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montana parent december 2014 | mtparent.com
growing up under the big sky
from birth to college
family
Winter Fun
+ holiday Gift Guide and more...
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DECember
family winter fun + Gift Guide and more...
COVER PHOTOGRAPHER AMELIA ANNE PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO STYLING FAWN & CO.
FAMILY WINTER FUN Children of the Frosted Earth: Ice Climbing Are We There, Yet? Ski Trails Double Blading My Way Across the Pond Bozeman Amateur Hockey Association MovieLover’s Winter Flicks BBar: Skiing and Snowshoeing Preventing Winter Sports Injuries Winter Asthma
12 14 16 18 19 20 21 22
HOLIDAY Yes Abbey, There is a Santa Claus 25 Little Hands in the Batter: 26 ‘Twas the Night Before Oatmeal
Seven Tips to Avoid the Holiday Brain Drain Time for Gatherings On the Couch with Dr. Kelsch: Gifts and Greed Coping with the Holidays While Grieving Sickened by Pleasure Going Gluten-Free and Glorious in the New Year Fossils and Crystals: One-of-a-Kind Gifts Last Minute Local Holiday Gift Guide
28 29 30 32 33 34 35 36
HEALTH 42 44 46 47 48
COLUMNS MOMoirs Home Birth Hands-On Science for Young Children Super Natural: Do-It-Yourself Hair Treatments Parenting Single The Family Business: Terrell’s Teach Sleep 101:
49 50 52 53 54 55 56
Elsie’s Tips Mama’s Got a New Bag
57 70
All I Want for Christmas is an Easy Nap Transition
WHAT’S UP? MONTANA
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NOT ONLY ARE WE ALWAYS THERE WITH GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT, BUT
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Gallatin Valley Mall $5-$50 Mystery Card with each $50 GVM Gift Card Purchase on page 3 Kenyon Noble $25 Gift Cards for $20 on page 7 Red tractor pizza $50 OFF your next Pizza making party on page 25 Maranda Lee Designs Save 10% on Maranda Lee products on page 26
Music Together Preview a Class for Free on page 33 Caleigh’s Holistic Skin Care 20% off treatments on page 51 Heebs $5 off on page 62 Bozeman Deals and Discounts on pages 66 & 67
Helena Deals and Discounts on page 69
Mama’s Got a New Bag on page 70
PHOTO AMELIA ANNE PHOTOGRAPHY
Nourishing Your Winter Skin Woes Cold and Flu Season Corner on Health: Tattoos The Balanced Child Solution Confused by the Affordable Care Act?
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! s y a d i l o H Happy nty ne at 20Twe From everyo
20|Twenty offers Bozeman a better way of looking at you with the most comprehensive eyecare and eyewear practice in the Gallatin Valley. Make an appointment today with Dr. Sarah Hill or Dr. Sarah Kirkpatrick for all your family’s eyecare needs. Swing by to check out our selection of the latest in fashion eyeware. Call today to schedule your childs eye exam. We look forward to seeing you!
Congratulations Bobcat Babies of the Month! We are proud to partner with Montana State Athletics for the Bobcat Baby of the Month. For an appointment, call (406) 587-9202 or 1-866-587-9202 925 Highland Boulevard Suites 1210/1220 Bozeman, MT • M-F, 8 am to 5 pm
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PHOTO E. KELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
editor’s voice
WRITTEN BY LEIGH RIPLEY
I bought my kids a kitten for Christmas. Not just any kitten, a Maine Coon that had to be shipped from Florida. I know; there’s a lot wrong with that statement. But please, let me rewind six months. In July, two of my girlfriends and I found a litter of Maine Coon-mix kittens available for adoption in Missoula. We drove over to meet the little fur balls, filled out the applications and put down deposits. Because the kittens had been abandoned and were quite ill, they needed to stay at the shelter for a while. So we waited. Five weeks later we got the call that the kittens were ready. The kids were excited, my friends and I were excited; we even named our new kitty Olaf (of course we did, I have a 6-year-old). Then, two days before our planned pick up date, the shelter called and told me, rather nonchalantly, that there had been a mistake and Olaf had been adopted. Oh, the tears and disappointment from my three kids (not so much my husband). My girlfriends did get their kittens, which both died within six weeks of going home. To numb the pain, we started looking for another Maine Coon online, and that’s where it happened . . . I stumbled across a breeder in Florida with an adorable, healthy litter available for adoption. Bring on the pleading, promising, cute little faces of my brood and the next thing I know, I’m negotiating with them. In other words, I was planning to say yes all along. I was weak, what can I say?
So here are the five negotiating points we came up with: 1. Money. We are buying a cat that
has to be shipped from Florida, so something has to give, financially, and my little darlings decided it should be in the form of Christmas presents. Now, we’re not forgoing all of Christmas, just asking Santa (and the parents) for less.
2. The litter box. Again, because we are shelling out money for a cat, I
don’t want the creatures that inhabit my neighborhood to dine on his fluffy, chubby little body (something murdered my neighbor’s Pekin Duck recently – so I know there really is a creature out there). Therefore the kitten will stay inside for at least a year, until he’s big enough to defend himself. Meaning, he will need a litter box. All three kids agreed that they will handle this lovely chore and have even made a litter box chart.
3. Food and water. The kids will check
and replenish his food and water bowl every morning. They will also need to earn money to buy his food. Trust me, there is plenty to do around here, and I am desperate to get them to pull their own weight. So we created a chore chart and assigned specific dollar values to their work.
4. Toys. Same as above. A kitty needs to play and the kids need to pay for the toys.
5. The doors must be closed when entering or leaving the house. I’m continually baffled by a child’s inability to close a door and, as mentioned in negotiating point number two, this will be an inside cat for a while.
With that, we struck a deal and it sounded great to everyone. The kids did their chores, earned money and shopped for the kitten: food, a bed, scratching post and toys. We stalked the breeder’s website daily for updated photos and waited, rather impatiently, for his arrival day. Five weeks later, his flight was booked (yes, this was a process). When the time came, the whole family went to the airport, including my begrudging husband, and picked up Bogart, a dangerously cute 9-week-old Maine Coon. The first two weeks went as you can imagine; everyone was so excited they actually enjoyed scooping amazingly stinky turds from the litter box. Bogart was fed, watered, entertained and happy. The 11-year-old even made signs for every door
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that led outside, firmly declaring “SHUT THE DOOR.” Then the novelty started to wear off. Doors were left wide open (in subzero temperatures, I might add); Bogart began drinking water from the dog bowl because his was always empty and he started a very bad habit of finishing off the kids’ breakfast, which they encouraged because they wouldn’t have to. And guess who found themselves cleaning the litter box? Moi. And the Christmas lists? Let me put it this way; they all think they are getting an i-something and UGGS – um, I doubt that. My expectations had apparently been a little too high. Then one night, the 6-year-old ran through the living room with Bogart in her arms, tripped over a beanbag, soared through the air and took a header, on top of Bogart. Everyone ran to check on the child, except me, I ran past the child to check on Bogart. I was seriously concerned that she had squished my Maine Coon kitty. When the commotion of the accident subsided, the 8-year-old looked at me and said, “Mom, don’t you think it’s funny you were more worried about the cat than your own child?” I replied, “I knew she was fine, she falls down all the time. Bogart? He weighs like 6 pounds and I’m sure this is the first time a 60-pound human torpedo landed on him.” The 8-year-old, “I can see that. And I guess you really care about him because he sort of is your cat; you feed him, close the doors behind us and clean his litter box.” Apparently, Bogart is the best Christmas present I ever bought myself. mp
DECember 2014 | mtparent.com
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Feeling overwhelmed?
Bring your presents to the Postal Annex Bozeman. For All Of Your Holiday Shipping, Scanning/Copying/Faxing & Private Mailbox Needs. Call Karl. December 16th is the last day to ship ground and ensure that it gets there before Christmas eve.
Now open at the corner of S. Wilson Ave and W. Kagy Blvd
(406) 219-2210 : : email -
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BUTTE Montana Parent introduces the Stress-Free Holidays Bazaar
Presentations on how to de-stress during the holidays and get it all done while taking care of yourself Support one another and our community by purchasing booth space for $75 *bring an item to donate to the Food Bank
Vendors register online now at mtparent.com For more information contact: Cassie Meixner, 406.465.3610 or
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Dec 6, 2014 | 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. | Butte Depot FREE ADMISSION
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DECEMber 2014 | mtparent.com
from birth to college
STRESS-FREE
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Winter F
Ski trails. Ice climbing. Ice skating and more... :: DECemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM ::
DECember 2014 | mtparent.com
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Winter
Fun
Children of the Frosted Earth
Ice climbing ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY MARIAH DAVIS
Snow crunches beneath our feet as we trek into the thick Rocky Mountain forest near Augusta. There is a phantasmal feel to the woods blanketed in snow. It would appear that nature is at rest, but just down the trail, tucked in a rugged mountain grotto, awaits a magnificent treasure that only winter can bestow. Frozen Cataract Falls is our destination, and my three children wish to climb it. Montana’s unique topography provides the ideal merging of elements needed to create these spectacular towers of ice. When frigid temperatures abound and water meets with steep cliffs, frozen waterfalls emerge. Hundreds of established ice climbing routes can be found in the Treasure State, including Hyalite Canyon, a world-class ice-climbing destination. Elk Creek is partially frozen and we cross carefully. Soon, a tower of sapphire light emerges through the pines. Shrieks of excitement arise from the children as they catch a glimpse of the icy fortress that waits. 12
DECEMber 2014 | mtparent.com
We check the safety conditions and stability of the creek bed, and then beyond the icefall zone we flatten out an area of snow for our base camp. It is here that hot chocolate, snacks and naps are had. Then it is time to explore. The children stand at the base of the falls and admire the towering ice. It possesses the iridescent qualities of a moonstone shining in the sun. One might assume that a frozen fall would be still and quiet, but most are vibrant and alive with the sounds of water flowing behind their icy veils. Some falls play the tune of a babbling brook, and others ring like a thousand crystal chimes. Portals in the ice reveal water tumbling down the rock, over large masses of living green moss clinched to the cliff, giving the sense of multidimensional worlds. Where icy kingdoms are formed, ice caves can be found. The children take turns climbing into a small cavern hidden behind an overhanging curtain of ice. The ceiling is adorned with icicle chandeliers and the room is illuminated with a blue glow. To a child, this frozen wonderland holds all the magic and enchantment of ice castles found in fairytales. Nature makes them real.
After Dad leads the climb and the rope is set in place, the kids all vie for a turn. Being youngest and soon needing a nap, West goes first. Suited in a full-body harness, helmet and boots with snow cleats, he is on belay and ready to climb. With Dad’s help, he pulls up on pre-placed ice axes and slowly ascends the bottom portion of the climb. This could be considered simulated ice climbing, but don’t tell my 2-year-old that.
Open enrollment is here. Contact us for plan information, to switch or to sign up.
At 3, my daughter Ansley has the endurance to scale a bit higher. She also has the movement and control while weighted in her harness to leap and swing through the air, far out from the ice walls. Just try coercing a kid to come down from this amazing swing. Jasmine, 10, gears up. At this age, adult crampons can be sized down to fit on smaller ski boots, and a child can easily swing today’s lightweight ice axes. Kids around this age can really ice climb, and with perseverance and encouragement, they can make it to the top. Much of the ice-climbing journey with children lies not in the actual climbing of the falls, but in the experience of being among nature’s finest frozen sculptures and exploring winter’s icy paradise. The children also enjoy sledding, snowman building and fort designing. Anyone can journey into this icy world with their children, because – with or without ice climbing gear – adventure always abounds, and in Montana a frozen waterfall is never far away. Consider it a glimpse into the Ice Age, where imaginations soar and a woolly mammoth could be sighted. During the long Montana winters, it may seem to children as if nature is quietly sleeping… frozen in time. But a closer look will reveal that the frosted earth is still very much alive and waiting to be discovered. mp
Mariah Davis has a degree in Outdoor Experiential Education and is the founder of Adventures Unlimited, a nonprofit organization based in Helena, Montana.
A healthy life starts here PacificSource.com Individual / Group
14PSH025D PacificSource “Healthy Life” Oregon Ad for Montana Parent December 14, 2014 :: DECemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: #51291 4-Color, DECember 2014 | mtparent.com Insertion Order (2/3 pg vert) 4.85”wide x 9.35”tall DVA Advertising and Public Relations 541-389-2411 Dan O’Neil:
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Winter HOUSE DESIGN STUDIO C O M F O R T &
J O Y
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are we there, yet?
Ski Trails ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY MELYNDA HARRISON
)851,785('(&25,17(5,25'(,6*1 0,6628/$%2=(0$1 HOUSEDESIGNSTUDIO.NET
When you live in Montana, it helps if you like winter. And nothing makes winter better than kicking and gliding through fresh snow or groomed trails. Or wherever your skis take you. Fill your thermos with hot cocoa, grab your Easy Glide and take a tour. We’ve rounded up ski trails for every level of skier.
Around Helena
Beginner: Maupin Loop
This easy 2-mile trail is great for beginning skiers, families or anyone who wants to stretch their legs a bit. Travel south of Helena on I-15 approximately 9 miles to the Clancy Exit, go south on the service road to Alhambra then take Forest Road 226 (Warm Springs Road) approximately 6 miles to the sign for the trailhead.
Intermediate: MacDonald Pass Trails
The 13 kilometers, and four connected loops, of trails at MacDonald Pass offer stunning views of the Big Belt Mountains through the sheltered forest area. The trails are just below the Continental Divide and provide opportunities for beginning and intermediate cross-country skiing. Trails, which are maintained by the Last Chance Nordic Ski Club (lcnsc.blogspot.com), are normally groomed from mid-December through March. Find the trailhead about half-a-mile east of the MacDonald Pass summit on Highway 12. 14
DECEMber 2014 | mtparent.com
Advanced: Stemple Pass Ski Trails
What makes these trails advanced is the lack of grooming. Plan on breaking trail or slipping into skier-tracks. While there are opportunities for beginner and intermediate skiers on the four loop trails, the most difficult trails are the Divide Loop, Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, or one of the popular off-piste routes. Stemple Pass sits on the Continental Divide, so be prepared for rapidly changing weather. Drive north from Helena to Lincoln Road and go northwest for 32 miles. Take a left on Stemple Pass Road and drive six miles to the pass.
Around Bozeman
Beginner: Bridger Creek Golf Course
There are 9 kilometers of trails for beginners to get under their feet at the Bridger Creek Golf Course. Park at the clubhouse on McIlhattan Road. Cross McIlhattan to access the lower, and easiest, loop (www.bridgerskifoundation.org/trailsmaps/).
Intermediate: Hyalite Canyon
While there are more than 30 kilometers of groomed ski trails in the Hyalite area, the History Rock Trail is ideally suited for intermediate skiers. From the parking area on the north end of the reservoir, ski north toward History Rock. From this point, either turn left and loop back or cross the road to Lick Creek and continue skiing. Print a map to figure out the which loop you’ll want to take. Fifteen miles south of Bozeman on Hyalite Canyon Road, off of South 19th (www. bridgerskifoundation.org/trails-maps).
Cross Country Or Skate Skiing
SKI OUR 30 KILOMETER GROOMED TRAIL SYSTEM Open daily 9am – 4pm $10/person/day Ask us about winter camping – ski or snowshoe to the Davis cabin or Skully tent.
CALL FOR RESERVATIONS 406-848-7729 Advanced: Sage Creek
The 11-mile (round-trip) Sage Creek Trail starts in open sagebrush, moves into the trees and travels through the Lee Metcalf Wilderness to Sage Basin, all while following Sage Creek. Ski south from the parking area half-a-mile to the first trail junction. Veer left. The trail to the right is Slide Creek and a much steeper ascent. At 1.75 miles, there is another trail junction where the trail first meets the creek. This time ski to the right. The trail continues to climb gradually, with various little ups and downs along the way, and crosses the creek several times. At 5.5 miles, you’ll come to another trail junction less than half-a-mile after entering the wilderness area. Drive 14.2 miles past the turnoff to Big Sky on Hwy 191. Just past the Taylor Fork Road is another road. Turn right. Drive 0.4 miles to the end of the access road.
Around Yellowstone
Beginner: Upper Mammoth Terrace Drive
The 1.5-mile road around some of Mammoth’s prettiest hot springs is closed to vehicles in winter and open to skiers. Head to the left on the loop and up a couple of hills. Pass Angel Terrace, White Elephant Back Terrace and the Snow Pass trailhead before heading downhill to Orange Spring Mound. The road winds around past Highland Terrace and Prospect Terrace. You’ll have views of the lower terraces and historic Fort Yellowstone as you come to the overlook. From there, take off your skis and walk down the boardwalk to Canary Spring. Upon returning to
the road, continue in the same direction and return to the parking area. Park at the Upper Terrace Parking area, about 1.7 miles south of Liberty Cap on the Grand Loop Road.
Sorry, no pets on the ranch.
B Bar Ranch is located in Tom Miner Basin, Emigrant, MT
Intermediate: Tower Falls
The 2.5-mile road to Tower Falls is often groomed. It’s a gradual uphill, but never very steep. Stop at Calcite Springs for a view over the Yellowstone River and the end of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. At Tower Falls there are picnic tables and a lovely view of Tower Falls. Park where the plowing ends at Roosevelt Junction.
Advanced: Snow Pass to Bunsen Peak
Start on the Upper Mammoth Terrace Drive loop (heading to the left), until reaching the sign for Snow Pass on the left. Ski over Snow Pass and along Gneiss Creek until reaching the (unplowed) Grand Loop Road. Cross the road, ski around the north side of Bunsen Peak and down the big hill to an employee housing area. From here, you’ll need to hitchhike back to your vehicle. It’s a little more than 10 miles. Park at the Upper Terrace Parking area, about 1.7 miles south of Liberty Cap on the Grand Loop Road. mp
Melynda Harrison is the author of Ski Trails of Southwest Montana and blogs at TravelingMel.com.
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Women’s Clothing Boutique Featuring Chic Transitional Active Lifestyle Wear. Winter Hours
Mon - Fri 11 - 6 • Sat 10 - 5 451 East Main Street Bozeman, MT
406-586-9474 www.gerty.net
DECember 2014 | mtparent.com
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Winter
Fun
Double Blading My Way
Across the Pond ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY AMY L. STODDART
WINTER ART EDUCATION 2015
For Adults/ Teens Art on the Rocks Series (21+) Beginner /Advanced Ceramics Intermediate /Advanced Drawing Watercolor Painting For Kids Creating with Clay ... (8 – 12 yrs) Clay ’N Play ... ( 3 – 5 yrs) ArtXplore ... (4 – 7 yrs) Kids Sculpt ... (4 – 12 yrs) Spring Break Art Camp ... (4 – 12 yrs) To register call 406-587-9797, ext. 104 www.TheEmerson.org 16
DECEMber 2014 | mtparent.com
Ice-skating has held a deep, nostalgic place in my heart since I was a young toddler. My dad spent countless hours in my family’s backyard in subzero Buffalo, NY, winter temperatures with a hose and a plastic liner creating the perfect rink for his children. Mom dressed us warmly, covered our socks with wonder bread bags, and laced up our double-bladed skates. Despite dad’s painstaking efforts building and maintaining our backyard rink, we never lasted much longer than 10 minutes before quickly running in for hot cocoa and marshmallows. Thanks dad. You prepared me well for winter in Montana and the life of a hockey mom traveling the state from ice rink to ice rink for six months of every year. We are so fortunate in Montana to have indoor as well as outdoor rinks that are free or inexpensive and open to the community. My son has grown up in the BAHA (Bozeman Amateur Hockey Association) hockey program and continues to play on a competitive travel team. My husband is a member of the adult recreational league and takes part in the annual Winter Classic each February. My daughter and I prefer a few laps in our “pretty ice skates” on the Morning Star Elementary rink on sunny winter afternoons. I have witnessed firsthand the benefits of ice-skating. It is an incredible form of exercise that improves balance, coordination, and offers great family time together. If you skate anything like me,
it can also be a great workout as you laugh to the point of tears. Assuming you stay up on those skates, leisure ice-skating is low impact, easy on the joints and improves your balance and coordination. All the deep intrinsic stabilizing muscles in your body fire and build strength as you work to stay vertical on the slippery surface. Likewise, your deep core muscles work constantly while ice-skating to negotiate regular shifts in your center of gravity. Ice-skating develops muscle tone of the deep joint stabilizers as well as the major muscle groups of the legs and trunk. Add a hockey stick, and the arms and shoulders get a piece of the action too. Skating can be an intense cardiovascular workout when performed at speed and for durations longer than twenty minutes.
