Southern Child Magazine by Southern Child Magazine

March 2012

Contents Children In Waiting 7 Community 26 A Special Space 49 Ripleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Aquarium of the Smokies 46

Photo by Ana Edwards www.anaedwardsphotography.com/

Inspiring Life 13 My Adoption Story, Super Southern Mom, Super Southern Child, Community

Mom Time 31 Finding Balance, A Heart and A Hand of Worship Saving Money

Southern Style 43 Kangacoo Designs, Stuff We Love, A Special Space, DIY Tassel

P is for Party 61 Lucky to be loved

Homemade Scholar 67 The Supreme Task of Education Cover Photo by: Loree Alayne Photography| www.loreealaynephotography.com 3

letter from the editor southernchild magazine Publisher

Melamy Publishing

Editor

Amy Shepherd

Creative Team

Brie Ritchey & Kelly Keefe

Contributing Writers

Tricia K. Lee | Talia Rogers Monica Hawkins | Donna McInvale Mary Susan Buhner

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May the Force Be With You “Mommy, do you think I am a hoarder because I collect Lego Star Wars clones?” My eight-year old son asked with great concern. We were in the car Christmas Eve when I was blind sided by this question. Luckily, God intervened and I know it was Him speaking through me because there is no way on this green earth that I could come up with something like this so quickly! “Well, honey, God says whatever we do, we are to do it to glorify Him. So lets think about if there is ANY way you can use your Lego Star Wars clone collection to glorify God.” And here is where it should have become difficult, especially since I know nothing about Star Wars clones!! To make a long story short, he started to explain to me that clones were the good guys and droids were the bad guys, so we decided that clones represent Christians and droids represent the devil...that was easy clones and Christians start with ‘C’ and droid and devil start with ‘D’. “But sometimes clones fight with each other,” He went on to tell me. Sadly, I had to explain to him that often, even Christians fight with each other. It hurts my heart when I hear of a church dividing because its members, don’t get along. It saddens me when I hear that pride is coming before devoted service to God. Sadly, I see this happening in my own community, as well. I am thankful for the God given opportunities to share His love with my children in the simplest form. I am also thankful for this time that He has given me to share His love with you. I encourage you to ask God how He wants your child to use his or her passion to glorify His kingdom. May the force be with you! Southernly yours,

Amy

Children in Waiting

Photo by Jamie Halstead

Do you have room in your heart for this fun-loving boy who has so many good things in life to discover? Jamarion His smile will melt your heart! With a twinkle in his eye and skip in his step, young Jamarion is trying hard to overcome his past. He likes pizza and playing games. Football is his favorite sport for now, but there are a lot of activities he would like to try with his new family. Jamarion is a tender, sweet boy who needs love and support from his new forever family. Profiles of Waiting Children provided by Family Support Services of North Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heart Gallery, heartgalleryjax.org.

Children in Waiting Antwon Ask Antwon how he came into foster care and his answer will shock you. Antwon returned to care for the second time after being adopted by an abusive parent. The story he tells about how he was treated sounds unbelievable—but every word is true. Eventually, it was Antwon who called 9-1-1 to rescue him from the abuse. Antwon can be quiet when you first meet him, but he quickly warms up, especially if you talk about football. He’s a very good student and loves to play video games. Antwon’s needs are very simple and heartfelt: kindness and love from a family who will care about him forever. Photo by Zach Thomas Photography.

Sebastian

Kind and caring with a love of food is how Sebastian is described by others. The boy’s grandmother rescued him from a life of abuse, but not long afterwards, she passed away. Sebastian misses her terribly, but is now ready for a new life with a new family. The first thing Sebastian wants to do when he’s adopted is go fishing. He’s never been before. He’s also working hard at school to make the A/B honor roll. But his big catch will be adoption—and knowing he will be surrounded by love and support for the rest of his life. Photo by Jennifer Howell.

Spencer and Dakota Spencer and Dakota are a special pair of siblings who will double your home’s happiness with their sweet smiles and funny ways. They remain very close to each other, even in foster care, and want nothing more than to be adopted together. Spencer was born a minute “older” and she likes to remind Dakota that he’s her little brother. Both children are doing well in school and both excel in Math. Dakota wants to become a graphic designer and Spencer wants a career in computers. The pair have enough creative energy to do whatever they want as long as they grow up in a home together. Photo by Terri Barlow.

For more information on adoption, 8 visit www.fssjax.org/adopt-child

Children in Waiting Cheyenne and Candace These lively teen sisters are like peanut butter and jelly—best when they are together! Big sister Cheyenne looks out for Candace and influences her in a good way. Together, they enjoy swimming, creating fun hairstyles and spending time together. When to comes to their favorite food—it’s a tie between pizza and tacos! However you slice it, Cheyenne and Candace are both sweet and lovable with a special bond reserved for sisters who have been through the most difficult times. Photo by Kara Lamm at Kiki Creates.

Clara A natural performer, Clara is a friendly, talkative teen who loves to sing, dance and play basketball. She also likes to read and hopes to attend college to become a teacher. Clara has a lot of friends because she is thoughtful of others and enjoys having fun. Clara may be comfortable on stage, but life hasn’t always been easy. She hopes her “starring role” will be with an energetic two-parent family who stay by her side forever. Photo by Jamie Halstead.

