Idaho Family 12 2019

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December 2019

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FAMILY FORGIVENESS A powerful gift

CALDWELL’S HOLIDAY LIGHTS Thank the street department

December is here, and with it, lots of holiday fun (see our calendar)

MR. ROGERS His valuable wisdom

Contents Features

Volume 7, Number 12 Publisher J.J. Plew Associate Publisher Adrianne Goff Adrianne@globalpsd.com

December 2019

Family forgiveness

4

The Bell Ringer

5

A powerful gift

Columns 6 The Horney Village

Holiday parenting

Editor Gaye Bunderson editorgaye@gmail.com Sales & Marketing J.J. Plew jj@idahofamilymagazine.com 208-697-2043

Holiday rock concert

Contributors Daniel Bobinski, Jessie Horney, Sandy McDaniel, Mary Ann Wilcox

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.

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Departments

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His valuable wisdom

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12 14

In Each Edition 3 Editor’s Intro

Street department does Caldwell proud

8 Family Events Calendar

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December 2019

Sponsor of

$10 OFF WEDN

ESDAYS

CALDW EL HOLIDA L’S Y LIGHTS Than

k the stree t departme nt

FAMILY FORGIV ENESS A powerful gift

MR. RO GERS His valuable

wisdom

December of holiday is here, and with it, lots fun (see our calendar)

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EDITOR’S Intro

Street department does Caldwell proud

M

y family has embraced the City of Caldwell Christmas lights decorations along Indian Creek for going on five years now. We’re completely hooked. We drive over on a day early in December, just as soon as it’s dark, and take in the sights. Last year, there were even more lights to see, as there were decorations along the creek near the town’s new movie theater, Luxe Reel Theatre. This year, a million lights will colorfully brighten the town for its Winter Wonderland extravaganza. And, yes, Winter Wonderland is its official name and has been since its inception 12 years ago.

I originally thought the community must bring in a Christmas light decorating company to hang the Winter Wonderland displays, but I’ve learned that the entire arrangement is actually set up by the Caldwell Street Department, which amazes me. It’s incredibly beautiful, and some of the lighted designs are right in the middle of Indian Creek itself. Kudos to the street department, and to the town of Caldwell for putting on such a great show every year.

In a brief phone conversation with Susan Miller, assistant to Caldwell Mayor Garret Nancolas, she informed me that members of the street department — headed up by Caldwell Streets Superintendent Gordon Reed — even create and design the displays; and in past years, those have included a fire-breathing dragon and a ferris wheel, among other huge highlights.

“We have a rock star street department,” Miller said.

None of this is meant to take away from other light shows in the area. We’ve been to and enjoyed the Idaho Botanical Garden light display and found it beautiful as well. But what amazes me about the Caldwell display is that it is entirely free. I hope this doesn’t make our family sound cheap, but let’s be honest, it’s hard to beat free.

When we go, we generally get out of the car and walk across the Indian Creek bridge near Treasure Valley Community College, then follow the path around and ogle the displays both in and out of the water. Because it’s December, I admit we sometimes have to contend with the weather. The first time we went, it was an especially nice late-fall day. Since then, we’ve contended with wind, drizzle, and chilly temperatures.

The adverse weather doesn’t deter us from walking the path; it only makes us walk faster — which makes for a good cardiovascular workout, right?

One year, there was a large, old-style sleigh set up and we took turns sitting in it and snapping photos of each other. You know, like that stupid commercial says: “Take a selfie of me.”

holidays and viewing the bright lights. We’ve been impressed by the trouble people go to to decorate their homes. Colored lights blink amidst nativity scenes and snowmen — and sometimes entire ‘snowfamilies,’ if you will. We do, however, also applaud people’s minor attempts to decorate their yard with just a humble wooden Santa. It says, “Hey, we tried.” It’s an effort, and the Bundersons appreciate that.

Other free events we’ve attended are the turning on of the Christmas lights at Scentsy Commons (2018) and the lighting of the Christmas tree at The Grove in Boise (quite a while back) — all fine efforts by local businesses and communities, contributing to that wonderful “Christmas spirit” we all enjoy.

There are other displays in other communities not mentioned here for brevity.

But if I may, I’d like to give one last shoutout to the Caldwell community’s beautiful Christmas lights show. I would even go so far as to say: if you go, I promise you won’t be disappointed. No matter where you live in the area, I encourage to make the drive to Caldwell. It’s worth it.

— Gaye Bunderson, editor

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Idaho Family Magazine | DECEMBER 2019 3

THE BEST PRESENT

Family forgiveness: a powerful gift

By Daniel Bobinski

T

he holidays are upon us. It’s that I didn’t know why, but I genuinely disdained time of year when families and the name Daniel, even though all my official friends tend to gather to share documents, such as airline tickets and meals and exchange gifts. And, in mortgage papers, required it. addition to bringing gifts to these gatherings, I remember getting into a small verbal many of us also bring baggage. Let’s face it. tug-of-war with a mortgage lender because I The people we love the most can sometimes wouldn’t sign their paperwork with, “Daniel be the people who have hurt us the most.

