Southern Child Magazine May 2012

magazine

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lifestyle kids * senior girls www.mulberrylanephotography.com

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contents | southernchild

southernchild may 2012

F E A T U R E S

magazine

Savvy Strollers 2012

45

Publisher: Amy Shepherd

Puppet Theater Fun

62

Epcot International Garden

78

Editor: Kelly Keefe

Contributing Writers

Tricia K. Lee

Mary Susan Buhner

Krista Sutherland

Niki Meiners

Laura Bray

Donna McInvale

Talia Rogers

Tucker Teague

I N EVE RY I SSUE

Copyright Š 2012 Melamy Publishing|Southern Child Magazine All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

the cover Courtesy of Mulberry Lane Photography. This sweet boy was placed in his protective foster home at 4 months. He was adopted by the same family at 2 years old and is now a happy, healthy 4 year old. Oh, the blessing of adoption.

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Children in Waiting

7

Our Adoption Story

16

S uper Southern Child Jessie Joy Rees

20

Meet a Momprenuer Laura Kelly

24

Grace & Caffeine

31

Celebrate, Mom

34

Stuff We Love

36

Corralling Your Coupons

40

MamaRazzi

44

Super Southern Style

59

P is for Party

68

Homemade Scholar

76

Marketplace

86

From the Publisher Rejoicing In Sadness We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. Romans 5:3-4 So the past oh week I have been involved in a major self-pity party. I want to remodel my kitchen, my living room, I want new furniture, I want a new vehicle and I want to snap my fingers and I want it all to be done, yesterday. I am really not one hundred percent certain how I want my kitchen and living room to look or even what kind of vehicle I would purchase, I just want someone to go beyond reading my mind and figure it out and get it all done. Did I mention I really don’t want to spend any money either? And because it is not happening in my time (which was yesterday), I have been in a mood I tell ya.

This morning I watched parts and pieces of Good Morning America. The feature guests just happened to be Christian singer and songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman, his wife and family. In May of 2008, Stephen’s seventeen-year-old son accidentally ran over his five-year-old daughter in the family’s driveway. Maria is now dancing in the daisies in Heaven, probably giving God a good run for His money (they said she was a feisty one) and keeping all the angels in line. If you didn’t see the interview, go to StevenCurtisChapman.com and see if it is still on there. Gosh I cried and cried and cried some more. Then I left my weeklong pity party, I hugged my sons, scratched my cats, kissed my dogs and cried some more and replaced my “I wants” with praise for what I have.

About an hour later I sat down to check my email, my Bible sitting along side my computer and God’s voice telling me to go to the back of my Bible and read the verse selection for the day. The verse was Romans 5:3-4, it says, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady.”

Father, on this day I don’t even remember what it feels like to suffer. Forgive me for pouting for more, when in so many others eyes, I have it all and then some. Should there be a day and time when I do experience loss or lack of understanding, I praise You in advance for using that situation to make me a strong witness of Your love.

May your May be blessed.

Amy

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From the Editor My little boy just turned 6... can someone tell me where the time goes? My sweet Nick has always came right to me when he wakes up and asked me how my night’s sleep was. Lately, he says things like, “Good morning Sweetie, how did you rest?” He obviously hears it from his daddy who speaks kindly to me always and is the perfect role model for our 3 growing boys and hero to our girls. Nick has proposed to me many times in the past 6 months promising to marry me at every place from our backyard swing to Disney World. He’s so sweet. I always reply, “But Nick, I am married to your daddy and mommy’s can’t marry their sons.” He agrees to just pretend and settles for becoming my “little gentleman”. The other kids say he must want to marry someone who is like me. Oh, me.

Our oldest turned 15 this year, our second son is 13 and we have two daughters, 7 and 4. I know, I know, I have TIME before they grow up and get married, leave the nest and build a family of their own, but they have a lot to learn about being husbands, wives and parents. We’ve tried to stay mindful of this their whole lives, but what was the focus, really? Are we conciously teaching them to become good spouses, daddys and mommas? My thoughts reminded me of a poem I found on a poster during a trip to Boston when I was just a child. I’ll never forget it and often refer to it - verbatim mostly, oh how powerful it would be if I always remembered to apply it...

What They Live Children Learn

When my children do something wrong or have a wrong attitude, I wonder, how my guidance has contributed? I might not really want to take this path, but the convictions in my heart are telling me I need to check some things.

criticism, If children live with emn.

They learn to cond hostility, If children live with .

They learn to fight ridicule, I’ve carried a card with this poem in If children live with y. sh be to n my wallet for years. I just printed it to They lear e, am sh ith w e liv n re hang on the wall.

If child guilty.

They learn to feel encouragement, Lord, let me always be aware that my If children live with ce. en id nf co n ar le ey children learn what they live. Help me Th e, nc ra le to ith w e to be the living Bible that they read If children liv nt. tie pa be to n ar le each day.

They praise, ith w e liv n re ild ch If eciate.

They learn to appr

acceptance, If children live with .

They learn to love proval, ap If children live with themselves.

They learn to like honesty, If children live with lness.

They learn truthfu security, rs.

If children live with emselves and othe th in ith fa ve ha They learn to friendliness, If children live with e in which to live. ac pl ce ni a is ld or They learn the w olte

by Dorothy Law N 5 97 /1 72 19 © Copyright

Kelly

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y a D s ’ r e h t o M . . .

H S I

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. e r a c r e t s fo n i d l i h c . . . from a

PLEASE CONSIDER ADOPTION. Visit Heartgalleryjax.org or call (904) 421.5800 to learn more about adopting a child from foster care.

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Children in Waiting

Photo by Jeremy Paterno

Christian thinks about what it would be like with a two-parent family...

Christian

Christian is a sporty kid who likes to play baseball and basketball whenever he gets a chance. He’s a friendly boy who loves a good slice of pizza — loaded up with everything he can imagine! But Christian’s imagination doesn’t stop there.

He thinks about what it would be like with a two-parent family, and possibly younger siblings, who can provide love, structure and commitment to make all his dreams come true.

Profiles of Waiting Children provided by Family Support Services of North Florida’s Heart Gallery, heartgalleryjax.org.

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Children in Waiting

Artizion Artizion is a sweet and charming child with a personality that would blend well with any family. He likes to build things with legos and play with almost any type of game. Artizion is doing very well in school and thinks that someday he’ll go to college.

But for now, this fun youngster keeps hope in his heart to be adopted. He knows it won’t be too long before he’s able to build a special bond with his new family. Photo by: Zach Thomas

Josephine & Ma’Kiya Smart, funny and beautiful, Josephine and younger sister Ma’Kiya want more than anything to be adopted together. The girls are in many ways mirror images of each other—they like school, get straight A’s, enjoy cooking, and best of all they like eating what they make!

This terrific two-some is just waiting for a great family to step up and take an active role in their lives providing love, support and guidance forever. Photo by Jamie Halstead

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Children in Waiting

Gail Gail is a self-proclaimed “fashionista” with a love for all things stylish. Her favorite thing to do is to hang out with friends and go shopping. And since she can’t always be checking out the latest fashions, she also likes to go to the movies where she can get caught up in a great storyline.

Gail can be shy when you first meet her, but those who know her best say she’s a social butterfly. Once she emerges from her cocoon, Gail is very charming, engaging you with a pretty smile and a lot to talk about.

One of her special qualities is resilience and the ability to look forward and not back. As a young teen, she remains positive and hopeful for a family who will not give up on her, but instead provide her with the love and care she deserves. Photo by Bob Self

Diamond & ShaQuan Big sister Diamond is sweet and supportive to her brother ShaQuan, and together, they love playing outside or just hanging out eating their favorite snack food – Cheetos®!

When they’re not together, Diamond likes to style hair and ShaQuan is into video games. They both like math and are doing well in school.

Diamond and ShaQuan are looking forward to the day they can live with their new Mom and Dad as one big happy family! Photo

by Christine Bryant

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Children in Waiting

Zachary Zachary is an intelligent, soft-spoken boy who likes reading, superhero movies and most of all—ice cream!

