Allen Family Magazine issue 1

� Allen Family Magazine January/February �008 www.allenfamilymagazine.com

Publisher’s Note

Welcome to the premier issue of Allen

Family Magazine, Allen’s first and only

publication that completely celebrates

today’s modern family. Because the families

of 2008 are busier and more progressive

than we’ve ever been, AFM is committed to

providing valuable, exciting and inspiring

information to ensure the success of all

Allen families.

AFM is a product of North Texas Magazines,

Inc. that also publishes McKinney Kids

Magazine and McKinney Woman Magazine

and there’s no doubt that we are very excit-

ed to now be a part of the Allen community.

Please help us highlight your community

better by submitting your story ideas and

nominating notable community members

for recognition in our magazine. Nominees

can be of any age and successful in any

area. Your recommendations can be sent to

[email protected].

In this issue, read about wonderful

ideas to ensure less household stress

by following resolutions that can

actually be kept. Also, read about

how to use dinner time as a subtle

way to communicate with your

children and increase their chances

of steering clear of trouble. And

finally, take advantage of some really

cool family getaways without having

to plan and save for a big vacation.

Local museums, ice rinks and the

library provide great opportunities

for a fun-filled weekend, especially

during the winter months when

outdoor activity is limited.

The upcoming issues of AFM will

provide local and general information

about significant topics, events and

organizations that are sure to benefit

every member of your family.

Thank you for joining us in the pre-

mier issue of AFM and help us to

continue celebrating the success of

Allen families by submitting your

ideas and nominations.

Visit www.northtexasmagazines.com.

Sincerely,

Vanessa Ximenez

972-727-3941www.allendentist.com

300 W. Boyd DriveAllen, Texas

(Next door to the Allen Post Office)

Cosmetic Dentistry • General Family Dentistry • Sedation Dentistry

Discover Drs. Jeff and Steve Williamsand their special brand of quality care

at Allen Dental Center.We use only the highest-quality dental

products and services, and we will strive to provide you the level of treatment and

comfort we would want for our own family.

The Williams Family

6 New Year, New Strategies Ideas to ensure less household stress in �008

8 The Dinner Discussion A perfect opportunity to communicate with your kids

10 Myspace Help your kids connect with their rooms

14 Chocolate Indulgences That are sure to please the palette

�0 Indoor Entertainment Fun for the entire family all winter long

�� Backbone and Bounce: Building Resilience

Table of ContentsJanuary/February �008 - Premier Issue

Publisher:Vanessa Ximenez

[email protected]

Editor:Lucy Parker Watkins

[email protected]

Art Director:Marlina Rahman

[email protected]

Contributing Writers:Jacqueline Bodnar

Ann DouglasLorie Fangio

Elizabeth LyonsAmy Pawlak

Haley ShapleyPatty Wipfler

Cover Photo:Wendolin Mercado Photography

www.wendolin.com

North Texas Magazines, Inc.808 S. College Street, Suite 111

McKinney, TX 7506997�.547.6�61

www.northtexasmagazines.com

Feature

Allen Family Magazine is a product of North Texas Magazines, Inc.Copyright 2007, exclusive of proprietary ads and artwork designs. All rights reserved. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any

means without prior written permission from the publisher. Placement of advertising is not a personal endorsement by the publisher or its representatives, and no liability arising therefrom is assumed.

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New Year, New Strategies

myspace

Indoor Entertainment

You can wear out your mouse-pad surfing all the top ranked

baby websites, fill your shopping cart to overflowing with the

must-read baby magazines, manuals, and memoirs, but in the

end, I learned it on my own. Here are several all-important

lessons about motherhood that I’ve learned.

Only supermodels shed their baby weight by the six-week checkup. Okay supermodel mommies and their biological equivalents.

You’ll meet the odd non-supermodel who manages to get skinny

fast, but she’s the exception rather than the rule. The rest of

us take months (or longer) to lose our baby bellies. So don’t

measure yourself against the super-crazy supermodel mommy

weight loss standards unless you want to start speed-dialing the

therapists of the rich and famous.

