20 minute read
Craft Time
Last-Minute FESTIVE CRAFT
Written by Ashley Wedding // Photo by Jamie Plain
Looking for a quick craft for your little ones? This is the perfect choice! Use up all of your leftover cupcake liners in this adorable Christmas tree decoration.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
›› Various cupcake liners - different designs ›› Glue ›› Popsicle sticks (optional) ›› Ribbon (optional) ›› Pom poms (optional)
Fold each liner in quarters - at varying sizes. Glue them together, largest on the bottom to the smallest on the top. Four to five liners should be the perfect number for a tree. Decorate as you want! Add a ribbon to make an ornament or a popsicle stick to create a trunk. Pom poms make adorable add ons too!
This is a great craft to work on fine motor skills as well as sorting and size sequencing practice! OP
If you make these adorable crafts, be sure to tag a photo of them on our social media accounts! We would love to see them!
ASHLEY WEDDING is the editor of Owensboro Parent. She enjoys everyday adventures with her husband, Drew, and their three kids, Avery, Reed and Mason.
Community
Meet the Hamiltons PICTURE PICTURE PERFECT PERFECT
Written by Laura Murphy Photo by Jason Tanner
Jamie and Wes are proud parents to four children: Grant (11), Kate (9), Quinn (7) and Miles (4). With busy schedules including full-time jobs, schoolwork and participation in multiple sports, the family of six is excited to find an opportunity to drop everything and get away together. Nine months ago they signed with an agent as family models and the opportunities have multiplied ever since.
“We are a very active, energetic and loud family,” Jamie said. “It’s never quiet at our house. We play lots of sports including football, soccer, basketball, dance, and Kate does theater.”
Hamilton, a speech language pathologist and special needs advocate, works in the school system and for Puzzle Pieces. Wes is a CPA.
When a door opened for them unexpectedly in family modeling, they knew it was the perfect opportunity to have fun and spend time with each other as a family.
“The kids auditioned for a local commercial and during the reading, I was reading lines with them and they ended up casting me as the mom in the commercial,” Jamie said.
During the process of filming, the director of the commercial came to Jamie and suggested she consider getting an agent for herself and the family.
“He told us our family was good at this and he noticed that we are very outgoing. He pushed us in the right direction, and soon me and the girls auditioned in Louisville,” Jamie said.
When Jamie showed the agent pictures of her husband, Wes, and the entire family, they knew they could be the perfect fit.
“Since then we joined the family division of modeling,” Jamie said, “It’s a fun activity we can all do together.”
Most of the family had no prior experience in modeling for pictures or commercials, but they have all embraced the opportunity to audition, run lines, and learn about the behind the scenes aspect of this career.
“I had done some modeling in high school,” Jamie said. “And of course Kate loves theater. Out of all the kids, I’d say that she likes it the most.”
While their plate may look full to those on the outside looking in, the Hamiltons enjoy learning and growing together, with numerous opportunities coming from the places they go, including hotels, theme parks and stage sets.
“I want the kids to take every opportunity
they get seriously because you never know what it can turn into,” Wes said. “If we had passed on the first commercial because we were afraid to try something new, this door would have never opened.”
Reflecting on some of the jobs so far, the family enjoys the adventure aspect of their time together.
“On one job, we were in a cage together, face to face with two humongous elephants. We also got to zipline,” Jamie said. “Kate was very scared at first because she’s terrified of heights. She ended up on nine different ziplines that day and she conquered her fear.”
In addition to giving their children the opportunity to get outside their comfort zones, the family is grateful to have the chance to drop everything and discover new places together.
“We live on a family farm with 15 cousins. It gives us a getaway with just the six of us. Without family or sports, without all the running, it makes all the difference for us,” Jamie said, noting that they are assigned jobs together more often than not.
From riding rides at Holiday World to staying together as a family at a resort in French Lick, Jamie says they are learning valuable lessons along the way, too.
One lesson the Hamilton children have learned is that a layered process is required even for a short commercial.
“You might be on the set all day,” she said. The commercial is less than a minute long. The 30 seconds of footage may barely show your face.”
Even with all the open doors, their family does not land every job they attempt. One positive of the process is exposing their children to understanding and accepting the “no” when it comes.
“We know how to deal with rejection. For every ‘yes’ you get 10 “no’s.’” Jamie said. “People want certain things like a child that wears a certain shoe size or has a certain color of hair.”
Even with the required auditions and stipulations to land a specific job, the Hamiltons have stayed busy with bookings including print, commercials and modeling.