Bobinski.” And then there was the time I If you were raised in a loving and nurturing was opening a bank account and the branch home, consider yourself blessed. If every manager was reading my name out loud off friend you’ve ever had has been only kind my driver’s license. Even I was surprised at to you, then that, too, would be a wonderful how high her eyebrows went up after I gritted blessing. But not everybody has that. my teeth and said, “My name is Dan.” When Daniel Bobinski Perhaps you’ve heard it said that when you she asked what my mother’s maiden name was, I don’t forgive somebody, it affects you a lot more than it got even more tense. affects them. I’m here to tell you there’s a lot of truth in that It wasn’t too long after that that I realized the source of statement. my frustration was baggage from my relationship with my My mother passed on a little over 10 years ago. Obviously, mother. Every time she was upset with me, she would grit her she loved me, but she didn’t always know how to show it. I teeth and say, “Daniel,” in a demeaning voice. doubt she truly understood me, and she often referred to me That awareness rolled through my head for a few years, but as stupid. Later in her life she became very controlling and the emotional pain was still too deep to deal with. I didn’t even vengeful. feel safe letting down my protective boundary.

I’m not saying this to air my family’s laundry. I just want to Then something strange happened. Within a week’s time, set the stage and say that after decades of increasing verbal two friends commented independently that I got tense and emotional abuse that continued after all the physical whenever the subject of my mother came up. These friends abuse she dished out during my childhood, I decided to draw didn’t know each other, but both suggested the exact same a boundary and limit our communications. thing: “I think you need to forgive your mother.”

Unfortunately, a problem remained. Every time someone After hearing this suggestion twice in one week — both called me “Daniel,” I would instantly correct them and say, times coming from good friends — I realized there was “My name is Dan.” Sometimes I was almost rude about it.

Continued on Page 13

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THE BELL RINGER

Rock concert to play at Nampa Civic Center

By Gaye Bunderson

P

eter Orullian of Seattle took a common holiday figure — one frequently ignored and often merely tolerated — and turned him into a vivid character that is the central figure of his new show, The Bell Ringer.

The Bell Ringer is part rock, part symphony, and part Broadway.

“It’s not a play and not a musical. It’s a Christmas concert.

It’s a holiday rock concert, but the songs feel like Broadway.

It’s rock integrated with symphony,” Orullian said. “It tells a story through lyrics, but there is also a narrator; and it weaves music with narrative.”

The Bell Ringer will be performed at Nampa Civic Center at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4. It is the first of four performances in venues in Seattle, Salt Lake, and Portland.

Asked during a recent phone interview why parents in the Treasure Valley would want to take their children to see The Bell Ringer, Orullian answered: “First of all, though there are elements of a rock show, there’s no offensive language and nothing objectionable.”

The story of a homeless bell ringer has, in Orullian’s words, “a redemptive message that resonates during the holidays.”

The main character is also a very interesting protagonist, a man who has had a difficult life, grew up as an orphan, and experienced many losses, but who in the end is able to use all he’s been through to help others.

After the itinerant man takes a job as a bell ringer, he has a number of special encounters.

A poor woman walks up to him with the intent of putting coins in his kettle. The bell ringer shakes his head no to say, “Don’t put money in,” as he feels for her poverty. But she has more faith in humanity than him, and she shows it by putting money in the kettle.

A young mother comes by who has a daughter who is terminally ill but who wants to see Santa. The bell ringer, who lost his own daughter, is dressed like Santa and goes to see the girl. He asks her what she wants for Christmas, and her reply isn’t about anything material. She wants everyone to have a lot of joy. “She wants them to trust the story of Christmas,” Orullian said.

A young woman comes up to the bell ringer railing against Christmas. But then he steps up and, in a song, counters her cold outlook and fosters hope. At one point he says he won’t be deterred by the young woman’s views: “I’m going to stand in the cold, and you’ll hear of my convictions,” he says.

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After all his encounters, and though he remains homeless, the bell ringer manages to find a sense of peace.

“The bell ringer has been through so many trials in his life that he is the right person to help the people he encounters, and he learns through all this that he has value and something to give. He has no money, no means, no status, no friends — but he’s had experiences,” Orullian said.

The Bell Ringer is less than 2 hours in length and features a cast of 12. Music is by the progressive rock band Symphony North and features musicians from as far away as Sweden, Spain, Russia, and Turkey. Orullian is composer and producer. He is also a published novelist and the former front man for Seattle bands Heir Apparent and Fifth Angel.

A portion of the proceeds from The Bell Ringer will be given Continued on Page 15

Happy Holidays From our home to yours.

w w w. c h i l d r e n s h o m e s o c i e t y. c o m Idaho Family Magazine | DECEMBER 2019 5

THE HORNEY Village

Holiday parenting: it’s not a contest

By Jessie Horney

T

here is a horrifying video clip from my first Christmas as a mother, one I hope you never see.

I’m at my in-laws house in eastern Washington.

The room is lit by twinkly tree lights and candles, a cozy scene of holiday cheer. The family is laying on the floor staring at my baby, our firstborn and also the firstborn grandchild. Everyone is talking to her and kissing her with the kind of adoration saved for childless aunts and uncles.

And then...

Then.

My 4-month-old baby screeches, a voice trick she had learned that December, and I am heard telling the room that we’re trying to curb that by pressing our finger to her mouth when she does it. Because we don’t want it to become a bad habit.

Even as I type this seven years later, my chest is heavy, and I feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment. What in the world was I thinking? She was an infant, folks. A baby learning to interact with the world around her. But the screeching was loud, she was the first baby anyone had brought around at the holidays, and I felt an enormous sense of pressure as I “parented” in front of our family. I was the first mother amongst my husband’s siblings and spouses, and every decision felt monumental, felt observed, felt questioned.

And by the way, my husband has a wonderful family of people who are my dear friends. But still, I felt like I was on a reality show called “Horney Parenting” (would watch) with a hostile live audience, score cards, and circus music in the background.

