»Kirsten Vickerman How does she do it?

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SPRING CRAFT IDEA » AUTISM AWARENESS » MEET SUPERDAD™

Berry special Strawberry recipes

Eating out Dining with the kids

A brilliant little magazine for moms of the Tri-Cities April/May 2012 www.mommag.com

Ready for summer camp?

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Cover mom 10

www.mommag.com

table of contents

On the cover

Kirsten VickermanThis busy mom juggles it all. Read her amazing story on page 10.

Photography by Breshears Professional Photography. See ad on page 12.

Living with autism . . . . . . . . 6Tips on coping

Child abuse awareness. . . . . . 8The power of praise

Cover story: Kirsten Vickerman. . . . . . . . 10How does she do it?

Dining out . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Enjoying restaurants with kids

In every issue...

Another mother 4 A message from MOM

SuperDADTM 28And the winner is...

Summer camp . . . . . . . . . . 19Which camp is right?

Berry special . . . . . . . . . . . 24Strawberry recipes

Get crafty! . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Fun and fancy pots

You'll love to read . . . . . . . . 30Book recommendations

More ways to love your MOM

Blog: www.mommag.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ lovemommag

Twitter: MOMMagazine

Berry special 24 Fancy pots 26Summer camp 19

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Published by MOM Media, LLC 2532 Santiam Hwy. SE #102 Albany, OR 97322

Publisher Raeann Van Arsdall raeann@mommag.com

Editor-in-ChiefKrista Klinkhammer krista@mommag.com 541-231-6523

Business Development ManagerKim Harvey kim@mommag.com 509-460-6526 Contact Kim today to advertise

Designer Kassie Boehringer

To subscribe visit www.mommag.com.

MOM MagazineTM is produced byMOM Media LLC. © 2012 All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or

part, without written permission of the publisher

is prohibited. Information in the magazine is

provided for general information purposes only

with the understanding that none of the content

constitutes professional advice.

Opinions expressed by the writers or advertisers

are not necessarily the opinions of the magazine

or the publisher. Inclusion in the magazine does

not constitute endorsement of information,

products or services.

One mother to anotherWhen I mention the word coupon, what image comes to mind? Do you think of that little old lady in line at the grocery store sliding her few coupons to the cashier to save 25 cents on a ham? Stereotypes abound not only because of old traditions, but also from programs like Extreme Couponing which present a slanted idea of how to coupon. The truth is today’s modern coupon mom has more advantages and resources than at any other time and we don’t need to shop like our grandmothers did.

Today there is no stereotypical coupon mom. The modern-day coupon mom ranges from the extreme saver to the casual clipper who is only looking to save a few bucks. As moms we sometimes fall into the trap that we need to be “supermom” and do everything. Between coupon databases, clipping services, and online printables it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

As a mom of four growing children I have taught myself to be thrifty by cutting costs, using coupons, and pinching my pennies. I’m not a coupon zealot either. For example, I have driven a really old van until it literally fell apart just to avoid another car payment, but I still like to go out to eat at restaurants more than I should. Couponing does not have to be an all-or-nothing lifestyle. Couponing is just another skill I have taught myself and others to make their lives easier. I do admit, though, I have clipped so many coupons my kids are shocked when I don’t use a coupon at the store.

The modern mom can do many things to save her family money. If you want to start coupon shopping, just start small, learn the tricks of the trade, and then you’ll be much happier and successful. I have found that those who try to run before they can walk usually burn out faster when they start to coupon. Use today’s technology to set your own pace and then go out and save! After all, we all want to live happily “lesser” after.

~ another mother

Karrie Truman

» Karrie is mom to Monica and Micah, 12; Grace, 7 and Liam, 5. When she's not clipping coupons, driving the kids around for sports or tackling the laundry moun-tain, she enjoys hiking, skiing and reading good books.

Here are more ways to enjoy the MOM Magazine buzz:

Blog: www.mommag.com

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Twitter: MOMMagazine

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It’s about: healthy childrenLourdes Health Network is pleased to welcome Dr. Geraldine Dizon to Lourdes West Pasco

Pediatrics and Dr. Sharon Ahart to Lourdes Urgent Care. Both Dr. Dizon and Dr. Ahart specialize in caring for children of all ages and provide the highest standard of pediatric care.

