XYZ Magazine Fall 2013

[ everything for Topeka families ]

fall at last!

Topeka families are busy reveling in the season & XYZ brings you the best of what our city has to offer fall 2013

tton-o stormont-vail & cotton-o’neil

After Hours Care

s of Stormont-Vail HealthCare provides a variety of levels of care. If a medical need occurs when your primary care physician is not available, you have two options:

Mild

Moderate

Cotton-O’Neil ExpressCare Severe

With three locations in Topeka and one in Osage City, these urgent care clinics, complete with lab and X-ray services, are available to patients of all ages who need treatment for a minor illness or injury.

At each ExpressCare clinic, a physician is available to treat adult and pediatric patients, whether you are a Cotton-O’Neil patient or not.

ExpressCare – North: 1130 N. Kansas Ave. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays

ExpressCare – Croco: 2909 S.E. Walnut Dr. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends

ExpressCare – Osage City: 131 W. Market 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends

ExpressCare – Urish: 6725 S.W. 29th St. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Stormont-Vail Emergency and Trauma Center

Open 24 hours a day, every day, and designed for sudden, serious injury or illness. Located one block west of Eighth and Washburn in Topeka.

Call Health Connections’ Ask-A-Nurse at (785) 354-5225 evenings and weekends for help finding the most appropriate level of care.

stormontvail.org

o’neil

XYZ Magazine | Vol. IV • Issue II | Fall 2013

[ what’s inside ]

f ca IN EVERY ISSUE 8 cool kid’s room

12 cool kid's bday

24 calendar

Want to amp up the birthday to new levels of awesomeness?

Hire help. We've got the rundown on all the best bday professionals.

32 day trip

34 tweenage

foodie review

35 F.A.B.

36 art project 40 recipe

features

41 poem corner 42 fall reads

44 d.i.y. sewing

6 backyard breakfast

18 the unthinkable

46 heard + noted

Local chicken coop residents, Henny Penny, Chicken Little and Michael Jackson are causing quite the cluck in central Topeka.

A local mother has turned her grief into gifts of boxes of memories.

47 retrofun

8 cool kid's room

One local school is putting dads in the spotlight with a program intended to involve and inspire.

Ollie’s cool spaces are more than just a room. After all, isn’t this Ollie’s house?

10 the mobile read This mobile branch of the library is ready to instill adventure and fun!

31 dad magic

38 spiritual dance A local group of dancers is dazzling the crowds with their moves and regalia.

Special to this issue:

2 essays by Topeka women 14

A Sudden Onslaught of a Mysterious Syndrome

by Shannon Wright

29

Three Things Couples Who Struggle with Infertility Want Their Friends to Know

by Stephanie Switzky

October 12 Join us for a day of entertaining stories, live music, and treats. It’s a chance to explore a new learnscape for kids.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 9:30am

9 to 11am

Balloon Artists

Airheads olly Tooty & L

10:35am & 1:35pm

Storyteller Beth Horner

Dedication & Donor Recognition

10am & 1pm

3:00pm

Musician Paul Spring

Storytime for adults

Beth Horner

1515 SW 10th Avenue | Topeka, KS 66604-1374 | www.tscpl.org | 785 580-4565 | M–F 9 am–9 pm | S at 9 am–6 pm | Sun 12 pm–9 pm

Thank You, Topeka!

With your help, we raised over $100,000 to help ensure that children and families from across northeast Kansas have access to quality, affordable mental health services.

Family Service & Guidance Center thanks the 350 people who attended the 7th annual Works of Heart Art Event and Auction in August, the nearly 100 local artists who donated pieces and our generous Hearts Full of Hope partners listed below.

Amerigroup BA Designs Bank of America Bartlett & West Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas Centric Management & Consulting Cortez Transportation Company Cox Communications Cytek Doug Fincher Envy Salon FHLBank The Fidelity Banks

Genoa Healthcare Hall Commercial Printing Hallmark ISS Facility Services Jayhawk File Express Josten’s Kearney & Associates Kansas First News Kansas Gas Service McElroy’s Meyer’s Wine & Spirits Midwest Single Source Newbery, Ungerer & Hickert Penwell-Gabel Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation

RB Productions Rogenmoser Financial Security Benefit seveneightfive Magazine Stormont-Vail HealthCare Sunflower Marketing Topeka Blueprint Treanor Architects US Bank Vision Bank Warehouse 414

“...because every child deserves a happy childhood.”

Improving children’s lives since 1904 FSGCtopeka.com • 785.232.5005

[ letter from the editor ]

[ everything for Topeka families ]

to the future b y J a n i c e Wa t k i n s Janice Watkins, Leah Sewell, Megan Rogers Owners/Publishers

XYZ is under new ownership!

Leah Sewell Art Director Janice Watkins Editor-in-Chief Writers

<< New XYZ owners [from left] Janice Watkins, Leah Sewell and Megan Rogers at the XYZ Headquarters ribbon cutting in NOTO photo by Sharon Carlson

W

elcome to fall and welcome to the new XYZ! In case you haven’t heard us screaming from the top of our lungs or following our social media accounts – XYZ is now under new ownership. XYZ has moved from the seveneightfive design family – call it a graduation of sorts – and is now under the ownership of XYZ Publications – with a trio of power ladies at the helm and firecracker managers, or so we’ve been told. I am excited to be embarking on this new chapter in the history of our beautiful little magazine with the phenomenal, Leah Sewell, the founding and former Editor-in-Chief and current Art Director, as well as the magnificent, Megan James Rogers, mom, crafter and photographer extraordinaire, who will now be serving as the Photography Editor.

The three of us saw an opportunity to continue to bring you and even improve, this worthwhile publication and it was an opportunity that we could not pass. XYZ will remain much the same – we will continue to provide you with local, family-friendly activities, highlight all that is thriving in our

community for raising children, and bring you funny, funky and phenomenal local flavor and art. We will also continue to use our magazine as a vehicle to create awareness of important social issues and highlight community resources. What will be changing? Well, you will certainly be seeing and hearing from us a lot more.

We have opened a space in the NOTO Arts District inside of the Gravity Gallery and Shops and our new headquarters will be abuzz each First Friday and throughout special events in the city. Also, look for us to start partnering with some of our favorite local organizations to effect positive social change and create fun in the area. Subscribers will benefit from give-a-ways, special offers and as always, the first opportunity to skim through these 48-glossy pages each quarter.

We are pleased that you have decided to continue this journey with us. We are passionate, driven and eager to continue to build and improve upon everything that XYZ stands for. After all, this is all for you dear readers.

Here’s to the future. —Janice

cover photo

by Sarah Long Joyful Photography Sarah picked up a steaming hot pie from Topeka favorite, Copper Oven. See page 27 for an exclusive teaser on our upcoming PIE web feature!

Annie Brock Grant Burns Rio Cervantes-Reed Cale Herreman Nicole Huckins Josh Luttrell Leah Sewell Shanna Sloyer Erin Snethen Jorrie Varney Janice Watkins Blake Zachritz Photo Editor Megan Rogers Photographers Amy Cyphers EJ Drake Jeremy Gaston Sarah Long Megan Rogers Zach Snethen Julie Velez Art + Production Leah Sewell Advertising xyztopeka@gmail.com 785.220.8732 Megan Rogers Janice Watkins calendar Janice Watkins Marketing / Website Social Media / Distribution Megan Rogers Leah Sewell Janice Watkins Reprints + Permission No part of XYZ may be reproduced in any form without prior consent from XYZ Publications.

For permission requests, call 785.220.8732 or email xyztopeka@gmail.com XYZ MAGAZINE xyztopeka@gmail.com

backyard breakfast

by Chelle Decker photos by Megan Rogers | Megan Rogers Photographie illustration by Catherine Ellsworth

I’

ve had too many mornings where I’ve tried to throw together breakfast for my family and realized we were out of eggs. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to have an endless supply in your very own yard? My eyes were opened to the joy of this possibility when my brother decided upon pet chickens. I will never forget the look on my nine-year-old son’s face the first time we were at their house and heard a chicken gurgling while laying an egg. My son got to go take the still warm egg out of the nest. He was thrilled.

Chicken coops are being built all over town by families sold on the convenience, freshness and life lessons to be had by raising backyard chickens.

Sherri Price’s family raises three chickens in central Topeka. The Price family chickens - Henny Penny, Chicken Little, and Michael Jackson - live in the backyard in a coop complete with a sunny pen and a shaded area protected from the elements.

Sherri is pretty sure that Michael Jackson might be a rooster due to his build, but he doesn’t crow, which is a relief to Sherri, since they live in the heart of the city. Sherri’s chickens have been laying eggs since May 2011, which is a long time for chickens to keep producing eggs.

“Chicken Little is molting right now, so she isn’t laying any eggs either,” said Sherri. “Typically Henny Penny and Chicken Little lay one egg a piece, one blue and one brown, per day.”

Sherri says that’s just enough eggs to provide for their family and leave a few extras to share. Her children, Nicole (10) and Alec (9) help care for the chickens.

The Dell family – Robert, Paula and son Luke (19) and daughter Lacey (14), also raise chickens and surprisingly enough, the chickens are still producing eggs after one year. When asked if their family will keep the chickens after they stop laying eggs, the Dells respond with a unanimous “yes.”

The chickens have become pets, and soon their chickens will just live in a “chicken retirement center” coop until old age. Lacey saw the baby chicks in the store when she was 13 and asked her parents to add chickens to their family. They have

Topeka chicken coops provide the freshest eggs possible while also teaching kids a life lesson or two about food & nutrition

The Price family chickens—Henny Penny, Chicken Little and Michael Jackson—live in a backyard coop in central Topeka. < Alec & Nicole Price feed worms to their backyard hens.

“After the initial setup, they have really been low maintenance and it’s nice that they eat insects.”

The Dell family’s free-range chickens have become beloved pets. >

five chickens that roam the property along with their dogs during the day, and tuck themselves into bed at dusk each night.

“After the initial setup, they have really been pretty low maintenance and it’s nice that they eat insects! We don’t even have to go find them in the evenings, they just climb up in the coop when the sun is going down,” says Paula, who enjoys gathering the chicken eggs.

