Idaho Family May/June 2022

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May/Jun 2022

RIVER DISCOVERY Family fun for cancer fighters

MUST-HAVES Meeting baby’s needs

20 POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS Just for kids

STING RAY ROBB Racing, family & faith

Now more environmentally friendly!

Don’t forget that Mother’s Day is May 8, and Father’s Day is June 19

Contents Features

Volume 10, Number 3 Publisher J.J. Plew Associate Publisher Adrianne Goff Adrianne@globalpsd.com Cover Photo Creative Outlet

Editor Gaye Bunderson editorgaye@gmail.com Sales & Marketing J.J. Plew jj@idahofamilymagazine.com 208-697-2043 Contributors Kimberly Blaker, Heidi Christianson, Luke Erickson, Macaile Hutt, Cara Johnson-Bader, Dennis Lopez, Sandy Spurgeon McDaniel, Mary Ann Wilcox Graphic Design Carol Smiley csmileydesign@gmail.com Distribution Shauna Howard, Doris Evans

Idaho Family Magazine, published monthly

by Gem Production Co., LLC, 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 2022 by Gem Production Co., LLC. Follow us on Facebook

May/June 2022

Sting Ray Robb Idaho-born racing powerhouse

3

You’re not alone

4

For babies

5

Pause, release, make joy 5 must-haves

River Discovery

6

Build bridges

8

When dirt is okay

9

Columns 12 Real Money,

Real Families Greeenlight investing

In Each Edition 10 Family Events Calendar

Fun for cancer fighters Not walls

Gardening with kids

Save money

14

From parents to kids

15

Don’t waste

20 easy affirmations

Children’s Photos Wanted Idaho Family Magazine would love to put your child or children on our cover. All photos should be high quality, sharp and clear, and high resolution of around 300 ppi.

Color photos are preferred, and all photos need to be vertical not horizontal. Please identify the children in the photos, the children’s ages, and what Treasure Valley community they reside in. (If chosen for the cover, their last names will not be used without permission.) Send the photos to editorgaye@gmail.com.

2 MAY/JUN 2022 | Idaho Family Magazine

FREE

May/Jun 2022

RIVER DISCOVE RY

Family fun for cancer fighters

MUST-HA VES Meeting baby’s need s

20 POSI TIVE AFFIRM ATIONS Just for kids

STING RA Y ROBB Raci Now more

environme

ng, family & faith

ntally frien

dly!

Don’t forge May 8, and t that Mother’s Day Father’s Day is is June 19

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

STING RAY ROBB

Young racer takes time for faith, family

By Dennis Lopez

P

op quiz…name a nationally known athlete from Payette, Idaho.

Most folks would answer, “Harmon Killebrew, the incredible first baseman who spent 22 years with the Minnesota Twins!” And they would be correct. But there is another whose career literally is gaining speed.

His name is Sting Ray Robb, and at 20 years old, his racing career is propelling him forward towards becoming a champion in the high-speed world of IndyCar, ultimately racing to win the Great American Race: the Indianapolis 500. And yes, Sting Ray really is his name and his story is nearly as unusual as his name. It is a combined derivation of Stirlingshire, Scotland, shortened to Sting, the place where his ancestors lived, and his grandfather’s first name, Ray. “When I was 4 years old, I watched a YouTube video of Travis Pastrana jumping a go-kart into a pit of foam rubber,” he said. “When I saw that, I was hooked. I wanted a go-kart.”

That go-kart came a bit later but too soon to start Sting Ray on the road to becoming a future racer. He was too young to compete. Instead, his race track was the family’s long driveway, where he drove daily for almost a year.

“It was almost impossible to get him off the kart,” his mother and “momager,” Kimmie Serrano, recalls. “He knew he wanted to race.”

Robb began racing competitively at 5 years old, about the time most kids are trying their hand at t-ball or soccer. After gaining experience racing at local kart tracks, an 8-year-old Sting Ray Robb entered the wider world of motorsports, racing at tracks and events nationally in the Cadet Class.

By 2014, he moved up to racing in the Junior Division, where in his first season he finished second in the United States and then raced internationally in Spain and Portugal.

The following year, he won the U.S. National Rotax Junior Division Championship.

He moved up to racing cars in 2016, racing in the NASCAR-sanctioned K&N series, and ultimately into open-wheel cars, beginning with the late Pro Mazda Championship series. By 2020, he was the series champ.

That championship opened the door to the Indy Lights program, one rung away from what is arguably the top of the American racing ladder, racing in the IndyCar series, including the Indianapolis 500.

Today, Sting Ray Robb drives for the auto racing dynasty, Andretti Autosport. In making the announcement of his joining the racing powerhouse, Andretti Autosport president J-F Thormann said, “Sting Ray has shown great progress and talent over the course of his Road to Indy career, and we look forward to seeing what he can accomplish in Indy Lights…”

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

Sting Ray Robb is an Idaho native whose passion for racing began early in life. At 20, he is a champion with lofty goals for more racing-track wins, but he remains steadfastly committed to his roots, his family, and his faith.

(Photo courtesy of SR2 Racing)

There is no question that Robb’s racing resumé is impressive. But it is Sting Ray Robb the young man that is most impressive. He is a man driven by his desire to reach the top of his profession, yet remains firmly grounded to his Idaho roots, his family and his faith. It is perhaps the mechanism that gives balance between the two worlds.

Racing has many component parts, but ultimately it comes down to two elements: mechanical and mental.

Continued on Page 13

Idaho Family Magazine | MAY/JUN 2022 3

YOU’RE NOT ALONE

Pause, release, make room for joy

By Macaile Hutt

I

t’s been an honor to write for Idaho Family Magazine over the past few years, and I have yet to find myself short on content ideas to write articles about. I have so many thoughts and ideas jotted down in the notes section of my phone, on napkins shoved in my purse, and pretty much anywhere else I can think of to write them down when they come to mind.

As I sat down to write this edition’s article, I stared at the page for what felt like an eternity as I watched the little cursor blink. I couldn’t think of anything to say. I didn’t feel like anything would matter or make a difference.

