisconsin Dells.

Mostly C’s: The Great Outdoors

Your family loves being outside as much as possible, so choose your destination accordingly. For amazing hikes and breathtaking scenery, consider visiting a national park like Zion or the Great Smokey Mountains. Of course, if your budget demands you stick with a smaller scale adventure, you can always skip the plane flight and take a road trip to one of Indiana’s seven state park inns instead.

Mostly D’s: The City You like to see new sights, meet new people and try new foods. Choosing a major city as your base of operations will ensure your family has plenty to do, day and night. Head to Washington, D.C. for world-class museums, Philadelphia for history, New York for Broadway shows or Chicago for architecture and deep-dish pizza.

THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

17

FAMILY kids By: Meagan Church

Before You Post We all do it.

With camera phones in hand, we snap, filter and post images of our kids’ achievements and everyday happenings. We share the photos online, looking for likes, comments and oftentimes laughs. But, what we don’t always bargain for is when that image of our child is used in a way we did not intend.

How to protect photos of your child online.

A few years ago, The Ellen DeGeneres Show put out a call for viewers to submit their “Bad Paid for Photos” on the show’s website. Allison Grenert heard the call and decided to join the fun by submitting a photo of her daughter. “I had always thought the picture was hilarious, so I decided to share it,” she said. “It is just a hilarious picture of a little girl with a mullet, holding a daisy and looking like she wants to hurt someone.”

All in good fun, Allison uploaded the photo to the website.

What she did not anticipate was the response the image would garner. “I quickly came to regret my decision when people started saying mean things about her. One of the worst was someone called her the ugliest kid they have ever seen. I seriously wanted to track that person down and punch them in the throat.”

The story of the photo does not end there. Other websites have since taken that image and used it for their own purposes, including one site that posted it as part of the top 30 most awkward baby photos. “The first time it popped up on another page, it was a little off putting,” Allison said. Now, she has gotten used to seeing it randomly appear on various sites, and it doesn’t bother her when people appreciate it as a funny photo.

Even still, this experience has made her second-guess posting photos of her children online. “I try to be careful of what I even put on Facebook after that experience. I have put as many privacy settings as I can on Facebook in hopes of keeping my pictures of the kids so only family and friends can see them.”

Allison’s story is not unique. Other parents have experienced similar situations. Some have even had photos of their children taken without permission and turned into memes.

Others have had their images used in advertising without their consent.

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

So what are parents supposed to do to protect their child’s image online? While not posting photos is one answer, it isn’t always realistic. If you do plan to share images of your child, consider these tips before hitting the “post” button: Tighten security settings.

Take the time to go through security settings on all your social media sites and make them as strict as possible. While this is a good starting point, remember that the photo could still be shared, or seen elsewhere or by people you did not intend to share the photo with.

Disable location services.

Make sure to turn off location services on your phone, so that images cannot be tracked back to the locations where they were taken or uploaded.

Use a watermark.

A watermark is a faint, yet visible imprint on an image. It is often the photographer’s or copyright holder’s name, and it is placed in such a way to make the photo undesirable for someone to steal it and use it without permission. Download an app that quickly and easily places a watermark on images before uploading them. It doesn’t have to be intrusive, but it should stand out enough to be seen and placed in such a way that it cannot be easily cropped out.

We make math make sense.

Enroll now and build your math skills like never before!

Know your friends.

Go through your social media platforms and clear out “friends” you don’t know or don’t want seeing the content you post. Consider who might be viewing the images before posting anything.

Avoid landmarks and distinguishers.

When posting photos of your kids, leave out landmarks and identifiers, such as school names, sports teams, logos, etc., to help maintain your child’s privacy and anonymity.

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

Don't post images that will embarrass them later.

This tip is less about Internet security and more about emotional security for your child. When kids are young, it is easy for parents to feel they can share every moment of their child’s life with whomever they please, but know that your child will some day grow up and they don’t want to see a potty training photo come up when they Google themselves.

Respect other parents.

Never post a photo of another child without having their parent’s permission to do so. Be considerate and ask before posting, and then respect their decision.

Allison still shares photos of her children online, but after the experience of the daisy photo, she is more careful and cautious. After what she experienced, she learned one thing, “I will not post another picture on a national website again.”

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

FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

19

1

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

All Day, Studebaker National Museum

The American Motorcycle: The Ride Goes On,

All Day, South Bend Museum of Art

Winter Art Classes,

2

9:30 A.M., Squires Education Center, Cassopolis, MI

10:00 A.M., Downtown BranchMishawaka Public Library

Toddler Time,

Cass County Great Start Play Groups,

Breastfeeding Support Group,

Robinson Community Learning Center, South Bend

4

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

Talk With Your Baby Classes, 11:30 A.M.,

3

10:00 A.M., Notre Dame Center For Arts & Culture

Talk With Your Baby,

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

God’s Time For Little Ones Bible Story Hour,

5

6:00 P.M., River Valley Community Church

Pennies From Heaven 2015 Auction,

7:00 P.M., Shipshewana Event Center

Southern Fried Chicks,

6

Event Center At RV/MH Hall Of Fame

Elkhart For The Love Of Art Show, 11:00 A.M., Northern Indiana

Linton’s Enchanted Gardens

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

11:00 A.M., University Park Mall

7Prom Expo 2K15,

~Adrienne Cook

“St. Patrick's Day is an enchanted time! A day to begin transforming winter's dreams into summer's magic.”