He has a big heart, a broad smile and welcomes you with a confident handshake. His confidence sometimes gets low, however, as he quietly waits for a two-parent family who will give him lots of love and support. He’s not asking for more than he deserves, but what every boy and girl should have as they enter their teen years. Zachary will return his parent’s love with humor, intellect and charm.

Zachary likes science and one day, hopes to be a Navy pilot. He’s living in the right city to have that dream come true. First, he needs to feel the sweetness of adoption with a forever family. Photo by Angie Swaney

Damion Batter up! Damion likes to play baseball and hopes his new family enjoys the sport, too. Damion is an intelligent, polite young man who is easy to talk with—especially if it’s about sports or mechanical things. He’s very good at “putting things together” like a car mechanic, although Damion doesn’t know what career he wants when he’s older.

Damion wants a family who likes the outdoors, and want to do things together as a family. Damion is ready to hit a home run with loving, caring parents who will guide him through the joys and challenges of life. Photo by Tammie Czigan from GPL Studios

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Children in Waiting

Christianna Christianna is a pleasant girl who loves ice cream and having fun with others. She enjoys drawing and writing stories or poetry, but she also has a sporty side. Christianna likes cheerleading and being active.

She’s doing well in school and plans to attend college one day.

Her ideal forever family has a mom and dad, but she would be happy with a single parent as well. Christianna is willing to wait for the right family to make all her dreams come true. Photo by Jamie Halstead

Tanner This youngster likes to meet people and is known to be affectionate and loving. After school, Tanner enjoys playing with LEGO®s and watching TV. Because of various issues from his early childhood, Tanner has challenges that he’s working hard to overcome.

Tanner needs a mother and father in his life who can provide guidance and structure along with a lot of love and understanding. If there are siblings in the family, they should be older than Tanner so that he can receive his parent’s full attention.

Are you someone who would be right for Tanner? He’s waiting to be a part of a family so he can have a wonderful home life like other boys his age. Photo by Adrielle Rudzitis

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Children in Waiting

Latisha Latisha is an avid reader with a passion for basketball. She likes to make other people laugh and enjoys hanging out with friends.

Latisha is hoping to become a firefighter one day, but first, she hopes to be adopted by a family who will guide her along the road of life. Photo by Jamie Halstead

Maurice Big toy trucks and watching football are two of Maurice’s favorite things to do. He’s a pizza lover and likes to grab a slice while he’s catching the latest Gator game.

Maurice has a big heart and an even bigger quest for knowledge with an inquisitive personality. He likes to stay active and does a good job keeping his grades up in school.

Are you a Gator fan looking for a great young boy to add to your family’s roster? Then Maurice is just right for you. Photo by Zach Thomas

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Children in Waiting

Photo by Kara Lamm

Elijah is such a good “fixer”! But, he hasn’t been able to fix all the problems from his biological family and as a result, Elijah is in foster care.

Elijah

Elijah is such a good “fixer”! He likes to tinker with electronic and mechanical items to see how they work, and fix the ones that don’t. He’s fascinated with technical things and wants to get a degree in Engineering. Elijah loves sports, in particular football and basketball, and he works out regularly to stay in shape.

But Elijah hasn’t been able to fix all the problems from his biological family and as a result, Elijah is in foster care. It’s been a frustrating journey for this intelligent young man who wants nothing more than to be a part of a loving family. He would like to have a family with a Father and Mother and other children in the home. He believes in being a part of a team— a family team who will be there to support each other.

Profiles of Waiting Children provided by Family Support Services of North Florida’s Heart Gallery, heartgalleryjax.org.

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Inspiring Life 15 | southern child magazine

INSPIRING LIFE

Our Adoption Story by: Robin Scott White

TODAY IS A BEAUTIFUL overcast day. I’m sitting here looking out across this farm remembering. Remembering the little boy buried on the edge of this 40 acres.

This time of year is always a time of remembering for me. The dogwood trees are in bloom and there is a huge dogwood tree gently stretching her arms over my little boy’s grave. So when I turn my eyes towards the east and look through the treeline I find the place...

It’s beautiful and I can say that now. It has taken three years for the Lord to show me that William’s death was not in vain and His plan for my life is good. William went to be with the Lord when I was 31 weeks pregnant.

We decided afterwards that our time on this earth is short, fleeting, and we didn’t want to waste one minute here on earth sitting idly by while there were children who needed us to be the hands and feet of their Father.

We pursued adoption knowing that following after Christ would mean getting our feet dirty. We had adopted Jo three years earlier from Africa so we knew that it would mean going against the grain and when you 16 | southern child magazine

“step out” in the world’s eyes people get nervous, but we kept our eyes on the Lord and kept walking.

Six months after William’s death we received a call about identical twin newborns. God brought these two beautiful girls to me, a peasant woman, and they were the King’s daughters. Imagine that.

I get to spend hours training, watching and laughing with these little girls who God used to heal my heart and to bless our family but ultimately to glorify Him. He uses a lot of things to heal us or remind us that He wants us to be thankful even when the journey is hard.

One of my younger sons, Cullen picked a vase full of flowers and he sat them in the middle of the yard. I started to say, “Cullen move those to the front porch” but before I could, everyone started coming over and looking at the flowers and smelling them, even the dog.

When things are out of place, people notice.

INSPIRING LIFE

When things are out of place, people notice.

When things happen that shake up your life people take notice of how you handle such times.

When you adopt children people wonder.

When you feed the hungry and invite a little child into your home people will doubt. When you live your life totally sold out to Christ you will be a vase sitting out of place.

Some may see the beauty, others may not. Oh, but I tell you that since our vase has pretty much been sitting in the middle for a while...I’m always amazed at the beautiful things God chooses to fill it with.... but our vase has to be out there. And He promises He will fill it.

I love letting people know why we do what we do and who we do it for.

He has so blessed my family and me, and the tears I cry still to this day, are tears of appreciation to a sweet compassionate Father who does not leave me with ashes....but beautiful reminders of who He is.

So I celebrate motherhood everyday.

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To read more from Robin, visit her blog at www.celebratingmotherhoodeveryday.com

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Change a Lifetime

May is National Foster Care Month

No matter how much time you have to give, you can do something positive that will Change a Lifetime for a young person in foster care.

• • • • • • • •

Make a financial contribution Wear a Blue Ribbon during May Volunteer with a local foster care program Tutor a child in foster care Send a care package Help youth in foster care find a job Mentor a young person Become a foster parent

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For more information on the many ways you can help, please visit

www.FosterCareMonth.org or call (877) 836-WAYS today!

Annie E. Casey Foundation/Casey Family Services | American Public Human Services Association | Casey Family Programs | Children’s Bureau | Child Welfare Information Gateway | Child Welfare League of America | FosterClub | Foster Care Alumni of America | Foster Family-based Treatment Association | National Association of Social Workers | National Association of State Foster Care Managers | National Foster Care Coalition | National Foster Parent Association | National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections National Resource Center for Youth Services

INSPIRING LIFE

SUPER SOUTHERN CHILD

Jessie Rees Foundation: Spreading Hope, Joy and Love to Kids Fighting Life Threatening Diseases.

COURAGEOUS. Inspiring. Encouraging. Selfless.

World-Changer. These are just a few words to describe Jessica Joy Rees. Not only did she encompass these traits in her 12 short years of life, but she lived them to the fullest during her 10 months battling a brain tumor. She made it her personal mission and message to motivate children and families all around the world fighting life-threatening illnesses to Never Ever Give Up (NEGU). As people and her very own family stood in awe of her unwavering strength and selfless love, Jessie would have been the first to tell you that bringing joy and hope to other kids was her greatest passion during her own fight.

“We always knew Jessie was a special light to this world, yet we never could have imagined the lives she would change through her own battle with cancer,” says Erik Rees, Jessie’s Dad. “She inspired me then, and she continues to inspire me each and every day as my family and I strive to continue her legacy. We truly will Never Ever Give Up spreading her message of hope and love.”

