Idaho family 10 2015

FREE

OCTOBER 2015

BIRDS OF

Prey

The value of other species

QUALITY

Child Care How IAEYC is helping

KIDS FIRST! Youngsters review movie

HALLOWEEN

Science Time for slime

NOT

Crafty?

Costume ideas for you

Charese, of Boise, shows her purebred standard poodle, Jacque, at the Eukanuba Dog Show in Florida earlier this year Want your child’s photo on next month’s cover?

Check inside for details!

IDAHO

Contents October 2015

MAGAZINE

Features Columns 7

21

Family Business with Daphne: Be a celebrity Ang’s Antics: A new job

22 KIDS FIRST!:

Movie review by, for kids

24 moMENts:

4

Out of class:

A field trip for the birds

Gathering places: A sense of community

8

Dad gets cheesy

26 Irene’s Insights: Sewing room re-styled

28 Manic Mothering: Wheels for teen

Caring about child care

10 Departments

Award applications:

11

IAEYC:

Honoring child care teachers

Halloween costumes:

13

Simple Science:

14

Scotland memories:

25

Kids’ milestones:

30

Seeing dad differently

Questions for the doctor

12 31

Crafts on A Dime: Pallet coasters Social Skills: Halloween etiquette All in Good Taste: Lentil Mango Salad

In Each Edition

Cost-effective creativity Time for slime

6

3

Editor’s Intro Playing favorites

16-20

Family Events Calendar: Family friendly activities & events for October!

October 2015 | Idaho Family Magazine

Volume 3, Number 10 Publisher Sterling Media Ltd. Editor Gaye Bunderson gayeb@sterlingmedialtd.com 208-639-8301 Sales & Marketing Melva Bade melvab@sterlingmedialtd.com 208-631-3779 Graphic Design Denice King Contributors Steve Davala, Susan Evans, Angela Hayes, Patrick Hempfing, Amy Larson, Daphne Mallory, Beth Markley, Diane Louise Smith, Samantha Stillman, Mary Ann Wilcox and Irene Woodworth Distribution Specialists Idaho Distribution Services

Idaho Family Magazine, published monthly

by Sterling Media Ltd., is committed to providing readers with informative and entertaining information to help them in maintaining healthy families and positive lifestyles. It is distributed throughout the valley as a free publication. Idaho Family Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements or opinions expressed by editorial contributors or advertisers. The acceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or information. Idaho Family Magazine does not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without express written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and editorial submissions are welcome. Idaho Family Magazine reserves the right to edit or reject all materials submitted. All rights reserved.

Copyright 2015 by Sterling Media Ltd.

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

EDITOR’S Intro

You’re my favorite, but don’t tell Do you have a favorite child? If so, do you sometimes feel guilty about it? I was once in the company of a family with several children, and I couldn’t help but think that one of the children was a lot more likable than the other two; and I thought that perhaps if they were my children, it would be difficult not to feel that the more affable child was my favorite. I immediately thought: “I would NEVER tell anyone that if I were the parent.

Only I would ever know.” It didn’t seem right to like one of your children more than another, even if you never openly showed it.

Speed ahead a few years. I am sitting in a doctor’s office enduring that inevitable long wait to see my medical professional. I started reading a newspaper column, something similar to “Dear Abby.” An anonymous mother wrote in to say she had a favorite child and to ask if that was common, and okay. She wrote: “I will never tell anyone this; it will always be my secret.”

The advice columnist replied that, in fact, we all have favorites of some kind within our closest relationships.

You may have a favorite uncle, or even feel closer to one parent than another, thereby making him or her your “favorite.” It’s not only okay, it happens frequently, answered the advice columnist.

I started to think about it and realized that it was definitely true in my family dynamics. I had a favorite grandmother, for instance. I hate admitting it because both my grandmothers loved me and were very good to me. I also realized that just because one grandmother was my favorite didn’t mean I didn’t love them both, because I did.

Now, despite the long wait for my doctor, I didn’t get to finish the column. The nurse called my name right in the middle of it, and I was taken back to that little room where they squish the heck out of your arm to take your blood pressure. But lately I’ve been thinking about families where it’s quite obvious the father or mother or both have a preferred child. Either they don’t realize they’re letting their preferences show or they don’t care.

What if one of your children is better at sports or academics, or just has a kinder, gentler disposition than the other children? What if Susie likes ballet and is quite good at it, and you always wanted to be good at it too but never were? What if another child is a hopeless klutz who seems to show no particular talent for anything?

Be forewarned. Showing the slightest measure of favoring one child over another can have consequences, even for the favored one.

“Effects of parental favoritism, left unchecked, can be long lasting,” Jacquie Goetz Bluethmann wrote in an article for Michigan-based Metro Parenting magazine.

“A study titled ‘Mothers’ Differentiation and Depressive Symptoms Among Adult Children’ found siblings who sensed that their mom consistently favored or rejected one child over another were more likely to exhibit depression in middle age. The study, published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, also revealed that these possible outcomes can affect both the favorite and unfavored child.”

Whereas an unfavored child may feel inadequate, a favored one can sometimes feel the weight of higher parental expectations or the hurt of sibling resentments. They may also develop the skewed view that they will always be favored by everyone as they go through life.

On the flip side, the article goes on to say that sometimes there is simply a bond between one parent and one child and that love is equally dispersed among all the children, but there exists a special connection between some family members that isn’t necessarily harmful as long as it judiciously handled. In my own family, my mother and sister have more common interests than my mother and me, and that includes shopping, hobbies, traveling, and other activities. Do I think Mom loves my sister more? No, and she’d better not (which I write with a smile because both my mother and sister read this magazine). Come to think of it, my sister probably also had more common interests with my father than existed between my father and me, including a love of sports and an especially fanatic enthusiasm for the Yankees — which my mother seems to have developed too since watching the team play in Yankee Stadium in New York.

(Now I’m starting to wonder if I’m adopted...)

But seriously, identifying more with one child than another isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Short of being blatant and unfair about it, having a favorite child may just be, well, the way it is. Don’t forget though: the child may also have a favorite parent, and it may not be you. n Gaye Bunderson, Editor

Children’s Sports Photos Wanted Idaho Family Magazine would love to put your child on our cover. We are currently looking for photos of children engaged in sports. All photos should be high quality, sharp and clear, and high resolution of around 300 dpi. Color photos are preferred, and all photos need to be vertical, not horizontal. Please identify the children in the photos. Send the photographs to gayeb@sterlingmedialtd.com.

On the Cover:

Charese, of Boise, shows her purebred standard poodle, Jacque, at the Eukanuba Dog Show in Florida earlier this year

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Idaho Family Magazine | October 2015

THE WORLD CENTER for Birds of Prey

Teaching children the value of other species

Tate Mason, Education Coordinator at the World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, holds a Harris’s Hawk named Cody. (Courtesy photo)

Gaye Bunderson The World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise helps schoolchildren link the importance of another species to their own existence. Specifically, the youngsters learn about the value of vultures.

The word “vulture” generally conjures up images of an ugly bird hovering over anything on the verge of death and waiting for an opportunity to feast. But members of the vulture species include the California Condor, which can be seen at the center. The birds are both visually pleasing and environmentally useful; and, according to Education Coordinator Tate Mason, they’re also quite amiable.

“He’s very charismatic — they’re friendly birds,” Mason said while watching one of the Condors, a 24-year-old male named Pawoco. The bird flew down from a perch in an enclosed area and, sitting on a rock, flapped his wings while visitors watched.

Annually, the center hosts about 4,000 K-12 students on field trips from schools throughout Idaho and parts of Oregon. “We’re a regional attraction,” Mason said.

“We try to meet the teachers’ expectations for their curriculum, and inform the kids,” said the Education Coordinator, who has been working in his current position for two years.

He starts by greeting the school bus, then leading the young-

October 2015 | Idaho Family Magazine

sters into a building that holds a number of rooms set up to educate both adults and children on the merits of birds of prey.

Asked why it was important to bring California Condors back from near-extinction in the 1980s and to help them thrive in the world today, he explains that the birds perform a necessary function in helping clean up dead animals. They’re an integral part of the hierarchical food chain necessary for the health of the planet. But it’s that “cleaning up” function that nearly wiped them out.

As the Condor fed on the entrails of animals killed and gutted by hunters, they ingested bullet fragments; the fragments, made from lead, caused the birds to die from lead poisoning.

By 1982, their numbers had dwindled to a mere 22 birds.

Those birds were captured and put into a captive breeding program. The World Center for Birds of Prey played — and continues to play — an important role in helping save the Condors from completely vanishing.

In a series of structures out in the back of the center, more Condors are being bred, and the World Center for Birds of Prey is currently home to 68 California Condors in all, according to Mason. Sixty-six of them are housed in the buildings at the rear of the center, while two of them (including Pawoco) live in an enclosure where they may be viewed

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Some of the facts about the birds are interesting apart from how their species positively affects the environment. The Peregrine Falcon, for instance, can fly at speeds of over 200 miles per hour, making it the fastest animal in the world. The California Condor sports a bald head, useful to its survival in that it must stick its head into rotting meat in order to eat.

There’s a lot more going on at the center than its informative programs for children who go to school in buildings; it also hosts five homeschool days a year. “The tours are tailored for the groups. With homeschooled kids, their families have taught them and they come with a full age range of kids and sometimes multi-family groups,” Mason said.

The center also hosts scout days and family field trip days.

There are also plenty of opportunities for kid-free adults to come visit the center and participate in such activities as Fall Flights, the Experience Owls field trip, and other events.

Mason cleared up a couple of misconceptions about the center: “Don’t let the weather stop you. We are always open and there’s plenty to see inside — and we’re not as far out of town as you think.”

The World Center for Birds of Prey is the headquarters of the Peregrine Fund and is located at 5668 W. Flying Hawk Lane in Boise. For more information, go to peregrinefund.org.

For information about school or homeschool visits, contact Mason at tmason@peregrinefund.org or 362-8259. n

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by visitors. The enclosure is big enough for the birds to fly and has a number of natural habitat-style surroundings for their comfort.

The schoolchildren who annually come to the World Center for Birds of Prey are exposed to terms they may not have heard before: endangered and extinct.

