Mom to Mom NWI, August 2017

August 2017 | Volume 6 | Issue 8

momtomomnwi.com

|

like us on facebook

all the fun. JUST FOR YOU. private use of Bellaboo's for a super special and wonderfully unique after-hours party or event.

Standard Private Party: Come & Play Up to 50 children & 100 adults- Admission only STUPENDOUS Private Party: Party Extraordinaire Up to 50 children & 100 adults All Inclusive Food The BIG Event: For your next Event or Fundraiser Admission for up to 500 guests PLAY: 2800 COLORADO ST. LAKE STATION, IN 46405 | VISIT: MYBELLABOOS.COM | CALL: 219-963-2070

Back to School Health Fair

July 1st – August 31st

Services Offered: School Physicals Sports Physicals Immunizations Uninsured – Underinsured Total Cost only $25 • Medicaid Patients are fully covered (MHS, Anthem, MDwise Excel Network) • Other Insurance Plans pay no more than $25 out of pocket expense, including Co-pay

Locations to Serve You:

3564 Scottsdale St., Portage 6450 US Highway 6, Portage 2490 Central Ave., Lake Station 6091 Broadway, Merrillville 6920 Indianapolis Blvd., Hammond 407 W. Indiana Ave., Chesterton

For Appointments or More Information Call

(888) 459-2349

Visit our Website www.northshorehealth.org

letter from the editor

5

mom to mom feature mysk dr sandra chimon-rogers 6 traveling tranquility spa 20 summer road trip 28

mom to mom fun & games end of summer bucket list 12

mom to mom eats

soaking up summer

24

mom to mom community calendar

18

Mom to Mom NWI is a monthly publication by Mom to Mom NWI LLC. All rights reserved. Production without permission is strictly prohibited. All photographs & articles submitted become the sole property of Mom to Mom NWI Magazine. Š2017 Mom to Mom NWI LLC

PUBLISHER/Managing Editor Stephanie Vega Edwards Stephanie@momtomomnwi.com Sales Team Eva Williams Nichole Odijk DeMario Cassidee Jacobsen Contributing Writers Nichole Odijk DeMario Mindy Gear Debra Krieg-Lewis Cassidee Jacobsen

Advertising & Submissions Mom to Mom NWI LLC PO Box 1261 Valparaiso, IN 46384 Layout Design Mark Halliar designs.by.mark@gmail.com Cover & Table of Contents Photography Becca Timpe Malmquist Photography Printing The Papers 206 S Main St, Milford, IN 46542

Did you miss one? Visit our new and improved website: MomtoMomNWI. com! Read past issues, subscribe and follow along on facebook!

I

summer lovin’

It seems like summer just started and it’s already almost over.

August has many filled with mixed emotions as it’s the last month to enjoy soaking up the sun before school and hectic routines are back in full swing!

This month, we wanted our issue to touch base on all things summer fun – and that includes going back to school! The 2nd Annual Mom to Mom Back to School Bash at Bellaboo’s will be taking place the first weekend in August. This free event will give away backpacks to the first 250 kids that come through the doors and will feature over 40 different vendors. You don’t want to miss it! If you haven’t added it to your summer bucket list, you should, along with the other bucket list items Cassidee Jacobsen has compiled for you starting on page 12.

In this month’s Mindy’s Menu, Mindy Gear shares some of her favorite recipes that will keep your love for grilling going all August long! You can find her delicious burger recipe and more on page 24.

And as we subtly prepare for back to school, Nichole Odijk DeMario gives us an up close and personal look at an amazing science professor in this month’s Mom You Should Know.

Dr. Sandra Chimon-Rogers graces our front cover and you can see all the beautiful pictures taken by our own Becca Timpe-Malmquist and read her story on page 6.

I hope you all are enjoying every minute of summer and are making fantastic memories. I hope to see you at the Back to School Bash!

Take Care,

Stephanie

mom you should know

Dr Sandra Chimon-rogers Nichole Odijk DeMario Malmquist Photography Hair By: Kelly Raab

R

Reminiscing about our school days, we may recall our favorite subjects and those that left us with angst and anxiety. For many, those subjects may have included science and math. One area college professor says she’s tired of the negative connotation these subjects elicit and is on a mission to spark a passion in her students.

