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LancMoms.

com | April 14, 2012

MOMS THE WORD:

Muddling through the tween years

MOM OF THE MONTH:

Vicki Kurtz
DAY TRIPPIN:

Rail fun at Steamtown


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Barbara Hough Roda

Muddling through the tween years


I confessed to a friend over lunch recently that Im feeling a bit lonely these days. My daughter is growing up, and Im keenly aware of the fact that she doesnt need me the way she once did. Gotta be honest: Its a heartbreaker. Im no longer called upon to style her long hair for schoolpicture day. Shes got it covered, and quite adeptly thanks to barrettes and hairspray and YouTube. Evening storytime once spent together between pages crafted by Dr. Seuss and, later, J.K. Rowling are now solely reserved for her homework or giggles with girlfriends via cellphone or Skype. She once thought I had great fashion sense. Now when we shop, I say little. My style picks take a beating, but I refuse to budge in my role as clothing censor. Just days ago we colored Easter eggs, though every spring Im sure it will be the last time for Paas dye and magic markers. The bunny stickers and stuffed animals once nested in the purple grass of my daughters Easter basket were replaced this year by dry shampoo and iTunes gift cards. Please, no Peeps, she coaxed. I dont help her to navigate the computer anymore. She coaches me on the latest gadgets and apps while I try to pretend I dont see the occasional eye rolling or hear the deep sighs of semi-exasperation. She wakes up to her own alarm (most days) and feeds the dog (when I remind her). She folds her laundry, though I still hear myself telling her to put the dirty plates in the dishwasher and to refrain from making empty-handed trips upstairs. She still needs me to help sew the ribbons on her ballet shoes. And my chauffeuring duties have grown exponentially. I know the clock is ticking on that, too. Deep down, I want my daughter to be 3 again. Or maybe 4, or even 5. But 12? What a tough age, for her and for me. She didnt like being 12, author Alice Hoffman writes in The Story Sisters. It felt like someplace between who shed been and who she was about to be. It felt like no place at all. So I try, really hard, to remember the time I desperately chased a more mature existence in a hurried attempt to escape childhood though neither wanted to lay a claim on me. Mom friends with girls in these trying tween times, wedged so tightly by little-girl years on one end and teenhood on the other, are a godsend. We commiserate about our daughters silence after school, and our seeming inability to never say the right thing and to do it at the worst possible times. Moments later, were caught off balance by happy chatter at dinner to be followed by tears before bedtime. And sometimes, out of frustration and weariness, the biggest meltdowns are our own. The mood swings at both ends of this human equation create a daybreak-to-lights-out stomach-churning roller coaster many of us could do without. But we cant, and wont, do without our kids. Anyway, such is life, Im told. And it will eventually think years get better. So Ill belabor the blessings. My daughter still eagerly shows up to family meals, and enthusiastically praises my cooking. Mom, your macaroni and cheese is the best, she tells me. Seconds after Ive decided Im a marginalized mom, my daughter reaches around my waist and holds on tightly for an unexpected, but always welcome, hug. Shes still not too old to be tucked in at night. Meanwhile, Im working harder at dusting off my own dreams, a change that would be healthier for the two of us. Yet Im always at the ready, and we both know it and that makes our world a comforting place to be. I was at a park recently where a group of tween friends had gathered to play basketball. My mom is awesome! I heard one girl proudly announce to her pals. I turned around, realizing that the words came from my own 12-year-old, still looking my way with a big grin on her face. Really? Awesome? Ill take it.
Barbara Hough Roda is mom to Faith and managing editor of the Sunday News. Check out her blog at LancMoms.com. Her email address is broda@lnpnews. com and her phone number is 481-7335.

Sela Hostetter, 5, and her mom, Voni Hostetter, of Lancaster, listen at a program held at the Lancaster City Library.

Jeff Ruppenthal/Sunday News Photo

Brothers, Steven Stoltzfus, 9, and Steven Jr., 6, from Lancaster County, chat on toy cellphones as they sit in a pair of Jeeps to be auctioned off at the Penryn Fire Company Mud Sale.