Willis Meet Willis—a bright, kind-hearted young man who dreams of becoming adopted. Willis likes to go swimming and hunting, and he enjoys a good, home-cooked meal. He would like nothing more than to sit around a family dinner table with loved ones and talk, laugh and eat! He’s very interested in science and one day hopes to become a music publisher or engineer. In the meantime, Willis is doing well in school, hoping that his good grades and big heart will connect him with a great family! Photo by Lauren Jones.

For more information on adoption, 9 visit www.fssjax.org/adopt-child

Inspiring Life 13

MY ADOPTION STORY

Bella’s Story by Trisha K. Lee

“The Day we Met” Bella, 13 days old

Eleven years of infertility, several potential birth mothers including one with fake ultrasound photos and the abandoned dream of a Russian adoption found my husband and I standing in the kitchen of a couple we had never met, with a bag full of Italian take out, desperate to find out how they had become a forever family. Generously they shared their own story and as idyllic as it seemed we could not get past the possible risks of a CPS journey. Stereotypes of jaded case workers and an overworked system seemed a sure path to more heartache but as the summer passed we felt God leading us to take a leap of faith called “Foster to Adopt”.

major surgery and needed a safe home. We had ten minutes to decide yes or no. We prayed. We knew. It was her, this was the one. The next 24 hours was a flurry of preparation. Did we have a diaper pail? No. A baby bathtub? I’ll go pick one up. I anxiously washed tiny onesies and packed my first diaper bag. The next morning at 11 am we were to go to the hospital to bring this little girl home…maybe for a day, maybe for forever. I will never, ever forget walking into that room and seeing her for the first time. Writing about it even now fills me with so much emotion my eyes well up with tears. I had fallen in love with her before I ever met her and here she was, tiny, pale and howling. They handed her to me as Jon snapped a few photos and the case workers explained her situation to us.

That September we signed on with a reputable agency that handled foster placements and in a short time completed our home study and required classes. The agency owner had mentioned that we might have an infant in our home by Christmas and we did our best to not get too excited.

All I could do was stare at her little face and hold her delicate fingers. Her crying ceased as she and I settled into a rocking chair. The rocker soon found it’s rhythm and we both let out a contented sigh. We were home.

The Monday after Thanksgiving we received a call from the agency about a 13 day old baby girl who was recovering from

The first year with our foster daughter held more than we could have known; twelve hospitalizations with almost as many

MY ADOPTION STORY emergency room visits, one major eight hour surgery with complications and multiple invasive procedures. Twice weekly she and I drove an hour each way for court mandated visits with her biological mother. Because of the mother’s mental condition and the baby’s fragile medical state everything pointed to an almost certain adoption. During one biological visit the birth mother asked if could speak to the foster mom. I nervously entered the room where she handed her daughter to me she asked if we would adopt her. I was in awe of her gift and in awe of God. Almost one year to the day that we brought her home we stood in a courtroom surrounded by our loved ones and legally became the forever family we had prayed to become. Looking back the hard parts seem vague. I think it must be similar to the way a mother forgets the pain of labor. Once you hold that child in your arms, when you have cared for them, loved them, nurtured them and trusted them over to the Lord to have His way, well, all you can remember is the love. For all that we feared would happen none of it did. Our caseworkers became like family and adoption seemed as natural as breathing. There is no child that could be more mine than my daughter. No smile that can melt me like her toothy grin. No giggle that makes me a laugh in turn but hers. As the poem says, “not flesh of my

flesh not bone of my bone but still miraculously my own. “ I will forever be humbled that God chose us to be her family, that He found us worthy of the journey it would take to her bring her home, how He knew our hearts would be able to recognize her as His first and to walk out the journey she required. I am a mommy now, we are a family. She is my daughter. She is His daughter. She is a beautiful victory. She is our Bella!

t As an author and speaker Tricia is one Warrior Mommy inspiring women to know they are cherished by their King. In addition to being a passionate advocate for adoption Tricia has a special message of hope, honesty and humor for special needs moms. Tricia lives in north Texas with her husband, young daughter and two very spoiled dogs.

Jon and I holding Bella with the judge from National Adoption Day

www.joovy.com

SUPER SOUTHERN MOM

“EB”ing a Mom http://randycourtneytripproth.blogspot.com

Back in the fall I asked our Facebook friends to nominate a Super Southern Mom. We received a nomination that really gripped my heart. Ponchatoula, Louisiana mom, Courtney Roth loved her job as a geriatric/psychiatric nurse when her son, Tripp was born on May 14, 2009. Her fairytale was in full swing.... But, her dreams came to a screeching halt when Tripp was diagnosed with a rare genetic skin disease called “EB.” Any type of friction on his skin or mucous membranes causes blisters. “They told us he would not live to be a year old.” Courtney said. Yet God had a plan that could not be explained by medicine. Reading Courtney’s blog stopped me in my tracks. Some people want to say, “Prove there’s a God.” It’s hard to meet Courtney and prove there isn’t! I spoke with Courtney early January. She wanted to be able to share her story with our readers. A few days after our emails, I read this on her blog: 20