Dr. Sandra Chimon-Rogers has been teaching for more than 20 years. Over the last four years, she’s held the helm as Bio-Physical Chemistry and Mathematics de-

partment chair at Calumet College of St. Joseph in Whiting, Ind. She says she and her colleagues, along with the support of school administration, have completely overhauled the curriculum. Rather than traditional lecture-style teaching, students are given the opportunity to apply their research to real life scenarios pertinent to their interests. Students must also present their research at a conference at the end of the semester.

“If it’s boring for me to teach, it’s boring for my students to listen to,” mother-of-two Dr. Sandra Chimon-Rogers

mom to mom nwi | august 2017 | page 6

says. “There was one year my entire lecture tied to Twilight because that was the big thing at the time.”

Department-wide research is being done on preventatives for Alzheimer’s Disease. After her family moved to the United States from Austria when she was 10-years-old, Dr. Chimon-Rogers was exposed to the disease when she would make medical rounds with her physician father. His compassion not only led her to pursue her career, but also the desire to find a cure for a disease that ranks sixth in leading causes of deaths in adults worldwide, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Dr. Chimon-Rogers says Alzheimer’s research is one way she can showcase to her students their work has the potential to create change. Most recently, her students worked with NASA, Center for Advancement of Science in Space, International Space Station and Boy Scouts of America to send their research up in space with a mobile instrument they created to determine if they prevent the disease in anti-gravity conditions.

She says further indication she’s heading down the right path is with her students’ successes. In the past year alone, they’ve included getting hired by the FBI as a forensic chemist to obtaining advance degrees, accommodations, accolades, and scholarships to working as research assistants at colleges and universities throughout the country and world.

“I hope my students continue on with their goals. I want them to have opportunities and take on challenges,” she adds.

Dr. Chimon-Rogers says she’s accustomed to the challenge of working twice as hard to be taken seriously in a male-dominated field. She says it’s not abnormal to be one of two females at a conference.

“I’m not going to have someone tell me I can’t do something because I’m female. It can get disheartening, but that’s when my stubbornness kicks in and I figure out a way to put in the time and prove myself and my research,” she details.

Raising two sons, she tries to give them opportunities to see her in her classroom setting to not only expose them to individuals from all walks of life and all genders accomplishing great feats, but also in the hopes of demystifying the subject matter.

She says, “Ultimately, I want my sons to do whatever makes them happy. I, of course, would love for them to work in this field because that’s the way of the world.”

She adds she doesn’t feel it’s anyone’s fault that these subjects come with a territory of stigma. She says she sees all too often that young children are exposed to a minimal amount of sci-

ence and math, oftentimes taught by teachers that feel the information is not their forte. She says she would like to see that change and hopes to play into being part of the solution.

She welcomes any teacher or administrator interested in seeing her in action is welcome to visit her classroom and/or to view her recent TEDx talk for TEDxCountyLineRoad, “Hot & Spicy Chemistry.� She may be reached at drrogers@ccsj.edu. - mtm

mtm: fun & games

End of summer bucket list Cassidee Jacobsen

T

The last full month of summer has arrived. Some parents are jumping for joy at the thought of kids heading back to school, but most are dreading the end of warm weather and summer activities. Do not worry – there is still time to make more amazing summer memories! Use our End of Summer Bucket List as a guide to make the most out of the last few weeks.

mom to mom nwi | august 2017 | page 12

Visit the beach Most would agree the best part of living in Northwest Indiana is having Lake Michigan in our backyard. Take advantage of the close proximity and visit the largest area there is to offer – the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

From swimming and fishing to camping and hiking, every member of the family can find something to enjoy. Just $6.00 per car will give you access to 15 miles of gorgeous, sandy beaches.