“We introduce certain words and what it means to save a species,” Mason said.

The school presentations are specifically designed for a younger crowd and start off with a person in a bird costume.

Then, an actual bird is brought into the room so the kids can see the real thing. The demonstrations revolve around a life sciences curriculum and are not only designed to instruct young people in the value of nature but also to foster a love of science.

“Kids are more apt to learn science if they have a transformative experience, something that causes a paradigm shift,” Mason said. After a 10- to 15-minute presentation, the children are allowed to ask questions, then they’re taken through the center to see the various displays on the California Condor, as well as one of the first birds to be saved from extinction: the Peregrine Falcon, a raptor that had fallen victim to DDT, a pesticide banned in the early 1970s. There are interactive exhibits for the youngsters to enjoy, such as a “Building a Food Chain” display.

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Idaho Family Magazine | October 2015

CRAFTS On A Dime

Pallet coaster craft ends cup confusion

By Samantha Stillman

Most people think kid’s craft when they see popsicle sticks. However, this one is for adults. With pallets all the craze right now, this craft is functional as well as trendy. It served a twofold purpose for my home. Not only is it nice to have coasters, but in a home with multiple people and similar glassware, it’s easy to forget which cup is your cup. Online I saw some really cute stained pallet coasters. While I preferred to do stain, using color made it easier to remember which glass was which. Enjoy! n

Supplies needed: Picture 1 Wood craft sticks Paint/stain Paintbrush Glue gun/glue sticks Scissors

1 Samantha Stillman is a Treasure Valley crafts instructor and freelance writer. She may be reached at craftsonadime10@gmail.com.

2

Instructions:

4

5 3

1. Cut the tips off of all your sticks. I used 11 in this project per coaster. In hindsight, I would probably cut a bit more off and make the coaster smaller and more compact. Picture 2 2. Paint or stain all of your sticks. Allow to dry and add a second coat as needed.

Picture 3 3. Hot glue the start of your pallet in a basic square shape. Two horizontal sticks will be glued on their sides rather than flat to give it the pallet look. Small dots of glue are best and easier to hide. Picture 4 4. To begin the top, glue the ends flat on top of your square shape. Second, place a stick in the center to be sure they are as evenly spaced as possible, then fill in the rest. Allow the glue to cool and pull off any strings left behind. Pictures 5 and 6

6 October 2015 | Idaho Family Magazine

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FAMILY Business with Daphne

Build up a currency of celebrity in your space

By Daphne Mallory Fame appears to be the new currency, and the pressure is on for entrepreneurs to become famous. That doesn’t mean you have to pack up your bags and move to Hollywood. It does mean you need to become a celebrity in your space. Whether your space is your city, your industry or online, you’re sure to gain a competitive advantage through fame.

Get visually documented

In “Starstruck: The Business of Celebrity,” Elizabeth CurridHalkett used statistical research to explore what makes a star.

Currid-Halkett discovered that visual documentation is key to making a celebrity. She concluded that there are three major cities were 80 percent of all photos are taken: Los Angeles, New York and London. Photos are primarily taken at events. These cities may not be relevant to your business, but you can apply the same principle. Attend industry conferences, red carpet events, and galas where you know you can get your photograph taken and published. Don’t waste time and money at events in unknown cities that won’t make a difference unless it serves another business purpose.

Visually document yourself

Our culture thrives on visual images, and you can make an emotional connection to joint venture partners, clients and followers through photos. Take your own photos and post them on your blog and other social media platforms. Search engines provide a great opportunity to showcase your images. Capture moments at your office, in your business facility, during meetings.

Share personal moments. Some entrepreneurs post pictures of their family, workout photos, watching a sports event and more.

If you’re an introvert, then you have to develop the mindset and habit of taking your own photos. Practice by taking selfies.

Something to talk about

Craft your image

Daphne Mallory is a family business expert, owner, speaker and trainer. She runs family business challenge groups to help families start or grow a business.

She blogs at daphnemallory.blogspot. com. For more information, email her at daphnemalloryesq@gmail.com.

Do you ever wonder why highly successful entrepreneurs are seen and photographed wearing t-shirts? It’s strategic. It’s the image they want to convey to their customer base. There are up-and-coming entrepreneurs who spend more money on name brand clothing and shoes than any other line item in their budget. Their intention is to convey a certain image to establish credibility. Celebrities spend time and money to develop a specific image because they know it will increase their revenue and influence. Take more time, and hire a consultant, if needed, to craft your image. You don’t want to make the mistake of getting visually documented with an image that doesn’t connect to your audience.

Thinking and acting like a celebrity requires a mind shift.

You have to buy into the premise that it will help to grow your business. Research the current celebrities in your space. Are they winning in the marketplace? n

10-2015

Some celebrities seek negative attention. It’s a tried and true way of getting media attention. This strategy may backfire

on entrepreneurs, because building trust with clients and consumers is key to business success. However, sharing opinions on controversial issues in politics or in pop culture has turned some entrepreneurs into stars. The press loves to call upon experts who provide an opposing and sometimes controversial point of view on a hot topic. If you are passionate about your views and are outspoken, then share them with the media. You may risk alienating some of your potential customers, but entrepreneurs take risks. You may gain more of a following in the end.

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Idaho Family Magazine | October 2015

COMMUNITY togetherness

Gathering places promote sense of happiness

Sculptor Brian Keith created “New Wings,” which can be seen in Fountain Square at The Village in Meridian. The sculpture was inspired by Keith’s daughter Malia, whose name means “peace.” (Photo submitted by Amy Larson)

By Amy Larson Cows once grazed in a pasture at the northeast corner of Fairview Avenue and Eagle Road. Now, cars stream down the busy roads, and the site has become a place for socializing and shopping since The Village at Meridian opened there in 2013.

I recently shared dinner with friends on an outdoor patio at that same corner, now with illuminated, twisting water springing from a nearby fountain. The event was something of a miracle — my friends had all come together in an unlikely way. Suffering from health problems most of her childhood, Allie received life-saving surgery this year. Janet moved to Japan but was, unbelievably, in town. Leslie also moved out of state, but was in Boise conducting business. It seemed too good to be true.

October 2015 | Idaho Family Magazine

Adding to the magic were little girls improvising a dance performance on the square’s turf, pirouetting and leaping under late night spotlights. Their mothers joined them, taking daughters by both hands as the children squealed with delight.

I watched, contemplative and grateful for the thoughtfully planned places within the valley that promote memory-making such as this: the summer concerts, face painting, winter ice skating, and story times for kids featuring pirates or princesses from the Treasure Valley Children’s Theater. Where Ladies’ Night Out offers leisure activities for mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, and grandmas as they sample brownie bites and enjoy girl talk; and where families can sit together and watch the water dance in the fountain. www.idahofamilymagazine.com

Despite all the things that work to keep to have Malia and Jordan as ours. I took families from being together, places like Malia to the park and shot video of her the Boise Greenbelt, Kleiner and Settlers wearing that same outfit (as the sculpture), parks, and The Village at Meridian exist being pushed on a swing. The smile you to do the opposite, giving us a respite see is hers.” from ridiculously busy workdays to simply “Her name,” he adds, “means ‘peace.’ sit and watch children enjoy themselves The horizons are limitless for Malia, for — play and relaxation being the ultimate all children, and for us. The stacked books stress relievers. at the base of that swing in the sculpture Sculptor Brian Keith wanted to be part suggest movement, the point of pushing of the experience. Asked to create pieces off.” in the heart of The Village at Meridian’s The piece is aptly named “New Wings.”

Fountain Square, he began searching for “I hope,” says Brian, “adults will look inspiration and found it in his own chilat that and realize they’re not too old to Amy Larson is a Treasure Valley dren. The Keiths adopted a daughter and writer, editor, author, blogger and food have new dreams. It’s the story of having reviewer. She shares family-friendly, son from China. Six-year-old Malia had that freedom.” mostly free weekend events Fridays on just begun reading, and she loved books.

Since children desperately need to see WOW104.3 FM’s Randy & Alana Brian used her love of books for the our playful, happy sides, taking a turn on Morning Show. Her first book in a setheme of one of his works. the swing, flipping water at a park’s splash ries, “Appetite for Idaho,” was released “It was easy to personify the theme,” he this year and can be found in local pad, shooting hoops, riding bikes, or any says. “She was opening books, going into eateries and other places of Idaho fun. other activity promoting togetherness, her imagination and experiencing being joy, and the imagination will warm their transformed. It became a very emotional hearts and transform ours. Enjoy what piece, since we were watching her begin to fly into new the valley offers and the places that allow us to experiworlds, and having thoughts of how blessed we’ve been ence the good things. n

Isn’t it time your teenagers found out what all the talk is about?

Sunday Youth Service • 11AM In the Fellowship Center

Pioneer Club (K - 6th Grade) Wednesdays • 7 PM

Jr High Ministry Wednesdays • 7 PM

Sr High Ministry Sundays • 6:15 PM

Visit our website for a complete list of Youth Activities!

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10-2015

www.CloverdaleChurch.org

10-2015

3755 S. Cloverdale • Boise 208-362-1700 Ask for Pastor Max

Idaho Family Magazine | October 2015

IDAHO AEYC

Helping raise the quality of child care

By Gaye Bunderson Finding a good child care provider is important to working parents. To help them in that endeavor, the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children and its IdahoSTARS project seeks to improve the quality of child care in Idaho and raise awareness of the importance of early childhood education. The association also works to ensure the state’s child care providers have access to training and resources to offer the highest quality care possible.

IAEYC partners with the University of Idaho Center on Disabilities and Human Development and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and is the state affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

“We want parents to choose quality. It makes a big difference in a child’s life,” Brandi Lewis, outreach coordinator at IAEYC, said.

The association is also eager to keep skilled child care workers in business.

“Child care providers are the lowest-paid position.

They’re serving kids. Most of them have only a high school diploma. It’s hard to keep them in the business when they can go to Taco Bell to make money,” Lewis said. “We want to keep child care providers in the field so there is high-quality care available.”

Lewis said that Idaho’s licensing standards for child care providers are the lowest in the nation. The providers are required to undergo a minimal background check, get some training in pediatric CPR and first aid, as well as some training in what to do in case of a fire emergency.

