Giggle Magazine December/January 2015

PUBLISHER

ART DIRECTOR

MANAGING EDITOR

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

VICE PRESIDENT Of SALES

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Nicole Irving

Allison Raber

Dana Kamp

Claire Stortz

Shane Irving

Jen Bass Snider, April Tisher

Sayeh farah

Bobbi Bloom, Kelly Goede, Selena Garrison, Tara Griffin, Allen Haynes, Nicole Irving, Dana Kamp, Lisa Katz, Helen Kornblum, Danielle Michels, Olivia Pitkethly, Ale Russian, April Tisher, Rebecca Vitkus

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

INTERNS

Shandon Smith with Lifeprints Photography, Verve Studio

Annaleigh Bonds, Sydney Brodie, Haley Ponnock, Ale Russian, Rebecca Vitkus

Mission Statement

Giggle Magazine is a modern and refreshing parenting publication that brings together families and their community. We make it our mission to find the joy and humor in parenting, focus on key topics and issues that relate to today’s parents and give parents the resources to be engaged, connected and present with their children during these important years.

Irving Publications, LLC reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Irving Publications, LLC is not responsible for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. Nothing that appears in Giggle Magazine may be reproduced in any way, without written permission. Opinions expressed by Giggle Magazine writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion. Giggle Magazine will consider all never before published outside editorial submissions. Irving Publications, LLC reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates.

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from the publisher

The holidays are upon us! As we stand back and take witness to our lives at this time, we realize that twinkle lights, shopping, baking, eating, traveling and yes, more shopping and eating, have consumed our days. But, as we take a deeper look during the moments of messy kitchens and wrapping paper fights, we also see love, hugs, memories and sweet times being had.

For each of us, the holiday times bring something different. For our family, it is a time to get packed up in the car and take our annual trip to see our loved ones out of state. Snow and sledding are on the boys’ agendas and cooking, sleeping and making memories are on mine. But most of all, I am looking forward to soaking in all the moments that seem to fly by too quickly these days.

Our holiday issue is full of great treats for the whole family. With our biggest gift guide ever, we will get your shopping off to a great start! And our adorable advent calendars and freshly painted dreidels will keep you and your little ones crafting together this season. For those cold winter days, our giggle readers shared their favorite soup recipes. Can you say YUM?

No matter what traditions your holiday brings, we hope you have the most beautiful season full of cheer and good tidings!

From our family to yours, Happy Holidays and many wishes for a wonderful new year!

Age: 10 months on December 9

Favorite food: Sweet carrots

Favorite cartoon: "Dora the explorer"

Favorite toy: Crocheted bumblebee her nana made for her Newest milestone: Crawling and standing with support

lifesavers life

Travel Tips from Parents Who Have Been There, Done That

Whether loading the kiddos in the minivan or an airplane, traveling with the family takes special planning (and a whole lot of patience). Use these Lifesavers Travel Tips as a guide for happily getting from Point A to Point B this holiday season.

-4-

I'd recommend prepping a list of items to bring that you'll need on a daily basis for the kids or the trip in general. Life is sometimes so hectic that you have to plan well in advance so that you don't wait until the last minute to pack bags. We started a list two months before the trip and added items up until the final days. That helped tremendously.

-1-

I pack my boys’ clothes in gallon Ziplocs. Pack a whole outfit in one: shirt, shorts, undies and socks. Then you can just grab an outfit without riffling through the whole suitcase. My triplet boys (age 12) are now old enough to pack their own luggage and they still want to do it that way! Pack one of the sets in each kids’ carry-on in case of accidents, spills or lost luggage.

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Little ones need things to do when traveling. Think of things that interest your child: a favorite character, a favorite animal, coloring, building. Then make or buy some cool toys or activities that they can do on their own. You can always add in the comfort of some of their favorites, but having something new or repurposed will make the experience fun and exciting for them.

-Kara Arroyo, mom of 3

-5-

Leave lots of time to get where you’re going in order to keep stress low. Be armed with snacks, diapers and bottles (if applicable). You will encounter people who are kind and sympathetic. You will also encounter people who are rude (including airline staff). Just roll with it.

-Jessica Carmen, mom of 2

-6-

-3-

Research before you go. Make sure to research your vacation spot and find out if it is kidfriendly by either looking online or calling ahead. Places that provide activities for the children, or even childcare for a few hours, can make the trip more fun and relaxing for the whole family.

-Andreina Borges, mom of 2

-8-

Invest in a portable booster seat like the BubbleBum. It folds flat and makes traveling with little ones (or picking up cousins, friends, etc.) much less complicated. This also makes moving the family from your car to a rental car, taxi or Grandma’s car so much easier!

Explain to your children what to expect at the airport and on the airplane. Let them know what takeoff and landing are going to be like, that you all may be waiting in long lines when checking in and what is going to happen while going through the security checkpoint. This will alleviate stress (for both parents and children) and squelch your children’s fears of the unknown.

-Sayeh Farah, mom of 2

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Make sure to feed your children simple foods, as they may not be used to the bacteria in germs in different places. Meals that have ingredients your kids have eaten before are the best option to guarantee a healthy trip for everyone. You should also make sure the water you drink is always bottled (especially when traveling out of the country) to avoid upset tummies. This applies to the whole family, but especially the sensitive younger bellies!

-Marinella Andrade, mom of 3

-Giggle Staff Tip, Parents of a lot!

‚ A portable and inflatable booster seat for children weighing between 40 and 100 pounds, the BubbleBum meets all US safety testing standards and folds flat for easy storage. BubbleBum.us and Walmart. $29.99.

The Banks Carroll Group is dedicated to thoroughly understanding your financial needs and then aligning them with the resources to meet or exceed them. With each of them having over 22 years of experience in financial services, they offer a wealth of knowledge to help build and protect your wealth whatever stage of life you are in.

They also have additional experience and specialize in divorce-related financial matters as Certified Divorce Financial Analysts™ (CDFA™). Their combined experience in financial planning and investment management allow them to assist divorcees through this emotional and stressful time. They help identify assets and liabilities when completing financial affidavits, structure settlement options, set budgets, and perform income projections to be sure that the client knows what their financial future will be. To this end, they work with numerous divorce attorneys, insurance specialists, valuation specialists and CPA’s in an effort to make the process as seamless as possible while getting the best results. Their end goal is to give anyone having to go through a divorce, peace of mind.

Their business is built on trust, integrity & knowing the client.

Services

Divorce Financial Planning and Analysis

Financial Planning

Asset Management

Estate Planning

Retirement Planning

Insurance/Long Term Care Insurance

Lending Services/Mortgages

529 Plans

Ashley Banks is the Producing Branch Manager of the Gainesville Florida Morgan Stanley branch. She is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), a designation awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. As a CFP® she has completed extensive education requirements to better understand and enhance the financial planning process. Additionally, Ashley is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA™) which specifically focuses on the financial side of divorce. These two combinations allow for her to be a complete resource for individuals needing financial direction before, during and after a divorce. Ashley is a graduate of the University of Florida with a major in Finance.

Donna Carroll is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA™). Her focus is on divorce financial strategies, retirement solutions and overall financial planning. Her passion is empowering & educating women about their financial future. The process begins with a thorough understanding of the client’s current situation and major life events and their impact. We work with the clients to develop specific strategies for income, overall budgeting and lifetime goals. This strategy results in providing the client with an asset allocation strategy that is customized to match the client’s goals and objectives. Donna’s years of experience in this industry have allowed her to witness many market cycles and how to avoid mistakes based on emotions and help clients understand their situation and better know what to expect.

They are both very involved in the Gainesville community, serving on the Board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Alachua County, members of Children’s Home Society Auxiliary Board, Women Linked In, Women’s Giving Circle, GFWC Gainesville Woman’s Club. Members of Association of Divorce Financial Planners & Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts.

Tablets in the hands of children usually means mindless fun…selfies, bird games, hacking at flying fruit or juggling pieces of candy. No wonder parents are hesitant about how much time kids should spend playing electronic games. The right apps can capture attention AND provide outlets for creativity and expression.

SKIT! by Storytime Studios is a free app that is great for all ages and for fun solo play or group play, making it a slam dunk source of entertainment for kids, teens and their families. Repurpose your digital photos, and with your own voice and fingers and Skit’s magic, you can produce short animated skits that tell any story you want. Make animated music videos, cards for friends and even animated text messages, remixes, memes, games and more. Users get safe socialization and affirmation of their creations within the Skit! community. A creative app with something fun to share each time you play!

What would you do if... your child’s favorite actor/athlete/ celebrity was charged with a crime?

“I would explain to my child that people make mistakes in their lives and don't always do the right thing. Just because they are famous doesn't mean their actions are always commendable. We have to remember that the accomplishments they have made as athletes/actors do not define who they are as people, and the important thing is how they move forward in a positive way to continue to be good role models. What is most important to me is that my child knows what that person did was wrong and why, and if my child is ever in their shoes he or she would know what the right choice/decision is.”

“My son Jake is so active athletically I question him often about why he idolizes professional athletes. Athletes, like everyone else, make mistakes. My questions to him are always ‘How would you be different? What would make you stand out and make parents want their child to be like you? Why should I let my child follow you and think you would make a difference?’ I remind him that the real heroes are the everyday people. The ones that get up and deal with what they are given.”

Giggle Tip!

How to Have a Stress-Free Holiday (or as Close as You Can Get!)

The holidays. Those two little words can create tension in your body, and your home, especially if you’re a parent. We put so much pressure on ourselves to give our children the perfect holiday. And let’s face it, when they are really little, they are more fascinated with the tissue paper and bows than what is inside the box. And instead of a beautiful turkey with all the dressings, they’d rather have a peanut butter sandwich. Ahh, the holidays.

Let’s change it up this year and have a truly happy holiday. Save yourself a little bit of time and energy with these helpful hints:

Less is More

Keep the decorations simple. You don’t have to set up the porcelain village with the locomotive traveling at full speed through a wintry wonderland in your picture window. Hang a beautiful wreath on the door or place a menorah in the window. Line up the stockings on the mantle and use only the most meaningful ornaments. And don’t stress about getting the perfect tree. Growing up, the funniest looking tree was often the most memorable!

The Hostess with the Mostest (Help)

If your family is celebrating the holiday at your house, the menu can be daunting. Who’s allergic to what, who is on what diet, who likes what food? Make it a potluck. Have everyone bring their favorite or most traditional dish. That way everyone will have something on the table they can eat. If you are hosting a small gathering, use shortcuts when you can. You can steam veggies in a microwaveable bag or purchase a delicious pre-made dessert.

Gift Giving Made Simple

Kids are already writing those letters to Santa and hoping every wish will be fulfilled. Be sure to take a peek at your child’s list and give some ideas to the grandparents. After all, Santa can’t possibly carry all of those toys in his sleigh! When the big day does come, reserve some presents for later in the year so your child doesn’t lose interest in them too quickly. Have a new

baby? Ask your relatives for things you need, such as diapers, formula and other must-haves. How about a preteen or teenager with very specific wants and needs? Grab a few gift cards from his favorite store!

