Stories of Perseverance #1 by Shotcallers

Recently, I took my son to a local park where he effortlessly connected with other children, showing off his amazing smile. Watching him playing and connecting with the other children filled my heart with so much joy. It reminded me that our children have the incredible ability to break down barriers and spread kindness in ways we sometimes overlook. These moments reinforce my belief that love knows no bounds and that our kids truly enrich the community around them.

- Mary

Parenting a child with special needs has taught me the importance of gratitude and perspective. Her empathy and kindness are a beautiful reminder of the light they bring into the world. These heartfelt moments, where our children shine brightly with their unique qualities, inspire not just our family but everyone around us.

- Jennifer

Heartfelt Moments

One of my favorite moments as a parent came during a school performance where my daughter, who has autism, took the stage for the first time. She was nervous at first, but as the music started, she found her rhythm and danced with pure joy. The crowd erupted in applause, and I could see her beaming with pride. In that moment, I couldn’t help but think about how powerful it is to embrace our children’s unique talents and celebrate their victories. Her courage not only inspired me but also reminded everyone in attendance of the beauty of embracing differences, being in the moment and remembering to have fun!

- Nancy

Ask Rae

With Rae Indigo

Rae Indigo, is an esteemed yogi and martial artist known worldwide for her unique courses on wellbeing, including mind science, meditation, and breathwork. As a biochemist, she also pioneered a line of high-end, organic skincare. When she’s not teaching others how to live stress-free, she’s likely surrounded by the love of her three feisty Pomeranians.

Q:Hi Rae,

What’s the best way to relax when I’m feeling really overwhelmed and I have to keep moving forward with my day as a parent my kiddos have to keep moving forward and do not have a lot of downtime. I keep hearing about breathing techniques but not sure which is best to do?

- Selena Mae

A:The Secret to Dealing with Overwhelm

When we’re overwhelmed, it’s common for a little voice inside to suggest taking a deep breath. While this advice is well-intentioned, its effectiveness often falls short unless you know the right technique. Here’s a powerful, quick method to regulate and balance stress.

Parenting a child involves a rich tapestry of advocating

for their needs, navigating complex systems, and addressing social misconceptions, all while maintaining yourself and your well-being. You must be in top form because life’s path is intricate and demanding.

Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for maintaining the strength to journey through life’s challenges.

Introducing the Long Exhale Technique, which

involves extending your exhale to twice the length of your inhale, based on ancient breathing practices designed to reduce stress and anxiety. By lengthening your exhale, you stimulate the “rest and digest” response, countering the “fight or flight” stress response.

Here is a powerful and fastacting technique using your breath that can be done for just a few moments to completely shift your

nervous system out of a stress response.

You can use this whenever you are feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, anxious or stressed out to quickly regulate your system and help keep your mind clear and steady.

Meet The Long Exhale.

The practice of lengthening the exhale to twice the length of the inhale is a powerful technique rooted in ancient breathing exercises aimed at reducing stress and anxiety. This method leverages the body’s natural response to breathing patterns; when we extend our exhalation, we stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the “rest and digest” system, which helps to counterbalance the stress-inducing effects of the sympathetic nervous system, or “fight or flight” response.

To practice this technique, it can be done standing or seated, and a minimum of 3 repetitions will give you a change in state. More repetitions will lead to more change, but sometimes you need a quick reset because you are feeling stressed at the moment and have to be there for your child.

Begin by taking a normal

breath in through your nose for a count of, say, four seconds. Then, slowly exhale through your nose or mouth for a count of eight seconds.

This ratio can be adjusted slightly based on personal comfort, but the key is to make the exhalation noticeably longer than the inhalation. As you extend your exhale, imagine releasing tension, stress, and anxiety with each breath out. This not only helps in slowing down your heart rate but also encourages a deeper state of relaxation.

This simple yet profound breathing technique, where you exhale for twice as long as you inhale, can be a transformative tool for you as a parent. By practicing this method, you’re not only giving yourself a moment of peace amidst the daily challenges but also setting a powerful example of selfcare for your child.