It got me thinking about this season of life we have all been in. This season of discomfort, fear, uncertainty, and unknown. This season of unexpected change, division amongst loved ones, and immense pressure that has caused disruption to our lives as we have always known them. We’ve all been in it, and, yet, we’ve all been expected to keep trudging on as though our paths have been unscathed.

Over the past few days, I have felt low, depressed, sad, frustrated, and even hopeless. I have found myself wanting to stay in bed as long as I possibly can, and I’ve found myself avoiding things that usually bring me joy and comfort, such as spending time with friends and family or getting active and moving my body. As a therapist, I know what these things mean and, yet, when it’s our own bodies and minds experiencing these feelings it’s so easy to push them aside and try to move forward without acknowledging what’s really going on. I reached out to a few friends to share how I have been feeling and ask for a little extra support in a time

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my world feels as though it’s dipped below my optimistic baseline. I was humbled to receive message after message consisting of, “You too?! I thought for sure I was the only one.”

Sometimes knowing you are not alone is the exact exhale you need to begin a whole new cycle of breath. So I decided for this article, rather than giving you a whole bunch of new information to consume, I would give us all permission to pause where we are and release whatever it is we need to release in order to make room for more good.

More light, more happiness, more clarity, more peace.

We can’t take a step forward unless we release the shackles that have been holding us back.

If you’re in a season of darkness, please know there is always light that follows. No feeling is final. It takes two valleys to make a peak. The sun always rises again. We are all in this together. (Insert any other cliché phrases you can think of to help us reframe and shift our perspectives here.)

But, really, my dear Idaho Family Magazine family, we’re all doing great. We are all doing the best we can with what we have and we all deserve a pause every once in a while to be reminded it’s okay to let go of some of the heaviness the world has handed us over and over the past few years. I want you to know you’re not alone; you are worthy of deep, honest healing, and if you’re finding yourself in a hole it feels like you might never crawl out of, there are so many ropes and ladders available to give you a little boost.

This is your sign to make the therapy appointment you’ve been putting off, to schedule the doctor’s appointment that always seems to get pushed to the end of the to-do list, to take the bath, to pause email notifications for an hour, to get outside and take a deep breath, to call the friend you’ve been wanting to catch up with for months.

This is your sign to prioritize yourself, your own mental health, and ask yourself what you need in order to fill your own cup.

From my cracked-wide-open heart to yours, this is your reminder that you are not alone.

Macaile Hutt is the Director of Occupational Therapy for Star Speech and Occupational Therapy located in Star, Idaho. Her therapy style takes a holistic and child-directed approach, with the goal of children succeeding across multiple environments. She holds a master’s degree in occupational therapy from A.T. Still University and has received continuing education as a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional for Children and Adolescents (CCATP-CA), Handwriting Without Tears, pediatric kinesiotaping, Interactive Metronome, and Beckman Oral Motor. In her free time, she enjoys creative writing, backpacking, and traveling. www.idahofamilymagazine.com

TOP 5

Must-haves for your baby… and why

By Heidi Christianson

T

here are many lists and must-have items for expecting parents, but how much of this baby gear do you really need for the first six months? Besides a safely installed car seat, diapers, and breast milk or formula, here are the top 5 must-haves for parents-to-be: 1. Co-sleeper: Instead of a crib, which might as well be a football field to a baby, get a bassinette, co-sleeper, or a Pack n Play that stays right next to your bed and can be easily moved if needed.

Here’s why: Baby will be feeding a LOT those first weeks because their tummies are only the size of a cherry and eventually a small peach. Co-sleepers are ideal for the baby because it will be easy to feed through the night with the baby being so close to you, whether breast or bottle-feeding.

The AAP recommends room-sharing, but no co-sleeping, for the first year with the baby. We also know that a firm, flat surface where the baby is alone is the safest sleep safe. A safe set-up co-sleeper right next to your bed is the perfect answer to remaining attentive to the baby while adhering to safe sleep recommendations.

2. A Wipe Warmer: Everyone will say the wipe warmer is not a necessity…we say YES! Here’s why: Many people tell parents not to waste money on a wipe warmer because they are unnecessary with all of the elaborate and expensive baby items we were told to buy.

On the contrary, we feel it’s money well spent when stocking your nursery because a wipe warmer can help keep baby asleep or calmer during nighttime diaper changes. How can anyone say that’s not worth $15?!

3. A Comfortable Baby Carrier: A sling or upright carrier that can allow you to safely hold your newborn while keeping your hands free is an absolute necessity.

Here’s why: • Babywearing means comfort for the baby, with up to 43% less crying.

• Parents get to see the baby’s cues up close. Learning how your baby acts when hungry, sleepy, or in need of a change of scenery or position means that you’ll respond quickly to all these things. This makes everyone happier and healthier.

• Two free hands! Wearing a baby means you can tend to older children, do household tasks or get yourself something to eat. And don’t worry, you CANNOT spoil your baby by holding them too much. This should be common sense, but there are studies supporting babywearing.

4. Onesies and Zip-up Sleepers: A common concern is wondering if the baby is too hot or too cold. The rule of thumb when dressing a baby is to dress them in whatever you would be comfortable in, plus one layer, so a onesie and then www.idahofamilymagazine.com

one-piece pajamas are usually ideal.

Here’s why: One thing we know about SIDS is that overheating can be a contributor, so ensuring the baby is properly dressed allows him to be comfortable and safe. So do yourself a favor and get some good zippered sleepers and onesies for peace of mind and ease of use. Additionally, it’s so much easier to use just a zipper rather than snaps or pants + shirts when doing diaper or clothing changes...especially overnight!

5. A Fan for Baby’s Room: A ceiling fan or simple household fan should be in the nursery, parents’ room, or wherever the baby will be sleeping.

