Owensboro Parent - August 2011

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{ owensboro parent . august 2011 }

Editor Ashley Sorce ashley@owensboroparent.com Publisher/Designer Jason Tanner

from the editor I love to feel her kick. My husband, Jeff, often finds me staring at my belly, waiting for her to make her next move. My baby book calls this “navel gazing,” but for me, it’s a feeling I simply can’t describe.

I feel more and more like a mom with each sweet kick. (…with the exception of kicks to the ribs, of course.)

Avery Amelia will be here next month. Sure, we have everything ready. Her nursery is painted the perfect shades of pink and green.

Her crib is assembled and adorned with bedding it took us the first trimester to pick out. Her closet is full of clothes and our brains are full of birthing class lessons. We have 1,528 baby wipes and 1,049 diapers. (My husband and I wrote the couponing article on page 22.)

But can anything truly prepare you for your first child?

I know that as first-time parents, Jeff and I rely on the wisdom of other moms and dads that have lived it. This is the purpose of Owensboro Parent Magazine. We realize the need in our community to help parents give and receive advice, find local family events, learn from others’ unique experiences and simply share the joy of being parents.

jason@owensboroparent.com Sales Director Jonathan Tanner jonathan@owensboroparent.com Distribution Manager Robert Williams robert@owensboroparent.com Account Executives Jodi Tanner jodi@owensboroparent.com Jeff Sorce jeff@owensboroparent.com Contributors Lora Wimsatt Leigh Ann Tipton Matt Weafer Patty Tanner Contact Information Owensboro Parent Magazine PO Box 23237 Owensboro, KY 42304 (270) 314-5240 www.owensboroparent.com facebook.com/owensboroparent twitter.com/owensboroparent

This is your magazine. Please e-mail us or find us on Facebook to suggest articles you would like to see, seek advice you may need or share an experience you had with your child. It is our goal to provide you a guide to smart parenting, but we will need your help along the way.

Printing Greenwell-Chisholm 420 East Parrish Ave. Owensboro, KY 42303-3123 (270) 684-3267

I have been told that when my husband and I meet our baby girl next month we will know what to do. “It comes natural,” they all say.

Yeah, that may be true. But just in case, it’s nice to know that I have Owensboro Parent to fall back on.

We are all in this parenting thing together.

Always,

Advertise Owensboro Parent is a FREE magazine because of community support.

Thank you to the great group of businesses & organizations who advertise with us.

If you want to contribute to the

Editor, Owensboro Parent Magazine Ashley@owensboroparent.com

success of our magazine, we would love to hear from you and will work to develop an advertising partnership that will not only benefit you, but also the parents of Owensboro.

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features ParentTalk 7 Your Child’s Best Teacher 9 The Blessings of Adoption 10 Balancing Act 15 CoverKids 16 Q&A with Becca Greenwell 18 Baby Sign Language 20 Learn to Coupon 22 August Recipe 25 Nothing Stays the Same 27 Family Fun 28 Calendar of Events 29

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{ from our readers }

parenttalk Our readers shared some tips on how to make the first day of school easier for first-time moms & dads.

The following tips from our Facebook page were picked as our favorites. Each writer won a family pack of four tickets to Mesker Park Zoo & Botanical Garden in Evansville, Indiana.

Let your children see their classroom, practice walking in lines at home and send them with a personal item of yours— like a watch or wallet. Let them borrow something you don’t use and tell them you need them to hang on to it for you. This gives them something to calm them and reassure them that they will see you after school. Plus, being in charge of the item will help them feel big!

-Dayna Banks Scott Our family reads the “The Kissing Hand.” We also always have a first day of school party each year. I let my child do whatever fun activities she chooses for the day and she can eat whatever she wants. She loves it!

She now looks forward to the first day of school every year just so we can have the first day of school party!

-Jill Henning Harper

Boo-Hoo Breakfast! On the first day back to school, have a Boo-Hoo Breakfast for parents (especially kindergarten mamas/daddies). Parents— bring your kiddos to school, help them get settled into their classrooms, take some photos, say goodbye and then head to the cafeteria for breakfast with other parents. This gives parents a time to meet each other, learn about programs at the school and meet the teachers & staff. -Kimberly Porter

Owensboro Parent strives to be an essential companion for parents in Owensboro.

Learn more online: www.owensboroparent.com

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your child’s

best teacher

The most successful students are those whose parents realize that a classroom is not always a classroom. { by: lora wimsatt }

Dates carefully marked on the family calendar: Back-to-school picnics, open houses – and the first day of school. A box of crayons in a rainbow of colors, the points still sharp and smooth. Roundtipped scissors, a bottle of glue, a ruler and a new backpack – Dora the Explorer, perhaps Transformers, or maybe SpongeBob SquarePants. Brand new notebooks, filled with crisp white paper, clean and smooth, just waiting to welcome the sharp point of a new pencil.

But even as children excitedly pack – and repack – their new school supplies into their bags and look forward to the first day of school with sparkling eyes, the most important thing parents can provide is not written on a list of school supplies; it’s not something to be tucked into a backpack or stored in a locker.

The most valuable “school supply” of all is a parent’s encouragement for a child to grow and learn and explore and discover.

Yes, children will learn that “Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 14 hundred and 92.” Yes, children will learn about acute and obtuse angles. They will learn about participles and infinitives.

They will learn about mass and energy. They will learn the rules of kickball, they will learn that red and yellow make orange, they will learn “do re mi fa so la ti do.”

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But a truly successful student is the child who learns about himself, his talents, skills and what makes him special … the child who learns to understand her place in the world, and how she can contribute to making the world better for others. This is the child who is encouraged to explore her imagination and express her thoughts and feelings.