Sunday

2015

MARCH

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?

2:30 P.M., The Lerner

Elkhart Municipal Band Free Winter Concert,

11:30 A.M., St. Patrick’s County Park

Bicycle Swap Meet,

29

1:00 P.M., Christiana Creek Country Club

Bottlecaps & Corks,

22

Incredible Kid Day

15

8

National Chip And Dip Day

6:30 P.M., The Vibrance Center, South Bend

Aromatherapy & Essential Oil Uses,

Take A Walk In The Park Day

30

23

3:30 P.M., Downtown Branch Mishawaka Public Library

Magic Tree House Book Club-Buffalo Before Breakfast,

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

Brit Floyd-Space & Time World Tour 2015,

5:30 P.M., Elkhart Environmental Center

Meditation Yoga,

10:00 A.M., Cleveland Branch-Elkhart Public Library

Baby & Me,

16

9

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

Preschool Story Time,

9:30 A.M., Squires Education Center, Cassopolis, MI

31

Cass County Great Start Play Groups,

Robinson Community Learning Center

Talk With Your Baby Classes, 11:30 A.M.,

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

Preschool Story Time,

24

7:00 P.M., The Lerner

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,

April Fools Day

APRIL 1

2:00 P.M., Bristol Public Library

Crafter Club,

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

Breastfeeding Support Group,

25

6:00 P.M., The Salvation Army, Elkhart

Zumba,

2

Gillespie Conference Center, South Bend

Michiana Shop & Greet, 2:00 P.M.,

10:00 A.M., Notre Dame Center For Arts & Culture

Talk With Your Baby,

26

10:00 A.M., Notre Dame Center For Arts & Culture

Talk With Your Baby,

T-Shirt Jewelry,

Saint Patrick’s Day 4:30 P.M., Dunlap BranchElkhart Public Library

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

God’s Time For Little Ones Bible Story Hour,

19

10:00 A.M., Notre Dame Center For Arts & Culture

Talk With Your Baby,

Lutheran School, Granger

God’s Time For Little Ones Bible Story Hour, 10:30 A.M., Peace

12

6:00 P.M., Palais Royal Ballroom

Mom And Son Dance

By South Bend Parks & Recreation,

18

3:30 P.M., Cleveland BranchElkhart Public Library

School Age Fun – Spring Is Coming,

Center for Outpatient Services, St. Joseph, MI

Breastfeeding Support Group, 11:00 A.M.,

11

9:30 A.M., Squires Education Center, Cassopolis, MI

Cass County Great Start Play Groups,

17

6:00 P.M., Frederick S. Upton Center, St. Joseph, MI

Breastfeeding Class For Moms And Dads,

10

5:00 P.M., Downtown Goshen

Goshen First Friday,

5:00 P.M., Downtown South Bend

8:00 P.M., The Lerner

Foreigner,

DTSB First Friday,

3

27

International Earth Day

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

Laser Beatles,

7:00 P.M., West Park Pavilion, Nappanee

Family Date Night,

20

6:30 P.M., PHM Digital Video Theater/Planetarium

Laser Hypnotica,

5:30 P.M., Maple City Chapel, Goshen

RETA’s Annual Fundraising Banquet, Life Affirming Legacy,

13

9:00 A.M., Newton Park, Lakeville

Newton Park’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt,

School Librarian Day

4

11:00 A.M., Downtown South Bend

Egg Stravaganza,

10:00 A.M., Hannah And Friends, South Bend

Mommy/Daddy & Me Classes,

28

Apostolic Temple Youth Center, South Bend

Twice Is Nice Children’s Resale, 8:00 A.M.,

8:30 A.M., Lakeland Hospital, Niles

Babysitting With Conference,

8:00 A.M., The Chapel, St. Joseph, MI

Growing In Grace Conference,

21

All Day, Center For Hospice CareMishawaka

Winter 2015 Volunteer Training,

Linton’s Enchanted Gardens

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

10:00 A.M., Hannah And Friends, South Bend

Mommy/Daddy & Me Classes,

9:00 A.M., St. Patrick’s County Park

Save That Shirt,

14

FAMILY kids

By: Amy Westbrook Pracht

“Jelly beans and chocolate bunnies can often lead children to not understanding the real meaning behind the season.”

I

t is that time of the year. The store aisles are packed to the brim with all the Easter goodies a child could want. With pre-packaged Easter eggs stuffed with treasures and Easter baskets stuffed with toys, it is so easy for both parents and children to get lost in the commercialism that comes with the Easter season.

