Owensboro Parent - January 2012

January 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT 1www.OwensboroParent.com

3 OWENSBORO PARENT . January 2012 www.OwensboroParent.com


Another January 1st and another set of resolutions in place. I definitely want to carve out more time for my family. I want to spend more time focusing on my finances. More time helping out at church. I want to complete another triathlon or two. And of course, find ways to improve and grow this magazine.

The best way to accomplish all of these goals? Well, the first step would be to find a new year resolutions app. Because what good are resolutions if you don’t have easy access to remind yourself what they are? I should probably download a few and test them out. After all, you have to find the perfect one that allows you to setup timetables, customized alerts and goal-tracking. Maybe I should use multiple apps? One for finances, one for fitness and then one as a catch-all for the rest of my resolutions.

I obviously need a way to sync my resolutions. I can’t have them solely on my iPhone. They need to be on my iPad. And my notebook computer, in case I’m on the road and need to see them. And while I’m at it, I might as well put them on my office desktop computer. Instant access is the key.

But that’s just it. Somewhere in all this technology I seem to lose track of what’s most important. It seems I once again find my gadgets as a distraction from my original resolutions. It’s all of those “iThings” that make me lose sight of what’s important.

You see, it’s not in the planning. It’s in the execution. It’s about learning to leave the iPhone in my pocket at dinner time. It’s about shutting off the computer and getting face to face time with my wife and kids.

If there’s one resolution I want to keep in 2012, it’s to unplug. To feel like it’s OK to be disconnected. And instead, plug myself info my family. Connect with my babies and my wife. Because in the end, technology will keep changing, but so will Ethan and Ella. And I need to keep up with them, not the latest gadgets.

Publisher, Owensboro Parent [email protected]

{ o w e n s b o r o p a r e n t . j a n u a r y 2 0 1 2 } Publisher/Designer

Jason Tanner

[email protected]

Editor

Ashley Sorce

[email protected]

Sales Director

Jonathan Tanner

[email protected]

Distribution Manager

Robert Williams

[email protected]

Account Executives

Jodi Tanner

[email protected]

Jeff Sorce

[email protected]

Contributors

Christina Dalton

Dean Ehrenheim

Dr. Brian Gannon

Lora Wimsatt

Contact Information

Owensboro Parent Magazine

PO Box 23237

Owensboro, KY 42304

(270) 314-5240

www.owensboroparent.com

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Cover Model

Henry, son of Jenny and John

Busse of Owensboro.

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25

16

parent talk 7winter activities safety 8

3 healthy ways to share control by offering choices 10like mother, like son 13

5 steps to winning financially in 2012 13healthy families by thinking 5-2-1-0 16

5 quick food makeovers 18our favorite facebook photos 20

the pursuit of happiness 22through the eyes of jonah 25

family fun 29win a kindle fire 32

january calendar 33sylvester and the magic pebble 38

january features

10

328

13


parent talkOn Facebook, our readers shared the strategies they use to keep their family eating healthy and physically active:

{ f r o m o u r r e a d e r s }

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

Learn more online: www.owensboroparent.com

“For starters, we always eat as a family. We always have some

kind of veggie. We call it a fear food factor, but everyone

has to try it. I try baking rather then frying. My

son is in karate three

to four nights a week

so he stays very active.

He’s limited on video

game time. If we eat

out, he has to get the

fruit with the meal. He’s

allowed one soda a day

so he doesn’t over do it.

I realize most parents say

no to sodas, but I feel if he

isn’t allowed then he’s more

likely to abuse it later.”

- Dolly Cronin Smith

“We joined Owensboro Science Museum so that the kids

can enjoy the play room. It’s a great, safe place for the kids

to run around and play. Getting

the membership saves a lot of

money, and we don’t have to

worry about spending money

every time we want to get

out of the house! We also

enjoy experimenting with

making smoothie drinks.

They are nutritious and the

kids enjoy coming up with

their own flavors.”

- Brittany Boswell Woodman

“We turn on 50’s dance tunes and have Friday Family Dance night.

Our children love to get their exercise this way!”

- Lois Hausner


winter activities safety

{ b y : d r . b r i a n g a n n o n , M D }

As we begin a new year, many families are hoping to renew their commitment to keep

their children physically active. Although the colder temperatures may bring some

challenges to outdoor activity, parents can encourage children to stay active and safe

with a few simple tips. From unstructured time outdoors to winter organized sports,

children of all ages have opportunities for wintertime fun.

Don’t forget the sun still shines, even in January!

It may be shocking, but doctors often see more sunburns in

winter than in summer. The ice and snow reflect sunshine

onto little faces, and the angle of the sun is closer to the

earth, especially at higher altitudes like ski resorts. Although

most parents will pack sunscreen for a beach trip, we do

not always remember the sunscreen or scarves and gloves.