Watch a movie outside A drive-in theater may sound outdated when compared to the fancy indoor theaters of today, but the experience of watching a movie under the stars is something that cannot be matched by a comfy seat and air-conditioning. Luckily, Porter County is home to one of America’s top ten drive-ins (named by USA Today). The 49er Drive-In Theatre is a family friendly and cost effective way to go to the movies. Each week the theatre plays two different movies for less than a normal ticket price. The box office opens at 7:00 P.M.

BERRY PICKING Nothing beats eating locally grown produce – especially berries! Not only do they often taste better than ones you find in the supermarket, you can also take comfort in knowing where your berries originated. Northwest Indiana has dozens of u-pick farms to choose from. Visiting a u-pick farm can be fun and delicious work! Blueberry season typically only has two good weeks in August.

Play in the trees New to Lake County this year is an aerial adventure park, Edge Adventures Northwest Indiana.

Located adjacent to Deep River Waterpark on U.S. 30. The park features over 50 self-guided treetop obstacles and zip lines, for adults and kids over 8 years old (hands must reach 66” and child must weigh a minimum of 40lbs). Adventures are available in 2-hour, 3-hour, and all day packages. For those extreme individuals, the 2-hour adventure can be completed at night with dimly lit obstacles. Kids 4 years and older can also join in on the fun with a kid’s course designed closer to the ground. Book your adventure online at edgeadventureparks.com.

Catch a baseball game Northwest Indiana seems to have a constant battle of Team White Sox or Team Cubs. Our love for our team is strong, but our love for baseball is stronger. Before summer is over and the cleats are put away, be sure to catch a baseball game in person! Watching a game live is an experience that screams summer. Peanuts, hotdogs, and America’s favorite sport are a winning combination. Don’t feel like heading to Chicago to see a major league game? Stay closer to home and watch the Gary Southshore Railcats at the U.S. Steel Yard.

The Railcats are always doing promotions that appeal to families.

Some nights, kids can even run the bases! mom to mom nwi | august 2017 | page 14

Discover a floating water park What could be better than a water park? How about a water park that floats on water! Lake Michigan’s first floating water park, WhoaZone, was debuted this year at Whihala Beach in Whiting, Indiana.

The park features inflatable obstacles floating on 8 feet deep water. For just $20 per person, you can bounce, jump, slide, and climb the one-acre park for one hour. Discounts for double sessions and early bird sessions are available. The park also offers stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and beach cabanas for rent. You must be 7 years old, 45� in height, and know how to swim to enter. Life jackets are provided by the park and must be worn by all.

A safety session is required and lifeguards are present. Purchase tickets at whoazonewhihala.com.

MEDITRINA MARKET CAFE

219-707-5271

24 Washington St | Valparaiso, IN Meditrina-Market-Cafe.com

$5

OFF

YOUR ORDER

Dine InInonly, perper table, Dine only,one onecoupon coupon table, with purchase of $10 or more. with a purchase of $10 or more.

Offer Expires Offer ExpiresAug April31, 30,2017 2017

MEDITRINA MARKET CAFE 24 Washington St | Valparaiso, IN

Paint rocks A new and popular trend in the area is rock painting.

It might seem silly, but it is actually a creative way to build community and spread positivity. People of all ages and backgrounds are painting smooth rocks with beautiful images or uplifting messages. The design can be painted using acrylic paint and sealing with nail polish or a craft sealant. Once the rocks are complete, the artist hides the rocks in public areas for others to find. Common hiding locations are parks, gardens, bike paths, and downtown. You can collect the rocks you find or rehide them for others, but always take a picture of your rock and post to your local community’s facebook page. In Valparaiso, the Facebook group Valpo Rocks! has over 800 members. Several other local cities have followed suit with groups like: Schererville Rocks!, Chesterton Rocks!, and Laporte County Rocks. With messages like “Different Not Less” and “Only Love Today”, it is impossible not to fall in love with this rock craze.

COMMUNITY CARE CENTER FOR WOMEN physicians are passionate about providing women the best care possible in a caring and comfortable environment.