The learning that takes place at the kitchen table, in the family van, in the backyard, in the living room, at Grandma’s house and as the child is tucked into bed at night – this is where a child learns the most important lessons of all.

This is where he first learns that he is loved, and appreciated.

This is where she learns she has something to say – and someone is listening.

This is where a child learns that learning is fun, and it truly is a lifelong adventure. He learns that it’s all right to make mistakes.

She learns that other people have feelings, and deserve to be treated with respect.

Schools are looking forward to the first day of school too. Buses are clean and ready to travel their routes. Classrooms are decorated with brightly colored posters, and desks are waiting in neat rows.

Lunchrooms are waiting to serve nutritious, delicious meals, media centers have new books on display and educators are looking forward to welcoming new students and eagerly anticipating an opportunity to inspire young minds.

But the most precious student is your child, and the real teacher, a child’s first, best and most influential teacher … is YOU. August 2011 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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{ by: leigh ann tipton }

the blessings of adoption It Was Meant To Be Shortly after Jeff Hausner, 46, and Lois Hausner, 34, married, they learned there was only a 10 percent chance that they would be able to conceive a child on their own. It didn’t take long for the couple to decide they would not go through extra medical procedures to have a child, but they were hesitant to look into adoption.

At the time, the young couple owned businesses in Owensboro and Chicago, and were frequently on the road. They also knew the long and arduous process of adopting expends emotions and requires a special commitment from hopeful parents.

Not ready, the Hausners put off the idea.

A chain of events the couple can only describe as divine intervention soon changed their wavering minds. One normal day, Lois noticed a billboard on Frederica Street for a Kentucky adoption agency. She jotted down the agency’s phone number in her agenda book and thought, “I need to talk to Jeff about this.” But when she got home, she didn’t.

Two weeks later, the couple attended Sunday school class like they did every week. Despite being comfortable in the life she shared with Jeff, Lois still yearned to experience motherhood. Many young couples in her class had recently given birth, proudly showing off their newborns in infant carriers. But this only reminded Lois of this yearning. Lois questioned why God would not let her share in that same joy.

Suddenly Lois, with Jeff sitting next to her, was shocked to hear a new class member introduce herself as the executive director of the adoption agency whose number she had written down just weeks before. Jeff was bewildered by the tears that began streaming

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Hausner Family

down his wife’s face. She took out the agenda book and pointed to the phone number she’d scratched down. This had to be God revealing himself and his plan for them, she thought.

After class they talked to the woman, who was establishing her own local adoption agency. Shortly after their meeting Lois received a photograph of a little boy, his brown eyes illuminated and a joyful smile across his face. Lois e-mailed the photo to Jeff at work. At his desk, he opened the attachment, and saw his son’s face for the first time.

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The Hausners printed his picture and hung it on their refrigerator. They put a framed copy by their bed and sent a copy to their parents. They gave this boy, whose face they saw each day on the fridge as they reached for the milk, a name— Addison.

“To us, he was already our son,” Jeff said.

The boy lived with a foster family in Guatemala at the time. In 2004 the couple traveled to Central America to meet him, though it would be at least three more months before the adoption would be complete. But after seeing how much progress he made physically and emotionally after one day with his new parents, the couple knew he needed them. And they needed him.

Lois and Jeff returned to the United States for two weeks – just long enough for Lois to quit her job and for them both to tidy up loose ends before returning to Guatemala to become Addison’s foster parents. Lois stayed for three months, and Jeff for two.

Addison was their pride and joy. Sure, they had to refocus certain aspects of their lives, but that’s the wonderful, glorious thing children do, according to the Hausners. Children transform the lives of their parents and bring more love and joy than is describable. But explaining adoption to Addison was important to these new parents.

“We tell him God builds families in many ways, with biological children in some and adopted children in others,” she said. “We explain to him that God took a man from Chicago and a woman from Owensboro and brought us together, then gave us a son from Guatemala.”

When Addison was around 6 years old, the couple was ready to expand their family again and began the process of adopting a child from Nepal. Just in case a child was referred to them, Lois needed to be ready for travel, vaccinations and all. The medical staff recommended she take a pregnancy test before receiving one of the vaccinations.

It was this routine test that gave Lois and Jeff the stunning news she was pregnant after 10 years of being unable to conceive. She gave birth to daughter, Maci in 2009, and in July of this year gave birth to a son Levi. All three children are a blessing, Lois said, and she would not change how anything unfolded.

“I would have had kids in my 20s if I’d been able to, but a little Guatemalan boy was meant to be part of our lives,” Lois said. “If I’d been able to have children earlier, we would have completely missed out on that blessing – the blessing of Addison.”

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Together as Family Corrie Milem, a six-year-old with olive skin and hair that glistens like threads of black silk, dangled her legs over the side of the families’ farmhouse table. She was watching intently as her sandy-haired sister, Catherine, 9, drew a dragon on a piece of paper.

“She’s drawing it for me,” Corrie said proudly. “She loves me.”

Catherine returned the smile because, well, she does.

Charles and Dawn Milem, parents of Corrie and Catherine, were in their late 30s when they married in 1999. They didn’t think they would be able to have biological children because of their age.

Milem Family

Charles jokes that every 18 months a person with his last name and half his genes showed up at their house. Charlie was first, Catherine second, then Christian.

“The Lord blessed us greatly and blessed us quickly,” Dawn quipped.

After her third birth, and third Caesarean section, in five years, Dawn’s obstetrician recommended she and Charles have no more biological children. So when their youngest turned three years old, the Milems began pursuing an international adoption.

They quickly faced an unforeseen challenge. The Milems learned every country has its own set of adoption restrictions.

Some won’t allow adoptions to families with more than one or two children and most have minimum and maximum age limits.

Because they were already in their 40s, Dawn says China, nearly the only country in which they had not yet surpassed the household

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size or maximum age restrictions, picked them.