Geraldine Dizon, M.D.Board Certified in Pediatrics

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(509) 546-8399 7425 Wrigley Dr. Ste. 100 in Pasco

(509) 543-9300 5304 N. Road 68 in Pasco

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by Christine LindgrenAutism is a complex neurological disorder that is part of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Autism emerges in the first three years of a child’s life and lasts throughout their lifetime. While there are a number of different characteristics of autism, all children on the spectrum show some impairment in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and restricted or limited interests.

Often, moms of children with autism have to make many sacrifices to be available for their child's pervasive needs such as attending multi-therapy sessions, frequent sleep deprivation, extended toilet training years, facing the judgment of public tantrums, dealing with embarrassing and odd social behaviors, as well as other inherent challenges that go along with raising a child with autism. These challenges can easily result in an overwhelmed and stressed out mom.

mom + autism = amazingSo, how does a mom of a child with autism get to the point where they can appreciate the process and be at peace with it?

Realize it's okay not to have all the answersSometimes moms think they should automatically have all the answers to the issues that arise with their child. The truth is, no one ever has all the answers, and we cannot live believing that we are supposed to, or that someone else does. The important thing is that you don't give up trying until you find a solution that works for your family.

View life with your child as a process, not an endpointBe careful to view parenting as an ever-evolving process. If you continually live with the goal of getting through the trying times with your kids, you may be perpetually frustrated and disappointed. Enjoy every step your child takes, no matter how small it is. There is growth and triumph to be gained in it all.

Stop and take a deep breath|Sometimes when you are facing challenges with your child, the best thing to do in the

troublesome moment is breathe. Often moms think they are supposed to jump up and do something when problems arise. Take a moment to just stop, breathe and allow a sense of calmness to prevail in an otherwise chaotic moment.

Seek out support and local resourcesThis can be a family member, friend, support group or professional, but it must be someone who can provide insight and guidance. At the Carson Kolzig Foundation Responding to Autism Center in Kennewick, there are a number of resources available for moms and other family members dealing with the challenges of having a child on the autism spectrum. Some of the resources available include a monthly parent support group, family and individualized counseling, social skill classes for kids and teens, school and behavioral support, parent education classes and monthly workshops.

I've met many moms of children with autism throughout my career as an autism specialist, and I am often struck by their unwavering love for their children and families. Moms of children with autism are some of the strongest women I know.

Christine Lindgren is a mom to two teenage boys ages 18 and 19, and a daughter, age nine. Christine is an autism specialist and the Director of the Carson Kolzig Foundation Responding to Autism Center in Kennewick, WA.

Today, 1 in 100 individuals are diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined. Autism occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups.

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AUTISM Awareness Month

Community Events

2012World Autism Day CelebrationResources, Games, Food, & More!April 2, 2012 12:00 – 4:00 pmCIC Building at WSU-Tri-Cities

Temple Grandin Movie Night Award Winning Movie!April 14, 2012 6:30 - 9:00Battelle Auditorium, Battelle Blvd, Richland

Autism Family Game NightApril 14, 2012 6:00 – 8:00 pm Responding to Autism Center 4206 W 24th Ave Kennewick

Spectrum on Stage PresentationApril 20, 2012 6:30 pmACT Studio, 213 Wellsian Way, Richland

Autism Safety DayApril 21, 2012 1:00 – 3:00 pmResponding to Autism Center

Expression from the SpectrumAn artistic showcase of the creativity and talent of local artists on the autism spectrum. April 26 4:30 – 6:00 pmCIC Building at WSU-Tri-Cities Art GalleryA portion of the art will be included in a silent auction with proceeds supporting autism programs at the CKF Responding to Autism Center as well as scholarships for WSUTC students seeking a credential in special education.

Autism Skate at the Toyota Ice ArenaReserved Just for Children on the Spectrum! April 29, 2012 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Email info@respondingtoautism.net for more information.

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the power of praiseBuilding self-reliance and self-confidence for safety

Marleen Arends is married to Christiann and is a mom to Anne, four and Tom, six. She is a psychologist from the Netherlands who provides counseling and family support at ABC House, a child victim assessment center. Visit www.abchouse.org and www.gregwarburton.com for more information.

