a FREE local publication
february 2013
mtparent.com
montana parent from birth to college
ine
growing up under the big sky
az g a m
love laugh to
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Mommy Makeover After having a child, diet and exercise alone sometimes aren’t enough to reverse the changes your body has gone through. With help from Big Sky Cosmetic Surgery + Aesthetics, you can revisit those pre-pregnancy days of a more toned body. The Mommy Makeover combines breast augmentation (now with two options available—TUBA with saline implants and Trans Axillary with gel implants), a tummy tuck, and body sculpting tumescent liposuction for full body benefits.
Like us on Facebook for access to exclusive deals & offers!
Contact Big Sky Cosmetic Surgery + Aesthetics today for a free consultation. You’re going to love what you see.
bigskycosmeticsurgery.com t 406-522-3770
Painless, Effective Fat Reduction INTRODUCING ZERONA COLD LASER FAT REDUCTION! Non-invasive cold laser body contouring is exclusively available at Bozeman Deaconess Synergy Medical Spa + Weight Loss Center. The Zerona Cold Laser is pain-free and requires no downtime. And it’s nonsurgical. Remove fat from your trouble spots: tummy, back, hips, thighs, buttocks, love handles, arms, chin and neck. All while you lay comfortably and relax. We’re committed to providing safe, medically supervised treatments. The FDA-approved Zerona Cold Laser provides the latest in body contouring. Patient lose 3.5 and 6 inches of fat within three weeks.* Call today to schedule your treatment—appointments are filling up quickly!
*For best results, nine or more treatments are necessary within three weeks.
406.556.5140 | synergymedicalspabozeman.com 2
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Carn ival
o f th
s l a m e A ni
Montana Ballet Company Elizabeth DeFanti and Amy Lynn Stoddart, Co-Artistic Directors Presents the First Annual Carnival of the Animals with Live Musical Accompaniment February 23, 2013 3 PM Children's Activities, 4 PM Performance Emerson, Crawford Theatre For tickets visit, montanaballet.org or call 406.582.8702
Supported by
In partnership with
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Need more information,resources or fun things to do with your kids this winter? visit
photo E. kelley Photography
mtparent.com
for comprehensive daily event calendars and our blog, “Gum in Your Hair,” featuring giveaways, crafts, recipes and more. FACEBOOK LOGO ICON for Adobe Illustrator
Bozeman & Helena Advertising Sales Regional:
Publisher Media Mavens LLC Operations Manager Stephanie Johnson 406.223.6166 •
[email protected] Editor/accounting Leigh Ripley
[email protected] Business Manager/sales Cora Larson 406.579.0746 •
[email protected]
Demaris Bruce 406.465.9992
[email protected]
Ad Design Jennieven Cole
Amanda Harms 406.223.8433
[email protected]
Livingston/park county:
Blog Katie Walters, bunny FuFu, Bozemama, Adrienne Schroeder
406-587-0681 x31 bridgercare.org/eventsnews
Helena/Townsend:
Alycia Holston 406.422.2898
[email protected]
copy editor eleonore snow
free desserts
Cora Larson 406.579.0746
[email protected] Jennieven Cole 406.579.5640
[email protected]
Creative Director/layout Shaunescy Willard •
[email protected]
Cover Photographer simple reflections photographic art
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Liz sullivan 406.570.6196
[email protected]
Contributing Writers: Leigh Ripley Eleonore Snow Sara Groves MOPS International Stacey Tompkins Michele Ranard Jennifer Gossett Lela Davidson Amy Stoddart Marie Mitchell Caleigh Searle Georgia Haniuk Lauren Oechsli Shel Sebren
Holly Alastra Paula K. Beswick Melynda Harrison Ann Swann Ann Boswell Rebecca Koltz and Katey T. Franklin Elsie Johnson Maranda Lee
online CALENDARs LiZ Sullivan
[email protected] Social Media Assistant Gloria Ravi Inder Overcash Information system management Kristin Laird Contributing Photographers: simple reflections LUCAPHOTOGRAPHY zo-mak photography Amelia Anne Photography e. kelley photography Amy Shertzer photography Diana Proemm Photography S. willard Anna Hernandez
© Copyright 2013 by Media Mavens LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission prohibited. This magazine is printed on FSC Certified paper that is 100% a product of USA.
Please recycle this magazine!
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ARE ORTHODONTICS RIGHT FOR MY CHILD? Pediatric Dentistry • Braces flat screen televisions on the ceiling • game boys movie theatre • digital xrays • mercury free GOAL The goal of orthodontic treatment is to achieve a healthy, stable, and beautiful smile while having your teeth, jaw, and facial muscles function together in harmony.
WHAT AGE DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO BE FOR A ORTHODONTIC EVALUTION? Every child’s needs for oral health is different and the sooner they can get in for an evaluation the better. Some orthodontic intervention can start as early as age 4 or can wait until all permanent teeth erupt at around age 12.
HOW LONG DO BRACES TAKE? The treatment time for braces range from 12-24 months but this depends on the child’s age, severity, and proper hygiene.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
WHAT TYPE OF BRACES DO WE USE? We use Damon Bracketing System (braces). These brackets reduce the friction that is put on by the wires and allows the teeth to move more quickly and more comfortably. www.damonbraces.com
• Cracked or broken teeth • Speech difficulty • Grinding or clenching of the teeth • Uncomfortable biting or chewing • Sounds of clicking or popping in the jaw • Early or loss of primary teeth • Sucking the thumb or finger or any other oral habits • Teeth that come together abnormally or not at all •Worn teeth • Crowded or misplaced teeth • Facial imbalance (features are out of balance with facial structures)• Lips do not close comfortably together • Sore or stiff jaw muscles • Facial pain • Mouth breathing • Receding gums • Underbite
Dr. Todd Steinmetz 3502 Laramie Drive, Suite 1 Bozeman, Montana 59718 406.586.8112
www.mydrtodd.com :: FEBRUARY ACTIVITY CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM ::
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february
HELP YOUR CHILD
SUCCEED IN SCHOOL.
2013
ONE-TO-ONE INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION FOR CHILDREN AGES 4-18. A R E A S W E C OV E R Fluency in Foundational Skills Reading and Spelling Phonics Reading Fluency and Comprehension Pre-Reading Skills Fine Motor Skills Memory Expansion Math Processing Skills Vocabulary Development and Critical Thinking Skills Study and Organizational Skills Attention Development
AT SAGE LEARNING CENTER, OUR MISSION IS TO IDENTIFY AND DECREASE THE GAP BETWEEN A PERSON’S POTENTIAL AND THEIR PERFORMANCE. Sage Learning Center
582-9570
2055 N. 22nd Ave. Ste 4 Bozeman, MT 59718 Carisa Fillbach, Owner
www.SageLearningCenter.com
Locally owned and operated since 1996. photos: Simple reflections photographic art
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What’s Up? Bozeman
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What’s Up? Helena
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What’s Up? Livingston
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What’s Up? West Yellowstone
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What’s Up? Southwest Montana
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What’s Up? Moonlight Basin
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Love to Laugh
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Funny Things Kids Say
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Ten Things I’d Never Have Survived Without a Sense of Humor
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MOMoirs
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One-Liners You Swore You’d Never Say
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The Teenager: I Threw Her Hair Out the Window
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21 Parental Triumphs: Good Reasons to Let Us Eat Cake
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The Evolution of Jokes
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Best Mom Ever: Ski Instructor
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Laughing Your Way to a Healthier You
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Is Humor Healthy?
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Super Natural: Romance, It’s In The Essential Oils
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No More ILY: This Valentine’s Day, Say I Love You In Person
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Nourish Your Fire Element to Fight the Winter Blues
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High-Fiber Foods for Kids
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Love Your Heart to Save Your Life
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Winter Fun With Kids at all Ages
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Are We There, Yet? Old Faithful
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Helping Your Child Express Emotions
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Functional Art: Pillowcase Apron
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Goals of Behavior: Redirecting. Retaliation and Revenge Behaviors
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Elsie’s Tips: Thinking About Thinking
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Mama’s Got a New Bag
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Register and Pay Online @ mtparent.com
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NEW
M UM E
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NEW
Now in Bozeman and
HELENA!
parents & vendors mark your calendars! This is the place to find all Summer Activities & Camps!
Bozeman Summer Activity & Camp Roundup Thursday, April 11th 3:30-6:30 p.m. Emerson Ballroom 111 S. Grand, Bozeman The Bozeman Activity and Camp Roundup is a nonprofit community event, hosted by Montana Parent magazine, Montana Outdoor Science School, Bozeman Parks & Recreation Department, The Emerson Cultural Center and the Gallatin Valley YMCA.
Helena Summer Camp, Activity and Safety Roundup Tuesday, April 23rd 4-7 p.m.
Education Center in St Peter’s Hospital, Helena The Helena event is also a nonprofit community effort, hosted by Montana Parent magazine, ExplorationWorks, Cherry Creek Radio and St. Peter’s Hospital.
To purchase your advertising in the Montana Parent April Summer Camp issue and to reserve booth space,
Contact Stephanie Johnson today, at 406-223-6166 or
[email protected].
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Our team is dedicated to healthy babies! From getting pregnant to birthing, our goal is to help you have a healthy baby. Our team of obstetrician-gynecologists, certified nurse midwives, physician assistant, and registered dietitian can help you with comprehensive fertility, pregnancy, and childbirth care, including: • Obstetrics and high-risk obstetrics • Bozeman’s only certified nurse midwives with hospital privileges • Reproductive medicine and fertility care full-time at Bozeman OB/GYN, including the only In Vitro Fertilization Program in the Northern Rockies
• Maternal-fetal medicine consults and monthly outreach clinics • Pregnancy diabetes clinic with a registered dietitian • Magnet® nurses – we are recognized for excellence in nursing
For an appointment, call (406) 587-9202 or 1-866-587-9202. 925 Highland Boulevard Suites 1210/1220 • Bozeman, MT Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm
Free pregnancy tests available Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm
www.bozemanobgyn.com
Come discover the Magic of Montessori! Fostering Self-confidence, Love of Learning and Academic Excellence Call today to schedule a tour of our school, visit our barnyard animals and see our 8 - acre country setting on Middle Creek.
Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2013 for Toddlers, Primary/Kindergarten, and Elementary Grades 1-6
Announcing our new Montessori Middle School beginning Fall 2013! Information meeting for parents - Thursday, February 28, 4:00 RSVP for free After-School care during this meeting.
1572 Cobb Hill Road • Bozeman, MT 59718 www.middlecreekmontessori.org • 406-587-3817 8
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Montana Parent loves w
La ChÂtelaine chocolat co.
For our valentine treats
Y What's Up?
Bozeman
Mais Oui, C’est l’Amour
La ChÂtelaine, A Taste of Paris Written by Eleonore Snow | photos Simple Refections
The smell alone is enough of an aphrodisiac to make anyone fall in love . . . Just walking into La Châtelaine Chocolate Shop and Atelier on Main Street in Bozeman feels like you’ve been transported to a romantic retreat: French music piped throughout the store; crystal chandeliers whose droplets reflect and diffuse the sunlight streaming through the window hovering above the “chocolate bar” where you can sit and savor French press coffee or the most decadent hot chocolate (choose between Parisian, Mexican Spice or White) in town. What a fabulous place to escape the doldrums of what can sometimes be a dreary February for a warm little treat with a friend or child or a sweet rendezvous with a hot date. La Châtelaine perfectly reflects what inspires Paris-born Wlady Grochowski and his American wife, Shannon: “The streets of Paris and the countryside of France, where we spend time with our kids each summer.” The shop, which calls itself a French Chocolaterie, offers beautiful artisanal chocolates (with fillings such as sea salt caramel, huckleberry, hazelnut, toffee, marzipan – even Bourbon and black peppercorn) that are made onsite using ingredients sourced from the best purveyors the Grochowski's can find. “For instance,” said Wlady, “We use fleur de sel from the Camargue region of southern France. It’s the champagne of salts.”
But as connected as the Grochowskis are with France, they also find inspiration in “the West, poetry and nature.” They are raising their children in Bozeman, where – as Wlady says, they “enjoy the rural bliss and lifestyle it offers.” After six years, their business continues to grow little by little, but Wlady admits that they have never wanted to grow too quickly. Fans of their concoctions were undoubtedly thrilled when La Châtelaine opened an outpost in the Baxter Hotel downtown — called the Petite Shop — which stays open later, catering to those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth after dinner. For Valentine’s day, La Châtelaine will be offering Truffle chocolate cakes as well as “Monsieur and Mademoiselle” heart-shaped boxes that can be filled with the popular Griottine Cordials (dark chocolate filled with wild Morello cherries in Kirsch liqueur) or the Coeur de Passion, which are milk chocolate hearts filled with passion fruit. What a lovely way to say, “I love you,” – or, better yet, “Je t’aime.”
La Châtelaine Main shop: 1516 West Main. 406-522-4400. Hours: M-F 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Downtown Petite Shop: The Baxter Hotel lobby. Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Sun 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. mp Eleonore Snow is an East coast transplant to Bozeman (please don’t hold this against her) who delights exploring her new hometown with her two marvelous kids and her gassy dog Lola.
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5 More Bozeman goodness
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BZN Bridgercare’s 26Th Annual
Sweet Tooth Ball
Baker Street
And Silent Auction by Stephanie McDowell
Bridgercare will host its annual fundraiser, the Sweet Tooth Ball and Silent Auction, on Friday, February 15, 2013 at the Emerson Cultural Center in Downtown Bozeman. Why support Bridgercare? Bridgercare provides excellent, affordable reproductive and sexual health care and education in a safe, supportive and empowering atmosphere. Serving south central Montana since 1972, we are a non profit, family planning clinic that provides services to men and women regardless of their ability to pay. We seek to improve the lives and future prospects of children and families. Our specific strategy is to prevent unplanned pregnancy and promote preventative health. If we are successful, child and family well-being will improve. Even though reproductive health care has been a constructive part of our social fabric for decades now, contraception is still somehow controversial. Bridgercare’s federal and state funding has been cut 34 percent since 2011, despite the fact that Montana family planning clinics help women avoid approximately 7,000 unintended pregnancies annually. Poor women are four times more likely to experience an unintended pregnancy as to higherincome women. As a result, American taxpayers spend more than $12 billion a year on Medicaid-subsidized medical care related to births from unintended pregnancies.
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Every February, Bridgercare is buoyed by the generous support and expressions of gratitude we receive at the Sweet Tooth Ball. For 26 years, the Ball has been a source of funding and is a locally supported event well known for its dancing and fun. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with live music by Little Jane and the Pistol Whips, free dance lessons and free desserts. A beer and wine bar will be open and our silent auction is one of the best. We’ll raffle off a red cruiser bike and offer silent auction items ranging from a vasectomy to a wine of the month club. (You must have a credit card to bid in the silent auction.) Cocktail attire is encouraged, so be sure to dress up.
406-587-0681 x31
or
www.bridgercare.org/eventsnews
Advance tickets are available at Cactus Records and Bridgercare for $25 each or two tickets for $40. (Must be 21 years to attend.) Tickets at the door are $35 each. Call Bridgercare at 587-0681 ext. 31 or email
[email protected] for more information about the Sweet Tooth Ball.
is Moving
Have you heard? Baker Street has moved out of the Gallatin Valley Mall and into 2612 West Main Street, two doors down from Distinctive Lighting and right next to Little Angels Children’s Boutique. Come visit your favorite kitchen store in their new location with new hours, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. They will be closed on Sundays. Also, remember to check out Montana Parent’s monthly column, “Mama’s Got a New Bag” and watch for great donations from Baker Street. mp
Please visit www.bridgercare.org for more information about Bridgercare’s services and how you may qualify for reduced fee annual exams, birth control and more. Bridgercare is a member of Montana Shares and the Montana Nonprofit Association. mp
YOUR PEDIATRIC ALLERGIST in southwest Montana! Conveniently located near The Ridge Athletic Club in Bozeman. Extended hours are available on Tuesday evenings. Office visits and testing are covered by your FLEX DOLLARS. We are a private, independent practice dedicated to high quality, individualized & affordable allergy and asthma care for patients of all
Let Us Take Care Of You! Dr. Michael Zacharisen | Board Certified Allergist/Immunologist
Voted Best Doctors in America for 13 years
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ages. Dr. Zacharisen, board-certified pediatrician for 21 years, is especially compassionate and experienced in treating infants and children. FACEBOOK LOGO ICON for Adobe Illustrator
www.familyallergyasthmacare.com 4265 Fallon Street, Suite 3A, Bozeman
Phone: 406-451-7017|Fax: 406-451-7020
BZN It’s also an enormous undertaking for the two women, who divided up the choreography for the 25-minute score with 11 different animal sections, which includes more than 40 dancers (starting at age eight) from the Company and the Academy. “Who wants to do the donkeys? I’ll do the hens and you do the fish!” DeFanti laughs as she describes the collaborative process. After just a few minutes with DeFanti, it is patently obvious that this vivacious woman with her balletic doe-eyes and perfect posture is positively passionate about her work. “It’s such a gift to work with children,” she said. “It’s energizing, uplifting and it keeps you on your toes. Each child is so different.” Anyone who has ever taken ballet or attended a performance knows that ballet is hard. It takes a tremendous amount of discipline, effort, practice and stamina. DeFanti and Stoddart both danced professionally and had unpleasant experiences during their careers that led them to agree on their teaching philosophy: Ballet needs to be taught safely and well, and with a nurturing hand. “We take a humanistic approach to working with dancers: They come first.”
montana
ballet co. By Eleonore Snow
Following the 29th, and enormously successful, run of the beloved Nutcracker, Montana Ballet Company is staging a brand new ballet on February 23, 2013 with their first annual Carnival of the Animals. “We really wanted to do something that would appeal to children and families in the community and we thought this was a good time of year,” said Elizabeth DeFanti, who codirects the company with Amy Stoddart and is the director of the company’s Academy, which now has more than 100 students. “I grew up listening to the Carnival score by Saint Saens,” explains DeFanti whose parents were professional dancers with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. “It’s a classic. And, because we do so much collaborative work with live music, this was such a wonderful idea.” With the help of their board member Renee Westlake, who is Supervisor of Fine Arts for Bozeman Public Schools, DeFanti and Stoddart decided to collaborate with the Bozeman High School Orchestra and its Kamerata String Quartet. “We thought this would be an enriching and educational opportunity for all the students.”