The whole family has been in on the act of making the chickens at home, including Robert who built a custom made chicken coop out of beautiful lattice.

Watching the chickens grow from baby chick to an adult has been nothing but fun. Truly, the only disadvantage of having the chickens and consequently farm-fresh eggs is trying to dye them at Easter. The Dell family chickens lay eggs that vary in color from brown to a beautiful blue, and don’t lend themselves to decorating.

Far from the initial “coolness” of having chickens as pets is the amazing quality of fresh eggs. The egg is different from a store-bought egg.

“It’s creamier,” explains Sherri.

She said there is no comparison. Often times, farm fresh eggs can be made into an omelet without even using milk.

Best of all, the responsibility of raising chickens can be terrific for kids.

What better way is there to be invested in healthy eating than to raise and grow your own food?

Laws vary from city to city, so it’s best to check your local regulations before getting chickens as pets. Sherri, who recently moved here from Colorado, is ready to check into the laws about having mini-goats next.

“I think they would help keep down the grass in the yard.” XYZ TOPEKA

Ollie’s house

cool kid’s room house

b y J a n i c e Wa t k i n s • p h o t o s b y Z a c h S n e t h e n Full disclosure: Oliver is the son of two XYZ staff members, but we thought Ollie's house was just too cool not to share.

Oliver Snethen has a gem on Jewell.

A gem that one might encounter and even dare to say that he is taking the phrase "man of the house" to a whole new level – if it weren’t for the fact that this extraordinarily polite, energetic guy is just your typical overly curious and dazzlingly adorable three-year-old.

Zach and Erin Snethen have accomplished for little Ollie what most parents continually strive for – a place in nearly every room of the house for their precious preschooler without losing their own adult autonomy at the same time.

Case in point – enter the Snethen kitchen and encounter a pintsize replica fit for a budding chef.

Head to the living room and see a bookshelf stacked with books and toys for Ollie, complete with cards that he has received for special occasions or celebrations. In typical three-year old and mechanically-obsessed boy fashion, he has recently acquired an old box and added it as a makeshift garage to his corner of the living room. Even mom and dad’s room has an “Ollie nook” where he can go to read, play puzzles, or curl up when he is scared.

Even though all Snethens admit that this is really “Ollie’s house,” his room is truly a space all his own. Fit for a king of the jungle with scattered jungle-themed accessories, Ollie glows when he shows off his various stuffed friends, including José the Cow and Diana the Gorilla. He is pleased to show the array of colors covering his room and bedspread, including a special monster blanket that he is definitely “not scared of ” from a great-aunt. Although he stops to mull on his guitar hanging on the wall and strum out a quick jam session, it is difficult to tune in when it is so easy to be distracted by

Ollie’s memory wall, of sorts. The entire wall above his dresser consists of pictures of happy times and happy people in Ollie’s life.

Even the outside of the Snethen house begs for some Ollie fun, as mom and dad have drawn a bike lane for him to enjoy on the patio with chalk, and architect dad Zach took time to build “Ollie’s Beach House” off the shed, complete with a shaded chalkboard area, a lounge chair and a sandbox for digging galore.

Of course, Ollie’s house, as the Snethens put it, would not be complete without the beaming, tow-headed bundle of charming inquiry, quick to point out what came from Ikea and what mom made - a true gem on Jewell, indeed. XYZ TOPEKA

cool kid / king of the house: Oliver, age 3

XYZ xyztopeka.com

9

imagination on wheels

the mobile read Maybe you know that the Topeka and Shawnee

County Public Library is not just a building you can visit, that it also has outreach programs, including staff members who visit preschools and senior centers; others who drive a big honking bus full of books out to various stops in the city and county; and still others who bring the Adventuremobile, a kid-oriented library on wheels, to several area schools.

You may have seen that one in a parade—it’s the one with a painting on its side that includes a long-necked dinosaur, a castle sprouting from a book and a penguin.

“I think a fun thing for us is watching the kids’ reactions when they find a book that they really want, and they’re jumping up and down,” says staff member, Jennifer Grammer.“Or when you can watch the group dynamics where there might be two or three kids all trying to find the same book so they can read it together - that’s really cute.”

The Adventuremobile is unique in that it is a bookmobile just for kids and has been traveling the community, bringing book joy to schools and neighborhoods since 1966. When the brightly colored, comically illustrated Adventuremobile arrives, children expect something special will occur when they step through its doors. This library is especially for them, filled with children’s literature, books on CD, movies, magazines and music selected for beginning readers through high school.

During the school year, the Adventuremobile regularly 10

xyztopeka.com XYZ

by Cale Herreman • photos by EJ Drake edrake Photography

visits fourteen area public, private and parochial schools, in addition to community stops in the Pine Ridge and Hi-Crest communities, allowing literacy access to children who may not otherwise have the ability to enter the traditional library setting.

Janet Pionkowski explains, “None of the kids get excluded, and I think that’s really important to a child to be able to come on and get something to read.”

During the summer months, the Adventuremobile continues the regular community stops, continuing to offer the collection of materials especially for young readers, but also adding a “critter” experience. Adventuremobile patrons have previously had a chance to interact with snakes, goats, ducks, rabbits, guinea pigs, worms, bugs, tarantulas, crawfish and hissing cockroaches.

Abigail Siemers notes, “Kids always ask, ‘Does it bite?’ ‘Is it a boy or a girl?’ and ‘Where does it poop from?’”

“I think something like the Adventuremobile, that has bright colors, friendly faces, and animals in the summertime, it goes a long way,” adds staff member Tim Volpert.

This outreach has had the effect of creating many young fans in this town. Sandy Hestand, Community Services Supervisor, has a memento of an Oakland elementary school’s love. “The class had just come on, and the teacher said that the class loved the Adventuremobile so much that they had written a

song for us, and then the whole class stood there and performed it. It was so sweet, and they were so happy.”

She has the paper they had given her with the lyrics, and the final line, which was shouted, was “I LOVE TO READ!” “All of us could tell you a story of how at the grocery store, the gas station, kids go, ‘I remember you,’ and then they get all excited because we’re an adult they know,” says Brian Adams.

Volpert says, “You feel a little bit like a celebrity.”

Through all the fun and excitement, the staff remembers what it’s all about. Deb Southerland says, “We reach a lot of kids who would otherwise not be in contact, or be customers of the public library.”

Getting books into the hands of kids is a noble mission, indeed.

XYZ TOPEKA

< All the materials featured on the Adventure Mobile are catered to kids, making the mobile library especially for them.

the future of Adventuremobile services

The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library is focused on providing library services when and where people need them.

In December 2012, the Board of Trustees approved the purchase of two new bookmobiles for delivery in 2014.

In 2015, a new library vehicle will be designed with the overarching goal of getting kids prepared and ready to learn in Kindergarten. This vehicle and the services it provides will be developed with input from other professionals in the field of family support as well as the latest research in the field of child development. The Library Foundation’s generous donors provide funding for these new bookmobiles to continue to bring the library to a neighborhood near you.

With this vehicle TSCPL will: • Focus on the family as a unit.Increase services to babies, toddlers, and the adults who live and work with children.

• Adopt developmentally appropriate practices.Integrate early intervention and primary prevention strategies.

• Build partnerships with other family service professionals.

• Design a welcoming space for young children and caregivers.

• Materials on board will include a culturally diverse book collection as well as a toy collection and parenting collection.

--Information submitted by the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library

XYZ xyztopeka.com

11

cool kid’s bday Want to make this the best birthday ever?

hire the (bday) professionals b y J a n i c e Wa t k i n s • p h o t o s b y M e g a n R o g e r s | M e g a n R o g e r s P h o t o g r a p h i e

Meet Topeka-area talents who transform the average birthday party into an unforgettable bash.

Tracy Leonard wants to make every child or adult she paints feel like they're getting the best artistic treatment she can provide.

A “cool kid’s birthday”

does not always have to include a rare or buzzed about new venue, or even include the perfect homemade decorations. We know that a “cool kid’s birthday” really just has to include the stellar birthday boy or girl, but in this issue we suggest exploring some really cool, local entertainers for that cool kid and making the next celebration that much more joyful, artistic and magical.

Lolly Lolly casually laughs when she hears someone walk past and say that clowns are scary. In fact, she laughs and then gasps in her adorably high voice in faux shock “but we’re the

Lolly the "non-scary" clown is one half of a duo of young, friendly, talented ballon-twisting Topeka clowns who provide affordable entertainment at birthday parties, with a flair for connecting on a personal level with kids.

non-scary clowns.”

income.

Lolly, half of the popular duo of Airheads: Lolly and Tooty, is quickly becoming a local celebrity. Featured frequently at events at the library and performing most weeks at the Farmer’s Market, Lolly dazzles the crowds of beaming onlookers, from age 2 to ninety-two, with her twisting balloon skills.

Tracy quickly cautions against whole face painting designs and speeding through work, as itchiness and sloppiness are not in her repertoire.

“When I was little, I used to save all of the birthday party balloons and tape them along the tops of my doors until the next year’s party. Even though they all got deflated and wrinkled and dusty, I couldn’t part with them,” Sarah Langley (Lolly) said.

Tracy performs at local festivals or kid’s nights as her schedule allows and is available to perform at events or parties.

Coupling her love of balloons with her attraction to entrepreneurship, her business was formed after she saw an article about a lady that made her living as a balloon artist.

When her brother (Tooty) confirmed that he also wanted to be a clown, they learned a few tricks and designed their clown faces and costumes, with a little help from their mom on the sewing machine.

For Lolly, there is really no other business that she would be in.

“I am in love with everything about my job,” said Lolly, “but my favorite part is being able to make people feel happy and special. Without being a clown, I would never have had such a wonderful opportunity to bond with so many children. I view my clown business as a way to work towards my mission in life – to be a friend and helper, especially to children.”

