Bee Mine Children’s Consignment and Specialty Boutique was invited to outfit a Fashion Show on March 5th at the Ocean County Mall.

It is at the end of a week long Dare to Care fundraiser, for Ocean of Love. Ocean of Love is a non-profit,charitable organization dedicated to helping Ocean County children with cancer and their families. Their purpose is to assist the children through their illness. They provide financial and emotional support so that they can experience the “normal” joys of childhood, knowing their lives are significant and meaningful to each and every one of us.

Bee Mine is in search of 10 boys and 10 girls ages  Newborn to 13 years old, to walk the Hollywood themed runway on March  5th. But we will also be looking for children to just wear some of our  items, such as headbands, hats and tutu’s and to be a part of the audience,  too! There is no limit for that!

In an effort to help raise funds for  Ocean of Love, Bee Mine will be conducting a Model search at our location,  1717 Route 37 East in Toms River, part of the Pied Piper Swim  School building, on Saturday, February 12th from 10AM to 3PM. There is a $10  application fee which will go directly to benefit Ocean of Love.  All kiddies interested in being a model, must be photographed by  Michael, our awesome photographer from The Picture People. If you are  interested, but not able to make it on the 12th, please call to make other  arrangements. Please call the store at 732-360-7793 or stop in, by  February 9th to fill out the application. We can also set an appointment  time for you that day!

Many activities will be taking place at the  shop on February 12th! E Video Productions (evideoproductions.net) will also  be there documenting the events of both days! Once Upon A Dream, Birthday  Parties For your Little Princess, will be polishing nails, Tracey, from  Tracey’s Funtastic Face Painting will be here from 11AM to 3PM!Designer  cupcakes will be provided by Joyful Treatz, as well as many other neat  surprises and events going on that day!

One applicant’s family will  also be chosen as The Focus Family for a month for the Your Child Today  magazine. If your child is chosen as one of our Models, you both must commit  to being at the Fashion Show at The Ocean County Mall on March 5th. We  strongly encourage all participants to attend the show on March 5th. There  will be a band and entertainment as well as other exciting activities, as well.

Please help us raise money for such an amazing organization.  They have helped Ocean County families with children with cancer since  October 1988 when it was co-founded by Linda Gillick and the late George  Goldt. In the words of the founder, “I hope that in my  lifetime we will be able to close our doors because cancer will have been  eradicated.  Until that day, we will do our best to provide the daily  needs of these children and their families.  We will hold their hands.  . . hug them tight. . . and provide the love and support emotionally and  financially to walk the road of hope”. Let’s help try to make that a  reality!

By Jennifer Enright

Nicole and Larry DelliSanti were high school sweethearts when they both attended Brick High School in the 1990’s, but Cupid’s arrow didn’t shoot them straight to the alter.  Like many young couples, they went their separate ways after graduation.  Nicole attended college in Florida, while Larry stayed in New Jersey. But every time Nicole came back home during school breaks, she would run into Larry – at the Toms River Diner or over in Seaside.  By the spring of 1998, Cupid’s aim was right on target and the two reunited for good.  Married in September 2003 at Aberdeen’s Garden Manor, the location of their 1994 prom, they have matching prom and wedding photos in front of the Manor’s famous fountain.  Cupid must have been checking on them in February 2008 as the twosome became a threesome with the birth of daughter Gianna.  Gianna will soon become a big sister, as they are expecting a baby boy in June.  Rounding out the family are Boxers Bella and Luigi.

The family resides in Toms River where Larry owns and operates Amazing Creations Landscaping and Lawn Care, which he started in 1998 under a different name.  The company has been under its current name since 2002.  Nicole works part-time for Verizon Wireless, commuting to Philadelphia three days most weeks.  She started working at the Toms River Verizon Wireless store 10 years ago while continuing her education at Georgian Court University.  She was able to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Marketing, paid for by Verizon.  “They have a fantastic education program.  As long as you maintain good grades, Verizon will pay for your entire degree, including books!” Nicole claims.

YCT: Tell us a little about your family and your daughter’s personality.

Nicole: Gianna’s got a great big personality.  She’s a very happy child and only gets cranky if she’s tired or sick.  We call her a trip because she is hilarious, has an excellent vocabulary and understands everything we say.  Even though she’s a girly-girl who wears tutus, she holds her own with the boys at her school – she can be quite a brute!  We are fortunate to have lots of extended family in the area.  My mother and Larry’s mother and stepfather all live right here in Toms River.  My sisters and brother, and Larry’s sister are all close by and we see them often.  Although my father passed away years ago, Larry’s dad fills the grandpa role for Gianna fantastically.  Even though he lives up north, he tries to come down and see her every weekend.  Gianna is the first grandchild on both sides of our family, and she is certainly spoiled with love and attention.  It will be interesting to see how she reacts when our son is born and she doesn’t get the spotlight all to herself anymore!

YCT: What is a typical day like in your home?

Nicole: On the days that I work, I leave at 7am and don’t get home until 6pm.  Larry is gone all day, especially during the busy summer season.  Gianna goes to Oceans of Fun in Toms River for two hours twice a week. She loves all the crafts and activities they do.  She also goes to the Learning Center, which is tied to the Toms River school district schedule.  They have a more structured curriculum and the teachers are so nice.  Larry’s mom also watches her one day a week.  Dinner depends on what kind of day we had, but we tend to go out quite often so we can spend more time with Gianna without having to focus on getting dinner ready and cleaning up.  We try to give her a bath before dinner, so that she can settle down and get to sleep by 9pm.  We are going to convert her crib to a regular bed soon, and plan to begin nightly story time then.  She wants to hold books when we read to her and it’s difficult with her still in the crib.  Larry made up a bedtime song and sings it to her every night.  She can’t go to sleep without it!

One the days that I’m not working, we always have something going on.  Gianna loves to keep busy and absolutely loves water, so we often go toaquariums and waterparks, including indoor places when it’s cold.  We try to do something fun with her every weekend and recently took her to NYC to see the holiday decorations and Toy Story on Ice.

YCT: What other activities does Gianna enjoy?

Nicole: She goes to swim lessons at Pied Piper – we started before she could walk and now she can swim by herself.  Last year, she attended classes at Shore Ballet.  Now that she’s potty trained, we have more options open to explore.

YCT: What is your favorite thing to do locally with your family?

Nicole: Our favorite place is the beach and boardwalk – both Point Pleasant and Seaside. Larry’s cousin owns a restaurant on the boardwalk in Seaside so we go there a lot in the summer.  Last year, Gianna was a little bit big for the kiddie rides but not quite ready for the big kid rides.  She has absolutely no fear, so we’re really looking forward to this summer when she’ll be able to ride the bigger kid rides by herself.  She absolutely loves Bounce U in Lakewood, and the Euro Jump in the Ocean County Mall.  She will stay on that all day if we let her, and she usually charms the operator into giving her extra time on it.

YCT: Do you have any favorite local vacation spots?

Nicole: About nine years ago we decided to get away for a long weekend, and started driving down the Parkway.  After we crossed the Delaware on the ferry, we just kept going and saw signs for Ocean City, Maryland.  We decided to check it out and discovered that we absolutely love it there.  Since then, we’ve gone back every year.  It’s perfect for couples, but even better now that we have a child.  It is so clean and the boardwalk is very family-oriented.  The hotel where we always stay has two pools, with water slides and a lazy river.  We rent bikes and ride right up on the boardwalk for our meals.  We are big seafood lovers and they have the best crab in the world there!

Next month, we are taking our first big family vacation to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida.  Gianna is going to go nuts when we get there because she watches the Disney Channel all the time and loves Mickey Mouse.

YCT: Have you ever gone on vacation without the kids?

Nicole: In November 2009, we went to Mexico for eight days.  Both our mothers took care of Gianna, but the trip was too long, and the last few days were rough on the grandmas and on us.  We hope to take a shorter trip before the baby is born in June.  We will definitely be going away in November to attend the island wedding of our close friends.

YCT: Do you have a favorite family-friendly restaurant?

Nicole: We love Shogun in Toms River.  We have been going there since Gianna was a baby, and they all know her and love her.  It’s like she’s a celebrity when we go – the owner walks around with her, showing her off to all the guests.

YCT: What is your favorite date night location and how often do you get to go out with just your husband?

Nicole: We rarely go out alone even though both grandmas will watch her any time.  But since we only have one child now, we just take her with us.  I’m sure that will change when the new baby comes, though!  Once in a while, we go to the Long Branch Pier or Atlantic City with friends or Larry’s sister.  We don’t like to gamble, but we love all the restaurants.

YCT: What is your favorite non-mommy thing to do and how often do you get to do it?