The Academy takes aspiring dancers as young as three and, as DeFanti describes it, “draws them into the magic of ballet with props, wands, scarves, hula hoops, hats, ride-on horses for galloping and a lot of creativity.” In that vein, prospective ballet parents should be glad to know that DeFanti, who has a master’s in Counseling Psychology, is fiercely protective of her students’ health and mindset. She encourages them to eat, instructs them in proper dance terminology, teaches them to sew the ribbons on their pointe shoes and lectures them on dance history. “They need to take care of their instruments,” she says gesturing gracefully and dramatically at her mind and body. Carnival of the Animals will be performed at 4 p.m. Saturday, February 23 at the Crawford Theatre in the Emerson Cultural Center. Tickets are $15 for children; $20 for adults and can be purchased by calling the MBC at 406-582-8702 or by going to montanaballet.org. Pre-performance activities, including time with Heart of the Valley’s adoptable animals, will begin at 3 p.m. mp Eleonore Snow is an East coast transplant to Bozeman (please don’t hold this against her) who delights exploring her new hometown with her two marvelous kids and her gassy dog Lola.
Montana’s Best Kept Secret
Hey Mom!
Great Selection of New and Used Cars & Trucks
Did you see that Jeep we are looking for is cheaper at Yellowstone Country Motors!
Let’s go to Livingston!
one Yellowst Motors Country
Come See That our Price is Right
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BZN Free Essential Oil Class
Love Potions West Main
Community food Co-op expands Written by Eleonore snow | Photos courtesy of the Community food co-op
It can sometimes feel like Bozeman parents are broken into two distinct categories: Those who shop at the Co-op and those who don’t. Case in point: After I recently mentioned to a fellow mama that I had grabbed a few things at our local purveyor on Main, she recoiled, aghast, and barked: “You shop at the Co-op?! Are you crazy!?!” Wow. I don’t think so, but I do sometimes wonder. Like the time when I asked the butcher for a whole organic chicken, when I should have said all-natural – there’s about a $2 per pound price difference between the two. I paid for that mistake, so that you won’t have to. And now you know. You’re welcome. Anyway, if you do find yourself in the camp of moms who avoid the Co-op, you might actually want to reconsider, because here’s the deal: Organic food is more expensive than non-organic food everywhere. For moms and dads with families of hungry mouths to feed who are making the conscious effort to cook with organic food, the Co-op’s prices are actually competitive with -- or sometime better than -- other stores around town, plus you are supporting a communityowned local business and local farmers as well. And, as Co-op Marketing and Membership Manager (and mom) Alison Germain points out, “We offer an EATs (Enough Abundance to Share) discount for qualifying low income members, a senior discount for members, working member opportunities for discount, and special store coupons, which you can get via our weekly e-mail newsletter FoodEnews.” The really good news for us cost-conscious parents is that the Co-op on West Main now has an awesome new 31-foot deli counter where hot food is available all day long and where customers can serve themselves. And the salad bar has doubled in size. “The cool thing is that you can get exactly what you want,” explained Germain. “If you have a kid, you can just pick some rice, a few tomatoes, and some carrots. You don’t have to buy a whole plate or meal for them. I feed my step-daughter a healthy meal here for $4. And I don’t have to tip.” It’s a really good point. For those of us delivering kids from school to extracurriculars, the Co-op is a fabulous option for a healthy snack or dinner on the way home. “Everything is made from scratch in the Co-op and our Central Kitchen,” Germain said, adding that the Co-op uses mostly local and organic foods and always has vegetarian and gluten-free options. “It’s a great family-friendly eating out option,” she says. I tested her theory yesterday and she’s right: My daughter and I each got a bowl of soup and my son gorged on an enormous plate of chicken and macaroni, all for $12 – and (bonus) I got to feel good about it. Visit the newly remodeled Co-op on located at 908 W. Main Street in Bozeman, Montana. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m.–9 p.m. and Sundays, 8 a.m.–9 p.m. For more information call: 406-587-4039. mp Eleonore Snow is an East coast transplant to Bozeman (please don’t hold this against her) who delights exploring her new hometown with her two marvelous kids and her gassy dog Lola.
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Come learn how essential oil, nature’s medicine, is safer, cheaper and (oftentimes) more effective than modern medicine. Since February is the month of love this essential oil class will focus on natural aphrodisiacs, oils of love and passion, and fertility. We will also answer questions on caring for common (and not so common) ailments ranging from: flu, ear infection, coughs, tummy issues, temper tantrums, eczema, allergies, immune support, leg cramps, headaches and much more.
The particular essential oils that will be discussed during this class have been studied at Vanderbilt University and published in PubMed journal. They are so pure they can be ingested. Learn how these oils can change the way you care for yourself and your loved ones.
There will be a free biofeedback analysis for all in attendance. This technology finds where a person’s biomarkers are out of range. Upon completion of the scan, particular essential oils will be prescribed to bring you back into range. This is an amazing way to assess what is happening in ones’ emotional and/or physical being.
The free Essential Oil class will be held in Helena on Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lewis and Clark Library Large Conference Room. In Bozeman the class will be held Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. at the Farm Bureau Building (502 S. 19th), Suite 105. For more information call Natalie at 406-539-0159. mp
BZN
NEW, STATE-OF-THE-ART
TAYLOR PLANETARIUM OPENS TO THE PUBLIC MARCH 2, 2013
Men’s Night
February 7, 2013 Men’s Night, the third and final event in Downtown Nights, will be held February 7, 2013 from 5-8 p.m. This night is dedicated to all the men looking for that perfect gift for that special someone for Valentine’s Day or just in need of a night out with the guys. There will be specials and promotions at more than 25 downtown retailers, restaurants and bars. A list of participating businesses for the 2013 Men’s Night as well as all the deals to be found are available online at www. downtownbozeman. org and www.my1035. com. This event will go on snow or shine and is FREE to the public. mp
After more than six months and over $1 million raised during the Building Bigger Skies fundraising effort, the new Taylor Planetarium at the Museum of the Rockies is ready for its star-powered debut to the community on Saturday, March 2, 2013. Museum of the Rockies (MOR) is bringing the most sophisticated, advanced technology on earth – called Digistar 5 – right here to Bozeman at the new Taylor Planetarium. Now schoolchildren, young people and adults will be able to experience our solar system and beyond in a way they have never been able to before. MOR has made the entire Taylor Planetarium more comfortable with a fresh, new makeover, and the technology behind the shows themselves will provide lights, sounds and visual motion to totally engage visitors on their journey through the galaxy. Taylor Planetarium’s first show, Experience the Aurora, showcases the amazing capability of the new Digistar 5 projection system, capturing the brilliance and beauty of the Northern Lights as they fill the night sky. Seven months of winter sky watching, hundreds of thousands of photographs taken over hundreds of hours have been condensed into the world’s first full-dome, three-hundred-sixty degree, high-resolution movie of the pulsing, ever-changing colors and dazzling light displays of the Aurora Borealis. Other programs include The Big Sky Tonight, and One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure, where visitors will follow Big Bird, Elmo and their friend from China, Hu Hu Zhu, as they take viewers on a journey of discovery to learn about the Big Dipper, the North Star, the Sun and the Moon in this brilliant spectacle of light and color designed for young children. The new Taylor Planetarium at MOR will be a premier facility at the forefront of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education for Montana’s K-12 students and will provide lifelong learning opportunities to members and visitors alike. For information about the new Taylor Planetarium program schedules, Astronomy Winter Lecture Series, and Museum of the Rockies membership, visit museumoftherockies.org, call 406-994-1998 or email
[email protected]. mp
New Exhibits at Museum of the Rockies
RAINFOREST ADVENTURE & THE BIRTH OF COFFEE Museum of the Rockies will be opening two exciting new exhibits in February: Rainforest Adventure, opening Saturday, February 16, 2013, and The Birth of Coffee, opening Saturday, February 23, 2013. Rainforest Adventure is a family friendly exhibit filled with sights and sounds, and teeming with biodiversity. The exhibit tells the story of the rainforest by taking visitors through a maze filled with interactive stations. Starting at the highest treetops, correct answers at each stop lead kids and adults deeper into the rainforest until they arrive at the forest floor. The exhibit is produced by Minotaur Mazes. In The Birth of Coffee, Daniel Lorenzetti and Linda Rice Lorenzetti explore coffee’s profound impact on people in coffee-producing nations on four continents through 100 duotone photographs toned with the actual beverage. The Lorenzetti’s eloquent text and evocative photographs take viewers to the people and places where this popular beverage is a force in politics, economics and history. The public will have an opportunity to meet the Lorenzettis on opening night at Birth of Coffee – An evening with the Creators, Saturday, February 23, from 6-7 p.m. in the Hager Auditorium. The Lorenzettis will recap their travels in Yemen, Ethiopia, Kenya and Guatemala where the inspiration for their project began. Sponsorship for The Birth of Coffee is provided by Ghost Town Coffee Roasters and F-11 Photo. For more information about Rainforest Adventure and The Birth of Coffee, or to become a member of the Museum of the Rockies, visit museumoftherockies.org or call 406-994-1998. mp
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bacon! KIdS’ menU
food and art
bacon!
LocaL
downtown bozeman
BZN
Family Deals & Discounts Just mention you saw it in Montana Parent magazine!
bacon!
free
GLUten
Y o U ’ L L wa n t t o LIcK oUr SKILLetS
LocaLS ’ choIce
daILY SpecIaLS 312 e. maIn St. bozeman t h e n o v a c a f e . c o m
406.587.3973
LUnch 11-2
breaKfaSt 7-2
Bozeman
La Châtelaine Chocolat Co.
Creative Sandwiches & Lunch Platters
Bozeman
Sola Cafe
Bozeman's Dainty Chocolaterie
Kids’ Fun-Doo Veggie Appetizer
LOVE IS SWEET
(FREE at Dinner) Yummy kids’ meals all the time!
Bozeman
Check out www.fftdeli.com for daily specials and rotating menu Hours: M-F 11am - 6pm Sat: 11am-3pm • Closed Sunday 270 W. Kagy Suite B • Bozeman MT
406.587.4454 Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter Owned & Operated by a Registered Dietitian Full Service Catering • Kid Friendly Options
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FEBRUARY 2013 |
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Heebs TAKE $5 OFF A $25 ORDER PLU 500
Bozeman Bozeman
Moberry
Antoinette's European Hair
Locally Owned Premium Frozen Yogurt
NOW OPEN!
Made Fresh daily with Nancy's Organic Yogurt. Lots of flavors & toppings!
50% OFF
Fire Sale. or More!
544 E. Main Bozeman
Bozeman
Storm Castle Cafe SUPER Kid Friendly featuring a full
Kids’ Play Room!
Bozeman
Bozeman
Community Food CO-OP
Nova Cafe
BUY BULK
LOSE THE APRON!
Over 600 products in our newly remodeled Bulk Dept.
Earth's Treasures
N. Wallace Ave.
N. Willson Ave.
N. Church Ave.
Heebs Highland Blvd.
Storm Castle Cafe
Lincoln St.
S.11th Ave.
Culture
South 19th Ave.
College St.
Mendenhall St. Main Street
South Church Ave.
Colombo’s Pizza & Pasta
S. Willson Ave.
Babcock St.
N. Rouse Ave.
N. 7th Ave.
N. 11th Ave.
ain
M West
The Garage & Soup Shack 0 I-9
Re-Couture
S. 8th Ave.
La Chatelaine
Montana State University
Childrens Museum of Bozeman
Kagy Blvd.
Nova Cafe Kagy Blvd.
Sourdough Rd.
S. 3rd Ave.
Museum of the Rockies
Sola Cafe
Food for Thought
Antoinette's
Salon & Make-up
FREE WIFI • KID FRIENDLY
Bridger Pilates
Food Co-op Downtown
Dee-O-Gee North 19th Ave.
Bozeman
North
Community
Moberry Frozen Yogurt
Bozeman
DEe-O-Gee
$5 OFF any large bag of Stella & Chewy's freezedried Raw diets
photo Simple Reflections photographic art
Community Food Co-op
Create Your Own Yogurt Cup 10 Different Flavors Delicious Choice of Toppings
Fresh Made Pretzels and Baked Goods Coffee, Tea, Energy Drinks & More Locally Owned & Operated
Open Noon til Midnight 7 Days A Week
1011 West College • 404-1191
Bozeman
Culture Frozen Yogurt & Coffee Bozeman
Bozeman
Bridger Pilates buy one private get one
50% off ($140 value for $105 = $35 savings)
Bozeman
The Garage
$2 Tuesdays
Entire Kids’ Meal just 2 bucks! (w/ adult meal purchase)
Enjoy your meal, a glass of wine, and conversation while your children play in the spacious kids’ play area.
Earth's Treasures Kids Favorite Store!
$5 OFF Bozeman
Food for Thought Lots of Kid Friendly Options Bozeman
Children’s Museum
FREE
Friday Nights!
BUY 3 (YOGURTS)
GET ONE FREE of equal or lesser value. Must present this coupon.
Bozeman
Re-couture
20% OFF
your purchase
A Restaurant the Whole Family can Enjoy!
*some items excluded
Kids Play Room!
Bozeman
Colombo’s Pizza & Pasta FAMILY NIGHT Every Tuesday
FREE POP with purchase of a large or jumbo pizza
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NOW SERVING CAGE FREE EGGS Open 7 days a week 7am-2pm 406-586-0395 5 Tai Lane Bozeman one block West of the MSU Fieldhouse
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15
reuse CHOOSE TO
Consign Prom Dresses & Formal Wear Shop for Designer Labels Denim, Tops & Purses
DESIGNER
CLOTHING & FURNITURE ALL AT A FRACTION OF THE RETAIL COST
20% OFF
ONE
REGULAR PRICED ITEM *Does not apply to furniture and some items excluded from sale, see sales associates for details. Must present coupon. Expires 2-28-2013.
16
FEBRUARY 2013 |
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We Buy Furniture 2320 W. Main, Suite #1 • Bozeman, MT
406.582.5710 Mon - Sat 10am - 6pm
www.recoutureboutique.com
Helena’s
Playable Playground Fundraisers
Y What's Up?
Helena
photo zo-mak photography
Two fundraisers will be held in February to support the construction of a universally accessible playground at the new Centennial Park in Helena.
Painted Pot No Football Fundraiser Sunday, February 3, 2013 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tired of the football season? Head over to the Painted Pot and create a one-of-a-kind Valentine's gift for your sweetheart. The Painted Pot will donate 25 percent of every project to Helena’s Playable playground. Kids are welcome and encouraged to join in the fun with a play area and special kid-sized projects. Projects start at $10 and staff will be on hand to help firsttimers with their masterpiece.
Zombie Valentine’s Prom Saturday, February 16 at 7 p.m.
Dance the night away Zombie style to live bands from the Helena Area. The event will feature a no-host bar and zombie themed munchies. This is a 21-and-over event, so book your babysitter now and get your prom dress out of storage. Tickets are $10 each in advance or $15 at the door. The prom is limited to 250 people so get your tickets early. You can purchase tickets at the Bagel Company or online at: www. helenasplayableplayground.com
5 More
Helena goodness
Stay up to date on the progress of Helena’s Playable Playground at: www.helenasplayableplayground.com mp
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17
HLN Volunteers Sought For
United Way’s 2013 Allocations
Looking for a unique volunteer
opportunity in Helena with a lot impact? Each spring, United Way of the Lewis and Clark Area invites 50 to 60 community volunteers to assist in allocations – basically deciding which of the dozens of vital, hardworking organizations in the Helena community should receive funding and how much.