Bozeman:
Bozeman has so many wonderful places to skate free or inexpensively. Haynes Pavilion houses the Ice Dogs Junior A Tier III hockey club, BAHA house and travel teams, adult hockey leagues and recreational teams, figure skating at recreational and competitive levels and many options for public skate. They rent skates on-site for convenience and offer a warming area with snacks and hot cocoa. The
Pavilion, run by Gallatin Ice Foundation, is nearing completion on construction of their new “Ice Barn.” This expansion will ultimately provide two adjacent ice rinks, which will give its current users an opportunity to significantly expand their programs as well as add new groups to the ice user family, such as curling and sled hockey.
................... Open Mon - Sat 10am - 7pm Sun 11am - 5pm Downtown Bozeman (406) 586-5589
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Bozeman’s many outdoor rinks offer opportunities for informal skating and group activities. The Rockwellian rink at Beall Park makes me feel like a kid again, while my boys prefer the boards up at Bogert Park for some stick and puck action. Southside rink, Morning Star Elementary and Hawthorne Elementary also offer options for schoolkids to learn to skate and neighbors to enjoy the feeling of a skating “pond” in their neighborhood.
Helena:
Helena offers an extensive hockey and figure skating program at the recreational and travel levels, various camps, clinics and the Helena hockey academy at the Helena Ice Arena. Helena’s Big Horns enjoy a 1,600-seat arena and won the 2011 Tier III Junior A National Championship. The facility also offers open public skating and has skate rentals on-site. For a more romantic outdoor experience, try Helena’s Memorial Park with its warming hut. Cunningham Park and Lincoln Park also offer an outdoor pond skating feel and the opportunity to breathe in the cool fresh Montana air while exercising or playing on the ice with friends and family. The outdoor rinks aim to open by mid-December and remain open until mid-February.
Do you or your child suffer from... stuffy noses, sinus infections, difficulty breathing or persistant coughing? i f s o, w e c a n h e l p.
Our goal is to have you lead a healthy life free of allergy or asthma symptoms.
Shake up your winter exercise routine and enjoy some good old-fashioned fun with your loved ones. Pack the cocoa and grab those skates. Hope to see you on the ice this winter. mp
© Amy L. Stoddart is owner of Bridger Pilates and Wellness in downtown Bozeman. Information on Pilates instruction, massage therapy, and dōTERRA essential oils can be found online at www.bridgerpilates.com. Amy is a STOTT Pilates Certified Instructor, holds an MFA in Dance, and is Resident Choreographer of the Montana Ballet Company.
www.allergymontana.com p. (406) 582-1111
Michael C. DiCello, MD
Diplomate American Board of Allergy & Immunology
2055 North 22nd Avenue, Suite 1 Bozeman, MT 59718
Cindy K. Feddes, FNP
Certified Asthma Educator
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e s ta b l i s h e d
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Bozeman Amateur
Winter
Fun
Hockey Association ARTICLE AND PHOTOS LAYNE FISHER
Ice is a place for community and a playground for adventurers. At Bozeman’s Haynes Pavilion ice arena, the age-old source of variety in play is the common denominator and home to a great range of activities from simple pleasure skating to high-intensity hockey games. Bozeman Amateur Hockey Association (BAHA) was created 30 years ago by a group of hockey enthusiasts, and Haynes Pavilion has been home to community ice events for 10 years. BAHA maintains the rink, as well as the schedule of varied daily, weekly and special events; providing a well maintained, safe environment for skating of all disciplines and abilities. The sport of hockey can span a lifetime and can be learned at any age. However, the earlier you begin, the longer you play. BAHA has 12 youth teams, including both travel and non-travel options. The youth leagues are organized by age and ability, and are coordinated by veteran and dedicated coaches. On November 8, 2014, Haynes Pavilion and BAHA hosted the USA Hockey-sponsored Try Hockey for Free, which drew more than 50 kids – a new record. For anyone who might be interested, youth hockey registration remains open throughout the skating season. BAHA encourages any family interested in ice sports to contact them, connect with one of their many programs and see how skating fits into their lives. The Bozeman Figure Skating Club also calls Haynes Pavilion home, and uses the ice to teach hundreds of people a year to skate. The multi-session programs run from early October through mid-April. These sessions are currently open for registration. For information about Learn to Skate classes, visit www.bozemanfigureskating.org. Whether you’re learning to skate or watching seasoned players from the stands, Haynes Pavilion is the place. The ice is home to the Senior A Stingers, MSU Bobcats, and Junior A Icedogs. The Icedogs play in the Tier III America West Hockey League, which is comprised of teams from around Montana and Wyoming. There are 13 home games
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remaining this season, which runs until the end of February 2015. For more information and ticket pricing please visit www. bozemanicedogs.com. Haynes Pavilion has a skate program for everyone and is a proud partner of Eagle Mount, providing ice time for those with disabilities and young people with cancer. Ice gives the gift of freedom, through sport or pleasure. The Eagle Mount organization has a variety of classes, which, “Through the use of adaptive equipment and dedicated volunteers, transforms participants with reduced ability to balance and others in wheelchairs into ice skaters.” Already this season, more than 800 hours of ice have already been enjoyed since opening day on September 29, 2014. As active as ever and committed to their mission, BAHA, along with the Gallatin Ice Foundation, is currently building Montana’s only year-round ice arena to ensure each community member has every opportunity to access ice time. The second “Ice Barn” will allow for an expansive schedule of adult and youth hockey games, pleasure skating, stick and puck, private and specials events – like the annual Skate with Santa. BAHA is hockey, but not only hockey. They are stewards of the ice at Haynes Pavilion, with the sole motivation to provide a safe and fun environment for all of your diverse ice adventures. Your partner in fun, BAHA looks forward to seeing each of you on the ice or in the stands during this skating season. To learn more about the BAHA organization and how to get involved, please visit www.bozemanhockey.org or follow BAHA on Facebook. mp
Layne Fisher is the newest member to the BAHA team. The Bozeman Amateur Hockey Association is a nonprofit service organization whose mission is to provide facilities and programs for the development of quality, affordable and disciplined competitive and recreational hockey.
Movie Lovers Winter
Fun
Winter Flicks WRITTEN BY SIERRA FEIN
Our Montana winters are filled with an abundance of outdoor opportunities that often leave us both invigorated and exhausted by the end of the day. With night falling earlier in the evening and the temperatures outside dropping rapidly, embrace the spirit of winter in the comfort of your home. Hold your loved ones closely between fleece blankets and pop in one of these films.
Iron Will (1994) PG Based on a true story, Iron Will tells the inspiring journey of a young boy full of spirit, integrity and hope. Seventeen-year-
old Will Stoneman makes an impact on the nation as he enters a 500-mile dogsled race with dreams of bringing home the $10,000 cash prize to save his family’s farm and go to college. After his father passes away in a tragic river accident, Will defies all odds to honor his father’s wise words, “Your place is where your dreams are. Now you never forget that, never.” Iron Will invigorates the underdog within to transform your vision of what is possible in this world.
Christmas in the Clouds (2001) PG A charming and playful romantic comedy full of indie flair, Christmas in the Clouds was featured at the Sundance Film
Festival in 2001. The talented ensemble, comprised almost entirely of an American Indian cast, portrays an array of diverse characters including a chef who hates cooking meat and the beautiful guest who hopes to find romance with her longtime pen pal. The hotel staff is on high alert awaiting the visit of a critic who will publish a star rating in a prestigious travel guide. Mistaken identity, heartwarming romances and unexpected friendships unfold to make this an endearing choice for your evening entertainment. Movie Lovers is Bozeman’s only local, independent video rental store, since 1984. Movie Lovers offers a vast collection of foreign, independent and classic films on DVD and Blu-Ray; as well as new releases and TV series. Movie Lovers is located at University Square on South 23rd Avenue. The friendly and knowledgeable staff offers great service and recommendations. To learn more about these winter family favorites and many others, call Joe, Jim, Jill and The Kid at 406-586-0560.
mp
Sierra Fein is a local filmmaker and owner of BlueSpark* Productions, “Creative Commercials from Spark to Finish”. For more information visit www.bluesparkproductions. com.
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Winter
Fun
B Bar WRITTEN BY ELEONORE SNOW
You may already be familiar with the delicious organic beef that comes from B Bar Ranch’s Ancient White Cattle, but did you know that you and your family can spend the day on the ranch’s stunning 30-kilometer groomed trail system skiing or snowshoeing for only $10?
Photo by Amelia Anne
Located outside Emigrant, on the outskirts of Yellowstone National Park, B Bar prides itself on preserving its pristine wilderness by working the land, nurturing the area and educating its guests on its sustainable ranching and farming practices.
Montessori Education and all the Extras! Toddlers - Preschool/Kindergarten - Elementary 1572 Cobb Hill Road • Bozeman, MT 59718 www.middlecreekmontessori.org
587-3817
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DECEMber 2014 | mtparent.com
With that in mind, they offer a variety of options for people to take advantage of the extraordinary landscape. You can come out just for the day or you can do an all-inclusive stay in the lodge (or vacation home rental), which includes all three meals in the dining room where the ranch’s beef is served alongside the organic produce grown in its greenhouse and all the outdoor amenities. Along with skiing and snowshoeing, you can also take advantage of the skating pond, the hot tub and even organize a dog sledding excursion. Now, if your family is up for a little more adventure, then you and your kiddos can choose to stay in one the of backcountry ski-in accommodations: The Davis Cabin, which was one of the ranch’s original homestead sleeps six, or the Skully canvas wall tent, which sleeps four. Both are equipped with a propane stove for cooking; a wood stove for heat; five gallons of water; and, of course, an outhouse. “We are so fortunate to be on the edge of Yellowstone and we have a beautiful place,” said Trina Smith, the ranch’s Guest Services Supervisor. “We want to make sure that we preserve it to the best of our ability,” she said. For more information on overnight packages and all-inclusive stays, call Trina Smith at 406-848-7729. B Bar Ranch, 818 Tom Miner Creek Rd, Emigrant, MT 59027;
[email protected]
mp
Winter
Fun
Preventing
Winter Sports Injuries WRITTEN BY DR. ALI SCHWEITZER
Winter is an exciting time here in Montana. With all the great opportunities for crosscountry skiing, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, ice-skating and much more, there’s bound to be an activity for everyone. The winter season also brings with it harsh conditions that can cause injuries. Common winter sports injuries include sprains, strains, muscle pulls or spasms, dislocations and fractures. Many of these injuries happen at the end of the day, when people overexert themselves to finish that one last run before sundown. A majority of these injuries can easily be prevented if participants prepare by keeping in good physical condition, staying alert and stopping when they are tired or in pain. There are many things you can do to help prevent injury during your favorite winter activities:
»» Never participate in a winter sport alone. »» Keep in shape and condition muscles before partaking in winter activities.
»» Warm up thoroughly before playing or
participating. Cold muscles, tendons and ligaments are vulnerable to injury.
changing temperature. Wear proper footwear that provides warmth and dryness, as well as ample ankle support.
»» Know and abide by all rules of the sport in which you are participating.
»» Take a lesson (or several) from a qualified
instructor, especially in sports like skiing and snowboarding. Learning how to fall correctly and safely can reduce the risk of injury.
»» Pay attention to warnings about upcoming storms and severe drops in temperature to ensure safety.
»» Seek shelter and medical attention
immediately if you, or anyone with you, is experiencing hypothermia or frostbite. Make sure everyone is aware of proper procedures for getting help if injuries occur.
»» Drink plenty of water before, during and after activities.
»» Avoid participating in sports when you are in pain or exhausted.
Get the most out of your flexibility training by following these simple guidelines:
»» Wear appropriate protective gear, including
»» Always warm up before your stretch.
»» Check that equipment is working properly
»» Stretch slowly and gently. Breathe into your
goggles, helmets, gloves and padding. prior to use.
»» Wear several layers of light, loose and
water- and wind-resistant clothing for warmth and protection. Layering allows you to accommodate your body’s constantly
Stretching cold muscles can cause injury. stretch to avoid muscle tension. Relax and hold each stretch 10 to 30 seconds.
»» Do not bounce your stretches. Ballistic (bouncy) stretching can cause injury.
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»» Stretching should not hurt. If you feel pain, take the stretch easier, breathe deeply and relax into it.
Another good tip is to always maintain an equal muscle balance. For many sports, especially hockey and ice-skating, children and adults can often develop a muscle imbalance in opposing muscle groups, such as the outer and inner thigh muscles. This can lead to hip, SI joint and low back pain. Getting your spine checked regularly can help you maintain good muscle balance and joint movement. When our joints are moving properly and our muscles are balanced, we are less likely to injure ourselves and can keep participating in the winter sports we love. So before you start racing down the slopes, gliding across the ice or whatever it is you love to do, stop in and see your local chiropractor to prep your body for the long winter ahead. And keep in mind: If you do get injured, getting in to see a chiropractor as soon as possible can help get you get back out there faster. Chiropractors are not only trained to adjust the spine, but can help with muscle issues, rehab and keeping you moving around pain free this winter. mp
Drs. Ali Schweitzer and Josh Prange of Thomas Family Chiropractic have a family based clinic to help you and your family with all their musculoskeletal needs. Dr. Josh also has his masters and further training in exercise prescription and rehabilitation. Let the doctors at Thomas Family Chiropractic keep you active and injury free this winter season. Visit thomasfamilychiropractic.com or call 406-556-0307.
DECember 2014 | mtparent.com
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Winter
Fun
Winter Asthma WRITTEN BY DR. ZACHARISEN
Montana is a winter wonderland for outdoor activities, but for children with asthma it can be a winter never-ever land.
above symptoms, this may be the first sign that asthma is present. Remember, asthma can present at any age.
There are two main challenges for children and teens with asthma during the winter. First, they spend more time indoors where there are plenty of asthma triggers such as allergens (pet dander, dust); irritants (smoke from fireplaces, perfumes, candles, cleaning agents) and viruses (common cold virus and Influenza). Second, it is cold outside. In this article, I will deal with the cold air outside.
How to prepare:
Why is cold air a problem? Our lungs prefer warm, humid or moist air. During outdoor winter activities, inhaling cool, dry air triggers inflammation within the small airways of the lungs, which leads to swelling, mucus production and constriction. This in turn leads to coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing and chest tightness. To complicate matters, exercise is an extremely common trigger in asthma, affecting more than 80 percent of persons with underlying asthma. What we have then is the one-two punch affecting the lungs (cold air and exercise). Even if your child has never been diagnosed with asthma, if he/she is experiencing the
Dr. Michael Zacharisen Board Certified Allergist/Immunologist
»» Control your child’s asthma first. Asthma
is not controlled if daytime symptoms occur more than twice a week or nighttime symptoms more than twice a month.
»» Wear a scarf or cold weather mask that covers the nose and mouth.
»» Warm up in the same temperature you will be exercising in.
»» Use your quick-relief inhaler (albuterol
or lev-albuterol) before going outside and exercising.
»» Make sure your inhaler has not expired
(check the expiration date) and has enough puffs remaining (check the dose counter). Shake the inhaler well. If the inhaler is new or has not been used in two weeks, test spray three puffs into the air to “prime” the inhaler.
»» Protect the inhaler from freezing
temperatures by carrying it in an inside pocket. Less medication is released when used in cold temperatures.
»» If asthma symptoms occur
while exercising, stop and rest.
»» Follow the asthma action plan provided by your healthcare provider.
»» Exercise indoors: If your child’s asthma has been difficult to control or he/she has a cold (or a recent cold), there is already inflammation in the lungs. Consider limiting exercise to indoors until the asthma is controlled.
When a child or teen is experiencing asthma symptoms that interfere with their activities, it’s time to take action. Seek care from a specialist knowledgeable with the diagnosis and treatment of asthma. Reclaim the winter – that’s why we live in Montana. mp
Michael Zacharisen, MD is a board-certified allergist/immunologist and pediatrician. He has nearly 20 years of experience in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of allergy, asthma, chronic cough and recurrent infections. His practice, Family Allergy & Asthma Care of Montana, is located at 4265 Fallon Street, Suite 3A in Bozeman, and is open to patients of all ages.
YOUR ALLERGIST in Southwestern Montana! Conveniently located near The Ridge Athletic Club in Bozeman. Extended hours are available on Tuesday evenings.
Our practice is dedicated We Accept All Major Health Insurance! to individualized & affordable allergy and asthma care for 4265 Fallon Street | Suite 3A, Bozeman patients of ALL ages. www.familyallergyasthmacare.com Phone: 406-451-7017 | Fax: 406-451-7020
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DECEMber 2014 | mtparent.com
Y GIVE? Because every child and teen deserves the chance to learn, grow and thrive in YMCA programs. Because the YMCA never turns anyone away due to inability to pay. Because whether its dance, summer camps, sport leagues or teen programs, we strengthen our community one child at a time. This holiday season, please consider a tax-deductible gift to help your Gallatin Valley YMCA nurture the potential of kids and teens, improve our community’s well-being and give back to our neighbors.
DONATE TODAY
www.gallatinvalleyymca.org 994.9622
Because Together We Can Do So Much More
for a complete listing of our new winter | spring programs visit our website.
Running out of creative ideas for these
cold winter days? A FULL DAY OF KID FUN will happen at the Montana Parent
Winter Fun Fest February 7, 2015
Stay tuned for more information... Vendors contact
[email protected] for booth and activity space availability
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DECEMber 2014 | mtparent.com
PHOTO AMELIA ANNE PHOTOGRAPHY
HOLIDAYS
Yes Abbey,
There is a Santa Claus WRITTEN BY SUE LEBRETON
It’s early December and my 11-year-old daughter, Abbey, is perched on the stool at the end of the kitchen counter. She is leaning forward on her elbows, her blonde, shoulderlength hair is tied back in her daily, non-negotiable ponytail. She pushes her books aside as she squeezes in minutes and space for an after-school snack and quick conversation. Usually she has several stories to share, an interesting tidbit from the teacher, tales from the schoolyard or an update on the book she is reading. But today she begins with a question. “Mom, do you really believe in Santa Claus?” she asks, brows curling toward each other. I feel my stomach squeeze in upon itself. I want to be truthful while clinging desperately to the illusion, the myth that is Santa. “I do believe in the magic of Santa, you know that,” I say. “Why are you asking?” “Someone at school was making fun of another girl for still believing in Santa.” “Well, Abbey, what would you like to believe?” Our eyes lock. “I want to believe. There are so many clues that he must be real,” she says. And she’s off, listing her proof points as a lawyer might sum up a case. The movie, Miracle on 34th Street, flashes in my mind. She smiles, her eyes twinkling as her energy builds. Her speech accelerates as she rattles off more evidence that Santa is real. “How else can you explain the year I got Twilight Barbie dolls that weren’t available anymore? What about the year Alexander got a GI Joe that hadn’t been made since Daddy was a boy?” How, indeed, I think, smiling smugly in my mind. The magic of eBay, unknown to my daughter, is the secret elf that has kept the magic alive these last few years. “And the time Alexander got that video game you said he was not allowed to play and then you were annoyed with Santa.” I nod in agreement, basking in my cleverness. She sighs as if carrying worries beyond her years. “Oh, I guess there’s only one way I will ever know if there’s a Santa.” “What’s that?” I ask, assuming my next challenge in gift giving is about to be revealed. She rests her case. “When I have a baby of my own, I will not buy any gifts and on Christmas morning I will know one way or another if Santa is real,” she says confidently. My stomach relaxes as I realize she has granted me a reprieve. I agree that, yes, when she is a mom she will know all about the reality and magic of Santa. mp
Sue LeBreton is a health and wellness writer and mom of two teens. She adores the magic of Santa.
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Little Hands in the Batter
Now offering Spitzy-absorbant burp cloths for when Spit Happens! Custom Hand Crafted Bags and Accessories Save 10% with coupon code MTP10 at
www.marandalee.com Helena
‘twas the Night Before
Oatmeal WRITTEN BY KRISTEN O’BRIEN
If you know me personally, you might say I get excited for the holidays, all holidays. At Christmas, I can assume a Clark Griswold-Claire Dunphy-Martha Stewart-like persona. I bake signature cookies, cakes and treats. I spend days decorating my home with twinkle lights, mini trees, Christmas villages and balsam scented candles. By Christmas Eve, I am beaming with excitement, arranging gifts, putting reindeer teethmarks in the carrots left by the kids and making a delicious confection for Santa to shove in his cookie hole. Despite my elfish enthusiasm, I never even gave Christmas breakfast a thought until a few years ago after my then-3-year-old had a meltdown. How could a foodie like me forget? But, guess what? I did it again the following year . . . in the midst of the Christmas frenzy, I forgot to feed my troops.