Life changed drastically for the Rees family on March 3, 2011. This was the day they were told their precious Jessie had an inoperable brain tumor. As they tried to make sense of it all, and cling steadfast to their faith, they had no way of knowing that Jessie would end up being their model of perseverance, display20 | southern child magazine

ing a tender passion for helping others. A few weeks later on her 12th birthday, Jessie told her mom that she wanted to find some way to encourage other sick children. It was on that day that JoyJars were born.

Filled with toys, games, clothing, stickers, and an array of other items, JoyJars are sent all over the country (and now internationally) with the purpose of giving sick children hope and joy, and to show them that they aren’t alone. During 2011, Jessie and the JoySquad were able to fill over 3,000 JoyJars for kids. They were sent to over 27 states and seven Children’s Hospitals.

On January 5, 2012, Jessie earned her angel’s wings, yet that hasn’t stopped her NEGU warriors from continuing her legacy by fulfilling her dream. Jessie’s Wish was to send a one of her JoyJars to every kid fighting cancer in the United States; that is over 250,000! Jessie’s JoyJars are now in 115 Children’s Hospitals, 175 Ronald McDonald Houses and been sent to children fighting cancer in Canada, Germany, India and South Africa.

“It was Jessie’s dream to encourage every kid fighting to Never Ever Give Up through her JoyJars and other resources,” says Erik Rees, Jessie’s dad. “She will always be the inspiration behind NEGU. It was her motto and message for the 10 months she fought cancer. It is our mission now!”

To get involved, visit www.jessie.org.

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INSPIRING LIFE

Meet Laura Kelly - Momprenuer by: Niki Meiners Laura Kelly is a brilliant licensed artist. She creates her original bold and whimsical designs with Sharpie markers where they then find their way onto products all over the marketplace. Her passion for expressing herself through doodling began when she was very young and her father would allow her to use his permanent pens to create. There was something empowering and energetic about being able to use PERMANENT markers as a young girl. Laura felt trusted and supported but most importantly she felt like her parents believed in her. She is a creative artist, a product developer, an author and illustrator and a MOM. And so her story goes…

With an elementary education degree from the University of Kentucky (insert Laura screaming “GO WILDCATS”) and a teaching job in the inner city of Durham, North Carolina; Laura found herself pregnant in 1995 and decided to be an “at home mom”. This lasted; well it lasted about three days. With her dynamic personality and countless interests matched up with her desire to be connected to her community, she decided to begin her own business…one that she could do from her own home. She designed her birth announcement for Dylan and it was a smashing hit amongst the recipients. It 24 | southern child magazine

was the first of the now well-known brand, “Me and My Peeps”. Within weeks Laura drew the rest of the family, her friends and their families and their friends and their families and so on. She compiled them into a catalog and by 1996 Laura’s company was the first personalized stationery company creating mommy notes and family stationery using “stick” people. Her passion for creating did not end with these drawings; she continued to build libraries of designs which are now licensed for products sold all over the world.

Laura attributes her success to her children, her family and her friends. Her children (biological, step, Godchildren, neighborhood) are her primary inspiration and her biggest champions. They have always been involved in her business. Over the years they have been found working side by side with her, drawing their own graffiti like designs that Laura helps them turn into useful items or gifts. They bake, garden, build, craft and cook together. They play boxed games and make up new ones of their own. With Dylan’s new technology skills, he is currently working on a video for Laura’s website.

Jordan and Zoe often participate in the product design process, creating works of art in the studio using Laura’s

immense supply of craft materials, paints, buttons, glues, fabrics, etc. Dawson’s favorite participation is traveling with Laura. They are fantastic travel mates as she is a bit “flighty” and he pays great attention to details. He carries her bag of Sharpies and sketchpads and keeps her company on many of her trips while ensuring that they get to the counted on places on time.

Here are a few excerpts from a Q & A with Laura.

Q: How do you balance your career with parenting?

A:I use my time wisely and keep up with my calendar. Scheduling and list making is the key for me. In order to be able to joyfully experience soccer games, sleepovers, field trips and outings with my kids; I have to feel complete with my commitments.

Working with more than a dozen companies on products and designs keeps me motivated. The fortunate element for me is that I can do my work any time of day, any place. I can Sharpie it up on a plane, in a waiting room or during half time. Of course what usually happens is I find myself surrounding by little kids wanted to draw and color with me and I make lots of new little friends.

That is why I carry a bag with drawing pads, Sharpies and colored pencils with me wherever I go. I love to lead by example and find myself at my peak of creativity in these moments…working and playing at the same time.

Q: What about all of the tasks of being a mom?

A: Do you mean laundry, dishes, groceries, cooking, cleaning and that stuff? If so, that is all just stuff to do. I get up early before my kids, usually before 6 am, and knock it all out. When I get them up for school, my “jobs” are done and they can do their part. They are very helpful and considerate, well usually (as she giggles). I make daily doodle lists of what I want to accomplish and cross things off as I go. I have a special list of things that I do just for myself each day on the page. My kids are important! I am important too.

Q: What advice would you give to other moms who want to have their own businesses?

A: I ask them, “What are you waiting to happen that would have them you started today?” The time is now! I tell them to remember what they wanted to be when they grew up when they were asked at the age of five and to get busy being just that! I believe that the greatest gift I can 25 | southern child magazine

INSPIRING LIFE give my children is a belief that doing what they love is enough to make them successful and happy. When they are grown up and look back, I want them to remember that their mom had the courage to follow her dream and she did the best she could to make them a part of it in all of the ways she could. I pray that I am instilling the confidence to do whatever it is that makes their hearts beat with passion, their minds always searching for new knowledge and their souls a deep connection to our world. I would advise all moms who ask to live their dreams.

Q: Where do you get your greatest support when things get challenging?

A: That is easy. I get support from all around me but mostly my family. My fiancé, Ryp, is a daily source of love, patience and team work. He has his own business separate from mine and we understand what it takes to pull it all together. My first husband, Doug, has always encouraged me and gone out of his way to make sure that I have everything I want/need to get my goals accomplishes. The beauty is that we all get along great which makes the kids feel safe and loved so that we can all create own versions of success. People think I am lucky to have such great relationships and support between my first husband and the family we created with our teenage sons, Dylan and Dawson and my new blended family that includes Ryp and two young girls, Jordan and Zoe. What they don’t know it that it takes a lot of love to have it all work…a lot of love and a lot of forgiveness. By being loving, open and forgiving; I am constantly letting go of things that could get in my way and making room inside of myself to create new ones. I surround myself with friends and family that embrace my same values and love me just the way I am.

Q: Of all of your accomplishments, what makes you the most proud?

A: My children. They are kind, funny and respectful.

Q: I sort of meant in your career?

A: Oh, my career. I am most proud that I have created a life where I can do what I love and make a difference.

Drawing, painting and developing product alone would not be fulfilling to me. The relationships that I have created with my licensees and other artists have allowed me so many opportunities to give back to my world. I love being able to have products donated to non-profits. My favorite one from 2011 was being able to sup26 | southern child magazine

port the Southwestern Institute for Research on Women’s (SIROW) grant program for teenage mothers. I was able to have them sent Mommy calendars and Journals from my license with Leap Year Publishing, board books from Ollie Bollie, family decals from Plaid Enterprises, fabric to make baby blankets from General Fabrics, luggage tags for diaper bags from expressionery.com and Sharpies too. The director flew me (and Dawson) out to Arizona for their annual board meeting this month where I learned how much my contribution meant to these young moms. I got to meet some of them and held a workshop on using doodling as a form of relaxation and stress relief. It brings me to tears when I connect with the reality that by being the mom that I am and living my dreams, I am empowering other moms to find their own power and create their own happiness.

Together with my kids, we find ways to use my designs and the products to support schools, zoos and whatever other organizations we come across that would benefit from what we have to share. I have painted murals, led workshops in schools, visited hospitals, and supported silent auctions for non-profits and well…just so many fun things. I love it. I love meeting the other moms out there in world, the other kids and well everyone I guess.

