October 2012 Family Spectrum Magazine

Vala’s

Pumpkin Patch an Omaha-area

Fall Tradition

TRICK-OR-TREATING

Safety TEN LAWS OF CHILDHOOD

Law Number Three

The besT place for kids.

Malicka, age 5 Tricuspid Atresia

Visit childrensomaha.org for more information on how we can help your child.

For a pediatrician, family physician or pediatric specialist, call 1.800.833.3100.

editor’sletter

C

Volume 8 • Issue 2

an you say Kettle Corn? Fall

symbolizes a handful of things to me: the weather changing, the kids

back in a routine, the holidays fast approaching, and the indulgence of kettle corn. Not just any kettle corn, but Vala’s Pumpkin Patch’s Natalie Jensen Photography

Kettle Corn. It’s simply better than the rest!

This month, we celebrate the tradition of Vala’s Pumpkin Patch in our cover story. This familyowned business has become a tradition for my family in the last 15 years. When the kids were little, we packed them up for a day of watching the pumpkin-eating dragon, picking out a pumpkin, feeding the camels, watching the pig races, and going through the corn maze. As my kids have grown, we now go to Vala’s several times in October. It’s inevitable that someone has a fire-pit party or a birthday celebration. We’ve also graduated to the haunted houses, and then we jump until we can’t jump anymore on the big trampolines. The memories from Vala’s are endless. My kids and I thank the Vala family for continuing to create such an amazing place for Nebraska families to spend some fall family time together.

Family Spectrum is in full swing this month, offering great family tips, successful stories, a delicious fall snack, and an easy Halloween craft. Don’t forget to check out Children’s Hospital’s Parenting U class times on page 10 so that you can learn how to do this parenting thing a little better from the experts.

Paige Edwards, Contributing Editor, Family Spectrum paige@omahapublications.com

On the Cover Thanks to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and Kayla Bressman for being on this issue’s cover.

Photo by: minorwhitestudios.com

4 • editor’sletter

Operations • Tyler Lemke Accounting • Jim Heitz Warehouse Distribution Manager • Mike Brewer Principal Photography • minorwhite studios, inc Bill Sitzmann, Scott Drickey Advertising • Omaha Publications, 402-884-2000 Editorial Comments • Paige Edwards, paige@omahapublications.com

Original contributions become the property of Omaha Publications. Contributions cannot be acknowledged or returned.

Paige

live.love.grow

Art Director • John Gawley Senior Graphic Designer • Katie Anderson Assistant Graphic Designer • Paul Lukes Account Executives • Gwen Lemke, Gil Cohen, Greg Bruns, Stacey Penrod, Paige Edwards, Vicki Voet, Sandy Besch Sales Assistants • Alicia Smith Hollins, Jessica Linhart

Please send contributions to bailey@omahapublications.com

Enjoy the fall weather!

we the women

Publisher • Todd Lemke Vice President • Greg Bruns Omaha Publications Editor • Linda Persigehl Family Spectrum Editor • Bailey Hemphill Family Spectrum Contributing Editor • Paige Edwards Interns • Toni Furmanski (#22)

• Lyndsey Hrabik (#23)

Find us on www.Womego.com, an integrated online community that gives women access to a great wealth of content from the journalists, bloggers, and community leaders you already know and trust.

The information contained within Family Spectrum is for informational purposes only. It is not intended and should not be used to take the place of seeking professional advice, counsel or assistance. Omaha Publications makes no endorsement of and is not responsible for contributors or advertising herein. If you have concerns or questions related to your health, consult with you physician. Family Spectrum is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of Omaha Publications,

402.884.2000.

Owned and managed by Omaha Magazine, LTD

Family Spectrum Magazine • • • • October 2012

familyspectrum •

• readonlinenow.com October 2012 • • • •

content • 5

Donate $10, Build Jacob a Safe Playground The Nebraska Children’s Home Society is building a Nature Explore Playground in North Omaha to serve as a safe outdoor classroom connecting local children with nature. A $10 donation from your family can give Jacob and other children in his neighborhood a safe place to learn, grow and discover the wonders of nature. Please give.

Give Nature. Give Wonder. Give Safety.

The

Interactive Exhibition September 29, 2012 - January 6, 2013 STRATEGIC AIR & SPACE MUSEUM

28210 West Park Hwy, Ashland, NE 68003 I-80 Exit 426

www.nchsnatureexplore.com

An educational, fun and exciting exhibit featuring the characters of the movie Robots.

Take an adventure through this mechanical world. See how robots can better our lives today and in the future.

Learn how the movie was created, play interactive games, and build your own robot! This exhibit promises to be entertaining for the entire family.

Sponsored locally by:

www.sasmuseum.com

Robert H. Storz Foundation

In partnership with UNO, UNL, UNMC and NASA Nebraska Space Grant

TM & © 2005 FOX

This exhibition was produced by GES under license by Twentieth Century Fox.

ROBOTSTM characters, names, and all related indicia are trademarks of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation ©2012. Global Experience Specialists is an authorized licensee.

6 • content

• • • • October 2012

familyspectrum •

live•love•grow

CONTENTS october 2012

coverfeature

18

18 Vala’s Pumpkin Patch:

An Omaha-area Fall Tradition

11 9 10 11 12

tonsillitis parenting u snack station: acorn doughnuts trick-or-treating safety

13 13 14 15 16 17

what’s on your mind? mom vs. mom young hero: jadon edwards family spectrum’s family success story ten laws of childhood: law number three

24 18 24 26 27 28 29 30

vala’s pumpkin patch: an omaha-area fall tradition family spectrum’s creative corner operation christmas child family spectrum’s writer’s corner teen voices: friends or acquaintances? october 2012 event calendar on the go: halloween brings a lot of treats, a few tricks

• readonlinenow.com October 2012 • • • •

content • 7

Fun For the Whole Family!

21st through October 31st, September 24th 9am to 9pm Daily

44

Attractions 3 Live Shows DAiLy

Location is close to Lincoln and Omaha!

Located 1 mile south Hwy on Take exit 439 off I-80.

Turnofleft and370 go west on Hwy 370. St. Turn left Gretna, on 180thNE Street.

180th near Go one mile to entrance.

Visit Our Website at: www.valaspumpkinpatch.com or call: 402-332-4200

Bunnyville - Haunted Graveyard - Stalk Cars - Kids Country Jamboree - Corn Junction Play Area - Petting Corral

Old Farmhouse - 3 Acre Corn Maze - Storybook Barn - Barnyard Adventure - Halloweenie - Pumpkin Chuckin’

Air Cannon - Pumpkinapolois 500 - Barnyard Animal Band - Corn Wagon Play Area - Lost Pumpkin Mine - Hayride to the Pumkin Fields

Formerly the Westroads Club

A new and completely renovated Fitness & Sports Complex.

Also the home of youth Elite Volleyball and Basketball Programs, and Y2E, Youth to Elite Sports Training.

1212 North 102nd St. Visit 2b-elite.com for more information or call 402-706-4109

Spook Shed - Pumpkin Eating Dragon Show - Scarecrow Band - Pigtucky Derby Pig Races - Jack-O-Lantern Tree - Great Pumpkin Jump

Yummy Mummy Beef Pizzas Ingredients

1 recipe Italian Style Beef Sausage (below) 1½ cups pizza sauce 4 round thin sandwich breads, any variety, split 4 individually wrapped sticks reduced-fat mozzarella string cheese (1 ounce each) 8 black or green olives, sliced horizontally

Instructions

1. Prepare Italian-Style Beef Sausage. Stir in pizza sauce; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through, stirring frequently. Keep warm and set aside.