I’m one of seven kids, with 20 grandkids and counting for my parents, which means even more opinions about who’s doing what right or wrong with their kids. By now

there are also 9 grandchildren on the Horney side (that’s 23 first cousins for my kids, if anyone is counting). Add in the fact that most of our friends are also deep into the raising young children game, and we are now constantly parenting beside other people, constantly in huge groups of kids, and constantly questioning ourselves and comparing how kids are turning out. Whose kids fight too much? Whose kids whine a lot? Which kids get away with everything and which kids make the most trouble? Which kids seem to be great but it must be an accident because their parents actually kind of suck at this? Which parents seem to have it all together and also HOW? Even as we aim for the solidarity of foxhole partners and friends, we so fear any undercurrents of judgment that it’s easy to get swept away in our defense of each decision or mistake, constantly restructuring our “philosophies” in ways that make us seem intentional, wise, effective — even as we question ourselves at every turn.

The fishbowl vulnerability of parenting is never more evident than when we’re sharing a home for the holidays or on vacation, spending extended amounts of time with small groups of people. There’s no hiding our kids’ behaviors after a few hours together. There’s no way I can go a whole weekend without showing irritation, without my kids showing disrespect, without our family unit looking like a pile of garbage people at one point or another.

So as we approach the holidays and prepare ourselves for long weekends stuck inside with all the children and all the expectations, how can we be generous as we parent shoulder to shoulder? How can we be helpful? What can we do for each other, with each other, that benefits our families and our friendships?

“Her kids’ success cannot be her trophies, nor their failures her noose.”

6 DECEMBER 2019 | Idaho Family Magazine

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“Parenting is hard. So be kind to each other.”

My wise friend Heather once told me that in order to maintain mental health as a mother, she holds tight to this truth: Her kids’ success cannot be her trophies, nor their failures her noose. Think about that: their success cannot be our trophy, nor their failures our noose. This is at once a welcome release and a painful surrender, right? Because I want to brag about how smart he is, how responsible she is, repeat the jokes they tell, announce the joy they bring.

And I want to downplay their downfalls, or I want to blame them for their own behavior in a way that excuses me from the equation because I am afraid of being a failure, hung by my own deficiencies. But what if I didn’t feel the need to swing either direction? What if the joy of my children was a neutral fact in my life, a truth that I trusted enough to make itself evident without conversational cajoling? What if the exquisite souls of my children were allowed to exist without simplified parental diagnosis, without my eye-rolling dismissal of poor behavior or difficult personality traits? What if I remembered that my kids are beautiful, complicated human beings...and that yours are too?

This season, under twinkly lights, around the dessert plates, during card games or Home Alone marathons or snowy days at the cabin, remember this: Parenting is hard. So be kind to each other. Rock the baby to sleep for your tired sister-in-law. Take the wild little cousins for a walk. Read some Calvin and Hobbes with the big kids. Be honest about how hard fathering and mothering really is, and be generous with your praise and your time. These kids are with us for but a moment — a blur of footy pajamas and sticky hot cocoa faces that will soon sleep in on Christmas morning and only want gifts that we barely understand...and for but a moment do we get to raise them together. Side by side in the crowded, warm living rooms of these precious years of parenting, we are in this together. Merry Christmas, dear friends. You’re doing great.

I know it.

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Jessie Horney is a freelance writer and poet. Find her at www.horneymomtellsall.com.

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Idaho Family Magazine | DECEMBER 2019 7

CALENDAR Holiday Food Drop-Off

Nampa Public Library will be accepting donations of non-perishable food items for the Nampa Care House through December 31. Drop your donations off at the library at 215 12th Ave. S. in downtown Nampa. For more information, go to nampalibrary.libcal.com.

Holiday STEM

Holiday STEM is an offering of Boise Parks & Recreation and is for children ages 3½ to 6. Tis the season for STEM activities and challenges connected to Christmas trees and holiday fun.

Classes will take place December 3-17. For more information, see the fall activity guide at cityofboise.org (under Pre-School STEM).

The Nutcracker Ballet & Nutcracker Jr.

The Eugene Ballet will present The Nutcracker at 7 p.m. December 3-4 in Jewett Auditorium on the College of Idaho campus in Caldwell.

See the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, fly away to the Snow Kingdom and the Land of the Sweets, and battle the Mouse King and his pirate henchmice. Then, Nutcracker Jr. will be presented at 1 and 6 p.m. Thursday, December 5, also at Jewett, featuring all the wonder of The Nutcracker but in a smaller shell. It is a 1-hour performance for younger children. In conjunction with these programs, Clara’s Tea Party is set for 5:30 p.m. December 3-4 and at 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 7 p.m. December 5, at the Langroise Center next to Jewett. These are presentations of Caldwell Fine Arts. For tickets or more information, go to caldwellfinearts.org or call 208-459-5275.

Ada Library Activities

Ada County Library branches feature a number of family- and youth-friendly programs. Following is a brief list of events for December. For more information, visit the website or call the number listed for each branch.

Lake Hazel Branch Library, www.adalib.org/ lakehazel, 208-297-6700 • December 4, 4:30 p.m., Book Foods, tasty treats from your favorite books, ages 8-11 • December 9, 4:30 p.m., Garden Lab, all things gardening (with fun), ages 5-11 • December 12 at 4:30 for ages 12-18 and December 18 at 4:30 for ages 8-11, Murder Mystery Victory Branch Library, www.adalib.org/ victory, 208-362-0181 • December 14, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Holiday Graham Cracker Cottages, supplies provided, all ages • December 16, 4:30 p.m., Blessing Bags, fill bags with unused personal items for the Women’s and Children’s Alliance, ages 12-18 Hidden Springs Branch Library, www.adalib. org/hiddensprings, 208-229-2665 • December 17, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Make-and-Take Graham Cracker Cottages, supplies provided, all family members of all ages welcome

First Thursday in Downtown Boise

First Thursday continues year-round in downtown Boise. From 5 to 9 p.m., visitors may stroll through shops and galleries, enjoy in-store entertainment and special events. First Thursdays in 2019 and early in 2020 are December 5 and January 2. Go to downtownboise.org for a full schedule of all that is going on each month.