The wind on a cold day also dries out the skin, so lotion

in general can protect little cheeks and lips from becoming

chapped. Many lip balms now include sunscreen to protect

against this, but it will not help unless parents remember

to use it.

Be careful with hoodies & long scarves or coats with cords.

These may become caught in play equipment and strangle

a toddler who may not be paying attention. Old-fashioned

zippered coats and hats work better for younger children,

and layers will keep them warmer by keeping away moisture.

Clothing will get wet on the outside with snow and ice, but

also from the inside as children sweat. Several well-chosen

thin layers will keep a child warmer and drier than one thick

sweater that easily gets soaked by the elements.

Sledding is lots of fun, but parents should always be readily

available and pay close attention to avoid reckless play.

Older kids may try unsafe sledding, like piling too many kids

onto one sled, and they may not notice the incompletely frozen

pond at the bottom of that tempting hill. And the younger

kids will sometimes head straight for a hidden bump or rock,

or even a big tree because of their poor ability to steer the sled.

Once again, remember the waterproof gloves and coats!


Sports requiring equipment deserve a special mention,

since children usually grow so much between seasons.

Always note any requirements of the coach or league,

particularly for hockey, such as helmets and mouth guards.

It may seem obvious, but be sure that skates and skis fit

properly EVERY TIME your child goes to play his sport.

Youngsters may need new skates by the end of the season

if they hit a growth spurt! And old skates can develop worn

leather or torn laces that may increase the chances of ankle

injury.

Helmets should be worn for many winter sports, given

the speeds children reach and the unpredictable nature of

ice and snow. These include skiing, snowboarding, hockey

and even sledding; wrist injuries are also quite common in

snowboarding, so a simple wrist guard is a good investment.

Most of us need refresher courses between trips to the

slopes, especially children who may forget the details,

even though they seem to master the basics faster than the

adults, to parents’ chagrin. The wisest way to start any ski or

snowboarding trip is for your child to work with an instructor

on a gentle slope before cutting loose and (possibly) taking

unnecessary risks. (Speaking from experience, I have an

11-year-old son. Enough said.)

One last comment on supervision: NOBODY, including

adults, should skate or be involved in winter activity

alone. There is too much risk of a pond being partly melted

or a hole hidden by a snowdrift, or a simple fall onto black

ice leading to a bad head injury.

Also don’t forget to keep supplies in the car in the event of

an unexpected winter storm. An ice scraper, extra blanket,

thermos with fluids to drink, snacks for the whole family

and a full tank of gas are all very helpful when trapped by a

blizzard, or just a flat tire on a cold night.

Walking in a winter wonderland may be fun, beautiful and

great exercise, but safety is still paramount for those of us

with children!

Dr. Gannon and his wife seem to spend as much time every winter

bundling their five children as they do out in the cold, since their little

cheeks get red and chapped within minutes. He is a partner at Pediatric

Partners in Owensboro, where the winter days are always nice and

warm inside.

OP


Why are choices important?3 healthy ways to share control by offering choices{ b y : c h r i s t i n a d a l t o n , M s s w , c s w }

When you offer a child a choice, you are, in fact, sharing

control with them. The Love and Logic parenting

program teaches “The Science of Control.” When we

share the control, we get our share. When we hoard the

control, we soon lose it all. Let me draw you a picture

of a parent who has lost all control. This is a parent

that is exhausted all the time. They make special meals

just for one certain little person. They watch what the

child wants to watch on television. They do the things

they need to do on this itty bitty person’s schedule.

Sound familiar? It’s very simple actually. We either

give control or the other person takes it! Here are the

three rules for offering choices:

If the child does not choose, be prepared to choose

yourself.

Be sure to pick two choices YOU can live with.

NEVER give a choice unless you’re willing to allow

the child to live with the consequences of his/her bad

choice. (Remember, you can live with either choice.)

I want to illustrate the wrong way and the right way to

offer choices.

{wrong way}Parent: Drink your milk!

Child: NO!

Parent: Ok, do you want juice or milk? (This

makes you look like a wimp.)

{right way}Parent: Do you want juice or milk?

Child: I want candy!

Parent: Nice try. Juice or milk?

(The key is after about 5-10 seconds of not choosing,

make a decision for them.)

one

twothree


This technique of offering choices will help you, especially with

younger children. I promise if you pick for them, the next time

a choice is offered they will make it. Simply because they don’t

want you to make it for them. You can really make this fun and

offer choices that don’t matter to anyone but them. Do you want

to put your pants on first or your shirt? Do you want to brush

your teeth first or potty? It can really make a difference in how

your mornings go because the more you tell a child what to do,

the slower they move! But if you share the control and learn

how to give away a little control, then I promise you will get a

lot back!

upcoming: love and logic classFebruary 28 – March 27 (Tuesdays)

5:45 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.