According to the National Retail Association, Easter is a $12 billion annual industry behind only Christmas, Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. Filling the traditional Easter basket with jelly beans and chocolate bunnies can often lead children to not understanding the real meaning behind the season. While many parents may also enjoy all the indulgence of the Easter bunny, there are many fun and creative ways to bringing the real reason of the Easter season back into their family life.

The Resurrection Eggs Resurrection Eggs are a wonderful way to teach children of all ages the real story behind the Easter season. Resurrection Eggs are a set of 12 plastic eggs that contain items inside each egg that represents a symbol of the Easter story. Some of the items found in each egg include: a coin which represents how Judas betrayed Jesus; a piece of cloth to represent the burial cloth; a nail which represents nailing Jesus onto the cross. The final egg is often empty to represent an empty tomb. Families can use the final egg as a conversation starter about what the empty tomb means to Christians today.

Resurrection Egg kits can be purchased as a set from local Christian bookstores or Amazon. There are also many Christian websites dedicated with information and printable instruction to make these kits at home.

A great companion book to better tell the story of Resurrection Eggs is titled “Benjamin's Box: The Story of the Resurrection Eggs.” The story follows a boy named Benjamin who follows Jesus in Jerusalem. At first Benjamin believes Jesus is a teacher, but then discovers that he is in fact the King.

If you don't want to purchase or make a set of the Resurrection Eggs, Tara Schmitt, director of middle school youth ministry at St. Pius X Catholic Church, offered another idea of incorporating spiritual eggs into your holiday. "When decorating eggs, write an Easter message in crayon before decorating," she said.

The Easter Garden

Easter Crafts

A beautiful way to remember the tomb that was found empty on Easter morning is by creating an Easter garden or resurrection garden. Start with a flower pot, some dirt and add small plants or moss to the pot.

Add larger rock to create a tomb, as well as smaller rocks to create a visual garden.

Adding seeds to this garden on Palm Sunday and watching the garden grow is another element to these Easter gardens.

Kids love making holiday crafts. In addition to decorating Easter eggs, consider a specialized craft that will serve as a reminder of Jesus. Schmitt recommends creating an Easter cross out of construction paper and having kids decorate it with flowers. This is an easy, yet creative way for kids to decorate the most important symbol of the season.

The Easter garden is an activity that both parents and children can take part in creating and it is something that serves as a continual reminder of the holy season even after Easter weekend has passed.

Easter Books Another way to incorporate the spiritual aspect of the season is to read about them as a family. Dedicate one day a week during holiday season to a new Easter book. There are many books that share a unique insight into the traditions enjoyed by families today.

Some of our favorites include: “The Legend of the Easter Egg” by Lori Walburg is a heartwarming story of a young boy eagerly anticipating the arrival of Easter until his sister falls ill. The young boy is sent to live with a family who owns a candy shop and all the candy in the world does not cure the young boy’s aching heart for his sister. It is there that the boy is given a chocolate egg and learns the meaning of Jesus’ resurrection.

“The Parable of the Lily” by Liz Curtis Higgs tells the story of a young girl who receives a gift from her grandfather. Initially, the young girl is not excited about a flower pot filled with dirt and a flower bulb, as she was expecting something more exciting like a doll or a game. When spring arrives, she finds the flower pot and bulb in her basement cellar and tosses it out to the garden to never think of it again. When the young girl walks outside on Easter morning and sees her beautiful Easter lily in full bloom, she learns a valuable lesson about the real meaning of Easter.

Sugar Camp Days March 21-22, 2015 Bendix Woods County Park Timothy Rd off State Rd 2, New Carlisle IN

Pancake Breakfast • Visit the Sugar House • Artisan Demonstrations Wagon Rides • Entertainment • Crafts for Kids • Baked Goods Maple Sloppy Joes • Maple Syrup for Sale

sjcparks.org $7/vehicle 8am-3pm (574) 654-3155

VisitSouthBend.com

for area hotel and dining info THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

23

FAMILY pregnancy

5

Pain Relief Options

During Labor

By: Chaunie Brusie, RN, BSN

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

When it comes to pain relief during labor, there's probably only one thought that comes to mind: Epidural or all-natural, baby.

Sure, there are other options you may be familiar with, like that birthing ball they mentioned in childbirth class, but everyone really knows those things don't really work.

Right?

Wrong.

After working in labor and delivery and delivering four children of my own (well, not totally by myself, I did have them all in the hospital!), I've seen just about every type of birth you could imagine, and the truth is, there are many different ways to cope with pain during labor.

Check out some of these options, and, as always, keep an open mind as you head into labor. You never know what your body is truly capable of until you try!

1. Epidural

4. IV Medications

Obviously the most popular choice, an epidural is a continuous infusion into a woman’s epidural space in her spine, basically numbing her entire lower body.

Some women experience effectiveness differently, but most will be unable to fully move their legs or empty their bladders, but are able to remain very comfortable during labor and while giving birth. An epidural may also make it more difficult for a woman to push and can delay labor as a result. For women who are concerned about the safety of epidurals, it may be helpful to know that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists does endorse the procedure as an effective form of pain relief for laboring women.

An epidural is not the only medication you can get during labor. You can also ask for some narcotic pain relief, such as Nubain or Demerol, that is usually dosed directly into your IV.