Most importantly, take some time to enjoy the season. Breathe in the aromas, feel a cool breeze on your cheek and be grateful for this time you have with your loved ones. ✽

Take Your Stress Level Down a Notch with Advice from Fellow Mommies

“I'm big on the four simple gifts for Christmas: something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read.”

Natacha Cyran, mom of 2

“Take time at night to light some candles and put on Mannheim Steamroller’s "Silent Night" and just lie still.”

Costello, mom of 2

“Don't let the holiday control you. Remember what it's about and why we are celebrating. THAT's what's important. The rest is just details!”

yourConsiderlimitingchild’slistto10 (orfewer)items.This stepalleviatesextra walletstressonSanta’sandteachesa lessonongreedand moderation.

life Team Up for the Resolution Project

just the two of us

Somewhere around 11:52 p.m. on December 31, I usually end up scratching down a few hasty resolutions to boldly attempt to live out for the next year. And somewhere around January 15, when I realize I have yet to cross the threshold of the gym and I’ve eaten my weight in leftover holiday cookies, I also perceive that this may not be the year I actually keep said resolutions.

This year, I am enlisting the help of my partner-in-crime (aka my husband Todd) to journey alongside me so we can embark upon a whole new adventure of making and keeping resolutions.

Having a fresh, mutually selected goal waiting for us to tackle anew each month kicks boredom to the curb. And as a bonus, we will be linking arms to work through our intentions together.

Here’s our plan, with room built in for inspiration throughout the year.

Romance

We want to remember why we fell in love by syncing our calendars to make sure we have at least one date night every month of the year.

Home Improvement and Spring Cleaning

We will be compiling a list of all the projects, big and small, that have piled up waiting for “honey do” time and tackle them together. We will also clean out the “black holes” of our house (the closets, attic and garage) so (as Todd says) we won’t have to deal with this stuff in 30 years!

Finances

Now that we’re feeling all connected and the house is

spruced up, it’s time to make sure we are on the same page financially. We’ll be busting out the budget and working on some short and long term planning.

Health

By now the traditional “resolutionists” will no longer be at the gym, and we can swoop in and snag a treadmill any time we please. Plus swimsuit weather is dangerously close...

Open Inspiration

Time for a chat to see what we need to work on as a couple. This month’s goal can wait for inspiration and become what we need it to be to help us prepare together for the second half of 2015.

Life Check

Time to make sure the proverbial house is in order. Is our will up to date? Do we have enough life insurance? Do we both know all of our bank account information and passwords in case something catastrophic happens?

Personal Goals

By this point in the year, we will both have areas of our lives that need a tune-up.

We will spend one month each being a cheerleader for each other as we work through what needs to be done.

Education

School will be back in session and it will be time to re-establish good habits for homework, bed time, flossing...a family meeting is in order!

Thinking of Others

Now is when we will begin our Christmas shopping, but we will also be looking for ways to volunteer and serve people in need.

Food

Of course we naturally think of yummy food this time of year, but this year we will spend November trying new recipes and new restaurants. Perhaps the kids can each choose a new fruit or vegetable for us to try.

Traditions

I’m all about making the holidays meaningful and we will focus on doing just that, although we will be discussing the traditions we have throughout the whole year, ensuring that our family is learning and growing from the experiences we provide. ✽

Preparing for Their Future: Florida Prepaid Expands Options

Big changes have come to the Florida Prepaid program, and these changes can save you thousands of dollars on your child’s college education. Not only are the most popular Florida Prepaid College Plans dropping to their lowest prices since 2007, but approximately 18,000 families who have already invested in Florida Prepaid Plans will also be receiving almost $200 million in refunds!

Shannon Colavecchio, spokesperson for Florida Prepaid, shares, “Now is the best time to invest in your child’s college education because we really do have so many options at so many different budget levels.”

Additionally, Florida Prepaid is waving the $50 enrollment fee through December 31, 2014, in celebration of the new lower prices and plan offerings. Colavecchio also pointed out that anyone who buys a plan during the enrollment period doesn’t have to make the initial payment until April 2015.

There are several plans available, with many different options to fit your budget.

2 Year Florida College Plan

This plan will pay for two years of education at any of the 28 Florida colleges, providing an affordable way to earn an associate’s degree or trade certification. If your child decides to get a four-year degree instead, the value of your plan can be applied at any university or college nationwide.

4 Year Florida College Plan

This plan will pay for four years of

education at any of the 28 Florida colleges, many of which have expanded their capabilities to include bachelor’s degree programs in industries such as business, nursing and teaching. The degree offerings expand each year and are usually less expensive than a university education, meaning that this path provides a practical and affordable way to obtain a bachelor’s degree.

2 + 2 Florida Plan

This plan will pay for two years at a Florida college and two years at a state university. This will allow you to save money on your child’s lower-level courses and then transfer to a state university to finish the degree.

1 Year Florida University Plan

This plan provides an affordable way to save for credit hours at a state university. With this plan, you can buy one year of state university credit hours at a time based on your budget and timeline. You can buy one year now and another year later, or you can even have multiple people buy a plan for the same child. For instance, you might buy one year and your child’s grandparents might buy one year. A child can have up to four 1-Year Florida

University Plans and each purchaser can have a separate account. Prices for this plan start at $43 a month.

4 Year Florida University Plan

This is the traditional plan and will pay for four years of education at one of Florida’s 12 prestigious state universities. This plan allows your child to start and finish at a state university, knowing that a bachelor’s degree is waiting at the end of the road.

Florida 529 Savings Plan

The Florida 529 Savings Plan offers complete flexibility. Choose from several investment options, and then contribute as much as you want whenever you want. Each investment option is independently run by professional investment managers.✽

MyFloridaPrepaid.com.

With so many options to choose from, it is time to start planning for the future! For more information, visit

The Soto Family

Hilton, Mackensie, Liliana (10) and Anabel (8 on December 7th)

Occupation(s): Hilton is a systems analyst for Shands Hospital, and Mackensie is a teacher at My School Childcare Center.

Favorite family meal: “Daddy’s Famous Shrimp Linguine” is a meal we all enjoy. Mommy tries to make it too, but the girls think his tastes better.

Favorite date spot: Liliana likes when Daddy takes her on dates to Coldstone (a sweet treat and good conversation), Anabel prefers to swim at the pool with him (and only him) and Hilton and Mackensie’s favorite place is Mark’s Prime (there’s something about having a quiet, leisurely time eating really good food!).

Our family is most like: A game of cards: We know we can’t control the cards we’re dealt, but we make the most of each hand and have as much fun as we can while we’re at it!

Movie in our DVD player right now: We’re watching the second season of “The Last Air Bender” as a family.

The kids’ favorite books: Liliana loves the “Janitors” series, and Anabel enjoys reading anything by Sandra Boynton or Kevin Henkes over and over.

Mommy and Daddy’s favorite TV shows: “Arrow,” “24,” and “The Office.” (We’re re-watching from the beginning on Netflix.)

Websites we love: Coolmath.com, Reflexmath.com, Kids-in-mind.com, Rei.com and Backcountry.com.

Favorite sports to play/extracurriculars to do: plays tennis and plays in the Wiles Orffestra, and Anabel plays piano. The whole family loves riding bikes and swimming. Hilton enjoys backpacking and both Mackensie and Hilton like kayaking.

Favorite sports to watch: Professional tennis and Gator football.

Pets: None now, but Anabel is determined to get a hamster this year from Santa.

Favorite vacation: This one is unanimous: A Disney Cruise!

What makes our kids laugh: We can usually get each other laughing just being silly, but Lily is the easiest one to get going. Anabel loves to be tickled and Lily will giggle at just the threat.

Why we love living in Gainesville: We love the small-town feel and all of the opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities. As Lily put it, “We know this town, and where everything is, and we love the people here.” We also enjoy its proximity to bigger cities in Florida.

Something that we want our children to have that we didn’t have growing up: A church family. We love that the girls have teen and college-aged men and women to look up to, who love spending time with them. They also have many surrogate parents and grandparents that have made a huge impact in their lives.

Favorite day trip: Disney World.

Favorite picnic spot: We have taken some longer bike rides and have stopped along the way for picnics, but our all-time favorite spot is hanging out in the family room (watching TV) having an indoor picnic.

Favorite family activity: Camping! We’ll load up our bikes, enjoy the outdoors and roast marshmallows. Our favorite camping spot is Disney’s Fort Wilderness.

First word you think of when we say “family”: Unit.

Must-have item(s): Our Bibles and Lily’s Pooh Bear. Her Pooh Bear has been with us since her first Christmas and he goes everywhere with the family.

Three words that describe our family: Fun. Friendly. Spiritual.

Anything else you want us to know about your family? We’ve learned that keeping our priorities in order is one thing that helps us to have a balanced life. God comes first, then our marriage and then the girls. This principle has helped us keep the spark in our marriage and bred security in our girls. ✽

Parents vs. Grandparents: When Parenting Practices Collide

You’ve done it. You’ve become an adult, had kids of your own and are now attempting to parent them. Undoubtedly you’ve cherry picked parenting methods from a variety of sources and are now settled on how you will navigate your babes from infancy through college.

All is well until you find yourself at odds with Grandma or Grandpa over your parenting choices. They spanked, you don’t. You provide structure and they don’t. There will probably be at least one issue, if not many, that you will not see eye to eye on with the folks that raised you regarding how to raise your own.

Although it would be helpful to have everyone on the same parenting page when grandparents come to visit, a short-term visit might be a time to overlook small discrepancies, especially when it comes to food.

My friend Amy’s parents play an active role in her children’s lives, even though it’s in short bursts of time.

“My parents tend to feed the kids whatever it takes to get them to ingest food, whereas we typically have a ‘You don’t eat what you are served, then you will be hungry’ attitude,” she shares.

On a recent vacation, when Grandma and Grandpa fed the kids pizza eight out of the 12 nights, it wasn’t worth it to cry foul.

As Amy says, “If my parents do something I don’t agree with, I just make sure the kids know that those kinds of things only happen when they are with Grandma and Grandpa and not to expect it on a normal basis.”

Sometimes maintaining a good relationship means letting go of small things. Children are savvy little creatures and can differentiate between your policies and Grandma’s.

What if Grandma and Grandpa play a daily role? And what if your stylistic differences extend beyond dessert choices? An honest and open conversation is the best route to take, as neither party is a mind reader. If you don’t communicate your expectations with your child’s grandparents, they will have difficulty living up to them.

If you can’t address your concerns prior to the offending behavior, then a discussion (out of earshot of the children) is in order afterward, peppered with grace and kindness and being specific about what you’d like to see happen. Telling Grandma, “We don’t allow Junior to flip over the sofa at our house. I’d like for us all to be on the same page so he will be courteous and safe no matter who is watching him. Please remind him that the sofa is for sitting,” is a great way to politely make your expectations known. And if your child’s safety is on the line (i.e., allowing Junior to ride in the car unbuckled), be firm with your expectations, staying true to what you know will keep your child safe.