DCPS Learning Center

For more information or to register, contact Christina Dalton.

[email protected]

Christina Dalton, MSSW, CSW is the Family Resource Center Coordinator for

Daviess County Public Schools.

OP


significant.

“I want my children to know that an education is never to be

taken for granted, and that it is one of the most important things

in life to have,” Sondra said. “One of my high school teachers

always stressed that ‘everything a person has can be taken away,

but knowledge--your education-- can never be taken away.’ I

want my children to know this, and be proud to live in a country

where we are given this opportunity. They

should not waste it!”

It seems as though Ryan is not wasting

his opportunity and is giving Sondra reason

to be proud.

“If I want to do anything with my

future, then education is a necessity,” Ryan

said.

And Ryan’s diligent pursuit of higher

education helps keep Sondra motivated.

“Knowing my son is getting a college education and wanting

to improve his skills gives me the drive to continue working

hard for my education,” Sondra said.

“I love telling people my son

and I go to college

together.”

like mother,like son{ p a i d a d v e r t o r i a l }

OP

Western Kentucky University in Owensboro is home to

a diverse group of students. Many are first-generation,

some are senior citizens, but Sondra Swihart, 42, and Ryan

Ferguson, 19, are a first for WKU-O.

This mother and son duo are both pursuing their bachelor’s

degree at this local campus. Sondra, a student in WKU-O’s social

work program, and Ryan, in the sport management program,

don’t actually have any courses together,

but admit that they do help each other with

homework.

“We both have friendly competition with

each other and want to out-do each other on

tests and quizzes, but if we need help then

we’re there for each other,” Ryan said.

According to Ryan, this competition

benefits both him and his mom.

“I think we inspire each other to do the best we can because

of how competitive we are,” Ryan said.

For Sondra, obtaining her degree is a personal goal. While

she does hope it will help her find a career, she says that

showing her six children the importance of education is just as

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

Learn more online: www.wku.edu/owensboro


We are still in a recession, and you’ll continue to hear

some bad economic news almost daily. Your 401K, IRA

and other investments may still need to recover. These facts and

others like them have driven lots of folks to retreat in absolute

fear. I hope that you decide not to let that fear take over your life.

You can develop a plan now that will help you win financially

in 2012. Here are five positive steps you can take to be sure you

make it through these difficult times:

1 Do a cash flow plan each month. When you approach each

month with a plan for your money, it goes further. For married

couples, having an agreed-to cash flow plan for the month will

eliminate nearly all money fights.

2 Set aside an emergency fund. Why? Because life happens.

If you are not prepared for emergencies, you will need to turn

to VISA to catch your slack, and they charge a bunch to do it.

Married couples need to set aside about $1,000; singles need to

set aside about $500. Agree on what constitutes an emergency

up front and don’t touch this money except for emergencies.

Knowing that you can handle emergencies will bring peace in

the middle of troubles.

3 Use a simple “envelope system” for grocery store purchases.

Each pay period, place the money designated for grocery store

purchases in an envelope. Use this cash every time to shop at the

food store. Pay cash only. This system, combined with a shopping

list each trip, will help you get a real handle on what you spend

for groceries, and it will save you 18-20 percent each month. Use

this same system for entertainment, gas, clothing, etc., and you

will immediately begin to save in those areas as well.

4 Begin to pay off your debts. Pay off your debts from the

smallest to the largest. Every time you pay off one debt, combine

that money with the payment toward the next smallest debt until

it is paid, etc. Most folks can be completely out of debt in 12

to 36 months using this method and good money management

principles.

5 Sell everything you don’t need. I know a couple who recently

had a garage sale and generated over $2,200. This is cash to help

with your emergency fund and to pay off smaller debts.

If you are willing to focus, you can emerge from these difficult

times as a financial winner. You do not need to live in fear.

Bill Anderson is the founder of Anderson Financial Coaching. For over three

decades, Bill has been guiding people and organizations. He and his wonderful

wife, Thanna, have three children, all married to great folks. In addition, they have

four grandchildren, all beautiful, bright blessings.

5 steps to winning financially in 2012

OP

{ b y : b i l l a n d e r s o n }


It’s been said that this next generation can expect a lower life

expectancy than their parents, a first in the modern era of

medical breakthroughs. Even these breakthroughs may not be

enough to combat an unhealthy lifestyle.

The statistics have been pointing to this uncomfortable

prognosis for the past 30 years. Take a few minutes and Google

“CDC Obesity Trends” and click “play” on the US map. You

will see an animated image of the United States, depicting the

percentage of overweight people over time. The change in just

20 years is striking.

However, there is great hope on the horizon. National

organizations like the Centers for Disease Control, the Robert

Wood Foundation, the YMCA of the USA and many others

are paring with local groups to make a difference at the

grassroots level. In Owensboro, we have a number of impact

groups, ranging from Bike Owensboro to Healthy Horizons to

Pioneering Healthier Communities.