“We constantly get new calls and new jobs,” Jamie said. “We do them either separately or together depending on the job. We get job offers every week, but we don’t always take them because of school. Right now it’s more like a fun hobby.”
Looking back at the past nine months, the Hamiltons consider themselves to be very fortunate to be able to land these unique jobs.
“We had no idea how it all worked—how to book jobs, how to get an agent,” Jamie said. “Once we got started and got rolling, we learned this is not about the work or being in front of the camera, it’s a lot of fun too,” Jamie said. OP
LAURA MURPHY is an eighth grade LA teacher at Daviess County Middle School. She has three kids who keep her life interesting; Jonah, Lily, Josiah and Judson. She survives on Grape Spark, Jon Gordan books and all things Grumpy Cat.
HOMETOWN Christmas Written by Meghann Richardson // Photo by AP Imagery
Hometown Christmas, a series of holiday activities in downtown Owensboro, is sure to bring lots of fun and excitement to families this holiday season.
The holiday celebration kicked off with the Smothers Park Christmas Tree lighting ceremony with the Kentucky Youth Chorale on Nov. 18.
Tim Ross, Director of Public Events for the City of Owensboro, said there are activities for all ages downtown throughout the season for everyone to be wrapped up in the excitement of the holidays.
“Everyone enjoys the Christmas holiday season,” he said. “From a great Christmas light show nightly to performing arts or even 5K runs, there are numerous ways to get involved and experience the holidays in Owensboro with your family and friends.”
Also returning in 2022 is the Energy on Ice outdoor skating rink at the Owensboro Convention Center. Other events will include the Hot Chocolate Hop, Holiday Photo Night, Friday After 5’s Christmas at the Inn, as well as numerous productions at the RiverPark Center, Bluegrass Hall of Fame, Owensboro Convention Center, just to name a few.
This year’s festivities have expanded to include the Dancing Lights show down Veterans Blvd. as well as programming that takes place nightly from 5-9 p.m. So, everyone can enjoy a choreographed light show every 15 minutes along the riverfront. In addition, there are numerous shows at the RiverPark Center and Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame for people to enjoy some tremendous Christmas shows.
“We are excited to expand the Dancing Lights display and to be adding a variety of activities along the riverfront for the Christmas season,” Ross said. “We saw great success with the 12 Days of Christmas concept last year, and wanted to expand it longer than four weeks. We are happy to be able to add even more activities this year, including the Dancing Lights display which will now occur nightly.”
DECEMBER 1-31, 5-9 P.M. {
Holiday Lights will transform the center portion of Smothers Park in downtown Owensboro into an interactive holiday lightshow. Every 15 minutes, lights will dance to a different classic Christmas carol. It is a spectacle that you won't want to miss.
Dancing Lights is presented by Big Rivers Electric Corp. and Visit Owensboro.
Friday After 5's Christmas at the Inn
DECEMBER 2 - 16 FRIDAYS FROM 6-8 P.M.
{
Bring the entire family and experience the Holidays with live music, pictures & story time with Santa Claus and the magical Igloo serving free Hot Chocolate with candy canes, all located in our festive winter wonderland. Located at the Holiday Inn Owensboro Riverfront, 701 W. 1st St.
Care Net Reindeer Run 5K
DECEMBER 3, 8-10 A.M. {
The 8th Annual Care Net Reindeer Run/ Walk is a family-fun event open to runners and walkers of all types so grab your family members, friends, or co-workers and join the fun to kick off the Holiday Season.
DECEMBER 3, 7 P.M. AND DECEMBER 4, 3 P.M.
{
Children of all ages will find the joy of Christmas through the beauty of music and dance with Owensboro Dance Theatre's "The German American Bank Nutcracker." This timeless production fills the stage with movement and imagination, generating enthusiasm for all students.
Lanham Brothers Christmas Jamboree at Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum
DECEMBER 3, 7 P.M. {
Brothers Randy and Barry Lanham are celebrating roots music, clogging, and Kentucky arts with the Lanham Brothers Jamboree. This event will be recorded for broadcast on KET.
Live Reindeer Experience with Santa & Mrs. Claus at Owensboro Museum of Science and History
DECEMBER 3, 10 A.M. - NOON AND 1-5 P.M.
{
Join the Owensboro Museum of Science and History Reindeer Experience by exploring the museum and make your own keepsake photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their reindeer. Event is included with the price of admission ($5 for non-members, free for members).
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: The Musical at RiverPark Center
DECEMBER 7, 7 P.M. {
The beloved TV classic Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season.