Justin David Graybill/Sunday News Photo

Check out what other Lancaster Moms (and Dads) are doing and saying. Forums, blogs, questions, and answers all can be found at LancMoms.com. Get a LancMoms.com card, good for discounts and services.

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By Maureen Leader Special Features Writer

Mom of the Month ~ Vicki Kurtz


succeeded in maintaining a close relationship with her children. But Kait also admires how caring her mother was and is towards other people outside of her family. Even during some very rough times, she was right there beside whoever needed her. Kurtz simply explains that is just one of her core beliefs: If someone is hurting, I want to be there. I will dedicate every second to be there, she said. Thats important to me. As hectic and as trying life was for Kurtz while raising her family and coordinating all the moves, she always found enjoyment in it. And she also made it fun for her children. It was exciting, I loved it, she said. It made us closer because there were four of us. We divided and conquered! In reminiscing about those times Kurtz also recalled being able to always make
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Perhaps no one has had a more moving experience as a mother than Aprils Mom of the Month, Vicki Kurtz. Because Kurtz and her family husband, Keith and children, Brandon, 27 and Kait, 23, moved about 15 times while growing up. Keith was a youth pastor and his career took them from Pennsylvania to New Mexico, Florida and Colorado through the years. Kurtz jokes Every time I felt like our house needed a good spring cleaning, wed move! In fact, Brandon spent the first three years of his life in three different states. Daughter, Kait nominated her mother to be Mom of the Month. What she remembers most about growing up through all those different moves is how her mother kept the family close together and also

Vicki Kurtz with daughter Kait and son Brandon.

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The secret to a successful family vacation? Teamwork!


(ARA) When it comes to planning your familys vacation, you can find a lot of value in that old saying teamwork divides the task and doubles the success. Divvying up planning responsibilities helps ensure that one member of the family is not overwhelmed with tasks, and that everyone is excited about and invested in the trip. Sharing time together is one of the most appealing aspects of family vacations, says Kimberly Miles, a travel planning expert with the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Families can start their vacation fun early by sharing planning responsibilities. It can be a great way to teach kids organizational and planning skills, and make sure everyone takes ownership of the family vacation. All age groups can take part in the process, Miles notes. Here are some ideas for dividing the work and multiplying the enjoyment of the family vacation planning process: Start with a survey Successful teamwork requires constant communication. Your family vacation team effort should start by polling the members. Where does everyone want to go? Of course, you wont be able to fulfill every desire, but you can come close by encouraging everyone to be specific. For example, its not enough to say everyone wants to go to the beach, because not all beach destinations will offer the same appeal for all family members. Will your family members be relaxing or frolicking on the beach? Spending the whole trip in the sand and surf, or looking for other attractions to round out their adventure? Do they want to stay in a busy beachfront hotel, or somewhere quieter and off the beaten path? Destinations that offer a broad range of activities have the in the family, says Miles. Look where generations of families best chance of pleasing everyone for a location like Myrtle Beach, have found something for every member - from miles of pristine beaches and plenty of water sports, to amusement parks, great shopping and dining, and even museums and live entertainment. Research your options Many families rely on the Internet for planning and booking their vacations. The Web can be a great resource for information about a variety of destinations from what attractions youll find there to how much hotel rooms will cost during your travel dates. Look for family travel blogs and websites that provide specific destination information, visitor reviews, tips and advice. Dont overlook the value of word-of-mouth. Check with family and friends to see if theyve visited your destination of choice, what they thought of it and what attractions they recommend. All the professional reviews on the Web cant beat the endorsement of happy, satisfied kids.
Be sure everyone in the family enjoys the beach before planning to spend a week or more there.

Assign age-appropriate tasks Once youve chosen your destination, the real teamwork begins. Divide up tasks based on each family members abilities. Mom and Dad will probably do the actual booking, but teens and older kids can pitch in with tasks like prepping the house to be vacant, and researching what to do and see. Grandparents can help with driving and packing. Even young children can play a role if you allow them to choose some of the snacks the family will pack for the trip. Encourage everyone to choose one activity or sight in which the whole family will participate in. This will help ensure everyone gets to do something they enjoy, and the entire team gets to take part in a variety of activities. Teamwork in vacation planning can definitely help make the workload lighter on parents, says Miles. And it helps get everyone excited about the trip - before they even begin the journey.