The Milems adopted daughter Corrie from China in 2007 and son Caleb in 2009. Their adoption moved along quicker than some – about a year each – because the Milems were willing to accept children with special needs. Corrie has facial palsy and trouble closing her left eye, possibly the result of an untreated ear infection early in life. Caleb was born premature with a small hole in his heart, which eventually closed on its own and required no medical treatment.

Like the Hausners, Charles said he and his wife were reluctant at first to adopt, especially since he and Dawn already had three children by birth. Like the Hausners, the Milems didn’t want to upset the comfortable equilibrium of their lives. And like the Hausners, they are now extremely thankful they did.

Share Your Story

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{ by : We s te r n Ke n t u c ky U n i ve r s i ty - O we n s b o ro }

balancingact Each night after stories and prayers, Trason, 29, and Cassie Campbell, 26, put their two daughters to bed. With Carriann, 4, and Chaney, 14 months old, finally asleep, the couple sat down to their dining room table, one across from the other, and began their homework.

It was this hard work and determination that allowed the Campbells to graduate last May from Western Kentucky University Owensboro. Trason, a firefighter and security officer at Alcan, graduated with his bachelor’s degree in systems management. Cassie, a guidance counselor with Daviess County Public Schools, graduated with her master’s degree in school counseling. The couple, married 7 years this month, walked the line together as their two girls watched from the audience.

“We just wanted them to see the importance of education at an early age,” Cassie said. “Being at graduation, they saw that we were serious about it. They saw the end product, the hard work we put into it.”

With three jobs between the two of them, and two daughters to raise at home, the Campbells don’t deny it was difficult.

A story of going back to school and raising a family.

Cassie enrolled in as many classes locally as possible and took advantage of online course offerings, but admitted it was hard not to be home with her family. Trason said that while all of his classes were online, it was a challenge to always have something in the back of his mind needing to be done with his schoolwork.

“But we wouldn’t change a thing,” Trason said.

“It’s doable,” Cassie said, giving the following advice to other parents: Number one, go for it! Everything will fall into place.

Number two, prioritize. Learn the balance between school, work and family.

Number three, communicate with your spouse. It is important to keep your normal family routine and it takes both parents to do that.

The Campbells not only encourage other parents to go back to school, but also their own daughters. Even at their young ages, Carriann and Chaney know that education is important. Cassie jokes that while she was in school, her oldest “played homework,” sitting down with her as she finished her own assignments.

“We stress, even though they are young, that God has a special plan for their lives, but it’s their job to put forth the hard work to get there,” Cassie said.

“We just wanted them to see the importance of education at an early age”

Western Kentucky University in Owensboro has been educating students for over 40 years.

Learn more online: www.wku.edu/owensboro www.OwensboroParent.com

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{ the top ten photos }

CoverKids Congratulations to our Top 10 CoverKids!

Owensboro Parent would like to thank all that submitted photos and voted for their favorite CoverKid. Be sure to stay tuned to Facebook for our next cover photo contest!

Special congratulations to our CoverKids Contest Winner, Griffin Hugh Gaddis!

Griffin, named after his great grandfather Hugh Havener, was born June 1, 2010. He loves the outdoors, swimming, riding his 4-wheeler, playing with his cars and trucks and any kind of sports ball! He has two older sisters Molly, 4, and Blair, 2.

5.MADEYLN

4.kAYLEE

1.EAN

& KINSLEY

2.isabella

Grace

8.CARTER

6.MADISON

9.CLAIRE

3.SAMirah

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7.GAGE

ELI www.OwensboroParent.com

{ a few of our favorites }

Cover Kids

ava

Mckynlee

john

Brelee

Lincoln

Claire

alyssa

jersie & james

ethan

bella www.OwensboroParent.com

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Q&A with Becca’s mom Nicole Elder Were you surprised Becca was attracted to sports, basketball in particular?

No, we weren’t surprised at all. She’s been playing sports competitively since a very young age. She first played basketball for Upward as a first-grader and was a natural even then.

Was there a defining moment when you thought Becca was going be the star that she is?

One defining moment that stands out was the summer before Becca’s sixth grade year when she attended the Junior Phenom Camp in San Diego, CA, and was ranked first in her age group. We knew then that she had a pretty special talent as well as a serious passion for the game. It was that same summer she received her first college letter from Pat Summitt, which is still framed on her bedroom wall.

becca greenwell an interview with

AND HER MOTHER.

Pictured from L to R: Rachel, Nicole (Mother), Emma, Briley, Ryan (Stepfather), Becca, Jarett, Neal (Father), Melissa (Stepmother). Not pictured: Jaci & Chase.

Rebecca Greenwell will be entering her junior year at Owensboro Catholic High School. As a sophomore, the 6-1 guard lead her school to a 27-8 record and an appearance in the Kentucky Sweet 16 tournament. Becca has competed on varsity for four seasons, beginning her career as a seventhgrader. In all, she has started in all 131 games since her seventh grade season and has compiled school records of 2,821 points, 1,136 rebounds, 392 assists, 321 steals and 170 blocks. Greenwell was selected to the Class A All-State Tournament team in 2011, setting records in points in a single game and points in the tournament (122). Selected to play on the USA Basketball U16 national team in June, Becca helped her team to a gold medal with a stellar performance in the FIBA Americas championship.

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Did you help Becca train/practice?

Her stepfather, Ryan, helped coach her Upward teams and then coached her on through her elementary school years at St Angela Merici, now known as Owensboro Catholic Elementary School. He has always supported her love of basketball and has been very actively involved in networking within the AAU circuit, getting her on a team in Tennessee called the Tennessee Elite for four or five seasons. Then she was invited to play on a Nike team out of Tennesee, which she’s played on for the past three seasons.