Your partner is not “the enemy.” It just feels that way at 3 a.m. It’s easy to start staring daggers

at your sleeping partner, particularly if you’re convinced he’s

ignoring your baby’s middle-of-the-night cries, just so he can

snatch a few more minutes of uninterrupted sleep. Before you

pack your bags and hop the next train to Splitsville, take it from

other moms who’ve been there. He’s not a selfish swine: he’s

just a sound sleeper. Scientists have discovered that dads simply

don’t hear babies’ night time cries as well as moms. Of course,

you can help him to hear better by giving him a gentle poke or

prod if you need some middle-of-the-night support. There’s no

scientific research to show that Dads can’t be roused to provide

hands-on help to moms.

Germs have been getting a bad rap. Studies have shown that taking things to extremes on the house-

cleaning front can increase children’s likelihood of developing

allergies. In other words, a few germs can be good things as far

as kids are concerned. So relax a little and consider giving your

inner Martha Stewart the day off every now and again.

Every mom needs time off for good behavior. Whether you take your time off across town, around the corner,

or in your bathtub with the door locked is up to you. (Not every

new mom wants to venture too far away from her baby, after all.)

But taking some sort of break from baby will give you the chance

to recharge your maternal batteries and get reacquainted with

your pre-baby self. (Remember her?)

Time doesn’t move at a predictable speed once you’ve become a mother. Some days—the not-so-great days—tick by painfully slowly. Then

entire months flip by in roughly the same amount of time in takes

to flip a page on your calendar. S-l-o-w d-o-w-n, speedup,

s-l-o-w d-o-w-n, speedup: it reminds you of the way your Slinky

used to flip-flop down the stairs when you were a child, gathering

up speed and taking on a life of its own.

RelaxYou’ve recently experienced many changes in your life and it may

take some time to process them all. Sit back and remember these

days truly are short and will soon be a cherished memory.

Ann Douglas is the author of numerous books about pregnancy and parenting, including—most recently—Sleep Solutions for Your Baby, Toddler, and Preschooler and Mealtime Solutions for Your Baby, Toddler, and Preschooler. Visit her on the web at www.motherofallblogs.com.

Everything I Needed to Know

About Raising Babies...

I just had to figure out!By Ann Douglas

www.allenfamilymagazine.com January/February �008 Allen Family Magazine 5

New Year,New StrategiesIdeas to ensure less household stress in 2008

t’s a new year, a time for new perspec-

tives, attitudes and -- if you’re under

the age of five in my house -- behav-

iors. Never mind the standard resolutions

to eat better, lose a few pounds, or clean

more frequently. Let’s be honest, we make

them every year and we barely stick with

them past February. This year, let’s make

a few realistic changes that will ensure a

more stress-free lifestyle.

Out With the Old & In With the New! It’s time for a cleansing. Don’t worry;

I am not referring to your house... yet. I’m

asking you to cleanse your frazzled mind.

Leave all the frustrations, challenges and

tantrums of last year behind.

Said Norman Cousins, author, poet and

writer, “Life is an adventure in forgiveness.”

Take some time to forgive your children

for the things they damaged or destroyed

last year. Forgive your husband for not

realizing or acknowledging with enough

frequency how much you accomplish each

day. Forgive yourself for reacting less than

calmly in your more frustrating moments.

Wipe the slate clean. Remember that this

year, your children will likely lose their in-

terest in the breakables of yesteryear. Your

husband has another 365 days to work to-

ward the moment when you can no longer

ask in desperation, “Honey, when are you

going to get it?” And by all means, hit the

mall this weekend and buy one cute skirt.

Ensure You Have a New Calendar We moms are nothing without our calen-

dars. Instead of buying a simple, bland

calendar that only reminds you of how

busy your life has become, find a humor-

ous one that will guarantee you start each

day with a laugh.

Plan Your Weekly EscapePlan to have a scheduled time each week

you do something for yourself. Sign up for

a yoga class or a cooking class. Join a small

group at church, or find a special place to

volunteer. Choose something that you will

enjoy, that will make you feel satisfied, and

By Elizabeth Lyons

I

www.allenfamilymagazine.com6 Allen Family Magazine January/February �008

that you will look forward to each week. If you are emotionally

invested in the activity, you will be more committed long-term.

