FAMILY Magazine July/August 2016

July & August 2016 • Moms Just Know

Yoga For Kids Poetry in Motion Parent Hacks

Guide

BACK TO SCHOOL

A Busy Mom’s Valued Resource!

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Contributors President & Publisher:

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Jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

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Volume 10: Number 6

On the Cover:

Find the Hidden Acorn!

Thank you Sean & Morgan!

For your enjoyment and fun!

cover photographer Ann Reiff is one of Michiana’s Premiere Real Life

Photographers. Her heart and soul define her style, as she is able to capture the moments we wish to always remember. Ann shoots all varieties of sessions at her studio in Southwest Michigan and also loves doing shoots on location.

Contact her at: www.studio513east.com ann@studio513east.com 269-228-0373

TheFamilyMagazineOfMichiana

@FamilyMagazines

www.MichianaMom.com Please use the information compiled by Michiana Family Magazines for your research. Michiana Family Magazines recommends that parents and families interview each business or organization to make sure that it is safe and a good fit for your family. The information presented here and provided by Michiana Family Magazines is for informational purposes only and although every effort has been made to present accurate information, Michiana Family Magazines does not, in any way, accept responsibility for the accuracy of or consequences from the use of this information and/or for the businesses and organizations presented herein. We urge all parents and families to confirm any information given herein through additional research. The views and opinions expressed by the writers, event organizers and advertisers do not necessarily represent those of Michiana Family Publishing LLC, its officers, editors, staff or contributors.

TheFamilyMag THE

FamilyMagazine

FAMILY MAGAZINE | JULY & AUGUST 2016

3

F R O M T H E P U B LI S HER

Things We

Love Right Now! (at FAMILY)

T

he long wait for summer is finally over.

Summer is here at last yet it seems so fleeting. It seems like the 4th of July arrives, we have a cookout and watch the fireworks, and it’s time for back to school already. Before that happens, let’s talk about what’s happening in July and August since this is a combined issue.

I love summer with the warm weather and blue skies along with occasional thunderstorms. There is so much to do outdoors in the summer time – boating and swimming, cookouts and picnics, softball and baseball, golf and gardening. Summer vacations are always so much fun. And it seems like you can find an art fair or a street fair nearly every weekend in one place or another.

And there is nothing like a day at the beach.

I love to shop at all the little farm stands that spring up with fresh garden fruits and vegetables including everyone’s favorite, corn on the cob, along with tomatoes and peaches, blueberries, cherries and raspberries. My mom used to make the best fresh fruit pies in the summer and my favorite was peach although cherry and blueberry were close competition.

1. Summer Baby Due Dates 2. Preparing For Back-ToSchool 3. Late Night Pool Parties 4. Slumber Parties!

5. Yearly Family Camping Trip 6. Watermelon 7. Mommy Girls Trip

I love the long days when the sun comes up early and doesn’t set until late. You can get so much more done in the day and then wonder why you’re tired until you discover it’s 9 o’clock and the sun is still up. But, the warm sunny evenings are so pleasant you don’t want them to end.

8. Early Morning Sunrises

Then suddenly, the summer that began with fireworks and fun on the 4th of July is coming to an end. School starts up again in early August for some cities in the area. Michigan students get a reprieve and don’t go back until after Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer. How sad it feels sometimes. We wait all year for summer to arrive, only to have it last such a short time. But, never fear, it will return again next year. Enjoy it while it’s here; fall will be here soon enough.

10. Pony Tails & Flip Flops

And, what better way is there to pass some time sitting in the summer sun than to read FAMILY Magazine! We have some good reading for you including a special Back to School section. I know it’s a little early, but this is a combined July/ August issue. There is an article titled I don’t Want My Kids in a Ton of After-School Activities, another about Back-to-School Butterflies? Helping Your Child Calm the Jitters and 6 Smart Study Stations That Spell School Year Success. There is also a recipe for ice-cream sandwiches and some instructions for yoga for kids. So sit back, relax, enjoy the summer and enjoy this issue of FAMILY!

9. Festivals & Fairs

11. 4th Of July 12. Finishing Summer Projects

JuLY &

Check it Out!

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2016

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FAMILY MAGAZINE |

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NO 47

Pl ta ease ke o ne!

4Keeps

By: Casey Kiel

Like '4Keeps' on Facebook or visit CaseyKiel.com

FAMILY contributors

Jill Lebbin is a wife, mother, craft fanatic and DIY blogger at www.EveryDayisan Occasion.com. She and her husband Marcel have been married for five years and love living in Granger with their two spunky kids, Marcel Jr. and Lilly.

Noelle Elliott works in publicity. She is a writer and has been published on several websites and print publications.

She is the owner and creator of the esteemed bowchicabowmom.com where she humorously shares the triumphs and failures of raising her four young sons. She is also the creator of the succesful local staged production, The Mamalogues. She happily lives in South Bend.

Reader Testimonials “My kids love the craft ideas that FAMILY Magazine has! It brings out their imaginations!”

– Becky L.

Cole Pollyea is an aspiring film critic and a senior at Penn High School. Cole is also a loving older brother to three younger siblings.

Meagan Church is married to her high-school sweetheart and is the mother of 3 kids.

She is a writer and children’s book author. She is also the brainpower of the online resource Unexpectant, exploring the realities of birth, babies and beyond.

We’d LOVE to hear from you! CONTACT US AT....jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

“My grandma found this magazine for me and always brings me a few copies when she comes and visits!”

– Nicole E.

“I have bought several books talking about pregnancy but I always feel like the articles in FAMILY Magazine is more relatable. It definitely helps prepare me for delivery!”

– Casey M. THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | JULY & AUGUST 2016

5

the FAMILY magazine table

Of

Family Special Section

contents Live Your Best 4 From The Publisher 4 Things We Love Right Now 5 4Keeps Comic 5 Contributors & Testimonials

BACK TO SCHOOL

Family Craft

10 Decorate Your own T-Shirt the Easy Way

18 Homework Headquarters

By: Jill Lebbin

20 Back-to-School Butterflies?

11 Fourth of July Wreath

By: Alyssa Chirco

By: Achley Talmadge

By Jill Lebbin

8 The FAMILY Month Calendar

Family Book Reviews

Family Fun

12 Poetry In Motion By: Abbi Pollyea

7 If I Break

By Portia Moore Reviewed By: Sadie Kunze

7 Look at Us Now

By Bernadette Noll Reviewed By: Jackie Folkert

Family Kids

14 Confession: I Don’t Want My Kids in a lot of Afterschool Activities

Reviewed By: Cole Pollyea

8

By: Katie & Theresa Slott

Yummy Banana Ice Cream

By: Noelle Elliott

By: Meagan Church

28 Parent Hacks

25 Finding Dory

31 Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches

24 Forgiving Yourself For Past Mistakes

Family Movie Review Family Recipe

By: Meagan Church

26 20 Snacks Ideas for the Breastfeeding Mom

By Trisha Ashwood & Amy Nobile Reviewed By: Emily Zander

22 Dear Mom, Have You Been Hijacked?

By: Noelle Elliott

25 I Was A Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids

Mommy and Daddy

11

By: Meagan Church

30 What Does A Perfect Parent Look Like?

By: Noelle Elliott

28

FAMILY kids book review

If I Break

By Portia Moore Reviewed By: Sadie Kunze, Edwardsburg Middle School

T

his is no everyday happily ever after... A woman who wants to do just three simple things: be done with the small town lifestyle she was raised with, get accepted into the school of her dreams and not spend a load of money doing it. But, with some crazy ambitions she has no time to get distracted.