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Ask an Expert

Peer pressure among the parenting set?


one and only concert being held within 100 miles for the next 10 years next Thursday night. Jacks mom is willing to drive and wait there for us and drive us home; I have the money for the ticket in my bank account; I have already checked to see that I have no tests or quizzes on Friday; I promise to get right to bed when we get home. That I could be inclined to say yes to! Will some people judge my parenting for letting her go to the concert on a school night absolutely! But I have operated within the confines of our family values, so I can confidently tell you I said yes, rather than sheepishly avoiding the conversation. Use the weekly family meeting to plan family time if you dont plan for it, it probably wont happen. Solve problems together in this setting. But dont use this as a time to talk about individual problems that is handled as a private matter with each particular child. Articulate your family values, on an as-needed basis, to the parents of your childrens friends. 1. When your young child is planning a playdate, a meal, or a sleepover at the home of a buddy, you touch base with the parent(s) of that friend. As your child matures, the situations will change. When he is 16 or 18, do you need to check in with the hosting parents prior to a party? My answer is yes. I ask how many

are for your clan, and why. But its not enough for just you to Peer pressure . . . a distant have that knowledge. You need memory for those of us who bade to state what the expectations are farewell to the school hallways regarding the important things in life to your children. long ago. Unfortunately not so! Not only are we guiding Have a family meeting to our offspring through the daily landmines of pressure exerted discuss and then create an actual by their peers, we experience list of your familys values. coercion, some subtle and (Items needed: paper, pens and some not, from our friends and chocolate chip cookies!) 1. Begin with each family family related to our parenting choices. Its called parental peer member going around the table pressure. Maybe you havent and complimenting mom, dad heard the term, but you are and siblings. 2. What do you hope to nodding in agreement! contribute to each other, the Everyone is doing it. It is whatever your child community and the greater world hopes to be doing too! We are as you live in it each day? (Family lobbied with this from the type of Mission Statement) 3. What do you value most cereal we grab off the grocery shelf all the way to attending parties in life? (Examples: kindness, where alcohol will be present and honesty, education, faith and the guests will be underage. We worship, service to others, fitness, have grown accustomed to this time together, etc.) technique utilized by our kids to What guidelines does every break down our resolve were on to them! What happens when family member need to follow our own friends, family and peers to honor this mission and these apply the same type of pressure values? 1. Set down a family code as to us? Let her go; everyone will be there. You dont want her to to how you will treat one another feel left out, do you? Cmon, its and those outside your family. (Examples: Expression of love, a rite of passage. Many layers are at play here. mutual respect, cooperation, specifics, Our kids are consistently exposed communication to the values of other families as honesty, integrity, concern for the they go through their day. Even general well-being of others, etc.) 2. One helpful aspect of a the most nonjudgmental folks have a hard time completely weekly family meeting is to masking their beliefs and coordinate schedules and to be expectations when it comes to sure that family time is blocked raising children. The parents with out, so it doesnt get edged out. whom we sit while our little one This is a good time to set up a takes in story time, moms and process for asking to participate dads on the sidelines with us as in certain activities. we cheer for our budding athletes, A strategy that has worked and perhaps our own siblings who have kids of their own (or well in our family is to come dont!), all contribute their own with a full proposal. So, you take on parenting during the shouldnt ask, Can Jack and I go course of everyday interactions. to the concert Thursday night? The most confident parent will be That doesnt give me enough prone to entertain a tad bit of self- information, and I am already biased against it because it is a doubt, even on a good day! So how to boost the parental school night. Rather, you should confidence level? First of all, you inquire (not inform) as to whether need to know what the boundaries or not you and Jack can attend the

By Kirsten Freitag Murray

Kirsten Freitag Murray

teens will be there, who will be chaperoning and will the parents be checking in on the kids. I ask if alcohol will be available. Too protective for your tastes? That is a big part of my role, to protect and prepare,even at that age. I am guessing something on 2. Model honesty in your own that list resonated with you. You relationships with other parents. are probably remembering a time Rather than saying your child is - continued on page 11 busy, tell the other parent why a certain activity isnt in sync with your family boundaries. These are opportunities to discuss our DO YOU SUFFER FROM values, and it doesnt have to be done in a judgmental way. You can couch your parenting choices in wording such as, This is how we have chosen to handle this in our family. Or, This works well for us, but I know other families approach it differently.