A good babysitter knows as much. But quality child care providers are far more than daytime babysitters for working parents. Idaho IAEYC wants to help them not only be trained in the basics of caring for children — right down to knowing when and how to change a diaper — but also be skilled in helping young minds learn at an age when they’re eager to soak up knowledge.

“Birth to 5 years is when you lay the foundation for how children are going to learn and succeed in life. If they start behind, they stay behind,” Lewis said.

The people who are frequently present with children during the day, namely child care providers, are in a position to nurture that potential and that is why IAEYC and IdahoSTARS offer them opportunities to help their young charges learn. Through training, providers can be shown how to foster good reading habits, as well as social and language skills. “Quality early learning opportunities help

10 October 2015 | Idaho Family Magazine

our children enter school ready to learn and be prepared to achieve,” reads a statement provided by IAEYC in partnership with Idaho Voices for Children and the Idaho Head Start Association.

The statement also reads: “High-quality early learning programs expose children to enriching conversation, interactive storybook reading, learning language through rhyme, alliteration, sound matching and alphabet activities.”

Child care providers who participate in IAEYC’s IdahoSTARS programs may be either small, in-home providers or larger child care centers. Scholarships are available for those who could not otherwise afford training, Lewis said.

Some facts to date about the statewide IAEYC’s efforts include: • Over 1,000 child care providers are actively engaged in the program, completing 13,839 hours of training.

• Idaho AEYC has provided 3,071 training scholarships to 645 child care providers.

• The program successfully engaged more than 70 early childhood providers with “Let’s Move! Child Care” workshops. Providers learned how to incorporate healthful nutrition, increase physical activity and reduce screen time in their programs.

• Idaho AEYC helped lead Boise City on a path toward strengthening its licensing standards for child care providers, which included healthful eating initiatives, lower child to adult ratios, and increased training requirements for all providers.

On the IdahoSTARS website at idahostars.org, parents can find a list of providers who’ve received training. A list of the kinds of questions parents should consider when looking for a competent provider can be found there as well. Questions include: • Are adults warm and welcoming? Do they pay attention to each child?

• Are there specific areas for different kinds of play (blocks, puzzles, art, dress-up, etc.)?

• Will my child be asked questions, when appropriate, and be encouraged to speak and communicate?

• Do adults and children wash their hands when necessary?

In all, there are 63 questions related to all facets of safe and effective child care.

Also on the website is a training calendar for providers, as well as other information.

Beth Oppenheimer is executive director of IAEYC. Idaho AEYC is a nonprofit organization funded through a federal child care block grant. More information about the organization, including membership opportunities, is available at idahoaeyc.org. n

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

CHILDcare teachers

National award program taking applications

By Gaye Bunderson Applications are now available for the Terri Lynne Lokoff / Children’s Tylenol National Child Care Teacher Awards. The awards are open to all child care teachers in the United States and on U.S. military bases and installations nationally and internationally. Application deadline is January 4, 2016.

Winning teachers receive money to fund in-class projects to enhance early learning.

Fifty selected winners receive an award of $1,000: $500 to implement their award-winning project and $500 for personal use. From the 50 selected winners, one receives the Helene Marks Award as the National Child Care Teacher of the Year and receives an additional $1,000. The Helene Marks Award is the foundation’s highest honor. The winners will be celebrated at a special ceremony on April 16, 2016 in Philadelphia.

Applications for the National Child Care Teacher Awards may be downloaded at www.tllccf.org.

“Child care teachers are gaining prominence in the fields of education and business. School administrators and teachers know that children who have attended high quality child care programs are better prepared to learn when they enter kindergarten and first grade. Child care teachers play a vital role in the development of children by helping them to develop social, emotional, cognitive and motor skills,” TLLCCF Executive Director Allan Miller said.

The Terri Lynne Lokoff Child Care Foundation is best known for its child care teachers awards program. The foundation began acknowledging the important role child care teachers play in the lives and development of young children in 1994 and has presented more than $850,000 in awards to child care teachers and their programs across the country.

For an application or more information about TLLCCF, visit www.tllccf.org, or fax a request to 610-992-1070. Completed applications must be postmarked no later than January 4, 2016 and mailed to the Terri Lynne Lokoff Child Care Foundation – TR, 100 Ross Road, Suite 160, King of Prussia, PA 19406.

The Terri Lynne Lokoff Child Care Foundation has dedicated its resources to improving the quality of child care for all children; elevating the status of and supporting child care teachers and providers; raising awareness of the need for affordable, high-quality child care; and partnering with business and government in making child care a priority. TLLCCF is a nonprofit, nonsectarian 501(c)(3) organization established in 1987 in memory of Terri Lynne Lokoff, a devoted child care teacher. n

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(Stock photo)

Idaho Family Magazine | October 2015 11

SOCIAL Skills

Halloween etiquette for hosts and goblins

Halloween can be a fun time with these simple tips for host homes & trick or treaters. (stock photo)

By Susan Evans Halloween used to be so easy when I was growing up. Now it is a complicated holiday, with parents unsure whether to let their children go door to door in search of the best candy.

No, this is not a trick! There really is a code of etiquette for both Hosting Home and your Little Goblin on Halloween. Also, with a few precautions it can be totally safe.

The Hosting Home

1. The lights need to be left on in the house and the walkway clearly lit. Have some fun and “dress up” your home a little; just be sure to consider the age of the children you expect and try not to make it too spooky!

2. Confine all animals.

3. Pick up any stray items in the front yard and walkway.

4. Give two small or one large candy — yes, wrapped candy! Do not give home-baked goods or fruit.

They will get thrown away.

5. Dress up if you like and answer the door with “Happy Halloween!”

6. If you do not want visitors, turn off your outside lights.

The Little Goblin

1. Treat time is from dusk until 8:30 p.m. at the latest.

2. If your neighborhood is not kid-friendly, go to a good friend’s or Grandma’s. Do not drop children off in a neighborhood where you do not know anyone.

3. Children up to age 12 only; younger ones should be with an adult.

4. Children 13 years and up should have a party instead of going trick or treating if they want to celebrate.

5. Take a flashlight and watch where you walk — no tromping through flower beds!

6. Lights off at the home? It means no candy!

7. Ring the doorbell once, say: “Trick-or-Treat.” Children should take what is offered and only a small amount. If it is something that does not meet your requirements, you can throw it away later.

8. Always say, “Thank you and happy Halloween!”

A final note to parents: You are allowed to sneak a Snicker’s or Reese’s Peanut-Butter Cup from your children’s Halloween bags. Just let them know that your parents did the same to you! n

12 October 2015 | Idaho Family Magazine

Susan Evans owns Social Essence, an Eagle-based company serving the Treasure Valley. She offers youth culture and adult culture programs designed to help participants improve their professional and personal lives.

She may be reached at susan@socialessence.com, 631-0576, or www.socialessence.com.

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

CREATIVE costumes

Halloween looks for the not ‘sew’ crafty

By Mary Ann Wilcox It’s time for harvest festivities and with it comes one of my favorite children’s holidays: Halloween. While my favorite part of Halloween is eating Tootsie Rolls while I wait for cute little trick-or-treaters, there’s nothing quite like dressing up and pretending to be someone else for the evening. So let’s talk costumes… …Homemade or store bought? That is the question. While store costumes have vastly improved from the plastic mask and tie-arounds of the past, they still pose the risk of being “unoriginal.” The odds that you or your child are going to be just another Jack Sparrow, Batman, or Princess are pretty high. So what do you do?

I grew up learning to sew from a mother who loved to teach costume making… not everyone is so lucky. Coming up with costumes for each of your children, not to mention yourself, can be frustrating and time-consuming. And what if you don’t sew? No problem! Your options are still endless. Here is a short list of “no-sew” costume ideas that are sure to please all of your ghouls and goblins this year: Franken-Yourself (i.e., Franken-Steve): Simply draw stitches across your face and skin and stick on a couple bolts that can easily be found for just a few dollars in the Halloween section of most stores. And don’t forget the “Bride of Franken-Steve” if you need a couples theme.

Tourist: Khaki shorts and a loud Hawaiian print shirt from Dad’s closet or your local thrift store are the keys to this costume. Top it off with an old or unusable camera (dangling around the neck of course), a cheap plastic lei, sunglasses, a baseball cap or straw hat, or maybe some zombie makeup to add extra flare.

Graveyard: This is one of my favorites. All you need is a length of green fabric or plastic. It should be long enough for you to cut a head-hole in the middle and have enough to hang to the knee in the front and back. Now the headstone you can do several ways. Gray paper cutouts work well, or you could use gray foam sticker sheets and write on them

Creative costumes don’t have to be a sewing nightmare. (stock photo)

with a Sharpie marker. I just painted the headstone shapes on the fabric and when they were dry, my husband and I wrote funny epitaphs on them with a Sharpie. It was a hit!

Zombie: While it may not seem original, you can turn any outfit into a zombie costume these days. Any old clothing that you can rough up will work for this, frayed hems, holes, rips and all. Simply draw or paint on a little red around the holes and on any part of the body showing through. Washable markers work great. The key to this costume is the acting — lots of shuffling and moaning, please.

Continued on page 15

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Idaho Family Magazine | October 2015 13

SIMPLE Science

A slimy experiment in time for Halloween

By Steve Davala It’s almost time for Halloween, and here is an experiment that is as creepy as it is cool. Of course, it will also help your children become good thinkers. But you don’t have to tell them that.

Science is all about making observations and figuring out how things work. Simple, hands-on experiments that begin with, “What do you think will happen?” or end with, “Can you make it happen differently?” get children’s minds in the right place.

Overview:

The following easy-to-set-up experiment involves a liquid that doesn’t always act like a liquid. This special term is called a “non-Newtonian fluid.” That means it is a substance that at times will flow like water, and then when you add pressure it will behave like a solid. The very small pieces that make up the substance are made of really long chains, sort of like spaghetti. When pressure is added, the chains stick together like a solid, but when you let it go, it acts like a liquid.

This is also a good experiment to talk about chemical changes. A chemical change is when the material you start with has vastly different properties than what you end up with. Sometimes chemical changes can be accompanied by heat, light, sound, or a gas… but not in this experiment. You will start with glue and end up with a “slime” that no longer exhibits the original properties of glue.