Q: What is your favorite product line that uses your designs?

A: I like them all! I guess my favorite though is the line of MOM products by Leap Year. The calendars, planners and notes are all helpful tools to keep moms organized. They come with stickers. I love stickers. I was probably more excited about getting stickers with my designs than anything else so far.

Q: What’s next?

A: In my personal life…it is wedding time. We are getting married and officially blending our families in July! In my career…It is top secret! I wish I could tell you but you will have to wait. I will give you a few hint words…cutting blades, education, crafting and shapes.

Yep, I am getting ready to embark on a new path in my journey. I am a little bit nervous but believe that with a little bit of work and little bit of luck and a whole lot of passion, love and commitment…great things are happening.

For more information about Laura Kelly or to get free download and craft ideas, visit her website at www.LauraKellyDesigns.com, or visit her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LauraKellyArt.

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Heart & Home 29 | southern child magazine

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GraceCaffeine and

by Tricia K. Lee

Tomorrow is a sort of D Day for me. The first day I officially take the first of many action steps towards my goals.

Oy.

I mean I am excited….well, more like I am eager to get closer to being the me I feel I can be rather than the me who has allowed herself to stay this side of excellence. I am excited about this line in the sand to prevent me from returning to mediocre-ville. But am I eager to start the action steps? No. Would I rather sleep in and stick to my old habits. Well, duh of course I would ‘cause that would be a lot easier. But my new motto is “it is not about easy it is about excellence”.

Maybe I think too much. Maybe my dreams are too big. Nah, I don’t buy that. I think I and we are just multi-faceted. Yep, that’s it.

We are like a finely carved gemstone—or better yet we are in the process of becoming a finely carved gemstone, our true brilliance just waiting to be brought out.

So by that word picture of a definition then tonight when I lay out tomorrow’s schedule which involves these new action items to reach my goals then what I am really doing is laying out the tools of a jeweler’s bench. Tomorrow when I start my day spending intimate time with God it will be the first cut on this raw stone of me. And as I replace old habits with new, intentional behaviors another bit of the raw and non glittering part of me will be carved off.

No diamond was ever brought from raw to light reflecting in one stroke. It takes 58 facets to make a brilliant cut diamond sparkle.

I want so much for my little light to shine, not so much because of me but because of the light that lives inside of me. So tomorrow morning rather than roll over to snooze I will roll out of bed ready to be carved into the one and only me I was destined to be. Maybe I am just 58 bold decisions away from my inner brilliance…..maybe so are you.

As an author and speaker Tricia’s mission is 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 Texas with her husband, young daughter and two very spoiled dogs.

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HEART & HOME

Meet Alwwod!

Age 16 Child ID 9265

Friends compare this kind Navajo teen to a big teddy bear. He is most outgoing around adults and animals. Mexican food and Native American food are the best in his book. Drawing is one way Alwood enjoys spending his time, along with collecting sports cards, particularly those of football heroes. Family is a huge part of his outlook on life and he is eager to find a place to call home!

In the ninth grade, Alwood tries to do well. One of his greatest strengths is a desire to improve himself. He would appreciate some encouragement to transfer this trait to schoolwork.

He benefits from an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) and participates in counseling, which will need to continue after placement.

A two-parent family willing to engage in a transitional plan prior to placement is preferred by Alwood's caseworker; however, all family types will be considered. He has siblings with whom he remains in contact. Financial assistance may be available for adoption-related services.

For New Mexico children, both homestudied and non-homestudied New Mexico families are encouraged to inquire; only homestudied families from other states should do so.

For more information about Alwood or other waiting children like him, please contact The Adoption Exchange at 800-451-5246 or visit www.adoptex.org.

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Meet Jasmine!

Age 15 Child ID 8761

Artsy, fashionable Jasmine is ready for her close-up! This sociable teen is a fan of writing, singing, art, fashion, yoga, animals and Harry Potter movies. She relishes one-on-one time with adults and enjoys spending time with her mentor. A very caring girl, Jasmine likes to help others. She has a great sense of humor and can be silly at times.

Jasmine is in ninth grade and benefits from an IEP. She is in counseling, which will need to continue after placement.

She is full of life and ready to share it with a patient and loving family. The caseworker prefers a two-parent or single-female home; however all family types will be considered. Financial assistance may be available for adoption-related expenses.

For Colorado children, both homestudied and non-homestudied Colorado families are encouraged to inquire; only homestudied families from other states should do so.

To learn more about Jasmine or other waiting children like her, please contact The Adoption Exchange at 800-451-5246 or visit www.adoptex.org.

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HEART & HOME

Celebrate, Mom

By: Mary Susan Buhner | Mommy-Magic | www.mommy-magic.com How Mother’s Day is typically celebrated by moms and how Father’s Day is typically celebrated by dads is as different as men and women are across the board.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my husband. We have been together for 22 years and married for over 16 years.

Yes, I married my high school and college sweetheart (do I hear an awww?!). However, depending on how you look at it, the benefit (or detriment) of being together for so long is that you lose the ability to always be polite in everyday circumstances. Can you relate?

Celebrating Mother’s Day and Father’s Day is no different. I used to be “polite” about it. I am not anymore.

Which makes me contemplate “how did I get to this point?” After thinking about it, I decided these things contributed to my Mother’s Day metophorisis: aging, I am no longer a “new mom”, rather “experienced” or “seasoned” and lack of time and energy to be “polite” all the time to family unit. Recognizing these things I know, the Mother’s Day itself didn’t change, my husband didn’t change, it was me. I had changed along the journey of motherhood over the years. I was surprised 34 | southern child magazine

as any...

Used to be on Mother’s Day, I delighted in being woken up at the crack of dawn by my three young daughters.

They would pile on my bed and smother me with little kisses. Eventually somebody would start to cry or get their “feelings hurt” which would prompt us all to swiftly get out of bed and start breakfast as a distraction.

Tradition had it back then, that my girls ( 6 and under) would help make breakfast for mommy on Mother’s Day. (That is code for little precious hands making one gigantic mess.) Nonetheless, I didn’t mind. I loved it.

We would then hurry upstairs to get dressed for church.

I barely rinse off with no time to wash my hair. I would sit in church feeling exhausted. After church we would go on a family walk and maybe plant some flowers together in the front yard. All things I loved doing, but something was starting to shift each May and I could not put my finger on it. I started to feel guilty. There I said it. I started to daydream about what I really wanted on Mother’s Day. It required no trip to the mall, no money at all, actually. And yet it was priceless to me. It was

HEART & HOME TIME...time by myself on Mother’s Day. That felt so weird to me that in fact, for years I ignored what I would daydream about - sleeping in on Mother’s Day (alone in my bed after 6AM), not cleaning up after breakfast and to top off the morning, taking a long hot shower (by myself) where I actually had the time to wash AND condition my hair AND shave my legs before going to church.

Then, it happened, I started to notice the man I married and loved and his ability to NOT feel guilty about anything he wanted on Father’s Day. The difference is, he has owned it from day one of being a dad. No guilt and no apologies. Every Father’s Day he gets up and goes for a run, we go to church as a family and he goes to play golf. He is not even that passionate about playing golf, but he looks forward to doing it every Father’s Day. We cookout as a family and ta da...he is recharged and happy. Duh! So with that, I started to take note from my own husband on how to handle this transition for me. I just owned it. The joke of it is, everybody was unphased by it. Totally okay - no big deal. The joke is on me, I guess. So the lesson is, don’t feel guilty for wanting time for yourself this Mother’s Day. Take a walk with your kiddos bickering, take a shower and enjoy conditioning your hair for three whole minutes! As women and moms, sometimes guilt just comes along with the territory, but take from me, once you get passed it, it can set you free!

So with that and in the spirit of Mother’s Day I encourage you to take the official “Mom Oath.” Own it, live it and know how amazing and awesome you are on Mother’s Day and every day!