Here’s why: Running a fan in a sleeping infant’s room lowers the risk for SIDS by 72 percent. Researchers believe that exhaled carbon dioxide may get trapped near an infant’s mouth and nose during sleep when there isn’t adequate ventilation, so this simple adjustment helps keep infants safer.

Heidi Christianson, RRT, NPS, is a respiratory therapist, mom, and owner of Let Mommy Sleep of Idaho. If you’d like to connect with Heidi, visit her website, letmommysleep.com, or email her at heidi@ letmommysleep.com.

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Idaho Family Magazine | MAY/JUN 2022 5

RIVER DISCOVERY

Family fun for cancer fighters of all ages

By Gaye Bunderson

T

he last word you’d ever expect to hear associated with cancer is joy. But then, you clearly haven’t met Betsy Carver, executive director of River Discovery.

River Discovery offers outdoor adventures to cancer survivors and their families, and Carver has served as its executive director for five years.

“It is our philosophy that there are healing powers in nature,” she said. That’s why River Discovery holds, among other programs, a 1-Day Family Rafting Adventure for people ages 4 on up.

Family members from the youngest to the oldest may join the trip on the Cabarton Run of the Payette River in Banks, Idaho.

“What’s most important is keeping people connected in a joyful way,” Carver said.

The river run is not a dangerous ride requiring years of rafting experience. Katella Saffrey of Eagle went on the Adventure with five others, including her daughter Bailey, age 13. Bailey was diagnosed with leukemia when she was 2, and since there is no time limit on when the trips must be taken, her family and friends went down the river during summer of 2021. “It was a great trip, and we did not to have to worry and plan it,” Saffrey said. “It was very relaxing.”

River Discovery started in Lemhi, Idaho in 2006, originally focusing on 6-day trips for teens on the Salmon River. It later turned into adult trips and eventually broadened to include families.

The Healing Waters 1-Day trips, as they are also known, have been taken by entire families of up to five people, but other adventurers have included a mother and her son and a young woman and her ‘significant other’.

The trips include scenic views, lunch on a sandy beach, quiet rafting, an exciting Class 3 rapid called Howard’s Plunge, and then a calm half-mile stretch of warm water that can be walked through or floated upon.

Guides from Bear Valley Rafting travel with the adventurers, pointing out wildlife and ensuring the safety of everyone on the trip. “The guides are great,” said Carver.

People who’ve gone on the 1-Day Family Rafting Adventure agree. “The guides were fun and amazing and talked us through everything, and were just being a part of the whole thing. They get a feel for you and for your comfort level,” Saffrey said.

6 MAY/JUN 2022 | Idaho Family Magazine

Cody Bryson took five members of his family on a 1-Day Family Rafting Adventure, courtesy of River Discovery. Rafters included his 6-year-old daughter, Lilah, who previously spent 800 days in cancer treatment. (Photo by Bear Valley Rafting) “The guides were excellent.

They know about the area and the river, the history; they know about conservation and are keyed in on keeping the river clean and recreational,” said Becky Leach, a cancer survivor who took her three daughters on a family river adventure last year, and who also tried other River Discovery trips, including a 6-day, white-water trip.

The program is free but does require a $40 registration fee per family. The average trip is $2,000, but Carver’s $85,000 budget for 2022 is covered through sponsorships, grants, and small individual donations. River Discovery also includes: a 6-Day Salmon River Adventure; a 3-Day Lower Salmon River Adventure; a Survivor & Co-Survivor Retreat; and a Paddle Out Cancer SUP (Stand-Up Paddle Board) Session.

Some people who take the family trip also try out some of the other adventures, and some loved the family trip so much they want to do it again. “I would pay our way for another trip and refer another family with a cancer survivor to take [the free] trip,” Saffrey said.

Cody Bryson took five family members on the Adventure, including his now 6-year-old daughter, Lilah, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and spent roughly 800 days in treatment. “We have a family of six, including me, Lindsay (mom), Cole (12), Beck (8), Lilah (6), and Miles (3). We all went on the River Discovery 1-Day Family Adventure except for Miles,” Bryson said. “The adventure was very special for our family. Lilah’s immune system was still recovering, having just finished treatment. At the time we were very selective about our activities because of the pandemic, and nature really became a safe sanctuary for our family. This was literally a breath of fresh air, a way for our kids to enjoy the beauty of Idaho and a fun way to challenge ourselves and overcome new obstacles as a family.

We have treasured the memories we made during our trip.”

When the upbeat Carver first applied for the executive director job, she was asked if she had any experience with cancer and whether anyone in her family had ever had it.

At the time, she had had no such experience and had not known anyone personally who had gone through cancer. www.idahofamilymagazine.com

“This was literally a breath of fresh air, a way for our kids to enjoy the beauty of Idaho and a fun way to challenge ourselves and overcome new obstacles as a family.”

Now, five years into the job, she has lost her father to cancer within the past two years and just recently lost a close friend.

As sad as those experiences have been, she said they’ve also been constructive in helping her identify with people who take the River Discovery trips. Carver goes on the river runs with the cancer survivors and their families; and if she is not able to make it, a River Discovery board member goes.

The programs are becoming more and more popular, according to Carver. “In 2017, I couldn’t fill two days of trips,” she said. “But in 2021, I had nine trips. I love this organization – it’s about joy and connection. It’s an adventure resource. It’s a pleasure to do this work.”

Carver, who is nearing 50 years of age, earned a degree in general studies in 1995 at the University of Idaho. She’s originally from Laramie, Wyo., and her husband is from Burley. The couple has two teenagers. Carver lived in Los Angeles from 1998 to 2014 and worked as a residential property manager. She moved here with her family eight years ago. Not surprisingly, her aim for her life and for River Discovery in 2022 is encouraging and positive. “My goal this year is to spread the love and joy,” she said.

For anyone who might be unsure about potential risks or who might be feeling uncomfortable getting together with strangers, those who’ve made the journey offer assurances.

“It’s a safe place to talk,” Leach said. “You can show your scars, and you don’t have to be concerned about any limitations.”