With two semesters left, everything is on track and a full course schedule is made.

Nothing is getting in the way of her now.

No extra hobbies, only school work, and definitely...no romance. But, then Prince Charming happens...Cal Scott decides to step in. His perfect figure, deep blue eyes, gorgeous hair, beautiful smile, he has to be hiding something! Lauren is not new at this whole love game. After being torn apart

once, she cannot bare to do it again, only an idiot could do that...right?

There is no way this guy was going to intrude this close to her fulfilling her dream.

This guy is trouble for sure but is this just what she needs right now. Or does she want it but buried with school work and work-work just not allow her to see it?

Four years of laying low and staying safe.

Maybe Lauren needs to live on the edge and take a risk. It’s not like she’s actually going to marry the guy right? No way will Miss Lauren Brooks ever be Mrs. Lauren Scott, unless she is.

Does falling in love with Mr. Prince Charming come with a price to pay or is she over thinking the entire thing. Would this

Photo courtesy:

Amazon.com

be the debt she was getting herself into?

This is not what Lauren asked for, this is not the trouble she needs. This to-be happily ever after may not be just the thing she was looking for. She knew that school, work and love is no great combination but Lauren never anticipated this. Cal has a secret. Is this the trouble she thought it was going to be or the romance she has now long needed?

FAMILY book review

Look At us Now: A Creative Family Journal

By Bernadette Noll

“E

verybody knows that Daddy is the tallest,” said my daughter as she doodled her daddy into the illustration on the journal page titled What Do We Love to Do Together Most? My kids determined that at this moment in Folkert Family History, our favorite activity is going for walks together.

Her little brother made sure that when she added him into the picture that she got him right for posterity. “Sissy, remember that my hair goes like this.” (He stroked his bangs.)

My five-year-old wants future generations to know what a stylish little dude he was.

Look at Us Now: A Creative Family Journal

by Bernadette Noll is equal parts scrapbook, journal and activity book--an engaging combo for young families. Designed for families to complete together, it’s filled with cute questions that make you pause and reflect on what life looks like right now. Noll’s

Reviewed By: Jackie Folkert

playful prompts for writing and sketching include the seemingly mundane (What does family dinner look like?) and the fanciful (If someone saw us doing this they’d think we were crazy.) Each page of the journal draws out the family’s appreciation for one another.

Add this book to your family library so you have a go-to plan for family time. Everybody gets involved to reflect on what they love most about the family. The artsy kid gets the role of sketching, the leader gets to read the prompt aloud, the antsy kid gets to paste pictures onto pages.

And the best part for mom? The journal gets mom off the hook to create an elaborate family scrapbook. Instead of you authoring your family’s book of memories, the whole family works together.

Pluck the journal from the shelf if you need an ice-breaker for family dinner conversation.

The book gets you beyond “So how was school today?” to “What would make a magical family party?” or “What is in our lives that make us the luckiest family in the world?”

Bernadette Noll is the author of Slow Family Living and the cofounder of SlowFamilyLiving.com. Her writing has been featured in Mothering, Parents and other publications. She lives in Austin, TX, with her four children.

Photo courtesy: Amazon.com

THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | JULY & AUGUST 2016

7

JULY 4

Happy 4th of July!

22

15

Mary Poppins

EnviroFest 2016

7:00, St Pat’s Park South Bend

5:30 PM - 9:00 PM Wellfield Botanic Gardens

8

Downtown South Bend First Fridays

1 2 3 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th Fr Sa Su

Yummy Banana Ice Cream Ingredients: -

6 Ripe Bananas

-

1 Tablespoon Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

-

¾ Cup Light Corn Syrup

-

1 Vanilla Bean, Scraped

-

1 ½ Cups Heavy Cream

Directions: 1. Place bananas in freezer and freeze overnight. Remove bananas from freezer and allow to thaw for 45 minutes to an hour. Peel and place in a bowl along with the lemon juice.

Summertime Maternity Fashion

2. Process for 10-15 seconds and add corn syrup and vanilla bean seeds.

3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and process until smooth.

4. Chill mixture in refrigerator until it reaches 40 degrees.

5. Transfer mixture to an ice cream maker and process.

All In The Dots

Floral Mini

(www.glamradar.com)

(www.pinkblushmaternity.com)

8

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FAMILY MAGAZINE |

JULY & AUGUST 2016

Black Maxi (www.shopstyle.com)

6. Place mixture in an airtight container and freeze for up to six hours.

7. Enjoy!

AUGUST

17

24

First Full Day of School South Bend Community Schools

4

First Full Day of School

Penn-Harris-Madisn Schools

First Full Day of School

Elkhart Community Schools, Goshen Schools

18

First Full Day of School

Mishawaka Schools 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 19 20 21 22 23 26 25 27 28 29 30 31

M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th Fr Sa Su M Tu W

DIY Outdoor Twister Materials: - Hand Saw - Rotary Tool - Hammer - Spray Paint ((1 Can) Red, (1 Can) Blue, (1 Can) Yellow, (2 Cans) Green) - String - Scrap Piece Of Wood - 5 Gallon Bucket

Back-To-School Basic Checklist

Directions: 1. Cut a 7 inch hole in the bottom of the bucket using a dremel rotary tool or jig saw.

2. Lay out the string line to help you get the first row of paint circles straight. Pound in two stakes and run a string between them.

 Pens

 Pencil Sharpener

 Pencils

 Binder

3. Start painting the first row by using the bucket for perfect circles.

Make the circle barely touch the link you created with the string.

 Loose Leaf Paper

 Binder Dividers

4. Continue paint with the other colors next to the previous color.

 Spiral Notebook

 Backpack

 Glue Stick

 Compass

5. Once you have all four colors painted, you can remove the string line and start the second set of circles. You can make the play field as wide as you would like.

 Erasers

 Ruler

6. Let the paint dry for at least two hours.

 Crayons

 Mini Stapler

7. Use the standard Twister board spinner as your guide.

 Markers

 USB Drive

8. Have fun!

 Colored Pencils

 Calculator

(Game found at www.instructables.com)

 Lunch Box

 Highlighters

 Folders

 Tissue

 Scissors

 Hand Sanitzer

(It is always recommended to contact your child’s school for a complete classroom list of items that they may need.)