Incorporate this breathing exercise into your daily routine, perhaps when you feel the weight of the day or during moments of transition like right before helping with homework or after your child goes to bed. Once you are used to doing it regularly, your day will have more ease even in the midst of chaos. You will find yourself naturally using it throughout the day, and especially in those

challenging moments.

This practice can help regulate your nervous system, reduce stress, and increase your resilience to the emotional and physical demands of life.

It will also give you more energy overall, as feeling stressed, frustrated or anxious uses up your energy and leaves you feeling exhausted.

I like doing this before bed to let go of the day and feel relaxed.

Remember, your well-being is crucial. By taking time to center yourself with each breath, you’re not just managing your own stress; you’re indirectly enriching the environment for your child. Your calm presence can be incredibly soothing and reassuring, fostering a more supportive and loving household.

Celebrate each breath as a victory in your journey. This technique isn’t just about managing the present; it’s about building a foundation of patience, understanding, and self-awareness that will benefit both you and your child in the long run.

Here’s to breathing easier!

Love,

Unleashing Joy: How Therapy Dogs Bring Hope and Healing

Ever considered Pet Therapy or maybe thought about a service dog? As a dog lover I’m here to give you some insight into why dogs aren’t just cute & awesome, by participating in Pet Therapy or having a service dog could change a human’s life tremendously & even save it.

Pet therapy, also known as animal assisted therapy, has been around in some way or another for over 100 years & studies have shown that dogs can relieve anxiety, stress, & provide comfort. How? It’s been scientifically proven that petting or playing with a dog can increase your amount of physical activity & exercise & boost endorphin levels & also to improve your mood by decreasing distress or pain.

Just being around a dog boosts endorphins which triggers the release of chemicals that act as a painkiller & produce euphoria. Dogs can decrease levels of cortisol, norepinephrine, & epinephrine; these are all stress hormones. This just doesn’t apply to dog & animal lovers but for anyone who is neutral about animal companionship.

Pet Therapy applies to any animal whether it being cat, rabbit, horse or even farm animals like goats & cows are helpful. It’s

been proven even fish, bearded dragons, & insects like crickets can help improve focus & create positive emotions. This type of therapy has no age range & has helped many college students, people in nursing homes, as well as young kids who see a therapist, counselor, or social worker.

Whether you’re sick or doing your best to process difficulties in life, animal companions are a helpful distraction from symptoms or other problems, not only that it is also good practice for social interactions to develop social & behavioral skills & is beneficial to mental health by increasing motivation toward

activities such as exercise or interacting with others.

Great for anyone who suffers from dementia, depression, anxiety, autism, ADHD, & also schizophrenia. Including anyone who suffers from physical conditions such as epilepsy, heart failure, pain from cancer treatment, postoperative recovery, or recovery after a major stroke or another condition that causes a person to lose motor skills.

If you are unsure how to undergo this therapy or live under circumstances that you cannot own a pet, there are plenty of resources & things you can do to get the therapy you need by talking with

a doctor or therapist to help point you in the right direction, or volunteering at a farm or animal shelter, & by contacting a local handler who has a trained therapy dog or animal for a session.

Most individuals don’t know the differences between a therapy animal, emotional support animal, or service animal. An emotional support animal is normally someone’s pet who is there to primarily support an individual with some form of mental health issues. A mental health professional

provides a patient with a disorder letter for their pet to be recognized as an emotional support animal. Which just allows you to have your pet even if your place of living, or landlord does not allow pets.

Under the fair housing act, you will have the right to have your pet for private support in the comfort of your home, but not in public places or on airlines. A service dog or animal can go with you anywhere in public & or on flights. The difference is the training & the task that a dog or animal provides.