2. “Walking Epidural” A “walking” epidural numbs a woman’s abdominal area, but doesn’t completely numb her lower body, so she can still urinate on her own, for instance, and move her legs. Not all hospitals offer them, but they are a great choice for women who want to retain some mobility during labor.

A walking epidural is given once and lasts about three to four hours.

3. Tub/Shower A tub with jets carried me through two all-natural labors, and I will forever swear by them. Many women find that being submersed in water helps take the pressure off during contractions, and aiming the jets directly at pressure points in your back and hip area especially can really help with the pain.

Many birthing centers and hospitals now are equipped with jet tubs, so check with your birthing facility to see if this option may work for you. If they don't have a tub, you could also try sitting in a shower chair and having your partner aim a hand-held shower head directly on your back.

These medications have varying effects on women — some get great pain relief, and others just end up feeling, well, drunk off of them. I used a narcotic pain relief during one of my labors, and I although I didn't like the dizzy, outer-space feeling it gave me, it was enough to take the edge off of my pain and get me to deliver without needing an epidural.

The key in using narcotics is timing. They give short, fast-acting pain relief, so you want to try to use them as you are in the transitional phase of labor, around 7 cm, as that's when the pain really gets intense.

I would advise against opting for the drugs too close to delivery because the doctors will refuse to give them to you, as the drugs will affect your baby.

5. Acupuncture OK, so it may sound crazy to avoid getting an epidural by sticking needles in your body, but acupuncture has absolutely zero side effects and has been shown to actually be pretty effective for reducing pain during labor.

There are a select few hospitals that offer it, so you will have to check with your care provider and maybe get it cleared to have a labor support person to administer the acupuncture for you if you go with this option. But it's so worth checking out, and your efforts may just push your birthing place of choice to offer more options for women, too.

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

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FAMILY book review

Baby & Toddler Play: 170+ Fun Activities to Help Your Child Learn Through Play

By Gymboree Play & Music/ Mona Behan et. Al. Reviewed By: Brittany J. Young, Children’s Services Assistant

Everyone knows that a baby likes to throw their rattle, a spoon, grandpa’s spectacles, etc. on the floor to watch them be retrieved, only to be thrown again. Some days this is adorable and funny. However, fetch may seem less than fun for parents at times. Play, for a baby, is a way to develop skills of cause and effect, eye-hand coordination, grasp and release, and social development. This activity is one of many outlined in Gymboree Play & Music’s book entitled Baby & Toddler Play: 170+ Activities to Help your Child Learn Through Play.

This book strives to make early learning fun and enjoyable for both the baby and parents. Bonus: The activities outlined help to keep youngsters busy when parents need to get something done, like diaper changing or cooking in the kitchen. It is important to note that a child or children should not be left unattended while doing these activities.

Activities within the book are geared to develop specific early life skills important in a child’s learning. The book is divided up by age ranges, beginning with birth, and continuing in three and sixth month

increments (sixth month increments begin once the first year is reached).The book includes a breakdown of activities by type, such as car games, diaper distractions, imaginative play, and music and movement. On each page, the reader will find research blurbs, parental tips, and an outline of the activity.

To get a full understanding of each activity, the book provides a description of the activity, pictures, and a “Skills Spotlight,” outlining the skills children are building through each activity. The descriptions of the activities highlight ways in which the child may already be developing these skills and help to identify the child’s level and interest. The reader will find tips throughout the book of how to include additional skills in the activity. Suggestions, are given, for other activities the child may enjoy, depending upon their interest in the current activity. The book includes simple how-to sections for some of the tools or toys to use with the child, such as bubbles, stacking rings, and clay. It is a great way to bring about fun and learning in your child’s day!

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

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FAMILY recipe

Irish

Bacon And Cabbage Soup Ingredients:

Directions:

• ½ pound bacon, diced

1. Cook bacon in a pan over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain off any excess fat.

• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed • 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice • 1 cup chicken stock • Salt and papper to taste • 2 cups thinly sliced dark green Savoy cabbage leaves

2. Stir in potatoes, tomatoes and enough chicken stock to cover. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

3. Stir in cabbage and allow the soup to simmer for a few minutes longer before serving.

FAMILY pregnancy

By: Meagan Church

W

hen it comes to giving birth, there seems to be two camps of mothers-to-be; those who don’t want to know anything about what’s to come and those who can’t get enough information. In today’s society, women are for the most part removed from birth, having not attended one until they experience it for themselves. That means they could be in for a lot of surprises, even if they fall into the research camp. It also means that nearly every mom finds herself saying, “I wish I would’ve known…” at some point along the way.

The following is a list of things real moms wished they would’ve known before the labor pains hit. While this is merely the scratch of the surface, it is at least a starting point of what women can expect on their journeys to motherhood.

Due dates are merely estimates.

Only five percent of babies are born on their due dates. “Full term” can describe a baby born two weeks before or after his due date, meaning “due month” would be a more accurate descriptor.

Movement helps.

