Download - Kamloops Momma Issue 7
Kamloops Momma June/July 2011 1
TIPS For Taking
Great Photos of Your Children
Things We Things We Things We Things We LOVE...LOVE...LOVE...LOVE...
Summer Summer Summer Summer Fun GuideFun GuideFun GuideFun Guide
It’s Our First Birthday Celebration!
New Look! New Features! New Fun!New Look! New Features! New Fun!New Look! New Features! New Fun!New Look! New Features! New Fun!
TIPS For Taking
Great Photos of Your Children
New Feature:
Things We Things We Things We Things We LOVE...LOVE...LOVE...LOVE...
Summer Summer Summer Summer Fun GuideFun GuideFun GuideFun Guide
It’s Our First Birthday Celebration!
New Look! New Features! New Fun!New Look! New Features! New Fun!New Look! New Features! New Fun!New Look! New Features! New Fun!
The free magazine for local moms...and dads too!
7
June/July 2011
Kamloops Momma June/July 2011 3
O ne year ago, I stood timidly at my Canada Day
booth, gripping tightly to the first issue of Kamloops
Momma. I was terrified. What if people didn’t like
it? What if no one wanted it? What if I had to throw them
away?
Yes, in retrospect, I was just being silly. It’s shiny and
free…not exactly a hard sell. But still, I had put so much into
it. At the time I was growing a baby in my belly, but I felt
like the magazine was my baby too. Imagine how you
would feel if someone said they didn’t like your baby? And,
I’ll admit, criticism and me aren’t best friends. Well, I survived the debut and am happy to say that the
magazine has survived to see its first birthday. I guess you
could say it’s done more than survive.
And it’s because of you: the readers - the parents, grand-parents, caregivers, and community members that have embraced Kamloops
Momma and helped to make it what it is today. To you I give my sincerest
thanks.
Of course, my family has had a little something to do with the magazine’s suc-
cess too! - my daughters who continue to inspire me everyday; my sweet baby
who has spent more than her share of time cozied up in my arms while I work on
the computer; my not-so-little-anymore girl who plays ‘magazine seller’ on a
daily basis; my husband, the self-proclaimed ‘Director of Distribution,’ who has
mastered delivering the magazine to 30 places/hour while I still struggle to do
more than 3; and my own momma, who I can always count on for advice,
babysitting, and late night editing.
I started Kamloops Momma with the intent of creating a local resource that
would connect the parenting community and, through it, I have discovered what
a truly amazing community we have. I have met remarkable people, heard ex-
traordinary stories, and been honoured to share them with you.
As we embark into our sophomore year, I am giddy with the possibilities.
What stories will people share? Who will I meet? What kind of trouble will my
girls get into next? Oh! I cant wait to see!
— Courtney Charlton, editor
To share your ideas and comments, contact us at [email protected]
or find us at facebook.com/kamloopsmommamagazine.
On the Cover: Serena Hughes has a great time ‘smashing’
an enormous cupcake for her first birthday
celebration.
Photo by Lisa DiGeso of Milk & Honey Photography. Lisa's style is fun, whimsical,
and upbeat. She loves to incorporate fun
props, vintage chairs, cute hats and aims to
make art that warms hearts! She is a natural
light & studio photographer and photographs
maternity, newborns and babies under 1.5
years of age. For more information, check
out www.milkandhoneyphotography.ca.
Letter from a Kamloops Momma
A Bit of Reflection….
is the fun, reliable publication connecting local families to each other and to our community. We provide information about regional events, resources and businesses, as well as articles intended to inspire, enlighten, and empower parents and caregivers.
As a local resource, we want our community to get involved. We encourage and accept submissions from any person, business, or organization sharing our goal to strengthen our parenting community.
Kamloops Momma is published every two months and available for free at businesses and organizations throughout our region. Read-
ers can also download the magazine online and subscribe to have it delivered right to their door.
Kamloops Momma Magazine Published by Courtney Charlton, Editor Contact: 778-472-0020 [email protected] www.kamloopsmomma.com facebook.com/kamloopsmommamagazine All rights reserved. No written or illustrated part of this magazine may be reproduced, except brief quotations in articles or reviews, without permission from the editor and individual authors.
A Look Inside Kamloops Momma...
Devyn Jordan, 2
Riley, 3 and Kayla
Jessie Boileau, 2
Mia Hunter, 6 months
Brandon Dupuis, 3, and Kalem Dupuis, 2 months
Want Kamloops Momma delivered right to your door? Subscribe for just $20/year!
Resources: 9999 Things We Love 13131313 Birthday Party Directory
18181818 Community Business Directory 21212121 Dear Aunty 24 24 24 24 Get Connected 30303030 Community Events Calendar
5555 Doing the Dance The art of balancing work and family
6666 The Momma Makeover Revealed
Danielle Campbell
8888 Taking Great Pictures of Your Children Tips for capturing that perfect shot
10101010 Can I have a Gold Star? Pretty Please!
Following a first-time mom from final trimester to 1st birthday
11111111 The Mompreneur Minute A look at local moms with businesses
12121212 The Blooming Garden
A plant perfect party idea
15151515 The Summer Fun Guide
20202020 Prenatal Massage Therapy
Good for you and for baby
22222222 Moms with Cameras
Photo Feature
23232323 And the World Will Live as One
Visiting an inclusive childcare centre
24242424 The Little Moments A dad’s perspective
26262626 Travels in Tuktoyaktak
An educational adventure
28282828 Music Education: Priceless
Visiting an inclusive child care centre
Kamloops Momma
Kamloops Momma June/July 2011 5
By Jennifer Howatt
I think I started babysitting before I was old enough to take
the official babysitting course offered in the small, northern
British Columbian community where I lived. I loved babies
and kids of all ages, and apparently back in the 80’s, some
parents were okay leaving their kids with a ten-year old.
It was a pretty safe town, but I like to think that those parents
knew I was mature and responsible even at a young age. Be-
sides, they could obviously tell that I really cared about their
kids. I was sad to leave ‘my kids’ when we finally moved to Kamloops in 1990, but I soon met new families and established
new bonds with their children as well. I continued to babysit
well into my early 20’s, when I finally got too busy with univer-
sity, part-time jobs, friends and dating, and then a career and
marriage.
So, imagine my surprise when I discovered that, after having
my first baby girl, Hayley, and commencing maternity leave, I
missed my job. I missed my colleagues and clients. I missed
the challenge of projects and deadlines. I loved Hayley, of
course, but I sure struggled with the adjustment of being at
home all the time. Not that I thought it would be the same as
my previous babysitting experiences, but somehow I guess I
thought that because I liked children so much, I would love
being at home with my baby and dread the day when I would
have to return to work. Instead, I found myself regularly
checking my work email, stopping in for visits and sometimes
(gasp) longing for my first day back on the job. Guilt began to
settle in.
When Hayley turned 1, I returned to work fulltime and she
attended daycare. Although I missed my time at home with her
– the spontaneous week-day activities and outings, the clean
and organized home and, above all, being there for major
milestones such as her first words and first steps – I was happy
to be back at work. (I do realize that I am one of the lucky ones
who loves her job.) Evenings, weekends, and holidays were
precious family time now, but after a Sunday of coloring ten
pictures and setting up ten dance parties, I was always secret-
ly relieved to go back to work on Monday morning. Sigh…
more guilt.
Flash forward to present day and I again find myself at home on maternity leave with Hayley and her baby sister, Megan.
Life is busier now with my 3-year old and 8-month old. (We’ve
had four dance parties today already). I know it will get busier
when I return to work and have to master the art of the “work/
life dance.” With only 4 months remaining in my maternity
leave, I try to appreciate be-
ing home fulltime with them
now. I miss my job again, but
at least I’m not surprised by
that this time around and I
guess I am beginning to get
used to the guilt!
I have begun to learn that
as a parent/mother, I will
always feel guilty about
something when it comes to
my children. My husband
and I have both made the
decision to work and place
our children in daycare but I don’t feel guilty about that. In fact, our daycare is a fabulous
centre with educated and caring staff who love children.
There is no doubt in my mind that Hayley has benefited
greatly in her education and social skills from attending day-
care and I know Megan will too.
I feel guilty for NOT wanting to stay at home with them full-
time. My mother and my mother-in-law were both stay-at-
home moms until the school years at least. Why don’t I want
to do that? As I ponder that final question, I hear Hayley call
to me to help her set up the fifth (and surely not the last!)
dance party of the day. And I will hit ‘save’ on this article,
close the laptop, go and help her set up the dance party, and
learn to let go of a little bit of guilt.
“...imagine my surprise
when I discovered
that after having my
first baby girl, Hayley,
and commencing
maternity leave, I
missed my job.”