2. Place sandwich thins, cut side up, on rack of broiler pan. Spoon equal amounts of beef mixture on each bread half. Pull cheese lengthwise into thin strips. Cut each strip into thirds. Create mummy faces using cheese strips in crisscross pattern to resemble mummy bandages and olives to resemble eyes.

Candy corn, sugar pumpkins and bite sized candy bars. Is this all that Halloween is about? Not in our books! Your kids will go wild over Yummy Mummy Beef Pizzas this Halloween!

3. Place pizzas on rack of broiler pan so surface of cheese is 3 to 4 inches from heat. Broil 4 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Italian-Style Beef Sausage: Combine 1 pound ground beef, 1 teaspoon fennel seed, ½

teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon coriander, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon black pepper and ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add beef mixture; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into ½ inch crumbles and stirring occasionally.

(Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160ºF. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.) Makes 2-½ cups crumbled.

8­ •

live•love•grow

BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com

• • • • October 2012

familyspectrum •

Signs and Symptoms One of the most common symptoms of Tonsillitis is a sore throat.

As a parent, it may be hard to know when your child’s sore throat is something more. Some other symptoms to look for include: • Swollen tonsils • Pain when swallowing • Swollen or tender lymph nodes in the neck • Redness in the throat • Blisters or pustules on the tonsils • Congestion or runny nose • Ear pain • Fever • Fatigue or lethargy Treatment Treatment is typically dependent upon the cause of the infection. A physician will examine the throat and may include a throat culture to determine if the cause is a bacterial infection.

If the physician determines the cause is a bacterial, such as strep throat, your child may be prescribed antibiotics. If the infection is viral, antibiotics will not work to clear the infection. To provide comfort, Boys Town Ear, Nose & Throat Institute recommends: • Staying hydrated • Gargling with salt water • Using throat lozenges • Use of acetaminophen to assist with pain relief When to Seek Treatment If your child is experiencing a sore throat or swelling of the tonsils, schedule an office appointment with your physician. If your child is having problems breathing when sleeping or is suddenly snoring, seek medical attention expeditiously. Often the tonsils will become significantly enlarged and can cause difficulty breathing or eating.

Tonsillitis

T

onsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, which are located in the

back of the throat on both sides. Tonsils are part of the body’s immune system and help make antibodies to help stop infections. When the tonsils become infected with either a virus or a bacterial infection, they swell and inflame, causing Tonsillitis.

Tonsillectomy If your child has reoccurring tonsil infections or is experiencing sleeping problems due to enlarged tonsils, it may be advised by your physician to perform a Tonsillectomy. If the problem is with obstructive sleep apnea, a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are usually recommended. A Tonsillectomy is an outpatient procedure to remove part or all of the tonsils. After the surgery, a parent can expect their child to resume regular activities after SPECTRUM 7-10 days.

family

Written by: Rodney P. Lusk, M.D. and D. Richard Kang, M.D. Boys Town Ear, Nose & Throat Institute Rodney P. Lusk, M.D. and D. Richard Kang, M.D. are Board Certified Otolaryngologists at the Boys Town Ear, Nose & Throat Institute located at 14040 Hospital Road, (402) 778-6800, and 555 North 30th Street, (402) 498-6540. For more information visit www.boystownent.org.

• readonlinenow.com October 2012 • • • •

live•love•grow

• ­9

Submitted by: Children’s Hospital & Medical Center

Parenting U at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center

F

rom effective time-out techniques to potty train-

ing, toddler nutrition, and more, Children’s Hospital & Medical Center is kicking off its fall semester of Parenting U. The series of free, weekly classes provides parents with valuable information and everyday education to tackle different ages and stages of development.

The fall 2012 series opens on Tuesday, September 11 with “Preparing for Your Newborn,” focused on what happens after birth, baby’s first weeks at home, nursing, sleeping, and other common questions asked by expectant parents. Other topics include surviving the trying twos, childhood obesity prevention and management, and baby’s first years.

Each seminar is led by an expert in the field of pediatrics. Parents are encouraged to be active participants, sharing experiences and asking questions.

Parenting U runs from 6–7pm on Tuesdays through September and October. All sessions are free of charge and will be located in the Glow Auditorium at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, 8200 Dodge St. Each session is also streamed live on the internet in order to make Parenting U convenient and accessible to families who live outside the Omaha metro or otherwise can’t attend in person.

10­ •

live•love•grow

The fall 2012 Parenting U schedule is as follows: Tuesday, Sept. 11 Preparing for Your Newborn

Steve Sindelar, MD, Children’s Physicians Tuesday, Sept. 18 Baby’s First Years

Michelle Mogenson, DO, Children’s Physicians Tuesday, Sept. 25 Effective Time-Out Techniques

Ashley Harlow, PhD, Children’s Behavioral Health Tuesday, Oct. 2

Mastering Potty Training

Katie Anglim, MD, Children’s Physicians

Tuesday, Oct. 9

Healthy Nutrition for Toddlers

Laura Wilwerding, MD, Children’s Physicians

Tuesday, Oct. 16 Surviving the Trying Twos

Tony Yaghmour, MD, Children’s Physicians Tuesday, Oct. 23 Childhood Obesity Prevention & Management

Cristina Fernandez, MD, Children’s Weight Management Clinic Tuesday, Oct. 30 Preparing for Your Newborn

Jamie Drake, MD, Children’s Physicians A light supper will be provided, and there is no charge to participate. Registration is required for each session. Web participants will be asked to provide an e-mail address in order to receive the viewing link.

Online registration is available at www.ChildrensOmaha.org. Parents can also regSPECTRUM ister by phone, 1-800-833-3100.

family

• • • • October 2012

familyspectrum •

Deaconness Institute c. 1900

Food and photo by: Katie Anderson Fremont Orphanage c. 1893

www.LFSneb.org

120 Years of service

Thank you for your support of Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska.

Acorn Doughnuts

A

re your kids a little nutty for deli-

cious snacks? Well, then they will love these awesome fall treats that look like acorns but taste much sweeter!

Ingredients: • Chocolate Frosting or Peanut Butter • Donuts • Crumbled Toffee • Pretzel Instructions: • Frost a third or so of a plain or glazed doughnut hole with chocolate frosting or peanut butter.

• Roll the frosted top in crumbled toffee (look for it in the baking section of grocery stores).

• Add a small piece of a pretzel for the stem.

Tips: If your kids have nut allergies, skip the toffee and use chopped sunflower seeds.

familySPECTRUM

Source: Disney’s Family Fun For this craft and other ideas, visit Disney’s Family Fun website www.familyfun.go.com

• readonlinenow.com October 2012 • • • •

live•love•grow

• ­11

Submitted by: Ann Freestone, National Safety Council, Nebraska

• Choose outfits made with light-colored materials. Strips of retro-reflective tape should be used to make children even more visible.

• For youngsters under the age of 12, attach their name, address, and phone number (including their area code) to their clothes, but not in an easily visible place.

T

Trick-or-Treating Safety

here is no real “trick” to making Halloween a real treat for the entire family. Halloween

dangers are not from witches or spirits—the real danger is potential safety hazards lurking around the corner. To keep kids safe and in the Halloween spirit, the National Safety Council, Nebraska offers the following suggestions:

General: • Never allow children under 10 to go out trick-or-treating without adult supervision.

• Teach children not to cut across yards. Lawn ornaments and clotheslines become “hidden hazards” in the dark.

• Tell children to walk, not run, while trick-or-treating.

• Tell kids never to dart out from between parked cars.

• Remind children to stop at all street corners, cross the street only at intersections and crosswalks, and look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.

• Have all candy inspected by an adult before kids are allowed to eat their treats.