Bryson’s take on the Adventure sums it up best: “Our favorite thing about the experience were the connections we made, both with people and with nature. Both are truly healing after surviving cancer. River Discovery and Bear Valley guides were really entertaining on the bus and on the raft and really took time to get to know our family and each of our kids. They made the experience easy and fun. It gave us a chance to really focus on our relationships as a family and get to know those on the experience with us. We left feeling uplifted, healed, and having made new friends.”

To learn more about River Adventures, go to www.riverdiscovery.org or contact Carver at betsy@riverdiscovery.org.

We are proud members of CASP (Counsel of Autism Service Providers) and ACE (Authorized Continuing Education). Allowing our team to be a part of the highest standards, quality, and services. We strive to continue education and transfer our knowledge to families so that they have the tools and applications for success. True ABA also supports our military families as we have created a collaborative environment to support our families when transitioning post. True ABA is here for all families with a variety of backgrounds and differences. We are here to hold your hand and guide you through ABA experiences so that you know you are supported, your voice is heard, you are receiving the most effective care, and you will leave with the best tools and practices.

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TrueABA.com Fax: (833)-888-0492 Toll Free: (844)-362-7943 www.idahofamilymagazine.com

Idaho Family Magazine | MAY/JUN 2022 7

SEE FACES

Building bridges between us, not walls

By Sandy Spurgeon McDaniel

I

n my last article, I talked about connection miserably to go ahead of me in line. He threw being the way to heal the disconnect all of himself on the floor and would have nothing to us have experienced due to the pandemic. do with moving forward. I squatted down and One of the things a parent who has a took off my (COVID-19) mask, saying, “It is child on the spectrum needs to teach him or really scary when there are so many people and her is to read facial clues – happy, sad, angry, you can’t see their faces, isn’t it?” Then, pointing disappointed, afraid, etc. Having had two years to my cheeks, I said, “I have dimples like you of children and adults wearing masks because do!” The boy looked at me, cocked his head, and of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are raising when I added, “My name is Sandy,” he sat up. generations of children who have trained The small boy stared at me for a minute or two Sandy McDaniel themselves NOT to look at facial expressions. (so I continued talking to him in my head), then This creates two escalating problems: (1) A lack of empathy lit up the world with his smile! “Your mother needs you to get for what other people may be or are feeling, and (2) People in the cart and help her unload groceries. I know you can do being fearful of each other because there is no way to “check it!” He stood up, offering outstretched arms to his mother. the temperature.”

Tears on her cheeks, the mom said, “Bless you, Sandy!” I Presumably at dinner, ask the children, “What do you feel smiled,“He just did!” when someone says something unkind to you? On your face, show me what you would feel.” (As a family, interpret each person’s face: sad, angry, afraid.) “What does my face look like when I am angry? Disappointed? Sad?” To make your children laugh, ask them to show you their ‘I’m innocent’ —Lilian Jackson Braun face. When you are out in the world with your children, people-watch with them, discussing how a certain person might feel. It is time for all of us to come out of our cocoons You seriously have no idea what people are dealing with and look at each other. in their personal lives so just be nice, it’s that simple. The I was walking out of a sports arena after seeing three pandemic has taught us to fear each other; in order to basketball games in a row. A boy, about 9 years of age, survive, we must build bridges instead of walls between each came through the door towards me, noticed me, and came of us. Your children, who have been waaaay too attached back to hold the door open. I said, “I love kindness when I to their electronic gadgets, need to be assisted, coached and see it; you wear it so well!” He surprised me by responding, invited to rejoin the world. As is always true, you teach most “I love that!” Was it my tired expression or my gray hair by what you model. that he spotted? In one brief moment in time, he gave me When you connect with your children, delightful stories two extraordinary gifts: being noticed (not invisible) and emerge: Since my grandchildren were born, I have told appreciated (I’ve been here a very long time, and I’ve earned them I love them more than peanut butter and Winnie the a drip of respect).

Pooh. Sitting next to grandson Evan (11) at a baseball game, It’s a confusing time in which one person might favorably I covered my homemade sandwich with my hand and asked respond to a welcoming comment from you, and someone him, “What kind of sandwich did I make for myself today?” might not be as accepting. We need to connect to each other He paused, so I added, “Hint: I love you more than……” again! Mother Teresa said, “Never worry about numbers.

Eyes wide open, Evan responded, “You’re eating a Winnie Help one person at a time and always start with the person the Pooh sandwich?” nearest to you.” Helping can mean doing something for Let’s work on building bridges between each other, weaving someone, and just connecting is a tremendous gift. Invite our cords of connection together to create a community, your child to pick up something for someone who dropped united and strong. it, stop and help an elderly person put groceries into a car, hold the door for someone, take cookies to a neighbor, or just For more than 55 years, Sandy McDaniel has been an international speaker and recognized authority on families and children. Author of notice other people. five books, columnist, founder of parentingsos.com, she is a resident of “When you don’t know what to do with yourself, do Meridian and loves spending time with her three Idaho grandchicks. She something for someone else.” – Lilian Jackson Braun may be reached at sandy@parentingsos.com; or go to YouTube:Sandy I invited a lady with a 4-year-old boy who was sobbing Spurgeon McDaniel to see videos on specific parenting issues.

“When you don’t know what to do with yourself, do something for someone else.”

8 MAY/JUN 2022 | Idaho Family Magazine

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

GARDENING WITH KIDS

Playing in dirt can actually be healthy

By Kimberly Blaker

T

here’s no question, playing in the dirt tops the list of fun for kids, particularly young children, despite the protests of many well-intended parents. If you happen to be one of those worried parents, you can put your fears aside.

As it turns out, dirt is actually beneficial to the long-term health of kids, according to a Northwestern University article

by Clare Milliken, “Germs at four, less inflammation at forty.”

Studies have found that early exposure to certain germs, like those found in dirt, actually helps kids’ immune systems learn to regulate inflammation better. In turn, this exposure reduces kids’ risk for many diseases throughout their lives.