Allocation begins when a health and human service nonprofit that provides direct service in Lewis and Clark, Jefferson or Broadwater counties submits a funding request. United Way receives 30 to 40 applications each year. These are sorted into eight categories relating to education, health and financial stability. A group of volunteers is assigned to each category. They read through applications (which include an agency’s budgets, tax forms, goals, outcomes and more) and are invited to visit each agency’s headquarters. The volunteers can ask questions, meet the staff, see the facilities and sometimes meet some of the people helped by that agency. Volunteers then make a funding recommendation to the United Way’s Board of Directors based on factors such as how much the organization received from United Way in the past, how much money donors designated specifically for that organization when giving to United Way and new programs or major improvements. While dividing funding between organizations like God’s Love and the Good Samaritan is incredibly difficult, the allocations process is integral to the service United Way provides to the community. It holds organizations accountable and ensures that when donations are made to United Way, the donor can be certain that the money is going to stay in the community and be well spent. The process also helps United Way determine if organizations are duplicating services or if certain needs in the community are going unmet. In short, allocations helps United Way achieve its mission of increasing the organized capacity of people to care for one another in our community. Volunteers are asked to commit eight to 10 hours of time during the month of April. Volunteer recruiting will continue through mid-March. Anyone interested in becoming an allocation volunteer can contact Amanda Burkhart at
[email protected] or 406-442-4360. For more information about allocations, United Way, and its partner agencies, visit www.unitedwaylca.org. mp 18
FEBRUARY 2013 |
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Big Read events
@Exploration
works
Adult Night at ExplorationWorks Thursday, February 14, 2013 Big Read/Big Food – Joy, Luck and Food Don’t let the date confuse you. This Valentine’s Day event is all about Chinese cuisine. ExplorationWorks, The Lewis and Clark Library’s Big Read program, and Helena restaurateur Shalon Hastings, are teaming up to present a not-to-miss event for foodies at ExplorationWorks. Come learn about ingredients used in Chinese cuisine, sample some traditional Lunar New Year food, and get a free copy of this season’s Big Read title, The Joy Luck Club. The event will be held at ExplorationWorks, on February 14, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free, but space is limited. Please call 406-4571800 extension 1 to reserve your space.
PechaKucha at ExplorationWorks Thursday, February 21, 2013 PechaKucha (PK) nights have been happening all over the world after originating in Tokyo in 2003. In each location, organizers recruit community members who have stories to tell, art to display or inspirations to share. Presentations follow a strict format – 20 images in 20 seconds. Friends, neighbors and colleagues join the audience, and the resulting cultural
photo zo-mak photography
Helena
Saddle Up! become a member
of the Montana Historical Society!
Why should you join? Here are just a few reasons: History is fun, fascinating, and there is always ÕÕ something new and interesting to learn Access the largest and most comprehensive ÕÕ collection of Montana-related history Receive a subscription to the award-winning ÕÕ journal, Montana The Magazine of Western History Receive two complementary history related ÕÕ research requests a year Receive a 15% in the MHS Museum Store ÕÕ (in person, by phone, or online) AND MANY OTHER BENEFITS… ÕÕ
event showcases the extraordinary talent that's embedded in every community. Join us for PK Night Helena #4 and listen to a woman who grew up in “The Town that Jello Built;” one man’s discovery in Antarctica; a young chef’s view of food and culture; and enter a local man’s world of art that displays his fascination with life, death and sexual imagery.
P.O. Box 201201 225 North Roberts Street Helena, MT 59620-1201
Become part of a group that shares a passion for Montana’s history. Call (406) 444-2918 or join online at www.montanahistoricalsociety.org
The event will be held on February 21, 2013 at 7 p.m. Cost is $7 per person. Call 406-457-1800 ext. 1 to reserve space.
Helena
YSAVE THE DATEY
for The Second Annual Craft Beer Fest
March 14, 2013 Don’t miss this uniquely Helena event at the historic Montana Club. Sample craft beers from around Montana and around the world. Enjoy food and beer pairings from Chef Marc Jorgensen. This is a casual event in a swank setting. Live it up with your friends and help raise funds for ExplorationWorks Montana’s Science Center in Helena. This is a fundraising event that doesn’t taste like a fundraising event. Cost is $50 per person. For tickets, call ExplorationWorks at 406-457-1800 ext. 1 mp
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19
HLN
Helena
OPEN EVERYDAY Noon- 8PM
Late on Fridays & Saturdays Great for Date Nights
Gourmet Ice Cream made on premises Fresh, local ingredients Prepackaged Tubs and Growlers
yum!
Park Avenue Bakery
Written by Alycia Holston | Photos by Zo-Mak Photography
Follow us on:
Park Avenue Bakery, Helena’s European-style eatery, is taking it to the next level. The locally-owned and operated cafe' has been in Helena for the last 25 years and still resides in the original Eddy’s Bakery building that opened in the early 1900’s.
58 N. Last Chance Gulch
Walking in the front door brings instant joy. You are greeted by the most incredible smells, sounds of ovens working hard, the feel of bricks under your feet and cases of decadent goodies tempting you to try just a little taste. Owners John and Renee Kowalski have spent the last ten years making the bakery to what it is today, a unique destination for quality food in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
(On the walking mall)
406.513.1051 Helena
Make a Sweet Declaration of Love
Manager Claire Bischoff says, “It is such a labor of love for [the Kowalskis] and they just love being a part of the Helena community.” According to Bischoff, being in Helena is wonderful. "We enjoy getting to know customers by name and having a lot of regulars every day. Being a part of Downtown Helena is so great, all the businesses just want to help each other,”she said. Park Avenue Bakery uses European methods, baking with stones and steam which creates a crunchy crust with warm, flaky insides. The desserts are decorated in classic French style with a twist to appeal to local customers. Different specialty breads are featured each day. One of the more popular items are the baguettes, available for just one dollar each Tuesday (but worthy of picking up any day of the week). Park Avenue offers a wide variety of baked goods, desserts, pastries and coffees and serves both breakfast and lunch. In addition to their muffins and pastries for breakfast, you can also enjoy a quiche or strata. On Sundays, join Park Avenue Bakery for French toast or a breakfast sandwich. Lunch choices include pizza by the slice, Stromboli, soup and sandwiches. You can also find items to accommodate different diet needs such as dairy-free and gluten-free choices. With the addition of a new oven, new bun roller and new dessert case, Park Avenue Bakery is moving to the next level of customer service -- catering. The new equipment makes it more efficient for the bakery to cater lunches, dinners and parties.
LIKE us on facEbooK
42 n LasT cHancE GuLcH 442-1470 WWW.PaRRoTcHocoLaTE.coM
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FEBRUARY 2013 |
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Park Avenue Bakery is located at 44 South Park Avenue in Helena. They are open Monday-Friday from 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information call 406-449-8424 or visit: www.parkavenuebakery.net. Alycia Holston, wife and mother of three, lives in Helena, MT. She is the author of While The Giant Is Sleeping and continues to write the new chapter of her life each day. mp
HLN
Helena
Lewis & Clark Library presents
THE BIG READ UNDER THE BIG SKY
Broad Comedy Headlines
Planned Parenthood of Montana Fundraising Event Planned Parenthood of Montana (PPMT) is hosting a fundraising event on March 7, 2013 featuring entertainment by Katie Goodman’s Broad Comedy. Held at the Helena Great Northern Hotel Ballroom, the event will also feature guest speaker Stacy James, CEO of PPMT and a brief performance by PPMT’s Helena Teen Council. The event will run from 6-9 p.m. and will include a no-host bar and hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, door prizes and a raffle. Individual tickets are available in advance by calling 406-770-3925 or at the door for $50. Student tickets are $20 (with student ID). Based in Bozeman, the nationally known Broad Comedy group is headlined by Katie Goodman. Nominated for an EPIC Emerging Artists Award from The White House Project for changing the perceptions of women in the culture, Broad Comedy is full of energy, musical talent and wit. “We are extremely excited that Broad Comedy is coming to Helena to perform at our event,” exclaims Stacy James, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Montana. “This fun evening is a great way for us to show our supporters a good time, educate and inspire them about our mission, and raise important funds to support our cause.” James notes that Planned Parenthood of Montana is grateful for every dollar the event brings in. “With the current state of our economy, we see more and more low-income, uninsured patients who might otherwise slip through the cracks,” she says. As a leading women’s health care provider in the state, Planned Parenthood of Montana works every day to reduce unintended pregnancy and keep women healthy. An affiliate of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, PPMT operates clinics in Billings, Great Falls, Helena and Missoula, as well as four rural, satellite clinics across Montana. Planned Parenthood of Montana is the largest provider of family planning services in the state, providing reproductive health care on a sliding fee scale and responsible, comprehensive sexuality education to more than 17,000 Montanans every year. For more information about Broad Comedy, please go to: www. katiegoodman.com. For more information about Planned Parenthood of Montana, go to: www.plannedparenthood.org/montana. mp
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February 1st -28th
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan Lectures • Films Family Activities & Book Discussions For schedule and more information, go to www.lclibrary.org or call 447-1690 The Big Read Program is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.
Helena
www.thecu4u.org
EarnoSauruS SavingS club
This special savings account is for children under thirteen. For every $5 you deposit in your account, you will receive one “Earnie” dollar. Save your Earnie dollars to buy fun stuff from our Earnie Store.
t Mee nie! Ear
Federally Insured by NCUA; Equal Housing Lender
FEBRUARY 2013 |
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21
HLN
Helena
Opening February 11th Under The Same Roof
Family Deals & Discounts Just mention you saw it in Montana Parent magazine!
Consignment and Baby Boutique Same great maternity and children’s consignment plus fun new items for moms and kids alike!
••••••
330 N. Jackson • Helena, MT ph: (406) 443-PIPS (7477) Check out our Facebook page
BOOKS v TOYS CARDS v GIFTS GAMES v PUZZLES JEWELRY & MORE! 331 N Last Chance Gulch • Helena, Montana
(406) 443-0260
Helena
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gift guide
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winter sports equipment: new or used? eggnog-style monte cristo
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Can’t find a copy of Montana Parent around town? Don’t have time to look? Want to share Montana Parent with friends & family?
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Helena
FEBRUARY 2013 |
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Helena
Get a
Associated Dermatology
FREE slice
of Cheesecake
Great Northern Carousel
Factory cheesecake
989 Carousel Way
Expires 2/28/2013
5 After 5 Special Mon.- Friday after 5pm
Get unlimited rides and a Kiddie Scoop of ice cream for only $5.00 Valid until 2/28/13
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FREE
Aging Skin Consultation Helena
Frozen Moose Helena
(1015 Boulder Ave. Ste. 1D)
ExplorationWorks
Come see Muttley the Moose and
ADMISSION
get 15% off your entire order!
$2.00 OFF For everyone in your party!
Helena
Memory Trail
Helena
Dinners Done Right
St.
Frozen Moose Yogurt
from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.! • European Style Desserts
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OPEN SUNDAYS
Ultra Vac Services
E. Lyndale Ave
Great Northern Carousel
Fro nt S t.
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W. Lyndale Ave
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5 I-1
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N. Benton Ave
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North Montana Ave.
W. Custer Ave.
• Breakfast Pastries
Hill Park
St.
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Bert & Ernies
North Montana Ave.
st La N.
Broadway St.
Heritage Pioneer Park
Montana State Capital
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11th Ave
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• Delicious lunches.
Park Avenue Bakery & Cafe 44 South Park Avenue, Helena, MT
406-449-8424
photo lucaphotography
Vanilla Bean
Helena
Bert & Ernie’s
Valentines Day Dinner for Two at Bert & Ernie's. For special menu go to BertandErniesofHelena.com
Also featuring Live Jazz and specialty desserts.
Helena
Memory Trail
$5 OFF A $20 Purchase Regular Priced Items
Helena
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Pick up a Gift Card for someone special in your life.
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201 N Rodney OPEN
Vacuum Bags
cocoa or a steaming
Monday - Friday 7 am-3:30 pm Saturday 8 am-2 pm
with Vacuum Purchase
homemade chili
406-443-2257
bowl of
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Bozeman & Helena
, out s h t a i w w e he r h t e s h n n i i n o , u p r d theDickens lace ok u p Charles o l n i s I a t w n d e l she shm i h of n c i u y h t p And cou i w n r e a n h o v ing rth the e a e e e s k s , i i l n h o t , i nia for a s ther s m e o compass n r t e d i t f s n n a a u ss, am e nd n e i u o h m f t o o r c r o e b p unwby Petra Academy ad h f o h in her presented c i y h t i w an 3 nights February 28th, w v o r e r h o t s , f e o s d? l r r o y o t m i w e r n s a i f v h 1st & 2nd 2013 5 7pM o Mtarch y n t i i n s e a s v r u c the 1 matinee 5 March 2nd 2013 5 2pM n e , e e b c n e e t v i a pen at h h t s e i t i van Petra Academy 5 perForMance hall s u o r t s n o m 4720 Classical Way Elias Denison
Greatexpectations
directed by
pick up tickets at petra acadeMy, Murdochs or online at www.petraacademy.com 5 $10
24
FEBRUARY 2013 |
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Y What's Up?
photo E. kelley photography
Livingston
Sweet night with rotary dinner February 8, 2013 “Twenty-Five Livingston Lunches” is the grand prize to be awarded at the Sweet Night with Rotary Dinner. One raffle winner will be drawn to win this fabulous prize of 25 $10 gift certificates to area restaurants. Tickets are ten dollars each and are being sold at many downtown merchants displaying the, “Stop, Look & Listen” posters. The proceeds from this raffle will directly benefit the Water Spray Park. The project is on schedule to open by the summer of 2013. Each restaurant’s gift can be used yourself or given to friends, family or co-workers. The Sweet Night with Rotary Dinner will be held February 8, 2013 at the Livingston Depot Center. Another great way to participate in the fundraising effort is through the “Roundup” program at Montana’s Rib and Chop House of Livingston. Every patron will have the option of rounding up their check total, up to 100 percent of the check amount, with the difference being donated to the Park funds. More information on both programs can be found on the Water Spray Park Project Facebook page. mp
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5 More
Livingston goodness
FEBRUARY 2013 |
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25
LVN
Livingston
Better teen driving, bigger discounts. Check out our Steer Clear Program. When your teen gets ready to drive, we’re there. They learn safe driving and you get lower rates. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. GET TO A BETTER STATE . CALL ME TODAY.
Family Deals & Discounts Just mention you saw it in Montana Parent magazine!
®
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Livingston
Mustang Catering Buy 12 Dinners to go
& Get the 13th
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State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL
Livingston
Paradise Valley Grill
Chef Josh Pastrama voted best chef in Livingston!
Livingston
Yellowstone Country Motors
15% OFF To Montana Parent Readers!
Because We Care... Come in for a
FREE
5 minute tire inspection!
Livingston
Tread Depth, Tire Pressure, Wear Pattern 1415 West Park street
Mustang Catering
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Open Tues.- Sat. 4:30- 9:00 5237 US Hwy 89 South (Just one mile south of the Livingston exit)
222.4815 www.paradisevalleygrill.com FEBRUARY 2013 |
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Exciting, local, fresh, organic steak, seafood, burgers, and pizzas!
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Call for Details 222-8884
Paradise Valley Grill
photo E. kelley photography
Sarah Skofield, Agent 125 E Callender Street Livingston, MT 59047 Bus: 406-222-1000 www.sarahskofield.com
Livingston
LVN
Rock Ridge Kitchen By Amanda Harms
Inside one of Montana’s oldest historic bars is one of Livingston’s newest eateries: The Mint is now home to the Rock Ridge Kitchen, a collaboration between Peter Kendig and Patrick Hellwick, two accomplished chefs who really know how to have fun in the kitchen. Their excitement for all things culinary is apparent in the innovative but never pretentious menu. Everything they put on your plate is carefully made from scratch, including an amazing roasted vegetable hot sauce—a sample taste of it almost brought tears to my eyes, not that it was too hot, but rather so full of flavor. Do you remember learning about all the different regions of tastebuds on your tongue? You are about to be reminded.
www.GreaterGallatinUnitedWay.org
406.587.2194
Kendig and Hellwick have partnered with local rancher Rick Woienski from the Montana Wagyu Cattle Company for their beef offerings. If you haven’t tried American Style Kobe Beef, now is your chance. They offer a steak and fries entree and a quarter pound Wagyu Burger that’s kid friendly, or make it a double for a hungry mama or papa. In addition to local beef, the Rock Ridge Kitchen uses veggies from local farmers whenever possible through Western Sustainability Exchange or Market Day Foods. Walk in anytime, the kitchen is open seven days a week from 4–10 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights feature a “fancy supper” addition to the menu that displays the chefs love of bringing global fare to the table, with options ranging from curries to Southwestern. Check out Rock Ridge Kitchen on Facebook for highlights and recent specials. Rock Ridge Kitchen is located inside The Mint at 102 N. Main, Downtown Livingston. mp Amanda Harms is a Livingston native. She is partner to Marvin, mother to baby Sylvia, and shepherd to a herd of dogs, cats and ducks. She enjoys gourmet cooking and baking and studying permaculture.
New Ownership for
Pinky’s By Amanda Harms
Tucked in among the galleries and shops of downtown Livingston is Pinky’s Café—a spirited place with new owner Morgan Milton taking over the helm and bringing his culinary talents. With Pinky’s extensive breakfast and lunch menu, there is something for everyone in the family. This place is so kid-friendly you can get a bowl of O’s cereal for finger food while your order is being prepared. Because the kid’s menu is still under development, you can just order the pint-size version of any menu item and then give your feedback. Dietary needs and allergies are happily accommodated. Pinky’s originally opened 15 years ago. “I kept the name because it’s a Livingston staple,” says Milton. The new Pinky’s is developing into what Livingston wants -- breakfast all day Saturday with lunch special; and specialty brunch items on Sunday. Come by for home cooking in a friendly atmosphere, you’ll quickly feel like one of the gang. Pinky’s is located at 109 South Main. They’re open Wednesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Stay connected with Pinky’s on facebook. mp Amanda Harms is a Livingston native. She is partner to Marvin, mother to baby Sylvia, and shepherd to a herd of dogs, cats and ducks. She enjoys gourmet cooking and baking and studying permaculture.
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LVN
Livingston W h at M at t e r s M o s t...