Costume Design: • Only fire-retardant materials should be used for costumes.

• Be sure costumes are loose enough so that warm clothes can be worn underneath and still allow freedom of movement.

• Costumes should not be so long that they are a tripping hazard (Falls are the leading cause of accidents on Halloween).

12­ •

live•love•grow

Face Design: • Masks can obstruct a child’s vision.

Facial make-up is safer, more colorful, and more comfortable.

• When buying special Halloween make-up, check for packages containing ingredients that are labeled “Made with U.S. Approved Color Additives,” “Laboratory Tested,” “Meets Federal Standards for Cosmetics,” or “Non-Toxic.” Most manufacturers list ingredients and/or chemical analysis on packages. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application.

• If masks are worn, they should have openings for the nose and mouth, and large eyeholes for good visibility.

Accessories: • Knives, swords, and other accessories should be made from cardboard or flexible materials. Do not allow children to carry sharp objects.

• Bags or sacks carried by youngsters should be light-colored or designed or trimmed with retro-reflective tape if trick-or-treaters are allowed out after dark.

• Carrying flashlights will help children see better and be seen more clearly.

Remember to put safety first and enjoy a “spooktacular” Halloween this year!

familySPECTRUM

• • • • October 2012

familyspectrum •

“Building strong foundations for a lifetime of learning” • Caring, friendly environment • Half-day educational programs for 3-5 year-olds • Curriculum linked to local school districts, fostering the growth of the whole child • Differentiated instruction • Degreed/experienced teachers • Small class sizes

Parent’s Day Out

sessions for children from 18 months to 5 years.

402-614-5400 2949 N. 204th St.

Call today at

Elkhorn, NE 68022

hearthacademy.com

402-933-3774

www.ComeSitStayOmaha.com Boarding: Pets receive tons of TLC in our indoor and outdoor play areas, all day, everyday!

Grooming: Accepting appointments Monday through Saturday.

Day Care: Offering full day, 1/2 day or hour-long care.

Training Classes Also Available.

Call for more information!

What’s on Your Mind?

Dear Deb,

W N

e are considering adoption and will begin providing foster care. We took all the required classes, but we’re still concerned with how bringing an older child into our home will affect our children.

Dear Parent, ew siblings are expected to bring changes into a family; it’s wise to recognize that adding an older child will be different than the arrival of an infant. Kids are mobile, verbal, and bring their own family experiences and expectations with them. Being in foster care means they’ve likely been removed from an environment where their needs were not consistently or effectively met. In an age-appropriate way, talk about these things with your children. Give them time to ask questions and be honest in your responses. It’s okay to not have all the answers. Sharing your own feelings can be reassuring for them as well.

Friends of mine just finished their first experience providing foster care, and provided some insight.

The hardest thing about having a foster child: disruptive behaviors. The best thing: having another kid around to play with. To help with transition, talk to your kids about the fostering experience months in advance, then keep checking in. Let your kids be part of the process from the beginning.

Mom also mentioned other things that helped their family, such as praying together, spending individual time with their kids, and providing reassurance throughout.

You know your children better than anyone. Observe them, watching for shifts in moods, behaviors, school performance, etc. Maintain rules and expectations you’ve always had in your home, and if you start to see behaviors or attitudes that you don’t like, address them right away. A professional counselor can provide direction on ways to do this, whether the behaviors are from your foster child or from your own children. Working with a counselor can also help maintain open communication within your family.

Change is inevitable, but it’s not all bad. You may see your kids develop a new sense of compassion and empathy, acceptance, and understanding of kids with different backgrounds, as well as an SPECTRUM appreciation for the family and home they live in.

family

$5 off any service or a free nail trim

Submitted by: Deb Fuller Mental Health Therapist, Real Life Counseling Something on your mind? Send in your questions to Deb, and she might answer them in this column. Submit them to reallifecounseling@cox.net with ‘Family Spectrum’ in the subject line.

mention ad at time of booking appointment

• readonlinenow.com October 2012 • • • •

live•love•grow

• 13

Mom vs.

Mom

H

onestly, I was a little thrown when my editor asked me to write about the culture war between working moms and stay-at-home moms. “Seriously?” I thought. “Didn’t we resolve that some time back?” But then, I realized that there is a whole new crop of moms out there who are raising small children and struggling to find their place in the mom-o-sphere.

First off, I’ll need to ask forgiveness if I seem a little flip about this topic. I’ve been caught right in the middle of it for 15 years or so, and I’ll say right now that I’ve learned there are no easy answers.

There is no “pat” solution on which you fall on the right or wrong side. There just isn’t. I’ve been both a working mom and a stay-at-home mom, and here’s what I know: The grass is not greener on either side. Both sides have challenges to surmount in the quest for happy, healthy children, and each family must make the decision that is best for them.

The reality of life in 2012 is that more often than not, the decision on whether the mom is working outside the home is going to be based on economics, not emotions or values. Women who vowed that they would stay home with their small children are finding out that it’s not always financially feasible. Even in Nebraska, the recession and the employment climate left in its wake has shaken some of the most stable jobs. Traditional breadwinners are learning their jobs have been eliminated, their companies are going under, their position has been downsized, and there will be no raises.

Marriages that seemed solid end. There’s nothing quite like the clutching panic of learning that the only income keeping food on the table and the mortgage paid is going away. Not all of these families have a six-month cushion built in. And the higher level the position, the longer it takes to find something new. It’s those times that stay-at-home moms start wondering what they can do to help ease the pressure and whether they should, in fact, try to resume their career or find “something” they can do that will pay more than child care will cost.

Generally, this is about the time I get the phone call from a stay-at-home mom friend asking, “Do you know of anything I could do? Even part-time?”

But working moms know that nasty feeling that they are somehow not “there” for their children.

I’m dealing with some of this right now with my 12-year-old. She really doesn’t enjoy going to her after-school program. But since she doesn’t go to our neighborhood school, there’s no bus service,

few carpools, and very little choice for me in making sure she’s in a safe place after school each day. While she understands that I have to work, when she’s watching all of her friends go home at 3pm, it’s difficult for her not to be frustrated that her mom is always “at work.” When you’re 12, all of the other times that Mom and Dad are there seem to fade away when you have to wait two hours to leave school every day. Fortunately, she sees the light at the end of the tunnel. Her brother will be driving soon, and both of them will be able to come home right away.

Many stay-at-home moms have more than financial challenges. If they are honest with you, most will tell you they do occasionally get bored.

Especially if they left the workplace to have their kids. It’s a big shift to go from having a parking space and an expense account to diapers and playtime. This is why it’s so very important for stay-at-home moms to develop a network of friends and personal projects to keep them engaged and excited about their choice. Working moms, on the other hand, tend to develop those networks on the job or elsewhere.

The bottom line on this is that (1) parenting is the hardest job in the world, no matter how you do it; (2) all parenting is “full-time,” whether both parents are working or not; and (3) there is absolutely NO benefit to judging another mother’s choice or believing that one or the other is a “better” parent. Most moms are doing the very best they can, the best way they know how. Classes and programs are available for those mothers who have never had a good role model for parenting; but, in general, the choice of whether to work outside the home or not is not an indicator of one’s commitment to the task.

The best solution? We all work together. Stayat-home moms and working moms should find common ground and look for ways to support each other. We’re all just moms. Let’s be good SPECTRUM ones.

family

Written by: Bev Carlson, APR Director of Public Relations, Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska You can contact Bev with comments or story ideas at bcarlson@lfsneb.org or (402) 978-5646.