Each group and others are worthy of noting, but Pioneering

Healthier Communities (PHC) is a newly formed, broad-base

action group that is working locally with public and private

leaders to make long-term health policy changes. Funded by

the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the YMCA of USA,

action teams have broken through turf barriers and have guided

the health discussion between local governments, schools,

the health department, the hospital, the YMCA, the county

extension office, business leaders, local farmers and more. Now

that’s good teamwork.

Working as a team to change our local health is absolutely

necessary – and working as a family “team” is absolutely

necessary to change your child’s health outlook (and your’s).

Both children and parents need to work together to make this

happen.

If health is a family priority in 2012, think 5-2-1-0.

5 servings of fruits or vegetables every day In order for kids to eat five servings of fruits and/or

vegetables, parent(s) have to provide them. Do your part on

Working as a team to change our local health is absolutely necessary – and working as

a family “team” is absolutely necessary to change your child’s health outlook (and your’s).

{ b y : d e a n e h r e n h e i m }

advice from an ordinary dad

healthy familiesin 2012 by thinking 5-2-1-0


the family team and shop appropriately. And here’s a tip

to make fruits and vegetables more tasty and interesting:

shop seasonally. The benefits include tastier food (since

the fruit or vegetable is naturally ripened), cost is lower

(since there are greater quantities) and there is no

chance of getting bored with seasonal foods because

they are only in-season for a month or two. Let me

use peaches as an example. I love peaches. The late

summer peach is dense, juicy and sweet. They are

plentiful and reasonably priced. However, I have

been disappointed more than once by purchasing a

beautiful looking peach out of season, only to pitch

my tasteless and expensive purchase into the trash.

Eat seasonally and you won’t be disappointed.

2 hours of screen time a day

That may sound like a lot, but according to a 2010

Kaiser Family Foundation report, our youth take in an

average of 7+ hours of screen time a day. Remember, screen

time doesn’t just mean TV. It includes computer time, texting

and personal gaming devices-- anything with a screen. Can we

expect our kids to limit screen time if we as parents don’t set the

example? Too hard? How about just committing to the weekend

or a couple nights a week? Start small and see how it goes.

Looking for something to do? I have never known a child to

choose TV over playing a good, family game. Bring back family

game night. Try it, you’ll like it.

1 hour of physical activity a day Walk, bike or play for an hour a day. This was never difficult

for me as a child. In times of long light and warm days, my

neighbors and I were “free-range” kids. We’d play at the park

down the road, touch football in the street, tag in the yard,

hide and seek until dark (and even after dark) and be gone for

hours on end. In January, it may be more difficult to let your

kids play outside for hours, but when there’s snow, have a snow

ball fight (throw gently) or make snow angels and snow men.

Consider skating at the Edge Ice Center or RiverPark Winter

Wonderland, play ball at the Y or your local church, and if you

have elementary school age kids at home, try sock wrestling.

When my kids were young, I would put a sock in each back pant

pocket and dare my kids to try and pull them out. It got tricky

by the time I had three young energetic sons!

0 sweetened drinks Stay away from sugar-sweetened drinks like sodas and

fruit drinks. That will drastically drop your family’s intake of

“empty” calories. I’ll never forget when I heard a nutritionist

call sweetened juice “liquid candy.” Drinking 100 percent fruit

juice is better, but even it is full of natural sugars. At a number

of Y’s and afterschool programs water is now being served

instead of juices.

So if your family team wants to have a healthier 2012,

remember 5-2-1-0. Even if your family only adopts part of the

plan, something is better than nothing. And just like the success

we are seeing in our local community, working as a team is the

best way for your family to win the health battle. Get Mom, Dad,

Suzie and little Johnny all to be part of the plan for a healthier

2012 with 5-2-1-0.

Dean Ehrenheim, with his wife Jeanette, is raising four great kids. He regularly

writes about his experiences in parenting, coaching and wellness. His email is

[email protected].

OP


Feeding your family healthy food doesn’t mean it’s all about salads and veggie

pitas. There are plenty of ways you can transform your family’s favorite dishes

into healthier alternatives. Even kid foods like macaroni and cheese, pizza, and

hot dogs can be relatively wholesome with a few ingredient adjustments. Here

are several fast fixes, as well as some healthy family-friendly recipes to try.

peanut butter and jel ly sandwichUse 1 tablespoon of natural-style peanut butter.Use 1 tablespoon of less-sugar grape jelly (such as Smucker’s Low Sugar).Use whole wheat or whole-grain bread, or fiber-enriched white bread.