How much screen time is allowed When to get a cell phone When ears (or other body parts) can be pierced What types of movies can be viewed Whats allowed on your childs iPod playlist Which parties can be attended What are the family expectations for school attendance and performance What is your stance on illegal drug use and underage (also illegal) alcohol use How many activities can a child participate in (If our kids have too much on their plates, meaning over-scheduled, it is up to the parent to help them prioritize and get it under control.)

I.M.S?

The usual suspects for causing discomfort when our parenting decisions dont align with those around us can appear in the following situations: What kids are allowed to drink with their meals Whether your child will walk to school, take the bus or be driven When homework is to be completed

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By Rochelle A. Shenk Special Features Writer Steamtown NHS (National Historic Site), Scranton, is a part of the National Park system. The site pays tribute to the era of steam locomotives. Kids love trains, says Mark Brennan, chief, visitor services, and public affairs. People tend to think that the majority of our visitors are railfans and seniors who remember the days of steam, and while they are part of the mix, most of our visitors are families. Steamtown NHS occupies about 40 acres of the Scranton railroad yard of the former Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad, one of the earliest rail lines in northeastern Pennsylvania. At the heart of the park is the large collection of standardgauge steam locomotives and freight and passenger cars that New England seafood processor F. Nelson Blount assembled in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1984, 17 years after Blounts death, the Steamtown Foundation for the Preservation of Steam and Railroad Americana Inc., brought the collection to Scranton, where it occupied the former DL&W yard. When Steamtown National Historic Site was created, the yard and the collection became part of the National Park system. The Steamtown collection consists of locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, and maintenance-of-way equipment from several historic railroads. The locomotives range in size from a tiny industrial switcher engine built in 1937 by the H.K.

Day Trippin: Rail fun at Steamtown


Porter Company for the Bullard Company, to a huge Union Pacific Big Boy built in 1941 by the American Locomotive Company (Alco). The oldest locomotive is a freight engine built by Alco in 1903 for the Chicago Union Transfer Railway Company. Steam locomotives are an experience that stimulates the senses. Feel the heat from the firebox. Hear the bell and whistle. Smell the hot steam and oil. Feel the ground vibrate under your feet. See the one ton drive rods turn the wheels. Hear the chuff-chuff of the smokestack. Theres a lot to see and do here, but perhaps what draws the most attention is when the engine comes out of the roundhouse onto the turntable, says Brennan. Theres usually quite a crowd gathered to see that. We give the turntable a slow spin so that everyone has a chance to see it. The engines are so big the size, the noise and the smell are fascinating to kids; when you see their faces as the engine turns, their eyes are

so big. When Steamtown was created, the National Park Service decided to use the existing portions of the Roundhouse (dating from 1902, 1917 and 1937) as a part of the museum complex. The engines are on the turntable at about 9:30 a.m. and again at 3 p.m. Steamtown also features a Technology Museum and a History Museum, which explore the people, history, technology

and lore of steam railroading. The museums include images, artifacts, films, restored freight and passenger cars and a sectioned steam locomotive. An Education and Discovery Center offers programs for children ages 5 through 10. Program topics may vary, but theyre handson, child-friendly learning and multi-media presentations. Although programs are included in the park entrance fee, due to space limitations, free tickets are required (available at the Visitor Center Desk). A new activity this year is a family friendly interactive exhibit entitled What Can Be Found Under the Ground in a Railroad Yard. This fun and educational exhibit will make its debut April 21. It includes an above-ground dig site with a dig and match activity where families and children can dig and sift through a mixture of dirt and

rocks to find items that match objects in the display cases from the different time periods of the railroad yard. The exhibit not only will provide a different perspective on the railroad yard, but is also intended to engage participants by having them think about the people who worked and lived in and near the railroad yard. A Junior Ranger program

enhances childrens visits. There are separate programs for children ages 6 to 9 and ages 9 to 12. Children receive a booklet and need to find specified items throughout Steamtowns site. When the booklet is completed, they may turn it in and receive a badge and certificate. To top off a visit, take one