14 •

live•love•grow

• • • • October 2012

familyspectrum •

Written by: Bailey Hemphill • Photo by: Natalie Jensen Photography

Young Hero: Jadon Edwards

J

adon Edwards, 10, goes to Willa Cather Elementary in the Millard Public Schools district. He has two older sisters; and although he’s surrounded by women, his mom, Paige, says “[Jadon] gets us.” Paige describes her son as gregarious, generous, and goal-oriented.

“He has a huge amount of energy and brings that energy into any room he walks into…He is always willing to give—whether it be buying someone a gift, bringing me a glass of water while I’m working, or just helping carry my groceries in…[and he] is motivated by achieving goals,” she says.

Jadon wasn’t always an achiever though—he had to learn it the tough way. Throughout elementary school, he consistently started off behind the learning curve because he didn’t believe in his abilities as a student. “It seemed as if the first parent/teacher conference was always highlighted with what he needed to work on,” Paige says. “At this time, Jadon wasn’t motivated by good grades. I told him that he might not care, but I cared for him and he was going to do the work.”

Jadon didn’t like the pressure from his mom, and he often challenged her until she figured out what motivated him.

“In 3rd grade, I found out that if I attached rewards to his extra work, then it took the fight out of it.

I will admit I paid him for the goals he met…if I needed him to do something—learn his flashcards, finish a project, read a book every day—I used that to my advantage. I got him to work on his reading by paying him a dollar a day to read.” By the end of the summer, Paige said Jadon had $100. “It worked, and quite honestly, he earned it.”

Toward the end of 3rd grade, Jadon started to “get it.” After all of his effort and time—and Paige’s constant motivation—Jadon graduated from his reading program. By the time Jadon finished 4th grade, he had straight As and was asked to take the High Ability Learner (HAL) test.

“I cannot tell you what accomplishing those two things did for his ego.

He is starting his 5th grade year with some lofty goals; but this time, they are his goals,” Paige says.

Jadon is a great example for other kids who are struggling in school because he has shown that anything is possible with hard work. “He never gave up,” Paige adds. “He went from feeling not very smart to a braniac!”

Paige says her son inspires her to never give up.

“He literally set the bar low for himself because he didn’t believe in himself; but when it clicked that he was more capable than he thought, he accomplished and exceeded the goals he set for himself. It’s a great reminder that accomplishSPECTRUM ment is motivating.”

family

Family Spectrum and Omaha Storm Chasers would like to honor your Young Hero. Send nominations to Bailey@OmahaPublications.com.

• readonlinenow.com October 2012 • • • •

live•love•grow

• 15

Family Success Story The Shattucks

M

eet the Shattuck family—Kelly and Amy, and their children Emma, Jack, Sydney, and Sam of Millard!

Kelly is a family law attorney, and Amy is a physical therapist in the Millard Public Schools district. The family has four lovable pets—Dasher, a Bassett Hound, Lily, a mini-Dachshund, Penny, a Yorkie terrier, and Buddy, a cat. “Everyone definitely has their favorite [pet], and they are very much a part of our family,” Amy says.

Kelly and Amy have been married for 21 years, and they dated for about five years before they got married. “It seems like we’ve never been without each other,” Amy says. Together, Kelly and Amy are very family-centered in their values, and they often take family votes on big decisions—like when and where to move, where to take vacations, and even what to have for dinner. “Kelly and I are very much aware that our marriage is the foundation of our family, so we take our relationship very seriously. Date night is a big deal that we make a priority, as well as sticking up for each other when the kids gang up on us…It’s not always perfect or pretty, but we really cannot imagine life without each other.”

The Shattucks started their family with two biological children—Emma and Jack—that were both tough deliveries and recoveries for Amy, but they still wanted more kids. Instead of attempting for a third biological child, the Shattucks contacted American Adoptions out of Overland Park, Kan., and began the adoption process in June 2003. Amy recalls that Emma sat on Santa’s lap that year and wished for a baby sister for Christmas— and surprisingly enough, they got the call in January. In what Amy describes as “ten very long days later,” she went alone to pick up the family’s new addition, five-week-old baby Sydney, in Maryland. “It’s funny that I talk about what a great team Kelly and I are, but I wanted to pick up Sydney myself,” she says.

When Amy saw Sydney for the first time, she bawled. After spending an hour with Sydney’s foster parents while baby Sydney

16 •

live•love•grow

Kelly, Amy, Emma, 15, Jack, 13, Sam, 6, and Sydney, 8, Shattuck

slept, Amy finally got to take her daughter home. “I remember being so afraid that she would wake up, be scared, and cry because she didn’t know me,” she says. But Sydney didn’t cry once on the way home. “I talked to her the whole way home, telling her over and over that she was coming home, and that I was her momma— and that I was sorry it took me so long to get her.” Amy and Sydney arrived home around midnight to a very excited family. Amy remembers Emma saying, “Look at her beautiful lips, Mom. Someday, she is going to be a great kisser!” Jack, however, took a little more convincing, as he had wanted a brother; but as soon as they laid Sydney on the bed next to Jack, Sydney smiled at him, and he decided she could stay. “We all stayed home from work and school for the next couple of days to be with her…and we were totally happy with our little brood.” Kelly and Amy were then taken completely by surprise when Amy found out she was pregnant with their third child, Sam. “I’m not sure how I survived the delivery, but Sam has brought us joy and his own unique gifts…Sam has been [Sydney’s] best sidekick.”

Amy says life before Sydney was “quiet and boring,” explaining that Sydney is an extrovert in a house of introverts. Although Sydney is described as a confident, happy, social butterfly, Amy says Sydney does get upset sometimes that she is the only adopted child in the family. “She is very open about her adoption and will tell anyone, but every once in a while, she gets very sad that she was not born in my tummy.” And even Amy struggles sometimes with the dynamics of her family when people ask her whether she loves her adopted daughter differently than her biological children. “That always makes me smile at [people’s] ignorance. I love each of my kids differently because they are all such different individuals with their own unique gifts and challenges. I do not love one more than another.”

Amy says love is what keeps her family together and successful. “We have lots of it for each other no matter what. Sure, my kids fight like cats and dogs, and it gets loud and crazy at our house on a daily basis; but just before lights out, there are hugs for SPECTRUM each of our unique kids, and they are all right where they belong.”

family

• • • • October 2012

familyspectrum •

like simple stubbornness, or worse, stupidity.

However, when seen on a more complex level that is relevant to the way teens behave—looking good in front of peers—the stubbornness makes more sense. A youth who argues with a teacher often is trying to save face. On this level, the stubbornness (or idiocy) is easier to understand, accept, and manage. At this more complex and meaningful level of behavior, a simple solution would be for a teacher to forgo the exchange for the moment and set a time to discuss the issue later in private.

Ten Laws of Childhood Law Number Three: Behavior Occurs in Levels

W

ith child behavior, there is almost always much more than meets the eye. Because it occurs on so many different levels, child behavior that seems simple on one level can often be much more complex and meaningful on another.

For example, a toddler’s chronic pattern of getting into cupboards, drawers, and closed rooms even after being told not to is easily perceived as simple mischievousness. When viewed on that level, the pattern is unacceptable and could lead to discipline. But it can be viewed on a more complex and meaningful level, namely child exploration. If a child regularly encounters an angry parent who seems determined to thwart any exploratory activities, the child will often resolve to soldier on to achieve future discoveries. When parents view this behavior as exploratory (born out of natural curiosity, a good trait) rather than simple opposition, they are more likely to accept and appropriately monitor it. Although it may lead to cautionary responses to ensure the child’s safety, it is less likely to lead to discipline.