April is child abuse awareness month. How can we protect our children? As a mom of young children and working at a child victim assessment center, this question became a very urgent matter to me. What can I do as a parent besides being support-ive, trying to maintain an open communica-tion and educating my children? I can't guard and protect them every moment of the day. I realized that another important way of protecting my children is by building self-confidence and self-reliance in me and my children. Self-reliance is trusting your own efforts, abilities and judgment; knowing you can handle life on your own.

How do you start building self-confidence and self-reliance in yourself and your children? I learned that one thing I always have in my control as a parent is what I pay

attention to. I started with actively noticing and giving great attention to behaviors I like and appreciate in myself, my husband and my children. At our house we call this “growing-up” behavior; however, the adult is still doing most of the noticing and thinking about the behavior. I then learned a more complete formula of praise that I practice. This works so well for me and my family that I want to share it with anyone who is interested in making parenting more fun and easy.

Full formula of praise : PPP (Precise Parent Praise) + SP (Self-Praise) = HE (High Esteem)

Adults model giving praise, not taking any positive, socially appropriate behavior for granted. The praise is most effective when it is specific. For example "Good job for telling

me" turns into "Thanks for telling the truth about breaking the vase." The next step is to include the child in the praise moment to give them practice noticing, thinking and appreciating their behavior. Ask questions like: "What is one thing you like about what you did when you got upset?" or "How does doing that make you feel?" It is important to connect their behavior to the outcome with questions like: "Does [specific behavior] help you grow up or grow down/ make friends or lose friends?" To give a further boost, invite them to let significant people in their life know about the praise-worthy behavior.

I have done this in different ways with my children. We have put papers on the wall for each family member to record, from the bottom up, our “caught-growing-up news” and we literally grew towards the ceiling. At the moment we earn points on a “growing-up meter” for caught-growing-up behavior, we use the points to buy something in our home store. Gradually I saw my children get excited and begin noticing their own growing-up behavior, “catch” themselves and sometimes even us as parents. It gives them the opportunity to build trust in their efforts, abilities and judgment to handle life on their own and be safe.

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Who will win the 2012 MOM makeover?Vote today!www.mommag.comOne deserving MOM will win a MOM Makeover. She will be spoiled, primped, interviewed and photographed for the cover of and a feature story in the June/July issue of MOM Magazine.

MOM Makeover PackageRelax, recharge and rejuvenate! Package includes:

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You can help determine the winner! Vote until midnight, April 26, 2012. It’ll be a tight race—be ready to send your friends, family and co-workers online to vote and watch your favorite nominee rise on the makeover tally.

You decide!

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Kirsten Vickerman is a busy mom

of four kids. Not only does she

teach elementary school part-time

at Calvary Christian School; she

also has a full-time job running the

Heart of the Fatherless Orphan

Ministry. Moms are in constant

search for balance between caring

for her family, her profession and

herself as a woman. How does

Kirsten manage the balancing act?

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Kirsten VickermanHow does she do it?

interview by Candy Welch

photos by Breshears Professional Photography

FamilyHow are you balancing motherhood and work and dinner and activities and life and ...? Thankfully, I work part-time in the afternoons so much of my morning is spent not only catching up around the house and getting kids ready for school, but also working on the issues related to our orphan ministry (phone calls, emails, planning, etc). Also, I am a planner so I schedule out the events of the week in Microsoft Outlook so nothing gets forgotten. I also plan out meals two weeks at a time so there is no guessing (it also helps with grocery budgeting). Both of our parents live in the local area and are always willing and able to help us out when needed.

Do you have an organizing or scheduling tip? As far as time management, I would say using scheduling software like Microsoft Outlook really helps keeps things organized. It also reduces stress because it feels like the calendar is (mostly) under control. Also, having a smartphone is really critical to family coordination and communication.

How does your husband help with the family workload? I am fortunate because my husband gets home around 4 p.m. and has every other Friday off so he is able to help with the various evening activities. Also, he is very helpful about various daily tasks around the house because he knows that it lightens my workload.

Do you make time for you and your spouse—couple time? We try to sneak out for a date periodically. Due to serving on the orphan ministry together (and kids’ sports), we are together a lot. As a matter of fact, we are going on a date this Friday night. Also, we try to get out of town together once or twice a year. With four kids this definitely requires some creative scheduling. SelfDo you make time for you—“mom time”? Yes, definitely. I have a group of friends that I love dearly and we meet regularly for coffee or other fun stuff. Also, as part of our orphan ministry, we have what I call “Coffee Talk” where a group of adoptive/foster moms get together to share in their adventures. We laugh a lot and cry together sometimes too. I absolutely love it.

