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.

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

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.

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

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.

By Tricia Berwick

High gas prices and a weak economy have forced many American families to reevaluate their vacation plans this summer.   Instead of traveling many miles to amusement parks and other popular tourist attractions, more people are opting for a “staycation” instead.  This new type of “vacation” has become quite the buzzword during these troubled economic times.  Some decide to turn their backyards into a vacation paradise and really get into vacation mode by cutting off contact with the outside world.   Others stay local and visit the sights in nearby towns.  However you decide to enjoy your “staycation” this summer, the important thing is to enjoy some much needed rest and relaxation without spending a lot of money.

If finances are really tight and day trips are not possible, simply enjoy all of the comforts of home without the distractions and responsibilities of everyday work life.  In order for this type of “staycation” to be successful, it requires a lot of effort and willpower to really unplug yourself from outside connections.  The computer and the phone both need to be turned off.  Your office also needs to know that you really are on vacation and that you cannot be disturbed!   Now start changing into relaxation mode and let the “staycation” begin!   Make yourself a fancy breakfast of homemade waffles and fruit.  Have that second cup of coffee you always want but never have time to enjoy.  Read entire newspaper articles instead of just scanning the headlines.  Take time to do the small, daily things you normally don’t have time for as you are rushing out the door.  Who knows?  Maybe you’ll even decide to go back to bed after breakfast.  It is your “staycation,” so take time to lounge and relax as you would on a normal vacation.

After breakfast, decide if you will enjoy your backyard and sit by the pool with a drink and a good book.  If you don’t have a swimming hole, maybe it’s time to invest in that hammock you’ve always wanted.    Instead of going away, some people are turning their backyards into an oasis.  Cindy Harrison of Point Pleasant spent a few extra dollars this summer to maximize her outdoor living space.

“My husband and I have fixed up the backyard so we have a sitting area with an outdoor rug” says Harrison, who is the mother of two-year-old twins.   “The kids have a small pool that they love, too.”

While you are outside, maybe you’ll order in some lunch for a special treat.  Or perhaps you won’t even make it onto your patio or deck.  Maybe you’ll decide to have a “pajama day” and watch movies, pop popcorn, and have some pizza delivered.   Since you’re on vacation, really let loose and abandon all chores for the week—no vacuuming, no making the bed, cleaning out the closets, or pulling weeds.  You wouldn’t do those things on a regular vacation would you?  Whether you are outside or inside, the important thing is to detach yourself from your daily work life and relax.

In fact, for many parents, having a “staycation” is more relaxing, especially if they have younger children.  When you are at home, you don’t have to pack up the pampers, bottles of formula, and special toys.  Everything is right at your disposal.  But, in order to fight off the crankiness, it’s best to keep the kids busy with planned activities.  Create different games and activities, such as a horseshoes or hopscotch.  Let the kids make sno-cones as a special treat.  Maybe you could even rent a movie and a projector from your local library and show the film on the side of your house or on a large sheet.  Invite the neighbors over with their kids and hand out candy and popcorn for the kids to enjoy while watching.

Talk to your kids and ask them what they would like to do on the “staycation.”  Let them plan a list of daily activities they would enjoy doing.   Kids love when they are provided a say in how the family spends free time.  Maybe they want to stay up late and catch fireflies in the dark.  Then set up a tent and spend the night camping in your own yard!  That certainly doesn’t cost a lot of money and definitely helps in preserving the “staycation” budget.

If you do have some money in the bank and would like to venture out, try researching some local points of interest.  How about a museum or a new restaurant?  What about visiting a new park, bringing a picnic lunch and enjoying a good book?  For the ultimate in relaxation, how about visiting a day spa for one or two of their services?

Harrison is certainly feeling the economic crush this summer and had to alter her plans accordingly.  However, with a little ingenuity, she is still planning on enjoying a great summer with her family.

“We had originally planned to fly down to North Carolina and stay with friends but the airline prices are as high as ever because of the fuel costs. So we had to nix that idea and be more creative,” says Harrison.  “We are actually going to a Yankees game with friends and leaving our twins at home. Luckily, my parents have a house down in Cape May so we will go and spend a few nights there with the twins.  They have a pool and we plan on taking them to the Cape May Zoo.  We also visit Bay Head beach a few times a week.   My husband and I will be going to a concert in August, too.   So even though we aren’t packing up and heading to an exotic location we have managed to fill our summer calendar with some fun family and couple activities.”