FAMILY craft

Decorate Your Own

T-shirt the Easy Way By: Jill Lebbin

Living in Notre Dame Country is fabulous, unless you are a Purdue fan! Just kidding…My husband and I really do like Notre Dame. We always cheer for Notre Dame, but our alma mater is Purdue. So, if you are looking for a child’s Purdue shirt in the midst of Notre Dame Country, it can become a bit difficult. Therefore, my daughter and I decided to make one. The good news is that this method could be used for any reason… a high school event, a kid’s craft party, etc…

Materials: • T-shirt • Wax Paper • Tulip Color Shot Spray • Elmers Removeable Letters

Steps: 1. Place wax paper inside your shirt so that the color shot spray doesn’t bleed through.

2. Place removable letters onto your t-shirt.

3. Use Color Shot over letters.

4. Peel Letters off.

5. Allow to dry for 24 hours.

6. Enjoy!

Photo: Jill Lebbin

Fourth of July

Wreath

By: Jill Lebbin

Materials: • Styrofoam Wreath • American Flag Toothpicks

Steps: Photo: Jill Lebbin

Just stick the American Flag Toothpicks in the Styrofoam wreath and then enjoy!

donateshopdonateshop · Inspire hope · Shop trends · Instill dignity · Donate today

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FAMILY MAGAZINE | JULY & AUGUST2/21/16 2016 11 8:59 PM

FAMILY fun

POETRY in Today is the Day, I won't stop!

I am going to climb to the MOUNTAIN top!

By Abbi Pollyea

1. (Mountain Pose)

I love to climb and breathe fresh air, I'm strong and won't rest, even if there were a CHAIR. 2. (Chair Pose)

1.

When I get to the top I will reach for The MOON If I move at a fast pace, I know I can get there soon.

3. (Crescent Moon Pose)

2.

4.

5.

I now have a big obstacle in front of me!

Oh my goodness, it is a great big Evergreen TREE!

3.

4. (Tree Pose)

Shhhh....Be quiet, get down, act like I froze.

I move sneakily into a small CHILD'S POSE. 5. (Child's Pose)

The reason for this is slithering out of that small lake.

Eeeeeek! It is a very, very dangerous and sneaky Rattle SNAKE. 6. (Snake Pose)

6.

I won't worry , I will not fear!

I almost forgot my DOG Belle is right here!

7. (Down dog pose)

7.

She is a wonderful dog that will always protect me.

Her favorite Yoga pose is the HAPPY BABY. 8. (Happy Baby Pose)

8.

Something colorful and magical just caught my eye!

Oh look... It is a beautiful, yellow BUTTERFLY! 9. (Butterfly Pose)

9.

I am almost there, so high in the sky!

I spy a silver AIRPLANE flying close by.

10. (Airplane Pose)

10.

At last I have made it, I did my best!

Now I will close my eyes and choose a pose for REST. 11. (Final Resting Pose)

11.

I am thankful for my body and I am thankful for this day.

To celebrate the you in you, and the me in me, I say NAMASTE. THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | JULY & AUGUST 2016

13

FAMILY kids

Confession:

I Don't Want My Kids in a lot of

Afterschool Activities By: Noelle Elliott

I

have more conversations with my husband over text than I do in real life. Neither of us travel for our careers. We both have 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. jobs, yet we never see each other. At least, it feels that way during the school year.

We have four sons and at one time this past winter they were all in extracurricular activities. We were both driving kids around, sitting through rehearsals, lessons and practices until the sun went down.

When I was a kid, most of my practices were held after school. My play rehearsals too. My parents would pick me up at 5 o'clock, and we would still be home to have dinner together. Today that is not the case. While it is a great thing that there are so many options with several leagues in the area, it makes it difficult for families to spend time together.

I was finalizing our family's Spring Google calendar, and I realized that we had an event every single evening. Not only did I feel overwhelmed, but I also felt that it was overkill. My oldest sons are active in lacrosse and theater, but my two younger ones haven't expressed much interest in a sport yet. Feeling guilty about leaving them out, I had signed them up for a spring sport. Something they didn't even know about.

There is pressure, whether it is self-imposed or actual, that you have to have your children in extracurricular activities at a young age to give them a chance to play when they get older. Believing this, I ran as fast as I could to fill every hour of their day. I believe this can do more harm than good. Not only to the child but the parent.

As a family, it felt that we were spending more waking hours apart than we were together. When we started our family, this wasn't what I had in mind. I decided to cut back on our activities significantly.

Although I don't want my kids in a lot of extracurricular activities, the truth is, it is very hard to avoid it. And, there is a healthy balance that needs to be created in order to keep your important family time intact.

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If you feel that you over overextending yourself, the following are some idea to help you make the decision if you need to cut back.

Do your kids enjoy their activity?

This sounds simple, but in reality, it is an excellent question. If you signed them up for basketball and they are dragging their feet to practice three times a week. Decide if a week-long summer basketball camp may be a better option next time.

Do you have enough time?

If you find yourself asking for help from friends are family, chances are you don't have enough time. This isn't to say that asking for help is a bad thing.

It can be a Godsend, but it also may be a sign that you have over-scheduled your family.

Can you choose a seasonal sport?

My son loves lacrosse. The good news is that he plays it in the spring. Does camp in the summer and fall and winter he takes a break from the sport. This may not be the case when he is in high school, but until then, it works for us. His brother likes basketball, which he plays in the winter. It cuts our after school activities in half and allows us to spend more time together at home.

Are you struggling to pay the fees?

With most sports or after school clubs, there is a fee associated with it. If you find that you are struggling to afford it, consider taking a season off. Or finding another option, such as less expensive alternatives.

WE WANT

YOU

TO AVOID STUDENT LOANS! Save NOW to save LATER • Your contributions can grow tax-free.

For any family, it can be difficult to find quality time to spend together.

If you can't cut back, at least, try and schedule a dinner at home three times a week. It is just as important to practice family time as it is to practice a sport. Make it a priority and you will be grateful for the down time and conversation that follows.

• Your savings can be used for tax-free qualified expenses at ANY eligible postsecondary school.

• Indiana residents may receive a 20% state tax credit of up to $1,000 a year!

collegechoicedirect.com For more information about the CollegeChoice 529 Direct Savings Plan (“CollegeChoice 529”), call 1.866.485.9415 or visit www.collegechoicedirect.com to obtain a Disclosure Statement, which includes investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information; read and consider it carefully before investing. Ascensus Broker Dealer Services, Inc. (“ABD”) is Distributor of CollegeChoice 529.

If you are not an Indiana taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state’s qualified tuition program.

