May 2017

happy AND THEN THERE WERE FOUR

The Socia's Story

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Day MOTHER'S DAY

GIFT IDEAS

Tips for Self-Care for Every Mom

D E

2017

Camp Guide

PREVIEW

FREE

May 2017

*Northwest Health Physicians’ Specialty Hospital is owned, in part, by physicians.

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Happy MotheR's Day Don’t miss our MOTHER'S DAY PAMPER PACKAGE surprise giveaway Visit us online for more details

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137 Van Asche Loop • Fayetteville, AR • 479-571-3100

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May

Early Learner Programs @

1009 MUSEUM WAY • BENTONVILLE, AR AMAZEUM.ORG • 479-696-9280

STEAM Studio Every Thursday in May 10 am - noon Family-led STEAM themed developmentally appropriate learning FREE no registration required

Great Pretenders (3-5 years + caregiver) Storybook Playtime May 18, Encore May 18 10-11 am $10 members/$15 non-members

Baby Buds (6-17 mos + caregiver) Storybook Playtime May 3, Encore May 4 10-11 am $10 members/$15 non-members

Zing Adventures (4-6 years + caregiver) A Trip from Earth to the Moon May 20, 9-10 am $10 members/$15 non-members

Discovery Tots (18-36 mos + caregiver) Storybook Playtime May 10, Encore May 11 10-11 am $10 members/$15 non-members

Baby Buds, Discovery Tots, Great Pretenders and Zing Adventures require advanced registration and payment: amazeum.org/events-andprograms/early-learners/

4 May 2017

Whether you need prenatal care, an annual preventive exam, or gynecological screenings, Willow Creek Women’s Clinic is here for you. We also provide family planning and postpartum care as well as gynecological services for adolescents.

Visit NW-Physicians.com or call 479-757-1730 to schedule an appointment.

Ask about same-day appointments.

4301 Greathouse Springs Road, Suite 100 Johnson, AR 72762 Serena Pierson, M.D. Board-Certified OB/GYN

NW-Physicians.com Member of the Medical Staff at Willow Creek Women’s Hospital

DEDICATED TO WOMEN’S UNIQUE NEEDS AT

EVERY STAGE OF LIFE.

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The

Family KIMBERLY ENDERLE Editor-in-Chief editor@peekaboonwa.com | 479-957-0532

JONATHON ENDERLE Creative Director jon@peekaboonwa.com | 479-586-3890

Kim and Jonathon with Ava, Grant and Holden Enderle.

PHOTO BY MAIN STREET STUDIOS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER/EDITOR Frances Wilson

DISTRIBUTION/ CIRCULATION Joyce Whitaker Judy Evans Marcedalia Salinas

Jeremy Whitaker Michelle Dodson

Peekaboo Publications PO Box 1036 Bentonville, Arkansas 72712

BEN LACY Dad’s View

Columnist

VERONICA ZUCCA Story Design

Please send inquiries to: editor@peekaboonwa.com or call 479-957-0532 www.peekaboonwa.com Peekaboo may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the magazine.

PEEKABOO Northwest Arkansas accepts writing contributions

6 May 2017

JENNIFER CRISTOFARO Events

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From the moment your baby is born through childhood and adolescence, your relationship with a skilled and caring pediatrician is crucial to the health and wellbeing of your child. That’s why it’s so important to find a pediatrician who makes you feel comfortable and confident every step of the way. At our Northwest Physicians practices, we focus on providing preventive care, such as routine checkups, sports and school physicals, immunizations, allergy care, and diagnosis and treatment of childhood illnesses.

WE’RE WITH YOU

EVERY INCH OF Northwest Pediatric Convenient Care

3057 Springdale Ave., Springdale, AR 72762 Mon.-Fri.: Noon-8 p.m., Sat.-Sun.: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

479-751-2522

Susan Averitt, M.D. Staci Graber, APN

Best Start Pediatric Clinic

Megan Kumpe, APN

5501 Willow Creek Dr. Suite 104 Springdale, AR 72762 Mon.-Fri.: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

479-575-9359

Mark Lovell, M.D.

The Children’s Clinic at Har-Ber Meadows 6636 W. Sunset Ave. Suite A Springdale, AR 72762 Mon.-Thur.: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fri.: 8 a.m.-Noon

479-306-4242

Laurie Anderson, M.D. Millicent Ford, M.D. April Durham, M.D.

The Children’s Clinic at Springdale 3057 Springdale Ave. Springdale, AR 72762 Mon.-Fri.: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

479-751-2522

Members of the Medical Staff of Northwest Health and Allied Health Staff of Northwest Health.

8 May 2017

Ask about our same-day or next-day appointments. To learn more or find a location near you, visit NW-Physicians.com.

THE WAY.

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Inside

M AY 2 0 1 7

Also 37

Northwest Health’s Dr. Kevin Lollar: A Focus on Empathy

44

Mom to Mom: Mother’s Day 101 BY: MEAGAN RUFFING

18

The Socia's Story BY: KELLY SOCIA

26

The Call: The Smith Family BY: MELISSA SMITH

48

Dad’s View

WITH BEN LACY

50

Get Your Kids Into the Arts This Summer BY: DWAIN HEBDA

54

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

60

2017 Camp Guide

72

Mom in the Know

32

Holly’s Legacy A Story of a Mother’s Love BY: ERIN GLOVER

68

Blessed and Thankful for Alex BY: LESLYE MORSE

56

The Farm Itch

ON THE COVER

BY: PRISCILLA BARROS

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B.O.W. Program Helps Women Feed Their Wild Side BY: DWAIN HEBDA

Cover Sponsored by: Northwest Health www.northwesthealth.com 10 May 2017

Evelyn, 4, and Sinclaire, 9 months, daughters of Mike and Cody Duley of Rogers.

Photos by : Miles Witt Boyer Photographic Collective www.mileswittboyer.com

Arkansas’ Arts + Nature Festival Presented by Walton Arts Center

Family Fun!

TPO’s The Painted Garden

The Man Who Planted Trees

Trail Mix May 13 & 14

The Way Back Home

Meaningful arts experiences for the newest generation of theater, music and nature lovers. Tickets only $10!

Compagnia TPO’s The Painted Garden

Saturday, May 6, 11AM, 2PM, 4PM Experience visually immersive theater that crosses the border between art and play as performers and the audience interact with virtual landscapes of astonishing sights and sounds. Ages 4+

DOWNLOAD THE ARTOSPHERE APP! Available on Google Play™ or in the Apple® App Store℠

Tickets On Sale Now! Events listed above take place at Walton Arts Center

artospherefestival.org | 479.443.5600

The Way Back Home

Sunday, May 14, 2PM & 4PM* When a boy discovers a single-propeller airplane in his closet, he does what any young adventurer would do: he flies into outer space! Ages 4+

The Man Who Planted Trees

Puppet State Theatre of Ireland Saturday, May 20, 11AM & 2PM* This multi-sensory theatrical adaptation of Jean Giono’s environmental classic tells the inspiring story of a shepherd who plants a forest, acorn by acorn. Ages 7+ *Asterisks denote Relaxed Performances for patrons with sensory sensitivities; learn more at artospherefestival.org

Thanks to Greenwood Gearhart Inc., Tyson Foods Inc., Walmart Foundation, Walton Family Foundation, Experience Fayetteville, Springdale A&P, Visit Bentonville, Blue & You Foundation, Mid-America Arts Alliance and Friends of Walton Arts Center. Additional support provided by Lee and Linda Scott.

Support for AFO Music Director Corrado Rovaris provided by Mary Ann and Reed Greenwood.

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From the Editor

A look ahead: If you have a story to share, or an idea for a story, email editor@peekaboonwa. com and be a part of the Peekaboo family!

JUNE IS OUR FATHER'S DAY ISSUE! July is our all things pets, summer and safety. If you have a topic you would like to see us cover send it our way!

Email us at editor@ peekaboonwa.com Photo by: Daniel Moody Photography

If you're reading this at the beginning of May, make sure to mark your calendar for--and then re-mark it, so you don't miss--the 5th Annual Peekaboo KidsFest Event (formally known as the Birthday Party Expo) on May 6th from 10am-2pm!

This year, the popular family event will be held on the Bentonville Square, during the Bentonville Film Festival! This event will be the best yet, and we're so excited for everyone to all the activities available... from pony rides and pedal karts with Farmland Adventures, to mechanical bull riding, to bounce houses and obstacle course fun with 16:9 Entertainment, painting and arts and crafts with Imagine Studios, video games, cotton candy, pictures with princesses... and much, much more!

Now, If you're reading this in the middle of the month... Happy Mother's Day! This month, we will welcome our fourth baby, and are so excited to add to our family. Taking on the title of "Mom" is the most rewarding, exhausting, amazing, challenging, and love-filled role I will ever experience. Of course, without the example of my own mom, I would be lost. I am thankful every day that she loved each of her own four kids so fully, and I often take plays straight from her parenting playbook for my own kiddos.

A "fun" side effect of being pregnant is hearing all of the copious amounts of advice that perfect strangers are eager to offer me. When you're pregnant with a fourth, you don't just get advice and the attempted tummy touches (I say "attempted," because I am not a 'touch my tummy' kind of pregnant mom, and have mastered some pretty awesome Matrix moves to dodge even the fastest of hands), you also get some fairly bold commentary. The best is when complete 14 May 2017

strangers will visibly (or even verbally) count each of my three children, and then point to my stomach and ask if I am aware that I am, in fact, crazy. So, the first fifty times it was cute--comedic even--and got a smile and a chuckle from me, followed by a "Well, I do love being a mom." Now, however, I am tempted to start only giving a half-smile, which is a pretty rude response coming from me. Honestly, my face tends to light up like a Las Vegas billboard with my feelings, so my half-smile is probably more of a discouraging grimace!

If you're reading this at the end of the month, then... congratulations! You survived another school year!

I am so excited for a break from our usual routine, and the freedom to go to bed without worrying if A) I signed their permission slips, or B) if they have at least one clean uniform for the next morning, or C) if I set my alarm correctly for the early morning wake-up. Of course, the interesting thing about my May 'letter from the editor' is that it always includes the excitement of escaping routine... but, just wait a couple of issues, and I will be writing about how ready I am for the new school year, because the lack of routine has made us all a little crazy! One thing you will not see, however, in any letter from this editor, is how much I have missed making school lunches. Honestly, that particular task is something that I dread every single day during the school year.

To prepare for the beginning of the summer, be sure to go through our camp guide and calendar of events inside this issue to help make this summer the most memorable one yet! Make sure to send us pictures of your summer fun, and we will share them in the July issue! Just email them to editor@peekaboonwa.com.

“ THE WAY TEACHERS TEACH YOU HERE IS OUTSTANDING.” XAVIER LOVES THAT THE NEW SCHOOL GIVES HIM THE OPPORTUNITY TO TACKLE A TOUGH MATH EQUATION, PLAY PETER PAN IN THE SCHOOL PLAY AND SHOOT HOOPS WITH HIS FRIENDS. “The New School really expands your mindset and I want other kids to experience that.”

At The New School, a welcoming environment is matched with a challenging curriculum, and teachers focus on classroom learning that leads to real world discovery.

“My favorite subject is math because math is in everything.

This building, math made it happen.”

Learn how The New School can help your child discover more.

Schedule a tour today by calling 479-521-7037 or visit thenewschool.org.

The New School is an independent school that respects, embraces, and celebrates diversity in its curriculum, student body, and staff. The New School does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, color, national or ethnic origin in the admission of students, in hiring, or in the administration of its educational program.

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AND THEN THERE WERE FOUR

The Socia's Story

O

STORY BY KELLY SOCIA / PHOTOS BY: MAIN STREET STUDIOS

more strain on the couple. I have n April 30th, 2011, I experienced the best day of to pause and say, I understand why my life—marrying my best friend. I couldn’t wait many marriages don’t last due to to start our life together as Mr. and Mrs. Socia! Oh, the infertility issues. It’s embarrassing adventures we would have—traveling, hosting parties to both of you and you wonder at our home, starting holiday traditions of our own, and what you could do differently, eventually the most exciting adventure—becoming and then there are all the doctors parents! and the hormones — you don’t As a newlywed, I never imagined that, once we even feel like yourself! While started trying to conceive, our journey to become marriage is a partnership and takes work, fertility parents would be a difficult one--and yet, that issues within a marriage….well, that requires an became the case. Over the years, we’ve experienced abundance of patience, love and humor (you have friends all around us announcing their exciting to laugh!) that many days you just don’t have. I’m news, and while we were thrilled for them and so blessed beyond compare with a loving husband… excited to meet their bundle of joy, we couldn’t help he’s held my hand through every day of it. but wonder as the months and years passed by, why we continued to experience the heartache of the In November of 2015, we completed our third words “not pregnant” that appeared on each test we round of fertility treatments and got the news a took. In June of 2015, we got the unfortunate news week before Thanksgiving that IVF didn’t work from a test we’d had completed that we would and the two embryos transferred did not result in not be able to conceive naturally; thus, we began a pregnancy. We were devastated…. we prayed, researching clinics and doctors that could help in consoled each other and decided that that had to our journey to become parents. For anyone who be the last round of treatments — it was just too has ever gone through any fertility treatment, much. In February, however, we’d regained a sense you’re well aware…. it’s not easy! The medicines, of “We’ve got this!” and decided to do one more injections, procedures, doctors who treat you like round of IVF. The toughest part of IVF was that a number vs. a person and overall strain it puts on if you ended up getting pregnant, you found out a marriage all make a couple wonder every day, “Is together from the blood draw they did two weeks it really worth it?” The treatments, coupled with all after they transferred the embryo. It kind of cuts the prodding that comes from family and friends in on the fun of getting to surprise your husband asking “Why do you still have no children?” with the news! On June 29th, we made the trek 3 and “You really should hurry up” place even hours away from our house to our specialist to

have the last embryo transfer completed. I prayed the entire time and just knew that God had a little baby Socia waiting for us from this round. We had our blood test scheduled for July 8th and our anxiety was surreal…. the waiting was the worst! I felt many of the pregnancy symptoms, but couldn’t bring myself to take a test because I’d seen so many negatives. I just couldn’t stand to see another one.