What do you want be when you grow up? I “tease” my husband that I want to move to China and minister to abandoned children there. But, for the most part, I feel like I really am living God’s will for my life right now.

How does being a mom now compare to your life BC (before children)? Life before kids was great, but I wouldn’t trade being a mom for anything. Our biological boys have been such a blessing to us. It is just so amazing to see parts of my husband and myself in them. Also, being an adoptive mom has given me a much deeper picture of motherhood. It has also taken me places physically, emotionally and spiritually that I would not

have gone to otherwise. It ignited a passion in me to serve “the fatherless.” Message from MOMWhat have you learned as a mom? God is still teaching me what unconditional love looks like through motherhood. I’ve learned that our hearts have a huge capacity to love more children and different kinds of children if we will just allow God to work in our hearts.

What advice have you received about parenting, and from who? Prior to adopting our first daughter, a dear friend once asked me “is your faith bigger than your fears or are your fears bigger than your faith?” That one thought propelled me to a life I could have only dreamed about before.

Any closing thoughts or message that you’d like to share with readers? The Heart for the Fatherless ministry equips local families to adopt/foster orphaned children domestically and internationally. If you are currently thinking about adoption or foster care and don’t know how or where to start, please visit our website (www.cctcorphanministry.org). We also have opportunities for those who aren’t necessarily being called to adopt/foster, but would like to minister to lost children. For example, our ministry is currently organizing a mission trip to Jamaica. Jamaica has a serious child trafficking problem. Our ministry is teaming with Embracing Orphans (www.embracingorphans.org) from Walla Walla to help address this issue. You can visit the HFTF website or find us on Facebook.

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"Life before kids was great, but I wouldn’t

trade being a mom for anything."

~ Cover MOM Kirsten Vickerman

www.breshearsphoto.comPhone (509) 586-6695

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Your Family Is Worth A Portrait By BreshearsWe photograph amazing Moms and their families every day!

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MOM FavoritesInterests: Church, kids’ sports, Facebook, blogging, working out at Tri-City Court Club, friends/family

TV shows: Biggest Loser, Survivor, Cake Boss

Treats: Starbucks caramel macchiato and a cake pop

Meal to make for the family: Rigatoni

Kirsten pictured above with husband Lance, son Brayden, 13; and daughters Hayleigh, seven and Maylynn, four. Lance is holding a photo of son Taylor, 15. Taylor currently lives in Ohio and is preparing to play hockey in the WHL next year.

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by Jane WinslowMy kids are now nine and 12. We have been dining out with them since they were infants. Not because we relish the challenge, but because my husband and I both work 40+ hour weeks. As much as I love cooking (I do!), and as much as my husband helps (a lot), we are just too tired to cook every night. And yet, the kids expect to be fed—every night.

We try to avoid fast food, so waiting is a big deal at the restaurants we choose. Most offer activity books and crayons for young children. But once they’ve passed age six, those aren’t much of a perk. Rosy’s Diner, Atomic Ale, and Magill’s have games that you can play at your table while waiting, and Pizza Hut has trivia game cards at every table. Red Robin and Round Table Pizza have low-cost video arcades. Hubby’s has an outdoor playground.

Food choices must include identifiable protein and green things. Tony Roma’s serves an appetizer of carrots and celery with ranch dip with every kid’s meal—score! Applebees offers applesauce and broccoli as side dishes along with fries. Three Margarita’s brings chips and salsa

right away, and is happy to help with picky kids. Shakey’s Pizza (which also has a great game room), and Great Wall are buffets with immediate access to food if your kids are starving. My daughter becomes a four-eyed snarling monster when she’s hungry and over-tired.

We look for restaurants that don’t necessarily cater to kids, but that happily serve families. Oh—and have fully clothed staff. Large animatronic rodents give me nightmares, so those places are out. The place can’t be obnoxiously loud with TV sets hanging from every wall and music so loud that the children are forced to scream at us. Family restaurants are happy to heat water for a baby’s bottle. The wait staff knows that cranky kids can hold on just a little longer with a couple of crackers. Some even offer to bring the kids’ food out first. (While that sounds like an answered prayer, it can backfire having kids ready to go as your food arrives. Or worse, asleep in the booth next to you.)