Nicole: I know it sounds like a cliché, but I just love to go shopping.  It’s like meditation to me.  I enjoy shopping for other people as much as myself.  It’s my getaway.  I love everything but the credit card bill!  I also enjoy a monthly dinner out with my girlfriends.  Sometimes, we’ll head to NYC and see a Broadway Show.

YCT: What is your husband’s favorite non-daddy thing to do?

Nicole: Larry likes to go to the gym or work around the house.  He’s always got a house project going on and really enjoys working with his hands.  He used to surf and have lots of other hobbies, but now his whole like is working on his business and spending time with family.

YCT: Do you patronize any advertisers from our magazine?

Nicole: Besides Shore Ballet and Pied Piper, we also enjoy Jenkinson’s and the Casino Pier.  Gianna also has a great time at Oceans of Fun.  We went to Sue’s Point of View Photography for Gianna’s first birthday portrait and Sue did a great job.  She’s so patient and didn’t get upset when Gianna smashed birthday cake all over the place.  The pictures were so good that printed them as her first birthday party invitations.  We’re looking for a summer program for Gianna, something to keep her busy while I tend to the new baby, and are considering Kum Sung Academy.

YCT: Do you have any parenting advice that you would like to offer our readers?

Nicole: I really believe that living in an area like this, surrounded by water, that teaching your kids to swim is crucial.  For us, it’s just as important as going to school.  We feel that starting Gianna with swim lessons when she was just six months old was the best thing we ever did.  We think that it’s easier to start when kids are very young, before they develop any fear of the water.

YCT: What is your favorite part of Your Child Today magazine?

Nicole: We really rely on the calendar of events because we like to keep busy and are always looking for something to do with Gianna.

Whether it’s to play in the surf, build a sandcastle, take a dip in the pool, have a bite to eat, or indulge in a relaxing massage, the best thing about Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island, the Bahamas is that all of these things can be done right on the hotel’s unique ocean-themed property.  For those traveling with kids, this is a tremendous advantage as parents don’t have to worry about packing up the little ones and driving to the beach or other activities.  Once the family wakes up and is ready to start the day, everything is right outside the hotel room.

Shari O’Connor has enjoyed a number of vacations at the Paradise Island destination and is looking forward to a trip this year with her children.

“Atlantis is just an awesome place to vacation,” says O’Connor.   “I have been there at least 20 times but our trip in May will be the first time with the kids.  The best thing is that there is plenty to do for everyone.  Atlantis has great pools for all ages and really terrific beaches, too.  They have the aquariums and lots of things for kids which we will experience in May.   Also, it’s a relatively short plane ride from New Jersey which is extremely helpful when traveling with kids.  If parents can handle the flight to Disney World in Florida, they can make it to the Bahamas since it is a comparable trip.    My husband and I are really looking forward to our trip to Atlantis with our three-year-old triplets.”

Before your family makes a reservation this year like the O’Connors, it’s important to thoroughly research the resort’s accommodations and decide which type of room would work best.  The Cove Atlantis offers contemporary suites while the Royal Towers is situated in the middle of all the action and Coral and Beach Towers are situated in a relaxing and tropical setting.  The Reef Atlantis offers many of the comforts of home in spacious studios and one-bedroom suites.  Having additional living space may be more suitable for larger families.

Another factor to consider is whether or not to purchase one of the hotel’s two dining plans.  Your family can choose from the Value Dining Plan which is $50 per day for adults and $25 per day per child (ages 7-11).  This plan offers a full American or continental breakfast and dinner daily at Seagrapes, Marketplace, or Virgil’s Barbeque which opens in July.  Guests can enjoy a choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert for dinner.   The Atlantis Dining Plan is more expensive but offers a wider selection of dining choices.  This plan is $95 a day for adults and $35 a day for children.  The Atlantis Dining plan offers a full American or continental breakfast at Voyagers, Seagrapes, Murray’s Delicatessen, Plato’s, Marketplace, Virgils BBQ* (Opens on July 1, 2011), Mosaic or The Pointe Restaurant & Bar and dinner daily in Seagrapes, Bahamian Club, Casa D’Angelo, Chop Stix, Marina Pizzeria, Bimini Road, Carmine’s, Murray’s Delicatessen, Atlas Bar & Grill, Marketplace, Virgils BBQ, Mesa Grill, Mosaic or The Pointe Restaurant & Bar.  Dinner includes a choice of one appetizer, entrée and dessert. Children ages 6 and under eat free.  It’s important to note that meal plans cannot be purchased on the Island, so all reservations must be made prior to arrival.

Lisa Tozzi spent five days at Atlantis over the summer with her husband, two kids, and parents.  They purchased one of the dining plans before the trip and found it be well worth the money.

“Buying the dining plan was very helpful,” says Tozzi.  “It seemed expensive at first, but it was cost effective in the long run.  We enjoyed a full breakfast buffet at many of the resort’s restaurants and dinner in the evenings.  The dinner was an appetizer, entree and dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage for both adults and kids.  The breakfast buffets were phenomenal as were the dining choices.  Like any resort, alcoholic drinks were fairly expensive as was food a la carte at both the casual dining places and the take-out concessions by the pools and restaurants.”

Allison Vogel and her family also purchased one of the meal plans which they would highly recommend to other guests, as well.

“We purchased the meal plan which was worth it to us,” says Vogel.  “It included breakfast, a snack and dinner.  The breakfast buffet was huge and we ate later in the morning so that we really didn’t need lunch.”

As those with kids know, children are always thirsty and hungry, so Vogel says it’s a good idea to have some additional drinks and snacks handy throughout the day.

“Just remember, that everything you buy there is very expensive, so pack as much water, snacks, and sunscreen that you need and then some,” says Vogel. “Another tip is to bring cups with lids for the kids to the breakfast buffet.  They can fill them up there and then have adrink later in the day.   If possible, pack a soft cooler that can fold up in your suitcase for the trip and fill it with ice and drinks for the day.”

After a restful night of sleep and a bountiful breakfast, the next item on the agenda is to decide how your family will spend the day since there are countless activities and things to do.

One of the most popular attractions is the resort’s Aquaventure Water Park which is a unique 141-acre waterscape.  It is available to every guest of the Atlantis Resort.  The water-park features thrilling water slides, a mile-long river ride with rolling rapids and wave surges, 20 swimming areas, a water-play fort made especially with kids in mind, and 11 different pools.  This sprawling water area uses over 20 million gallons of water.

Lisa Tozzi’s two children thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of Aquaventure which is one of the largest water parks in the Eastern Hemisphere.

“There were two lazy rivers, and lots of water slides, some of which were more appropriate for older kids and adults,” says Tozzi.  “The kids spent a lot of time playing in the water-play fort since it offered a lot for them to do.  In addition to this play area just for kids, there were also other mini-water slides throughout the resort.  The kids also really enjoyed seeing many live animals in various pools throughout the resort.  One pool was full of sea turtles and another with stingrays and sharks.  Each pool had designated feeding times which was fun for the kids to see.  Since Atlantis offers so many activities and things to do, I found the daily “activity list” which was in our hotel room every day to be extremely helpful.   This way I knew exactly where things were being held and the specific times for each activity such as arts and crafts, feeding of marine life, or cooking classes.”

Vogel’s children also enjoyed the resort’s water-based activities, but she could see parents of really small children having a problem with some of the water rides.

“They were very strict about height requirements,” says Vogel.  “The lazy river was not lazy.  It was more like white water rafting on a tube.  They did have a pool and a slide area for children 48 inches and under but I think it is a vacation that you would enjoy most with school age children.”

In addition to the Aquaventure Water Park, there are countless water adventures for your family to choose from.  The snorkel excursions take place aboard a 45-foot catamaran and are two and a half hours long.  Guests will learn from an Atlantis Aquarist about coral reefs and fish.  The Bahamas is also a great place to scuba dive.  For over ten years, it has been named “Best Place to Dive with Big Animals.”  This is for certified divers who want to explore walls, reefs, and wrecks.  Snuba is also offered which is a terrific way to experience the undersea marine life without being scuba certified.

If your family is really looking to enjoy a different type of water activity, check out Dolphin Cay which is situated on 14 acres and uses 6.6 million gallons of crystal clear seawater.  It is one of the largest and most sophisticated marine habitats and dolphin rescue-rehabilitation facilities anywhere in the world.  In this attraction, vacationers have the unique opportunity to swim with dolphins.  Guests are provided with all-day access to Dolphin Cay’s private beach.  Wet suits and lockers are provided and souvenir photos of your experience are available for purchase.  Guests can wade in waist-deep waters for an up-close experience with the dolphins or they can take part in a deep water swim which allows participants to snorkel and glide alongside a dolphin with your very own water scooter.  Tozzi’s family found this part of the vacation to be extremely exciting and memorable.