Safety warning:

Borax is an eye irritant, so please supervise this experiment and make sure your child washes his or her hands after completion.

(Courtesy photo)

Materials:

Explanation:

A bottle of Elmer’s Glue, borax (found in the laundry section in the grocery store), a medium bowl, a cup, spoon, water, food coloring.

This is a simple experiment, but with really great effects and good scientific concepts. What kid doesn’t like to play with slime? Especially one he or she made? If the kids want to keep the substance, put it into a sealable plastic bag.

The experimenting doesn’t have to be over yet, however. In fact, this is when the science really starts to happen. Children will want to experiment with different amounts of glue and borax.

They might have a slime “race” to see which one can flow the fastest or slowest down a book.

Whatever they do, it’s in the name of science, and by encouraging their experimenting you will be furthering their scientific development n

Procedure: 1. Pour a four-ounce bottle of Elmer’s glue into a medium bowl.

2. Ask your child to describe how glue looks and behaves.

3. Add a drop or two of food coloring to the glue.

4. Mix a tablespoon of borax into a cup of warm water.

5. Mix a little of the borax solution into the glue.

6. You will immediately start to see the glue thicken.

7. Keep stirring the mixture while adding the borax until it is at the desired texture (less borax makes it more slimy, more borax makes it rubbery).

8. Take the substance out of the bowl and experiment. It will flow like slime at times, but when you add pressure it will act like a solid.

9. Ask your child how the “glue” now acts compared to when you started: this is the evidence of a chemical reaction.

Steve Davala is a high school chemistry and physics teacher who likes to write. He’s got two kids of his own and subjects them to these science activities as guinea pigs. Follow him on Twitter, on stevedavala.blogspot. com or email him at steve.davala@gmail.com.

14 October 2015 | Idaho Family Magazine

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Costumes

10-2015

Continued from page 13 Fancy lady: Most thrift stores have a stock of fancy dresses in all styles. What little girl wouldn’t love a fancy dress? This is a very broad idea since it really depends on what kind of dress you find and how you accent it. Here is a list of accessories to spark your imagination: • Feather boas (available in most craft stores) • Floppy or sequined hats • Parasols • Big costume jewelry and sparkles (many varieties can be found in most dress-up toy aisles) • Long strands of beads (like a flapper girl) • Baby dolls • Crowns or tiaras • Scepters or wands (makes a fun sorceress or wizard costume) Halloween doesn’t have to drain your creative juices or your pocketbook. Snoop around in that donation pile of old clothes, shop thrift stores and don’t be afraid to use a little paint or some markers to make it all come together.

For Halloween party ideas and recipes, check out the blog at MaryAnnsCupboards.com. You are sure to find more ways to save time and money on your harvest celebrations. n

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Idaho Family Magazine | October 2015 15

IDAHO

MAGAZINE

CALENDAR

Thunder Mountain Line for Halloween Month of October

Throughout the month of October, Thunder Mountain Line in Horseshoe Bend will offer Halloween-themed train rides on the Pumpkin Liner. Go to thundermountainline.com.

Scarecrow Stroll

Eagle P&R’s Twirling Tot Tuesday, October 6 - Tuesday, October 27

Does your little one love to groove? Children ages 2-5 will play games, explore body movement, and boogie to dance hits of today and yesterday during a 4-week program from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. October 6 through October 27 at Eagle Performing Arts Center, 1125 E. State St. Children must be potty trained or a parent must attend. Cost is $36. Preregistration is required at cityofeagle.org/recreation.

Foster Care Informational Meetings

Month of October

Thursday, October 8 & Tuesday, October 13

Food Bank Friday at IceWorld

Kennel clubs dog show

All through October, the Idaho Botanical Garden hosts the Scarecrow Stroll. Businesses, organizations, nonprofits and local families create the scarecrows that are found throughout the garden grounds. Preschoolers are welcome to come on a self-guided field trip, with the option of visiting the pumpkin patch at the garden.

They may pick and take home a pumpkin for $2. Reservations are required for the preschooler field trips. Call 343-8649. Go to idahobotanicalgarden.org for more information about all IBG events.

Fridays

Bring a non-perishable food item and receive free skate rental on Fridays at Idaho IceWorld, 7072 S. Eisenman Rd. in Boise. Go to idahoiceworld.com.

Young and the Restless Storytime Wednesdays

Garden City Library hosts a Young and the Restless story program for kids ages 1-5 on Wednesdays from 10 to 10:30 a.m. The library holds a number of programs for adults and children. Go to notaquietlibrary.com.

Eagle Parks & Rec youth sports programs Throughout October

Beginning early in October and continuing throughout the month, Eagle Parks & Recreation is offering a number of sports programs for children as young as 4 and as old as 12. Sports include lacrosse, basketball, soccer, and martial arts, as well as a multi-sport program. More information is available at www.cityofeagle.org/recreation.

Eagle Parks & Rec teen and adult programs Throughout October

Beginning early in October and continuing throughout the month, Eagle Parks & Recreation is offering a number of programs for teens and adults. Activities include aikido martial arts, fit and safe circuit training, country-western dancing, and beginning watercolor. More information is available at www.cityofeagle.org/recreation.

16 October 2015 | Idaho Family Magazine

Have you ever considered becoming a foster parent or wondered how you could help a child who is in foster care? Foster Care Informational Meetings are a great way to learn. Two meetings are planned in the Boise area as follows: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, October 8, at Nampa Public Library; and 9:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 13, at the Groove Cafe, 1800 N. Locust Grove Rd., Ste. E, in Meridian. For more information or to RSVP (please), contact Monique Layton at mlayton4@ewu.edu.

Thursday, October 8 - Sunday, October 11

More than 1,200 dog lovers from across the nation will be in Boise October 8-11 with their dogs strutting, jumping and racing their way to the winner’s ring in breed conformation, obedience, and agility competitions. Junior handlers ages 8-18 and their dogs will also strut their stuff in the conformation ring. Admission is free, and the whole family is welcome to come and watch the canine athletes perform and to check out vendors displaying canine products.

The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at Expo Idaho, 5601 Glenwood in Garden City. For more information, visit one of these websites: Idaho Capital City Kennel Club, icckc.org; LizardButteKennelClub.org; or American Kennel Club, akc.org.

(Only competing dogs will be allowed on the premises.)

Baby & Toddler Storytime Thursdays, October 8, 15, 22 & 29

Nampa Public Library holds Baby & Toddler Storytime at 10:15 a.m. Thursdays, October 8, 15, 22 and 29.

Preschool STEAM Storytime

Fridays, October 9, 16, 23 & 30

Nampa Public Library holds Preschool STEAM Storytime at 10:15 a.m. Fridays, October 9, 16, 23 and 30 and at 10:15 a.m. Wednesdays, October 14, 21 and 28.

9th Annual Senior Faire Saturday, October 10

The Exhibit Hall of the Nampa Civic Center will be the site of the 9th Annual Senior Faire. Billed as “a great event for the entire family,” it will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, October 10, and attendance is free. More than 50 vendors will be offering information on health, lifestyle, financial planning, recreation, insurance, and more. There will be entertainment and food. This year’s theme is “The Silver Screen of Hollywood,” and participants are welcome to come dressed as their favorite movie stars. The event draws a large crowd each year. Go to nampaciviccenter.com.

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of Events “Not-So-Scary Scarecrow” Craft Saturday, October 10

A “Free Crafts for Kids” program is offered each Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lakeshore Learning Store in the Westpark Towne Plaza at 417 N. Milwaukee St. in Boise. On October 10, kids may create a not-scary scarecrow. For more information, call 377-1855.

13th Annual Buddy Walk Saturday, October 10

The Treasure Valley Down Syndrome Association will hold its annual Buddy Walk to promote acceptance and inclusion of all people with Down syndrome beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 10. The walk starts at Capitol Park in Boise and ends at the Gene Harris Bandshell in Julia Davis Park. There will be live entertainment, raffle prizes, bounce houses, games, and food trucks. For more information, go to idahodownsyndrome.org.

Foothills Star Party

Saturday, October 10

The Jim Hall Foothills Learning Center, 3188 Sunset Peak Rd. in Boise, will celebrate its fifth season hosting the Boise Astronomical Society and its amateur astronomers from 6 to 9 p.m.

Saturday, October 10. The evening will begin inside with participants learning about planets, autumn constellations and special celestial events coming up in the near future. Then, everyone will move outside for star-gazing through telescopes. Go to bee.cityofboise.org.

Saturday Family Movie Saturday, October 10

Nampa Public Library will present the family-friendly animated movie “The Book of Life” from 3 to 5 p.m. October 10. All ages are welcome.

Harvest Festival Saturday, October 10

Eagle Parks & Recreation will host a Harvest Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 10, at Heritage Park and Eagle Museum on Old State Street. There will be pumpkin decorating, face painting, cookie decorating, kids’ games, and more. The event is free.

Idaho Renaissance Faire Saturday & Sunday October 10 - 11

The annual Idaho Renaissance Faire will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, October 10, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, October 11, at Gem Island Sport Complex in Emmett. For directions to the Faire and other information, including a schedule of events, go to idahorenfaire.org.

Month of October & Early November Please send family-related calendar items to gayeb@sterlingmedialtd.com.

Mexican culture workshops

Wednesdays, October 14, 21 & 28

Nampa Public Library hosts a “Dia (Day) at the Library Series,” with educational workshops for all ages. The next workshop will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, October 14, and will feature papel picado, a Mexican folk art decorative craft made out of paper cut into elaborate designs. The event on October 21 will revolve around the theme “Creating Your Own Sacred Space”; October 28 will feature an “El Dia de Los Muertos Mask Workshop.” Go to nampalibrary. org/calendar.

Tween Program Thursday, October 15

Nampa Public Library will hold a Tween Program for youngsters ages 8-12 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, October 15. The theme will be “Glow Pumpkins.”

Eat, Play, Grow: Family Meal Thursday, October 15

A series of healthy lifestyle lessons for children ages 3-5 are being presented at Eagle Public Library. Children will meet at 10:30 a.m.