With reasonable packages and even a cheery offer of an alternative to regular flowers – a balloon bouquet – Lolly has something unique to offer every kind of celebration. She even strives to fulfill all requests, although she is still working on how to fulfill that General pricing information: $50/hr for one clown (Lolly) $60/hr for two clowns (Lolly and Tooty) $35/hr with tips for one clown (Lolly) $45/hr with tips for two clowns (Lolly and Tooty) For more information regarding pricing and on their special balloon flower bouquets, visit their website at tootyandlolly.com, or like them on Facebook at facebook. com/airheadstopeka.

request for a balloon version of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Tracy Leonard Tracy Leonard has been painting faces for over a decade.

With a degree in Art Education, mostly every school that she taught at had an art club and used face painting as a fundraising feature. When her and her husband began their own family and she decided to be a stay-at-home mom, she turned her former fundraising skills into her own new fundraising adventure of her own, to supplement the family

“I don’t like just slopping paint on a face. I want to make each child (or adult) feel like they are worth the best I can do,” said Tracy.

With an unconventional canvas and an inability to sign her masterpieces, Tracy’s signature is in the joy it brings her.

“It is so much fun to see just a little bit of paint on a kid’s face and that makes them so very happy.”

For events, pricing ranges from $40-$50/hr and for birthday parties or small get-togethers, price is $30/hr. For more information email clubleonard@sbcglobal.net or call 785.354.7171.

T.A. Hamilton T.A. Hamilton, a threetime champion of the Grand Prix of Magic, spends his days dazzling crowds with magic and illusion.

photo contributed

“I always wanted to be a magician. Not in the womb, but right after that,” says Hamilton.

His career began in scouting, where he learned his first trick and quickly upped the scales to garage shows, with his sister playing his assistant and his mom selling tickets and refreshments to local kids.

Today, Hamilton travels around the country and performs for some of the biggest corporations and Fortune 500 companies, but his heart will always remain local with the kids. For kids, he strives to engage them in classic fashion with dramatic storytelling and weaves magical yarn around each and every illusion.

He prefers any magic truck that requires the audience to watch closely because the closer they watch “the less you see and the less you see, the better for me.” XYZ TOPEKA Birthday packages begin at $300.00 and there a multitude of options to make any birthday party a real magical experience. For more information, visit tahamilton.com.

A Sudden Onslaught of a Mysterious Syndrome b y S h a n n o n Wr i g h t • s p e c i a l t o X Y Z • p h o t o s b y S a r a h L o n g | J o y f u l P h o t o g r a p h y

Editor’s Note: I welcome the opportunity to publish the following story from Shannon Wright, who documents her struggles with her daughter Alyson and her discovery that Alyson was suffering from PANDAS/PANS. Shannon is pushing to increase national and local awareness of this rare disease and with the assistance of the PANDAS network, she is asking that Kansas make October 9 PANDA/PANS Awareness Day.

Alyson was in many ways a very typical little

girl who loved art and had spent the summer writing and illustrating a book of fairytale-type stories. She was friendly and enjoyed playing in the neighborhood with friends. Then everything seemed to change.

On September 13, 2011 I knew without a doubt that something was terribly wrong with my daughter. That night my little girl was completely overwhelmed with fear. She vacillated between being in the fetal position in the corner of the couch screaming and sobbing uncontrollably and running through the house checking locks and seeing if everyone in the family was safe. It went on for hours. I was unable to comfort her and all I could do was hug and rock her as she begged me to make the unseen terrors stop. The sudden change in my normally sweet natured 9-year-old daughter came on with such intensity and ferociousness, I felt as though the wind had been knocked out of me. Alyson was not the same after that night.

In the school setting and at home, Alyson became increasingly unresponsive much of the time. She lost her ability to maintain her concentration and complete her assignments. She could not remember basic information such as her birthday. She began crying and hiding under desks. She would pace back and forth making continual, random and strange comments.

She had sudden mood changes and became violent and a flight-risk. For a two month period she was homebound and unable to leave the house. She was unable to fall asleep. It 14

xyztopeka.com XYZ

was not unusual for her to be awake and agitated until three or four in the morning. She would sometimes beg me to kill her. During a particularly low time, Alyson had left our home without my knowledge. After a frantic search of the neighborhood, I found her in the back of a patrol car rocking and talking to herself, unable to tell the officer the names of her parents or where she lived.

My husband and I were unable to explain what had happened to her. We desperately took her from doctor to doctor to help us find answers. In my gut I felt that this had to have a medical cause and even though the symptoms indicated mental illness I spent hours on the computer Googling her symptoms and reading articles. I pushed doctors to order blood tests, a MRI, and an EEG only to be further frustrated when her results came back as maddeningly normal. We trialed many psychotropic medication without the healing results we were looking for. The medical community in our area was responsive to our plight, but seemed to be equally as baffled about the change in Alyson. As a LMSW with 18 years of experience in working with at-risk children in a residential treatment facility, mental health clinics, foster care and schools, I had never seen anything like this. Instead of working with clients, my family was the client. It was an eye-opening and humbling experience.

The search for answers became, at times, an unhealthy, allconsuming obsession for me when I wasn’t providing care for Alyson. I was grief-stricken, filled with fear and losing hope. I frequently cried during doctor visits while describing

her current symptoms. I endured multiple and lengthy meetings at Alyson’s school trying to develop a plan that would work for her. I felt myself becoming immobilized and not knowing where to turn.

Coping with the changes in Alyson created an unprecedented strain on our entire family. We were all sleep deprived and increasingly more anxious ourselves waiting for the next onslaught of uncontrollable behaviors. My other children started referring to events in our life as being before or after Alyson “lost her mind.” At one point, my sevenyear-old son solemnly stated to me, “If Alyson doesn’t get better, she is going to have to live with you forever.” He was merely putting the fears in my head into words. The future seemed so very bleak for my daughter.

Finally in February, I stumbled upon a website with a description of a syndrome then called PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections) for the first time. It described almost exactly what Alyson had been experiencing. Armed with a new direction I began reading articles from medical journals and discussing with physicians. Ultimately the research led me to a parent resource website and a pediatrician in Chicago who began diagnosing patients with PANDAS/PANS and treating it with antibiotics, steroids and Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).

It was a game changing decision and an answer to (can I just say) literally hours of prayer for our family to pursue IVIG for Alyson.

The doctor explained that Alyson had a type of autoimmune issue in which strep or other kind of infectious agents can trigger her antibodies which will mistakenly start attacking her brain. The IVIG would flood her body with healthy antibodies and with time this would allow Alyson’s brain to heal. We were cautioned that the change would not happen immediately and the success or failure of the treatment would be determined at three months post-IVIG. Since the expensive treatment was considered experimental, according to our insurance company, it was not covered.

Alyson is just now at the end of the waiting period. I can say with certainty no other treatment attempts have brought healing to Alyson like IVIG has. She is back with us: interacting, laughing, loving and arguing. The only lasting evidence we have left of the life we were living just a few short months ago is some residual behaviors and the indentations on the two couches in the living room where she swung herself almost without ceasing from morning to night. It will take a year or more for her brain to completely heal and she will be on a daily antibiotic long-term to prevent reinfection. Alyson has since gone from receiving recommendations for residential treatment services and homebound school during her third grade year to being in a general education room in the fourth grade, alongside her twin sister.

This summer she successfully attended a week-long overnight camp.

She has started to learn how to play the violin. She loves to read and write stories. She still struggles socially, but is slowly making gains.

While I am not naïve to not expect some bumps along the way, I have something now I have not had in a while — hope. XYZ TOPEKA

what is PANDAS/PANS?

PANDAS is the sudden onset of OCD often displayed as severe anxiety and emotional disturbances plus 2 OR MORE of the following symptoms: tics or other abnormal movements; severe separation anxiety, generalized anxiety; irritability, emotional lability, aggression, personality changes; ADHD, inability to concentrate; sensory sensitivities; deterioration in learning abilities and school performance; developmental and age regression (inc. deterioration in handwriting); sleep and night time difficulties; and/or urinary frequency or daytime/night-time secondary enuresis.

The 3 criteria for PANS are: abrupt, dramatic onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder or severely restricted food intake; concurrent presence of additional neuropsychiatric symptoms, with similarly severe and acute onset; and symptoms are not better explained by a known neurologic or medical disorder.

[For more information regarding diagnostic criteria, research articles, treating physicians, current studies and parent support, please visit pandasnetwork.org.]

XYZ xyztopeka.com

15

Gaby, Lost & Found book review by a Topeka teen

by Joy Ko k e r • s p e c i a l t o XY Z • p h ot o s c ont r i but e d

Gaby, Lost and Found by Angela Cervantes is a great book about the friendships and hardships of a sixth grade

girl whose family is from Honduras. When Gaby Howard and her best friend Alma go to Furry Friends Animal Shelter as a class project, Gaby falls in love with a cuddly cat named Feather. She feels like she and the cat have a lot in common and hold a strong bond. Then she decides she wants to adopt feather.

When Gaby’s mom gets deported back to Honduras, some of the older girls at school pick on her. Gaby is left with her careless and often absent dad. Her dad hates cats and she realizes that she can never adopt Feather. Gaby feels alone. Luckily her friend, Alma is there for her.

My favorite thing about this book is Alma and her fun, positive, outgoing personality. She is a really encouraging and energetic character throughout the story. Another thing I admired is that it teaches girls how to deal with bullying, difficult family situations, and sets a good example for a healthy best friend relationship. Plus I loved the way that Gaby, her family, and her friends speak Spanish sometimes. I don't speak Spanish so I couldn't understand a few words, but it was a cool inside look on how a bilingual home works.

I would definitely suggest this book for fourth through seventh grade girls. The inside cover says its for third through seventh graders. But if I were a seventh grader I would probably not read this book if it were suggested to third graders, and seventh graders shouldn't miss out on finding out how Gaby’s dream for her family unfolds. XYZ TOPEKA Joy Koker is 13 years old and an eighth grader in the drum line at Washburn Rural Middle School. She likes telling corny jokes and hanging out with her 11-year old sister Bailey, her baby sister, Hadley and baby brother, Boulder.