The Prophecy Show at RiverPark Center
DECEMBER 8, 7 P.M. {
Come experience the power, the music, and the magic once again this Christmas season at RiverPark Center, as the Prophecy performs music from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and more.
Hot Chocolate Hop
DECEMBER 9-10 {
The third annual Hot Chocolate Hop is all weekend long and features various local downtown businesses that will be selling different specialty hot chocolate drinks.
Energy on Ice
DECEMBER 1-31 FRIDAYS, 5-9 P.M. SATURDAYS, 2-9 P.M. SUNDAYS, 2-7 P.M. MONDAY-THURSDAY (DEC.
19-23 ONLY) 2-7 P.M. {
An outdoor skating experience on the Kentucky Legend Pier at the Owensboro Convention Center. Sponsored by Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Atmos Energy, Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, and the Staton Family Foundation.
Owensboro Symphony's Home for the Holidays at RiverPark Center
DECEMBER 10, 7 P.M. {
The Owensboro Symphony’s beloved Christmas tradition promises to mesmerize listeners with Holiday favorites and fresh new works; including The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, and Sleigh Ride. The Owensboro Symphony Chorus and the Owensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra will join the symphony in performing some of the season's most recognizable tunes.
"Christmas in the Colonies" Historical Program by Eddie Prince at Owensboro Museum of Science & History
DECEMBER 10, 7 P.M.
Join regional historian Eddie Price as he shares a fascinating and fact-filled look back at how Christmas was celebrated in the New England, Middle, and Southern colonies. Event is included with the price of admission ($5 for non-members, free for members).
Jimmy Fortune Christmas Show
DECEMBER 15, 7 P.M. {
Preferred seating is $45, and reserved seating is $35. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the concert begins at 7 p.m. Bar and concessions available.
5th Annual Breakfast with Santa Presented by German American Bank at Owensboro Convention Center
DECEMBER 17, 7:30-10 A.M. {
Santa Claus is coming to town. Enjoy breakfast and take your own photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Santa's Sweets
DECEMBER 16 - 17 {
Satisfy your holiday sweet tooth with some indulgent specialty treats from downtown restaurants and businesses.
DECEMBER 20-23 {
A variety of programs each day. Events are included with the price of admission ($5 for non-members, free for members).
Noon Year's Eve Family Celebration at Owensboro Museum of Science & History
DECEMBER 31, 9:30 A.M. - 1 P.M. {
Join other families at the museum for crafts, a live DJ, and a balloon drop at noon. Events are included with the price of admission ($5 for non-members, free for members). OP
MEGHANN RICHARDSON is full-time digital marketing specialist who moonlights as a journalist for Owensboro Times. She enjoys spending time with her husband Ryan, daughter Emery and rescue pup Murphy.
This is us
THE MORRIS THE MORRIS STORY STORY
Written by Melody Wallace // Photo by KL Photography
Note: We have blurred the faces of two of the Morris' children because they are still in foster care.
It comes as no surprise that November has been aptly named National Gratitude Month. It only seems fitting that it also be National Adoption Month, a time for children and their families to celebrate the new opportunities they have been given to become one. The Morrises are one such family. Since completing the process to become foster parents in February of 2021, Adam and Jennifer Morris have provided a loving home and safe space for children and siblings of various ages. Their kind hearts and ability “to meet the needs of youth in their home, while showing love and patience” led to the couple recently being named Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (KDCBS) adoptive family of the year from the Two Rivers Service Region.
TURNING GRIEF INTO GOOD
Married for 18 years with two biological children, Adam and Jennifer said they had always discussed becoming foster parents, but the timing never seemed right.
Then, in April of 2019, Jennifer’s sister died suddenly in a car accident, causing all four of her nieces and nephews to go into the foster care system in Alabama.
They began the process of becoming certified foster parents in the summer of 2020, in the midst of a pandemic. The family attended Zoom trainings and pivoted where necessary with the hope of gaining custody of Jennifer’s nieces and nephews. During that time, a grandparent was able to step in and provide a home for the children, allowing Adam and Jennifer to complete the process and take in children locally. Two of the boys they have now were some of their first placements.
The couple is now raising six children between the ages of six and 18, including a biological daughter and son, three foster sons (one pending adoption), and a daughter they recently adopted.
YOU WILL NEVER BE READY
Adam said that the couple is often asked how to know when the right time is to foster and when to say yes to the placements of certain children. He jokes that his wife “has always been a little extra,” and that when it was time to bring home a new dog, she came home with two. Likewise, their first foster placement was not one child, but three siblings.