BEFORE: 335 calories, 10.9 g fat, 2.1 g saturated fat, 2.5 g fiberAFTER: 290 calories, 10.9 g fat, 1.7 g saturated fat, 5.5 g fiber

SAVINGS: 45 calories saved, plus 3 g fiber added!


5 quick food makeovers

hot dogsChoose a reduced-fat hot dog. (Ball Park Lite, Louis Rich Turkey Franks, and Hebrew National Reduced Fat are great options.)Look for whole wheat or higher-fiber buns.Add onions and tomato, if desired, for added nutrition.Choose lower-fat and lower-calorie condiments such as ketchup or mustard.

BEFORE: 366 calories, 22 g fat, 9.1 g saturated fat, 1.2 g fiberAFTER: 325 calories, 11 g fat, 3.2 g saturated fat, 5.8 g fiber

SAVINGS: 41 calories, 11 g fat, and 5.9 g saturated fat, plus 4.6 g fiber added!

french friesChoose lower-fat frozen French fries.

Bake them instead of frying.Complement this side dish with a fruit and a vegetable,

so the family doesn’t overdo the fries.

BEFORE: 245 calories, 12 g fat, 5.6 g saturated fat, 0.8 g fiber per 3-ounce servingAFTER: 122 calories, 4 g fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 1 g fiber per 3-ounce serving

SAVINGS: 123 calories, 8 g fat, 5.1 g saturated fat, plus 0.2 g fiber added!

OP

January 2012 . OWENSBORO PARENT 19www.OwensboroParent.comwww.O

mexican dishesUse reduced-fat Monterey Jack and/or cheddar cheese.Work in beans every chance you get.Use extra-lean meat (super-lean ground beef or ground sirloin, skinless chicken breast, lean pork trimmed of visible fat).Use fat-free or light sour cream instead of regular.

Work in whole grains and vegetables (such as brown rice, whole wheat tortillas, tomatoes, green peppers, etc.).

macaroni and cheese from the boxUse 2 tablespoons of no-trans-fat margarine (choose one with 8 grams

of fat per tablespoon) instead of 4 tablespoons of butter.Use low-fat milk instead of whole milk.

Add a tablespoon or 2 of fat-free or light sour cream, if needed for creaminess.Add veggies on the side or in the macaroni (such as 1/2 cup of steamed broccoli per serving).

SAVINGS: 72 calories and 8 g fat per serving (if four servings per box), plus 2.3 g fiber added!


Emmitt

our favorite 2011 photos from facebook

MARLEY

ELLA

KARLIE GAGE ELI

KRISTEN

KEIARA

LINCOLN

{ f i n d u s o n f a c e b o o k }

BEAU


BRELEE

SAMIRAH

GAVIN

JOHN

GABRIELLE

EMMITT

AVA GRACE

HALLIE BEA

ALISIA


{ b y : l o r a w i m s a t t }

the pursuit of

Maybe the problem is woven into that phrase – Happy New Year – and involves focusing too much

on the notion that we need a “new me,” that there was something wrong with the “old me.”

Happy New Year!

Having just begun, there’s no question that it is new …

and it’s a safe bet that 2012 will last for a year.

But happy? That’s the one that comes without a guarantee.

Especially if you’re measuring happiness in the achievement

of those New Year resolutions.

The usual suspects: Lose weight, find a hobby, quit smoking,

start exercising, spend less money on stuff we don’t need, spend

more time with family and friends.

All great goals, worthy of pursuit.

But also pretty daunting, and potentially discouraging.

Maybe the problem is woven into that phrase – Happy New

Year – and involves focusing too much on the notion that we

need a “new me,” that there was something wrong with the “old

me.”

Or maybe it’s the idea of having to sustain these changes for a

year – forever.

Or maybe it’s just that we think happiness is a specific,

certain place we can get to – IF we could only have this, do that,

change this, be that.

We are all aware of our shortcomings, the areas in our

lives that need improvement. And there’s nothing wrong with

wanting to do our best, be our best.

Working toward goals can be a positive experience. It feels

great to see the dial on the scale moving in the right direction,

and to be able to get into our favorite jeans again without

holding our breath while zipping. We feel better when we look

better, not just physically, but emotionally too.

Setting a budget – and sticking to it – is also liberating in so

many ways. Not just financially, but with peace of mind.

And there are so many benefits to reconnecting with family

and friends. It’s a positive cycle: The happier the people around

us are, the happier we are.

This issue of “Owensboro Parent” magazine offers some

really great information, advice, guidance and encouragement

for how you can make this your happiest year ever.

happineSs


But it’s important to remember that happiness

is not measured by the numbers on a scale, nor by

whether your budget balances at the end of the month,

or by joining a club or taking up stamp collecting.

The most valuable gift we can give ourselves as

2012 begins is the gift of accepting ourselves and

the people around us, unconditionally and without

judgment or reservation.