Downtown Boise Santa

Come tell Santa your Christmas wishes and get your picture taken with Old St. Nick at D.L. Evans Bank, 890 W. Main St. in Boise. The first Santa visits take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, December 5, and then will continue on Saturdays, December 7, 14, and 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Donations will benefit the Women’s & Children’s Alliance. For more info, go to downtownboise.org.

Buy Idaho Holiday Market

The 8th Annual Buy Idaho Holiday Market is set for 1 to 10 p.m. Thursday, December 5, at the Linen Building, 1402 W. Grove St. in Boise.

There will be holiday festivities and fun, and Idaho businesses will showcase their products.

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For times and other information as it becomes available, go to christmasinmeridian.org.

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Boise State University Holiday Concert

Presented by the Department of Music at Boise State, the annual Holiday Concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, December 6, at the Morrison Center on the BSU campus. Tickets to the holiday program are: adults, $10; seniors 60 and above, $8; and children, $2. Go to morrisoncenter.com.

National Believe Day Letter Drop-Off

Macy’s holds an annual Believe campaign to get community members in the spirit of wishes and the holiday season. Macy’s will donate $1 for every letter written to Santa dropped off in-store — up to $1 million from November 1 to December 24 — to Make-A-Wish. National Believe Day will be held December 6, and on this day, Macy’s will donate $2 per letter dropped off, up to an additional $1 million. The community is invited to go to Macy’s in Boise Towne Square Mall at 4:45 p.m. to write or drop off letters they have written. For more information, go to idaho.wish.org.

Boise Christmas Show

The annual Boise Christmas Show at Expo Idaho is set for December 6-8. Event hours are: Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit expoidaho.com.

Free Children’s Christmas Party

Children (ages 3 years to 6th grade) are invited to celebrate the Christmas season with games, crafts, songs, stories and, of course, cake and ice cream from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, December 7, at New Covenant Baptist Church, 624 Lake Lowell in Nampa. RSVP to marshadianelane@gmail.com to ensure there are enough supplies for all guests.

Also, please arrive 15 minutes early for registration so that the party may begin on time.

Treasure Valley Night Light Parade

The 17th annual Treasure Valley Night Light Parade kicks off at 6 p.m. Saturday, December 7, at O’Conner Field House in Caldwell. The parade will run along Blaine Street and end at 5th Avenue.

For more information, call 208-459-7493.

“Mele Kalikimaka: A World Celebration of Christmas”

Presented by Millennial Choirs & Orchestras, “A World Celebration of Christmas” will feature hundreds of musicians, youth choirs, a Grand Chorus, and a symphony orchestra all beginning at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, December 7, at the Morrison Center. To purchase tickets in advance, go to morrisoncenter.com.

Holiday Bazaar at the Elks Lodge

Stop by anytime from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, December 7, at the Boise Elks Lodge, 6608 W. Fairview Ave., and enjoy a free cup of hot chocolate or coffee and explore a variety of

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of Events vendors displaying handmade items, crafts, artisan glass pieces, succulents, natural bath and body products, metalworks, quilts, and woodworking.

There will also be a Cup Bop food truck and a free kids’ scavenger hunt with prizes. For more information, call 208-353-2678. (A similar event is set for December 14.)

Christmas Train Show

Everyone is welcome to stop in and see the Christmas Train Show at the main branch of Boise Public Library. The trains may be viewed from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, December 7, and from noon to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, December 8.

Two huge operating model railroad layouts will be presented free of charge, courtesy of Boise Public Library and the Rocky Mountain Hi-Railers.

There will be a hands-on children’s display, with trains to run and buttons to push. Come see vintage steam locomotives with smoke and whistles — freight trains, passenger trains, flashing lights and signals, and lots of scenery. Call 208-972-8200 for more information.

Beginning December, 2019 Please send family-related calendar items to editorgaye@gmail.com

Cookie Bear Pancake Breakfast & Gingerbread Festival

Decorate pancakes, make holiday crafts, and meet the Cookie Bear character for storytime, dancing and photos at his life-sized gingerbread house at the Galaxy Event Center at Wahooz from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, December 7. Go to www. wahoozfunzone.com for more information. Tickets are available at www.myidahotix.com.

Ice Show

The annual Ice Show co-produced by Idaho IceWorld and the Boise Figure Skating Club will be held Sunday, December 8, at times still to be determined. This show is professionally choreographed and features local youngsters. It has become an IceWorld tradition so big there are two sold-out shows every year, with tickets selling out early. Because of the popularity of the show, it has been moved to CenturyLink Arena. Go to idahoiceworld.com for more information.

Santa Claws and Paws

Attend Santa Claws and Paws from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, December 8, at Bark n Purr, 1036 S. Vista Ave. in Boise. Get a memorable photo of

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your pet with Santa for $25 or $20 with a cat food donation to help feed cats living outside on their own in the cold. Proceeds will be used by Operation Community Cats to spay and neuter outdoor cats.

For more information, visit occidaho.org.