For that reason, a family garden is a perfect opportunity to build your kids’ immune systems. Better still, gardening offers lots of other benefits to kids and families.

Through gardening, kids learn to be responsible by caring for their own plants. It’s also a great way to help kids learn about and develop an appreciation for science. Another health benefit is that gardening encourages healthier eating.

Not to mention, it’s an excellent activity for family bonding.

So gather up your kids and gardening supplies, head

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outdoors, and get ready for some dirt-filled fun.

Getting started: First, decide where to plant your garden. Then allow a small space for your child to have his or her own garden, too. This will help build your child’s enthusiasm for the garden and encourage him or her to take ownership and responsibility for it. Having their own garden can be exciting and rewarding for kids because they know that they, alone (or with minimal help), grew those little seeds into a marvelous plant.

Next, decide what to plant. For young children, consider fast-growing plants they are familiar with. Little kids also love plants that are colorful or have strong scents.

If your kids are older, let them choose what they want to grow. But keep in mind your child’s personality. If he tends to be impatient, suggest plants that are easy to care for and grow quickly.

As you proceed in planning and preparation, include your child in it as much as possible. Remember, this stage is as much fun for kids as it is for parents and helps build kids’ Continued on Page 15

Idaho Family Magazine | MAY/JUN 2022 9

CALENDAR of Events

Beginning May, 2022

Please send family-related calendar items to editorgaye@gmail.com

Area farmers markets

Farmers markets in the area are open. For more information, go to: • Boise Farmers Market: theboisefarmersmarket.com • Capital City Public Market in Boise: www.capitalcitypublicmarket.com • Eagle Saturday Market: https://www.cityofeagle. org/170/Eagle-Saturday-Market • Farm to Fork Farmers Market in Caldwell: https://www.indiancreekplaza.com/farm-tofork-farmers-market-1 • Meridian Main Street Market: https://www. facebook.com/MeridianMainStreetMarket • Nampa Farmers Market: www. nampafarmersmarket.com • 34th Street Market, Garden City: https://www. facebook.com/34thStreetMarket/

Idaho Shakespeare Festival

The Idaho Shakespeare Festival has announced its 2022 play schedule, which includes “Much Ado About Nothing,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” and “The 39 Steps.” For more information, go to idahoshakespeare.org.

Tennis lessons

Through an after-school program developed by the Idaho Tennis Association, young players of all ages can learn to play the game – because the courts, racquets, balls, scoring system and even the net height are just their size. Sessions are held at elementary schools throughout the valley. To learn more, contact the Idaho Tennis Association at (208) 322-5150, ext. 207, or go to www.idtennis.com.

JUMP tours

JUMP, at 1000 W. Myrtle St. in downtown Boise, offers building tours beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Saturdays. On a JUMP building tour, guests visit five floors to see the creative studios and event spaces, parks and terraces, and tractors. Sign up is required in advance by 2 p.m. Fridays by calling (208) 639-6610 or emailing tours@jumpboise.org.

Foster care informational meetings

Foster parents are needed to provide a safe, temporary home for children and youth who are in foster care. Attending an informational meeting will give potential foster parents a basic understanding of who the children in foster care are, the roles and responsibilities of foster parents, and what’s needed to become licensed to foster. The meetings are being held through Zoom, so anyone can join from the comfort of their own home. Meetings are sponsored

by Fostering Idaho through the EWU-Family Resource and Training Center. Visit their website at https://familyrtc.org/fosteringidaho/events for the full calendar of upcoming meetings. If you have questions, contact Monique Layton, recruitment coordinator, at (208) 249-0180 or mlayton4@ewu.edu.

Eagle Gazebo Concert Series

The Gazebo Concert Series is a free music concert at Heritage Park in downtown Eagle. The event is brought to the public by Eagle Parks & Rec and the Eagle Art Commission and is held on the last Thursday of the month, May through September.

Those who attend should bring a chair, a blanket, a picnic – or enjoy food from local businesses.

Toddler Wednesday at BAM

Boise Art Museum holds a parent and toddler program from 10 a.m. to noon on the first Wednesday of each month. Children ages 2-3 with an adult may explore art media related to BAM’s exhibitions. Everyone should “dress for a mess” and bring a container to carry artwork home. For information on this and other BAM programs, go to boiseartmuseum.org.

First Thursday at J.U.M.P.

Attend First Thursday at J.U.M.P. in downtown Boise from 5 to 9 p.m. May 5. Go to jacksurbanmeetingplace.org/mastercalendar/ for more information.

Boise Music Week 2022

Boise Music Week returns this May, with live events at various locations throughout the city May 5-22.

For a complete schedule and more information, go to boisemusicweek.org.

“Beauty & The Beast with Peter & The Wolf”

Ballet Idaho will present “Beauty & The Beast with Peter & The Wolf ” at the Morrison Center in Boise May 6-8, with both matinee and evening performances. For tickets or more information, go to morrisoncenter.com.

22nd Annual Mother’s Day Tour de Farm

The Annual Mother’s Day Tour de Farm is set to begin at 10 a.m. Friday, May 6, and at 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 8, at Spyglass Gardens, 3445 S. Linder Rd. in Meridian. The whole family may go on a guided tour, and there will items such as hanging baskets and unique vessels for purchase.

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Mother’s Day Festival

A free festival for moms and their families will be held at Franz Witte, 20005 11th Ave. N. in Nampa, beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, May 6, and at 6 p.m.

Sunday, May 8. There will be flowering trees, blossoming perennials, budding leaves, buzzing pollinators, and annual color everywhere. Spring has sprung!

A Bad Case of Stripes

Treasure Valley Children’s Theater and Optum will present Kate Haderlie’s never-before-seen musical, “A Bad Case of Stripes.” The free public performance for all ages will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 6, at GRNDS Front Lawn (J.U.M.P.). A performance is also set for 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 7. For more information, go to http://register. jacksurbanmeetingplace.org/mastercalendar/.

Mother’s Day Market

A Mother’s Day Market will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at Indian Creek Plaza, 120 S. Kimball in Caldwell. Participants may come sip mimosas, listen to live music, and stroll and shop around.