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I am ...

savealifenow.org XYZ xyztopeka.com

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the unthinkable A mother turns her own unimaginable loss into compassionate action

b y J a n i c e Wa t k i n s â&#x20AC;˘ p h o t o s b y A m y C y p h e r s | W i l d C h i l d P h o t o g r a p h y 18

xyztopeka.com XYZ

I

called it “baby poppy seed” because the minute I saw the blinking “positive” on that plastic stick, it

was really probably only the size of a poppy seed and I knew I would still love it forever. A few weeks later, I lay on a cold, sterile table, intently focusing on a hole in a piece of drop tile ceiling as a doctor tried to hand me a brochure on dysmenorrhea and told me it was best to just consider it a “heavy period” rather than dwell on the past. Still nothing had changed for me, I had vowed to love baby poppy seed forever and forever I will.

Megan Skaggs made a similar promise. The day that her son, Michael Joseph Skaggs died - August 29, 2009 due to complications from a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) - at just 35 days old, she promised him that not only would she never forget him, but that she would not let him be forgotten. She has taken that promise and turned it into a mission – a mission of remembrance, a mission of strength and a mission of hope.

Less than a few months later, Megan had submitted her application to Project Sweet Peas and was well on her way to forming her local division – appropriately named MJ’s Memories. As a division of Project Sweet Peas, MJ’s Memories has formed a mission to provide care packages and memory boxes to parents who have a baby in the intensive care unit that not only offer comfort, but allow the families to build cherished memories.

“I can honestly say we’ve never thought in a million years we’d be where we are today. Our initial goal was to donate 50 care packages and see where it took us,” said Megan. “We’ve taken all of our success and run with it. We’ve donated over 1,100 care packages and memory boxes in four years, which truly amazes me when I think about it – one little boy whose < The Walcott Family remembers their loss with a personal balloon-release ceremony

life was 35 short days has turned into this much.”

When Rachel Sachs found out early in her pregnancy that she and husband, Robby, were expecting twins, everything was going well, despite the high risk associated with carrying multiples. Later she was told she was experiencing Braxton Hicks and never anticipated that two days later she would give birth to Delaney, weighing a mere 1 pound 10 ounces and Barrett, weighing even two ounces less than his sister.

“

We’ve donated over 1,100 care packages and memory boxes in four years, which truly amazes me when I think about it — one little boy whose life was 35 short days has turned into this much.”

— Megan Skaggs, MJ's Memories “The abrupt delivery, lengthy NICU stay and fragile state of both Barrett and Delaney is not something that you can prepare for. When they were first admitted, it was literally day-by-day,” said Rachel. continued on the next page >> XYZ xyztopeka.com

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“

Remember — there is nothing that means more to a grieving parent than when someone remembers her child. To this day, it cuts me when someone refers to my 'two' children and I have to remind them that I have birthed three children.”

“With micro-preemies that were born as early as Delaney and Barrett were, they were both given a 40 percent survival rate.

The only thing that Robby and I could do was be positive and optimistic that our babies were strong enough to fight the odds that were stacked against them and that their parents be there for them as much as we could.”

Unfortunately for the Sachs family, the unthinkable occurred when nine days later, precious baby Barrett contracted a virus that could not be overcome. Rachel and Robby were recipients of an MJ’s Memories remembrance package that now holds all of beautiful baby Barrett’s hospital belongings and items from his life. After attending an event that MJ’s Memories was holding, Rachel was amazed to learn that there were so many other families that had shared a similar experience and who understand what she is going through.

She now helps create the memory boxes that she not too long ago cherished herself.

“I love being a part of creating these memory boxes for families that have experienced the loss of an infant because I am one of those families, and the memory box is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life and I know that others that receive them do as well,” said Rachel.

Last October, Megan, Rachel and others involved with MJ’s Memories banded together to hold the first Topeka Pregnancy and Infant Loss Ceremony on National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day. “The ceremony is for anyone who has lost an infant or had a miscarriage to honor the fact that our children are not

— Megan Skaggs

forgotten. Our grief does not go away and will never go away.

It is a time for each of our families to remember and celebrate our angels in heaven,” said Rachel.

The ceremony allows parents, grandparents and friends to come together to remember and offers an outlet to grieve without stigma.

“Remember – there is nothing that means more to a grieving parent than when someone remembers their child. To this day, it cuts me when someone refers to my ‘two’ children and I have to remind them that I have birthed three children.

Most people are really great about remembering the first year, but grief doesn’t stop after the first year. Grief is forever.

It is entirely new way of living and breathing without your child,” says Megan.

z

"Our grief does not go away and will never go away."

—Rachel Sachs

Megan will forever remember. On the fourth anniversary of MJ’s death, she compassionately delivered 35 memory boxes to Children’s Mercy — one for each day of MJ’s short-lived life. She also got a memorial tattoo — the ink mixed with MJ’s precious ashes.

how dads cope

Rachel will forever remember. As she approaches sweet Delaney’s second birthday, her and Robby know that while she is too young to understand the complexity of everything, that she still knows Barrett is her baby brother and they light a candle in his memory each year.

Even though I never got to hold baby poppy seed, or hear the sound of his or her beating heart, I, too, will forever remember. XYZ TOPEKA

XYZTOPEKA.COM XYZ Editor-in-Chief Janice Watkins has more to share about her own experience with pregnancy loss on her blog: xyztopeka.com/xyz-blogs/bad-mommyconfessions-the-tell/

“Dads very much get forgotten in the mix, especially because dads typically grieve in the second to third years” says Megan Skaggs, founder of MJ’s Memories, a division of Project Sweet Peas.

While hospitals have to be cognizant of the mother’s needs, mostly for health-related issues due to complications, it is important to remember that there are two grieving parents.

“I don’t really think it is how a mother versus a father reacts,” said Robby Sachs. “I think that all individuals grieve differently and you can’t really describe or understand until you have been in a personal situation like this yourself. For a long time, I was very angry, and even depressed that I was being punished for something I had done. I felt cheated, extremely angry, but those feelings had to be put aside because Rachel and I had a daughter to be strong for, who was fighting for her life daily in the NICU to stay alive.”

Robby found strength in baby Delaney and her own strength and fight.

“I Will Carry You,” the 2nd Annual Topeka Pregnancy and Infant Loss Ceremony, will be held October 15, 2013 on National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day at Lake Shawnee in Shelter House #1.

The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the floating candle release commences at 7p.m. For more information or to register, visit topekaPAILceremony.com

“We had another child that we had to be strong for and that in itself was significant healing for both of us through our grieving process.”

On top of the difficulty of grieving, Skaggs also points to what she and her husband refer to as “Dead Baby Plague.”

“My husband and I lost virtually all of our friends and a lot of our family after MJ died,” said Skaggs. “Our baby died, so no one wanted to talk to us anymore.”

Skaggs has found that for most dads, hands-on projects can help the grieving process.

“This is where being a volunteer means the most to people I think. Our memory boxes are family-driven and we hope both parents will get something out of the boxes.”

MJ’s Memories is always seeking additional volunteers.

For more information visitfacebook.com/mjsmemories or projectsweetpeas.com XYZ xyztopeka.com

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Dia de los Muertos a unique Topeka fall festival that packs a whollop of a cultural punch

by Cale Herreman • photos contributed

F

or many of us, death is an uncomfortable topic. When we are moved to honor those who have passed on, it is done solemnly, in hushed tones. But a wind from the south is spreading a new tradition through our country, one that invites us to celebrate our dead, and to imagine A developing partnership with the Kansas Children’s Discovery them as walking, smiling skeletons.

Center quickly changed all of that.

The name translates to “Day of the Dead,” but it more “In about six week’s time,” Valdivia-Alcala remembers, “We properly reflects its Mexican origins in the Spanish language: ended up creating something at the [Kansas Children’s Dia de los Muertos. Christina Valdivia-Alcala sums it up Discovery]Center that ended up being a five-day mini-festival this way: “This is a family festival, and it’s not scary or where we did the sugar skull decorating … we had hot chocolate morbid. It’s life, death, rebirth: they are all considered part with sweetbread [and] their attendance almost tripled.” Planning of that cycle.” for a larger-scale Dia de los Muertos the following year began Valdivia-Alcala is part of the Tonantzin Society, the group immediately. that is organizing Topeka’s second Dia de los Muertos So soon you should be ready to see sugar skulls, skull face celebration, which will have a variety of events and activities painting, ofrendas, small altars set up in remembrance of loved from late September into late November. ones, and La Catrina, a well-dressed lady skeleton out on the town. Dia de los Muertos has its roots in Aztec traditions and imagery that were retained when Catholicism became dominant.

The modern celebration, though, is for the whole community, This is a family festival, and regardless of ethnicity or religion. After all, death affects us all, it’s not scary or morbid. It’s so maybe we could lighten up about it. XYZ TOPEKA life, death, rebirth: they are all

“

considered part of that cycle.”

— Christina Valdivia-Alcala

“It’s comparable to some of the larger [Dia de Los Muertos festivals] in the country,” she says, “Not only with the length of time that it lasts, but with the number of partnerships that we have, and also in the way that it embraces an array For a full schedule of Dia de los Muertos of the arts. I think for Topeka families, that is really great.”

activities, including dance, art, hands-on arts

Establishing this festival in Topeka, however, took time.“It and crafts, street fairs and so much more, visit was kind of a sluggish takeoff,” Valdivia-Alcala said.

ddlmtopeka.com

I am ... … a future KSU Wildcat. … a happy three-year old. … six months cancer-free. … a great pretender. … a book lover. … a blood recipient. hugger. … a super hugge … a big sister. … courageous. … funny.

Olivia is fairy princess who loves pretending and imagining all sorts of wonderful things each day. Olivia also loves giving sweet, gentle hugs to her little sister and her family. She is also a blood recipient who battled Rhabdomyosarcoma and continues to win that battle today. She is thankful for blood donors who took just 60 minutes of their time to help save her life.

Who are you?

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FALL 2013 b y J a n i c e Wa t k i n s

Catch a Show Grab your family and head to either, or both of the Movie on the Lawn events on the lawn of the Statehouse Capitol. Grab a blanket, grab the family, grab a friend! Shows start at 7 p.