- continued on page 11

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Kids Around the County

Above, left: Jorden Lum, 4, Lancaster, listens at a program at the Lancaster City Library. Above: youngsters listen at a program at the Lancaster City Library. Above, right: Steven Kernen and daughter Alessandra, 5, East Hempfield Township, color at the Lancaster City Library. Below, right: Jaron Bell Jr., 9, makes his way through the soccer dribble at the Asthma Olympics hosted by the American Lung Association on March 31 at Bright Side Opportunity Center. The event was designed for 6- to 14-year-old children with asthma. Theres no reason why children with asthma cant do everything other kids can do, said Dr. Laura Fisher, of the Allergy & Asthma Center. Jeff Ruppenthal/Sunday News Photos Left: Eight-year-old Cassie works on her balance as she tries out her brand-new, green bicycle at Masonic Village Childrens Home in Elizabethtown March 31. The Masons of Jerusalem Lodge 506 in Philadelphia donated 39 bikes to all 39 children residing at the home. Justin David Graybill/Sunday News Photo

Youngsters at the Penryn Fire Company Mud Sale. Justin David Graybill/Sunday News Photo

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Shopping advice: Knowing whats in your food


(ARA) How do you protect strawberries from an early frost? Some scientists choose to insert a gene from an arctic flounder so the strawberries tolerate the cold, just like the fish. That may sound a bit strange to you, and mounting evidence indicates that tinkering with nature like this might even prove harmful. Its not just about strawberries either. The flounderberry is still lab research, but there are quite a few genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that are already out on the market, on shelves, and in our homes. According to the Grocery Manufacturers Association, more than three quarters of all processed foods on American grocery store shelves contain genetically modified (GM) ingredients. That means that these ingredients were created through processes that combine the genetic building blocks of different species to produce new foods. In January, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) added GM sugar beets, a new form of GM corn and GM alfalfa to the list of GM crops that can be grown and used in food nationwide. For shoppers, it can be hard to identify foods with GM ingredients since manufacturers arent required to label GM foods. This isnt the case in Japan, Australia and Europe, where GM labeling is mandatory. But why all the fuss over a label? Recent research indicates that GM ingredients can correspond to a host of potentially worrisome health concerns, like food allergies and gastrointestinal, reproductive and immune problems. The American Academy of Environmental Medicine has even gone so far as to encourage all physicians to prescribe nonGM diets to their patients. While GM food labeling in the U.S. isnt required, there are some ways consumers can currently identify non-GM foods. For example, you can look for the USDA Organic Seal. By definition, USDA-certified organic foods cant contain GM ingredients. You can also find an abundance of non-GM options in the produce aisle since GM ingredients appear most frequently in processed foods. Only corn and some varieties of squash, papaya, sugar beets and potatoes may come in GM varieties. In the rest of the grocery store, identifying GM foods can prove more difficult, however. Thats where the Non-GMO Project, a non-profit organization that supports nonGM products and helps educate consumers about them, comes in. The Non-GMO Project has a Product Verification Program through which products can become verified as non-GMO, and earn a seal on packaging that lets shoppers know the food doesnt contain GM ingredients. The non-profit Center for Food Safety is helping shoppers navigate the aisles with the True Food Shoppers Guide app, which offers information

on common GM ingredients and brands to choose or avoid. Organizations like The NonGMO Project and Center for Food Safety have gone a long way toward helping shoppers make informed decisions about the food they purchase, but for consumers who would like to see mandatory labeling of GM Foods, the Just Label It! We Have the Right to Know campaign offers an opportunity to make their voices heard. For information, visit www. justlabelit.org.