Community Days at BUGS

Welcome spring with community events at Boise Urban Garden School.

Each free event will offer resources for the whole family to get prepped for planting. It is a drop-in activity, and registration is not required. A program is set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 7. For more information, go to boiseurbangardenschool.org.

Roaring Springs Opening Weekend

Get your swimsuits, flip flops, and beach towels ready for the kickoff of Roaring Springs’ summer season, starting May 7 – weather permitting – and seven days a week starting Memorial Day weekend, May 28. Go to roaringsprings.com.

Foothills Family Days

The Foothills Learning Center at 3188 Sunset Peak Rd. in Boise offers free family fun on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be guided hikes, nature tables, crafts, and more. (Entrance to the center may be limited due to capacity.) Topics include “Wildflower Festival” on May 14. For more information, go to bee.cityofboise.org or call (208) 493-2530.

Friday & Saturday Night Slides

Save on unlimited access to waterpark attractions as the sun sets on Roaring Springs from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 17, through Saturday, August 27. Go to roaringsprings.com.

Downtown Boise Father’s Day Car Show

The Downtown Boise Association will hold its 22nd annual Father’s Day Car Show on Sunday, June 19. For more information as it becomes available, go to https://downtownboise.org/events/fathers-day-car-show.

Free Round of Mini-Golf for Dad

To celebrate Father’s Day, Wahooz is offering one free round of mini-golf for dads from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, June 19. Try the newly remodeled Hillbilly Hollow course, with 18 new challenging holes. Go to wahoozfunzone.com.

Meridian Dairy Days

This year’s Meridian Dairy Days will take place June 22-25. For more information as it becomes available, go to https://www.dairydays.org.

Baby Shark Live 2022 Splash Tour

Kids can take an adventure into the sea with Baby Shark as he joins up with his friend Pinkfong to sing and dance to both new and classic songs. The program starts at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 30, at Ford Idaho Center in Nampa. For tickets or more information, go to https://www.fordidahocenter.com/events/detail/ baby-shark-2022.

JULY St. Puptricks

This St. Patrick’s Day-themed event is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at the Nampa Civic Center. It is for people who have dogs and like to take them places, as well as people who may not have dogs but who enjoy dog tricks, talent contests, costume contests, and more. Go to nampaciviccenter.com for more information as it becomes available.

WaterShed Weekends

The Boise WaterShed offers free family fun every third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. No pre-registration is required. The topic on May 21 will be “Macroinvertebrate Mayhem.” The Boise River will be the classroom, as participants hike to the river to learn more about the macroinvertebrates (water bugs) that are found in the water. The topic on June 18 will be “O-Fish-al” and will include a fish release. Go to https://bee. cityofboise.org to learn more.

After School Splash

Weather permitting, there will be after-school fun at Roaring Springs from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, May 31-June 3. Go to roaringsprings.com.

JUNE First Thursday at J.U.M.P.

Attend First Thursday at J.U.M.P. in downtown Boise from 5 to 9 p.m. June 2.

Go to jacksurbanmeetingplace.org/mastercalendar/ for more information.

Silver Screen on the Green

Nampa Parks & Recreation offers free family-friendly movie nights on Fridays throughout the summer months at Optimist Park. Bring a blanket or chair; movies begin at dusk. The season kicks off June 5 with the movie “Sing.” The movie on June 10 will be “Encanto.” For a full schedule, go to nampaparksandrecreation.org.

Sparklight Movie Night

Meridian Parks & Recreation will present free movie nights for the whole family Friday evenings from June 10 through August 19 in Settlers Park, 3245 N. Meridian Rd. All movies start at dusk, and those who attend should bring lawn chairs or blankets. The movie “Encanto” will kick off the season on June 10, with “Luca” to be shown June 17. For a full schedule, go to https://www.meridiancityspecialevents.org/2022-movie-schedule.html.

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Idaho Family Magazine | MAY/JUN 2022 11

REAL MONEY, REAL FAMILIES

Forget concerns, try greenlight investing

By Luke Erickson

I

recently read “Greenlights,” an open it up and start reading some fun stuff on autobiography by actor Matthew how to spell Matthew McConaughey, and then McConaughey. By the way, am I the get slowly sucked in and blindsided by an article only one who has to Google Matthew on…investing!

McConaughey’s name every time I write it so “Red light! No fun, too hard, I don’t that I spell it correctly? Thank goodness for understand it, and I don’t have enough money Google’s search suggestions. The second I spell anyway.”

Matthew Mc the rest of his name just autofills But that was yesterday’s red light because you and I never have to actually spell it. (Mental haven’t read this article yet. What you’ll learn note, invest in Google otherwise I’ll have to learn in the next few paragraphs will show you that Luke Erickson how to spell again.) investing is actually a huge potential green light In McConaughey’s book there are a slough of goodin your life because it’s fun to be rich, not actually as hard as hearted one liners and quotes, or as he calls them, “Bumper you think, easy to start, and doesn’t take a lot of money to Stickers.” One that I like a lot goes like this, “The problems get started. we face today eventually turn into blessings in the rearview First concern: Investing is no fun. mirror of life. Yesterday’s red lights lead us to green lights Can you keep a secret? I’m a finance professor and I don’t today.” think investing is all that fun either. Sure, I work with people In our personal financial journeys, investing is often a huge who can’t get enough of it. I understand the power and red light we’ll encounter. potential of it. But I don’t want to spend my hobby time For example, you might hypothetically be going about your reading about the stock market or keeping up with the latest day, come across an issue of the Idaho Family Magazine, market trends. It’s an essential piece of a successful personal finance plan, but it’s not all that exciting to me and I don’t want to give up much of my fun time to do it. If you do?

More power to you. If not, there’s still hope for you! Lots of We understand it, because it’s not only possible, but likely that you’ll do very your time is well in the market without a lot of homework on your part. – valuable.

“Greenlight!”

We won’t waste Second concern: It’s too hard. a minute of it.