CollegeChoice 529 is administered by the Indiana Education Savings Authority (Authority). ABD, the Program Manager, and its affiliates, have overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations, including investment advisory, recordkeeping and administrative services, and marketing. CollegeChoice 529’s Portfolios invest in: (i) mutual funds; or (ii) an FDIC-insured omnibus savings account held in trust by the Authority at Sallie Mae Bank. Except for the Savings Portfolio, investments in CollegeChoice 529 are not insured by the FDIC. Units of the Portfolios are municipal securities and the value of units will vary with market conditions.

Investment returns will vary depending upon the performance of the Portfolios you choose. Except to the extent of FDIC insurance available for the Savings Portfolio, depending on market conditions, you could lose all or a portion of your money by investing in CollegeChoice 529. Account Owners assume all investment risks as well as responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences.

Not FDIC-Insured (except for the Savings Portfolio). Savings Not FDIC-insured (except for the Savings Portfolio). No Bank, State or Federal Guarantee. May Lose Value. * Indiana taxpayers are eligible for a state income tax credit of 20% of contributions to their CollegeChoice 529 account, up to $1,000 credit per year. This credit may be subject to recapture from the account owner (not the contributor) in certain circumstances, such as rollover to another state’s 529 plan or non-qualified withdrawal.

THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | JULY & AUGUST 2016

15

BACK-TOSCHOOL

Backpack Giveaway!

The FAMILY Magazine is making this year’s back-to-school shopping a little less hectic by giving away not one but THREE backpacks full of back-to-school supplies provided by K12!

INCLUDES: Notebooks Folders School Box Pens Pencils Glue Stick Eraser Scissors And More!

CONTEST BEGINS:

July 18th

WINNERS ANNOUNCED:

July 22th

Visit MichianaMom.com to get your name entered to win one of THREE backpacks

16

THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE |

JULY & AUGUST 2016

at Debbie Werbrouck School of Dance & Music.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Guide

WNG NIO E ST R I

All ages, styles and levels of classes.

R EG

FALLES CLASS

Visit our website for information and a virtual tour.

247-1590 Douglas Rd.

674-9353 Osceola

©2016 Kumon North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

A Busy Mom’s Valued Resource!

WE MAKE YOUR SMART KID EVEN SMARTER!

The unique Kumon method can give your child an academic advantage.

SCHEDULE A FREE PLACEMENT TEST AND PARENT ORIENTATION TODAY! OR AG

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Photo:

Ann Reiff - Studio513East THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | JULY & AUGUST 2016

17

BACK TO SCHOOL

Homework Headquarters: 6 Smart Study Stations That Spell School Year Success By: Alyssa Chirco

H

omework may not be your child’s favorite part of the school year, but it’s no secret that completing those after-school assignments can lead to academic success. Help the students in your household develop good study habits and tackle their homework with confidence by creating at least one of these well-stocked study stations within your home.

1. A Desk in the Bedroom

3. A Central Command Center

This option is ideal for students who need a designated work space away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the family. While a bedroom desk may not be the best choice for students who need homework help or frequent reminders to stay on task, it works well for both older students and self-motivated learners. Consider a high loft bed with a desk underneath when floor space is at a premium.

Love the idea of a family work zone, but don’t have the space? A small desk in the kitchen or family room can serve as a work space for the whole family, especially when there are cabinets for storage either above or below. Think about where you keep items like calendars, school papers and the family computer in your home. You probably already have a central command center of sorts; stash some scissors, pens, paper and glue sticks there, and you have a simple study station ready to go.

2. A Family Work Zone Some families designate an entire room in their house as a family work zone, and equip the space with computers and printers, as well as a table or desk for writing and big, comfy chairs for reading and studying. Art and craft supplies are often found here too, since these rooms are designed with both productivity and creativity in mind.

Kids who like company while doing homework thrive in this kind of environment, since siblings are close by working on projects of their own. Loft spaces, basements, attics and spare bedrooms all lend themselves to becoming a family work zone with the right furniture and accessories.

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4. A Multi-Purpose Office Mom or Dad’s home office can easily double as your family’s homework headquarters. Standard office supplies will already be on hand, and it is already a room that has been designed with work in mind. For younger students, clear a space on the desk or tuck a small table and chair into a corner of the room so they can work on their assignments while you work on yours.

To make this arrangement work with older students, consider assigning designated office hours so every member of the family knows when he or she can expect to use the space.

5. A Rolling Homework Cart Need some flexibility in your life? Keep in mind that your homework headquarters doesn’t have to be stationary. Invest in a rolling homework cart and students can do homework almost anywhere.

Notebooks, file folders, writing supplies, paper and even laptops and printers can be stored on these carts, especially if you invest in one with at least three shelves. And with this option, you enjoy the added bonus of easy cleanup and out-of-theway storage, since the cart can be rolled into an inconspicuous closet or alcove once homework is completed.

The Well-Stocked Study Space What kinds of supplies should you keep on hand so students can complete their homework quickly and efficiently? At the very least, try to stock your study space with the following: · Pencils · Erasers

6. The Kitchen Table

· A Pencil Sharpener

Despite objections from parents, the kitchen table remains a popular homework spot among kids.

There’s just something so appealing (and convenient) about spreading your books and papers across the very surface where your family eats dinner every evening. If this is the study space your kids insist on using, keep it clutter-free by storing supplies nearby.

· Pens

Creating a designated study space within your home, whether simple or elaborate, sends the message that your family values both homework and education.

It’s one of the easiest, but most important, things you can do to help your children achieve school year success.

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· Notebook Paper

· Crayons or Colored Pencils · Colored Markers · Glue or Glue Sticks · A Calculator · A Ruler

Not necessary, but helpful, especially for older students: · A Computer

· White-Out

· A Printer/Copier

· A Stapler

· A Flash Drive

· A Dictionary

· Highlighters

· A Thesaurus

· Index Cards

That’s why parents trust our individualized online approach.

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BACK TO SCHOOL

Guide

By: Ashley Talmadge

Back-to-School Butterflies?

Helping Your Child Calm the Jitters Colin was starting 6th grade in a new school. At an orientation event, he became visibly unnerved as he struggled with the combination on a sticky locker. “He was concerned that he wouldn’t be able to open his locker with only four minutes between classes,” says mom Lynn Brown. (*Names have been changed to protect privacy.)

Colin’s particular fear is surprisingly common, and so is his apprehension about the beginning of a new school year. Most kids, even excited ones, experience a few butterflies in the first weeks. And the source of such uneasiness is not always obvious to parents.

What kids worry about.

Age, experience, and temperament all determine a child’s concerns. Young children with little experience outside the home may have separation anxiety.

“Being in the care of adults other than their parents can be initially stressful for some children,” notes Deb Cockerton, a child and youth behavioral counselor.

These youngsters also worry about practical matters, such as finding the bathroom and getting on the right bus.

When they’re a bit older, children worry about whether they’ll have friends in their class and where they’ll sit at lunch. Older tween-age students are “concerned about how they will fit in with their peers, and how they will do academically,” says Cockerton. The start of puberty and issues like cyberbullying, body image, and athletic ability may be additional stressors.