September 21 – City Slickers October 5 – The Goonies

Zombie-Madness Topeka Zombie Walk and Street Dance Saturday, September 28, 6p, Downtown (118 SW 8th Ave) Dress in costume and join the zombie walk at 6, followed by a street dance with a Thriller dance competition.

Just say no!

Bully

– It’s Time to Take a Stand Saturday, October 5, 10a – 1p, Topeka High School Auditorium

Join a community-wide presentation of the movie Bully and stay for a Q &A discussion regarding bullying and the impact of just saying no. Watch the xyz website for more details on community events to follow this panel discussion.

Trail of Fun OK Kids Days Saturday, October 5, 1:30p – 3:30p, Shawnee North Shelter House This is one of our staff ’s favorite annual events. Join the fun on the natural trail and hike the trail while stopping to enjoy the shooting range, face painting, compass reading, animal tracking and more! Every child attending receives free prizes!

A Barrel of Apple Fun 34th Annual Old Prairie Town’s Apple Festival Sunday, October 6, 10a – 5p, Old Prairie Town Ward Meade Historical Site Enjoy demonstrations, entertainment, food, folk arts and crafts in the beautiful gardens, the lure of the historic buildings and shopping in the vintage stores at this great annual event to get you started in the holiday mood. Tickets are $5 in advance and $6 at the door. Children 12 and under are free.

Happy Baby!

Welcome Baby Jubilee Sunday, October 13, 2p – 4p, Stormont-Vail HealthCare All parents to be are welcome to attend this fair and obtain information regarding resources within the hospital and community.

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Halloween Hullabaloo There are a plethora of events around town to get your little ghosts and goblins enough sweets to hold them over until Christmas.

Jeepers Creepers Saturday, October 19, 3p – 4:30p, Velma K. Paris Community Center This carnival comes complete with games, a pumpkin derby and a pumpkin launch.

Crestview’s Creepy Carnival Saturday October 19, 4p -5:30p, Crestview Community Center Come in costume and enjoy activities throughout the entire center.

Boo at the Zoo Saturday, October 19 and Saturday, October 26, 9a – 3p, Topeka Zoo Bring your little ghost or goblin for an opportunity trick or treat with local organizations and of course, the zoo’s regular residents. Normal zoo admission applies. Friends of the Zoo members are free.

Trail of Haunts Thursday, October 24, 8p – 9:30p, Shawnee North Community Center This Thursday night thrill comes complete with a walking trail filled with monsters, ghosts and other creepy haunters. Beware of what lurks in the shadows as you hike the trail.

Glow Night on the Shunga Trail Saturday, October 26, 6p, Oakland Shunga Trail

Topeka’s 2nd Annual

Dia de los Muertos Festival!

Family fun Heartfelt remembrance A beloved holiday Citywide

Music, glow sticks, glow paint and more will be provided as you prepare to light the night with your family.

Ruff and Run

Oct. 19 - Nov. 19, 2013 www.ddlmtopeka.com

Tails on the Trail Saturday November 2, 10a, Shawnee North Community Park This canine-friendly run and walk is always a fun event to benefit the Helping Hands Humane Society – enjoy the run and the dogs. Adoption available day of event.

See and Save See Me Save Consignment and Vendor Event November 15 & `16, 2300 SW 30th Christmas, Holiday, Winter clothing, décor, toys and gifts will all be available at a fraction of the cost!

ZUMBA Time Boob-a-thon Zumbathon Sunday, October 27th 2:30p -6p, Landon Middle School To benefit our local Race Against Breast Cancer in providing low and no cost mammograms to Shawnee and surrounding counties. $12 in advance or $15 at the door.

Fall Project Topeka Zumbathon Sunday, November 10th 5:30p-7p, Jay Shideler Because there is a need year round, Project Topeka has asked us to come together again in support of our local food pantries that help feed the hungry. Suggested minimum $5 dollar donation or canned/non-perishable food.

Give Thanks “Thanks and Giving Night” Thursday, November 28, 5:30p – 8:00p, Topeka Zoo The Holiday Zootique opens for holiday gifting options and stop by and celebrate the return of the polar ice cap rink.

Give the perfect gift. . .

Available at

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785-235-5616

845 N Kansas Ave Topeka, Kansas Robuck Jewelers www.robuckjewelers.com

822 North Kansas Ave. NOTO Arts District 785.232.8300 open Mon-Sat 11am-8 pm

Weddings Receptions Serendipity

Class Reunions Business Meetings Holiday Parties

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XYZ + NOTO ONLINE Visit XYZ Headquarters, our new and colorful studio space in NOTO! We're located inside the Gravity Gallery Shops, 822 1/2 N. Kansas Ave. during First Friday Artwalks or by appointment: xyztopeka@gmail.com

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the store at midnight and prepping for last-minute holiday baking will soon be upon us. Fall starts the season of worrying about what dishes to bring to holiday family gettogethers and the dreaded tightening of our pant waistlines. If you aren’t the next Martha Stewart and not a master chef in the kitchen, where do you turn? Topeka is full of places that offer delicious and one-of-akind sweet treats and XYZ was left wondering – where is the best place in town to get pie? We surveyed our readers, picked up our forks and sampled the best and are prepared to bring you the results of where your top places are to go to get your pie fix, without having to buy the fixins’. Head to our website at www. xyztopeka.com after October 10 for the delicious results.

2013

Shop Free on Friday 1-6pm and Saturday 9-3pm at Topeka Expocentreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ag Hall.

15 16 &

Girls Night Out, Nov. 15th, 6-9 pm.

Tickets, $15 by pre-sale or at the door.

Champagne Breakfast, Saturday Nov. 16th,8-10 am.

Tickets, $5 by pre-sale or at the door.

Three Things Couples Who Struggle with Infertility Want Their Friends to Know

by St e p h a n i e Sw it z k y • s p e c i a l t o XY Z

A

s a single woman in my early twenties, I watched a family friend change and become unlikeable during her struggles with infertility. As I watched this change in her, I vowed I would always share in the joy of my loved ones’ pregnancy announcements because life, no matter what, is beautiful.

A few years after I was married, my husband and I decided to casually start trying for a family of our own. Five years and thousands of dollars later, we are no closer to being pregnant than we were when we were started.

And now I’m the one who’s bitter.

How is this possible? How did I become the woman I vowed never to be? Why can’t I find immense joy in the new babies of my friends and loved ones? Why can’t I muster the strength to ask a friend how her pregnancy is going?

The truth is, doing those things while struggling with infertility is much easier said than done.

Infertility is a difficult and painful process for those in the thick of it – something I didn’t realize when I dismissed my friend as “bitter” all those years ago – which is why I want to share a few things every friend of an infertile couple should know.

1. Compassion is more important than advice.

I don’t hide the fact that I’m trying to conceive from my friends, family, or co-workers, and sometimes, in the midst of pregnancy-related conversations, I am surprised at the lack of genuine concern. I am routinely bewildered at how often we receive insensitive and patronizing advice. Flippant suggestions like “stand on your head after intercourse,” and insinuations that we should try adoption or foster parenting do not help.

They are awkward.

I feel the most comfortable about our situation when friends just ask me how I am doing. It may, for a brief moment, bring a tear to my eye, but I would rather have my friends be genuinely concerned about where we are in the process than to provide unsolicited advice that has most likely already been considered.

Another oft-heard recommendation that irritates me to no end is “just relax.” To me, this is just ridiculous, because it is really hard to relax when, by its very nature, conceiving is an active process that requires us to do at least one thing in a very small window of time month after month. When we fail, it makes that window seem like a keyhole instead.

I know, I know: stress reduces the chances of getting pregnant. But dealing with doctors, nurses, insurance companies, hormones, financial obstacles, and the heartache of failure is inherently stressful. Pressuring ourselves to find ways to reduce all that stress only succeeds in adding more.

2. Yes, we think this is hard and unfair.

Yes, we feel cheated. We don’t understand why becoming parents is so easy for some and so difficult for couples like us. continued on the next page >> XYZ xyztopeka.com

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Newborn Clothes Children & Maternity Clothes Baby Equipment Toys, Books and so much more!

"I need to let myself acknowledge the unfairness of the situation without letting it overwhelm me." >> continued from the previous page

We have so many unanswered questions. Why is it that I have to give up my morning coffee in order to increase our chances, when there are women who have less healthy lifestyles than me and are able to easily conceive? Why do other couples get their babies for free when we have watched our hardearned savings dwindle for unseen results?

Infertility is hard and unfair. We try not to always look at it that way, but that’s hard, too.

3703 SW Burlingame Rd.

266-0375 | www.mommyandmetopeka.com

3. We want you to help us maintain our friendship.

Since we first started trying to conceive, most of our friends have become parents and their lifestyles have changed.

Because of our unfortunate situation, our lifestyle and personalities have changed, too.

My best friends, who live across the country, are parents now, and their new family schedules prevent them from being “call-anytime” phone companions. On the rare occasions we do talk, it’s difficult. I can feel the tension because of the big elephant on the phone.

XYZ's poem corner The publishers of XYZ love poetry, write poetry and attend readings in our community. We think the literary life is an awesome way to go! That's why we encourage your kids to write & submit their poetry to XYZ. Email poems, child's name & age to xyztopeka@gmail.com Exciting community literary opportunities coming soon, stay tuned!

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The reality is that, as a couple, we are lonely. We feel as if we are on an island where couples come and go. Each of us stays for different lengths of time, but once off, it’s really hard for couples to go back and give support to those still stuck there.

My husband is my rock, and, for the past five years, I have tried to be as patient and carefree about our infertility as he’s been. Each month I remind myself that this is another great month with just the two of us. I remind myself that I should embrace these moments. I remind myself how much fun we’re having.

