Gulf Coast Family - November 2015

How to Handle Criticism p. 34

Teacher of the Month Kayla Engelhardt p. 26

Thankful Hearts, Helpful Hands P. 31

Quantity Is Key To Spending Time With Your Children p. 36

November 2015 Vol. 8 Issue 11

Meet the Tacia Family p. 12

Thank You, Veterans!

Thanksgiving is a day when we pause to give thanks for the things we have.

Veterans Day is a day when we pause to give thanks to the people who fought for

the things we have.

Cpl. John Residence, USMC1943-1949Iwo Jima SurvivorFox Battery, 105mm Howitzers2nd Battalion, 13th Marine

Regiment5th Marine Division

Publisher: Rodney BeckEditor: Jennifer BeckContributing Editor: Linda CrumleyDesigner: Michael CrumleyWeb Developer: Matthew CrumleySales: Charlene Iskra Nadine Jackwin Marj NyeCover Photographer: Jennifer Martin

Photography

For advertising opportunities: [email protected]© Gulf Coast Family Publications 2015

Gulf Coast Family Newspaper is printed monthly, and is distributed throughout Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties. Gulf Coast Family is available in distribution racks in many local CVS Stores, Chick-fil-a restaurants, McDonald’s, R-Clubs, Walgreens, Joto’s Pizzerias, Carmelita’s, After Hours Pediatrics, Cornerstone Banks, LA Fitness, Shapes, and Regions Banks in these counties, along with many other restaurants, shopping centers, churches, libraries, government offices, and over 200 day care centers and schools. For questions or comments, call (727) 612-0783 or email [email protected].

Gulf Coast Family Publications encourages your input. To comment on one of our articles or to submit photos and articles for possible publication, simply email [email protected]. Submission of your photos and letters constitutes permission to Gulf Coast Family Publications, publisher of the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper, to use them in all media. All submissions become the property of Gulf Coast Family Publications and will not be returned. We reserve the right to edit as necessary, and all submissions will be used at our discretion.

No portion of the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper may be reproduced without the express written consent of the publishers. The opinions of contributing writers are not necessarily those of the publishers. Gulf Coast Family Publications assumes no liability for products, services, or statements made by advertisers. Neither Gulf Coast Family Publications nor the advertisers can be held liable for typographical errors, misprints, or misinformation contained herein. The publishers reserve the right to edit and refuse editorial and/or advertising which does not meet the publication’s standards. All rights are reserved.

Gulf Coast Family Publications P.O. Box 3803, Seminole, FL 33775 Phone: (727) 612-0783 Fax: (727) 865-5135

Look for Gulf Coast Family in these locations:

Where the FUN

Never Ends!2 Locations to Serve You!

4500 38th Avenue N, St. Pete727.526.1038

Ages 2-5 (2 large shaded playgrounds)License # CO40402

501 39th Street N, St. Pete727.323.3888

Ages 1-5 • License # CO40399

FREE VPKELC Provider

Accredited PreschoolHome COOKED Meals Included!

Bring in this ad and get FREE Registration (a $55 value) and your 5th week of child care is 1/2 off!

Our Mission: Developing Young Minds. Our parents and staff are PARTNERS, working together to meet

the needs of the children and their families.rosiesplayschool.com

Where the FUN











Where the FUN











Where the FUN

Never Ends!3 Locations to Serve You3 Locations to Serve You!!





2869 54th Avenue N, St. Pete2869 54th Avenue N, St. Pete






727.521.6931727.521.6931Infants-VPK • License # C984169Infants-VPK • License # C984169

NEWLocationNEWLocation

Where the FUN

Never Ends!3 Locations to Serve You3 Locations to Serve You!!





2869 54th Avenue N, St. Pete2869 54th Avenue N, St. Pete






727.521.6931727.521.6931Infants-VPK • License # C984169Infants-VPK • License # C984169

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Page 20

2 • November 2015 Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Empowering

Informational Meetings held daily - Please call for details 727 301 1013

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A “Real” Student Centered, Support-ive Approach

Earn Credit for Extracurriculars like Art, Music, Athletics

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Preparing student athletes, artists & musi-cians by integrating academic excellence, professional athletic, visual and perform-ing arts training, skill development, and social-emotional and moral development.

www.gulfcoastfamily.org To advertise, call 727-612-0783 November 2015 • 3

November 2015

Kids in the Kitchen41

Teacher of the Month266 Parent to

Parent

5 movie Night

6 Parent to Parent by Jennifer Beck

7 Savings made Sweet by Heather Brickell

8 reader Photos

9 modeling Advice for New Actors by Model Management Agency

10 November Fun Facts

11 It’s Great to Create! Thanksgiving Crafts

12 Family of the month Meet the Tacia Family

15 The Gulf Coast Family Weekender

16 November Quiz

17 morning routine: Great Ways to Start Your Kid’s Day by iMom.com

18 building Community

19 model management Agency Seeking New models! by Model Management Agency

20 Honoring Those Who Have Served by Angela Sackett

22 Jokes for the month

23 The Healthy Smile by Dr. Ed Amley

24 Diary of a Short-Term mom and a Life-Long Grammy

25 Heart Gallery

26 Teacher of the month Mrs. Kayla Englehardt, Keswick Christian School

29 Navigating Your Health by Nicole Dennison

30 Family Library

31 ready for Another Checkup? by Judy Adorno

31 Thankful Hearts, Helpful Hands

32 Gulf Coast Family School Directory

34 How to Handle Criticism by Tony Dungy, AllProDad.com

35 How to Start the Afternoon on the right Foot by iMom.com

36 Focus on the Family by Jim Daly

38 Does Grandparent Prerogative exist by Jill Savage

40 The Tropical Garden: bonsai by Jené VanButsel

41 Kids in the Kitchen

42 The Family Table by Leanne Ely, the Dinner Diva

43 Family Night out Coupons

44 Species Spotlight by Busch Gardens Tampa

45 Say Thank You to Your Kids by AllProDad.com

46 This November We recommend That You…


For Our Fall 2015

CULTURALENRICHMENTEVENT SERIES

at Shorecrest

www.shorecrest.org/events

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 Shorecrest Upper School presentsPRIDE AND PREJUDICE7pm Janet Root TheatreSuitable for children Grades 9-12

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15ArtsPower presentsDOG LOVES BOOKS10am Janet Root TheatreSuitable for Preschool–2nd Grade

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3SHORECREST OPEN HOUSE 7pm Janet Root Theatre LobbyGrades 5-12

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4 & THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5Shorecrest Middle School presentsTHE LION KING JR7pm Janet Root Theatre Suitable for all ages

JOIN US

Throughout the year, the department of Arts & Humanities at Shorecrest sponsors a number of student performances and hosts visiting professional artists and theatre groups. Join us for one of our many Cultural Enrichment events this fall at Shorecrest. For more information or to RSVP call 727-522-2111 or visit www.shorecrest.org/events.

Plugged In’s award-winning website and reviews are designed to shine a light on the world of popular entertainment while giv-ing families the essential tools they need to understand, navigate and impact the culture in which they live.

See full reviews at www.pluggedin.com

Snoopy embarks upon his greatest mission as he and his team take to the skies to pursue their arch-nemesis, while his best pal Charlie Brown begins his own epic quest back home.

The Peanuts movie – November 6

Realizing the stakes are no longer just for survival, Katniss Everdeen teams up with her closest friends, for the ultimate mission. Together, they leave District 13 to liberate the citizens of war-torn Panem but what lies ahead are moral choices that will ultimately determine the future of millions.

The Hunger Games: mockingjay, Part 2 – November 20

In this epic journey into the world of dinosaurs, an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of.

The Good Dinosaur – November 25

blu-ray/DvDs

Nov. 3 Nov. 3 Nov. 24

PinellasPreparatoryAcademy, Inc

Now accepting applicationsfor 2015-2016

Application deadline for lottery is April 1, 2015 at 4:00 pm.

PPA is a high performing, tuition free, public charter school for highly motivated students in grades K-8.

Our highly trained, award winning teachers offer a private school education in a family atmosphere.

2300 S. Belcher Road, Largo, FL 33771

Call 727-536-3600to schedule a school tour.

Award Winning Art DepartmentsMusic / Spanish / AthleticsChallenging CurriculumAfterschool ClubsTechnology Integration


For the past two and a half years or so, my exercise of choice has been running. There are a couple of reasons for this. One is that going to the gym and spending an hour on an elliptical machine or stationary bike can’t re-ally compare to being outside enjoying the scenic trails and parks that we have here in Pinellas County (well, in the winter at least—air conditioning is pretty nice in the summer!). Another reason is that I discovered the fun times and camaraderie to be had at organized, but not overly competitive, race events. And finally, three of my four kids have gotten involved to some extent, and

it’s a fun way to spend time with them while encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

My kids all like running in organized races for different reasons. Eight-year-old Haylee enjoys the challenge. She is always proud of herself when she can sprint faster than any of the rest of us to the

finish of a 5k. She also is happy to let anyone know that she can run a mile faster than her older sister. Note that this may not be true in a head-to-head competition, but it is true that Haylee’s best timed mile is faster than Hanna’s fastest timed mile.

Eleven-year-old Hanna likes the “bling.” She asked me a few months back to look for more races with medals. She’s got a nice little collection started, and a few more events planned to add to it in the next few months.

And then there’s fourteen-year-old Daniel. He will run (or walk fast at least!) for food or for a particularly in-teresting theme. When I asked him if he would like to do one of the Star Wars races coming to Disney next spring, he surprised me by wanting to do the 10k (I had thought that at most he would be interested in the 5k). I have no personal interest in the Star Wars theme, but a Disney race always provides a good time, and if it will motivate my video-game-loving son to get a little extra exercise, I’m all for it!

There’s something for everyone. Or is there?

I was running in a large half marathon last spring, and just before the start, an early start for “Ainsley’s Angels” was announced. I had never heard of Ainsley’s Angels before that day, but a short time later, I passed one of the teams on the course—two ladies pushing a young girl in a fancy wheelchair. The rider was taking a little catnap at the time I passed them, but after I finished, I stuck around to watch for her, and there was a major

party as she crossed the finish line!

Later that week, I looked up the organi-zation’s website and Facebook page, and watched videos of several other riders, many of whom had finished before me that day. Riders and runners alike were able to enjoy the atmosphere and excitement of the event, and I knew that this was a cause to which I would gladly lend my legs.

The new racing season is finally getting started (while there are races in the area in the summer, they are few and far between, not to mention HOT!), and I have had the privilege of being “pulled” by Angel Riders Trinity and Katie in two separate half marathons in the past month. These were by no means my fastest race times, but they may have been the most rewarding. It is a blessing to be able to play a part in promoting and en-abling inclusion for those who would not otherwise be able to participate in those events.

So is there something for everyone? I am happy to say that yes, as a matter of fact, there is!

Until next time,

Jennifer

Parentto Parent “ I knew that this was a cause to

which I would gladly lend my legs. ”

Cover page #

4661 80th Avenue NorthPinellas Park, FL 33781

Phone: 727-544-6036Fax: 727-546-9058

www.morningstarschool.org

M O R N I N GS T A R S C H O O L




Please join us in supporting Morning Star School at our 2015 Annual Auction Fundraiser! It is an exciting evening that includes a delicious dinner catered by Da Sesto Italiano Ristorante e Vino, a silent auction and a live auction.