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Kirsten Freitag Murray Parenting Development Coordinator with Compass Mark, Inc. Social, relational and/ or behavioral issues

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John Holtzapple Safe Kids Certified Car Seat Technician Stadel Volvo Proper car seat selection, installation and harness placement

Question: I just discovered a small wart on my 6 year olds hand. Is there a way to get rid Question: What are your thoughts on giving a baby a pacifier? What age should it be of it without using any harsh medicines? taken from the child? I have a 3yr old foster daughter who is very difficult, alot of crying,tantrums over Question: About 6 months ago, I overstretched my mid back while working out. While sometimes nothing, especially when she is told to do something or not to do, I have kept a Ive rested it and tried going to a chiropractor, it still hurts when I stretch and limits certain daily log and can not find a trigger and she is hard to console when she gets like this. She movements. Should I be working on strengthening this area, and if so, what exercises had a eval and they told me they had no idea why she is like this or no help with her. Any strengthens the mid back? Thanks! suggestions?

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Though men might be more commonly associated with buying gadgets, the tech industry is not as much of a boys club as one may think. Aside from one consumer electronic category, women are the consumers most likely to shop for tech toys.
When it comes to smartphones, laptops and tablets, more women than men can be found waiting in those long lines outside the big electronics stores. At the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, HSN noted that women expressed more interest in many of the hottest electronic gadgets than men. Women have shown more interest in tablets, laptops and smartphones, and are two to three percent more likely to make purchases than their male counterparts. The only category where men make up a larger percentage of interested parties is with the intent to purchase flat-screen LCD televisions. Parks Associates, a marketing intelligence firm, was in charge of gathering information from female and male consumers and drawing conclusions about their intentions. The Dallasbased firm collected surveys from about 2,000 adults in late 2011 and found that women are more interested in tech gadgets than men. Furthermore, research indicates that after purchasing a top tech gadget, women are more inclined than men to learn about the device, participating in digital media offerings, like watching movies online or playing games with phones or tablets. These results might question conventional wisdom, but are not necessarily that surprising. A survey commissioned by Rebtel, a mobile voice over IP provider, found that women are more likely to use social media than men. More than 60 percent of women use social media to stay in touch with their friends and family members. This reality could be fueling womens greater interest than men in devices that enable social media and digital communication. Whats more, it has long been known that women are the primary consumer decision-makers in the home, and more and more women are now flexing their purchasing power in the tech market. Although personal use gadgets are at the top of the list for womens purchases, females have also shown a growing interest in tech-powered appliances and other home-related convenience items. The stereotype that tech items are a guy thing is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Women are at the forefront in gadget purchases and becoming the prime decision-makers on these types of purchases. So, what have you bought lately?

Women surpass men in tech buys

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Holding down the fort


Easter lessons

The (K) Clues are for Kids


Created by Timothy E. Parker June 18, 2011

2011 Universal Uclick www.amuniversal.com/ups

40-A) U-boat

Riddle answer:

Spring and Easter season are the embodiment of the rite of passage and fittingly coincides with our decision to move to Lancaster County in May 1999 from the Philadelphia area where I grew up. We were compelled by the prospect of lower property taxes and greater home values but convinced that our forthcoming children would thrive in a rural, pastoral setting. Julie and I each commuted to work more than 100 mile per day and running local errands in Lancaster County took us miles instead of blocks. But so what? Gas cost 99 cents per gallon in 1999! The trade-off for security and a simple, uncomplicated life for our children meant limited options. But, again, so what? We left behind annoying crowds and tons of traffic; think Route 30 on Saturday afternoon. Yep, Michael and Maggie ate healthy, locally grown foods and were growing up themselves in a community soaked in traditional sensibilities of respect and restrained aggressiveness well beyond the often unpleasant competitiveness found in the city. Life was so simple that the kids as toddlers differentiated the few stores we frequented: Walmart was the Blue Store, Yoders Market was the Brown Store, and Shady Maple was the White store. However, over the years a culture clash was evident as our blasphemous babies began to balk on fresh vegetables. The kids from their car seats could spot minuscule McDonalds golden arches miles away on the highway horizon. Maggie had obviously affected a Philly accent as evidenced by her kindergarten paper in which she spelled water as w-o-o-d-e-r. Her requests to go to Organdairy