This is where she has probably received the most exposure because of its deeply talented bench and competitive tournaments.

Are you a basketball player?

Her stepfather, Ryan, played in high school.

I played through middle school.

If you and Becca played one-on-one, who would win?

“Becca would definitely beat me now,” Ryan said. “No question!” And I wouldn’t even try!

What tips/advice do you have for parents of athletes?

If the athlete is serious and is willing to be committed to the sport, it’s so important to get them onto an AAU league or on a competitive team of some sort to keep improving their skill level. Taking every opportunity to attend high exposure camps and tournaments is important too. www.OwensboroParent.com

Are there any struggles being the parent of an athlete of Becca’s caliber?

It takes a huge commitment on the part of the athlete, as well as parents because it’s not only your time that’s invested.

It can get pretty expensive with travel, camp and tournament fees. We’ve given up many family vacations to support her basketball. Her father, Neal and his wife, Missie, are a huge support. They both attend her games and help out financially with the costs and travel.

What values did you instill in Becca that may have helped contribute to her success?

We’ve always instilled a strong work ethic in our family. We try to encourage accountability and a ‘no excuses’ mentality. I love the saying, “If you want something bad enough you will find a way. If not, you will find an excuse.” Practice, practice, practice... makes perfect.

Besides perfecting the game though, we also encourage and expect good grades.

Academics come first. We’ve been blessed that our children have all been good students. Becca has been able to maintain a 3.8 GPA, which we are very proud of.

How do you help Becca balance school and sports?

Balancing school and basketball is something Becca has somehow managed

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to do on her own, surprisingly well. As I said, she’s a good student. She is pretty diligent about getting homework done as soon as she gets home in the evenings. And she is not a procrastinator. She’s not exactly the most organized or efficient person, but she gets it done somehow.

General thoughts on Becca’s success, her potential future, etc.

Needless to say, we are extremely proud of all her success. She really is a hard worker and doesn’t take anything for granted. Becca can be as good as she wants to be. She’s definitely been blessed with a God-given talent and has enjoyed some amazing opportunities and experiences along the way. As far her future goes, that’s up to God. He knows what he wants for her. The question I think everyone wants to know is, “What’s next?” Where will she play college ball? Right now, even we, her parents, don’t know. I quit asking. It’s a tough decision and the recruiting process can be very overwhelming for a 16-year-old. It’s a decision she will make when she’s ready and one that is sure to take some serious thought and prayer.

Q&A with Becca What values did your parents instill in you that helped contribute to your success?

Respect, honesty, hard work ethic and the importance of good grades. The most important of all though is having a strong Catholic faith.

Are your parents your biggest fans?

Yes, they are. My mom put a big sign out in front of our neighborhood after I made the USA team and put another one up in the school main entrance wishing me good luck at the FIBA Americas Tournament.

I was so embarrassed, but really kind of liked it. My older sister Rachel also gives me a lot of support, and my little sisters, Briley and Emma (7 and 3), are big fans too!

Did either of your parents recognize your talent early on?

Yes, they did recognize I had a talent for basketball pretty early on. I was probably about 5 or 6 years old when I started playing Upward. I was always the tallest kid on the court and the fastest too.

Did either help you practice?

Yes, my stepfather, Ryan, has worked with me since the beginning and has really helped create a lot of opportunities for me. He even coached me in Upward and some in elementary school too.

Do your parents encourage balance between education and sports?

Yes, my parents encourage me to do well in school and expect me to keep good grades throughout the school year, including basketball season.

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{ b y : t r i n a p r y o r,

M.A. CCC-SLP

}

baby sign language

Sign language reduces frustration, increases your bonding and interaction with your baby.

How frustrating is it to not understand what your baby needs? Every parent has a checklist of things they go through when their baby is crying. Is she hungry? Does he want to be held? Does she need changing?

Imagine communicating with your baby before he can talk.

He signs, you understand, frustrations are reduced. You may have heard about baby sign language. Awareness is growing and parents are seeing the benefits.

Sign language is a powerful tool you can give to your baby. In fact, children use sign language without parents realizing it. She puts her arms up for you to pick her up. She waves “bye bye.”

These are gestures (forms of non-verbal communication) like signs that help your baby communicate her wants and needs.

Teaching your baby American Sign Language is a way to provide her with a communication tool that is a formal and nationally recognized language.

You can teach your baby sign language as early as 6 months old. After they have mastered the physical milestone of sitting up on their own and are able to hold their gaze, you can begin introducing basic signs. The earliest signs you teach babies are simple, meaningful signs, such as “milk,” “more,” “mom,” “dad,” “eat,” and “bath.”

Joseph Garcia, an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, conducted research showing that babies who are exposed to signs “regularly and consistently” at six to seven months of age could begin to use the signs effectively by their eighth or ninth month. Just as in the development of language, babies are able to understand signs before they can express them.

Many parents wonder if signing with babies will hinder their speech and language development.

“Talking and signing together flood the baby with language,” says Linda Acredolo, whose research, published in the Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, indicates signing may even give children a future verbal edge. “At 36 months, the [signing] babies in our study were speaking, on average, the equivalent of non-signing 47 month olds,” she says.

When using sign language with your baby, make sure you are saying the words at the same time, so the child receives the verbal prompt as well. Signing babies often have larger vocabularies since they’ve been able to use more advanced language. They are also asked more elaborate questions because their comprehension is clear to the parent.

So what are you waiting for? Teaching your baby sign language reduces frustrations for you and your baby, increases your bonding and interaction, and may even increase language development.

What could be better than that?

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learn to coupon in four easy steps

It’s time to change the way you shop.

No matter the size of your family, couponing is for you!