Non-alcoholic drinks courtesy of Pepsi.

Morning Star School’s2015 Annual Auction FundraiserDate Saturday, November 14, 2015

Time 6:30p—10:30pLocation St. Jude Parish Center

5815 5th Ave NorthSt. Petersburg, Florida

Tickets $40 per person (includes general admission and dinner) Table sponsorships are available.

Please call 727-544-6036 to purchase tickets or sponsor a reserved table today.

Auction items include Disney Hopper passes, Seaworld Passes, Aquatica tickets, Clayton Swartz artwork, dinner at � e Columbia and Ulele, Rays memorabilia, gi� cards to popular retailers, restaurants and more!

All proceeds from this evening directly bene� t the students of Morning Star School. Funds generated help to defray the costs of providing an individualized education for students with learning related challenges.

Purchase a table at the event and attend with your clients, family and friends.

Enjoy a great night out while supporting a great, non-pro� t school.

Since 1969, Morning Star School has been dedicated to serving students with learning challenges and related issues.


Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

For information about family programs at the MFA, visit fine-arts.org

Let your favorite stuffed animal enjoy a “Night at the Museum”. Imagine their overnight adventures as they explore the Museum while waiting for Santa to arrive the next morning.FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015Drop-off your stuffed animal between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Animals receive a keepsake badge when they are tucked in for the night. Follow their journey on twitter. #MFAanimalnight.Early drop-off is available Thursday, December 10 between 5-8 p.m.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2015, 9-11 a.m.Pick up your stuffed animal, enjoy a hot buffet breakfast, watch a slide show of your buddies’ adventures, and get creative with make and take activities. Receive an early visit from Santa Claus, and at 10:30 a.m., finish the morning by listening to stories of the North Pole from Mrs. Claus.

Children are $12 and adults, $17. Children 3 and under are free. Includes breakfast, activities, galleries, souvenir photo, and keepsake badge. Space is limited. Reservations are required by December 7.

Visit fine-arts.org/nightatthemuseum to purchase tickets online or call 727.896.2667, ext. 210. Hurry! Last year’s event was a sell-out and this year is filling up fast.

Savings MadeSweet

Do you love to shop for the Holidays? I certainly do, and I am always searching for ways to save a few extra dollars here and there. I thought that it would be helpful to share with you all some Holiday savings tips for shopping both online and in-store.

Many stores are already leaking their Black Friday ads on-line. This allows you to get your “plan of action” together for shopping. Having a plan of action not only helps you plan what stores to shop at, but it will also help to avoid overspending at the register.

Shopping at an outlet mall on Black Friday will not only save you money, but time as well. Many times, this can be a one-stop shopping opportunity and you can get a major-ity of your shopping done in just one place!

If you are like me and have little ones at home, getting out to the store can sometimes be challenging. I love to shop from the comfort of my own home in my pajamas! You can really find some great deals online if you know what to look for.

Check out online sites that will give you cash back for shopping through them. Sites like Ebates will give you a certain percentage of cash back when you use them to make online purchases at stores. For example, if you know that you are going to make a purchase through Target.com, if you shop via Ebates, you will get cash back. Getting paid to shop has never been easier!

Also, before you make online purchases, find out if there is a coupon code for that particular store you are buying from. One of my favorite promotional/coupon code sites is RetailMeNot.com, and I use them on a regular basis.

Many stores like Walmart will offer the same items that you will find in-store on Black Friday online. Check to see what time these offers go live, but this may save you a trip to the store if you are not into the big crowds.

Be sure to utilize Free Shipping codes whenever possible. At this time of the year, many stores will offer Free Ship-ping on any online purchase regardless of the size of your order. To me, this is golden, since you don’t even have to leave your home for a sweet deal!

I hope that these tips and ideas will help you as you make your Holiday shopping plans! Have fun shopping!

By Heather Brickell

Shop Black Friday Likea Pro


ReaderPH TOs

{of the month}

YOUR KIDS COULD BE IN GULF COAST FAMILY!Send your funny parenting stories to [email protected] email photos of your kiddos having fun at home, school, or anywhere in-between to [email protected].* Please send high resolution photos if possible.

Send usYour Best

Photos

“I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!”

“Pumpkin Spice and everything Nice!”

Cutest pumpkin in the patch. “Old age is like everything else. To make a suc-cess of it, you’ve got to start young.”

“I’m so excited! And I just can’t hide it.” “Adventure is out there!”

Joey Hyde Steven Priebe and Ava SchickAndrew Lyons

Addy Zomermand

Hunter Pennino

cover page #

Buckley Iverson


MODELING ADVICE FOR NEW ACTORSBasics To Getting Started1. Guidance. Work a with company or individual who

has extensive experience and connections who will be beneficial to your career.

2. Education. Learn about the modeling and acting industry and your responsibility in it.

3. Image. Portray yourself as a professional model or actor through your appearance.

4. Photography. Industry standard photos used to market yourself.

5. Resume. Your training, education and experience in the industry.

6. Connections. Establish your relationship with those who can further your career.

7. Exposure. Present yourself to the industry professionals who book talent for work.

ASK THE EXPERTPamela, owner, Model Management Agency with over 26 years of experience discovering, developing and promoting talent within the acting and modeling industry offers her tips and answers your questions.

Mary from Tampa asks, can I use my son’s school photo?Mary, probably not. Most school photos are done fast & without the quality that is needed for the industry. Furthermore, these photos generally do not include the copyright permission needed to duplicate it for marketing purpose. It is best to use an industry professional photographer who knows the industry and allows duplication for modeling and acting.

Email us your questions to us at [email protected]

If you are interested in becoming one of our models, call (727) 392-4005 and schedule an appointment to meet with us.

MODELSNEEDED NOW!

All Ages / No Experience RequiredCALL NOW

888-98-MODELSchedule your personal interview today and begin your fun & exciting modeling career!

Model Management Agency7178 Seminole Blvd. • Seminole

Exclusive castings for fashion, magazines, movies, TV & more

Pamela, owner of Model Management

Agency

Talent SpotlightMeet 22 year old Jordan, a former substitute teacher in the Polk County school system who is also working with many charity and non profit groups. Jordan came to the Model Management Agency in February 2015. His friendly and outgoing personality stood out immediately along with his desire for a successful model and acting career.

He began to accomplish great things shortly after he started including landing a feature role in a Television commercial, a promotional video for SPC, a role in the film, “Tin Foil Hat” and even an acting role as a Live Host and Entertainer with multiple shows per week at Chocolate Kingdom in Kissimmee, Florida! He continues to work on his skills as an actor and model. If you are interested in obtaining information about model management, please call (727) 392-4005.


Thirty millionchildren and adults in the U.S. currently

live with diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association.

November is American Diabetes Month, a time to shine a spotlight on a serious disease that leads to potentially life-threatening

complications. To find out how you can help stop diabetes, visit

www.diabetes.org.

November

FUN FACTS

Calling All Angels

HOPE LIVES HERE

Many in our community are struggling and in search of hope. Food, toys, financial support and prayer will help change a life. We can’t do it without you.

Call 813.209.1000 to make a financial donation.

Donate | Volunteer | Give Hope MetroMin.org

November 26, 2015 The American Thanksgiving holiday began as a feast of thanksgiving in the early days of the American colonies. In autumn of 1621 over ninety Wampanoag Indians joined the Plymouth Pilgrims in celebrating the year’s bountiful harvest with three days of feasting, games, and prayers of thanksgiving for all the blessings they had received. This November 26th, even though things have been difficult for many this past year, don’t forget to set aside time to give thanks.

272 Words

11/11Veterans Day is always observed officially on November 11. Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor all those who have served honorably in the United States military. This November we join the rest of the nation in remembering the sacrifices of America’s over 20 million veterans and expressing our appreciation for their great service.

“Four score and seven years ago…” So begins the Gettysburg Address. With a few appropriate remarks, President Lincoln was able to summarize the Civil War in just ten sentences. Only two minutes long, the speech captures the essence of America and its principles as put forth in the Declaration of Independence and in our Constitution. Delivered on November 19, 1863, as a part of a dedication ceremony, the speech transformed the U.S. Civil War from a conflict about slavery to a conflict about being true to the principles upon which the United States was founded. Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is the most quoted speech in American history.

Happy Birthday to Big Birdand the entire Sesame Street gang. Sesame Street which premiered on November 10, 1969, is an American children’s television series and a pioneer of educational television. Known for its Muppet characters created by Jim Henson, Sesame Street uses a combination of animation, puppets, and live actors to stimulate young children’s minds.Since the show’s inception, Sesame Street has become one of the most highly regarded and most watched, educational shows for children all around the world. Televised in more than 120 countries, the Sesame Street series has received 118 Emmy Awards, more than any other television series.


Thanksgiving Crafts

Turkey Cup Table Toppers

Candy Place Card Holders

Items Needed:• Clear Cups• Googly Eyes• Fall Colored

Construction Paper• Glue• Scissors• Food or Candy to fill Cups

1. Cut out feathers from the colored paper. Try to keep the feathers all the same length.

2. Cut out the brown circles. You can use scissors or you may want to use a circle puncher to keep them consistent.

3. Cut out the triangular shaped beaks.4. Cut out the waddles.5. Glue the feathers into a fan shape and then glue them on

the back of the cup.6. Glue the googly eyes, beak and waddle onto the brown

circle and then glue face onto the front of the cup.7. Fill cup up with candy or food and you are all set!

Items Needed:• Clear pastry bags – 12"• Wooden or cardboard circles

– 1" diameter• M & M’s – Fall Colors• Tape• Twisty ties (tan)• Natural Colored Raffia• Scissors• Colored paper for a name tag

1. Insert the circles into the pastry bags. Push the circle evenly down until it fits snugly in the tip.

2. Cut off excess from the tip of the pastry bag and then seal the bottom with tape. The goal here is to get the bag to have a nice secure, sturdy bottom.

3. Fill bag with Fall colored M & M’s and then tie off the top with a tan twisty tie.

4. Leaving about an 1” from the twisty tie, cut off excess plastic from the top

5. Gather together several strands of raffia so that it looks like a corn husk.

6. Tie the raffia bundle onto the top of the pastry bag using another strand of raffia.

7. Attach name tag under the bow using a piece of double sided tape.

It’s Greatto Create!

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November Family of the Month

meet the Tacia Family

sponsored by

Joy in life and love for each other are unmistakable traits in GCF’s November Family of the Month. With sweet dispositions and infectious smiles, the Tacia family seems to bring joy to all those around them.

Parents Steve and Katie, who both grew up in the St. Petersburg area and even attended high school together in St. Pete, did not start dating until Katie’s senior year at the University of Florida.

As Katie explained to us, “Steve came up to Gainesville to visit his best friend at the time, who just happened to be seeing a friend of mine. The two of us were “stuck” together and thankfully we have been “stuck” together ever since!”

Fall in Florida is a favorite time of year for the Tacia family - but this family finds happiness and laughter any time of year! “We love it here and we are so grateful to be settled in the area,” Steve and Katie told us. “This is our home. Our friends and family are here, the weather is amazing and we are surrounded by water! What more could one ask for.”