Thursday, October 15, in the library meeting room, as well as other Thursdays of the month, with different health-related topics being presented. Go to cityofeagle.org.

International Wave of Light / Pregnancy Loss Day Thursday, October 15

This special event to mark the loss of a baby through miscarriage or childbirth is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, October 15, at Cloverdale Funeral Home in Boise. There will be guest speakers, testimonies, and special music. All interested people are welcome. Call 899-3676.

Splash N’ Dash Friday, October 16

Kids will splash while parents dash from 5:45 to 9:45 p.m. Friday, October 16, at the Nampa Rec Center. NRC’s certified lifeguard and lesson staff will supervise children ages 3-12 while they swim and play water games. Pre-registration is required; children must be potty trained. Cost is $13 for members and $18 for non-members. Go to nampaparksandrecreation.org.

Spooktacular

Throughout the month of October

Join in the fun at Zoo Boise’s merry-not-scary Halloween fun fest beginning on Friday, October 16. Days and hours of Spooktacular are: 6 to 9 p.m. October 16, 17, 23 and 24; and 5:30 to 8 p.m.

October 18 and 25. Festivities include: Halloween displays, activities and some animal encounters, all designed for younger children; a Halloween dance party, mascot meet-and-greets; and more.

Go to zooboise.org.

More Events on Page 18 www.idahofamilymagazine.com

Idaho Family Magazine | October 2015 17

CALENDAR of Events

Continued from page 17

Family Fun Saturdays

Idaho Health, Beauty & Fitness Fair

Nampa Public Library hosts Family Fun Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. All ages are welcome. The theme on October 17 will be “Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge.”

A free Health, Beauty & Fitness Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 17, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, October 18, at Expo Idaho. Visit with doctors, dentists and other health care professionals, along with fitness, nutrition and beauty experts; learn about nutrition and physical activities to stay healthy.

Flu shots and various health screenings will be available. The whole family is welcome.

Saturday, October 17

“Have a Hoot! Owl” Craft Saturday, October 17

A “Free Crafts for Kids” program is offered each Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lakeshore Learning Store in the Westpark Towne Plaza at 417 N. Milwaukee St. in Boise. On October 17, the featured craft will be an owl complete with feathers and wiggly eyes. For more information, call 377-1855.

Kids Discovery Expo Saturday, October 17

Moms, dads and grandparents may attend the free Kids Discovery Expo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 17, at Expo Idaho.

Children may explore, create and discover through hands-on exhibits.

Activities for kids ages 0-13 include robotics, a petting zoo, jump house, rock climbing wall, sports activities, magic tricks, and special appearances by kids’ favorite characters. Go to ibleventsinc.com.

Marimba Boise Saturday, October 17

Marimba Boise will be performing happy, upbeat music from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, October 17, at Boise International Market, 5823 W. Franklin Rd. This is a free event and open to all ages. Go to boiseinternationalmarket.com/events.

Superhero Fun Run Saturday, October 17

This fun run/walk to benefit Camp Rainbow Gold will feature a 5K and a one-mile race. It all begins at 9 a.m. at Expo Idaho on Saturday, October 17. Costumes are welcome but not required. Go to http://www.bluecirclesports.com/EventDetail_Sub.aspx?eid=2906.

Slither, Slime and Stink!

Saturday, October 17

The Boise WaterShed invites you to come celebrate fall with music, hayrides, tasty local food, live animals and more from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, October 17. Get up close and personal with some live reptiles in the theater at the WaterShed with Reptile Adventures. Create fall-themed arts and crafts, have fun with mystery slime boxes and take a fun harvest photo. There will also be Idaho folk songs sung by John Thomsen. The WaterShed is located at 11818 W. Joplin Rd. The event is free, and pre-registration is not required. Go to BoiseEnvironmentalEducation.org.

18 October 2015 | Idaho Family Magazine

Saturday, October 17 - Sunday, October 18

Pumpkins & Ponies Saturday, October 17

The Cathedral of the Rockies-Amity Campus will host its annual event highlighted by pumpkins, ponies and produce from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, October 17, at 4464 S. Maple Grove Rd. in Boise. There will be something for everyone. The event is free, but people are asked to bring a canned food item to help fight hunger in the Treasure Valley. Along with locally grown produce and a pumpkin patch, there will be carriage and hayrides, games, a family photo scavenger hunt, live music, and more.

Local boy Jase, age 2, enjoys a ride through a pumpkin patch.

Pumpkin Contest

Saturday, October 17 - Saturday, October 24

Eagle Public Library is holding its annual Biggest Pumpkin Contest.

Last year’s winner was an Atlantic Giant that weighed over 150 pounds. Interested people may take their pumpkins to the library at 100 N. Stierman Way anytime between 9 a.m. Saturday, October 17, through 4:30 p.m. Saturday, October 24, and they’ll be weighed (the pumpkins, not the people). A King o’ Pumpkins will be named. At 2 p.m. on October 17, adults may learn how to decorate their houses for the season by making their own set of wooden candy corn. Go to cityofeagle.org.

Meet the Critters Tuesday, October 20

Nampa Public Library will host Zamzow’s Small Animal Presentation for all ages from 4:15 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, October 20. Come meet a new, fun animal every month.

After School Fun: Pumpkins Tuesday, October 20

Elementary school-age children may decorate a pumpkin any way they want at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, October 20, in the meeting room of Eagle Public Library. On the same day, at 6 p.m., middle and high school students may make their own easy, fun robots as part of Teen Read Week. On October 27, elementary school children may learn how to make spooky Halloween treats.

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Jake Shimabukuro at Caldwell Fine Arts Wednesday, October 21

The Caldwell Fine Arts Series has kicked off its 2015-2016 season. Jake Shimabukuro is a virtuoso...of the ukelele. He will perform at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, October 21, at Jewett Auditorium on the College of Idaho campus. Tickets for adults are $8, $10 or $15; students and children may get in for $4, $6 or $8. CFA works to present high-quality performances to the public at affordable prices.

Patrons will also enjoy the newly renovated seats in Jewett Auditorium, a $100,000 lighting upgrade, and the resurfaced parking lot. Caldwell Fine Arts has partnered with the Canyon County Organization on Aging to offer door-to-door van service to each of its events. Patrons who don’t drive anymore, or who may not want to worry about icy roads and parking, may call 4590063 at least three days prior to an event. They will be picked up and returned home before and after a performance. The service is free, but a contribution is welcomed. Go to caldwellfinearts.org.

Teen Anime Club Thursday, October 22

Nampa Public Library will hold Teen Anime Club for youngsters in 7th through 12th grades from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, October 22.

Teen After-Hours: Get Away to Hogwarts Friday, October 23

Teen Read Week at Eagle Public Library will include a trip to Hogwarts at 6:30 p.m. Friday, October 23, in the library’s meeting room. There will be games, treats, and lots of activities.

Creepy Critter Encounters Saturday, October 24

Kids of all ages are invited to put a little nature into their Halloween at Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge’s Creepy Critter Encounters from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, October 24. Visitors may learn about creatures of the Refuge on a spooky hike, listen to spooky stories, and create Halloween crafts. Before the close of the event, visitors are welcome to participate in hooting for owls and howling for coyotes.

Wear costumes, if you like. The Refuge offers free family fun, and Creepy Critter Encounters will be held rain or shine at the Visitor Center near Lake Lowell. For more information, call 467-9278 or go to http://www.fws.gov/refuge/deer_flat.

“Spooktacular Puppet” Craft Saturday, October 24

A “Free Crafts for Kids” program is offered each Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lakeshore Learning Store in the Westpark Towne Plaza at 417 N. Milwaukee St. in Boise. On October 24, children will have the opportunity to create a creepy monster puppet and bring it to life. For more information, call 377-1855.

Geology of Islands and Archipelagos

Sunday, October 25

Geologist Terry Maley will discuss the origin and evolution of oceanic islands and archipelagos, including the coral islands, from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, October 25, at the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology, 2455 Old Penitentiary Rd. in Boise. Maley will also review the 25,000-mile-long Ring of Fire defined by a circular belt of nearly continuous oceanic trenches, volcanic arcs, and archipelagos along the Pacific Rim. Cost is $5 for non-members of the museum and free to museum members. Go to idahomuseum.org.

BSU Orchestra “Spook-tacular” Concert Sunday, October 25

The Boise State University Symphony Orchestra Halloween “Spooktacular” Concert will be held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday, October 25, at the Morrison Center, 2201 W. Cesar Chavez Lane. Cost is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, and free for children. All proceeds help benefit BSU music scholarships. Go to morrisoncenter.com.

Boise Community Trunk & Treat Wednesday, October 28

Come fill your sack with goodies from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, in the parking lot of Stevens-Henager College, 1444 Entertainment Ave., Boise. There will be dozens of local businesses, live entertainment, food and more. The whole family is welcome.

Halloween Trick-or-Treating in Eagle Friday, October 30

Trick-or-treaters are welcome to attend an hour of fun from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, October 30, at the Spring Creek Edgewood Senior Living Center, 653 N. Eagle Rd. The event is free, and there will be treats to kick off Halloween weekend.

Frightened Felons – Family Night Friday, October 30

Enter the only haunted cell house in Boise — if you dare — from 7 to 11 p.m. (last admission 9:30) on Friday, October 30, at the Old Idaho Penitentiary. There will be special performances, a costume contest, and food. Cost is $12 per child (12 and under) and $15 for adults (13 and up). The event sells out each year, and organizers recommend purchasing tickets early at brownpapertickets.com (keywords: frightened felons).

Boo at the Zoo Saturday, October 31

Zoo Boise will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last admission 4:30) Saturday, October 31, for Boo at the Zoo. Costumed characters will pass out candy, and there will costume contests for all ages, pumpkin patch photos, face painting and, of course, animals. Proceeds go toward zoo improvements.

Costume Contest & The Great Pumpkin Hunt Saturday, October 31

Two events are held on one fun day, starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 31, at the Nampa Rec Center. The Costume Contest is for anyone ages 3 to adult. The Great Pumpkin Hunt will take place following the contest and is for children ages 3-12. There is a minimal fee to attend both events; go to nampaparksandrecreation.org.