Another example might involve high school students who argue with a teacher and absolutely insist they are correct even in the face of contrary evidence. Viewed on a basic level, this may look

There are countless other examples. Holding a goldfish outside its bowl is idiotic on one level but also can be seen as a young child’s attempt to express physical affection to a pet. Spending time with friends rather than with family is selfish and insensitive on one level but also exhibits a teen’s need for independence.

My point here is that child behavior is often exhibited in simple forms that can appear to be oppositional, selfish, or generally unacceptable if viewed only at that basic level. However, when viewed at a more meaningful level, the same apparently simple behavior can be seen as something larger and potentially more adaptive. This doesn’t mean the behavior should be ignored, especially if it is inappropriate. But looking at the bigger picture of a child’s behavior, adults might gain a fuller understanding of what they’re dealing with, which can create more flexibility in how they respond.

familySPECTRUM

Written by: Patrick C. Friman, Ph.D., ABPP Director of the Boys Town Center for Behavioral Health Dr. Friman is the Director of the Boys Town Center for Behavioral Health, a large outpatient clinic for children living in Omaha who exhibit troubling or challenging behavior. The clinic is located on the home campus at Boys Town and is open for new appointments. For questions, please call (402) 498-3358.

Raising Children without losing your voice or your mind

Do you ever wish there was a training class on how to raise kids? On the DVD, Dr. Pat Friman gives parents 10 laws for raising happier, healthier, better-behaved children.

Order this DVD online at Boystownpress.org and receive $10 off today!

$10 Off

m-D12 Use Dept. Code: Spectru 1204-132-01

• readonlinenow.com October 2012 • • • •

live•love•grow

• 17

Vala’s Pumpkin Patch An Omaha-area Fall Tradition

From left: Kayla, 3, Ty, 5, and Leigha, 1, search for pumpkins at Vala’s.

18 •

live•love•grow

• • • • October 2012

familyspectrum •

Written by: Bailey Hemphill • Photos by: minorwhitestudios.com

S

ince its beginning in 1984, Vala’s Pumpkin Patch has been one of the Omaha area’s favorite venues for a fall-themed outing. Its mission is to create a fall tradition and experience for families and their friends that is educational and filled with fond memories, great food, and lots of fun. Although the target demographic is families and children, Vala’s is no doubt a place for people of all ages to enjoy.

The pumpkin patch gets its name from the family who started it and continues to run it. That family consists of Tim and Jan Vala, and their three daughters—Kirsten, Kyla, and Kelsey—all of whom have been extremely involved in making the pumpkin patch what it is today. Beyond the Vala name in the venue’s title, the Vala family mark is seen throughout the pumpkin patch, what with each of the daughters having a different food location named after them: Kirsten’s Coffee House, Kyla’s Custard and Ice Cream Shop, and Kelsey’s Sweet Shoppe. The oldest, Kirsten, started painting faces at Vala’s when she was 11. She currently works as a web editor/writer for the Food Network. The middle, Kyla, started working at Vala’s when she was 11, too, and is currently the Director of Fun at Vala’s, where she is in charge of special events and entertainment. The youngest, Kelsey, also started face painting at Vala’s at 11 but took an interest in food operations during high school. She currently has a job at the Food Network in New York City. All of the girls return to Vala’s for the fall season as often as they can to help out their parents.

When it came to running a seasonal operation, neither Tim nor Jan had any experience, but Jan says Tim “always had an entrepreneurial spirit.” Tim initially bought a strawberry-picking operation in 1983 and sold pumpkins out of his pick-up truck during the fall. A year later, Tim grew too many pumpkins to sell out of his pick-up truck and decided to get people to come out to the farm to pick pumpkins. “People had a great time with their kids picking out pumpkins whereas strawberry picking was hard work and not very much fun for kids,” Jan says. That’s when she and Tim decided to develop the pick-your-own pumpkin concept that still holds true of the venue today. “After 12 years [teaching] with Omaha Public Schools, I decided to quit my job and help Tim with Vala’s Pumpkin Patch,” Jan adds.

But don’t think that Tim and Jan’s life is easy once the pumpkinpicking season is over. In November, Jan spends a lot of time in the office, working on payroll, taxes, and invoices. She and Tim take some time off in December for the holidays, but come January and February, they attend several national conferences to learn more about running a fall seasonal operation, as well as running a corn maze. In March, the Valas prepare marketing for the fall season, meet with wholesale retailers, and discuss new ideas for the farm. While Tim is busy preparing the >>

• readonlinenow.com October 2012 • • • •

live•love•grow

• 19

THE POWER of aSIMPLE GIFT

National Collection Week

NOVEMBER 12-19 Touch the heart of a needy child with a gift-filled shoe box and the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Area Drop-Off Locations: Benson Baptist Church 6319 Maple St, Omaha Westwood Church 13056 Atwood Ave, Omaha

First Lutheran Church 3200 E Military, Fremont First Baptist Church 206 E 23rd Ave, Bellevue

Jan Vala and her family have run Vala’s Pumpkin Patch since 1984.

www.samaritanspurse.com Kim Bunton, Eastern NE Area Coordinator, 660.744.4729

Operation Christmas Child ® is a product of Samantha’s Purse ® Franklin Graham, President

Because of her background in education, some of Jan’s favorite times at the pumpkin patch are when she gets to interact with school groups on field trips. “We have apple education tours, pollination lessons, gem mining lessons, and pumpkin picking field trips,” she says. But the best part about running the pumpkin patch is the creativity that comes with it. “We have a list of projects and ideas that are fun for families; and each year, we choose a few to add to the enjoyment of the farm.”

Ralph M. Corpuz, D.D.S.

402-334-5656

Migraines? Headaches?

Ask us about how the NTI appliance can help!

$

100 Off

Any Cosmetic Service or NTI (Not Covered by Insurance)

$

40 Off

New Patient Exam (After Insurance)

Complimentary Spa Service • One Visit Crowns • Tooth Colored Fillings Root Canals • Routine Cleanings • Digital X-Ray • Veneers 13025 Arbor Street • Omaha, NE 68144

20 •

<< land for pumpkin planting in April, Jan follows up on marketing, food operations, and retail operations, which continues through May, June, and July. In August, the Valas interview around 180 people, hiring about 130 new staff along with their 450 returning staff. “In September, the fun really begins with our staff training, orientations, and finally our opening for the season. October is my favorite time to work. Not only do I have a great staff to work with, but we also have wonderful customers that have made Vala’s a fall tradition. We have a lot of fun!” says Jan.

www.corpuzfamilydentistry.com live•love•grow

Jan believes the pumpkin patch is a great place for families because she and Tim’s business approach is very family-oriented. “Whenever we come up with a new idea, we always come back to two questions in order to make a decision: Is this something that will appeal to children ages 3 to 13? If so, is the attraction something that the family can do together?” she says. “There are not enough things that families can do together locally, and our goal is to create lasting memories for families through our attractions, our food, our entertainment, and even our retail shopping areas.”

Vala’s has 49 attractions and three live shows daily, including the Pig Races, the Pumpkin-Eating Dragon, and the Pumpkin Chunkin’ Cannon Show. In addition, the Stunt Dog Show will be back this year on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. There are also five strolling characters around the venue: Zeke the Dragon, the Pumpkin Princess, Sylvia the Good Witch, the Autumn Fairie, and Snow White—all of whom are kid favorites. >>

• • • • October 2012

familyspectrum •

t- S o - S c a r e No y Th D UNTE HOUSE HA

October 2-30

We are looking for more submissions for the following stories in Family Spectrum: Family Success Story Young Hero Writer’s Corner Teacher of the Month

Sponsored by:

Official Fun Sponsor

October 18 & 25

ag HetHerlpin

5:30-7 p.m.