{ by: ashley & jeff sorce }

It wasn’t long ago that we spent $400, our allotted monthly budget, on groceries and household items in one large shopping trip. With a baby on the way, we knew we needed to reevaluate our budget. Couponing

Get as many coupons as you can! Ask family and friends for their weekly coupons. Don’t be offended when you become known as “that crazy couponer.”

was the answer for us. Now, four months later, we have yet to spend $400 total, our previous monthly budget, on grocery and household items and have even stockpiled items for future use. Could couponing help your family reevaluate your budget?

It’s time to change the way you shop! Forget running to the store for the one item you need. And no more monthly shopping trips, costing you hundreds of dollars. No matter the size of your family, couponing is for you!

[Disclaimer]: Couponing requires you to shop at several different stores (grocery, drug, and big box retail stores), sometimes multiples time per week. In order to maximize savings, you will need to stockpile good deals or items you use frequently. You cannot be brand-specific, but you will only be buying brand name.

Remember that reality television shows about couponing are just that— a television show. Don’t expect your couponing experience to be similar. (Who needs 124 bottles of mustard anyway?)

Step 1: Bust out the scissors Your first step must be clipping coupons.

• Look in your Sunday paper for coupon inserts. (P&G, Red Plum, Smart Source) • Peruse websites and print coupons on your home computer.

(Coupons.com, smartsource.com, redplum.com, any manufacturer’s or store’s websites) • Find coupon sites that allow you to upload coupons to your customer loyalty card. (Kroger.com, cellfire.com)

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Step 2: Build-A-Binder It’s important to get organized. Purchase a binder and baseball card holders. You can find these at craft stores, many big box retailers or they just may be tucked away in your closet. Divide the binder into categories. You will find your own set of categories that work best for your household.

This binder will become your companion on all shopping trips.

Don’t be embarrassed to have it in your cart, even if it does displace your child from his/her seat.

Step 3: When & Where These four factors will determine when and where you buy particular items: • Match coupons with sale prices or promotions. Using a coupon on a regularly priced item might not make sense when a generic option is still cheaper. If you wait to use that coupon when the item is on sale, it will generally be cheaper than generic.

• Stack coupons. Many stores issue their own weekly coupons.

Keep in mind that you can stack one store coupon with one manufacturer’s coupon.

• Double coupons. Check with your store’s policy on doubling coupons. Typically, this only applies to grocery stores.

• Store dollars. Recognize when stores give you “reward dollars” for purchasing certain items or quantities of items. These “reward dollars” can be used towards future purchases and should be factored into your savings.

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Step 4: Go for it!

•

Get organized before you leave the house. Make a list of the items you hope to buy and pull the coupons for those items. If you plan to go to multiples stores, divide your coupons into envelopes labeled with that store’s name.

•

Even if you have planned your shopping trip and pulled your coupons, always take your coupon binder.

You never know when you may find a great deal!

•

If it’s your first couponing experience, start out small. Don’t plan to save 100% on your first trip and realize you will learn couponing rules and store policies as you go along.

•

Choose the day and time you shop wisely. You do not want to be couponing during the store’s busiest time. Early mornings or late evenings are best. Be aware, however, that couponing is becoming more popular. In order to get the week’s best deals, you have to shop early in the week.

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•

Always watch the register as your items are scanned.

Your planning will be put to the test! Don’t be afraid to question the employee or involve management if an item or coupon does not scan at the correct price. It is smart to keep a copy of the store’s coupon policy with you.

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When you first start couponing, you will be inclined to buy, buy, buy. Know that sale prices cycle every 6-8 weeks. That means that while deodorant might be 75 cents this week, it could be even cheaper next week.

Happy Couponing We hope this four-step guide helps you begin your couponing career while saving you lots of money. Please feel free to e-mail us with any questions or concerns. We would love to hear about your couponing experiences!

ashley@owensboroparent.com jeff@owensboroparent.com

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{ B y : M a t t We a fe r }

grilled pork chops with sweet corn puree and summer hash In sweltering Owensboro summers, the sound of pork chops hissing on a grill and the smell of charcoal smoldering in backyards permeates the air.

This recipe for grilled pork chops is the epitome of summer food, and with fresh and local vegetables it is inexpensive, healthy and delicious.

Finding thick pork chops in Owensboro is not always easy. Grocery stores tend to slice them about a ½ inch thick. But brined pork, grilled slowly is much better as a thick chop. If you can’t find thick pork chops, purchase a pork loin and use a very sharp knife to slice your own.

This time of year, you can find all of these vegetables locally, and can even have them delivered to your front door by Cecil Farms. The fresher the ingredients, the better the meal — every time.

The total prep and cook time for this recipe is about 40 to 45 minutes. The cost for this dish is around $18 depending on the cost of pork at the time.

Brine The day before you plan to grill your pork chops, combine all ingredients except ice in a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Let simmer until salt and honey have dissolved into liquid. Remove from heat. Add ice. And make sure the brine is cooled to room temperature.

Submerge pork chops and seal in an airtight plastic container. Store in the refrigerator for at least one hour, but preferably 24 hours.

You can brine earlier than the day before. But after 24 hours remove the meat, rinse it off and toss it in canola oil then seal it in an air tight container until ready to use.

Pork Chops Remove pork chops from the brine and rinse them off. Pat dry with paper towel. Let the pork chops to come to room temperature. Season with fresh black pepper and drizzle with canola oil. Grill the pork chops over medium heat until the internal temperature registers 135 degrees F. Place under an aluminum foil tent and let them rest for up to 10 minutes.

This resting period is essential to let the juices in the meat relax. During this resting period, the residual heat will also cook the pork chops slightly further. So if you prefer your pork under medium well, pull it off a little earlier. www.OwensboroParent.com

Corn Puree Clean ears of corn and grill over medium heat, turning regularly to prevent burning. Let cool enough to handle. Using a sharp chef ’s knife, trim the corn kernels from the ear.