But, on Thursday, July 7th, at 2pm, I experienced the joy of a POSITIVE pregnancy test! I cried, screamed loudly “REALLY?!” about 10 times and then took 5 more tests, all confirming I was really pregnant! I canceled every meeting I had and drove up to my husband’s office because I wanted to be able to tell him that I was pregnant, instead of a doctor! I pulled him away from patients, into his office and pulled the “Iron Baby” onesie I’d gotten 4 years ago from his first Ironman race out of my bag and started crying. The joy we experienced was insurmountable, and we felt that our missing puzzle piece was finally present and growing!

On July 18th, I randomly started spotting, and, unfortunately, within an hour it was all over with.

I felt numb. We were devastated beyond words — devastated. Our fertility clinic said it might not be a miscarriage, and had us drive 6 hours round trip the next day to run some tests that confirmed that we had, in fact, lost the baby. I remember thinking, what now? Why would God let us go through all of this? What have we done wrong?

My sweet dad gave me the best reminder and said, “You didn’t marry Adam to have kids…. you married him because you loved him and knew you couldn’t go a day without him.” Those words sunk deep, and I knew that was how we would go on — we’d focus on the amazing marriage we had. In all of this, our faith and our marriage have stayed very strong, and have only gotten that much stronger.

Again I’ll say, he’s held my hand through every day.

In late September, we decided we’d just enjoy the holidays and we’d put all thoughts regarding starting a family to the side and revisit any thoughts or next steps in 2017. Adam and I continued to pray for clarity and an understanding of what God would have us do. Neither of us wanted to move forward in any way unless God’s hand of provision and blessing was on it. On Thursday, December 1st, I told Adam that I really felt God laying on my heart that we had so much love to give, and we could easily give that love to a child that didn’t come from us. Adam smiled, and through tears said, God was placing that same thing on his heart. We cried, laughed, hugged, and realized that God was calling us to ADOPT! That next evening, I walked into the nursery in our home (which had been a forbidden room to walk into, as I broke Turn the page …

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I wasn’t aware I had enough love in my heart to love two sweet boys so incredibly much. My love for my husband has grown more than I ever could have imagined as I see him in this amazing new role as their dad.

down every time) and looked at the few newborn clothes and blankets we’d already purchased and I smiled —finally, no tears! I thought to myself, some baby will get good use out of these clothes, and will receive so much love and hugs from us. That baby would also get some sweet puppy kisses from our fur babies Zoe and Lylah!

Days and weeks seemed to drag on, as we had still yet to receive a call from our adoption attorney that a birth mother was interested in us. While we knew this was just part of the unfortunately lengthy process, patience seemed almost impossible for us.

Around the end of January, we decided to sign with an agency vs. just utilizing an attorney. The agency we’d chosen, ABBA Adoption, was in Little Rock, and I still remember the random Friday we met with the owner. She stated that it would likely be at least a year before we signed with a birth mother, but I just knew she’d be the right fit to help us find a baby—our baby! On Thursday, February 16, at 7:30pm, we got a call from the owner that would forever change us. The ink had barely dried on our application when she shared the good news… she had a birth mother for us! Her voice relayed quickly that there was a catch. The baby was actually two babies - twins - and the mother was due to have a C-section the following Friday.

We would need to give an answer the very next morning. She talked us through all of the details and warned us that she didn’t feel the birth mother would last until her planned C-section, and that we should be prepared for their arrival much sooner.

We hung up, laughed and gave each other anxious looks and then prayed. We weren’t 100% sure of an 20 May 2017

immediate “yes,” but we knew we didn’t feel a “no.”

The night turned into several calls, and before we knew it, we were telling her a resounding “YES!” Shortly after, she called to tell us that the birth mother was at the hospital and the babies would be arriving within the hour. We threw clothes into a suitcase and made our way to the hospital with excitement and anxiety all at the same time. I stopped my husband before we left the house and said, “The next time we walk through those doors, we’ll be parents to twins!”

We rushed through the doors of the hospital around midnight and were set up in our very own room, as if I had actually delivered the babies. They told us both boys were doing great and that we could see them in a few minutes… minutes, not hours! We were about to meet our baby boys and our excitement and joy could not be contained.

I still remember when we walked through the doors of the nursery room and saw them for the first time — my heart could barely take it. They handed me the first born, Beckham Isaiah. He was born at 11:43, and his sweet brother, Liam Crosby followed 2 minutes later. As I held him close to my heart, I couldn’t stop the tears that flowed. Oh, did they flow! I had envisioned for so many years what it would feel like, and what he/she would look like upon first meeting. I’d never imagined through the years that the scenario would look like this, but I can’t imagine a better ending to our lengthy journey to becoming parents.

As I write this, the boys are seven weeks old and have settled into our home and our family so very well. Lylah and Zoe love being big sisters, and their sweet brothers are smothered with kisses daily!

Adam and I are learning many valuable life lessons: sleep is overrated, and 3 hours of good sleep is oddly refreshing. Alone time is a thing of the past,

and our favorite time is when we’re all 4 cuddled on the couch. Lastly, a trip to Walmart or Walgreens is now a novelty, in which we flip a coin to see who the lucky one is who gets to sneak out for a few quick minutes! They attended their first church service this past Sunday, and I held Beckham as we sang about God’s promises to us. I held him close and tears gently fell down my cheeks... God’s promises to us have been a bit hard to see during the entire journey, but He certainly fulfilled them in His timing. We are so blessed to see the evidence of this daily in the eyes of Beckham and Liam.

On this Mother’s Day, I’m so grateful for the gift of joining this wonderful club that we call “motherhood.” It’s been quite the journey to get here and, oddly, I wouldn’t change a bit of it. I wasn’t aware I had enough love in my heart to love two sweet boys so incredibly much. My love for my husband has grown more than I ever could have imagined, as I see him in this amazing new role as their dad.

Adam, I look forward to holding your hand as we continue into this next phase of our lives as “Mom and Dad” Here’s to the late nights, early mornings, potty training, training wheels, baseball games and hearing them call the Hogs….I can’t imagine anyone I’d rather have by my side to love, learn and parent.

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Now enrolling for Summer Camps, Classes, and Childcare. Fall 2017 Registration available.

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Preschool and Childcare Center

Our mission is to partner with parents in providing the ideal care for each child. We believe in preparing the whole child for success in a global society by developing strong character traits through rigorous study of the arts and academics. We believe in every child’s innate desire and ability to learn and grow; it is our responsibility to create the best possible environment.

Spanish Language Immersion

We support families working to raise bilingual children in Northwest Arkansas by offering preschool, child care, after school classes, parent training, and advocacy.

Suzuki Music Lessons

We provide group and private instruction for violin, viola, cello, voice, and piano.

479.640.4925 2000 E Central, Bentonville AR Jenny Castillo, Director

casacastillonwa@gmail.com

www.casacastillo.net

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24 May 2017

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CHILDREN of ARKANSAS LOVED for a LIFETIME

The Smiths

A

BY MELISSA SMITH, THE CALL EVENT COORDINATOR

s a young girl, I dreamt of marriage and children, perhaps two of the latter. After just a few years of marriage, my husband Chad and I were expecting our first child in 1998. That short-lived joy became devastation when we were told our child no longer had a heartbeat. While processing our grief, we became pregnant again with our son Cole, who was born in 1999. Two years later, we were blessed with another pregnancy, and our daughter Morgan was born in 2001. She was born with congenital heart disease, which led to surgery, hospital stays, and lots of doctor's appointments. We thought our family of four, with a son and a daughter, made us complete. On a Sunday in February 2011, however, my husband and I sat in church and learned of something that would forever change our lives, foster care.

We were honestly naive to the hundreds of children in our community that didn't have a safe place to sleep, or arms to hold them as they were scared.

We wondered why we had never heard of this crisis in the news or the papers. Perhaps it's because there aren't orphanages on street corners, like in the movies, where you see their faces. Once we became aware, we knew we had to do something.

As we visited with our children about becoming an open foster home, none of us could come up with a good reason not to open. Later that year, we had completed all paperwork, attended training through The CALL, and had our home study.

Once this was all complete, we officially became an open foster home in April of 2012. Within hours of officially being an open home, we received a phone call for a little boy, to which we said yes. That yes turned into another yes, as we found out he had a 26 May 2017

brother. A weekend stay for the boys turned into eleven months. Those first two "yes-es" turned into twenty-one of the same responses in just five years.

With each yes, I would honestly get both butterflies and knots in my stomach. My mind would race with a million thoughts as I would think, "What did I just do?" "Can we do this?" "I wonder what their story is..." "Will they like us?" and so much more. We've said yes to every age group, boy and girl, singles and siblings. Some would stay a night or a weekend, but some nearly a year and a half.

Each and every one of these children will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Two of our little ones, separate cases, not siblings, I was able to co-mother. I mothered alongside their birth mothers while they were in my care, as they worked to get their children back. I would send notes, pictures and share updates of milestones

reached. I loved these children as my own with no holding back. I rejoiced and cried with them and their mothers. Then, with each one, the day came to let go. I'll be honest here, the heartbreak of not tucking them in, kissing their heads and hearing their giggles was more than I could bear at times. But, with each, God continued to show me that there were more little ones who needed to be rocked, comforted and shown unconditional love.

So, I would press on as my heart would heal.

In December of 2014, our daughter officially became a Smith--Haleigh Celeste Smith. Parenting a child who has suffered severe trauma has challenged me more than I could have ever imagined, but she is worth it. I am thankful to be her mother. Many days I may not show my thankfulness as I learn to parent her and help her heal, but I am. I am thankful that her dream of one day walking down the aisle, to say I do and starting her own family, will not be done alone.

She, now and forever, will have a family that loves her and is there to celebrate little and big moments in her life. I am so thankful for all of my children: biological, adopted, and foster. What a joy and a privilege it is to be their forever mother, or their middle mother. My childhood dream of becoming a mother is so much more than I ever could have imagined. I am blessed!

I am so thankful for all of my children: biological, adopted, and foster.

During our years of saying "yes" to foster children, our eyes became more open, as well as our hearts, not only for the need of foster homes, but for the need of adoptive families. Once again, we were unaware of how may children did not return home to parents or family members.

In Arkansas alone, there are over 500 children waiting for a forever family--a family that will celebrate a good grade on a test, enjoy holidays and vacations with them, and a family that they can call theirs, for the rest of their lives. We began to pray, visit with our children, and inquire about adding another Smith to the family. Once the decision was made to proceed, we began receiving profiles of children waiting in our community and around the state. Finally, after six months, we met our daughter... a lovely twelve-year-old girl, exactly five months younger than our biological daughter, to the day.

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28 May 2017

SUMMER CAMP!

June 12th - 16th and July 10th - 14th Bowling - Laser Tag - Arcade Play Structure - Spin Zone Bumper Cars Registration Cost: $109.99 or $129.99 with Lunch Register Early and Save $10!

Each Camper Receives: a Summer Camp t-shirt | Fast Lane Lanyard | Snacks Register Today at www.fastlanebowl.com

2 FREE GAMES OF BOWLING A DAY ALL SUMMER! sign UP AT WWW.KIDSBOWLFREE.COM/FAST

Fast Lane Entertainment

479-659-0999

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AUTISM INVOLVES ME

WEEKEND

WEEKEND CO-CHAIRS Julie Murphy EVP, Neighborhood Markets, Walmart Jeff McAllister SVP, Supply Chain, Walmart

MAY 12/13 2017

MAY 13

MAY 12

AIM GOLF KINGSDALE COMPLEX

AIM WALK HORTON FARMS

BELLA VISTA 8 AM & 1 PM

GRAVETTE | 9 AM

GOLF WALK Presented by Jarvis

Presented by Henkel

MISSION Autism Involves Me (AIM) enhances the

lives of people with autism by connecting the NW Arkansas community through greater awareness and resources.

PROGRAMS AIM serves families impacted with autism

in both direct and indirect ways: Annual community event (AIM Weekend), ongoing family friendly events for those impacted by autism, grants and professional resources to inform and educate.

REGISTERINFO@AIMNWA.ORG AT AIMNWA.ORG .

.

. . . . .

Bentonville C O m pa n y

E-COMMERCE MEDIA · SAMPLING · DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT

CASSADY 30 May 2017

CHILDREN’S CENTER

sponsors as of 3/15/17

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! PEEKABOO MAGAZINE KIDSFEST AT BFF

DOWNTOWN BENTONVILLE Saturday, May 6th from 10-2

LOGO WHERE THE KIDS OF THEDESIG COMMUNITY TAKE CENTER STAGE! AND GUIDEL

Bounce Houses, Obstacle Course, Mechanical Bull Riding by 16:9 Entertainment Petting Zoo and Pony Rides with Farmland Adventure Arcade Games and Activities from Fast Lane Entertainment Arts and Craft Projects with Imagine Studios And many more!!

To be a part of KidsFest email editor@peekaboonwa.com peekaboonwa.com

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(HollY’s LegacY] THE STORY OF A MOTHER’S LOVE

I

BY: ERIN GLOVER

n December of 2014, my sister, Holly, was diagnosed with a 25-pound cancerous tumor.

The tumor, which we later found out was made up of ‘small cell sarcoma,’ was literally engulfing one of her kidneys. She had to undergo surgery to remove both the kidney and the tumor, which in turn created many other dangerous complications.

During the initial extensive surgery, a piece of tumor dislodged, causing a pulmonary embolism that traveled up through her heart and into her lungs.

She then had to have a lengthy emergency openheart surgery, during which she had to have two complete blood transfusions. It was very touch-andgo, and we were told that her body had been through so much that she would most likely not survive the night. Hours later, her condition deteriorated further, as she began bleeding internally, and one of her lungs filled with fluid. She was quickly whisked away to have a third, and then a fourth, procedure done to correct both of these issues. With so many traumas continually happening to her body, the next immediate concern was whether she would ever be strong enough to come off of the ventilator.