Gravity can be a laboring woman’s best friend when it comes to helping her little one descend the birthing canal. As Brigitta Adkins said, “I wish I had been more knowledgeable to stand up for myself to try different labor/delivery positions instead of the traditional on-yourback-knees-up.”

Real moms discuss the surprising reality of birth and babies.

Poop happens.

The truth is that poop happens and sometimes it happens in the delivery room. While some women may know enough to anticipate that, what they might fail to realize is that what happens in the days after birth can be, well, as Ashley Wilson so honestly said, “No one told me how much that first bowel movement would be...unpleasant.”

There is more pushing.

Even after the baby arrives, there will be more pushing to be done. One mother thought she was having twins when her midwife asked her to push after her son had already arrived. What she didn’t realize was that the placenta must also be delivered.

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Help is a good thing.

Breast milk takes time.

“I also wish I would've realized that it was okay to ask for help and not try to do everything myself,” said Michelle Catt. After having to supplement with formula, Michelle began to worry about her breast milk supply.

“I was so worried that it would be the beginning of the end of our breastfeeding relationship that I wouldn't let anyone else give him his supplemental bottles. I nursed and pumped around the clock. Looking back, being stressed out about it probably made things worse.”

“I wish I had known milk takes longer to come in than what I thought,” said Ashley.

In the first few days after birth, the mother produces a special yellow milk called colostrum, which is full of the exact nutrients babies need in their first few days of life.

True milk will come after a few days and after frequent stimulation from on-demand breastfeeding.

Brigitta agreed, saying, “I wish I had taken the offered advice to relax in the weeks after (let the housework go) and enjoy the newborness because that's time you don't get back.”

“Sleeping like a baby” is a lie.

“I wish I had known more about baby sleep. I was under the assumption that I would be able to just put the baby into the crib and he would effortlessly drift off to dreamland when it was time. That is so not the case,” said Michelle. “I also figured

my little guy would fall asleep on his own when he became tired, and didn't realize that becoming overtired would further negatively affect his sleep patterns.”

The truth is that babies are designed to sleep for short intervals. They have small stomachs that need frequent filling, which often interrupts sleep. Plus, they are still adjusting to life outside the womb, so they need frequent comfort and security.

Natural doesn’t mean easy.

Whether it’s a natural birth, breastfeeding or adjusting to motherhood in general, natural does not mean it will come easily. “I thought everything would just come naturally, and when it didn't, I freaked out, and as my husband said, became ‘the crazy mom,’” said Michelle.

Motherhood happens in an instant.

Perhaps the reason for so many I-had-no-ideamoments is because motherhood happens in an instant. Comfort, nourishment and diaper changes become necessary the moment that little one emerges, giving the new mom little or no time to adjust to all the newness, regardless of how tired she is, of how long labor took, or when her last meal was. But, it also means her heart and capacity to love grows exponentially in an instant.

Eric made a promise to help the poor, but he never got the chance.

Ash Wednesday, 2002 – Marian High School Senior Eric Henry makes a Lenten promise to donate several bags of his clothes to the St. Vincent De Paul Society. But tragically, his life was cut short and he never made that trip. As the community mourned his loss, they banned to together filling a truck and a half with donation items which were then presented to St. Vincent De Paul in his honor.

13 years later, the community still rallies together during the Easter season to keep Eric’s Promise alive and well. Join us this year as we prepare to touch more lives than ever.

For the whole story and information on ways you can help, simply visit us online at ericspromise.com

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

29

Special Section:

Spring Cleaning

Spring Clean

By: Jackie Folkert

For Your Family’s Health

The dusty bookshelf in my daughter’s bedroom rivals the creepy décor of Disney’s Haunted Mansion—an observation that cranks up my mommy guilt since she is highly allergic to the filth. Spring cleaning and maintenance keeps our house looking fresh, but more importantly, it benefits my daughter’s health and keeps our family safe. Prioritize your spring chores with your family’s well-being in mind. You’ll motivate yourself to push up your sleeves and get started.

Eliminate Harsh Chemicals

Spring cleaning might rid your house of germs, but you might be replacing them with harsh chemicals. Before you spray the germs into oblivion, consider your choice of cleaning products. Do you approve of their ingredients? Emily McClements of South Bend is the creator of Live Renewed, liverenewed.com, a Christian blog that discusses how to live a green, empowering and healthy lifestyle. She is the author of the Ebook “Green Your Life: A Guide to Natural, Eco-Friendly Living.” She publishes strategies for safe cleaning that include recipes for homemade cleaners. She said that she believes most of the conventional cleaners you find at the store are hazardous. She said that it’s not smart to expose herself or her family to chemicals that are labeled unsafe for use around children and pets. “I think they’re all pretty nasty,” she said. “People don’t realize the amount of chemicals they’re exposing themselves to when they use cleaners like [disinfectant wipes].” Plan to clean your home with products that don’t contain unhealthy inhalants.

