Idaho Family Nov-Dec 2023

FREE

Nov/Dec 2023

GIFTS FOR KIDS What NOT to buy

TEMPER CONTROL One mother’s journey

CHILDREN’S BOOK CORNER

SEASONAL BAKING

On gratitude and perspective

Pumpkin alternatives

Now more environmentally friendly!

J.J. Plew, Rowdy, and Mila pose for a picture

Contents Features

Volume 11, Number 6 Publisher J.J. Plew Associate Publisher Adrianne Goff adriannegoff@me.com Cover Photo Dustin Westover

Editor Gaye Bunderson editorgaye@gmail.com Sales & Marketing J.J. Plew jj@idahofamilymagazine.com 208-697-2043 Contributors Roxanne Drury, Cara Johnson-Bader, Sarah Lyons, Kathy Collard Miller, Jenna Shaver, 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 2023 by Gem Production Co., LLC. Follow us on Facebook

November/December 2023

Kids’ Christmas gifts

3

Grateful children

4

What NOT to buy

Columns 6 From This Side of the Desk

The homeschooling skinny

12 Children’s

Some simple tips

Book Corner

8

Temper control

‘Cosmic avenue’

13 Wednesday’s

One mother’s journey

Child

Meet Juan

Seasonal baking

14

Pumpkin alternatives

In Each Edition

Wassail and Pumpkin Dip

15 10 Family Events Calendar

Try these at home

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 NOV/DEC 2023 | Idaho Family Magazine

FREE

Nov/Dec 2023

GIFTS FOR KIDS

What NOT

to buy

CHILDREN ’S BOOK CORNER

On gratitude

Now more

and pers

pective

TEMPER CONTRO L One moth

Pumpkin

environm

entally frien

er’s jour

ney

SEASON AL BAKING alternativ es

dly!

Copy to come

from JJJ

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

ASK PARENTS FIRST

What NOT to give others’ kids for Christmas

By Sarah Lyons

M

y children began their Christmas lists in October. Curious to see what made the list this year, I read over my daughter’s shoulder and was shocked to see that she had asked for a doll that spits up and wets itself, an expensive Lego set, and a live donkey. These items were NOT on my Christmas list for my children.

When you begin your Christmas shopping this year – maybe as a grandparent or aunt or uncle – instead of asking what the kids would like for Christmas, consider asking the parents what they do NOT want their kids to get for Christmas.

A million pieces

Everyone is likely to get frustrated with a toy that comes with “a million” pieces. In no time, the pieces tend to get spread across the entire house and it is nearly impossible to get them back together.

“Once the pieces are lost the whole toy is pointless because you can’t do anything with it if certain pieces are missing,” says Kassie Rew, mom of three.

Prior to giving, consider the ages of the children in the home. A 9-year-old may ask for Polly Pocket dolls or Legos, but those toys can easily turn into a choking hazard for a baby brother and become a huge stress for the parents.

Some assembly required: Every parent cringes when their child opens a fun and exciting toy and the box has the words “some assembly required,” which usually means the parent spends hours reading frustrating directions and assembling the toy late into the night. If you are giving a toy that requires assembly, please consider putting it together prior to giving.

A not-so-joyful noise

Loud toys have been irritating parents since toys were invented. Musical instruments, toys with hammers, and battery-operated toys with no volume control all contribute to the already high level of noise pollution in the average household. When purchasing a loud toy for a favorite niece or nephew, please stop and imagine it being passed back to your own house when you have children. If that makes you shudder, keep shopping.

Batteries not included

While we are talking about battery-powered toys, please consider a few things as you purchase a gift. Does the toy require batteries? If yes, are the batteries regularly available at a reasonable price?

“We don’t care for toys that require massive amounts of expensive batteries. Sometimes the batteries cost more than the toy itself,” says Jessi Cole, another mom of three. www.idahofamilymagazine.com

Check if the toy comes with batteries or if you must purchase them separately. Make sure to have batteries on hand when the child opens the gift, so they can begin playing immediately.

Toys that encourage violence

Lauren Heller, mom of twins, says, “Anything that encourages hitting or violence against siblings is discouraged.

They fight enough as it is.”

Toys such as Nerf guns, swords, punching bags, and boxing gloves are not ideal for families that may not want weapons in the house. Amy Cameron, mom of three, has a different perspective: “A water gun, lightsaber, or Nerf gun for only one sibling is not desired. They need to be equally armed.”

It is best to ask permission before purchasing these items.