It took five long days of adjusting and re-adjusting the ventilator settings, but, finally, Holly was finally able to breath on her own again. Through the grace of the good Lord, and after 15 excruciating days in the hospital, I am happy to say that she got to come home. It was a true miracle, to say the least!

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When Holly regained her strength, she started a very strong inpatient chemotherapy called Doxsurubicin every three weeks, for almost an entire year. It was referred to as the "Red Devil," as it made her deathly ill, but she never lost her positive attitude. While in the hospital, she even became a role model for other cancer patients by visiting them and giving them positive encouragement.

She was proud of all her surgery scars, and didn’t mind showing them off. As a walking miracle, Holly became a “hospital celebrity,” and everyone wanted to meet her.

Once her chemo regimen was completed, the waiting game began to see if the chemotherapy had worked. Thankfully, she was pronounced cancerfree in July of 2015! Unfortunately, due to the type of chemo she had taken, doctors told Holly that she would never be able to have children. Despite that, and through God’s will and plan alone, Holly found out in October of 2015 that she was pregnant. Her doctors were flabbergasted. Everyone was elated, but also scared to death for her and the baby. After all that she had been through, we questioned if her body would be strong enough for the baby to survive without lifelong complications. She waited to tell her family and friends until Thanksgiving, when she believed that she was far enough along for things to be okay…or so we all hoped.

In January of 2016, we found out that Holly’s tumor was back... and this time, it had metastasized.

Doctors told her that the likelihood of the baby surviving was almost zero. The baby was growing at a steady rate, and the cancer cells were growing just as rapidly. The question was, which would grow quicker - the baby, or the tumors? After much prolonged deliberation, Holly’s doctors informed her that there was just not enough room in her body to grow a baby alongside her emerging tumors.

The only hope for Holly’s survival would be to abort the child and start on chemotherapy as quickly as possible. Holly refused to abort, knowing in her heart that her baby was a gift from God, and asked her medical team to do whatever they could to save the baby--not her.

After weeks of talking and praying fervently, Dr. Paul Wendel, a high-risk pregnancy physician at UAMS, took over Holly’s case. Several meetings between Dr. Wendel, the oncology and urology departments, and the

surgical team later, it was decided that if the baby was going to have any chance at all, one of the tumors in Holly’s abdomen had to be removed in order to make room for the baby to continue to grow. The likelihood that the child would survive was, again, very slim, but Holly agreed to go through yet another surgery. It was obviously a very risky procedure for both Holly and the baby, so, before Holly went in, she told Dr. Wendel that if he had to choose between the two of them, she wanted him to save the baby.

It was a very long day, but that evening we were able to rejoice in yet another God-granted miracle: Holly and the baby had both survived the procedure.

After surgery, Dr. Wendel was even more determined to do whatever was possible to try to save the baby, as well as Holly. Because of the degree of complications with the pregnancy, a “Dream Team” was developed in order to keep Holly alive long enough to get the baby viable enough to live outside of the Turn the page …

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womb. Holly’s team of doctors continued to monitor, research, and discuss her very unique situation. Dr. Wendel, along with the rest of the Dream Team, decided that it would be best to start her back on the “Red Devil” in order to shrink the growing tumors and prolong Holly’s life expectancy. There were concerns as to how the chemo would affect the baby, but, without it, the tumors would keep growing, and the surgery would have been for nothing, because Holly and the baby might both die. Holly’s main focus was never on herself--just to get her baby into the world safely!

Her attitude stayed positive, and she was certain that both her and the baby would be fine. In the midst of chemo treatment, we found out that the baby was going to be a boy, which gave Holly even more of a reason to fight.

As anticipated, the pregnancy was a very, very difficult one. Not only were the doctors treating a patient with cancer, but a pregnant patient with cancer. Holly was monitored very closely and basically lived in the hospital towards the end of her pregnancy. From about twenty-eight weeks on, it was a day-to-day battle, no one knowing when or if they would have to take the baby. Holly courageously fought day in and day out to be able to hold her baby. She became very weak from the chemo regimen mixed with the dehydration of morning sickness. Her immune system was practically non-existent. She experienced toxicity from the chemo at one point, and was just utterly exhausted. Dr. Wendel worked tirelessly to help get Holly to a point where she would be able to hold her baby in her arms. She never became discouraged

during her fight, and always had a smile on her face, a positive attitude, and a tremendous amount of faith.

At thirty-two weeks, Holly spiked a fever, her blood pressure skyrocketed, and her heart rate shot up. Dr. Wendel immediately suggested a C-section, but feared the outcome for both the baby and Holly might not be a very positive one.

Luckily, as fast as Holly’s fever spiked, it went away.

Determined to have a natural childbirth, Holly was induced, but not without many various fears about of what might arise. On May 11th, 2016, at 9:20AM, however, Conor Jameson Rogers made his debut safely. The birth had no complications, and was absolutely beautiful. Needless to say, there was not a dry eye in the room. He was perfect! Holly had beaten the odds, and delivered a 3 pound, 11 ounce bundle of joy. He was quickly handed off to Holly, for her and Dr. Wendel had succeeded in accomplishing the impossible. He didn’t even have to have oxygen! Holly was holding her baby - the baby that so many wanted her to abort. The baby that everyone feared would be on a ventilator or have a deformity for the rest of his life if he even survived. He was a miracle child. The room was quickly filled with nurses, doctors, specialists, and people that didn’t even know our family personally, but had heard about the amazingly, selfless story of a mother, sickened with cancer, choosing her baby’s life over fighting for her own. Conor lived in the NICU for about 3 months. Knowing how important skin-to-skin contact was, Holly would

sit and hold him for hours all day, every day, urging him to grow so that he could come home.

She would smile through her pain and nausea from the continued chemotherapy, because he was now her reason to live. She wanted every moment with him, and for him to know her.

Over time, however, Holly’s condition began to worsen. The tumors were continuing to grow, and her pain was becoming unbearable. When Conor was a mere five months old, Holly sadly lost her courageous battle with cancer. Holly was a true inspiration to many, and she left a lasting impression on everyone she came into contact with.

There are no words to describe what it felt like to watch my sister’s unselfish act--willingly sacrificing herself in order that her child live. She taught doctors that there is more to healing than earthly medicine.

Maybe, someday, the doctors that took care of her can use what they learned during her case to help someone else. We hope that by sharing her story it will give other mothers who have cancer

encouragement and hope that miracles really do happen. I am certain that when you have faith in our Lord Jesus, even the most tragic scenarios can be looked at and counted as true blessings.

On behalf of my family, I would like to honor Holly’s memory and celebrate her legacy, Conor, whom she left behind for us, as she so strongly wished to do.

He looks more and more like her daily and is as healthy as can be. Today he weighs about sixteen pounds and is crawling everywhere. He loves his baby food and has just recently began to say “DaDa.” We will be celebrating his first birthday this month – a milestone which we didn’t know whether we would make it to a year ago. My family and I are so grateful for the blessings we received from God during this season of our lives where we have felt both His peace and comfort. He let us borrow Holly here on Earth for as long as we could before He called her back home. We will be forever grateful to Him, both for our memories of Holly and the gift of Conor in our lives.

Math & Language Therapy

Academic

READING • SPELLING HANDWRITING • MATH GRAMMAR

Multisensory Language Therapy “Take Flight” , a comprehensive intervention for students with dyslexia based on OrtonGillingham concepts.

Reading • Spelling • Handwriting • Phonics Vocabulary • Fluency • Comprehension (classes available) Pre-Flight (Phonological Awareness) Multisensory Math • Counting and Numeration • Addition & Subtraction facts for instant recall • Multiplication & Division facts for instant recall • Fractions • Decimals & Percents • Integers & Algebra I & II Multisensory Grammar • Parts of Speech, Capitals, Punctuation …

Verbal to Written Expression (thoughts on paper) Writing Treatment for Hyperlexia (can read, but does not understand what is read) Study Skills • Time Management • Notetaking • Memory Technique • Test Taking Strategies …

Visit us at www.amltherpy.com or call 479-253-3256

Bentley

Greeter

104 North 37th Street Suite B Rogers, AR 72756

Karen Sykes — Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT)

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29 years experience teaching Lisa Lundeen — CALT, 6 years experience in Social Work, 6 years experience teaching May 2017

Dr. Kevin Lollar A FOCUS ON EMPATHY

Kevin Lollar was always considered a smart kid. He was the first in his family to go to college and knew as early as seventh grade that he wanted to go to medical school. He sees being a doctor as his calling.

Dr. Lollar, an otolaryngologist, or a head and neck surgeon, is a member of the active medical staff at Northwest Health. He practices at the Ear Nose & Throat Center of the Ozarks, located at 6823 Isaac’s Orchard Road in Springdale.

Dr. Lollar explains that he always took any opportunity he could to be in and around the medical field so that he could gain experience.

In college, he worked in a research laboratory, a hospital pathology department and also performed EKGs. Dr. Lollar says he chose his specialty because he likes performing surgery and seeing results quickly in his patients. He also loves the broad spectrum of patients and problems that the ENT specialty encompasses.

The most fulfilling part of his job is getting to know his patients, according to Dr. Lollar. He makes sure to explain the science and the details to his patients. “I like taking that extra time,” he says.

Dr. Lollar believes it’s important to treat his patients like people and not just procedures. It’s important to take a step back and look at the situation from his patient’s perspective. He explains that doctors do procedures many times, but for a patient, it may

be their first and only time. That can be a very big deal for the patient.

It’s also important to provide patients with empathy, Dr. Lollar says.

“They haven’t had the advantage of going to medical school, so I enjoy finding different ways to translate complex medical jargon into everyday language,” he says.

Dr. Lollar tries to put himself in his patient’s shoes.

He asks himself, if he were in that situation, how would he want to be treated, or how would he want his family to be treated?

“So, the golden rule goes a long way,” he says.

Otolaryngology encompasses most things above the collar bone, but Dr. Lollar says he finds allergy treatment and sinus surgery to be the most interesting to treat. He commonly treats allergies, recurring tonsillitis, nasal airway obstruction, chronic and recurrent sinus infections, thyroid problems and ear surgeries for hearing loss. He treats patients of all ages.

When asked if he offers any unique services, Dr. Lollar says he offers allergy drops under the tongue instead of allergy shots.

Dr. Lollar earned his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock and completed a 5-year Otolaryngology – Head and Neck surgery residency at the University of Missouri Hospitals and Clinics in Columbia, MO. He also completed a one-year Rhinology Fellowship at The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in Melbourne, Australia.

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MAY 2017 Library Story Times: Bentonville Public Library: bentonvillelibrary.org Fayetteville Public Library: faylib.org Springdale Public Library: springdalelibrary.org Rogers Public Library: rogerspubliclibrary.org Siloam Springs Library: siloamsprings.com

May 5

ARTS AND CRAFT FESTIVALS Frisco Station Mall Arts & Crafts Festival Frisco Station Mall, Rogers 10am-9pm

Ozark Regional Arts & Crafts Festival NWA Convention Center, Springdale 9am-7pm

Spanker Creek Farm Arts & Crafts Festival Spanker Creek Farm, Bella Vista 8am-5pm

May 6

Peekaboo Magazine KidsFest at the Bentonville Film Festival 10am-2pm (Formally called the Birthday Party Expo). This year, the popular family event will be held on the Bentonville Square during the Bentonville Film Festival! Sure to be the best one yet, we are excited for everyone to join us for pony rides and pedal karts with Farmland Adventures, mechanical bull riding, bounce houses and obstacle course fun with 16:9 Entertainment, painting and arts and crafts with Imagine Studios, video games, cotton candy, pictures with princesses and much, much more!

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Ozark Figure Skating Club Jones Center Ozark Figure Skating Club is proud to announce that it will host a Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer event on Saturday, May 6. Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer is a fundraising event that benefits the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, which focuses on cancer research, education and survivorship. The event will consist of a public skating session, an on-ice 5K to take place during the public session and a celebration exhibition show performed by local figure skaters. The majority of the proceeds will go to the foundation, while 20 percent of the proceeds will go to a local organization called The Cancer Challenge. www.mysk8.org/sk8northwestar

May 9

Greening of the Garden The 22nd Annual Greening of the Garden Gala Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks, Fayetteville 5:30-9pm Guests at Greening can enjoy strolling through the Garden while enjoying wine, craft beer and hors d’oeuvres along with live music provided by the Northwest Arkansas Jazz Society. Watch the sun set while indulging in an elegant dinner on the Great Lawn and participate in the excitement of silent and live auctions throughout the evening. Single Ticket: $125. Adult 21+ | Rain or Shine |

May 11-14

Cirque Italia May 11– Thursday: 7:30pm May 12 – Friday: 7:30pm May 13 – Saturday: 1:30pm, 4:30pm, & 7:30pm May 14 – Sunday: 1:30pm & 4:30pm Mae Farms, Springdale Cirque Italia is a unique show in every sense. After five years of consolidation, a rigorous casting selection, and over 1,000 performances nationwide; this spectacular production has become the greatest version of a “traveling circus.”

May 12

Strides for Strokes 2017 "Run on the Bricks with us!"

The Bellaflies Foundation 5 PM - 9 PM Frisco Park, Rogers We are excited to invite you to come and "Run on the Bricks" with us again this year! Our family friendly event features a profes-

sionally timed 5k, fun run, large auction, fun zone, face painting

by Once Upon a Time, massage therapists, food, drinks, music and much more!! We are so proud to donate 100% of proceeds to Arkansas Children's Hospital! Specifically, to fund their pediatric stroke OutreACH program!

May 13

Mother Nature Storytime/ Craft @ Hobbs State Park 10:30 - 11:30 AM Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area Visitor Center 20201 E .Hwy 12/ Just east of the Hwy 12/ War Eagle intersection Free Mother Nature herself has become a permanent fixture at Hobbs State Park Conservation Area. Every 2nd Saturday at 10:30 a.m. she arrives at the Park's visitor center to excite the imaginations of all the children around her by reading stories of the forest and the animals that live there. Story time will be followed by hands-on nature-craft activities. Children of all ages are welcome, however most stories will target children 3-6.