Some worries are not obvious to parents.

Kerry Norris, principal and longtime educator, says, “There are always some things we don’t think of as adults…

We’ve had little ones who are afraid to flush the toilet in the loud echoprone bathrooms.” Older kids who are beginning to measure themselves against peers, may feel humiliated if they wear the “wrong” clothes or come to school with a “nerdy” haircut.

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Major transitions can cause feelings of insecurity, even if a child has previously done well. Brown says that Colin was “extremely successful and a model student” during his elementary years.

Yet, as a kid who “thrives on routine and predictability,” it took time for Colin to adjust to the new academic expectations, the more complicated schedule, and the pre-teen social dynamics of his new school.

Signs of anxiety. Kids express anxiety in many ways. Some are vocal and quite specific about their concerns.

But more often it is a child’s behavior that indicates his distress. Cockerton says, “The younger child can become more ‘clingy,’ not wanting to leave mom’s side.” The tummy ache is a common symptom of stress in younger kids.

Older children can also suffer physical symptoms, such as headaches. They may eat more or less than usual when they’re feeling anxious, and Norris notes they may also experience sleep interruptions and moodiness.

How parents can help. Kids feel more confident and competent when they come to school prepared. Experts like Cockerton and Norris agree that parents play a leading role in helping kids cope with back-to-school fears. Here

are 15 ways to calm the jitters: Talk to your child about what worries her. Provide accurate information if she is misinformed.

Listen carefully and respond empathetically. Avoid saying, “Don’t worry. You’ll be fine!” Focus on your child’s very real concerns.

Create safe space. The tween who resists face-to-face conversation may “open up” at unexpected moments. Look for natural opportunities to listen and check in during daily activities—riding in the car, doing a chore, playing a game.

Read books. Cockerton says books can give kids “language to express what they are feeling.” School-challenged characters can also normalize a child’s feelings.

List it. Help kids refocus on the positive by listing the things they’re excited about as well as the things that scare them.

Talk to veteran students. If your child is starting at a new school, make contact with kids that have been there a year or two. Fears of the unknown can be calmed with accurate kid-to-kid info.

Tour, meet and greet. Visit the school so your child can see the layout. Make introductions to teachers and other school personnel.

Brainstorm. Help your child build a repertoire of possible solutions to a problem.

Brown’s son, Colin, was anxious at the thought of changing into his gym clothes among other boys. She says, “We helped him figure out where he could change and feel he had some privacy.”

Play “what if…” What would you do if you forgot your lunch? What would you do if couldn’t find your homework?

This technique gets even the youngest kids involved in problem-solving. As Principal Norris says, “Developing the skills to solve problems independently lasts a lifetime!”

Role play. Act out potentially uncomfortable interactions: What can you say if you want to be friends with someone? What can you do if someone is mean to you?

Resist overscheduling.

Keep extracurricular activities manageable, especially during the first months of school.

Kids need down time to unwind and reflect.

Show confidence. Let your child know you trust her ability to succeed. Remind her of the many challenges she’s faced and managed in the past.

Check parental fears. As Cockerton says, “Children are very good at reading their parents’ emotions and if the parent is worried about how their child will do at school, the child will interpret that as ‘something to be worried about.’” Resist oversharing your own fears with your child.

Soothe the Stress with Belly Breaths An anxious child tends to take quick, shallow breaths.

A good self-calming technique is the “belly breath.”

•

Sit comfortably.

•

Place one hand lightly on your belly.

•

Breathe in slowly through your nose for a count of four.

•

Feel your belly rise.

•

Hold the breath for a count of two.

• Let your breath out slowly through your mouth as you count to four.

•

Repeat several times.

Is your child ready for math success?

Can your child answer these mental math questions? The results may surprise you! If they can solve questions at and above grade level, they may be looking for a challenge. If they are unable to answer questions at grade level or below, they’re likely in need of extra help.

First Grade

11 + 12 =

Second Grade

1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9 + 10 =

Third Grade

How much is 99 plus 99 plus 99?

Fourth Grade

Count by 1_43 from 0 to 7.

Fifth Grade

17 _ , 23 _ , or 18 _ ?

Which is greatest: 18 30 19

Mathnasium (Explain how you got your answer.)

Sixth Grade

Halfway through the second quarter, how much of the game is left?

Make home comfortable. Kids who are worried about a parent’s physical or mental health may be reluctant to leave home. When major life events (divorce, death, a family move) occur, maintain as consistent a routine as possible.

Seventh Grade

1 % of 250?

How much is 6 _ 2

Ninth Grade

When you take 3 away from twice a number, the answer is 8. What is the number?

Get help. If your child’s difficulties persist, Brown says, “Networking with the school personnel is a critical piece of the puzzle…Open communication with school teachers, counselors, and others is paramount to ensuring the most successful year possible.”

Functions

What is the Absolute Value of the point (3, 4)?

Eighth Grade

On a certain map, 6 centimetres represents 25 kilometres.

How many kilometres does 15 centimetres represent?

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For answers and explanations visit: mathnasium.ca/answers

www.mathnasium.com

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FAMILY mommy & daddy

Dear Mom, All Mom's Can Use A Bit Of Encouragement!

Dear Mom,

Have You Been Hijacked?

By: Meagan Church

The other day I sat on my porch with a very pregnant and exhausted friend. Not only is she in the final stages of a difficult pregnancy, but she is balancing work and family life, soccer schedules and church activities. During the last few weeks, it has been too much.

“Maybe if I had my body back and if I felt 100 percent, things would be different,” she said.

Maybe. But a few hours later, I sat with another friend and heard much the same story. Though she is not pregnant, she is still exhausted from juggling home schooling and working and her husband’s travel schedule, along with soccer and gymnastics.

These friends of mine are good, smart women with beautiful families. They want what’s best for their kids and their marriages, yet trying to achieve that is leaving them exhausted. And I know that’s not unique to just them. I’ve felt it and I know others have as well.

Then I happened upon this nugget of a quote from Greg McKeown in his book “Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less.” He said, "Don't let anyone else hijack your schedule."

I began to think of how much of a hijacked state many of us are living in. With Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, PTO, soccer, gymnastics, book club, after-hours work functions, play dates, family commitments, church activities, extracurriculars and more, we give our time away, sometimes with good intentions and other times out of obligation.

When we aren’t intentional about how we are spending our time, we are allowing it to be hijacked or, as McKeown also said, “If you don’t prioritize your life someone else will.”

“If you don’t prioritize your life someone else will.”

Many of us are living in a state of busyness, of feeling that all 24 hours of the day must be accounted for. So we spend those hours working, cooking, cleaning, getting down on the floor to entertain our little ones, taking them to library story time, shuttling them to play dates and creating the latest Pinterest craft, while Instagramming each of these moments. Our days are a success when they are productive and accomplished, when each of those hours has been adequately accounted for and our Instagrams have the right number of likes.