All that glitters isn’t always gold

Many families love to receive craft items as gifts and even ask for them specifically. Others may find them messy, stressful, and frustrating. Play-dough, paint, markers, stamps, beads, and glitter all fall into this category.

“It doesn’t feel like a gift when we are trying to get ink out of laundry, carpet, or off the walls,” says Bridget Estelle, mom of four.

Keeping this in mind, some families do enjoy crafts. Double check with the parents to see what their policy on craft supplies is before you make your purchase.

Purchasing a gift for someone is always challenging because you want it to be enjoyed. Ask the parents what they suggest, if anything is not permitted in the house and, if you have a great idea, run it by them first. Consider buying classic toys that are always a hit, or an experience like a membership to a local attraction. Even if you have purchased one of toys mentioned above or do in the future, don’t fret. Parents know that it truly is the thought that counts and are grateful that their children have generous people in their lives.

Gifts parents LOVE to receive for their kids: • Educational toys • Experiences such as a zoo membership, movie passes, classes, camps • Complete gifts like a tablet, case, warranty, and a gift card for apps • Accessories such as a train to go with a new train set, furniture for a new doll house • Books • Batteries • Practical gifts as in clothes, shoes, and coats Sarah Lyons is a stay-at-home mom to six kids, including 2-year-old triplets.

Idaho Family Magazine | NOV/DEC 2023 3

SIMPLE TIPS

How to teach gratefulness to your child

By Cara Johnson-Bader

R

esearch tells us that practicing gratitude has a powerful impact on a child’s brain and is linked to improved sleep, lower anxiety, improved relationships, empathy, and greater happiness.

And naturally, parents want to teach that important skill to their children, so here are a few simple ways, you Cara Johnson-Bader can teach gratitude at home

Model gratitude

Modeling gratitude is one of the most influential ways to teach gratitude. Your children are always watching you and the way that you treat others. They observe the way you speak to friends, neighbors, the cashier at the grocery store. They hear your tone during a conference call or when you accept a call from a telemarketer. You set a wonderful example when you model kindness, generosity, and gratefulness in your everyday actions. Show your child what it means to be grateful, whether it is for holding the door for someone or writing thank you notes, find ways to demonstrate gratitude to your child.

Show appreciation

Show appreciation to your children. Life is busy, so take a moment to slow down. When you do, you will observe things you appreciate about your child. Make sure you tell your child what you appreciate about him or her. Sharing appreciation is a great way to build connections with your child. Show appreciation for others.

Read books about gratitude

Read books about kindness and compassion with your child, and use reflection questions to deepen your child’s understanding to create a truly meaningful experience. Here are a few of our favorite books and reflection questions to encourage meaningful conversations about kindness and compassion.

“You set a wonderful example when you model kindness, generosity, and gratefulness in your everyday actions.”

4 NOV/DEC 2023 | Idaho Family Magazine

“Stone Soup”

by Jon J. Muth • How does sharing and giving change a community?

“Thank you, Omu!”

by Oge Mora • Can you think of three people you would like to send a thank you to?

• Who are they and what would you say?

• If you have time, write those letters.

“The Secret of Saying Thanks”

by Douglas Wood • Can you name three things that you are grateful for or three things that made you smile?

Create gratitude rituals

Make it a habit to regularly express gratitude as a family.

Here are a few examples.

• During dinner, take turns sharing one thing you are grateful for.

• After reading a bedtime story, ask your child to name two things they are grateful for.

• Start a gratitude journal. Simply use a notebook to record what you are thankful for. Your child can either write or draw pictures of what they are thankful for. You can make it a weekly habit to write in the journal.

• Write monthly or weekly thank you notes to family members, teachers, community helpers, and others you would like to extend gratitude to.

• Create a gratitude jar and write what you are grateful for.

This is a fun activity, as your family can decorate your gratitude jar with paint, and then write what you are grateful for. You can create a family routine of writing notes for the jar.

• Create holiday traditions around gratitude and thankfulness. At Thanksgiving, create a “thankful turkey.”

Use construction paper to create a turkey, then on the feathers write things you are thankful for. www.idahofamilymagazine.com

Volunteer together

Volunteering together is a wonderful way to demonstrate the importance of helping others and can help set the stage for a lifetime of supporting others and promoting gratitude. Choose a cause that is important to your family and identify opportunities to volunteer.

From time to time, your child will be ungrateful, as that is a natural part of development. Keep in mind this doesn’t mean that your efforts are not working; it simply presents you with an opportunity to turn it into a teachable moment. Remind your child of the importance of being grateful, continue to model gratefulness, and you will see a reduction in ungratefulness.