“Dolphin Cay was a wonderful experience for my family,” says Tozzi.  “We were ‘suited up’ in short wetsuits which the resort provided so we could all get into the tanks and swim with the dolphins.  My kids absolutely loved it.”

There’s also ’ The Dig which features habitats for 100 venomous Indo-Pacific Ocean Lionfish, 500 piranhas, iridescent jellyfish and six-foot Moray Eels.  Your family can take an exciting journey through the streets and tunnels of the lost city of Atlantis while viewing marine life exhibits.  There is also an interactive touch tank aquarium, filled with conch, starfish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, crabs and horseshoe crabs.

Tozzi’s family enjoyed this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“A big attraction is their ‘Dig’ which is an underground Mayan dig ground,” says Tozzi. “We walked through and saw gigantic underground tanks with thousands of sea animals, stingrays, sharks, turtles, and exotic fish.  We were able to visit a touch tank to touch sea urchins and starfish which the kids really liked.”

All of the activities are a lot fun and will definitely keep your family busy throughout the day, but don’t forget to spend some time just relaxing on the sand, too. There are three beautiful beaches available to guests of Atlantis, Paradise Island.  Seven-acre Paradise Lagoon offers snorkeling, paddle boats, and other water sports in a protected environment which is great for those with kids.

Lisa Tozzi made it a priority to enjoy the white sandy beaches for part of the trip.

“Of course, we spent a lot of time on the beach where the water was so blue, clean and calm,” says Tozzi.  “The beaches were just beautiful.”

After the sun sets each evening, there are various ways to relax and enjoy the nightlife.  Atlantis has over 40 restaurants, bars and lounges, a comedy club, theatre, nightclub, and casino.  There are even options for families.  Kids can enjoy a few arcade games at Gamer’s Reef or build a stuffed animal from scratch at Atlantis Pals.  The Earth and Fire Pottery Studio offers kids a chance to explore their creative sides.  There is also the Atlantis Kids Adventures program, Club Rush for pre-teens and a brand new nightclub, CRUSH, just for teens.

Whether you are soaking in the sun or splashing in the surf, there are many ways to spend your time at Atlantis, Paradise Island.  In addition to the many amenities the resort offers, it’s also a short flight from the Jersey Shore which makes it a very desirable vacation destination for area families.

Tozzi’s family had an early morning flight which enabled them to kick off their shoes and relax around lunchtime.

“Continental Airlines offered a direct flight to Nassau from Newark Liberty International Airport early in the morning when we traveled,” says Tozzi.  “This was great because it gave us a good portion of the day to enjoy the beach and the resort.  The flight was a little under three hours, which is just slightly longer than going to Disney World.  Overall we gave the resort a high rating since there was so much to see and do.  There were many other families vacationing at the resort, too.  In fact, we even bumped into a family we knew from back home!”

For more information or to make a reservation, visit atlantis.com.  The website provides comprehensive information about special events and packages.  You can also view photos and videos of the resort, browse through maps, or see the current weather.  Or call 1-800-atlantis for additional information or reservations.

Noteworthy Events for 2011 at Atlantis, Paradise Island:

1.)   CRUSH, the ultimate nightclub for teens ages 13 to 17 vacationing on Paradise Island, will be having their grand opening January 1, 2011. CRUSH is a 14,000 square-foot space that boasts an Internet Lounge—complete with multi-touch computers and surface tables with photo editing and publishing interfaced to Facebook, a Gaming Room stocked with state-of-the-art technology ranging from the new Microsoft flagship motion sensor product Kinect for Xbox 360 to a floor-to-ceiling gaming tree with 24 gaming consoles, ten private gaming cabanas, and even a selection of iPads for internet browsing. Multi-purpose video walls decorate the Dance Club’s VIP sections and a live DJ is accessible via a touch screen song request system. There’s also a bar serving non-alcoholic drinks and the CRUSH Café serves up snacks, from pizzas to smoothies to ice cream and more.

2.)   Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp, President’s Day Weekend, February 17-20, 2011.  Adult rockers will be mentored by world-renowned music rock star “counselors” including Tommy Lee, solo artist and founding member of the metal band Mötley Crüe, Ace Frehley, an original member of the rock band Kiss and Lita Ford, formerly the lead guitarist/singer of The Runaways.  A special “Young Rockers” program for teens aged 12-16 is also available.  Campers will write and record original music, participate in jam sessions and rehearsals and conclude the weekend with a finale concert where the rock-legends will perform live on stage with each camper’s band.

3.)   Atlantis Kids Adventures is now available at the resort.  Resort guests ages 3-12 are able to choose their own adventure at AKA, with staff Adventure Guides available to help with culinary lessons, interactive electronic art, theater and outdoor play.  All of the activities are customized to each child’s own personal interests.  The 8,000 square-foot area features interactive touch-screen walls, tables and floors.  Projections on the walls and floors feature schools of fish and other creatures that follow fingers and swim away from the touch of hands; lizards may chase their feet across the floor or beach balls may bounce around them.  Children, also known as Adventurers, are matched with an Adventure Guide for their day of exploration at AKA, which features themed spaces designed specifically for children’s imagination and enjoyment.  Some of the activities include: a culinary kitchen, game room, Wizardology reading room, fully stocked “grocery store”,computer area, performance area, and a LEGO construction area.  Adventurers can send a postcard with a personalized message and picture directly from their table to their grandparents, teachers and friends at home.  The fully stocked crafts area provides a variety of tactile painting, drawing, designing and decorating activities.  AKA has also employed modern technology for the safety and security of all young guests.  Upon arrival at the club, parents electronically register their children, at which time a digital picture of each is taken.  The child is outfitted with a coded bracelet and when parents return, AKA Adventurers are able to locate their child immediately using a Radio Frequency Identification system which pinpoints exactly which area of the club they are currently exploring.   Partial and full-day participation at AKA is available, as well as special evening programs, including Candy Carnival and Buccaneer’s Bash themed nights.  Prices for AKA programming range from $45 to $65 per session.  For more information about Atlantis Kids Adventures, or to make a reservation for Atlantis, Paradise Island, please call 1-800-ATLANTIS or visit atlantis.com.

By Jennifer Enright

The third time was the charm for Janice and Patrick Farrell of Manchester Township.  Having met, and briefly dated, twice before deciding to go their separate ways, they did not seem destined to spend their lives together.  Yet when a mutual friend suggested they go on a date several years later, something clicked and they have been together ever since.  They married in 1998, originally settling in Pat’s hometown of North Brunswick before moving to their current home in Manchester in 2002.  “I don’t know why it didn’t work out the first two times we dated.  I guess it just wasn’t the right time,” Janice describes.  “Something was pulling us together, though, because it was my co-worker’s boyfriend, who was also a good friend of Pat’s, who suggested we go out that third time.  It really is a small world – with so many possible connections,” she notes.

The couple were blessed with two daughters, eight-year-old Kiley, and Bailey, age 10.  Rounding out the family is a six-year-old Maltese named Archie.  “He’s a real mama’s dog, the son I never had,” quips Janice, adding that Archie loves to be on Janice’s lap when he’s not delighting the kids by dancing on his back legs.

Janice left her job as a manager at Verizon to stay home when the girls were small.  About two years ago, she found a job as aparaprofessional at Manchester Township Elementary School aiding children with challenges.  “I have the best job in the world.  I make less money than I used to, but I get so much joy from my job and the kids,” she claims.  Pat has worked for the NJ Department of Corrections for the past 11 years.  Since he often has to work on weekends, the family tries to “seize the moment,” says Janice, and spend as much time together as possible.

The active family likes to take spontaneous trips, often to locales complimenting the girls’ school curriculum.  They have traveled to the historic village in Allaire State Park in Farmingdale and Monmouth Battlefield to tie-in with the girls’ studies of colonial times and NJ history.  Since Janice considers herself “directionally challenged”, the advent of GPS has been a boon to the family’s journeys, noting, “I just yell ‘road trip!’ and everyone is ready to go in 15 minutes for a surprise adventure.  In the past, I wouldn’t tell them where we were going in case we got lost, but now we have GPS and sometimes still keep it a secret just so it will be a big surprise when we get there.”

YCT: Tell us a little about your family and the personalities of each of your children.

Janice: Bailey is kind and confident, and wants to be a lawyer.  She loves to write and scored advanced proficient on her NJAsk Language Arts test last year.  She often writes about our road trips in her journal.  A very serious student, she has a really great sense of humor.  Her classmates have even commented on how funny her written stories are.  Kiley, on the other hand, is very different.  She’s very free-spirited, our ‘hippie’ child, and loves nature and being outside – she’d rather climb a tree or ride on her scooter than do her homework.  She wants to be a chef and recently told me she is going to open a five-star restaurant in Paris right under the Eifel Tower!