Sauté onions in a medium saucepan with canola oil over medium heat. Once translucent, add chilés and garlic. Sauté, stirring regularly for 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with wine. Let simmer about 2 minutes and then add chicken stock and corn. Let simmer about 5minutes and then puree to desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.

Summer Hash In a heavy cast iron pan over medium heat sauté potatoes in canola oil until lightly golden. Add onion and sauté until lightly golden. Add zucchini and squash. Season with salt and fresh black pepper. Add more oil if necessary to lubricate the pan. Add rosemary and sauté, stirring frequently until zucchini and squash are golden brown.

Serve the pork chops over the corn puree and drizzle with a nice extra virgin olive oil. Serve a fresh salad on the side, too and you have a perfect summer time meal.

INGREDIENTS 4 1-inch thick pork chops Brine: 1/3 C salt 4 C water 3 Tbl. honey 1 sprig fresh rosemary 1/4 C lemon juice 1 Tbl. allspice berries 3 garlic cloves, smashed 4 C ice Corn Puree: 2 tsp. canola oil 1/2 med. yellow onion diced 1 dried guajillo chilé, chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 2 ears fresh corn 1/4 C dry white wine 1/2 C chicken stock Salt and pepper to taste Summer Hash 3 Tbl. canola oil 2 zucchini, 1/2-in. dice 2 squash, 1/2-in. dice 1 lb red potato, 1/2-in. dice ½ med. wellow onion, diced August 2011 . OWENSBORO PARENT

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As ball season comes to an end, some of you parents may be saying, “I’m glad this season is over.” I was always one who would have bitter sweet emotions. My husband was always on the coaching staff or even the head coach. So at times I was one who lugged the bat bags from home to the ball field— up hill, down hill, for what seemed like miles. I was team mom, party planner and trophy purchaser. You know the story.

My children are grown now— 29, 28, 24 and 21. But the memories of those ballgames are still some of my most cherished moments.

I would like to share the lyrics to a song I wrote, on a napkin of all things. I was at one of those games, sitting on a hill, exhausted from carrying that dreaded bat bag.

{ by: patty tanner }

nothing stays the same Who would ever think this is where I’d be, down at the ballpark all summer long?

For so many years, from my open window I’d hear the crowds cheering on. I didn’t understand the excitement because I was happy with my babies at home.

But here I am cheering on now, watching my babies catching the ball. Understanding his excitement as they clap and cheer, Daddy’s on the sideline coaching them on.

Who would ever think this is where I’d be, down at the ballpark all summer long?

Time goes by so fast; we’ve added two more to our number. They’re running around and I can hardly watch the game. I get so tired, but I have to stop and say, “Thank you Lord for these summer days.”

Who’d ever think this is where I’d be down at the ballpark all summer long? Thank you Lord for these summers and the memories I’ll cherish all of my days.

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familyfun Games

Books

Movies

SEQUENCE FOR KIDS

EXPLORABOOK

THE SMURFS

A fun, strategy board game for kids of all ages.

Parents can play too! Average retail price: $12.

A hands-on science museum squeezed between the covers of a book. Tons of experiments are featured and nearly all of them can be done right on the spot using the magnifying lens, magnet, agar and other bound-in apparatus. Average retail price: $22.

TURBO TWIST SPELLING is a fast-action spelling toy by Leap Frog. It teaches spelling skills and rules for grades 1-8. Twist to one of the 3 fun-filled games, jam to a cool musical beat, then “hit it” to answer (ages 6 and up). Average retail price: $90 game system, $15 game cartridge.

SPY KIDS: ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD IN 4D

POPPET GOES TO SCHOOL NICKELODEON FIT [WII GAME] Children can expend some energy with the help of Dora, Diego, Kai-Lan and the Backyardigans in this exclusive fitness title for Wii. Children can jump rope, go cross-country biking, bounce on pogo sticks, compete in a relay race and paddle a raft through the rapids in 30 different activities. Average retail price: $30.

www.OwensboroParent.com

When the evil wizard Gargamel chases the tiny blue Smurfs out of their village, they tumble from their magical world and into ours. In theatres July 29.

Rated: PG.

is the third book in the ‘Poppet the Dog’ series. In this book, Poppet experiences many of the same feelings and emotions surrounding going to school that young children face today. Average retail price: $12.

HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER VACATION Some kids spend their summer vacation at camp. Some kids spend it at Grandma’s house. Wallace Bleff spent his out west . . . on a ride, a rope and a roundup he’ll never forget. Average retail price: $7.

A former spy returns to her old profession in order to stop a villain known as the Timekeeper and his nefarious plan for world domination. Helping her fight evil are her two stepchildren -- who had no idea about her past -- as well as some veteran spy kids. In theatres August 19. Rated: PG.

RIO A misfit macaw named Blu heads to Rio de Janeiro, embarks on a magnificent journey and makes some loyal new friends in this animated adventure for the entire family.

Released to DVD August 2.

Rated: G.

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august 2011 calendar Informing parents about fun, local events is a priority for Owensboro Parent. Our magazine compiles events from across the city and county. So when your family is looking for something to do, check out the Owensboro Parent calendar, where you will find information on local events, including event descriptions, locations, dates, times and price. Your event not listed? Contact the editor at Ashley@owensboroparent.com.

August 1 FREE STORY TIME Daviess County Public Library offers fun-filled story times designed for you and your child. Children five and under, parents and caregivers can relax and enjoy storytelling while enhancing early literacy skills; DCPL, 2020 Frederica St.; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; www.dcplibrary.org.