Eating ess For Succ dhood s of ChiL One tEn Law Law Number CornEr CrEativE Wonders

Winged

Safe CyCling for Kids and Adu lts The ame riCan

Dream

Cobweb Castle is back with new pirate adventures happening daily. Don’t miss Healthy Trick-or-Treat Nights with yummy treats provided by Whole Foods Market* and playful goodies from Oriental Trading Company. Both are free with admission or membership.

Now

Teen voiC

Going Beh eS the Whe ind el

Kids and h ults wit

fiSh

ad es Disabiliti

foSSilS , , and fu

at omah n

a’S henry Doorly text Don’t e Zo o and Driv

LDHooD s of CHi ten Law ber Two

Law Num

ner e Cor p Creativ Lam

Groovy

Lava

Boy Sc outs

of America

Founding Life Ski lls and Pre

paredness

BACKPA CK Org

anizatio n

heAlth

Food Choy ices

We also accept ideas for stories you would like to read about in Family Spectrum.

Send ideas to Bailey@omahapublications.com

*While supplies last

Is your child…

Acting out at school?

Disrespectful at home?

Under peer pressure?

Using drugs or alcohol?

Depressed?

Call for their sake.

888-866-8660

24/7 • Trained Counselors Free Information & Referrals nebraskafamilyhelpline.ne.gov

A seRvICe oF The nebRAskA dePARTmenT oF heAlTh And humAn seRvICes • readonlinenow.com October 2012 • • • •

PRovIded by boys Town

live•love•grow

• 21

Come to church this Sunday and bring the kids. cccomaha.org

We’re hyper-local with or without the caffeine. www.Womego.com

we the women HerLiving actively supports local women’s magazines.

22 •

live•love•grow

Top: Kayla plays near the Gingerbread House in Vala’s Storybook Barn. Middle: Ty and Kayla poke their heads out of Old Mother Hubbard’s Shoe at the Storybook Barn. Bottom: Kayla leads Leigha to the pumpkins.

• • • • October 2012

familyspectrum •

New Features at Vala’s This Season • The 2012 corn maze theme is “Follow the Magic,” and the design will include a castle, a dragon, a magic hat, and a wand.

• The Town Square Stage is a new stage that will be used for the Stunt Dog Show and other special entertainment.

• The Spookely Play Yard is a new play area based on the children’s book, The Legend of Spookely the Square Pumpkin. It will have storyboards, giant Lincoln Logs, games, dress-up scarecrows, and an oldfashioned school bus.

• The Creepy Hollow Village Display is a new miniature display of lighted haunted houses and figures.

• More food locations have been added or expanded around the farm. Cobs & Dogs will serve handmade corn dogs and chili cheese fries; the Dairy Barn has been remodeled and will have new delicious treats; the Country Bakery Café has been remodeled; the Cookie Coop has been expanded after last year’s popularity with the “buckets” of chocolate chip cookies; and there’s a new Chuck Wagon Soda stand that will serve old-fashioned sodas in a souvenir SPECTRUM mug.

Now Open 7 Days a Week in One Pacific Place!

A locally owned children’s hair salon for parents and their kids.

402-933-3700

family

Special Events and Entertainment at Vala’s This Season Mascot Day Military Appreciation Day Girl Scout Days Awana Day Sarpy/Douglas County 4-H Fundraiser Star Wars Day R OVE GC OMA es • Fac

Belle Ball

even

ts •

• Din art

s

Omaha’s Premier Magazine Publisher, Family-Owned & Operated, supporting & promoting Omaha for over a quarter of a century.

2-Years (twelve issues) for only $12.95 savings of 73% | enter code ‘omag2year’

al of Reviv

1-Year (six issues) for only $9.95 savings of 58% | enter code ‘omag1year’

on Bens

e of th

edy’s

Kenn o Cond ttage ted Co Enchan Anne

ar-B en Ak-S tio n na Co ro Ch ai rs

se pt

ing

& Grill Sushi t Review PonzuRestauran

em be

r/o

ct ob

ART • DINING • EVENTS • FACES • HOME • STYLE

20 12 er •

ww w.O

ma haP

ubl ica

tion

s.c om

R OVE GC A M O e • 5921

S. 118t

h CirC

Oma le •

ha,

ne 6813

7

5377 IT NO. PERM ER, CO DENV U.S.

PAID

T STD PRSR AGE POST

• readonlinenow.com October 2012 • • • •

me • • Ho

azin

Vala’s Pumpkin Patch is open Sept. 21-Oct. 31. $9.99 per person M-Th; $13.29 per person F-Sun; free for ages 2 and under. 12102 S. 180th St., Gretna, Neb. For more information, visit www.valaspumpkinpatch.com or call 402-332-4200.

style

ha mag

A visit from the Godfather of Godfather’s Pizza

a subscription to

Oma

Onstage magicians and musicians

live•love•grow

• 23

LOCATIONS 14460 West Maple Rd.

14303 U St.

402.493.0443

402.895.0181

2609 S. 132nd St.

1919 N. 90th St.

402.334.6933

402.391.2072

10770 Fort St. [NEC]

4840 Dodge St.

402.493.3257

402.558.2000

8315 West Center Rd.

1701 S. Galvin Rd.

402.393.2557

402.292.2685

Omaha, NE

Omaha, NE

Omaha, NE

Omaha, NE

Omaha, NE

Omaha, NE

Omaha, NE

Creative Corner

Trick-or-Treating Bags

I

nstead of buying a trick-or-treating bag from the store, let your kids design their own to show off as they head out to collect candy this Halloween!

Bellevue, NE

6901 S. 84th St. LaVista, NE

NOW OPEN!

24 •

live•love•grow

• • • • October 2012

familyspectrum •

Get 2 Months

Craft made by: Bailey Hemphill • Photo by: Katie Anderson

Materials • blank canvas bag or white pillowcase • fabric paint (orange, black, red, brown, and yellow are great fall colors)

(up to 24 classes) FOR Only

180

$

Summer Special A

HA EL

O

T A

E

To sign up, go to: tiny.cc/wvqycw

I •

Includes FREE Uniform, FREE 90-minute Orientation, Student Handbook & Testing

• OM

family

TE

Tips If your kids need help creating designs for their bag, print off Halloween drawing outlines from the internet or purchase Halloween stencils. For better designs, sketch first in pencil and then trace with SPECTRUM fabric paint when satisfied.

D

Instructions • Put cardboard, newspaper, or a magazine in the canvas bag or pillowcase to keep the fabric paint from leaking through on the other side • Draw designs with fabric paint • Leave cardboard, newspaper, or a magazine in the canvas bag or pillowcase until the fabric paint dries (usually takes about 4 hours)

K W O N

Class Times: Monday 6 pm, Thursday 6 pm, Saturday 1 pm

850-5551

Start Today!

Find us on

inspire Omaha Conservatory of Music’s mission is to build an Inspired Ar ts Communit y through education and performance.

Contact Us Today For Lesson Information!

Open to the public

Sound and Cinema October 25 at Ak-Sar-Ben Theater with

L.A. composer Maria Newman Featuring

Mary Pickford silent films: “It is in Life” • “They Would Elope” • and a surprise film!

Tickets available! There will be catering and adult beverages.

3504 S. 108 St., Omaha • NE 68144 • 402.932.4978 www.omahacm.org | www.accelerandocoffeehouse.com The Annette and Paul Smith Performing Arts Center at the Omaha Conservatory of Music

• readonlinenow.com October 2012 • • • •

live•love•grow

• 25

Submitted by Operation Christmas Child • Photo provided by Operation Christmas Child

Children in Madagascar receive shoeboxes from Operation Christmas Child.