The truth is, we tend to be kinder, gentler, more

forgiving with those whom we love.

So let’s start by loving ourselves, just as we are

right now.

Then – paradoxically – it becomes easier to treat

ourselves well by making healthy and positive choices

for ourselves.

So Happy New Year to you, just the way you are.

Enjoy yourself, enjoy 2012 – and let’s make them both

the best they can possibly be.

Lora Wimsatt is a mother, grandmother and writer. She

enjoys the everyday blessings and adventures of life,

especially her family.

OP


HOW DID YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND

REACT WHEN YOU DISCOVERED YOUR

SON HAD DOWN’S SYNDROME?

We were shocked, scared, and not certain

what the future held. However, this was

overshadowed by his life-threatening

medical issues.

Jonah was air-lifted to Louisville at 1 day

old, and spent 10 days in the NICU. We

were too busy trying to keep him alive to

dwell on what Down syndrome meant,

long term, to us, him and our families.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE SHARING THE NEWS

WITH YOUR OTHER CHILDREN?

Sarah and Jacob were toddlers (4 and 3)

when we told them Jonah had DS. It really

didn’t mean much to them as they were

more concerned about getting him home

from the hospital for us be together as a

family.

Jonah’s special needs became a “normal”

part of their lives. In fact, when Levi was

born, Jonah was 3, Sarah asked when the

“toy lady” was coming to see Levi. In her

mind, having a baby meant therapists

came to the house weekly to play with toys.

She assumed all babies received this type

of service!

IS PARENTING JONAH DIFFERENT

FROM PARENTING YOUR OTHER

CHILDREN?

I would have to say no.

Jonah has Down syndrome. That doesn’t

excuse him from learning manners,

how to follow rules, how to complete his

household chores, etc.

We do interact with Jonah differently but

the expectations are no different than for

our other children. We help him learn

through theeyes of jonah

a n i n t e r v i e w w i t h a n j i e d g e :

Good health for a child is what parents hope for. Happiness and success are important too, but it’s difficult for a child to have those without his or her health. The Edge family knows about this kind of hope. They know what it means to sit by a child’s bedside, hoping for health. Hoping for life.

Married for 21 years, Anji and Larry Edge are the proud parents of four children, Sarah, 18, Jacob 17, Jonah 14, and Levi, 11. The Edges are a normal, happy family, involved with church and their community. But what makes their story unique is their son Jonah, who was diag-nosed with Down syndrome, an issue further complicated by heart and lung disease, sleep apnea, apraxia of speech and hearing loss.

{ b y : j a i m e r a f f e r t y }


how to fulfill expectations through visual learning. It does

no good to tell Jonah to pick up his shoes, carry them to the

door and place them neatly with the other shoes. We have to

show him what is expected, remembering to communicate our

expectations via sign language when necessary. And then we

expect him to comply, just like our other children.

WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE BEEN POSED BY DOWN

SYNDROME?

Jonah’s biggest obstacles have been medical issues. He has

undergone 43 sedated medical procedures in his life. These

include three open heart surgeries, five airway surgeries, and

numerous other procedures. He has spent months of his life in

the hospital fighting illnesses, recovering from surgeries and

undergoing life-saving treatments.

At 3, Jonah lost the ability to speak after his second open heart

surgery. He subsequently was diagnosed with apraxia. Speech

delays have left negative impacts on his life. Jonah can speak,

and approximate several words, but relies, almost exclusively,

on sign language to communicate. He also has significant

bilateral hearing loss that further complicates communication.

HAVE YOU SEEN BLESSINGS WITH DOWN SYNDROME? IF

YES, WHAT?

Absolutely! Our children have grown up with Jonah, and are

extremely accepting of individuals with any disability. The

oldest two have been most impacted. They are compassionate

and empathetic young adults as a direct result of Jonah.

My youngest is learning some of those same lessons. Our

children are better people, better siblings and strong in their

convictions for having Jonah in our family. We have all

learned that our faith shines the brightest during dark times.

We have weathered dark times, and grown our commitment to

Jesus Christ in ways that may never have happened, without

the gift of Jonah.

Larry and I are different people today than prior to Jonah’s

birth. We’ve spent many scary, lonely days sitting by Jonah’s

bedside. We’ve been brought to our knees by the reality

that Jonah could die from illnesses and surgeries. We found

strength that we never knew existed. That strength comes

from God.


God blessed us with Jonah.....and God has continued to bless

us with His presence, His comfort, and His peace through the

ups and downs of Jonah’s life.

I’m positive God knew what He was doing when He set

us on this path. I have learned that everything has merit.

Everything has beauty. Spending tywo hours blowing

dandelions on a spring afternoon is a worthy use of my time.

Sitting in the yard, “watching” the wind blowing through the

trees and grass is something every mom should experience.