Above all, if you want the care and discipline of your little ones done a specific way, take the time to have that important (and yes, sometimes awkward) conversation so grandparents and parents will both know what is happening on Grandma’s watch. ✽

“If my daughter and I differ on our parenting styles, I would love for her to tell me so we can talk about it. I also want to enjoy my grandchildren and spoil them once in a while. As long as we can agree ahead of time what’s expected, then I will know my limits and try my best to operate within them. And if I overstep my boundaries, remember that I was a parent first and still want to be treated with love and respect when you call me out.”

Win ter Won derland

Whether you're decking the halls or hosting a cozy Christmas movie marathon, the holidays are a time for celebrating and creating memories. Our holiday section is full of little treats to make this season the most cheerful ever!

Trendy Tots

6 Creative Displays for Your Holiday Cards

Looking for a new and original way to showcase the beautiful holiday cards that will soon fill your mailbox? We have you covered! Here are some fun ways to incorporate the cards and add a personal touch to your festive decorations.

Ornaments: Give your Christmas tree a more personal touch and use your holiday cards as ornaments, filling it up with love.

Wreath: Arrange the cards in a circle and shape them into a wreath to be hung up and displayed anywhere around your house.

Staircase: Tie the cards up the staircase (or along the garland wrapped around the banister) for a fun and colorful way to incorporate it into your holiday décor.

Wall display: Use double-sided tape or a string and clothespins to make a Christmas tree of holiday cards on your wall.

Doorway: Attach the cards up and around a prominent doorway in your house to draw attention to them in an original way.

Kitchen cabinets: Tie a ribbon on your cabinets and arrange the cards vertically to add some holiday flair to the kitchen.

Feeding Our Area's Children in Need Through the Food Basket Project 2014 Holiday trends!

When preparing your home for the holidays this year, think about adding some bold and some old! From adding textures to finding creative ways to incorporate bold colors and bringing back the vintage feel, it is all about making your holiday décor stand out and be remembered.

Metallic colors Adding a statement piece in gold or silver is a huge trend for the holidays. This can be anything from tall candlesticks to a large colorful bowl that can bring the room together in a different way. The more eye-catching, the better!

Texture Incorporating texture into your holiday decorations is a fun way to break the mold and create a more visually appealing environment. Use items from nature such as pine needles and pinecone seeds, apples and oranges, and nuts and berries to give your holidays a more rustic feel this year.

Re-purposed decorations A great decoration trend is repurposing! Add a vintage look to your home by bringing out old picture frames or incorporate the metallic look by using slightly tarnished objects. Take out the old ornaments and décor passed down from relatives and mix them in with the new to give your tree a homier feel. This can be a great way to reminisce during this special time of year.

Give back locally this holiday season by participating in the Alachua County Public Schools Food Basket Project. This food drive provides for families in need and guarantees the children who usually rely on school meals for daily nourishment will have food over the long winter break. Each child will be given a food basket to take home with them on the last day of school in December.

Public drop off locations are stationed at Terwilliger Elementary (across from the Oaks Mall) and at Lincoln Middle School (on SE 10th Avenue). Special arrangements for more convenient locations can be made by contacting the program director.

Monetary donations to cover the expense of filling a basket, or any amount you’d like to give, are also accepted. Donations can be made online or by check. Online donations can be done by visiting Acpsf.org under the “DONATE” tag. Choose the PayPal link to contribute to the Food Basket Project.

Contact Kelley Kostamo for more information or for any questions you may have. You can reach her by phone at 352-955-6900 and email at kostamkb@gm.sbac.edu.

Donations will be accepted until December 10!

milk & cookies

Whether you are leaving cookies for Santa or attending your first cookie exchange, these bite-size treats are a staple for any festive celebration. Here are some of our all-time classic holiday favorites to get you started!

New Holiday Reading Favorites

Your family traditions will remain as some of your children’s greatest memories. Start a new tradition this year with these interactive holiday stories.

1

“My Snowman and Me” BY

Geared toward younger children, this story introduces the magical wonder of building a snowman and watching him

2

“Roaming Reindeer”

3

“The Magic Christmas Key”

Embark on a Christmas adventure with Andy as he meets Santa and receives the Magic Christmas Key.

4

“Kippah Kantor”

Children will enjoy befriending their very own Kippah Kantor, a doll (boy or girl) who arrives

Channel Countdown to Christmas!

5

“The Hope Tree”

come to life. The book includes your child’s first snowman toy, available for playtime no matter the weather.

Meet two of Santa’s trusty reindeer helpers who have come to find out who’s been naughty and nice! One stays around while the other reports to Santa, but come Christmas Eve, they both leave to help Santa deliver gifts.

Give children their very own Magic Christmas Keys to remind them that all things are possible when they believe.

whenever a good deed, or “mitzvah,” is performed. The Kippah Kantor is a great Hanukkah tradition to incorporate into your holiday.

In the town of Hope, Jacob is discouraged by the busy townspeople’s lack of Christmas spirit. After the treetop star was lost, all traditions were forgotten. Can Jacob remind everyone of the true meaning of Christmas?

dreidel We shall Play

Spinning the dreidel is a fun part of the traditional Hanukkah celebration! Dreidels are four-sided spinning tops inscribed with the Hebrew letters נ (nun), ג (gimel), ה (hei) and ש (shin). Together these make an acronym for a saying that translates to “A great miracle happened there.”

According to the Jewish faith, when the Jews were hiding from the Greeks in caves learning about their religion, teachers would tell the children to put their scrolls away and take out the dreidels when soldiers were approaching.

How to Play

The game starts with every player putting a piece into the pot and spinning the dreidel. The pieces can be anything but are typically gelt, or chocolate coins, and the letter that lands face up tells you what to do:

Nun – Nothing happens

Gimel – Player gets all the pieces in the pot

Hei – Player gets half of what is in the pot

Shin – Player has to put a piece in the pot

PAINT YOUR OWN DREIDEL

Using wooden dreidels and acrylic (washable!) paint, we painted our own unique dreidels for some family fun with a personal touch!

Happy Hanukkah!

Hallmark Channel has commenced Countdown to Christmas, its annual lineup of 24/7 holiday programming, providing families with Christmas movies all day and all night.

Since November 1, the channel has been airing continuous holiday films with titles like “The Santa Suit” and “Naughty or Nice.” The 12 New Movies of Christmas has also returned this year, a series in which new Christmasthemed films premiere each Saturday and Sunday night.

Cozy up with a cup of hot cocoa and find your family’s new favorite Christmas flick!

KEEPING THE HOLIDAY STRESS (AND SPENDING!) UNDER CONTROL

Whilemost people can agree they love the holiday season (the carols, cookies and traditions), it’s also common for the sheer stress of gift purchasing to turn the jolliest of jinglers into Scrooges.

To avoid getting harried and frustrated this holiday season, try putting some of these gifting guidelines in place:

Set an age and price limit

Holiday stress takes on a whole new meaning when you come from a large family. Whether it’s tons of nieces and nephews or multiple siblings, gift purchasing can get out of hand very quickly.

One rule my grandparents, aunts and uncles established was that the kids stop getting gifts after turning 18. Since all the children are spread out in age (we range from 3 years old to 25 years old), this has kept gift giving under control as the family tree has expanded over the years.

We also have a price rule: No one spends more than $20 per niece, nephew or grandchild. Your family can set your own restrictions, but when you have children that both you (and Santa) have to give gifts to, you’ll be happy you have a limit in place.

Distinguish gift levels between family and friends

Now that you have the kids’ gifts under control, what about the in-laws and best

friends that are practically family?

There are other occasions for individual gifts (birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day), so rather than buy two gifts for Christmas, buy one gift couples can use and enjoy together. Think gift card to their favorite restaurant in town or a Harry & David gift basket with some nice wine.

When it comes to friends, think of the few that are your can-come-over-unannounced, talk-almost-every-day friends. Those are the ones for which you buy holiday gifts.

If you happen to be someone that runs in a big circle, try putting together a fun event in lieu of gifts like an ornament, cookie or holiday recipe exchange. I’m sure many of your friends will be on board if they also have a too-long list of gifts to buy.

Help your children create a "structured" list

Have them list three things under each chosen category. For example, use “Something I want,” “Something I need” and “Something I would like to give to another child” (another little boy or girl the same age).

This strategy keeps a list concise, and your children will learn that not everything on their lists will be under the tree. It gives you an opportunity to teach the difference between a “want” and a “necessity,” and it teaches them about giving to those who are less fortunate. ✽

Creative Ideas to Keep Gifts in Check

“Secret Santa” gift exchange with all the adults so everyone receives a gift, and it makes for a fun new tradition!

➜ Coworkers

If baking is your forte, making little treat baggies with cookies or chocolate pretzel bites for everyone keeps costs and shopping time down. If you’re not as skilled in the kitchen, even a $5 gift card to Starbucks with a note saying “For a drink on me” makes for a sweet gift.

➜ Kids in the extended family

Have the kids choose a magazine they like and buy them a one-year subscription. My mom did this for my cousins, and it was fun to see them move from Highlights in grade school to Seventeen and Teen Vogue.

Advent Trees

The Christmas countdown has begun! Our easy and festive advent calendars are a fun way to add a special personal touch to the holiday season.

Create a Christmas countdown Start by gluing festive craft paper, found at any local craft store, into the shape of cones. Decorate with glitter, beads, sequins or stickers. Hide little pieces of candy underneath the numbered cone trees. Lift one cone each day to build the anticipation for Christmas to arrive. This winter wonderland theme provides the perfect amount of holiday shimmer and cheer.

beneath eachtree!

This adorable advent tree is decorated with mini advent calendar boxes!

To begin this fun tradition, fill each box with jewelry, candy or a small trinket and give your child one present each day until Christmas arrives.

Small jewelry boxes found at Michaels. Star and tree skirt made of burlap.

Simplify Your Holiday Breakfast

Good Morning Casserole

Submitted by Lori Sullivan

This Christmas casserole can be prepared in advance so you don’t miss a moment of present time.

Ingredients:

5 ½ - 7 ½ cups of bread, cut into cubes (Feel free to mix wheat and white.)

8 large eggs

1 pound of pork or turkey sausage

3 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

2 cups of milk

¼ cup of butter, melted

2 teaspoons of garlic powder

1 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon of pepper

The day before:

Place bread cubes into a large baking dish. (Note to chef: Day-old bread works best; cube the bread and allow to dry out on counter or in a cool oven before assembling the casserole.) Brown the sausage and drain on a paper

towel to cool. Place the cool sausage on top of the bread in the dish. Mix the eggs, milk, butter, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Once combined, add in the cheese. Pour mixture over the sausage/bread. Be sure that all the bread is wet with the mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning:

Preheat oven to 360 degrees. Place covered casserole in the oven for 55 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10-15 minutes until top is firm to the touch.

Try these simple breakfast set-ups to avoid craziness in the kitchen and allow more time for Christmas cuddles.

• Make your ordinary breakfast into a festive feast! Use Christmas cookie cutters to pour in pancake batter prepared the day before for a quick and cheerful pancake plate.