What’s the Big Idea? Family Storytime

Enjoy stories, songs, and hands-on learning during What’s the Big Idea? Family Storytime at 11:30 a.m. Monday, December 9, at the main branch of Boise Public Library. All ages are welcome. For more information, call 208-972-8201.

Pregnancy & Birth Workshop

Darcy Clark of La Luz Midwifery will teach a Pregnancy & Birth Workshop from 6 to 8 p.m.

Monday, December 9, in Multipurpose Room A at Nampa Public Library. Come learn about choosing a care provider and place of birth, prenatal tests and procedures, childbirth education classes, doulas, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and evidence-based resources on pregnancy and birth.

Bring your partner or support person and attend the class together. For more information, go to nampalibrary.libcal.com.

Idaho Family Magazine | DECEMBER 2019 9

DIY Holiday Gifts: Spice Blends

CALENDAR of Events

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis A Mannheim Steamroller Christmas program will be presented Tuesday, December 10, at Ford Idaho Center in Nampa, beginning at 7 p.m.

For tickets and other information, go to http:// www.fordidahocenter.com/events/mannheimsteamroller-by-chip-davis.

Who-Ville Holiday Night

ack’s Urban Meeting Place in downtown Boise will be all decked out like Who-Ville for the holiday presentation of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, December 12. Attend the showing and enjoy a Grinch-inspired dinner, trivia, and some surprises. For more information or to register, go to JUMP’s master calendar and click on register.jumpboise.org.

JUMP Flavorful Fairytales

The December Flavorful Fairytales program at JUMP will center around the classic book, “The Mitten,” about several woodland creatures who all try to squeeze into one wool mitten to stay warm. The program begins at 4:30 p.m. Friday, December 13, in the JUMP Share Studio. After the story, participants will make a mitten craft and then warm up in the kitchen with hot chocolateflavored oatmeal bowls. There is a ticket price per participant, and all ages are welcome with a parent. Registration ends Wednesday, December 11. For more information or to register, go to JUMP’s master calendar and click on register. jumpboise.org.

Santa’s Workshop

Children ages 3-12 are invited to spend 2 hours making holiday crafts, playing games and decorating cookies at Santa’s Workshop from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, December 14, at the

cont.

Nampa Rec Center. Cost is $5 for members and $6 for non-members. Advance registration is recommended. Call 208-468-5858 for more information.

Handmade Holiday

Meet Santa, sing carols, make wreaths, and create holiday decorations at the free Handmade Holiday event for the entire family from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, December 14, at the Dick Eardley Senior Center, 690 Robbins Rd. in Boise. Go to cityofboise.org for more information.

Santa’s Rock Shop

The Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology, 2455 Old Penitentiary Rd. in Boise, will host Santa’s Rock Shop from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, December 14. Find something for your special rock hound, including books, jewelry, polished stones, fossils and more. Admission is free, and the museum is heated. The Rock Shop will be held at the same time as Dollar Day at the Old Pen. For more information, go to idahomuseum.org.

Teen Night: Jólabókaflóð

Teens are invited to the Library! at Bown Crossing every Tuesday for special programming. There will be different activities every week, and snacks and drinks will be provided. Jólabókaflóð /yo-la-boka-flot/ is Icelandic for “Christmas Book Flood.”

Teens ages 13-18 may come to the library branch from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 17, and learn about the Icelandic tradition of reading books all day and eating chocolate. Relax near the library’s warm fireplace with a good book, cup of tea, and some yummy chocolates. For more information, call 208-972-8366.

MORRISON CENTER IDAHO’S PREMIER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

ON THE CAMPUS OF

BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY

Finish up your holiday shopping by making four different spice blends in this hands-on program at JUMP in downtown Boise from 6 to 7 p.m.

Tuesday, December 17.

Blends include mulling spice, ranch, Mexican spice, and herbs de provence. There will also be a dinner created by using each blend. The program is for ages 12 and up. Registration ends Sunday, December 15. For more information or to register, go to JUMP’s master calendar and click on register. jumpboise.org.

The Bell Ringer

The new holiday rock opera The Bell Ringer will be performed at the Nampa Civic Center at 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 18. The show features former Trans-Siberian Orchestra members Jody Ashworth and Valerie Vigoda, and combines rock music with storytelling. The Bell Ringer centers around ideas of selflessness and self-worth, and will employ the talents of musicians from as far away as Sweden, Spain, Russia, and Turkey. A portion of the proceeds from The Bell Ringer will be donated to the Toys for Tots Literacy Program.

For tickets and other information, go to https:// nampaciviccenter.com/events/events-tickets/.

Know What’s for Dinner

Go to the Nampa Public Library each month for “Eat Smart Idaho,” a series of programs presented by the University of Idaho Extension.

The December topic is “Plan – Know What’s for Dinner.” The class will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 18, in the library’s multipurpose room. Participants will learn how to use meal planning to save time and money, help them eat smarter, and develop a one-week meal plan and grocery list for their planned menu.

Try out new recipes and learn how to budget for healthier meals; receive healthy living items and kitchen utensils during each class. For more information, go to nampalibrary.libcal.com.

Velma V. Morrison FAMILY THEATRE SERIES

Tic k ets o nly inc l m ost f $10 ees

Jason Bishop: Straight Up Magic Thursday, March 19, 2020 • 7:30 PM

Dog Man: The Musical

Friday, May 22, 2020 • 7:00 PM

Suppor t by Morrison Center Volunteers, Greenbelt Magazine, IdahoPT V, KBOI Channel 2, and Morrison Center Endowment Foundation

TICKETS: MC BOX OFFICE • (208) 426-1110 • MORRISONCENTER.COM 10 DECEMBER 2019 | Idaho Family Magazine

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Belegarth Medieval Combat

Kids ages 12-18, demolish your friends, get exercise, and have a blast from 5 to 6 p.m.