Keep in mind that your child’s first five years are a time of tremendous growth and development, so use this time to make gratitude a priority. Not only will your child develop this important skill, but they will benefit later in life, too. Research shows that thankful people are more optimistic, less depressed, and experience less stress. So, when you teach your child to express gratitude, you are helping them become happier and healthier adults.

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

Idaho Family Magazine | NOV/DEC 2023 5

FROM THIS SIDE OF THE DESK

What’s the skinny on homeschooling?

By Roxanne Drury

A

s a former teacher, the history of public and religious education has always fascinated me.

It is no surprise that history books tell us that no established school system existed when the Pilgrims first came to America. Therefore, parents who wished their children to be educated assumed the role of teacher. In many ways, it was considered just one of the responsibilities of rearing children. All that to say, homeschooling goes way back. It is not something new.

The U.S. Board of Education was founded in the mid-19th century. Since that time, the majority of American families have entrusted the education of their children to the public or private school systems. However, home-based education is currently on the rise and has been since 1990. In an article dated July 20, 2023, for The National Home Education Research Institute, Brian D. Ray, Ph.D. reports that there were approximately 3.1 million homeschooled students for the school year 2021- 2022 in grades K-12 in the U.S., representing roughly 6% of school-age children. That is quite an increase from the 2.5 million students reported in the spring of 2019, which is 3% to 4% of school-age children.* Armed with this information, my curiosity was piqued.

I wanted to hear about the realities of homeschooling so I contacted a local ‘Homeschool Mom’ from our church.

I invite you along to read about her experience. With homeschooling on the rise, many of you may even be considering this alternative for educating your child. So, let’s dive in and get the skinny on home-based education from one homeschool mom and a homeschooled student.

Gina Richardson has been homeschooling her children for 7 years. She told me that prior to having children she heard her friends complain about the difficulties in public education. Everything from oversized classrooms, poor curriculum, and bullying to nightmarish drop-off and pick-up. From teacher friends, she heard about the stress of the oversized classrooms and the lack of support they experienced. Needless to say, she was not feeling confident about sending her 4-year-old into unknown turmoil for the next 13 years.

“Knowing that other families we knew were having the same pull to something different helped us make the decision to homeschool,” Richardson said. “We would have community, be able to give our daughter a one-onone tailored education, and provide her with the biblical foundation that was so important to us and important for her on so many levels.”

When asked about the perks of homeschooling, Richardson contemplated for a moment and replied, “The biggest perk is time. Something you can never get back. I look at all the 6 NOV/DEC 2023 | Idaho Family Magazine

wonderful memories we’ve made so far and I wouldn’t give them up for anything.”

As I see it, when a parent takes on the full responsibility of education, every moment, every event, every experience with their child can be a precious teaching moment. Even laughs and giggles can teach a child it’s okay to laugh at yourself or not to take yourself too seriously.

As a preschool teacher, I wanted my students to experience everything I thought they could understand.

I’ll never forget the look on the hearing aid technician’s face when I asked if I could have 21 brochures about hearing aids and the inner ear. It just so happened that when I was getting my hearing aids we were on the letter “E”. Ear begins with “E” so I thought, why not? The kids were fascinated. The parents thought I was a little strange. But, did I care, no! My students learned that not all people can hear, they learned about sign language, they learned about what it looks like inside the ear and how it works, and that there is not a real drum in there (smile).

As with all things, there are two sides to the coin.

So, I just had to ask Richardson about the challenges.

“Figuring out what you are going to teach every year can be challenging,” she said. “Unlike a normal school teacher who may teach the same grade every year, every year for me is a new grade. I have quite a gap between my two children so reteaching kindergarten after 7 years was scary at first, but it all came back.” She also commented that “sometimes you buy a curriculum and then decide it is not working and have to pivot midway through the year.”

I can see how this would be quite a challenge, having experienced similar predicaments in a classroom setting.

What works for one group of students does not necessarily work for another group.

Curriculum resources are plentiful now, whereas in the Pilgrims’ times, the Bible was the main and typically the only resource available and used for teaching reading.

Children were lucky if they had chalk and a slate to write on to learn their numbers and letters. The rest was life experience learning.

Richardson indicated that the biggest and best resource she has found is in other homeschoolers. “We are a wealth of information for field trip ideas, curriculum, co-ops, conventions, and books. And really, anything to do with child development, someone has been there, done it.

Being in a co-op is also a great resource to draw on others’ experience, whether that is learning a new sport or a specialty class.”