There is beauty to be found in this world - through the eyes of

Jonah.

WHAT ARE JONAH’S ASPIRATIONS FOR THE FUTURE?

I would have to say Jonah’s dreams for the future include

being alive, seeing joy by finding something worthy of laughter

every single day and the ability to share his love and laughter

with people who are important to him.

It doesn’t take much to make Jonah smile or laugh. He exudes

true joy. There is a lesson to be learned in that reality for all

of us. Jonah loves life, and his willingness to fight to stay alive

has been amazing to watch.

HOW DO YOU ENCOURAGE JONAH TO REACH THOSE

DREAMS?

We encourage all of our children to reach their dreams. We

love them, support them and most importantly we pray for

them. God’s hand is all over Jonah’s life. In the same manner,

His handprint is displayed in our other children’s lives. As

parents, we love, nurture and accept them for who they are,

what they are capable of and what they are not. We then

turn them over to God, and pray daily for His provision, His

guidance and His purpose in their lives.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU SHARE WITH “SPECIAL

NEEDS” FAMILIES WHO ARE HAVING A DIFFICULT TIME

AND STRUGGLING WITH A DIAGNOSIS?

Be kind to yourself.

There is no right or wrong way to come to acceptance of a

diagnosis of any type. It will come. Not without tears, sadness

and heartache. But it will come.

My acceptance came one spring morning, when Jonah was 5 or

6 months old. We were sitting on the floor, practicing physical

therapy “homework.” Jonah proceeded to master a skill we

had been working on. He looked at me and laughed aloud.

The pride displayed in his mastery of this physical skill finally

penetrated the walls around my heart. I held myself apart

from Jonah - struggling through each day, each medical crisis

and not allowed my mother’s heart to know him, until that

moment.

The sun shone on his baby fine hair while his dark eyes were

sparkling with laughter. It was that moment, Jonah, God, and

I had a long talk. And the acceptance came. And thus began

my true journey with Jonah.

Jaime Rafferty enjoys writing, as a hobby. She lives is Owensboro with her

husband, Paul and their two children. OP


familyfun!

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MATERIALS

Charcoal briquettes

Carrots

Apple slices

Radishes

Toothpicks

Branches

Toasted marshmallows

Hats and scarves

Logs

Three large candles

Construct these snowmen using traditional three-snowball towers. Add bri-

quettes for eyes, carrots for noses, apple slices for ears and radishes for mouths

(held in place with toothpicks). Use branches to create the snowmen’s arms,

each displaying a handful of toasted marshmallows. Add brightly-colored hats

and scarves for extra style.

To build a snowball campfire, lay a circle of logs, then roll several dozen snow-

balls and stack them in an igloo-like shape, leaving the chinks open so light can

flicker through. Generate the light with three large pillar candles.

marshmal low-toasting snowmen

OP


familyfun!

{ s n o w d a y s }

MATERIALS

Skis

Apple slices

Carrot

Radishes

Toothpicks

Hat and scarf

Wire coat hange

Evergreen boughs

Ski goggles

Sticks

Ski poles

Stones

Cardboard

Clear Con-Tact paper

To make this downhill racer, start with a standard three-ball tower. Once the snowman’s body is fully constructed, slip a pair of skis under the base snowball. Use apple slices for ears, a carrot for a nose and a row of radishes for a mouth, held in place with toothpicks (as shown).

To achieve a windblown look, support a hat and scarf with a wire coat hanger (or sticks) and add a shock of evergreen bough hair. Press a pair of snow goggles into the snowman’s head with the strap left inside. Add sticks for the snowman’s arms, with ski poles placed in the branches.

Use the same materials and technique to construct a smaller snow child. Give the child a cardboard sign, protected from the elements with clear Con-Tact paper.

Downhil l Skiing Snowmen

OP


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{ o w e n s b o r o p a r e n t }

JANUARY 1WINTER WONDERLAND Watch the excitement on your child’s face

when they takea spin on the largest outdoor skating rink in the Tri-

State, enjoy watching your favorite holiday movies on the giant 40ft

movie screen, stroll through the grand lobby and gaze at thousands

of twinkling lights or visit with Ole St. Nick himself; 12 – 9 p.m.;

RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St.; riverparkcenter.org.

FREE CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK Giant elves, trees, toys and figures,

not to mention Santa in his sleigh, line Legion’s half-mile walking

path; Legion Park, Byers Ave and JR Miller Blvd.; 5:30 p.m. Lighting

Ceremony; Rides on the Independence Express 6:15 p.m.;

owensboroparks.org.

CHRISTMAS AT PANTHER CREEK PARK An outdoor driving lighted

tour with 250,000+ lights winding through Panther Creek Park;

5160 Wayne Bridge Road; $3 per carload; daviesscountyparks.com.

JANUARY 2FREE CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK See event description on January 1.