Instead of using the traditional products for her spring cleaning, McClements turns to her homemade solution of tea tree oil, castile soap and water. The natural cleanser is effective for most cleaning tasks. She purchases the ingredients in bulk and makes 30

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

a large batch so that a bottle is always handy. “If you were to run out in the middle of cleaning . . . you don’t have to go out and buy it and spend that time at the store because you have everything at home.

You can whip it up and clean,” McClements said. For the tougher messes, she sprinkles baking soda or cream of tartar on the surface before spraying her cleanser. The powder adds some scrubbing power.

She also uses a pumice stone to scrub out tough stains.

Prioritize Your Chores

The list of spring chores is lengthy, so prioritize the tasks that will keep your family safe and healthy. Grab a note pad and tour your home, room by room. Look at them from a spring cleaning perspective and make a list of the work you need to do. Some jobs are apparent but others aren’t. For example, Captain Derron Hess at the Mishawaka Fire Department said that while you are washing your windows you should examine their functionality. Make sure they open properly because windows can get stuck during the winter. Lubricate the movable parts.

While you dust, make sure to expand your reach to include the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Check the batteries like usual, but also take the carbon monoxide detector outside to air it out, said Hess.

Consider your placement of detectors and alarms, as well as space heaters and electrical cords.

Continue to dust areas of the house that don’t always see the light of day—allergy sufferers will thank you for it. Move furniture to clean off baseboards and bedframes. Swipe off the dust from the walls and wash the curtains.

Hire a professional to clean out your home’s ducts, especially if you have recently remodeled. As always, change the filter in your furnace and take stock of the carpets.

In the laundry room, remove all the lint that has built up in the dryer’s vent and tubing. Unhook the power to the dryer and disassemble the parts. You can use a shop vacuum to suck out the lint or a tool such as the FlyLady Dryer Lint Kit that includes a dryer vent duct brush, lint trap vent brush and a vacuum hose attachment. Purchase the kit for $17.95 at flylady.net.

After you remove the lint, check out the tube’s opening to the exterior of your home. Lint and nests inside the vent impede proper airflow, which can cause carbon monoxide to back up into the house. Hess said that your clothes will dry faster, too, when the tube is clear.

Dryers that load in the front carry an unexpected fire hazard inside the machine.

Open the top of the dryer and vacuum out any dirt or lint. “The only reason I started doing this is after going to a dryer fire. I was amazed at how much dust that accumulates,” said South Bend Fire Department Captain Gerard Ellis. He said to make sure that you place a smoke detector near the laundry room. A fire extinguisher strategically placed nearby doesn’t hurt, either, but ensure that it still works by checking the expiration date. If the date has passed or the extinguisher appears damaged, hire a professional to assess it or simply replace it.

When the weather is finally mild enough to open your front door wide for fresh air, clean the lights on your porch as well as the other lights outside. Birds enjoy their warmth, building their nests on top of them, sometimes leading to electrical problems.

Spring cleaning isn’t just about opening up the windows and airing out the rugs. It is about taking care of what is the most precious to you: your family’s health and safety.

Thursday, April 9, 5:00–7:30 p.m.

Spring Break Family Night @ the Snite

Go on an ARTventure this spring break!

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FAMILY mommy & daddy

Dear Mom,

Zumba Like No One’s Watching

By: Meagan Church

Dear Mom, One morning after a tough spinning class, I took the kids for a swim at the gym. After being at the pool for over an hour, it was time to go, and as much as I was ready to leave, I wasn’t ready for the struggle of getting three wet kids from the pool and to the car, especially when those three wet kids were also three hungry kids. My legs were sore from spinning, the middle child was protesting and my body was ready for naptime, but I knew I had to muster the energy.

“She showed me that sometimes in parenting

Then the music started.

The pool had been relatively quiet that morning with the typical squeals of kids, but no background music had been playing overhead. Then the beat started. I had watched several senior citizens migrate into the pool. They had taken their positions in the water and, as the beat started, they began to groove and sway and Zumba. But they weren’t the only ones feeling the rhythm.

you just need to sit and watch and laugh.”

I was about to call the kids out of the water. I had given the five-minute warning about 15 minutes prior. I was hungry. They were hungry. It was time to move on with our day. But then I saw my daughter. She had been having a rough morning at the pool. Being the middle child isn’t always easy. She had wanted to swim without a floaty (just like her big brother), but she needed direct supervision to do so. My hands were full with the youngest, so I was only able to give her a few minutes without the floaty. In her opinion, she needed more. She was sullen when I told her she had to put the floaty back on or go to the shallow end. I knew that getting her out of the water would be the biggest challenge, and I wasn’t sure I had the energy for it.

But then it happened. The music started and she spotted the instructor. In no time, she was swinging her hips, raising her arms and shaking her joie de vivre right along with the class.

She had walked to the edge of the shallow end to get as close as she could to the instructor.

She watched her and mimicked her. And then at times, improvised her choreography.

At first I laughed a bit and I nearly ended it all by telling her it was time to go. But, instead I watched. And I laughed some more…a lot more. I sat in the water a few feet away from her, watching the pure joy in her movement. Her sullen, pouty mood had totally washed away and had been replaced with complete euphoria.