It is not surprising the family enjoys being so close to the water, especially since Steve has been serving in the United States Coast Guard for the past twenty years. “I truly have enjoyed all my time in the Coast Guard,” shared Steve. “I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to work in some spectacular areas,

alongside some amazing people, while serving my country.”

Currently Steve serves in the Coast Guard Reserves and is assigned to Station Port Canaveral where he is in charge of a duty section that performs search and rescue, law enforcement missions in the area.

Steve also serves in the Sheriff’s Office where he has worked in Patrol, in the Environmental Lands Unit, as a School Resources Officer, as a Burglary Detective, and has worked in Internal Affairs.

Not to be outdone, Katie is also very active in the community and works full time as an Elementary teacher at Keswick Christian School. “I love sharing my passion for education and it is my goal to positively impact every child I come in contact with!”

While they both have many responsibilities with their careers, the responsibility they both cherish the most is that of raising their three kids. “Parenting is a lot of hard work,” the couple told us. “But it is well worth the time and effort and we wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”

Gulf Coast Family would like to say thank you to this wonderful family for their service to our country and to our local community. Steve, Katie, Caleb, Conner and Eiley, THANK YOU! May God continue to bless our country through families like yours.

meet the Kids: Caleb (13), Conner (11), Eiley (7)

A perfect afternoon in Caleb’s eyes would be spent outside on the baseball field. Caleb is quite passionate about the sport, and as his family will tell you, he lives, eats, and breathes baseball. Caleb also enjoys playing soccer and swimming. When not outdoors playing sports, Caleb is either reading or working on figuring out how something works.

Conner has never met a stranger. He can talk to anyone and treats everyone as though he’s known them his whole life. He is a soccer fanatic but like his brother, Conner also plays baseball and swims. Blessed with a great sense of humor, Conner can do some amazing imitations. He’s very easy-going and even-keeled.

eiley is the family sweetheart. She has the nickname of “Little Mama”, as she knows how the household is to be run and can pick up wherever mom leaves off.

In many ways, Eiley is a “girly-girl” but she can also keep up with the boys and hold

her own. She loves all sports – especially gymnastics and soccer. She has a great

imagination and has a gentle spirit.

If you would like to recommend a family to be featured as the family of the month, send a photo and a description of what makes your family unique to [email protected].

cover page #


our Take on Parenting“There is no greater privilege or responsibility than the raising of one’s children. It is one of the hardest things you will ever do, but in exchange it teaches you about the true meaning of love. We are honored that the Lord chose us to be a part of the lives and the future of these three amazing kids. We love the close relationships we have with each other and these relationships, without doubt, are the greatest wealth that we will ever possess here on Earth.”

Family FavoritesFall Traditions: Every Fall, while Steve is away at his drills with the Coast Guard, the kids decorate their own pumpkins and make candied apples. This has become quite the family tradition. We also enjoy having our friends over for chili and relaxing around the fire pit.

Family Activity: As a family, we love being outdoors. We enjoy bike riding together, relaxing at Fort DeSoto, camping, fishing, spending time at the beach and visiting all the beautiful local parks.

Foods: While we can be adventurous about what we eat, our absolute favorite foods are Mexican. We also love any and all desserts.

Sit-down restaurant: Red Mesa in St. Petersburg is our favorite. They have a wonderful selection of delicious

Mexican food and it is a great place for a date night.

Fast Food restaurant: We all enjoy Tropical Smoothie Cafe!

Sports Teams: The Gators, the Rays, the Bucs, and the Rowdies. We are definitely home town fans!!!

Local “vacation-type” activity: We love downtown St. Petersburg. It’s fun to pretend that we are a tourists and check out the newer restaurants and shops downtown. Camping at Fort Desoto is always good too.

Place to go where you haven’t been: We would love to take a long road trip out west and camp out all along the way. It would be great to see the Grand Canyon, visit the Rockies, dip our feet in the Pacific and take in as many sights as we could along the way!

“Bring your kids ... and start a new kind of holiday tradition!”

—Chicago Daily Herald

“This is a show that will go down in history ... as a smashing HIT!”

—Dallas Examiner

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Why do Christian dads Love Keswick?

It’s a safe and welcoming environment where faith is the sure foundation for a high quality education. On this naturally beautiful campus, Christian teachers see helping children excel as more than just a job. It’s a calling.

Keswick has a proven heritage of bringing the highest ideals of Christian education to life since1953. Christian dads love that too.

Dads love it when they see their kids growing.

Learning. Flourishing in every aspect of their lives. And that’s

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15 buccaneers vs Dallas CowboysRaymond James Stadiumwww.buccaneers.com

The Gulf Coast Family WeekenderFRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

Tropicana Field www.tampabayhomeshows.com

Amalie Arenawww.amaliearena.com

ribfestVinoy Parkwww.ribfest.org

mickey’s very merry Christmas PartyWalt Disney World Magic Kingdomwww.disneyparks.disney.go.com

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Don’t miss this grand opportunity to meet with the area’s top home improvement experts! They’re ready to meet you with great demonstrations, giveaways, tips and so much more.

Tampa bay International Auto ShowTampa Convention Centermotortrendautoshows.com/tampa

run for Wildlife 5KBusch Gardenswww.buschgardens.com

Ribfest features the best BBQ ribbers in the world, national touring bands and plenty of fun for the whole family.

22 Tampa’s Downtown on IceCurtis Hixon Waterfront Parktampasdowntownonice.com

Tampa’s Downtown on Ice will feature a 45’ x 100’ outdoor ice skating rink, erected in the Tampa’s Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.

Christmas Town at busch Gardensbuschgardens.com27Christmas Town transforms Busch Gardens® Tampa into a holiday wonderland of wintery surprises and all things Christmas for 18 select nights.

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Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoowww.lowryparkzoo.com

Bring your biggest appetite to this annual fundraising feast. 8

28Lightning Hockeywww.lightning.nhl.comAmalie ArenaThe Tampa Bay Lightning host the New York Islanders at the Amalie Arena.

Go boLTS!

Support animal conservation efforts by taking part in SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund’s Run for Wildlife 5K at Busch Gardens Tampa.

Welcome Music Director

Michael Franciswww.floridaorchestra.org

Nov. 6 – 8: The Bells & Pictures at an ExhibitionNov. 13 – 15: Brahms’ Violin ConcertNov. 20 – 22: Curtis Stigers Celebrates Sinatra

Candlelight Processional at epcotNarrated by Gary Sinisewww.disneyparks.disney.go.com


A Peanuts character balloon has been featured in this annual Thanksgiving event every year since the debut of the Aviator Snoopy balloon in 1968.

This November marks the 151st anniversary of the Gettysburg Address, the most quoted speech in American history. How many words are in the speech?

On November 8, 1895, Wilhelm Röntgen made a scientific breakthrough that would forever change the course of history. What did he discover?

Celebrated on the 2nd Saturday in November this day is recognized as an American folk event in which girls take the initiative to ask a boy out for a date.

This popular daytime game show first aired on November 26, 1956 and is the longest running game show in television history.

Born November 6, 1861 this individual is credited with inventing the great sport of basketball in 1891. Note: He also tossed up the ball for the opening tip-off at the very first Olympic basketball competition at the 1936 Olympic Games.

On November 4 1879, this famous American inventor filed for a US patent for an electric lamp using “a carbon filament.”

On Friday, Nov. 22, 1963 shots were fired at President John F. Kennedy’s motorcade in Dallas Texas. Who were the three individuals wounded in this shooting?

Why is the male turkey is often referred to as “Tom Turkey”?

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Check your answers at the bottom of the page.

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Mornings can present the most difficulties for a parent: cranky children not wanting to get out of bed, missing shoes or homework assignments, rushed breakfasts and a general sense of chaos.

But in the book 1001 More Things to Do with Your Kids, Caryl Waller Krueger suggests several ways to make the morning a bit better for you and your kids:

• Play music in your house.

• Give your children their own alarm clocks and a list of what they are expected to do on their own each morning.

• Give your kids a quick tickle.

• Have your kids shout out the numbers of their listed rou-tine as they are accomplished (i.e. “one” after their first step is completed, such as the bathroom stop, dressing, bed-making, etc.). After you hear lots of final numbers, that’s a good signal for you that breakfast can begin.

• Breakfast is necessary for your children to have a good morning at school. Have foods that are quick and easy to prepare, and save the time-consuming foods for the weekend.

• Take time for breakfast conversation, such as plans for the day, encouragements and news. Be sure your kids know you love them before you send them off to school.

• Another fun conversation starter for the breakfast table is to share “the best thing I’m going to do today.”

• Use your time carpooling to talk with your kids about what is going on in their lives. Or have fun learning new songs or playing license plate games.

Mornings don’t have to be miserable. Just do a few little things to get your kids off to a good start.

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Building Community!The casual encounters you enjoy at neighborhood businesses and the public spaces around them build relationships and local cohesiveness.They’re the ultimate social networking sites!

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Do you want to model or act? If so, you need to meet

Pamela, owner of the Model Manage-ment Agency which recently relocated

to 7178 Seminole Blvd, Seminole, Florida. It is Florida’s premier model management agency, cast-ing with over 1500 companies locally, national and international.

Pamela, owner of the Model Management Agency has over 26 years of experience discovering, devel-oping, and promoting talent for fashion shows, TV commercials, print brochures and catalogs, movies and so much more! She has the best casting divi-sion in the state which provides talent to 33 talent agencies and 1,526 companies statewide and con-nections with the top advertising agencies, casting directors, talent Agents and production companies that are needed for a successful modeling and act-ing career!

Model Management Agency talent have been featured in Disney, Monster Jams, Disney Live, Disney XD, Des-tination Orlando, Nick-elodeon’s Make it Pop, commercials for Intel, Bridgestone tires, Mar-riott Hotels, McDon-alds, Johnson and John-son, in movies like the

Punisher, Street Dreams, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale 2, Magic Mike, Trooper Evans and Brian Cranston’s new film, The In-filtrator, catalogs for Sarah Louise and The Children’s Place, Print ads for Bealls, Dillards, Belk and so much more!

This business does not just drop into your lap, you have to go out and make it happen. It is who you know, the connections you make and the exposure you have. You must educate yourself in the indus-

try. The person who knows more- works more! This fun and exciting business is available for all ages, babies, kids, teens and adults and the Model Management Agency does not require any experi-ence!

The bottom line is that if you want to model or act, call (727) 392-4005 and schedule your appointment today to meet with the The Model Management Agency team. They are ready to manage your success in the modeling and acting industry!

Our talent modeling fashions at exclusive Macy’s fashion show

Wyatt on set during filming of movie, Trooper Evans

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A s a homeschooling parent, I look for any opportunity to give my kids a richer educa-

tion, and when that opportunity is in our own proverbial backyard, I get su-per excited! We had the opportunity this month to visit the Armed Forces History Museum, and we were awed by the excellence of both the construc-tion and, more than that, the educa-tional value.