Service dogs provide so much help & are truly lifesavers to many individuals in their day-today life. Service dogs are trained to make daily tasks easier on mental health, cure your pain, or save your life. Disabled or able Sick or in pain, stressed or depressed, or even just trying to process the difficulties life throws your way. Animal companions will always be there for you at your worst & your best. They will never judge you & love you completely. Always there to give you love & support no matter what.

Love in Every Step: The LaForest

Family’s Story of Adoption and Autism

Life is an unpredictable journey, especially when it comes to parenting. For many families, the path to parenthood is filled with joy, anticipation, and sometimes unexpected challenges. This is the story of one family’s journey through adoption and the beautiful, yet complex, world of raising a child with special needs.

Our story begins with wanting to be parents. It was a time when we were hopeful, excited, and ready to welcome a little one into our lives. Living in Ann Arbor, Michigan, news about Baby Jessica echoed in my mind. A family had adopted a baby, only for the father to want her back after three years. The emotional turmoil surrounding that situation left me unsettled. I thought to myself, “Is this what adoption in this country is like?”

After much contemplation and a desire for stability, we turned our sights internationally to adopt. Having Chinese-American friends, we felt that was the right path for us. But as fate would have it, we learned that there were age restrictions that would delay our dream. Unwilling to wait until we were over 35, we shifted our focus to South Korea, where adoption processes were well-regulated, and children were cared for in loving foster homes.

After countless forms, background checks, and the exhaustive FBI vetting process, we were ready to welcome our child. One snowy winter day in Michigan,

as the world outside was blanketed in white, our caseworker called with wonderful news. “I have a picture of your baby,” she said, but the weather had made it impossible for her to deliver it in person. Without a second thought, we bundled up and ventured across town to collect that precious image.

The moment we laid eyes on our son, Jaxon, we knew he was meant to be ours. He was just six months old, and he was adorable. We soon discovered that he was also a bit of a handful.

Jaxon had a way of keeping us on our toes; he never slept well and needed constant motion and attention. As a parent, I had experience with babies, but he was a unique challenge.

As we navigated the early days of parenthood, I began to notice certain behaviors that concerned me. Jaxon blinked excessively, and his speech development seemed delayed. Despite the doctors reassuring us that “he’s just a boy,” I felt something deeper was at play. My instincts with having a degree in

special education kicked in, and I pushed for an eye examination, only to find out that Jaxon was blind in one eye and had limited vision in the other.

With this revelation came new challenges. Jaxon’s struggle with communication was evident, but once he began to speak, we discovered his extraordinary intellect. One day, while driving, he suddenly began to read street signs and recite words that left us in awe. It was a bittersweet realization; my heart swelled with pride at his brilliance, but I also began to recognize that he might be on the autism spectrum.

The journey to understanding Jaxon was filled with ups and downs. At two and a half, I voiced my concerns to our pediatrician, who dismissed my worries with a joke. “What do you get if you throw butter out the window?” The punchline was “butterfly,” and while Jaxon laughed, I knew this was not the measure of autism. Yes, Jaxon had a fantastic sense of humor, but it was not a defining characteristic.

As time went on, we decided to expand our family. We began the process again with our adoption agency, hoping to welcome another baby from Korea. The rules stipulated that our first adopted child had to be a boy, which we already had. This time, we were determined to adopt a girl. After about a year of waiting, we switched agencies and within three months, received a call about a baby girl. “She has a defect,” the caseworker mentioned casually. My heart raced; what could it be? Turns out she was born with a tooth, I never quite understood what they meant by that.

Molly entered our lives at four and a half months old, and although she was tiny, she was feisty. The joy of welcoming her into our family was palpable, and soon we found ourselves navigating the complexities of raising two extraordinary children. Then we were blessed with a third surprise … we were pregnant. So in October of 2002 we had three kids under four Jaxon, Molly, and Brady, the best of both worlds.

As a mother, I learned that the world looked different

through Jaxon’s eyes. His autism shaped our experiences, often leading to moments that both challenged and warmed our hearts. The meltdowns that would occur in public could be daunting, and I often felt the eyes of strangers upon us. Once, while shopping, Jaxon had a meltdown, and I found myself in a silent battle to soothe him amid curious stares. My heart raced as I assured him, “Mom’s right here. We’re okay.”