Give a gourmet breakfast gift. By placing a few muffins, crepes or scones in a tin foil box and adding festive wrapping paper, those homemade treats make a delicious and beautiful gift!

Add a festive flavor to your coffee cup. Peppermint, gingerbread and cinnamon spice are just a few of the many options available for adding a hint of the holidays to your ‘tisthe-season brew.

Hanukkah breakfast? Doughnuts will do!

On this holiday, fried food is our friend, so join in the festivities by simply providing a choice between various flavors of doughnut holes.

• Put a twist on your holiday tradition by placing storebought cinnamon rolls in your waffle maker.

• Start your Christmas morning with festive, Frostyinspired food! Let the kids join in the fun by transforming their bagel and cream cheese into a special snowman. Make sure to include raisin eyes, blueberry buttons and pretzel stick hats.

• Ditch the fruitcake and just eat the fruit. Use a toothpick to join a green grape, a banana slice, a strawberry and a mini marshmallow to create the grouchiest kabob in all of Whoville!

• For another fun fruit idea, alternate sliced bananas and strawberries on a plate to form a candy cane.

What Local Chefs Pack in Their Kids' Lunch Boxes

Wouldn’t it be interesting to know what an actual chef packs for his or her children’s lunches? Three local chefs gave us a peek into their lives as everyday moms or dads packing a typical lunch box.

Ichiban Sushi is a local Asian fusion and sushi restaurant that has been family-run for the last 16 years. Genaro Penaloza has been the chef at Ichiban for several years.

“I’ve been a cook for more than 20 years. My passion for exquisite cooking made me want to learn how to cook Asian food. I love to cook those exquisite dishes,” he explained.

What’s for lunch?

Chef Penaloza has a 9-year-old son who enjoys many different cuisines. For school lunches, Penaloza packs rice and beans, a stir-fry of vegetables and chicken or a simple pasta dish. He shared one of his son’s favorite all-time recipes with us.

Steamed Asian Chicken

sauté cut-up pieces of chicken in olive oil. Add sliced ginger, onion, cilantro and soy sauce to taste. Cover with a plate and let it steam for several minutes. Add any mixed vegetables you like. steam a few minutes longer until chicken is cooked though. Serve with white rice.

Mildred’s Big City Food is a popular Gainesville spot that has been around since 1999. Danny Arce is the chef of this traditional American restaurant. Chef Arce brings his culinary interests and passion back to his own kitchen at home as well. This has led to Arce’s 5-year-old daughter developing a love and appreciation for food. Because she helps her father care for their garden, she typically requests what they are growing to be in her school lunches.

Arce shared, “I have no problem letting my daughter help decide what goes in her lunch because she makes pretty healthy choices.”

What’s for lunch?

His daughter not only loves veggies and juice in her lunches, it is not uncommon to find spinach pasta or sushi too. She may be young, but through her exposure to new and different foods she has developed a pretty sophisticated palate, which opens up the lunch box list to so many possibilities!

Maria Nereyda-Abella is a chef and owner at Mi Apa’ Latin Cafe. Chef Nereyda-Abella has three grown children and four grandchildren. When her children were in school, she insisted on serving fresh milk for them at every meal. When I write “fresh,” I truly mean fresh in that Nereyda-Abella actually milked a cow for that milk. (Apparently this was quite typical in Cuba.) Additionally, she squeezed fresh fruit juice every morning. That’s one busy mom!

What’s for lunch?

As for school lunches, NereydaAbella’s children ate fairly large meals. She would pack chicken, steak or an egg dish, along with rice, vegetables and a banana each day. There was also rice pudding or homemade jam with bread for a little something sweet. Unique and inspirational options for all of us trying to think beyond the peanut butter and jelly sandwich!

forks & spoons

"Souper" Slow Cooker Favorites

BLACK BEAN SOUP

{SUBMITTED By BILINDA ROUNTREE}

INGREDIENTS:

• One pound dried black beans, rinsed

• Two boxes liquid chicken or veggie broth

• Two Spanish diced onions

• One fresh clove of garlic, minced

• One teaspoon cumin

• One teaspoon dried cilantro

DIRECTIONS:

Place all ingredients in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours on high. Serve with sour cream, diced fresh tomatoes and cilantro.

TASTY TIPS!

For a thicker sauce or gravy, dredge meat in flour before adding to your slow cooker.

Add dairy products, such as sour cream, during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Easy conversion! One hour on high equals roughly 2 hours on low.

Meats and firm vegetables should go on the bottom layer. They will cook faster and be more tender.

CHEESEBURGER SOUP

{SUBMITTED By THERESA BURAU BAEHR}

INGREDIENTS:

• ¾ pound ground beef

• ¾ cup chopped onions (Frozen chopped onions from the grocer’s freezer section are great.)

• ¾ cup shoestring or thinly sliced carrots

• 1 teaspoon basil

• 1 teaspoon parsley

• 3 cups chicken broth

• 4 cups diced and peeled potatoes

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 2 cups cubed yellow cheese

• 1 cup milk

Soups and stews are the perfect comfort food for a cold winter evening!

• ¼ cup sour cream

• 2 tablespoons flour

• Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Brown ground beef and put in slow cooker (or place frozen precooked ground beef in slow cooker). Melt butter in the microwave and stir in flour. Put flour mixture and remaining ingredients, except for carrots and sour cream, in slow cooker. Cook on high for two hours, then reduce to low and cook for two more hours, putting carrots in slow cooker for the last hour. Before serving, stir in sour cream.

Jenn Gold Necklace

This doublestrand, golden necklace with textured metal medallions is perfect for layering with other festive jewelry for a glamorous holiday look. $55, Chico’s.

Quince Ring

Made of golden metal with a subtle texture, this ring is ideal for holiday festivities but can remain as a style staple all year long. $35, Chico’s.

Londyn Bracelet

This bangle bracelet is crafted from metal and designed with a golden glamour to be a simple yet sophisticated accessory. $29, Chico’s.

LIMITEd EdITION warm Glow Eye Palette

This golden palette for the eyes, wrapped in a classic croc inspired case, features nine decadent shades of soft nudes, gilded golds and warm browns, that are perfect for the holiday season and after! $75, Bobbibrowncosmetics.com.

Perfect for highlighting eyes, cheeks, lips, body or even hair! The powder is created from mica and provides just enough shimmer. $38, Janeiredale.com.

LIMITEd EdITION Lip color

With their elegant gold cases, these lush lip colors are timeless and yet modern and can be worn day or night. $28 each, Bobbibrowncosmetics.com.

Sinful colors “All About You” Nail color

Whether worn alone or layered over another polish, this sheer, golden color adds just the right amount of glitz to your glamorous look. $1.99, Walgreens and other mass retailers.

Quintessence Scarf in countess Taupe

This open-weave scarf is textured with a foil shimmer and striped with neutral accents, perfect for a casual lunch or a night on the town. $49, Chico's.

Eye Shere Liquid Eye Shadow in Gold Silk

This sheer liquid shadow will not crease or smear and helps to hide shadows and veins on the eyelid. $17, Janeiredale.com.

'Tis the season to sparkle and shine! Check out these glitzy winter accessories,

The Parent Checkup} Start 2015 Off Healthy!

As parents, we put our children before ourselves every day. We dutifully take them to the pediatrician for their well checks and to the dentist for teeth cleanings. When it comes to us, though, we just aren’t as committed. It’s hard to take the extra time off work or to get a sitter to watch the little ones so we can go to the doctor for our own checkups.

Theologian Desiderius Erasmus said it best when he said, “Prevention is better than cure.” Even most insurance programs cover preventative care at a greater discount than any acute care visit. It is often covered at 100 percent, which is even more of a reason to make sure we are proactive in taking care of our health! After all, it is much easier to be good parents when we feel healthy and our bodies are working properly.

Dr. Greg Bailey of Women’s Pelvic Health agreed that checkups with your doctor are a key to staying on top of your health.

our advances in medicine and technological diagnostics, they just cannot replace annual visits and tests such as pap smears and cancer screenings. These are vital to the prevention and early

still see this type of provider once a year for your own well check. They will also do routine lab work and screening for diabetes, cholesterol levels and other issues. You can also get necessary vaccinations from this appointment as well (think flu, tetanus, etc.). Men should have a PSA blood test to screen for prostate issues, along with their annual exam.

Gynecologist/Obstetrician — If you are a woman, you need to go see one of these every year, whether you are pregnant (or trying to become pregnant) or not. Some practitioners have office visit recommendations of differing lengths according to your age, but it is important to have pap smears, breast and pelvic exams and screenings on a routine basis, so discuss your personal wellness exam schedule with your doctor.

Here are some guidelines for appointments you should make AND KEEP for yourself and your spouse this year:

Primary Care Physician/Internal Medicine/General Practitioner — Your insurance may require you to have a PCP as the gatekeeper to any specialist you might need. Even if yours does not, you should

Dentist — You should get bi-annual cleanings and oral exams. Those six months seem to fly by, but it is important to stay on top of dental health as it is related to so many other body functions.

Dermatologist — If you have fair skin or a family history of skin cancer, this should be an annual visit, and it’s a good idea for everyone. In Florida, we have year-round sun exposure so don’t question anything that looks off. Get it checked out right away! ✽

As you age, there are a few more specific procedures you should add to your list. Talk with your doctor about the need for the following:

Mammogram

Your primary care physician or OBGYN can explain the importance of a mammogram and how often you should have one, according to your personal and family medical history.

Colonoscopy

Nobody likes to talk about this, but along with yearly fecal occult blood tests, it is an important screening tool for colon cancer.

Ophthalmologist Exam

Unless you are having trouble with your vision, you may not think about this exam, but it is important to remember to check the health of your eyes as you age.

Bone Density Scan

Talk to your doctor about how soon you should get your baseline. Your doctor will recommend future appointments according to your needs.

“Despite

detection of greater problems," Bailey explained.

7 Outdoor Winter Activities

holiday sweets you eat later will taste even better when you know you’ve remembered your wintertime exercise.

• Bring a stack of winter-themed books and a blanket big enough for everyone to have story time in the open air. Kids can use their imaginations to dream of sledding down hills and building snowmen, even when there’s not a snowflake in sight.

• Ride around the city, with the car windows down, in search of the biggest and brightest holiday light displays. Wrap everyone in furry blankets and socks as you tour the town’s most festive decoration displays. Make note of the best ones to revisit next year!

As tempting as it may be to keep the kids indoors when the temperature drops, the winter weather is only here for a moment, and it is meant to be enjoyed! Take a break from video games and holiday movie marathons to bask in the briskness of the cool outdoors.

• Pack a picnic and take a hike! The chilly weather this time of year provides the perfect atmosphere for enjoying nature and its wintertime scenery. Be sure to pack a warm lunch filled with nutritious treats, and don’t forget the thermoses of hot apple cider to warm everyone from the inside out.

• Host a holiday lighting ceremony to show off your hard work. After all the effort your family puts into creating a holiday masterpiece, it deserves to be displayed! Set up a hot chocolate bar and invite your friends and neighbors to join you as you premiere your decorations and illuminate your house for the holidays.