Keep Cabin Fever to a Minimum If you have children who are not yet regularly attending school,

vow to have an activity at least once a week that gets you all out of

the house. How about a weekly trip to the library to pick out a few

new books or movies? Or a weekly play date with friends? A gym

class to drain a bit of the kids’ energy? Winter can seem endless,

but if you have a plan to make it through a week at a time, you’ll be

swinging on the swings at the park before you know it.

Eliminate One Source of Stress in Your Life Acknowledge one thing that stressed you out the most and plan

to eliminate it in the year to come. What one item or activity dis-

tressed you the most? Was it your lack of control over household

finances? The infrequency with which you and your husband got

out together? The constant clutter in your home? Once identified,

find a way to ensure that issue doesn’t bug you through the next

year as well. Sit down and obtain a more accurate picture of the

situation and make a plan for the remainder of the year.

Choose One Book to Finish by End of Year How many books are sitting by your bedside table? If you’re like

me, about eight; however, they likely include a parenting guide, a

strategy for keeping your marriage alive, a Bible, a self-help book

on dealing with stress and The Queen of Clean’s Cleaning Guide.

Is there even one book sitting in that stack that is purely enjoyable?

Choose a book you’ve wanted to read for some time and vow to

complete it within the next six months to a year. We should all com-

plete at least one book each year that is read for pure enjoyment.

Get Organized! A cluttered home creates a cluttered brain. Moms can’t afford any

more clutter than already exists. Organize overstuffed drawers.

Arrange the items in your linen closet. Sort out your pantry. This

need not be an all-day affair. Dedicate yourself to a location-a-day

plan. You’ll be amazed by how much more relaxing it is to open

a well-organized linen closet than one filled with contents from

which you have to cower when opening.

Make Your Personal Medical Appointments… This Week! It’s easy to procrastinate when making non-critical medical

appointments. After all, who has time to sit on hold for long

periods of time, waiting to find out how many months will pass

before she can be seen? Dedicate a week this month to making

your annual appointments for a physical, well-woman exam, dental

cleaning and any other annual appointments you require. Make

the appointments for your husband as well. His health is just as

important, yet he is likely to go 10 years without seeing a doctor

if allowed.

Begin Reading One Spiritual GuideInvest in a book that guides you day-by-day toward a greater un-

derstanding of your purpose, reminds you there is a greater power

at work in your life, and gives you the strength and the perspective

to conquer the numerous inconveniences -- not to mention routine

daily activities -- that transpire.

Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850-1919), an American writer and poet,

noted “There is no chance, no destiny, no fate that can circumvent

or hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.” New

Year’s Resolutions are your own. They are meant to enhance your

life, not add to the chaos that already exists within it. If you com-

mit to shifting the practices in your life that cause you to count the

minutes until bedtime from the minute you open your eyes each

morning, you will surely be on your way toward a fulfilling year.

Elizabeth Lyons, a parenting and twins expert, is the author of “Ready or

Not… Here We Come! The REAL Experts’ Cannot-Live-Without Guide to

the First Year with Twins.” Visit her website at www.elizabethlyons.com.


A similar report was issued last year by The National Center on

Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University which

stated that families that frequently eat dinners together have

children who are less likely to smoke, drink or use illegal drugs.

If that’s not enough to convince you then maybe the fact that

the studies found other benefits such as bringing families closer

together and teaching children healthy eating habits will.

• The BenefitsComing together around dinner provides a kind of family focal

point for the day. “It’s important because this is a way to stay

connected,” says Becki A. Hein, MS, LPC of Allen. “Sometimes

when everyone in the family is busy, dinner might be the only

time to find out how family members are experiencing life.”

The Dinner DiscussionA perfect opportunity to communicate with your kids

Looking for a great way to bring your family closer together,

teach your children table manners and help keep them away

from destructive behaviors all at the same time? Regularly eat-

ing family dinners together may just be what you are looking for.