Choices. “I had worries that a hospital birth would feel clinical. By the end of the [preparing for childbirth] class, they were all squelched. I knew that it would be as natural as possible and they would support me in my decision about how I wanted the birth to go.” –Amanda Harms, New Mother
406-222-3541 www.livingstonhealthcare.org
giggles MOR
Community Investment
in Early Childhood
The Park County Community Foundation is a public charity that fosters community action to help shape a healthy future. The Park County Pathway Early Childhood Coalition is one of the many projects the Foundation coordinates. The Foundation has determined that investment in early childhood development yields the greatest influence on the well-being of the population. By analyzing data collected from parents, teachers and caregivers, they’ve learned that about 85 percent of entering Kindergarteners have had a preschool or daycare experience that prepared them for school. The Foundation would like to raise that number as they attempt to fulfill the promise of their mission statement that “every child will be put on the pathway to positive possibilities.” In the coming year they will be working with the community and families with young children to raise awareness of the home visiting programs and early childhood screening available to them. The Pathway Initiative has outlined five goals to monitor and develop:
Our kids’ learning programs are just more fun.
Tours for Tots Introduce your 3- to 5-year old to the wonders of museum learning.
1. Healthy, well-timed births indicated by
fewer low birth-weight babies, fewer teen births and fewer women receiving late or no prenatal care.
2. Ensure positive health and development resulting in more kids being assessed as ready for school at Kindergarten.
3. Get more families participating in Home Visit programs, supported networking services and lower rates of abuse and neglect.
4. High quality childcare and early education
MOR Sign 6-month to 4-year olds learn simple signs from educator Trish Smith. Visit museumoftherockies.org for times and topics.
MUSEUM ROCKIES THE
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OF
with more children participating in programs with certified teachers and a lower rate of turnover among those programs.
5. Continuity in early childhood experiences by having “Curriculum Alignment Meetings” for caregivers and teachers.
More information can be found at www.pccfmontana.org under community indicators, click on sense of community. To get more information on Parents as Teachers in home visiting program, please contact Rie at 8236355. mp
Y What's Up?
Kids'N'Snow It’s another Kids’N’Snow Weekend in West Yellowstone on February 2 and 3, 2013. The weekend kicks off on Saturday with the opportunity to learn the sport of ice fishing (for free), starting at 10 a.m. at Kirkwood Marina.
West Yellowstone
All kids who sign up and participate receive complimentary ice rods and tackle. Family members are welcome to tag along too. Then, it’s on to the ice to learn to fish with real pros. Kirkwood Marina is located on Hebgen Lake, 18 miles from the junctions of Highways 191 and 287 north of West Yellowstone. For directions, call 406-646-7200. The weekend also includes free S’mores and Skating on Saturday night, cross country ski games, two snowshoe hikes with a ranger, the “Yellowstone” movie at the IMAX Theatre, sled dog rides, ranger talks, kids programs at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center and more. For more information please go to www.kidsnsnow.org.
Three Forks
Pony Belgrade Four Corners Bozeman
Norris Hot Springs
Norris
Other February events:
Ennis
Every Saturday: Yellowstone Park ranger talk at 10 a.m. at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center; Snowshoe with a ranger at 1:30 p.m. For more information call: 307-344-2876.
Big Sky
February 1-3: National Ice Fishing Tournament Weekend with seminars, workshops, kids' clinic and tournament. For more information visit: www.westyellowstoneicefishing.com.
West Yellowstone
February 2: Cabela’s Ice Fishing Clinic for kids (free rod and setup for every kid who attends). For more information visit: www.westyellowstoneicefishing.com.
Kids"N' Snow
February 9: SPAM Cup (Nordic) ski races open to everyone followed by “Taste of the Trails.” For more information visit: www.rendezvousskitrails.com. mp
West Yellowstone
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Y What's Up?
Prenatal
southWest Montana
Summer Activity &
Camp Roundup Returns Bozeman - April 11, 2013 & Helena - April 23, 2013 Mark your calendars and reserve your booth space for Montana Parent’s Summer Activity and Camp Roundup.
photo zo-mak photography
For parents, this popular one-stop summer planning tool is a must. Visit personally with more than 40 camp and activity vendors and get a jump-start on your summer. Don’t be edged out of the most popular camps, get signed up early on April 11 from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at the Emerson Ballroom. And the Roundup is fun for kids too —they can drum with Chet, cuddle baby chicks or visit with pals.
And this year, the Roundup is heading to Helena! A Summer Camp, Activity and Safety Roundup will be held on April 23 from 4-7 p.m. at the Education Center in St. Peter’s Hospital. Vendors – reserve your booth space today. Space is limited and registration fills up fast. Those who commit to advertising in the April Summer Camp Issue of Montana Parent, and to be a vendor at the Roundup by March 1 will receive a FREE Facebook post to promote their camp or activity, to our 2,200 plus Montana Parent fans. Why the rush? Because it works. »» “I have had kids from Billings, Helena and Great Falls come to my Felt It On the Farm Kid’s Camp. I also get calls from travelers with children wanting to visit and they’ve all seen it in your magazine! Thanks so much.” ~ LaVonne Stucky of Serenity Sheep Farm Stay, Belgrade, MT. »» “I look forward to the Summer Roundup every year. It’s a fantastic way to meet parents and share what our school will be offering for our summer camps. There is always an amazing turnout and the parents and children love walking around and seeing all the great booths. I love to bring some of our new chicks and watch the little children crowd around to see and hold them. Every year families come to us from our ad in Montana Parent and the exposure we get at the Roundup. Thank you Montana Parent for offering such a fun event for all of us!” ~ Middle Creek Montessori, Bozeman, MT. »» "Camp Equinox has always loved having our ads in Montana Parent. Parents know this is the place to find out everything that is going on for kids in the summer. I can sit down with the magazine and a cup of coffee and by the end of the coffee, voila! Summer plans are all in place!" ~ Katie Goodman, Camp Equinox. »» “We LOVE how Montana Parent has been so responsive to the needs of its readers. It is a magazine that has become so much more relevant to parents of all aged kids - and such a great resource to boot. It is for this reason Kids Singers Club is thrilled to advertise with Montana Parent.” ~ Kids Singers Club
The Bozeman Activity and Camp Roundup is a nonprofit community event, hosted by Montana Parent magazine, Montana Outdoor Science School, Bozeman Recreation Department, The Emerson Cultural Center and the Gallatin Valley YMCA. The Helena event is also a nonprofit community effort, hosted by Montana Parent magazine, ExplorationWorks, Cherry Creek Radio and St. Peter’s Hospital. To purchase your advertising in the Montana Parent April Summer Camp issue and to reserve booth space, contact Stephanie Johnson today, at 406-223-6166 or
[email protected]. Vendor forms and Listing Info can also be found at mtparent.com with convenient PayPal options. mp 30
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Oral Care by Victoria Cech, Montana Dental Association
Even before your baby is born, you can help them start life with a healthy mouth and reduce your child’s overall risk for birth complications and disease. Taking care of your own health, including your oral health, is a critical part of taking care of your baby. Pregnant women have several challenges in taking care of their, and their babies’, oral health. The first challenge is an increased risk of gingivitis, or gum disease, during pregnancy. While the Academy of General Dentistry notes, “it’s a myth that calcium is lost from a mother’s teeth and ‘one tooth is lost with every pregnancy,’” it is true that the volume of plaque and sensitivity to plaque can increase in pregnant women. Gum disease is painful for you and dangerous for your baby: the bacterial infections from gum disease can result in preeclampsia (high blood pressure), low birth weight and pre-term deliveries. Cavities, gum disease and oral bacteria in a mother can lead to additional problems in a baby’s oral and overall health – so it’s especially important to take care of your teeth when you’re pregnant. If you have morning sickness and a changing appetite, dental hygiene may be more challenging than usual. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has some recommendations: “for a pregnant woman experiencing frequent vomiting, rinsing with a cup of water containing a teaspoon of baking soda and waiting an hour before brushing can help minimize dental erosion. Using a fluoridated toothpaste, chewing sugarless or xylitol-containing gum, and eating small amounts of nutritious food throughout the day can help minimize your risk of cavities." mp
Y What's Up?
What's up at
Moonlight Basin
Big Sky
by Ersin Ozer
February is a month for races and smiling faces. On Monday, February 25, Moonlight Basin is hosting Special Olympics Montana’s fourth annual Big Sky Area Winter Games. The day will feature ski races for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders as well as a snowshoe racecourse in the Madison Village Base Area. More than 50 athletes will compete in skiing, snowboarding and snowshoe events. There will be opening and closing ceremonies for the event, so grab your cowbells and come out to support the athletes. Also mark your calendars for Heart of the Valley’s 9th Annual Howlin’ at the Moon Snowshoe Shuffle – a fundraiser for the animal shelter that brings dogs, nighttime snowshoeing, friends and live music together at Moonlight Basin on March 9. Admission for this event is a direct donation to Heart of the Valley and the event is a great way for both dogs and people to get some exercise under the stars on a torch-lit, groomed, snowshoe trail which starts and finishes at Moonlight’s Headwaters Grille. Following the shuffle, come inside for a chili feed and live music.
photo courtesy moonlight basin
With a base depth of more than 40 inches, Moonlight is skiing with great coverage in all areas from trees to chutes, and the groomers to the parks. Come find our Mountain Ambassadors at the Moonlight Lodge and Madison Village Base Area for complimentary guided tours departing at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily.
Email
[email protected] for more event information and visit us this month to make Moonlight your mountain. mp
Show us your Montana driver’s license when you stay with Moonlight Lodging this February and receive: 25% off lodging
$ 4 5 l i f t t i c k e ts B u y 1, e n j oy a 2 n d dinner entree Free
while dining at Moonlight’s Jack Creek Grille
Call (866) 251-1625 to Book your esCape today! Ask our reservations team about end of season getaways!
some restrictions apply, cannot be combined with any other offer. New reservations only. Package valid 3 night stays until 2/28. Black out dates 2/14-2/19.
mp
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Babes in Bozeman
Baby Photo
4
Contest! Please join the fun!
4th Annual BaBy ExPo! Due to arrive on
Saturday,
Acorn Pediatrics, Billings Clinic Bibs & Binkies, Spring Integrative Health, Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply & Montana Parent Magazine!
Do you have a
april 13 between
Contest brought to you by:
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We are searching for a sweet little babe to be THE FACE of the 2013 Babes in Bozeman BABY EXPO!
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at the Babes in Bozeman Baby Expo on April 13, 2013 at the Hilton Garden Inn on 19th Avenue.
VOTE online at www.mtparent.com for the top five finalists between March 1-15, 2013! (see Montana Parent site for complete details).
Become a VENDOR at our 2013 Babes in Bozeman Baby Expo! Download your Registration NOW! - visit us online at www.BabesinMontana.com 32
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m LAUGH s
n
io
ct
l fe
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m si
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Laughter and Humor is the Best—and Maybe Only—Way to Get Through the Ups and Downs of Parenting
LOVE TO
Nobody Said it Was Going to be Fun By Leigh Ripley
“Nobody said it was going to be fun.” Really? Honestly, probably the worst thing my husband has ever uttered to me.
Nine years ago we took our two-month old baby to a birthday party at the park. There were tons of kids, but since Emma was so young, I was her playmate for the party. Unfortunately, Emma didn’t want to play. Or party. She wanted to cry.
I learned that afternoon that my little girl didn’t care for loud gatherings, people staring at her or even being outside. As I bounced my baby around the park (alone), I watched my dear husband enjoying himself. He had a beer in one hand and food in the other. He was laughing, socializing and doing what you’re supposed to do at a party: having a blast. I – on the other hand – was not and, in light of the fact that Emma refused to calm down, I just wanted to go home.
When I suggested we leave (note: with a crying baby in my arms), I was told, “Not yet. Give her more time, she’ll calm down.” This did not bode well with me. I proceeded to go all “Jersey” on my husband, explaining that while he was having a great time, I was not. Everything I was doing at the party would be better done at home. I closed my argument with, “Bringing a baby to a party is just not fun!” And that’s when he said it. “Nobody said it was going to be fun.” The truth hurts, doesn’t it? That day the truth hurt my husband because I was too fired up to accept it. The next day, however, I made peace with it. Nobody did say parenting was supposed to be fun. But it can be, and it should be. Kids have temper tantrums at the worst times, in the worst places. They vomit, in public sometimes and maybe even on you. They cry, and fight, scream and pout. And they tend to do all of this when we are trying to have fun. Next time you plan something ‘fun’ for the family, try lowering your own personal expectations for the day and just ride the roller coaster of life that is raising a child. For instance, my husband and I were convinced this season’s first day on the ski hill was going to be a great time together. The kids had other plans. One-quarter mile from the parking lot, the four-year-old threw up all over the car and the nine-year-old. The nine-year-old had to ski in her skivvies under her snow pants and the four year old moved from carsickness to crying - while skiing - for the next hour because she “forgot how to ski.” At least until we ran into her little friend and her memory for skiing made a miraculous recovery (and thankfully, so did my husband’s attitude).
What’s my point? It’s not supposed to be fun. But it is.
Parenting is unpredictable and amazing at the same time. It’s frustrating and infuriating, then loving and fulfilling. Not every perfectly planned event will turn out the way you wished, but it is up to you to make sure you and your children enjoy the ride anyway. Just remember, that vomit on your shoulder and those boogies in your hair will make for great fodder someday, and that day comes sooner than you think. mp :: FEBRUARY ACTIVITY CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM ::
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m Funny Things Kids Say LOVE TO
By our Montana Parent Facebook fans
Montana Parent asked our Facebook fans to share with us some of the gutbusting things their kids have said. Get ready, these are good.
»» Dan Ripley: “So, Emma, what do you want to be when you grow up?" Emma replies, ‘Probably a Veterinarian, but then I won’t be able to eat meat.’
»» Brenda Gayer-Pavlovick: “While I was getting dressed after a shower, my twoand-a-half year old looked at me with the saddest face and said, ‘Oooooh noooo, mom . . . boobs broken.’ I laughed and put my bra on, and then he said, ‘They’re fixed! Let's go!’”
»» Sheila Kellogg: “After having a pretty lengthy discussion with my nine-yearold about the ‘birds and the bees,’ it seemed to me that the basics were covered and understood. Well, she must have shared her newfound knowledge with her peers because the very next day, she burst through the door after school and asked, ‘Mama what does bisectional mean?’ . . . bisectional (LOL). I told her that sounded like a math problem and she’d have to wait and ask her dad.”
»» Sarah Mayhew: “Mom your hair is wet. Did you fall in the toilet?" – Bridger, age two »» Eleonore Snow: “After hearing her father exclaim, ‘That is so f*#^ing stupid,’ my then-four-year-old daughter looked at me and said, ‘Papa just said stupid. That is not OK.’” »» Emily Numrich Kelley: “When our son was about three, he loved playing with bungee hooks – pulling trucks, moving everything in sight. His word for them was ‘hookers.’ Well, one day grandpa was visiting and he asked our son where he could find one to use, and our son replied, ‘Daddy keeps the hookers in the garage.’” »» Larry Peck: “While teaching my daughter to ski, I told her to ski across the hill, back and forth, back and forth. My daughter replied, ‘OK daddy, but I’m probably going to ski forth first.’” »» Jessica Sowell: “A couple of months ago my son (he’s five) had a little playmate over. I went into the bathroom and shut the door for privacy. I overheard my son tell his friend, ‘My mom only shuts the door when it’s her diaper time.’ The friend asked: ‘Your mom wears diapers?’ My son replied: ‘Not always, only sometimes. Like, I think she said once a month.’” »» Amy M. Whittle: “I bought my fiveyear-old a made-in-China Hello Kitty alarm clock and – after putting batteries in and battling for five minutes to get the screw back in the hole that didn’t quite line up right – I mumbled under my breath, ‘What a piece of sh#*.’ Very calmly, but with great conviction, Little Miss Thing said with her brows furrowed, ‘It’s not a piece of sh#*. It’s a piece of totally awesome.’”