Thursday, December 19, at Nampa Public Library.

Belegarth Medieval Combat Society is a fun, safe and inexpensive sport where participants wear medieval or fantasy-themed clothing and fight with foam-padded weapons. The rules are easy to learn.

For more information, go to nampalibrary.libcal.com.

Ballet Idaho – The Nutcracker

Ballet Idaho’s beloved holiday classic, now with all new sets and costumes, will be perfomed at the Morrison Center December 19-23. More than 100 children from the Ballet Idaho Academy will grace the stage with professional company members for a larger than life production. For tickets and other information, go to morrisoncenter.com.

The Nutcracker Suite

The Boise Ballet Academy will present The Nutcracker Suite at 7 p.m. Friday, December 20, at the Nampa Civic Center. For tickets and other information, go to nampaciviccenter.com.

Christmas Light Tour

Experience the beauty of Christmas through the sparkle of lights, with the Nampa Recreation Center’s Light Tour. The tour will visit spectacular light displays around Nampa and make a stop at Starbucks for warm beverages. The tour takes place December 20-21, with boarding at 5:45 p.m. and bus departure at 6 p.m. from the Rec Center.

Cost is $6 per person.

Winter Solstice Market

Go to Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, December 21, and finish (or start) your holiday shopping as vendors show their goods. It’s the shortest day and the longest night of the year, marking the time when the days begin to grow longer again. Why not spend it shopping — and/or ice skating and dining? For more information, go to indiancreekplaza.com.

Procrastinator’s Dream Christmas at Ford Idaho Center

This event is set for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, December 21, at Ford Idaho Center in Nampa.

Highlights include more than 200 vendors, glass art, stone and woodworking, treats, a scavenger hunt, live music, comedy from the Praynksters, and much more. Both admission and parking are free. For more details, go to http://www. fordidahocenter.com/events/procrastinatorsdream-christmas.

Procrastinator’s Dream Christmas at Kleiner Park The Center in the Park, 1920 N. Records Way in Meridian, will be the site of this event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, December 21. Along with craft items, there will be eats and treats from vendors, a comedy sketch at 10 a.m., a meet and greet with Santa, and more. Call 208-353-2678 for more information.

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JOIN US FOR MONTHLY PROGRAMS TODDLER WEDNESDAY

First Wednesday of the month, 10 a.m. - noon December 4 Collage with yarn.

Come make art together. Dress for mess!

Drop-in, designed for children under 6 years of age.

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Bowling with Santa

STUDIO ART EXPLORATION

Let the good times roll with the Jolly Old Elf and Mrs. Claus from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, December 21, at Pinz Bowling Center at Wahooz Family Fun Zone in Meridian. Kids will get unlimited bowling, shoe rentals, cookies and cocoa, and time with Santa for just $10 (plus tax). Family members may join in the fun for $10 too.

Community Breakfast

On Saturday, December 28, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Nampa Eagles Lodge, 118 11th Ave. N., a community breakfast will be available for just $5. The Nampa Eagles Lodge holds community breakfasts on specific Saturdays throughout the year to help various charities through the monies raised. Families are welcome. Call 208-442-7777 for more information.

First Thursday of the month, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

December 5 Ceramics & Textiles of the Southwest: Gifts of the Carley Collection

Create a patterned design on clay.

Drop-in, designed for all ages.

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

FAMILY ART SATURDAY Last Saturday of the month, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

December 28 Ceramics & Textiles of the Southwest: Gifts of the Carley Collection

Create designs with yarn.

Drop-in, designed for all ages.

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Noon Year’s Eve

Can’t stay up until midnight? Come ring in the new year in a kid-friendly way with crafts, treats and a big countdown to noon. Everyone is welcome at the Library! at Cole & Ustick from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31.

Call 208-972-8300 for more information.

Noon Year’s Eve Party

Winter Garden Aglow

The 2019 Winter Garden Aglow at the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise will run through Saturday, January 4. Go to idahobotanicalgarden.org for more details.

The entire family can celebrate New Year’s without staying up late at Wahooz in Meridian from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. December 31. Enjoy all kinds of games, then participate in the countdown at noon, with a balloon drop and a bubble wrap stomp. There will also be an all-younampa rec department’s can-eat pizza buffet.

For costs and other information, go to www. wahoozfunzone.com.

Wahooz New Year’s Eve Party

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the whole family from 5 p.m. to midnight December 31, at Wahooz, Pinz, and the Indoor Adventure Park. There will be all kinds of games and an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet. For costs and other information, go to www.wahoozfunzone. com.

DECEMBER 20 OR 21 BOARDING AT 5:45PM DEPART NAMPA REC CENTER AT 6PM

$6

sponsored by

per person

Refreshments provided during the tour by

Christmas Light Tour

GET YOUR TICKETS ONLINE AT NAMPARECREATION.ORG OR CALL 208-468-5858 FOR MORE INFO.