Doing the Dance: The art of balancing work and family
6 Kamloops Momma June/July 2011
BeforeBeforeBeforeBefore
Thanks to our fantastic sponsors:Thanks to our fantastic sponsors:Thanks to our fantastic sponsors:Thanks to our fantastic sponsors:
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AfterAfterAfterAfter
The Momma Makeover Revealed:The Momma Makeover Revealed:The Momma Makeover Revealed:The Momma Makeover Revealed: Danielle Campbell
Danielle Campbell is the busy momma of 2 girls: Summer, 2, and Alyssa, 6
months. When she entered our Momma Makeover Contest, Danielle said, “I
would love to win this contest to remind my husband and myself what it’s like
to be an attractive woman again.” Well, we only have one thing to say: mission
accomplished! Danielle received over $700 dollars in pampering and we
think she looks like a million bucks!
Photo: Kathleen Ferguson Photography Hair: Pure Evolution Bio-Natural Salon Make-Up: Beauty Has Endless Possibilities Clothing: The Ruby Room
Kamloops Momma June/July 2011 7
What Danielle says...What Danielle says...What Danielle says...What Danielle says... “ I went for my facial two days before the big day. What a relax-
ing moment it was for me. My skin felt amazing after and to
think the pampering wasn't over yet!
“The next day I met with Shannon from the Ruby Room to find
some clothes for the big day. She was wonderful! I had to resort
to bringing my kids with me. Not only did she help me find some
really cute outfits; she was a big help with my girls. Have you
ever taken your kids to a clothing store to try on clothes? It’s al-
most impossible! While one is screaming, the other is running
around getting into everything. I couldn't have done it without
her.
“I started my makeover day at 9am with Shannon from Beauty
has Endless Possibilities. What an amazing woman! It was nice to
connect with a woman who has children as well.
“I then rushed over to Pure Evolution for my hair appointment.
It was great! I met with Courtney, the publisher of the magazine,
and Kathleen Ferguson while I was getting my hair done. The
salon offered fresh fruit and coffee to us. It was wonderful, espe-
cially since it was a busy day and I didn't even think about food.
“After my hair was transformed, Kathleen and I hit the road for
the photo shoot. This was by far the best experience I had that
day. What a talented and amazing photographer! She was able
to capture angles that I didn't think were possible. We got into a
really cool remote location that wasn't far from the salon. What
an amazing day! I sure did miss my kids by the end of the day
and it was great to get home and relax from relaxing. I would
like to thank everyone who made this day possible.”
8 Kamloops Momma June/July 2011
By Kelly Tuohey
I ’d never really thought much about taking great photos
before my first child was born. But, as many new parents
know, children are often the inspiration for a lifelong love
of photography. I took hundreds of photos of my son when he
was born and then thousands when my daughter came along!
I want to share with you some great tips I’ve acquired over
the years that hopefully will help you to capture all your
treasured, hilarious, beautiful, you-just-had-to-be-there mo-
ments!
1 Get down on their level – This is probably the most im-portant tip I have to share. So many photos of kids are
taken from an adult’s perspective and not your child’s. These
photos distort kids out of perspective, giving them big heads
and little bodies and result in mundane, everyday snapshots.
Getting down on their level means you may have to lay on
your belly in the grass or crawl on your elbows and knees for
a bit. You’ll get dirty, but you’ll also get the image you were
looking for!
2 Watch your background – This is applicable to taking anyone’s photo and it is easier said than done. As humans
we tend to focus on what’s immediately calling our attention –
our kids, and forget to look behind at the scenery (garbage on
the ground, light post coming out of their head, person walk-
ing through the scene). Sometimes all it takes is two extra se-
Tips for Taking Great Photos of Your Children
Kelly captures a quiet moment of her kids, Wesley, 3, and Zoe, 1.
“Kids are only young
once and we can’t
remember every
moment, so capture it
with a photograph!”
Kamloops Momma June/July 2011 9
conds to wait for a clear background or just two steps to
the left to move the tree into a more appropriate position,
to turn a “this would’ve been a great photo except for...”
photo into a “Wow, you really nailed that expression! Can
you send me a copy?” photo.
3 Let them be kids – “Bobby – smile! Bobby, look over here. Bobby, hey Bobby, hellllooo? HEY! Look HERE!”
Unfortunately, I’ve totally done this and it rarely results in
a great smile, or image for that matter. My son now auto-
matically says cheese when I pull the camera out and
won’t even look up from what he’s doing. A better ap-
proach is to just photograph them as they are, even if they
aren’t looking at the camera. Sometimes you’ll end up
catching a moment of total absorption, a much better im-
age than if you had coaxed them to smile and pose for the camera.
4 Carry your camera everywhere – You can’t take a great picture if you don’t have your camera! I make a
habit of always throwing my camera in my purse so it’s
always ready for me to grab. My phone takes okay photos,
but the quality just isn’t the same as my digital camera.
There’s nothing worse than going, “Oh, I wish I had my
camera!”
5 Explore your camera – Even with today’s basic point and shoot cameras, there are many options for you to
explore. Move out of “P” or “Auto” mode (the green
square) – explore Macro, Portrait, Action. Read up online
about what your camera can do; you’ll be surprised at how
versatile a point and shoot is. And if you have a DSLR,
watch out! These cameras can result in really stunning
photos....when you learn your camera, you’ll begin to take
great photos on purpose, instead of by accident.
6 Introduce a prop – Sometimes the prop makes us reach for the camera. Other times the camera makes us
reach for a prop. Kids tend to stay in one spot more if you
give them something to look at or hold onto. For babies
and young kids, bubbles are amazing. For really young
ones, tickling with a feather works wonders. Kids will often
feel more comfortable if they can hold a block, a truck, a
doll, a stuffy (especially their own), and this will result in
candid and real expressions that photograph wonderfully!
7 Stop centering on your kids! - Learn some basic rules of composition: the rule of thirds! When you look at
your LCD screen on the back of your camera, there may
be a 3x3 grid overlaid on your image. This is to help you
take better photos. Try lining your child up on one of the vertical lines or, if zoomed in, putting an intersection of
lines over their eye. Photos broken into thirds are more
visually appealing. Start paying attention to children’s ads
in magazines, or notice when a photo really grabs you.
Where is the subject placed? Where are his eyes? Where
are his hands? You’ll begin to see the rule of thirds every-
where. Use it to create some of your own amazing photos!
I hope this inspires you to pick up your camera and get
out and shoot some amazing photos of your children. Kids
are only young once and we can’t remember every mo-
ment, so capture it with a photograph!
Kelly Tuohey operates Butterbutter photography. Her em-
phasis is on colour and fun with a fresh approach to newborn
and family photography...capturing the way you see them in
your heart! www.bbphotography.ca.
Things We LOVE...Things We LOVE...Things We LOVE...Things We LOVE...Things We LOVE...Things We LOVE...Things We LOVE...Things We LOVE...Things We LOVE...Things We LOVE...Things We LOVE...Things We LOVE...
We’ve tried it and we love it and we don’t want to live without it!
For wee ones:
Swimmi Diaper by Bummis
Why do we love it? Let’s face it: buying disposable swim diapers feels like throwing money away. Put ‘em on and a half hour later they’re in the
garbage. And most of us know from experience that using regular disposables in water isn’t exactly a great idea! Swimmi diapers are an excellent alternative. They are adjustable, com-fortable, eco and wallet-friendly, and get the job done...and did we mention that they are darn cute? $14, Lizzie Bits Baby Co.
For the whole family: Bite Me Not! Outdoor Spray by Delish Naturals
Why do we love it? The rules with bug sprays seem to be ever changing, especially when it comes to using them on kids. But one thing stays the same: we don’t like bug bites
and our kids certainly don’t either. Bite Me Not! is a pure essential oil spray that keeps the bugs away and is safe for children ages 6 months and up, plus it smells great and is handmade local-ly by Krystal Clark, owner of Delish Naturals. $12.99, www.delishnaturals.com
For the Mommas: Pure Package at Spa Pure
Why do we love it? 3 hours of kid-free, momma-only pampering for under $100...do we really need to say more? Well, we will. Three
HOURS! A massage, facial, manicure and pedicure. We think the Pure Package will make you a better momma. Really! You’ll leave relaxed, reju-venated, and ready to take on whatever parenting throws your way. $95, Spa Pure
10 Kamloops Momma June/July 2011
Kamloops Momma June/July 2011 11
By Erin Brûlé
T his just in...being a mom is hard. Don't get me wrong, I also
think it's a LOT of fun, and really rewarding, but man...it's not
easy! There is no guidebook.
Actually, that's not true. There are LOTS of guidebooks – and every one of them has a conflicting opinion (of course, most are written in
the tone that they are not 'opinions' but rather, facts).
I find myself calling my mom quite often. After all, she raised
me...and I turned out (mostly) well- adjusted, so I figure she must
know a thing or two. But, alas, all she will say is, “You will figure out
what is right for your family.” Sigh.
And, so back to the books I go. And to Facebook to solicit advice
from other moms – which can get pretty comical, if you have friends
with completely different parenting styles… which I do.
Take this question for example... “Help! Rya wants to be social and is resisting being in her crib alone. How long should I ‘wait out’ the crying?”