Casey at the Bat with Voice of the Diamond Hogs Phil Elson 2:00pm Walker Community Room, Fayetteville Public Library Join voice of the Diamond Hogs Phil Elson for an interactive "Casey at the Bat" baseball storytime! This event is free and is open to all families.

May 16

Beyond the Book: Seraphina 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Bentonville Public Library Love to read, talk, and get free books!? Attend Beyond the Book each month, and keep the book forever after you attend. Book of the month: Seraphina by Rachel Hartman You MUST ATTEND the club meetings to keep the book. Pick up a copy today at the children's reference desk. Location: Teen Zone

May 19

Little Women Arts Live Theatre, Fayetteville 7pm Under the guidance of their beloved mother, the four young March sisters, struggle to keep their family going while Father's away in the Civil War.

May 20

Kids have been named Billboard Magazine’s #1 Kids’ Artist for the past seven consecutive years.

May 24-28

Spring Carnival Parson’s Stadium, Springdale rodeooftheozarks.org/carnival Pride Amusements brings a carnival that is fun for all ages! There is no entrance fee, tickets and armbands will be available for purchase from ticket booths during carnival hours information.

Specializing in: Early Gender Determinations 2D, 3D/4D Fetal Realistic View Ultrasounds

Walk for Wishes @ Arvest Ballpark 9-12:00 PM Arvest Ballpark Make-A-Wish® Mid-South’s Second Annual Walk For Wishes® in Northwest Arkansas is a free community-wide celebration and effort to grant wishes for local children with life-threatening medical conditions. Walkers will fundraise leading up to the Walk For Wishes then join wish children, families and other enthusiastic supporters of our mission on the day of the event! Make your walk more meaningful by forming a team of your family, friends, colleagues or community group. Activities will include inflatable games, crafts, face painting and music.

May 21

Kidz Bop Tour The Walmart Amp, Rogers The ultimate family-friendly live concert will feature brand-new songs, choreography and an eye-popping set design. The tour is headlined by the newest group of Kidz Bop Kids, who were introduced in January with the release of Kidz Bop 34. The Kidz Bop

4D Ultrasound Studio 3810 N. Front Street, Suite 2 Fayetteville, AR 72703 479-438-0728 or 479-214-1188 Hello Baby 4D Ultrasound of NWA peekaboonwa.com

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to A COLUMN FOR MOMS, BY MOMS, AND FOR THE LOVE OF MOMS

By Meagan Ruffing

MOTHER’S DAY 101:

Tips for Self-Care for Every Mom

A

s moms, we can forget who we are. We have children and then-poof!-we’re no longer taking care of just ourselves, but other human beings. How scary is that? Somewhere in the process of raising children, our dreams get put to the side for a better time, or for when the kids get out of diapers. The hours pass by, then days, then years, and before we know it, our kids are another year older and we find ourselves watching yet another year pass by without doing the things we dream about in our hearts. What better time than now? What better reason than this? What better place than here? Let your family shower you with gifts this year on Mother's Day, but let the biggest gift you get be the one you give yourself.

I’m big on bucket lists. Anyone who knows me or has met me recently knows that I am always working towards checking something off my list.

What could be more important than self-care?

After all, we’re moms, and we take care of everyone – including ourselves. But wait... we’re supposed to take care of ourselves but we all know that doesn’t happen. We put off the haircut because we don’t want to spend the extra money to get a babysitter.

We decide that another girls’ night out is a bad idea because we should be home with the kids. We put that cute shirt back at Target because we don’t really need new clothes. Sound familiar? Sure, maybe some of these things are true and yes, it’s okay to say no to certain things, but for the most part, moms tend to leave themselves out. Don’t just think of Mother’s Day as one day for you – use this Mother’s Day as a springboard for an entire year of things for you.

Get a pen and paper and start jotting down the things you’ve always wanted to do.

Write down the crazy ideas like jumping out of a plane, or the sentimental ones, like planning the honeymoon you’ve always wanted. Life is too short to never know what you’re capable of doing. Get

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your spouse in on the fun, and ask them what’s on their bucket list. Moms are the most selfless people I know, yet we feel so selfish when we do things for ourselves. Change the way you think about Mother’s Day, and decide today that you will be more intentional about self-care. Need a head start? Try some of these ideas.

Download the Starbucks App to your phone and put $10 in your account. Voila. Now you have a super easy way to get yourself a latte on one of those not-so-smooth school mornings. Bonus: tell your partner and kids this is what you would like for Mother’s Day this year. Stock up on coffee gift cards.

Plan a monthly girls’ night out with your friends. Start a text thread on your phone with a few of your closest gal pals and let them in on your new ‘self-care plan’. Take turns deciding what you do for fun, but you go first. There’s nothing better than laughing so hard with your friends that you’re crying by the end of dinner. Every mom needs a tribe of other moms who get her.

Decide how you’re going to stay healthy. I know. This is usually everyone’s least favorite thing to talk about, but the truth is, you really do feel better after a great workout; not just physically, but mentally, too. Change it up and try something different. If gyms aren’t your thing, maybe you try a new route in your neighborhood. If you tend to be the type to back out of actually working out, find yourself an accountability partner. Make some goals for yourself and stick to them. This is a huge confidence booster, and what mom couldn’t use that?

Figure out what’s important to you. I’m not talking about what’s important to your kids or to your husband (although, both are great) but what’s important to you, the mom. Is it having a

clean house? Is it looking wellpolished? Is it This year marks the getting respect?

103rd year that Mother’s Decide what Day became a national makes you feel holiday. President good and go after Woodrow Wilson signed it. Work towards a bill in 1914, making the the life you want second Sunday in May as and make small Mother’s Day. decisions every day that will A colored carnation end up being means a person’s big changes over mother is living. A white time. No one carnation means that is going to do person’s mother has passed. all of the things you think about all the time in your head. Us moms just have a special way of cramming so many to-do lists in our heads that there’s no possible way for anyone else to help with that. Dump. Those. Out. Free your mind and the rest will follow.

Fun Facts:

Schedule that doctor’s appointment you’ve been putting off. No seriously, get your ducks in a row and pick up that phone. Feeling depressed?

Call a therapist and schedule an appointment. Call your doctor and see what your next steps are. Is there an ailment you’ve been dealing with because you don’t feel like making the time to sit down with someone and figure it out? Make that call today. It could save your life.

Think dental, too. Some of the way we feel can be contributed to the health of our teeth. Even if you haven’t been to the dentist in years, don’t let embarrassment stop you from making an appointment. This is about you and learning how to care for yourself.

This Mother’s Day is going to be your best one yet. Start today by writing down a few things you would like to see happen this year. Tape the list in a place where you will see it every day so that you stay inspired to get things rolling. Self-care is vital to a mom’s self-esteem and overall sense of who she is. That sounds like a pretty good gift to me.

Meagan Ruffing has made it her life’s mission to help other moms go from overwhelmed to in control. To check out her bucket list and see which thing she gets to check off next, 1200 S.E. 28th St. Bentonville, AR follow her at www.meaganruffing.com.

3538 N. Hwy 112 St.2 Fayetteville, AR

479.330.1201

lipsandlines@gmail.com www.lipsandlinesllc.com

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CHILDCARE • PRESCHOOL • LEARNING ACADEMY To be a part of our monthly guide to childcare email editor@peekaboonwa.com

46 May 2017

BENTONVILLE

“I BUILT A CIRCUIT BOARD A

casacastillo

As Evie’s eyes twinkle and she gives a big thumbs up, she can tell you why SHE LOVES SCHOOL.

Evie’s school day in prekindergarten may begin with

CASA CASTILLO 2000 East Central, Suite 1 in the tinkering studio.

(479) 640-4925 “We get to build stuff, and we BUILT A CIRCUIT casacastillo.net CasaAnd Castillo isevery a day!”

Spanish BOARD! we go to Art Studio Language Immersion Center With a curriculum focused on science, and Suzuki Music School. technology, engineering, arts and We are a childcare center, mathematics (STEAM), our students learn preschool, music school, from integration of these dynamic areas at and offer anafter early age. school programs Our low student, teacherfor ratio and caring older children. faculty help students look at the world We are familyin a new way. owned and dedicated to See what The New Schoolyour providing experience mean the child canwith forabsolute your child. best careaavailable.

Schedule tour today by calling singing in music, creating art and end with creating

HAPPY KIDS LEARNING ACADEMY 301 SE 28th Street (479) 464-8686 abchappykids.com Our Learning Academy offers a wide range of programs fora variety of ages - from infants to toddlers, and two-yearolds to preschoolers. Our curriculum is tailored to each age group and is based on sound child developmental principles regarding how children ideally grow and learn.

Mary's Little Lamb's Preschool

479-521-7037 or visit thenewschool.org.

FAYETTEVILLE

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS’ PREMIER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL SERVING PRESCHOOL THROUGH GRADE 9

MARY'S LITTLE LAMB 506 SE Moberly Ln Ste 6 (479) 273-1011 mllpreschool.com We are a licensed private preschool early education program dedicated to serving our community and providing quality care and education for children of all ethnic, religious, social, and developmental backgrounds.

We offer early e d u c a t i o n a l experiences in a safe, inspiring, and nurturing environment that will help children to reach their fullest potential.

The New School is an independent school that respects, embraces, and celeb

staff. TheNEW New School does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ge THE SCHOOL origin in the admission of students, in hiring, or in the adminis 2514 N New School Pl (479) 521-7037 thenewschool.org A coeducational, independent school serving students from toddler age through grade nine. The school community is dedicated to inspiring a love of learning and empowering students to reach their potential for academic achievement, creativity and citizenship. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, our students are known and cared for by an excellent faculty in an encouraging atmosphere.

THE GODDARD SCHOOL 3916 N. Bellafont Boulevard (479) 262-0970 www.goddardschool.com We are excited to be opening The Goddard School in Fayetteville. We are committed to providing the highest quality preschool experience for the children in our community. Our unique nurturing approach will give your child the opportunity to develop into a joyful, confident learner who is prepared for success in school and in life.

FIRST BAPTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 3364 W. Pleasant Grove Rd. Rogers (479) 878-1052 fbcchristianschool.org Preschool through middle school grades are offered, with a mission to pursue academic excellence while growing in the grace of God's word so that we may engage our community with the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. and grade school – and into awesome grownups!

ROGERS

HAPPY KIDS LEARNING ACADEMY Central Rogers Academy 2808 W. Walnut St (479) 621-6126 North Rogers Academy 2204 N. 12th St (479) 202-5691 abchappykids.com Our Learning Academy offers a wide range of programs for a variety of ages - from infants to toddlers, and two year olds to preschoolers. Our curriculum is tailored to each age group and is based on sound child developmental principles regarding how children ideally grow and learn.

IBC GO CENTER PRESCHOOL 2555 S. 26th Street 479-636-1230 preschool@ibcgocenter.com Immanuel Baptist Church Global Outreach Center invites your child to come learn and grow at our preschool! We strive to help each child achieve through outstanding, Christian-based curriculum and interactive learning! Enrolling nowclasses available for 3-5 years of age!

OUR LIST YSS HERE! NE BUSI

LOWELL

FRIENDSHIP PEDIATRIC SERVICES 212 South Lincoln Street (479)770-0744 We are learning hubs for children aged six weeks to five years with developmental disabilities or delays + children who qualify for the Arkansas Better Chance program. FCC prepares children for success in integrated and therapeutic classroom settings, so that they have the skills they need to continue growing with strength and independence throughout kindergarten and grade school. We create the foundation for successful, happy adults.

SILOAM SPRINGS

FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITY CARE 918 South Mount Olive (479)524-2456 fccare.org Developmental Preschool: Friendship Community Care’s Developmental Preschools are learning hubs for children aged six weeks to five years with developmental disabilities or delays + children who qualify for the Arkansas Better Chance program. FCC prepares children for success in integrated and therapeutic classroom settings, so that they have the skills they need to continue growing with strength and independence.

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I

f any of you are even 1% the Star Wars nerd that I am, the title of this story must have you eager for more information on how you, too, can become like the most famous scoundrel in all the universe. But, sorry to break it to you, if that ability was within my grasp, then teach you I would not.

Nah, in this article we’re going to talk about teaching the youngsters how to go out on their own, leave the nest, cut the cord, to go at it “solo”. It’s a difficult move for both the master and the student; however, it must be done. Do or do not; there is no try. I know what you’re thinking, “I have a bad feeling about this," but trust me, search your feelings. This is not a trap.

If you’ve already started loosening the rope with your urchins, then, great, but don’t get cocky. Keep up the good work; you would be unwise to lower your defenses. If you haven’t let them loose, then know that even if you aren’t afraid; you will be… you will be. It’s not as terrifying as you think, and like I always say, “Never tell me the odds." Always have a new hope for what will happen next.

For some people, letting go of the parent/child magnetic force is overwhelming. Trust me, though, this feeling is just a phantom menace, and could only lead one to go rogue later in life. Sure, sometimes you may feel clumsy, sometimes you may feel stupid, and sometimes the little droids in your life cause you a lot of trouble. Just remember to always awaken the ability in you to break this force.

This change in parenting may start a battle between husband and wife, but remember, wars do not make one great. It may seem like an insurmountable task--just remember there is always a bigger fish.

Your little ones may not want to venture out, but rather stay with you. Do not underestimate their power – judge them by their size you should not.

Have patience. Do not fear, as fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, and hate leads to suffering.