Operation Christmas Child Teaching Children the Joy of Giving

S

amaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet the needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love. Operation Christmas Child is one of the many international relief projects of Samaritan’s Purse. Kicked off in 1993 with just 28,000 shoebox gifts donated, the project has grown and hand-delivered more than 86 million shoebox gifts to needy children in more than 130 countries.

While Samaritan’s Purse works to meet spiritual and physical needs including providing clean water, health care, and food, Operation Christmas Child addresses a need for which children are just as desperate—the need to have hope and feel loved. For many of these children, the shoebox will be the first gift they have ever received.

Last year, the United States collected around 6 million shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, with 21,298 shoeboxes from eastern Nebraska alone. This year, the goal for the eastern Nebraska area is 22,875 shoeboxes.

Operation Christmas Child is a great way for parents to teach their children about generosity and compassion through a simple, affordable, and fun family activity. Children tend to focus on themselves and the items they hope to get during the holidays, but saving, shopping, and sending a note in a shoebox teaches everyone that true holiday happiness comes from giving to others.

26 •

live•love•grow

Anyone can participate in Operation Christmas Child. Kids, families, schools, churches, and community groups can pack empty shoeboxes with simply items most people take for granted, including toothpaste, toys, and school supplies. The shoeboxes are then hand-delivered to hurting children around the world using whatever means necessary—sea containers, trucks, trains, airplanes, boats, elephants, even dog sleds.

There are dozens of locations in Omaha, Lincoln, and other surrounding areas where shoeboxes can be dropped off during the National Collection Week (Nov. 12-19).

If needed, local volunteers are available to provide: • ideas on how to pack a box • free materials to share with family, church and community groups, co-workers • informational programs, DVDs, PowerPoint presentations • creative ways to integrate OCC into your mission work Operation Christmas Child uses tracking technology to allow participants to “follow” their box to the destination country where it will be hand-delivered to a child in need. To register shoebox gifts, use the “Follow Your Box” donation form found at www.samaritanspurse.org/occ. For web-savvy participants, shoebox gifts can be packed virtually using “Build a Box” on the Samaritan’s Purse website.

With “Build a Box,” participants can select a child’s age, gender, and gift items; write a note of encouragement; and virtually “pack” them in an empty shoebox.

familySPECTRUM

National Collection Week is Nov. 12-19. Follow Operation Christmas Child on Facebook (facebook.com/OCCshoeboxes) and Twitter (@OCC_shoeboxes). For more information on how to participate, including local drop-off sites, visit www.samaritanspurse.org or call Kim Bunton at 660-744-4729.

• • • • October 2012

familyspectrum •

Family Spectrum’s Writer’s Corner

Proudly Presented by:

Gabe

Gabe, 8, is a 3rd grader at Montclair Elementary School.

He loves math, reading, playing soccer and football, and traveling with his family.

Gabe

8702 Pacific St., Countryside Village (402) 392–2877 www.bookwormomaha.com

Primary Grade Advice

by Gabe

ATTENTION YOUNG WRITERS!

I am a third grader this year, and I have some ideas for kids going into 2nd grade. Second grade can be a good year, but you need to follow these rules: First, don’t talk when the teacher’s talking.

Next, get your work done in class.

Third, make a lot of friends because you might need them on the playground.

This is going to be a great year!

Submit your original short stories and/or poems to Bailey@OmahaPublications.com, and we may choose YOURS to feature in our next issue! Submission of a story or poem automatically gives Family Spectrum publishing rights to publish in whole or in part. Family Spectrum will notify writers of intent of use prior to publishing.

Correct body movements and positions can help slow the process of degeneration and protect your back for life. Every time you lie down, lift, stand, sit, or bend, keep your spine in mind.

$31 New Patient Special

Includes Initial Interview, Nerve System Exam, Full Spine Assessment and Complete Report of Findings “Excludes Medicare and Medicaid patients"

6303 Center St. Suite 103, Just East of the new Ak-Sar-Ben Village 402-933-1933 www.pearsonchirowellness.com

• readonlinenow.com October 2012 • • • •

live•love•grow

• 27

Teen Voice: He Said/She Said Friends or Acquaintances?

I

n today’s society, many teenagers think that quantity of friends has greater importance than the quality of a relationship with a few friends. Many people think that the more friends they have, the better. This is represented a lot in media, where people throw massive parties and everyone is having a good time, even if they don’t know most of the people that are there. People just want to be invited to appear as if they are popular.

I personally don’t think it is always best to have a ton of friends. I believe it’s great to have a lot of people you can interact and be friendly with, but they would be more secondary to my closest friends. If it came down to it, I would rather have a close-knit group of a few friends than a bunch of friends that I’m not as close to.

My main reasoning behind this is that, with close friends, you get to know everything about them after a while, and that just adds a whole new element of fun to the experience. These are the friends you will stay close with forever.

This also ties into the peer pressure aspect. With a large group of people, it is easier to get sucked into bad choices. When you have your core group, there is more of a respect for your individual choices, and you feel comfortable keeping each other in check.

Overall, it is important to keep a balance between a few close friends and being able to be social in a large group setting. I believe this is the basis of friendship for SPECTRUM life.

family

Submitted by: Connor Class of 2015

28 •

live•love•grow

A

s I grow older, the more my friends manage to impact my life. Over the years, I’ve made several close friends. They each have different outlooks on a variety of things, and I don’t know what I would do without them. I’m very blessed to have every single one of them. Still, some teens value the quantity of their friends over the quality of their friendships.

I feel that high school is to blame. The second freshmen walk through the entrance doors on their first day, the pressure from peers weighs down heavily upon them. Cliques or groups are a huge part of that pressure. A lot of people give in. They immerse themselves within the school’s social game. Other teens might feel insecure or have a low self-esteem. So that person may surround themselves with a group of acquaintances, only then feeling content and comfortable. I believe high school consists of appearances. If you appear popular or well-liked, then people fall for that illusion.

In high school, everyone has that certain longing to be accepted. So to the people who fall for that illusion, they believe being accepted means having a vast quantity of friends. Unfortunately, they will never know the true luxury of having close, trustworthy friends.

I don’t know what I would do without my close friends. I enjoy having a small group of close friends, knowing they will be there with me through all the hard and good times. Close friends are forever—of that I’m positive. I would rather have one trustworthy, true friend over a million acquaintances any day.

familySPECTRUM

Submitted by: Halston Class of 2015

• • • • October 2012

familyspectrum •

October 2012 Event Calendar Don’t miss the fun! Clip and put on your fridge.

sunday

monday

tuesday

wednesday

23 24 25 SkinnyBones Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch Sept. 14-Oct. 31 • 3935 Highway 133, Blair, Neb. (402) 426-2295 • www.skinnybones.com

26

1

friday

27

28

saturday 29

Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch Fall Events Sept. 24-Oct. 31 • 11001 S. 48th St, Papillion, Neb. (402) 331-5500 • www.bellevueberryfarm.com

Nebraska’s newest corn maze offers 10 acres of mind-bending fun, a pumpkin patch, hayrack rides, face-painting, a petting zoo, and more.

30

thursday

2

Enjoy fall festivities and spooky sights at this popular pumpkin patch, including the Great Pumpkin Round-Up, the Ranch of Terror, haunted hayrack rides, a haunted house, and more.

3

4

5

6

Do Something Nice Day

Autumn Harvest Art Show 2012 Oct. 6-7 • Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, I-80 Exit 426 Ashland, Neb. (402) 944-2523 • www.outdoornebraska.org Don’t miss this fine arts celebration featuring wildlife, landscape, still life, impressionistic, Southwest, and Western paintings in a variety of mediums.