• Cooler weather doesn’t provide an excuse for you to stop being active, and it certainly doesn’t drain kids of all their energy. To keep everyone feeling merry and bright, go for a family bike ride in the fresh outdoors. The gingerbread cookies and other

• Enjoy the dog days of — winter! Gather your whole family to take Spot for an afternoon stroll. Everyday activities, like walking the dog or raking the leaves, become more exciting and enjoyable when the air is crisp, so make the most of the season by turning average routines into cheerful memories.

• Emphasize the importance of generosity. Take a walk around the block and deliver warm baked goods to your neighbors and friends to bring holiday cheer to both your family and theirs. ✽

Keep warm and cozy in the winter weather!

With skies that change from sunny to gray and back to sunny all in one afternoon, layering is an important part of wintertime warmth. Wearing many layers of clothing allows for both adults and children to adapt to changing temperatures. Remember, body heat escapes through the head, so be sure to bring cute winter hats to wear. Mittens will help prevent frozen hands, and scarves serve a purpose that is both pretty and practical. Keep hair and hands dry, be aware of signs of frostbite and hypothermia and remember to know when the weather is too frigid for your family fun.

Dear Helen...

Queries from the Curious {HOLIDAY EDITION!}

What are your tips for organizing shoes/coats/hats, etc., at the entry from the garage to the house?

Given that most homeowners enter the house through the garage, a makeshift mudroom will corral clutter. Whether you choose a high-end unit designed to exact specifications or a DIY project, the common elements include a sturdy bench with baskets or bins underneath for shoes, backpacks or packages; and hooks, pegs, knobs or double ceiling hooks for coats and hats. The configuration is often finished with a shelf or two for seasonal equipment and supplies.

Internet sources for ideas include MarthaStewart.com under entryway organizing, Familyhandyman.com and Pinterest, which has an assortment of clever and practical solutions.

If your space is cramped, consider a coat tree and a bin for shoes. If you have some leeway, look at the various Closet Maid, Elfa and Ikea units. Metal or sturdy plastic shelf units anchored to the wall for safety would work, as would adjustable wall shelving.

Used furniture stores, thrift shops and even a dispensable piece of furniture in your house are sources for mudroom furnishings. (Think television entertainment center here.) Do you remember your old high school locker? Modern versions are pricey, but cheap vertical bookcases painted in bright colors would be original and fun. Anything goes in the garage as long as it does the job.

How should we save/organize the holiday décor from year to year?

It’s time to take control if goblins, turkeys and Santas have overrun your household. You know what to do first. Purge. Purge again. If you want the memories of all those cute but no longer loved school holiday ornaments, take photos for a special scrapbook. Toss broken trinkets or move them to an arts and crafts basket for use with a new project. Donate “tired” items to a thrift store. Then review your inventory of heirlooms and current keepers. Write about the history of these decorations in a family album if you have time. Dust or wash the ornaments that need a little TLC to look their best.

Once you have a room decorated just the way you like it, take photos. Store the components together with the photos and you will cut down on your decorating time next year.

Replace burned out bulbs before you pack rope lights. Coil the lights on your forearm the way you would wind a long extension cord. Pass the two ends around the coil, and then plug them into each other to hold the coil in place. Cushion the coils using sheets of thin bubble wrap. Note the number of coils on the outside of the storage box.

Original ornament boxes give extra protection, even more so when stored together inside a larger container. Many stores sell specialty containers to hold glass balls, wreaths and other standard size decorations. Keep the instructions for setting up the artificial tree in its protective box or bag. Put labels on even the clear plastic tubs to identify the contents quickly.

If you’re storing wrapping paper, identify one pattern exclusively for Santa’s use. Santa deserves his own “brand” in an age when skeptics might question his very existence! Estimate your paper, ribbon and tag supplies so you don’t overbuy in the face of tempting sales. No sense having to store more than you could possibly use up. Package the paper supplies well, especially if they are headed to a non-temperature controlled area such as the garage. ✽

 Helen Kornblum is a life coach and organizer. Find her at CoachandOrganizer.com. Her specialty is coaching teens and young adults who have ADHD or ADD.

Beyond the Sink: Unique Uses for the Everyday Sponge

1

Rub away the lint. Use a damp, wrung-out sponge to clean fabric with a quick swipe and remove any lint, pet fur and other unwanted clothing cling-ons.

Dry hard-to-reach items. Secure a flexible sponge to a ruler using rubber bands to wipe away the moisture at the bottom of vases, glasses and other items with openings too small for your hands.

5

Start the sprouting process. To speed seed development, implant the seeds into a damp sponge and place them in a glass bowl in an area that receives sunlight. When sprouts begin forming, plant the seeds in soil, placing a sponge underneath to retain moisture.

7

Relieve the pain of tender teeth. Cut off a piece of a new sponge and moisten it with antibacterial mouthwash, then place it in your mouth to help diminish the agony of a toothache.

*ADULTS ONLY

3

Help remove inflexible wallpaper. By soaking a sponge in a mixture of hot water and fabric softener, the sponge can be used to wipe over wallpaper and remove its adhesive more easily.

4

Stop the soap. Place a sponge in your bath or shower to act as a holder and prevent your soap from slipping. By allowing the soap to dry, the sponge also increases the life of the cleanser.

9

Apply sunblock without the stickiness. Use a sponge to apply sunblock onto yourself and the kids and prevent skin irritation without having to deal with the slippery hands and greasy mess.

8

Secure your fragile items. Whether it’s time to pack the ornaments back into their boxes or move to a new home, place damp sponges between items to prevent breaking. As the sponge dries, it adds extra defense by taking the form of the items.

6

Give a gentle grip. Raking, sweeping and mopping can be a pain, especially on hands. Attach a bendable sponge to the handle of a rake, broom or mop using rubber bands to provide a more pleasant grasp.

10

Seal a card in an envelope. Stop licking envelopes to fasten them shut and start using a damp sponge to quickly moisten the paper and seal it closed.

happy home our space

HOME THEATER The Scorpios'

When Holly and Dominic Scorpio want to watch a movie with their three girls, Emiliana, Ave and Siena, they don't have to go very far!

Holly's mother purchased the oldfashioned popcorn machine as a christmas gift. perfect for making salty snacks!

The Scorpios built their in-home theater when they purchased their Gainesville home. The tiered floor and comfy recliners make it the perfect spot to relax as a family or host a movie marathon with friends! A hidden blu-ray system is easily controlled by a single remote and the screen is retractable, making it easy to put away when not in use.

the screen retracts, offering plenty of room for the girls to put on plays and shows (costume and prop buckets live in the theater room too!).

| The girls love to turn on the disco ball once the lights go down! Get one for yourself from Target, 17.99.

Ask Amy...

Q:With the holidays coming and my house on the market, how do I decorate as I normally do and still keep it attractive for potential buyers?

A:Does every square inch of your home during the holidays twinkle in red and green lights? Do you put up 5 different Christmas trees, 2 menorahs, and stacks of wrapped packages? If so, then you may need to tone it down a tad if your home is on the market. This doesn’t mean that you need to remove all decorations, but try to make sure what is there is minimal and very tasteful. Being cluttered in holiday decorations is still being cluttered, and it means that buyers will not be able to see the home through the decorations. Still not sure where to start? Call me today!

Amy Hogue is a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker M.M. Parrish Realtors, specializing in residential sales and first time homebuyers. She lives in Southwest Gainesville with her husband and two children.

Do you have a question for Amy? Or looking for a more indepth answer to the question? Visit www.AmyHogue.com

we ight loss

THE CHALLENGE BIG

2015

We are thrilled to announce the 2015 Big Weight Loss Challenge contestants! Join us in encouraging and supporting these six amazing local moms as they take the brave and inspiring steps toward a healthier lifestyle!

MEET THE 2015 Contestants

Giggle Magazine and Sweat Life Fitness have partnered for our fifth Big Weight Loss Challenge and we are so excited to go on this journey with these incredible ladies! It will indeed be a “challenge” as their bodies and minds are pushed farther than ever before, but the end result will be stronger, healthier women who have the tools to continue their new lifestyle with family and friends. They are ready to work and we are ready to cheer them on in the most incredible BWLC yet!

- Nicole Irving, Giggle Magazine & Dan Griffin, Sweat Life Fitness

I entered this challenge because I am ready to make healthy life changes and focus on me. I want to lose weight, but ultimately I want to have a healthier lifestyle and set an example for my children about making good choices, following through with a challenge and working hard to reach a goal.

My goal in this challenge is to gain new lifestyle habits. I am excited to actually learn how to create a healthy eating and exercise program for my busy lifestyle. In the past I would give up and go back to old habits. I am ready to get healthy for my family.

I applied for the BWLC because I realized it was time to give myself a little attention, finally shed the extra pounds, learn to eat for the right reasons, find the inner athlete that's still in me somewhere and be a healthy example to my kids. And when this all comes together, I am looking forward to buying clothes in a regular store!

I have tried to get back to eating healthy and exercising, but with the responsibilities of family and everyday activities, it’s been easy to make excuses. I hope the BWLC will help me change my lifestyle. I'm looking forward to feeling like myself again! I never feel like I have any energy and I know my family suffers because of it. I'm ready to get "me" back!

I gained an extreme amount of weight after having my daughter. While I have been steadily losing weight, I still have a significant amount of weight to lose. This challenge will help me develop a balance in caring for myself while taking care of my family. Having more energy, no longer having to shop in the plus-size department and no longer avoiding having my picture taken are all bonuses!

I entered the Big Weight Loss Challenge to gain the motivation and education I need to lose weight. At the end of the challenge, I am most looking forward to being healthy and active again!

Easy Winter Break Brain Boosts!

As the year is quickly progressing, winter vacation is almost here — no teachers, no homework and sometimes, no learning. To combat the seasonal weariness that springs from a lack of brain exercise, incorporate kid participation into your usual holiday tasks and consider creating new traditions to build knowledge and encourage active participation.

minds. If you would prefer your season’s greetings to be printed and pristine, encourage your children to create their own cards for friends and family members, writing a personal message on each one. Ask them to attach some festive stamps and help them send the cards on their merry way!

Hire your own little elf to pick out the perfect presents. Whether you brave a trip to the mall to find your spouse a thoughtful gift or you choose to shop online for personalized presents, involving your children will teach them lessons in both etiquette and education. Explain the reason you give gifts to your loved ones during the holidays, emphasizing the importance of family and friendship. Share your gift budget with them so they can help you shop for items in the right price range. When shopping online, help the kids hone their computer skills while clicking away between store websites.

Baking cookies can be educational and delicious. Bring your children with you to pick out the recipe ingredients in the store before you hit the kitchen, noting the prices and amounts of the items you choose. Ask for help portioning out the correct amount of ingredients in measuring cups and spoons, and let your children set the timer while the treats bake. If you are decorating the cookies with colorful frosting, show them how to use various amounts of food

coloring (or pureed fruit and veggies) to achieve the perfect shades of red, green and blue. Who said math and science couldn’t be delectably fun?