The Armed Forces History Muse-um is an opportunity to travel back through time and see our country’s history through the eyes of those who have fought with their lives to protect it. Countless military artifacts ranging from full uniforms to weap-onry combined with astounding visual and sound effects made us feel as if we were in the heat of battle. . . almost.

History is fast becoming one of my favorite subjects! The awesome part for me is following time’s thread as it weaves an intricate design. Chron-ological studies can help us get to know those who came before us. I love how the museum exhibits are ar-ranged in such a way that we could walk back through time and see his-tory come to life.

As we worked our way through, we moved forward through our country’s

The Armed Forces History Museum:

Honoring Those Who Have Served

• Braces with choice of Colors, Clear or Self-ligating (Damon type)

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wars and conflicts. By viewing mod-els and life-size dioramas, we built a greater understanding of the causes, the methods, and the experiences of each historical person or event. We saw a giant model of a warship. We peered into a medic’s tent where life-sized mannequins are portrayed performing emergency surgery on a war-wounded soldier. We stood in a “jungle” and ex-perienced a tiny taste of what it might feel like to be surrounded by enemies during the Vietnam War.

I watched my children’s eyes widen in awe as they stood in front of Saddam Hussein’s full uniform (the only known one in the United States), and

read how it came to be taken by an American Soldier. Even though our children are still studying early Ameri-can history, they began to understand the depth of the reasons why our coun-try has stayed free. The Armed Forces History Museum has taught them the stories of those who willingly sacri-ficed their lives to keep our nation free.

Perhaps the most chilling exhibit in the museum is the POW table, with items set to honor prisoners of war and those missing in action. The table’s empty chair and various elements of the plate and glass represent individual details reminding us to honor those missing from our gatherings.

As a mom and an educator, I can high-ly recommend this destination. The Armed Forces History Museum is a powerful visual experience for chil-dren, and it’s right around the corner for Pinellas and Hillsborough County families.


If you have unsightly receding gums or have been told you need painful gum graftsby your periodontist or dentist, there’s a new breakthrough in St. Petersburg

called Gum Rejuvenation™ that eliminates gum graft surgery for most patients.

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Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation is said byleading experts to be the most excitingcosmetic and restorative procedure tocome along in decades. Pinhole GumRejuvenation is a “predictable, e�ective,minimally invasive alternative to [gumgrafting] techniques” for giving satisfyingresults to patients, according to a highlyrespected dental journal.(International Journal of Periodonticsand Restorative Dentistry, Oct. 2012.)

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1425

22-0

1

for the MonthJokes

Here’s some things you can do to liven up YOUR Thanksgiving dinner

When everyone goes around to say what they are thankful for, say, “I’m thankful I didn’t get caught!” and refuse to say anything more.

During the dinner, turn to your mom and say, “See, mom? I told you they wouldn’t notice the turkey was beyond the expiration date! You were worried about nothing!”

Grandma: “Last year I had my chance to do the traditional thing of shooting my own turkey for Thanksgiving… you should have seen the people scatter in the meat department.”

I never understood why the Lions and Cowboys always get to play on Thanksgiving. Shouldn’t the Patriots play the Redskins, and then steal their stadium.

Teacher: “Why do we have a Thanksgiving holiday?”

Student: “So we know when to start Christmas shopping!”

GratitudeIn the week before Thanksgiving Mary-Jo asked her class of 9 year-olds to write a paragraph entitled:

“What I am most thankful for on Thanksgiving Day.”

All Joey could write was: “I am thankful that I’m not a turkey at Thanksgiving.”


Did you know that Egyptians were among the first dentists. Some mummies have teeth filled with a kind of resin and malachite. In other mummies, gold wire had been used to bind loose teeth. Also, did you know that according to archeologists Egyptians were the first to invent and use toothpaste -

over 4,500 years ago.

Dental Fun Facts

With Halloween a happy memory now, and Christmas still ahead,kids of all ages may find out that too much candy can contribute to tooth decay and do great harm to orthodontic braces. Bro-ken braces are costly to repair and can lengthen treatment time. Orthodontists recommend that patients avoid treats that play damaging tricks on braces or contribute to swollen gums or per-manent marks around braces. So steer clear of gummy candies, licorice sticks, taffy, nut-filled candies, suckers, gum, jelly beans, caramels, popcorn, pea-nuts, taco chips, hard candy, ice, and sugared soft drinks. Soft candies that require no chewing like melt-in-your-mouth nut-free chocolates, ice cream, soft candy bars, peanut butter cups, ge-lato, or other soft desserts are accept-able in moderation.

Orthodontists want our patients to their holidays so we encourage patients to have some treats that are acceptable, rather than feel they are missing out.

Parents might keep some “legal” treats on hand to trade for problematic can-dies children might receive as gifts. At the start of November, orthodontists often sponsor “Halloween Candy Buy-Back” programs where bags of treats are traded in for “Braces Bucks” and prizes. Then the office also makes a contribution to a worthy charity based on the size of the candy trade.

The American Association of Ortho-dontists offers braces-friendly recipes on its website, www.braces.org. There you will find such recipes for main dishes, side dishes, and desserts. Why not try “Twisty” Soft Pretzels, Sen-sational Cinnamon Snickerdoodles, Pumpkin Cake, Apple (not too) Crisp, or Fudgy Cocoa Bites? These recipes

and many others are there to be printed and whipped-up.

After any treat or dessert, it is best to rinse well, use your toothbrush and waterpik to prevent plaque-caused perma-nent white marks and swollen

gums around the margins of the braces. Finally, do remind your

children that when their braces come off and they see their new

smiles free of any blemishes, they will feel that avoiding treats that play tricks was really worthwhile.

Avoiding Treats That Play Tricks on bracesby Dr. ed Amley

Shaping Smiles &Supporting Schools

5753 1st Ave. N.St. Petersburg

Over 40 years creating life-changing SMILESO R T H O D O N T I C S

727-381-1062www.amley-amley.com

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Amley & Amley Orthodontics

June – Change CCR&R number to be 400-4419

July – Change CCR&R number to be RFP recipient

Sponsorship by Florida’s Office of Early Learning

All children living in Florida who turn 4 years oldon or before September 1st are eligible forFlorida’s FREE Voluntary Prekindergarten.

School Doesn’t Start in Kindergarten Anymore!

Need help finding a child care provider? Child Care Resource & Referral assists families in finding programs that best meet their

needs. For more information about CCR&R contact 727-400-4419.

For more information and to register online visit:

www.VPKPinellas.net

Sponsorship by: Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County, Inc. and Florida’s Office of Early Learning

(727) 400-4405 www.elcpinellas.net 5735 Rio Vista Drive Clearwater, FL 33760









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www.VPKPinellas.net




Diary of a Short-Term Mom And a Life-Long GrammyHow old Am I?“Sixty is the new fifty.” “Fifty is the new forty.” ”We can reinvent ourselves.” “Retired people can be “encore entre-preneurs”. These are several of the bumper sticker slogans that I read in Oprah, More Magazine or in my daily travel in our secular world. I find these statements extraordinarily inspiring, but then I look at my daily activities as the domi-nant caregiver of my one year old granddaughter, Rylie, and wonder how I can cling to these seemingly trite and some-what empty words. My life does not align at all to the hope intended in these worldly messages.

I don’t seem to fit into the developmental milestones of middle-aged adulthood.

Frankly, I never felt I fit into any of the criteria society dic-tated at a particular chronologic age. I have always felt a bit younger in innocence and playfulness than most folks, yet mature in wisdom beyond my years due to many chal-lenging life experiences and personal trials. Regardless of my past or future, my present calling has me at the helm of motherhood—nurturing, teaching and loving my grand-daughter, Rylie, with even more passion and freedom than I was able to release onto my own children. As a grand-parent, the fear of failure and leaving irreparable scars on the child is released and one can play with Legos, stuffed animals, puzzles and baby food with full abandon.

While many of my middle age counter parts are heading to work, managing their retirement accounts or celebrating their 25th year of marriage, I am a divorced single woman covered in Gerber peas and cheerios with a packed day ahead similar to that of 21 years ago when I had my first child. The toughest part is that I am 21 years older with several primary care diagnoses as well as a couple symp-toms that would place me nicely into the Psychiatric Di-agnostic Manual under the heading of anxiety and ADHD. Here is my packed day—actually just the morning—which renders every tendon, muscle and bone in my body full of fatigue.

7:00am Wake up, change Rylie’s diaper—not my Depends 7:05am Count the number of stairs from second to first

floor—consistently 12, but can change depending on hours I have slept

7:10am Release two dogs, Milo and Ollie—from their crates. Milo sits on Rylie

7:15am Rylie wrestles with Milo for toy Elmo—Milo wins

7:20am Bananas, eggs and strawberries for breakfast7:35am Shake high chair contents onto the floor for the

dog’s breakfast appetizer7:40am Sing Old MacDonald using child safety barnyard

animals as props—I think my frontal lobe remained upstairs

7:50am Turn on hot water for my tea8:00am Play with Legos ensuring that the colors match

my interior design palate8:10am Feed dogs official canine food

8:15am Change Rylie’s diaper again while she does floor gymnastics worthy of a solid 9.5 in the Olympics—I have not yet hit the bathroom myself

8:20am Put tea bag in hot water8:25am Rylie joins me in the kitchen as I attempt to make

my tea. Pots, whisks, spatulas, measuring spoons and chopsticks substitute as musical instruments. A symphony eruptsl

8:30am Wipe shmoo from Rylie’s nose x 68:35am Advil delivered for teething—hope not an ear

infection as a visit to the pediatrician is not on my personal docket

8:40am Milk poured into tea cup with a sprinkle of Splenda

8:45am Rylie pulls on right ear, cries and exhibits body gentures that alert me that it is time for a nap (I hope my inner jubilance does not wound her soul)

8:50am Sit down to watch Joyce Meyers, pick up my tea and realize that it is 6 ounces of formula

Trying to say goodbye in advanceHow do I say goodbye to you when I love you so much? Am I supposed to try to love you less so that it is easier? Am I to look away when you stare at me with those sweet blue eyes and acknowledge your reciprocal love for me. I know I should drink up every moment, as they are going to be getting less in number each day. But my heart hurts and my eyes are soaked and I am not sure this is the face of mine that I want you to see? I only want to prepare you in the best way for the next chapter of your life — one with the same adoring God, but two new caretakers. God has offered you to me for a season and the spiritual barometer is changing. I don’t know which of the four seasons I was blessed to spend with you—perhaps I experienced a taste of all of them.

As your grandmother, aka, grammy, gram-grams, I have been given the most amazing gift. God asked me to be your caregiver since November 2014 and in obedience to Him and my love for you, I answered “yes”. I have not done this alone as He has equipped me for this journey with the most incredible human tools:

• Your biological mommy, Emmy, who risked her life with a blood clot just to have the chance to hold, hug and kiss you for a brief time. She made a selfless choice with God’s guidance to give you as a gift to

your wonderful mommy and daddy, • Your biological daddy, Luke, who created the healthi-

est recipes for you, lavished you with tenderness and began to see the world with hope again as he viewed it through your eyes,

• Your “moose” daddy, Andrew, who loved you with all his heart and finances beginning the moment Emmy “bear” got the pink ++ on her pregnancy test,

• Your grandmother, Nanni, who drove at least 10,000 miles over the last year just to get a sighting of you,

• Your godmother, Mardyann, who introduced you to cool foods like pretzels, pancakes and Yukon gold po-tatoes,

• Your Aunt Allie and her sidekick Brianna who loved hugging you and exposing you to the hottest fashions (and boys),

• Your grandpa—aka, grumpa—was the doctor who kept tabs with Emmy to be sure all health care needs were met,

• Milo and Ollie—my doggies who licked up all your spills—both on the floor and your face—and hung out with you on the ground so your wouldn’t feel like the smallest in the room,

• Rose, Jackie and Ashly—the hands and feet of Jesus at daycare,

• Your future (and perhaps current) mommy and daddy, who invested their prayers and faith hoping that you would someday be their daughter.