Patrick is a casual guy, both in the way he dresses, and in his attitude.  A history buff, he loves to watch the History Channel on TV.  He’s very family-oriented and would rather spend his free time with his family than be off by himself.  He can be silly and likes to be the ‘fun dad’, so I sometimes have to reign him and the girls in to get homework and chores done.  I love to laugh and strive to maintain a harmonious balance between work and play.

YCT: What is a typical day like in your home?

Janice: Since I work at the school the girls attend, I usually drive them in.  But because I want them to have their own identities at school, I try not to have too much contact with them once we are all there.  After school, we talk about our days while the girls have a snack and do homework.  Then we’re off to activities or the girls play with friends before we reconnect at dinner time.  Bailey loves to read in her room at bedtime, and I often read with Kiley, since it is not her favorite thing to do!

YCT: What activities do your children participate in after school?

Janice: Their absolute favorite activity is to go to Mathnasium in Toms River.  I was really bad at math as a kid – I actually used to cry because it was so difficult for me.  When Bailey was in third grade, she started to struggle a bit with her math lessons, and I didn’t want her to get frustrated like I had been.  So we signed her up for Mathnasium and she thought it was fantastic.  Kiley saw how much Bailey enjoyed it, and asked to go, too.  They incorporate fun games and activities to teach math concepts.  All the tricks and methods they teach make it easy for the girls to be successful at math, which builds their confidence so much.  Even though facts and figures haven’t changed since I was a kid, the way the concepts are taught is so different that there are times that I really can’t help them with homework.  At school, the kids are in large classes with other students of all different levels of math abilities.  Mathnasium gives them individual attention, geared to their own aptitude – a proven recipe for success!

Bailey has taken Irish stepdancing lessons for the past three years.  She performs in the winter concert in December and the June recital.  This year she is looking forward to participating in some St. Patrick’s Day events.  Kiley has gone to gymnastics for several years.  Since third grade is such a challenging academic year, she is not taking lessons this year, but plans to return to classes next year.  And both girls go to CCD at St. John’s Church in Lakehurst.

Kiley loves to swim in our pool in the summer – she’s such a natural and started swimming when she was just two years old.  But both girls are really looking forward to snow!  Last year they built two snowmen – Snowy and Snowy Jr. – in our yard.  They spent a lot of time sledding at Christ Episcopal Church in Toms River.  We can’t wait to take them snow tubing and skiing in the Poconos this year.

YCT: What is your favorite thing to do locally with your family?

Janice: We love to go to Great Adventure and always get season passes.  The girls are fearless on roller coasters.  They also enjoy thesafari, and their favorite thing is Fright Fest where they watch all the dancers perform spooky routines.  The beach is a favorite spot in the summer.  We often go to Seaside’s Casino Pier and Jenkinson’s Boardwalk and Aquarium in Point Pleasant.  The girls also love to go to Castle Park in Toms River when the weather is nice.

YCT: Do you have any favorite local vacation spots?

Janice: During the summer, the girls attend week-long camps at Ocean County College.  Last summer, Kiley did a CSI detective session and Bailey did a “make your own movie” class.  This summer, Bailey plans to attend a writing workshop.  Summer is a big time for our road trips.  We’ve gone to see Lucy the Elephant in Margate, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum in Atlantic City and the Barnegat Lighthouse.  We go to Florida to spend a few weeks every summer with my mother and are really looking forward to planning a European vacation to Ireland and Scotland in 2012.

YCT: Have you ever gone on vacation without the kids?

Janice: We really wouldn’t want to.  We enjoy experiencing new things with our kids and seeing things through their eyes.  It’s so interesting to get their take on things and what it all means to them.

YCT: Do you have a favorite family-friendly restaurant?

Janice: We don’t go out that much, but the Golden Dragon Chinese Restaurant on Route 37 in Toms River and Chevy’s in Brick are our favorites.  And we all love Dairy Queen – Bayville, Tinton Falls, Millstone or Toms River – it doesn’t matter – we will drive for Dairy Queen!

YCT: What is your favorite date night location and how often do you get to go out with just your husband?

Janice: Now that the girls are older, we can get away to the Renault Winery in Egg Harbor or the casinos in Atlantic City for a few hours once in a while.

YCT: What is your favorite non-mommy thing to do and how often do you get to do it?

Janice: Most of my girlfriends are single without children and every couple of months, we will go to dinner and not talk about kids!

YCT: What is your husband¹s favorite non-daddy thing to do?

Janice: He enjoys taking a nice long motorcycle ride towards New Egypt, or going trap-shooting.

YCT: Do you patronize any advertisers from our magazine?

Janice: Besides Mathnasium, Jenkinson’s and the Casino Pier, the girls have gone on the Jersey Shore Pirate Adventure.  We are planning a day at Sparkle Diva and also at Color Me Mine.

YCT: Do you have any parenting advice that you would like to offer our readers?

Janice: My husband would say “you gotta let them be kids” and I would add that it’s so important to spend time with them and hug them.  Especially working with so many kids at school, I can tell you that a little hug can go a long way.

YCT: What is your favorite part of Your Child Today magazine?

Janice: Of course it’s the Calendar of Events.  We are always looking for the next Farrell family adventure!

By  Tricia Berwick

We have officially flipped the calendar to 2011 which means it’s time for a fresh start.  The beginning of a new year is the perfect opportunity to make some improvements in your life.   Commonly called New Year’s resolutions, these commitments or promises often reform lifestyle changes.  Here is a list of some of the most popular New Year’s resolutions:

1.) Improve Health- After enjoying lots of holiday goodies from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, many people use this time to get back on track and resume a healthy lifestyle of diet and exercise.  If you need to lose a few pounds this year, closely look at your daily diet to see exactly what types of food you are eating.  One of the best ways to monitor food consumption is to keep a food journal.  By writing down what you eat, you will be able to hold yourself more accountable.   If you need a little help shedding a few pounds, join a program such as Weight Watchers to help achieve your goals.  Another popular pledge is to exercise more, too.  Fitness centers offer numerous specials and deals during the month of January, which makes it the perfect time to join a health club.  However, if the monthly membership doesn’t fit your budget, make plans to walk with a friend a few days a week.  Having a partner to exercise with on a regular basis will motivate both of you to follow through with your commitment.  The other health-related old standbys are to quit smoking and drink less alcohol.

2.) Improve Finances- After the last holiday gift bill is paid in full, resolve to design a new budget for the family and then stick to it.  Only buy presents for a specific holiday or birthday this year and avoid impulse shopping.  Eat out less and make more meals at home, also.  This will save a significant amount of money throughout 2011.  Instead of buying books and movies, take them out of the library for free. Or, take advantage of the low interest rates, and refinance your mortgage.

3.) Improve Career- Are you stuck in your current job?  If you feel it’s time to look for a new job, polish your resume and market yourself.   Or, use some of your industry contacts to secure a different position.  Networking is very important when looking for a new job opportunity.

4.) Improve Education—If you need to take a few classes to move up in your job or perhaps it’s time to switch careers, research communitycolleges in your area.  Check out the available courses and see if they match your interests.  Another option is to take classes through local adult education centers.  If your schedule is super-busy, look into taking a few classes online.  These days, there are many options and opportunities available.

5.) Volunteer More- Find time in your schedule to volunteer, whether it’s through your religious organization, a local library, or a recreation center in your area.  There are many non-profit volunteer organizations that could use your help.  There’s always a child who can be mentored or a family who may need help with some household repairs.  If your time is limited, maybe you can donate some items to a worthy cause.

6.) Quality Time with Family and Friends– This year, resolve to slow down and spend more quality time with your family and friends.  Create a weekly family activity such as a movie night, pizza night or let the kids select one of their favorite pastimes on the weekends.  Have you been trying to get together with a friend, but just can’t manage to find time to squeeze in a cup of coffee?  Between email, cell phones, and text messages, there’s no reason you can’t keep in touch.  Find a way of communication and set a date to meet for lunch, a drink or even a walk.

7.) Manage Stress- Enjoy your life more.  Stop stressing out about the small stuff and you will notice a definite improvement in your physical and mental health.  Resolve to take a “me” day.  Schedule a vacation day from work or arrange for your husband or a relative to watch your children.  Then, do whatever you want.  Go to a matinee movie, spend the day shopping, or just relax on the couch with a good book.  The important thing is to make one of these dates a few times a year.  It will do wonders for your mental state.