The Mom Oath Today I tried my best. Although I feel exhausted and sometimes defeated by the time I have put away the laundry for the 84th time, I vow to celebrate how awesome I am as a mom. No need to focus on the fact that I have not gone to the bathroom alone in years – I am awesome. I believe that staying up until midnight labeling every item of clothing my child owns before she goes to camp will make a difference before they trash their “camp clothes” – I am awesome. I will not feel guilty that my kids have only consumed chicken nuggets and mac n’ cheese the past two weeks – I am awesome. I believe that starting my Christmas shopping for my kids in July is not crazy, but a necessity in order to get it all done by December – I am awesome. I vow not to get depressed and shake my head when it takes them 1.2 seconds to unwrap all the Christmas gifts I so lovingly wrapped – I am awesome. I will not allow the fact that my college degree is being put to use as a chauffeur (without any tip) – I am awesome. I promise that sounding like my mother when I discipline my kids doesn’t make me feel like I am losing my mind – I am awesome. I vow to let go of the notion that perfection can be maintained everyday - I am awesome. I will, from this day forward, enjoy the moments of imperfection and NOT feel guilty - I am awesome!

Happy Mother’s Day! 35 | southern child magazine

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Stuff We Love Isabella’s Garden In Isabella’s garden, amazing things come from the tiniest of seeds as they bloom and flourish and make way for a whole new season of growth. Told with great warmth and echoing favorite nursery rhymes such as “The Green Grass Grows All Around” or “The House that Jack Built,” Glenda Millard’s awardwinning story bursts with life. Beautifully complemented by Rebecca Cool’s bright, peaceful illustrations, here is a tale that is sure to win the hearts of readers of all ages.

HEXACUS HEXACUS is an exploration in creativity and fun for the entire family. Just sort by size and color, then stack, nest, and balance to create a wide variety of patterns and shapes.

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Hand Crafted Clothing for Curious Kids.

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HEART & HOME

Corralling Your Coupons

by Donna McInvale | “Coupon Clippin’ Woman”

So, you’ve saved the inserts from your Sunday paper for the last 2 weeks and have actually been taking the coupons that the “blinkie” machines spit out at you as you roam the aisles of your local Publix. Now what do you do with this big pile of coupons? Neatly stack it in a basket in put it in a corner until they expire then throw them away? No…although that has happened to me before! Spending just a little time setting up your method of choice will really pay off. Before you know it, you will be answering shoppers’ couponing questions in the middle of Publix!

Methods of organizing coupons are as diverse as the women who organize them! There are, however, a few basic categories of organization methods that can give you an overview of efficient methods to keep your coupons accessible. The two broadest categories relate to whether or not you wish to clip all your coupons in your coupon inventory. If you would rather not spend any more time than necessary clipping coupons, whole insert storage might be the method for you. However, if you simply like the idea of having all your coupons in your collection clipped and ready to go, a clipped coupon storage method would probably be your choice.

Whole insert storage methods involve simply filing the whole coupon inserts you get from your Sunday paper in an accordion file, file box or binder. In this method, the coupons are clipped only after making your grocery list and determining the coupons you need for the list. Coupon matching websites point you to the correct insert for the coupons you need. A method of storing those few individual coupons you pick up from other sources (such as from the blinkies or tearpads) is necessary to supplement the whole insert storage method, but those can easily but tucked into a small clutch coupon keeper that you pick up at a dollar store or, if you keep your inserts in page protectors in a binder, you can have a few page protectors set aside for those random clipped/individual coupons. You could even simply tuck those individual coupons in a zipper baggie. This method requires the least amount of time. If the idea of clipping, sorting and storing every coupon with which you come into contact overwhelms you, try the whole coupon insert method.

Clipped coupon storage methods require that all coupons in your collection be cut before storing them. The most popular method today to store clipped coupons is in a coupon binder. The coupons are categorized with a table of contents and a page protector or divider 40 | southern child magazine

for each category and any detail you desire about the category written on it. The categories can be as detailed or as broad as you like. The coupon binder I have and share in my coupon workshops has 33 categories. (I’ve seen as many as 45 categories in others’ binders).

Baseball card protectors, currency protectors or, now available, specialized coupon protectors hold the coupons behind each category page. Clipped coupons can also be stored in a file box or small coupon accordion file if a binder isn’t your cup of tea. There are some really fancy coupon boxes and files available now online. Simply do a search on Amazon!

I personally use a hybrid method of coupon organization. I utilize a file box (and occasionally bookshelves) to hold whole coupon inserts sorted by date and type.

Additionally, I maintain a coupon binder that holds my “favorite” coupons as well as the individual coupons I happen upon and add to my coupon inventory. Not clipping all the coupons saves my time. Clipping some of them even though they aren’t on my weekly grocery list allows me to take advantage of unexpected deals I might find while I am out shopping. I have several page protectors in the front of my binder where I slip the clipped coupons I haven’t had time to file in the proper spot yet. This method means that, in order to get those great, unexpected deals, I must carry my coupon binder with me whenever I go shopping. To do so, I keep my binder in a tote bag (along with scissors) that I can throw over my shoulder when I head out the door, even if I don’t have a shopping trip planned.

Really, the most difficult aspect of couponing is choosing your organizational method. After that, just commit to keeping it up (say, by going through your binder for 45 minutes to an hour once a week to throw out expired coupons and file new ones while you are watching Everybody Loves Raymond reruns or waiting for dance or soccer to end. Simply choose the method that works best for your life and time constraints and give it a try! And don’t let your couponing friend that has her coupons sorted by category and cross referenced by expiration date discourage you! You don’t have to be an “Orderly Ophelia” with all your ducks in a row all the time to be able to save some money with coupons!

Until next month!

-Donna

HEART & HOME

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HEART & HOME Mamarazzi: [mah-muh-raht-tsee] noun, plural – a new more aggressive form of paparazzi!

By Krista Sutherland | Sutherland Hill Farms Photography | www.sutherlandhillfarmsphotography.com

It’s getting to be that time of the year…..Easter has come and gone, warmer weather is here, the last few weeks of school…..it’s almost summer VACATION time! Aaaahh, the warm sunny beaches……. aaaahh, the cool mountain lakes…….aaaahh, the sights, smells and sounds of some fabulous city…..aaaahh, the photo of your family where your eyes are closed, the kids are fighting, and your husband’s head is chopped off…..Whoa, wait, it doesn’t have to be like that! I have always loved taking photos on vacation -- documenting a place you and your family may never get to again or a moment in time that may never happen again. Through trial and error, I’ve learned a few things along the way. Here’s a few vacation photo tips I’ll share with you!

DON’T FORGET THE CAMERA! With surfboards, suitcases, sunglasses, allergy medicine, and somebody’s special pillow….it can be easy to forget the most important thing – the camera! So get it ready and pack it up ahead of time! And along with the camera, don’t forget new batteries or your camera’s battery charger. There have been many special moments missed because of a dead camera battery or the battery died while taking a photo. Don’t let this happen to you!

Also important, pack a few things to help you protect your gear – Ziploc bags, or even shower caps, can be great tools to protect your camera from getting wet. A special travel case can protect your camera on the beach from the sand or in the city from a bumpy bus ride. And if you have a tripod, bring it! It will come in handy for that family photo you might want to use later for your Christmas card!

TAKE AS MANY PHOTOS AS YOU CAN! Of course, you can always take the posed photos of your family in front of some beautiful scene, but don’t forget to snap a few candid or random photos of your kids playing, the grandparents holding hands, or your husband sleeping! And don’t just take photos of your family but also remember to document PLACES (buildings, street signs), THINGS (sandcastles, palm trees, seashells), ANIMALS (the dog wearing sunglasses, the fat cat outside the seafood restaurant), ANYTHING!!! In this wonderful digital age, you can always take a lot and delete later! Go for it!

LET YOUR CHILDREN TAKE OVER!! This is where the fun begins!

Kids will truly have a different perspective on things! As a lesson in creativity, I always let my kids take photos! In fact, when they were little I would buy the disposable, waterproof cameras and let them take whatever photos they wished! It was always interesting to see the results!! Who knows, you might even spark the interest of a budding photographer!