But as McKeown said, “What if we stopped celebrating being busy as a measurement of importance? What if instead we celebrated how much time we had spent listening, pondering, meditating, and enjoying time with the most important people in our lives?”

What if we stopped?

Think about that for just a minute. What if we stopped the busyness?

What if we signed off Facebook and resigned from the PTO? What if we didn’t register the kids for sports next season? What if we didn’t go to story time? What if we told the boss we couldn’t do that extra project without having to leave a different task incomplete?

Stopping is scary. Saying no can be downright frightening, but so is missing out on the one life we have because we have not stopped to ask what our priority and goals in life really are, and then lived accordingly.

Don’t settle for busyness. Instead, seek the essential. Prioritize your life and prune those time wasters that are leaving you exhausted and spent (even if they seem good…and even if the kids love them). You’ve got one life; dare to spend it on the essentials.

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FAMILY mommy & daddy

Forgiving Yourself

For Past Mistakes By: Noelle Elliott

I will never forget my first meal after giving birth to my first son. It was 4 A.M. and the nurse brought in a package of Graham crackers and a small container of peanut butter. I hadn't eaten in 22 hours.

I ripped open the package and devoured it, dropping little crumbs all over my newborn's head. I then ate the peanut butter like it was going out of style, even using my finger to scrape out the tiny bit I couldn't reach with my knife, or truth be told, my tongue. It was so graceful to watch, I'm sure.

When my blood sugar finally leveled out, I began to try and feed my son for the third time since he was born.

It wasn't easy, he knew what he was supposed to do, but I was still trying to figure it out. I had to put my nipple in his mouth, and I used my finger to get his tongue down so I could put it in there.

He too ate like he had never eaten before, come to think of it, he hadn't.

When he finally finished, the nurse came in to take him to the nursery so I could rest. My husband left to take a shower at home, and I began to fall asleep until I was hit in the face with a punch called worry. It occurred to me that my baby could be allergic to peanuts, and I had just poisoned him.

regret. What I have found is that the best way to deal with a past mistake is acknowledging it, apologizing if needed and forgiving yourself.

Mistakes are going to happen. Just last week I took my third son to a birthday party that he had been looking forward to for a month. The problem was, we were a day late. He was heartbroken.

Since, I have made sure to double-check our Google calendar instead of relying on my memory. My son eventually forgave me and we had his friend over for a personal ice cream party.

If you dwell on the mistakes of your past, you cloud your ability to enjoy the present. I doubt my son will remember that we forgot the party, but he will remember having a whip cream fight with his buddy in the backyard.

If you find yourself focusing on your past mistakes, the following are a few simple ways of dealing with it: Apologize.

If your mistake involves another person, apologize to them. It isn’t easy, but it is necessary to move on. Sometimes the person may not accept your apology, and that is okay. The process of making a sincere effort is the first step in correcting it.

I frantically hit the call button for the nurse, called my husband, mom, sister, anyone and told them what I had done.

Mind you, I had absolutely no basis to think that he was allergic to peanuts.

Forgiveness.

First, cut yourself a little slack. Mistakes are excellent opportunities to improve on something that needs to be improved upon.

By the time the nurse arrived, I had already begun to panic, I lost my temper and yelled at her. Thankfully, she ignored my insults and she assured me that my son was just fine. And he was. Looking back, I created something to worry about because everything just felt too perfect.

Move on.

Don’t get stuck in the past. Replaying a parenting low in your head is not going to change the outcome. The only thing that will, is not making the same mistake again in the future.

My biggest mistake was letting fear overcome my decision making process.

Had I taken a deep breath and thought rationally, I wouldn’t have said the horrible things I said to her. Before I left the hospital I wrote a personal heartfelt apology to the young nurse.

My son is now 12 and I have made several more mistakes since. We have all said or done something that we

The word mistake is defined two ways. One is a blunder. The second, is to make the wrong judgment of character.

Don’t allow yourself to make to mistake yourself as someone who isn’t strong enough to overcome, because you can and will.

A

FAMILY movie review

s far as animated movie sequels go, Finding Dory is far from a letdown.

It’s a vibrant, often times hilarious, sequel that successfully incorporates the characters we grew so fond of in its predecessor, Finding Nemo, and manages to add new ones that are easy to fall in love with. And, needless to say, it is also a perfectly enjoyable viewing experience for all members of the family.

Finding Dory Reviewed By: Cole Pollyea Photo Courtesy: screenrant.com

Taking on a familiar plot, Finding Dory follows the adverse tasks taken on by Dory in her herculean attempt to find her long lost parents. Why adverse or herculean? Because, for those of you who haven’t seen “Nemo” since its release in 2003, remember that Dory suffers from short term memory loss, but since this was early onset, as the movie reveals, this also means that she has forgotten many aspects of her childhood, which could be considered long term memory loss as well.

This attempt starts one day in the quaint life that she leads with Marlin and Nemo, exactly one year after Nemo’s rescue. Dory has an epiphany

and all of a sudden can remember the address of her parents, which happens to be in California. This is on the other side of the world, however, and so, because of her condition, she enlists the help of many to get there, including Marlin and Nemo, the turtle Crush, an octopus named Hank, a whale shark named Destiny, a neurotic bird named Becky, among others. It’s a pleasure to watch and cheer on our beloved Dory in an effort that we can all hold near and dear if for no other reason than for the emotional plight that we were a part of in Finding Nemo.

But, as far as animated movies go, Finding Dory is not on par with its wildly imaginative and unequivocally sentimental predecessor. Since it is more or less a retread of the same story, it doesn’t have the originality of “Nemo”. Since the movie’s climax is out of place and since its ideals are just not as compelling, its conclusion is simply not as impactful as Nemo’s.

The bottom line is that Finding Dory is neither as grand nor as rewarding as one might hope. But, that doesn’t mean that it’s not a fun ride.

FAMILY book review

I Was A Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids

By Trisha Ashwood & Amy Nobile Reviewed By: Emily Zander

D

o you think of your dentist appointment as "alone time" or automatically refer to the bathroom as "the potty?” Are you serious about winning Chutes and Ladders or have you considered exchanging your spouse for a housekeeper?

If you answered yes to these questions, Trisha Ashworth and Amy Nobile claim you should read their book "I Was a Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids."

The two California mothers have backgrounds in corporate marketing and public relations.

They found themselves mothering five children, between the two of them and trying desperately to juggle all that's entailed in the family home.

One works part-time and one stays at home. The duo talk regularly about the struggles of modern motherhood and decide to take their question of what constitutes a good mother to the streets of California, or make that the playground.

Ashworth and Nobile feature quizzes throughout the book, offering readers a way to take stock of their feelings, goals, expectations, and overall beliefs of motherhood. Along with the quizzes, there are small "dirty little secrets" sections in which the authors share a quote from a "real mom."