48 May 2017

Note: Author’s u may

confused be really of the yo e f g o a Some nd langu a x ns ta n e sy hat happe about th . This is w le ic es rt h a tc g a yin ld guy w accompan ing-year-o r th Fo e m . o g -s n 0 hile writi when a 4 n’ arathon w ki m in st rs r a (o W s a Star r Wars fan ses u non-Sta s and phra ce n those of yo te n se e th f ars o W st r o m the 8 Sta Trekkies) me from s. co ce n le re ic fe rt 40 re in this a are over ars W re r e h ta T S e s. w movie em, or, as ith you. finding th force be w Good luck e th y a ..M … y sa s aficionado

So, let go, and let them take that bike trip to their friend’s house, or to Walmart to get an Icee, or maybe even all the way down to the Tosche station to pick up some power converters. Stay on target; one time has to be the first time to let them explore the world. I know what you’re thinking: we’re made to suffer, it is our lot in life, and/or no reward is worth this. Sometimes you have to unlearn what you have learned. Remember, concentrate on the moment. Feel, don’t think; use your instincts.

You may think I’m foolish for leading you down this path, but who is more foolish…. the fool, or the fool who follows him? Trust me; do not allow me to find your lack of faith to be disturbing. Remember that your focus determines your reality. You must do what you feel is right, of course, even though you may think you’re getting too old for this sort of thing. Know that you at some point you must let go; you cannot escape your destiny. Now, be brave and don’t look back.

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49

Get your kids into the arts this summer T

by: Dwain Hebda

he summer break has traditionally been a time of rest and rejuvenation for children and their families, a time for vacations and trips to the local pool, of baseball games and Fourth of July cookouts.

But, it should also be a time of activity and learning.

Recreation is fine over the summer months, even necessary, but research is showing the detrimental effects of three straight months of video games and lying around the house.

Statistics published by OxfordLearning.com report students lose, on average, 2.6 months worth of math skills over the summer, two months of reading skills and one month of overall learning by the time classes resume in the fall. And, it takes an average of up to two months to make back what was lost on summer break Students from economically challenged backgrounds fare even worse: The National Summer Learning Association, a group focused on the achievement gap suffered by low-income public school students, said the cumulative effect of the so-called “summer slide” results in low income students being between 2.5 and 3 years behind their peers by the fifth grade.

The good news is, it doesn’t take much to stop summer learning loss in its tracks--as little as 2 to 3 hours of educational programming per week, according to some experts.

For many students, the arts provide a fun, engaging way to meet this educational requirement and stay sharp through the summer and beyond. The Washington Post reports that among the learning

attributes specifically cultivated by an arts-heavy curriculum are creativity, confidence, problemsolving, and collaboration skills.

Northwest Arkansas in general is blessed with a number of such artistics outlets for young people, and features opportunities to experience theatre, music and visual arts, specifically catering to young people. The following is a sample of those programs.

TRIKE THEATRE

www.triketheatre.org Northwest Arkansas’ professional children’s theatre company, Trike Theatre, provides year-round live theatre experiences for the younger set through its schedule of performances. It also provides a slate of summer activities that take youngsters out of the audience and puts them in the middle of the action.

Trike Academy’s series of week-long summer theatre camps, open to pre-k through eighth grade, each focuses on a different theme and skillset.

This year’s camps include Star Wars, June 5 to 9; Wild Things (half day), June 12 to 16; Avengers: Assemble! (half day), June 12 to 16; Fantastic Beasts, June 19-23 and Improv Olympics, June 26 to 30.

July camps include Beauty and the Beast (half day), July 10 to 14; The World of Dr. Seuss (half day) July 10 to 14; Adventures in Narnia, July 17 to

21; Broadway: The Magical Kingdom, July 24 to 28 and Wizards vs. Aliens, July 31 to August 4.

Each camp explores one of more of the following elements of theatre: Literary concepts, crafts and visual art, movement and dance, improvisation, music and singing, a Friday performance sharing... or to simply explore all the arts – performance and visual – through fun, imaginative activities. Scholarships are available to those who qualify.

In addition, Trike supports two camps in the summer for young actors looking for a more in-depth experience. Youth Theatre is a threeweek theatre camp that expose young actors to professional directors, designers and stage manager. Little Trikes is a performance series that caters to audience members as young as 2 and gives families the opportunity to provide an early start on experiencing and appreciating live theatre.

CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART www.crystalbridges.org

The renowned museum draws thousands of visitors every year, not the least of which are children and families, with its world-class exhibits and its slate of activities specifically focusing on introducing youngsters to the world of art at an early age.

Besides exploring the 3.5 miles of art trails and permanent collection galleries, general admission to which is free of charge, the museum features free drop-in activities and an 'experience art' studio where budding young artists can create to their heart’s content.

The organization also sponsors a list of summer art camp opportunities from June to August. Half-day camps include Art and Nature, June 12 to June 16; Pop Art, June 2 to 16; Color and Light, July 17 to 21; Art Adventures, July 17 to 21, Fashion Camp, July 17 to 21 and Creative Kids, July 24 to 28.

Full-day camps include Imaginate and Create, June 19 to 23; Art+Game=Technology, July 10 to 14; and Movie Making, July 10 to 14.

52 May 2017

ART CENTER OF THE OZARKS www.acozarks.org

Art Center of the Ozarks is looking forward to being part of the ongoing revitalization of downtown Springdale, while rejuvenating itself for the challenges of competing for patrons and participation.

The 50-year-old art institution recently hired a new executive director and has even collaborated with a startup consultant to help bring its programs and appeal current with the times.

Besides being interesting and fun, the ACO’s slate of summer camps offer families scheduling flexibility, as campers can attend either a half-day or full-day schedule as they wish. It’s also a bargain, at just $75 per week for half-day participants and $120 per week for full-day campers, supplies included, far less than other programs in the area.

And that’s before applying available multi-child discounts and scholarships.

There’s five weeks’ worth of summer camp programming, including Art Outdoors, June 12 to 16; Hippie Modernist, June 19 to 23; Paint Super Power, June 26 to 30; Street Art My heart, July 10 to 14 and Clay & 3-D Creations, July 17-21.

The ACO also provides creative outlet in theatre, drawing from the community for actors in various shows, from rank novice to the professional and for all ages and abilities. Current audition information is posted on the organization’s website.

ARKANSAS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA www.arphil.org

Northwest Arkansas’ resident orchestra is all about the experience when it comes to younger patrons.

Virtually all of the performances are approachable for families and through special pricing, APO makes it affordable to bring along the kids for a taste of classical music.

Selected performances also blend music with other art forms, such as concerts that partner with NWA Ballet Theatre.

APO does not host summer camps like other art entities, but it does support a youth orchestra during the school year, which includes a graduated series of ensembles that cater to musicians of varying levels of experience.

100 West Center, Ste 101 Fayetteville 479-444-7778

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Mother's Day GIFT IDEAS

Mother’s Rings at David Adams Fine Jewelry 100 W Center St # 101, Fayetteville, (479) 444-7778 A must-have for any mother or grandmother. This unique piece of jewelry is engraved by hand with your child’s name to make it look as though your child wrote their name themselves. One ring per child, and designed to be stackable. www.davidadams.com

Give Mom a Girls Night Out with My Creative Itch Fix's Wreath Make & Take Soirée. The hostess and her guests are instructed on how to create a 21" deco mesh wreath {that the hostess chooses from 3 designs}. With help, they assemble the wreath from readied materials, including a wreath form and precut ribbon. Guests are encouraged to bring a finger food to share and a drink of choice to enjoy while making a wreath to take home!

Soirées last approx 3 hours and take place at the hostess' home. The cost is $40 (plus tax) per person. Wreath choices vary but can include a seasonal choice and a Razorback-themed choice. www.facebook.com/mycreativeitchfix

Coffee Brewer 2.0 4c Red from Max Warehouse If you're anything like me, you haven't updated your coffee maker since your budget-friendly college days. You might even have forsworn homemade drip in favor of pricey drive-thru lattes, thinking that you could never make your coffee as deliciously as they do.

Enter the Keurig Coffee Brewer 2.0 from Max Warehouse, in an eye-opening shade of brilliant red! Not only will you save time, money and gas, but your morning Joe will be even tastier (and stronger) than that provided at a certain Seattle-based coffee chain. The Coffee Brewer 2.0 is Keurig's most compact model, with a sleek design that's sure to fit in any kitchen, from sleek minimalist to crowded and homey. www.keurig.com 54 May 2017

Isabelle Grace Jewelry's Must-Have Mother's Day Gifts www.isabellegracejewelry.com This thick gauge cuff is hand-formed and stamped in the studio especially for you. We love the modern look of wearing the cuff opening in the front. This adjustable piece is meant to be worn tight to your wrist. Available in gold or silver finish, the cuff is 3/8 inch thick. I love mine as it has all four names - two on each side. $65.00.

We love the classic, high-quality children's clothes of Feltman Brothers, who have been outfitting kiddos beautifully for over a century now. Their style is decidedly vintage, but still fresh, with soft, quality fabrics specially created for boys and girls. What's more, the embroidery featured on their rompers, bonnets, blankets, and the like is still hand-stitched, showing an incredibly personal dedication to detail by the company. We especially love their Pima Layette collection for girls, pictured here, in gorgeous shades of softest pink. www.feltmanbrothers.com

Lashes from Swanky Lash & Permanent Cosmetic Co. 2200 SE J Street, Bentonville (479) 640-4152 They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul--a fact that hasn't escaped the cosmetic artists at Swanky Lash in Bentonville.

Eyelash extensions are a relatively new trend, with many of Hollywood's most glamorous leading ladies following suit, intending to 'wake up' their features without having to cake on a mountain of mascara. The convenience of being able to 'wake up and go' is only matched by how gorgeous these long lashes really are!

Give Swanky Lash a call today, and get ready to set hearts a-flutter!

Hogtown Creation's Custom Heartbeat Paintings are handsketched and painted by Brittney Skelton in detail to capture your baby’s unique and precious heartbeat as a lasting piece of art. Paintings are done in texture mediums and acrylic on canvas or custom-built wood and created based on the baby’s heartbeat from the ultrasound. Inspiration for these pieces came from a few areas of our lives, but the primary inspiration was our own two children and the desire to capture the sweet moments of our life spent carrying, loving, and preparing to welcome our sweet babies. Remembrance Heartbeat Pieces have found a special place in our heart as well. To order yours or if you have questions Contact Brittney Skelton @hogtowncreations, hogtowncreations@hotmail.com, 479-466-4439

New Mom Comics: The First Year There are many parenting books and guides out there that showcase what to expect, and try to educate new parents, but few offer the very real, fresh and funny perspective Alison Wong, author and creator of New Mom Comics, provides with her new book, New Mom Comics: The First Year. Based on her own experience as a new mom, her comics touch on everything from blowouts to breastfeeding with wit and humor that any parent will appreciate! The author, just like Peekaboo, lets readers know that they are not alone! It is so important to remember that perfect parents are a myth and we all need to take the time to laugh at ourselves a little. newmomcomics.com peekaboonwa.com

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THE FARM ITCH BY: PRISCILA BARROS

“Fire ants! Move!” I shouted to my sister, who was looking at a cricket chirping happily on a piece of grass next to the huge ant nest. Alessandra didn’t even notice the bright red ants slowly walking up her leg. She was too busy looking at every intricate detail of the cricket.

Childhood memories like this are what inspired me to pack up our family for our biggest move and adventure yet! During much of my youth, I was brought up on farmland. Back then, I hated it. I thought I lived too far away from all the fun activities, and didn’t like not having any neighbors in sight... but, I’m thankful for it today.

We often came inside for dinner covered in dirt. We moved a lot because my dad wanted to board horses, and land in Southern California was expensive. So, if it didn’t work in one location, my family simply picked up and moved. I remember sitting under the big oak trees and watching baby quail run from one bush to another. While picking wild blackberries on the trails, we would hike onto some of the great big California boulders to discover smooth holes pitted into the stone, where indigeneous peoples from long ago ground their acorns. It was magic! We would watch the incredible bee man arrive and use his specially-honed skills to take down the bee colony which had made the side of the barn their home. What fun it was to watch how the honey would drip from the side of the barn, as the 56 May 2017

shrouded man transported the hive to a box!

Fast forward to life with three children, living in the city with a smallish back yard, reminiscing about the days when we would play outside until it grew dark.

I longed for things like this for my boys. Around the same time, I felt the itch to acquire some land of my own, I met Farmer Paul from Primal Pastures (www.primalpastures.com) -- a small poultry farm in Murrieta, California. After Instagramstalking them (ha!), we decided to go check out the work the farmers at Primal Pastures were doing. When we met Paul, he was farming off just two acres of land. Primal Pastures have since moved -- after a few years and a lot of hard work and success -- to a forty-acre piece of land in the heart of Murrieta, California. I recently visited the farm and deeply enjoyed seeing

the pastured animals enjoying life wild and free, the way all animals should.

After a couple of years of saying, “Someday we’ll have a piece of land or farm,” my family and I had to make a big decision. Did we want to always say “someday,” or did we want that day to be now? We were sick of the traffic, and the cost of living, and wanted to be able to raise the boys in the country. So we signed up for real estate listings in several states (eight to be exact) and, after a couple of years of searching, have found ourselves in Northwest Arkansas.

We bought an old historic farmhouse on twelve and a half acres, and bought chickens, ducks, geese, pigs and goats. The boys get up every morning and make sure the animals are taken care of, and after our homeschool lessons for the day, they are free to roam. They often spend time making forts, discovering bugs and animals and scheming up crazy ideas and inventions. It’s exactly how I imagined it would be, and exactly what I think these city boys needed.

The unfortunate part of this adventure is how the former owners of the farmhouse and property hid mold from us during the inspections. The house managed to pass inspection because they’d covered up the decaying floor in the kitchen with three layers of flooring, sneaked plywood into the middle of the cabinets to hide mold damage, and tacked sheetrock over old,

moldy sheetrock. We have had to take the house completely down to the studs, and with every layer of demolition, our dream of actually living in the house gets further and further away. We are currently all living in a small RV on the property. This has so many challenges! We aren’t sure what to do about the house now, since the cost of fixing the once-hidden problems are way beyond what we ever could have imagined or

budgeted for. But, I do believe we are where we are supposed to be, doing what we should be doing.

I still believe it will work itself out. I want to encourage anyone who desires a change in your life to take the plunge and just do it.