Summer vacation is a wonderful opportunity to snag some fun photos! Then, come home and use a rainy day with the kids for making a vacation scrapbook! Aaaah, the memories!

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Contact me today to start your life changing challenge!

April Stokes aprilstokes0@gmail.com astokes.bodybyvi.com 45 | southern child magazine

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s r e l l o r t S y v v Sa 2 1 0 2

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Savvy Strollers Contours速 Options速 Tandem The Contours速 Options速 Tandem has 6 reversible seating positions to adjust to your immediate surroundings. Let your children entertain themselves while seats face each other or reverse both seats to face you for additional bonding time. Easily design a custom travel system using your favorite infant car seat or add second car seat attachment for use with twins.

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Savvy Strollers Contours® Options® LT tandem Some tandem strollers are big, bulky, and hard to fold, but not the Contours® Options® LT tandem stroller!

The new design is lightweight (only 33 ½ lbs.) and folds easily with both seats on for added convenience and easy storage. The reversible seats allow your children to share a tender moment with you, explore their surroundings, or have their own private giggle session. Plus, the Contours Options LT tandem stroller can accommodate an infant car seat. Finally, a lighter double stroller that is easy to use and enjoy!

Contours® Options® 3-Wheeler Turn strolling time into bonding time with the Contours Options 3-Wheeler. This stroller features a reversible seat that allows your baby to face you or face forward as your child grows. Using the infant car seat attachment you can easily design your travel system. The Contours Options 3-Wheeler includes a child cup holder, height-adjustable canopy and simple fold!

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Savvy Strollers

Jeep Overland Limited Jogger Love to listen to music when you run, but worry about not hearing your child? Both of you can listen to your favorite tunes with Music on the Move ® available on the Jeep Overland Limited Jogging stroller. Simply attach your own portable audio electronics, like an iPod®, and go!

Jeep Cherokee Sport The Jeep Cherokee Sport is an ideal stroller for the active parent and baby who are always on the go! This rugged and compact stroller features Free-Stand™ and one-hand fold, all-terrain wheels, snack tray and cargo bags for storage. Go anywhere and everywhere with this portable and easy-tofold stroller!

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Savvy Strollers

Jeep Liberty Limited Finally one stroller that does it all!

The Jeep Liberty Limited is the answer for those parents who go from nature walks to sidewalks to malls. Customize the Liberty to be your own travel system using favorite brands such as Chicco®, Graco® & Peg Perego® infant car seats. Other must-have features include the iBaby™ Sound System which lets you hook up your iPod® or mp3 player for Music on the Move®.

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Savvy Strollers

Joovy Groove The new and improved Joovy Groove umbrella stroller is finally in stock! Calling the stroller improved is a huge understatement, this thing is totally new from the wheels up.

First thing you notice when you open up the box is this techy looking super strong rectangle aluminum frame attached to the cleanest looking 600D fabric ever! Available in Joovy’s bestselling colors, Blueberry, Greenie, Orangie and Black.

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Savvy Strollers

Bumbleride Indie Twin Bumbleride is reshaping baby mobility in a way to flow seamlessly into your modern lifestyle.

Whether navigating the city pavement or cruising the parks and beaches, Bumbleride allows you and your little one to enjoy a secure and comfortable ride. Bumbleride believes that modern parents are looking for a stroller that is not simply functional, but fits their lifestyle as well.

Launched as Bumbleride’s first side-by-side stroller, Indie Twin provides the best of both worlds by accommodating both infants and older siblings.

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Savvy Strollers Stokke® Xplory® Stokke® Xplory® lifts your child closer to you helping you explore together. Stokke® Xplory® grows with your child. It’s the only stroller you’ll ever need.

The Stokke® Xplory® fits around your baby, from top to bottom, with every inch designed to enhance the experience of moving through the world, and gently embracing your baby while he or she is doing just that. From the obvious height advantage offered by the Stokke® Xplory® stroller’s raised seat, down to the adaptable footrest. Ensuring safety and ease of movement no matter how tall or small your child is, the Stokke® Xplory® enables comfortable and secure movement.

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Savvy Strollers

JJ Cole Monroe Stroller The Monroe is a lightweight stroller that is both stylish and durable, and perfect for every outing. Its ability to convert into a travel system with the JJ Cole Newport car seat just made your life easier. Also featuring an adjustable 130 degree back which reclines for child’s comfort, and color swap canopies (sold separately).

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www.joovy.com

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Southern Style 59 | southern child magazine

SOUTHERN STYLE Shown on Previous Page ($94 retail) Our linen bustle back dress, which comes in Baby Pink or Baby Blu – Have ruffles ever been so cute!? Ours are plaid and done on a perfect little dress in 100% linen. The dress is trimmed in ladder lace, adding to its sweetness. The back button closure is done in natural shell buttons.

Linen is one of the purest cloths there is. It is light and comfortable, and has a coolness and absorbency that make it ideal for sunny days. It is an ideal fabric for children’s sensitive skin and especially good for those with skin conditions, such as allergies and eczema, because it has a natural pH balance. Linen is very environmentally friendly. It comes from flax and every part of the plant is used. The finest fibers are used to make linen fabrics and the by-products are used to make everything from oil to cattle feed to bank notes and fiber board. Waste is minimal. Oh, and did you know that you can choose whether to dry clean or to machine wash your linen garments?

LamanBlu™ The move toward environmentally conscious living is becoming more prevalent and with the growth of this lifestyle, consumers are looking for more ways to incorporate it into their everyday lives. The market for eco-friendly children’s clothing is fueled with items that meet the criteria of sustainability but lack a sense of whimsy and wonder.

Finding eco-friendly and fashion forward brands for children is a challenge and that is one of the things makes LamanBlu™ unique.

LamanBlu™ was founded on the idea of celebrating childhood, on the thought that children can be dressed beautifully and comfortably and the clothing can be beautifully made and easy to care for. Our designs are meant to be played in, danced in, lived in. We use eco-friendly fabrics including bamboo, pure linen and organic cottons, recycled polyester blends, all in fashion forward bright colors with exquisite detailing.

Photography by Erik Sear 60 | southern child magazine

SOUTHERN STYLE LEFT Ballerina Dress: ($84 retail) This is one of our best selling styles – what little girl doesn’t dream of being a ballerina! We use a Bamboo/Lycra knit which is soft as silk (and also great at releasing stains). The neck and straps are trimmed in a special decorative elastic which provides beauty as well as amazing comfort and fit for your little one – straps stretch and move with your child, and stay put on their shoulders.

The ballerina ruffles at the bottom of the skirt our in our plaid linen. Bamboo is an eco-friendly, sustainable crop that grows wild without the aid of fertilizers or pesticides. Bamboo fabric is naturally antibacterial, antifungal and antistatic. Bamboo absorbs water 3-4 times better than cotton and is cooler also. Our bamboo is a designer weight with enough Lycra to give it great performance also!

Photography by Erik Sear

RIGHT Dance Party Dress: ($78 retail) We’ve taken our best selling ballerina body and spiced it up with tutu ruffles – ready for a dance party! The fabric is a micro-modal which is amazingly soft and the ruffles are a soft netted lace. It has the same elastic trim at the top which provides a pretty sheen and great movement. It is available in Aqua, Bougainvillea (hot pink – just like the flower) or Baby Pink. Micro-Modal is a 100% biodegradable textile made from beechwood, a natural raw material and basic component for the fabric. Modal is the most luxurious cellulose fiber.

Soft, smooth, silky – so light and delicate that you hardly feel it. It has excellent moisture absorptive and release capacities that let your skin breathe. Its smooth texture, its soft look and the capability to dye brilliant colors make it a natural for high-quality apparel.

Photography by Erik Sear

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SOUTHERN STYLE

PUCCI POOL PARTY DRESSES

ABOVE & RIGHT: Pucci Pool Party Dresses: ($54 retail) Our Pucci inspired print sundresses are great for every day wear. The aqua and bougainvillea colors match our Dance Party dresses perfectly (so they make great sister dresses!). The elastic trim at the neck and shoulders provides the ultimate comfort and the Modal fabric is completely soft and resists wrinkling. Our dropped waist dress has a full skirt with a curly lettuce hem and plenty of twirl! Modal fabrics are amazingly easy to care for – throw them in the washer, then the dryer – no need to hang up because the minute they come out your child will want to put them on again!