Building relationships with other homeschoolers is of www.idahofamilymagazine.com

“The biggest perk is time. Something you can never get back. I look at all the wonderful memories we’ve made so far and I wouldn’t give them up for anything.” great benefit and a must, according to Richardson. Parents cooperate and help each other to help their kids learn. It seems to be a universal parental homeschool education mindset.

Along those same lines, Bear Schneider was homeschooled mostly online from 1st grade through 12th grade. When asked about the benefits of being homeschooled, Schneider was quick to say, “Homeschooling can be extremely beneficial for kids with different learning styles.” However, he stated, “Parental involvement is key. Parents need to find balance between doing it well by using homeschooling as a tool to help their kids succeed and not using homeschooling as a time to allow their kids to get out of working hard and learning.”

Wise words!

In closing, I asked Richardson what real, honest advice she would give to someone considering homeschooling.

Her response was, “My advice for anyone considering

homeschooling is you have to know your why. Because you will be tested by friends, family, your kids, society, etc. If you don’t know why you chose this path you will be plagued with doubt that will eat away at your ability to lead your children in the way they should go.”

One final word from a truly devoted ‘Homeschool Mom’: “I would describe our homeschool journey as a beautiful novel with all the twists and turns that make a great story.

And when my children are grown and out of the house, I will read it over and over again in my memory and I will cry happy tears.”

From this side of the desk, that sounds pretty awesome.

If you have questions about homeschooling or are looking for resources or a place to start, feel free to email me at glorylandbooks@gmail.com.

Please put “Homeschooling” in the subject line. *The data referenced in this article is from https: //www.nheri.org/research-facts-on-homeschooling/

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Idaho Family Magazine | NOV/DEC 2023 7

TEMPER CONTROL

A mom’s journey to calmer parenting

By Kathy Collard Miller

F

inally! Mark is asleep. Rising from the rocking chair, I carefully carried my new baby over to his crib, afraid to breath and wake him up. I felt exhausted and couldn’t wait to take a nap. “I hope Darcy is asleep,” I thought.

Just as Mark’s sleeping body relaxed onto the mattress, 2-year-old Darcy ran into the room, screaming, “Mommy, I color with my colors, okay?” She held the crayons in her little hand, her limp blonde hair falling over her eyebrows. Mark’s eyes darted open and he began to cry.

I whirled around, grabbing Darcy’s shoulders. “Shut up!

Shut up! I want him to go to sleep. I told you to stay on your bed! Why can’t you ever obey?” As all the pressures of the day catapulted upon me, I shook Darcy so hard her head wobbled back and forth. Her terrorized face stared at me but I didn’t care. “I don’t want to be a mother anymore,” I thought.

I turned and ran out of the bedroom, down the hall, and into the kitchen, kicking a cupboard door, putting a dent in the wood. I dropped to my knees and moaned, “Oh, God, oh, God, I said I’d never get angry again, but I can’t control myself !” I knew I needed help but I was too ashamed to tell anyone about my repeated bursts of anger.

I argued with myself. “I can’t tell Larry. He’s a cop. He’ll have to arrest me. I’ve just got to figure it out on my own.”

The thought of telling anyone else terrified me. I’d already tried to tell a friend, and she had reacted with shock and condemnation. “No one must know I’m a child abuser. I’m sure things will get better as Darcy gets older.”

But my eruptions became even more violent. One day after choking Darcy in my rage, I remembered Larry had left his off-duty service revolver in our bedroom chest of drawers.

I opened the drawer and stared at the gun. This is the only way. I’m going to kill Darcy if I don’t kill myself. But what will it be like for Darcy to come into the room and find me?

That’s abuse too.

I pushed the drawer closed and slunk out of the room.

All the frustrations of taking care of this seemingly rebellious 2-year-old and our newborn son closed in on me every day. I just couldn’t understand why Darcy seemed to plan how she would make my life miserable. The more I spoke negatively to her, the more my mind thought of things that bothered me. My words became cruel and I blamed her for everything.

On occasion, we would have a pleasant day. I held my anger in check. Hope surged through me as I watched my happy daughter play. How could I ever be angry with her or want to hurt her?

One day, I shared briefly with a neighbor friend about my anger. She didn’t condemn me like my other friend had. She even indicated she felt angry toward her children at times. As I left her house that day, I sensed a tiny light at the end of a very dark and long tunnel. Maybe I’m not the only one. I’ll just try harder.