CHRISTMAS AT PANTHER CREEK PARK See event description on

January 1.

FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and younger and Circle Time

for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Daviess County Public Library, 2020

Frederica St.; dcplibrary.org.

Informing parents about fun, local events is a priority for Owensboro Parent. Our magazine compiles events from across

the city and county. So when your family is looking for something to do, check out the Owensboro Parent calendar, where

you will find information on local events, including event descriptions, locations, dates, times and price.

Want to include your event? Contact the editor at [email protected].

january calendar


JANUARY 3U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must wear socks; $7 per

child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults

always free; 5 - 8 p.m.; (270) 685- 1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com

JANUARY 5FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and younger and Circle Time



FREE ARTLAND An exciting new dimension in education, is an

interactive art studio created especially for children ages 4 to 10. It is

a special place designed to challenge and stimulate the imagination

while allowing children to create works of art at their own pace.

ARTLAND features an art laboratory fully equipped with supplies and

materials for making works of art and is complemented by child-

sized easels and tables; Museum open Thursday & Friday 10 a.m.

– 8 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday 1 - 4 p.m.; OMFA, 901 Frederica Street;

270-685-3181 or omfa.us.

JANUARY 6FREE ARTLAND See event description on January 5.

U-BOUNCE OPEN BOUNCE NIGHT; All must wear socks; $7 per















FREE ARTLAND See event description on January 5.








JANUARY 16MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY

FREE STORYTIME Wee Read for ages 2 and younger and Circle Time






JANUARY 19FREE STORYTIME Wee Readfor ages 2 and younger and Circle Time




SYLVESTER AND THE MAGIC PEBBLE When Sylvester, a winsome

young donkey, picks up a shiny red pebble, its magic spins a

heartwarming story that reveals to him the tru importance of

family and friends. With life-size puppets, maksed actors, magaical

illusions, Enchantment Theatre transforms this book into a delightful

adaptation for the stage; 9:15 & 11:30 a.m.; RiverPark Center, 101

Daviess St.; riverparkcenter.org.






TAKE A KID TO THE GAME Sponsored through Parks & Rec. Come

watch Brescia University vs Berea College! Parents/guardians may

receive free tickets to experience the thrill of basketball with a child

at the Owensboro Sportscenter. Three ticket maximum per family (1

adult, 2 children); Women’s game 6 p.m. and men’s game 8 p.m.





JANUARY 24THE COLOR PURPLE A soul-stirring musical

based on the classic

Pulitzer Prize- winning

novel by Alice Walker.

It has captured the

hearts of young and

old, uniting audiences

in a community of

joy; 7 p.m.; RiverPark

Center, 101 Daviess St.;

riverparkcenter.org.












always free; 5 - 10 p.m.; (270) 685- 1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.

com


OWENSBORO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA “PORTRAITS” concert

will present music that paints in sound. Close your eyes and see the

world through the eyes of great composers; 7:30 p.m.; RiverPark

Center, 101 Daviess St.; riverparkcenter.org.


BRIDAL SHOW Calling all brides! Caterers, florists, jewelers,and

other vendors will be at RiverPark Center from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to

help you plan your big day. A wedding and prom fashion show will

also be presented; RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St.; riverparkcenter.

org.








sylvester and the magic

pebble

W hen Sylvester, a winsome donkey, picks up a shiny red pebble, its magic spins a heartwarming story that reveals to him the true importance of family and friends. This charming story has now been adapted for the stage by Enchantment Theatre Company, drawn from the much-loved children’s book, Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. Sylvester was written and illustrated by William Steig, author of numerous popular children’s books including the famed story Shrek (inspiration for the universally known film series and the hit Broadway musical). Sylvester was honored with the prized Caldecott Medal for children’s literature. This tale has engaged the imagination and captivated the hearts and souls of children and families everywhere. In Enchantment’s production, Sylvester learns that magic works very well sometimes — he can turn the rain on and off! — but it can

also work against him — when he transforms himself into a rock to escape a hungry lion. How will he escape from the rock? How will his loving family ever find him? Will he ever get home? Enchantment, one of America’s groundbreaking producers of original theater for children and families, utilizes all its theatrical signature elements — life-size puppets, masked actors, magical illusions and original musical score, to follow Sylvester’s brave journey. Enchantment Theatre Company will debut the national touring production of Sylvester and the Magic Pebble in the fall of 2011 and tour through the spring of 2013, delighting and enchanting audiences all across America. Who will love Sylvester? Everyone from young children all the way up to their grandparents —anyone who believes in happy endings and that there is no place like home.

Visit RiverParkCenter.orgfor information now for Sylvester and the Magic Pebble presented by Enchantment Theatre Company

Performances at the RiverPark Center on January 19, 2012.9:15 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.

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OP

Owensboro Parent - January 2012

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