Answers...
• As long as it takes. She needs consistency.
• 30 minutes.
• We started at 5 minutes, then worked up to 10, 15, 20 and so on.
• 1 hour.
• WHAT? You let her cry it out? Oh...tsk....tsk...I wouldn't do that,
the studies say that can negatively impact their development.
• WHAT? You went to her when she was crying? Oh...tsk...tsk...I
wouldn't do that, the studies say that can negatively impact their
development.
And so on...generally leaving me more confused than ever, which
makes my mom's advice seem pretty damn good... “I'll figure it out.”
I am now 9 months into this alien journey of motherhood, and while
there are HEAPS of things I haven't figured out, here are a few things I
have...
Gold stars? Yes...metaphorically anyway. I recent-
ly read The Happiness Project. In it, the author, Gretchen Rubin, talks about her desire for getting
'gold stars' for her efforts. Nothing over the top, just a
few words of recognition from her spouse saying,
“Yes...what you just did is awesome!” “YOU are awe-
some.”
This comment really resonated with me. I want gold
stars too. What us moms do is hard work.
And, it's my very biased opinion that us mommies
don't get NEARLY the number of gold stars that we
deserve. We frickin' rock! Seriously.
So, give a mommy you know a gold star. Give
YOURSELF a gold star!
(Note: after last issue's 'Oranges in Tubesocks' I am sad to report that an ALARMING number of veteran
mommies told me this was NO myth...I also heard
post-baby boobs described as 'fried eggs' 'pancakes'
or 'fried eggs on pancakes.' Damn. We deserve 10
gold stars for giving up our perky sisters!) To catch
updates as
Erin navi-
gates the
alien world
of parent-
hood, and to
share your
stories, tid-
bits and
advice,
check
loopyma-
ma.ca.
Can I Have a Gold Star? Pretty Please!
9 month old Rya isn’t quite sure if her mom should get a gold star!
Photo: Erin Brûlé
Things I’ve Learned
- My heart is capable of holding more love than I ever thought
humanly possible
- My entire mood can be lifted by a tiny grin
- Baby teeth are sharp…like, crazy razor sharp!
- I have become one of those mothers that uses spit to clean my ba-
by’s face
- Sleep isn’t as necessary as I once thought
it was
- No matter what I do, there’s a book saying I am doing it wrong.
There’s also a book saying I am doing it right. To hell with the books!
- Watching my baby’s face light up when I walk into the room melts
my heart. Every. single. time.
- If I need to be somewhere at a certain time, without fail, seconds
before walking out the door, I'll have to deal with a blowout.
- I crave gold stars.
Following a first-time mom’s journey from the final trimester to baby's 1st birthday
12 Kamloops Momma June/July 2011
By Candace Walker and Andrea Lougheed
T he sun is shining (okay not every day yet) and the bulbs are blooming
(well, in most parts of Kamloops) and your summer baby is turning one
year older. Need a party idea that’s a little different…why not plan a green
thumb birthday party to help welcome in the warmer weather and teach them a
little about botany? This party idea can be a wonderful experience for children
by letting them get a little or a lot dirty and have some hands on fun exploring
Mother Nature. This party can easily
be designed to accommodate children
of all ages and works well for boy and
girl guests.
Invitations can be done as easily as a
packet of seeds with the details written
on the back with a permanent marker or attached to a card in the shape of a flower. As a fun variation, tie an apple a recipe card to the stem of an
apple with the party details on one side and your favourite apple recipe
on the other and hand deliver to your guests.
Of course, a garden would be the ideal setting, but relying on the
weather can sometimes be a challenge. So why not bring the outdoors in?
A checkered table cloth and a vase of fresh flowers make for a summery
centerpiece. Sprinkle a few plastic bugs on the table for authenticity and
you’re ready to go. Make fun flower place settings for each child by filling
a mini terracotta pot with green jelly beans and a silk daisy, and then
write the child’s name on with permanent craft pens. Decorate the house
with real flowers, silk flowers, tissue paper bouquets, flower pots, vegeta-
bles, nests, birds, and bird houses.
A fruit and veggie tray are a must at every garden party and using them
for your serving dishes can make the ordinary a little extra special. Use
half a watermelon to poke fruit skewers into and use a hollowed out pep-
per for your vegie dip. Serve alongside some ‘Ants on a log’ (celery
sticks with peanut butter or spreadable cheese and raisin-ants on top),
‘Critter Crunch’ (mixture of pretzel sticks, yogurt covered raisins, fish
crackers, chocolate chips etc.) and some Bug Juice or Nectar (apricot
juice and 7-Up) and you have the perfect garden treats.
If you have a younger group of party guests, simple games like Pin the
Bee on the Flower or a bug hunt can be a challenge. Or set up a watering
can relay where guests have to transfer water from one bucket to another
with only a small watering can. This one is probably enjoyed best out-
doors for obvious reasons!
Why not purchase some inexpensive terra cotta or plastic flower pots
and let the children decorate with markers, stickers, tissue paper etc.? A
couple coats or a Mod Podge-type sealant and they are outdoor ready.
Then let the fun begin! The children can plant a few seeds or small flowers
in their decorated pot. If working indoors, cover an area with newspapers
for easy clean-up and provide some soil, large spoons or trowels and a flower or packet of seeds for each child. For those youngsters that need
the instant result that seeds do not guarantee, a hardy flower such as a
Marigold works well. Grass seed also works well as the germination time
is very short.
At the end of the party send each guest home with a small watering can
filled with a packet of seeds, kids gardening gloves, gummy worms or a
grow your own herb garden kit.
Of course, don’t let them forget their flower pots and their experiment
with horticulture. Who knows- you may end up having some help planting
this years garden and flower beds.
Candace Walker and Andrea Lougheed are two local moms who own Wild
About Party Packs, an online party store with all your party needs.
The Blooming Garden: A plant perfect party idea
Jadyn, age 5, holds an earth buddies from Wild About Party Packs’ “Blooming Garden Party” loot bag.
Photo: Candace Walker.
Kamloops Momma June/July 2011 13
Birthday Party Directory
14 Kamloops Momma June/July 2011
Kamloops Momma June/July 2011 15
TheTheTheTheTheTheTheTheTheTheTheThe Summer Fun Summer Fun Summer Fun Summer Fun Summer Fun Summer Fun Summer Fun Summer Fun Summer Fun Summer Fun Summer Fun Summer Fun GuideGuideGuideGuideGuideGuideGuideGuideGuideGuideGuideGuide
WWWW hat’s the best part about living in Kamloops? Summertime, of course! From the lakes to the mountains to the events and the ‘usually’ fantastic weather, Kam-
loops really is the place to be. But there’s one problem: There are so many things to do that you probably find
yourself saying, “Oh! I wish we’d done that” when summer is over. Well, we’re here to help! Kamloops Momma has compiled a list of our ’must do’ activities. Check it out with your kids and then make your very own ‘must do’ list together!
Kid Approved Summer Treat:Kid Approved Summer Treat:Kid Approved Summer Treat:Kid Approved Summer Treat:
Really, a Spinach Popsicle?
Feel a little guilty giving your kids sugary frozen treats but even guiltier not letting them enjoy these summertime favourites? We have the solution: Green Smoothie Popsicles! These delicious treats are a fan-tastic way to get kids (and yourself!) to eat their fruits and veggies. No ice cream. No yogurt. No added sugar. Just fruits and veggies.
We’ve included a simple recipe here, but the smoothie possibilities are endless. Try different fruits and greens to find your fa-vourite combination!
Note: Calling them spinach popsicles is not actually recommended!
Green Smoothie RecipeGreen Smoothie RecipeGreen Smoothie RecipeGreen Smoothie Recipe
2 cups spinach, fresh 1.5 cups water 1 large banana 1 cup blueberries, frozen 1/2 cup strawberries, frozen Put water and spinach in blender and blend until liq-uified. Put in remaining in-gredients and blend. Enjoy now as a smoothie or fill popsicle moulds and freeze for later.
Must Do’s Must Do’s Must Do’s Must Do’s (circle your favourites)
Water fight � Backyard Campout � Kamloops’Kamloops’Kamloops’Kamloops’ Children’sChildren’sChildren’sChildren’s Museum Museum Museum Museum �
Build a Sandcastle � BC Wildlife Park BC Wildlife Park BC Wildlife Park BC Wildlife Park � Tie-dye Party � Boat Ride
� No TV Week � Swimming � S’moresS’moresS’moresS’mores � Camping � Fly a Kite �
Spontaneous Road Trip Spontaneous Road Trip Spontaneous Road Trip Spontaneous Road Trip � Children’s Summer Theatre � Family
Game Night � Make Popsicles � Music in the Park � Farmer’s Farmer’s Farmer’s Farmer’s
Market Market Market Market � Big Little Science Centre � Invent an Ice Cream Flavour
� Sleep in � Canada Day Fireworks Canada Day Fireworks Canada Day Fireworks Canada Day Fireworks � Moonlight Movie Night �
Centre of the Universe � Secwepemc Museum � Neighbourhood BBQ Neighbourhood BBQ Neighbourhood BBQ Neighbourhood BBQ
� Photo Scavenger Hunt � Ride the 2141 train Ride the 2141 train Ride the 2141 train Ride the 2141 train � Float Down the
River � Geocaching � Water Parks � Day at the Beach Day at the Beach Day at the Beach Day at the Beach � X Fest
16 Kamloops Momma June/July 2011
By Susan Hammond, Assistant Operator BIG Little
Science Centre
T he BIG Little Science Centre is not just for kids
anymore. Everyone will discover fun, exciting
activities and experiments. Seniors bring your
grandchildren, parents bring your out of town guests,
children bring your families; enjoy yourselves while
investigating the world of science.