Last but not least, restaurants that have clean bathrooms with stalls rate a return visit. Children don’t wait well for “one-holers.” And if you’re dining out with an infant, changing tables are a must.

Jane is the mom of Cameron, age 12 and Ally, age nine. When she's not organizing Girl Scout meetings and chauffeuring the kids, she's building websites and branding companies.

Dining out with kids can be great family time—and a great learning opportunity too. It can be good practice for sitting still, using silverware, staying seated at the table, and using the magic words, “please” and “thank you.” Mine can certainly use more practice, and plenty of restaurants to choose from means they don’t get bored eating out. Thank goodness that we’re too tired to cook.

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we're going outCheck out these amazing deals for some of our favorite local restaurants!

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Welcome

to camp

»“The things which the child loves remain in the

domain of the heart until old age.” ~ Kahlil Gibran

With the last quarter of the school year closing in,

it’s time to start making plans for summer

activities and camps. Summertime is often the

source of many memories and experiences that

have a permanent impact on kids. Use our

camp guide to help make this summer

one your child will remember forever.

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by Jan UdlockGoing to a sleepover camp is a milestone for children. Kids will make fast friends and experience new ideas and learn new life skills. If your child is anxious about the thought of going away this summer, do some thinking, planning and talking now, so you can enrich your child’s experience before it even begins. Is your child ready?Parents will generally know when their child is ready for a sleepover camp. Every child’s temperament is different so age should not be the determining factor. Take into account your child’s personality and feelings about being away from home. Parents should never force their child to attend a camp. Which camp is right?There are various camp locator organizations found on the Internet such as campparents.org, summercamp.org, or campsearch.com where parents can investigate a variety of camps.

It is important for your child to be part of the selection process in order for her to be on board with the choice. What special interests does your child have? Explore different camp websites, pamphlets, and brochures with your child. Have discussions with your child about what are

her goals for camp. “When children are involved, even in a small way in the decision-making process, they will experience increased feelings of control,” says Frank Sileo, PhD, author of Bug Bites and Campfires: A Story for Kids about Homesickness. They will be more comfortable with the final decision. Talk about apprehensionsIt is common for most kids to experience homesickness at some time during their camp stay. Before camp, talk with your kid and let him know it’s okay to miss home and the family. “Children often feel they are the only ones experiencing a negative feeling,” says Sileo. This gives him permission and helps the adjustment.

Role playing helps kids think through situations that they have not experienced before like finding a flashlight at night to run to the bathroom or asking her counselor for help. When parents provide simple life applications, kids will become more confident to handle new situations. Take a friend?Going to camp with a friend has pros and cons to it. Attending camp with a friend may help a shyer child take the step of attending a sleepover. However, your child may cling to their friend and not explore all the opportunities at camp if he’s with a buddy.

Build the excitementTell your child about the fun that she’ll have at camp. “Your confidence in a positive experience will be contagious,” says Peg Smith, CEO of American Camp Association.

Kids love to hear stories about their parents and when they were “young.” Tell them stories about your positive camp experience and what you learned. You can also share about the independence a child will gain by staying at camp. “Families can also encourage healthy separation, like overnight visits with family and friends, throughout the year,” says Smith. Parents’ hesitationsAs a parent, you will have apprehensions when your child first goes away to camp but it’s a normal part of the growing up process. Remember the camp director and staff are trained to deal with homesick kids. If you have a concern about your child, he will more than likely surprise you on how well he does at his first time away.

Jan Udlock is a freelance writer and has five children who have all gone to sleepaway camp. She blogs at www.janudlock.com/blog.

Photos courtesy of Camp Lutherwood Oregon, www.lutherwoodoregon.org.

first time at sleepover camp

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Summer Science Camp

Discovering God’s World

Preschool Science Camp Offered By

Noah’s Ark Preschool

July 2-26, 2012

AM & PM Classes Available Monday-Thursdays

For More info or to register call

586-2228

Now Registering

For dates and pricing this summer, visit

www.ghormleymeadow.org.

Bring your friends and receive a discount.