Saturday, January 14, 2012 Heaven’s Little Drummer Boy My precious angel received his wings today. I have had many nightmares about having to write this post. He was exactly 2 years and 8 months old. It happened within minutes of me picking him up out of bed and rocking him. He took his last peaceful breaths in my arms, in his most favorite spot. My heart literally hurts more than I ever thought was possible. I’m completely lost without him and don’t know where to go or what to do when my feet hit the floor. I miss him so much it physically hurts. Please don’t forget to thank God for the PEACE we prayed to him for. And please bear with me as I try to pull myself together. I will let everyone know as soon as I decide on the details of his services. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the support through this unbearable time. I know he’s flying high, pain free, and talking Jesus’ ear off... But that doesn’t take away this selfish feeling of wanting him back in my arms. I love you, Bubby. Mommy misses you more than I promised I would... I hope Jesus loves your drumming as much as we all did.

Courtney, We love you and thank you for your dedication to glorifying God despite all circumstances. I could go on and on and on but will just go ahead and invite our readers to visit your blog for more inspiration. http://randycourtneytripproth.blogspot.com 21

SUPER SOUTHERN CHILD

Angelica’s Bracelets Hope and Love One Bead At a Time W

hat started out as a unique way to raise some money for a contest sponsored by a local mall almost two years ago has turned into a mission to help others for seven-year-old Angelica Smith. The Children’s Miracle Network was raising money to help our local Children’s Miracle Network hospital (Kosair Children’s Hospital), and Angelica was looking for a way to raise money. Her mom used to make bracelets when she was a little girl, so she suggested to Angelica that it was something they could do together and sell a few to donate to the charity. Through setting up a table at a local Fantastic Sam’s, selling bracelets to Daddy’s co-workers and to friends and family, Angelica was able to make a donation of $450 to the Children’s Miracle Network. One day while viewing the Sprout Channel, she asked her mom if she could help kids after hearing about “The Great Sprout Tuck-In.” Angelica and her mom looked online to learn more about the charity and the large number of children who are in foster care; there are over a half a million children in foster care with a new child entering every two minutes. Angelica again sold bracelets and asked for donations and was able to donate 46 pairs of new pajamas and 35 books. Angelica found that she really enjoyed making bracelets -- and especially enjoyed talking to people about her bracelets, so one day she asked her mom if she could put something up on the Internet for her. Angelica’s Charity Bracelets is now on Facebook with over 1,000 fans. Angelica has said she wants to help children who are in need. She once said she wished she could buy every child a home who did not have one; Mommy and Daddy have asked her to think just a little smaller for now. Many times, Angelica will see a charity advertised on television or hear about a need, and she will ask her mom to find out more online. She always selects charities that help children and has also raised $150 to donate to WHAS Crusade For Children, 226 stuffed animals for Bears on Patrol and just completed a fund raiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association where she raised $250. Angelica just finished raising $600 for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Her current charity is Art On Wheels. They are a nonprofit traveling art education organization that gives a voice to individuals of all abilities through hands-on art experiences. Angelica has such a tender heart for hurting children or those in need; whether the need is medical assistance, a book, pair of pajamas or a stuffed animal, if she sees a need, she wants to help. Angelica “loves” love and has said she “just loves people.” Angelica is a recent store-level Kohl’s Kid Scholaship Winner. She has also received from two pageant systems community service awards this year. Angelica also recently received the honor of a letter from President Obama as well as an autographed photo. The letter said in part: “Your dedication to helping others, along with your commitment to your studies, will lead our Nation to a brighter tomorrow.” 22

SUPER SOUTHERN CHILD For the new year, Angelica and her mom also worked on a new bracelet line called, “The Kenneth Williams Remember

Me Collection.” Angelica’s Pappaw battled high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, cancer twice, open heart surgery and vascular dementia. He was given not long to live while Angelica’s mom was pregnant and he asked God for one thing: he wanted to live long enough to see Angelica walk. She was 15 months old when he died and she walked up to his casket. Angelica’s daddy held her up and she patted Pappaw’s chest and said, “Pappaw broke.” How simple, yet true.

Angelica’s Pappaw asked for two words to be placed on his footstone: “Remember Me.” Angelica and her mom have talked in depth about this new project and hope your hearts will be touched by the charm found to include on the bracelets. It reads: “Remember” on one side and has a footprint on the other side of the charm.. “Remember Me” bracelets are available for adults and children and use letter beads to spell out “Mom,” “Dad” or the deceased person’s name. Bracelets are also available in pastel colors with block beads that spell out, “Baby.” These are for moms who have had a miscarriage, stillbirth or any other death of a child. The bracelets can also spell out the child’s name. Angelica wants to encourage other children (and their parents) to get involved in their communities and find ways to make items they too could sell for charity. “Look for where there is a need and for something you like to do. It could be making bracelets, making fuzzies, painting, whatever makes you happy, because if you are happy, you will make other people happy,” Angelica said. Angelica is also preparing bracelets for upcoming holidays. Easter and Mother’s Day bracelets will be added to her site soon.