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DECEMber 2014 | mtparent.com
So I set out to find a make-ahead Christmas breakfast. One year, I tried a strata, an Italian baked egg casserole. It took some time to prepare and then I forgot to put it in the oven, so we ate cookies. I made a crockpot breakfast casserole twice, but none of the ingredients cooked well together – some were underdone, some overdone – leaving us with a wet, heavy, oval-shaped, gloppy mess. We ate cookies again. This year I’ve decided to try overnight oatmeal, something I can throw together at midnight (after Santa leaves). I did some experimenting. Steel cut oatmeal is pretty good leftover and reheated so I opted to try the “set it and forget it” approach. The end result left me underwhelmed, so I tried again, using a good old pot on the stove. I brought the oatmeal, water, organic turbanado sugar, cinnamon, cardamom spice and salt to a rolling boil for 2 minutes, put the lid on and let it sit on the counter. Yawning, I chopped some dried apricots (feel free to use apples, raisins, etc.), set out slivered almonds and went to bed. In the morning, I put the pot back on a low burner with a little water (or you could use milk) and warmed it back up again with a few quick stirs. Perfection! Your family can help themselves whenever they’re ready, adding their favorites toppings and finishing it off with a sprinkle of brown sugar, a signature drizzle of eggnog and for the grown-up elves, maybe a splash of Meyers dark rum to top it off. After all, it is Christmas.
PHOTO LUCAPHOTOGRAPHY
This year our Christmas breakfast will be a warm bowl of oatmeal enjoyed by the crackling fire, as we rejoice in our little blessings. No meltdowns. Peace on earth.
Here you go; you’re welcome: »» Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
in a pot and toast your steel cut oatmeal for 3-5 minutes. This brings out its nutty flavor. It’s amazing. package and bring to a rolling boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
»» Put the lid on and turn off the heat. Yup, that’s it.
»» Prep your toppings for the morning and settle down for a long winter’s nap.
»» In the morning, crawl through the
wrapping paper, tags and boxes, turn the burner on low and add milk or water to the oatmeal. Stir the warming oatmeal, adding liquid until it reaches your desired consistency.
»» Add the toppings.
HOLIDAY CHEER
»» Add the salt and water according to the
Give the gift of MOR Membership this holiday season! With a MOR Membership, that special someone on your gift list will enjoy benefits like these every day of the year: unlimited admission to the Museum and Taylor Planetarium, admission to over 300 other museums around the world, members only exhibit previews, free and special discounts on kids and family programs, 10% savings at the Museum Store and the list goes on. So share the joy this season with a gift membership to Museum of the Rockies!
mp
Kristen O’Brien is a stay-at-home mom, semi-retired professional chef and writer. She lives in Bozeman with her husband, four kids, two dogs, one cat, one bird, two frogs and one fish. When she’s not playing tennis, skiing or cooking, you can find her in the laundry room.
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To give the gift of MOR Membership, visit museumoftherockies.org or call 406-994-6054.
DECember 2014 | mtparent.com
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Seven Tips to Avoid the
HOLIDAY BRAIN DRAIN WRITTEN BY MELODY TAYLOR
You may have heard about the “summer slide.” It’s how teachers refer to the significant decrease in their students’ material retention that requires them to spend an average of four-to-six weeks re-teaching in the fall. But even a two-to-three week holiday break can put a serious dent in learning. To help keep your child’s brain strong when school is out of session, consider these seven tips:
1. Get them moving. Exercise isn’t just good for the body; it’s also good for the mind. Increasing oxygen flow to the brain helps increase its performance, and time spent playing sports, building a snowman or snow skiing is time away from the TV.
2. Play board games. There are plenty of fun games to engage brains of any age. From jigsaw puzzles, which
strengthen attention and visual processing skills, to games for two (like Battleship or Connect 4) or games for families (like Monopoly or Trivial Pursuit) that work multiple cognitive skills, board games are good for the brain and the soul.
3. Feed them healthy foods. Just as junk food can muddle your ability to focus, think and stay alert, healthy
foods like beets, berries, lentils, salmon, walnuts, sardines, ground flaxseed and green tea can increase clarity, memory and focus.
4. Keep them reading. They don’t need to be studying their science books to fight off the brain drain. Have
family members take turns reading pages from ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas or another fun holiday novel. Even leisure reading can keep them in the habit and help increase their processing speed. Consider giving your child a book as a Christmas gift.
5. Do yoga. In addition to being a great form of exercise, yoga incorporates the practice of meditation, which
has been shown to be very beneficial to the brain. Also, the increased flexibility from yoga can help prevent injuries, such as a fall on the ice.
6. Keep them on a sleep schedule. One of the most vital pieces to a healthy brain is getting a good night’s sleep. There’s no such thing as “catching up” on sleep and while it’s tempting to let kids stay up later during the break, any extreme change is going to make it that much harder to adapt after the break ends.
7. Play school. Fake it till you make it! Whether you’re the teacher or the pupil, keeping your child in school
mode can do wonders over the break. Fill their stocking with school supplies, provide a safe play space and invite a couple of classmates over to play school. It’ll keep them busy in a way that doesn’t drain their brain – or your energy. mp
Melody Taylor is the director of LearningRx in Helena. For more information about LearningRx or Brain Training visit learningrx.com/helena or contact Melody at 406-879-3070.
Hilltop 7 Farm Gifts
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DECEMber 2014 | mtparent.com
Gift Certificates
Catering Holiday Parties
Sweatshirts & Hot Sauces
Time for
GATHERINGS
WRITTEN BY KIMBERLY GARDNER, MSW, LCSW, LAC LEAD CLINICAL SUPERVISOR, INTERMOUNTAIN COMMUNITY OUTPATIENT SERVICES
Many families have strong traditions and beliefs about how and when to gather, what the activities should be and how everyone should participate. In all of the hustle and pressure to meet demands, we need to be careful to nurture ourselves and the relationships we treasure. Sometimes the holidays are the only time we can be together with the people in our lives that matter the most. Gatherings can provide a chance to show our gratitude, make amends or create a new beginning where healing is needed. This might be the year to challenge the family customs we’ve embraced and start some new traditions that build on, or improve, the best of the old ones. We can easily get distracted by the messages surrounding us to spend too much money on gifts and preparations for holiday activities. It’s OK to resist those messages and focus on time with those you care about instead. Remember that “things” aren’t what makes life richer – that’s what relationships are for. This year, choose a new way to enrich time spent with friends and family. Look for ways to gather in a more relaxed fashion that will give everyone time to enjoy each other. Anticipating the stress and exhaustion of the holidays can be tiring in itself. Consider taking time – right now – to get out your calendar and pencil in some time for fun, rest and selfcare. Stock up on healthy foods to help you resist overeating and block out time to take a walk by yourself or with that friend you’ve been meaning to see. Send off a handwritten note to someone you haven’t been in touch with and let them know you miss them and care about them. Is there a strained relationship that you’ve been worried about? Consider making an appointment with that person to listen to his or her concerns and make repairs. As the holiday pace increases, consider delegating some tasks to others or inviting them to join you in the work. Making pies with your kids, grandkids, siblings or neighbors can make for the best memories – and pies. Any kind of activity that brings us together to create something provides an opportunity to deepen and enrich our relationships. And, when the holidays are over, it will be those kinds of things we all remember. It’s not about the event; it’s about being together and caring for each other. We all want our family members to be stronger and more resilient as they go through the stages of their lives. The holiday season is a fabulous opportunity to create new memories, make stronger connections with those we care about, heal brokenness between us and move into the future together. Reconsider what is of value to you and prepare for the opportunity to create joy, spread love, enrich our relationships and refresh our lives. Happy holidays. mp
Kimberly Gardner, MSW, LCSW, LAC is the Lead Clinical Supervisor of Intermountain’s Community Outpatient Services. She has worked in the field of children’s mental health and adolescent substance abuse treatment for 35 years and is well known for advocacy for children and families across the state.
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Session 15: On the Couch With Dr. Kelsch
Gifts and Greed WRITTEN BY DR. DONNA KELSCH
As parents, we want our children to be kind, thoughtful, generous and selfless. Unfortunately, while the holidays are supposed to be a time of love and peace, they often bring out the worst in our children, who can become greedy, selfish little people (or big people depending on their age). Our culture bombards kids with a need for the latest fad, the newest toys and the most expensive electronics, and we reinforce that perception by making sure we bought a gift that grandma, the postman and a third cousin, once removed, (who will be visiting for the first time in five years), will like. When parents fixate on finding the perfect gift, kids may begin to feel that the most important aspect of the holidays is gift getting. One child may feel cheated that you (and/or Santa Claus) gave them fewer gifts than a sibling; another child might be disappointed that no one paid attention to the gift they really wanted; and the third child may judge the gifts strictly on size and focus on who got the biggest gifts. How can we help our children understand the true meaning of the holidays, which, wrapped up in a single word, is love? Dr. Gary Chapman, a renowned Christian writer, addresses this very issue. Following are the five love languages, which can be used as a blueprint for parents to help our children be more understanding and less self-absorbed during the holidays and after.
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Words of Affirmation
I remember one particularly rainy afternoon when I asked my youngest son to jump out of the car and bring the emptied garbage can to the house. He hopped out and joyfully walked up the driveway in the rain to bring the garbage can to its rightful spot. Looking though his rain-drenched hair, he looked at me expectantly for affirmation and praise of his kind act. I lavished him with sincere praise and appreciation that I did not have to get wet, and that he did it joyfully. If your child’s primary love language is words of affirmation, they will grab onto your every word in hopes that more affirmation will be forthcoming. Thank them for not whining when asked to do something that helps the family. Tell them how much you appreciate that they try their hardest at school. Find reasons in everyday events to acknowledge their efforts.
Acts of Service
“Actions speak louder than words” is the mantra of the person who is empowered when doing something for someone else. The same son who seeks affirmation also seeks opportunities to help. If you tell him that you could use his help making cookies or cleaning for holiday parties, don’t just thank him after the event, but publicly thank him in front of others so they too can follow your lead and heap praise on him for the great tasting cookies or the beautifully decorated house. His focus will quickly shift from receiving to giving. Acts of service can also be powerful during the holidays. As a family, volunteer at a soup kitchen or collect Toys for Tots. Your kids will see how fortunate they are and the quantity and quality of gifts may not seem so important anymore.
Receiving Gifts
OK, you can’t avoid it – gift-giving is an important part of the holidays. My daughter loves gifts and having “things.” She is perhaps the hardest for her parents and brothers to satisfy. She’s the one calculating in her head how much money was spent on each person. The hardest thing for us to teach her is that it’s the thought that counts. My husband and I give each child $5 to buy gifts for each other. Each year the kids complain that it’s not enough money and we counter by telling them to think of the person they’re buying for and what inexpensive gift they might really appreciate, rather than something they want themselves. A simple water bottle for a brother who is active in sports and who always leaves his water bottle behind is a great gift. When our daughter stops judging the gifts by the cost and size, she discovers that it’s the thought that was put into the gift that is more important than the dollar amount spent. This then adds tremendous value to the gift for her.
Physical Touch Quality Time
I personally value quality time. I like routines and traditions and want to ensure that we maintain these. The children know what I want every year: good memories of time spent with them. Each year my husband and I buy a family gift, something that requires us to spend time together, such as a board game. We sit around the table interacting with each other and have fun playing together. And it’s usually my husband or me that ultimately has to put an end to the time together because it’s late.
My autistic son is extremely sensory and he craves physical touch with deep pressure or joint compressions. My daughter, after facing difficult circumstances at home or at school, will ask for a hug. As human beings, we have an innate need to connect with others. In parent/child relationships, touch can be powerful. Stroking your child’s hair or rubbing their back while watching TV can be very comforting. It’s a physical reminder of expressing love and that it’s each other’s love, not gifts and things, that are important – especially around the holidays.
Each person speaks a different love language. My teenage son hates to be touched; he does, however, value quality time with the family. Know each of your family members’ love language and use it as a focus over the holidays to teach our kids that there are more important things than gifts. Make this the holiday season of less greed and more love. Additional Readings:
»» The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts. Chapman, G. »» The 5 Love Languages of Teenagers New Edition: The Secret to Loving Teens Effectively. Chapman, G.
»» The 5 Love Languages of Children. Chapman, G, and Campbell, R.
mp
Dr. Donna Kelsch is a licensed professional counselor with Tri Therapy. Tri Therapy provides counseling and assessments for teens, couples and families. Call 406-404-1009 for an appointment or contact her via web at tritherapymt.com or email
[email protected]. Dr. Donna lives in Bozeman with her husband and three children.
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Coping with the Holidays While Grieving WRITTEN BY CINDY HAUGEN
Christmas has always been a time for family. But when you feel like a part of your family is missing, it can be a particularly difficult time of year. Although it has been 13 years now, I vividly remember our first Christmas after Bret died. He was born with angel wings in August 1995, but his original due date was November 30. Therefore, we had planned on having a new baby with whom to celebrate Christmas that year. That Christmas, I worried that my emptiness would swallow me. In the past, I had relished our tradition of opening a nice bottle of wine, cranking up Christmas carols on the stereo, and helping our older son put as many lights and ornaments on the tree as possible without toppling it over. That Christmas, we continued our tradition for our son’s sake, but my heart just wasn’t in it. Everything took on a new meaning that year. Remembering that it was baby Jesus’s birthday reminded me of the baby I lost. The angel we always put on top of the tree gained new significance—I prayed an angel like that one would be watching over my baby. Shortly after Bret died, we were touched to find a teddy angel ornament that was dressed in blue. That Christmas, it was the first ornament we put on the tree, and many tears flowed that night as we ached for our baby boy to be with us. I dreaded Christmas day, not wanting to revisit my pain. But, as somtimes happens with anxious experiences, the time leading up to the event was worse than the day itself. On Christmas morning, I began to find solace in the symbolism of the season, and I found a lot of comfort in our little blue teddy angel. I felt as though Bret was there with us. Losing Bret made me treasure my son and husband even more. It turned out to be one of the most meaningful Christmas seasons I have ever experienced.
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The most important tip for handling the holidays after a major loss is to be gentle with yourself and do what feels the most comfortable. Here are some other suggestions:
»» Acknowledge that Christmas is coming.
As much as you may want to avoid it, you can’t.
»» Avoid thinking about what you should
do. You need to do what is right for you, instead of feeling obligated.
»» Try not to float into Christmas. Be
deliberate in choosing what you would like to do.
»» Make Christmas a season rather than just a day.
»» Don’t take on too much. Decide on your priorities.
»» Set times for things you really want to do. »» Honor your feelings and don’t pretend you are happy if you are not. The holidays may increase your feelings of sadness. It’s OK.
»» Try altering your Christmas traditions and
create new ones, if that feels comfortable.
»» Honor your baby and attend a special candlelight ceremony.
»» And, as hard as it may be, keep in mind that you will come to enjoy Christmas again in the future. mp
Reprinted with permission from the blog Angel Whispers of Hope, angelwhispersofhope.blogspot.com and Share, Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support magazine, November/December 2014.
Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support, Inc. serves those whose lives are touched by the tragic death of a baby through early pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or in the first few months of life. Volunteers from Share of Gallatin Valley and Bozeman Deaconess Spiritual Care are devoted to supporting those whose babies have died. A
monthly support group meets the first Tuesday every month at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital Chapel at 7 p.m.
In addition, volunteer Peer Companions offers one-on-one support for families experiencing the loss of a baby. The Share resource lending library is available 24-hours a day in the Bozeman Deaconess chapel. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ ShareGallatin or email us at sharegallatinvalley@ gmail.com for additional information or support.
Morning Afternoon & Early Eve
Sickened by Pleasure
Babies to Age 6
Song-Dance-Rhythm-Fun
WRITTEN BY DR. JUSTIN ANDERSON
The pursuit of pleasure at the expense of well-being is a road that many people travel. However, the cost of this journey is often sickness in body and sadness of soul. All that self-indulgence tends to show for itself is a hollow past and a disillusioned future. People look for the next great relationship or adventure in the hopes of having their selfie and their story “liked” on Facebook. Exciting experiences get condensed to a single image that is scrolled past amid the hundreds of others. Our stories sometimes become fodder for other people to outshine with their own achievements, adventures and selfies. Again the cycle repeats. What are our “great stories” made of? We often pursue pleasure by chasing adrenaline, living beyond our means or indulging in the impulses of the moment. We share only the impressive images of our lives, while in reality feeling empty and shallow. Not only that, but we envy the extraordinary fragments of others’ lives—when they may be doing the very same thing to impress us. Once again we are moving into the Christmas season, which means different things to different people. For some, self-indulgence is amped up. There are more parties to attend than there are workdays left in the year. There may be unrestricted and easy access to all our favorite foods and pleasures. “You only live once so you’d better party hard!” the saying goes. Everyone who follows your photos on social media can see how much fun your life is. Yet, back at home, you may feel empty and shallow if the only person you served this season was yourself. Meant for more than this, human beings become depressed when serving only ourselves. We display a pretty porcelain veneer that covers a sick and sad body and soul. The perceived fix is to keep pursuing pleasure. We allow trivial activities to drive us. Selfabsorption disconnects us from true, meaningful relationships. Our ability to serve others becomes clouded.
The greater story to tell is the one that leads to joyfulness and blessing instead of emptiness. People are hurting inside and crave real relationships—real conversations, real emotions and real touch. As media fragments our lives into news feeds and sound bites, the deep need for kindness and undivided attention remains. We scroll through the images of others’ lives instead of living our own and being real friends to the people around us. Despite the new experiment of social media, people still yearn for heartfelt interaction. Children, especially, yearn for attention from their parents, and sense all too well when their parents are not giving it.
PREVIEW A CLASS FOR FREE
Call “Music Kate” (406) 570-2839
[email protected] Babies Free + Sibling Discounts See Website for Details.
MusicTogetherBozeman.com
This Christmas season needs to be more about giving and less about receiving. Won’t you join me in this decision? Find a way to serve someone, and do it with good motives and a servant’s heart. Serving yourself might end with the expense of a sick body and depressed soul, but serving others is good for you—and a blessing to others. The inner warmth that comes from doing something special for someone in need far surpasses the pleasure that comes from serving yourself—and combats feelings of depression. Joy comes from serving people with the intent to put their needs above our own. This winter, seek the warmth for which many sick and saddened people are searching. This healthful, real joy is within reach of all who seek it. mp
Dr. Justin Anderson has a passion for caring for parents and children across the Gallatin Valley and beyond. As a Doctor of Chiropractic practicing at Wellness Montana, Dr. Anderson is equipped to assist in the restorative, healing needs of your entire family. Visit www.wellnessmontana.com.
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DECember 2014 | mtparent.com
33
Going
Gluten-Free and
Glorious
Gluten-Free Roasted Chicken, Kale and Oat Groat Soup Makes about 4 servings
Ingredients »» 1/3 cup precooked Gluten-Free Prairie Oat Groats (see cooking directions on package)
»» 1 tablespoon grapeseed or olive oil
in the New Year
»» 1 cup chopped onion »» 3/4 cup chopped celery
WRITTEN BY DEB WHEATON
»» 1 teaspoon minced garlic »» 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock The number one New Year’s resolution is going on a diet, and given the popularity and enthusiasm surrounding the benefits of a gluten-free diet, it makes sense that many New Year’s Day dieters will be going gluten-free in 2015. If a gluten-free diet is on your list this year, it could be the easiest resolution you’ve ever made. Why? The benefits alone are a great motivator. Going gluten-free seems to have something for everyone. Maybe you’re looking for a serious weight loss program or cooking for an elderly loved one. Maybe you’ve heard about the effect of gluten on the brain, or improvements to athletic performance. No matter what your motivation, going gluten-free has never been easier.
»» 1 cup water
How to do it and stick to it:
»» 1 cup roughly diced roasted chicken (optional)
»» Stop counting calories by making your calories count. Eat more fruits and vegetables, which are all gluten-free.
»» Eat more gluten-free whole grains such
as gluten-free oats and quinoa. They are packed with nutrients and help you feel fuller longer.
»» Resolve to become an avid label reader.
Avoid gluten-free processed foods, which are often full of sugar, sodium and preservatives.
»» Resolve to avoid white rice, the number one ingredient in most gluten-free processed foods, which can be high glycemic and full of empty calories.
»» Give going gluten-free a fighting chance.
It takes a minimum of three weeks to start seeing results (although if gluten is truly an issue for you, you may feel better within a few days).
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»» 2 cups chopped baby kale »» 2 bay leaves »» 1 tablespoon fresh thyme plus 1 teaspoon dried thyme
»» Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
»» Keep an open mind and think outside
of the breadbox. Gluten-free recipe websites and blogs can be found all over the Internet and many gluten-free magazines are now available. All feature simple and delicious recipes that will keep you inspired. Among my favorites: Delight Gluten Free, Simply Gluten Free and Gluten Free Buyers Guide.