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»» Julie Kmetzo Hergert: “When my son was two, he couldn’t quite say the word museum, but he sure did love going to the Museum of the Rockies. I took him there one day, and he ran in screaming what he thought was, ‘MUSEUM! MUSEUM! MUSEUM!’ at the top of his lungs. In actuality, he was screaming ‘SEMEN! SEMEN! SEMEN!’” »» Gloria Ravi Inder Overcash: “So we’re at Bozeman Beach and my nine-yearold is building a pond in the sand. Somebody else messes it up and the water starts flowing out. He frantically starts fixing his pond, yelling, ‘DAM IT DAM IT DAM IT!’ I was shocked and embarrassed, thinking he was swearing . . . but really he was calling out for help to save his pond. Much funnier in retrospect.” »» Julie McCartney-Brantley: Mom to her daughter (age two): "Heather, your shoes are on the wrong feet." Heather (looking down at her feet): "But mommy, these are the only feet I have.” »» Rachel Palmer: “When my oldest was two, we were in Target and she was saying ‘Shirt!’ each time she saw one. But she was actually saying ‘Sh*%!’ I got some pretty funny looks from complete strangers, as well as some giggles.” »» Carmen McKinney Stark: “When my daughter was about three, she loudly asked me in McDonalds whether her chicken nuggets would turn into poop.” »» Shaunescy Willard: “We were sitting at dinner when my five-year-old son
photo diana proemm photography
LAUGH
looked at my husband and me and very seriously and asked, ‘was it cool living in the olden days when everything was black and white?’” »» Laurel Everaert: “Before my daughter turned two, she couldn’t quite pronounce the word fork. When I asked her to get a couple forks from the kitchen, she happily came back around the corner, proclaiming excitedly, ‘Mommy I got the f#%@ers!’ Horrible, I know, but the innocence of it was hilarious!” »» Leslie Knight: “My husband was working in the garage one afternoon, and our three-year-old wanted to play camping. She had a tent, a cooler, built a firepit and kept asking dad to play. He did, here and there, but apparently not enough as she sternly stated, ‘If you don’t play camping with me I’m just going to have to play the sad little girl who sits in the sun.’ Dad went camping.” »» Mountain Belles: “My then-four-yearold said, ‘Why do adults have hair on their butts?’ (Meaning pubic hair.) She then said, ‘Do they take it off their heads and tape it on their butts?’ I explained how when you grow into an adult, hair grows down there. She asked, ‘Is Ellen (her older sister) going to grow up first?’ I said ‘Yes.’ She then started crying that she didn't want her to grow up!” »» Heather Czerwonka Giacomo: “My eight-year-old just told me the other day that he knows our zip code and then proceeded to tell me the pin on my debit card -- yikes, I thought, how the heck does he know that number?! On a separate occasion, he tried to convince me that his earlobe was fake – he was completely serious!” mp
Ten Things I’d Never Have Survived
Without a Sense of Humor Written By Eleonore Snow
There are times when I look back on some of the absurd and ridiculous (some might go so far as to say humiliating or gross) experiences I’ve endured over the last 13 years of being a mama and I really do wonder how I did it. I’m sure the same is true for you. It must be. And if it’s not, then you’re either extremely lucky or maybe just not having enough fun in life. From the moment we give birth and feel like our butt is going to explode in front of the partner who once found us sexy (or anyone else who bought tickets), the only way to survive – I believe – is with a ribald sense of humor. Here are some highlights from my own career that still make me giggle (and sometimes cry a little).
1.
My clueless male boss walked in on me while I was pumping my breast milk during lunch. Both boobs flopped out of my bra, lactating away, at my desk. And this is why we have locks on doors.
2. The time when my sweet little five-yearold girl told her kindergarten teacher: “My mama really, really likes beer.”
3.
Once, my girlfriend and I walked in on our three-year-old sons (who were supposed to be having a playdate) hastily pulling up their pants after depositing two enormous mounds of poop on the carpet of my boy’s room. Even more exciting were the little turds I was still finding years later in the toy bin – Hey, is that a chunk of Kit-Kat? Or . . .
4. When my daughter was three, my
mother-in-law and I took her to the Christmas Tree Shop during the holidays. Her precious little face set, my curlyhaired toddler ran excitedly over to the bins of wrapping paper, announcing loudly, “Come on! We need some f**king wrapping paper!!” Poor Nana -- I thought she was going to cry. She didn’t, but I wanted to.
5.
Explaining again to my old-enough-toknow-better son that is not OK for him to squeeze my boobs.
6. One winter, I had a brain fart and
thought it would be cool to teach my cautious little two-year-old son how fun sledding could really be by pushing him down a ski hill all by himself. After reaching top speed, he caught air (by now I could hear the screaming), landed, and slid another ten yards down into a (thankfully frozen) creek bed. He didn’t sled again for seven years.
7. I recently attempted to trim my own
bangs with disastrous results. When I asked my 7th grade daughter what I did wrong, she said, “I think the real question is what did you not do right.” Ouch.
t gift, t h e p e r f e ce every tim .................... mon - sat 10am - 6pm sun 12pm-5pm ph: 406.586.5589 www.heydaybozeman.com
8.
During a preschool field trip to a local newspaper, my then-four-year-old son declared the visit a snooze. “This is boyying Mama!” he stated loudly – and rather obviously – in his cute little toddler accent. Not wanting to offend the paper’s employees (who were barely conscious, but whatever), I shushed him and told him to be polite. Incensed, he looked up at me, dropped my hand and said, now very loudly, “Hey lady, do I look like a SUCKER to you?!?!”
9. Having to scoop up my baby daughter from under the seat in front of me after she fell asleep and rolled off her seat on the airplane. How did I let this happen? Because I was, you guessed it, asleep.
10.
Waking up with both kids barfing all over themselves, each other and me during a nasty bout of stomach flu. You’ve been there, right? So you know. You know how hard it is to take yourself (or life, for that matter) too seriously when you have vomit in your eye. mp Eleonore Snow is an East coast transplant to Bozeman (please don’t hold this against her) who delights exploring her new hometown with her two marvelous
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Taste
Love
Crave
Healthy & Delicious Ask Us About Catering your next event!
Made fresh daily in our store with Nancy’s Plain Organic Non-fat Yogurt Locally Owned and Operated since 2009. We are NOT a Chain or Franchise.
Open 11 am to 9 pm Every Day! 280 W. Kagy Blvd, Ste D • Bozeman MT icravemoberry.com or Like Us on Facebook
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35
m MOMoirs LOVE TO
LAUGH
photo zo-mak photography
By Sara Groves
On the morning of his sixth birthday, I woke Peter for school and before he had even opened his eyes all the way, he murmured, “How old were you when you had me anyway? Were you sixty, old lady?” Now I’m here to tell you that I’ve got quite a few years before I turn 66; in fact, I fully expect Peter to have completed his M.D./Ph.D. program at Harvard and to be well on his way to discovering the cure for cancer and/or bringing about world peace by my 66th birthday — not being some knuckleheaded kindergartener sleeping in the bottom bunk. Of course Peter was just trying to be funny, but let’s face it — making your mother more than 25 years older than she actually is and calling her “old lady,” in the same sentence is probably not the way to endear yourself to her, especially before she’s even had a whole cup of coffee. But this is high humor for a six year-old, not to mention his eight year-old brother. Other things that qualify as outright hilarity in our house are fart jokes, actual farts, whoopee cushions, making farting noises under your armpits and belching the word “fart.” Now, I’m not so highbrow that I can’t enjoy a hearty laugh over a pile of rubber vomit delicately placed upon my pillow, or the exceedingly lifelike brown PlayDoh dog poop that someone likes to put in my shoe, or someone pretending to sneeze as they douse me with Silly String. But lately, in addition to playing jokes on me, my boys have made me the butt of their jokes. Because apparently preying up on their dear mother’s insecurities is far funnier than pouncing on a whoopee cushion. For instance, Peter recently drew a picture of our family with me, front and center, yellow hair crazily askance the way my hair normally is. As soon as Mike saw the drawing, he complimented Peter on his artistic skills and then said, “But I think we need to do something here to make this more realistic.”
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Then he grabbed a gray crayon and scribbled over my yellow hair with it. “There!” he announced proudly. “Now you can tell that’s Mom!” Har-de-har-har. Off to the hair colorist I go. My boys also know from firsthand experience that I am a total germ-ophobe. This is a direct result of once working in a large metropolitan hospital, not to mention surviving several bouts of the stomach flu — by myself — with two small children. Thus, in the simplest terms, if it was socially acceptable to zip myself into a biohazard suit before leaving the house, I would. But I also happen to live with my two own little bioterrorists, who seem to continuously bring home a rather wide range of viruses from school. It just wouldn’t be like home if Mike and/or Peter wasn’t coughing or sneezing or — my personal favorite — cleaning snot from their noses with the back of their hands and then wiping it on the couch cushions. (I bet you can’t wait to come over and sit on my couch now, can you?) But the boys think there are few things more hilarious than to cough and sneeze on germ-phobic me. “Cover your mouths! Cover! Cover!” I am forever yelling at them as they laugh hysterically and cough and sneeze on me some more or — even worse than the couch — wipe something on my arm. “Look at that! Mom has a giant, green booger arm! Booger arm! Booger arm! You have a booger arm!” Peter will
announce in a sing-songy voice, as sweet as pie, smiling up at me all the while. If someone isn’t coughing on me or putting fake poo in my shoe or making fun of my graying hair, they’re taking jabs at my personality in general, like when Mike shuffles out of my bedroom wearing his Darth Vader suit and a pair of my knee-high, high-heeled, black leather boots, with one hand on his hip and the other wagging a finger in the air. “O.K. Guess who I am!” he announces through the mask. “You better not miss that bus because I don’t have time to drive you to school today! Did you brush your teeth? Did you comb your hair? I don’t believe you — it’s still standing straight on end! You’re not going to wear that raggedy-looking shirt to school. Tuck that shirt in!” Peter goes with the less obvious choice: "Darth Vader, Lord of the Dark Side." “You’re close, Peter!” Mike says gleefully. “But nope — I’m Mom!” Oh, if only I had the power of the Force on my side. Of course it’s important to be able to laugh at yourself and not take yourself too seriously, a lesson I’m hoping the boys will learn over time. For now, they’re both much better at dishing it out than taking it, but I aim to change that as I master my Jedi mind tricks. May the Force be with you (and me)! mp Sara Groves lives in Helena where she is mom to Mike, age seven, and Peter, age five. She coordinates the early literacy program, Ready 2 Read, at the Montana State Library and also works as a freelance writer.
One-liners You Swore You'd Never Say Compiled by MOPS International | Introduction by Leigh Ripley
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When I began thinking about the humorthemed February issue of Montana Parent I knew exactly where to go: MOPS. Why? Because Mothers of Preschoolers hear, say and witness some really funny stuff. Liz Sagaser with MOPS International has been a constant resource for our magazine and she’s come through again.
photo lucaphotography
Liz posted this question to MOPS International fans, “What funny one-liners do you toss at your kids that you NEVER thought you’d say?” Here’s what Mothers of Preschools from across the country came up with: »» “We don’t get naked in front of our friends!” - Christie Potts Welch of Arizona, mother of two »» “Do I try to sit in your lap when you poop?” Said to my son, trying to climb on my lap in the bathroom. - Stacy Rollman McCutcheon of Pennsylvania, mother of two »» “Your underwear is not a pocket!” Abby Wyatt of North Carolina, mother of four »» “Oh well, you’ll poop it out later.” Said after my daughter bit off, chewed and swallowed a small portion of a nontoxic crayon. - Shamara Griffin of New Hampshire, mother of two »» My three-year-old pulls the “I’m scared!” to get out of bed a lot. I like to reply with “You’re going to think you’re scared when I put you on the porch and you have to sleep with Bigfoot!” (I don’t ever LEAVE her on the porch, but a good 10-second time out on the porch at night in her PJs really makes her tired quickly) - Jennifer Dill »» “Behave or I’m going to sell you to the Gypsies for a wooden nickel!” - Jessica DeFillipo of Alaska, mother of three »» “We’re there when the hood ornament stops moving and I turn off the engine!” - Kurt Goslin of Texas, father of two
»» “Mommy changed her name and I am not telling you what it is.” - Dawn Healey of Connecticut, mother of two »» “But mummy, it’s Internationally recognized!” says my 10-year-old son on some Warcraft game and design. I go, “Evil is also internationally recognized, dear.” My son was stunned by my reproach. - Joy Bea Lee »» “I now understand why lions eat their young.” Sabrina McDonald Walker of Arizona, mother of five »» “Are your arms painted on? You can get it!” My mom always said this to my brother and me, and I hated it. Now I use it on my kids, and occasionally my husband. - Jamie Kassik of Colorado, mother of three »» “Do you want me to give you something to cry about?” When they ask what’s for dinner, I say “Food.” When they ask what food, I say, “The kind you eat!” - Jennifer Worthington »» “My couch is not a trampoline - stop jumping on it!” - Jennifer Dyer Schmidt of Utah, mother of three
»» My favorite is one my dad used to say, “Did you pay for that TV? When you pay for a TV, you can choose what to watch.” - Beth Seline Frank of Indiana, mother of one »» “I can tread water longer than you can make it rain!” - Joanne Kraft of Tennessee, mother of four »» “Would you please turn on and use the brain that God gave you?” - Laura Busby Humerickhouse of Indiana, mother of three »» “Yeah, we’re there. Get out!” (Said as we are going down the highway); “I don’t care who started it, I’m FINISHING it!”; “If you keep digging up there, you are going to poke yourself in the back of your eyeball.”; “Look with your eyes, not with your hands.”; “This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you.” And the all-time favorite that my mother used say that I swore I never would say, “Because I’m the Mom and I said so, that’s why!” - Rebecca Williams Teague of Missouri, mother of four mp
»» “Pull your britches up!” Who says that? - Jen Cook-Osting, mother of three
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The Teenager
I Threw her Hair out the Window
photo lucaphotography
by Stacey Tompkins, MA
Our first daughter, Lucy, is a piece of work. She was a difficult pregnancy. She was even tougher during the first six months of her life—"colic" is too sweet a word for what afflicted her. She screamed endlessly and rarely slept more than 20 minutes at a stretch. "Possessed" would be a better description. As a toddler she was a demanding, bossy and boundarytesting force. We loved her beyond measure. And she brought me to the brink of insanity again and again.
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I was a twenty-something, naive, granola-y Seattleite, and I thought love was all any child needed in order thrive. How wrong I was. Lucy was a relentless teacher from the get-go, and I quickly grasped that consistency, firmness and follow-through were equally as important as love. The disillusionment I experienced was jarring, but I was all in for this motherhood experience, so I learned, changed and gradually became wiser.
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When Lucy was four years old, she loved to wear fancy crazy colorful tights on her head. She’d put the waistband around her noggin and let the legs hang, falling about her shoulders and down her back. She’d flip her "hair" with her little hand, and assume an air of royalty. To complete the look she’d add big sunglasses, fancy lace dresses and colorful rubber boots to go with her flowing locks, and we
would gaze upon her, appreciating her outrageous expression of individuality. But let me be clear, she looked completely crazy. One evening we were rolling in our VW Van, aptly named “The Wheel Bus,” heading to a friend’s house for dinner. Lucy was in a foul mood, even though she donned her empowering hair-tights. After being wrestled into her booster seat, she began screaming about something. With my last bit of patience evaporating, I twisted around in the front seat and exclaimed, “If you don’t stop screaming by the count of three, I will throw your hair out the window.” Ed, Lucy and our two year old, Mia, turned to see if I was serious. It was hard to know, since it was such a bizarre thing to say. Lucy tested the threat with more screeching. After the required threecount, I reached back, snatched the tights off her head in one quick tug, rolled down my window, and executed a hook shot, launching them in a colorful arc over the top of the car and into the hydrangea bushes that ran the length of the median. Lucy’s eyes grew wide, registering complete shock. She pushed out her bottom lip and her body became a stiff board in the booster seat. She pierced the air with a shrieking yowl as if I had actually scalped her, and she was suffering
a terrible bloody death right there in her grimy plastic booster seat. She hollered all the way to our friend’s house, and then gradually became quiet and thoughtful. As she stared at me curiously, I could almost see the cogs in her brain turning. Being a thinker, Lucy was determined to make sense of this new development. After a while she asked, “Why did you do it, Mama?” I answered, “Well, after I told you I would do it, I then had to do it when you chose not to stop.” She asked softly, “Will I ever get my hair back?” and I replied, “Only if you agree to stop screaming when I ask.” She said she would. Ed drove the wheel bus back to the median bushes and fished out Lucy’s hairtights. When he carried them into the party, Lucy was thrilled. After receiving them like a precious golden treasure, she carefully picked off the dead leaves and twigs, and settled the waistband around her head just so. All was right again. She flipped the legs onto her back and returned to coloring with the other kids. They looked at her with quizzical stares, and then went back to their coloring, as if hair tights and fancy sunglasses were the most common sight.
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Idle threats never helped Lucy make sense of her world. Follow-through was critical to our mission of raising a well-adjusted, feisty daughter who understood accountability. I eventually learned this golden rule of parenting; if you are going to threaten to throw your child’s hair out the window, you must be prepared to actually do it. It takes bold action and also a willingness to suffer the short-term consequences. What we got in return, however, was priceless. Lucy believed it when a limit was set. There are few greater assets to have in a parenting arsenal.
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This particular story quickly became family lore. It even made it into a magazine! And who knows? One day it could be told at a rehearsal dinner, I’m just saying. mp Stacey Tompkins lives in downtown Bozeman with her elderly mutt, two teenage daughters and one energetic husband. She is an irrepressible writer, and loves working with individuals and couples as a life coach through her business, Sungate Integral Coaching (406570-1304 or
[email protected]).
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21 Parental Triumphs: Good Reasons to Let us Eat Cake by Michele Ranard, M.Ed.
photo zo-mak photography
LAUGH
It’s the little things, as they say. Assorted daily small victories—triumphs even— that only parents who aren’t perfect or posers can truly celebrate. This list of personal favorites is decidedly one-off and twisted…not unlike living with the children we cherish. Can you claim any of the following parental victories? Well then, it is only fitting you get your just desserts.
1. Queen of Milk. Upon discovering you were
all out, you dragged yourself to the market in the pouring rain to buy organic soymilk for the kids’ French toast rather than lazily substituting that frozen breast milk.
2. You’re All That. You managed to sail through an entire day without being barfed on or called “an inferior being who supplied these genes” once.
3. Responsible is Your Middle Name. Even though it
was a temptation, you did NOT ask the UPS guy to “Please, please, please just keep an eye on Aidan in the ExcerSaucer for five minutes while I shower.”