Give your holiday cards an extra personal touch. Whether you have the older children write out the addresses on the envelopes or you allow the younger ones to sign their own names, involving the kids in this timeless tradition exercises their hands and their

Books and hot chocolate are the perfect companions.

Take a family trip to the bookstore or library, and let the kids choose a few stories to enjoy throughout the school break. Wrapped in blankets with hot chocolate in hand, little ones will remember this special holiday story time for years to come. For older kids, encourage them to read as many books as possible in the next couple weeks. Whoever reads the most books during winter break wins an extra present under the tree!

Skip a second showing of “Elf” in favor of a family game night. Chances are, many of the games you have stored away on the shelf involve an educational benefit like counting, memorizing or reading. Use the rare nights you have together, free of homework and extra early bedtimes, to create memories and encourage learning at home. If you don’t feel like bringing out the boards, initiate a game of holiday-themed charades, set to a soundtrack of joyful tunes. ✽

Turning Your Child's Obsession into Education

My parents wisely channeled this obsession into learning experiences. They enrolled me in karate classes and bought me books about martial arts. And while I never did become a Power Ranger, I did learn a lot about self-discipline because my parents saw an opportunity to transform my interest into education. Below are some easy ways to do the same for your children’s passions.

Frozen

If you read this magazine, you have seen “Frozen.” I feel pretty confident about that. Probably enough times that you wish your kids would indeed let it go, but there is another alternative. Teach them the

history of Elsa and Anna’s adventure. Did you know “Frozen” is actually inspired by an older fairy tale called “The Snow Queen” by Hans Christian Andersen? Read them that story and ask them to explain the differences. You can also expand their geographic knowledge by searching Google images under “Frozen landscapes” and seeing where the story might take place in real life.

Sports

If your children play sports, a great way to expand their appreciation is teaching them the history of the games they love. Your local library has great resources in terms of sports history. If your son is in

Little League, he can learn how baseball was invented and all the greats who have played. If your daughter loves basketball, she can learn how her favorite activity started by throwing balls into peach baskets.

Comic Books

Two words: Superhero party. Have Mom or Dad dress up as the villain and your kids as their favorite superheroes – real or made up – and recreate their favorite comic book scene in the backyard. Your kids can learn arts and crafts skills by making forts or “POW!” signs to hold over Dad’s head as they save the day. Kiddos can also enhance their puzzle-solving mind skills by having to answer the villain’s three riddles in order to advance in the story and be the hero.

Our children will always have something they love and obsess over. Whether it’s through science, art, toys or physical activities, finding fun ways to expand your kids’ knowledge about their interests will show them you care about what makes them happy, and may also help them appreciate the interest even more. ✽

Giggle-Loved Resources

Library: A great place to learn the history of their passions the same way Mom and Dad did when they were young.

Google/Wikipedia: Simple searches usually lead to a rabbit hole of information. Although Wikipedia is not always the most factual resource, it may provide ideas on what else to search.

Pinterest: There’s an old saying, “There’s nothing new under the sun.” If your kids love it, odds are other kids love it, too, and their parents have already made an art piece, science project or YouTube video about it. Pinterest is your place to find these projects and put your family’s spin on them.

When I was a kid, I loved everything ninja-related. My favorite show was “Power Rangers.” My favorite movie was “3 Ninjas.” And my favorite activity was telling my brother, “Let me try this move on you. It will be awesome. I promise.”

Gameschooling! learn

Last night, right before bed, my daughter asked, "Mommy? Will you play a game with me?"

My girl knows my sweet spot. The result? I pushed back bedtime and recruited the whole family to play a house-rules, double-dice version of Chutes and Ladders. The game was her pick. Was it the most educational game choice? No. Did the kids learn anything? Absolutely.

There are so many benefits of board gaming with your children.

With our busy, tech-consumed lives, just taking quality time to spend with your kids is enough of a benefit, but many games offer a variety of teaching opportunities in math, language arts, logic, history, science and a variety of life skills including organization, memory and map-reading.

What I love even more are the social skills: communication, taking turns, being a good winner and a good loser, and the values and ethics involved in playing by the rules (and NOT playing by the rules).

In our homeschool, we include games regularly into our curriculum, often in place of actual bookwork. The fun factor expands the learning opportunities exponentially.

Learning is defined as "the acquisition of knowledge or skills through experience, study or by being taught." Game-based learning is proving to be an effective strategy in modern education because the brain acquires skills more easily when the student is engaged and happy.

Happy Gaming! ✽

A game doesn't need to be labeled "educational" to be an excellent tool for learning. Here are some of our current favorites:

Sleeping Queens

Math, Logic, Memory

Seven Wonders History, Logic, Strategy

Zeus on the Loose History, Strategy, Math

Ticket to Ride History, Logic, Strategy

Settlers of Catan History, Strategy, Logic

Gobblet Gobblers Strategy, Logic

Sequence Numbers Math, Strategy

Scrabble Spelling, Strategy, Math

Apples to Apples Reading, General Knowledge

Scattergories Language Arts, General Knowledge

Rhyme Out Language Arts, General Knowledge

Monopoly Decision Making, Finance

Looking for something new? Try a cooperative game. In addition to the gaming benefits, cooperative games, like Hoot Owl Hoot! or Forbidden Island, are relationshipbuilding, too.

conception2college

 E x PE c TING

The Aches & Pains of Pregnancy

 INFANT | 0-1

Choosing the Right Childcare

 TO dd LER | 2-3

Saying Goodbye to That Precious Paci

 EARLY YEARS | 4-5

Learning to Listen: At-Home Activities to Help

 k I d S | 6-7

Teaching Good Sportsmanship

 T w EENS | 8-12

The Attraction of Magnet Schools

 TEENS | 13-18

Turning Everyday Moments into Teachable Moments

The Aches & Pains of Pregnancy

As your home and heart are filled with the joyful anticipation of bringing a new life into the world, be informed on how your body may respond to this exciting change and what you can do to ease some of the discomforts.

Restless Leg Syndrome

RLS is the irrepressible need to move the lower legs, feet, thighs, arms or hands in order to relieve sensations, and it should disappear around delivery time. For treatment, eliminate caffeine completely, massage the extremities and take a warm bath. As with any condition, consult your health care provider before taking medication or supplements. Dr. Erin Werner of North Florida Women’s Physicians does not recommend the use of herbal supplements, as they are not FDA-approved.

Insomnia

This inability to fall or stay sleep is estimated to affect over 75 percent of pregnant women and may be caused by hormonal imbalance, prebirth anxiety or physical discomfort. Don’t worry – insomnia won’t hurt you or your baby. Go to bed at the same time each night, eliminate caffeine, practice relaxation techniques (such as soothing music, breathing exercises and body stretches) and avoid using sleep aids, which can be harmful.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea involves flashes of breathlessness lasting about 10 seconds, often including heavy snoring afterward. Apnea increases risk for problems like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, often endangering your baby. Try not to sleep on your back and consider using breathing strips. If you’re overweight, the odds for apnea increase, so work with a professional and find a plan to best treat your condition. If the situation continues, ask about a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine.

Anxiety

Anxiety disorders in pregnancy are more common than depression, and expecting moms suffering from anxiety are at risk for post-traumatic stress symptoms after labor. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been highly effective in treatment, but each situation is unique, so talk openly with your doctor about your anxiety and what she would recommend for you.

Backaches

A common culprit of pregnancy discomfort, backaches are known to strike most expecting women. The pain lessens progressively, but exercising lightly can help alleviate the ache. According to Dr. Werner, water aerobics and prenatal yoga can provide great benefits. Other women also have had success with chiropractic help and acupuncture. If the pain becomes severe, patients should seek medical help, as this could be a sign of preterm labor or a urinary tract infection.

Heartburn

Heartburn is one of the most common conditions among pregnant women, Dr. Werner said. Although difficult to eliminate completely, discomfort can be minimized by avoiding triggers like carbonated drinks and spicy foods. Eating smaller meals, sitting upright or standing after meals, and elevating your head and upper chest at night may also alleviate symptoms. Stay within the weight guidelines from your health care provider and consult a professional before taking over-the-counter antacids.

Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

As Carpel Tunnel Syndrome is caused by swelling and fluid retention, this condition is common in pregnant women. Identified by numbness, tingling or aching in the wrist, hand or fingers, it comes and goes, often most painful at night. To ease the ache, adjust your position at the computer, use wrist or hand braces and avoid sleeping on your hands. If pain interferes with your daily routine, consult your health care provider. ✽

*Please consult your physician for specific recommendations for your personal healthcare.

giggle a little…

“Life is tough enough without having someone kick you from the inside!”

~Rita Rudner

Choosing Childcare: How to Make the Right Decision for Your Family

Being with your newborn around the clock those first few months is magical; you always know where she is and how she’s feeling. Realizing you’ll soon need help with her care can be overwhelming and heartbreaking. You may be convinced no one will care for her as well as you. Whether you have to go back to work or you need some occasional help, having to make this decision can be anxiety inducing!

The first decision is choosing whether a nanny or a daycare is best for you. With nannies come the benefit of individual attention in your child’s regular environment: your home. However, daycares are able to provide a regulated environment that ensures your child is getting proper care. Fortunately, there is no wrong answer! Looking into both options can give you a better sense of the different scenarios. Use these four factors as a guide in your search.

ReCoMM eNdAt IoNS

Getting recommendations is crucial in order to ensure the quality of care your child will be receiving. Searching online, whether for a daycare or a nanny, allows you to read multiple reviews and get a feel for the settings and personalities of the caregivers. Asking your friends, family members and neighbors is also very helpful! They can recommend specific people or centers that really worked for them and give you personal feedback on why they chose one over the other.

Re FeReNCeS

Ask for references from those you are considering. For a nanny, request letters or reviews from the families they have worked with or from previous employers. You can also apply this to daycares by talking to families who currently have

their children enrolled. Getting real person reviews, instead of the sometimes overly positive or negative ones found on the Internet, paints a better picture of the environment your child will be in with this person or facility.

CeRt IFICAt IoNS

Ensuring your child’s safety is an important priority in choosing childcare. Asking the prospective nanny or daycare for certifications is the best way. Certifications such as CPR training or special courses dealing with infants and children, even a degree in this area, are important things to consider. For daycares, look for approved licensing from your state. Every establishment should be monitored by state officials to guarantee the quality of services and care.

Meet INgS

The best way to guarantee that something is going to work for your family is to arrange a trial run with the nanny or daycare. Set up meetings with those you are considering and try them out for a few hours or days per week. Consider how it fits in your daily schedule, your comfort level with the person or people you would be working with, your child’s reaction to the situation and the caregiver’s response to your child’s needs. Personal experience is the best way of seeing if it’s something that could work for you and your child in the long run. ✽

Remember that regardless of what you decide, feeling comfortable with your choice is most important! don’t be afraid to try several options until you find the best one. Your little one’s care is worth testing the waters until it’s just right!