Investing in something means you either own part of it (like a stock) or gave it a loan (like a bond). You can buy shares of your favorite companies, which means you can actually own a tiny part of that company. Love Coke? Buy a share. Love Disney? Apple? Tesla? Buy shares of those too. If you believe in their products and especially if you buy them yourself, it’s a great place to start. And once you become a part owner of a company you love, you can take some pride in that fact.

For example, if you bought a share of Texas Roadhouse (TXRH), which is currently about $81 a share, that would make you part owner in the restaurant…albeit a very very very small owner. Like very small, BUT an owner nonetheless. And next time you visit that fine establishment that you helped create, and your date comments on how delicious the rolls are as you both slather them in melted cinnamon butter, you should stand and loudly proclaim, “As Hassle Free Scheduling part owner of this fine establishment, you are very welcome.”

Upfront Pricing Then turn to everyone else in the restaurant and say, “You Clean & Professional are all, VERY welcome.” Then take a bow and then take your seat. No, you don’t need to explain yourself. They may TheMagicTeam.com/Boise 208-462-0477 not appreciate you, but you’ll know. The waiter will still hand 12 MAY/JUN 2022 | Idaho Family Magazine

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Luke Erickson, Ph.D., AFC®, is an associate professor of personal finance for the University of Idaho. He works and lives in the Treasure Valley; @drlukeerickson (Instagram) or erickson@uidaho.edu.

STING RAY ROBB Continued from Page 3 Poor performance can come from one or both. The mechanical side, the race car and its myriad systems, pieces and parts, can lead to failure. But generally mechanical issues can be found and fixed.

The mental component is another story. A growing number of professional racing drivers are turning to mental coaches to help them in their careers. Mental coaches are becoming as important as physical trainers.

Robb, on the other hand, relies on his spiritual connection and faith as a way to navigate the difficulties of auto racing. In a previous interview with writer Marshall Pruett, he recounted how his faith and belief system helped him overcome his disappointment in his ontrack performance.

“I was really frustrated…and I took my helmet off, went stomping in the trailer, and I just went on a little walk by myself for a while,” he said. “They’ve got those trees out in the park area there in Mid-Ohio, and I just knelt down and started praying. I was like, ‘God, this is it. I feel like I’ve given everything that I can, and if it’s not the car breaking down, or someone running me off the track, then it’s me. Everything that can go wrong, has gone wrong.

I’m done, this is all I can give anymore.’

“I all of a sudden had this peace about me: this is all part of the plan,” he continued. “This is preparing you, this is what’s going to make you great in the future, because it’s teaching you to persevere. That was that same weekend that I won my first race, and from there on, it was like the floodgates broke open.

“I think that the trials and tribulations, and everything that has gone wrong, has taught me so much about becoming a mature driver: not only how to handle a bad situation, but how to succeed in a bad situation, and having the confidence to look at it and go, ‘Okay, I know what I’m capable of, I believe in the team that I’m with, and I know that whatever they throw at us, we’ll be able to fight through it,’ which I thought was pretty cool.”

As the 2022 racing season begins, it will be interesting to watch the growth of Payette’s other famous athlete.

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you a check for your meal. But you’ll know: Part-owner baby!

Give companies you like a little money. You already do it anyway when you purchase their products. But buying shares could actually get you some money back. – “Greenlight!”

Third concern: I don’t understand it.

If I went back in time 200 years to the year 1822, I’d probably start talking about the future, how great our cars are, and our smartphones, our televisions, our refrigerators.

Then people would start asking me how to make them.

And I’d be like, “Ummmmmmm, well…in 2022 all these things have screens and microchips so maybe we should start there???”

Yeah, I’d be completely useless because while I have some pretty basic understanding of these things, I mostly just know that they work and I could never actually explain how to build them.

Are stocks much different? You don’t need to know all the details of the company to invest in it. You mostly just need to know if what the company does works, if people like what it does. Sure, full-time investors do research to figure out about 500 indicators of whether or not a company has growth potential, but that’s their job, and frankly most of them don’t do much better than you could do on your own. You mostly just need to know if you and your friends will keep buying from this company. If so, it probably means other people like it too and it will grow and make you money. – “Greenlight!”

Fourth concern: I don’t have enough money.

Online traders like E-trade, Scottrade, Acorns, Robinhood, etc., have made it very easy to start investing with a very small amount of money. Sometimes less than $100. If you’re telling me you don’t have enough money to invest, you’re also telling me you don’t have enough money to take the family out to dinner once a month. You have enough. It’s just a matter of priorities.

Also, employers offer 401(k)’s with index funds, which is just a collection of the everyday companies that you buy stuff from – yes, like Coke, Disney, Apple, and Tesla. They also offer a match, which is extra money from your employer to invest. Yes, extra money is a good idea. – “Greenlight!”

McConaughey (yes I had to look it up again) shared in his book the following thoughts, “The question we need to ask ourselves is: What is success to us? Your answer may change over time and that’s fine…Prioritize who you are.”

For most of us, investing is not the end, but rather a means to an end. It can help buy us time, peace of mind, comfort, and security. It’s an essential part of a successful financial plan. Concerns are normal. But they are also potential blessings. If you take a little time to work through your concerns, one day you’ll look back and see your concerns for what they really were: Opportunities. Greenlights.

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Idaho Family Magazine | MAY/JUN 2022 13

SAVE MONEY

Remember to ‘waste not, want not’

By Mary Ann Wilcox

W

ith the skyrocketing cost of • Accordion-wrap meat in individual slices with groceries, it is important to plastic wrap and freeze. You can take slices out conserve your resources. As one at a time without defrosting the whole bulk Americans, we throw away 25 to of meat. Use as an extra treat at breakfast or 50 percent of the food we buy. Just eliminating lunch. the waste will save each of us a thousand or • Use everything in your fridge within 2 weeks. more dollars a year on groceries. I set a goal • Dehydrate fruits and vegetables that cannot be of recycling all the food in the refrigerator and used before spoiling. not throwing anything away. In eight months • Compost items like egg shells that cannot I threw three items away. I thought that was be eaten.