Idaho Family Magazine | DECEMBER 2019 11

THANK YOU, MR. ROGERS

Valuable lessons from a TV icon

By Sandy McDaniel

O

3. “Even if you can’t forgive, forget.” One ne of my most favored, of the best skills I’ve learned in therapy was, “If inspirational teachers is Fred you can’t change it, turn it into a butterfly and let Rogers. His unlimited capacity to it go.” What people don’t realize is that each of love everyone, especially children, us is a generator; when we send out anger, it goes and to walk into children’s fears and lessen through us first. When we send out love, it goes them with awareness and understanding, were through us first. It is easy to judge, especially since unparalleled. He understood that slow, easy we never have all the information around what talk is what small children need, so their brains happened to another person. Judgment is an “I’m can absorb information and ideas and their better than you” thought and destroys the bridge hearts can open because they are safe. I have of trust between yourself and another person. seen the recent documentaries about him and Forgiveness, especially for your personal health, is a will go see what Tom Hanks contributes to our Sandy McDaniel gift you give yourself. understanding of everybody’s friend, Mr. Rogers.

4. “Strength and violence aren’t synonyms. Most of Recently, Newsweek published a special edition magazine us, I believe, admire strength. It’s something we tend to simply called, “Mr. Rogers.” I would like to take the main respect in others, desire for ourselves and wish for our ideas from “Everything I Need to Know I Learned From Mr. children. Sometimes, though, I wonder if we confuse Rogers” and add my own comments: strength with other words — like aggression and even 1. “Nobody is pain free. There’s no ‘should’ or violence. Real strength is neither male nor female; but ‘should not’ when it comes to having feelings.” it is, quite simply, one of the finest characteristics that a I’ve seen parents teach children to stuff their feelings by saying human being can possess.” things like, “Man up!” when a child is hurt. If speaking your How far from these ideas have we strayed, and how much truth causes a parent to go into a rage, a child learns to stuff further can we go? Strength and violence are NOT synonymous. all feelings. When a parent is saying, “You shouldn’t feel that 5. “Being a parent is necessarily the most important way...” a child stuffs his / her feelings. thing you’ll do. When we choose to be parents, we 2. “Say ‘I love you’ whenever and however you can.

Loving people and animals and the world we live in is accept another human being as part of ourselves, and a large part of our emotional selves will stay with that the most important part of being alive.” person as long as we live. Our children are extensions I have several friends from countries other than America; they of ourselves.” are seldom hesitant to verbalize that they love me. They tell I believe God entrusts us with one of His precious souls. We are each other! I believe it is my mission to love everybody. That means I can dislike someone’s behavior and still choose to love asked to teach a child to be a reliable, respectful, responsible, resilient, loving human being. There are no re-runs in this game; the essence of who each of us is. What I have seen is that so many people long to be valued, appreciated, loved. The bridge one time through, you are the architect of a human being’s life.

You don’t have to do it alone. I have spent over 50 years to those things is to be noticed. guiding parents through the tumultuous waters of parenting. If One of my favorite “my life” stories happened when I was my thoughts resonate with you, read my books, see my videos walking up to the checkout desk at my dentist’s office. I had on YouTube, go to parentingsos.com or contact me (sandy@ been explaining to the assistant about my mission to love all parentingsos.com) for a private parenting session. Learn what a people. I turned around and faced a handsome young man, difference two hours can make. I am here to help! waiting his turn behind me. When he looked in my eyes, I That’s the tip of the iceberg of Fred Roger’s wisdom. I love smiled and softly said, “Good morning!” The assistant asked you, Mr. Rogers! aloud, “Is this where you tell him you love him?” I smiled and paused, and the man said, “She just did by noticing me.”

For more than 55 years, Sandy McDaniel has been an international speaker Be sure to say, “I love you!” It’s about cherishing the gift of and recognized authority on families and children. Author of five books, those you love and those who love you. It’s about being sure columnist, founder of parentingsos.com, she is a resident of Meridian and that those people have your love wrapped around them as they loves spending time with her three Idaho grandchicks. Semi-retired, she speaks navigate the many passages of life. And...if we don’t teach to schools, churches, and MOPS groups and provides parent coaching sessions in person and on the phone. She is available for parenting talks/trainings in the children to love animals and our precious world, they will be Treasure Valley and may be reached at sandy@parentingsos.com. Also, go to the victims.

YouTube: Sandy Spurgeon McDaniel to see videos on specific parenting issues.

12 DECEMBER 2019 | Idaho Family Magazine

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Family Forgiveness / Continued from Page 4 truth in their words. The thing is, I didn’t want to forgive my mother. She had hurt me a lot. But I had been carrying that pain around for decades, and it wasn’t going away. I decided my friends were right.

During an evening later that week, I got down on my knees in front of the fireplace in my home. I didn’t know where to start, so I just asked God to help me forgive my mother. I searched my heart and released forgiveness toward her.

It was a long evening. I think I spent several hours on that rug, asking for a change of heart. Afterwards, nothing really felt different. There were no fluttering angels and no great “a-ha’s.” I simply went to bed.

Then, two days later, somebody called me “Daniel,” and I noticed that I didn’t flinch. I was surprised that I didn’t grit my teeth and didn’t correct the person. Then, the day after that, somebody else called me Daniel, and it actually sounded good.

Before long, I was introducing myself to people as Daniel, and correcting them (politely) if they called me “Dan.” Although I never reconnected with my mother (she had

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passed away), I’m confident that my act of forgiving healed my heart.

Whenever I share this story with others, they often say it’s a powerful testimony about how freeing forgiveness can be. And so, I thought that by sharing it here on these pages during the holidays, it might give readers throughout the Treasure Valley a glimmer of hope and a gentle nudge. I’m guessing there’s someone you’ll see this holiday season that has caused pain in your past. Pain that you might have quietly stashed away, or pain that might be gnawing at you on the inside.

I’m here to say there’s freedom in forgiveness. Who knows?

It might be the best gift that you give — and receive — this holiday season.