»» 2 cups roughly diced sweet potato
Instructions »» Heat a large saucepan on medium-low heat. Add
»» Stay motivated by noting any
changes you might experience, such as improved gut health, belly fat loss and a lifting of “brain fog.” Everyone is different and results will vary.
(*These tips are intended for readers considering a gluten-free diet as a lifestyle choice. If you have symptoms consistent with celiac disease or glutensensitivity, please see your doctor before starting a gluten-free diet. For more information about celiac and gluten-sensitivity visit celiac.org)
What’s the most difficult part about being gluten-free? Most would probably agree that it’s the lack of good, crusty French bread. I agree, but many glutenfree advocates, myself included, report that they lost their taste for gluten after about three months. Get started and get inspired with one of our family favorite gluten-free comfort foods, Roasted Chicken, Kale and Oat Groat Soup. This hearty soup comes together quickly; it’s healthy and simple. The chicken is optional.
the oil, onion, celery and garlic. Cook, covered, for about 7 minutes or until the vegetables are starting to soften, adding a tablespoon or two of water if needed.
»» Pour in the stock, water, sweet potato, kale, bay
leaves and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook, covered, for 17 minutes or until sweet potato and groats are tender.
»» Add the chicken and simmer until hot, 3 to 5 minutes longer.
»» Add pepper and salt (if using) to taste.
mp
Deb Wheaton is a writer/blogger “Offering Easy to Digest Solutions for Living a Gluten-Free Lifestyle” at www. notevenacrumb.com. The only food manufacturer on the Board of Directors of Celiac Disease Foundation, she is also credited as co-author of 500 Gluten-Free Dishes. Deb is co/founder of Montana-based Gluten-Free Prairie, LLC (www.glutenfreeprairie.com), offering certified gluten-free, grown-in-Montana grain-based products. Deb is not a doctor, lawyer, rocket scientist or astronaut. But she is a passionate advocate who is on a mission to raise awareness about Celiac Disease and gluten-intolerance.
Fossils and Crystals:
One-of-a-Kind Gifts WRITTEN BY PATTI ALBRECHT
We all strive to be the type of parent or friend who gives unique gifts. Your job becomes even harder if you don’t have a crafty bone in your body. That’s where fossils and crystals come in. Formed thousands – if not millions – of years ago, these little treasures have been waiting underground to be cherished.
Fossils:
A fossil is a preservation of a once-living thing, freezing a moment in time from long, long ago. Impressions of ancient footprints, insects, leaves, shrimp and more are preserved in the host rock. They can even confirm climate change, as can be seen in the fossilized horn coral found in the Bridger mountains. The most desirable fossils are ones where the background rock is a contrasting color from the fossil. For instance, when ancient shrimp are preserved in such detail that their antennas and legs give the illusion of being drawn in brown on a cream-colored backdrop or when multi-colored leaves are beautifully impressed on beige sandstone. Other fossils preserve a 3-D stone replica of ancient life forms. Examples include teeth from sharks or mammoths and bones, skulls and horns from dinosaurs. Thrilling to hold, trilobites are one of the oldest marine organisms. Take the time to examine a complete trilobite with its compound eyes and three-segmented body. When choosing a fossil, research the store or seller so you can be confident of their reputation and expertise. As with anything else, fossils can be faked. Look for repairs or enhancements. Is the collection area and age of the fossil included? Know what you are buying by asking questions and developing a relationship with your local rock and fossil store.
Crystals:
Some minerals form into distinct symmetrical shapes. For instance, quartz crystals are six-sided “rods” ending in pyramid points of clear, purple, black or yellow. The most prized are transparent with inclusions that reflect brilliantly colored rainbows. A rare quartz can have red, black or golden “needles” inside, which are tourmaline or rutile. Calcite crystals form into dogtooth shaped points or rhombohedrum shapes (picture a box, slightly squished and tilted to one side). Barite, pyrite and galena form perfect square crystals, while cavansite and wavelite present in rare pinwheel-shaped crystals. Truly one-of-a-kind natural works of art, crystals can be set or wrapped into eyecatching jewelry. Single pieces with multiple crystal shapes are a delight. When choosing a specimen, inquire if all sides are natural or if some (or all) have been polished. Determine if anything has been heat treated, dyed or radiated, which are techniques used to intensify colors.
Big Timber
Now Carrying Overstock High End Baby Gear from retail stores brands such as
Bugaboo, BOB, UppaBaby, Stokke, Orbit Baby, Maxi-Cosi, and More.
Gifts That Keep Giving:
Fossils and crystals are a limited resource. Collection sites can become exhausted, flooded or closed. Fossils and crystals can even be an investment that might increase in value. Earth’s Treasures welcomes you to come and see rarities from around the globe, while learning about all of the wonders the natural world has to offer. Find a unique and beloved gift, whether you’re crafty or not, by visiting Earth’s Treasures at 25 N. Willson Ave. in downtown Bozeman or online: EarthsTreasuresMT.com. mp
Patti Albrecht is the owner of Earth’s Treasures; she has three children and lives in Bozeman.
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Hours Open: Tuesday - Friday 10am-5pm Location: 717 East 4th Ave Big Timber, Mt 59011
406-932-6461
Find us on facebook!
DECember 2014 | mtparent.com
35
Last-minute local
Holiday gift
guide
BOZEMAN »»20/Twenty Eyecare »» Dr. Sarah Q. Kirkpatrick and Dr. Sarah E. Hill
»» 280 W. Kagy Blvd., Suite B »» 406-522-8888 »» 20twentymt.com 20Twenty is Bozeman’s newest eyecare and eyewear practice. Come in and find something functional, fashionable and festive. 20/Twenty Eyecare is located by all your favorite shops on Kagy. Open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
»»Amelia Anne Photography »» 406-579-5527 »» Ameliaannephotography.com Looking for the perfect gift that is sure to be appreciated? Check out Amelia Anne Photography. Time flies and the gift of captured memories will be cherished forever. For the whole month of December, receive an additional $25 bonus for each $100 gift certificate purchased. Buy a $100 gift certificate and get $125, buy a $200 gift certificate get $250, etc. Mention you saw this deal in Montana Parent to receive your discount.
»»Bibs and Binkies
»» 2320 W. Main St., Ste. 2A
»» 406-585-8800 »» Bibsandbinkies.com
The ErgoBaby carrier is the number one gift for all new parents. Its unique ergonomic design minimizes stress on the hips and provides your baby or child with a safe, comfortable and supported seat so that you may go about your active lifestyle and enjoy your new family.
»»Blissful Family Yoga »» 406-595-2547 »» Blissfulfamilyyoga.com
Give the gift of movement, meditation and bliss this holiday season. Surprise the kids with a gift certificate for Kids Kundalini Yoga for the Whole Family! »»Antoinette’s Yoga. Or&treat Kundalini Hathathe Yoganew or expectant Pregnancy Yogain • Dancing For to Birth »» 406-582-5427 mother your life prenatal yoga Mommy & Me Yoga • Kids Yoga classes, Mommy and Me Yoga classes »» Antoinetteshairandmakeup.com Yoga for Addiction Recovery and/or Yogaprenatal for PTSD and postpartum Dancing Antoinette’s is a full hair for Birth classes to keep her balanced, and makeup studio with hair happy and feeling good throughout the services for women, men and changes that pregnancy and motherhood kids. They carry bareMinerals bring. Gift certificates are also available and Paul Mitchell Systems for private Kundalini yoga classes with a products. Gift certificates are certified instructor. available for all services. Call today for a personal consultation or appointment. TM
»»Alphabet Series By Sarah Angst @ Tart »» 111 S. Grand Ave., Ste. 107C in the Emerson
»» 406-582-0416 »» Tartique.com »» Sarahangst.com Local artist Sarah Angst is featuring her new Alphabet Series at tart in the Emerson. tart is a boutique and contemporary art gallery carrying handcrafted art, jewelry, clothing, accessories and gifts. It is the perfect one-stop shop for all of your holiday gift-giving needs. Sarah Angst’s exhibit features original hand painted linocuts, alphabet posters, individual framed letters and prints that would all make wonderful gifts. tart is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 36
DECEMber 2014 | mtparent.com
»»“Ravi Bozeman & Vinegar Gloria Inder”Oil Overcash
»»BAHA »» Bozeman Area Hockey Association »» 406-586-5557 »» Bozemanhockey.org
Gift ideas from Haynes Pavilion Ice Arena: Public Skate punch cards and passes; Stick and Puck punch cards and passes; IceDogs individual game or season tickets; Learn to Skate classes (all ages); Adult Hockey Skills classes; BAHA t-shirts, hats and hoodies. Visit bozemanhockey.org for details.
(406) 595-2547
»blissfulfamilyyoga.com » 31 S. Willson Ave. »» 406-577-2221 Give the gift of taste and health with the Bozeman Oil and Vinegar Sampler Pack. Introduce a special someone to the wonderfully flavorful world of high quality olive oils and vinegars. Includes a set of traditional extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, as well as two fun flavored pairings.
»»Bridger Pilates and Wellness
»»Dee-O-Gee
»» 810 N. Wallace Ave. »» 406-600-5247 »» Bridgerpilates.com
»» 19th & Oak (2051 Oak St. #4) and
Buy your loved one the greatest gift of all: health for the holidays and the year to follow. Bridger Pilates is a wellness facility offering STOTT Pilates, massage therapy and dōTERRA essential oils. The studio caters to the individual, providing both private and group instruction. Holiday specials not to miss include $120 for a 10time group mat punch card; $300 for five private sessions; or try the Buy One Get One: a one-hour private Pilates session and a dōTERRA essential oils Aromatouch session for $100. Gift certificates towards training and dōTERRA essential oils are also available in various amounts. Train with the best for the best results.
»»The Chalet Market »» 6410 Jackrabbit Ln. »» 406-388-4687 »» Chaletmarket.com The Chalet Market is your best source for the perfect Montanamade gift. Their smokehouses work overtime for the holidays turning out delicious sausages, snack sticks and jerky. Your faithful friends and family members will love receiving a gift box. All gifts include a personal handwritten greeting and are beautifully packaged in a custom box. There are many gifts to choose from online at chaletmarket.com, at the holiday mall kiosks in Bozeman and Great Falls, as well as the flagship store in Belgrade. Chalet Market ships to all 50 states and APO addresses.
»»Coach Jen’s Swim School »» 406-600-5769 »» Coachjenk.com Coach Jen’s Swim School teaches swimming the right way the first time and every time. The swim school focuses on teaching water safety and the fundamentals of swimming, which lay the foundation for technically sound, injury-free, lifelong swimming. Coach Jen believes learning to swim is a critical life skill and her goal is that your children will love swimming for the rest of their lives. Happy kids swim fast.
Downtown (424 E. Main St.)
»» 406-551-2364 »» Dee-o-gee.com At Dee-O-Gee, every day is a dog day. They are Montana’s best source for natural eco-friendly products and gifts for your pet. At both Bozeman locations, you can find nutrition, supplements, toys, treats and unique dog gear for your most loyal family members (Dee-O-Gee carries cat stuff too!).
»»Earth’s Treasures »» 25 N. Willson Ave., Suite B »» 406-586-3451 »» Earthstreasuresmt.com Earth’s Treasures, just off Main Street in Bozeman, is the only little museum and mining store in southwest Montana. Find unique gifts: fossils, crystals, dinosaur poop, metal detectors, butterfly wing jewelry (only harvested after a natural death), rock tumblers, gold pans and affordable gemstone jewelry. Cool stuff for the serious collector as well as small children. A fun place where kids can get something with their allowance (prices start at 50 cents). Also: books, collection boxes, kits and magnifying loupes. Don’t miss the bug wall - kids love bugs. Come in and enjoy the treasures of the earth that many people will never see.
»»Erotique »» 12 N. Willson Ave. »» 406-586-7825 »» Erotiquestyle.com Erotique specializes in healthy sexuality with lingerie, adult DVDs, lotions, toys, books, magazines, stimulants, condoms, relationship enhancement, art and more. Fun, fresh and healthy for a relationship.
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»»Gerty »» 451 E. Main St. »» 406-586-9474 »» Gerty.net Gerty offers everything on the fashionable active mom’s wish list: Fashion-forward styles that are comfortable, versatile and functional. They feature local jewelry artists plus the latest in handbags and accessories along with organic skin care lines and candles, just to name a few stellar gift giving ideas.
»»Giggles, Toys & More »» In the Gallatin Valley Mall »» 406-522-8697 »» FB/Giggles-Toys-More Giggles, Toys & More in the Gallatin Valley Mall has the ASTRA’s Best Toys for Kids for 2014. Come into Giggles to find all the winners, like the Teeter Popper, developed by Fat Brain Toys and winner in the Active Play category. Whether they rock it, roll it, sit in it or stand... kids want to move with the Teeter Popper because their senses go for a ride every time they play and it’s a cinch to maneuver. Let the Giggles friendly staff help you find that perfect gift.
»»Girls Outdoors »» 1 E. Main St. »» 406-522-0013 »» Gogirlsoutdoors.com Girls Outdoors carries the Skhoop short down skirt, which perfectly combines a feeling of sportiness and warmth. The wave-shaped seams give the skirt its unique character. The model is a little longer at the back and shorter at the front to give maximum flexibility and a unique cut. Perfect for keeping warm during winter activities, or for just feeling warm and stylish – this is one of Girls Outdoors most popular winter products. DECember 2014 | mtparent.com
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»»John Bozeman’s Bistro »» 125 E. Main St. »» 406-587-4100 »» Johnbozemansbistro.com
»»Great Harvest Bread Company »» 701 W. Main St. »» 406-582-8369 »» Bozemangreatharvest.com What could be more wonderful than breaking and sharing warm, locally hand-crafted bread during the holidays? Check out Great Harvest’s selection of gorgeous gift baskets, which range in price from $15 to $99 depending on the contents and can include bread, jam, cookies, granola, muffins and a bread knife.
»» Heyday »» 7 W. Main St. »» 406-586-5589 »» Heydaybozeman.com »» FB/heydaybozeman Make holiday shopping easy with this gorgeous holiday gift set from the Soap and Paper Factory. The set includes hand cream, a votive candle, bath oil and bar soap in three fragrances. Heyday gift wraps for free and ships for your convenience.
»»HOUSE »» 407 W. Main St. »» Bozeman »» 406-577- 2863 or
»» 133 N. Higgins Ave. »» Missoula »» 406-541-6960 »»
[email protected] »» Housedesignstudio.net House is a furniture and interior design store specializing in organic, modern, midcentury and contemporary designs. They feature home decor, lighting and gifts that offer form and function and exclusive selections that are sure to please everyone on your holiday list. Visit House in Bozeman, Missoula or online at housedesignstudio.net. 38
DECEMber 2014 | mtparent.com
Want to buy a gift for a loved one that won’t be stuffed into a closet by January? Get a gift card from John Bozeman’s Bistro. The Bistro caters to every type of diner and is a great way to celebrate the season; plus, they are an independent, local option that every one loves. Gift cards please even those who are the hardest to buy for on your list and are a great option for teachers as well. Stop by the Bistro today and grab one of the hottest gifts of the holiday season, or call 406-587-4100 and have your gift card mailed to you.
»»La Châtelaine Chocolat Co. »» 110 S. Rouse Ave., and in the Baxter Hotel »» Chatelainechocolate.com La Châtelaine Chocolat is a Frenchy artisan chocolaterie based in the rugged Rocky Mountains of Montana. A Frenchman (and his American wife) created La Châtelaine after longing for the delectable chocolates from childhood. The two owners have trained in San Francisco and Paris and make a pilgrimage to Paris each year to expand their culinary repertoire. La Châtelaine’s tasteful packaging and premium chocolates are as lovely to look at as they are to eat and will make you feel (if only for a moment) like you’ve taken a trip to France.
»»LillyLu »» 424 E. Main St. »» 406-587-6364 Welcome to the wonderland of LillyLu. Shop an exceptional selection of holiday gifts and apparel from around the world for boys, size newborn to age 5 and girls, newborn to age 14. Discover their preteen offerings...adorable! Enjoy a lovely selection of the softest, cutest baby gifts around. LillyLu loves children and the wonder of the holidays. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ®
»»Little Pitterpat »»
[email protected] »» Littlepitterpat.com Little Pitterpat soft sole shoes are the ideal gift to keep tiny toes cozy this winter. Unique grippy soles provide traction to stand and walk, and gentle elastic keeps these shoes on. Handmade in Bozeman, Little Pitterpat offers hundreds of styles to choose from.
»»Maranda Lee Designs »» Marandalee.com »» FB/marandaleedesigns The designer of your favorite custom handmade diaper bags is now introducing the new organic cotton Bandanna Bib. It’s the perfect gift for mom, kids and babies. There is a large in-stock selection to choose from. Save 10 percent with coupon code MTP10.
»»Montana Parent Magazine »» Mtparent.com »» FB/MTParent Is the Montana Parent magazine rack empty again or are you just looking for the perfect gift for family and friends who live out-of-state? Either way, a Montana Parent subscription is the solution. Keep grandparents in touch and feeling like they are here with you and their grandchildren, or offer your siblings and friends across the country a chance to see what parenting under the Big Sky is like. Montana Parent magazine features vibrant photography combined with content parents everywhere will enjoy. Cost is $30 for 11 issues. Visit mtparent.com and click on the subscriptions tab to purchase.
MOR Membership ay season!
»» 406-570-2839 »»
[email protected] »» MusicTogetherBozeman.com »» FB/MusicTogetherBozeman In Music Together’s family-style mixed age music classes, children (from infants to age 6) experience the developmental benefits of music though singing, movement, drumming, dance, rhythm, creative play and one-ofa-kind Music Villa field trips. It’s the perfect gift for grandparents, family or friends who want to encourage a child’s creative and musical expression. Gift certificates are available for part or full tuition. Sibling discounts are available and babies are free with a registered sibling. Try a class for free and “like” Music Together on Facebook for special offers and free preview class information. Visit the website for class schedules, online registration and parent testimonials. Call or email regarding gift certificates.
»» 3 S. Black Ave., Suite A »» 406-219-3255 »» Reformstudiobozeman.com
Looking for the perfect gift for the young musician in your household? Music Villa carries a huge selection of musical instruments from novice to pro, and is known locally for their friendly, knowledgeable staff. Music Villa is also home to Bozeman’s most trusted music lesson program – the Music Villa School of Music, which offers lessons for all ages and skill levels. Having trouble deciding? Pick up a Music Villa gift card (good for all services). Open everyday.
Re-form studio, located in downtown Bozeman, is designed to help improve your comfort and freedom of movement by providing Pilates and Rolfing services. Re-Form Studio strives to establish a creative and relaxing environment with quality instruction. Private and group Pilates classes are available with reformer (with trap) and chair equipment. Give the gift of well-being this holiday season.
»»Sassy Sisters »» 9 E. Main St.
(same entrance as Main Street Overeasy)
»»Nova Café
»» 406-585-3719
»» 312 E. Main St. »» 406-587-3973 »» Thenovacafe.com Nova Café, located in the heart of BACON! historic downtown BACON! BENEDICTS EGGS! Bozeman, is locally ’ L L WA N T T O DAILY SPECIALS LICK OUR SKILLETS owned and serves up GIFT CARDS the best breakfast in town. Their unique and delicious breakfast and lunch menus offer local ingredients, deliciously prepared. Give the gift of Nova with a Nova Café gift card, perfect for any occasion. L O C A L S’ CHOICE
B R E A K FA S T 7 - 2
FREE
»»Music Together (Music Kate)
»»Re-Form Studio
»» 539 E. Main St. »» 406-587-4761 »» Musicvilla.com
GLUTEN
With a MOR membership, that special mbership, ies.org someone on 54. your gift list will enjoy the following benefits every day of the year: unlimited admission to the museum and Taylor Planetarium; admission to more than 300 other museums around the world; members-only exhibit previews; free and special discounts on kids and family programs; 10 percent savings at the museum store and the list goes on. So share the joy this season with a gift membership to Museum of the Rockies.
»»Music Villa
K I D S’ MENU
»»Museum of the Rockies
that special someone on your ike these every day of the year: Museum and Taylor Planetarium, »» 600 W.theKagy er museums around world,Blvd. iews, free and special discounts ms, 10% savings at the Museum »» 406-994-6054 So share the joy this season with um of the » Rockies! » Museumoftherockies.org
L O C A L LY
A N D
O W N E D O P E R A T E D
»»Pure Barre »» 34 E. Mendenhall St., R-6 »» 406-577-2918 »»
[email protected] »» purebarre.com/MT-bozeman Give the gift of health with the workout that is sweeping the nation. Pure Barre is the fastest, most effective way to change your body with 55-minute classes designed for all levels of fitness. Offering memberships, athletic apparel, gift cards and more.
:: DECemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM ::
Sassy Sisters specializes in comfort, home, style and sass. Come discover your new favorite store; find inspiring décor and year-round home design products that you will adore.
»»Simple Reflections Photographic Art »» 406-924-3133 »»
[email protected] »» Simplereflectionsphoto.com
Simple Reflections offers on-location child and family photography in the Gallatin Valley. Book your unique and unexpected portrait session with photographer Rhiannon Horsley today, just in time for the holiday gift-giving season. Gift certificates also available.
»»Sola Café »» 290 W. Kagy Blvd. »» 406-922-SOLA »» Solacafe.com Sola’s Gluten-Free Friend Gift Basket features an array of Sola’s favorite gluten free delectables and treats in a lovely basket. Cost ranges from $25 to $50.
DECember 2014 | mtparent.com
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»»Spire Climbing Center »» 13 Enterprise Blvd. »» 406-586-0706 »» Spireclimbingcenter.com
Give the gift of climbing this holiday season and surprise a friend or family member with a gift certificate from Spire Climbing Center. Certificates can be used for memberships, day passes, punch cards, women’s clinics, instruction, youth programs/ camps or private lessons with one of our experienced instructors. Get in shape and have fun at the same time at Spire.
»»Storm Castle Café »» 5 Tai Ln. »» Café: 406-586-0395 »» Catering: 406-763-9988 For those of you who love shopping locally, Storm Castle Café and Hilltop 7 Farm have what you need for the holidays. Locally grown foods, canned goods, hot sauces, gift certificates, T-shirts and sweatshirts. Need a place for your holiday get-together or party? Storm Castle has the space for you.
»»Townshend’s Bozeman Teahouse »» 402 E. Main St., Ste. 1 »» 406-577-2740 »» Townshendstea.com
Give the gift of tea this holiday season. With more than 100 teas to choose from, Townshend’s has something special to offer everyone. Their $20 holiday gift boxes include four of their most popular teas. Tea ware collections are available in a variety of colors; mix and match to provide a style that is perfect for your loved ones. Ring in the holidays with a cup of cheer.
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DECEMber 2014 | mtparent.com
HELENA
BIG TIMBER
»»The Carousel Gift Shop »» 924 Bicentennial Plaza -
»»Sequoia’s Closet: Little People Resale
»» 406-457-5353 »» Gncarousel.com
»» 717 E. 4th Ave. »» 1-406-932-6461 »» FB/Sequoia’s Closet:
at the Great Northern Town Center
Fill your stockings with carousel toys, rides, ice cream gift certificates, annual passes or give a Great Northern Town Center StayCation. Take your own pictures with Santa at the Carousel from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 29, Dec 6, 13, 20 and 21. The sitting fee is $7 per child with a $15 family maximum. Don’t forget your camera.
»»Great Harvest Bread Company »» 1133 Helena Ave. »» 406-443-5623 »» Greatharvesthelena.com
Make Great Harvest Bread Company of Helena your stop for all your bread needs this holiday season. Place your order for your holiday rolls and breads now. Stop in for a slice off the bread board and sample all our seasonal goodies. See you soon.
BUTTE »»Great Harvest Bread company »» 1803 Harrison Ave. »» 406-723-4988 »» Greatharvestbutte.com Our purpose and passion is to provide you and your family with the freshest and most flavorful baked goods you’ve ever tasted. Come in for a free slice of hot-outof-the-oven bread or a taste of our legendary sweets. For the holidays we offer gift options in either festive baskets or trays. Ask us about customized gifts, too.
Little People Resale Looking for a nice gift for a new baby (or mommy) that doesn’t break the bank? Sequoia’s Closet has new overstock items in the box. They carry everything from little to larger gifts for mommy and baby.
EMIGRANT »»B Bar Ranch »» 818 Tom Miner Creek Rd. »» Emigrant, Montana »» 406-848-7729 »» Bbar.com Give the gift of an active lifestyle this holiday. Join us at B Bar Ranch outside Emigrant, MT, for crosscountry skiing. Open daily beginning December 21, $10 per person. Looking for an overnight adventure? Inquire about lodging options. For more information call 406-848-7729 or email
[email protected]. Gift certificates are available. mp
Giggles Toys and More is the Best Toy Store to get all the
Best Toys of 2014
»»pipSquigz »»LoopDeLoom - Weaving Loom Kit
Weaving just got fast and fun. Loopdeloom is an ingenious new loom design with spinning pegs that speeds up the weaving process and makes it super simple. It’s simple to set up, it’s simple to use, and it’s surprisingly fast. Make anything from small basic potholders to large complex items with intriguing patterns. Weave purses and cell phone cases, scarves, wraps, baskets, throws and more. You can weave items any length, and up to 7” wide using one loom. Connect two or more looms together to weave wider items with no seams – genius. Say goodbye to traditional looms, we’re putting a new spin on weaving. Kit includes 1 spinning peg loom and 120 yards of yarn.
Playful colors, fun sounds, fresh tactile experiences and super suction make the perfect toy. Meet pipSquigz, they’re Fun Little Suckers! Simply push pipSquigz down on any smooth surface and watch baby interact with this high-quality silicone suction toy. Sensory integration is a crucial developmental milestone for every infant. pipSquigz is a toy that combines touch, auditory processing, visual stimulation, and kinesthetic learning all in one toy. Three bright shapes invite little hands to explore using vision, hearing, touch and movement. Watch as baby pulls, shakes and pushes pipSquigz, finding delight in physical and cognitive play. Compact and sized to take anywhere, pipSquigz are easy to clean and dishwasher safe. Tested to the highest safety standards, pipSquigz provide peace of mind for parents of teething babies.
»»Robot Turtles
The most backed board game in Kickstarter history sneakily teaches preschoolers the fundamentals of programming, from coding to functions, while making silly turtle noises. Takes seconds to learn, minutes to play and provides endless learning opportunities. Before you know it, your little one will be writing computer games rather than just playing them.
»»Peek-A-Doodle-Doo
Can You Rule the Roost? The object is simple - just collect all twelve eggs and return them to the crate. Choose carefully, little farmer. Keep an eye on your fellow farmers and where they are moving chickens. One wrong move could really ruffle your feathers... a series of wrong moves and crack. You’re out of CLUCK! Peek-A-Doodle-Doo is a charming and delightful game designed to improve concentration and memory skills. Unlike other memory-based games, with Peek-A-Doodle-Doo the game pieces are in constant motion which adds challenging, fast-moving fun. Cluck! Cluck! What an “egg-cellent” memory you have.
»»Grow N’ Glow Terrarium
Grow ‘n Glow Terrarium: • Two hot trends in one complete crafting kit. Turn this plastic mason-style jar into your own little habitat with real plants and tiny figurines • Set includes a 5” h x 3 1/4” w jar, decorative lid, potting mix, organic chia and wheat grass seeds, garden figurines, decorative sand, river stones and a plant mister • Add dimension to your garden with translucent and glow-in-the-dark stickers – hold it up to the light and watch the fireflies glow.
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»» In the Gallatin Valley Mall Bozeman »» 406.522.toys (8697) »» Join us on Facebook
DECember 2014 | mtparent.com
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Nourishing Your
WINTER
SKIN WOES WRITTEN BY MEGAN ULRICHS
kidsLINK
Afterschool Program
It’s easy for skin to become dry, flaky and sallow during the winter. But before you go out and spend your paycheck on fancy lotions and creams, try nourishing your skin from the inside out. If you want to do everything you can to moisturize your skin, don’t stop at applying moisturizer and drinking a lot of water. Everything you eat becomes a part of not only your inner being, but the outer fabric of your body as well. The healthier your diet, the better your skin will look, so why not choose foods based on how they will help your body and your skin?
Heal your skin from the inside out with these nutrition tips: Drink Up
Keeping your body hydrated is crucial to great-looking skin. Water is key to getting rid of waste and toxins, which are the main causes of dull skin. Drinking up, though, doesn’t have to be boring. Add frozen berries to your glass for a fruity twist or cucumber slices for a spa-like treat. Plus, fruits, vegetables and herbal teas are waterdense, so snack and drink up.
Get on the Omega Train
Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids limit water loss in skin cells, keeping you looking and feeling refreshed even as the dehydrating heat pumps through your office and the winter weather sucks out any minute remnants of moisture. They also help soften the appearance of wrinkles and boost your skin’s ability to regenerate. What’s the best part? Omega-3 foods are everywhere and easy to incorporate into your daily life: just add salmon, tuna, olive oil, anchovies, walnuts, almonds, chia seeds, hemp hearts and avocado to your diet. 42
DECEMber 2014 | mtparent.com
Eat Your Spinach
Move over Popeye, spinach isn’t just for making your muscles big. In addition to being chock-full of vitamins, such as skin-strengthening vitamin A, spinach has plant compounds (phytonutrients) that help to keep your skin healthy.
Use the Whole Veggie
Silica, an element key to healthy bones and teeth, has also been found to help hydrate your skin and maintain elasticity. And while it’s easily found in fruits and vegetables, this nutrient often gets thrown away because it’s in the peel of some of our healthiest foods. Next time, keep the skin on your cucumber and carrots and the string on your celery for a double dose of nutrition.
Bring on the Berries
It turns out that berries aren’t just tasty and fun to eat; they’re also really good for healing your skin. Berries not only contain juice to help you hydrate, but they’ve also got antioxidants and vitamin C that protect your skin (Goji berries included). The beta-carotene in Goji berries that converts to vitamin A helps heal your skin and boost your skin tone as well.
Incorporate Herbs
Parsley and cilantro are excellent blood cleansers. They are rich in vitamin A, C and chlorophyll. This combination is unique in that it is perfect for skin rejuvenation and healing from scars or breakouts. It also contains iron, folate, magnesium, manganese, copper and flavonoids, which help protect skin against the effects of free radical damage. So much nutrition in such small plants.
Load Up On Vitamins
In order for your skin to look great, it has to be healthy. Vitamin B helps to restore collagen (a protein that keeps it firm) in the skin, which is especially important as you age. So load up on Vitamin B-full foods like whole grains, bee pollen, nutritional yeast, honey and protein to keep your skin looking fantastic. Vitamin C also helps with the formation of collagen, and therefore can reduce wrinkles and increase hydration, so juice up your diet with oranges, strawberries, grapefruit, peppers and broccoli.
Winter Wonderland
join us for science & crafts inspired by the movie frozen every day during winter break december 20 - january 3
Children’s Museum of Bozeman
202 South Willson Avenue | 406.522.9087 | www.cmbozeman.org
Livingston
Limit Junk Food
Foods with refined sugars dehydrate your skin, making it dry and less clear. When combined with the winter elements, these foods (which can also be high in trans fatty acids and sodium) will not only feed the winter blues, but also rob your skin of moisture and vibrant healthy color. Drinking plenty of water, eating a variety of healthy foods and watching your sugar, caffeine and alcohol intake will put you on the road to healthy, moist and supple skin. mp
Megan Ulrichs is a Holistic Dietary Consultant at Spring Integrative Health with a BS in nutrition and exercise science and is near completion of a MS in Holistic Nutrition with a focus on healing through food. Her clients run the gamut of individuals, such as those with intestinal issues, children with learning or behavioral challenges, endurance athletes, pregnancy, cholesterol, diabetes, weight loss/gain, and pre- or post-surgery nutrition planning. It is her passion to educate individuals on the theory and practice of food as medicine.
Introducing New Pediatrician
DR. HEATHER DICROSS
Currently seeing patients at Livingston HealthCare’s Clinic on River Drive. Call 406-222-0800 to schedule an appointment.
:: DECemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM ::
DECember 2014 | mtparent.com
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We love the Co-op because...
Cold and Flu Season WRITTEN BY SHEL SEBREN
‘Tis the season for holiday fun, winter activities and, unfortunately, the flu and common cold. In between finishing up the Thanksgiving leftovers and busting out the Christmas decorations, a few of us will come down with some nasty bugs. Kids will stay home sick and parents will rush to disinfect the house in a desperate attempt to keep the germs from ripping through the whole family. And so it goes. We’d all rather be skiing, sledding, snowshoeing or something, right?
908 West Main, Bozeman, MT 406-587-4039 CO-OP DOWNTOWN 44 East Main, Bozeman, MT 406-922-2667 www.bozo.coop
The benefits of EFAs include: healthy heart and brain function, joint mobility, eye health, a properly functioning immune system and a better mood. As with most supplements, the liquid form is most readily absorbed in the body with the least amount of work. But few people I know go there. Soft gels are a no-mess, no-taste and no-burps way to get your omegas.
It’s worth noting that plenty of rest, proper hydration and good nutrition are crucial aspects of maintaining health. In addition, here are five supplements and vitamins to consider when the inevitable happens; all are available in the Wellness Department of Co-op West Main.
Anecdotal proof of effectiveness: My hairstylist can tell if I’ve been taking my omegas. It really does provide me with healthier, less dry hair and skin.
My kids, who are 8 and 11, hate taking it. My husband hates it. I love it. I’m not talking essential oil here, I’m talking herbal supplement. I’d heard stories from friends on its effectiveness and then I tried it myself. Holy cow, I’m a believer. As soon as I feel something coming on, I make the whole family start taking it. I have no doubt that I’ve dodged many illnesses thanks to oregano oil. It’s shown to be an anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant, to fight candida (yeast) and to be antimicrobial. It is also helpful with respiratory conditions. It is most potent (and goes to work fastest) in liquid form, which tastes very strong, hence the reason my family doesn’t love taking it. If someone is very opposed to the taste of oregano, soft gels would be the next best option. Oregano oil is not recommended for small children, it is better suited for adults and older kids. Try: Natural Factors Organic Oil of Oregano or Natural Factors Oregano Soft Gels DECEMber 2014 | mtparent.com
Our body does not produce essential fatty acids (EFAs) on its own. We need to consume them in either our diet or in supplement form. I don’t eat fish, so I must get mine in supplement form.
Very few of us will be unaffected by this madness (and those of you who don’t get sick, kindly don’t brag as we wipe our kids’ noses and clear our ragged throats). But take heart, you can be proactive about maintaining health—or lessening the duration and severity of illness.
Oil of Oregano
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Omega 3s
Try: Nordic Naturals Omega 3 or Nordic Naturals Children’s DHA
Probiotics
I’ve heard from multiple sources that up to 80 percent of our immune system is in our gut. For a strong immune system, it is essential to balance good bacteria with the bad. Probiotics have been linked to digestive and overall immune health by promoting healthy probiotic growth in your intestinal tract. In the “battle of the bugs,” probiotics fight the bad guys, which are just waiting to make us sick. They also help restore gut flora when antibiotics are taken for necessary bacterial infections. Just be sure to wait two hours after taking antibiotics to take probiotics. Try: Nutrition Now PB8 (I opened the capsules and sprinkled some into juice or smoothies before my kids could swallow capsules)
Vitamin C
Now, none of us are pirates and scurvy isn’t an issue, even during December in Montana. But vitamin C’s powerful antioxidant and infection-fighting properties may be more important for adults than we thought. And they taste great, so give the kids some too. If they want to be a pirate, get them an eye patch and a parrot. Vitamin C is rich in bioflavonoids known to improve circulation, memory and even varicose veins. It helps to reduce high blood pressure and the risk of stroke. Who doesn’t want to look a bit younger? This antioxidant fights free radicals and is necessary for maintaining collagen structures to help repair wounds as well as strengthen bones and teeth. And although there are many conflicting reports of vitamin C’s ability to help with colds, I have found it helps shorten the severity and duration of my symptoms. Try: Natural Factors Peach, Passionfruit and Mango or Emergen-C Dietary Supplement
Come join Robyn’s Nest and our growing family at Bozeman Summit School!
NOW OPEN - Early Childhood Program Ages 3-6
• • • • • • • • • CALL
US TODAY TO INQUIRE • • • • • • • • •
•
Early Childhood-Grade 6 •
3001 West Villard Street | Bozeman, MT 59718 | 406.585.3778 www.BozemanSummitSchool.org •
[email protected] *Full Member School of the American Montessori Society
Oscillococcinum
Oscillo…what? This homeopathic remedy is great. I keep it in my medicine cabinet just in case. Because flu doesn’t typically hit during the Co-op’s regular business hours. It has saved the day, I mean, night, on a few occasions. Homeopathic remedies are safe and effective for all members of the family and have no contraindications. It is clinically proven to relieve flu-like symptoms such as body aches, headache, fever, chills and fatigue. Take this tiny tube of pellets at the first sign of symptoms and you will be on your way back to yourself. Try: Boiron Oscillococcinum in 6, 12, 30 or 60 doses packages
Look & Feel Radiant This Holiday Season With Aesthetic Medicine Botox & Dermal Fillers • Microdermabrasion • Skin Rejuvenation Peels • Waxing • Tinting • Laser Hair Removal
Please note: These products are not intended to replace care from your medical provider. Tell your provider about all the supplements you or your family take.
Ronald Buss, M.D.
mp
Shel Sebren works at the Community Food Co-op. Her family had a very rough fall and is hoping for a much healthier winter. Wish her luck!
:: DECemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM ::
DECember 2014 | mtparent.com
45
Corner on Health
»» Consider where the tattoo will be
applied and who will be able to see it. Tattoo placement today may not be the best in later years. The ship on your abdomen may “sink” or the smiley face on your breast may later look like a frown as you lose muscle tone.
Remember that tattoos are best considered permanent. Tattoo removal is expensive and not always successful.
Making Your Mark: What You Need to Know About
Tattoos WRITTEN BY MARIE MITCHELL
Who gets tattoos?
Tattooing dates back centuries, but in the not-too-distant past was associated with criminals and mental illness. In recent years, tattooing has been gaining popularity among people in all walks of life; young adults are 10 times more likely to receive a tattoo than their parents. Who are tattoo artists?
Tattoos can be applied anywhere and by anyone, not just at a tattoo parlor. States vary in their requirements for health-related education in the application of tattoos, including disease transmission, procedures for sterilization and knowledge about anatomy and skin diseases. In Montana, commercial tattoo establishments must be licensed, but – unlike hair stylists and nail technicians – require no formal training. How are tattoos applied?
Amateurs may use sharp objects like pens or pins and use ink, mascara, charcoal or other available pigments for the color. Tattoos applied in commercial studios use an electricpowered, handheld instrument that repeatedly injects dye pigment into the skin with one or more needles. No matter the technique used, there is usually some bleeding and wound 46
DECEMber 2014 | mtparent.com
drainage that occurs. No anesthetic is used. Although commercial tattoo inks fall under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) category of cosmetics, the FDA does not regulate them. None of the added pigments are FDA approved for injection. In addition, some of the products used may be allergenic or carcinogenic (cancer producing). What are the health risks?
Complications from tattoo application include allergic reactions, infection and scarring. There have been reported cases of methicillinresistant staphylococcal infections (MRSA). Inadequately sterilized instruments may transmit blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis B or C and HIV. Tattoos may interfere with medical imaging (metallic deposits, for example, can interfere with MRIs) or with monitoring for skin cancers. And of course, the tattoo may fade or become distorted over years. What if someone asks for advice about tattoos?
Minors need parental physical presence and consent for a licensed tattoo. Considerations for any tattoo:
»» Select a design you can live with for life.
Make sure the studio is licensed and following hygienic practices, including washing hands and wearing disposable gloves, using sterile equipment (opened in front of you), using new pigment bottles, cleansing the area to be tattooed with an antimicrobial solution and providing aftercare instructions. Seek medical care immediately for severe pain, fever, pus or swelling, even if the tattoo is not fresh. Tattoos are a popular form of body art. A little planning may reduce health risks and second thoughts later about the design or placement. You may be happy with your son’s choice of “mom” over his heart, but his partner down the road may not see it as so endearing. Where can I get more information?
The Department of Public Health and Human Services is the regulatory body for body art in Montana. See tattoo requirements at www.dphhs. mt.gov/publichealth/fcs/documents/ ARMforprinting-mainbody.pdf.
Questions and answers about tattoos and piercings in Montana, along with copies of rules are available at www.dphhs.mt.gov/ publichealth/fcs/documents/tattoo/FAQ. pdf. The Mayo Clinic website discusses tattoo risks, safety and aftercare at www. mayoclinic.org/health-living/adult-health/ in-depth/tattoos-and-piercings/art20045067. mp
Marie Mitchell is nationally certified and licensed in Montana as both a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner and the owner of Four Corners Health Care. She is accepting new patients. 556-8300, www.4chealthcare.com.