From that point on, I read parenting books, attended parenting seminars, and prayed for God’s help. Little by little I could analyze why I was so angry – reasons going all the way back to my childhood. I didn’t seek professional help, but I wish I had. I would have healed more quickly.

I also learned how to identify what triggered my anger. I used techniques like pounding a pillow to safely expel my pent-up energy. Reading books about disciplining children effectively, I became more consistent in responding calmly to Darcy’s disobedience. She became better behaved. Thinking positively also helped, especially after I realized I was depressed. I shared with a small group of close friends who held me accountable and offered advice.

Through a difficult process of growth for over a year, I became the loving, patient mother I wanted to be. When Darcy was 10 and in the fifth grade, my memoir titled, “No More Anger: Hope for an Out-of-Control Mom” was published. Darcy was so excited about my first book she wanted to take a copy to her teacher. I was shocked but agreed. She had already forgiven me and wasn’t ashamed of

“Darcy was so excited about my first book she wanted to take a copy to her teacher. I was shocked but agreed. She had already forgiven me and wasn’t ashamed of her mother.”

8 NOV/DEC 2023 | Idaho Family Magazine

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

her mother.

Two weeks later, Darcy returned home from school with the book. Attached was a note from her teacher saying, “I love your daughter. She’s a healthy, well-adjusted little girl.” I found out later that many of the teachers and principal at her school had read my book. I was amazed.

My cry for a healthy family had been answered. I knew God had healed her and me. Over the years, Darcy and I have continued to have a close relationship.

At times in your life and mine, life seems hopeless. But there is always help available. Although I didn’t seek professional help and should have, please seek whatever community help you need.

Our Registered Nurses (RN) and Newborn Care Providers (NCP) support families with single babies, twins, and triplets by providing gentle care through the night. We use evidence-based practice to help parents feel confident and healthy in the family home.

Kathy Collard Miller is a popular women’s conference and parenting speaker, telling her inspirational story along with practical parenting help. She’s the author of 60 books including “No More Anger: Hope for an Out-of-Control Mom,” available on Amazon. She resides in the Treasure Valley with her husband of 53 years, Larry. Her website is www.KathyCollardMiller.com, where you can connect with her for speaking invitations. Kathy and Larry are parents of two, grandparents of two, and frequently write and speak together.

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Idaho Family Magazine | NOV/DEC 2023 9

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

NOVEMBER Foster care informational meetings Foster parents make a tremendous difference in the lives of children and youth who are in foster care by providing a safe and loving temporary home. A foster care informational meeting is a great opportunity to gain a basic understanding of who the children in foster care are, the roles and responsibilities of foster parents, and the process you will need to go through to become licensed to foster. During the meeting, you will also hear from an experienced foster parent about the rewards and challenges of fostering.

Visit https://familyrtc.org/fosteringidaho/events for the calendar of events.

Questions? Call Monique Layton at (208) 249-0180 or email mlayton4@ewu.edu.

Craft & Chocolate Affaire Over 90 artisans will show and sell their wares at the annual Craft & Chocolate Affaire Friday and Saturday, November 3 and 4, at the Nampa Civic Center. Hours will be 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday. Entry into the event is free for attendees. The longtime, popular event kicks off the holiday season for many. For more information, go to nampaciviccenter.com.

Eagle Holiday Bazaar Local artisans will be showcased – while also giving back to the community – during the longstanding Eagle Holiday Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, November 12, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, November 13, at Eagle High School, 574 N. Park Ln. All kinds of goods and products will be available. For more information, go to eagleholidaybazaar.com.

Canyon County Christmas Show This year’s Canyon County Christmas Show will be held November 1719 at Ford Idaho Center in Nampa. There will be plenty of arts, crafts, and gifts booths to check out. Go to canyoncountychristmas.com or fordidahocenter.com for more details. (Santa may show up too.)

Winter Wonderland Caldwell’s Winter Wonderland 3-day opening weekend event is set for 6 to 9 p.m. Friday-Sunday, November 17-19. Then, the light show continues throughout the holiday season until January 8. For more information, go to indiancreekplaza.com.

Holiday Bazaar Boise Senior Center’s 42nd Annual Holiday Bazaar is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, November 18. The Dick Eardley Senior Center at 690 Robbins Rd. will be filled with crafters, artists, food gifts, seasonal décor and more. Lunch items, popcorn and beverages will be available for purchase. Call (208) 608-7580 for more information.

10 NOV/DEC 2023 | Idaho Family Magazine

Festival of Trees The 2023 Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees events take place as follows: November 21, gala; November 22-26, general exhibition; and November 27, fashion show. This is the regional hospital’s biggest fundraiser of the year. For more specific information, go to saintalphonsus.org.