As to how their two biological teenagers, Grace - 17 and Jaxson - 16, reacted to bringing new siblings into their home, the couple said they did not move forward with any placements until everyone was on board. Although Grace and Jaxson have been incredibly supportive of the process, there were still natural growing pains that came along with an expanding family.
Jennifer says that amongst their
overflowing calendars and busy schedules, the family loves each other through the chaos, and has fallen into a rhythm that works for them.
BEAUTY OUT OF BROKENNESS
Although Adam and Jennifer attended the same church youth group in high school, they admittedly came from different upbringings. Jennifer shared that she grew up in a trailer park and often struggled with her mental health when she was younger.
That life experience has helped Jennifer to walk alongside and guide her children through their brokenness.
“There is so much brokenness,” Jennifer said. “It’s literally in your backyard and we don’t see it because we choose not to. When we talk about the bad stuff it gets real and your heart gets broken. Those broken pieces of you, you have to be able to express that,” she said, adding that all of her children are in therapy to give them the opportunity to express themselves and focus on their mental health.
Adam and Jennifer have found genuine joy in opening their home and their hearts to foster care and adoption, but they admit that there is a darker side to foster care that isn’t always discussed.
“You go through a honeymoon period and then the real behaviors come out,” Jennifer said. “Behind every behavior there is a reason,
BY THE NUMBERS
8 8
FAMILY MEMBERS
7 7 STUDENTS 6 6 KIDS 5 5
VEHICLES
4 4
SONS
3 3
DOGS
2 2
DAUGHTERS
11
LEOPARD SPOTTED GECKO
AN INFINITE AMOUNT OF LOVE AND GRACE
because you are dealing with a very broken side of people. But, I love them all and respect them all. At the end of the day, everybody needs Jesus.”
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
The couple admits that it would be impossible to try to run and raise their family of eight without a little help. Adam serves as the worship and student pastor at Christ Community Church, while Jennifer is currently a full-time student in the Work Study program at Owensboro Technical & Community College (OCTC) working towards her associates degree, and ultimately a degree in social work. While the family has a natural heart for service, they also understand firsthand how important it is to have a support system.
“We couldn't do it if it weren't for our village — for our extended family and friends,” Adam said.
Adam shared the story of their first placement of three siblings and how God has always seemed to provide what they needed.
Borrowed Hearts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide clothing, toys, furniture, and hygiene products to foster families in need.
As for how he feels about foster care now compared to a few years ago, and four children later, Adam says he’s had a complete change of heart and suggests that others be open to the process.
“We became certified and I put my stubbornness aside because every kid deserves a fighting chance,” Adam said. “Now that I see the world through these kids’ eyes, I’m like, ‘Just keep sending them.’ Have faith and jump in and God will provide.” OP
MELODY WALLACE is a mom, stepmom and JAG specialist at Apollo High School.. She runs on caffeine, good deeds and the inspiring stories of others.
This is Us
IN THE WORDS OF THE MORRIS CHILDREN
My favorite part about our family…
“There is love here, but large families are overrated. I like my space and the quiet.” ~ Queston, 18
“Getting the opportunity to become a big sister all over again, but I’ll never get used to waiting in line for the shower.”~ Grace, 17
“Never knowing what someone will say or do no matter where we are. You can always expect the unexpected.” ~ Jaxson, 16
“My favorite part is the loudness and the fact you get to get away with more things when you have a lot of siblings.” ~ J, 13
“We do everything together and we are crazy and have a lot of chaos and no one cares.” ~ Brenda, 11
“Learning about God and singing my favorite song, Good God Almighty, in the car with Mom and Brenda.”~ Z, 6
What I love most about our family…
“I do respect that Jenny and Adam find ways to include my younger siblings that don’t live here. Jenny is always planning something.” ~ Queston, 18
“Our family is living out the Gospel. We never sugar coat anything and we are ‘what you see is what you get.’ When we are happy, you know it, and, when we are mad, you know it. We don’t fake it, we are real and raw and I love how my parents allow us the safe place to do that.” ~ Grace, 17
“I still somehow managed to keep my own room. It’s also cool having younger siblings to pick on. Even though our family grew, we all still get to do the things we enjoy separate from each other.” ~ Jaxson, 16
“Family game nights, family movie nights, and Christmas bake-off. I love the family togetherness.” ~ J, 13
“I love that my parents, brothers and sister accept me and love me unconditionally and that I know I’m always going to be safe with them. They are my family and I’m glad God hand picked them for me.” ~ Brenda, 11
“Going fishing and camping with everyone I love, and church.” ~ Z, 6