INTUITIVE SOUL RECORD READINGS
The Balanced Child Solution
Intuitive readings are appropriate for gaining clarity, guidance, direction, and loving understanding within relationships or your own individual life, especially when enduring personal tests of the soul.
Jennifer Pepper Holisitic Intuitive Bozeman, MT • USA 406-579-5915 www.jenniferlpepperintuitive.com
WRITTEN BY JENNIFER PEPPER
It is often an enormous challenge for parents to create a space for our children to maintain their own emotional, physical and spiritual balance. Today’s parents are faced with a multitude of external, as well as internal, challenges that affect our families’ well-being. Our contemporary lives are crowded with economic, environmental and emotional constants that require us to remain aware, alert and always adjusting our intakes and outputs. We strive daily to maintain some form of balance. We must balance healthy “safe” food with modified foods: balance time spent with environmental pollutants, such as electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) (emitted by TV’s, computers, tablets, cell-phones, etc.). These conditions amplify the importance of maintaining balance in the mind, body and spirit.
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The use of flower essences as medicine goes back hundreds, even thousands, of years to ancient Egyptian, European and Chinese cultures. The Flower Essence Society states, “flower essences are exceptionally beneficial for the health and well-being of children in their development on the soul level.” All of our children deal with fears, scary dreams, self-esteem, self-acceptance, depressions, tantrums, adjustment to family transitions, moves etc. Flower essences are natural remedies that can support emotional, spiritual and physical health, because they provide support in attaining and completing personal processing skills by naturally reducing stress.
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Two exceptional flower essences companies to consider are: Bachs Flower Remedies and La Vie De La Rose Flower Essences. Both offer specific flower remedies uniquely designed and prepared for children. La Vie de La Rose was awarded the 2012 Moms’ Choice Award for Excellence for their “Balanced Child Solutions” trio set. Bachs Remedies states “When parents offer Bach Flower Remedies to their children, they are often amazed by the positive effect the remedies have on their children. Screaming children find sudden relief, shy and fearful children find courage, impatient and angry children find peace and discouraged children find the will to go on.” As a mother, I found the use of flower essences and remedies to be an immeasurable aide in my effort to maintain balance, peace and emotional harmony. For more details and information please visit www.laviedelarose.com or www.Bachflower4kids.com.
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Jennifer Pepper began the study and practice of universal and metaphysical sciences more than 30 years ago. She is a Holistic Intuitive, Certified Aromatherapist and Energy Healer and works in both Bozeman, MT and Jackson, WY. Contact her at www.jenniferlpepperintuitive.com.
:: DECemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM ::
PHOTO LUCAPHOTOGRAPHY
mp
DECember 2014 | mtparent.com
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HeLp your CHiLd
SuCCeed in SCHooL. now enroLLing
Confused by the
Affordable Care Act? WRITTEN BY JULIANE MCLEAN
one-to-one individuaLized inStruCtion for CHiLdren ageS 4-18. at Sage Learning Center, our miSSion iS to identify & deCreaSe tHe gap between a perSon’S potentiaL and tHeir performanCe.
SageL earni ngC en te r.c o m
406-582-9570
I grew up in Germany with government-subsidized healthcare. My single mom often worked two jobs to take care of my brother and me, but when we were sick, we went to the doctor. What seemed normal to me is not the reality for many Montana parents. As a parent myself now, making sure my children are adequately covered has been more of a headache than it should be. Regardless of your political opinions on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), it is here now and we all must navigate the sometimes-confusing landscape of the marketplace, eligibility criteria, tax credits and more. Just thinking about it makes me yawn. Since my kids are on Medicaid (or Healthy Montana Kids Plus as it is now called), I did not have to find new insurance for them. Montana is one of the states that refused to accept the federal subsidy to expand Medicaid. What I’m saying is, your kids could’ve been covered like mine, but our state legislators decided to send Montana taxpayer dollars out of state instead. If you’d like to argue that the money would be better spent on reducing the deficit…well, unfortunately it isn’t going there. It’s going to other states that have expanded Medicaid.
What if Montana had accepted the Medicaid expansion?
Had Montana accepted the Medicaid expansion, a family of four with an annual income ranging from $32,913 - $95,400 would be eligible for a premium tax credit, the subsidy that makes monthly premiums so affordable. Almost everyone making less than that would be covered by Medicaid, because of the broader eligibility parameters under the expansion. 48
DECEMber 2014 | mtparent.com
What is the effect of Montana being a non-expansion state?
Since Montana didn’t expand Medicaid, premium tax credit eligibility for a family of four starts at $23,850 yearly. Sounds good, right? More people will get the tax credit. Not necessarily. Many people who make less than this, and therefore aren’t eligible for the tax credit, won’t be eligible for Medicaid either because we refused the expansion, leaving them without affordable insurance options. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that 40,000 uninsured adults in Montana will fall into this coverage gap. Because of this, many individuals and families will continue to delay medical care until they absolutely can’t wait anymore.
What if I fall into the non-expansion gap?
Bridgercare offers reproductive health services on a sliding fee scale to help everyone access the medical care they need. In addition, Certified Application Counselors will provide information about insurance options and credits through the ACA marketplace and help you with your application – for free. If you aren’t eligible for discounted ACA coverage, Bridgercare can help you access programs like Plan First, United Way and the Montana Cancer Control Program that provide specific low- or no-cost healthcare services.
Is this really worth my time?
Eighty six percent of Montanans who signed up during initial enrollment qualified for financial help. The average Montanan is paying $99 a month for coverage – less than your average cable bill. Help with your healthcare application is absolutely free. Open enrollment started November 15, 2014 and Bridgercare is scheduling appointments now. Please call 406-587-0681. mp
Juliane McLean is the Development Coordinator at Bridgercare, a mother to four daughters, and an advocate for accessible healthcare regardless of income. Bridgercare provides excellent, affordable reproductive and sexual healthcare and education in a safe, supportive, empowering atmosphere. Please visit www.bridgercare.org to find out more.
MOMoirs WRITTEN BY SARA GROVES
When I was about 15, I got sick – the kind of sick where family and friends keep vigil at your bedside as you slip in and out of consciousness. I missed nearly two months of school and my memories of that entire time are hazy and surreal – except for one.
Then a funny thing happened: I had a baby.
A family friend, who was very religious, leaned next to my bedside and whispered, “I’m praying for you.”
But I had never imagined this: In the hours after Mike’s birth, after the phone had stopped ringing and everyone — nurses, doctors, family, friends — had gone, I sat awake in my hospital room holding onto my brand-spanking new firstborn son. And as I sat there admiring him — his little fingers, his lips that looked like a jewel, his fuzzy little head — I offered up to God, to the universe, to whoever was listening a kind of fumbling thank you for this miracle I was holding, this baby who, I was absolutely certain, would change the world for the better.
My first instinct was to wonder if Peter had heard a single word of my rational prattle. But really, it is kind of magical, isn’t it?
In the years since then, I have expanded my religious belief system from being agnostic to having a tendency toward being mildly spiritual. I am filled with gratitude for my family, our health, my friends, our very lives and I try to convey that regularly to whatever — whomever — might be listening in the universe.
But it’s not just my children. Because — and I firmly believe this — every child is a miracle. Whenever I watch the boys running around with their friends, I am struck by all of these children — these truly spectacular and amazing little people — who have limitless possibility before them.
“Does that mean I’m dying?” I asked her. She seemed surprised by my question, but I grew up in a secular family. We did not pray (even if things got really tough) and we only attended church with my grandparents on Christmas Eve. Communicating with God — whether to offer thanks or to ask for help — was not really something to which my family ascribed. Over the years, our lack of religiosity never really bothered me. Some of my friends’ families spent all day Sunday in church and Wednesday nights, too. My family was usually outside skiing in the winter or swimming and boating in the summer. My religious deficit didn’t affect me negatively until advanced placement English classes, when I proved completely incapable of tracing religious themes in literature. After high school, I experimented with different kinds of religions. Through volunteer work, I became friends with a priest and began attending Catholic services in the New Orleans ghetto. A co-worker asked me to attend her church — where parishioners spoke in tongues and handled snakes to prove their faith in God. I fell head over heels with a practicing Buddhist who claimed he could see my aura. All of it was fascinating to me, but I never felt a connection to God or something larger than myself.
Now if you’ve ever had a baby, you know that doing so is a game changer. And probably just like your life, my life was completely upended in every way imaginable.
And, as a mother, I am committed to raising my boys with the ideals of acceptance, knowledge, exploration, kindness, generosity, fairness and gratitude. I try to expose them to different cultures, ideas, religions, belief systems and holidays. And I try to answer their questions thoughtfully and respectfully, like when Peter recently asked me how the first people got started.
“And that was that,” I said to Peter, thinking that one of the problems with reason is that you really need to stay on top of the facts. Peter looked at me quizzically and said, “So it was like magic then?”
And here’s the thing: My children are magic, too. They are my little miracles that connect me to the world and the universe in ways that I never could have imagined. Their very lives have presented me with the challenge of always trying to be good and fair and kind and forgiving — a better person than I was before them.
Maybe there is only one savior; it’s not really for me to know or judge. But maybe there are little saviors born every day all over the world, these children who extend their hands to us, showing us unconditional love and giving us hope. Merry Christmas. mp
Sara Groves lives in Helena where she is mom to Mike and Peter. She coordinates the early literacy program, Ready 2 Read, at the Montana State Library and also works as a freelance writer.
I can handle this, I thought as I launched into a half-baked explanation about evolution and how there was an organism in an ocean and one day, it crawled up on land and over a long period of time, that organism adapted to life outside of the ocean and eventually became a human.
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PHOTO AMELIA ANNE PHOTOGRAPHY
Home Birth WRITTEN BY CARRIE HOOK
Comprehensive Therapy Services for Independence and Growth F Occupational and Physical Therapy F Speech and Language Therapy F Breastfeeding Support and Supplies A warm and comfortable environment serving: Infants, Children and Women
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Find Your Health springintegrativehealth.com One stop for: Naturopathic • Acupuncture Holistic Counseling • Nutrition Bodytalk/Craniosacral • Prolotherapy Naturopathic Oncology
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406.586.2626
springintegrativehealth.com
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DECEMber 2014 | mtparent.com
Our first two children were born in hospitals, but we decided to have our third one at home. My husband, Joe, claimed to have all we would need for the delivery in his toolbox. He also added his experience gutting fish as a qualification. I convinced him to leave some of the specifics up to the midwife, but promised that if she ended up needing a compound miter saw or wire cutters, he could take over from there. With that agreement, we were on our way to having a home birth. Our other two children were 5 and 6 at the time. The midwife assured us that it was acceptable for older siblings to be present at the birth, but she recommended that we prepare them for what to expect. We knew that they loved videos, so we decided to make a family evening out of it. I made popcorn and we settled in for At Home-Naturally. The film featured ducks laying eggs and sheep licking their new arrivals. It showed cows, horses and even a giraffe all at their maternal best. The kids smiled and cooed at the cute barnyard babies. Then, the action moved out of the barnyard and into the home of the Dubronskis. Mrs. Dubronski was accompanied by her husband, the midwife and what appeared to be the entire third-grade class from George Washington Elementary School. Narrator: “Mrs. Dubronski has moved into the active phase of labor.” The only possible way to know this is the bead of sweat that her husband is gently dabbing. Her breathing starts to quicken. Narrator: “Mrs. Dubronski is now moving into the transitional or advanced phase of labor.” The cameraman is very thorough in his footage.
Narrator: “Now you can clearly see the head crowning. There is the head and the shoulders and – it’s a girl!” I am feeling maternal joy for Mrs. Dubronski and the newest little Dubronski. I look over at my family. The popcorn is all over the floor and my 5-year-old son is clutching his underwear with a look of terror. My 6-year-old daughter is pale and staring at the video as the credits roll. I turn off the TV and open the floor for questions: Zac: “Does that stuff only happen to girls?” Upon hearing the answer, he finally loosens the grip on his shorts. Madison: “That is the grossest thing I have ever seen and I never want to see anything like that ever again.” Joe: “This might be too much for the kids. And that Dubronski lady wasn’t even swearing or throwing things at people in the room.” In my defense, I only threw a few things at the nurses. I ask one more time. Do you want to be there when your brother or sister is born? The answer is an unmistakable NO. We had never prepared a birthing room before. When you have a baby in the hospital, you don’t put much thought into the supplies that the doctor might need. You certainly don’t worry about getting a stain on their carpet. The midwife suggested several items for us to have on-hand, including a tarp. The tarp was where my husband thought he could really make a difference. He had to use tarps on job sites all the time. He knew about tarps. He was ecstatic about the tarp. As the time neared, Madison made frantic calls to friends whose mothers weren’t in
labor and found a place to spend the night. She reminded us she already had a brother and fully expected a sister when this was all over, then left. Zac, who can sleep through anything, went to bed. Joe prepared our room and the tarp. I paced and timed my contractions. I ventured upstairs to give Joe a progress report. I did not recognize this space as ever having been our bedroom. He had covered the bed, floor, walls and ceiling with tarps. He looked proud. I went back to pacing and timing.
L e a r n i ng A c a d e
my
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Ea
The contractions were six minutes apart. I was expecting the narrator to talk me through this. Mrs. Dubronski was still up folding laundry and packing her kids’ lunches at this point.
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At five minutes apart, I called the midwife and suggested she hurry. The midwife came. The midwife went home. There was no narrator to explain how I could possibly feel like I needed an immediate exorcism but was still “a long way from delivering.” I paced and timed. I wanted to hunt down Mrs. Dubronski and string her up like a mule deer on opening day. I demanded that Joe look up the address of this Dubronski woman. Instead, he called the midwife. This time she stayed. Me: “What if I changed my mind about that whole ‘no drugs’ thing? I have thought about it and given family history, it really is only a matter of time before the little tyke does some experimenting of its own.” She suggested I try some deep breathing and Joe suggested we all go upstairs and utilize the tarp palace. I suggested he try to walk a flight of stars with a watermelon lodged in his urethra. I want a break, but the baby is coming. There are no more breaks. Narrator: “There’s the head! There are the shoulders! It’s a boy!” He is perfect. Zac, who has slept through everything, comes into the living room. “I heard a baby cry,” he says. Zac holds his brother and smiles while he touches his small feet. He wants to be the one to tell Madison the good news.
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Zac: “It’s a boy!” Madison: “Bummer.” The midwife told me I did great but I know she was lying. I know she will tell this story to her midwife coworkers and she might even tear up a little and start to shake. I don’t care. We all survived and we now have enough tarps left over to completely re-roof the barn. mp
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Carrie Hook is the program manager for the Parent Place at Thrive in Bozeman. Carrie is a Montana native and the mother of three teenagers.
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DECember 2014 | mtparent.com
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Growing Corn and Growing Brains:
Hands-On Science
for Young Children ARTICLE AND PROJECT PHOTOS ELEANOR BARKER
Why is the sky blue? Where do babies come from? Do cats have dreams? Our kids are simply full of questions. As busy parents with full plates, it’s easy for us to tune out the daily barrage of inquiries—or to deflect it with distractions we find near at hand. Do you want to play with mommy’s phone? Do you want to watch TV for a bit? Can you please play quietly in your room? Any parent can tell you that sometimes entire days go by when we find ourselves unable to complete a thought, much less a sentence. But bear in mind that in our vital role as our child’s first teacher, ignoring these queries may mean that we’re missing out on valuable opportunities to grow our kids into knowledgeable, motivated learners. Their neverending stream of questions is actually the scientific process in action, and forms a vital part of every child’s early attempts to explore and understand the world around them. Providing our kids with multiple methods for asking and answering these questions is a surefire way to strengthen neural pathways and build efficient connections. Reading to our kids from birth onward is a wonderful way to enrich their working vocabularies. But engaging them in simple hands-on science activities at home is another great avenue for expanding their word library – and it tosses in a little variety for those of us who don’t think we can make it through one more reading of Hop on Pop. One of my favorite simple experiments uses an ear of Indian corn that you’ve probably got leftover from the Thanksgiving centerpiece. There are an endless variety of experiments like these to enjoy with your kids – check out websites like Red Tricycle (www.redtri.com) and Scholastic (www.scholastic.com) for more ideas. Get your science on.
Sprouting Indian Corn What You’ll Need:
»» One ear of Indian corn, a shallow baking dish and some water What to Do:
»» Tear off the cornhusk and place the ear of corn in the baking dish. Add enough water to cover the bottom half of the ear of corn, and place it on a sunny windowsill. Replace the water as it evaporates so the corn stays wet.
What You’ll See:
»» After about four days, you’ll see little shoots popping up from the corn. Why? Each kernel is a seed, and an ear of corn is just a whole bunch of seeds packed together. Try sprouting other seeds this way, like dried beans or wheatgrass. So many possibilities. mp
Children’s Museum OF BOZEMAN
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Eleanor Barker is Executive Director of the Children’s Museum of Bozeman. She and her husband enjoy skiing, CrossFit and quality time with two teenage boys.
DECEMber 2014 | mtparent.com
Super Natural
Do-It-Yourself
HAIR TREATMENTS WRITTEN BY CALEIGH SEARLE
Montana’s weather is beautiful, but can be damaging to your hair, leaving it lifeless and dull. Deep conditioning treatments at salons, while a wonderful splurge, can be hard on the budget, especially with the holiday season upon us (iPods and ski passes are not getting any cheaper). So, keep your money in your wallet and try a do-it-yourself deep-conditioning hair mask, sea spray or dry shampoo.
Hair Masks:
Sea Spray:
EGGS
Sea spray will give you texture and beachy waves without spending the day at the beach and discovering sand in strange places.
Great for: preventing hair loss
Eggs are very high in protein and fatty acids, which is why they are often the best base for hair masks catering to dry and damaged hair. The egg yolks especially are high in vitamins that help improve hair’s shine and luster. They contain vitamins A, D, E and some essential B vitamins. Not only will eggs help to bring back the sheen in your hair, they also make it more manageable and combat hair loss.
»» 1 spray bottle
»» 1 egg yolk
»» 1 tablespoon all-natural sea salt
»» 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
»» 20 drops of essential oil (optional); use fresh light oils
»» 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil Apply roots to ends and wash off after 25 minutes.
»» 1 cup of warm water (or enough to fill your bottle up half way)
like lime or grapefruit
Mix together and spray on damp hair, scrunch while blowdrying or let dry naturally for body and texture.
Olive Oil
Great for: helping dry, lifeless hair
Olive oil is a very versatile ingredient for your hair. You can use it as a base for hair masks, or create a hot oil treatment out of it. Regular use of olive oil-based hair masks is the best treatment against dry hair. It makes your hair strands softer, less coarse, and it gives your hair more body.
»» 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (warmed is best) »» 5 drops lavender essential oil (or rosemary for an itchy scalp) Apply to hair; wrap hair with a plastic bag to seal and then a warm towel on top. Wash it off after 30 minutes.
Avocado
Great for: shine The oil from avocados has long been used in many beauty products such as hair conditioners, facial masks, bath oils and massage lotions. Avocados are rich with essential nutrients that soothe and moisturize your skin. The healthy oils in the avocado help to moisturize and soften dry and brittle hair, and the vitamin E helps to restore a natural shine.
»» 1 mashed avocado (or 1 tablespoon avocado oil) »» 1 tablespoon honey »» 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil Apply from roots to ends (ends only if hair is too oily)
and rinse off after 30 minutes. :: DECemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM ::
Dry Shampoo:
Dry shampoo is a brilliant invention for moms too busy to take a daily shower. It is especially useful for those of us blessed with fine hair, giving it some body on a day you can’t shampoo. For dark hair: cocoa powder, corn starch, essential oil (optional) For light hair: corn starch, baking soda, essential oil (optional) I like to use a container that has a shaker lid, like a large spice jar. Combine:
»» 1/4 cup cornstarch »» 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (dark hair) or 2 tablespoons baking soda (light hair)
»» 25 drops essential oil like lavender and rosemary both are nice for the scalp
Combine and shake a small amount on the scalp, leave for a few minutes and brush out. mp
Caleigh Searle is a certified Clinical Herbalist with 18 years of experience and a licensed Esthetician (www.caleighsholisticskincare.com). She is a Montana native and mom of two active boys. Questions can be answered at
[email protected].
DECember 2014 | mtparent.com
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Parenting Single WRITTEN BY NORA DANIELS
Maybe it’s the upcoming holidays, but there’s been a lot of talk among some of my friends and acquaintances recently about the struggles and trials of blending together two families. I’m clearly no expert – still haven’t even been on a date in my three years as a single gal – but as someone who grew up in a blended family (it’s such a lovely term, don’t you think? Makes me think of a cocktail. Mmmmm . . . but I digress), I’m always interested in hearing about the issues facing other single or remarried people and the creative ways in which they juggle their kids, a new partner and all of life’s other priorities. To me, it feels like Everest. I can’t even handle watching my own kids fight over the remote.