To contact Angelica on Facebook, check out Angelica’s Charity Bracelets Left: Angelica poses with some of her creations | Above: Angelica with her autographed photo of President Obama | Angelica working hard on her bracets. 23

Sweet * little * Lana Age 5

Jackson Age 3

Addison 18 months

Camryn Age 4 24

Smiles Greyson 6 months

Braydon Age 4

Jack 18 months

Caydence Age 3

Kellen 8.5 months

Lily

(r) Ella 5 & (l) Maggie 5 25

COMMUNITY

What Can One Person Do? How One Act of Community Service Can Spark Thousands More Don’t tell Lisa Sellman that one person can’t make a difference. She knows better. Sellman, a community activist and lifelong volunteer, recently learned how one act of kindness can set off a chain reaction that can span the globe. “It just started out with me asking a regional pet food company for a donation of dog food for Red Lake Rosie’s in Minnesota,” said Sellman, a professional dog trainer and owner of a pet care business. “I called Solid Gold Northland, and one of the marketing managers there advised me that they were trying to increase the number of people who ‘liked’ them on Facebook, and that if I could get 40 new Facebook members to click on their ‘like’ button, they’d give me $200 worth of pet food.” So Sellman, who currently volunteers for six different community groups, sent a message out to all her Facebook friends inviting them to Solid Gold Northland’s fan page on Facebook. Somehow, the invite made it to the Facebook page of The Patrick Miracle, a page devoted to the story of a two year old pitbull found by a janitor in a dumpster. Their Facebook page has charted over 109,000 “like” clicks from users. When the founders of the page posted Sellman’s invite, Solid Gold Northland received more than 2,000 new fans from all over the world in the course of about 48 hours.

Sellman’s simple act was a drop in the bucket compared to her schedule of volunteer activities. She works as an after school care volunteer at the Minneapolis Indian Center, a special events assistant at the Loft Literary Center, a volunteer marketing director for canine events at the Gunflint Lodge (the real location contained in her children’s book), and a trail staff assistant with Wilderness Inquiry, where she and her husband take disabled children and adults on outdoor adventures throughout the US. They’ve been volunteers with this organization since 1997. “Although I work hard, I love being able to serve my community.” Sellman said. “The people in all the organizations I’m involved with, all share my values and my world view and they are my friends and my family. The people and the activities fill up my life with fun, joy and a purpose I could never have achieved any other way. It doesn’t mean that I think everyone should take the same path that I have. I know most people don’t have the time. My point is this: it only takes one simple act, one click of a mouse button to start a movement. It happened to me and it can happen to you. All you need to do is give it a shot.”

“When I contacted them the next week, they were blown away by how quickly the response took off,” said Sellman, also author of the children’s book The Legend of the Wolves of Gunflint Lake www.dreamcatcherpress.us, which contains the theme of the value of community service and which she hopes will serve to inspire others. “As a result of the combined outreach, Solid Gold Northland and Chuck and Don’s Pet Food Outlet have committed a donation of $2,000 worth of pet food, and I’ve helped to forge new friends from other countries who all care about the same things I care about. And it all started with a simple posting on Facebook because I wanted to help a local animal shelter. It’s been magical.”

Lisa Sellman, owner and professional dog trainer at Aloha Pet Care & Dog Training, volunteers for half a dozen charitable organizations. She believes that community service is its own reward, a message that resonates throughout her new children’s book The Legend of the Wolves of Gunflint Lake. 27

Do you believe in Second Chances? Meet Ruth. Found in a trashcan protecting her two puppies, Ruth is just one of the thousands of abused, homeless or neglected animals that have found a second chance at life at Alaqua Animal Refuge. Located down a winding road, lined by mosscovered trees, Alaqua Animal Refuge is nestled on the banks of a tranquil Northwest Florida bayou. This peaceful location in Freeport is actually just minutes from the nationally known beach haven of Destin, but it is figuratively far removed from the concept of a traditional shelter. It is a true refuge. Founded in 2007 due to the lack of a no-kill shelter/adoption organization in the area, Alaqua Animal Refuge has helped find homes

for more than 7,000 animals - from dogs to cats to rabbits to horses, to pigs, and even a monitor lizard and a sugar glider. Up to 100 animals are adopted each month from this unique refuge, which serves as a shelter for more than 250 animals at any given time. To continue to save the lives of animals like Ruth, Alaqua Animal Refuge needs your help. Please join us in our mission by adopting a rescued pet or making a tax-deductible donation, today. If you believe in second chances, visit our refuge or go to AARFlorida.com to learn how you can support Alaqua Animal Refuge or to find out about the hundreds of animals that are looking for a forever home.