As I sat in the water, my chuckles turned to belly laughs. Soon enough the instructor spotted her and began to smile. Lifeguards and other swimmers took notice. I sat watching my daughter Zumba her little heart out. She didn’t care who was watching. She didn’t care if it was perfect. She just knew that she was having a blast and that she was making other people smile, while doing it.

And I had nearly squelched the moment before it began. As I sat there laughing, I was so thankful that I had put the schedule on hold for just a few minutes. Those few moments of shaking her little tail feathers had lifted the mood for her, me and others around us.

We left on a high-note instead of the whine-fest that I had anticipated. Not only did she help me forget about my tired legs or how much I was dreading the lunch/nap/afternoon routine that lay before of us, she showed me that sometimes in parenting you just need to sit and watch and laugh. And sometimes you just have to Zumba like no one’s watching.

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FAMILY mommy & daddy

By: Lara West

Product Review:

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Have you ever heard anyone say they are excited to clean their toilets?

Well, today you can officially answer that question with a loud, “YES!” I promise I am not crazy, but I have been thinking about testing different toilet bowl cleaners for some time now. It’s also no secret that I am a proponent of natural cleaning products in my home, and while I’ve always been happy with the results I’ve been curious as to how my homemade cleaner holds up against a grime fighting commercial cleaner.

This house is perfect for a toilet bowl cleaner face-off, because it has three bathrooms. (It’s an old college rental where they tried to lease it to as many students as possible.) So, two months ago I cleaned the toilets like normal and have restrained myself from cleaning them for a month. (Ick, I know!) I then cleaned them all, and yet again, restrained myself from cleaning them for another month to see if there was any substantial difference in the results during that time.

I tested one with my homemade cleaner, a liquid national brand cleaner and a commercial flushable brush pad. (Although, I would never recommend flushing them.)

Toilet Cleaners: All three of the cleaners worked as expected for cleaning the appearance of the toilet bowls. The long cleaning wand with the flushable pad was the most convenient method due to the ease of not having to clean a toilet brush 34

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

afterwards, but the toilet seat has ugly blue-gray stains from the blue chemicals that dripped off the pad. (It seems fitting that another name for blue-gray is also livid, because that’s exactly what I was when I noticed the markings were not coming off.) The liquid cleanser and homemade cleaner were equally effective. The primary difference is in the application. The homemade version is a dump and scrub, while the liquid has to be applied around the rim of the bowl and then scrubbed.

Recommendation:

As for cleaning the appearance of the bowl, it seems you can get away with any price range of product cleaner for the toilet. I would not deter you from the pads, as they did work well, but I would caution you not to let it drip everywhere when tossing it in the trash can. I didn’t notice any difference in the month after the test cleanings from any of the products. None of the toilets were disgustingly covered in fuzz or showed any signs of being neglected. I’m sticking with the homemade cleaner I use, because I’d rather not have the harsh chemicals around, and it saves storage space.

I’ve since learned that the cleaner itself is not always the most concerning factor to preventing mold in your toilet bowl. You want to be sure all the buildup inside the bowl is being removed from the surface without damaging the toilet, but if you have a problem with mold in your toilet bowl and a cleaner is not doing the trick, then you should consider consulting with a plumber or having your water tested.

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1/22/14 2:59 PM

Easy and Effective Homemade Toilet Cleaner: 1 Cup Vinegar ½ Cup Borax ¼ Cup Baking Soda Pour baking soda and borax into basin, and then add vinegar. Let sit about 15 minutes and then brush clean.

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FAMILY mommy & daddy

When the

By: Noelle Elliott

“I realized that plans are wonderful for logistical purposes.

When they become harmful is when you measure the success of an experience by how closely you followed the plan. ”

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Best Plans

fail

W

inston Churchill said, “Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.” At least that is what I remember my teacher, Mr. Sisti telling us when I was in his sixth grade history class. That quote has been stuck in my head ever since.

I’m a planner. I like to plan our vacations in elaborate detail three months before we leave. I even plan my outfits weeks in advance. My job at the University of Notre Dame is to coordinate and plan events in multiple locations every day. In most cases, planning is a good thing and it can make life easier.

But what works for a career, doesn’t always translate well to a family.

What the Winston Churchill’s famous quote does not mention, is when those carefully thought out plans sometimes fail.

Before I had children my plans were executed with precision. My college roommate and I worked our way seamlessly through Universal Studios thanks to my preparations to navigate the park in the most efficient way. But after I had children, keeping a schedule became more and more difficult.

We recently took the entire family to Lego Land in Florida. As usual, I tried to map out the day. It may not surprise anyone to learn that my plans did not work out the way I had hoped they would. Someone got hungry or had to go to the bathroom, and to top it all off, it rained. I felt like the trip had been ruined. I was so focused on the fact that we couldn’t go on certain rides that I missed the fun they had huddled under the cape of a Lego Darth Vader to escape the rain. Those are things memories are made of. Not if we were the first in line at the Dragon Roller Coaster.

Last week I decided that we would take the entire family to watch our son, Jack, play his first basketball game. I organized everything; we wore the team colors and I even brought our own concessions.