8.) Learn Something New- Maybe it’s time to explore a new hobby or enjoy the fun of learning a new language.  Taking a course through a local adult continuing education center is one of the best ways to keep a resolution.  Once you have signed up and paid your money, you will be more motivated to continue.

9.) Do More Fun Things-Have you been meaning to take a trip?  Research a destination, start saving money, and make the reservations.  If taking a long vacation is not feasible, mark the calendar with a few local day trips.  Having something to look forward to always helps to get through the day-to-day routine.  Another idea is to entertain more.  Throw a party in your home.  It could be to celebrate a holiday or just a chance to gather with friends for some good food and a few laughs.

10.) Keep Your Resolutions - This is perhaps the most challenging resolution of all.  Usually by mid-January, the enthusiasm and excitement about enjoying a fresh start usually begins to fade and many people often resort to their old habits.  One way to avoid this mid-month meltdown is to type up your resolutions and post them on the refrigerator or another central area where the list will be visible and accessible.  Refer to the list of resolutions often and reward yourself when you have accomplished one of your goals.

Hopefully 2011 will be the year you are finally able to try some of the things you’ve been meaning to, but haven’t been able to, in years past.  Good luck!

By Tricia Berwick

It doesn’t matter if they are bike riding in the park, lacing up their skates for a few whirls around the ice or strolling on the boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach.  What’s most important to the Lopez family of Toms River is spending time together.  Jack, a firefighter and Rhonda, a stay-at-home mom, are busy raising their three children in this suburban, family-oriented community.

The couple met while working together on Wall Street in New York City years ago.  Rhonda, who was born and raised in Ireland, ironically met Jack on St. Patrick’s Day here in America.

“Jack started working at my job on St. Patrick’s Day,” says Rhonda.  “That was definitely a sign that we were meant to be together.”

After they dated for awhile, the couple decided to marry in a civil ceremony in the United States.  Years later, the couple traveled to Ireland with their two children who were three and four years-old at the time and were married in Rhonda’s family church.

“We were married in the same church where I received my sacraments and my parents and grandparents were married,” says Rhonda.  “It was very important to me to have a religious ceremony in the church where I grew up and that meant so much to my family.  My daughter was the flower girl and my son was the ring bearer for the ceremony.  My youngest daughter wasn’t born yet, but we hope to make another trip back in the future so she can experience Ireland, too.”

For now, the family-of-five is busy with work, school, and extra-curricular activities.  With two teenage children, Rhonda spends a lot of time behind the wheel.

“I am basically the family chauffer now!” says Rhonda.

Even though the Lopez family has a pretty hectic schedule, they still make spending time together a priority.  One of their favorite family activities is to vacation in Disney World.

“We all absolutely love Disney,” says Rhonda.  “Disney is our vacation of choice every year.  The two older kids still love it and would go there two or three times per year if we let them.”

Your Child Today recently had the pleasure of getting to know the Lopez family a little more personally.  This is what Rhonda, mom of three children had to say:

YCT: Please tell us a little about your children.

Rhonda: My husband Jack and I have three children.  Caitlin is 14 and a freshman at High School South in Toms River. She loves to dance and takes three different dance classes at Shore Ballet, and assists with her little sister’s dance class, also. She also loves birds! She has a pet parakeet named “Kiwi” who thinks he’s a monkey!  He climbs upside down around the cage and jumps from perch to perch! Caitlin is also very artistic and loves to draw and create, and has always said she wants to be an art teacher when she grows up.  Of course, that may change though as she has shown a great aptitude for science and math as well.   Our son Alex is 13 and is in seventh grade at Intermediate South. He really is a typical boy.  Alex loves the game of football and enjoys rooting for The New York Giants.  He also spends a lot of time playing with his friends in the neighborhood.  He is a first class Boy Scout with Beachwood Troop 114 and aspires to become an Eagle Scout in a few years.  He also loves watching the Military Channel and is a Petty Officer 2nd class (NWS Earle Unit) with the US Naval Sea Cadet program.  He participates in this program one weekend every month with my husband, who is also involved.  Our youngest daughter, Isabella is five-years-old and is in kindergarten at Washington Street Elementary School.  She is enrolled in the afternoon session, so that gives the two of us the mornings to relax and spend a little time together before school.  I enjoy spending this time with her while the older two are in school.  They grow up so fast!  She also loves to dance, especially after watching her big sister for so many years.  This year, she decided to start classes at Shore Ballet.  She absolutely loves ballet and tap.  She recently started taking ice skating lessons and loves that, too.  She’s a friendly, outgoing little girl who likes nothing better than to play with other kids her age.  Thankfully, she has a bunch of cousins born within a year of her and they really enjoy spending time together.  Isabella also likes to play dress up in her princess costumes.  She is quite the girly girl!  She absolutely loves clothes and enjoys wearing dresses to school every day.  She changes outfits at least a few times per day!

YCT: What is a typical day like in your home?

Rhonda: A typical day involves a lot of driving!  Three kids on three different schedules both for school and extra-curricular activities can make for quite a full day! Once they get home from school they have a quick snack.  Then homework gets done while everything is still fresh in their minds, then either dinner or activities, depending on what time classes start that day.  We sit down together as a family for dinner a few times a week, but since my husband is a firefighter, that depends on his schedule.  After a little down time, the kids head to bed and then, finally it’s mom and dad’s turn to watch television and relax.

YCT:  What activities do your children participate in after school?

Rhonda:  Caitlin takes dance classes at Shore Ballet three nights a week and she participates in ice-skating on the weekends.  Alex has Boy Scouts once a week and Sea Cadets for one weekend out of each month.  Isabella takes a ballet/tap combo class at Shore Ballet and also ice-skates on weekends. In the spring we’ll add sports and swimming classes to that.  For now though, it’s manageable having one activity per day between the three kids and still having one night during the week to be activity free.

YCT:  What is your favorite thing to do locally with your family?

Rhonda:   We like to take the bikes to Allaire State Park.  They have a great bike trail and we try to do it as often as possible.  Isabella’s “bike” attaches to my husband’s so she’s never tired out like the rest of us!

YCT:  Do you have any favorite local vacation spots?

Rhonda:  Our favorite spot is Point Pleasant.  The kids love to walk on the boardwalk and then go on all of the rides.  We always make it a priority to get the “2 for 1 Ticket Sale” prices on Easter weekend every year.  Also, we love to go to the Cape May Zoo and Ortley Beach in the evenings when the crowds are gone.

YCT:  Have you ever gone on any vacations without

the kids and where?

Rhonda:  Not really, we’ve probably gone away for three weekends over the last 10 years without the kids. We really enjoy our family vacations and actually feel sort of guilty if we think about doing something without them. We are Disney Vacation Club members and like to take full advantage of that.  We go to Disney World almost every year and we never get tired of going.  We decided a long time ago that since our kids would only be young for a relatively short time, we want to make as many fun memories as possible while they still enjoy vacationing with us.  We hope to travel more together after they have all gone to college!

YCT:  What is your favorite date night location and how often do you get to go out alone with your husband?

Rhonda: While we don’t have date night as often as we’d like, when we do get out we like to go out with friends and have a nice dinner.  We also like to splurge every once in a while on a really good restaurant in Atlantic City.  It is closer than New York City and has some of the most fabulous restaurants in the world!

YCT:  What is your favorite non-mommy thing to do and how often do you get to do it?

Rhonda:  Although they are not regularly scheduled, I think nothing beats a good old-fashioned girls’ night out.  Whether it’s getting dressed up and meeting my sister, my sisters-in-law or friends or even just attending a home sales party where I get to shop and socialize at the same time, I really enjoy getting together with friends and family and leaving the kids home for a few hours!  It’s important to have that time once in awhile.

YCT:  What is your husband’s favorite non-Daddy thing to do?

Rhonda:  My husband likes to get together with his friends to watch a football game, or just hang out. He also really enjoys interacting with the kids in the Sea Cadet Program. He loves to set up training drills and seeing how much they enjoy learning about things like search and rescue, firefighting and first aid. He’s organized some pretty fun drills for the kids and they love it!

YCT:  Do you frequent any advertisers from our magazine?

Rhonda:  Shore Ballet is the best! My oldest daughter went to two other dance schools when she was very young and one was not good at all.  We were not happy with this particular school.   The second school placed too much emphasis on competitions and since my daughter didn’t compete, she was left out of a lot of the routines and just sort of stuck on the end of the line for recitals.  Thankfully, Shore Ballet has been a wonderful fit for us.  The teachers are all professionally trained dancers and my daughter has received a great education in ballet there.  Now she takes tap, jazz and lyrical as well and loves it even more. We get comments all the time on how great her posture is and how she holds herself so well.  When I hear those comments, I say everything is courtesy of ballet!