Saying Goodbye to That Precious Paci

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends giving your baby a pacifier at nap time and bedtime to help reduce the risk of SIDS. And most parents can attest to the fact that pacifiers can be extremely helpful when teaching a child how to self-soothe. They can also bring comfort to a child in a new or stressful situation, helping him calm down and relax. But what age is too old for your child to still be using a pacifier?

Most research points to there being no long-lasting result if your child is still using a pacifier through his “terrible twos,” but it is a good time to consider moving away from its everyday use.

Children in their twos become more and more attached to comfort objects and it may be harder to break the cycle if the child gets used to turning to his pacifier. These objects can sometimes be called transitional objects for that same reason. Introducing something new for your child to help him soothe himself can be a good way to take importance off the pacifier before it can make lasting impacts.

Our Giggle readers shared how they helped their toddlers move past the pacifier:

“Typically, by age 3 is when we would want pacifiers to be gone,” says pediatric dentist Dr. Andrew Gooch from Kids Only Dental Place.

It is especially important for it to be gone by age 4, however, as that is when the permanent teeth start coming in and damage is not as easily fixable. Before then, any damage done to the baby teeth is typically resolved a few months after the pacifier is taken away.

According to Dr. Gooch, “If problems start to show and the teeth look like they might be damaged, parents should intervene early.”

Make sure to have your child’s doctor check his teeth or jaw for signs of impending damage. This should be done every six months past his first year.

Another potential reason to start taking the pacifier away is the impact it can have on speech development. Using a pacifier puts the child’s lips and tongue in an unnatural position, which can affect the subsequent muscles and make it harder for him to start talking. It may also cause the lips to push forward and increase the risk of a lisp. This shouldn’t become a factor until he starts speaking fully, but keep it in mind if you notice your child is falling behind with speech development.

A pacifier is meant to utilize the natural sucking reflex that presents itself oftentimes even before birth. Some little ones will soothe themselves by sucking on their fingers or thumbs if a pacifier is not available. As a child grows, other objects or routines can become replacements for this naturally comforting behavior. ✽

We gave our son a twoweek notice. Then on the big day we gave him a giant teddy bear and launched his pacifier into the air attached to a bunch of balloons. He never missed a beat. - April Gene

my son’s pacifier fell in the potty one day. oops! we can't recover that. - holli best

we told our daughter that pacifiers weren't allowed on the Disney Cruise Line so she would have to leave hers at home when we went on our cruise. it worked great and she hasn't used it since, although we ran into other kids using pacifiers on the cruise and she kind of gave me a dirty look.

- stacy haycock

We had a paci fairy come to our house for a week. If my daughter did a good job without the paci, then the paci fairy would leave a treat for her to find each morning. I wish I had done this with my first two kids because it worked like a charm!

Most research points to there being no longlasting result if your child is still using a pacifier through his “terrible twos.”

we took it away during the day when our daughter turned 1. She can have it at nap time and bedtime, and as she loses them (she is down to one now) we won't buy more. once the last one is gone, then it's gone.

My daughter left a plate full of pacifiers, instead of cookies, for Santa to give to all the new babies. She was newly 3, so it was pretty much on her own terms. The transition was super easy. -

He was turning 3, so we bribed him with a train table. We had a couple nights that he whined for it, but we just reminded him of our deal. It worked well! -

when my daughter's pacifier tore (she was 2), I pretended it was the only pacifier in the world. She saved it long enough to tell her dad when he got home from work that it was "broken" and then threw it in the trash herself. She never asked for it again. -

When my daughter went to a Mom's Day Out program, she had a friend in class whose mom was having a baby. We wrapped the pacifiers up to give to the new baby as a gift. It worked perfectly.

we cut the tip...and kept cutting it shorter and shorter. She eventually gave up trying because she couldn't grasp it enough! It only took about four days.

we went to stay at my parents’ house for a few days and I purposely left the pacifiers at home. every time he would ask for them i would remind him that we forgot them. He got used to not having it. I had thrown away all the ones we had at home so there wouldn't be any to find when we returned, but he found one. thankfully he had gone so long without it, he decided he was done. -

We tried to limit it to only at night, then she got a double ear infection and that was the only thing that helped, so we relapsed. I finally told her to choose between her stuffed puppy dog and the paci; the other had to go in the trash. She chose the puppy so I had her get all the pacis in the house and throw them away so we wouldn't be tempted to give them back. It worked! -

Picture your child’s perfect, healthy smile!

We specialize in orthodontics for children, teens and adults utilizing state-of-the-art technology to create healthy, beautiful smiles that will last a lifetime.

Reid W. Montini DMD, MS, PA

Dr. Reid W. Montini attended Florida State University for his undergraduate studies, received his dental degree from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and completed his residency in orthodontics at the University of Florida. Dr. Montini is an active member of numerous professional organizations and is dedicated to staying current with the latest advances in orthodontic treatment and technology.

Learning to Listen:

At-Home Activities to Help

While listening skills are practiced every day in preschool and kindergarten classrooms, it is up to parents to continue building those listening skills at home. Former kindergarten teacher Ilene Vitkus shared some of her classroom tactics to make at-home listening activities both fun and beneficial.

Draw This!

Bring out the crayons and paper and instruct your children to follow your directions and create an artistic masterpiece. Use instructions like “draw a circle,” then add more to the picture as the game progresses. Include directional phrases like “above the square,” “to the right of the triangle” and “at the bottom of the page.” When you are finished, show them the picture you’ve created and see how well they were listening by having them examine their own work.

20 Questions

This game encourages both listening and comprehension skills as children try to guess what you are thinking. Imagine a person, place or thing that your children would recognize and allow them to ask up to 20 “yes” or “no” questions before they guess what the item is. This game works in reverse, too! Let your children think of items while you try to guess what they are. Easily adaptable and fun for traveling, this game can provide endless entertainment while boosting careful listening abilities.

Interactive Story Time

Use your usual story time to sharpen your children’s listening skills by creating a discussion about the book. Ask about the characters and plot, but make sure you slip in a few tricky questions to make sure the kids were listening closely. What kind of animal is Mickey? Was Madeline’s old house covered in vines in London or Paris? Didn’t you love the Grinch’s blue fur?

Red Light, Green Light, Purple Light — Oh, My!

Add a twist to the usual “Red Light, Green Light” game by adding even more colorful instructions. As usual, players can run toward you on “Green light” and must stop on “Red light,” but make the game more advanced by adding additional instructions, much like “Simon Says.” Tell the kiddos to hop toward you on “Purple light,” skip across the room on “Orange light,” turn around themselves on “Pink light” and sit down on “White light.” Feel free to personalize the game however you wish, with as many colors and instructions as the kids can handle. ✽

Going on a holiday road trip?

Don’t leave the learning behind! There are plenty of on-the-go activities that enhance listening skills in a creative and fun way.

Take a break from the apps and naps and encourage social interaction through these travelfriendly listening games.

• Try playing “I Packed my Grandmother’s Trunk,” where each family member lists an item starting with the next letter of the alphabet, repeating the list until the “zebra” or “zipper” is packed.

• A fun road trip activity is creating a story together, line-by-line, in which one person begins a story and each family member adds a sentence until you reach “The End.”

Children learn by example! Be sure to set a good one by actively listening when your child is speaking.

Teaching Good Sportsmanship

We live in an extremely competitive world. From a very young age, children are taught that winning is the ultimate goal. This mindset applies to both the sports field and the classroom. But what happens if your child shows poor sportsmanship while participating in this game of life?

Encourage individual accomplishment

One mistake parents often make is comparing or even pitting one child against another. Measuring your son or daughter against another sibling, teammate or classmate is not constructive. Rather, parents should place more focus on children as individuals. It is important to be supportive of the progress a child is making compared to where he began.

First grade teacher and team leader Katharine Mariani uses this concept in her classroom every day.

“When there is a winner, we should be happy for him and cheer him on because he is our classmate. It is a very hard skill for some students to learn and accept that they can't always win! I try to keep it positive and recognize any effort made by students in all they do. We cheer for and encourage each other daily.”

Model behavior

Helping your child to understand good sportsmanship and how to be a kind person are pivotal lessons. Essentially, you are teaching your child to treat others the way he would want to be treated. Unquestionably, a child’s behavior will often mimic his parents’ and other adult role models’ behavior.

I distinctly remember an awkward situation where this was exhibited. My younger sister

and I were taking a dance class. In one class, our dance instructor asked my sister, “Why can’t you be as good as your sister?” I remember glancing over and seeing tears in my sister’s eyes. She was incredibly hurt and embarrassed. I told my mother that we no longer wanted to participate in that class because the teacher was so mean.

While you may not be able to change an adult’s behavior, you can, as the parent, acknowledge if your child’s instructor is modeling the kind of behavior you want your child to learn. If not, move your child into another instructor’s class.

Explain the path of accepting defeat and moving forward

There are lessons to be learned in winning and in losing. Winning feels wonderful, and receiving that ribbon or trophy definitely adds to the excitement. When you don’t win, it means that someone else gets a turn to experience that euphoric feeling.

As adults, you may not get that impressive job or win that critical game, but you are able to recover rather quickly from that feeling of losing. You have learned how to adjust, deal with the disappointment and not take it to heart. You are able to truly embrace the fun of being a part of the game rather than focusing on whether you win or lose.

Children need assistance in walking through this experience. They should be able to enjoy what it feels like to play and not be worried about the stress of losing. Creating an environment for children to be able to do just that is something parents, teachers and coaches alike need to engineer.

Giving examples of how you (or a friend or family member) have dealt with losses in a positive way and sharing ideas for helping your child maneuver through his loss are ways to support him and encourage the development of good sportsmanship.

“Teaching sportsmanship to young lacrosse players is easy – keep it fun and don't focus on outcome. The drills that we do have two main objectives: skill development in a positive manner and being a good teammate who is supportive and respectful to other players. It starts with coaches and parents modeling this behavior.”

–Tom Yonge, club director and coach, Pipeline Lacrosse

The Attraction of Magnet Schools

Education is a hot topic lately. Whether it’s being used as a political platform or the latest education policies are being debated, there is one thing parents can agree on: We want the best for our children. We want them to thrive, be challenged and love school (that last one might be a long shot, but we can dream!).

Magnet programs can provide a wellbalanced, specialized curriculum to challenge and motivate your child. Alachua County has three middle school magnet programs: Howard Bishop Middle’s Academy of Technology and Gifted Studies, Lincoln Middle’s Lyceum Program and Oak View Middle’s Center for Advanced Academics and Technology. They are available district-wide, regardless of your school zone, and will begin accepting applications soon. Each school has its own requirements, which typically include FCAT and GPA scores and an essay assignment.

Elementary school counselor Marissa Ellis notes that magnet programs are very selective and stresses the importance of a well-rounded student.

homework every night or is he pretty independent in his studies? Does he have a high level of commitment?

Also keep in mind your child’s socialization and interests. Does the school provide activities that pique your child’s interests? If you choose a school outside your school zone, remember your child may have to make new friends. For some children, this comes rather easy. But some are more introverted and may take some time to feel comfortable in their new environment.

parents and students. Some even allow children to shadow a magnet student. Ellis highly recommends attending the open house to gather more information.