The same has been true for a close friend and colleague of mine. She openly admits the only way her blended family works is that she and her husband put each other ahead of their kids. They believe that their relationship as a couple is the cornerstone to the family and that, if that falters, then the whole thing comes crumbling down. So, what does this mean for the kids? It means that they sometimes have to sacrifice for the sake of the family’s overall well-being and that mom or dad won’t always be able to take their side.
The aspirational striver in me likes to imagine what the ideal blended family would look, feel and sound like. And as a Generation X-er, the first example that comes to mind is – of course – the Brady Bunch, which in truth offered very little insight into the reality of what having a stepparent was like and actually just made us all wonder what would happen if Greg and Marcia hooked up. (Or was that just me?) Anyway, the Bradys were a world away from my experience, in which my dad’s third wife was nearly the same age as my older brother and my mom’s top priority was her husband.
If you turn to the parenting experts, some of them will agree with this philosophy. An article on nonprofit resource HelpGuide. org says one of the things that makes a blended family successful is a strong marriage, because “without the marriage, there is no family.” And who could forget the essay that writer and mother of four Ayelet Waldman wrote for The New York Times in 2005 in which she announced, «I love my husband more than I love my children.” In her case, she was talking about the actual father of her children, but she still ignited a firestorm of controversy, which she later wrote a book (Bad Mother) about.
I say this last bit without judgment, because I know that this is how it had to be for her. As my brother pointed out to me when we were both adults, she had to put the proverbial oxygen mask over her own face first in order to be there for her kids – just like the stewardess always reminds us whenever we fly. And my mom truly loved her second husband. He was a wonderful man and they had a great romance, and we kids always knew that was the deal.
But, in all honesty, this concept makes me extremely uncomfortable. I hate the idea of putting anyone ahead of my kids. In my idea of the ideal blended family, nobody asks anybody to choose and everyone’s life is enriched by the situation. As usual, I have no real answers for you yet, dear readers. All I can do is promise that we’ll continue this conversation and I’ll always be honest with you. mp
Nora Daniels lives in Bozeman with her two awesome kids.
Butte
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DECEMber 2014 | mtparent.com
The Family Business
Jeff Cotterell from
Terrell’s Office Machines WRITTEN BY ELEONORE SNOW
Jeff Cotterell started working at Terrell’s Office Machines when he was 8-years-old in the late ‘60s. Back then, Terrell’s was on the corner of Tracy and Babcock in Bozeman and young Jeff would walk over from Willson School and help out with any and all of the chores his dad, Sam, could think to assign him. His dad was co-owner (along with Lee and Brad Terrell) of the company, and Jeff used to love coming around and helping out. “I can’t even remember if my dad paid me; all I remember is the camaraderie of the place,” Cotterell remembers. “The staff took two breaks a day, and I’d walk in during the second break and they’d buy me an Orange Crush and tease me, saying ‘hey, watching you work is like watching grass grow.’” Cotterell became a legal employee when he turned 16, eventually bought his dad out and now co-owns Terrell’s with his partner Phil Angell. During his more than 40 years at the company, Cotterell has worked with his dad, a few of his brothers and two of his three sons. It’s an impressive multigenerational legacy, but it’s not the only thing that makes Terrell’s a family operation. “We take pride in saying Terrell’s is a family business,” explains Cotterell, “because all the employees take care of each other as if they were a family. That’s a big part of the success of the company.” Cotterell goes on to list the various ways in which his staff supports each other, whether helping a new employee move into their home or pooling resources to help a co-worker travel to visit with a sick family member.
TERRELL’S FAMILY - JEFF COTTERELL ON THE FAR RIGHT
“I’m a huge believer in giving back,” says Cotterell, who’s been a member of the Bozeman Lions Club for 30 years. “What good does it do to make the money if you can’t help the people around you?” he asks. “I teach that to my staff, and we get involved in a lot of community projects. And it makes them feel good about themselves. It’s all part of being a family. You can’t just turn away and not help.” In return for his compassion as a boss, Cotterell has bred loyalty among his employees that’s nearly unheard of these days. “Our turnover is so minimal; I have one employee who’s been with me 35 years. Working at my place is by invitation. The thing I enjoy more than anything else is being able to make people believe in themselves and helping them do more than they think that they can do.”
have followed their passions – Ryan is a chef; Tyler is a financial counselor – and 14-year-old Cory takes pride in shadowing dad and being boss for the day. But it’s Cotterell’s youngest, 11-year-old daughter Abby, who sounds most determined to take over the family business. “When she was 6, she went up to the mike in her tutu at the dance recital and announced, ‘Hi, my name is Abby, and I’m going to own Terrell’s Office Machines,” Cotterell remembers fondly. And she means it – she’s already made her own business cards. Terrell’s Office Machines, 215 Haggerty Lane, Bozeman, 406-5874455 and 1216 16th St. W., Billings, 406-252-0055. mp
As he looks to the next generation, Cotterell is proud to say that his devotion to an unwavering work ethic has passed on to his own children. Both of his older sons
Like most working single moms, Eleonore Snow runs full speed at all times and sometimes goes to the store to buy milk for her kids and comes home with only wine for herself. You can judge her, it’s OK.
Terrell’s Office Machines and Kyocera Document Solutions are proud supporters of Hope & the Holidays. In 2013 Hope & the Holidays provided toys and gifts to 1,509 children up to18 years of age, assisted 549 families and distributed 305 Christmas food baskets in the greater Gallatin Valley.
We are in need of gifts for babies and teen boys.
If you would like to donate items, there are boxes at many businesses around town starting Thanksgiving. You can also drop donations at Terrell’s Office Machines, 215 Haggerty Lane, Bozeman.
If you would like more information, are in need of the services or would just like to volunteer, you can call Santa’s Hotline at (406) 451-5312.
:: DECemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM ::
DECember 2014 | mtparent.com
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Teach Sleep 101:
All I Want for Christmas is an Easy Nap Transition WRITTEN BY DIANA JULIAN
One of the most common situations I address when working with a family is transitioning their child to the appropriate amount of naps for his or her age. The biggest and often most complicated transition is from two naps to one, which typically happens around 18 months. Be careful not to push it too early, otherwise you will have a chronically overtired child on your hands. How do I know if my child is ready? Many parents will tell me they think their child is ready to transition because they played through one of their naps once or twice in the past week. Once or twice is not consistent enough to make this change. Keep in mind that there could be other factors that played a role in the missed naps. For example, a developmental milestone such as walking or talking can greatly influence and disrupt sleep for a period of time. This is also around the time when the “18 month-molars” like to make an appearance, so keep that in mind as well.
The Scenarios: »» One: You put your child down for their
regular morning nap and they begin playing instead of sleeping. Sometimes they might not fall asleep at all and other times they will fall asleep too late for a morning nap.
»» Two: Your child is not tired at the usual time in the morning, so you put them down a little bit later and they do sleep,
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DECEMber 2014 | mtparent.com
but again it falls too late in the morning and messes up the schedule for the day.
»» Three: Your child sleeps fine for the
morning nap around the same time as usual, but is refusing to take the afternoon nap, leaving you with a very overtired child at bedtime.
How to make the transition: Scenarios One and Two: »» Start by pushing your baby’s morning
nap back a half-hour every three days and continue to put them down for their afternoon nap. They may not sleep, but the downtime will help take the edge off until bedtime. If they do fall asleep for an afternoon nap, don’t let them sleep past 4 p.m.
»» Continue to push morning naptime by an additional 30 minutes every three days until it equals an hour-and-a-half later than the original time. You will still put your child down for their afternoon nap, or what now is more along the lines of “quiet time.” Continue to move naptime later each day by 15 minutes until you get to 12 p.m. Once your child is now taking one nap per day and it is occurring around noon, they can sleep as long as three hours.
Scenario Three: »» Begin cutting back the morning nap
by 15 minutes every three days until
you find that perfect balance where your child is still able to take their afternoon nap. Cut the morning nap back until it reaches one hour, and then stop. If the morning nap is consistently only one-hour long and your child is still not taking an afternoon nap, they are ready to transition. (I would give this at least five-to-seven days before making a decision.) There might be days when your child takes a very short nap or does not nap at all, which is why it is important to use an early bedtime during the transition process and remain patient. Your child may still seem tired at their usual naptime, but you should remain consistent. Try taking them outside or giving them a snack when you notice any morning grumpiness setting in. Although it may be challenging, once you have made the decision to switch, it is better to stay on course than to waffle between two naps and one. Don’t be afraid to put your child down to bed for the night earlier than 6 p.m. if you need to. And it doesn’t mean that your child will wake for the day earlier. Remember: The more they sleep, the more they sleep. mp
Diana Julian is a Certified Child Sleep Consultant. For your free 15-minute consultation call 406-431-7240, email Info@ bigskylullaby.com or visit BigSkyLullaby.com.
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ELSIE’S
TIPS
LEARNING
OPTIONS
THE GIFT OF THINKING WRITTEN BY ELSIE JOHNSON
THOMAS
FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC An all around family service to promote healthy living
Q – When you speak of picture thinking as an explanation
for how smart people can struggle with academic skills, you use words like talent and gift. Is it possible that this idea relates to my brother and my son, both bright inquisitive creative people who struggle?
A - All picture thinkers demonstrate the speed and evolutionary nature of picture thinking to some degree. This causes major problems in two areas: In reading, with comprehension; and in writing, with trying to translate complex images of thoughts into words. When reading, we use picture thinking to project images on our mind screen – images evolve with each word until the overall picture is stopped by a word with no picture such as though, of or too. This leaves the reader with a series of unrelated pictures with blank spots in between, like a piece of Swiss cheese. Picture thinkers can create images and automatically shift their perception to view it from all angles. That shifting perception of a created image of a word can lead to reversals of letters and words which change the meaning of what is being read: of/for, was/saw, ever/ never. This gift of shifting perception works well for reading blueprints, constructing models, inventing and geometry. However, for reading, it is like doing a dot-to-dot puzzle that offers no sequences of numbers or letters or objects that gave clues to what your dot-to-dot would reveal. To experience writing struggles (the challenge of translating ideas from images into words), try this: Remember a time when you viewed a beautiful painting. You were able to process all that the picture contained at once. You noticed the colors, the details, even the brush strokes. Now consider describing that painting in words aloud to another person who has never seen it. How do you decide where to begin? How long should it take? Would the listener have an accurate mental picture of the painting? Consider that Einstein’s Theory of Relativity came to him in a few seconds, yet entire texts have been written to try and explain it. In December we celebrate the darkest days of the year by bringing light and festivities; likewise, consider the possibility that picture thinking possesses advantages as well as disadvantages. Understanding something as natural as a way of thinking leads to self-acceptance – once realized, you can use this acceptance and understanding to your advantage. The NASA IBEX (Interstellar Boundary Explorer) project is led by space physicist Dave McComas, who was considered “slow” because he was not yet reading in the fourth grade. He states that he and his torch are like Jack Horner and his hammer – the allure of disassembling and inventing leading them to follow the intuition of their picture thinking. Watch his presentation at the Dyslexic Advantage Conference: www.youtube.com/user/DyslexicAdvantage. At this time of year when we bring light to winter’s dark days, think of how John Lennon’s lyrics fit the smart struggling learners you speak of, as well as picture thinkers like McComas and Horner who succeeded because of, not despite, their way of thinking: “Yeah, we all shine on, like the moon, and the stars and the sun.” 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 406-282-7416.
:: DECemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM ::
Drs. Ali Schweitzer & Josh Prange offer: *Special Certifications in Pregnancy & Pediatric Care *Webster Technique Certification *Sport Rehab & Exercise Prescription *Craniosacral Therapy *Gentle adjustments for all ages Call to schedule an appointment
(406) 556-0307
www.thomasfamilychiropractic.com
Butte • Dillon • Sheridan
It’s that time of the year to start thinking about flu shots. Be sure to get them ASAP and help prevent the flu!
Southwest Montana Community Health Center is offering flu shots for all ages. Walk in any time Butte • Monday-Saturday 8:00-5:00 Dillon & Sheridan Monday-Friday 8:30-5:00
406•723•4075
Other ways of preventing the flu:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
•
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid
touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• If you are sick with flu–like illness, CDC recommends that
you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.
DECember 2014 | mtparent.com
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14
th ANNUAL
Law Enforcement
President’s Plunge
Premier Plunge Sponsors
for Special Olympics Montana
February 16, 2015 12:00pm ***NEW LOCATION*** Gallatin Regional Park - Bozeman, Montana
www.somt.org/plunge (800) 242-6876
58
Premier Premier Law DECEMber 2014 | mtparent.com Enforcement Sponsor
Mission Sponsor
Polar Plunge® event presented by the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Montana
Y WHAT'S UP?
PHOTO AMELIA ANNE PHOTOGRAPHY
Montana
check here
each month for family events, deals and coupons. get the latest from some of your favorite local businesses
Plus
Find even more family events on our online
calendars @mtparent.com & follow us on Facebook
advertisers & nonprofits may Submit what’s up events to
[email protected]
:: DECemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM ::
DECember 2014 | mtparent.com
59
Y WHAT'S UP?
Bozeman Join the
National
The 34th Annual
Bozeman Christmas Stroll December 6, 2014
Movement to Encourage Philanthropic Giving in the Gallatin Valley December 2, 2014, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, #GivingTuesday will harness the power of social media to create a national movement around the holidays, dedicated to giving, similar to how Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become synonymous with holiday shopping. Several nonprofit organizations within the Gallatin Valley have joined together to encourage giving toward a charitable cause in the community. The most important part of #GivingTuesday is to connect with an organization in a personally meaningful way, whether that means financial support, volunteering time or sharing expertise to create an even stronger community. Founded by New York’s 92nd Street Y, the effort aims to “celebrate and encourage” giving to nonprofits. Millions of generous Americans regularly give to charitable causes, but others may be looking for worthy recipients in this season of sharing. They may need a reminder that everyone can be a philanthropist and effect positive change. They might want to get involved, but be unsure how or where to do so. A day reserved for giving may convey the joy of helping one another in today’s “selfie”-obsessed culture. What’s the catch? There is none. #GivingTuesday doesn’t accept or distribute donations. They have nonprofit and business partners that raise money for causes, but they prefer to be thought of as a movement to encourage giving in the local community. As #GivingTuesday organizers put it: “Families and individuals are encouraged to be generous in whatever ways matter to them, whether that means volunteering at a local charity or donating to a favorite cause.” With dozens of hardworking nonprofits in the Gallatin Valley, worthy causes are easy to find, easy to support and easy to get involved with. Whether you choose a nonprofit that’s part of the #GivingTuesday movement or a personal favorite charity, remember that after Black Friday and Cyber Monday comes one of the most beneficial days of the year for many of the charitable causes in our community. Locally, Bridgercare, The Greater Gallatin Watershed Council, The Traveling School, The Gallatin Valley YMCA, Big Sky Youth Empowerment, The Gallatin Ice Foundation, Hopa Mountain and The Cody Dieruf Benefit Foundation have joined together with #GivingTuesday to inspire people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the causes they support and help create a better world. mp
Join the Downtown Bozeman Association on Saturday, December 6 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. for the 34th Annual Christmas Stroll in Historic Downtown Bozeman. Kick off the holiday season with activities, great food, shopping and fun. Bring the whole family for hay wagon rides, get your picture taken with Santa Claus, watch the lighting ceremony of the downtown decorations, check out the gingerbread house contest entries, sing Christmas carols, grab a bite to eat from one of more than 40 nonprofit food vendors or do some gift shopping. The Christmas Stroll is the place to find it all. The Christmas Stroll is a free community event, 100 percent supported by business sponsors and the sales of timeless stroll button souvenirs. Stroll buttons (cost is $4) are the ticket to enjoy many great activities, including Santa pictures at the Baxter Hotel, hay wagon rides from Soroptimist Park, kids’ activities throughout the day at the Emerson Cultural Center and more. Proceeds allow the Downtown Bozeman Association to put on this great event every year without requiring an entry fee. The official 2014 Christmas Stroll Buttons are on sale now at many local downtown businesses; visit www.downtownbozeman. org for locations. When you purchase your stroll button, fill out a ballot for a chance to win one of 18 great prizes including Bridger Bowl passes, Downtown Dollars and more. The winners will be contacted the week following the event. Finally, for a list of all 2014 stroll activities and times, check out the Christmas Stroll program, printed by (and inserted into) the Bozeman Daily Chronicle on Friday, December 5 and available at www.dailychronicle.com, the Downtown Visitor Center at 8 East Main St., First Security Bank and other downtown business locations. mp
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DECEMber 2014 | mtparent.com
Winter
Art Walk December 12, 2014
The Downtown Bozeman Association, Downtown Bozeman art galleries and the Emerson Center for Art and Culture and its retailers present the Downtown Bozeman Winter Art Walk on Friday, December 12 from 6-8 p.m. The Winter Art Walk is the last Art Walk of the 2014 season. Businesses and galleries feature artists’ openings and receptions during the event and often provide complimentary hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. Maps for the Art Walk are available at downtownbozeman.org. In addition to the featured openings at the galleries and businesses, the Art Walk also features live performances throughout downtown. Look for musicians as you stroll or visit downtownbozeman.org for specific locations. This free community event is open to the public and will go on rain or shine. mp
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DECember 2014 | mtparent.com
61
BZN
A Cowboy
Christmas Morning December 13, 2014
See us for your complete holiday meal needs. Fruit, cheese and meat trays available on order. Hutterite and Fresh Turkeys Special orders for your holiday meats.
Bozeman Holiday Tradition in New Venue
The
Nutcracker December 5 and 6, 2014
Take
$5 off
a $30 order PLU 500
ph: 586-5464
544 E Main St., Bozeman, MT 59715
For KIDS of ALL Ages!
Storytelling, Sing-Along & FOOD RAISER FREE with Food Donation
SATURDAY December 13th TWO SHOWS
10:30 or 11:30 AM
Pilgrim Church 2118 S. 3rd
1-Person Interactive Story Telling of Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
Story & Song presented by “Music Kate”
Sponsored by:
Food & Funds For:
This year Montana Ballet Company (MBC), under the direction of Elizabeth DeFanti, will hold its 31st Annual Nutcracker at The Commons at Baxter and Love Lane. With the Willson Auditorium currently under renovation, MBC is delighted to bring its cherished holiday ballet to The Commons. The Commons has prepared for MBC’s arrival by installing a stage floor especially for MBC’s dancers and the worldrenowned guest artists joining the large cast. The nearly 100 dancers participating in MBC’s Nutcracker will appreciate this new floor, along with the backstage areas, which are beautifully appointed. “The staff at The Commons has also been a true pleasure to work with,” says Karen Smith, MBC’s Operations Manager, who notably performed in MBC’s very first Nutcracker during the Christmas Stroll of 1982 in the lobby of First Security Bank. In addition to the artistic staff and dancers, audience members will enjoy the fine amenities The Commons has to offer including ample parking, handicapped accessibility, concessions, state of the art house and theater lighting and comfortable theater-style seating for 1,000 people. Nutcracker performances will be held on Friday, December 5 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, December 6 at 2 and 7 p.m. For tickets to this magical event call 406585-9774 or visit bozemansymphony. org. For more information on the Montana Ballet Company, call 406-582-8702 or email
[email protected]. mp
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DECEMber 2014 | mtparent.com
Enjoy breakfast and a Cowboy Christmas morning with Santa on Saturday, December 13, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Hart Ranch (South of Gallatin Gateway on Hwy. 191). The event serves as an annual fundraiser for the Gateway Youth Group. Tickets are $3 for kids aged 2-5 and $6 for those aged 6 and up. In addition to breakfast and holiday music in a Cowboy Christmas setting, guests will enjoy a horsedrawn sleigh ride, a special gift, Christmas carols and making holiday crafts. There will also be a Santa’s Artisans area featuring local artisans selling home and holiday gift items. “We have such fun with this event each year,” said Martha Joh Reeder, Executive Director for the Gateway Youth Group. “Our new venue and Cowboy Christmas theme will create a special memory for your family. It is truly magical, and you are supporting the youth of our community. I hope your family will come and enjoy the holiday excitement and start a new family tradition!” Serving the community of Gallatin Gateway, Gateway Youth Group provides youth programs and opportunities, primarily in the areas of environment and conservation, to teach and facilitate community involvement and support. The organization’s long-term goal is to help kids develop the necessary tools, skills, confidence and attitudes that will help them to lead fulfilling lives and have a positive impact on their family, community and society. Tickets can be ordered online at gatewayyouthgroup.org. Space is limited. To learn more about Santa’s magical morning call Martha Joh at 406-582-8667. mp
BZN
Nutcracker
in a Nutshell December 19 and 20, 2014 Nutcracker in a Nutshell, The Dance Center’s fast-paced and imaginative interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s famous Christmas ballet, will celebrate its 10th anniversary season this December at the Emerson Center for Arts and Culture in Bozeman. Performances will be Friday, December 19 at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 20 at noon and 5 p.m. This year’s production will feature more than 80 dancers, including three young women who appeared as children in the first performance in 2005 and have danced in it every year since. This year they will dance in key roles: Mary Rose Hicko as Clara, Emma Mills as Sugar Plum Fairy and Haley Roe as Dew Drop, in the Waltz of the Flowers. Ten years ago, Deborah Yarington and Anna Hall, co-directors of The Dance Center, envisioned an alternative to the traditional Nutcracker Ballet. Taking the core ingredients of the original, they gave both the storyline and music a creative twist to create an energetic and family-friendly original ballet. To keep it fresh, they have changed it each year, reprising favorite elements and adding new dances and costumes. This year’s show will be no exception. Appearing for the first time in the Nutshell will be the magical toy maker Drosselmeyer. In Act 1, the audience will get a sneak a peek into this mysterious man’s workshop with its eerie atmosphere and colorful characters. Another delightful addition will be guest artist Mary Overlie, dancing the role of the Gingerbread Mother. Overlie grew up dancing in Bozeman in the ‘50s and has had a long and respected career as a performer, choreographer, teacher and theater collaborator, working extensively in the United States and Europe. As with every year, dozens of parents and friends have been helping behind the scenes, creating costumes, designing and building sets, assisting backstage and otherwise contributing to the production. Much like the Nutshell itself, the “show behind the show” becomes a magical experience for all who participate; one that reflects the diverse Bozeman community and the true meaning of the holidays. The Nutshell runs a spirited one hour and is especially suited to families with young children. In fact, the dazzling show has inspired many young girls (and a few brave boys) to try dance themselves. Tickets for the Nutshell are available downtown at Chalet Sports: $20 for adults (13 and up) and $10 for children (ages 2 to 12). Tickets will also be sold at the door. For more information please contact The Dance Center at 406-920-1247 or visit dancebozeman. com.