In those moments, I learned the importance of community support. One day, a kind woman approached us in the store, offering to walk with Jaxon. It turned out she was a para-educator, and her understanding made a world of difference. Those instances of connection reminded me that kindness exists everywhere, even in the chaos.

Life with Jaxon is a beautiful blend of challenges and triumphs. He is hyper-verbal and often dominates conversations, sharing his interests with enthusiasm. His love for history, video games, and particularly ghost-themed shows like “Ghost Adventures,” paints

a vivid picture of his unique character. He often reminds me of how special it is to embrace one’s quirks and individuality.

Yet, there are days when Jaxon’s autism, coupled with his Tourette’s syndrome and OCD, can make life feel overwhelming. He has a set routine and specific needs that must be met, including quiet moments to manage his tics. I often find myself in a cycle of supporting him through these moments, standing behind him and applying gentle pressure to help him cope. It may seem strange to outsiders, but this is our reality — a reality filled with love, laughter, and a lot of patience.

Jaxon’s memory is remarkable. He can recall the smallest details from past experiences, often surprising us with his observations. “Mom, this smells like that one restaurant we visited when I was five,” he’ll say, and my heart swells with pride for his ability to connect memories with sensory experiences.

Throughout our journey, I’ve learned that parenting a child with special needs requires a shift in perspective. The little things that once bothered me no longer hold weight. If Jaxon decides to do something unexpected, I remind myself to embrace the moment with humor and grace. After all, isn’t that what being a parent is about?

As we navigate our lives, we hold onto the friendships we’ve built in our community. In Michigan, Jaxon was known and loved by many. Here, we are working hard to create a new village, one that understands and embraces our unique family dynamics.

The journey of parenthood, especially for families with special needs, is filled with ups and downs, laughter and tears. It can be isolating at times, but it’s also a path that fosters deep connections and understanding. As we move forward, we are committed to advocating for Jaxon and celebrating all that makes him who he is.

In our home, we strive to nurture Jaxon passions, whether that’s delving into video games or exploring new adventures in arts and crafts. We have learned to embrace the unpredictability of life and cherish the small victories along the way. Our family story is one of resilience, love, and hope—a testament to the beauty of embracing life’s unexpected turns.

So, to all the parents navigating similar paths: know that you are not alone. Your journey may be filled with challenges, but it is also adorned with immeasurable love and joy.

Rotating Guest Chefs

About us

We are a small, family-owned grocer located in Mesquite, NV - about an hour North East of Las Vegas. We focus on seasonal produce and meat from local and regional farms, and small-batch products made in Nevada and surrounding states. We grow microgreens as well as herbs and other leafy greens hydroponically on-site. We have an attached kitchen where we re-purpose some of the produce we bring in to make a rotating variety of salads, soups and ready-made-meals that are available to take home from our refrigerators and freezers in the grocery section. The kitchen is also a shared-use commissary for local makers and chefs to make and showcase their products and menus - hot service is available weekly from rotating chefs.

Open Tues-Sat 9am-6pm

570 W. Pioneer Blvd. #101

Mesquite, NV 89027

www.ikagreens.com ikagreens

Salad

Soup

Sides

Ready-Made Meals

M ade Fresh In-Store

Healthy Vegan & Non-Vegan Options

Seasonal , Quality Ingredients. Variety Changes.

Find in the Ika Greens grocery refrigerated section.

Bright and Flavorful Spring Citrus Salad Ingredients

1 Grapefruit, sliced

1 Orange, sliced

Handful Kumquats, sliced

1/2 Onion, thinly sliced

Fava Bean Microgreens (or Spinach/Arugula)

Handful Cashews, toasted

Sprinkle Black Sesame Seeds

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

1/2 Tbsp Lemon/Orange Juice

Method:

Whisk oil, vinegar & juices.