YCT:  Do you have any parenting advice that you would like to offer our readers?

Rhonda:  I think the best advice I have is to be organized and prepared for anything! My husband says I missed my calling as a Logistics Officer in the military! Also, invest in a slow cooker.  It’s a lifesaver on busy winter evenings! Being born and raised in Ireland, for me nothing tastes better on a cold winter evening than a yummy stew, and one that has been simmering in my slow cooker while I’m acting as the family’s chauffeur all day tastes even better!

YCT:  What is your favorite part of Your Child Today magazine?

Rhonda:  I love the Calendar of Events page and the Party Directory page. I always check out the party websites for new ideas for my kids’ birthday parties and the calendar is a great way to find things to do locally on days when my husband is off from work and we want to do something as a family.

By Tricia Berwick

Turkey and all of the trimmings, pumpkin pie, and plenty of football games can only mean one thing—Thanksgiving Day is here.  On the fourth Thursday of November, Americans will gather around a large dining room table, give thanks, and then enjoy a sumptuous holiday meal.  Of course, this festive feast is always the focal point of everyone’s day, but there are also many other ways to celebrate Thanksgiving with loved ones.

If your family has never attended The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, maybe it’s time to pack up the car and plan a trip into New York.  It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime events that you must see in person to fully appreciate.  This famous parade will kick off the holidays in New York City and on NBC on November 25.  The exciting holiday tradition is seen by more than 3.5 million people who line the streets in New York and another 50 million people who watch the events on television across the country.  The parade will begin at 77th Street and Central Park West and conclude at 34th Street and 7th Avenue.

Kids love to watch their favorite characters as huge balloons and on colorful floats, the nation’s best marching bands, hundreds of cheering clowns, and a host of celebrities.  And of course, everyone looks forward to the first glimpse of the big red guy himself, Santa Claus.  Seeing Old St. Nick dressed in his fancy suit always kicks off the beginning of the holiday season.   If your family is going to travel into New York City to see the parade this year, it would be a good idea to get there super early.  According to the parade’s website, www.social.macys.com/parade2010, spectators line up as early as 6:30 AM to get good seats.  You can also find detailed information about the parade route and read all about the parade’s history on the website.  In addition, kids can enjoy an interactive experience by playing parade-themed puzzle and matching games.  If your family prefers to watch the holiday sights and sounds from the comfort of home, your children can still participate by creating their own parade routes on the Macy’s website.  The kids will have a blast choosing their favorite balloons and floats to line the city’s streets.

If you would like to teach your children about giving back to the community, find out which soup kitchens are located in your area and donate your time for the holiday.  Another option is to either donate food items or volunteer time at the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties (www.foodbankmoc.org).  Take a few minutes to browse through the website which provides information about how to become involved as a volunteer.  Today the FoodBank serves over 270 pantries, soup kitchens and other feeding programs with over 5 million pounds of food annually.  The FoodBank also operates a Culinary Training Program for people in need of better-paid jobs, a Kids’ Café, Backpack Program for children, a Mobile Pantry, and a Food Stamp Outreach Program.

If your family will be home for the holiday, begin a new tradition.  One idea is to create a “thankful basket” which will become the centerpiece of the holiday table and a conversation starter as guests enter your home to celebrate the occasion.  My husband and I began this tradition a few years ago when we hosted our first Thanksgiving, and now it is something our children and their cousins look forward to every year.  We started the collection by putting our own thankful thoughts down on paper and putting them in a basket.  We then asked everyone to include theirs as they arrived.  During dinner, the kids had tons of fun picking out the slips of paper and having us read the responses.  Of course, the responses led to some stories, laughs, and great conversation.   My husband and I felt this really taught our daughters about the meaning of the holiday and I would recommend it for any family this holiday season.

If you will be cooking in the kitchen most of the day on Thanksgiving, keep the kids busy by setting them up with an easy craft.  Place cards are the perfect way for your guests to know exactly where to sit around the Thanksgiving table, so give your kids a few supplies and let them go to work!  Only three supplies are needed for this cute and easy craft: a non toxic ink pad, blank cards, and markers.  First, have your kids place a thumb into the ink pad and then onto the blank card to print a turkey’s body.  Your children will then use the same technique with their fingertips to create a head and feathers.  Then, it’s time to use a few markers and add a beak, wattle, and feet.  This is the time your kids can be colorful and creative, too!  The final step is to write the guests’ names on the cards.  Not only is the craft colorful and creative, it’s also educational as children practice handwriting skills.  When the craft is completed, each place setting around the Thanksgiving table will be decorated with a colorful turkey.  Also, every guest will have a special keepsake or party favor to take home, also.

As Thanksgiving Day 2010 approaches, Americans will celebrate in a number of different ways.  Whether you are participating in a parade, helping those who are less fortunate, attending a local football game, or engaging the children in a few meaningful crafts, take a few minutes to savor the true meaning of the holiday.  As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s important to slow down and remember all of the things you have to be grateful for in your life.   It may be easy to get caught up in the daily routine and forget what is truly important, but it just takes one trying situation to make you count your blessings.

Thanksgiving is on it’s way, and Color Me Mine is the place to be. What a great opportunity to spend quality time with your children creating a special  platter with turkey handprints on it. Bring your children to Color Me Mine and use their handprints to make a special Thanksgiving platter that can decorate your holiday table. We offer a variety of platters for you to choose from, or let your child design a special plate for them to eat off of. Having this business for over ten years and seeing the excitement on the faces of children when they pick up there pieces is priceless. Our knowledgeable staff is there to help with everything from choosing your piece to adding those special finishing touches. Color Me Mine has a variety of holiday items that can be painted and given to everyone in the family and will be treasured forever. An appointment is not necessary but recommended due to parties on the weekends. With the holidays approaching don’t waste another minute come in a create that platter that everyone can enjoy at dinner.

For kids holidays usually mean time off from school, on the other hand for parents it’s finding a way to spend time with their kids doing fun activities. Most parents enjoy the down time, and try to relax after finally having a little break from the busy school week schedule. On the other hand kids are always looking for something exciting to do. With the weather changing at a fast pace in New Jersey outdoor activities like going to the park become a thing of the past. When looking for a different activity where you could spend time with your kids, and stay warm bring your family to Color Me Mine, a paint-your-own ceramics studio in Toms River.  Color Me Mine welcomes all ages, and gives you the ability to do a family activity all while being creative. It’s a way for your children to express their imagination, and have fun doing it. This month’s feature activity is a Thanksgiving platter. The original creation can be used for the turkey holiday in a few weeks and then will become a treasured tradition in your family.

On November 19th at 6:00 pm, Color Me Mine will have a children’s turkey handprint plate painting party.  The studio’s friendly staff will help each child create their handprint to resemble little turkeys. All children must sign up for the event which costs $20 per child. There are only 30 spots available, so it’s a good idea to call the studio early to reserve your spots.

While family members create a wonderful keepsake for the holiday, Color Me Mine owner Irene says they’re also, enjoying spending time together, laughing, and creating memories. It’s a time to be creative, and relax.

“Creating a Thanksgiving platter together as a family will become a cherished memory,” says Irene. “Families can come to the studio and enjoy themselves. They can be relived from their usual hectic schedules, and express their inner creativity.”

“From experience people usually find that creating a piece seems intimidating, but there’s no need to worry about that ,” says Irene. With our staff who are always eager to help, and the tools we provide anyone can create a work of art in no time.

“What everyone needs to be aware of is that Color Me Mine is a place where everyone can get involved and have fun,” says Irene. “Most people don’t consider themselves artistic, and sometimes have a hard time coming up with an idea for their piece. We’ve got that covered with stencils, stamps, and plenty of ideas from our staff.”

Customers are more than welcome to bring items from home to help with the creative process. Customers come in all the time wanting to create a beautiful piece, but seem to be stumped on how to make that happen. “That’s where my staff comes in.” says Irene. The staff takes time to discuss what the customer is looking to create, and then helps with every step along the way to make sure the customer is happy. “Sometimes all it takes is a good idea from the staff, and the customer can add to the idea to make it personal,” says Irene.

“When doing an activity parents are always concerned when it comes to their children’s clothes, but there’s no need to worry about attire at Color Me Mine,” says Irene. All paints are washable, non-toxic and lead-free, so parents don’t have to be concerned about the kids inhaling harmful fumes. Color Me Mine’s paints and glazes are completely 100% friendly to the environment.

Color Me Mine isn’t only for the holidays. It’s a fun activity to do with your children any time of the year. You can come in and let your child create a piece to display in their room, or even a special gift for a loved one. A handmade gift from your child is always a great idea. Especially when your shopping for a person who is hard to buy for. And dads there is nothing your wife will love more then a gift made with love by your children for Mother’s Day, or even her birthday.