Santa at the
Gallatin Valley Mall Some kids love getting photographed
with Santa and look forward to it all year long; other kids would rather get a tooth pulled -- but you have to try it at least once. (I will always cherish the picture of my one-year-old daughter sitting alone, crying, in Santa’s chair with the man in red standing, smiling, behind her.) Santa Claus will be at the JCPenney court at the Gallatin Valley Mall during the following hours: Tuesdays through Fridays from 3:30 to 7 p.m.; Saturdays from noon till 6 p.m. and Sundays from noon till 5 p.m. Please see the ad above for extended hours. Special events include Paws with Claws on Tuesday, December 9, when customers can bring their house pet in for a photo with Santa. And Cookies with Claus on Tuesday, December 10, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, where children of all ages are welcome to have cookies with Santa and listen to special Christmas stories.
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DECember 2014 | mtparent.com
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BZN
HOUSE HOUSE Design Studio is an eclectic design and lifestyle store located in Missoula and now in Bozeman, at 407 West Main St., across from the Willson School. They have a little bit of anything and everything for your home: furniture, rugs, paintings, kitchen gadgets, beautiful art books, you name it. They also offer interior design services and gift registry. It’s a lovely space that’s open, bright, colorful and welcoming; this isn’t a store to just dash in and out of. There are so many interesting things for sale throughout, you’ll want to take your time and be sure not to miss anything. HOUSE has something for every price point as well, from furniture to pint glasses. It’s nearly impossible for such a short description to do justice to a store with such unique details and fabulous inventory. If you haven’t been in, definitely check out HOUSE for some really original things for your home. HOUSE Design Studio is located at 407 W. Main St. in Bozeman. For more information call 406577-2863 or email info@ housedesignstudio.net. mp
An
Illustrated Alphabet Sarah Angst has dreamed of finishing an alphabet series featuring her artwork for several years now. She has actually been working on more than a dozen alphabet themes including a dog series, a Christmas alphabet, birds, flowers, even desserts. The alphabet has become a bit of an obsession for her, and now she has one complete. This series, entitled “An Illustrated Alphabet,” has no real theme; it’s just a fun, interesting collection of images that everybody can appreciate. The originals are hand carved, hand printed and hand painted linocuts that are colorful, bold and graphic. Starting with anemone, the series has everything from a horse, to lemonade, to a robot; it even has a unicycle. Angst’s exhibit, on display and for sale now at tart in the Emerson, also features individual framed letters, giclee reproductions and an alphabet poster. Sarah Angst’s fascination with the alphabet stems partly from challenges she had learning to read as a kid. Though never diagnosed, she believes she shares her father’s dyslexia. “Now, I view it as a blessing,” she says. “I think it forces me to be more creative, and to look at things differently, but as a kid it was tough. I still have nightmares about reading aloud. I can mix up certain letters, so I have to visualize their shapes while I sound them out to be sure I have the right one.” Angst also likes working in sequence with her artwork. She believes that having limitations and parameters forces an artist to be more creative. The alphabet offers her the perfect constraints: 26 letters, a theme and a flow of ideas. View “An Illustrated Alphabet” at tart in the Emerson. tart is a contemporary art gallery and boutique that carries handcrafted art, jewelry and gifts. It is an integral part of the Emerson Center for Art and Culture and sells the work of many local and regional artists. Open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. or online at www.tartique.com. See more of Sarah Angst’s artwork at www.sarahangst.com. mp
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DECEMber 2014 | mtparent.com
Helena
Y WHAT'S UP?
Butte
Banquet January 10, 2015
Join Big Hearts Under the Big Sky (BHUBS) January 10, at the Bozeman Best Western GranTree Inn at 5 p.m. to celebrate the impact of BHUBS and to continue its mission of providing high quality outdoor adventures, at no cost, to those who have provided extraordinary military service to our country and those who face the challenges of life-threatening illness. BHUBS is the “giving back” extension of the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association. Big Hearts’ primary objective is to coordinate fully-outfitted and guided trips to meet the dreams and needs of carefully-screened, qualified participants. The BHUBS 2015 banquet will feature dinner, silent and live auctions, Master of Ceremonies Tim Abell (former Army Airborne Ranger and Hollywood actor), and 2013 trip recipient, Captain Alvin Shell, as the keynote speaker. To find out more and purchase tickets, visit bigheartsmt.org
Stress-Free
Holiday
Shopping
Bazaar December 6, 2014
Simplify your holiday shopping this year by attending the Montana Parent Stress-Free Holiday Shopping Bazaar at the Butte Depot on December 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Local artisans and home-based business owners will be selling unique, handmade products to holiday shoppers. In addition, presenters will be on hand to offer tools on de-stressing during the busy season and tips for getting it all done while taking care of yourself too.
Help show a child a brighter future
If you would like to purchase a booth ($75), please contact Cassie Meixner at cassie_m@ mtparent.com or call 406-4653610. Online registration is available now at mtparent.com.
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DECember 2014 | mtparent.com
65
BZN
Family
Deals & Discounts
A Fresh Approach to Dance! Now Enrolling For Spring Semester
mention you saw it in Montana Parent magazine!
The Dance Center - Emerson Cultural Center 111 S. Grand, Bozeman www.dancebozeman.com
406.920.1247
Bozeman
Are there more fights and arguments? Kids stressed out? You stressed out? These are normal life stressors/changes or may be the result of a mental illness.
Tri Therapy can help!
Dr. Donna Kelsch has been a therapist for 28 years and now has a full time practice serving clients in Bozeman, Belgrade, Livingston and Manhattan.
Dr. Kelsch is also qualified to do socio-emotional and cognitive assessments Call today for a free phone consultation. Office: 406-404-1009 Mobile: 480-773-8386 TriTherapyMT.com •
[email protected] 804 N 19th Avenue, Bozeman, MT 59718
m t gardens FIND GREAT DEALS ON
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Reform pilates
5 private lessons for
$250 or
Increase - core strength and flexibility
Create - longer leaner muscles Improve - posture, balance, circulation, coordination 626 E. Cottonwood St. Unit B • Bozeman, MT 59715
(406)600-5247 • www.bridgerpilates.com
$250
for 2 months of
UNLIMITED group classes located under the CO-OP Downtown
visit Helena
Great Northern Town Center
New hairstyles & blowouts for the holidays! And remember to visit us for Nerium® and other fine makeup and hair products as holiday gifts. We have a new location! 582-5427 | antoinettesstudio.com
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DECEMber 2014 | mtparent.com
FAMILY FUN NIGHT 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Family Dinner Specials Featuring a character from Entertaining Montana and kids’ activities
Bozeman
The Holiday Inn invites you to stay with the best: Good Food. Good People. Great Service. Reference Montana Parent magazine when booking your reservation and receive a
$79 room rate November-February. 406.487.4561 5 E. Baxter Lane, Bozeman, MT 59715
Bozeman
Bibs & Binkies
FREE BIB & BINKIE
when you bring in this coupon
Whistle pig korean
10% OFF
Family StayCation!
any order over $10
Starting at $200
Children’s Museum
A night’s stay at the Best Western Premier Helena Great Northern Hotel with swimming and breakfast, passes to the Carousel and ExplorationWorks!
Bozeman
Bozeman
Bozeman
Star West Satellite
FREE
Hopper Upgrade
FREE
Unbeatable Whole-Home DVR
second Friday night of each month
406-522-8402
Friday Nights!
Sante Fe Red’s
Bozeman
North
I-9
0
Tarantino’s Pizza
Holiday Inn
Baxter Lane
Bridger Pilates
Lincoln St.
N. Wallace Ave.
N. Willson Ave.
N. Church Ave.
Main Str
S. Black Ave.
S. Willson Ave.
eet
Bozeman Oil & Vinegar
South Church Ave.
South 19th Ave.
College St.
N. Black Ave. N. Rouse Ave.
Mendenhall St.
Babcock St.
Bibs & Binkies
Montana Harvest/ Juice Republic
Montana State University
Kagy Blvd. Museum of the Rockies
Reform Pilates Bozeman Oil & Vinegar Children’s Museum of Bozeman
MT Gardens
Trail Creek
I-90
Music Together
N. 11th Ave.
Main
S. 3rd Ave.
West
S.11th Ave.
Gallatin Valley Mall
Huffine Ln.
Four Corners
North 19th Ave.
Giggles’ Toys & More
0 I-9
Star West Satellite
Whistle Pig Korean
N. 7th Ave.
Oak Street
Smiling Moose Deli
Rd.
coming to bozeman WINTER 2015 Bozeman
Smiling Moose deli spend $10 get a
Bozeman oil & vinegar
10% OFF Bozeman
Big Sky Lullaby
FREE
15 minute
consultation bigskylullaby.com
FREE KIDS’ MEAL
TRY A
FREE KIDS’ MUSIC CLASS (infants to Age 5)
1/2 PRICE Learning Options Consultation Dyslexia/Autism Program Screening 406-282-7416 montanadyslexia.com
Bozeman
Bozeman
Caleigh’s Holistic Skin Care
Santa Fe Reds
20% OFF
one time if you mention this coupon
Bozeman
Music Together
Learning Options
Taco Tuesdays
Kundalini Yoga for the Whole Family!
$1.50 Tacos
Kundalini & Hatha Yoga Pregnancy Yoga • Dancing For BirthTM Mommy & Me Yoga • Kids Yoga Yoga for Addiction Recovery Yoga for PTSD
Bozeman
Bridger Pilates buy one private lesson get one
50% off
Bozeman
($140 value for $105 = $35 savings)
BUY ONE GET
Bozeman
Juice Republic
ONE HALF PRICE Coffee Drinks and Tea Lattes
MusicTogetherBozeman.com
Grab a friend and head to Juice Republic
406-570-2839
located inside Montana Harvest Market
Montana Parent magazine
Print Subscription 11 Issues shipped for $30, Regularly $35.
www.mtparent.com
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PHOTO SIMPLE REFLECTIONS
Bozeman
Bozeman
Gloria “Ravi Inder” Overcash (406) 595-2547 blissfulfamilyyoga.com
DECember 2014 | mtparent.com
67
Y WHAT'S UP?
Helena
HOLTER
MUSEUM OF ART
December 2014 Family Programs HoHo Holter
FAMILY FUN DAYS and
THE FESTIVAL OF TREES December 6 and 7, 2014 Many families have made Family Fun Days at Intermountain’s Festival of Trees a Christmas tradition. Little girls twirling batons and children singing and dancing to the sounds of The Nutcracker, surrounded by beautifully-decorated and lit trees; these are among the many sites and sounds that can be found. There is an assortment of activities and crafts for children and adults to enjoy along with everyone’s highlight, photos with Santa. The Festival of Trees is the largest annual fundraiser benefitting the children, youth and families of Intermountain in the Helena community. Since 1988, this holiday event, planned and produced by volunteers, has attracted more than 100,000 visitors and is Helena’s unofficial kickoff to the holiday season. Held at the Helena Civic Center, the festival includes a public display of more than 100 specially-designed small trees and wreaths and 25 elaborately decorated large trees (all created by volunteers from the community) that line the ballroom and frame a weekend of fun activities. Family Fun Days will be held on Saturday and Sunday, December 6 and 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 per person, with children under 10 admitted for free. The Jingle Bell Jam Dance, featuring The Clintons, will be held on Saturday night, December 6, from 7 p.m. to midnight. The cost is $20 per person or $25 at the door. Tickets are available at any Valley Bank location, Helena Independent Record, Elegance and Mr. Tux. The Festival of Trees helps support Intermountain’s programs and services. Proceeds from the event are raised through sponsorship of trees, exhibit area sponsorships, tickets, raffles, in-kind donations of goods and services, fund-a-need support and sale of trees and other merchandise. For more information about Intermountain’s Festival of Trees or Intermountain log onto www.intermountain.org/fot mp
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DECEMber 2014 | mtparent.com
»» The 20th Annual Christmas Showcase will feature the works of 75 artists daily until December 24, with holiday evening shopping until 8 p.m. on December 3, 5, 10 and 17.
Family Classes: Canvas and Cocoa for Families »» Saturday, December 13 at 10 a.m. »» For ages 7 and older with an accompanying adult.
»» Children and adults create a painting with step-by-step guidance, while sipping on cocoa, coffee or mocha.
Use-Eums with Holter Docents »» Friday, December 12 at 10:30 a.m. »» Saturday, December 20 at 10:30 a.m. »» For ages 3 to 7 with an accompanying adult
»» Each Use-Eum has a different theme and includes art viewing, storytelling and hands-on art activities.
Register for all classes online at holtermuseum.org. Located in downtown Helena, the Holter Museum of Art fuels artistic creativity and imagination in Montana through exceptional contemporary art exhibitions, collections and educational programming. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Sunday, 12-4 p.m. mp
HLN
Family
North Montana Ave.
St . E. Lyndale Ave
t.
Great Northern Carousel
nt St
len
Fro
He
.
Helena
ve
aA
.
ll S Get
che Hill Park
Gu lc h
Ave
St .
Prospect Ave
ha nc e
11th Ave
11th Ave
Holter Museum of Art Broadway St.
Heritage Pioneer Park
Vanilla Bean
$79 room rate November-February.
North Montana Ave.
Reference Montana Parent magazine when booking your reservation and receive a
Great Harvest Bread Co.
5 I-1
invites you to stay with the best: Good Food. Good People. Great Service.
Cedar St.
N.
Carroll College
W. Lyndale Ave
N. Park
The Holiday Inn
La st Ch an ce Gu lc h
N. Benton Ave
Great Northern Town Center
N. La st C
visit Bozeman
Learning RX
ExplorationWorks
5 I-1
Deals & Discounts
Helena • Butte • Bozeman
W. Custer Ave.
Montana State Capital
Helena
406.487.4561 5 E. Baxter Lane, Bozeman, MT 59715
Helena
Vanilla Bean
COOKIE When you mention you saw this ad in Montana Parent
Helena
Montana Parent magazine Print Subscription
$5 OFF
Helena
Great Northern Town Center carousel
$7
after 5pm for unlimited rides and a kiddie cone every night of the week. Closed Tuesdays.
11 Issues for $30, Regularly $35.
Helena
www.mtparent.com/store to sign up
Learning Rx Call for
Helena
Great Northern Town Center
Family StayCation! Starting at $200 A night’s stay at the Best Western Premier Helena Great Northern Hotel with swimming and breakfast, passes to the Carousel and ExplorationWorks!
$50 OFF INITIAL ASSESSMENT Helena
ExplorationWorks!
$2 OFF
ADMISSION
For everyone in your party!
Helena • BUTTE
Share Your Joy
Helena
Big Sky Lullaby
FREE
15 minute
consultation bigskylullaby.com Helena & Butte
Great Harvest Bread Co.
• Sk ype in out-of-town family • Keepsake DVDs and photos • Monkey recorded with your baby’s heartbeat • 3D4D technology
Stop in for a
FREE SLICE! Helena
Holter Museum of Art Kids always get
FREE Admission
:: DECemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM ::
PHOTO SIMPLE REFLECTIONS
FREE
BEAUTIFUL • COZY • FRIENDLY ASK YOUR DOCTOR TO REFER YOU TO US Two locations: Helena 406.442.6356 | Butte 406.723.0023
DECember 2014 | mtparent.com
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Mama’s Got a New Bag
Contest PHOTOS, PRIZES & TEXT | SAMMY FARMER
ENTER to WIN! Go to our blog www.mtparent.com/blog to enter to win this bag and all the prizes! This contest ends December 31, 2014. Check back for a new contest every month. Follow us on Facebook for more information. Want to be featured in the next bag? Email
[email protected].
Maranda Lee Designs »» Stella Medium »» Mint Swallows and Butterflies on Chocolate Fabric »» Value: $78 »» marandalee.com 20Twenty Eyecare »» Comprehensive Eye Health Examination »» Value: $140 »» 20TwentyMT.com Hush - A Boutique Salon »» Cut and Color - With Kristi »» Value: $120 »» facebook.com/hushsalonbozeman Sassy Sisters »» Velvet Gardens – Skincare Collection »» Value: $110 »» facebook.com/highway12sassysisters The Zen Of Beauty within Static Salon »» Gift Certificate For a 30-Minute Massage or Facial »» Value: $55 »» transformationsbydeborah.com
Jessica Dehn – Launch Rodan + Fields »» Free Consultation and Make-Up Remover Cloths »» Value: $50 »» facebook.com/JessicaDehnRodanandFields Meridian Boutique »» Spun by Subtle Luxury Starfish Scarf »» Value: $49 »» meridianboutique.com Sarah Angst Fine Artist & Printmaker »» Alphabet Poster »» Value: $35 »» facebook.com/SarahAngstPrintmaker mp
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DECEMber 2014 | mtparent.com
Shopping Directory
Great stocking stuffers!
Feature of the
month
Jamberry nail wraps are non-toxic vinyl nail shields that you apply easily at home. The shields are made in the USA, with no harsh chemicals and are latex free. They last up to 2 or more weeks on your fingers and up to
[email protected] 6 or more on your toes. Over 350 www.kimberlysacry.jamberrynails.net designs! Customizable, too!
Kimberly Sacry
595-1338
Holiday Shopping Event
Sunday, December 7th 4 -5:30pm Cold Smoke Coffeehouse Conference Room
Set up your free consultation today. Call or text Jessica at 406-581-5525.
ORDER ANYTHING YOU WANT ANYTIME YOU WANT!
Cassie Meixner www.paparazziaccessories.com/20703
406-579-0746
[email protected]
Ph & Txt: (406) 570‐2839
406-465-3610
WEB: MySilpada.com/Kate.Bryan
What would it be like if... Promoting your kid’s structural, brain, and immune health at breakfast could be easy and delicious! Superfoods that kids love. Vegan options too!
406.579.7404
[email protected]
To advertise in the shopping directory
:: DECemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: or
[email protected] DECember 2014 | mtparent.com contact Cora Desantis 406-579-0746 Cost is $125 per month
Solutions that Transform Lives TM
71
May all your days be merry and bright!
Seasons greetings from all of us at Bozeman Deaconess Pediatrics William Allen, MD :: Michael Blake, MD, PhD :: Juliet Hansen, MD Pepper Henyon, MD :: Mark Hodgson, MD :: Angie Ostrowski, MD
406-414-5700
bdhg.org/peds
Please note our new phone number and update in your contacts.
YOUR HEALTH RECORDS IN YOUR HANDS. Stop in or call your Bozeman Deaconess Health Group clinic for secure registration to our patient portal!