Specializing in all aspects of women’s health: • Complete gynecologic care • Minimally invasive gynecological surgeries • Adolescent gynecology • Routine and high-risk obstetric care • Natural childbirth • Infertility issues • Menopause • Preventative health • daVinci® surgical system

Tracy Collins, MD Aruna Uppuluri, MD Jill Van Tholen, NP 9112 Columbia Munster 219-836-5040

John Taylor, MD Rebecca Papamihalakis, NP 3100 45th Ave Highland 219-924-1888

Anthony Gentile, MD 1001 Main St, 3rd Floor 16000 W. 101st St. Dyer 219-865-9160

Patricia Medina-McDevitt, MD 929 Ridge Rd Suite 3 Munster 219-836-0606

Katrina Lee, MD 9660 Wicker Ave, 2nd Floor St John 219-226-2336

A. Donna Farin, DO 1730-45th Ave Munster 219-703-9399

Don Henry, MD Jennifer Daley Herrera, NP 1001 Main St, 2nd Floor Dyer 219-836-5512

9660 Wicker Ave 2nd Floor St John 219-226-2336

mom to mom nwi | august 2017 | page 16

Howard Marcus, MD 9124 Columbia Ave Suite A Munster 219-440-7025 Joining our Team Michelle Zubair, MD 6625 W Lincoln Hwy Suite 2, Crown Point 219-440-5353

comhs.org

Go to a festival There are still many festivals and fairs planned for August. The thrill seeker might want to go the Lake County Fair.

The art lover may have their eyes set on the Chesterton Art Fair. The musician might rather head to Valparaiso for the Summer Rhapsody Music Festival every Thursday for concerts in Central Park Plaza. Whatever your style, you can find an event close to home that will appeal to you.

Attend Mom to Mom, NWI Back to School Bash Please join Mom to Mom, NWI magazine for our annual Back to School Bash on August 5th 3 to 6 P.M. at Bellaboo’s! The event will include back to school resources for parents, vendors, shopping, entertainment, giveaways, and all the fun of Bellaboos. The first 250 kids at the event will get a free backpack filled with goodies! We will also raffle off one amazing end of summer gift basket! Free and guaranteed admission for the first 500 guests.

Registration preferred, but not required. Be sure to check out the event page on Facebook! Have you already completed some of these bucket list items?

Share your photos with us! Tag Mom to Mom, NWI in your photos or share them on our Facebook page. We cannot wait to see you! - mtm

mtm: feature

traveling tranquility spa Nichole Odijk DeMario

A

As a teenager Jennifer McHale had her first massage. She knew from that moment on she wanted to help others experience that level of relaxation. Flash forward to 2013, McHale had a young, growing family. She wanted to continue to work in the spa industry, but wanted more flexibility to be with her children.

Her idea – a mobile spa that would “bring the calm to you.” Traveling Tranquility Mobile Spa officially launched in the fall of 2013 after McHale spent months waking up daily at 5 am before her children to business plan and strategize.

The mobile spa brings spa services to one’s home or another location of choice. McHale and her team of licensed estheticians, massage therapists, nail technicians and cosmetologists offer massages, chair massages, manicures, pedicures, facials, body waxing and more.

McHale says she and her team average between four to ten spa parties a month from birthday parties, bachelorette parties, bridal showers, ladies nights,

etc. She offers a variety of princess party packages for up to six little ones with a la carte additions such as nail decals, hair braid style, sparkly eye makeup and princess crowns.

She adds booking a party is meant to be simple and a kick start to the relaxation that’s to come. The hostess goes online to request the party. Once the date is selected, an email is sent to the hostess to then forward to her guests. Guests pre-select and prepay for the services they’d like at the party so McHale and her team can plan accordingly. Traveling Tranquility Mobile Spa team members arrive with mobile massage tables, manicure tables and pedicure tubs.

For businesses looking for workplace employee appreciation or as part of a wellness program, Traveling Tranquility Mobile Spa offers on-site chair massages. Individual spa services are also offered from prenatal massage to couples massage to spa manicures and pedicures.