Photography by Erik Sear

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SOUTHERN STYLE

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DESIGN SPOTLIGHT

Puppet Theater Fun

by Laura Bray

At our house, we’ve been making an effort to watch less television. We have never watched huge amounts, but I was curious to see what would happen to our lives if we reduced our TV time even further. It really wasn’t difficult. I just didn’t tell my daughter we were doing it. No big sweeping statements. I just stopped offering it as often and on weekend mornings would watch the time and when she had spent an hour watching cartoons, I would come in and tell her to go get dressed and the TV just wouldn’t come on again.

The amazing thing is her creativity has exploded as a result. She’s always been creative, but it’s gone crazy with less TV. One of her new creative interests has been to put on puppet shows, so I decided to encourage her by making her a puppet theater. There are a million tutorials for making an inexpensive puppet theater, but here’s my take on the project.

Supplies

Elmer’s Tri-Fold Foam Display Board Painter’s tape Plaid FolkArt Paints Felt Buttons Galore & More Buttons Wood Frame Martha Stewart’s Chalkboard Paint Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue Velcro® Brand Fasteners Fabric

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DESIGN SPOTLIGHT

Steps:

1. Cut a window into the center of your tri-fold display board.

2. Using painter’s tape create vertical stripes on display board.

3. Paint stripes and then remove the painter’s tape. Allow paint to completely dry.

4. Create felt flowers. You can create these freehand or using a die cut machine.

5. Glue the felt flowers onto the puppet theater. Glue buttons into the center of the flowers. You can also create a banner using felt & buttons.

6. Glue a lightweight frame underneath the theater window.

Paint inside of the frame with chalkboard paint. This will allow your child to write in the name of their show.

7. Measure window opening and sew fabric curtains.

8. Use Velcro (R) Brand Fasteners to attach curtains to the inside of the theater. I used a combination of the adhesive backed fasteners (to attach to the theater) and the sew-on fasteners (sewn to the fabric). I figured this would ensure that both sides would be secure as possible. Other tutorials use rope to hang the curtains, but I was pretty sure that would come down in a few days. This solutions also ensures that the theater can fold-up which allows for easy storage.

Now all you have to do is get out the puppets and start the show. The theater can also be used as a drive-thru window for your child’s make believe restaurant.

Laura Bray is a designer, writer and lifestyle expert. She inspires creative women to live a life of balance & simplicity by sharing her modern twist on traditional home arts.

Whether you stitch, cook, are raising children or just want to be a better housekeeper, you are sure to find great tips and tutorials on her blog at www. katydiddys.blogspot.com.

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P is for PARTY

Strawberry Mama Cakes

A Strawberry Shortcake Inspired Party | Talia Rogers

“Crazy woman” is what I called myself several times during the planning of this party. Why you ask? Because I was silly enough to attempt the planning and execution of a birthday party in 3 days! See, not only am I a mommy/wife and party planner, but I have a day job as well for which I travel quite a bit. This last year I have been extremely busy with business and work, and figured I would give myself a break on the party planning for family and friends.

So, I told my hubby with regard to our daughter’s party, “We’ll just have hot dogs and cake!” His reply was, “Uh huh, we’ll see.” I am sure you can tell, the hubs was right, and I was totally kidding myself.

Literally it was like an epiphany! I was working on something utterly unrelated and sprang from my seat yelling, “Oh my gosh! That is it! We’ll call it Strawberry Mamacakes!” Now, this was late Tuesday night and the party was set to be Friday evening….what’s more I needed had to be out of town for work ALL day Thursday. Stupid you say, yeah, I know….

For one, because I am a party planner I get these ideas and I love to see how they would manifest in real life.

However, I will be honest here. The real reason I planned this party is because my baby was turning 2 and I felt a little guilty about not celebrating in style, when I have the ability to do so. Growing up, I had a GREAT mommy, but birthdays were not a big deal in my home. After marrying my husband (one of 7 children), I learned that there were families that celebrated EVERY birthday as big as they could within their means.

My husband and I are really big on creating family traditions with my kids because they are a blessing from the Lord. Without going to deep here, my kids are so special to me because I almost died after the birth of my oldest (due to complications from pregnancy) and there was a point when I was wanting another child (Mamacakes) and the doctors thought I would never be able to conceive again. Being blessed with a child whether through birth or adoption is a MIRACLE and I want to make sure that no matter how busy I get, I ALWAYS celebrate our miracles!

Let me be clear. For me it was never about how BIG or how small the party was, but rather that I was giving it my personal best at that very moment.

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P is for PARTY

Strawberries and Balloons Shared the Spotlight Because I had very limited time and a modest budget, I opted to build EVERYTHING around two major elements.

In this case strawberries and balloons took center stage. Generally I am not a big fan of balloons. However Noah LOVES them, so I figured I would go BIG and bought 60 balloons in different pinks, red, lime green and white.

While perusing Martha Stewart’s website, I saw someone had created a large number made with balloons and affixed it to the wall. I thought it was such a cute idea, and HAD to try it! That, along with the balloons around the room, served as my primary design feature.

In addition, it was important that I used fresh strawberries as much as possible. With that in mind, I and my sisterin-law picked 20 pounds of them the morning of the party, and paid 24 bucks for them by going to a local farm!

Strawberries served as décor, were used in the drinks, and of course used to make the dessert.

The Eats

We managed to keep this part fairly simply. We ordered beef brisket from one of our favorite BBQ joints, so that guests could assemble their own sliders. We also served cold slaw, BBQ potato chips and chicken wings. I didn’t make anything but the strawberry lemonade and it was mmmmm, mmmm good!

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P is for PARTY

The Dessert Bar All of our guests were invited to make strawberry shortcakes at Mamacakes’ Strawberry Shortcake Bar! In addition to traditional homemade strawberry topping and my special cream, we had pineapple/strawberry topping too. And what kind of birthday party would it be without a cake? I had no time to bake anything, but I could throw a little something together. I knew that making my homemade butter/cream cheese frosting would be easy. So, I bought two 8 inch crème cakes from my local grocery store and assembled like a layer cake. I frosted the cake and added cut strawberries all around and voila! And yes, I told everyone that it was semi homemade! But it was so yummy!

Activities

NONE! Well no structured ones anyway….and you know what? That is totally fine sometimes. I love great activities for children’s parties, but the truth is that all the kids that came were more my 6 year old son’s age, than my daughter. Also, the party was a 7:30pm on a Friday because that was the ONLY time we could have it near her birthday.

The adults did what adults do…chat and chill, while the children played as if no one but them existed. Noah? Well she ran around swiping strawberries and food, and we let her. After all, she was the birthday girl.

70 | southern child magazine

71 | southern child magazine

P is for PARTY

Would I do anything over?

OF COURSE! I would not decide to actually have a full-fledged party 3 days prior. But other than that, life happens how it happens, so I would not change anything else.

It’s okay to accept help!

I could not have brought this all together the help of some fabulous vendor friends, whom I LOVE! Claudia from Tini Posh (www.tiniposh.com) designed the super cute strawberry shortcake inspired printables and signage; while Debra from TiTi’s TuTus (www.titistutus.blogspot.com) provided me with those lovely “pimp poms.” Both were the perfect accents to complete the look. I have learned over the years that when someone offers to help…let them.

These ladies are so talented that they whipped these goodies up for me in a day! If I had attempted to do one more thing I would have fallen flat on my face! Grateful for great friends that LOVE what they do and SHARE their talents with me!

How I remained sane!

I picked a theme and stuck with it! As much as I wanted to, I DID NOT try too many new ideas. It is okay to be inspired by others and add your own spin on it. I bought as much stuff premade/prefilled/preassembled as possible. I didn’t go crazy buying EVERY cute thing that I saw, which fit the color scheme and theme. When my friends offered to utilize their talents and gifts for me…I let them. Despite what you’ve read I really took it easy on myself.