Join us for excitement and science adventure; new
shows and activities each week will bring you back
again and again. Open all year round, we know we
have something just for you.
The BIG Little Science Centre is a Kamloops-based,
non-profit society dedicated to developing a passion for science in our community. We provide amazing labs, shows and
hands-on learning for School District 73 classes, campers and the general public.
Summer Camps too! Interactive fun; do hands-on science all camp long!
Each year the BIG Little Science Centre runs cool science camps for children from
ages 6 to 12. Activities include explosions, rockets, animals, experiments, games,
crafts, crazy challenges to solve and lots of fun. Check out snow in summer, hand-
made roller coasters, chemistry excitement and more.
As well as our annual junior and senior camps this year, for the first time ever, we
are running a Robotics Camp for campers 10 years of age and up. This is an excit-
ing new program which will give all those computer programmers and robot build-
ers a chance to shine!
Visit us until June 25 Thursday and Friday 3pm to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm
with a show at 1:30pm. To visit during the school week between 10am and 4pm, call
to check on availability. Summer hours will run Monday July 4 to Saturday Au-
gust 27; 10am to 4pm.
On Canada Day, July 1st, look for our mini-science centre in Riverside Park.
Discover and Explore Fun Science at the BIG Little Science Centre!
Summer Fun at the BIG Little Science Centre!
Photo courtesy of BLSC
Name the Day: Name the Day: Name the Day: Name the Day: Inspire your imaginative little genius this summer
E instein and Da Vinci were genius, not because
they could do math or read, but because they
were able to use their imaginations to visualize
something different. Their genius was in the power to
connect the disconnected and to imagine the impossible being possible. Why not have a whole lot of fun this sum-
mer and know that you are inspiring and supporting the
genius in you and your children?
This simple, free, fun, and memorable imagination
game can enhance outdoor adventures, driving time,
home days, and even trips to the grocery store.
Name the Day examples:Name the Day examples:Name the Day examples:Name the Day examples: Today is the day of Trees Telling Stories. Today is ‘What would a faerie do?’ Day.
Today is the colour orange showing us its wonders.
Today is Pirate Day.
Today is Piece of Cloth Day.
Today is Elephant Day.
Today is ‘We are Dr. Seuss’ Day.
As the instigator of the “Name the Day” game, you will at first need to model what “Name the Day” can be. On
‘Orange’ day, each time you see something orange you
can tell a story of what Orange might be thinking. Or-
ange traffic cones might say, “Without me, these cones
would be squished because drivers wouldn’t notice us.”
On ‘Trees Telling Stories’ day, you might notice a lone
tree who tells a fantasy story of how he came to be the
protector of all around him.
On Pirate day, you can make up your own pirate names to call each other and ponder, “what would a pi-
rate do?” ( or “what would a faerie do?”) as situations
occur in the day. You don’t have to do what they would
do, just ponder what they might do.
And ‘Piece of Cloth’ day? Take a piece of cloth or tow-
el with you and during the day see how many uses the
family can come up with besides its traditional use. (ie: a wig, a cloak, a cover for your invisible pet, albeit the
cloth might be too small for the imaginary elephant that
joins you on ‘Elephant Day’… unless your elephant has
shrinking abilities.) And who knows, your family might
soon be reciting:
The day we name the day, we love. We do.
We love when Orange had a story about Blue. We love that our elephant scared Auntie Sue.
Pirates are not always mean. It’s true. We think.
We think our elephant is bright pink,
Oh what if we have a day named ‘kitchen sink’?
By Janet L. Whitehead ©2011 Certified Professional Life and Creativity Coach
****Game!Game!Game!Game!
Kamloops Momma June/July 2011 17
18 Kamloops Momma June/July 2011
Child Care
Boys and Girls Club of Kamloops
A good place to be
Summer Day Camps July 11-August 26
McArthur Island Club
250.554.5437
Enriched Daycare
Aberdeen & Sahali Mall locations, 24/7 care.
Dance, fitness, music, science and more!
Birthday Party Fun Spot! 250.377.8190
www.enricheddaycare.com
Over the Raynebow Family Daycare
DROP-IN CARE Now Available!
North Shore. Open 7am-5pm. School pick-up
and drop off. Daily outings.
Contact Rayne at 250.376.7262
Children’s Stores and Services
The Kids Room New owner, same great quality and service!
Brand name clothing, shoes, and toys
Geox, Striderite, Roxy, Blu, Mexx and more!
460-500 Notre Dame Dr. 250.374.5022
Lizzie Bits Baby Co. Go Green! Use Cloth!
Cloth diaper specialists. Unique children’s
items. High quality children’s consignment. 205-450 Lansdowne 250.374.8706 lizziebaby.ca
Mommy & Me Boutique Largest selection of NEW and USED items Nursing bras, Harley Davidson, Robeez &
more! Over 10 000 quality consignment items!
3-700 Tranquille 250.376.1914 & Facebook
Mulberry Bush Kids Stuff Inc. Gently Loved Consignment & New Items
Infant to Adult Clothing, Baby Furniture, the
largest inventory of Robeez, Melissa & Doug
www3.telus.net/mulberrybush 250.374.2501
Now on Facebook!
Tumbleweed Toys Sahali Mall Specializing in the highest quality dolls, cos-
tumes, music, art, crafts, gifts, books, edu-
cational games, puppets, science kits
250.372.3500 www.TumbleweedToys.ca
Health and Wellness
Aina Eco Spa Let us take you away…
Massage therapy and aesthetics using organ-
ic and natural products
248 Victoria St. 250.319.4111
[email protected] www.ainaspa.ca
Alive and Well Massage Therapy
Clinic BC Registered Massage Therapy 790 Seymour St 250-374-6325
Perinatal and infant massage available
www.AliveAndWellMassageTherapy.ca
Ashley Leighton, RMT Optimal Health Therapeutic Massage
Pain and Stress Management, Relaxation,
Injury Prevention, and Sports Massage.
250-376-3070 www.ohtmassage.com [email protected]
Fit By Design Precision Fitness Training...for Body and Mind
Family Friendly Boot Camp
Sabrina, www.kamloopsfitbydesign.com
Look for us on Facebook!
Let’s Move Studio Yoga - Dance - Wellness
Classes, workshops, and events
[email protected] 250.372.9642
www.letsmovestudio.com
Musings and Mud Coaching Studio Life Coaching with a creative twist!
Workshops, workbooks, personal coaching!
Janet L. Whitehead, certified professional
coach [email protected]
250.376.8402 www.musingsandmud.com
Spa Pure Enjoy a relaxing treatment at a luxurious spa
without the worry of cost!
201B-1150 Hillside Dr. 250.574.1995
www.spapure.ca
Home-Based Sales and Services
Cakes For Wee Ones A unique gift for new and expectant parents
Diaper cakes, towel cakes, washcloth bou-
quets and more!
Facebook.com/CakesForWeeOnes
Delish Naturals Organic & natural body care for the whole family
Yum Bum Butter, Body Lotion, Raspy Rub,
Delish-ious Shampoo, Mango Mama Bump
Butter, Bite Me Not! and more!
www.delishnaturals.com
Community Business Directory
“Adults are always asking little kids what they want to be when they grow up because they're
looking for ideas.”
~ Paula Poundstone
Kamloops Momma June/July 2011 19
Home-Based Sales and Service Cont’d
Discovery Toys, Alison Gregory Discovery Toys Educational Leader
250.851.2270 [email protected]
discoverytoyslink.com/aligregory
Teach. Play. Inspire.
Judy Turnbull Sewing Services Costuming, Hemming, Alterations, Home
Décor, Custom Adaptive Clothing (for those
with physical limitations) and Dressmaking
250.314.0028 [email protected]
Ladybugz Slings n’ Things Baby products you’ll get attached to!
NEW soft and sustainable bamboo ring
slings. Custom orders welcome!
Shannon, 250.319.4437 LadybugzSlings.com
Moms Helping Moms –
work from home Perfect opportunity for moms and others
www.lookaround.ca [email protected]
Sleepsacks by McSew 100% cotton flannelette
Readymade or custom ordered, made in
Kamloops by me!