914 Whit)ield Road | Freeport, Fla. 32439 | (850) 880-‐6399 | AARFlorida.com Photo by www.JoyJill.com. 28

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mom time 31

MOMMY MAGIC

Finding Balance

by Mary Susan Buhner, Life Coach for Moms | www.mommy-magic.com

I used to spend a lot of time with my grandmother when I was a little girl. A matter a fact, I adored her so much that as a young adult, I spent a lot of time with her then too. I liked being around her. She was always busy, but a different kind of busy that I know now as a mother. Looking back, to me, it seemed to be a productive busy. She was always baking, gardening, canning, or sewing. I am sure it was sometime tedious work for her like carpool is for me today. Looking back, it seems so romantic to me as an adult now. Picking apples from a tree in the backyard and moments later making a fresh apple pie from it. I crave that kind of productivity now. Pick, bake and eat. Magic? I wish. Thinking about it, I don’t think it is magic so much, but rather, a form of balance. Finding that balance between carpool, Facebook, twitter and a simpler time is a hard and complex task now a days. I am not saying we should start canning or hanging our laundry on a clothes line, but maybe just be aware and deliberate about our productivity. After all, our kids are watching us and they will model our behavior. Recently, my oldest daughter turned 12 years old. At her sleepover birthday party, I realized that something was different from last year’s sleepover. All the girls where texting, itouching, or whatever with whatever gadget they brought with them. I observed for the first hour and couldn’t believe nobody was stopping. They were all sitting together on the floor of our basement using their gadgets. I had a flashback to my grandmother picking apples and asking me to help her peel them to make a pie. What was happening? How can I stay current in a world forever texting, but keep one foot in a simpler time? Without thinking about it too long, I announced to all the “tweens” at the party to hand over their devices to me. I put them in a big bowl and set them on top of my grandmother’s piano. I stated to them that of course they could call their parents or answer any incoming calls from parents. I asked as I passed around the bowl to collect their devices, “Who

are you texting, anyway?” They all replied, “Each other.” I thought to myself, “That is so lame.” Instead, I nodded and smiled. I was not sure if I would be labeled as the “uncool” mom or a “mean mom,” but honestly, I didn’t really care. Tonight, my goal was to have them connect with one another. Taking away their itouches and phones gave them permission to do just that. They played games, giggled and talked. Imagine that? As moms, it is tough to find balance in the daily chaos in today’s world. Not just for us, but know for our children too. I totally understand the progress, importance and support these methods of communication today. I am the first to admit that I text (never when driving), email, and Facebook. I get it. It is a real part of our world today. What is new for us moms, however, is how to find the balance with it not only for ourselves, but for our children. When do we engage in it and when do we stop to pick apples and make a pie? The only answer I can come up with with is balance. Seek it out, make it happen and stick to it. After all, the worst that can come from it is a bunch of unanswered calls/texts. The upside is - the sound of your family connecting (a.k.a talking actually with one another), laughing and of course, the homemade apple pie!

m Mary Susan Buhner is the author of “Mommy Magic: Tricks for Staying Sane in the Midst of Insanity”.

www.mommy-magic.com 33

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MOMENT BY MOMENT

A Heart and A Hand of Worship by Monika Hawkins | MonicaHawkins.com has a favorite. My favorite worship story was last week as we kept the roads warm during spring break, we were singing, worshipping and I was driving. As I sang louder and my heart began to truly worship in spirit and in truth I raised one hand in praise to my king and I hear...”Whoa, whoa lady, both hands on the wheel. Here I will worship for you.” As Caleb spoke the words he lifted his hand in praise and sang a little louder. I don’t think worship actually works that way, but I know I got a good chuckle out of it and I’m sure our Savior did as well. I knew his heart. He was thinking, “If my momma keeps worshipping like this in the car, we are ALL gonna be worshipping Jesus face to face very soon.” I have laughed about that day so many time.

II absolutely love to worship my Savior. Music that sings His praise is the only music for me. I will blast “I Will Follow” and “Jesus Messiah” while I clean my house, while I sew and especially while I drive. I love that the message of the words of worship begin to take root in the hearts of my children. As my 4 year old sings “Where you go I’ll go, where you stay I’ll stay, who you serve I’ll serve, I will follow you” I know fully that this is the message I want engraved in his memory. He could have “friends in low place” or sing of “apple bottom jeans” but I refuse to allow the world to have any more of a hold over my children than what the sin nature and the other unwelcome evils already pursue. As we drive to and from where ever we might be going we have a praise and worship session. Just today on the way to soccer Caleb says, “Who took Chris Tomlin out of the car?” Wishing that we actually did have Chris Tomlin singing to us in the car I remembered that I had be jamming to the praise while I cleaned today. I was the guilty thief. We found other music to worship to, but I love that he

Caleb knew my heart. He knew I wanted to worship my Jesus, but he also knew it is important to keep both hands on the wheel. He was ready to serve. I provided the heart and he provided the hand and we worshipped. “Worship Him in spirit and in truth.” Luke 19:40 says “If they keep quiet, the stones will do it for them, shouting praise.” I don’t want the rocks to cry out on my behalf. I WILL PRAISE HIM!!

q Monica Hawkins

has been equipping and encouraging women through ministry for over fifteen years.

Monica is available for speaking engagements and can be contacted via MonicaHawkins.com 37

COUPON CLIPPIN’ WOMAN

Saving Money Something has really been jumping out at me lately about the way I save money compared to, say, some of the Extreme Couponers on said show...I notice the things I DON’T buy that they have stockpiled. Now, don’t get me wrong, I know they are usually getting it free and if they want it and use it, fine. However, I find that when it comes to some items, I am simply better off avoiding them. For instance, one savvy shopper had a wall of paper towels. In my old days, I would have been (and was about) right there with her.