Toss citrus and onion with greens, cashews and vinaigrette. Top with sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Tateonna Hass: Founder

of Sunshine Beads

In the world of creativity and entrepreneurship, one young star is shining brightly: Tateonna Hass, founder of Sunshine Beads! This talented young woman has turned her passion for crafting into a delightful business that brings joy to families everywhere through her handmade bead bracelets.

From a young age, Tateonna displayed a natural talent for creativity. What began as a simple hobby soon blossomed into Sunshine Beads, a thriving enterprise filled with colorful glass, stone, and clay bracelets.

Tateonna’s journey shows us that with a little love and dedication, dreams can truly come to life! But Tateonna’s influence extends beyond her online shop on Etsy. She actively participates in her local community by setting up pop-up boutiques and visiting farmers markets. Families are drawn to her cheerful booth, where her warm smile and eyecatching creations create an atmosphere of happiness. It’s a wonderful experience for parents and children alike, as they explore

the colorful assortment of bracelets and connect with Tateonna’s sunny personality.

As she continues to grow her business, Tateonna remains committed to her mission of spreading joy. Her story serves as a reminder for families everywhere: when you pursue your passions, amazing things can happen! Tateonna’s creativity and entrepreneurial spirit inspire not only young

aspiring artists but also families who encourage their children to dream big. Whether you’re looking for the perfect accessory to brighten up your family’s wardrobe or a thoughtful gift to share with loved ones, each bracelet carries a little piece of sunshine and a whole lot of heart. With Tateonna leading the way, it’s clear that with hard work and creativity, anyone can shine brightly and make their dreams come true!

Embracing the Joy of Reading

Do you love to read?

Do you have a young one who loves books & stories? Growing up I loved reading books & that feeling I got going to the local or school library to pick one out. Having my parents read me a bedtime story every night. Even as I got older & started getting chapter books, my mother would still read at least a chapter to me at bedtime. It was something I always looked forward to & got me excited about books. Reading with your children provides a lot of positive benefits for their progressive learning & enjoy it more when you read aloud to them.

Reading aloud to your kids gives transformative power to the story and they can learn what real reading has to offer, which can also do a lot for their creativity and imagination. Reading opens their mind to so many different things and can help their cognitive skills strengthen because it helps sustain attention, abstract thinking, critical thinking, & also logical reasoning. It gives them general knowledge & makes it easier to learn about the world & experiences that is setting them up to learn new subjects

in school. Reading teaches them to listen & to pay attention to what you’re saying, which helps enhance comprehension & focus.

Practicing at home generally will reflect in school settings as well. So many good things can come from just reading a book or chapter a night, strengthening not only your child’s development but the bond you share. A trip to the local library together would make a fun bonding experience and helps you as a parent engage with your child and learn what they are interested in just from the books they choose.

From reading they learn so much about language and they get exposed to new words and their meanings, opening them up to a wide range of vocabulary. Even the classic bedtime stories like Little Red Riding Hood, Robin Hood, and The Ugly Duckling, all have hidden lessons that teach social and emotional life lessons that help with development.

As well as your child being open to learning empathy and emotional awareness different books

you read. Books can also help children learn how to handle their own feelings in healthy ways. Seeing their favorite characters in books experience life lessons or emotions like sadness or anger lets kids know that feelings are normal and a part of life, also giving them a chance to discuss their own difficult or non-difficult feelings. Most children struggle with being able to get themselves into a book and lose concentration, but being read a book boosts their interest and helps them engage in the storyline. You create and set the tone when you read a story out loud in a way that captivates their attention and gets them excited to read and learn. That’s the best thing about books. There are several books for everyone in any age range, at any development stage, and even books that are

beneficial for a newborn.

Yes, reading to an infant does have its benefits, laying down the neurological groundwork for effective language use and literacy. The sensory experience of being read to is beneficial and important even before they can communicate verbally. Who knew squeezing in a book in here and there could do so much for your development as a person? There are so many movies, tv shows, and technology around us these days that the importance of a good book gets overlooked, but adding some reading time to your child’s routine will make a huge difference.