All of these ideas are just the tip of the iceberg.  Ideas for how to enjoy a restful and relaxing “staycation” are virtually unlimited!  With a little planning and creativity, it can be accomplished.  The important thing to remember is to treat it like a regular vacation, as if you were traveling somewhere.  Remember to take pictures, too.  You wouldn’t forget taking your camera on a vacation, would you?  Your “staycation” should be no different.  You are enjoying yourself and making memories with the ones you love.

One could say the Demeter family of Toms River was formed with a little bit of divine intervention.  Mom Janine met her future husband, Andy, when she took her white car for its weekly wash at the establishmentowned by Andy’s family.  After dating for about 18 months, they were married in June of 1994 at the Crystal Point Yacht Club in Point Pleasant.  “You never know where you’re going to meet the love of your life,” Janine quips.  She and Andy spent six years enjoying married life and getting settled, before they were blessed to become parents to son Drew, now 10.  Daughter Ally, age 8, and six-year-old son, Evan, round out this faithful family.

The family is “local to the core,” Janine attests.  Andy grew up in Brick and graduated from Toms River North High School. He works as general manager at Silver Bay Car Wash Express Lube, the business owned by his mother and stepfather, MaryLou and Vince Galati, for 22 years.  Janine says that although Andy’s work days are long, they are so grateful that he has been able to steadily provide for their family during this economic downturn.  Janine was born in Point Pleasant Hospital and raised in Brick, graduating from Brick High School, just as her parents, Allen and Pat Dey, had.  Allen even penned the school’s alma mater song!

Janine’s days are spent not only caring for her family and their home, but also serving as a volunteer for the Parent Teacher Fellowship at Ambassador Christian Academy in Toms River, the Pre-K through eighth grade school that the children all attend.  Janine explains that the academy, also known as ACA, is the only accredited classical Christian school in the area, and that ACA has “educated minds and hearts for over 31 years.”  Janine notes that she and Andy are most thankful for this schooling, as the family is built upon a strong faith in God.  Janine says her foundation as a mom is “faith, family, friends and fun,” and that the entire family is also active in their church, Bethany Bible Chapel on Church Road in Toms River.  Noting that the children are “the best of friends,” Janine adds that they are “fearfully and wonderfully made as unique individuals,” quoting Psalm 139:14.  She claims that the kids “understand we are a family, a unit and a team and work together as a whole.” Because of this philosophy, the family “does pretty much everything together,” noting there will be time for separate teams and activities later in life, but for now, they enjoy being together as much as possible.

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

Janine: Drew is a history buff, especially anything having to do with the military.  He studies Latin and Spanish and has received honor grades all four marking periods this year.  He’s known as a great friend to all at school and enjoys participating on the school’s bowling team.  Since being introduced to archery at a Christian sleep-away camp he attends for two weeks every summer, he’s become quite a marksman; we even have a hunter friend give him lessons in the summer.  He’s also passionate about boarding – skateboarding, skimboarding in the ocean, and snowboarding in the winter.  I’d describe Ally as having a gracious heart and lots of friends.  She’s a wonderful blessing to me in this house full of boys.  She’s organized and loves to be in the kitchen with me.  Her favorite subject at school is math, and boy, does she know how to take charge, which is especially helpful on school mornings!  Now Evan is affectionately known as “Hank the Tank,” because he is all-boy and full of energy, energy, energy!  Given instruction and guidance, he can channel that energy to good use and has become a great helper in his full-day kindergarten class, and around our house as well.  If I ask him to weed the garden, he may stay out there for hours!

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

Janine: There is no such thing as a typical day in our home!  We are blessed to have a lot of family all here in Ocean County – both sets of grandparents, 13 aunts and uncles and 14 cousins to be exact – so there is always someone coming and going.  We often have people over for dinner or visits.  We try to take things as they come and go, and take life as it comes to us.  In the summer, my big rule is to get the chores done before the fun adventure for the day.  We enjoy the outdoors year round and we are so fortunate to have a large protected stretch of woods that abuts our back yard.  The woods will never be developed and we really take advantage of that for adventures and play time.

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

Janine: After the kids complete their homework, they usually go outside to play and take bike rides.  We live on a small, safe street so the kids can ride their scooters and bikes, and play basketball without worry.  We’re the only family on our street that doesn’t have a dog, so the kids walk the neighbors’ dogs.  They know the names of all the dogs and their humans!