Jane at [email protected] 250.828.2309
Three Green Beans Save Money, Protect Your Health & the Envi-
ronment with the SmartKleanTM Laundry Ball 250.573.7505 [email protected]
www.smartklean.com
Indoor Activities
Akimbo Dance Studios Summer Dance Programs!
Tots, Junior, Youth, and Boys Only Camps!
250.374.5404 765 Lansdowne St.
www.akimbodancestudios.com
BIG Little Science Centre Discover & Explore Fun Science!
Starting July 4, open Mon-Sat, 10-4
Summer Camps, Birthdays, Special Events!
250.554.2572 www.blsc.org Bert Edwards Science School, 711 Windsor Ave.
Game-On Interactive Fitness Putting the Fun into Fitness.
All Ages, All Abilities, All FUN!
444 St Paul St 250.374.4263 www.gameoninteractivefitness.com
Music
David Milwain Drum School Fun and affordable private lessons in the art
of drumming
One-on-one, in home, or studio classes avail.
778.220.4447
www.davidmilwaindrumschool.com
Music for Young Children Music for Young Children is a national music
program designed to build solid musician-
ship in young students; starting as young as
3! Kamloops Symphony Music School
250.372. 5000 www.myc.com
Kamloops Symphony Music
School Group classes and private instruction for all
ages and levels.
Station Plaza #3-510 Lorne St.
250.372.5000 [email protected]
Parenting Resources
KamloopsParents.com The online resource to all things family-
friendly in Kamloops.
Sign up for our monthly newsletter!
www.kamloopsparents.com
The Loopy Family Coupon Book Because it’s fun to be frugal!
2011Coupon Book Now Available!
250.574.1258
[email protected] www.loopyfamily.ca
Welcome Wagon Are you expecting, or do you have a baby
under a year old, moving, or getting mar-
ried? Welcome Wagon has Programs, and/
or basket gifts for you!
Call Pamela Lee for more info! 250.573.2823
Prenatal and Postpartum Care
Mighty Oak Midwifery Personal, professional, woman-centered
maternity care.
Now accepting new clients!
250.377.8611 www.mightyoakmidwifery.ca
Parenthood in the Making Childbirth and Postpartum Services
Susanne Pytela, B.S.W.
DONA trained birth and postpartum doula
250.572.6383 [email protected]
There’s more business listings!
Community Business Directory
20 Kamloops Momma June/July 2011
By Jenn Johnson, RMT
M assage for the expectant mother can be a way of tak-
ing much-needed time for self-care and the benefits
will be felt both physically and mentally.
Physical discomforts such as swelling in the feet and legs,
back and hip pain, and tension headaches can all be ad-
dressed with massage. During pregnancy, circulation can be
affected by the increase in blood volume that occurs, as well
as the compression of arteries in the pelvis due to the in-
creasing size and weight of the uterus. Long, rhythmic mas-
sage strokes encourage proper circulation which may help
to relieve swelling in the lower body and decrease chances
of developing varicose veins.
With a changing center of gravity and increased weight in the front of the body, many women experience low back and
hip pain as well as pain in the upper back and shoulders. By
targeting muscle and connective tissue, massage therapy
can help to combat the aches and pains associated with im-
balances that can happen as your body adjusts to changes in
posture and gait. Tension headaches are also quite common
during pregnancy and are often caused by postural changes
and muscle imbalances too.
As well as the physical relief that massage can provide,
there are also many important emotional and mental benefits
of massage therapy pre- and perinatally. Studies done by
Tiffany Field and Associates at the Touch Research Institute
found that women who received regular massage during
pregnancy had lower levels of stress hormones, not only
during the study but for several months postpartum. These
results also affected their infants, as babies born to the mas-
saged mothers also showed lower stress hormones than con-
trols. Relaxation during pregnancy has been shown to corre-
late with shorter labours, fewer prenatal and labour compli-
cations, reduced fear and anxiety and an increased immune
response.
The Alive and
Well Massage Ther-
apy clinic has been
operating in Kam-
loops since 1999.
Started as the
solo practice of Luz
Meyer, RMT, it has
grown to include
eight therapists. Our
office is equipped
with a Body Cushion
pillow designed
specifically to ac-
commodate preg-
nant women, ade-
quately supporting
the stomach so that
back massage can
be performed com-
fortably and safely.
Prenatal Massage Therapy:Prenatal Massage Therapy:Prenatal Massage Therapy:Prenatal Massage Therapy: Good for you and for baby
Prenatal and Postpartum Care Cont’d
Tiny Blessings Prenatal Expecting? Let us teach you what to expect.
Prenatal education focusing on late pregnan-
cy, labor & delivery, breastfeeding, & new-
born care. www.tinyblessingsprenatal.com
250-819-0510
Photography and Art
Butterbutter Photography ...capturing the way you seen them in your
heart, a fresh approach to newborn and fami-ly photography
250.377.5890 www.bbphotography.ca
Find us on Facebook!
The Art We Are Artisan Market Local art, comfy couches, unique, delicious
and (mostly) healthy food!
New Location! 246 Victoria St.
250.828.7998 [email protected]
Brianna Munro Something different from your normal studio
photography www.briannamunro.com
Milk & Honey Photography Lisa DiGeso
www.milkandhoneyphotography.ca
Twist of Fate Yarns A Momma Friendly shop for your knitting &
spinning needs. Classes, drop-in knitting, &
events! 778.471.5562 twistoffateyarns.com
2020– F Falcon Rd *By Falcon Lanes Bowling.
Real Estate and Investments
Ken Featherstone, Realtor Bringing Families Home
Royal LePage Westwin Realty
Personal Real Estate Corp.
250.374.1461 [email protected]
Kim Livingston, Mortgage Specialist
You take care of the kids, let me take care of
your mortgage. The Mortgage Group
250.571.2480 kamloopsmortgagegroup.com
Small Business Consulting
KG Creative Consulting Fresh new approach to helping you succeed!
Specializing in small business marketing,
promotions and events. Mompreneur pack-
ages and promotions available.
Visit www.kamloopsevents.ca for full details
Kamloops Momma June/July 2011 21
DEAR AUNTY: My son is entering Kindergarten and is still sucking his thumb. I am worried about teasing and about him ruining his teeth. How do I stop this? - Melanie
Dear Melanie: I consulted Dr. Jason Heilmann at Riverside Den-
tal Clinic and looked to the Canadian Paediatric Society and
American Academy for Pediatrics for help with your question.
“The good news is that most children stop their sucking hab-
its before they get very far in school,” says the American Acad-
emy for Pediatrics. “This is because of peer pressure. While
your child might still use sucking as a way of going to sleep or
calming down when upset, this is usually done in private and is
not harmful. Putting too much pressure on your child to stop
may cause more harm than good. Be assured your child will
eventually stop the habit on his own.”
Dr. Heilmann points out that from a dentist’s point of view,
incoming permanent teeth can “flare” in appearance with con-
tinued thumb sucking. If baby teeth are starting to fall out and
thumb sucking is continuing, or if you see that the roof of your
child‘s mouth is changing shape or the way their teeth are lin-
ing up is changing, there are some behavioural tips for helping
your child to stop. “Harsh words, teasing, or punishment may
upset your child and is not an effective way to get rid of hab-
its.” Instead, try the following:
• Praise and reward your child when he does not suck his thumb or use the pacifier. Star charts, rewards, and gentle
reminders, especially during the day, are also very helpful.
• If your child uses sucking to relieve boredom, keep his hands busy or distract him with things he finds fun.
• Talk to your pediatrician or pediatric dentist. There are de-vices that can be put in the mouth that make it uncomfortable
to suck on a finger or thumb.
But remember, “no matter what method you try, be sure to
explain them to your child. If they make your child afraid or
tense, stop them at once.” For more information check out:
www.nccpeds.com/sdrive/Patient%20Handouts/pacifiers.pdf
DEAR AUNTY: A friend sent me a link on the Internet showing a program where young kids can be taught to flip over in the water to prevent drowning. Is there anywhere in Kamloops that I can sign my baby up for this program? With summer coming, better safe than sorry! - Jessica
Dear Jessica: Timely question! The Red Cross’s Water Safety
Week is June 4-11 and I consulted with them I consulted with
them and the Canadian Paediatric Society for your question.
“There has been a video circulating on the Internet showing
young children able to float on their backs, suggesting that this
method will protect them from drowning. The Canadian Red
Cross completely disagrees with this method and states that
the only way to keep children safe in and around water is
Dear Aunty…
Answering questions about you and your child’s health
H ello fellow Kamloops Mommas (and Papas)! I received a huge response from our last column
about the Birds and Bees and I’m thrilled to announce that thanks to all your interest, an “Askable
Parent” workshop is being brought to Kamloops this fall, put on by Options for Sexual Health in
Vancouver. The 3-hour interactive course is designed for parents and other adults who want to
“improve the knowledge and skills they need to be approachable, non-judgmental sources of reliable
sexual health information for their children and other young people, and guides who can help them con-
firm their values, sexual self-image, and decision making abilities as they mature.” Look for more info in
our next issue! Now, on to your letters...
through constant adult supervision. This learned sequence
of floating skills as shown in the video will not protect chil-
dren from drowning.”