Whether or not I realized it, I had also scripted how the day would go. I pictured Jack’s brothers cheering him on while my husband recorded his first basket. (I’m sure you have an idea where this story is going.) In reality, snacks were spilled, and Jack’s brother’s preferred running around behind the bleachers. The winning basket was never recorded, because it didn’t happen, and when we left, tears were shed, and I’m not ashamed to admit they were mine. At least we were all in matching colors.

I was let down that things hadn’t gone the way I expected them to. Why was it so important for me to take the entire family? I suppose I had seen other families doing this and wished mine could. Usually my husband or I take our children to their games while the other stays at home. It is one-on-one time spent with a child that they seem to appreciate, so why change that?

In every situation one thing is clear, I was so focused on perfection that I failed to recognize that what was occurring was already perfect in it’s own way.

At some point I needed to let things go with the flow. That time happened on Super bowl Sunday. We had planned on going to a party but the weather forced us to stay home. Rather than create an itinerary for the day, I just let everyone do what they wanted. Although we weren’t all participating in the same activity, we were still together. The day was one of the most peaceful and relaxing days that I have had in a very long time.

I have decided that from now on I will try to plan only what I can control.

Which, in all actuality, is not a lot. I will make the reservations, buy the tickets, and be on time. I can continue my love of planning for my job responsibilities.

When it comes to my family I have found that some of the best moments are the unexpected ones.

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2/12/15 11:54 AM

FAMILY mommy & daddy

Eric’s Promise By: Thom Villing

A young man’s legacy: to be more giving.

A

sh Wednesday, 2002. Eric Henry, a senior at Marian High School, was thinking about what his Lenten resolution should be. His mother, Mary Molnar, recalls the conversation vividly.

“I was sitting on Eric’s bed, talking to him like I had so many times before. We talked about his day and I asked if he had made any specific plans for Lent. Eric had a big sweet tooth and had always given up candy for Lent so I assumed that was what he would do again.

“Instead, Eric told me he wanted to become a more giving person that year. I was touched by his words and the sincerity with which they were expressed. Eric went on to say he planned to commit more acts of kindness during Lent and was starting by donating several bags of used clothing to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.”

Photos Provided By: Melissa Schroder

The second annual U Can Paint 2 event was held in April of last year for a birthday celebration on behalf of Eric.

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Tragically, Eric never had the chance to carry out his resolution – at least not directly. Eric died in an automobile accident the very next day.

However, his promise lives on and has been fulfilled a thousand-fold, thanks to the work of his mother, his sister, scores of area high school students and hundreds of community volunteers who took up Eric’s resolve to be more giving. His legacy lives on through their efforts under the simple banner, Eric’s Promise.

The movement actually began with a letter his mother wrote to her departed son.

“I simply wanted Eric to know his promise would be fulfilled,” Molnar said. “At Eric’s funeral the Marian chaplain, Father Dan Scheidt, read that letter. About a month later during a memorial Mass at the high school, a large group of students brought bags of items to be donated to the St. Vincent de Paul Society and placed them around the altar. Eric’s mother described the moment as the most touching in her life.

“I had wanted to do something special in the memory of our son so his legacy of loving and giving would never be forgotten. In that moment, I knew that the perfect memorial had already begun.”

In the years since Eric’s passing, over 150 tons of donations have been given to Eric’s mom and sister collecting St. Vincent de Paul including clothing, household goods, furniture and food. Eric’s family raises money to support the mission of St. Vincent’s through an annual bags of donations during the first event at UCANPAINT2. Marian High School students are very active in gathering Eric's Promise Walk in 2013. donations in Eric’s name, as are a number of area grade schools. Local businesses participate along with scores of individuals who share Eric’s commitment to be more giving.

This year Eric’s Promise project began on Ash Wednesday and will run through April 18th. One of the events is a canned food drive at the Martin’s Super Market in Heritage Square on Saturday, March 28th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fundraiser at UCANPAINT2 is March 7th beginning at 6 p.m. Many churches and organizations are scheduling Stuff-A-Truck events throughout Lent. Information about these and other Eric’s Promise events can be found at www.ericspromise.com. And anyone interested in becoming involved can contact Angela Leo at angela.leo@svdpsb.org.

The day of Eric’s funeral, one of his friends shared a quote with Eric’s mother and sister, Melissa Schroder, “It’s not how long you live, it’s how you live your life.” Reflecting on that quote and how Eric’s Promise has grown over the last 13 years, Mary and Melissa observed, “It’s beautiful how one act of love and kindness can multiply into countless other seen and unseen acts of the same. When we share Eric’s story with students and businesses in our community, we remind them that we all have something to give. Eric’s life was short, but he made an impact on the lives of the people who knew him and maybe an even greater impact on the lives of people who continue to benefit from his promise.”

Conventional wisdom sometimes unfairly labels the Millennial generation to which Eric belongs as self-absorbed. Clearly this was not the case for Eric or for the many dedicated people, young and old, who have taken up his resolution to be more giving.

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