“Have your child visit the campus, hear about the program and learn what a typical day looks like as a student in the magnet program,” she suggests.

However, even if a child’s grades and attendance are top notch, parents should also consider the child’s personality. Do you struggle with your child to complete his

Transportation is available for all magnet students, so think about the commute, whether you are driving them or they are taking the bus. How will the commute affect his extracurricular activities? Will he still be able to attend swim practice on time? With the extra homework, will she still be able to spend time with her friends?

At the beginning of the year, magnet programs offer open houses to prospective

Lastly, it’s important to openly communicate with your child about her desires and expectations. Listen with an open mind and an open heart to what she sees in her academic future and any reservations she may have. Ask your child open-ended questions, not just ones that require a yes or no answer. For example, “What did you like about the school we just saw?” or “What was the magnet program missing that you want in a school?” If your child is struggling with the decision, approach it as a team and discuss your concerns. Having family support is critical in your child’s success.✽

“Make sure your student is not only performing well academically, but behaviorally as well,” she states. “Magnet programs are looking for a student who would be successful and sometimes it takes more than just a good report card.”

Turning Everyday Moments into Teachable Moments

It is certainly true that many sensitive topics in life (the birds and the bees, drugs, divorce or natural disasters) cause even the most comfortable parents to be a little uneasy. While those conversations may not be a piece of cake to discuss, it is always better if the truth comes from you rather than from anyone else. Granted, some of those topics are better covered at an appropriate age.

Child psychologist Eliane Herdani says there are many reasons kids don’t like to talk about certain topics, including a fear of being judged or lectured, or even a feeling of sheer embarrassment.

“Instead of taking the ‘big talk’ approach, look for opportunities in everyday conversation to develop a dialogue with your kids,” she says.

This is the approach I tend to use with my own children. I look for what I call “teachable moments.” These are the moments that occur when a situation presents itself that then allows for open discussion between my child and me.

Here are a few perfect examples:

• A family member drank too much alcohol at a dinner that we all attended. The family member was extremely rude, hurting many people’s feelings as the night progressed. Discretely, I took that moment to explain to my children how alcohol can affect a person’s personality in a negative way. Typically, being drunk is portrayed in a positive light. Now my children could witness firsthand that it isn’t a glamorous thing.

• My daughter told me that a boy she knew from school had been arrested for stealing. This conversation became an opportunity to discuss what happens when children and teens break the law.

t ips for talking:

• My son noticed a magazine cover was highlighting that a teen actor was in rehab for drug use. Again, it was an ideal moment to openly discuss drug use and abuse using something he brought up from his own interests.

The bestselling book, “How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk” by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish, emphasizes being honest and empathetic toward your children during all stages of their development.

“You’ll sense after a while what is helpful to your individual child and what isn’t. With practice you’ll soon discover what irritates and what comforts; what creates distance and what invites intimacy; what wounds and what heals. There is no substitute for your own sensitivity. It is when our words are infused with our real feelings of empathy that they speak directly to a child’s heart.”

Being honest, sharing your own values and beliefs and creating a safe environment for your child to talk are ways that you can become closer to your child. Whether she is a preschooler or a teenager, taking advantage of these moments with her not only strengthens her trust in you, but it also enables her to feel comfortable coming to you with any questions and to know that she can count on you to listen and inform without lecturing. ✽

Kids learn best when information is presented at their level, when it is in context and when it is relevant to them. Although we are all prone to doing it, long-winded lectures are not effective. Less is more, and taking a child's lead by listening closely to their questions and asking them more questions to tease out what they want to know can help limit over-sharing on the part of the parent.

~ erica Curtis, licensed family therapist and faculty member at loyola marymount university

Mother, Daughter and the NYC Marathon

On the morning of November 2, after 23 weeks of preparation, mother-daughter duo Tonya Walsh and Cameron Meyer were ready to run the New York City Marathon.

Bands played as crowds packed the streets of Staten Island, surrounding the 26.2-mile course. Anticipation isn’t what caused the runners’ hands to shake, though. Walsh, who has lived in Gainesville since she was 10, waited alongside Meyer in the cold air for three hours before the race began.

“I left my gloves in the taxi, so we went dumpster diving and found a child’s pair of pink mittens,” said Walsh, a 47-year-old mother and nursing school student. “I was beyond grateful!”

After running other races including half marathons and triathlons, Meyer, a 19-year-old biology major at Florida State University, informed her mom of her desire to run a marathon. Walsh was reluctant, but after participating in the NYC Marathon in 2000, she knew that if she was running a marathon, it had to be this one.

Meyer gained entry into the race, and Walsh signed up with Team for Kids, raising $2,620 to provide low-cost fitness programs to children in New York City. Team for Kids provided a 23-week training schedule, requiring training five to six times per week with gradually increasing distance.

race,

“Getting up before school to run at 5 a.m. wasn’t always easy, but at least we had each other,” Walsh said.

When race day finally arrived, Meyer and Walsh felt more excited than nervous.

“I just looked at [my mom] and said, ‘I can’t believe I’m running a marathon today. After all this training, the day is finally here!’” Meyer said.

Before the race, Walsh and Meyer held hands and prayed that God would strengthen their bodies for the demanding task ahead of them. With Walsh’s husband, Mike, supporting from the sidelines with her other daughter and two stepchildren, the race began.

After persevering for 26.2 miles, tears welled in both Walsh’s and Meyer’s eyes.

“My favorite part was crossing that finish line holding my girl’s hand and breaking 5 hours for the first time ever!” said Walsh.

“Being able to cross that finish line with my mom is something I will never forget,” added Meyer.

So, were the long hours of dedication and intense training worth the memories made?

“I like to describe it as the best, worst experience of my life,” Meyer said. “As awful as it was to have to run that far, being able to do it with my mom was an incredible experience.” .m

Walsh feels this may mark the end of her marathon days. She said running is her “therapy,” but she plans on running shorter distances with Meyer. Although accomplishing a marathon is admirable in itself, the strengthening of the motherdaughter bond makes this memory even more special.

“I am beyond grateful for the relationship I have with my daughters,” Walsh said. “This training only made it stronger.”

“[My mom] gave me the strength and courage to get up every morning and do something I never thought I could achieve,” Meyer said. “She is my role model in every aspect of life, and I love her more than words could ever explain.” ✽

happy community calendar of events December & January

November 13 – December 24

Santa Photos at The Oaks Mall

Mondays – Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sundays: Noon – 6 p.m. Theoaksmall.com

November 25 – JaNuary 4

Christmas at the Gaylord Palms Resort Christmasatgaylordpalms.com

November 28 – December 21

Winter Wonderettes Hippodrome Theatre Thehipp.org

November 28 – December 21

GI Holiday Jukebox

Gainesville Community Playhouse at the Vam york Theater Preview performance on Wednesday, November 26: 8 p.m. Thursdays and fridays: 8 p.m. Saturdays: 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sundays: 2 p.m. Gcplayhouse.org

November 29 – December 20

A Christmas Carol Hippodrome Theatre Thehipp.org

December 4

Chamber of Commerce

Christmas Parade

Downtown Gainesville 6 – 7 p.m. Gainesvillecofc.com

December 4

Santa Fe Holiday Chorale Concert

Santa fe College fine Arts Hall 7:30 p.m. Sfcollege. edu/finearts

December 5

Light the Village! Haile Village Center

5 – 9 p.m. Haileguide.com

December 5

Christmas Tree

Lighting and Santa Visit City of Alachua Municipal Complex

6 – 8 p.m. Cityofalachua.com

December 5 – 31 (excluDiNg December 25)

Festival of Lights Stephen foster Cultural Center $3 per person floridastateparks.org

December 5 – 7 aND 12 – 14

The Gainesville Christmas Festival Westside Baptist Church Gainesvillechristmasfestival.com

December 6

Cane Day at the Farm Dudley farm

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. $8 per vehicle, up to 8 occupants friendsofdudleyfarm.org

December 6

Cinderella Phillips Center

1:30 and 7 p.m. $15; Children under 10 free with new toy or book donation Danscompanyofgainesville.org

December 6

‘Tis the Season in Tioga Tree Lighting and Parade

The Square at Tioga Town Center

2 – 8 p.m. free; admission pass required Tiogatowncenter.com

December 6

A Children’s Holiday at Santa Fe Santa fe College fine Arts Hall

2 p.m.

Sfcollege.edu/finearts

December 13

Operation Santa Delivery Santa fe College, North fields

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 352-334-1000

December 13

Gigi's Playhouse Gainesville Down Syndrome Achievement Center Open House Main Street in Alachua

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Sgallino@gigisplayhouse.org for tickets and information

December 13

Christmas Parade

Main Street in Alachua

2 – 3 p.m. Cityofalachua.com

December 13

Reindeer Run

The Square at Tioga Town Center

3 p.m. (packet pick-up), 4:45 p.m. (race begins) Runs4areason.com

December 14

Stop Children's Cancer presents Holiday Traditions: A Musical Celebration Phillips Center

4 p.m.

Performingarts.ufl.edu

December 16 – 24

Happy Hanukkah!

December 17

Children's Live Nativity

Trinity United Methodist Church

5:30 – 7 p.m.

Trinitygnv.org

happy community calendar of events

December 19 – 21

Dance Alive National Ballet: The Nutcracker Phillips Center Performingarts.ufl.edu

December 20

Dance Alive National Ballet presents Chocolate & Champagne Holiday Gala & Dancing with the Stars Phillips Center 8 p.m. Performingarts.ufl.edu

December 20 – 21

Dance Alive National Ballet: Sugar Plum Tea fackler foyer East, Phillips Center Performingarts.ufl.edu

December 22 – JaNuary 4

Alachua County Public Schools Winter Break

December 25

Merry Christmas!

December 26 – JaNuary 1

Happy Kwanzaa!

JaNuary 1

Happy New Year!

JaNuary 3-4

39th Annual Camellia Show

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Call 352-672-2644 or visit Americancamellias.org

JaNuary 5

Alachua County Public Schools Back in Session

JaNuary 10 Collectors Day florida Museum of Natural History 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. flmnh.ufl.edu

JaNuary 16 Millhopper Montessori Open House

10 p.m. – Noon Millhopper.com

JaNuary 16 aND 19 No School for Alachua County Public School students

JaNuary 18 High Springs Music in the Park Series

2 – 4 p.m.

James Paul Park in High Springs Check facebook for details

JaNuary 19

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

JaNuary 24

St. Francis Catholic High School Open House

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. SfCHS.org

JaNuary 25

Souper Fun Sunday

St. francis Catholic High School

1 – 3:30 p.m. Souperfunsunday.com

JaNuary 24 – 25 aND

JaNuary 30 – February 1

Hoggetowne Medieval Faire friday: 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Gvlculturalaffairs.org

JaNuary 30

A Night in the Big Apple Santa fe College fine Arts Hall

6 – 9 p.m. Edfoundationac.org/bigapple

Hanukkah means “dedication” in Hebrew

happy community