However, when I buy paper towels, I use them like I’m getting paid to! I really love them...I love throwing those germs away...not having to think about the e coli or salmonella or dead bug that I just cleaned up. However, the cost (since I couldn’t get mine free...no double coupons in the Panhandle of Florida) was prohibitive, not to mention being a good steward of my storage space and the earth. (No, I don’t worship the earth. I worship the Creator of this beautiful planet who did put it under our care.)

we purchase our groceries and toiletries but also prayerfully considering the items we purchase. The Frugal Zealot, Amy Dacyczyn, who wrote The Tightwad Gazette, was famous for saying, (I am really paraphrasing here) “ If you follow me around the grocery store, you will be most struck by what we DON’T buy then by what we DO buy.” She made a lot of things from scratch as well. Please don’t think I am saying you should never purchase paper towels or that you should only make things from scratch and never purchase mixes. As a matter of fact, you can frequently get a great deal on mixes that can really be a nice addition to your weekly menus. I am simply suggesting that it’s not a bad idea to think afresh about every item on your grocery list and be willing to go without it or even substitute another item for it. This is an especially valuable suggestion if the item isn’t on sale that week and/or if you don’t have a coupon for it!

Donna

So, I came up with a rag system that satisfied my OCD/germaphobic side. Clean rag bucket...dirty rag bucket...sanitize with extra hot water and bleach! That’s it. Not too hard, I know, and something my grandmother didn’t think a thing about. Well, she was probably simply sanitizing on the clothes line. Sometimes simplicity is the real bargain. Another bargain item that so many of the shoppers on EC have in their stockpile...candy and other sweets. While I do love those delectable treats...we (my kids and I) will scarf them all up, no matter how long a supply I supposedly purchased. I remember getting M&M’s after Valentine’s Day at ToysR’Us one year for practically nothing. I even put them in the deep freeze, but they disappeared quicker than you can say “bigger pant size.” So, there’s another item I have to watch about stockpiling!

p Donna McInvale is the Coupon Clippin’ Woman.

Stewardship involves not only being a good steward of our money by trying to get the best deal when

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NEW 41

GET SOCIAL WITH SOUTHERN CHILD

We asked:

What was the name of your favorite teacher and what made him/her so special?

Yo u Said:

Her name was Mrs. White and she had a car motor brought into our fifth grade classroom so we could take it apart and put it back together again. We also did a massive production of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” She made us think and do things, not just read our textbooks. I will never forget her!

Mrs Pamela Savage.... 4th grade at Beaver Ridge in Lilburn, GA!!! I struggled 1st-3rd grade..... But. Mrs Savage believed in me and encouraged me. from that year on.... I became an A-B student.

Mrs. Busby, 1st grade, Bogalusa, LA. She made reading fun and had the coolest Chucky Cheese carpet. :) Mrs Hasler. 3rd grade. She took me from 3rd grade reading level to 12th grade level that year. She instilled in me the love of reading. I appreciate her every day. 42

southern style 43

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Left: Purple Bliss Ruffle Diaper Cover Right: Purple Bliss Rosetta Tank 45

Lavendar

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Left: Lavendar Bliss Ruffle Shorts & Rosetta Tank 46

Right: Lavendar Bliss Ruffle Dress

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Top: Ruffle Hoodie Bottom: Ruffle Dot Socks

DESIGN SPOTLIGHT

A Special Space by Tricia Lee

lanning my daughter’s newborn nursery was a delight. At 2 years old she was just beginning to walk and barely speaking. By her three year old birthday specialists confirmed a diagnosis of Soto’s Syndrome. With her rapid physical growth, severe speech delay and infant like motor skills a typical “big girl” room was not appropriate; so I decided to create special room that offered a respite for her over worked sensory system yet was still safe and functional for her special needs. I wanted lots of color, but it could not be bright as that would be too stimulating so I chose the softer pastels and the lighter furniture of ‘Shabby Chic’. The pink color washed walls are original to her newborn nursery. 49

DESIGN SPOTLIGHT

Traditional framed wall art could be hazardous as she would likely pull on it and possibly be injured. Instead I went with the hot pink vinyl monogram over her headboard and a whimsical vinyl tree complete with butterflies and birds.

DESIGN SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT DESIGN Left: We love books! And read together often and of course always a bedtime story. Without the motor skills to slide books in and out of a bookshelf I had to come up with an inventive way to store her books where she could independently get to them. My friend and I hand built heavy duty picture ledges to serve as bookshelves and they work perfectly!

Misc. special details: Antique headboard was turned into a window cornice, I painted all the furniture in the room myself, vintage items decorate the top of the armoire including my own baby quilt, tulle poufs add whimsy, few toys kept in the room except soft hand sewn dolls so as not to disturb sleep or risk unsupervised accidents. Handmade ballerina tassel on her armoire.

Right: The 16 foot wall beside her bed necessitated something of substantial size and decorative, but again, it could not be heavy or over stimulating. I created an alphabet wall of individually hung letters, each hand decorated. It is her favorite part of the room!

DESIGN SPOTLIGHT She did not have the fine motor skills to operate a traditional lamp and her motor coordination was not refined enough to not knock over a lamp, again an injury risk, so instead I installed a wall mounted sconce (which has matching pink feather trimmed shades and hanging crystals as the ceiling chandelier). The sconce turns on and off with a thumb dial. A typical bedside table would not have worked as she may have climbed on the top of it or knocked it over so I hunted and found a vintage three tiered tableâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;each tier is too small for her to climb on and the top shelf holds her sound machine to help her sleep.