(Oregon Dairy) for ice cream screamed South Philadelphia. On the other hand, Michael had adopted a local dialect. He shook his fist and mimicked my playful Three Stooges tagline of Why I Oughta! as Why I Yoder! And any illusion that we were immune to hostile rivalry and competition crashed down during an Easter Egg hunt seven years ago when Maggies March birthday advanced her to the disastrous 4-year-old group at the municipal park. She was spun, bumped, and spilled her Easter basket leaving her redfaced and crying. Ill never forget that look. Thats when I realized perhaps I knew all along that you can protect your children only so much and that competitiveness and assertiveness are worthy, even desirable traits that children must acquire. That Easter has resonated as a sort of graduation day for our family and a reminder of how much weve grown. In fact, Michael, 7, last year even directed our home egghunt which resulted in another unforgettable Easter. Michaels hidden hardboiled egg in the patio furniture umbrella stand went undetected for weeks even after I set up the umbrella and unknowingly pierced the now rotting tie-dyed egg. Ah, did I forget to mention that Lancaster County fresh air?

ACROSS 1. (K) Football officials 5. Mutts pal 9. (K) Owns 12. Jai ___ 13. (K) One of the Great Lakes 14. Joan of ___ 15. (K) Mark Twains Huckleberry 16. (K) Add water to this and make mud 17. FBI ally 18. (K) Felt-tip writing instrument (2 words) 21. (K) Weak or delicate 23. Where Gilligan was stranded 24. 22nd letter of the Greek alphabet 25. (K) Wake from sleep 30. (K) Writing instrument used for artwork (2 words)

35. Despise 36. Metal-bearing mineral 37. (K) Prefix for freeze 40. German submarine 42. (K) Writing instrument using ink cartridges (2 words) 47. (K) Show receivers 48. (K) Luke Skywalkers master 49. (K) Not move with the car running 52. (K) Cartoon cry at the sight of a mouse 53. (K) Door opener 54. (K) Opposite of bad 55. Initials of Jekylls creator 56. (K) Long and skinny sea animals 57. (K) They may

come from chickens DOWN 1. UK flyers of WWII (Abbr.) 2. Actor Wallach 3. (K) Letter to a celebrity (2 words) 4. (K) Mountain that Moses climbed 5. (K) 48-Across for one 6. Speed skater Heiden 7. (K) Not soft or saggy 8. Cheese made with goats milk 9. Writers of dubious talent 10. (K) Disneys Little Mermaid 11. (K) Frighten 19. Reflection off water 20. Nothing, in France 21. Agcy. regulating airwaves 22. 17th letter

of the Greek alphabet 26. Soak, as flax 27. Lyrical poem 28. (K) ___ and downs 29. Play matchmaker 31. Norse god 32. Hunting canine (2 words) 33. Roth ___ 34. (K) Allow 37. (K) Opposite of before 38. (K) Book of fiction 39. (K) Rhinos weapons 41. (K) Yellowishgray 43. (K) Little kid 44. Steak sauce brand 45. (K) American ___ (TV show) 46. Seizes 50. (K) Large piece of a tree 51. Begley and Begley

Can you find the answer to this riddle within the solved puzzle?

It tries to avoid charges?


PUZZLE ANSWERS

L ancaster, P a.

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locomotive. The trip gives an overall view of the railroad yards. Due to work in the railroad yard, different routes may be used. The Scranton Limited rides begin April 28, departing at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 and 2:15 p.m. on Wednesdays through Sundays (cost is $5 per person in addition to park entrance fee). Daily admission fees for Steamtown are $7 per adult; free

APRIL 14, 2012 11

Oatmeal raisin muffins Day trip


1 cup oats 1 cup skim milk 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup wheat flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 dash salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon 2 egg whites 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup applesauce 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2/3 cup raisins Preheat oven to 375 F and spray muffin tins Blend the wet ingredients to grease. Soak oats in and the oats. Fold in the dry the milk for several minutes. Sift together the flour and dry ingredients, then the raisins. Spoon batter into muffin tins. ingredients. Mix together the Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. egg, sugar, applesauce and vanilla.