“I know how busy life can get. How hard it can be for a mom to make time to get her nails done or get

mom to mom nwi | august 2017 | page 20

together with friends. Being able to bring pampering services to the everyday client is so gratifying,” McHale, mother of three of Dyer, Ind., says. “…The response has been so positive. People love the idea and have so much fun having a spa set up in their home.”

McHale says entrepreneurship has been a constant adventure and learning experience as she’s determined what works best for her and her team. She recommends fellow mothers on the path to becoming business owners take it slow to determine the direction they want to take and to set goals along the way. She suggests taking a course online or a motivational outlet to remain focused and encouraged. She says most importantly don’t be afraid to ask for help.

“I had a lot of mom guilt at first. I just had to get over myself,” she details.

She adds that as her children get older she hopes Traveling Tranquility Mobile Spa is an inspiration to them to find their passion.

“I hope they find a path where they enjoy what they do. I love what I do for a living. I never feel like I’m working,” she says.

She is continuing to grow her business and wants to expand her team of five to accommodate additional requests and larger parties. She’s currently hiring individuals with experience in massage therapy, manicures, pedicures and facials.

“We have an awesome team. We all work as a team, help each other out. Without working as a team I don’t feel this business would be growing as much as it has in the past few years. I’m definitely blessed to have an amazing spa team,” McHale says.

To learn more about Traveling Tranquility Mobile Spa visit travelingtranquilityspa.com, Facebook or call 219.629.0868. - mtm

SERVING

DUNELAND

SINCE

1983

Toddler, Early Childhood and Elementary Instil ing a Lifelong Love of Learning!

Call 219.926.2359 to Schedule a Tour www.Chester tonMontessori.com

mindy’s menu

Soaking up summer Mindy Gear

I

It’s August? Where has summer gone? I should be writing something about back to school…maybe some healthy snacks, creative lunch ideas or on the go breakfasts. However, I don’t want to admit that summer is coming to an end. It has been a great summer and it’s hard to believe we have to be back-to-school ready in a few short weeks. Instead, I am giving you a simple burger recipe, delicious crockpot potatoes and a pound cake dessert! - mtm

mom to mom nwi | august 2017 | page 24

Peppercorn Burgers I know this is a fairly simple recipe, but I like simple burgers. The crushed peppercorns add a great flavor to the burger. The key is to not overcook and dry out the meat. Don’t forget to make the burger sauce!

Directions Place ground beef, Worcestershire sauce and salt/ pepper (not peppercorns) in bowl. Mix gently and form into patties. Usually 6-8 patties depending on what size you would prefer. Pour cracked peppercorns into bowl or plate. Roll the edge of patties in the cracked peppercorns. Cook over preheated grill or in pan to desired doneness. Lightly toast the buns. Top with your favorite burger fixings…lettuce, avocado, onion, tomato, pickles, bacon, mushrooms.

Ingredients • 2# ground beef (80/20 or 80/15) • 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce • Sea salt (or seasoned salt)/pepper to taste • 3-4 Tbsp cracked peppercorns (I use tri-colored) • 1# bacon, cooked • Hamburger buns • Cheese slices • Burger toppings & condiments • Aioli, optional – see recipe below

Burger Sauce Ingredients • 2 cloves garlic, minced • Pinch of salt • ½ cup mayonnaise • 2 Tbsp olive oil • 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice • 1 Tbsp dill pickle juice

Directions In a small bowl, add pressed garlic and salt. Mash with fork until paste forms. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Slow Cooker Red Potatoes These are the best potatoes! It takes very little prep.

I love serving roasted potatoes, but hate turning the oven on during the summer. This recipe is a great substitution and doesn’t heat up the house.

Ingredients • 3 lbs small red potatoes (about 8 cups cut up)

• • • • • • • •

¼ cup olive oil 4 cloves garlic, minced ½ tsp sea salt Pepper to taste 1 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp dried oregano ¼ cup grated Parmesan Additional Parmesan

Directions Scrub potatoes and cut into small wedges. Place in the slow cooker. In small bowl or measuring cup mix the olive oil, garlic, salt/pepper, thyme and oregano. Pour over the potatoes and stir. Sprinkle the Parmesan over the potatoes.