According to the Canadian Paediatric Society, drowning
is the second most common cause of death for children un-
der 5 years of age. Children can drown in as little as 2.5 cm
(1 inch) of water, and many of these tragedies happen in
backyard pools, and almost always in pools without 4-side
pool fencing and self-closing, self-latching safety gates. So
if the so-called “drown proofing” programs as shown on the
internet don’t actually work, What are some other water
safety tips?
• Use diapers designed for use in water. They don’t get as heavy as regular diapers and are less likely to cause your
child to lose his balance in a wading pool.
• Empty buckets and pails, ice chests with melted ice, or bathtubs as soon as you are done with them.
• When your children are playing under a sprinkler, watch for pools of water collecting on the ground. They can be
slippery. Move the sprinkler often, or take a break until
the water has drained. Use sprinklers on grassy surfaces
and make sure the play area is free of toys or other obsta-
cles.
• A backyard water slide should be used with caution. Set it up on a soft, grassy slope, free of bumps, and well away
from trees or shrubs. Teach children to slide in a sitting
position.
• Keep children away from ponds and streams at any time of year, unless you are with them.
As for swimming lessons, the Canadian Paediatric Society
says ,“there is not a lot of research about the exact age
when young children are ready to learn how to swim. Sev-
eral studies show that children do not have the skills to
swim on their own until they are 4 years old, even if they start lessons at a younger age. If your child is younger than
4 years old, look for swimming programs that focus on
building water confidence and that teach parents about wa-
ter safety. This is a great way to have fun and be active with
your children.”
Here in Kamloops we have a two wonderful programs for
young children: one through the YMCA and one through the
Parks and Recreation Department. You can talk to the in-
structors and lifeguards directly, or check out the excellent
sites at the Canadian Red Cross or the Paediatric Society’s
“Caring for Kids” website: www.caringforkids.cps.ca/
keepkidssafe/WaterSafety.htm
"Aunty" Erin Mitchell is a proud nurse, momma, and owner/
operator of Aunty's House Registered Family Daycare in Kam-
loops. She is currently working on a degree in child and ado-
lescent psychology through TRU.
Do you have a question for “Aunty” Erin? Contact her at [email protected].
22 Kamloops Momma June/July 2011
By Sara Schriener
N at Anfield of Studio-Five-O and
myself, Sara Schreiner of Life
Unfolding, are professional
photographers and moms who be-
lieve that photography is about more
than great images. Photography is an
opportunity to create positive experi-
ences and change for individuals and
our community.
Both natural teachers, Nat and I
brought together a group of moms
who were lugging around camera’s
that had never been taken out of the Auto shooting mode. Our goal? To
spend a year connecting with these
women while teaching them both the
technical and emotional elements of
photography.
Follow along as these amateur pho-
tographers complete assignments
designed to lead them along a reflec-
tive journey that will accumulate in a
gallery showing of the year’s work.
For more information on Mom’s
with Cameras, contact Sara at
Photo Feature:
Top: Who They Are
Elizabeth Chubak Right:
Innocence Shauna Peace
Left: Innocence Sara Mills Below: Who They Are Jen Mallais
What’s Next?
Next issue it’s the kids’ turn! We’re going to be featuring the work of kids taking part in the Shoot for the Moon photography workshops hosted by Studio-Five-O photography. Check out studiofive-o.com for more info.
Kamloops Momma June/July 2011 23
By Courtney Charlton
I magine a world where everyone plays together in harmo-
ny, regardless of language, religion, socio-economic status,
or ability. It sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?
Well, I was recently asked to visit the Kamloops Child De-
velopment Society and I have to say that this child care centre
is probably as close to a harmonious world as I’ve witnessed.
The Kamloops Child Development Society is a non-profit
society founded in 1973. Its vision is “a community where all
children have opportunities for their unlimited development.”
At the core of the KCDS is the belief that all children should
learn together, regardless of their differences; a belief called
‘inclusion.’
The KCDS offers child care for ages 9 months and up, pre-school, and out of school programs, including summer camps.
The common thread of these programs is that typical children
and children with special needs are together.
Great importance is placed on the development of social
and emotional skills.
“Through social skills, we acquire discipline, knowledge,
ambitions, and empathy for those around us,” says Mayanna
Stiles, Early Childhood Educator, “These things allow us to
participate in the life of the family and later school and the
community.”
“Children with special needs lag in social competence,”
explains Stiles, “Also, children with special needs initiate far
fewer social exchanges than normally developing peers.”
At the KCDC, typical children are used as models for social
skills, but the mentoring works both ways.
And, most importantly, everyone is treated the same and all
activities are modified so everyone can be involved.
“We find that’s the best learning environment for every-
one,” says Barb McLean, Executive Director.
For example, if a speech therapist recommends a game for a
specific child, they will play the game with everyone so the
child isn’t singled out.
Or if a child has low muscle tone, he uses a special chair so
he can eat at the table with his peers and a custom glove that
enables him to hold objects such as paint brushes and spoons.
It’s not just the children with special needs that benefit from
the inclusive setting: it’s the typical children as well.
They learn to be compassionate; they learn to helpful; they
learn to be mentors.
Although the programs focus on including everyone, the
attention to individual needs is very clear.
One room, for example, has a “How are you feeling to-
day?” chart where children place a picture of an emotion
beside their name upon arrival.
There’s also a plastic cube covered in a blanket where chil-
dren go to calm down, especially when experiencing senso-
ry overload, but it’s a choice rather than a punishment.
And on the floor leading into another room are train tracks
with Thomas the Train. They are there for a boy who loves
Thomas but has a difficult time leaving his parents each day.
“We wrap the program around the children, not the chil-
dren around the program,” explains McLean.
As such, the dynamic of every class is different. Some are
quiet, some are loud; some are structured, some are more flexible – whatever the children need.
But within each program, consistency is very important.
“Transitions without having consistency and routine builds
anxiety,” says McLean.
Visual schedules - pictures in sequence of the day’s agen-
da - are used to help children deal with transitions.
It’s the little details like this that make inclusion not only
possible, but exceptional.
For more information on the Kamloops Child Development
Society, call 250.376.2233 or go to www.cdckamloops.com.
And the World will Live as One…
Visiting an inclusive child care centre
24 Kamloops Momma June/July 2011
Attachment Parenting 2/month - days and locations vary 250-376-4723
Family Tree Drop-in Mon and Wed 9-4 283 West Victoria St. 250.377.6890
Healthy Beginnings Tues 9:45-11:45 Thurs 10:30-12:30 Interior Indian Friendship Society 2355 Parkcrest Ave. 250.554.3134
Kamloops Connexions *will be outside when weather is nice—please call to confirm location Fri 9:30-11:30 Prince Charles Park 250.828.1114 [email protected]
Kamloops Wiggles and Giggles Adoption Playgroup Monthly, times and locations vary Deanna Jones, [email protected]
Next Steps Fri, 1-2:20 Kamloops Public Health Unit 519 Columbia St. 250.851.7300
StrongStart Programs (during school year)
Bumblebees Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, 8:30-11:30 Wed, 12-2:30 Arthur Hatton Elem., 315 Chestnut Ave. 250.376.7217
Dragon Flies Mon-Fri, 8:30-11:30 Marion Schilling Elem., 2200 Park Dr. 250.376.2027
Eagles’ Nest Mon-Fri, 8:45-11:15 South Sahali Elem., 1585 Summit Dr. 250.374.2451
YMCA Child Interactive Centre Mon-Fri 9-12 Southwest Y/CCRR Unit E, 1420 Hugh Allan Dr 250-372-7791
Get Connected: A guide to local parent-child groups
By Tony Carmichael
M y wife and daughter, who just turned 5, were sitting in the grass
chatting while I was playing with our middle boy. I heard them
both trying to snap so I decided to listen in: "Can you snap your
pointy finger and your thumb, mama? I can't work it right!" "Nope, Bella I
can't. I don't think many people can." "My daddy can!" she said all proud
and big.
My heart melted and I remembered why I wanted to have a big family:
because moments like that where my daughter announces to her mom
that I am awesome or moments like when she proudly tells her aunty she
is going to marry her daddy!
Okay, so in fatherhood we all make mistakes. Case in point: I am mak-
ing a pb and jam sandwich and my daughter walks over and says, “Eew,
is that blood, Daddy?” I kind of giggle and before I can answer she tottles off. Well, when I pick her up from school that day her teacher pulls me
aside and says, "Bella told the other children you were eating blood to-
day for lunch." Uh oh! Now I'm in trouble. Hehe. But how can I be mad at
her when she looks and me and says, “It's okay, Daddy. Mommy will
make you a better lunch tomorrow!”