"I lost my toddler when she was one, and a stranger found her riding up and down on the elevator by herself," reports one anonymous mom.

The book is bursting with funny little moments like this. Both from the writers and other moms they talked to. There are many honest moments about kids playing in dog food and tattooing one another with markers while their mothers are simply happy they are entertaining themselves.

For anyone who's ever wondered what a "good mom" really is, this book asks a lot of questions to get you thinking about how you view motherhood and what your priorities are.

Photo courtesy:

Amazon.com

This book is an easy and humorous read, especially for a parenting book. At times the discussion can feel a bit over the top. For instance, there is probably something in between loving your kids to pieces and wanting to get in the car and drive away for most moms. And sometimes, readers may question the writer’s qualifications for discussing such weighty issues as what mothers should and should not let go when it comes to raising children.

Nevertheless, the book can be a lighthearted take on the endless comparison game mothers play with themselves. And this read may just make you feel a whole lot better about your parenting skills when compared to the confessions of other moms in the book. That's reason enough to read a book, right?

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20 Snacks Ideas for the

Breastfeeding

Mom By: Meagan Church

D

id you know that you require more calories when breastfeeding than when you are in your first and second trimesters of pregnancy? That’s right; nourishing an infant burns more calories than growing one does during the first few months of pregnancy. But, that doesn’t mean you have a free ticket to eat whatever whenever, at least not if you want to lose that baby weight anytime soon.

Breastfeeding moms should consume an extra 400-500 calories a day to keep up their energy and to help with milk production. Too few calories can negatively impact your milk supply, so save the weightloss dieting for after the baby is weaned.

While breastfeeding, no special diet is necessary, but healthy choices will help fuel milk production. Eating a variety of different foods will change the flavor of the breast milk, exposing your baby to different tastes, which could help your baby accept solid foods later. Some women notice that certain foods can make their baby fussier or gassier (such as milk, eggs, citrus fruits, onions, etc.). Keeping a food dairy and speaking with your doctor can help you know if you should avoid certain foods.

As a new mom, it can be difficult to get all the nutrition you need during just three meals a day. So, consume two small snacks to keep your energy up (you’ll need as much energy as possible thanks to those middle-of-the-night feedings).

Aim for a mid-morning and afternoon snack to keep yourself fueled.

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Need some help coming up with snack ideas? Try these, and remember to mix-and-match a protein with a carb:

Carbs:          

Apple Banana Bell peppers Carrot sticks Celery sticks Clementine Granola Pineapple chunks Raisins Whole-grain bread

Protein:          

Almonds Cheese sticks Cream cheese Cottage cheese Energy bites Fruit smoothie Hard-boiled egg Hummus Peanut Butter Yogurt

And, of course don’t forget to wash down each snack with a full glass of water. Water is essential in helping you produce that liquid gold, so drink up and drink often.

No-Bake Energy Bites Want a healthy snack idea that tastes like a treat? Try these no-bake energy bites.

They are simple to make, full of nutrients your body needs and the best part is they taste like cookie dough!

• 1 cup oats • 5-10 pitted dates • 1/2 cup chocolate chips • 1/2 cup peanut butter • 1/2 cup wheat germ • 1/3 cup honey • 1 tsp. vanilla Place dates in the food processor and pulse to break them apart. Add peanut butter, wheat germ, honey and vanilla.

Pulse until well combined. Stir in oats and chocolate chips. Scoop and form into balls. Store in the refrigerator.

Yields about 16 bites.

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Parent

hacks By: Meagan Church

“Parenting is a series of best guesses,” Asha Dornfest writes in her new book “Parent Hacks: 134 Genius Shortcuts for Life with Kids.” Anyone who has been a parent for more than an hour knows this. From figuring out if poop should really be that color or why the baby is crying or how he got a Lego that far up his nose, it is easy to see why parenting would be a lot easier with an instruction manual.

While “Parent Hacks” may not be the instruction manual every parent hopes for, it is full of over a hundred shortcuts that help make life with kids just a bit easier. Topics range from pregnancy to infant care and breastfeeding to everyday solutions and more.

I decided to ask a few parents for some of their own ingenious hacks. Here are just a few of the brilliant ideas they came up with:

Babies: Buy wipes in bulk and store them in zip-lock freezer bags.

the toys periodically to renew interest in what they already have.

Use wax paper to make tiny frozen dots of baby food to soothe baby's teething gums.

Hang a shoe caddy over the back of bedroom door for small toys. This works especially well for Barbies, so the doll hair doesn't get as messy as it does in a bin.

Take a onesie off from the top to the bottom (over the belly instead of over the shoulders) when there has been a poop explosion.

Food:

When potty training, keep a plastic potty and a few diapers in the trunk of the car. When she needs to pee, line the potty with a diaper for easy cleanup.

Put dishes in the lower cabinets so kids can empty the dishwasher and more easily help set the table for meals.

Toys:

Use a pizza cutter to cut sandwiches, pancakes, spaghetti, quesadillas and more into bite size pieces for toddlers.

Have a “toy library.” Keep some toys out to be played with and store others in the closet. Rotate

Put ketchup on the bun first, so it’s less messy.

Organization: Color code as much as possible: toothbrushes, water bottles, Easter eggs, sandwich boxes, etc. Each child has one color, so if it isn’t their color, it doesn’t belong to them.

Use a cleaning caddy to organize hair ties, barrettes, brushes and combs.

Keep it in the kitchen and do the girls’ hair, while they eat breakfast.

Keep a binder for each child with clear sheet protectors in it. As they grow and receive awards from school, yearly pictures, sports pictures or anything important, put it in chronological order in the binder. When they graduate from high school, they’ll have all their important papers from school already organized.

Clothes: When the baby outgrows baby leg warmers, turn them into arm warmers to pair with t-shirts. Later they can become cat toys; put a little jingle or catnip inside and sew up the ends.

Give each child their own laundry hamper. Once a week, they can dump everything in the washer. This keeps kids’ clothes sorted, and easier to fold and put away.

Cleaning: Keep a package of baby wipes in the car even if you don’t have a baby. Use them to clean hands and faces on the go, dust the dashboard and even clean stains from clothing when in a pinch.

When done cloth diapering, use the diapers around the house to clean up spills, dust and even mop the floor by attaching to a Swiffer Sweeper.

Keep a spray bottle of diluted vinegar and a few cloth diapers in each bathroom of the house for quick wipe downs of counters and mirrors. Bonus: since it’s non-toxic, the kids can help clean, too.

Take a look at Asha’s book for other parent hacks. Give the book as a baby shower gift to help new parents have to guess just a little less.

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FAMILY mommy & daddy

What Does A Perfect Parent

Look Like?

By: Noelle Elliott

I

find myself observing other mothers at the pool, or at school functions, and watching how they interact with their children. More often than not, I see what they might not. The loving moments, the way their child looks at them when they aren’t looking. Most of the time it makes me feel like I’m doing a lot wrong as a parent. For one, I may be observing a mom on a particularly awesome parenting day, especially when I feel like I’m not having one.