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Idaho Family Magazine | October 2015 19

CALENDAR of Events

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“Spooky Spiderweb” Craft Saturday, October 31

A “Free Crafts for Kids” program is offered each Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lakeshore Learning Store in the Westpark Towne Plaza at 417 N. Milwaukee St. in Boise.

On October 31, children are invited to celebrate the season by “spinning” a spooky spiderweb and crafting a fuzzy 8-legged friend. For more information, call 377-1855.

Become part of a growing, exciting valley-wide publication.

Join our team as an associate editor and help us expand our reach to Boise area families.

For more information, email: publisher@sterlingmedialtd.com.

IDAHO

Family Art Saturday Saturday, October 31

The Boise Art Museum holds Family Art Saturdays; explore art the whole family can enjoy. From noon to 3 p.m. on October 31, families are invited to come explore the exhibition “Folding Paper: The Infinite Possibilities of Origami.” An opportunity for each family member to fold his or her own origami creation will be given. The program is recommended for children 12 and under, accompanied by an adult.

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ANG’S Antics

Stay-at-home mom heads back to work everything). I had never in my life felt

By Angela Hayes so at ease with a decision I had made. I I have some great news to tell you, sat in golden silence for a while before my dear readers. No, I’m not retirdriving off. I reflected on what would ing from my column. And no, I’m have happened if I had allowed myself not pregnant either. What is it? Well, to pass up the interview. As the engine brace yourselves. Drum roll, please…I hummed, I put the car in drive and got a job! Yeah, so exciting, I know! headed home feeling on top of the Oh wait, you say I’m so indecisive? I world and wearing a hefty grin on my already made my mind up in previous face. The way my interview went, I posts that I knew where I belonged knew for sure I had landed the job. and it was at home with my babies?

It took the doctor a few long days Yeah, let’s forget I said all of that stuff. to get back to me. In that time span I mean, I did utter such words, and of only a few days, I started to doubt then typed them down for all to read, my ability. I even doubted I was going but I hope you’ll join me in forgetting to get offered the position. What if I such words were even typed.

Angela Hayes lives in Eagle and is a mom to five challenging and difficult kids whom she didn’t get a phone call telling me I got As you are aware, I was a stay-atthe job because the doctor and staff home momma for a lot of years. I had really does love, a wife to one lucky man who misplaces everything, and works as a dental didn’t like me? All thoughts pointed to dabbled in the idea of going back to assistant for Blair Pediatric Dentistry... as a negative outcome, so much so that work in the “real world” and it just if being around her own kids every day isn’t I had settled on never receiving a call didn’t sit well with me. I went to several enough. Follow her family’s adventures at: Thehayesfamily6.blogspot.com. granting me the opportunity to accept job interviews a year or so ago and the position. Instead, I sulked, believturned them down; I wasn’t ready to be away from my kids. I felt immense guilt for leaving them ing I didn’t possess the skills necessary to properly hand the doctor a mouth mirror. Guess diaper duty is as far as while I worked outside of the house. my talents will take me, I thought to myself.

Fast forward from that year-or-so-ago. I was casually Low and behold I received the call I had been waiting browsing Facebook when I saw a friend post something for. The doctor stated how he loved my resume, greatly about her dental office needing a new assistant in a appreciated the thank you card I mailed after my interpediatric office. Um, what? Did you say a pediatric ofview, and said how much the staff enjoyed having me for fice? And did you also say dental assisting? Well, hello the day. My anxiety was building. … I had a feeling the there! I have 15-plus years in pediatric dental assisting next sentence would be, “But I’ve hired another person — I was ecstatic. My heart skipped a beat. As I further for the position.” investigated the situation, I quickly learned the job was Hold on to your hats, readers. Instead, he informed me 10 minutes from my house, I’d be working with a gal I’ve known for many, many years, and the hours allowed me that he’d love to bring me on as a new employee. Um, the ability to have a four-day weekend — ample time to HOLLA’! (I’m over 30… can I say holla’ and still be cool?) Yeah, so holla’, I landed the job! I was so thrilled. spend with my family.

Fast forward to today. I love my job. I must say it was I dusted off my resume and promptly turned it in. I received a call from the office manager telling me that the one of the best decisions I’ve made, unlike those tattoos doctor was requesting an interview from me. What? The and that old boyfriend.

I made the personal decision to go back to work bedoctor was interested in my resume? The one where it cause it worked for our family. I realize I may get some has a five- to six-year gap in it? Yes, he sure was. I was stay-at-home moms who are secretly jealous and others elated. I promptly replied and said I’d be there for the who want to shank me, but that’s the beauty of doing interview. what works best for your individual family; you do it A few days leading up to the interview, I got cold feet because it works for you and you alone.

— frostbite cold. I started feeling guilty about leaving At the end of the day, I can say I am at true peace to my kids. How would they make it in this world without me by their side? I went back and forth in my mind until not only have my amazing purpose as my kids’ mom, but also as an employee who works to the best of her the night before I was supposed to go in. At that point, ability. I feel very blessed to have the best of both worlds.

I knew calling the doctor to decline would look very Now what am I going to do with my paychecks I get unprofessional, and I couldn’t show my work ethic as anything other than professional. So rather than do that, monthly? Hire a housekeeper and chef, of course. Now that I’m a working mom, I don’t possibly have time to I forced myself to endure the interview. do those tasks myself. ... I’m going to get shanked now, After I left the interview that day, I sat in my car and aren’t I? n melted a bit; a few tears were also shed (I cry about www.idahofamilymagazine.com

Idaho Family Magazine | October 2015 21

KIDS FIRST!

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials true to the book

Dylan O’Brien portrays Thomas in the movie Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials. (20th Century Fox)

Editor’s note: KIDS FIRST! is a project of the Coalition for Quality Children’s Media, a national nonprofit founded in 1991. The KIDS FIRST! program offers movie reviews by a diverse volunteer group of national youth reporters, ages 7-16. Support for KIDS FIRST! comes from such organizations as the National Education Association, REEL Fathers, and the National Association of Elementary School Principals. More information is available at kidsfirst.org. Ranny Levy is founder and president of KIDS FIRST! and writes the introductions for each movie review. The kids’ reviews follow.

Introduction

This second film in the Maze Runner series follows on the heels of the first film, barely skipping a beat with non-stop action. The film is incredibly intense so be prepared to be jostled.

Review by Brianna B., age 16

The second installment of the adaptation of the Maze Runner books is a very exiting film. The plot has many unexpected twists and turns that I greatly enjoy. It has tons of believable action and the anticipation keeps growing and growing.

Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) and his fellow Gladers are finally out of the Maze and in what they think is a place that keeps kids from WCKD, a corporation that put them in the Maze

22 October 2015 | Idaho Family Magazine

in the first place. They are put there for experimental reasons. After unfortunately finding out that the ones that saved them are really WCKD themselves, the Gladers run for their lives and their freedom while trying to find the resistance fighters.

The main reason I really like this film is due to the excitement and unpredictable plot line. While watching this film I always find myself wondering what will happen next and sitting at the edge of my seat. The visuals Brianna B are very clear, elaborate, and actually draw you into the film. The characters have great personalities that are distinct and completely different from one another, which add to the overall success of the film. My favorite character is Minho (Ki Hong Lee), because in many of the scenes he is the character that has so much courage, and instead of running he deals with the problem at hand. Because of his bravery many lives are saved throughout the film.

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My favorite scene is at the very beginning scene, because of the simple fact that it is an almost seamless continuation for the Maze Runner. I always like it when the same scene for the end of one film is the beginning of the sequel. Just as a side note I will say, in order to really understand and appreciate this film, you should watch Maze Runner, before watching this sequel.

A message that I found early on in this film is that sometimes it’s better to follow your instinctual gut than other people. You just don’t always know who and what to trust.

I recommend this film for ages 13 to 18 and for anyone who loves the initial installment of the Maze Runner. Families and friends will definitely enjoy it together. I give it 4 out of 5 stars for its excitement, visuals and great plot line.

Review by Lainey A., age 13

10-2015

This live action feature film directed by Wes Ball is an epic movie that takes you through a truly exhilarating adventure.

As an avid science fiction fan, I couldn’t wait to watch this sequel. The special effects are phenomenal and makes me wonder how they make each setting so realistic. If you love non-stop action, Maze Runners: The Scorch Trials is a very intense film that will not disappoint you.

While the plot is enjoyable, I do recommended that you want to watch the first movie, The Maze Runner, before watching this sequel. The storyline is quite complex and might be confusing to follow if you’re unfamiliar with the original film or book.

In this film, Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) and the Gladers try to escape the organization WCKD whose main purpose is to find a cure for “the Flare,” a plague that turns people into zombie-like creatures known as Cranks. The Gladers have to face new and unbelievable obstacles that come their way in order to survive in the Scorch, a desolate wasteland that is uninhabitable by humans.

My favorite scene is full of amazing special effects!

Brenda (Rosa Salazar) and Thomas try to escape a “crazy” Crank infestation through a dilapidated cityscape. Having just met, they need to rely on each other for their own survival and that’s what makes this scene really special.

My favorite actor in The Scorch Trials is Dylan O’Brien because his character, Thomas, is very believable in this role. O’Brien is surrounded by a strong supporting cast of Gladers.

Lainey A Theresa (Kaya Scodelario), Minho (Ki Hong Lee) and Newt (Thomas Brodie-Sangster) really portray their parts well and it seems like they all actually care about each other.

The Gladers make sacrifices and come together as a family to insure each other’s survival. The message is that people are at their strongest when working together.