4. It Really is the Little Things. You miraculously
remembered to empty your teen’s pockets of his iPhone and driver’s permit before throwing in a load of laundry.
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5. Patience is Yours. After helping your 5th
grader prepare for the physical science exam, no one required traction or reconstructive surgery.
6. Your Awesome-ish is Legendary. Everyone under the roof has clean underwear to wear tomorrow. 7. Oh Yeahhhhhh, You’ve Still Got it. One of the
kids commented, “Your eyes aren’t as bloodshot and scary like yesterday, mommy.”
8. Cuz You’re Graceful. Last night when you tripped, you did not accidentally impale yourself on a Lego sculpture carelessly lying near that puddle of urine on which you slipped. 9. You’ve Always Been Well-groomed. Appearing
relaxed and chic at the library’s story hour, no one complimented you on the “adorable grandchild.”
10. When You Got it, You Got it. After 7th grader
Ashley handed you her midterm grade report, you didn’t respond with “We are going to have to let you go.”
11. Social Networking Proves it. Your Facebook status reads more Mr. Rogers than Charlie Sheen.
12. It’s All in the Details. You prevented your
child from being scarred for life and avoided a messy Family Services investigation by successfully packing your 9-year-old’s lunch without tossing in a can of Bud-Light (which looks eerily similar to blue cans of apple juice at 5:30 a.m.).
13. Move Over, Top Chef. Some version of “Best brownies in the galaxy!” was declared after dinner and not “Daaaaaad! I need a straw for this meatloaf!” 14. Because You’re Amazing. When the 16 year-old sent the text about the $350 speeding ticket, you refrained from reacting with roundhouse kicks and binge drinking.
15. They Are all Just Teaching Moments. When your
tween announced "SOMEONE NEEDS TO PUT MORE TOILET PAPER ON THE ROLL," you calmly, without sarcasm, suggested that “someone” might be “him.”
16. Hallelujah, You Rock. You managed the
impossible: you took a nap today while your infant napped.
17. Advocacy is Your Strong Suit. Neither anxiety
nor rage overtook you when your 1stgrader’s teacher announced your child’s impulsivity and failure to master phonics seem likely to lead to a life of crime.
18. Always the Bearer of Sweet News! The text sent
to your spouse tonight read, “Oops we r outta diapers,” and not, “Oops firstborn needs bail.”
19. Diva, Diva, Diva. If you’re a mom, you
actually found adequate minutes to shave BOTH legs in the shower.
20. Handsome Devil. If you’re a dad, a portrait of you created by your preschooler is charming, without obvious horns or a pitchfork.
21. King of Orthodontia. You retrieved your 6th grader’s expensive retainer accidentally thrown away in the trash bin three days ago. mp Michele Ranard has three backup stashes of Peanut Butter M&Ms, a husband, two sons, and a master’s in counseling. She has a blog at http://hellolovelyinc. blogspot.com.
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The Evolution of Jokes By Jennifer Gossett
But, wow, thinking back to where he started in the humor department is seriously painful. My son has always been a fan of jokes, wanting to tell his dad and me jokes, wanting to read joke books, etc. So when our little guy was about four years old, a friend and former co-worker of mine did a bad thing, a VERY bad thing, he tried to teach him the classic (and very long) “orange/banana” joke. In case you aren’t familiar, it goes something like this:
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Cow Cow who? Orange you glad I didn’t say pig! Knock knock
Knock knock
Who’s there?
Who’s there?
Batman
Banana
Batman who?
Banana who?
Knock knock
Knock knock
Who’s there?
Who’s there?
Baseball
Banana
Baseball who?
Banana who?
Orange you glad I didn’t say macaroni!
(And on and on and on and on in the exact same way, until…)
Thankfully, the “orange you glad” phase didn’t last forever. As he’s gotten older, the jokes have evolved and improved although, with that evolution has come a complete and total immersion into “potty humor” that is so typical of boys his age. All it takes to send him careening off into peals of laughter is for a joke to have the word “poop” in it. (Underwear or toilet are also acceptable substitutes.)
Knock knock Who’s there? Orange Orange who? Orange you glad I didn’t say banana! That joke is corny enough by itself, but in the hands of a four year old? He did unspeakable things to that joke, thinking he was being funny and creative. But it turned out more like this: Knock knock Who’s there?
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photo amy shertzer photography
My youngest son is almost nine years old and he has FINALLY figured out how to tell a joke in a way that is actually funny. For years his attempts at jokes made no sense at all, but -- of course -- we had to make a big display of laughing like his material was the funniest thing we’d ever heard. Today he makes up jokes of his own and, most of the time, they have at least some degree of funny in them. Most of the time.
Today, he’s a pretty good joke-teller and is able to remember and (accurately) repeat jokes that he hears from others. Some recent favorites are: “What do you call a bunch of rabbits running backwards? A receding hareline!”
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“Where does a sheep get his hair cut? At the Baa-baa shop!” The current crop of jokes that he makes up lean more toward the pun variety. They’re corny, I guess, but cute and creative. Some are inspired by the books he reads (Captain Underpants, and the like), or by superheroes, TV characters and video games. I love watching how he creates the punch line with a thoughtfully placed word or two that brings the pun to life. They probably don’t make a lot of sense unless you get the context – if you don’t know George and Harold from the Captain Underpants books (very mischievous boys who are prone to pulling pranks), or you don’t play Super Mario video games, some of the jokes might be pretty meaningless. But, since we do, we can appreciate the jokes and realize that they’re actually pretty ingenious for an eight-year-old. Here’s a sample: “What is George and Harold’s favorite board game?
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Monopoly Electronic Spanking!” (Real name of the game is Electronic Banking) I got a really good laugh out of this one, mostly because of the creativity he showed in coming up with it: “What does a muscle man say when he wants to answer yes? AB-solutely!” Our kids go through so many phases and we watch in amazement as they reach milestone after milestone and move from baby to toddler, preschooler to school-aged, etc. Learning to tell jokes and having a vivid sense of humor isn’t usually a milestone that parents watch for anxiously, and it certainly isn’t the most crucial one for a child’s healthy development. But it is a fun one to see and I’ve really enjoyed watching my son’s exploration of what is funny and how to make others laugh. The current crop of jokes, thankfully, are ones that I don’t have to just pretend to laugh at. I can appreciate them as truly funny and can be proud of what his eightyear-old mind has come up with. And orange you glad I didn’t say banana? mp Jennifer Gossett is a music therapist for children with disabilities and has 15 years experience as a music educator in public and private schools. She is also a wife and the mother of two special boys.
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Best Mom Ever: Ski Instructor
photo amy shertzer photography
by Lela Davidson
Custom Hand Crafted Bags and Accessories We’ve all seen that psycho mom barking orders at her kids like a drill sergeant after one too many lattes. You want to pass her a Valium and rescue the kids from a lifetime of therapy. You know her? She’s me. As soon as my husband uttered the words, “ski vacation,” I was all over it. Within minutes I had visited the resort’s website and whipped out a spreadsheet complete with activities, restaurants and a budget. I printed MapQuest directions and loaded up on Nintendo DS games for the drive. I rocked the planning phase. Still, as our departure date approached, I hadn’t yet made ski school reservations.
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“Did you call?” my husband asked for the hundredth time on the twelve-hour drive to the mountain.
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“It’ll be fine.” Didn't he appreciate all I’d done? Why did he have to harp on those damn ski school reservations?
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At the resort, I lost myself in awe of the perfect symmetry of a single snowflake on my gloves, finding comfort in that six-spoked creation. The snowflake doesn’t disappoint; it’s always picture-book-perfect, just like our ski vacation would be.
Helena
Imagine my surprise the next morning, when, after hiking up sixteen flights of stairs in Gortex and boots, we learned that ski school was full. Oops. We promptly signed the kids up for the next day and decided to salvage the day by skiing with them. On the walk to the rental shop I chastised myself for wrecking the day while my husband pretended not to be irked. We suffered through long lines, our children’s professional grade whining, and too-tight boots before heading to our doom on the slopes.
You got it!
After twenty minutes of “I can’t!” and, “It doesn’t work,” along with some hateful silence, I’d had enough. I couldn’t take another namby-pamby minute. Suddenly single-minded in purpose, I declared that we were leaving the bunny slope. Twenty minutes later I was screaming down the first run.
“Uh-huh,” my son added.
Dig in!
Now you’re skiing! SHRED!!! Any residue of guilt fell away that night when I tucked my kids into the soft hotel sheets. “Mom,” my daughter said, wrapping warm fingers around my neck. “You’re the Best Mom Ever.” No,” I said, kissing her on the cheek.
“You think?” They nodded. “Best Mom Ever!” we all screamed.
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A few days later, I watched another couple try to smooth talk their son off the ground.
Helena
“See all the other kids?” Mama cooed. “You can do it!”
Pay attention! Toes together! Get up! Get UP! GET UP!!! Sure, I looked insane and I scared a few kids who weren’t mine. Whatever. It’s not like I don’t know better. I know how I should have been acting. I should have been sensitive to my children’s feelings, protected their precious sense of accomplishment and coddled their fragile self-esteem. That’s just not me. Maybe I felt a little bad being so tough on my kids. Maybe there were a few tears inside their goggles and, yes, other parents judged me. What can I say? I’m no snowflake. If I’d let all that stuff deter me, my kids would have missed a whole day of skiing.
“Come on, Conner,” Daddy pleaded. “Pleeeeze,” they both practically cried. The kid just sat there, holding all the power. If the soft approach works for you, go for it, but know that you can’t fake sensitive. Kids smell artifice like a dog senses fear. Better to be yourself, even though you’re not perfect. Quit trying to be a snowflake. It’s SO much better to be the Best Mom Ever! mp Lela Davidson is the author of Blacklisted from the PTA and Who Peed on My Yoga Mat?, collections of irreverent essays about motherhood and the modern family. Her children are both avid skiers. Next stop: Driving lessons.
Instead, within an hour my shouts had changed from maniacal to: Good!
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Laughing Your Way to a Healthier You Written by Amy Stoddart
Three’s a crowd.
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photo zo-mak photography
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Laughter is the best medicine. My mom repeated this mantra to me every time I experienced the aches and pains of growing up. I was lucky to live in a house where humor and laughter were key components to our successful development and co-habitation. To this day, my family is full of pranksters busting a gut over family secrets, accidents and hilarious stories. We even laugh about illness and mishaps and, while that might seem odd or inappropriate, it’s simply our family’s effective and longstanding coping mechanism. It turns out my family was on to something: There is medical evidence to support my mom’s mantra. Studies suggest laughter can help relieve pain, bring greater happiness and even increase immunity. Its other benefits include burning calories, relieving emotional stress and exercising the muscles of the diaphragm, abdomen, back and shoulders. Average healthy children may laugh as much as 400 times per day, but adults tend to laugh only 15 times per day. As life becomes busier, our stress levels and to-do-lists take over and prevent us from living a fun and joyous lifestyle. Being a grown-up can suck the fun right out of you...but it doesn’t have to. You can make the choice to live life with positivity and humor. Trust me, that to-do-list will still get done. Here are a few reminders of the importance of laughter in a healthy and functional life. Laughing engages the muscles of the face, neck, back, shoulders and abdomen. Laughing is often an involuntary act that can be difficult to fake or suppress and
requires a complex set of musculature for authenticity. It requires no less than fifteen facial muscles; when you really get going, the muscles of the shoulders, back, neck, throat and diaphragm become engaged as well. A good “belly laugh” can leave your abdomen sore and fatigued. The harder you laugh the more muscles you use. A new trend in fitness is to “Laugh Your Abs Off” which encourages participants to laugh while performing exercises in an attempt to deepen core engagement. You can find several varieties on YouTube that are sure to help you bust a gut. In theory, the forced exhalation of air while imitating laughter encourages the deep transverses abdominal to wrap around the waist like a belt, strengthening the lumbar spine and improving control and balance in the muscles of the trunk. A Vanderbilt University study found that adults burn an average of 1.3 calories per minute while laughing with their friends. While that doesn’t come close to the number of calories burned in formal exercise, laughter also relieves emotional stress. Laughter relieves stress and improves mood. Laughter is one of the quickest and most effective ways to alleviate stress or feelings of anxiety, sadness or anger. While many muscles engage as you laugh, the non-active muscles actually relax as your body surges with endorphins and hormones. Studies show that laughing reduces the production of stress hormones, such as cortisol and epinephrine, and introduces other feelgood hormones known as endorphins.
stress hormones and fosters a positive and hopeful attitude. Laughter increases air intake and purges toxins. Laughing allows the lungs to fill to a much higher capacity. The odd sounds we make while laughing occur because air is being pulled in to a greater degree and then being forcefully expelled. The stagnant air in the lungs is purged allowing for fuller, cleaner and deeper breaths. Deep and full breathing, encouraged through laughter, not only increases circulation and blood flow, but also allows tight muscles to release and remain supple and pliable. You can literally blow the emotional and physical toxicity out and away from you. Laughter also has incredible social benefits. People enjoy being around others who smile and have a positive outlook. Laughter is contagious and brings friends, colleagues and families closer. By elevating your mood and the moods of others around you, your social interactions will improve and become easier. Laughter is usually contagious and goes a long way to resolve work or familial conflicts. So go ahead, tell that terrible chicken crossing the road joke, laugh at your misfortune, or even fake it until it becomes real. You deserve a life that’s full of joy, humor and happiness. Mom was right all along. Laughter is the best medicine for anything life throws your way. mp © Amy Stoddart is owner of Bridger Pilates in downtown Bozeman. Information on group and private instruction in Pilates can be found online at www.bridgerpilates.com. Amy is a STOTT Pilates Certified Instructor, holds an MFA in Dance, and is the Co-Artistic Director of the Montana Ballet Company.
Laughter Yoga is a popular worldwide phenomenon for stress relief and overall health. Founder Dr. Kataria asserts that clinical research on Laughter Yoga’s methods has proven that laughter lowers
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m LOVE TO
LAUGH
Is Humor Healthy? By Marie Mitchell, PNP, FNP Four Corners Health Care, Inc.
We all know that humor allays fears and lessens stress. Reader’s Digest magazine even has a special column, “Laughter, the Best Medicine,” and research indicates that this may be true. Medical studies on the use of humor in medicine show that it is most effective in decreasing pain. Have you noticed how humor is injected into painful situations? For example, when you bump your elbow in a particular way, (actually compressing the ulnar nerve) people say you’ve hit your funny bone. And the upper arm bone is literally named the humerus. In one study, patients who had had orthopedic surgery watched comedy videotapes. Afterward they were able to tolerate pain easier, needing less pain medication. “A laugh is like an aspirin, only it works twice as fast.” -Groucho Marx Humor is especially helpful with children. It can be used as a form of distraction in unpleasant situations and to help children feel they have some control in a given situation. The trick is to engage
photo simple reflections
“Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.” -Mark Twain
the child without being condescending or seeming to make light of their fears or concerns. Babies respond to peek-aboo, preschoolers often enjoy watching an adult make obviously wrong choices or act silly, and adolescents and adults cope with unpleasant situations by joking about situations or concerns they are uncomfortable bringing up directly. “If I knew I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself.” -Mickey Mantle Laughter is associated with increased energy, an enhanced immune system, and reduced pain and stress. It may even have heart benefits such as increasing blood flow. A study by University of Maryland cardiologists found that those who had heart disease laughed less and
used humor less than those without heart disease. As a result, the doctors went so far as to recommend laughter for healthy hearts, in addition to exercise and healthy nutrition. (www.umm.edu/features/ laughterhtm) Humor and laughter are contagious and free. And another thing to think about: When you are waiting to see your healthcare provider who is running behind, makes you wonder why they call you patients, doesn’t it? mp Marie Mitchell is nationally certified and licensed in Montana as both a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. She is the owner of Four Corners Health Care, and is accepting new patients as she celebrates seven years in practice at Four Corners (406-556-8300).
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Super Natural
ROMANCE It’s in the Essential Oils
By Caleigh Searle
Essential oils for adults are so different than the ones suitable for children. Since it is February, I will share my favorite sensual massage oils for couples and other recipes to invoke romance. The essential oils associated with romance (and reputed to have aphrodisiac quality) are usually on the more expensive side. Making massage oil or a linen spray are ways to use these oils without breaking the bank. Be sure to use quality essential oils, preferably food grade, and steam-distilled oils. Since these will be used in intimate pursuits, quality is of utmost importance. These suggestions are not used to treat serious psychological or medical problems, just to inspire a little romance.
Aphrodisiac Essential Oils: Sandalwood - Sandalwood is a soft, sensual scent that is more
masculine than a floral scent. One of my favorites, it softens blends and has a lovely musky scent.
Rose - Rose is lovely, very floral and also very expensive. It is
relaxing and will ease anxiety and reduce stress. Use sparingly it, luckily, has a very strong scent.
Massage Oils: These are easy to put together and so appreciated. Use one-ounce base oil with 10-15 drops of essential oil or blend of essential oils. Sweet Almond oil or Apricot kernel oil are nice base oils.
Linen Spray:
You might associate the flowery scent of conventional laundry products with cozy slumber, but what do they do for your love life? This recipe for a linen mist features focusing sandalwood, relaxing vetiver and a touch of passion-inducing jasmine. Lightly mist pillows and sheets to create an aroma that will titillate the senses and inspire an intimate mood. Eventually, your mind and body will associate this provocative scent with anything but sleep and "not tonight, honey," excuses. Ingredients:
»» 4 ounces water
Jasmine - Jasmine will induce passion and restore vitality. It is an exotic, floral and musky scent. You either love or hate it. This essential oil produces feelings of confidence.