There are many other precious people who invested in your life with whom I am eternally grateful. We all were a team of warriors advocating for you whether in a courtroom, in prayer, at day care, at the pediatrician’s office or on any oth-er holy ground that your angelic feet touched. You reached deeply into all of our hearts, which makes releasing you even harder. But you were never belonged to any of us—you are God’s blessed daughter. He is the choreographer of your life and He has great plans for you. It says in His word in the book of Jeremiah 29:11–13,

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all our heart.”

I will always love you and be your “gram grams.”With every piece of my heart,Grammy

“You reached deeply into all of our hearts, which makes releasing you even harder.”

24 • November 2015 Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper www.gulfcoastfamily.org24 • November 2015 Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper www.gulfcoastfamily.org

For more information about the Heart Gallery visit www.heartgallerykids.org or call (866) 233-0790.

Do you have room in your heart and home

for a waiting child?

Shy at first, Cali is friendly once she gets to know you. Cali loves swimming in the pool and going with her siblings to Rays games. A fan of Disney’s Frozen, she particularly enjoys the character Olaf. Mac and Cheese is her meal of choice and would happily pass on the apples. Cali is hoping to join a fun loving family along with her two brothers.

Dayton’s favorite meal of the day is breakfast – any time of day! He’s a fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and anything involving super heroes. Dayton enjoys going fishing and swimming with his siblings. He can frequently be found cheering on his home team – the Tampa Bay Rays.

Damian enjoys going fishing, swimming and hanging out with his friends. If he’s got some time to spare, he’s busy riding his bike. A baseball fan, Damian likes going with his siblings to Rays games. He loves oranges, but doesn’t like anything orange flavored. Protective of his siblings, what Damian wants most is to see his siblings happy.

Photo By: Laura Allen Studios

Cali, Damian, & Dayton ages 11, 13, & 14

Ryan age 10Ryan enjoys water balloons, puzzles, and playing games on his iPad. He loves watching anything that features Dora the Explorer. Accepting and affectionate, Ryan does best with consistency and guidance. He likes pizza, chicken nuggets and lasagna and is gradually growing his palate by exploring new foods. Ryan is

looking for a family that will help him maintain his current connections while allowing him to learn and explore.

Photo By: Grecco Photography

AdoptionJourney

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727-202-8966destinyadoption.com

We’re ready to help,24 hours a day!

Destiny Adoption Services and Consulting, Inc is a private not-for-pro� t adoption organization that provides adoption services to birth parents who are considering placing their child for adoption and to prospective adoptive parents who wish to grow their family.

Our team o� ers the best in support services for the adoptive family and the birth parent, including counseling services and assistance connecting the right child with the right family in both private and dependency adoption.

We understand the adoption journey will be one of the most profound moments in your life, and we want to be by your side every step of the way.

November is National Adoption monthDid you know that there are over 114,000 chil-dren and youth throughout the United States in foster care who are currently waiting for adoptive families. November is Nation-al Adoption Month, a month set aside each year to raise aware-ness about the adoption of children and youth from foster care. In his proclamation recognizing National Adoption Month, President Obama reminds us that “All children deserve a safe, loving family to protect and care for them.” If you are interested in learning more about the waiting children here in our area, we encourage you to contact Destiny Adoption at (727) 202-8966.

www.gulfcoastfamily.org To advertise, call 727-612-0783 November 2015 • 25www.gulfcoastfamily.org To advertise, call 727-612-0783 November 2015 • 25

10790 Park Blvd, Seminole

mrs. Kayla engelhardtKeswick Christian SchoolGulf Coast Family’s November Teacher of the Month takes a hands-on approach to teaching—and her students love it. Mrs. Kayla Engelhardt, one of the 5th grade teachers at Keswick Christian School, is known for her creative teaching methods and for thinking “outside the box.”

A quick visit to the Mrs. Engelhardt’s classroom and you will agree with many students who told us, “She makes everything fun!” Learning creatively is fun and Mrs. Engelhardt incorporates it into everyday events from the moment students walk through her classroom door. And while learning is the main objective, sometimes a teacher’s purpose is to “connect” with the kids.

“My favorite aspect of teaching comes at the very beginning of each day,” shared Kayla. “I purposefully try

The Chick-fil-a Cow, Teacher of the Month Mrs. Kayla Engelhardt, and Lower

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to start each day with a smile and say “Hello” to my students. It makes them feel very loved and important. As a result they want to share their thoughts and ideas. I love it when we at times go off on a different subject and the kids just start asking questions. Then to watch them connect the material they are learning with their personal lives—it is very exciting.”

Mrs. Engelhardt is the picture of care and dedication. Her 24 years of teaching—most of those years at KCS—speak highly of her commitment.

And everyone who knows her speaks highly of her caring spirit.

“I have had the privilege of working alongside Mrs. Engelhardt for the past 9 years. Kayla teaches 5th grade where she shares her love for the Lord and each student. Her colleagues describe her as a positive, encouraging, inspiring and faithful friend. Whenever you see Kayla on campus, she has a smile and an encouraging word for each

person she meets. Her dedication to her students and families makes her a phenomenal teacher! Keswick Christian School is blessed to have such a wonderful teacher!”— Mrs. Dumais, Lower School

Principal

Mrs. Engelhardt appreciates the support from parents and the camaraderie of fellow teachers she has experienced throughout her years of teaching at KCS. The atmosphere is pleasant and family-oriented. “The teachers here are a pleasure to work with. I have made some great friends over the years with teachers and parents. We are a family and we all grow together. We have been through so many things— good, bad, sad, tragic—but we pray for one another and are there to encourage each other every step of the way!”

“Kayla is such a wonderful example of someone who shows genuine compassion and is very thoughtful to others,” one of the parents wrote us. “She is always concerned about the

well-being of all her students—past and present.”

As one student explained at the presentation, “Even though Mrs. Engelhardt has been teaching “FOREVER,” she is one of the most exciting and energetic teachers I have ever had!”

“I guess you can say I love adventure,” Kayla told us. “I’ve hiked the

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Appalachian trail and slept out in the open. It was great! I’ve ran a 1/2 marathon at Disney. That was fun. I’ve gone hot-air ballooning in Arizona, parasailing in Florida, taken a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon, and this past summer I even went sky-diving! It was breath taking.”

“As a wife, parent, grandparent and a teacher, I try to live life one day at a time. Every day is a great day at school. Every new day is an adventure. I guess you could say that my adventurous spirit is one of the reasons I enjoy teaching so much. But more than that, I try to wake up every day and say “Good Morning, Lord, what would you have me to do for you today?”

Mrs. Engelhardt, you are a role model to all of us. And no wonder your students, parents and colleagues love you so much. You have found the heart of teaching—and you are making a difference in the lives of many!To recommend a teacher to be featured as our “Teacher of the Month” email us at [email protected].

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Do you remember when you were a kid? Summers seemed to float by un-til you succumbed to the rhythm of the new school year. You had not a clue your parents were trying to manage it all. I bet you have a different perspec-tive now.

Trying to give your children a decent childhood these days is laced with sign-of-the-times challenges. Overwhelm, short-tempers, and burn-out days ex-ist. Your natural desire to be a super-charged parent can push you slightly beyond your limit, however here are some ideas to alleviate the pressure.

Change of Routine: Family manage-ment requires flexibility, but also an adherence to structure. Stress, comfort and boredom can all be experienced in “normalcy.” The best way to appreciate what routines provide is to break them. Deliberate-ly designate non-routine times. The break will serve to re-energize you.

Clear the Clutter: Homes and cars have stuff in them. It is easy to overlook what is al-ways present. But if you want an amazing lift, choose a day and focus on one area to unclutter

it. Make it fun. Get everyone involved. Afterward, vote on a fun reward to en-joy for the effort. The real stress relief will come in the days following when material peace returns to the area.

Embrace Moments of Love: The craziness of life doesn’t always make sense, but expressing love has a way of melting concerns. Family management is made easier when joy is intention-ally added into each day. Whatever dif-ficulties occur, children remember how good humor makes it better.

Keeping everyone healthy is also a way to reduce stress, especially during the holidays. Next month’s article will be on Family Health: Ways to Stay Healthy This Winter. I’ll have some great natu-ral healing tips to share with you.

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When ten-year-old Jacqueline Falna hears her mother’s scream, she is unaware that the axis of her world is about to tilt. Her father’s plane has been shot down by German � ghters. In the midst of poverty, food shortages, air raids, and the grinding hardship of daily life under Nazi rule, she forms an unlikely alliance with David Bergier, a twelve-year-old Jewish neighbor.

“Jacqueline” is a tale of family, faith, unusual friendships, and the resiliency of the human spirit set against the backdrop of occupied France in 1944.

www.jackieminniti.com

“Jacqueline’s timeless story of hope, faith, and the enduring bond of friendship will linger with you long a� er you reach the end.”

– Diane CapriNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author

JacquelineJ a c k i e M i n n i t i

Award winning Florida author Jackie Minniti

Family

JacquelineJackie Minniti

Shortly after D-Day, Jackie Minniti’s father lost his heart to a little French girl. The tale of their friendship was the only war story he was willing to share. It became the basis for Jacqueline, a heartwarming novel with the drama of fiction and the authenticity of personal history.

Jackie, a former middle school reading teacher, has crafted a novel that will capture the interest of even reluctant readers and give students a window into history. “WWII veterans are rapidly disappearing, and with them, their stories,” she said. “It’s important to preserve as many as possible.” This was the inspiration for Jacqueline.

The story centers around 10-year-old Jacqueline Falna who lives with her mother in Rennes, France. When her father’s plane is shot down by German fighters, Jacqueline refuses to believe he’s dead. In spite of the hardships of life under Nazi occupation, she remains steadfast in her faith that God will return her father to her. When she meets an American soldier who bears an uncanny resemblance to him, she learns that prayers are sometimes answered in unexpected ways.

Jackie believes there is a large audience of young people hungering for inspirational stories that offer a positive world view. She has drawn on her classroom experience to create a study guide for Jacqueline that can be used by teachers and home schoolers. All the materials are cross-referenced with Common Core curriculum, giving parents and teachers a faith-based alternative to comply with the Grade 4-8 standards in Language Arts/Literacy and Social Studies. The study guide is available as a free download at www.jackieminniti.com.

The publication of Jacqueline has fulfilled a lifetime dream for Jackie. “My dad turned 99 this year,” she said, “and putting that book in his hands was one of the proudest moments of my life.”