As an author and speaker, Tricia Lee is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;One Driven Mommyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; inspiring women to know they are cherished by their King. In addition to being a passionate advocate for adoption Tricia has a special message of hope, honesty, and humor for special needs moms. Tricia lives in north Texas with her husband, young daughter and two very spoiled dogs. 54

Stuff We Love Norah Bag The Norah bag from JJ Cole Collections has everything you need for a day on the go with fabulous side pockets that secure easily, a removable padded shoulder strap, lots of room with organizer pockets, key clips, changing pad, and stroller attachements. The PVC and teflon free Re-Runâ&#x201E;˘ exterior fabric - keeps 6 plastic bottles out of landfill plus it is beautifully stylish. The Norah bag makes it easy to find everything you need in a snap and it has lots of thoughtful features like feet on the bottom of the bag and a fleece lined interior pouch. My favorite part is that even packed with essentials for 2 in diapers, the Norah bag looked more like a purse then a diaper bag. JJ Cole Collections

Honey Bee Gardens Three new Eye Shadow Palettes (The Cosmopolitan, Rock the Smokey Eye, and Party Girl) by Honeybee Gardens each feature four shades in a recyclable, magnetic palette that includes a dual end sponge/brush bamboo applicator. These palettes are eco-friendly, cruelty free and best of all, Honeybee Gardens features all natural ingredients. Gentle enough for even sensitive skin, HoneybeeGardensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; shadows are easy to apply, long wearing, and look gorgeous. HoneybeeGardens.com

Stuff We Love Teething Bling Teething Bling is a super cute alternative to traditional jewelry. Made from the same FDA-approved material as most teething toys, their pendants and bangles look great on grown ups but are safe for curious babies to handle and chew. They are nontoxic, phthalate, BPA, PVC, latex and lead free and all pendants come with a breakaway clasp. Their newest niblet friendly designs include ring and triangle pendants. These are a huge hit with our family, our toddler even loves to wear them for her baby sister’s enjoyment. The triangle pendant is my personal favorite. Smart Mom Jewelry

Muslin Blankets These Muslin Blankets from JJ Cole Collections are a real lifesaver. Measuring in at 48” x 48”, these prewashed cotton blankets were the key to getting my 7 month old who had outgrown swaddling sleep sacks to sleep. I owe my first full night sleep in months to these beauties. They’re machine washable and breathable so baby stays at the perfect temperature. JJ Cole Collections

Travel Blanket Spring is almost here and it is a great time to start gearing up for picnics, park outings, sporting events, and lots of fun family time in the great outdoors. This awesome blanket is pefect to keep in your car or stroller with its durable water resistant outdoor fabric and wipeable lining. It is easy to fold and even has its own strap to make folding it up a breeze. JJ Cole Collections

DESIGN SPOTLIGHT

DIY Designer Tassel by Tricia Lee

Supplies Decorative Finial Wooden Craft Wheel Plastic or Paper Mache Egg Metal Screw in Eye for hanging Ribbon, Yarn, and Decorative Trim Pieces Hot Glue Hot Glue All the items listed are readily available at most craft stores

Finials: Think wooden pieces,

Christmas ornaments, resin items. I do not recommend glass as it is likely to break. Whatever you choose should already have a hanging eye in place or should allow you to screw one in. I used a wooden finial from the craft section of Hobby Lobby. 58

Step 1: Glue the wooden craft wheel to the base of your decorative piece Step 2: Glue the egg to the bottom of the wooden craft wheel Step 3: Glue decorative trim around the egg. For this tassel I used yarn from a left over project which I glued in clusters onto the egg.

Step 4: With glue add more decorative trim over your first layer of decorative trim. This will hide the glue and give it a polished edge.

Step 5: Glue ribbon or trim around the edge of the wooden craft wheel to completely over it.

Step 6: Attach the screw in eye and thread a hanging loop through it, secure with a tight knot.

Step 7: Hang and admire. The possibilities are endless for tassel making. Warning, once you have made one you may be hooked! 59

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Brie Ritchey Photography and Graphic Design 60

P IS FOR PARTY

Lucky to be Loved by Talia Rogers | theluxeplanner.com

I created this party to teach my kids about a little bit about a holiday from another culture. My son’s best friend is part Irish, so I thought this was a perfect time for him to learn a little more about his best buddy. I researched and found that St. Patrick’s Day was not only about luck, shamrocks and four leaf clovers, but that it was also about Faith, Hope, Love, and Happiness. I really wanted to show that aspect of it. This is how the theme “Lucky to be Loved” was born. One interpretation of the four leaf clover is that each leaf stands for faith, hope, love and happiness.

A St. Patty’s Day Party

Décor I went for a “traditional” St. Patrick’s Day palette. I wanted

it vibrant, so I used many gold accents and different greens. I reused many items that I had around my house, including the lanterns and spray painted EVERYTHING!

Food I wanted the kids to have treats, but I wanted there to be

a little balance. I mean it is a party, but we are parents FIRST! So, I opted for broccoli and snow peas with ranch dressing and bacon bits and green apples as a healthy snack (and they REALLY ate it). They also had candy covered marshmallows, cupcakes, green candy covered popcornand rock candy. The cupcakes were made my decorator at my local Publix grocery store. I made the popcorn, andmarshmallow and bought rock candy from the craft store!