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

Janine: We often go to Island Beach State Park in Seaside for fun and fishing and where we spot red foxes, instead of the old “yellow cars” game.  We like to go bike riding, especially at Toms River’s Winding River Park or on the Manasquan Bike Path. We also go hiking in Cattus Island Park in Toms River and Bass River State Park in Tuckerton.  For Evan’s sixth birthday in February, we had a hiking party for 17 people through the snow covered trails at Bass River State Park, then hotdogs and s’mores cooked over the fire pit in our backyard.  Last winter, during the snow days off from school, we had a major Olympics party in our back yard – I told all the moms to dress in layers, because we were going to be staying outside through it all!  The past few years we had season passes for Great Adventure and went often.  This year we decided on state park passes, which allows us to bike and hike all the state parks.  I thought this would be especially informative this year, as it will augment Drew’s study of New Jersey as a fourth grader in school this past year.

YCT: Do you have any favorite local vacation spots?

Janine: For the past three summers, we have gone to Pennsylvania for vacation.  We have climbed Bushkill Falls, an amazing waterfall system in the Poconos.  We have canoed the Lehigh Gorge and hiked Boulder Field in Hickory Run State Park.  The trips always conclude with a day at Camelbeach, a water park near our vacation spots.  But the best spot of all is the Jersey Shore.  We are beach bums when given the chance and take advantage of the local attractions like Breakwater Beach in Seaside and Jenkinson’s Aquarium in Point Pleasant.

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

Janine: Since we’ve become parents, we have taken two trips without the kids.  During the years Andy and I each turned 40, we went away for a few days to relax in the sun & sand.  We are so lucky to have both sets of grandparents here in Toms River, when they are not staying at their other homes in Florida.  Therefore, we were able to go away with peace of mind.

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

Janine: We try to go out about once a week to cost effective restaurants such as Five Guys, TGI Fridays and Friendly’s – all in Toms River.  It’s nice to incorporate a little education in the meal, too.  For instance, Five Guys offers potatoes from different states on a rotating schedule and the kids get a kick out of learning a bit about the state their fries have come from!

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

Janine: Since Andy works such long hours, the kids and I always try to pop in for a car wash or to just visit.  We like to pull him away to dine at Surf Taco in Toms River or bring in a “picnic pizza” so we can eat together.  We feel that we are primarily ‘mom and dad’ to these young children, so we don’t go off alone too often.  However, I’m sure date nights will come back to us at some point.  We often reconnect at the end of the day sharing the day’s activities regarding children or business on our back deck watching the sun set and the moon rise.

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

Janine: Yay and yes!  I believe all moms should have an abundant amount of “gal friends” to give advice, laugh and cry, and having so many you always find one free when you or she needs it most.  I have an artsy side and when my friend, Karin Killian of 2friends hand-made ribbon, gifts and accessories, asked me to join her at local craft fairs, I jumped at the chance.  Together we attend about 15 outdoor craft venues a year from Long Beach Island to Monmouth County, including the Festival of the Sea in Point Pleasant, Brielle Day and the Toms River Sailfest.  It’s a great opportunity to promote her business, be outdoors and meet new people.

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

Janine: Andy is a different story – his friends all come to him, as he is a steady fixture at the Silver Bay Car Wash.  In his free time, he enjoys spending time in the yard and garden but is never alone as he always has six little helping hands.  He spends lots of time working – this is how our family is balanced right now.

YCT: Do you patronize any advertisers from our magazine?

Janine: Ally has gone to Sparkle Diva and we have celebrated the kids’ birthdays at the Jersey Shore Pirate Adventure and with Gamin’ Ride at our home.  We have had swimming lessons at Pied Piper Swim School. We make a platter once a year at  Color Me Mine and we frequent Bee Mine consignment shop in     Toms River.

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

Janine: Growing up I had a dear family friend named Katherine Mead who was a mother of seven.  She once told me to get up before the kids.  Of course, this was hard when they were babies but since they have been school age, this has become a wonderful habit.  I wake up one half hour before the kids to pray, meditate and be still.  Then I have my morning coffee and am ready for morning hugs and all that the day may bring.  I also think that being flexible and spontaneous works very well for us – to overcome stress and upsets during the day.  For example, sometimes we have a picnic dinner in our own living room, just for a change of pace.

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

Janine: My favorite part is the ‘Focus on the Family’ feature.  I use the ‘Calendar of Events’ section over and over to find great local events for our spontaneous adventures!

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