Daniel Bobinski, M.Ed. is a best-selling author and a popular speaker at conferences and retreats. For more than 30 years he’s been working with teams and individuals (1:1 coaching) to help them achieve excellence. He was also teaching Emotional Intelligence since before it was a thing. Reach Daniel on his office phone, (208) 375-7606, or through his website, www.MyWorkplaceExcellence.com.

Idaho Family Magazine | DECEMBER 2019 13

BUSY-SEASON TIPS

Freeze it flat; save time and space

By Mary Ann Wilcox

W

ith kids’ sports, dance lessons and the like, you are probably on the run a great deal of the time and need to maximize the time you have when fixing meals. Here are some ideas for saving preparation time, freezer space and food that usually goes to waste.

How many times have you wanted a little bit of green bell pepper, or onion, but didn’t want to use the whole thing?

Or use 1/4 and have the other 3/4 go bad? Have you ever wanted a little shredded cheese, mushroom, bell pepper, onion, garlic, diced ham, shredded meat, but didn’t have time to chop / shred / dice it? Yeah, me too. Until I learned the coolest trick.

Go ahead and cut up the food the way you use it most often (diced, julienne, shredded, cubed, etc.). Use as much as you want. Put the rest in a zip-top baggie (any brand). Lay it flat so all the product is on 1 side. Only fill so the product (onion, etc.) is 1/2- to 1/3-inch thick. TIP: I always seem to use onion and garlic together so I put them together in the baggie to freeze — saves another step.

Freeze it!

Mary Ann Wilcox When you’re ready for a little bell pepper, etc., you can EASILY break off as much as you want since its only 1/4-inch thick or so. Then let the rest remain frozen till needed. TIP: shredded mozzarella cheese looks a lot like onion when frozen, so label the baggies. (We once put onion on top of a pizza.)

Voila’! Now you can make a super deluxe omelet in seconds. And without dirtying any extra tools. And you will reduce your grocery bill because you will never again waste 3/4 of a bell pepper, squash, onion, sauce, leftover meat, veggies, fruits, etc., etc., etc.

When items are frozen flat, you can fit considerably more in a given space than you could have in containers. Once the food is frozen (flat), you can organize it like books on a shelf.

A long, thin plastic box is perfect for sandwich-size baggies to be stored like a file drawer. I do this with lemon, lime, and orange zest. When they are on sale, I buy several, zest them, and freeze them flat. At any time I can break off a little and add it to any recipe. This also works great with ground beef.

It defrosts so much faster and more evenly, and we store it in a basket in the freezer, saving time and space.

I wish you the best — and happy savings until next time.

For more time-saving hints, go to wwwMaryAnnsCupboards.com.

When items are frozen flat, you can fit considerably more in a given space than you could have in containers.

14 DECEMBER 2019 | Idaho Family Magazine

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WEDNESDAY’S CHILD

The Bell Ringer / Continued from Page 5

Jordan a well rounded 14-year-old

to the Toys for Tots Literacy Program. “I like the idea of all kids getting toys for Christmas, but I also like the idea of them getting skills to build their own future through literacy,” Orullian said.

He also likes that the Toys for Tots program was originally started by members of the Marine Corps — the bell ringer is a veteran. While tending the kettle, he meets another veteran and the two connect over their shared experience.

If there is a “moral” or “lesson” from The Bell Ringer, it is, “Share your time and concern,” Orullian said. His goal for the performance is that audiences will be both entertained and edified.

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

Jordan, 14, is the very definition of the word resilient. A talented young man who isn’t afraid to just be himself, Jordan has an outgoing and respectful personality that makes it easy to get to know him. He is funny, inquisitive, confident, helpful and kind, and he always sees the best in any situation.

This well-rounded boy loves to be outdoors doing things like riding horses or 4-wheelers and caring for animals.

Jordan reports that he would love to live on a farm but would be happy living in town as well if it meant finding just the right family for him.

When he’s not having fun playing or working outdoors, Jordan can be found spending his time doing pretty much anything that brings out his creative side. He is extremely artistic and currently is into drawing, calligraphy, and crocheting. He plans to one day study art in college but might also want to be either a police officer or a truck driver when he is older. Some of the other interests that make Jordan unique include his passion for playing racing video games; watching the Green Bay Packers; listening to music by Three Days Grace; reading the “Michael Vey” book series; and laughing to Jeff Dunham’s comedy.

Jordan dreams of finding a Forever Family who values him for who he is and who will love, guide and support him as he becomes the kind of man who will make a difference with his life. A family who is active, fun, forgiving, loving and committed would be the perfect fit for this deserving young man. Jordan would truly thrive as an only child and dreams of being the center of someone’s world; however, he is also open to the possibility of having younger siblings. Though Jordan needs parents who will remain committed to helping him keep a strong relationship with his biological siblings, he is not opposed to the possibility of living outside of Idaho.

Jordan will truly be a blessing to any family who is lucky enough to call him their own. If you believe that this amazing young man might be just the right fit for your family, we would love to hear from you today (see below).

For more information on the Idaho Wednesday’s Child Program, visit www.idahowednesdayschild.org, or contact Recruitment Coordinator Shawn White at swhite52@ewu.edu or cell • 208-488-8989 if you have specific questions.

For ticket information, go to nampaciviccenter.com. For information about The Bell Ringer and Symphony North, go to symphonynorth.com.

Speech & Language Therapy Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Learning Academy Boise & Nampa Locations

208.466.1077 | www.BoiseChatterbox.com

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Idaho Family Magazine | DECEMBER 2019 15 • •

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16 DECEMBER 2019 | Idaho Family Magazine

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