Ceramic pieces range from $6.00 and up and the paint fee is $6.00 for children and $8.00 for adults. The prices include glazes and firing.  After all of your projects are completed, the staff of Color Me Mine will fire and glaze the items and then notify you when everything is ready for pick-up.

With the colder months ahead days off from school are also approaching and kids will be asking the same question, “What are wedoing today?” If you’re looking for something to entertain the kids, plan a creative day out at Color Me Mine ceramics studio in Toms River. Your kids will be proud of their creation. Were sure when your guests arrive on Thanksgiving the first thing your kids will do is show everyone the platter they made.

You can even get a head start on your shopping list for the December season. With so many pieces to choose from, there is something for everyone on your list. For more information, call (732) 864-9300 or visit the website at www.colormemine.com

Once the weekend arrives, the Valeo family likes to relax, unwind and spend time together.  After a busy week of school, work, and extra-curricular activities, the Valeos enjoy not being on a schedule for a few days.

“On the weekends, we really like to have a lot of down time,” says mom Heather.  “The weekend is our time to decompress and just hang around the house.  The kids have a lot of fun playing in the backyard together.  We also enjoy playing games or watching television as a family.  The girls also love to bike ride and we live on a cul-de-sac, which works out perfectly. ”

Married for twelve years, Heather and Rich Valeo are raising their three daughters in Toms River.  The couple strongly believes in the importance of spending quality time together as a family.  Whether they are playing together at the park, frolicking in the sand and surf at the beach, or just enjoying the comforts of their home, the Valeos make spending time together a priority.  The family-of-five also enjoys getting together with both sets of grandparents who all live locally.  Having the extended family live nearby offers many benefits to the girls.  In addition to helping out with babysitting, the grandparents are able to pass traditions down that have been in the family for generations.

“Having the girls spend time with their grandparents and learning about family traditions is very important to us,” says Heather.  “We are an Italian family, so every September we make sauce with my husband’s parents and my sister in-law Tamie.  It takes us one day to make 70-100 quarts of sauce.  First, we cut the tomatoes, salt them, and then boil them down.  After they are boiled, we put the tomatoes through a machine until all the seeds are removed.  Then, we boil them again and place the tomatoes into a jar with bay leaves.  It’s a pretty simple process.  It’s a great thing to do because then the entire family can have fresh tomato sauce whenever they want it.  We usually have pasta with the homemade sauce at least once a week.”

Since the girls are still young and the family is fearful about the girls getting too close to the boiling pots, the Valeo sisters usually play in the backyard and observe how the sauce is made.  Next year, they will become more active participants and cook along with the rest of the family.  Even though they haven’t sliced the tomatoes yet, what’s important is spending time with the grandparents and learning about the family’s Italian heritage and culture.

“Rich and I are providing the girls with a very traditional upbringing,” says Heather.  “We are very proud of our family and traditions.  In addition to our sauce-making, every Thanksgiving weekend, we trim the Christmas tree with the grandparents.  We are very fortunate to have both of our parents here to spend the holidays and relish in all the girls’ daily happenings.”

Your Child Today recently had the pleasure of getting to know the Valeo family a little more personally.  This is what Heather, mom of three girls had to say:

YCT: Tell us a little about your children.

Heather: Sophia is nine-years-old and attends North Dover Elementary School.  She cannot wait to go to school every day where she is able to be artistic, express her love of music and is encouraged to pursue her love for books.  Sophia also enjoys the theatre and seeing Broadway shows in New York City.  We take the kids into the city as much as possible to see all of the different productions.  I have always had in interest in the theatre myself, so my children knew the words to Les Miserables just like other children know the Sesame street song.  Isabella is eight-years-old and attends Hooper Avenue Elementary School which the kids call “The Hoop.”  She loves her Daddy, music, arts-and-crafts, her dolls, and SpongeBob.  Going to Color Me Mine is one of Isabella’s favorite activities; she just really has so much fun there.   Bianca is the youngest and is five-years-old.  She attends North Dover Elementary School.  She loves going to kindergarten and seeing her friends.  Her favorite color is pink.  One of her favorite things to do is host tea parties.  Whenever someone comes to the house she immediately will set up a beautiful tea party and entertain her friends and family.

YCT: What is a typical day like in your home?

Heather: Everyone wakes up, has breakfast and then gets dressed for school.  Before the school day begins, the girls always do a few chores before they head out the door.  It could be anything from bringing down the laundry to putting the dirty dishes in the sink.  My husband and I feel very strongly about teaching the girls a sense of responsibility.  Doing chores throughout the house teaches our daughters about respect and how to work together as a family.  I tell them that everything has a place and it is your job to put it back in it this way the girls know what is expected of them.  I have recently become more organized and I think it has had a positive effect on my daughters.

Once the girls get home from school in the afternoon, they have a snack and about a half hour of playtime.  Then, it’s time for homework and any activities that they may have.    However, even with the activities, we are very fortunate to have a family dinner as long as daddy is home, which is very important to us.  Even if my husband is on the phone with a work-related call, the girls will interrupt him and say, “Daddy, it’s family time now.  We are eating dinner as a family.”  After dinner, we will play a game together or watch a program and then it’s time to get ready for bed.

YCT:  What activities do your children participate in after school?

Heather: Sophia participates in gymnastics and takes piano lessons.  Isabella takes swim lessons.  Bianca definitely has an ear for music so she also takes piano and she also takes swim lessons.  We are lucky to have both sets of grandparents nearby, so if one of the girls has an activity and the others don’t, we will have one of the grandparents stay with the kids.  This way, they can be at home, doing homework, or just relaxing.  Even though we love for the girls to be busy, we don’t want the activities to be overwhelming, so we limit the activities to one or two each.

YCT:  What is your favorite thing to do locally with your family?

Heather: We are summer people so we love to take the kids out to eat at Stewart’s.  We have been taking them there since they were babies.  We also like to spend time at Ortley Beach.   The beach is very clean; we see a lot of our friends there- it is a “locals” beach.  The girls have fun getting their nails done with my mom.

YCT:  Do you have any favorite local vacation spots?

Heather: The kids like to visit Barnegat Lighthouse with my husband’s parents, Cape May Zoo is a great day, and we really like Storybook Land.  We usually go to Storybook Land once in the summer and once in the fall for trick-or-treating.  It’s a great open area and everything is in immaculate condition.  There are healthy choices for lunch and a spray area in the summer.   I went there when I was a child, so it’s nice to be able to take my children now.  It’s a family-run business so they take pride in maintaining the property and making every child’s experience enjoyable.

YCT:  Have you ever gone on any vacations without the kids and where?

Heather: We have a vacation home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and will go there with and without the kids.  My husband and I try going for a long weekend in the fall which is very relaxing.  I also have had the opportunity to travel abroad with my husband and that was an amazing experience.

YCT:  Do you have a favorite family friendly restaurant?

Heather: We love Nino’s in Toms River.  We go there after church on Saturday evening and the girls always get the coal-fired pizza.
YCT:  What is your favorite date night location and how often do you get to go out alone with your husband?

Heather: Since we are summer people, we love seafood and will try any restaurant where we can enjoy some crab and in the colder months we try to cook together, put the kids to bed early, and hang out.

YCT:  What is your favorite non-mommy thing to do and how often do you get to do it?

Heather: I love spending time at the spa! The Hand and Stone Spa is local and I try and go once a month.  They offer reasonable and professional services and can accommodate my schedule.

YCT:  What is your husband’s favorite non-Daddy thing to do?

Heather: My husband loves to jam on his bass guitar!  He has a group of friends from high school and they get together whenever they can.  Rich is a sports fanatic and can’t get enough football and baseball.  His favorite professional teams are the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Mets.

YCT:  Do you frequent any advertisers from our magazine?

Heather: My children just love Color Me Mine.  It’s a great place to go with the kids because they can be creative and independent, but we can still spend time together as a family.  It’s such a warm and friendly family atmosphere and the staff is always willing to assist the kids with their projects, too.

YCT:  Do you have any parenting advice that you would like to offer our readers?

Heather: The biggest lesson I have learned from a good friend is the importance of being organized.  I have found that the more organized I am, the easier it is for my children.  I will set a routine for the kids and I try not to deviate from it.  It’s very important to
follow through with your plan once it is established. With a routine, the kids are much more successful and feel independent.  As a result, we are a more cohesive and happy family.  Just try to devise an organizational plan that works best for you.

YCT:  What is your favorite part of Your Child Today magazine?

Heather: I love looking at the calendar in Your Child Today.  There are so many local happenings and activities to choose from every month.  It’s a great resource to have because all of the ideas are always fun choices for the entire family.