7

8 Columbus Day

9 10 The Great Pumpkin Round-Up Oct. 6-7 • Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch, 11001 S. 48th St., Papillion, Neb. (402) 331-5500 • www.bellevueberryfarm.com

11

12

13

19

20

25

26

27

1

2

3

Start getting ready for Halloween. Head to the ranch to shop, eat, drink, and play.

Wear your Halloween duds or come as you are.

14

15

16

17

18

Dictionary Day

Teen Nutrition Oct. 13, 10am-11am • Boys Town Hospital 14080 Hospital Rd., Boys Town, Neb. Register at www.boystownpediatrics.org Do potato chips, fast food, and soda fuel your teen? Join Boys Town for a one-hour presentation on teen nutrition. Get some tips on how to help your teen select healthier foods options, understand portion control, exercise, and signs of eating disorders. Get ideas on how to deal with picky eaters and managing food when your family is always on the go.

21

22

23

24

Count Your Buttons Day

All Hallows Evenings Oct. 19-20 • Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, Grand Island, Neb. (308) 385-5316 • www.stuhrmuseum.org Beware the spooks in Railroad Town, enjoy a fun fright at the Haunted Field, and grab some treats along the Candy Trail.

28

29

30

31

Boo at the Zoo Oct. 26-30 • Lincoln Children’s Zoo, Lincoln, Neb. (402) 475-6741 • www.lincolnzoo.org

Howling Homestead Oct. 20 • Homestead National Monument of America 8523 W. Hwy 4, Beatrice, Neb. (402) 223-3514 • www.nps.gov/home

At this safe, family-friendly event, children can meet their favorite costumed characters and fill their bags full of treats at the Boo Stations.

Celebrate the end of the harvest at this fun family event. Enjoy pioneer and Native American storytelling, a nighttime hike, old-time songs around the campfire, and more.

Halloween

To learn more about events from around the state, go to www.VisitNebraska.gov. Click on “Things to Do.”

• readonlinenow.com October 2012 • • • •

live•love•grow

• 29

ind

Submitted by: Nebraska Travel and Tourism • Photo provided by: Nebraska Travel and Tourism

Family Spectrum and be sure to

us while you’re there

Facials Color

Aramotherapy

18101 R Plaza, Omaha, NE S.W. Corner of 180th & Q St. 402-891-0018

Waxing Up-Do’s Color Manicures

Coupon cannot be combined with another offer. One coupon per visit. *Exp: 12/15/12

www.ravesalon.com

30 •

Pedicure

Color and Cut

Aramotherapy

$30 Off

Spa Packages

Rave Salon and Spa Retreat is an ethics based , values-driven organization dedicated to wellness and wholeness for our team and guests; the empowerment of team members to achieve career success; uncompromising, exceptional legendary customer service; and the creation of an environment where all these elements can combine in harmony and balance .

Waxing

Spa Packages

Up-Do’s

Facials

Manicures

Pedicure

Children smile for a photo at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch

On The Go! Halloween Brings a Lot of Treats, a Few Tricks

H

alloween season is here and ready to unleash laughter, magic, and a little mischief on the Metro. From spine-tingling haunted houses to family-friendly pumpkin patches, Halloween in Nebraska will cast its spell on goblins of all ages.

A tad kooky and a little bit spooky, Cobweb Castle, the not-so-scary haunted house, returns to the Omaha Children’s Museum Oct. 2-31. This popular attraction is perfect for pint-size visitors and families searching for safe, fun Halloween activities. Children will enjoy twisting and turning through the castle maze and exploring the many mysterious rooms.

If wacky and wild is how your family likes to celebrate, the Punkin’ Chunkin’ contest, Oct. 28, in Petersburg, Neb., is a must. See who can shoot, fling, launch, or throw a pumpkin the farthest distance for a cash prize. Even if you’re not competing, there’s a petting zoo, a pie-eating contest, and more.

Another unusual event that’s sure to have the kids shrieking in delight is York’s annual Scream on the Square, Oct. 25-26. Little “ghouls” and boys can perfect their pitch in the National Scream Contest and trick-or-treat at downtown businesses.

Savor the sights, sounds, and smells of the season at a nearby pumpkin patch. Just 30 miles south of Omaha, near Avoca, is Bloom Where You’re Planted Pumpkin Patch and Educational Farm. The annual fall festival continues through Halloween with hayrack rides, nature trails, farm animals, pumpkin painting and more. Vala’s near Gretna is another popular patch. There, families enjoy 37 attractions, live entertainment, and the famous pumpkin-eating dragon. And of course, a trip to any pumpkin patch wouldn’t be complete without caramel corn, a cup of steaming cider, and homemade fudge.

Corn mazes are another way to get lost in the fun of the season. Camp Fontanelle’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze, north of Fremont, has nine acres of twists, turns, and thrills. On Oct. 20, 26, and 27, the spooks come out in full force with a haunted maze for the big kids and a dark-only maze for the younger set.

And the Metro boasts many spook houses if your family is seeking knee-knocking chills. Scary Acres, which has been frightening families since 2002, has three sinister attractions: the Master’s Castle, the House on the Hill, and the Haunted Woods. Other popular area haunted houses in the area include Mystery Manor, the Shadow’s Edge, and Haunted Hollow.

For a complete list of Halloween haunts, fall festivals, and pumpkin patches, go to VisitNebraska.gov.

familySPECTRUM

live•love•grow

• • • • October 2012

familyspectrum •

Your Safety.

Our Priority.

FRee Community event!

Sunday, October 7, 2012 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Embassy Suites, La Vista Join us! It’s fun and educational for all ages!

• Fire Trucks and Rescue Vehicles • Free Food and Refreshments (while supplies last) • Safety Clubhouse - Win Prizes!

• Safety Education • Tai Chi Demonstration for Older Adults • Self Defense Mini Class • Stage Shows - The Amazing Arthur!!

• And much, much more!

Call 402-898-7356 or visit www.SafeNebraska.org for more information!

Babysitting Classes

Prepare your pre-teen or teen to care for infants and young children!

Babysitting Class Schedule

All classes held on Saturday 8:00AM-4:00PM 2012 Dates: October 13, November 10, December 8 Tuition $65, Includes Lunch Class includes: • First Aid and CPR • What to do in case of an illness or injury • Evaluating emergency situations and calling 911 • Changing diapers • Feeding (bottle and spoon) and burping • Games and activities to keep youngsters happy

Students receive a Certificate of Completion good for two years!

Call 402-898-7369 or visit www.SafeNebraska.org. to register!

Adult & Pediatric FA/CPR/AeD Combined Class!

2012 Schedule

Certificate: First Aid 3 Years, CPR/AED 2 Years Saturday Daytime Classes Adult and Pediatric First Aid Only Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED Only Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR/AED

Time 8:00-12:00 1:00-5:00 8:00-5:00

Tuition $60 $65 $75

2012 Saturday Class Dates: October 6, November 17, December 29 All classes held at National Safety Council, Nebraska 11620 M Circle (120th & L) Call 402-896-0454 or visit www.SafeNebraska.org for more informaton or to register!

See a doctor 7 days a week BOYS TOWN

Pacific Pediatric Clinic 139th & Pacific

88th Street Pediatric Clinic 90th & Center

(402) 334-SICK SM

Staffed by Board Certified pediatricians, Same Day Pediatrics is not an urgent care clinic, but a real pediatric clinic with scheduled appointment times.

Appointments available every evening, weekend and holiday.

BOYS TOWN

Pediatrics

boystownpediatrics.org For weekly pediatric tips check us out on facebook and twitter.

facebook.com/BoysTownPediatrics and twitter.com/BoysTownPeds

速