Cover and cook on high for 3 hours. You need to try to resist opening the lid and checking on them. They will cook better uninterrupted. Have additional Parmesan cheese available for serving.

5 Flavor Pound Cake I’ve had this recipe floating around my house for quite some time. It is a unique combination of flavors. It is delicious covered in fresh berries and whipped cream. Just a great dessert for any occasion!

Ingredients • 2 sticks butter, softened • ½ cup Crisco • 3 cups sugar • 5 eggs, well-beaten • 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour • ½ tsp baking powder • 1 cup whole milk • 1 tsp of each extract: coconut, butter, run, vanilla, lemon

Directions Cream butter, Crisco and sugar together; add eggs and extracts.

Combine flour and baking powder. Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Mix until well blended. Bake in wellgreased flour tube pan (bundt pan). Bake in preheated 325 degree oven for 1 ½ hours. If using a dark or non-stick pan, reduce heat by 25 degrees or the cake will brown too much on the outside.

Cake is done when toothpick comes out clean.

Glaze 1 cup sugar, 1 tsp each flavoring, ½ cup water. Combine all ingredients, bring to boil. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Pour over hot cake and let cool before removing from the pan. Serve alone or with fruit.

mom to mom nwi | august 2017 | page 26

Does your style need a pick me up?

*Personal Wardrobe Styling *Family Photo Styling *Personal Shopping *Boutique *AND Organization Assistance Give yourself the gift of confidence, with Certified Stylist, Tara Dome

tara@redstylerecon.com | www.redstylerecon.com visit us on Facebook & Instagram

MOMS MAKING Work from Home Earn Full or Part-time Income

Call me today: 219.405.4485 www.traffin.TimeAndFreedomTeam.com

BRINGING WOMEN

Offer Expires Aug 31, 2017

mtm: feature

summer roadtrip Stephanie Vega Edwards

mom to mom nwi | august 2017 | page 28

W

When I was a kid, being on summer break was a rite of passage. There were no alarms to wake up to - no arguments over what to wear. Summer break was all about soaking up every ounce of fun – and that’s exactly what I did. I remember endless hours of swimming in my parent’s pool, riding bikes with my neighbors, and heading out on road trips. Growing up in New York we had just about everything at our disposal, but we loved to venture out to places like Hershey Park in Pennsylvania and Disney World in Florida. Road-tripping when I was a kid was a blast!

My parents would take the minivan seats out of the car, set up tons of blankets and pillows and we would just lay down and relax the whole way down – about 12 hours in the car! We’d bring cards and stare out the back window and waive at others in minivans and station wagons. How did we sit in the car without car seats and being properly restrained – isn’t it amazing how much things have changed?

The nostalgia I had for road trips prompted me to make those memories with my own children – and what better destination than the place where it all began! For the record, we’ve driven to New York before - nearly all my family lives there, but this time we were going to make it an experience, and this trip to New York would be much more than a quick visit with relatives. We set out on a Saturday night, in hopes of driving about half way and then stopping at a hotel to sleep. For a brief moment, I thought we could drive through the night and be rock stars but those hopes were quickly squashed when the youngest one was having some sort of nightmare, and kept screaming off and on – FUN! Maybe had it been the early 80’s and she would have been sprawled out in the car that wouldn’t have happened – I digress.

The next morning, we were all ready for another day on the road. We were chugging

right along and before we knew it we were entering New York. As the girls looked around at the skyline in awe, my hopes and dreams of getting out of the car shortly came crashing down. Nothing says welcome to New York like bumper to bumper traffic with cars going nowhere.

It wasn’t long until we made it to my family in Long Island - and before we could even get our bags out of the car, the girls were asking for their bathing suits so they could go in the pool. At that moment the night screaming, the car sickness (did I forget to mention that one), and the traffic didn’t matter – I truly felt home. Watching my girls swim and

wasn’t stopping us from having more fun! The next day we swam and set off to meet up with my high school best friends and their kids. It was the first time I was meeting some of these little kiddos and the girls were excited to play with all their new “cousins”. Watching all the children interact was so special, it completely melted my heart – this road trip was one for the books!