Mary Ann Wilcox pretty miraculous. Here are some ideas that • Dry stale bread, blend into a fine powder to use might help you do the same. for coating mix (see recipe).

The most important step is to clean your refrigerator every • Freeze leftover soup in ice cube trays. Store in plastic bags, week as you plan menus. That way, everything gets rotated use 3 or 4 cubes per serving. Handy for lunch box meals. and you don’t grow science projects. I found that I could • Freeze slices of leftover cooked meat in gravy for hot make two or three new meals from what was left over from sandwiches. Or cut meat in cubes, add gravy and cooked the week before. I would either serve them the coming week vegetables and freeze. or freeze them for later.

• Use good recipes instead of prepared mixes. You pay a Other hints for saving money: lot for the convenience of instant, precooked or prepared • Make your own TV dinners out of leftovers. foods. Take a little time to fix these yourself. You can make • Cook in quantity and freeze. This takes less time and just-add-water cake mixes and save half the cost. less fuel. And when time is limited, you can put a meal • Save fruit juice for punch or popsicles. in the microwave and have dinner ready in just a few • Save leftover juice from vegetables and meat broth for minutes. Check our blog on Cooking in Quantity at soup stock.

MaryAnnsCupboards.com for detailed information.

• Save dabs of this and that, and when you have enough, SEASONED ITALIAN BREAD CRUMBS have a buffet. On date night I would oftentimes pull Ingredients: everything out and let the children choose what they • 2 cups finely ground bread crumbs wanted.

(I put the heels of bread, leftover muffins, biscuits, • Make baby food by putting small quantities of food in a cornbread – any bread that is going stale – in an open baby food grinder or blender, pour into ice cube trays and container in my cupboard. When it is dry, I grind it in freeze for individual servings. When frozen, put in plastic my food processor and put it in another sealed container bags for easy storage and use. in my cupboard. When that container is full, I mix in the • Keep a container in the freezer for leftover gravy, vegetables seasonings. That way I have a rotation in place.) and meat. When it is full, make a stew.

• 1/3 cup dehydrated minced onions • Melt down various kinds of Jell-O salad and mix together; • 1 tablespoon dehydrated parsley flakes reset for a tutti-frutti salad. Or mix leftover Jell-O salad or • 1 tablespoon Season All (seasoned salt) put Jell-O in with a fruit salad for a little color and variety • 1 teaspoon salt of taste.

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper • Cook leftover pancake batter or waffles or French toast and • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning freeze in a tightly sealed container. When you want to use them, put them in the toaster or microwave and reheat.

Instructions: Left-over waffles and French toast also make great breakfast Mix together with sandwiches. a wire whisk and store • Use leftover egg whites or yolks for French toast batter or in an airtight container. add to scrambled eggs.

Use on top of casseroles • When you have scraped your shortening can as clean as or for breading meat. you can, melt the rest and pour it into your new can of shortening.

14 MAY/JUN 2022 | Idaho Family Magazine

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GARDENING Continued from Page 9

Cara Johnson-Bader

20 EASY AFFIRMATIONS

Remind your children they are loved

By Cara Johnson-Bader

K

ind words of encouragement and affirmation from parents are an important part of making sure your little one has a healthy sense of self. Keep these words of affirmation in your parenting toolbox to show your children how loved they truly are.

1. I am so proud of you!

2. You are so thoughtful.

3. You have great ideas.

4. You did it!

5. It’s okay to make mistakes.

6. You are important.

7. I believe in you.

8. You make me happy.

9. That is a great question.

10. I am grateful for you.

11. You did that all by yourself ? Amazing!

12. You are so brave!

13. I love that you never give up.

14. You have such a big heart.

15. You have an awesome sense of humor.

16. I like how your mind works.

17. I love spending time with you.

18. You make me smile 19. You make the world a better place.

And last, but definitely not least…

20. I love you!

Cara Johnson-Bader is the Vice President of Marketing and Parent Experiences at New Horizon Academy and mother of two young boys.

Learn more about New Horizon Academy at newhorizonacademy.net. www.idahofamilymagazine.com

enthusiasm. Also, let your kids help you draw up the garden plan. If they’re old enough, they can also create their own shopping list.

When you go shopping for the supplies, take your kids along and let them pick out their own seeds and gardening tools. For the safety of young children, look for kids’ gardening tools made of durable plastic.

Planting your garden: When you begin planting, show your child how to plant the seeds and how to space them apart correctly. Then have your child water the seeds as directed.

To help your child take responsibility for his or her own garden, put a daily gardening task list on the refrigerator.

Also, to help your child maintain enthusiasm, suggest keeping a garden log. Kids can have fun recording the date of plantings, each day’s gardening activities, when each plant sprouts, the amount of growth of the plants, and the harvesting.

Finally, after harvesting, have your child help you prepare the vegetables. Try different ways of preparing or cooking them to help your kid develop a lifelong love of fresh veggies.

Books on gardening with kids To get your family’s gardening project off on the right foot, consider an age-appropriate book. This will also help build your child’s enthusiasm. To help make your family garden a success, a couple of books for parents are included below as well.

The Little Gardener by Jan Gerardi (ages 3-4) The Little Gardener by Emily Hughes (ages 3-7) Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner (ages 5-8) Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots: Gardening Together with Children by Sharon Lovejoy (ages 4-10) Gardening Lab for Kids: 52 Fun Experiments to Learn, Grow, Harvest, Make, Play, and Enjoy Your Garden by Renata Brown (ages 8-12) The Book of Gardening Projects for Kids: 101 Ways to Get Kids Outside, Dirty, and Having Fun by Whitney Cohen (for parents) Kimberly Blaker is a freelance lifestyle and senior writer. She’s also founder and director of KB Creative Digital Services, an internet marketing agency, at kbcreativedigital.com.

Idaho Family Magazine | MAY/JUN 2022 15

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