But positive spinning is not coping. I need to be better at showing compassion to myself each day – to let myself acknowledge the unfairness of the situation without letting it overwhelm me. I don’t know what that looks like yet, but my hope is while I figure it out our friends will remain with us on this elongated journey toward parenthood and understand and accept my occasional bitterness a little longer. XYZ TOPEKA Stephanie Switzky teaches high school English and lives in Topeka with her husband, Drew, and two dogs, Tori and Ella.

dad magic when dads get involved in school, everyone wins.

by Nicole Huckins • photos by Sarah L ong | Joy f ul Photog raphy

“I believe that what we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren’t trying to teach us. We are formed by little scraps of wisdom.” ~ Umberto Eco, Foucault’s Pendulum

L

et’s face it - dads are a sometimes overlooked (and often underappreciated) part of the parental unit. Dad doesn’t know the right kind of peanut butter to buy, has no idea where the emergency diaper cream is stashed and he certainly doen't understand how to load the dishwasher properly so the caked-on cereal actually comes off. But despite all of dad’s blissful ignorance in daily dealings, fathers and father figures who are active in a child’s life leave a lasting impression.

According to the National Fatherhood Initiative, involved fathers are more likely to have children with higher self-esteem, resulting in an overwhelming correlation to higher grades and a lower risk of alcohol and drug abuse. These particular statistics caught the eye of Topeka dad Michael McNulty as he began researching fatherhood initiatives last spring. Through his exploration, he learned of the Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) Program and thought it might just be an excellent fit for his Mater Dei Catholic School, where his son attends sixth grade.

The program, McNulty explains, invites fathers and father figures into the school to support in various ways, such as acting as a hall monitor, reading to the kindergarten students, engaging kids out at recess, and of course eating lunch with the kids.

“It used to be that when dad came to the school, it wasn’t for a good reason,” McNulty related. “We’re trying to change that, and get dad involved in a positive manner.”

Especially in schools, where a majority of the influence is female, the positive male role model is a welcome difference, according to McNulty.

With the support of the teachers, school council and principal Andrea Hillebert, McNulty launched the program with the start of this school year. Amazingly, 65 father/father figures and 115 kids turned out for the introductory pizza party, according to Hillebert.

“This program benefits the school of course, and the teachers welcome fresh eyes into the classroom,” she said, as well as a way for dad to give his input.

Hillebert noted that a big positive provided by the program for both boys and girls is that family and community are, and should be, a priority for men.

The Watch D.O.G.S. program asks for just one day a year from the father/ father figure, and McNulty as the Lead Dog, is serving this year as the Parent Coordinator for the program.

McNulty expressed, “This is to benefit the kids, not just the dad of the kid but for all the children there to have a positive role model, involved with the community. That’s the real winner there.” XYZ TOPEKA

dad resources: Parents As Teachers (PAT) Dad Playgroup http://pat.topekapublicschools.net Bootcamp for new Dads- St. Francis www.stfrancistopeka.org Fatherhood Action Team https://www.facebook.com/topekadads Looking for more? Check out National Fatherhood Initiative at www.fatherhood.org

XYZ xyztopeka.com

31

day trip!

a Lawrence Staycation

by Nicole Huckins • photos contributed

“Hey,

want to go camping next weekend?” my sister-in-law nonchalantly asked me one quiet Sunday afternoon. “Sure, sounds like an adventure,” I replied slightly hesitantly. The thought of sleeping outside on the cold, hard ground with colossal insects AND my unruly kids, ages 5, 3, and 1 seemed like quite the challenge, but I was up for it.

Since we had that itch to get out of town, we packed a car full of pillows and traveled east to stay at the Jellystone Park in beautiful north Lawrence. Perfect for my novice camping abilities, I thought, and plenty of entertainment for the kiddos. Greeted by a giant Yogi Bear statue, we arrived and pitched the tents just in time to catch the Good ole Fire Truck ride that weaves throughout the campsite.

Tents, campfires, s'mores and a cameo by childhood relic, Yogi Bear After learning how essential the right wood, paper and matches are to create a long-lasting fire, it was time to review the list of activities and get the kids moving. There were events every hour that appeal to kids of all ages, ranging from tie-dying T-shirts to face painting. (Note to self for the next time: most of the activities occur Friday night and all day Saturday). Jellystone also offers different themes each week so the activities and events are new for repeat visitors.

Since the kids were pumped about swimming, we made sure to visit the pool first. Then we hopped on over to the giant jumping pillow that easily became the favorite. After our campfire dinner, we were able to say “goodnight” to the real Yogi and pull up chairs for the outside movie, none other than “Yogi Bear.” Whew! It was an action-packed day, but the kiddos reminded me that it wouldn’t be an authentic camping trip without their s’mores! Finally, it was bedtime.

Of course, we awoke quite early as the sun peeked through the trees by 7 a.m. Next time, I think I might not be the nice one that lets the kiddos sleep on the air mattress, as the 20 pillows we brought were not much help on my aching back. We had to do all of the activities again—swimming, jumping and, additionally, we rented a two-seater peddle cart that many of the campsite kids buzzed around in. It only took a few minutes to collapse the tents and pack the cars just in time to head home for our afternoon naps. And we all needed one after that adventure!

It was a great camping trip for these first-timers at Jellystone Park, although I wouldn’t think it was suitable for seasoned campers in search of a quiet wilderness spot. But for this urban family, it was a great way to experience the outdoors and unplug for a bit.

XYZ TOPEKA

Jellystone Park

Lawrence with Kids Of course Lawrence is gets its reputation as a happening college town, but there are a few kid-friendly spots too! Here are the top recommendations: LOL Family Zone A must-visit when in downtown Lawrence. Leave dad here with the kids while you shop and he won’t complain. Much. http://www.lolfamilyzone.com/ Prairie Park Nature Center It’s free and educational, what could be better! http://lawrenceks.org/lprd/ppnc Indoor Aquatic Center The reasonable admission rates, separate family side at 87 degrees, and children’s features ensure a good time for all. http://lawrenceks.org/lprd/aquatics/iac KU Natural History Museum Like history? Want to know more about the extinct creatures that roamed throughout Kansas? Then this is the place for you. It’s also a great way to expose the kiddos to a college campus. http://naturalhistory.ku.edu/

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i was a

tweenage Food Critic

Terry’s Bar and Grill offers heaping plates of down-home cooking that satisfies three generations of diners.

I Local food reviews by food aficionado Grant, age 11. photo by EJ Drake

The Basics: Terry’s Bar and Grill 522 S.W. 6th Ave. (785) 233-0489 Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. - 2 a.m., Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

embarked on a new dining spot for dinner with my mom and grandparents – Terry’s Bar and Grill. My first impression was that we were going to a neighborhood bar, but then I realized it is a really nice, clean, family-friendly restaurant. The décor was what you would expect in a typical bar. There were pool tables and lots of televisions. There were groups of friends gathered after work, families, and what looked like lots of regulars around the bar. It was nice and cool inside, even though it was 100 degrees outside.

We chose a booth and were quickly greeted by a waitress to take our drink order.

The menu looked great. It had items you would expect at a bar and great homecooked options that were a nice surprise. We decided to start out with an order of fried mushrooms. This seemed like the kind of place that would have great fried mushrooms The chicken fried and my assumption was correct! When they arrived they were steaming hot and incredibly steak was juicy, juicy. We chose ranch for dipping, which just but still crunchy added to the deliciousness. under a flood of

“

Our food quickly arrived after we finished the gravy. How do they mushrooms. I had heard Terry’s was famous do that?!?” for its chicken fried steak so that’s what I - Grant, tweenage food critic ordered. I chose mashed potatoes as my side.

Among the other options were fries and waffle fries, but with chicken fried steak the odds are you’re probably going to choose mashed potatoes and gravy. It also came with Texas toast. I was definitely carbo loading that night!

The chicken fried steak was juicy, but still crunchy even under a flood of gravy.

How do they do that?!? It came with a heaping pile of mashed potatoes. This is some homestyle comfort food!

My grandma and grandpa each chose to have the world-famous Terry’s burgers.

They were so good, they didn’t even share with me! They said the burgers were just the right thickness so they were not too hard to eat, but thick enough to more than satisfy their hunger. Grandma had waffle fries and the serving was large that we all tried some and there were still fries left over! Grandpa had a sidesalad with thousand island dressing It looked delicious.

Mom had a chef ’s salad with French dressing and a fist-full of crackers. I talked her out of some of her salad and I thought it tasted amazing. It had egg, tomatoes, ham, croutons and everything you would expect on a salad. Mom got me back by making me share some of my chicken-fried steak with her. I didn’t mind. I couldn’t eat any more to save my life!

We paid, grabbed a couple of mints for the road and were out the door in no time. By the time we hit the car, we were already planning our next trip. Overall, we really enjoyed the Terry’s experience. XYZ TOPEKA

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F. A. B. (find a babysitter)

by Rio Cervantes-Reed

XYZ found the best upcoming events for you and your partner or for a Girls or Guys Night Out (GNO) in Topeka. Call the babysitter, get a cab on standby, and have a F.A.B. time!

First Friday Art Walk | Various locations | Visit artsconnecttopeka.org for a map and listing of special monthly art events all over Topeka!

Ad Astra Theatre Ensemble | adastratheatre.com for details and reservations A Chorus Line | Oct. 24-27. This stunning musical-verite about a chorus audition for a Broadway musical is a brilliant complex fusion of dance, song and compellingly authentic drama. Winner of 9 Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Break Room Theatre Events | breakroomdowntown.com for details and reservations Dinner with the Dead… A Theatrical Séance | Oct. 11-26. Magician Chris Schultz performs feats of mystery and explores the ghostly history of the Tinkham-Veale building, which houses the Break Room.

Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy | 3028 SW 8th Ave., topekacivictheatre.com Senior Class | Sept. 22 and Nov. 3. Improvisational comedy for the golden (and still funny) years.

August: Osage County [Studio Series, adults only] | Nov. 8 - 16. When a large family unexpectedly reunites after Dad disappears, their Oklahoman family homestead explodes in a maelstrom of repressed truths and unsettling secrets, unflinchingly—and uproariously—exposing the dark side of this Midwestern American family.

Spamalot | Sept. 6 - Oct. 5. Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

Inspecting Carol | Nov. 29 - Dec. 22. A man mistaken for an informer for the National Endowment for the Arts is given a role in the current production, A Christmas Carol. Everything goes wrong and hilarity ensues.

WTCT Radio Players | Sept. 29. Each performance features recreation of radio plays from yesteryear.