$.99 Bowling Games on Thanksgiving Enjoy some family time while the turkey is cooking (or after it’s done) with $.99+tax bowling games from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, November 23, at Wahooz Fun Zone in Meridian. Shoe rental will be $5. Go to wahoozfunzone.com for more details.

Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour The Blippi “ultimate curiousity adventure” for kids will come to the Ford Idaho Center at 6 p.m. Friday, November 24. For tickets or more information, go to fordidahocenter.com.

DECEMBER Meridian Winter Lights Parade The 2023 Meridian Winter Lights Parade & Community Christmas Tree Lighting is planned for Friday, December 1. For more information, go to meridiancity.org.

Vintage Market Days Vintage Market Days will present “A Merry Little Christmas,” with lots of booths and fun, Friday and Saturday, December 1-2, at the Ford Idaho Center. For tickets or more information, go to fordidahocenter.com.

Glenns Ferry Dinner Theater Christmas Show The Historic Opera Theatre at 148 E. Idaho Ave. in Glenns Ferry holds shows and/or dinner-and-a-show throughout the year. The holiday presentation for 2023 will be “It’s a Wonderful Life” and will be performed Friday and Saturday evenings, December 1-2 and December 8-9 (with a matinee on December 9). For tickets and more information, go to glennsferrytheatre.org or call (208) 580-4202. Glenns Ferry is just a short drive from the Treasure Valley, so get out and experience something different.

Boise Christmas Show The 2023 Boise Christmas Show is set for Friday through Sunday, December 1-3, at Expo Idaho. More than 225 vendors will display hundreds of gifts – and Mr. and Mrs. Claus will make a visit as well. For more information, go to boisechristmasshow.com.

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

of Events

Beginning November, 2023

Bowling with Santa Bowl with Santa and Mrs. Santa and enjoy cookies and cocoa from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, December 2, at Wahooz Fun Zone in Meridian. Cost will be $10 per family member. Go to wahoozfunzone. com for more details.

NEW YEAR'S EVE

Elf the Musical The modern-day holiday classic “Elf the Musical” will be presented by Music Theatre of Idaho beginning at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, December 7, at the Nampa Civic Center. For tickets or more information, go to https://nampaciviccenter.com/events/elf/.

2023 Boise Annual Ice Show The annual ice show at Idaho IceWorld in Boise is tentatively set for Friday, December 8, and Saturday, December 9, times TBD. The 2023 program has been named Jingle Blades Ice Show. For more information, go to idahoiceworld.com.

Christmas Light Tour Experience the beauty of Christmas through the sparkle of lights.

Take Nampa Recreation Department’s Christmas Light Tour Friday or Saturday, December 15 or 16. Cost is $6 per person, and buses may be boarded at 5:45 p.m. at the Hardward Rec Center, with departure at 6 p.m.

at the harward rec center RING IN THE NEW YEAR AND STAY LOCKED IN AT THE REC CENTER!

DECEMBER 31 • AGES 6-12 7PM - 8AM Members $27, Non-members $32.50 Bring: A sleeping bag, pillow, pajamas, swimming suit & a towel!

SIGN UP AT THE HARWARD REC CENTER, OR CALL 208-468-5858 FOR MORE INFO.

Ballet Idaho’s “The Nutcracker” Ballet Idaho will present the time-honored holiday classic, “The Nutcracker” December 15-24 at the Morrison Center for the Performing Arts in Boise. Both matinee and evening performances are planned. For more information, go to balletidaho.org.

Christmas with Elvis Joseph Hall, runner-up on “America’s Got Talent,” will perform on the Nampa Civic Center stage to perform his Christmas Special as Elvis, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, December 17. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to https://nampaciviccenter.com/events/ christmas-with-elvis/.

Be a legend.

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Idaho Family Magazine | NOV/DEC 2023 11

CHILDREN’S BOOK CORNER

‘Cosmic avenue’ tackles abstract concept

By Jenna Shaver

A

s we are well into autumn, I wanted to focus on two abstract concepts that can be very difficult for young children to grasp: gratitude and perspective.

Children, until the age of six or so, live in a land of egocentricity. In their lives, the world revolves around them, their feelings, their experiences. They aren’t yet capable of stepping outside of themselves and truly empathizing with the lives of another, a skill so needed in today’s day and age.

One of my favorite ways to introduce the topic of perspective and empathy is through a “cosmic avenue.”