Nathan, 21 months, waits patiently as his dad builds his
new bike.
The Little Moments: A Dad’s Perspective
26 Kamloops Momma June/July 2011
By Teresa Wiedrick
W e had driven eleven days in a minivan with four children under nine: that would be two car
seats, two booster seats, and two adults trying to entertain them for six hours a day. Ten
nights of luggage dragged in and out of hotels or roadside motels. Thirty three meals in
restaurants meant hamburgers, mini pizzas and chicken fingers, with complimentarily and ubiquitous
French fries. No vegetables. And three meals of milk per child—the equivalent of four litres a day.
The last five weeks, we`d lived in a two bedroom apartment, sunshine full blast...sunshine through
the night, through the day—blackout blinds enabling a pseudo-night. We were thankful for the win-
dowless room that the girls stayed in. Madelyn remarked one day that we hadn’t done much: We do
the same thing day in and day out. We get up, watch cartoons, do studies, play in the common area,
sometimes go to the pool or library, do more studies, eat, read and go to bed. Same thing every day!
Except, of course, for the afternoons at the Boot Lake Beach, the caramel steamers at the local cafe,
a super expensive fast food dinner at the Roost Restaurant, making bread almost every day, inde-pendently preparing breakfasts on the stove: scrambled eggs or French toast. Oh, there was also the
church ice cream social and playground visits with the local kids. How about trips to the gift and book
stores, grocery shopping is an adventure: wow, mom, look how much diapers are!! (Zachary, you’re
on the countdown to diaper training).
There were visits to the biggest greenhouse in North West Territories and the Roman Catholic Igloo
Church. Learning to make muskox wool out of muskox fur at the Northern Arts Festival. Trying mus-
kox hamburgers, Parks Day at Mackenzie School watching aboriginal drummers and dancers. And
first hand viewing of stuffed muskox and caribou at the Inuvik Visitor Centre. Gulp, deep breath.
We’ve found a few things to do.
But today, at almost the 70th parallel, we had decided to take a most exotic trip. I was taking my
three girls on a Cessna flight to Tuktoyaktuk, a forty five minute flight from Inuvik. I remember the
name of this northern Arctic town because as a child my par-
ents drove the ice roads from Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk; my dad a
long distance truck driver, long before I was born, experi-
enced many remote locations of Canada.
So here I was, twenty five years later, booking a flight with a
charter company, the Arctic Chalet Bed and Breakfast, to fly in
a six seater Cessna to a North West Territories whaling town
on the Beaufort Sea.
The youngest three of us bartered over seat choices. There
were only four available and there were exactly four of us pre-
sent. As we followed the Mackenzie Delta northward from
Inuvik, our temporary residence for the summer, we flew over
more black spruce than I imagined would be this far north. The
mighty Mackenzie fertilizes all these trees. But just over the
Delta, moving eastward, the trees recede into tundra. Lakes
upon lakes upon lakes like watery puddles of holes of Swiss
cheese. In a minute, Hannah counted 200 lakes on the right;
Travels in Tuktoyaktuk: An educational adventure
Kamloops Momma June/July 2011 27
Madelyn counted 100.
Oliver, the young Quebecois fellow flying the plane up front, graciously
tipped the plane to the right for us to see the close-up of a pingo. Right on
top of it we were. Like a frozen volcano, the four or five we saw sat forlorn in
the far reaches of the north. Five year old Rachel was less than thrilled with
this aeronautic trick.
An Inuvialuit woman, Elaine, met us at the Tuktoyaktuk airport. A long time
resident to the area, she had lived there since she was a child. She had one
son and for six months of each year, she and her family would go `out on the
land` living in a cabin hunting caribou and picking blueberries, cranberries
and cloudberries.
Eileen showed us the community built icehouse—30 feet straight down
into permafrost—a natural freezer for food with three hallways and nineteen
compartments. The girls couldn`t have been more disappointed when I told
them they wouldn’t be able to use their Velcro-strapped headlights to make an adventurous trek downstairs. Though I was advised that the ladder down
was slippery so I could ``catch`` them. I don’t really understand the logistics
of that: catching three girls might be a little tricky.
Whaling season had just ended that previous month. We could stand on
the dock beside the inlet where the belugas and their babies play in the
deep brown sea, but we didn`t catch a glimpse.
We learned that the fourteen foot beluga whales are harpooned first, then
shot at so that when they come up for air and dragged back to the Tuk har-
bour, they won`t sink to the bottom. Every last bit of the beluga is used for
something and can feed three families: blubber for cooking oil, blood
drained for blood soup, the almost black meat shared amongst the partici-
pant`s families and always something left over for single families or elders.
The health center was pointed out...my husband had visited there only a
week before as he was medi-vacked there to deliver a baby, which was a
free trip to Tuk for him.
Two people occupied the seniors home. The remaining rooms were rent-
ed out to the 50 year old crowd. There was even a small college...with one
professor willing to teach whatever clever ideas the residents could pro-
cure.
Queen Elizabeth visited Tuk in the 1960s. Her car was flown in so she
could tour this tiny island in style. Only a week or two after our visit, Prime
Minister Stephen Harper visited too—he ski-dooed down the airport runway.
We couldn`t resist visiting the local store, a Northern Mart. What I thought
was expensive in Inuvik now seemed a pittance. At $12 for 4 litres of milk in
Inuvik, I was willing to forgo dairy for five weeks. But in Tuk, 4 litres was $20!
If I`d lived here, I might not so eagerly support the dairy industry. I might
even think soya milk was tasty. That UHT stuff I drank as a child might come
back in vogue.
The girls got into their little purses and found enough money to purchase
Lik-a-Maids ($1.69 each) and I purchased a white chocolate Toblerone for
the trip home. Perhaps I should have checked the expiry on my purchase; it was over a year old and tasted like it too. I guess white Toblerone is overrat-
ed in the north.
We grabbed our treats, were driven by
the 4x4 back to the airport and met Oliver
in the airport. He flew us over the Arctic
Ocean, one last look at this cafe latte col-
oured northern mark on the Canadian
map. As we flew southwest to our tempo-
rary home in Inuvik, a rainbow, just under
the level of clouds, guided us home.
The Kids’ Perspectives
“We goed to a candy store and we went to a place where we stored whales. I wish we could go into the whale spot. We went on a plane. The man moved the plane over the pingo so we could see it. There were shells there, at the Arctic Ocean. It was fun. I liked that we were doing fun things and liked that we got to see where they stored their food: whales, seafood and penguins (nope, you'll only see penguins in the Antarctic actually). The beach at the ocean was nice. It was cold. I thought it would be winter, because in the place where we were just staying, Inuvik, it felt like win-ter.” “Cold, rainy and interesting. Sorta smelly too. Smelled like raw meat. The plane flight made me feel sick. The most amazing thing I saw was the view of Inuvik from the plane and see-ing the Mackenzie Delta. The funniest thing about the day: the tour guide was surprised that we didn't go down into the ice freezer. The ice house stinked. The beach was cold, cold, and cold. It was interesting though. I could see the Arctic Ocean and the Beaufort Sea. The scariest thing about the day: I took a picture of the meat freezer, just put my hand out over top of it and took a picture 30 feet down. Interesting to see a pingo.” “We went to a candy store. And we went to that ice place where they hold-ed meat. It was fun. I just liked the ex-perience of going into there. I didn't really see the meat freezer. The ocean was fun and there were a lot of rocks beside the ocean. They were big and had lots of seaweed and moss on them. The ocean was blue and really cold. We got to bring home shells, and water in a plastic water bottle. We got to see inside the meat freezer and have candy for the plane ride. The plane ride was really sickening. It surprised me that the ground was really dirty and there was lots of snow and there was ice on the water. The people looked like Indians (Hannah in background: they don't like to be called Indians). The meat freezer stinked.”
Hannah, Madelyn, and Rachel explore Tuktoyaktak with their mom, Teresa.
-Rachel, 5
-Hannah, 9
-Madelyn, 7
28 Kamloops Momma June/July 2011
Kamloops Momma June/July 2011 29
By Linda Shwaylyk
W hat are the benefits of music lessons from those of us in the trenches
who have witnessed first hand the effect on children as they grow up
to adulthood? I would like to point out three from my vantage point of
thirty years teaching music to young children.
I ask my kids, “How do you eat an elephant?” The answer is, “One mouthful
at a time.” This, of course, reveals the generation gap. I am the ‘Elephant Joke’
generation and the kids are usually grossed out. However, it exemplifies the
first benefit of music education- being able to take a big task and break it
down into little tiny chunks. What a life skill that is! The dreaded “P” word, practice, is arguably the best thing to come out of music lessons.
A friend of mine pointed out the second benefit. She said that those who take
music lessons are more open to listening to all kinds of music. They may not like it but they will at least listen to it. There is such history, culture and tradi-tion in music that I see it as a real benefit to be open to all of it instead of being
limited to just one generation’s music. It gives me great pleasure when I teach
my kids a song that their grandparents can sing along to.