Library


ready for Another Checkup?

Ready for another checkup? Only this checkup isn’t at the doctor’s office, it’s at your child’s school.

It’s parent teacher conference time.

Did you know that parental involvement is a strong predictor of academic success? Teachers want you to attend conferences and be involved in your children’s school lives. This is an excit-ing opportunity for both you and the teacher.

To make the most of this opportunity, here are ten important questions to ask during a parent teacher conference. The goal is that by asking these questions, you will get a better understand-ing of how your child is doing in school and the values and beliefs of your child’s teacher, which will both be extremely valuable as the school year continues.

QUeSTIoNS To ASK DUrING PAreNT TeACHer CoNFereNCeS1. How do you best prefer to communicate

with me? (Email? Phone? Text? Notes?)2. What do you see as my child’s strengths?3. What do you think are the academic chal-

lenges for my child?4. What would you do if my child were strug-

gling academically with something?5. How is my child doing socially?6. How do you support kids in their social de-

velopment? For example, how do you ad-dress challenges that happen at recess?

7. Is my child on grade level for reading? What about math, science and writing?

8. How does the school handle standardized testing and prep for those tests?

9. Can we talk more about your homework policy and how my child is doing with homework?

10. What can I do at home to support what you’re doing in the classroom?

If you are concerned about something, start with a positive comment first such as “thank you for taking the time to meet with me today.” Then use an “I message” such as “I’m concerned” to bring up the topic. Also, be sure to tell the teach-er what you’re doing at home to solve the prob-lem. That will show your intent to work with the teacher to find the best solution for your child.

Above all, remember to keep your conference friendly and positive. Just like the old adage says, you’ll catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Be positive and solution-oriented.

You and your child’s teacher can be a strong team of support for your child. Make this check-up a helpful stepping-stone in a successful par-ent-school partnership.

For more educational resources for children in grades pre-K through 12, please visit www.SylvanLearning.com or call 1-800-31-SUCCESS.

by Judy Adorno, Director St. Petersburg Sylvan Learning Center

Many parents want to raise thankful children. They prompt their little ones to say “thank you” when possible and feel embarrassed when a child tosses aside a gift or grumbles that the gift isn’t exactly right. But in wishing our children to be thankful, it’s important to keep in mind their developmental level before asking too much of them.

All children start out being self-cen-tered. This isn’t because they are bad, but just a natural part of their develop-ment. Understanding the emotions and perspectives of another person gener-ally is not part of a child’s world un-til they start school (around 6-7 years old). You are unlikely to get genuine gratitude from a toddler. Most young children will say “thank you” because it makes adults happy. But there are ways to help develop gratitude in your children that are developmentally ap-propriate and realistic.

Start by showing your children that you are thankful for them. Loving attention to your children and other people in your life helps kids model empathy. Also, show your apprecia-tion to others. Be clear about what you are grateful for – “Thank you so much for helping me load the grocer-ies into the car.”

If your child doesn’t offer thanks on his or her own, tell him, “I like it when you say thank you.” Positive rein-forcement is a great way to encourage behavior. Gentle reminders are fine – “What do we say?” – but even better is to share the opportunity to be thankful together. “Let’s both thank Aunt Gin-ny for the toy.” If your toddler won’t join in, be courteous for him. “He’s a bit shy right now, but I’m sure he is very thankful for your gift.” Later, ex-plain that it makes people feel good to hear thank you’s.

As children grow, encourage them to help others. Don’t shy away from hard truths about pov-erty or hunger, and let your child assist with your voluntarism and charity. Let them do things for others, and receive thanks for it. This will have the dual effect of reinforcing how nice it is to be thanked, and also helping them

see how good their life might be.

And finally, don’t save all your thanks for Thanksgiving! Whatever your tra-ditions, take time as a family to talk about what you are thankful for, and do it often. This encourages every-one in the family (parents too!) to be grateful for all the wonderful things and people in our lives. By modeling your own gratitude for others, you will raise children who are gracious and thankful.

Thankful Hearts, Helpful Hands by the Glazer Children’s Museum


2015 Gulf Coast Family

Pinellas CountySchool Guide

School Contact Information Grades

1 Admiral Farragut Academy 501 Park St. N, St. Peterburg

384-5500 x 220 farragut.org

3yr – 12th

2 Anona Christian Center 13233 Indian Rocks Rd, Largo

727-593-5437 anona.com; find us under the Grow tab

2yr – VPK

3 Blessed Sacrament Catholic School 11501 66th Ave N, Seminole

727-391-4060 blessedsacramentcatholicschool.com

Pre-K – 8th

4 Calvary Christian High School 110A N McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater

727-449-2247 cchs.us

9th – 12th

5 Cathedral School of St. Jude 600 58th St N, St. Petersburg

727-347-8622 cathedralofstjude.org

3yr – 8th

6 Center Academy Palm Harbor 34054 US 19 N, Palm Harbor

727-781-2986 centeracademy.com

4th – 12th

7 Center Academy Pinellas Park 6710 86th Ave N, Pinellas Park

727-541-5716 centeracademy.com

5th – 12th

8 Community Christian School of Five Oaks 7900 22nd Ave N, St. Petersburg

727-954-8856 ccschool.com

VPK – 12th

9 Countryside Christian Academy 1850 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater

727-799-1618 myccacademy.org

Infant – 8th

10 Delphi Academy of Florida 1831 Drew St, Clearwater

727-447-6385 delphifl.org

Pre-K – 9th

11 Faith Academy Preschool 10600 113th Street, Seminole

727-391-9788 seminoleag.org

2yr – VPK

12 Feather Sound Christian Preschool 13880 Feather Sound Dr, Clearwater

727-573-1012 feathersoundpreschool.com

2yr – 5yr

13 First Baptist Preschool 5495 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park

727-544-9465 fbcpp.org/preschool

2yr – 6yr

14 Holy Family Catholic School 250 78th Ave NE, St. Petersburg

727-526-8194 holyfamily-school.com

2yr – 8th

15 Indian Rocks Christian School 12685 Ulmerton Road, Largo

727-596-4342 ircs.org

Pre-K – 12th

16 Keswick Christian School 10101 54th Ave N, St. Petersburg

727-393-9100 keswickchristian.org

Infant – 12th

17 Lakeside Schristian School1897 Sunset Point Rd, Clearwater

727-239-7808lakesidechristianschool.org

K – 12

18 Learning Adventures Preschool 4401 38th Ave N, St. Petersburg

727-527-3180 www.AtLearningAdventures.com

2yr – 5yr


19 LiFT Academy 13400 Park Blvd, Seminole

727-434-8322liftacademy.org

age 5–18+

20 Loving Arms Christian Preschool 11220 Oakhurst Road, Largo

727-595-2112 ctklc.org/preschool

2yr – 5yr

21 Montessori at Sylvan Abbey 2817 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater

727-223-5907 montessoriatsylvanabbey.com

2yr – VPK

22 Morning Star School 4661 80th Ave N, Pinellas Park

727-544-6036 morningstarschool.org

K – 10th

23 Newpoint High School 21800 US 19 N, Clearwater

727-475-1256 newpointschools.org

9th – 12th

24 Northside Christian School 7777 62nd Ave N, St. Petersburg

727-541-7593 x 247 nck12.com

VPK – 12th

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Scan this barcode with your QR enabled smart phone

to see our complete online school directory. Or visit www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Holy Family Catholic School727-526-8194 holyfamily-school.com

#14

727-596-4342 ircs.org

#15

727-393-9100 keswickchristian.org

#17

INDEPENDENCE

FOR TOMORROWLEA

RNIN

G

727-434-8322 liftacademy.org

#18

727-544-6036 morningstarschool.org

#21

727-541-7593 x 247 nck12.com

#23

727-223-5907 montessoriatsylvanabbey.com

#20

727-544-9465 fbcpp.org/preschool

First Baptist Preschool Center Pinellas Park

#13



18


Hillsborough County48 Bayshore Christian School

3909 S MacDill Avenue, Tampa813-839-4297

bayshorechristianschool.org2 yr – 12th

49 Bell Shoals Baptist Academy 2102 Bell Shoals Rd, Brandon

813-689-9183bsbacademy.com

2 yr – 8th

50 Cambridge Christian School 6101 N Habana Ave, Tampa

813-872-6744 cambridge-christian.com

Pre-K – 12th

51 Carrollwood Day School 12606 Casey Rd, Tampa

813-920-2288carrollwooddayschool.org

2 yr – 12th

52 53

Center Academy 1520 Land O Lakes Blvd, Lutz 10518 Riverview Dr, Riverview

813-909-9442813-677-7777

centeracademy.com4th – 12th

54 Christ The King Catholic School 3809 W Morrison Ave, Tampa

813-876-8770cks-school.org

4 yr – 8th

55 Citrus Park Learning Academy 8003 Beaty Grove Drive, Tampa

813.510.3901 1 yr – 5 yr

56 Hillsdale Christian Academy 6201 Ehrlich Rd, Tampa

813-884-8250hillsdalechristianacademy.org

2 yr – 6th

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

55 56

727-793-2400 platoacademy.net

#27 thru#32 727-526-1038

rosiesplayschool.com

#35#36 Shorecrest

PREPARATORY SCHOOL

727-456-7511shorecrest.org

#38

813-689-9183bsbacademy.com

#48

727-475-1297 windsorprep.org

#45


Big Dreams. One Small School.727-596-9491 stjeromeearlychildhoodcenter.org

#40Early Childhood CenterSt. Jerome

727-392-2037

#43WEE FRIENDSChildcare Centerof Seminole First Baptist Church

727-330-9449 pinellasacademy.com

#25 Pinellas Academy of Math and Science


25 Oakhurst Learning Center 13233 102nd Ave. N., Largo

727-596-3411 oakhurstlearningcenter.com

2yr – Pre-K

26 Pinellas Academy of Math & Science 1775 S Highlands Avenue, Clearwater

727-330-9449 pinellasacademy.com

K – 7th

27 Pinellas Preparatory Academy 2300 S Belcher Rd. #100, Largo

727-536-3600 pinellasprep.org

K – 8th

28 29 30 31 32 33

Plato Academy 2045 Palmetto St., Clearwater 1601 Curlew Rd., Palm Harbor 7100 142nd Ave. N., Largo 10888 126th Ave., Seminole 3901 Park St. N., St. Petersburg 2795 Keystone Rd, Tarpon Springs

727-793-2400 platoacademy.net

K – 8th

34 Promiseland Preschool 1900 Gandy Blvd., St. Petersburg

727-576-1772 fbcstpete.org

2 yr – Pre-K

35 Rainbow Preschool 13400 Park Blvd, Seminole

727-397-5759 oakhurstumc.com

2 yr – VPK

36 Rosie’s Play School 4500 38th Ave. N., St. Petersburg

727-526-1038 rosiesplayschool.com

2 yr – VPK

37 Rosie’s Play School 501 39th St. N., St. Petersburg

727-526-1038 rosiesplayschool.com

1 yr – VPK

38 Sacred Heart Interparochial School 7951 46th Way N, Pinellas Park

727-544-1106 shsaints.org

Pre-K – 8th

39 Shorecrest Prep 5101 1st St NE, St. Petersburg

727-456-7511shorecrest.org

3 yr – 12th

40 Skycrest Christian School 129 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater

727-797-1186 skycrestchristianschool.org

1 yr – 8th

41 St. Jerome Early Childhood Center 10895 Hamlin Blvd, Largo

727-596-9491stjeromeearlychildhoodcenter.org

2 yr – VPK

42 St. Petersburg Christian School 2021 62nd Ave N, St. Petersburg

727-522-3000 stpetechristian.org

K – 8th

43 Transfiguration Early Childhood 4000 43rd Street N, St. Petersburg

727-527-2880 transfigparish.org

2yr – Pre-K

44 Wee Friends Childcare Center 11045 Park Blvd, Seminole

727-392-2037 2 yr – VPK

45 Westlake Christian School 1551 Belcher Rd, Palm Harbor

727-781-3808westlakechristianschool.org

2 yr – 8th

46 Westside Christian School 11633 137th St N, Largo

727-517-2153 westsidechristianschool.com

K – 12th

47 Windsor Preparatory Academy 5175 45th St N, St. Petersburg

727-475-1297 windsorprep.org

K – 3rd


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We’ve all had moments in our lives, whether or at home, when we have that difficult conversa-tion. We receive feedback that is not positive. Even the most con-fident person will tense up and want to defend himself or herself. Then when it is over, we tend to go find someone we know who will reassure us and contradict everything that was just said.