Laugh Lines | Oct. 11 & 12 and Nov. 22 & 23. Improvisational comedy blending of outrageous comedy sketches and audience participation games. NOTE: Humor not suitable for all audiences.

Topeka Performing Arts Center | 214 SE 8th Ave. tpactix.org Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience | Nov. 11. The star of the hit TLC show, Long Island Medium, will give live readings to audience members throughout the show share personal stories about her unique and fascinating life.

Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles | Nov. 21. RAIN has mastered every song, gesture and nuance of the legendary foursome, delivering a totally live, note-for-note performance in this multi-media concert and performing the full range of The Beatles' discography.

Buddy Valastro: The Cake Boss | Nov. 23. Join America’s favorite baker, Buddy Valastro, for an all new show of cakes, stories and fun.

art!

fall leaf centerpiece project by Blake Zachritz • photos by Megan Rogers | Megan Rogers Photographie

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ou will enjoy making this lovely centerpiece with your child as a memorable table decoration for a fancy fall meal. You will especially enjoy the ease and success of the project and the memories as you store it away in your china cabinet for use each year. My own candlestick wrap sits in the china cabinet on top of the plates and is over 20 years old.

What you need…

• Oil Pastel crayons or regular wax crayons. Example shown is made with Oil Pastels but regular crayons will work if heavy pressure and a heavy wax layer is laid down.

• Watercolor set • Tagboard for base of centerpiece, and small piece to make a stencil • Handheld stapler • White drawing paper, any variety of art paper that has some thickness, such as that which can be found in an inexpensive sketch book, or by the sheet as sold as White Sulphite Drawing Paper. Standard copy paper does not work well for this activity - it is too thin.

What you do…

Centerpiece Base: The base is formed from a simple piece of tagboard formed into a circle. Four tabs, or legs, are cut from around the base, raising the base about an inch off the table. The base is simply the form with which to staple the leaves and will not show. The base in this example is cut from a piece about 24" in length, and three or four inches in width. You can decide the circumference of your base by choosing which candlestick you want to enhance and measuring from there. The circumference of the base of a cracker or cereal box from your recycle bin often works well for this activity.

Stencil: Choose and design a simple fall leaf pattern and cut a stencil into a 36

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scrap of something easily traceable, such as scrap from the box used for the centerpiece base. The leaves used in these photographs were approximately four inches in size.

Leaves (Drawing): Arrange your stencil and draw the leaf design all over the paper leaving minimal space between each leaf. For the example shown, about twenty five leaves were used. Choose the fall colors of your oil pastel set, primarily the oranges, yellows, and browns. Use different ones to heavily make the vein marks for each leaf, so that each leaf will be slightly different. Look at a real leaf to see that the veins generally go from the stem straight up and branch out in varying patterns to the points of the leaf. Choose a few different fall leaf colors to make some heavy scribbly, freeform designs in the empty spaces of the leaves. Do not thoroughly color in, because the watercolor is the next step and there needs to be some empty paper to soak up the paint.

Leaves (Painting): Using the fall colors in your watercolor set, paint a free-form, splotchy colorful design over each leaf, mimicking the colors of autumn. The paint will roll off of the oil pastels and into the paper and the colors of the oil pastels will burst through. Do not try to stay in the lines, in fact, paint a bit beyond each leaf because the pencil tracing line will be your cutting line.

Leaves (Cutting): When dry, cut your leaves out and make a pile. Clean up your trash as you go, and when done, move on to assembly.

Assembly: This will be done using the completed base, the leaves and a handheld office stapler.

My directions will be for assembly from left to right but you can assemble the centerpiece any way you choose. First lay one leaf in an interesting way and add a staple about a half an inch away from the left side of the leaf. It is important to add one staple in a structurally secure spot, but off center enough to allow other leaves to be added behind it. If you staple too close to the right, you will not be able to fit a leaf behind the other leaf. Also, stapling in this manner will ensure that all the staples will be covered. Lay another leaf behind the first in a slightly different direction of choice and staple the same way as the first. Continue your layers all the way around until you reach the other side. The final leaf will cover the staple in the first leaf. Be sure to alter the directions of your leaves to make them look as if they just fell into the pile. The moisture from the watercolor will allow the leaves to slightly curl as it dries and your whole centerpiece will be as fluffy as a real pile of leaves.

My students and I enjoyed making this candlestick wrap centerpiece for you to see. I would enjoy seeing photographs of your centerpieces when you make one with your family for your own table. Send your photos to blakezachritz@gmail.com. XYZ TOPEKA XYZ xyztopeka.com

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spiritual dance In Royal Valley School District, 80 students embrace a rich heritage of song, dance & regalia

by Annie Brock • photos by Amy Cyphers Wi l d C hi l d P hoto g raphy

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about every school in Kansas has a dance team, but the Royal Valley school district is home to a dance team that’s the only one of its kind in the entire state.

The Royal Valley Native American Singers and Dancers group is sponsored through the school district and supported through funding from Title VII Indian Education, a grant program that supports educational and cultural enrichment of Native American students, and the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

thought forming a school-sponsored group of singers and dancers would be an excellent way to get Native American students involved in an extra-curricular activity at school.

“I realized a lot of our own kids didn’t participate in powwows or dance or sing, so it was an opportunity to teach them,” said Hale. “And from there it just took off.”

Dancing has long been an integral part of Native American

“Everybody wants to be in it,” said Anita Evans, who cosponsors the group along with Connie Peters.

“It gives the kids something to be proud of, a sense of their culture,” said Peters.

The dancers – who include about 80 Royal Valley K-12 male and female students – give exhibition performances for schools and groups across the state, in addition to participating in competition dance. The Royal Valley team has managed to snag top honors at the Battle of the Plains Native American Dance Competition in Bartlesville, Okla. seven of the last eight years.

The Singers and Dancers, as they’re known, have been a part of the school system for 24 years. Laverne Hale, the group’s founder, has five sons who were heavily involved in powwows, singing, and drum groups as children. When Hale was hired to run the Indian Education Program for Royal Valley, she 38

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culture for spiritual, ceremonial and celebratory purposes, but many types of dancing the students perform today are modern interpretations.

The dancers compete in different categories of dance. The

female dance styles include traditional, fancy shawl and jingle, and the male categories include traditional, fancy and grass. There aren’t many regular practices – most members learn the dance techniques through family members.

Sierra Pahmahmie, an eleventh-grade dancer, likes competing in fancy shawl the best because it requires a high level of fitness and the dancer is moving at all times while keeping with the beat. Mittina Hale, another eleventh-grade dancer and former Prairie Band Potawatomi Princess, prefers traditional dance.

The students are decked out in elaborate Native American dress, known as regalia. Regalia, which includes brilliantly colored garments, moccasins with intricately beaded designs, and layers upon layers of necklaces, is usually handmade by a relative, but the pieces can also be commissioned or passed down from family. Additional accessories like feathers, beaded headbands and earrings, ribbon and furs are used to make regalia as unique and interesting as possible.

“I feel exotic,” said Alyssa Garcia, tenth-grade dancer, about wearing her regalia, “People always want to take your picture when you’re wearing it.”

But wearing her regalia isn’t the only thing Garcia likes about being on the team.

“We are all like family,” said Garcia.

There are other benefits to participating on the dance team,

too. The group maintains strict policies that students on the team must be in good standing at school which encourages educational accountability. And being a part of the group not only helps the students connect with their Native American roots, it gives them a way to share it with non-Natives, as well.

“I like being able to show people about us – what we do and what we’re like,” said Pahmamie.

Dancing in front of crowds and competing against other dancers also instills confidence in the students.

“It offers the kids a chance to help build their self-esteem and pride in their cultural heritage,” said Evans.

Evans, along with co-sponsor Peters, have seen generations of dancers come and go.

“We have kids on the team now whose parents used to be on the team,” said Evans. “We have dancers of dancers.”

The group has established a long-standing tradition of excellence on behalf of Royal Valley and the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, but funding for the group is limited.

Travel and accommodation expenses for competitions are earned through donations from exhibition dances. If your school or group would be interested in hosting a performance by the Singers and Dancers, contact Anita Evans at the Prairie Band Potwatomi Boys and Girls Club at (785) 9663031. XYZ TOPEKA

apple crisp an easy apple bake that takes its rightful place at the breakfast table

by Josh Luttrell • photos by Jeremy Gaston

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ith school starting again, I was reminded of the apple crisp/crumble/ something my mother used to make for breakfast when I was a kid.

When debating an easy fall-inspired recipe, I decided on an apple cranberry crisp, but was sad to discover that the grocery store did not have a single cranberry for me to use. Improvisation is key in the kitchen, and so I made an apple-craisin crisp. This is a recipe that is hard to ruin, so it’s safe to wing it a little. If I wasn’t writing it down, I wouldn’t measure anything for it. Add a scoop of vanilla ice-cream and make it a dessert or have it for breakfast like I used to.

4 Granny Smith Apples diced into 1/4 inch pieces (Try some non uniform dicing. You’ll get some bigger chunks that will stay a little more crisp and add additional texture) 1/2 cup craisins 1 1/2 Tablespoons lemon juice 2 Tablespoons sugar 1 Teaspoon cinnamon Topping 1/3 cup flour 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup oats 1/2 cup chopped pecans 3/4 stick of butter (room temperature) 1 Teaspoon cinnamon 1 Teaspoon salt

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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together apples, craisins, lemon juice, sugar,and cinnamon. Pour into an 8x8 baking pan.

Combine flour, brown sugar, oats, chopped pecans, butter, cinnamon, and salt. Mix by hand or with handmixer until butter is fully incorporated and mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle over apples to cover the top.

Bake for 45 minutes or until topping is browned and apples are soft. XYZ TOPEKA

poem corner [ Poems by Real Kids]

The Pangolin’s Love Story

By Skylar Kendall (age 11) I fell in love at the farmer’s market With the prettiest pangolin the world has seen Her scales were lovely, so plump and smooth.

They shined with a polished gleam, deep green.

I was knocked back by her elegance, a blast of gorgeousness.

Her olive scales, her lovely sheen!

I had to befriend that miss.