Get up and take those steps. It might not be easy, but sometimes working for the things we want so badly, makes what we want even more special!

Learn more about our farm at www.folkandflora.com, and follow our adventure on Instagram @folkandflora.

Summer Reading Club at Fayetteville Public Library ____________________________________

Read throughout the summer for a chance to win prizes. ____________________________________

Come to a variety of events for kids, teens and adults all summer long. ____________________________________

Learn more and sign up at faylib.org/summer.

CHILDREN’S SUMMER READING SPONSORED BY FRIENDS OF FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

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PlayStrong is...

a pediatric therapy group who specialize in speech, occupational and physical therapy. We also recognize there is a need for more education and activities for all children who don't always need individual therapy, but will benefit greatly from enrichment activities.

OFFERING CLASSES AND BIRTHDAY PARTIES! BABY AND ME CLASS • MOMMY AND ME CLASS TODDLER • PRE-K • GYM KIDS • STRONG KIDS SENSORY ART • BIRTHDAY PARTY PACKAGES

PHYSICAL THERAPY Physical therapy focuses on gross motor skills including learning to walk, run and jump.

Gross motor skills play an important role in peer play and the organization of the child's developing neuromuscular system.

Serial Casting Kinesio Taping Toe Walking Orthotic Management Torticollis Theratogs Gross Motor Delays

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Occupational therapy helps the child to learn activities of daily living such as dressing, brushing teeth and shoe tying.

Our therapists can also intervene with children with sensory processing disorders or handwriting difficulties.

Sensory Processing Theraputic Listening Sensory Diets Self-care/ADL Handwriting Fine Motor Delays

SPEECH THERAPY Speech therapy aids the child in acquiring and understanding language, working on word articulation and problem solving. In addition, our speech therapists have training for feeding problems and social difficulties.

Speech Delay Apraxia Tongue Thrust Stuttering Feeding

My son has been with Kara, Sara, and Amanda for a long time and once they formed their own we moved with them. He loves it there and has made some awesome friends. Everyone there is so nice and they made a space for me to do my work when I need to. All the staff here is amazing.

- Tara Phelan Van Nostrand I first started using them with my youngest who was a little over one but couldn't walk, talk, or do basically anything on his own yet. He began ot, and pt immediately with them as he was already in speech with his school. They take there time to care for each kid and the family as well. Now, my oldest goes once a week for an hour after school and as soon as I tell him that it's therapy night he yells and screams " yay! Play Strong I love them!" Just know that what y'all are doing is amazing it's not only parents that see it but our children do as well!!

- Lisa Mcnabb I was really nervous for my little Caleigh to start therapy, but Kara has made it such an excellent experience!

Caleigh has improved so much since she has started.

Even when she works with other therapists, I am always reassured :) So blessed to have an amazing place for her to go to.

- Kristen Harrell Absolutely amazing! I expected my son to fight me on doing physical therapy but Play Strong makes it so fun, he actually loves going! Thank you guys for making this an easy process!

- Briana Divine

PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL , PHYSICAL AND SPEECH THERAPY

3625 W. Chestnut St, Rogers | 479-246-0101

playstrongtherapy.com

2017

Camp

PREVIEW JOIN THE FUN!

Bee Well Yoga 5208 W Village Parkway, Rogers Hello, little yoga bees! Buzzy, Ms. Allisson and Ms. Amy have some super fun activities planned for you this summer! Each day of our camp we will spend time moving our bodies, learning about our breath, creating some art and spending some time outside connecting to the beauty of nature.

Won't you join us inside the Beehive? Cost: $79 members/$99 nonmembers. Ages: 5 - 10 Session 1 - June 21-23 (1:00 - 3:00 pm) Session 2 - July 19 - 21 (1:00 - 3:00 pm) Contact Allisson for more information or to register - 479.616.7715 or allisson@ beewellyoga.com.

School of Rock 2603 W Pleasant Grove Rd Suite 106 Rogers 479-936-8838 bentonvillerogers.schoolofrock.com Save 30% when you register in April and mention Peekaboo!

SCHOOL OF ROCK offers rock music camps for musicians of all skill levels who play guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and vocals. Students ages 7-18 can develop their musicianship and learn new skills in a creative and fun environment.

Our camps emphasize live performance through workshops, clinics, and group rehearsals, where students learn about playing together in a band and developing stage presence. Our camps are a great introduction to School of Rock, or a perfect complement to our year-round program.

Larson’s Language Center Summer Camp and Summer Club!

(Ages 3-13) - 479-633-9900 www.larsonslanguagecenter.com 1730 W. Poplar St. Rogers Learn Spanish while playing! Foreign language, crafts, cooking, games and more! Our 2016 summer camp has new hours due to before and after camp care. More fun, more language exposure, and more experiences.

60 May 2017

Guide

Camp Invention campinvention.org (800) 968-4332 Science, current topics and creative problem solving collide with activities in a team setting.

For kids grades 1st-6th depending on school district. 5 days from 9 a.m. -3:30 p.m. Starts in June and goes through July.

casacastillo Casa Castillo 2000 East Central, Suite 1 Bentonville, Arkansas (479) 640-4925 Spanish Immersion Summer Camp! Campers will enjoy diverse activities each day with games, music and movement, dramatic play, visual arts and crafts, etc. Examples of camps include: Comida y Cocina, where vocabulary will be centered around food and the kitchen.

Animales de Granja, which is a camp for animal lovers! Learn about neighborhood animals, farm animals, jungle animals, safari animals and more!

New Life Ranch 918-422-5506 160 New Life Ranch Dr. Colcord, OK www.newliferanch.com

Stephanie’s Musique 3218 N. Thompson Street, Springdale stephaniesmusique.net (479) 756-0740 Private guitar, vocal and piano lessons, kinderbach classes, “my first piano” adventure camps, and much more!

Fast Lane June 6 -10 and July 11- 15 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. (or 1 p.m. with lunch option) For kids ages 5-11, with activities including bowling, laser tag, spin zone bumper cars, play structure and arcade! Campers will recieve camp t-shirt, lanyard, and snacks.

Imagine Studios

Rogers Activity Center

Summer Day Camp and Summer Sports Camps 315 West Olive Street www.rogersarkansas.com/recreation

Choose the weeks you want. Camps run from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.. 1st through 7th grade.

Field trips, fun activities, breakfast, lunch and snack! Also offering Summer Sports Camps to enhance your child’s skills in their favorite sport.

Thaden School offers small classes where students discover joy in learning and cultivate their potential under the guidance of inspiring, innovative educators.

Applications for admission will be considered on a rolling basis for fall 2017.

Contact us or visit our website to find out how an independent school education prepares students to succeed in college and beyond.

610 SW B Street in Bentonville | 479-268-5321 | info@thadenschool.org | thadenschool.org

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Fast Lane June 12-16 and July 10-14 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. (or 1 p.m. with lunch option) For kids ages 5-11, with activities including bowling, laser tag, spin zone bumper cars, play structure and arcade! Campers will recieve camp t-shirt, lanyard, and snacks.

Imagine Studios

SUMMER ART CAMPS 2017 at Imagine Studios 479-619-6085 Fire up your creativity and join the summer fun!

At Imagine Studios, campers will expand their imaginations as we explore the world of art. We’ve got so many themes that your budding artist will be sure to find inspiration with us! Weekly 1/2 day sessions are offered in the morning and afternoons Monday throughThursday. Campers are welcome to bring a sack lunch and stay for the day. Some of our camp themes include: SweetART: Bring your sweet tooth to this camp! We’ll make art using sweet treats plus paint a cupcake on canvas, make a cute apron, and more. Ages 5 -12. June 26-29, 12-3 PM. Wild and Wacky Art Adventure--Get ready for some wacky art experiments! Painters will use bubbles, silly goo, shaving cream, and more to create wild masterpieces. Ages 5-12. June 5-8, 12-3 PM & July 24-27, 8:30-11:30 AM.

Rogers Activity Center

Summer Day Camp and Summer Sports Camps 315 West Olive Street www.rogersarkansas.com/recreation

Choose the weeks you want. Camps run from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.. 1st through 7th grade.

Field trips, fun activities, breakfast, lunch and snack! Also offering Summer Sports Camps to enhance your child’s skills in their favorite sport.

NWACC Kid’s College www.nwacc.edu/web/workforce-economicdevelopment/kids-college NWACC Kid’s College 2017 offers numerous fun, educational short-term courses for two age groups: 9-12 and 13-16. From music and dance, robotics, to cooking, acting, Harry Potter inspired writing and more. There are a variety of great options allowing young students to experience the excitement of being on a college campus while learning about topics that ignite their passion.

Glamping: All the fun of camping without the mosquitos and the sweat. Design your own ceramic camper bank, create a camping pillowcase, make S’mores & make camp themed hat with swaps to trade. Ages 5-12. July 17-20, 8:30-11:30 AM. All About Me #selfie: Express yourself with art. Four days of exploring who you are through self-portraits, photography, and more. Create art featuring your personality, your hobbies, your pets, your family, and your friends. #selfie is for ages 5-12. June 12-15, 8:30-11:30 PM & July 17-20, 12-3 PM. Under the Sea: Life is better Under the Sea...and so is the art. From mermaids to sea turtles, explore life under the sea with Miss Melanie. Projects will be canvas, watercolor, clay, and ceramic. Ages 4 & UP. June 5-8, 8:30-11:30 AM & July 24-27, 12-3 PM Harry Pottery: Wizards and Muggles alike in this camp!

Make magical creatures, paint a dragon’s egg, design your own wand, make potions and explore the Hogwarts Wizarding World through art. Ages 7 & UP. July 10-13, 8:30-11:30 AM.

Visit www.imaginestudiosnwa.com for a complete camp guide and to register. Fayetteville campers visit www.imaginestudiostoo.com 62 May 2017

Infiniti www.infinitiathletics.com Summer Program at Club iNFiNiTi providing Full Time Youth Activities ALL SUMMER LONG! The experience your children will have this summer in being a part of CLUB iNFiNiTi will create memories that will last a lifetime while accommodating parents busy schedule. During our Summer Camp Program we use our full facility as well as include field trips each week and we make sure all of our students are having great life experiences having fun, staying fit and meeting new friends in a safe environment!

Monday-Friday 8:00AM-6:00PM (7:00AM drop off available), Multi-Child Discounts, Weekly Fields Trips (average 3 days per week), snack included every day.

Down on the Farm Free Family Fun

Saturday, June 3rd 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. * * * * * *

Face Painting Pony Rides Music Activities Demonstrations Food

Sponsored by:

322 South Second Street

Corner of Second & Cherry in Downtown Rogers REAL.

TRUE.

FUN.

479-621-1154 * rogershistoricalmuseum.org

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2017

Camp

PREVIEW

All That Dance 500 SE Moberly Lane, Bentonville 479-845-4334 allthatdance-dancestudio.com Three summer dance sessions: June 12th -June 15th, July 17th - July 20th, July 31st-August 3rd

Amazeum 1009 Museum Way, (J St & Museum Way) Bentonville www.Amazeum.org Amazeum summer camps specialize in curiosity!

Our unique week-long summer camps are the perfect place to unleash your child’s curiosity to explore and make new discoveries. Summer Camps offer hands-on STEAM-focused fun that encourage your camper to be a creative explorer.

Camps Include: Sweet Science, Imaginate & Create, ARK-eology, Gadgets and Gizmos, Animaker, 3D Animaker, Girls STEAM: Dream Big, Superhero Academy

Kaleidoscope 900 SE Village Loop Bentonville kaleidoscopedanceacademy.com

Trike Theatre, 209 NE 2nd St. Bentonville, www.triketheatre.org Trike’s 2017 Summer Camps: Register now and create memories that will last a lifetime. Fine arts camps, production camps, and young actors camps!

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Guide

Young Chefs Academy of Rogers 5208 Village Parkway Suite 6 - Rogers (479) 401-2006 youngchefsacademy.com

ATA Martial Arts Fayetteville – 479.443.5425 Bentonville – 479.273.1212 Most amazing and original summer camp ever!

Make new friends! Martial Arts Action! Pizza Party! Bullying Prevention! Board Breaking Tricks! Games!

Super Science 1034 Reed Valley Rd Fayetteville, (479) 4440303 super-sci.com Super Science one-day camps are most popular with 4 to 12 year olds. We keep kiddos busy with Estes rocket building and launches, T-REX dinosaur tooth (fossil) casting, a light and laser Show, fun science games and more, culminating with all-you-can-eat cotton candy. Yes, there is science behind the invention of cotton candy!

Bentonville Parks & Recreation 479-464-PARK (7275) parks@bentonvillear.com Camp Bentonville is back and ready for a great 2016! From Camp Memorial to Camp Downtown Bentonville, showcasing tennis camps, soccer camps, Abrakadoodle camps and more, you are sure to find a camp that guarantees your child will have a fun-filled summer!

Girl Scouts Diamonds girlscoutsdiamonds.org/camp 800-632-6894 Summer resident camp is open to ALL girls entering 1st-12th grade, including those who aren't yet involved in Girl Scouts!

will enjoy our traditional day camp with daily field trips to places like Starlight Skatium, the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, a Naturals baseball game and the Fayetteville Public Library!

Modern Mission 3484 E Joyce Blvd Fayetteville (479) 595-0055 Modernmission.com

The New School Summer Program www.thenewschool.org

This summer we have more than 50 camps taught by New School teachers and professionals in the community for current 1st-8th graders.

From Rock Band to Adventure Camp to Computer Animation, there’s something for everyone at The New School! Kindergarteners

Week one will be June 5th-9th, week two will be June 19th-23rd, and our final third week will be July 10th-14th.

While the kids are here they will be learning how to shoot a bow, outdoor survival tips (starting a fire in wet weather, edible insects, etc.) and the value of teamwork.

This camp will be for ages 7-12.

Crystal Bridges Summer Camps www.CrystalBridges.org Register now for Crystal Bridges summer camps for kids 6 to 12! Explore the museum galleries and grounds, enjoy art-making and theatre activities, make friends, and have fun! All materials and healthy, nut-free snacks are included in camp fee.