August 4

OWENSBORO BOWL FOR THE CURE This Susan G. Komen for the Cure event, for people of all ages, will raise money for a cure for breast cancer; Diamond Lanes South, 410 Carlton Drive; Sessions are at 5:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.; Registration is $25 for those 13 and older and $12 for those 12 and under; www. komenevansville.org

FREE STORY TIME See description on August 1.

APPALACHIAN TRADITIONS The Owensboro Museum of Fine Art offers a collection of art by 20th century artists and craftsmen from the southeastern states who work outside the academic tradition; The Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, 901 Frederica St.; $2 dults, $1 children under 13; 685-3181 or www.omfa.us.

www.OwensboroParent.com

August 5

APPALACHIAN TRADITIONS See event description on August 4.

DOLLAR SWIM DAY Combest and Cravens

FALL BASEBALL LEAGUE REGISTRATION DEADLINE Designed for the t-ball players moving up to machine pitch, machine pitch players moving up to live pitch, or players just wanting to improve their skills.

This league offers something for everyone.

Sign up as a team or an individual. Age as of May 1, 2012: Rockie - 7/8 yr olds; Minor - 9-10 yr olds; Major - 11-12 yr olds. Season begins August 22, at the Owensboro Softball Complex; Owensboro Parks and Recreation Administrative Center, 1530 McJohnson Ave.; $45; www. owensboroparks.org.

FREE FLASH MOB United Way and Owensboro Dance Theatre present event; 12:30 p.m.; Towne Square Mall, 5000 Frederica St.; www.jdgsonline.com

Pools; 1530 McJohnson Ave.; 12 - 4:30 p.m.; $1; www.owensboroparks.org.

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FLOWERS FOR ALGERNON Theatre Workshop of Owensboro presents this play by David Rogers. Based on the novel by Daniel Keyes. The compelling story of Charlie and the strange interweaving of his life with that of Algernon, a mouse; Trinity Centre, 407 West Fifth St.; 7 p.m.; $8 adults, $5 students; www. theatreworkshop.org.

FREE FRIDAY AFTER 5 Sponsored by Kenergy; RiverPark Patio – Legally Wired (pop rock and dance band); Kroger Street Fair presents GO GREEN!; Courtyard Entertainment – Darby Haas; 5 p.m.; RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St.; www.fridayafter5.com OWENSBORO BOWL FOR THE CURE See event description on August 4.

Alley Musicals presents this play, based on the “coat of many colors” story of Joseph from the Hebrew Bible’s Book of Genesis; Owensboro High School, 1335 West 11th St; 7:30 p.m.; $20 for center section reserved, $15 for side sections reserved and $10 for student tickets; 925-4963.

FREE SUMMER MOVIES ON THE RIVER Tangled; BB&T Plaza at RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St.; 8 p.m.; 270-687-2787 or www. riverparkcenter.org.

STARFINDER OPRY Diamond Lake Resort presents this show in the Good Time Theater; Diamond Lake Resort, 7301 Hobbs Road; 2 p.m.; 270-344-4289 or www. diamondlakeresort.net.

August 7

APPALACHIAN TRADITIONS See event description on August 4.

August 6

APPALACHIAN TRADITIONS See event description on August 4.

CORN HOLE TOURNAMENT Diamond Lake Resort’s second Corn Hole Tournament of the year; Diamond Lake Resort, 7301 Hobbs Road; Must be registered by 11:30 a.m.

Tournament starts at 12; 229-4900 or www. diamondlakeresort.net.

FLOWERS FOR ALGERNON See event description on August 5.

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FLOWERS FOR ALGERNON See event description on August 5; Sunday show begins at 2 p.m.

JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT See event description on August 6.

DOLLAR SWIM DAY Combest and Cravens Pools; 1530 McJohnson Ave.; 1 -5 p.m.; $1; www.owensboroparks.org.

August 8 FREE STORY TIME See description on August 1.

www.OwensboroParent.com

August 9

WALK & TALK & LUNCH IN THE GARDEN Western Kentucky Botanical Garden presents “There’s a Garden on My Tabletop!” Enjoy lunch and a great program; Western Kentucky Botanical Garden, 25 Carter Road; 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.; 270-852-8925 or www.wkbg.org.

RiverPark Patio – Still Kickin’ (classic rock and soul dance band); Kroger Street Fair presents Kids Fun Night; Courtyard Entertainment – Moondance; 5 p.m.; RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St.; www. fridayafter5.com.

SUMMER SLAMDOWN VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT Apollo High

August 11

School, 2280 Tamarack Road; 800-489-1131 or 270-926-1100.

See event description on August 4.

August 13

FREE STORY TIME

See event description on August 4.

APPALACHIAN TRADITIONS

See description on August 1.

August 12 APPALACHIAN TRADITIONS

See event description on August 4.

ASA FAST-PITCH SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT Fisher Park, 3900 W. 5th Street Road; 727-0146 or www.owensboroparks.org.

APPALACHIAN TRADITIONS LANHAM BROTHERS JAMBOREE This family-fun and interactive show will feature bluegrass, country, clogging and comedy; Good Time Theater, Diamond Lake Resort, 7301 Hobbs Road; $10 per person, $5 for ages 6-12 years, 5 years and under are free, discounts offered for groups of 15 or more people; 270-3144331 or www.diamondlakeresort.net.

FREE FRIDAY AFTER 5 Sponsored by Lawton Insurance;

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August 14

APPALACHIAN TRADITIONS See event description on August 4.

August 15

FREE FRIDAY AFTER 5 Sponsored by Budweiser; RiverPark Patio – Bonepony (highenergy rock); Kroger Street Fair presents Beach Bash part II; Courtyard Entertainment – Heath Eric and Molly G; Special Event – Gospel on the River (Cannon Hall); 5 p.m.; RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St.; www.fridayafter5.com.