The book “The Blanket Where Violet Sits,” by Allen Wolf, does just this. The book’s concept is simple: Violet is sitting on a blanket enjoying a sandwich, an apple, and chips. With each subsequent page, we zoom out, ultimately acknowledging the vastness of the universe, only to zoom back in again by the end of the story.

Exposing children to a visual representation of perspective that, while they are simply eating on a blanket there are an infinite amount of other things happening at the same time, can provide a gentle introduction to perspective. I love this story’s repetitive nature as the children begin to predict the ending phrases and often join along in the reading. The vivid illustrations capture their attention with something new and interesting with each read. “The Blanket Where Violet Sits” works to expose children to the vastness of the universe while maintaining a “smallness” within each person.

The second book I suggest is an excellent choice for this season of gratitude. “Apple Cake: A Gratitude”

by Dawn Casey uses quirky illustrations and simple phrases to convey a seriously important message. With prepackaged food, next-day delivery, and fast fashion, it is easy to get lost in products without acknowledging the process by which those products came about.

“Apple Cake” is not a story, but a series of thanks for each individual step in the cosmic process to bring a freshly baked apple cake to the table. Thank you earth, thank you rain, thank you cows – all the elements of the apple cake puzzle are given their earned thanks for the part they played in bringing us something wonderful to eat. With autumn and the subsequent holidays being a season of giving, “Apple Cake” should not be missed.

I hope these stories make their way to your shelves and their sentiments into the hearts of your children.

May we all gain a little perspective and find ourselves with grateful hearts as we move toward the end of the year.

Jenna Shaver is an accredited teacher, developing and educating young minds as a Certified Lead Guide. She is a graduate of Montessori Northwest, an Association Internationale training center and one of a small cadre of AMI-certified teachers in Idaho. She holds dual Bachelor’s degrees from Boise State University, one in Early Childhood Intervention/Early Childhood Education and the second in Elementary Education.

12 NOV/DEC 2023 | Idaho Family Magazine

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WEDNESDAY’S CHILD

Juan, 17, wants a chubby cat of his own

The following information is provided by Wednesday’s Child, an organization hat helps Idaho foster children find permanent homes.

Juan, 17, is an amazing teen with a huge heart. Those who know him best describe him as kind, fun to spend time with, and a young man who prides himself on keeping his space neat and organized. Juan’s active hobbies include longboarding, hiking, skating, playing football, bowling, and playing pickle ball. If the weather stops him from being active, he can usually be found building with Legos, playing video games, listening to music, drawing, journaling his thoughts, or with his nose buried in a good James Patterson book.

This outgoing young man also loves to spend time traveling and is a big animal lover. He hopes that once he gets settled into his new family home, he will be able to adopt a sweet and chubby cat to call his own. Being creative is important to Juan and he dreams of one day owning his own landscaping business where he can hone his creative skills into spectacular yard art. Juan considers his Christian faith an important part of who he is and has a real heart for helping others who are struggling. He looks forward to becoming successful in his business so that he can someday help out families who are

dealing with homelessness.

Juan is excited about the possibility of having a fresh start in life with a fun, committed and caring adoptive family that he hopes will remain in his life into young adulthood and well beyond. Juan’s Permanency Team describes the best fit for him as either a family where he can be the only child or a home with older siblings. He is open to any kind of parental makeup, including a two-dad family.

Juan’s team is particularly interested in Idaho and Utah families but is open to hearing from any family that feels they may be a good fit for him.

Juan deserves all of the good things that life has to offer and just needs a loving family in order to reach his full potential and have a wonderful future ahead of him. Get more information on Juan at www.idahowednesdayschild.org.

For more information on the Idaho Wednesday’s Child Program, visit www.idahowednesdayschild.org, or contact Specialized Recruitment Services Administrator Shawn White at swhite52@ewu.edu or cell (208) 488-8989.

Engage their imagination, and they will learn eagerly.

Where there is enthusiasm, learning is natural and joyful. Discover how we inspire elementary students at Montessori Academy Idaho: INFANT - 6TH GRADE BARBER STATION • BOISE EAGLE • MERIDIAN

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“The secret of good teaching is to regard the child’s intelligence as a fertile field in which seeds may be sown, to grow under the heat of flaming imagination. Our aim therefore is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his inmost core. We do not want complacent pupils, but eager ones.”

—Dr. Maria Montessori

Idaho Family Magazine | NOV/DEC 2023 13

PUMPKIN ALTERNATIVES

Beans can work in pumpkin recipes

By Mary Ann Wilcox

Packing up pumpkins

Sweet potatoes

Pumpkin alternatives

Here’s my family’s favorite pumpkin pie recipe using bean paste.