Aloha : Mind Math | Reading | Writing (479) 426-3419 www.alohamindmath.com 100 SW 14th Street, Bentonville Offering half-day programs for ages 3-12. It's a one-of-a-kind summer camp! A perfect choice for your child to rediscover the joys of reading, while engaging in creative writing... All in a safe and fun learning environment.

First Tee of Northwest Arkansas Summer Golf Camp www.thefirstteenorthwestarkansas.org Our 2017 summer golf camps are designed for ages 7 to 9 and ages 10 to 18. Each day, participants will be given instruction on full swing, short game, putting, and game management while playing the course. Golf camps will be offered at the First Tee Learning Center in Lowell and Brittany Golf Course in Bella Vista. Lunch is not included during that camp, but there will be an awards pizza lunch on the last day of camp. Campers should bring their favorite drinks and snacks. Water will be provided. peekaboonwa.com

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School Assemblies & Workshops • Special Events & Camps • Corporate/Non-Profit Presentations • Awesome Party Concept

SUPER SCIENCE SUMMER CAMP

A d ay o f sp ec ta cu la sc ie n ce an d le ar n in r g!

Bentonville Parks & Recreation New Community Center

June 15 and 16

Build, launch, and keep your own Estes Rocket Awesome Laser Show Make gooey plastic slime Take home a huge bag of science goodies Eat fresh made cotton candy Camp lasts one day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Parents/guardians stay at no cost Water/juice provided. Please provide lunch.

CALL 479-696-0200 FOR REGISTRATION

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

www.super-sci.com • 479-444-0303 66 May 2017

Driving NWA www.drivingnwa.com

Community Creative Center communitycreativecenter.org

The Little Gym 2603 W. Pleasant Grove, Suite 118, Rogers, AR 479-636-5566 Little Gym’s expert instructors fill each threehour camp day with fitness and fun. Obstacle courses challenge them. Arts and crafts engage them. And group activities, snack time and special events give them time to interact and build their social skills – all in a non-competitive, nurturing environment.

Crystal Bridges Summer Camps www.CrystalBridges.org Register now for Crystal Bridges summer camps for kids 6 to 12! Explore the museum galleries and grounds, enjoy art-making and theatre activities, make friends, and have fun! All materials and healthy, nut-free snacks are included in camp fee.

Aloha : Mind Math | Reading | Writing (479) 426-3419 www.alohamindmath.com 100 SW 14th Street, Bentonville Offering half-day rograms for ages 3-12. One-ofa-kind summer camp! A perfect choice for your child to rediscover the joys of reading, while engaging in creative writing. All in a safe and fun learning environment.

Champions Day Camp www.championsspecialministries.org Champions Special Ministries is making rounds to our all time favorite cities this summer for day camp. 5 full days of HIGH ENERGY, HIGH FUN activity! Crafts, games, Bible study, worship, dance parties, themed parties, new friends...

No shocker that summer is our favorite season!

This is a wonderful opportunity for families who would like their child with special needs to be able to participate in a camp designed for them!

Fayetteville - June 12-16

Experience Robotics www.experiencerobotics.com Robotics, programming and engineering camps available. Experience Robotics offers one-week day camps in Bentonville, Arkansas. Campers have the opportunity to explore areas of engineering while learning project management skills in a supportive team setting. Our camps are best suited to campers who have completed the 2nd grade and who have yet to start high-school.

Teams are created so that campers are working together with other campers of the same age group. No previous experience is necessary for robotics and engineering camps!​

First Tee of Northwest Arkansas Summer Golf Camp www.thefirstteenorthwestarkansas.org Our 2017 summer golf camps are designed for ages 7 to 9 and ages 10 to 18. Each day, participants will be given instruction on full swing, short game, putting, and game management while playing the course. Golf camps will be offered at The First Tee Learning Center in Lowell and Brittany Golf Course in Bella Vista. Lunch is not included during that camp, but there will be an awards pizza lunch on the last day of camp. Campers should bring their favorite drinks and snacks. Water will be provided. peekaboonwa.com

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Blessed and Thankful for Alex

! im H e d a M od G ow H y tl c a x E

BY LESLYE MORSE

O

n November 23, 2003, at 3:48pm, I welcomed my beautiful baby boy into this world. Alex was such a content baby. He slept through the night before he was 3 months old. He rarely fussed or cried.

He was happy nearly all the time. We were constantly told how lucky we were to have such a "good" and “easy” baby.

Alex was about 9 months old the first time it crossed my mind that something might be amiss. I laid him down for a nap and soon after heard what sounded like faint pounding on the wall. I ran into Alex’s nursery and saw him lying on his stomach in his crib, gently bumping his forehead against one of the slats.

I had a brief sinking feeling that I quickly brushed off. Over the next several weeks; however, that feeling would return repeatedly.

I began to take notice of the fact that he wasn’t imitating or initiating play. He wasn’t responding to his name. He wasn’t pointing or gesturing in order to get my attention. He wasn’t following my point when I would try to show him something of interest. He loved being talked to and played with, but he didn’t seek me out for attention. He was content to be alone.

During Alex’s 12-month check-up, I shared my concerns with his pediatrician and even said, “I am afraid my son has autism.” The doctor took Alex out of my lap, bounced him on his knee, and Alex let out a big belly laugh.

I felt a “pat” on my knee and heard the doctor say, “Your son is not autistic. Look how happy and social he is. He would be terrified of me and he would be screaming and crying if he had autism”. I pointed out several milestones Alex had not met, and we agreed to discuss my concerns again in three months during our 15-month check-up. Three months later, after having my concerns dismissed again, I left the doctor’s office in tears. I prayed for

68 May 2017

guidance and strength during the entire drive home from Fayetteville to Bentonville.

Early the next morning, I called First Connections, the office that coordinates Arkansas’ Early Intervention Services.

Within a couple of weeks Alex was scheduled for a developmental evaluation, as well as speech, occupational and physical therapy evaluations. Alex was 16 ½ months old when he began receiving in-home speech and occupational therapy. As the months passed, the list of milestones he missed, along with my fears and concerns grew and grew. His progress was slim-to-none. We began seeing a doctor in Bentonville who gave us a referral to Schmieding Developmental Center.

Words can never accurately convey the range of emotions I experienced as I sat across from a professional who was telling me that although my son was 2 years old, his IQ was in the range of a 6 month old's. According to her data, Alex had mixed developmental delays that were severe and profound; and although he was too young to be diagnosed at the time, he “might” be autistic.

My mind quickly escaped that meeting as I struggled to hold myself together. I thought my tears would never, ever stop. I did not know it was possible for a human being to cry so hard and for so long.

It was during this time that Alex’s dad and I separated and eventually divorced. I promptly placed Alex and myself in a protective bubble.

I kept both of us hidden away from any conceivable rejection, nastiness or harm we might experience from those who did not accept us or understand us. I lived in this bubble, with Alex snugly under my wing, for quite some time.

Thanks be to God, He sent me an angel named Bryan. Bryan wrapped his arms around

my bubble and he held on tight. He refused to let go and he refused to give up until he succeeded in popping that bubble for good.

Shortly after receiving the report from Schmeiding, Alex began attending a developmental preschool that offered onsite therapy services and early intervention programming. Alex continued to struggle to meet developmental milestones. He continued to have significant delays in speech/language and communication, as well as difficulties in fine motor skills, self-help skills and sensory processing. He began toe walking, following lines, and hand flapping.

Two months prior to Alex’s 4th birthday, he had a comprehensive evaluation at Dennis Developmental Center. By this time, I had researched anything and everything I could find about autism and pretty much knew that was Alex’s diagnosis. In the deepest part of my heart, I knew when he was a year old.

Even so, as I lay awake during many nights, there was a teeny tiny voice that would sometimes whisper, “What if it isn’t autism and he is going to eventually catch-up? What if it is just a delay and he’s going to be fine?"

When the team finished their evaluation and they were ready to talk with us, I could tell by the look in Dr. Fussell’s eyes that it must never get easier to tell a parent there’s something atypical about their child.

During the drive home from Little Rock, as I wept, all I could think about was how desperately I wanted to be able to talk to my child and know if he understood anything I said to him…to know if he had any idea how much I loved and adored him. I longed to hear him talk to me…to hear him call me “Mommy” or tell me “I love you.” Letting go of that tiny splinter of possibility that I was wrong and wrapping my mind around the permanence in the new diagnosis was brutal.

I was overcome with fear.

It’s hard to describe the time in your life when all of the sudden everything takes a complete stop. Some force picks you up and suspends you over a black hole and you dingle and dangle, helpless until you are dropped on the "other side." The other side isn’t anything like what you have planned or hoped for but a totally unfamiliar dark side. There you walk aimlessly searching for light, hoping that another force will take you to a side where everything is fine. You weep and beg and plead for a light and a path to be set before

you. You grieve and you mourn. You curse this unchartered territory.

I lived in that dark, lonely place for a while, but eventually I began searching for a light. I began reaching out to other moms of children with autism. I researched more, I read more and I began to advocate more. I became involved with our local support group, Autism Involves Me (AIM). My family, along with many others in NW Arkansas, have been blessed by being involved with AIM. Isolation is a common feeling among families with autistic children.

AIM hosts family events throughout the year that focus on providing a secure, loving, and judgment free environment. Families who attend these events are all going through the same struggles and it’s refreshing to be in the company of those who truly understand.

Over the last 9 years, much has changed in our lives. Alex’s dad, step-mom, Bryan and I are all involved in parenting Alex. We embrace, love and accept Alex for who he is. We no longer dwell in the why’s or what if ’s. It is not our goal to change him, our hope is to change the way the world views him and others like him. We want to forge new paths and open new doors to give Alex the opportunity to live a life that fulfills him and makes him happy.

Our fears and worries have definitely taken a different shape as Alex ages. Thinking about and trying to plan for Alex’s future weighs heavily on our family.

Cottage home communities, or pocket neighborhoods, are a great concept and are becoming increasingly popular. Some developers are tapping into this growing trend to create homes for adults with disabilities The adults with disabilities live safely and permanently in homes owned by their parents or a family trust, within a neighborhood of peers. The adults with disabilities are able to Turn the page … peekaboonwa.com

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get the personal support services they require, all while living with roommates of their choice, and benefitting from broad social, recreational and vocational opportunities that are so rarely available for these adults.

Unfortunately, this type of community isn’t yet available anywhere in Arkansas. In fact, few good housing options exist today for adults with disabilities in Arkansas. Institutional housing is not the right choice for our son; however, as my husband and I age, we know it will become impossible for us to care for our adult son. More importantly, the transition from a life-long residence would be far more traumatic for our son when he is an older adult rather than when he is a younger adult.

We love this community. We are personally and financially invested in this community. It’s the only community our son has ever known.

Unfortunately, the time may come when we have to leave this community because of a lack of resources in housing for adults with disabilities. We need this type of housing in our community. We need this peace of mind for our son’s future. We need to know that he will be safe and taken care of after we are gone; and I know many parents in our community who need to be able to count on safe housing for their disabled adult children as well.

People often ask me, “What is it like parenting a child with special needs?”. It’s beautiful and it’s challenging. A significant amount of time, physical and emotional energy is spent on parenting Alex. This limits how much we have left to give to other members of our family, which can lead to problems in those relationships if we don’t intentionally focus on all of those we love. For me, even when I get a good night of sleep or a break for a few days, there is a level of emotional and physical tiredness that is always there.

Often, my husband and I fall into our roles as caretakers of Alex, rather than being husband and wife. When our oldest son, who is now 21, lived at home, it was a constant balancing act of trying to make sure we spent enough time with him, checked in on him, and made sure he felt loved and wanted. We do not have immediate family close-by to help care for our son, which can limit our ability to participate in activities that aren’t appropriate 70 May 2017

for or don’t involve our son. Finding others to care for him is not easy because we have to trust 100% that he will be safe and happy while we are away. Respite is infrequent. We miss social events. My husband and I both ask for grace from our employers quite often when we have to miss meetings or arrive late to work or leave work early. It is challenging at times to feel included in our community.

There are times I feel like an outsider around moms of typical kids. Recently, at a wedding, during the mom and son’s first dance, I had to work really hard to keep from crying at the thought that I may never experience that special moment with Alex. There are times I struggle with feeling like I have to explain my son’s behaviors and quirks when we are in public or with someone unfamiliar. Outings and activities are almost always planned in advance and rarely spur of the moment.

So, yes, I’m not going to try and pretend there aren’t challenges. But, I can say with confidence raising a child with special needs is beautiful. Alex has broadened our horizons.

He has increased our awareness of our own inner strength. Alex has deepened our connection and cohesion as a family. Having Alex has encouraged our desire to reach out to families similar to ours and to connect with community support groups. Being Alex’s parents has brought us to our knees and strengthened our relationship with God. Raising a child with special needs shatters all the “should be’s” that most of us idolize and build our lives around, and puts something else at the core: love and understanding. It’s impossible to know the depths of victory and joy until you see your child overcoming challenges or learning new skills he’s been working so hard on for months or even years.

We deeply appreciate the gift of our son being unashamed to be who he is, to express himself without reservation, to see his love of life, his lack of ego and his pure, precious heart. Being able to see the world through Alex’s eyes… to be so innocent and pure, to be so full of joy and wonder at the simplest of pleasures, to be unapologetic for being who he is without fear of disapproval… these are all amazing gifts. We are blessed and we are thankful for Alex being exactly how God made him.

FUN FOR ALL AGES

Find an assortment of toys, kites, magic and gag gifts for the kid at any age

KITES • MAGIC • TOYS • GAG GIFTS 500 SE Walton, Ste 6 Bentonville, Arkansas, AR 72712 479-876-8699 toyskitesandmore.com

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Mom in the Know

The Bentonville Public Library is letting kids and adults take their book clubs to go.

Through a new program called Books and Bites Book Club, kids can check out kits that contain 10 books.