Call (509) 672-4311 for details.

www.facebook.com/campghormleywww.twitter.com/campghormley

Swimming Pool · Arts and Crafts Camp Store · Campfire

Horseback Ridingand lots more!

» » »Do’s and don’ts of homesickness

» DO involve your child in choosing a camp.

» DO understand the camp’s philosophy on how issues, like homesickness, are addressed.

» DO discuss what camp will be like before your child leaves.

» DO send a note or care package ahead of time to arrive the first day of camp.

» DON’T bribe. Linking a successful stay at camp to a material object sends the wrong message. The reward should be your child’s new found confidence and independence.

» DON’T feel guilty about encouraging your child to stay at camp. For many children, camp is a first step toward independence and plays an important role in their growth and development.

» DO trust your instincts. While most incidents of homesickness will pass in a day or two, approximately seven percent of the cases are severe. If your child is not eating or sleeping because of anxiety or depression, parents should work with the camp director and other camp staff to evaluate the situation.

» DON’T make your child feel like a failure if their stay at camp is cut short. Focus on the positive and encourage your child to try camp again next year.

Find more times at the American Camp Association site: www.campparents.org

Reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association®. ©2010 American Camping Association, Inc.

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first time at sleepover camp

ready for camp?

Camp worksheet1. Camp goals and philosophy:

2. Daily schedule:

3. What kind of camper is most likely to have a good experience at this camp?

4. What facilities does the camp have and how convenient are they for campers to get to?

5. How long has the camp director run this camp?

6. Camper to counselor ratio:

7. What kind of staff training is provided?

8. What percentage of campers return each year?

9. Total cost of the camp including extras:

10. Sleeping arrangements (if it’s an overnight camp):

11. What is the swimming instruction program like?

12. Safety and security measures taken:

13. What is the food like and who prepares it?

14. What is the policy about food packages, letters home, TV, trips to town, and to forth?

15. Medical facilities and medical staff availability:

16. Refund policy:

17. Will the director supply references?

18. Rainy day plans:

19. How does the camp program meet individual needs and differences?

20. What kind of insurance coverage is there?

For this worksheet and other summer camp resources, visit summercamp.org.

Research to find a perfect fitIn trying to find the camp that is best suited for your child, narrow down your options by going through brochures, websites and watching videos of the camp with your child. You can then choose the ones your child is most interested in and arrange to speak or meet with the camp directors or representatives. Fill out the following worksheet when doing your research to ensure a successful camp experience.

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» » »ready for camp?

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by Raeann Van Arsdall Beauty is on the outsidePrepare your strawberries to look as good as they taste. Filled berriesWith a regular-sized straw and poke it up from the bottom of the berry toward the stem. The stem will pop off, leaving a space to fill. Flat berriesCut the bottom of the berry to allow each berry to sit up straight and look pretty. Berry popsPlace each berry on a lollie pop stick, stem-side down to allow for easy dipping and biting. Arrange the berry pops to make them easy to grab and enjoy. Berry skewersSlice berries on skewers with squares of angelfood cake and dip in a fun filling. Crunch berryRoll your berry in graham crackers to add a bit of crunch, especially in combination with a fun dip.

berry specialStrawberry recipesIt’s nearly strawberry season and I’m ready for fields of plump, juicy red berries. This year I will be ready and the quick season will not pass me by. Strawberries are good baked, dried, poached and preserved. But the very best way to enjoy a strawberry is in its purest form—picked fresh from the vine. Here are some quick and easy recipes to enjoy with your strawberry.

Beauty is on the insideThese delicious dips make a great pairing, whether you use them to dip, stuff or top your berries. Fluff dip8 oz. jar marshmallow creme

8 oz. cream cheese

Whip together and enjoy with fresh strawberries. Cheesecake dipDollop sour cream

Brown sugar

Dip your luscious strawberry into sour cream first and then into the brown sugar. Whipped dip8 oz. container frozen whipped topping, thawed

8 oz. container yogurt

Whip together and enjoy with fresh strawberries. Chocolate dip12 oz. chocolate chips

2 Tbsp. vegetable oil

Melt chips and oil together at low heat, dip and enjoy.

Grow your own! Plant strawberry seeds or starts in spring as soon as the soil is dry enough to be worked on. The plants need full sun, sandy loam and organic matter (compost or manure) for great growth and yummy strawberries.