»» 15 drops sandalwood essential oil
Vetiver - Vetiver is similar to patchouli, very earthy, woody, sweet
»» 4 drops of jasmine
and strong. A wonderful addition to an erotic blend for men and a very relaxing oil. Ylang Ylang - This oil is heady, sweet and spicy. It is great in blends and has reputed aphrodisiac properties specific to impotence and frigidity. Vanilla - Vanilla is one of the comforting essential oils, reminiscent of a homey kitchen. Men in particular respond to this scent. Nerloi - Orange flower blossom is my all time favorite essential
»» 5 drops of vetiver
Combine water and oils in a small spray bottle. Shake well and mist bed to set a provocative mood.
Other romance inducing oil blends: »» Sandalwood and Rose »» Vetiver, Rose and Cardamom
oil, it is also very expensive of course. It is romantic, floral without being cloying and also excellent for the skin. Wonderful for releasing bottled up emotions.
»» Ylang, Jasmine and Cardamom
Black Pepper - Black pepper is warming and stimulating, but a
»» Vetiver, Black Pepper and Vanilla
little bit goes a long way.
Cardamom - Spicy cardamom is stimulating like black pepper and
photo lucaphotography
It seems that I am on an essential oil kick. They are such a part of my life and so useful, but I promise this will be the last essential oil article for a while.
»» Neroli and Jasmine
Happy Valentine's Day
mp
Caleigh Searle is a certified Clinical Herbalist with 18 years experience. She is a Montana native and mom of two active boys. Questions can be answered at
[email protected]. Hill Botanical is your retail herb shop in Bozeman, offering quality bulk herbs, organic essential oils and tools for making the products featured in the Super Natural article. www.hillbotanical.com 438 East Mendenhall Street 406-570-4593
should also be used sparingly.
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Hawk Talk
This Valentine’s Day, Say I Love You In Person by Georgia Haniuk
photo simple reflections
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In a world that is becoming more technologically advanced, it seems the importance of face-to-face communication becomes more relevant everyday. Advances in social networking have greatly improved our means of communication. Family, friends and colleagues, separated by long distances, can easily stay in touch with one another. However, despite the benefits of these advances in technology, too many of us — alarmingly, adolescents — are subtly substituting electronic relationships for real-life social interactions. It seems that kids begin to explore “dating” simultaneously with texting and the Internet. I have witnessed many who have fallen victim to mistaking virtual relationships as authentic, feeling they were effectively connecting with another person because, for example, they were texting them all the time. When people choose their dominant means of communication to be through a screen rather than a true-life experience, they fail to recognize the inauthenticity of that connection. Non-verbal communication, after all, is completely absent which allows for people to potentially say things over a text message that they would never say in person. It is important, at any age to choose qualities you find redeeming in a person and, based on your experiences with them, form a friendship. To gain a new
friend or follower on an Internet site, you simply click “add as friend,” and the person accepts or denies you. According to 2012 research from McAfee, nearly nine out of ten teens use Facebook. The report indicates: 60 percent check their accounts at least daily, and 41percent check accounts “constantly.” Adolescents already feel unnecessary social pressure to interact a certain way among their, peers and social media use has the potential to elevate this pressure. Taken in moderation, the use of texting or social networking sites can be a great way to stay in touch with people but it’s important, especially when we are young, to recognize the false sense of social activity these tools can create. Throughout history, friends and lovers had no other way to show their appreciation and affection other than to do so face-toface. Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, when sweethearts would demonstrate their fondness through song or handwritten Valentines. With Cupid's day fast upon us, a reminder to our society is in order: We should celebrate the relationships in our life, that are built on connection and emotion; not created through a keypad or touch-screen. mp Georgia Haniuk was born in the Bozeman area and is a senior at Bozeman High School.
Nourish Your Fire Element to
Fight the Winter Blues photo zo-mak photography
by Lauren Oechsli
Lately I’ve been wondering, “Do I dare think about spring?” Winter has a way of hanging on in this part of the world, and you don’t want to get excited about something that may be a long time coming. So I’ll hold off on spring and do my best to enjoy the rest of winter. And all I need to do that is a little balance. In the Five Element theory of Chinese medicine, every living thing is composed of the Five Elements and maintaining a dynamic balance among them is how we foster health and the ability to thrive. The Elements are Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal. The Taoists realized that certain energies control others. For example, Water is Yin – quiet, cold, dark and introspective, while Fire is Yang – passionate, hot, bright and social. The Yin energy of Water controls the Yang energy of Fire. This dynamic can lead to an imbalance where you feel depressed, lethargic, anti-social or just flat. This especially can happen in winter, the season of Water. When you’re surrounded by Water energy so completely and for so long, what you need is an injection of Fire. Fire is joy; it connects us to each other and to our lust for life. And while we can do nothing to change the weather, there are ways we can bolster the Fire energy
within us to balance the Water outside. A sure way to boost your Fire energy is to make time for friends and lovers. Fire energy peaks from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and again from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. So schedule a lunch date with that friend who makes you laugh. Enjoy a romantic dinner with your lover. If it’s just you and the kids, eat by candlelight. It’s fun for them too. Make an actual fire. Sure, the fireplace is nice, but how about a bonfire? In the tradition of winter solstice celebrations, plop your firepit or old metal garbage can in the front yard and build a raging fire. Roast marshmallows, have hot drinks. Invite passersby to warm themselves. Add music or tell some jokes. The key is to lift the spirit. Take a sunshine break. It’s not just Vitamin D that we get from the sun. Direct sunlight or lack thereof can affect your mood quite drastically. Every day the sun is shining, get outside. A sunny walk around the block offers a nice break from whatever you’re doing and makes you more effective when you come back to it.
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Find a source of winter fun. Skiing and ice-climbing isn’t for everyone, but we all need a winter hobby. If you can do it outside and with friends, all the better, but maybe it is knitting or reading that you indulge in during the winter. The point is to do something you actually enjoy, not just to pass the time. Instead of watching the kids sledding, building snow forts, or ice-skating, get out there with them. Play is a sure way to feed your Fire element. Finally, look for ways to tickle your funny bone. Laughter is a health tonic for body, mind and spirit. Rent a comedy, read funny books, learn and tell some jokes. Children laugh up to 400 times a day (compared to an adult’s 15). As Dr. Seuss said, “Every day, from here to there, funny things are everywhere.” So be on the lookout. And remember, spring really is just around the corner. mp Lauren Oechsli, licensed acupuncturist, earned her degree in acupuncture and Chinese medicine from the Academay for Five Element Acupuncture in Gainsville, Florida. Lauren treats a variety of health conditions at Spring Integrative Health and enjoys playing with her family and her two children in her free time.
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High-Fiber
photo S. Willard
Foods For Kids written By Shel Sebren
In the nearly nine years I have worked at the Co-op, I’ve heard this conversation dozens of times. It usually goes something like this: Mom A: “Sally just won’t go. I don’t know what to do. Has that ever happened to Jimmy?” Mom B: “Yes! Oh my gosh, it is so frustrating. What have you tried?” I’ll spare you the more graphic comments I’ve heard. And when discussing our child’s problem "going," there are no polite ways to have such a private conversation. Especially in line at the grocery store. Topics like these typically lead the person next in line to immediately put their hands over their ears in objection while protesting “too much information.” Perhaps it is TMI but the problem can be, well, gut wrenching for parents and children alike. I’m talking about getting enough fiber in our kids’ diet. While the conversation may not be pretty, neither is the lack of fiber in our kids’ digestive tracts. High-fiber foods are vitally important to your child’s diet as they promote overall well being, instill life-long healthy eating habits and are said to fight off certain diseases. Plus, let’s face it: There is nothing funny about constipation. Here are five kid-friendly ways to get fiber in your little one.
Five Kid-Friendly Fiber Picks 1) Whole Grain/Whole Wheat Bread, Crackers and Tortillas Many kids’ diets are high in refined (white) grains, those grains that have been stripped of fiber. Instead, look for
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less processed options like 100 percent whole grain and whole wheat breads, tortillas and crackers.
2) Whole Grain/Whole Wheat Pasta
Beans work well with many kid-friendly meals and snacks, from bean dip to veggie chili and quesadillas. Plus, they are very affordable and an excellent protein-rich alternative, or addition, to grass-fed and organic meat.
For many kids, pasta is a diet staple, making this a great place to introduce more fiber. If your child balks at the taste of whole grain pasta, try mixing it in with your regular pasta, increasing the amount of the whole grain options each time. Check the Co-op’s Bulk Department for a great array of affordable whole wheat pastas.
Have a Picky Eater on Your Hands? Try Supplements
3) Cereal
Not only do they contain essential fatty acids (EFAs), these fiber-packed gems have a slightly nutty flavor. They are easy to add to smoothies (my favorite way), cereal and granola and can even be mixed in with nut butters. Find brown and golden flaxseeds in the Co-op’s Bulk Department and ground flax seed in the Wellness Department.
Not all cereal is created equal. Many are loaded with sugar and empty calories. Read the labels for words like “bran” or “whole wheat.” A high fiber cereal should have at least five grams of fiber per serving. Head to our Bulk Department for a great array of healthy cereal and granola options.
4) Fresh Fruit The fiber benefits in fresh fruits are loaded into the skin. Often, kids prefer to peel the skin off fruit or drink fruit juice, both of which are stripped of fiber. When giving your kids fresh fruit, try cutting them into thin slices so the skin is less obvious. Or offer fruits that have skins that children typically like: berries, plums, grapes and peaches. Fresh vegetables also have fiber-rich skins.
5) Beans and Legumes Beans are not only filled with fiber but they are also an excellent source of protein and iron. From black beans to lentils and edamame, you can incorporate beans into your child’s diet liberally.
To ensure that your child is getting enough fiber, especially those finicky eaters, try incorporating supplements. They probably won’t have any idea you’ve added them…sneaky!
Flaxseeds
Chia Seeds With equal amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber, small-but-mighty chia seeds are another great way to add not only fiber but also EFAs and antioxidants to everyone’s diet. Like flax seeds, they are easy to add to cereals and smoothies. They have an almost neutral taste but add a nice little crunch. They are available in the Bulk Department at Co-op West Main. Bonus: grow your own chia pet! mp Shel Sebren is mom to Graham, 10, and Molly, 6. In addition to working at the Community Food Co-op, she loves to ski, camp and hike with her husband and kids. She refuses to cut skins off fruits and veggies. She won’t cut the crusts off bread, either.
HEART to Save Your Life
written By Holly Alastra, RD, MSC, LN
I want to live a healthy, active life until I’m at least 100 years-old, a life like my great Aunt Mary and Uncle Frank—eating out, taking in plays and performances, attending family functions, and just enjoying myself. My childhood and young adult years were largely miserable, and now that I’m finally happy (for me, this came with learning and practicing mindfulness: the ability to observe my mind and redirect it when it begins to go down a negative path), I’d like to be around long enough to make up for lost time. I didn’t treat my body well at all when I was young and simply didn’t care, so now I aim to be doubly vigilant about my good health. I adore being a mom and my chance to give my son the safe environment and sense of worth I lacked growing up. In each instant, I aim to cherish my child and our time together—it goes by so fast. But I also know that I’ll be okay when he grows up and goes his own way. I’ll have my time back to do just as I please—to travel to exotic locales (donations welcome), to watch movies I want to watch (versus family movies), and to take more mountain bike rides with my girlfriends, which last year were so infrequent that my rear end never acclimated to the seat—those of you who ride know what I mean. And there’s always a chance of being a Grandma someday too. I want to be a Grandma out there on my bike, maybe not shredding downhill, but at least not poking along either. There’s just so much life to be had, so much to do and see and enjoy with family and friends. As a dietitian, I know firsthand that if you want to live a quality life well into your later years, you’ve got to place a high priority on your health. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) says that one in every four deaths is due to heart disease. It is the leading cause of death for both men and women, but the good
»» Maintain a healthy weight. Know your body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. A BMI of 19 to 24.9 is associated with lower health risk. A waist circumference less than 40 inches for men, and less than 35 inches for women, is also related to lower health risks. »» Make your diet largely plant-based— eat more vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. »» Eat more unsaturated fat and less saturated fat. Good sources of unsaturated fats are nuts, seeds, liquid oils (like olive and canola), fatty fish, and avocado. »» Avoid excessive alcohol intake and don’t smoke. If you do smoke, quit as soon as possible. »» Choose foods low in salt, especially if you are over fifty or have high blood pressure. »» Get enough physical activity: a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity on most, or preferably all, days of the week. If you need to lose weight, get 60 to 90 minutes of moderate-intensity activity on most, or ideally all, days of the week. Improved fitness reduces heart disease risk at any weight. In other words, “fit and fat” is healthier than “unfit and thinner.” »» Manage stress. This can help keep your blood pressure from temporarily spiking.
No matter what your plans are for the month of February, take time to show your heart some love. After all, being alive and healthy is the best thing you can do for your loved ones. mp Holly Alastra is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in counseling located in Helena. She has expertise in weight management, overeating and eating disorders, and offers phone and Skype appointments. To make an appointment, call (406) 439-2109 or email her at
[email protected].
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Thrive has five signature programs that strengthen families of our community and help children thrive. Check out Thrive’s Early Spring programming...
Parenting with Love & Logic CAP - Parent Place - Girls for a Change - Parent Liaison - Partnership Project
Love Your
news is, according to the Mayo Clinic, almost eighty percent of heart disease is preventable, and even small lifestyle changes can have a big impact. Clearly, one of the most important things we can all do for our health is take care of our hearts, and there is no better time than now. February is American Heart Month, a time designated to commit to loving your heart. Here are some tips to keep your ticker strong:
School Age Belgrade locations: Heck/Quaw: 3/26-4/30 Bozeman locations: Morningstar: 3/21-4/25 Whittier: 3/21-4/25
Thriving Tots Session 2
for children 0-5 and their parents Belgrade locations: Heck/Quaw: 3/20-4/17 Bozeman locations: Emily Dickinson: 3/29-4/26 Whittier: 3/28-4/25
Girls on the Run
spring 2013 Belgrade - Intermediate School Bozeman- Longfellow School
Girls for a Change
Annual Conference for all girls grades 8-12-2/9 @ MSU For more information or to register call 587.3840 or allthrive.org
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Winter Fun
With Kids at all Ages By Paula K. Beswick
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(406)600-5247 • www.bridgerpilates.com Helena
I’ve recently re-acquainted myself with an old friend from junior high, old in both the sense that he is a friend from a longago time as well as the fact that we’re both getting old. When I mentioned something about us being closer to 50 than our teenage years, he bristled. But my graying hair, stiff joints and skin heading southward tell the true story. As much as I believe in all the adages – age is just a number; 50 is the new 40; blah, blah, blah – aging isn’t something that I deny or defy. This is proven by listing my birthday and my birth date on my Facebook page, something I’ve noticed not many people do. (And yes, the old friend was found through Facebook – the tool not just for the young anymore, but also the young at heart.) Getting on in years, I’ve learned, doesn’t preclude you from doing all the fun stuff, even though sometimes us olderfolk need a little shove. The first major Montana snowfall of the winter left me silently lamenting that I missed all the fun snow-related stuff that kids force their moms to do with them. With my kids in college it seems there is only shoveling, something that my husband and I gamely insist on calling “exercise.”
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But kids are still kids, even at 19. Somehow my son, home for his college winter break, didn’t see my aging and once again roped me into sledding adventures. Just as in years before, it was great whooping-it-up fun.
Take, for instance, the sled runs engineered by my industrious boy. The ramps, slopes, twists and turns created incredible backyard sledding entertainment. The powdery snow was fluffing up around me, wheedling its way into my nostrils, down my neck, and between my gloves and jacket arms. The shouts of “Ride with me, mom!” took me back to the days when his age was still in single digits and my age only starting to creep into the 30s. Back then an occasional minor bruise or bang was my main worry. But now, clearly, is a different time. After our current runs started suffering from lack of fresh snow and too many sled rides, things rapidly went downhill, so to speak. What were once giggle-inducing rides turned into devil runs of ice. The speed alone was frightening – think Olympic luge. As if a flip was switched, we all started to become more concerned about my wellbeing. My penchant for throwing my legs over the sled sides, frantically digging my heels into what now felt like concrete ramps caused grave alarm. “Mom,” said my son, acting as the adult, “Stop doing that! You’re going to break your legs.” Sigh. Sometimes age does catch up. Icy sled runs aside, it was still great to get out in the cold Montana winter with my family egging me on. I can go back to being old some other time – like when I really am old. mp Paula K. Beswick is the foundation director for the Bozeman Public Library Foundation.
photo amy shertzer photography
Adventures of an Empty Nester
Are we there, yet?