The kit is complete with complete discussion questions, author information and interesting research necessary to host a book club meeting. Teens and kids can also check out a Games & Grubs guide for fun and simple snacks and interactive games that enhance the understanding of the story. The adult kits called Snacks & Sips provide themed beverage and appetizer ideas applicable to the story, as well as various decorating suggestions to add extra fun to the event. Each kit checks out to one group member for 6 weeks. Kits can be reserved through the catalog or library staff member. For more information about Books & Bites or Bentonville Public Library, click here or call 479-271-3192.

Want to e-meet a group of moms who have a lot of “know” about Northwest Arkansas?

Check out the Facebook page: Bentonville Moms in the KNOW!!

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Last week the “Lice Letter” came home in my kids' Tuesday Folder. Its purpose was to let parents know that it is lice season and to be on the lookout. What it did instead is put me in panic mode for the “what may come.” So, in response I doubled up on the preventative Fairy Tales Rosemary Lice Repel Leave‑In Conditioning Spray as part of our morning routine (www.fairytaleshaircare.com). I also made sure to program Nits End NWA Lice Removal Service’s phone number into my phone just in case. Did you know that lice removal doesn’t have to be done at home anymore? Now there are amazing people who take care of it for you and I are much more effective than I could ever be! Want to learn more visit www.facebook.com/ nitsend or call (479) 289-8817.

This is the season when being a parent means being a taxi driver to our kids, taking them to the many classes and sports practices and games that fill their days. I love doing it but wouldn’t it be awesome if they could learn and grow and find enrichment through great classes without having to load up in the car?

This is why I love The Domestic Musician.

The Domestic Musician believes that every child should have the opportunity to receive a quality music education. By using her online videos and lesson plans, children will not only receive a quality music education, but will have fun while learning. Each lesson will be different, interactive, easy to follow along. She even has a beginning piano course for kids! www.thedomesticmusician.com

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Outdoors-Woman

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program helps women feed their

wild side A

rkansas’ outdoor resources are the envy of every state in the nation. The state offers numerous places to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, from lakes, to hiking to hunting, to camping and fishing. They don’t call us The Natural State for nothing.

Northwest Arkansas is particularly blessed with natural beauty, nestled into the Boston and Ozark Mountains and featuring many areas to catch a fish, hunt a buck or just pitch a tent and spend a weekend watching the sun dip below the horizon.

Traditionally, outdoors activities were primarily male pursuits, both in terms of participation and for passing along the rules of the outdoors to the next generation. Not so anymore. Women, while still in the minority, are a growing segment of the outdoor culture.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, women made up 26 percent of freshwater anglers and 9 percent of hunters in 2001. A decade later, in 2011, those number had crept upward to 27 percent of anglers and 11 percent of hunters. But just two years after that, reported the National Sporting Goods Association, women who hunt spiked to 19 percent or more than 3 million. And the rate of growth among women getting into outdoor sports continues to outpace men in recent years.

With higher numbers comes higher buying power.

Women’s participation in outdoor sports has been credited with increases in sales of fishing boats, bows, rifles and, of course, apparel. This hasn’t gone unnoticed by manufacturers, who have steadily increased the available offering of womenspecific apparel and gear for women in the great 74 May 2017

BY DWAIN HEBDA

outdoors.

Experts say it is hard to pinpoint one reason for the surge in women getting outside, but one program that gets mentioned often is Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW), a non-profit educational program offering hands-on workshops to adult women.

Launched in 1991 in Wisconsin, BOW targets women of all ages and fitness levels to teach the ins and outs of hunting, fishing, camping and a myriad of other activities.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has offered BOW courses for nearly 25 years, according to Tisa Bomar, program coordinator.

“It all started with trying to get women more involved in outdoor activities,” Bomar said. “A lot of women try to get involved by having their husbands teach them, or their fathers did when they were little and now that they’re grown they want to get back into it.

“I myself went hunting as a child with my dad.

Then, I became an adult and I moved away from my family and away from the state. If you grow up, move on, your husband doesn’t hunt and you’re still interested in it, how do you go about continuing that?”

Arkansas’ BOW program offers more than 30 classes for women during its annual BOW Weekend in the fall, covering everything from traditional camping basics and outdoor cooking to the aforementioned hunting and fishing subject matter. But it also includes outdoor survival skills, geocaching, birding and how to improve backyard habitats.

“BOW (curriculum) is geared towards what they call three rules; it should be one third hunting,

one third fishing and one third non-consumptive activities,” Bomar said. “Non-consumptive is usually on a larger scale, say, we do trailering where women can learn how to back up a trailer, how to drive the truck with a trailer, things like that. That goes also towards our fishing and our boating side of it as well.”

“We have rifle marksmanship for primarily shooting. Kayaking, archery for sport, photography and camping with kids are the additional ones we have now. Those are some of our newer, more popular non-consumptive activities.”

its objective. Last year was the program’s biggest class -- 148 attendees and 90 first-timers -- thanks to keeping costs low and providing interesting programming.

“We hope, if not this year, then in the next couple of years, to add a stand-up paddleboard class as one of our non-consumptive workshops,” Tomar said. “We’re also looking to add a class that’s a little bit more broad range all about hunting, where you get to learn about every different type of hunting opportunity that can be had out there.

Traditionally, outdoors activities were primarily male pursuits, both in terms of participation and for passing along the rules of the outdoors to the next generation.

Bomar said the program has an important role to play, not only to educate women on surviving and recreating in the outdoors, but as a means of cultivating the next generation. Given the growing percentage of single-parent households, the number of children who lack male influences -- traditionally the teachers of outdoor knowledge -- gets larger every year.

Not so anymore.

Women, while still in the minority, are a growing segment of the outdoors culture.

BOW is also helping to make inroads into demographics which have traditionally been underrepresented in the outdoors. Bomar said the past couple of BOW Weekends have seen greater participation by African-American and Hispanic women, something she hopes will continue to grow.

“We have classes that focus on deer, waterfowl and/ or turkeys, but this one would be a general one, for folks to go, ask those questions to learn about each different type of bird, and feel comfortable enough to discover which type of hunting they might be more interested in.”

“I don’t know that we’ve been perfectly successful yet with it--not enough to say that our numbers are equal across the board, but we’re pushing for that,” she said. “Those are the people and the groups we’re trying to reach. We want to reach out and say. 'This is something that’s an interest to everybody across the board.'

The 2017 BOW Weekend is slated for September 29 to October 1, which affords four class sessions -Friday afternoon, Saturday morning and afternoon and Sunday morning. All classes are held at the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center located about 15 miles west of Little Rock.

“Our goal, and the goal of every BOW program, is to try to get first-time women in... people that have never been to BOW, women that want to learn something new that don’t know where else to go or how to learn it.”

Indications are that the weekend, held at the 4-H camp in Ferndale, is making progress meeting

Those wishing to further their outdoor education should investigate Beyond BOW, which offers more in-depth instruction via one-day and weekend courses held throughout the year at locations around Arkansas.

For complete details, consult www.agfc.com or contact Program Coordinator Tisa Bomar at 501978-7366.

INF LATABL E JUM P HOU SE REN TAL S MAN Y SIZE S AVA ILAB LE

VE LC RO WA LL OBSTACLE COURS E

XTREMEBESTJUMPZ

INS UR ED AN D INS PECTED

A FAYETTEVILLE BOUNCE HO

USE COMPANY READY TO BR

ING YOU LOTS OF FUN!

Call us and see what we can do for your party or family event!

479-466-8481

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305 SE 22 St. Bentonville, Ar. 72712 (479) 418-3116 nd

305 SE 22 St.

www.infinitiathletics.com Bentonville, Ar. 72712

Summer Program

(479) 418-3116 www.infinitiathletics.com

Summer Program

May 30th – August 11th 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Mondayth - Friday th

May 30 – August 11 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Monday - Friday

Featuring: "Loving Our Community" Theme STEM Workshops Mulitiple Fieldtrips Every Week Guest Speakers Greenhouse Garden Open Gym in Our Very Own Cheer Gym Field Trips Include: Fast Lanes, Rogers Aquatic Center, Old Spanish Treasure Cave, Terra Studios, Gentry Safari, Lokomotion, Malco Theater, and many more!

��������������������� TRYOUT NIGHTS:

TRYOUTS

AGES 5-8- May 9 @ 5 PM AGES 9-11-May 9 @ 6 PM

AGES 12-18- May 9 @ 7 PM

*LEVEL 5 Ages 11 & up - May 10 @ 7:30 PM

305 SE 22ND STREET BENTONVILLE, AR 72712 (479) 715-6840 :: www.infinitiathletics.com

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At a

Glance ARTS and MUSIC

Amazeum (Pg. 4) (479) 696-9280 Crystal Bridges (Pg. 17) (479) 418-5700 crystalbridges.org Trike Theatre (Pg. 49) (479) 464-5084 triketheatre.org Walton Arts Center (Pg. 11) waltonartscenter.org

BANKS First Security (Pg. 24) www.fsbank.com; www.onlyinark.com

CHILDCARE/NANNY SERVICES ABC Happy Kids Learning Academy (Pg. 66) (479) 202-5691 abchappykids.com Better Beginnings (Pg. 12) (800) 445-3316 arbetterbeginnings.com Casa Castillo (Pg. 22) (479) 640-4925 Mary’s Little Lambs Preschool (Pg. 71) (479) 273-1011

CLOTHING Oh Baby Boutique (Pg. 72) (479) 254-2911 www.ohbabynwa.com Peek-a-Boutique (Pg. 27) 104 Main St, Gravette

DENTIST My Village Ped Dentistry and Orthodontics myvillagesmiles.com (Pg. 33) Pediatric Dental Associates (Pg. 51) (479) 582-0600 Smile Shoppe Pediatric Dentistry (Pg. 16) (479) 631-6377 Rogers

DERMATOLOGY / SKIN CARE Advanced Dermatology / Skin Care Center (479) 268-3555 (Pg. 35) Lips & Lines (Pg. 45) (479) 330-1201 NWA Center for Plastic Surgery (Pg. 2) (479) 571-3100 nwacenterforplasticsurgery.com Swanky Lash (Pg. 76) (479) 640-4152

EDUCATION/TRAINING

Academic Math & Language Therapy (Pg. 36) (479) 253-3256 Aloha (Pg. 49) (479) 426-3419 The Goddard School Pg. 51) (479) 262-0970 The New School (Pg. 15) thenewschool.org (479) 521-7037 78 May 2017

To advertise email: editor@peekaboonwa.com School of Rock (Pg. 63) (479) 936-8838 Super Science (Pg. 66) (479) 444-0303 www.super-sci.com Thaden School (Pg. 61) (479) 268-5321 Young Chef's Academy Pg. 38) (479) 401-2006

FAMILY FUN / ENTERTAINMENT Crystal Bridges (Pg. 17) (479) 418-5700 Fast Lane Entertainment (Pg. 29) (479) 659-0999 www.fastlanebowl.com Fayetteville Public Library (Pg. 57) faylib.org My Creative Itch Fix (Pg. 41) mycreativeitchfix@yahoo.com New Life Ranch (Pg. 23) NewLifeRanch.com Rogers Historical Museum (Pg. 63) (479) 621-1164 Rogers Parks & Recreation (Pg. 79) rogersar.gov Starlight Skatium (Pg. 53) (479) 444-STAR Super Science (Pg. 66) (479) 444-0303 www.super-sci.com Toys, Kites, & More (Pg. 71) (479) 876-8699 Xtreme Best Jumpz (Pg. 75) (479) 466-8481

FITNESS/SPORTS/DANCE Adonai Ballet (Pg. 40) (479) 387-4577 All that Dance Studio (Pg. 61) (479) 845-4334 iNFiNiTi (Pg. 77) infinitiathletics.com (479) 715-6840

FOOD / DRINK TCBY (Pg. 3) (479) 636-8229 (TCBY)

HEALTH AND WELLNESS Best Start (Pg. 19) (479) 575-9359 Friendship Pediatric Services (Pg. 25) fccare.org Northwest Primary Care (Pg. 8-9) nw-physicians.com

JEWELRY AND GIFTS David Adams (Pg. 53) davidadams.com (479) 444-7778 Oh Baby Boutique (Pg. 72) (479) 254-2911 www.ohbabynwa.com

LEARNING CENTER Academic Math and Language Therapy (Pg. 36) (479) 253-3256 www.amltherapy.com

ABC Happy Kids Learning Academy (Pg. 66) (479) 202-5691 abchappykids.com Mary’s Little Lamb Preschool (Pg. 71) (479) 273-1011

PEDIATRICIAN Living Tree Pediatrics (Pg. 28) (479) 282-2966 Northwest Pediatric Convenient Care (Pg. 7) (479) 751-2522 Northwest Pediactrics (Pg. 13) NWAPediatrics.com Ozark Pediatrics (Pg. 23) (479) 544-9432

THERAPY Academic Math and Language Therapy (Pg. 36) (479) 253-3256 www.amltherapy.com Friendship Pediatric Services (Pg. 25) (479) 524-2456

Playstrong (Pg. 58-9) (479) 246-0101 playstrongtherapy.com

WOMEN'S HEALTH Hello, Baby! (Pg. 41) (479) 438-0728 Lifespring (Pg. 45) (479) 271-0005 Parkhill (Pg. 21) Parkhillclinic.com Siloam Springs Women's Center (Pg. 73) (479) 524-9312 Willow Creek (Pg. 5) NW-physicians.com Women's Health Associates (Pg. 43) whanwa.com

Hot Days are Cool at Rogers Parks and Recreation!

Splash Passes on Sale May 15-26.

Reg Price Rogers resident 48” and over $85.00 Rogers resident Under 48” $65.00 Non-resident 48” and over $99.00 Non-resident Under 48” $75.00

Sale Price $42.50 $32.50 $49.50 $37.50

1707 South 26th Street • Rogers 479-936-5482

Slope Style • Session Zone Kids Zone • Pump Track Lake Atalanta multi-use trails = 10 miles Concrete trail to lake and surrounding area Dog Parks 299 East Cherry Street • Rogers 479-621-1120

www.rogersar.gov

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