Each year around this time, I take my pumpkins left over from Halloween, bake them, peal them, and puree them. Then I put 2 cups of puree into zipper bags and freeze it. Two to three pumpkins are all I need to get me through the year when Halloween comes again. It’s a super easy way to get what you need from what you already have.

If you don’t want to risk the freezer space, dry your pumpkin like you would fruit leather. Dry it until it is brittle, then turn it into powder in your food processor. Then it is shelf safe and can be used in any recipe that calls for pumpkin: pies, cookies, cakes, soups, stews, etc.

If you find you are short on pumpkin and short on money, use one of these great alternatives. That’s right! I said pumpkin alternatives. You may be shocked and a little bit intrigued to know that beans make the perfect pumpkin alternative. It’s true! My family loves pumpkin pie, but I can totally fool them by using an alternative such as soybean, navy bean or sweet potato paste. By adding the same seasonings that you do in your favorite recipe, the beans and potatoes imitate pumpkin perfectly and provide a great, gluten-free alternative if you need one.

Here’s what you do...

Beans

1. Soak your beans overnight to soften them and release the simple sugar that causes gas.

2. Drain and rinse the beans.

3. Add 3 cups of water for each cup of beans.

4. Cook in a pressure cooker on top of the stove or in a crockpot until soft and tender.

5. Drain the beans, but save the water.

6. Place the beans in a blender and blend until a smooth paste. Add bean juice (the water from the cooking process) a little at a time until the beans have the same consistency as pumpkin.

7. Substitute the same amount of bean paste for the amount of pumpkin called for in the recipe.

14 NOV/DEC 2023 | Idaho Family Magazine

If you are using canned sweet potatoes, drain the can and save the juice. Blend the potatoes, adding enough juice to make a paste the same consistency as pumpkin. Substitute the sweet potatoes for the amount of pumpkin called for in the recipe. Because sweet potatoes have the same color and similar flavor to pumpkin, they can be interchanged in any recipe calling for pumpkin without adding additional spices.

If you are using fresh sweet potatoes, scrub the outside and bake them in a 350 degree oven until soft. Skin the potatoes while they are still warm and blend them until smooth. You might have to add a little water during the blending process to moisten them if they are too dry. Substitute the sweet potatoes in any recipe calling for pumpkin.

Bean Paste Pumpkin Pie Filling

1 1/2 C. navy bean, soybean, or sweet potato paste 2 eggs 3/4 C. sugar 1/2 t. salt 1 2/3 C. evaporated milk (13 oz can) 1 3/4 t. pumpkin pie spice OR 1 t. cinnamon 1/2 t. ground ginger 1/4 t. ground cloves Mix all ingredients together in a blender until smooth.

Pour into an unbaked 9” pie shell. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees and continue to bake for 45 minutes. Top will be golden brown.

Let it sit until it is room temperature and then refrigerate until serving. Add a little whipped topping to each piece and enjoy.

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WASSAIL AND PUMPKIN DIP

Two easy seasonal recipes to try at home

By Mary Ann Wilcox

Wassail

Pumpkin Dip

Wassail

Pumpkin Dip

Combine all ingredients and bring to a boil.

Serve hot.

Mix pumpkin, pudding mix, Whip-it whipped topping, and pumpkin pie spice together by hand.

2 qts. sweet apple cider 2 C. pineapple juice 1 1/2 C. orange juice 3/4 C. lemon juice 1 C. granulated sugar 2 cinnamon sticks 1 tsp whole cloves

Yields 12 servings.

1 15 oz can pumpkin 1/2 C. (5 oz) instant vanilla pudding powder 1/2 C. Whip-it plus 1/2 C. water (whip together until peaks form) 1/2 T (1 1/2 t) pumpkin pie spice 1/2 T (1 1/2 t) cinnamon 1 small pumpkin

Chill for several hours. Cut off the top of the pumpkin and scrape it clean. After dip has chilled, fill the pumpkin with the dip. Sprinkle with cinnamon and serve with fresh apple slices, vanilla wafers or ginger snaps.

For more information, go to maryannscupboards.com or contact Mary Ann Wilcox at wilcoxfun@aol.com. Mary Ann has put the finishing touches on the second edition of her book, “Just Add Water,” in which she has included information on how to make and use pumpkin powder, and several recipes to use it with. She also has written a book titled, “Cooking and Using Beans.”

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Idaho Family Magazine | NOV/DEC 2023 15