The target audience for this movie is any teen that enjoys fast action, science fiction thrillers. While the movie only lasts two hours, it feels like longer because there are few breaks in the action. The ending of the movie is a total cliffhanger, leaving me on the edge of my seat and sets the audience up for the third sequel, The Death Cure. I recommend this movie for ages 13 to 18 due to its intensity. I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars because it is well put together and the special effects can’t be beat. n

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Idaho Family Magazine | October 2015 23

moMENts

A special Halloween with a dictator computer as she felt the walls needed a

By Patrick Hempfing little more color. Jessie and I picked up Jessie, my 10-year-old daughter, loves to Mattie a few hours later. I thought we’d be in charge of decorating for holidays. “I surprise her with the clean car and Halwant to decorate all by myself ” is someloween decorations. Jessie had a different thing I’ve heard many times. She enjoys plan. She greeted her mom with a hug decorating for Christmas best, because we and promptly gave her a detailed report. have lots of boxes filled with Christmas We had a nice evening, which included ornaments, lights, etc. However, whether Jessie dressing Sadie, our dog, in her she has many boxes or only one, Jessie has Halloween costume. Jessie decided to be fun and makes the most of her decorating a cat and dress Sadie as a mouse. Sadie supplies. didn’t mind the gray T-shirt, but I can’t On a beautiful Saturday morning three say she enjoyed the gray sock pulled over weeks before Halloween, I decided to wash my wife’s van. My wife, Mattie, was Patrick Hempfing had a 20-year profes- her tail. Mattie, tired from her trip, went returning from a business trip that night, sional career in banking, accounting, and to bed early. I allowed Jessie to stay up so I thought it would be a nice welcome- auditing before he became a father at age past her bedtime to watch a little college 44. He is now a full-time husband, stay- football. My two favorite teams lost, one home surprise. Jessie likes to help wash at-home dad, and writer. Follow Patrick on a last-second field goal. As I crawled cars and anything, or anyone, else the at www.facebook.com/patricklhempfing into bed, disappointed over the loss, I hose will reach. When Jessie helps wash and on Twitter @PatrickHempfing. landed on something. I reached behind the family vehicles, she prefers rinsing me and pulled a ghost and black cat out over scrubbing. As I vacuumed the van’s from under my back. My frown changed to a smile. I interior, Jessie watered the watermelon plants, air, and smiled again a few weeks later when a cat, a mouse, and grass. Since she likes to be in charge of the water hose, a 6’5” block of moldy cheese greeted trick-or-treaters on the new nozzle added to the excitement. Of course, our front porch. The cat, who had painted my face and Jessie had to try all the settings, clicking from one to selected my cheese-colored shirt, wore a big grin, too. As the next by twisting the plastic nozzle head to achieve a for the mouse, she was the cat’s best friend. spray, jet, or various other configurations of water flow.

Jessie already has this year’s costumes planned. RecentJessie is a lot like her mom. Mattie’s younger brother bestowed upon her the title “Dictator of the Bathroom,” ly, Mattie purchased a swimsuit and removed the foam when they were growing up together in a one-bathroom pads from the top. Jessie held each pad to my chest and house. Jessie is apparently striving to be “Dictator of the said, “This year, we’re going to be cheerleaders.” Here’s my response, Jessie, in the form of a cheer: “Give me Water Hose.” an N. Give me an O. Give me a W-A-Y. What’s that During a snack break, I asked if Jessie would like to spell? NO WAY! Louder now. NO WAY!” decorate for Halloween before her mom got home. She No matter what costume I wear, or how much my face enthusiastically responded, “Yay! May I do it all mygets painted, I’m confident we’ll have self ?” I retrieved the box marked “Halanother wonderful Halloween with speloween” from the garage, then left cial decorations. And if our house gets my experienced decorator in charge egged, I only need to call Jessie and her while I finished the car. Back outside, trusty water hose.

I enjoyed my freedom to squirt the Until next month, remember to cherhose whenever I wanted. ish the moments. Rah-rah!

About 30 minutes later, I walked in Happy Halloween! n to HALLOWEEN! Jessie had taped a foam ghost to my computer. She hung spider webs from the light above my desk. Two stuffed animals, a white ghost and a black cat, peeked out from under the comforter in the master bedroom. If they didn’t scare Mattie, the spider attached to the toilet tank would.

When I walked into the living room, I found Jessie at the coffee table, crayon The Hempfing family’s ever-patient dog, Sadie, gets in-hand. She had printed Hallowup as a mouse for Halloween. The 6’5” een-themed coloring pages from the dressed man of the house dressed as a block of cheese.

24 October 2015 | Idaho Family Magazine

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MEMORIES from Scotland

Aunt helped daughter see father differently so happy to see her “little Paddy” again. Though

By Diane Louise Smith my father was a tall man, he was dwarfed by this It’s no surprise that by joining Facebook, I larger than life woman. am able to keep up with events of my family all Now, I only knew my father to be called either over the country and across the Atlantic. Seeing Pat or Patrick, nothing else. If anyone tried to denewborns, vacation and wedding photos are fun viate from these names, he would quickly correct and exciting. Unfortunately, as with everything, them. Also, at the age of 14, words I would use the opposite is true as well: sometimes bad news to describe my father would have been “reserved, is shared. This happened to my family when I reintelligent and proper.” This display of overceived word on my page that my Aunt Terry had whelming affection by his sister was surprising to passed away. She was such a loving person — in me. When I gave my father a puzzled look, he just any photos posted, she was surrounded by my smiled, his eyes saying, “Hey, what can I do, she’s cousins, younger and older. To paraphrase one of my big sister!” my favorite movie lines from “Steel Magnolias,” At that moment, I realized that my dad was I believe her body grew too weak and she wanted Diana Louise Smith young once and no matter how old he grew, he to protect all of her relatives so she became our would always be her baby brother. It was nice to see them sharing guardian angel. in this heartfelt reunion. From then on, my relationship with my When I was 14 years old, I visited Scotland with my father. My father changed. I no longer thought of him as a distant person, extended family lives there since my parents immigrated to the but rather a warm human being. We shared a strong and close United States. It was so good to finally place faces with names of relationship until the day he died. I will always be grateful to my my family members in the stories I had heard as I was growing up. Everyone was so welcoming and thrilled that we were visiting. Aunt Terry for allowing me to see the different side of my dad.

Again to alter a quote from “Steel Magnolias,” I am so glad that Each visit solidified the family bonds. However, the visit with my both my aunt and my dad are on my side up in Heaven. n Aunt Terry was the topper. She was sitting on the couch of her Diane Louise Smith has been married for over 20 years and is a mom and bosister, my Aunt Pearl. When she saw me, she gathered me in this nus mom to three sons. She is a published author (“Eye of Leomander”), congreat bear hug and squeezed. Once I was released, my father sat tributor to examiner.com under Meridian Parenting section, and a columnist next to her on the couch. She grabbed my father and held onto for the Middleton Gazette. Her blog is www.writingsbydiane.blogspot.com. him, happy tears streaming down her cheeks. She said she was

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Idaho Family Magazine | October 2015 25

IRENE’S Insights

The transformation of a sterile sewing room

A dull sewing room, as seen below, was eventually tailored to suit the woman who owns it by adding some clever, creative touches that lent “personality” to the room, as seen above. (Photos contributed by Irene Woodworth)

26 October 2015 | Idaho Family Magazine

By Irene Woodworth How many of you watch those TV decorating shows that show you how a space, room or home can be transformed?

Seeing the before and after makeovers are amazing. Isn’t it fun to see how much better a room can feel and look once some tender loving care has gone into redesigning it?

Some special clients hired us to do a major update in their home. Their home had been custom built for them, but it still lacked their personalities in the décor. We did a color consultation and corrected the color mismatches from gray tones to warmer fall colors that enhanced the home and mood of the clients. We painted rooms, removed wallpaper, faux finished walls, updated their tired accessories and redesigned it from top to bottom to create a warmer personal space that these homeowners needed.

After we had finished, there was one room left that needed some help. We conspired with the husband, and when his wife went to work, we arrived and began the painting and redesign this sterile and cold room needed. The homeowner liked to sew and it became her sewing/craft room oasis. She had started doing some things, but we needed to help her realize this dream, not later or whenever she had time from her busy schedule. So we went to work.

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Irene Woodworth is known as “Idaho’s Color Lady” and is founder and CEO of Redesign Boise. She is a national redesign award winner, motivational speaker, certified redesigner and color consultant, and instructor on redesign and color. She has a degree in education and interior design. She has taught various decorating and color classes throughout the country.

She may be reached at Irene@RedesignBoise.com. For more information, visit wwwRedesignBoise.com.

10-2015

We had previously selected the paint color to match one of her favorite colors of blue.

Since we were on a small budget, we needed to get really creative. She had purchased some sheets she found on clearance that had hues in her color palette of blues, lime green and browns. She told me she wanted to reflect her personality and enjoy a room where she could be creative as she worked on her hobbies.

We worked all day and when this homeowner came home she received a wonderful surprise from our team and her husband. She was astonished and so delighted that we began this transformation for her special space. We later visited and saw the various ways she put her creative talents to work in adding extra special touches to finish her room.

This client had a wonderful gift of sewing — a talent I tried but never really had the patience to do. Everyone has their gifts and talents. This was hers. She had cut the sheet fabric and embellished it to coordinate her room’s décor. She upholstered a seat cushion for a rattan brown accent chair. She embellished and made fabric inserts for all of her baskets. She even created some shadow box frames that she had, using quilting fabrics that coordinated with her color scheme. She just rolled them up and stacked them next to each other in this frame. She had some endearing vintage cat postcards we framed. They put a smile on your face.

My client had also purchased some buttons at her local discount store in her colors and put them in clear jars that added to the look of a sewing room. She had some antique spools and put yarn in them in “her colors.” She also had an antique sewing machine she used to enhance the décor. In all, we had a combination of antique pieces and newer items that we combined to create the look she had dreamed about and planned for a long time.

These various simple décor items — embellished and color coordinated — really added the fun and eclectic vibe this room needed. It became so welcoming, I was even ready to sit down and try sewing once again! Maybe....

I hope these ideas can inspire you to think outside the box. Look around and see what you can create to make your room a reflection of you, your style, your colors and your look. Give it a try and amaze yourself. Or hire someone who can help you create your dream space. n

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Idaho Family Magazine | October 2015 27

MANIC Mothering

Getting a good deal on a first set of wheels

The author’s teenage son gets his first car — one that both he and his parents are happy with. (Photo courtesy of Beth Markley at Manic Mumblings of a Mediocre Mom)

By Beth Markley I didn’t have a car in high school, but I had friends with cars. One girlfriend’s dad used to buy used heaps and work on them as a hobby. He regularly had one in working condition for her to use. It wasn’t always in great condition, but it got her from one place to another. Janet went through at least four cars from sophomore to senior year.