The benefits of participating in the martial arts include developing discipline and coordination, improving one’s self-esteem, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  The martial arts are not meant to be violent or to purposely inflict bodily harm upon others.  Although they may be portrayed this way in movies and on television, Dr. Kum Sung, of Kum Sung Martial Arts in Toms River, feels this is not an accurate depiction of martial arts.  He strongly believes that the mass media is severely tarnishing the martial arts’ image.

“It is not meant to hurt or disrespect others, but because of the media, martial arts is being taught as a way to fight,” says Dr. Sung who has studied a variety of martial arts forms ranging from Chinese to Japanese style for over 50 years.  “I have been involved with martial arts all my life and never thought it would be so misunderstood.   For years, Asians have been using martial arts as a way to improve one’s health.  Practicing martial arts prevents physical injuries and can help children who may lack focus.  I teach traditional martial arts which is different than today’s modern martial arts.  The main purpose of traditional martial arts is to promote a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally.  Martial arts can also help prevent injuries and helps to preserve balance and coordination.  In contrast, modern martial arts is very dangerous and violent and is being glorified in the entertainment industry.  Young people are attracted to the violence, but this is wrong.  People don’t understand martial arts because they think it is television entertainment wrestling.  Then, the kids see that type of behavior and want to imitate it by choking each other out which can cause death.”

While the media has played a significant role in the misunderstanding of the sport, a lack of qualified instructors is also part of the problem.  Dr. Sung feels that today’s martial arts teachers do not have the experience and necessary certification to understand and teach the true meaning of the sport.

“Instructors always had to be a high black belt, but now it seems that anyone can open a martial arts school without the proper qualifications,” says Dr. Sung who majored in child psychology and is the highest Martial Arts Grandmaster in the area with over 47 years of experience.  “In order to be a respected martial arts instructor, you need to have a certain degree of education and training.  Many instructors are not properly qualified to teach martial arts today.  I was once proud to say that I teach martial arts, but now I am embarrassed by the way martial arts is being taught.  It is very frustrating for me.  I have grown up with this sport and I am extremely upset about how it is changing.  Modern martial arts is more harmful than beneficial.”
Though Dr. Sung can’t personally alter the image of martial arts throughout the country or monitor the way it is being taught, he is doing his best to preserve traditional martial arts.   The Master Kum Sung Martial Arts System is a balanced system of traditional martial arts blended with modern techniques, ancient philosophies, and modern psychology.   A strong emphasis is placed on positive thinking.  Students in the Kum Sung program are encouraged to do their very best, to see rewards in life, and to overcome negative thoughts and actions.   Designed to accommodate students of all levels and ages, this unique system emphasizes self-defense, positive-reinforcement psychology, physical fitness, and coordination.   Dr. Sung strongly believes that students of the Master Kum Sung Martial Arts System will develop not only into well-rounded martial artists, but secure, positive, self-confident, and emotionally and physically fit people.

Traditional martial arts offer many benefits, but the sport has seen a decrease in participants during recent years.  Dr. Sung directly attributes this to a slow economy.  During difficult financial times, families can be quick to omit certain activities from their children’s schedules.  Dr.  Sung firmly believes that this is detrimental to the kids.

“During this tough economy, parents tend to cut back on their children’s activities,” says Dr. Sung, who has instructed police academies, special law enforcement and military agencies, national martial arts champions and many recognizable martial artists. “But this is the wrong thing to do.  If they are home after school with nothing to do, they are more likely to get into mischief and then imitate the violence they see on television.  They definitely need an organized and structured activity.  I feel so strongly about this that I decided to bring my prices down to what they were thirty years ago.  This way, parents don’t have to cut back and take away the things that the kids enjoy.”

What sets Kum Sung apart from other martial arts studios is that the instructors genuinely care about the students’ mental health.  Once parents decide to enroll their children in a martial arts program, Dr. Sung says there are many benefits.   In addition to improving a child’s physical health, Dr. Sung says the instructors work to support the children in creating a positive way of thinking.

“So many parents are working full-time today, and are not home during the after-school hours,” says Dr. Sung, who has been featured on the cover of many national and international Martial Art magazines and has been the subject of several award winning photographs at national exhibitions.  “When the children are home alone, there is no social communication with the child.  The child needs to have constant attention and someone needs to be aware of their behavior.  We are able to provide that for the children.  We are educating them emotionally.  With this type of background, they will then have the confidence to become healthy and successful adults.”

During class sessions, children are also encouraged to talk about whatever is on their minds.  Kum Sung believes in open communication and wants children to feel comfortable opening up to the instructors about whatever may be bothering them.

“Every class has time allowed for kids to discuss their feelings and what they like or don’t like,” says Dr. Sung who is certified by the World Tae Kwon Do Federation, which determines Olympic eligibility in the United States.  “We have one-on-one relationships with all of the children.  We also help children who may be experiencing behavior problems and are out of control with their parents or at school.  Some of the children battle with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), so we get a lot of referrals from doctors who are looking to us as a way to help the children gain some control and focus.”

In the children’s classes, maintaining focus and learning discipline are two of the major skills which are addressed.  Instructors will also teach balance, coordination, self-esteem, goal-setting, memory improvement, self-defense, and concentration.  In addition, students are taught self-defense with control, not aggression, which is a key factor.  They are also taught stranger awareness as well as rolling which helps prevent sprains and broken bones.  While many martial arts schools just teach a basic way of doing a technique, Kum Sung teaches with more attention to detail for maximum effectiveness and safety.  They also constantly refine and improve on students’ techniques.   Most importantly, all classes are taught in a fun and positive environment.  During report card time, Dr. Sung asks all of his students to bring in their report cards so that he can monitor their academic accomplishments as well.

The teenage classes, for students between ages 12 and 18, emphasize self-discipline and self-respect both for themselves and for others.  The students learn how to relieve stress which is a great defense mechanism during the tumultuous teenage years.  Good habits are strongly encouraged in a nurturing and positive environment.  At this age, there is an emphasis on speed, grace, and strength.  Students are also taught self-awareness, healing, and meditation.

Adult classes differ greatly from all other age categories. Although everyone in the group is taught the same kicks, punches, weapons and forms, they are taught in a manner that will best benefit the individual. Kum Sung’s adult programs are designed to fit a student’s individual needs, interests, and health.  Adult classes specialize in: exercises for the body and mind, inner peace and harmony, the Asian culture and language, philosophy, and weight control.  The instructors at Kum Sung carefully monitor these classes to ensure that adult participants do not suffer any unnecessary injuries causing lost time from work.  The purpose of the classes is to allow adults an opportunity to improve their physical and mental well-being, and to make their health a priority, which may not have been possible earlier in their lives.

Kum Sung has various locations throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties.  Kum Sung Headquarters are located on Hooper Avenue in Toms River.  The facility includes an 8,000 square foot Martial Arts Center, which has more than 600 members, and a 16,000 square foot complete Fitness Center, which has more than 3,000 members.  There are also facilities in Brick, Manahawkin, Long Branch, Howell, Lanoka Harbor, and Middletown. Their comprehensive website, kumsungkarate.com, includes information about future events, martial arts instructors, birthday parties, special offers, and Kum Sung’s summer camp.  Your family can also make an appointment online to take a tour of one of the facilities and to meet the instructors in person.  The website also offers videos of martial arts classes online and many photographs of students in action.

Despite hearing conflicting opinions about traditional versus modern martial arts, Dr. Sung feels confident and proud of the school he has maintained for over thirty years.  Kum Sung Martial Arts has built a reputation from decades of listening to the public’s requests and helping people achieve new levels of confidence and capability.  He knows that he is providing his students with a positive, traditional martial arts education.  When you consider that Dr. Sung has now been teaching three generations of students, it is obvious that the families he serves truly respect his work.

“I have had some people come up to me and say, ‘When I was a child, I learned from you.  Then, I brought my children, and now I’m bringing my grandkids to you,’” says Dr. Sung.  “That is a very rewarding feeling.”

Kum Sung Martial Arts is much more than just punching and kicking.  It is a system that helps build confidence, coordination, and inner peace and opens up the door to a positive attitude.   The overall theme of Kum Sung Martial Arts is to provide children with a proper education.  In addition to martial arts, the family also runs Sung Star Academy which is for children ages six weeks to five-years-old.  There are state certified teachers in every classroom with registered nurses on staff to take care of your little ones, if necessary.  The directors of the school all have the highest degrees of education.  If you are interested in learning more about Kum Sung Karate, call 732-341-8800, or visit their website at kumsungkarate.com.  You can even send your questions via email at info@kumsungkarate.com.