Old Faithful
Story and photos By Melynda Harrison
On the winter solstice we loaded into a snowcoach for a trip we won’t soon forget. From Mammoth in Yellowstone National Park my family rode past ghost trees, hot springs, waterfalls, bison, and even a wolf, before we arrived at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge. My husband, two boys and I were thrilled to be spending three days in the middle of Wonderland. While summers are crowded and chaotic at this famous geyser, winter makes it feel like a totally different place. My husband skied out to Biscuit Basin that first afternoon, and the boys and I watched Old Faithful erupt with just five other people. Boiling water and steam shot to the sky while smaller geysers erupted across the Firehole River on Geyser Hill. After our personal show, we headed into the new visitor center to work on the Winter Junior Ranger program. We finished the day playing board games and reading books in the Snow Lodge lobby before heading into dinner at the Obsidian Dining Room. The next morning I got up early to catch a shuttle to the top of the Continental Divide. From there I raced down the Spring Creek Trail, pausing to take photos and relishing the time to let my brain wander freely. After crossing the Firehole River near the end of the trail, I turned left to check out Lone Star Geyser. It was erupting just as I arrived, and this time I was the only one watching the show. From there it was out the Bechler River Trail to check out a summer campsite, then back to the Howard Eaton Trail and Old Faithful. After lunch with my guys, the four of us skied around the geyser basin. We didn’t get far (our four-year-old is not a highly motivated Nordic skier…yet) but we saw geysers and a herd of bison. Although we’ve all seen these before, there is something different about exploring nature with just a few people. And the blanket of snow made us all feel like we were somewhere new, like we were inside a snow globe. The days were getting longer, but the day after the winter
solstice is still short. We snuck in a couple sledding runs and then skied back to the lodge. Our third day involved more skiing (including a solo trip to Mallard Lake for me!), eating and playing before we loaded in the snowcoach for the trip back to Mammoth. Our only regret was that we couldn’t stay longer.
Know Before You Go Getting there: All over-snow vehicle travel must be with a permitted guide. Check the park’s website for a list http://www.nps.gov/yell/ planyourvisit/wintbusn.htm.
Staying there: To stay at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge log onto www.travelyellowstone.com or call 866. GEYSERLAND. They’ll want to know how you are getting there, so be sure to check into snowcoach reservations as well. If you plan on entering by a Xanterra coach, the lodging reservations folks should be able to help you.
Ski shuttles: Some trails are machine groomed, while others are skier tracked. Check www.travelyellowstone.com/daily-trailstatus-1688.html for up-to-date trail conditions. Four ski shuttles leave from the Snow Lodge daily. They depart hourly from
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8 a.m.-11 a.m. and their destination depends on the first person to sign up—either northwest to Fairy Falls or east to Spring Creek/Divide Trail. Sign up for a shuttle when you make your hotel reservation.
Having fun: Nordic skiers and snowshoers should check in at the Bear Den Ski Shop inside the Snow Lodge. They can advise you on the best trails for your interest and ability. They also rent skis and snowshoes, and sell any accessories you may have left at home. There are tons of places to cross-country ski, but that’s not the only option. There’s a small ice skating rink just outside the Snow Lodge and free skates to borrow. Ask at the Snow Lodge front desk and at the Yellowstone Association kiosk for board games, books and puzzles. Or bring your own book, grab a hot cocoa, and relax in front of the fireplace. Check in at the visitor center to learn more about the park, watch a movie or earn a Winter Junior Ranger patch. Snowmobile tours take off from the Snow Lodge on half and full-day tours. Xanterra also runs snowcoach day tours to Canyon from the Snow Lodge. These trips include a little skiing, an interpretive guide and lunch. mp Melynda Harrison babbles on and on about her life and kids at www.travelingmel.com.
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Montana
Twirls
GIVE A GIFT OF A MADE IN MONTANA ONESIE TO YOUR MONTANA BABY Not from Montana? Special Order for your home state or country
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Helping Your Child Express Emotions By Ann Swann
It is my experience that most parents of toddlers and preschoolers have had that moment when you have to laugh so you don’t cry. Children under the age of five are working on how to control their emotions and this can often look like a little crazy person has entered your house. One second your child is laughing and having fun, the next they are on the floor yelling because someone called them Strawberry instead of Suzie. As a parent, you can give your child tools to help them learn to use their words instead of exhibiting challenging behavior, like throwing themselves on the floor and screaming. One of these tools is called Emotional Vocabulary. According to The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL), emotional vocabulary is defined as the ability to recognize, label and understand feelings in one’s self and others. This emotional vocabulary can help children develop the ability to control their own emotions, build relationships, respond to others and learn to problem solve. Some of the benefits of a child with a strong emotional vocabulary: »» Better toleration of frustration »» Less destructive behavior overall »» Better self-control »» Less isolation and loneliness »» Better focus
You can help your child build their emotional vocabulary in a number of ways. First, talk about your own feelings. Saying “Mommy is frustrated that I burned dinner,” lets them hear you use emotional words. Another strategy is to look at characters in books or on TV shows and talk about how they might be feeling. Also, ask your child how they are feeling and help them find a word to describe their emotion. There are many words that your child can use to describe their feelings: cheerful, bored, friendly, jealous, serious, shy, proud, or scared, for example. Let your child know that their feelings will change throughout the day. They may wake up grumpy but feel happy after breakfast. Another way to help your child learn about emotions is to read age-appropriate books that deal with different emotions. Lastly, make sure to validate your own child’s feelings. All feelings are valid, even though not all responses to these feelings are okay. Let your child know that it is okay to be angry that their friend took their toy, but that it is not okay to hit in response to that feeling. Help them come up with another option to deal with their feelings. Learning to cope with their emotions is a big piece of a child’s overall development. For more ideas on ways to teach your child to express their emotions, log onto the Thrive website, www. allthrive.org/resources-categories/parents-resources. mp Ann Swann is a Parent Educator with the Parent Place - a signature program of Thrive. For help with any of your parenting questions, call the Parent Place at 587-4734.
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Functional Art
Masking tape Pencil Fabric paint Foam brush
Pillowcase
Apron
project and photos By Anna Boswell, HEAP
Instructions: 1. Cut the top off of your pillowcase 18” up from the closed seam* 2. Fold a 1/2” hem from the top and iron down, then fold 2” from the top and iron again 3. Create a stitch 1/4” from the bottom folds 4. String your shoelace or ribbon through the loop 5. Draw your design on paper with dark marker. We drew eight hearts in a circle about 7”in diameter 6. Cut a piece of freezer paper that will cover your entire design 7. Tape your design to a flat work surface, then tape your freezer paper on top 8. Trace your design onto your freezer paper with a pencil 9. Remove your design from below and insert a cutting mat or magazine 10. Cut out your design with a craft knife 11. Place your freezer paper on top of your apron (put paper underneath the fabric to avoid any leaks)
In observance of Valentine’s Day it’s tradition to bake cookies and candies to give to the people you love. It’s also a wonderful activity for parents and kids to create something sweet together in the kitchen. You can turn an old pillowcase into a festive and functional apron, perfect for any age.
Materials: Pillowcase Sewing machine or needle and thread Scissors
14. Carefully dab paint onto open surfaces (keep brush straight up for best results) 15. Once dry, carefully peel off freezer paper and wear!
**Be sure to read the label on your fabric paint for washing instructions mp
Freezer paper Iron and ironing board Paper Dark marker Craft knife Cutting mat or magazine FEBRUARY 2013 |
13. Dip your foam brush into a small amount of fabric paint**
*If it’s a new pillowcase, be sure to wash and dry it first
Shoelace or ribbon
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12. With your iron on a medium heat setting, gently smooth the paper onto the fabric until well sealed
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For more upcycling projects join the Human Empowered Arts Project on Facebook or follow our blog updates at www.heapbozeman.org. HEAP Bozeman inspires upcycle creativity and empowers our community through environmental awareness and contribution.
Part 4, Goals of Behavior: Redirecting
Retaliation and Revenge Behaviors
photo zo-mak photography
Written by Rebecca Koltz, PhD, LCPC, NCC and Katey T. Franklin, M.Ed
may be important, particularly if retaliation and revenge are becoming a pattern of behavior with the child. Children do not automatically know what to do with their feelings, in fact, many adults struggle in this area as well. However, by sharing your feelings appropriately with your child you are doing two things: 1. You are letting him/her know that the behavior has impacted you, and 2. You are modeling how to deal with uncomfortable feelings like hurt and anger. Again, with the goal of behavior - protection, the child is acting out because of his or her own hurt feelings. By sharing yours, you model what this looks like.
Here are four steps to do this: 1. State the behavior (When you yell at
me when I ask you to do the dishes….)
2. State the feelings (I feel angry, but also hurt)
3. What do you assume? (I assume you In our last article, in the January 2013 issue of Montana Parent we explored children’s goals of behaviors, specifically the goal of “power.” Children’s behaviors tend to be goal-directed and to serve a specific purpose. The key is to be knowledgeable about the behavior and attend to children’s behaviors appropriately. The five goals of behavior are: Contact, Power, Protection, Withdrawal and Challenge (teens). In this article, we will focus on “protection.” Oftentimes, parents struggle to recognize what goal of behavior their child is expressing. It is helpful to contextualize your child’s behavior within the framework of her situational environment in order to examine the “why” (goal of behavior) behind the “what” (behavior). When children seek “protection” from an encouraged stance, behaviors such as assertiveness and expressiveness emerge. In this situation a child is able to recognize hurt feelings and express them in a healthy manner. When children are seeking “protection” from a discouraged stance, adults are likely to notice behaviors like revenge and retaliation. For example, hitting a child back that has hit him or her. Or, in the case of a teen if she is feeling a lack of protection at school (perhaps, some bullying is going on), she may react more vengeful at home with the parent. A simple request to take out the trash may become a war.
Consequently, in both cases described above, the parent may feel hurt, disappointed or even disgusted. In this situation, the adult may react by taking the behavior personally, lashing out or even retaliating herself. In this situation, retaliation behaviors may be a child’s own expression of hurt or lack of belonging. When some children don’t feel like they belong, they may withdraw; however, some children may exhibit behaviors that reflect self- protection through retaliation or revenge. As a parent it can be difficult to watch this behavior directed at others or experience the sting of retaliation yourself. So, the question remains: What do I do when my child is trying to protect herself in a vengeful manner? Perhaps, a better question is: What do I do with my own feelings that emerge when this happens? You express them. Whether the child is four or 15, it is important that he or she understands that their behavior impacts others. So, the remainder of this article will focus on how to talk to your children about your feelings about their behavior.
What you can do when your child exhibits revenge and retaliation In our last article we spoke about recognizing your own emotions in the context of the goal of behavior - power. With the goal of behavior - protection, similar feelings are likely to emerge. Talking to your child about your feelings
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don’t care)
4. What would you like? (I’d like you to
do the dishes when I ask and if there is a reason why, you can’t let’s talk about it, not yell.)
Now the goal with the steps above is not perfection, but using them more often. It is hard in the moment to be able to stop the angry words that want to come out and replace them with a combination of the above steps. Also, do not expect a change in behavior immediately. As with any behavior it takes consistency and time. Developing encouraged behavior to meet your child’s goals takes time and patience. In some cases it may require a change in fundamental views of life attitudes about toward other people and reevaluating feelings about yourself as a parent/ guardian and your child. It may seem unnatural at first, but if you are able to be consistent in your response to your children the result will be kids who are cooperative, contribute, and have a genuine sense of belonging. mp Rebecca Koltz and Katey Franklin and are faculty members at MSU, Bozeman in the graduate Counseling program in the Health & Human Development department. Rebecca (right) is a mother of three and Katey (left) is a mother of two.
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Elsie’s
Tips
FREE Essential Oils Class Featuring: ~ Oils of love, natural aphrodisiacs, passion, and fertility •••• ~ free biofeedback analysis for all in attendance
Thinking about Thinking written By Elsie Johnson
Vacation - “What a day for a daydream…” by the
Where: Farm Bureau Building (502 S. 19th) Suite 105 When: Wednesday, February 13th at 6:30 pm -------Helena: Thursday Feb 28th at 6:30pm Where: Lewis and Clark Library Large Conference Room
For more info call Natalie 406-539-0159
NOW is the time to talk to your children about healthy relationships. Help promote respect in our community by promoting respect in the home. Here are a few ways to break the ice when talking with your children: What does respect mean? Have you seen other kids being bullied? How do you solve problems with your friends? To learn more about HAVEN’s services to victims of domestic abuse and how to prevent teen dating violence, visit www.havenmt.org or call HAVEN’s crisis line: 406.586.4111
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Lovin’ Spoonful Q - My children are great workers and players. They work hard at doing what they’re asked to do, but sometimes getting their attention is difficult. As a matter of fact, my daughter’s teacher tells me that she daydreams too much. What can, or should, I do about this? A - Everyone daydreams sometime.
Daydreams don’t just happen, they most likely come from an event we see, hear, smell, feel or taste. Maybe it prompts memories that bring us back to something. The triggering event turns our imagination on. We have all had occasion to remember ideas coming to mind from these triggers: curiosity, boredom, confusion and fear. During the time that we are seeing what our imagination shows us, the real world drops away, as our brain receives our imagined scene. Most of us use our picture thinking daily. Because picture thinking is subliminal – faster than a person can be aware of – you may not be aware that you think in pictures. You will simply have a rich sense of ideas; call this intuition or nonverbal intelligence.
Sometimes a person’s tendency for picture thinking is a cause for alarm as it was with a child whose parent brought her to me because of her ability to ‘see things’ and her poor reading ability. Sure enough, the daughter told me that I was surrounded by a field of pink. It was a relief to both parents and child to understand the role picture thinking played in her ability to ‘see things’ when her brain received what her mind’s eye was showing her. Through our work together she realized she controls her mind’s eye on/off switch. Rather than confusion about unrecognized words triggering her mind’s eye, she could be certain her brain perceived the words accurately. If the word prompted no picture or understanding, she knew that she needed to master that word beyond seeing and spelling and use the strategies that allow picture thinkers access to reading mastery. She is now a happy teenager who realizes she thinks about things differently because of her creative brain and knows how to use it to her advantage. Embrace your daughter’s daydreaming, provide her the perspective that daydreaming {Buffalo} is not bad, but a good ability of her great brain. Check to see which of the triggers fits when she daydreams: curiosity, confusion, boredom or fear. This automatic picture thinking can be interpreted as disability, rather than the ability that picture thinking is. If the help she receives in reading, spelling, writing or understanding the spoken word is tedious and discouraging for her, consider the possibility that providing her the tools and understanding that come with respecting her picture thinking will give her control and pride about her way of thinking. Our perspective creates what we see. A three-year-old put his shoes on by himself. His mother noticed the left was on the right foot. She said, “Son, your shoes are on the wrong feet.” He looked up at her with a raised brow and said, “Don’t kid me, Mom. I know they’re my feet.”mp Elsie Johnson, a Registered Educational Therapist, and certified DDAI Facilitator, has helped hundreds of adults and children gain control over their ABILITY to learn through understanding how to take advantage of their picture thinking – thus taking responsibility and pride in learning. Learn more at www.thelearningoptions.com or call Elsie at 406282-7416.
Mama’s Got a New Bag
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Mashed Meatball Pizza Pie RECIPE BY LEIGH RIPLEY | Photo by Lucaphotography
Mashed Meatball Pizza Pie Ingredients: »» One fresh ball of pizza dough (available at both the Co-op and Heebs) »» Leftover meatballs »» Pizza sauce (or marinara) »» Mozzarella cheese (or pizza/Italian blend) »» Olive oil »» Garlic powder »» Salt and pepper »» Dried oregano »» Fresh basil
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly spray a pie pan with cooking spray, set aside. Lightly dust a work surface with flour, dust your hands and the dough ball as needed to prevent sticking. Tear the dough ball in half. Wrap one half with plastic and refrigerate for later use. Shape the remaining dough ball into a nice, thin round and fit it into the bottom of your pie pan and up the sides. Gently rub a little olive oil over the dough, then season with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Prick a few fork holes into the bottom of the pan and cook for eight to 10 minutes, just to set. Let cool five to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, mash up your leftover meatballs.
Making a big pot of Meatballs and Red Sauce is a go-to around here – and sometimes the leftovers end up being the best part. If I cook up Spaghetti and Meatballs on a Sunday, then I can use the leftovers to make a couple meals for the rest of the week. Options include: Chicken Parmesan (using leftover sauce), Meatball Subs, or my kids’ new favorite, Mashed Meatball Pizza Pie. Whatever sauce and/or meatballs remain after night two will freeze beautifully for another time. The kids can help with just about every step of this and you shouldn’t be afraid to play with the ingredients. If you’ve got leftover sausage and peppers, try mashing the sausage and topping the pie with the peppers, sauce and cheese. All of the featured products in this month's Leftover Chef column can be found at your locally owned and operated grocery stores, Heeb's or the Community Food Co-Op.
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Spread ½ to one-inch of mashed meatballs into the piecrust. Lightly press to level and flatten with the back of a fork. Spread a thin layer of pizza or marinara sauce over the meatballs and cover with pizza cheese. Season with dried oregano and fresh basil. Bake another 10-15 minutes, or until crust and cheese begin to brown. Let rest five minutes and serve like pie pieces. mp
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A doctor for all of you
DOCTORS FOR TOTS, TODDLERS, TYKES, TWEENS AND TEENS. Pediatricians specialize in kids of all ages. Which is important, because children and adolescents come with unique health requirements. The pediatricians at Bozeman Deaconess Health Group understand those requirements, and how to help children become healthy adults. Call or visit our web site for referral to one of our pediatricians. When it comes to caring for your children, we have a doctor for all of you. Michael Blake, MD, PhD :: James Feist, MD :: Juliet Hansen, MD :: Pepper Henyon, MD Mark Hodgson, MD :: Charleen McInnis, MD :: Angie Ostrowski, MD
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PEDIATRICS :: Highland Health Park :: Bozeman :: 406-587-5123 mtparent.com
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