My legs wiggled like jelly, as I inched towards the beautiful girl.

My cheeks turned to a bright red, and my heart fluttered and twirled.

I finally managed to say “Hello,” And ask her, “What’s your name?”

I eagerly awaited her answer But alas, no reply came.

I told her of my life in India Escaping famished trackers.

I escaped losing my scales for medicine And being served with crackers.

I hid away upon a boat To escape those terrible straits.

I slipped into the cargo hold To fend off those dreadful fates.

Within about a week, I arrived at Fisk Mill Cove.

I rushed to the market to find some food, And there I found my love.

Once I finished telling my story, my girl just sat there like a rock.

She didn’t budge a single inch, And she didn’t make a sound or talk.

“Mademoiselle, are you okay? Is everything alright?

Maybe you’re hungry, so I’ll go get us a bite.”

I walked over to the nearest anthill and picked up some ants to munch.

I laid them at the lady’s feet, but she didn’t seem to want lunch.

I took a closer look at her, but I couldn’t find her eyes or tail.

And then it dawned on me that green is not the normal color of our scales…

I fell in love for the first time— but it was all a joke.

The love of my life turned out to be a ripe, globe artichoke.

I took the artichoke home, and I ate it with some chips.

That artichoke didn’t make a good girlfriend, but it sure made a good dip!

High School

by Andrea Lichter (age 14) Pencils and pens, Abbies and Bens, More homework, less recess, And lectures in excess.

High school can be boring, But find friends and avoid the snoring.

Create your own fun, Laugh more and the sooner it will be done.

Don’t think of it as excess, This is the road to your new success.

Do you know a budding young poet? If you think he or she would like to see their work in print, send it our way: xyztopeka@gmail.com.We’d love to be their first publication credit!

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fall into reading b y J a s o n J . L a m b , T w e e n L i b r a r i a n , To p e k a a n d S h a w n e e C o u n t y P u b l i c L i b r a r y

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eah, reading is an in-school activity and often equals homework, but let’s remember to take time to read for fun. Try this year’s William Allen White Children’s Book Award nominees. If you read just two of these awesome titles, you can vote for your favorite. That’s right, the winners are chosen by kids! There are 17 books nominated, and you can read from either group, no matter what grade you’re in. Just look for the display in the Kids Library or ask Jason, tween librarian.

Don’t miss this opportunity to exercise your right to decide!

2013 winners [3rd–5th grade] Guinea Dog by Patrick Jennings There’s this kid, Rufus, and all he wants is a dog. But his parents won’t let him have one.

His mom comes up with a compromise, a guinea pig. That’s no compromise, and Rufus doesn’t want anything to do with a guinea pig.

But this is no ordinary guinea pig!

consideration for a second big literary award.

Breaking Stalin’s Nose by Eugene Yelchin [6th–8th grade] Dragon Castle Bruchac

by

Joseph

Hidden by Helen Frost

Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos – The 2012 Newbery Medal winner Ghost Dog Secrets by Peg Kehret goes for a bigger prize: the William Rusty, a sixth-grader, finds a dog out in the Allen White Award! freezing cold. It’s hard for Rusty and his friends to take care of the dog, what with an angry owner and a snoopy sister on their tail.

Then, a ghost dog appears in Rusty’s room, and it wants to lead him away. That’s when the suspense builds to a surprising conclusion.

[6th–8th grade]

2014 nominees [3rd–5th grade] Close to Famous by Joan Bauer America is Under Attack: September 11, 2001: The Day the Towers Fell by Don Brown Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George True (…sort of) by Katherine, Hannigan Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade by Melissa Sweet – Critics agree this 2012 recipient of the Robert F. Sibert Medal deserves Take Me to the River by Will Hobbs Small as an Elephant by Jennifer Richard Jacobson Drawing from Memory by Allen Say Bluefish by Pat Schmatz Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt The Silver Bowl by Diane Stanley The Running Dream by Wendelin Van XYZ TOPEKA 42

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d.i.y.

creative apron tutorial by Erin Snethen | photo by Zach Snethen

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o matter his or her interest, every kid could use a creative apron! Whether baking is your little one’s hobby, woodworking or art, step up his or her artistic wardrobe with this fun accessory!

Apron: 1/2 yard Cotton Print Pocket: 1/4 yard Contrasting Cotton Print 1 Package (3 yards) of Bias Tape, Extra Wide, Double Fold Craft Tape or Fusible Web 1/2” seam allowance

Pocket Instructions 1. To hem top edge of Pocket, fold 1/2” to wrong side. Repeat 1/2” fold to enclose raw edge. Stitch near folded edge to hem in place.

2. Using long running stitches, baste Pocket to lower curved edge of Apron. Leave top hemmed edge open.

3. Divide Pocket in three sections approximately 4” apart. Starting at top edge, stitch two dividing “lines” to bottom edge.

Apron Binding 4. To enclose all raw edges use Bias Tape as binding.

Applying Bias Tape will be done in 3 steps.

TIP: Stretch Bias Tape when applied and stitched to Apron. Stretch and smooth out curved edges with iron.

5. Start with the lower curved edge of Apron. To apply binding, sandwich raw edge of Apron in between tape layers. Use Fusible Web or Craft Tape to secure, and then stitch. Stitch close to inside folded edge. For added color, stitch additional row using contrasting thread.

6. Using same binding technique, apply Bias Tape to upper curved edge of Apron.

7. The 3rd Bias Tape step creates 2 Waist Straps, 1 44

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Neck Strap and encloses remaining raw edges. Use the measurements below as a guide.

20” = Waist Strap (2); 18” = Neck Strap Total Using same binding technique, apply Bias Tape to Apron sides. Starting with waist strap, stitch Bias Tape together. Continue stitching along Apron side, neck strap, remaining side and remaining waist strap. Stitch close to inside folded edge. XYZ TOPEKA

printable tutorial: xyztopeka.com/d-i-y-sewing/

1" x 1" GRID

POCKET CUTTING LINE POCKET PLACEMENT LINE

Eden (Age 4) after her first day of preschool “Ah, I just had to tell everyone that I already know my ABCs and how to write my name.

This is just going to be exhausting.” – submitted by Travis Finn (Age 9) :”Dadday, I’m going to open a restaurant for bunnies. I call it I-Hop.” Me; “There’s already an I-Hop, Fin.” Finn; “I know but mine’s better. It’s not pancakes. It’s where bunnies can express their feelings.” – submitted by Shannon.

heard + noted

what Topeka kids are saying “XYZ Heard and Noted” on Facebook

Tonight we heard Sophia singing, “I’m a cigarette, I’m a cigarette.” We thought that maybe it was an antismoking campaign that she heard at school. It turns out that she was trying to sing Beyonce’s Single Ladies song. – submitted by Melissa Zach (6): Mommy how old are you, I mean, you know, I’m 6, so are you like 10 now?

Me: Yes son, pretty close to that! – submitted by Winter Brennan (8) to his mom: “Mom, why do you always refer to people as ‘What’s her face?’ or ‘What’s his face’? You shouldn’t do that. Just call them by their real name.” – submitted by Boone My 3 year old was watching me cut onions, “Mommy, those onions make my eyes sparkle.” – submitted by Barbara I picked up Kinley (3) from preschool and politely inquired how her day was. She quickly responded “Fine. I was a little bit grumpy and a lot bit bossy.” – submitted by Margaret

cartoons

by Annie Brock illustration by EJ Drake

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sk any 80s kid how they spent their Saturday mornings growing up, and more than a few will wax nostalgic about slurping down a bowl of Lucky Charms in front of the boob-tube while catching up on their favorite ‘toons.

Overall, the show continues to be a ratings boom for boys 6-11, who continue to enjoy watching the exploits of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles even with their sisters whining about how stupid it is in the background.

My Little Pony was definitely more my jam growing up. This favorite show among 80s girls was actually borne out of the My Little Pony line of toys with brush-able manes and tails, but those short, squat ponies with the Technicolor hair have Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles version 2.0 gotten a serious makeover. are still slumming around the sewers of The ponies’ legs are longer, NYC, working for Splinter, chowing down their bodies are thinner, and on pizza and laying down some serious they have a certain, um, dare ninja-style bad-guy butt whoopings.

I say, sex appeal?

A couple of popular cartoons from the days of yore have gotten a recent reboot including perennial favorites Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and My Little Pony.

I only watched TMNT back in the day when my mother made me hand over the remote because it was my stupid brother’s turn to watch something. I did this begrudgingly, the passing of the remote generally accompanied by a noogie. Thus, my frame of reference for the original turtle gang is pretty small, though I did see the live action movies and my husband still owns his circa 1992 armored turtle tank/pizza thrower.

Good news for turtle lovers: the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles version 2.0 are still slumming around the sewers of NYC, working for Splinter, chowing down on pizza, and laying down some serious ninja-style bad-guy butt whoopings, but there have been some changes.

The new CGI-animated teen turtles have since ditched their Renaissance-era painter names, Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo, in favor of more the more bro-ish monikers Leo, Raph, Donnie, and Mikey. April is no longer a news reporter, but a teenage girl on whom Donnie has a somewhat unsettling cross-species crush.

In the new movie My Little Pony: Equestria Girls, the ponies turn into bipedal teenage girls with shapely bodies that balance giant pony heads atop thin statuesque necks. It’s more like My Little Pony: Victoria Beckham Edition than the chubby little ponies I once knew and loved.

Nevertheless, the ponies are still a smashing success with young girls. Back in the day, I took my pony collecting seriously. The toy ponies were in the same popularity echelon as Care Bears and Cabbage Patch Kids, and they still pack a serious merchandising punch. A quick search of Amazon yielded results for My Little Pony figurines, tattoos, costumes, castles, comforters, backpacks, DVDs, video games and more.

The good news is that despite their sexy new look and exploitation of the consumer culture, the ponies are still pedaling the same messages of the importance of friendship, acceptance and love.

Bottom line: both of these franchises are worth a repeat visit with your kiddos. You may be disappointed at some of the changes, but beneath the slick high-def appearance and new animation techniques remains the essence of the characters that so many children fell in love with so long ago.

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