Dealing with criticism is one of the toughest things we need to do, but it can be the most in-

structive. If you use criticism the right way, it can really help. As a head coach, one of the things I loved to do was give constructive criticism to our players because I knew it would make them better. Here’s how to handle criticism in a way that is beneficial.

My bosses, general managers, and owners would often have constructive criticism for me. I didn’t always like to receive it. However, I understood that when it was on point, it would enable

me to grow. As an NFL coach or being on TV as an analyst, everyone has something to say about my performance. When it happens, I never dismiss it. I always ask myself: Does this make sense? Is it valid? If the answer to those questions is yes, then I think about how I can change and improve. If the criticism is not valid then I need to learn how to ignore it. Examining criticism is important. When we take the time to openly and objectively evaluate criticism, it can be a positive tool.

HOW TO HANDLECRITICISM

by Tony Dungy

Cover Page #


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The world can be a tough place full of bullies, difficult math tests, and scraped knees. And if you’re a kid having a bad day at school – all of that can happen before lunchtime! So give your kids a soft place to land in the afternoon by greeting them with a smile and some oc-casional fun.

If you pick them up from school, try to put away your distractions before they hop in the car. Put away your cell phone, and don’t make any calls on the way home. In fact, go the entire way without picking up your phone at stoplights to check your messages. And, if you really want to kick your afternoon off on the right foot, have them keep their elec-tronics put away too.

Here are 7 ideas for a great after-school afternoon.

1. Prepare yourself mentally to pick them up. Clear your mind of work and other things so that you can truly focus on your kids and their needs.

2. Turn off the radio in the car or, at least, turn it down, so you can have

a real conversation about how their day went. You can find After-School TALK Conversation Starters at imom.com* to get everyone involved.

3. Every now and then, take the long way home. Pick up a smoothie or a milkshake to make the toughest of days seem sweeter. Stop off at the park for a little swing time or bring a blanket and sit by a river or lake.

4. If your kids ride the bus, have a great snack waiting on them. They’re al-ways starving after school (Some classes eat lunch at 11 a.m. or earlier.)

5. Establish an afternoon routine so your kids generally know what to expect. It might be an hour for snack and free time, then sitting down to tackle homework around 4 or 4:30 p.m. If they do homework at the kitchen bar, you can help while you get dinner go-ing.

6. Resist the urge to demand a grade report from them the minute they walk in or get in the car. This sends the message that they are their perfor-mance. Asking about other aspects of their day says, “You matter most.”

7. Don’t forget to give big bear hugs to each and every child. Even the ones who make funny faces and pretend to hate it are getting their “love tank” filled with that squeeze! (The iMom Hug a Day Ideas** printable has some fun hugs to try!)


Q: Is the quality of time I spend with my children more important than the quantity?

Jim: The truth is that both are essential to a child’s development and well-being. In fact, the more in-volved parents are with their children -- and the word “more” here is used with direct reference to the concept of quantity -- the less likely kids are to have social, emotional or academic problems, use drugs

or alcohol, become involved in crime or engage in premarital sex.

It’s also worth pointing out that while being intentional with our kids is important, it’s not always possible to plan meaningful interactions between parent and child. Such serendipitous moments can’t be cooked up and crammed into a few minutes of “quality time” every day. Many critical opportunities to make memories, model values or connect are fleeting and will be gone in the blink of an eye. You can’t seize the moment if you’re not there to do the seizing. To regularly capture those moments requires spending lots of “quantity” time together.

One of the easiest ways to make this happen is to turn off the TV and disconnect electronic devices when you’re home. Instead of watching TV or surfing the Web, read together, play board games, take a walk to a local park or sit and talk.

Finally, avoid the temptation to get your kids overly involved in activities outside the home. Some parents feel pressure to sign their children up for numerous sports teams, music and dance lessons, social clubs and all kinds of community organizations. Don’t fall prey to this mindset. Kids don’t need a dozen different weekly activities. They need quality and quantity time with loving, involved and committed parents.

Q: As a divorced single mom, what can I do about my young child’s resistance to my efforts to de-velop relationships with men and to have a social life outside the home? My son simply doesn’t like to “share” me with anyone else. He disliked my last boyfriend so much that I was forced to end the relationship.

Jim: In speaking with single parents about dating, we usually suggest that they don’t involve their children in the process until the relationship is well established and the couple is seriously considering marriage. Otherwise, the child may get accustomed to his parent’s dating partner and begin to form an attachment -- and then the relationship ends, result-ing in yet another experience of significant loss in the child’s life.

Here’s what we’d advise: The next time you become involved in a romantic relationship, don’t push your son to get to know your boyfriend until the two of you are sure that you’re moving toward engagement and marriage. At that point, have a heart-to-heart talk

with your boy. Assure him of your love and commit-ment to him, and that you realize no one could ever replace his dad. Explain that you don’t expect your boyfriend to be his father, but that because you love this man very much, you want him to have a place in the family.

Take it slow. Introduce your child to the new rela-tionship gradually. Don’t expect instant bonding, and don’t pressure your son and your boyfriend to become instant buddies. You might start by includ-ing your boyfriend in some activities that your son enjoys.

Above all, carefully consider whether the man you’re dating has what it takes to become a positive influ-ence in your child’s life. Your son is your primary responsibility, and it’s critical that you determine whether your romantic interest has the depth of char-acter to become a good stepparent.

Q: My spouse and I are seriously considering adopting a child, but we haven’t yet decided whether to make it an “open” or a “closed” ar-rangement. What would you recommend?

Jim: There are advantages and disadvantages to both closed and open adoption arrangements. On the one hand, open records may prove extremely help-ful to the adopted child once he reaches adolescence and young adulthood. At that stage, he is likely to be grappling with questions about his own identity, origins and direction in life. Practical matters, such

with Jim Daly

QUANTITY IS KeY To SPeNDING TIme WITH YoUr CHILDreN

Jim Daly is president of Focus on the Family, host of the Focus on

the Family radio program, and a husband and father of two.

cover page # Cover page #


as having access to a child’s family medical history, may be points to consider as well.

On the other hand, while open adoption may be advan-tageous in certain circum-stances, some families have legitimate reasons of their own to be concerned about it. For example, although an open arrangement may be beneficial during the latter part of a child’s growth and development, it can also be extremely harmful earlier on in those instances where the birth mother has unhealthy or unrealistic expecta-tions. There is great potential for emo-tional damage to a young child who is establishing one parental relationship, while simultaneously being influenced and affected by the presence of another “mother” on the scene. A great deal of conflict and confusion can be avoided if the book is left closed until later in the child’s life.

If an open relationship has been agreed to, it’s critical that the birth parents un-derstand and respect that the adoptive parents reserve all parental rights to do what they believe to be in the child’s best interests.

For further insight into the pros and cons of this debate, I’d encourage you to get a copy of “Handbook on Thriv-ing as an Adoptive Family: Real-Life Solutions to Common Challenges” by David and Renee Sanford.

Q: I’ve been burned too many times to count by films I thought would be worthwhile and positive for my chil-dren. It’s to the point where I just want someone to tell me what to see and what not to see. I trust you and the reviews posted on your Plugged In website. But I don’t always have time to read every individual re-view, much less preview everything I think may be appropriate. Where can I find a list of recommended films on your website?

Bob Waliszewski, Director, Plugged-In: First, thank you for your trust. That means a lot to us. It might be tempting to assume the role of the media police, who bark out, “Go see this one!” and “Don’t watch that one!” But there are a number of reasons we prefer to explain the positives and negatives of each movie, rather than give the stereotypical thumbs up or down.

Chief among them is that we aspire to help every family member become dis-cerning, or what I like to call “media savvy.” That “virtue” can’t be acquired by simply going off of someone else’s judgment. It takes digging into the ma-terial with a deep desire to know where to draw the line and then passing along that skill to your children. So, please consider reading the reviews, and, when they’re age-appropriate, have your children read our complete movie reviews whenever possible.

That said, years ago I wrote a piece for our blog that highlight-ed 30 of my then-favorite movies (pluggedin.focusonthefamily.com/ a-few-of-my-favorite-things). In ad-dition, our online web reviews can be sorted by our numeric family-friendly rating. This option allows you to search for all movies that we’ve given a 4, 4.5 or a perfect score. That can help in a pinch.

But again, our best recommendation is that you train your children on how to be discerning, rather than just take someone else’s word for it.

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It was the Sunday after my third grand-child was born 7 weeks early. A well-meaning friend asked me if I was heading to Texas that week. I told her I wished that I was, but Erica and Ken-dall had asked me to wait to come until Marie was home from the NICU. My friend said, “Well, did you tell them that it’s grandma’s prerogative to come now if she wants?” I smiled and said that I wanted to respect Erica and Kendall’s wishes.

The conversation bothered me, but I wasn’t sure why.

However, it was several other conversa-tions with other moms that helped me

formulate my thoughts. They shared stories like these:

• Grandparents not respecting estab-lished bedtimes when watching the grandkids.

• Grandparents thinking they know bet-ter than the parents and insisting on doing things their way.

• Grandparents who scoff at a bound-ary that mom or dad are setting for the grandchild.

• Grandparents who insist on buying too many things for the grandchildren.

• Grandparents who manipulate or con-trol with emotion rather than commu-nicating in a healthy way.

The truth is there are no grandma’s prerogatives. There are only mom and dad’s prerogatives. A grandparent’s job is to help and encourage, offer-ing assistance within the lifestyle and routines of this new family.

I am blessed to have had my parents model bal-anced grandparenting for me. They have given much love, been available, but never once pulled the “grandparent prerogative” card. Any-time I leave my kids in their care, I’ve never worried if they would follow my instructions.