- continued from page 6

of the various rail excursions. The Scranton Limited Short Train Excursion gives visitors a chance to experience riding in an historic commuter car (the cars were built between 1915 and 1935) behind either a vintage steam locomotive or an historic diesel-electric

for children ages 15 and under accompanied by adult. During National Park Week Saturday, April 21 to Sunday, April 29 the entrance fee is waive; all indoor and outdoor exhibit areas and park museum are included in the Fee Free Week. For information and a schedule of excursions and special events, visit http://www.nps.gov/stea/ index.htm.

Kirsten Freitag Murray


- continued from page 5

when one or more of these issues caused conflict in a relationship with another parent. You have been labeled as too lenient in some situations and far too strict in others. When we decide to form our own families, we bring baggage from our childhoods, both good and bad. We bring both healthy and faulty ideas and practices from our family of origin, our personal

feelings of inadequacy and, of course, our deepest beliefs and values. Possessing the ability to share our values with the folks who are raising their kids alongside ours is important. It gives us the opportunity to evaluate our values and practices as we talk about them in a nonjudgmental way. Who knows maybe my idea is just what my friend needs this week. Or perhaps I havent looked

at the big picture, and I need to tweak some things in my parenting. By being intentional about how your family will function best, you can then be confident in your parenting choices. Confident ... I didnt say perfect! Kirsten Freitag Murray, Parenting Development Coordinator with Compass Mark, Inc., is a contributor to the LancMoms.com Ask an Expert feature.

Mom
- continued from page 3

the best of even the most chaotic situations. One of her goals with her children was to make memories. Kurtz said, Even in hard times, we found laughter. During one of the Kurtz family moves (Kait was about 11 and Brandon was 14), Kurtz remembers, We were in an old pickup truck. Kait would feed me as I drove and Brandon would navigate. At the time it was stressful but we look back and the kids still talk about it. When they talk about living out in Colorado, they remember: We were in the middle of nowhere and we built a ranch. We had cows, pigs and horses. We just did it. Along the way, the Kurtz family always made friends or always had someone help them make their new house a home. They were even able to find surrogate grandparents!

Additionally Kurtz was also able to maintain her professional career as a director of dietary services in long term care facilities throughout different locations. Kurtz said all these experiences while growing up gave my kids the idea they could do anything. Now Brandon and Kait are adults and Kurtz and her husband are now grandparents to Kaits almost two-year-old son, Kayden. The couple moved back to Pennsylvania in 2010 to be closer to family. They purchased a farm house and Kurtz is very busy renovating and redecorating it. She wants there to be room for everyone, including, she said, future grandchildren! Probably, she says, one of the most important jobs is getting the playground finished. Daughter Kait says about

the house, Its turning from just that house on the corner to the house that people admire as they drive by. Kurtz still enjoys a special relationship with her grown children. Recently Brandon asked her to go house hunting with him and has also asked her for help in decorating his new home. Kurtz said it is a neat turnaround. She said, Even though you have an adult relationship with your children, they will always need their mom. And Kurtz especially loves being a grandmother. She said it is different than being a mother because you can just love more freely. At this stage in her life, Kurtz says she has more time and her chores can wait. Plus, she doesnt have to think about discipline, just being with her grandson and loving him to pieces!

Vicki Kurtz currently works part time as an office manager. She appreciates the flexibility her job offers her. ... loves to work outdoors and especially loves to work on her homes landscaping. ... is looking forward to a total kitchen renovation. ... is a talented singer and can also play piano. ... loves to read. ... uses texting as a quick and easy way to communicate with her

Mom of the Month Details

friends and family. Favorite television shows for Kurtz include reality shows like Survivor, The Amazing Race and Celebrity Apprentice. I like to people watch, she said. Favorite foods for Kurtz are a good steak or Italian dishes. She enjoys cooking now that she has more time in her life. She likes to cook using fresh ingredients from Roots Market.

Educating Lancasters Children for over 25 years!

2750 Weaver Road, Lancaster www.montlanc.com


Karen Rubenstein, Director ~ director@montlanc.com

717-560-0815 Ph 717-560-0817 Fax Ages 20 months thru 6th grade

12 APRIL 14, 2012

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