FREE APPLE PICKIN’ Reid’s Orchard fall apples are ready to pick (Gala and Golden Supreme); Monday –Saturday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; (270) 685-2444 or www.reidorchard.com.

event description on August 19.

JOHNSON’S DANCE STUDIO REGISTRATION 2705 Breckenridge Street;

BPA END OF SUMMER BASEBALL TOURNAMENT; Panther Creek Park, 5160

1 – 6 p.m.; 270-684-9580 or www.jdgsonline. com.

Wayne Bridge Road; 800-489-1131 or 270926-1100.

FREE STORY TIME

FISHING TOURNAMENT Diamond Lake

August 20

5TH ANNUAL STREET LEGENDS See

See description on August 1.

Resort, 7301 Hobbs Road; 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.; 270229-4900.

August 17

MULTI-CULTURAL FESTIVAL A unique blending of cultures come together to educate the public through dancing, music, ethnic fashions, food arts and more; First Presbyterian Church lawn, 1328 Griffith Ave.; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; 270-684-1467.

OWENSBORO DANCE THEATRE, INC. AUDITIONS for the Company and Apprentice Company for the 2011-2012 season; 2705 Breckenridge Street; 4 – 6 p.m.; 270-684-9580 or odt@owensboro.net.

this festival that will showcase 30 of Kentucky and Indiana’s best artists, live music all day from musicians such as Heath Eric and Molly G. and more. Speed Painter Aaron Kizer will be performing as well as painter Meagan Williams.

Gourmet Street food by The Famous Bistro and The Miller House will be available for all. East Bridge will be a family friendly atmosphere and there will be activities for children as well; 412 E. Second St.; 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; 270-684-3570 or www.studioslant.com.

August 1.

ZOOFARI SCAVENGER HUNT Mesker Park Zoo & Botanical Gardens hosts this fun event for kids and adults. Enjoy the Kid/Parent Scavenger Hunt, presented by Deaconess Riley Children’s Services and the Adult Hunt presented by Fifth Third Bank. For children ages 7-11. Every child must be accompanied by at least one adult; Mesker Park Zoo & Botanical Garden, 1545 Mesker Park Drive, Evansville, IN; Sign-in at 9:30 at the Fountain Plaza by the Front Gate; Tickets are $40 for one adult and one child; $60 for two adults and one child, proceeds to benefit the Zoo’s new reptile exhibit; www.meskerparkzoo.com.

OWENSBORO REGIONAL RECOVERY GOLF SCRAMBLE The first annual scramble;

August 19

Ben Hawes golf course, 400 Booth Field Road; $65/person preregistration, $70/person day of event, breakfast and lunch included; Tee time 8 a.m.;4-person teams can register by contacting the Owensboro Regional Recovery office at 270-689-0905.

August 22

event promises to become one of the premiere automotive events in the tri-state area. Classic cars of every kind will be displayed. Live entertainment; Diamond Lake Resort, 7301 Hobbs Road; 270-929-8416.

FREE THE EAST BRIDGE ART & MUSIC FESTIVAL Studio Slant is proud to present

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FREE SUNDOWN PAJAMA STORYTIME “THERE ARE ANIMALS OUT THERE!” Story reading, recommended for ages 6-12.

Come dressed in your favorite PJs to enjoy a series of wild animal tales and activities. This program will be interpreted in sign language; Daviess County Public Library, 2020 Frederica St.; www.dcplibrary.org.

August 18 FREE STORY TIME See description on

5TH ANNUAL STREET LEGENDS The

FREE STORY TIME See description on August 1.

www.OwensboroParent.com

August 25 FREE STORY TIME See description on August 1.

August 26

FREE FRIDAY AFTER 5 Sponsored by Kentucky Wesleyan College; RiverPark Patio – After Midnight (classic 70s rock dance band); Kroger Street Fair presents Panther Party; Courtyard Entertainment – Unifirst Courtyard; 5 p.m.; RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St.; www.fridayafter5. com.

OWENSBORO ADULT TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS Moreland Park Tennis Center

August 27

BANJOS & BRUNCH Fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity. Lanham Brothers will entertain with live bluegrass; Southern Star headquarters, 4700 Highway 56; 9:30 – 11:30, southern brunch served from 9-10; $50, proceeds go to building of 100th Habitat home; 926-6110 or www. habitatowensboro.org.

BLUEGRASS ROOTS: ART FROM THE HEART The Owensboro Museum of Fine Art features a multimedia exhibition featuring 6 artists whose works will celebrate the traditions of Bluegrass music through the lens of art; The Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, 901 Frederica St.; Adults $2, children under 13 years $1; 685-3181 or www.omfa.us.

OWENSBORO ADULT TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS Moreland Park Tennis Center

MIKE ZITO WITH DAMON FOWLER NEW HEROES OF BLUES Theatre Workshop of Owensboro presents an electrifying concert of powerful, hard-driving blues, featuring two of the fastestrising stars of the genre in a rare joint appearance; TWO Opryhouse, 418 Frederica St.; 7:30 p.m.; $15; www.theatreworkshop.org.

August 28

ADULT CITY CHAMPIONSHIP TENNIS TOURNAMENT Moreland Park Tennis Center

BLUEGRASS ROOTS: ART FROM THE HEART See event description on August 27.

August 29 FREE STORY TIME See description on August 1.

August 30

FREE FAMILY FUN NIGHT Back to school crafts presented by Daviess County Public Library. Recommended for ages 6-12; DCPL, 2020 Frederica St.; 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.; www.dcplibrary.org.

OWENSBORO DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL The first Owensboro Dragon Boat Races will be fun for the whole family. Two teams of 20 will race each other roughly 100 meters down the Ohio River in Dragon Boats. Come and cheer them on, or put a team of your own together and join in the fun; English Park, downtown Owensboro; . 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; $25 per person ($500 per team); 270-926-1100.

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