Whether you’re the grandparent or the parent, it’s important to know that “grandma’s prerogative” doesn’t exist. The parents call the shots on how their kids are to be cared for and treated. (Of course, grandma can also set her own boundaries, especially if she’s being taken advantage of by the parents.)

If you’re the parent, stand firm on what you want for your family. If a grand-parent doesn’t respect your wishes, set boundaries in place to protect your desires for your family. Yes, you may make some people mad, but your loy-alties are now to your new family, not your old family.

If you’re the grandparent, check your expectations and remember that your job is to defer to mom and dad’s wish-es–even if you don’t agree with them.

The goal is to have a good relationship between mom and dad and grandma and grandpa. Understanding that “grandpar-ent prerogative” doesn’t exist is a start to making that relationship strong!

Jill Savage is the founder and CEO of Hearts at Home, an organization for moms. Jill is a sought after speaker and the author of 8 books including Real Moms…Real Jesus and My Heart’s at Home. Jill and her husband Mark are the parents of five children, four biological and one adopted. The Savage’s make their home in Normal, Illinois.

Does Grandparent Prerogative Exist? by Jill Savage

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Cool Kids Cook

in the kitchenThis simple mini apple cobbler dessert is perfect for the holidays and doesn’t leave leftovers. It is so simple to make and makes a very nice single-serving dessert for your Thanksgiving Day feast. Your kids are sure to love it whether you serve this cobbler warm or cold. However, our little cooks have found that it’s best served with a nice dollop of vanilla ice cream.

1. Peel and chop apples into bite size pieces.

2. Stir in brown sugar and water. Divide into 4 individual baking dishes.

3. Combine remaining ingredients and mix well. Pour evenly over apple mixture.

4. Bake at 325 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes until tops are browned.

• 2 large or 3 small Granny Smith apples• 3 tablespoons brown sugar• ½ cup water• 1 cup biscuit/baking mix

• ¾ cup milk• 1 tablespoon sugar• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Apple Cobbler


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It is one thing to have a vision for your family; it’s another thing to have a perfect vision for your family.

Take the family dinner table (please! as some exasperated families might exclaim). This is a great way to reconnect as a family, feed and nurture souls and make sure that your family is making the mark nutritionally. But a problem arises when the maker of the family meal (usually Mom) has visions of Norman Rockwell family dinners dancing in her head like proverbial sugar plums.

Let’s cut to the chase, shall we? Those Norman Rockwell pictures were paintings, not actual snapshots taken in someone’s real home. This was Norman’s exercise in fantasy caught on canvas — not the real deal.

If your family is anything like mine, your children are likely to be the conductors of all manner of unseemly behavior that would make a grown man’s eyes water.

You know what I’m talking about — wiping their mouths on their sleeves and putting such large forkfuls of food in their mouths that knowing the Heimlich maneuver is essential just to survive until breakfast the next day.

The question is — how do we bring up these children of ours to not be social misfits and ne’er-do-wells at the dinner table?

The real answer to decent table manners lies with the parents. Children must be trained, and part of that training is from example. Here are a few dinner table rules to consider for everyone involved:

• Put your napkin on your lap. It requires very little energy to do so and will endear you forever to the hostess.

• Wait for the blessing, if one is said. If you want to blow away the hostess, wait for her to sit down and pick up her fork.

• If you find you must spit something out, it is better to use your napkin than to gross out the entire table with the big wad of unchewable meat you pulled out with your hands and perched on the side of your plate. It is also unnecessary to make an announcement about your finding.

• If you are drinking something from a glass or enjoying your soup, it is preferable to do so silently. It is unnerving to well-mannered guests to listen to five people slurp soup at the same time.

• It is better to ask your table mate to pass something to you than reach across him and drag your sleeve

through his gravy. This will most assuredly cause great distress to the person whose plate you have desecrated and the person in charge of laundry.

• The words “please” and “thank you” have not been stricken from the English language. Use them liberally.

• If there is something big and green stuck in someone’s teeth at the table, make inconspicuous hand gestures to notify him or her. Again, loud announcements of this sort are completely unnecessary. Likewise, if there is something big and green stuck in your teeth and someone gestures to you about it, kindly ask to be excused and take care of it out of view. Using a fork tine, credit card or even toothpick to dislodge the intruder is highly frowned upon.

For some reason, manners aren’t taught as quickly as they are caught. Becoming vigilant with dinner table habits will serve everyone in the family well. Manners are a common ground that helps to establish the dinner table as an enjoyable place to be. Use them, and they will serve you. Forget about them, and they (or the lack of them) will embarrass you. It is a simple thing that costs nothing and yet could cost everything in a social setting.

Manners are essential: Don’t let your children leave home without them.

The Family TableDon’t let kids leave home without manners By Leanne Ely (The Dinner Diva)

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Busch Gardens Announces Southern White Rhino BirthTiny calf will grow to be largest land mammal after the elephant.A female southern white rhinoceros calf was born at Busch Gardens® Tampa this past October. The calf is healthy and is currently being cared for by mom with the Busch Gardens animal care team watching closely.

Newborn white rhinoceros usually weigh about 150 pounds and can gain four pounds every day for the first year. White rhinos are the second largest land mam-mal after the elephant, and can weigh as much as 5,000 pounds when fully grown.

The southern white rhinoceros is classi-fied as a near-threatened species with just over 20,000 left in the wild, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).

Kisiri is an experienced mother. She has had two successful births previously. The father, Tambo, has been very attentive to, and gentle with, his previous calves and the zoological team expects him to be-have similarly with this calf.

Multiple cameras were installed around the birthing area, allowing caretakers to keep an even closer eye on mom Kisiri and record the calf’s first moments. Fans

can watch the vid-eo online here.

Kisiri and her calf are continuing to be monitored by the animal care staff in the birthing area and are expected to join the rest of the southern white rhinoceros herd on the Serengeti Plain in a few weeks. Guests can try to catch a glimpse of mom and her calf by booking a Serengeti Safari.

Busch Gardens® Tampa is asking fans to help name the park’s newest addition. The park’s animal care staff selected their top three names for the calf, all of which are Swahili, including:

• Nyota, which means “star”• Nadra, which means “rare”• Alasiri, which means “afternoon”

To vote, simply log on to the Busch Gar-dens Tampa Facebook page and select your favorite name. The naming poll takes place now through Nov. 11.

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Cover page #

“Thank you”

Those two words are some of the most powerful words you can say to your kids. My guess is we can all say that a little more. And I’m not talking about only when they do something you’ve asked them to do. I’m talk-ing about thanking them just for being them.

I try to say it to my kids as much as possible, and when I do, the smile on their face can light up a city block. When I say it to our 8-year-old, he seems to be part surprised, part flattered, but most of all, loved. It’s important to let your kids know you are thankful for them in your lives and that you appreci-ate your family.

My life wouldn’t be the same with-out my kids. They need to know that. Sometimes our reactions to the things our kids do, or even the sacrifices we make for them, can make it look like they are a distrac-tion. They aren’t and we need to communicate that consistently. For this month’s basic training, here are 5 ways to say thank you to your kids for being your kids.

1 Just say it.As dads, sometimes, it’s tough to find the right words. “Thank you” are two powerful words you can say to your kids.

2 Give a card or gift.Some dads are better putting words on paper, or even in gift form. Do a random act of thanks and give your kids something that says I appreciate you.

3 Get physical.My love language is physical touch and at least one of our three kids share the same love language. When I hug him, high five him, give him a fist bump, or any-

thing physical, he feels loved and appreciated. Try it with your kids.

4 Do something.Sometimes saying thanks is helping them complete a task they are struggling with. Or even relieving them of the task. This small act can let them know you are thankful for them and their effort and you want to show it by helping complete it.

5 Hang out with them.Our daughter loves to just hangout with either one of us. Thanking her can be as simple as just spending some quality alone time, where she gets all of us.

No matter how you say thank you to your kids, just say it. Saying thank you can come in many different forms. It doesn’t matter how you say -- the important thing is you do say it.

Sound off: How does it make your kids feel when you say thank you to your kids?

Huddle up with your kids and say “One reason I am thankful for you is _____________________.”©2015 All Pro Dad. All Rights Reserved. Family First, All Pro Dad, iMOM, and Family Minute with Mark Merrill are registered trademarks.

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Cover Page #

This November we recommend that you…

READ ITDiary of a Wimpy Kid: Old School by Jeff Kinney

Life was better in the old days. Or was it? That’s the question Greg Heffley is asking as his town voluntarily unplugs and goes electronics-free. But modern life has its conveniences, and Greg isn’t cut out for an old-fashioned world. Written by author Jeff Kinney, this is the tenth book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.

HEAR ITAmor & Pasion by Il Divo

‘Amor & Pasion’ is the new album from Il Divo. It is Il Divo’s seventh studio album and their most ambitious yet. ‘Amor & Pasion’ hails from Spain and Cuba, and from Central and South America and is an album full of love and romance.

SEE ITVeggie Tales Live! Little Kids Do Big Things! Sunday, November 22, Straz Center

VeggieTales Live! Little Kids Do Big Things is a must-see, fun filled celebration for families and VeggieTales fans of all ages. Join the VeggieTales crew in a musical review that celebrates that with help and faith, even little kids can do big things too! This high-energy show is sure to delight children and families of all ages.

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ICE!® Featuring ’Twas the Night Before Christmas Gaylord Palms Resort November 24 – January 3

See Ma in her kerchief, Pa in his cap and more as the classic holiday poem, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, is brought to life in TWO MILLION pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures, including two-story tall ice slides. This awe-inspiring experience concludes with the wonder and majesty of a full Nativity in stunning, crystal clear ice.

SURF ITFunology.comFunology is designed for parents and teachers who are looking for fun activities they can do with their kids in the “real” world, away from the computer and television screens. As parents, we have all heard the words “I’m bored” too often to count. The goal of Funology is to help you come up with a response to that cry, whether it’s an easy recipe or craft project, or maybe an educational science experiment.

EXPERIENCE IT


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A C E T H E N E X T R E P O R T C A R D W I T H S Y LV A N

Some children have trouble hitting their stride when the school year kicks into gear.

Good news parents! This report card is the last one you’ll have to worry about if you get started with Sylvan today.

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• our four-step Sylvan Insight™ process, where we take the time to really get toknow your child and develop a plan for success.

• our proven tutoring approach that blends amazing teachers with SylvanSync™technology on the iPad® for a truly engaging learning experience.

• programs to fit your family’s busy schedule – and budget.

Act now to take control of this school year.

S T U D Y S K I L L S M A T H S A T / A C T P R E P W R I T I N G R E A D I N G H O M E W O R K H E L P

SYLVANLEARNING.COM/STPETERSBURG

SYLVAN OF ST. PETERSBURG

[email protected]

SYLVAN ISTHE BEST! First week FREE!

We’re so sure you and yourchild will be pleased with theresults that we’re offeringyour first week FREE. Youwant the BEST for your childand we want your child toexperience the BEST intutoring - SYLVAN TUTORING!

Expires 11/30/15.


Organized Sports

PreK

Small, Safe, Challenging,

Learn More at www.platoacademy.net or Call at 727 301 1083

All “A” Schools

Fine Arts

Caring Teachers

Coming in Summer!!

NEW Plato Academy

School in Pinellas Park