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As soon as we turn the corner to spring, I’m always anxious to stock up on flower pots and get my finger nails dirty potting and planting. Instead of spending a fortune on designer pots, make your own by turning regular terra cotta pots into a unique and colorful place to accent the beautiful flowers they hold. Have the kids decorate their own pots and then plant flowers for Easter décor, as a Mother’s Day gift for grandma, or for a teacher appreciation gift. BeforeWash the pots well, and allow them to dry completely before applying any decorative treatment. PaintUse acrylic paint to cover the entire pot in a single color that coordinates with what you will be planting. Use a stencil to print a pattern, painter’s tape to make stripes or go freehand if you are feeling brave. Sponge paint or stampSponges or foam stamps can be dipped in paint and used to create a lovely pattern on the pot. Practice on paper first to be sure the stamp produces the desired result. Chalk board paintApplying chalk board paint to the pot will allow you to write and re-write on it. Use chalk to identify what is in the pot, or to write a message like “Happy Mother’s Day” to a gift recipient. Mod Podge Give a pot an instant transformation by using Mod Podge to recover it. You can use fabric, patterned paper, photographs or wrapping paper. Using a foam brush, apply a layer of Mod Podge to the pot, and then adhere your medium to it being careful to smooth out any wrinkles. Finish it with a top coat of Mod Podge, let it dry and enjoy. Add some blingUse a hot glue gun to add some gems, crystals or pearls to the pot. Finishing touchesApply an ample amount of clear polyurethane sealer to both the inside and outside of the pot to finish (unless you’ve already sealed it with Mod Podge).

not-so-terra-cotta pots

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My husband and I live in Richland and have two children; London, 16 months and Caden, two months. Their father will always be SuperDAD to them, because he puts his heart and soul in everything he does, especially for his family. He is a former Marine, a full-time student at Washington State University studying Electrical Engineering, works full-time for the Department of Energy as an IT specialist, and always manages to have time for his family.

When he comes home from a long day of work and school, his first priority is to spend the last of the waking hours with us. There have been nights he has stayed up late doing school work or studying for an exam because he was too busy playing with his daughter or admiring the limited awake-time of his newborn son. He is a perfect example that with hard work and dedication you can have a family and go to school to fulfill your dreams.

Anthony Taylor is SuperDAD!If ever something is to change in our future, he tries to plan ahead and always asks himself “how will this affect my family?” Even with all the drive and dreams he is filled with, his family always comes first. Aside from being a great husband, father, student, and employee, he is an overall amazing person who has made a positive impact on so many lives. What matters most is his heart and soul is filled with so much positivity, care, and love, that I know his kids can grow up and be proud to say “that’s my dad.”

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SuperDAD Anthony was nominated by his wife Jessica. He is dad to London,16 months and Caden, two months.

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The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafron

I really enjoyed Zafron’s novel which has a complex plot including mystery, murder, romance and much more. The setting is 1950’s Barcelona, when a young man named Daniel is taken by his book seller father to The Cemetery of Forgotten Books, a resting place for books of sorts. He selects The Shadow of The Wind by Julian Carax. As he searches for other books by his new favorite author, he finds they have all been destroyed which leads him on a quest to understand why. Daniel’s adventure results in an unexpected tale of murder, and secrets best forgotten. The Shadow of the Wind is a fascinating page turner that is sure to be a timeless classic. It made me want to visit Barcelona and trace Daniel’s steps in his quest for understanding as he maneuvers his way through the twists and turns of this dark tale.

~ Eden McGowan, mom to Caden, six.

you’ll love to read…Time is precious. If you can manage to carve out a small window in your day to read, you want the book to be a good one. The following are recommendations from MOM readers to help you choose a book that is worth your precious time.

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski

I finally read The Story of Edgar Sawtelle after it had been sitting on my shelf for several months waiting for a moment when pleasure reading could nudge its way back into my life. As a mom, I was immediately drawn to the mother-son relationship. Wroblewski does a phenom-enal job of developing the characters―both human and canine. This is a story about complex relationships complete with a mystery and a touch of magical realism. My one suggestion is to find at least one other person to read it at the same time because, if you’re anything like me, you will want to discuss it with someone the second you finish the last sentence.

~ Shanhaz Sahnow, mom to Owen, six and Quincy, four

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