Last week I had one of those weeks that made me feel inadequate.

My oldest son had a horrible night at lacrosse practice. I had been working late all that week, and I already felt like I had been neglecting my children. He asked to speak to me in our bedroom and as soon as I shut the door he fell to the bed sobbing. I tried to figure it out, but I didn't know what was wrong. I asked if someone had said something to him that made him feel so terrible.

Watching your child in emotional pain may be one of the worst feelings ever imaginable. It's a punch in the heart that you can't stop and with every beat, it hurts just a little bit more. He couldn't articulate why he was so distraught. I began to panic. I wanted to know if anyone knew what was said to him to make him feel this way. And, more importantly, what I could do to fix it.

When he calmed down, he finally explained that he was the worst on the team and that he wanted to quit.

Oh gosh, haven't we all been there? When I don't feel like I'm smart enough, or I don't want to embarrass myself in front of a group of people with my lack of knowledge of things that I should just know.

But, one thing I will never even think of quitting is being his mom. Biologically it isn't an option, but metaphorically, mothers quit on their children all the time.

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wanted so badly to ease his pain and tell him it was okay to quit. That I'm fine with his quitting, but I couldn't do it. These painful moments are what are going to make him a stronger kid, a stronger man, and stronger person. I can't let him see me give up on him.

So I told him that wasn't an option.

The next morning I found him at the breakfast table. I hesitated to bring it up, but I asked him if he was okay.

He glanced up with sleep eyes and asked what I was talking about. I reminded him of our conversation, and he said, "Oh that? Yeah, I think I was just super tired."

He had already moved on, or if he hadn't, he was choosing to power through and for that, I was as proud of him.

I, however, couldn’t sleep the night before because I was worried sick. The truth is, most parents will gladly rip themselves into pieces if it helps makes their children feel whole.

That is what a perfect parent is. Not what you can provide for your child financially, but what you can provide for your child emotionally. Just showing up.

What does a perfect parent look like? It looks like someone who is exactly what his or her child needs.

What works for your first child may look completely different for your second one. And it may even change from day to day.

FAMILY recipe

By: Katie & Theresa Slott

Homemade

Ice Cream Sandwiches Time: Ice Cream Maker Bowl needs to be in the freezer at least 24 hours in advance; 15 minutes prep, 4-8 hours chill, 30-40 minutes baking, 45-60 minutes chilling and assembly.

Makes: 16 Ice Cream Sandwiches (1.5 inches x 4.5 inches) Ingredients:

For the Sandwich Cakes:

For the Ice Cream:

• 2 c. (12 oz.) Dark Chocolate Chips

• 2 Pasteurized Eggs*

• 2 c. Heavy Whipping Cream • 1 c. Whole Milk • 3/4 c. Sugar • 2 t. Vanilla

Steps: Tips: *Pasteurized eggs are eggs that have been pasteurized (heated to a certain temperature) in order to reduce the risk of food-borne illness in dishes that are not cooked or are only lightly cooked. If you do not buy already pasteurized eggs, you will have to pasteurize them yourself by whisking your eggs, milk, and cream together and heating the mixture in a saucepan to 160F, being careful not to boil the eggs.

1. Make sure that your ice cream maker bowl is fully frozen (preferably 24 hours in the freezer).

2. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs, cream and milk. If your eggs are not already pasteurized, heat the mixture in a saucepan to 160F. Remove from heat.

3. Whisk in 3/4 c. sugar and vanilla.

• 1 c. Salted Butter • 1 c. Sugar • 4 Eggs • 1/2 c. Flour • 1/4 t. Salt

• 1/4 t. Baking Powder

9. Place in the freezer, making sure that it is level. It would be ideal to let the ice cream freeze for four hours before sandwiching it so that it does not melt quickly in the process.

10. Preheat the oven to 325F. 11. Line two 9 x 13 baking dishes with aluminum foil and spray with oil. Set aside.

4. Place in a sealed container and refrigerate overnight (or eight to 12 hours). If you used pasteurized eggs and did not need to heat your mixture, you can chill it for only four hours. The chilling process helps the proteins bind to the sugars and yield a creamier ice cream.

12. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and dark chocolate in the microwave for about 90 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds.

5. Line a 9 x 13 dish with aluminum foil.

14. Sift the flour, salt, and baking powder and gently fold in the dry ingredients just until the flour is incorporated but without overworking the dough or deflating the eggs.

6. Process the mixture in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.

7. Transfer the ice cream to the prepared dish, making it as flat as possible.

8. Press plastic wrap against the surface of the ice cream and then cover with a lid.

13. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the sugar and eggs on high for five minutes. Gently fold the egg mixture into the melted chocolate mixture.

15. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. (There will be about 2.5 cups of batter in each pan.) Bake for 23-25 minutes.

16. Lift the cakes out of the pans by the aluminum foil and put on wire racks to cool. Cover the tops of the cakes with paper towels. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes, then remove the paper towels and cover the cakes with aluminum foil.

17. Freeze the cakes for at least 30 minutes, making sure that they were level in the freezer.

18. Unwrap one cake and place it on a cutting board. Lift the ice cream out of the 9 x 13 by the aluminum foil, gently peel the foil away and stack on top of the first cake.

Unwrap the second cake and place it on top of the ice cream. If the ice cream seems soft, place the sandwiched pieces in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.

19. Cut the 9 x 13 layered rectangle into quarters, and then each quarter into four equal rectangles, each measuring about 1.5 inches x 4.5 inches.

20. Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap and place them in a freezersafe container to keep in the freezer for up to three months.

Katie and Theresa Slott are sisters-in-law who write the food blog, Cooking for the Fam, where they share lots of tips, family-favorite recipes and meal plans. For more recipes like this one, or to see step-by-step photos of this recipe, check out their website, www.cookingforthefam.com.

THE

FAMILY MAGAZINE | JULY & AUGUST 2016

31

Beacon and Mayo Clinic.

Taking Health Care to the Next Level.

Beacon Health System is now a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, a network of organizations that share a commitment to better serving patients and their families. Here’s a look at how this collaboration improves health care in Michiana.

More PATIENTS STAY HOME and avoid having to travel for answers to complex medical questions.

HIGH-QUALITY, LOW-COST CARE right here in Michiana.

Physicians connecting on care at NO ADDITIONAL COST TO PATIENTS.

BEST-PRACTICE MEDICINE enhanced by the latest knowledge from Mayo Clinic.

Access to Mayo Clinic’s WORLD RENOWNED EXPERTISE for additional peace of mind.

Two MEDICAL PIONEERS working together to INNOVATE AND IMPROVE health care.

Two teams focused on PATIENT-CENTERED HEALTH CARE.

Beacon Health System is the FIRST HEALTH SYSTEM in Indiana selected as a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.