The third benefit is the emotional component. My mom said that she knew how my day at school went by how I played my scales. Trust me, that beautiful
child you have is going to turn into a teenager. You just might be looking for a
healthy vent for all that emotion!
At my dentist’s office I read a plaque that defines success. As I was mulling
each aspect over in my mind, the thought occurred to me that nearly all were
being taught for the price of music lessons. And what other endeavour could
you start so young, teaching self-discipline, co-operation, self-esteem and self-
confidence to toddlers even!
Because I teach young children specifically, I would like to point out benefits
of starting them young. If you participate with your child you can observe how
they react to a teacher, how they react to instruction, how they learn, and how
they interact with peers. All of this is valuable information for when you send
them to school where you are not present to witness these things. In music class
you can be there to coax them through dealing with mistakes and learning how
to listen. As the work load increases, you can teach them how to organize their
tasks.
Another benefit to starting young is that children get all the preliminary stuff
done while we can still make it fun for them. Then when they are starting to
make their own choices, they can be on to interesting endeavours that they find fun. The fun aspect is strong motivation for overcoming the practicing hurdle.
music lessons cost in time and money. However, the benefits are, as they say,
PRICELESS!
Suggested reading on the benefits of music education: The Mozart Effect; This is
Your Brain on Music: The science of a Human Obsession; Musicophilia: Tales of
Music and the Brain, and many others available.
Music Education: Music Education: Music Education:
PricelessPricelessPriceless
Left to right: Grayson, 8 mon, Sienna, 2.5, Emma, 3
Lizzie Update
By Troi Crombie
A re you a super mom to some pret-
ty super kids? Hockey tourna-
ments, Justin Bieber concerts,
play dates? What about the mountains of
laundry and what’s behind the closet
doors?
I am convinced that it is the most diffi-cult, wonderful, fun, and rewarding job
in the world-a job that nothing can pre-
pare you for. And, of course, let’s also
remember that as a super mom we are
first a super wife to our husbands-you
know how we’re always super sexy at
the end of the week for that always scheduled date night that we exchange
our flip flops in for our pumps, right?
And is your week also filled up with a
day job? Being on your toes and at the
beck and call of all the others besides
your family? What about being a busi-
ness owner? Are HST numbers, employ-
ee scheduling, payroll, stock, WCB, and write-offs friends to you?
What about on top off all of this one of
your children is battling cancer? Blood
transfusions, white blood counts, sur-
gery, chemotherapy, infection, antibiot-
ics, watching your child miss out on what
is considered a ‘normal’ social life? If you were balancing all of this would you
keep your name as ‘super mom’?
In the past year I have met a pretty su-
per friend and I have watched her keep
the title of super mom: Jennifer Harbaruk
balances her own cheque book, makes
sure she tells her husband how im-portant he is, makes her boys a priority,
cherishes her customers that support her
family’s store, adores her employees
and, yes, she drives her little girl to and
from Children’s Hospital.
I’ve had the privilege of writing the
story of her daughter, Elizabeth, and their family as Lizzie battles cancer and,
even though I have a little window into
their life, I still have no idea what they,
and other families like them, go through
every day. And Jenn even makes the
time to show her friends that she appre-
ciates their thoughts, prayers and love. Lizzie has just finished week 32 of
chemotherapy treatment. The Harba-
ruk’s wait for her evaluation scheduled
for mid-June. She continues to be strong,
although susceptible to even the com-
mon cold and infection when her white
counts are low. Look for Lizzie’s full write story in the next Kamloops Momma.
30 Kamloops Momma June/July 2011
June 1 (Cont): Family Game
Night Wed 5:30-8:30, All A-Board Games, 334 Victoria St.,
250.377.0745
June 1-Oct 30: Downtown
Farmer’s Market
Sat: St. Paul between 2nd+3rd
Wed: Victoria St. between
4th+5th. Market starts at 8am.
June 2-13: BC Lions Training
Camp Hillside Stadium (free)
June 2 (Cont): Shambhala
Meditation Mon/Thurs 7 pm, Sat 12pm, 433b Lansdowne St.
kamloops.shambhala.org,
250.376.4224 (free)
June 3: Car Seat Safety Event
1-2:30, Public Health 519 Co-
lumbia (free)
June 3-Oct 28: North Shore
Farmer’s Market Spirit Square, Fri. 4-8 (free)
June 4 (Cont): Chapters Craft
and Storytime Saturdays 11-12pm 250.377.8468 (free)
June 5: YMCA Healthy Kids
Day 10-2, Downtown Y, 250.372.7725 (free)
June 5-9: Performing Arts
BC Provincial Festival
www.kfpa.ca
June 8/July13: Moms Morn-
ing Out 9:30-11:30, Mighty Oak Midwifery, 202-322 Vic-
toria Street, 250.377.8611
(free)
June 8/ July 12: Cloth Dia-
pers 101 Weds 7-8, Sun 1-2 Lizzie Bits Baby Co.,
250.374.8706 (free)
June 11: Brides Gone Wild
Get dressed up in a wedding
dress to support Juvenile Dia-
betes research, Sara,
250.682.6481
June 11/July 9: Home Depot
Kids Workshop 10am, ages 4-12 250.371.4300 (free)
June 11: Relay For Life 10
am, Riverside Park
June 12: Walk to Cure Diabe-
tes 9:30, MacDonald Park
June 13/15: Enriched Parent-
ing Classes Lead by a reg. clinical counsellor and ECE,
250.377.8190
June 16: Teddy Bear Picnic/
Mother Goose Celebration
11 -1, Prince Charles Park,
250.828.3500 (free)
June 17-19: Wellness Festi-
val Let’s Move Studio, www.letsmovestudio.com
June 18 : Fathers Day at the
Kamloops Museum 1:30-3:30, boys only, make a mod-
el car, 250.828.3576
June 18/July 16: Child Pas-
senger Safety 11-3pm Free at clinic. $5 by appt or visit.
Lizzie Bits Baby Co.
250.374.8706
June 18/22: Family Fun Day
at Senior Froggy N. Shore, 5-7, feat. Uncle Chris the Clown,
250.554.2055
June 19: Father’s Day at the
BC Wildlife Park- Walk/Run
for Prostate Cancer 9077 Dallas Dr. 250.573.3242
June 19: End of School Fami-
ly Weekend Bash at BC
Wildlife Park 250-573-3242
June 20/July 18: Held in the
Wings of Angels Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support
Group. 7-8:30pm, Pregnancy
Care Centre, 250-376-4646
June 24: 5 Buck Fun Fit Fri-
days 6-8pm, Game-On! 444 St. Paul, 250.374.4263
June 26: Kids of Steel Tri-
athlon Swim, cycle, run and have fun, 250.579.2312
July 1: Canada Day Cele-
brations at Riverside Park
Art in the Park, entertainment,
cultural food, fireworks (free)
July 1: The 2141 Canada Day
Train Kamloops Heritage Railway, #6 - 510 Lorne
Street ,9:30pm, 250.374.2141
July 1-Aug 31: Music in the
Park Nightly entertainment at Rotary Bandshell, Riverside
Park, 7-8:30 (free)
July 2– Aug 30: The Spirit of
Kamloops 2141 Train
Mon/Fri -7pm, Sat -11am
250.374.2141
July 2-3: Summer Kick Off
Celebration at Sun Peaks
(free)
July 2-Aug 27: Artisan’s
Square at St. Andrews on the
Square Sat, 8:30-12 (free)
July 4-22: KISSM (Kamloops
Interior Summer School of
Music) 250.574.5437
July 5-Aug 28: the BIG Little
Science Centre Summer
Schedule 711 Windsor Ave., Mon-Sat 10-4, www.blscs.org
July 6/20: Family Fun Day at
Senior Froggy N. Shore, 5-7, feat. Uncle Chris the Clown,
250.554.2055
July 9: Kamloops
Highland Games Albert McGowan Park kamloopshighlandgames.com
July 13/20: Moonlight Movie
Night Riverside Park at dusk, proceeds to Boys and Girls
Club, 250.554.5437
July 20-Aug 6: X-Fest 2010
presents Munsch Ado About
Nothing 250-374-5483 for ticket info
July 23: Chrome on the
Grass Show n’ Shine Prince Charles Park. Pro-
ceeds go to Children’s Ward
at RIH. 250-573-4321
July 23-24: Seek the Peaks
Geocaching Weekend Reg. req’d. 250.578.5542
July 29-July 31: Kamloopa
Pow Wow One of the largest celebrations of First Nations’ culture in Western Canada,
250-372-8833
July 29-Sept 6: North Shore
Art Walk Local artists’ work is displayed at businesses
Aug 1: BC Bears Celebration
at the BC Wildlife Park feat. Peter and Friends,
250.573.3242
Community Events Calendar
Have an event? Tell us about it and we’ll put it in our Community Events Calendar for FREE! [email protected] or find us on Facebook!
32 Kamloops Momma June/July 2011