Activities My FAVORITE element was “Pin the Wish on the Clover,”

the kids also played with “Wish Wands,” and balloons as they ran through the wind…and it was soooo cold that day. They played

Broccoli and snow peas with ranch dressing and bacon bits and green apples as a healthy snack.

Credits Cupcakes – Publix Supermarkets Concept, Décor, Styling, Photography, and Printables – Luxe. Event Design, LLC 64

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homemade scholar 67

EDUCATION

The Supreme Task of Education by Tucker Teague | Classical Conversations Claiming absolute certainty in knowing what the supreme task of education is may be like treading on a frozen lake in springtime. We must not proclaim too loudly lest our vanity get the better of us. And yet, for any of us to dive into the mysterious endeavor we call classical, Christian education—including the carrying of our students’ souls to the foot of Truth—without also concurrently examining its meaning and its ends, is to walk on an equally thin sheet of ice. I, for one, have been on thin ice for a long time. Classical, Christian education makes a great deal of sense to me, but this sense is mostly tacit and not yet fully objective or conscious to my experience; I have neither plumbed the depths of classical education nor have I the familiarity to claim special knowledge. My wife and I move forward mostly in trust, but we are working towards greater understanding of what we are doing and what we have claimed. In that spirit I want to contemplate just a fragment of just one sentence from David Hicks’ book, Norms and Nobility. I am convinced this fragment presents in a nutshell the wisdom I am working to fathom: “...the supreme task of education-the cultivation of the human spirit: to teach the young to know what is good, to serve it above self, to reproduce it, and to recognize that in knowledge lies this responsibility.” (Norms and Nobility, p. 13) Let’s break this sentence fragment down into its key ideas: “The supreme task of education...” There are many justifications for why we educate our children. We want them to read, to think well, to be able to teach themselves, to love knowledge. Education is multifaceted and nuanced. It is also a bet on the future in some ways; we make choices now that will have longterm ramifications. But when we talk of the supreme task of education we are talking of what unifies all the rest. The supreme task is the overarching goal, the key activity that animates all the rest. It is also what gives meaning to the minutia and the daily grind. Without it we strive in vain, dissipating our energies and doing disservice to our students.

I have tended to lose sight of any supreme task. Too often, I have squandered what God has given and run after shifting and fragmented goals. “...the cultivation of the human spirit...” I am not a great gardener but I do know that gardening is an art. To cultivate a garden is to work with nature towards a shared goal. It is natural for plants to thrive if the conditions are good. Cultivation evokes images of turning over the soil, of removing weeds, of providing water and sunlight, of pruning and fertilizing. It also implies knowledge, the kind of knowledge that comes with experience and closeness—a closeness such that one both understands and deeply cares about the garden’s present and potential states. The human spirit is like a garden and the teacher like a gardener working with nature. The teacher understands the nature of the human spirit, understands what spirit is in a child and what it should be in an adult. Cultivating the human spirit is fostering right growth in accordance with nature. Strangely, all too often we educate in such a way that we “cover the material” but squash spirits. Unfortunately I have tended to make educating my children about me, seeking what is convenient or easy and not what is best for their spirits. Rarely have I been a good gardener. “...to teach the young to know what is good...” “Good” is a virtue as old as creation itself. God created the world and called it good. But there are two kinds of good. One is the pragmatic, utilitarian kind that animates much of our lives and public discourse. The other is eternal and has to do more with the nature of things rather than merely outcomes. It is a moral and life-giving good that begins in, and proceeds from, the character of God. Christ is the great “translator” of this good to man. He shows us what the eternal good looks like in human terms. In him we find that “what is good” begins with humility, service and sacrifice, laying down

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family travel 73

FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDE

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies http://www.ripleyaquariums.com/gatlinburg/

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is literally teaming with life – you will see 10,000 exotic sea creatures are comprised of more than 350 individual species. There are more fish in this aquarium than there are people living in the entire town of Gatlinburg! Imagine you are on an expedition with Robert Ripley exploring a lush and colorful equatorial rainforest. Venture over to Shark Lagoon, filled with thousands of fish of every shape and size, this is the largest and most popular exhibit. In Gallery of the Seas you will see collection of delicate undersea life such as Pacific Giant Octopus, sea anemones, living corals, jellies. Want to get up close and personal? Touch a Ray Bay allows guest to reach out and touch rays as they glide by. And experience the thrill of holding horseshoe crabs at The Sea-For-Yourself Discovery Center. And don’t forget to enjoy the playful colony of African Blackfooted Penguins in their new state-of-the-art habitat, Penguin Playhouse. My children rated this aquarium as one of their top picks! Our plan was to stay there two or three hours and move on to other sites in Gatlinburg, they wanted to stay there all day! The staff was very friendly, we look forward to visiting again next year! 74

Photos: Brie Ritchey

Southern Child Magazine is looking for Mom bloggers and contributing writers for the magazine! If you have a story to share, tips or tutorials you think our readers would be interested in, send an email and writing sample or link to your blog to kelly@southernchildmagazine.com

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