Even having your child participate in reading with you and, to you can build the strongest connection & even help with their confidence in speech. Teaching them how to pronounce and sound words out will improve their confidence when reading on their own. If you are a parent and have a heavy workload to where you cannot make frequent trips to your local library, E-books are a good solution. Whatever app or device you have there are many different books you

can rent or buy to read along with to get your child excited about.

Scrolling through an endless list of possibilities & opening a wide range of books could just be the fun task your child needs. I have met a lot of people who do not like to read, and I feel it’s because they never had a core memory bedtime story experience, so they never had the opportunity to engage with a story line and in return they struggle to concentrate when it comes to reading. So, I’d like to encourage you to get excited about reading and get your children excited about reading. You’ll be happy with the results and the bond you and your children will strengthen.

Encouraging them grow to be confident, knowledgeable, and creative. I urge you to get them excited about books and reading and encourage them to never stop learning. The next time you and your children see a library be sure to stop in and look around. Watch their eyes light up when they see a book that grabs their attention. The next time you’re scrolling on a tablet look

at the books you could rent or buy that would have your child jumping for joy. There is nothing better than snuggling up, and tucking them in tight, preparing them for an exciting storybook adventure they’ve chosen. Connecting them to all the wonders that reading can bring and knowing you’re making positive changes for their very own development in the future. Connecting to your child in one of the best ways possible and knowing that you are creating everlasting positive memories.

Let’s make books, libraries, and reading fun again. Let’s make bedtime fun again by ending it with an amazing story ending. Let’s give our children something to talk about and something to share. Let’s make bedtime stories come alive again and not a thing of the past, but something we can encourage generations to come to pass down.

Knowledge is power and you can learn anything just by turning a page. Never stop reading, never stop learning, never stop creating and imagining there is a whole world of books & possibilities.

SHARE THE MIC

Over Christmas, we went ice skating for the first time, and it was so much fun! My brother helped me learn how to do it! - Tyler

We love hearing about your ice skating adventure! Christmas is such a fun time, and spending it with family makes it even better.

I’m trying to make my Valentine’s Day cards, but I want to learn more ways to make them more fun! Any tips? - Heather

Absolutely! Making Valentine’s Day cards is such a fun project! Try using colorful tape, stickers, or even glitter to add some sparkle. You can also personalize each card with a fun inside joke or a little drawing. Another great idea is to create a pop-up element inside the card for a surprise effect!

I’m starting to plan my summer bucket list, and I want to make it epic! What’s something fun you’d suggest adding to it? - Teresa

That sounds exciting! How about adding a ‘Photo Scavenger Hunt’ to your bucket list? You can create a list of items to find around your town, and then take pictures of each one. It’s a great way to explore and have fun with friends! Also, don’t forget to include a DIY project or a road trip to a nearby destination. We are looking forward to hearing about your summer!

Dog Lovers Corner with Rissa

Fun & Easy Chia Seed Dog Treats

Ingredients

• 2 Cups Whole Grain Flour (whole wheat or spelt are best)

• 3 Tbsp Ground Chia Seeds (use coffee grinder to grind seeds)

• 1.5 Cups Vegetable or Beef Broth

• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil

• 3 Tbsp Water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a small bowl, combine chia seeds with water and let stand for about 30 seconds.

2. Combine flour, chia/water mixture, and oil in the bowl of a stand mixer.

3. With the stand mixer running on low, slowly pour in the broth, adding just enough so that mixture comes together as a dough. It may take a little less than the 1.5 cups, so keep an eye on it.

4. Roll the dough out on a lightly-floured surface and cut out the shapes with cookies cutters of your choice. No need to chill the dough before rolling!

5. Bake the treats on parchment-lined baking sheets for about 30 minutes or until they’re firm.

6. Be sure to let them cool completely before feeding them to you dog!