We spent the rest of the week visiting with our family, and my kids got to have some alone time with the grandparents while my siblings and our significant

play in the pool, that I used as a kid, made me realize how great this summer break was going to be – for all of us!

We spent a week in New York and every day was busy with a new adventure. I took the girls on their first train ride into the city and we then all became tourists in a city I grew up in and have always loved! We set off to see all the sites – a visit to the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square and the 9/11 Memorial were all on the list. My sister Amanda was our tour guide, and she made sure we hit up all the spots – with a few extras along the way. We hopped off and on the subway about half a dozen times, took a ferry boat to Ellis Island, ate hot pretzels from a street vendor, and then stopped for an amazing dinner of burgers and milkshakes at the Black Tap. Our New York City adventure was exhausting, but that

others headed out for another day in the Big Apple.

I was so excited to check off items from my bucket list – walk the Brooklyn Bridge, check, go to the new Yankee Stadium and watch my favorite team, check!

The weather was perfect, the company was perfect – I really couldn’t have asked for a better day!

As we were winding down and getting ready for the long car ride home, we planned on taking two days for the return trip. We figured we’d get the madness of

Our Available Services: • • • • •

Family, Pediatric & Dental Practices Immunizations, School & Sports Physicals* Laboratory, Sonographic & Diagnostics Services Behavioral Health & Community Resource Connection Serving Families in 5 locations-Gary, Hammond & Merrillville For an Appointment call 219-880-1190 1021 W. 5th Ave. Gary, IN 1015 N. Shelby, Gary, IN 3900 Calhoun St. Gary, IN (Calumet HS Door R) 5927 Columbia Ave, Hammond, IN 6100 Broadway, Merrillville, IN

Uninsured or Underinsured?

Call our Outreach Dept. at 219-886-8980 for a Certified Insurance Navigator for assistance.

driving out of New York out of the way and visit with my college friends in New Jersey. Even though the visit with my college girls was short, it was oh so sweet! All our kids played so well together and no-one wanted to part ways – myself included. As I hugged my friend Karen goodbye I felt my eyes well up with tears – the happiness that I felt all week was coming to an end.

It was a bittersweet feeling, and it wrapped up our vacation the best way possible.

The car ride home wasn’t as somber as I thought.

The kids all got along in the car, watched a couple of

movies, and even played some old school games like pointing out all the different license plates from various states and finding things on the road that started with every letter of the alphabet. I set out to give my kids an experience and memories that would last a lifetime and I truly believe I accomplished that. This summer has been one of my favorites on record and it all started with a little road trip.

Creating memories that will last a lifetime – it’s the true definition of living life to the fullest! - mtm

your ad here nwi

ask about our advertising specials p: 219.973.5138 e: stephanie@momtomomnwi.com

ONLY ATÂ

2800 COLORADO ST. LAKE STATION, IN

Surrogate Steps

Bellezza Body and Soul

Your Smile, Made Whole

Healthy Mom, great smile!

Get a FREE 30-minute smile consultation today!

219.879.8563

Michael Orrico, D.D.S. 5477 N. Johnson Rd, Michigan City, IN 46360

Extraordinary women’s care is now more convenient than ever!

Innovative Women’s Health now offers five office locations, with Saturday appointments available in Hobart, Merrillville and Valparaiso!

New patients are welcome.

Services include:

INNOVATIVE WOMEN’S HEALTH www.comhs.org

• Minimally invasive surgical options for all gynecological conditions • Menopause • High-risk pregnancies • Hormone therapy • Complete gynecological and obstetric care • Lactation consultation • Certified nurse midwives on staff

Hobart: 1400 S. Lake Park Ave., Suite 205 219-942-8620 Merrillville: 9235 Broadway 219-942-8620 Portage: Portage Health Center II 3545 Arbors Blvd., Suite A 219-759-6092 Valparaiso: Valparaiso Health Center 3800 St. Mary Dr., Suite 201 219-286-3775 Winfield: Winfield Family Health Center 10607 Randolph St., Suite C 219-663-1841