Everything didn’t have to be perfect. Let’s be real, it never is anyway, so why stress about the inevitable. Lastly and most importantly I remembered why I was doing it….to create memories for my family and celebrate my baby’s life.

And that’s what it’s all about!

72 | southern child magazine

73 | southern child magazine

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

74 | southern child magazine

Photo by www.JoyJill.com.

75 | southern child magazine

HOMEMADE SCHOLAR

Only One Thing Is Necessary

By Tucker Teague There is only one thing necessary in homeschooling and in life. That one thing is our full attention to and adoration of Christ. Ironically, at the very point at which we are tempted to reply, “yes, but...” we find the answer to our hectic and busy lives.

Oh Martha We get overwhelmed with homeschooling. This is not surprising, for we also get overwhelmed with parenting, work, housekeeping, relationships, and life. Perhaps we are overwhelmed because we are Americans and Americans have their foibles. But more likely it is just because we are human; we take on too much and we worry too much.

The problem is that most of what we try to do is good. For homeschoolers the good comes in many forms: we schedule activities, prepare lessons, guide our children through their studies, and we are generally at it constantly.

We can make a mile-long list of all the good things to do. But even if we could complete that list we would likely miss the point, the one thing that makes homeschooling (and all education) worthwhile. What is that one thing?

The answer is simple, though it is not easy, and it is something every Christian should know but we lose sight of it all the time. What is it? Luke presents it better than I ever could: As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

(Luke 10:38–42, NIV1984) We, too, are worried and bothered about so many things. But only one thing is necessary. Choose the good part and it will not be taken away from you. Mary chose the one necessary thing. Will we?

I love this little story, but as with many of my favorite Bible passages, I am troubled by it. Consider the situation.

Christ is present with His followers. These people love Him. They care about Him and they want to serve Him. They want to serve others around Him as well, and by doing so they are supporting His ministry. Christ came declaring the kingdom of God and these people want to be a part of that kingdom. Martha is intent on doing her part.

She is laboring, taking on extra work. We know that being a good host was highly valued in those days and in that culture. And here, Christ himself was in Martha’s house. This was a big deal. Was not Martha right in expecting her sister to help, even just a little? What in the world was Mary doing?

Mary was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. She is fully attentive to Christ.

Does this not translate into our lives as well? We are serving God and His kingdom by raising and teaching our children in the way of Christ, are we not? We want to serve God, to serve others, to live out the kingdom of God here and now. How then can we forsake these duties, these good things, for something that looks like we are loafing? In short, how are we going to teach our children all that they must know; and how are we going to get everything done, if we merely sit at Christ’s feet? Is Martha not right? Perhaps she needs to chill out a little, but on the whole is she not focused on the right things? Are we not right to fill our homeschooling days with a plethora of activities, lists, timelines, conjugations, papers, and so on? Should we not be trying to get it all done?

The One Thing I am also troubled by this story in part because I am not sure I fully grasp Christ’s meaning. Just what is the one thing?

Let us think about this a little more. Every day we have the opportunity to serve and every day we can (at least in 76 | southern child magazine

HOMEMADE SCHOLAR our hearts) be at our Lord’s feet. In Mary’s case Christ was actually, physically there. Where else could Mary be but at His feet? Martha was doing good but she was not choosing the best part, the one thing. Martha hosted but Mary adored. Martha served but Mary worshiped. Martha was intent on getting the work done. Mary was intent on Christ. Perhaps Martha was right to serve but she was wrong to worry about it, and she probably should have set aside her worries and duties, and sat with Mary at Christ’s feet.

Could it be that the one thing is Christ himself? Or perhaps, we should say that the one thing is the proper orientation of our souls or the right perspective on life that comes from trusting entirely in God and understanding the true nature of His grace. Maybe it is the same thing. Christ is the still point around which all of creation turns. In Him is the summation, revelation, and incarnation of God’s great master plan—a plan that is filled with mercy, is trustworthy, and is for our salvation.

The question remains: What does this look like in our lives today? How should this play out in our homeschooling contexts, on our Classical Conversations’ campuses, and in our daily struggles?

Our Choice In our homeschooling we are faced with the choice of being a Martha or a Mary. The difficulty is that Martha offers the stronger appeal to us. We have so much to do, so much to get done. And those things often do need to get done. But the truth is we really do not want to be told that our “to do” lists are missing the point much of the time.

If we are not careful, Martha will be our hero.

Perhaps we can get to the essence of Christ’s gentle statement to Martha by contrasting it with what we so often find in the world. Whether in our modern world or in the ancient world, the evidence points to a constant scurrying of human activity that hustles and bustles towards ever increasing busyness and ever increasing worries. We are full of the cares of the world. We are burdened with desires and concerns. Our schools, public and Christian, are bursting with activities. All too often schools exemplify the disease of the age with their multiplicity of subjects, standards, tests, grades, technologies, goals, curricula, hoops to jump through, levels to attain, packed lesson plans, and constant worries.

But what if one does not get all of it done? What if one’s children do not get through the lesson in the allotted time? Or what if you do a bad job of teaching a lesson? What if a student fails to memorize the history timeline or gets her conjugations mixed up or just plain cannot sit still today? In those situations where is your compass pointing? What is your ultimate destination? Why are you even bothering to homeschool?

The Big Picture Just a few verses after the scene with Mary and Martha, the disciples are asking Jesus how they should pray. In those days to ask a rabbi how to pray was like asking him to sum up the essence of his teaching in a short, easy to remember statement. Jesus replies by saying they should pray this way: “Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.

Give us each day our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.

And lead us not into temptation.” (Luke 11:2b–4, NIV1984) Notice first what is said: The prayer begins by praising God, then desiring His kingdom to come. Next is a plea for basic needs to be met. Then, forgiveness is requested, followed by a reminder of the condition which must be met in order to be forgiven. Finally, there is a request to be kept from temptation. Now notice what is not said: “Lord help us to get everything done, give us the strength to finish our “to do” lists, make sure our children complete their homework, help us to make successful lesson plans, and please solve the laundry pile.”

Certainly we have a lot of work to do. We have taken on the great task of educating our children. But we must not lose sight of the one thing that is necessary. As we devise our curricula, make our lesson plans, teach our children, and prod them in their homework, we must remember to choose the good part that will not be taken away. Let us be fully attentive to Christ and REST in Him. This article shared with us from ClassicalConversations.com 77 | southern child magazine

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80 | southern child magazine

FAMILY TRAVEL

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Excitement is in bloom at Epcot for one more month with the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV at the Walt Disney World Resort. Don’t miss the largest-ever Disney front-entrance topiary, an illuminated Haiti produce garden with marketplace and a stellar cast of HGTV design celebrities boost the flower power at the 19th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

Pixie Hollow Flower Garden Explore the garden world of Pixie Hollow and find some of your favorite fairy characters presented in topiary. Play on the Weevos®, designed especially for 2- to 5-year-olds and explore the Cozy Dome®, a cozy hide-away on the inside and climbing fun on the outside. Located at Test Track Walkway.

Bambi’s Butterfly House Experience hundreds of native butterflies and see some of your favorite characters from the Disney film Bambi, presented in topiary. Located at Imagination Walkway.

Let’s Get Moving Unique play structures offer fun for the little ones—the Evos™ play systems for ages 6 and older and the Weevos™ play systems for ages 2 through 5. Located at Imagination Walkway.

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The Backyard Fun Bunch Clubhouse, where kids make a pledge to play often, eat well and have fun Delightful adventures that you can recreate in your very own backyard—creative and inspiring!

Located between the Morocco and France Pavilions, the Backyard Play Garden invites your family to come, play and take home healthy ideas that will last a lifetime.

Toy Story Alphabet Garden Find some of your favorite characters in topiary from the Disney•Pixar film Toy Story 3. Located at the American Adventure Pavilion.

81 | southern child magazine

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