One such vehicle was an oxidized red Cutlass convertible, probably chosen because it was a boat of a thing, capable of withstanding a bigger impact in an accident than something smaller. That car eventually went away before actually falling apart like some of the others. I suspect Janet’s dad got wise to the fact that a red convertible is not a car in which you want your teenage daughter and her very loud and reckless girlfriends cruising around town, the propensity for causing a ruckus being that much higher in such vehicles.

Come to think of it, convertibles and cars with sunroofs or any opening through which someone can wave a hang-ten while screaming “whoo-hooo” down Main Street at midnight should probably be illegal for anyone under the age of 30, really.

The Cutlass was a huge upgrade from the car before that: a white, Chevy Monza which had a weird objection to being turned off. Whenever Janet pulled into a parking lot and removed the key from the ignition, the thing wouldn’t simply stop running, it would make a series of sounds: whomp, WHOMP, pa-pa-pa-TSUCHHH as it wound down.

Sometimes the whomp-whomps would go on for a really long time, and whoever was in the car would have to just sit there,

28 October 2015 | Idaho Family Magazine

consoling the thing as it died. Sometimes Janet would drive us off campus for lunch, and when we returned, everyone in the car would flee, like rats from a sinking ship, as fast as we could before the protestations started and people stared.

At least it was a car! Janet’s wheels put her in the position of being in charge of determining where we would go, whom we would take and when. I lived somewhat outside of the center of things, which meant I was regularly extorted for gas money, and lived in weekly anxiety of displeasing Janet and ending up stranded at home for the weekend.

About as soon as Jack started taking driver’s training last summer he also started talking about getting a car.

I had no intention of letting him become the neighborhood godfather when it came to doling out rides and shaking people down for gas money, but we’d always intended on getting him one. His school is 30 minutes away and not on a bus route. We needed something reliable enough to get him there, nice enough looking to not raise the hackles of the neighbors, and sturdy enough to survive some jerk rear-ending him, or worse.

Jack had additional criteria. He quizzed us, relentlessly, on how much we planned on putting toward a vehicle purchase (answer: not much), and when we’d be able to do it. He wanted to get a job and add more to the pot for an upgrade.

He started perusing Craigslist, looking at his options in the four- and five-figure range. Sending me links he thought looked promising…

Turns out, what looks promising to a 16-year-old boy looks a lot less so to the person who’s anticipating having a drippy,

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10-2015

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corroded piece of crap stranded in the driveway.

We had regular conversations like this: “Mom, mom, MOM, take a look at this (insert name of whatever) this guy’s offering up for twenty five hundred … the body’s in MINT CONDITION.” “Sweetie, the thing has no Beth Markley is a humor writer and seats … or engine.” fundraising consultant who lives in “MOM we can buy it and I can work on it after school, Boise with her husband and two sons.

She publishes weekly stories about her So-and-so said he’d come misadventures in parenting in her blog, over and help.”

Manic Mumblings of a Mediocre I understand his optimism.

Mom at www.manicmumbling.com.

I buy all kinds of crafty things I swear I’ll one day make into something useful. That’s how people end up with a basement room full of upholstery fabric. And a glue gun.

And here school was starting in a week or so and we were kind of getting down to the wire with this car thing. The whole used car market is really depressing, with people trying to offload their barely functional crap, and I was having daymares of my kid breaking down on the freeway on the way to school. I wasn’t really sure what we were going to do.

Then our friend, whose own kid had left for college, asked if we would be interested in looking at his car. A Pontiac about a year older than our son. It’s a cute thing. Sturdy enough. Not very many dings at all. And a functioning engine. Our neighbors might not hate us for parking it out on the street. It’ll likely not strand our kid on the freeway most days. This could be fantastic.

Or not. Jack’s been ruminating about cars for the last two years. We’ve had endless conversations about makes and models, the names for which escape me even now — I care so little about cars. We’ve talked about what his car collection will look like when he’s grown, what he’ll buy me when he comes into his bajillions, the perfect car for his brother, his dad, himself, etc.

Would he ever acquiesce to something sensible? That doesn’t look crappy? Something in which the air conditioning doesn’t work, which is okay because the brakes do? That makes a big ka-DUNK noise when you shift from park into drive?

Turns out, the answer was a big, fat YES on all counts. The kid barely had to test drive the thing to give up all dreams of having the frame of something red and sporty and completely non-functional dripping all over our driveway, thank God. And thank God for friends who are willing to offer up a discount and the opportunity to take something off their hands that isn’t crap, whom we can call with questions and who offer to take our kid to the junkyard to rifle through stuff for an armrest to replace one that’s missing.

Thank God for a little independence and a shred of reliability being more important to a boy than something showy and sporty and new. Thanks for our 10 hours a week commuting time back. For some leverage to keep grades up for good-student insurance discounts. For incentives to get some yard work done around here in exchange for gas money.

And for the distinct lack of a sunroof. Thank God for that one as well. n

Idaho Family Magazine | October 2015 29

QUESTIONS for the doctor

Making sure children meet their milestones

By Dr. Ryan Heyborne Over 18 years, you watch your children grow into young adults. Every year their needs for growing into healthy, happy adults evolve. Your children’s doctor looks for different cognitive and physical milestones throughout their lives at check-ups, but you may be feeling left in the dark about what you can do to help them maintain a healthy life. Don’t forget your health insurance covers childhood immunizations, height and weight measurements and check-ups at 100 percent of cost. This means you don’t pay a co-payment.

Below are questions to ask your doctor during every stage of your child’s life.

• How can I help my child try different foods?

• What vaccinations should my child have?

• How much sleep should my child be getting?

• When should I begin toilet training my child?

• When should I take my child to the dentist and eye doctor?

5-10 years

As your child begins school and transitions between childhood and adolescence, it is important to visit a primary care provider annually. During these visits, the doctor will make sure your child is up to date on immunizations, evaluate the overall health of your Dr. Ryan Heyborne is medical director child and answer any questions you may have, for Blue Cross of Idaho. such as the following: Pregnancy • My child is a picky eater. What can I do to help him or her Congratulations! You’re going to be a parent. When beginning such an exciting, rewarding journey, you may be faced with maintain a healthy, balanced diet?

• How many hours of sleep should my child be getting every questions about how to keep yourself and your baby healthy. day?

Your health plan may cover your maternity care at little or no • What developmental milestones should I be aware of ? cost to you.

• What immunizations should my child have?

• What vitamins and minerals should I be taking? Why do I • Does my child need separate screenings for his or her vision need them? and hearing?

• Should I get any particular vaccinations? Are there any to avoid?

• Are there any activities, medications or foods I should avoid 10-18 years while pregnant?

Your children will need a wellness check-up once per year • Do you have recommendations for exercise during my pregas they become young adults. Their doctor can keep track of nancy? progress or any changes with social, physical and cognitive development. Older teenagers may feel uncomfortable talking to their parents about certain topics that keep them healthy and 1-12 months safe. These questions can help you understand how to keep The first year of a child’s life is an amazing process. Each your teen healthy and happy as they reach their adult years: month, children grow and develop rapidly, transforming from • How can I talk to my child about sexual health? a fragile newborn to a walking, talking toddler. While learning • What vaccinations or booster shots does my child need? to be a parent, there are many questions that may arise — and some you may be overlooking. Here are some ideas for questions • How much/how often should my child be eating?

• What are some strategies I can teach my child for coping to ask your doctor from birth to six months: with stress?

• Is my baby reaching developmental milestones?

• How can I encourage healthy weight, body image and • What vaccinations should my baby have? healthy self-esteem for my child?

• Is my child at a healthy weight?

• When should my child switch to an adult doctor?

• What are foods I should not feed my baby?

Your doctor can be an invaluable partner in helping you • How can I stimulate my baby’s learning? raise a healthy, happy child. Communication is key in making • When is it safe to give solid foods to my baby?

• What should I know about giving over-the-counter medication sure you understand and can meet your child’s health needs.

We encourage you to discuss these and other topics during to my child? your child’s check-ups. Doing so can help your child establish a healthy foundation for the rest of his or her life. n 2-5 years During ages 2 to 5, often called the preschool years, your child will transform from a tiny toddler to a curious explorer. Every child grows at his or her own pace, but it is important to recognize general developmental milestones to make sure your child is growing up happy and healthy. The Affordable Care Act considers childhood dental and vision care an essential health benefit, so be sure to make an appointment with these specialists. Here are some questions to keep in mind at your next doctor’s visit: • What developmental milestones should I be aware of ?

• How can I make sure my child is getting enough physical activity?

30 October 2015 | Idaho Family Magazine

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

ALL In Good Taste Ingredients

1 cup dried brown lentils 1 medium mango or apple 1 medium red bell pepper 1 large lemon ¼ cup canola oil ½ teaspoon cumin ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper ½ cup minced fresh parsley and/ or cilantro (optional) ½ cup chopped walnuts or toasted coconut (optional)

Lentil Mango Salad Serves 5, 1 cup per serving

Materials

Colander Cutting board Fork Large bowl Large pot Measuring cups Measuring spoons Mixing spoon Sharp knife Small bowl

Instructions: 1. In a large pot, add lentils. Cover with water by 2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer.

Cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain.

Preparation 2. Rinse, peel, and dice mango. Rinse and dice bell pepper.

3. Rinse lemon and cut in half. In a small bowl, squeeze juice. Discard seeds.

4. If using, rinse and chop cilantro. Chop walnuts or toasted coconut.

5. In a large bowl, use a fork to whisk together lemon juice, oil, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add cooked lentils, mango, and bell pepper.

Mix well. If using, stir in herbs and nuts or coconut.

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• This salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add more lemon juice to kick the flavor back up after sitting.

• Serve as a light main dish using seasonal summer mangoes or fall apples. Top with chicken or pork if you like.

• For best flavor, use olive oil in place of canola oil if available.

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Cooking Matters teaches low-income individuals and families in Idaho how to identify, shop for, and prepare delicious, simple, healthy meals on a budget. They are always looking for volunteer support to help teach these cooking-based nutrition courses. If you would like to get involved, contact Cooking Matters at (208) 577-2692.

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Chefs Note

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