• The ResearchA recent study conducted by Roper Public Affairs & Media found

that there are great benefits to a family regularly eating together.

The study found families that eat together are less likely to have

children who engage in destructive behaviors such as drinking

alcohol or taking drugs. The report also showed that children in

families who don’t eat together are more likely to feel discon-

nected from their family.

By Jacqueline Bodnar


Eating together provides a great place for communication and

for families to share good and bad news. It acts as a consistent

place where kids feel they belong and know they can always re-

turn to for help and support.

• The ObstaclesWith all the known benefits of families eating dinner together,

still 80 percent of Americans feel that it is hard to find the time

to eat together regularly. By the looks of things we have become

such a fast paced society that many have rushed themselves

right out of important family dinners. Hein points out that some

factors keeping families from making time for dinners together

include involvement in extracurricular activities, involvement with

electronic devices such as games and computers, or just being

so busy with household business that it seems nearly impossible

to get the entire family in one place before bedtime. Addition-

ally, as children venture into the teen years, they may not be as

willing to share their experiences with their parents. “This is the

most important time for parents to engage their children,

because it is important for parents to be accessible to their teens

when the kids are ready to open up again.”

• PrioritizingIf you would like to get your family to sit down together regular-

ly for family meals you have to make it a priority. Hein suggests

parents do what they can to organize each family member’s

schedule to make it possible for them to have dinner together.

“Even if it’s one or two dinners a week, with the TV off, that’s bet-

ter than none at all.” Hein adds that listing these evenings on

the calendar so everyone in the family knows and expects they

will be home for dinner can help make dining together a regular

event in even the busiest of homes.

There are other ways for families to spend quality time together

besides eating meals together, but dinner time is a great

opportunity that occurs daily. If you can’t do dinner each day

then make sure to get together each day for family bonding.

According to Hein, a good strategy to get the dinner conversa-

tion going is by starting with, “Tell me about the best part of

your day.” By starting the conversation this way, it is led in a

positive direction. Parents can continue the conversation by

following up with questions such as “Why was that the favorite

part of your day?” Good follow-up, open-ended questions will

lead to more personal, revealing statements and help make the

family connection grow.

Jacqueline Bodnar is a freelance writer that lives in Port Orange, Fla.

with her husband and two children.


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One thing we can all agree on is that providing for a child is

expensive. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that, on

average, over $250,000 will be spent on raising a child. And

there’s no doubt some of it will be spent on bedrooms. Just

think of all the different ways that room is changed, from birth

on up to the teenage years. With a little planning and expert

advice, you should be able to keep some of that money in your

pocket, while providing a cool and functional atmosphere.

Finding Furniture“To add to the fun of decorating your child’s room, ask your

daughter or son for their help and then listen carefully to their

ideas,” explains interior designer Laurie Nissen-Miller. “If you

have to modify their ideas, explain why, and you will have a

happy participant.”

When it comes to the furniture and decorations, it’s a good idea

to have your child choose the type of items he would like

displayed. A good way to go about displaying items is to have

a few shelves and cork tack strips for pinning up art or posters,

or to paint one wall with magnetic or chalk paint that will create

a large usable canvas. Nissen-Miller points out that another fun

thing to add to the room is a big shaggy rug on the floor, is a new

fad to youngsters which adds a coziness that they will enjoy.

“When choosing bedding, think ahead and ask yourself if the

style is mature enough to last for several years,” says Nissen-Miller.

“And ask yourself if the furniture is durable and if your child can

grow up with it. If you choose to purchase youth furniture, plan

on purchasing new furniture when your child is a preteen; other-

wise choose furniture that is full-size and durable.”

By Jacqueline Bodnar

myspace

help your kids connect with their rooms


Kathy Gordon from Imagine That Furniture suggests that bunk

beds are great features for kids, even if they have their own

rooms. Not only can pieces like desks and book cases be

added to maximize space, but they can be rearranged as the

kids grow and their tastes change.

“Bunk beds are great for sleepovers and kids really enjoy the

adventure sleeping of a bunk,” says Gordon. “Solid wood

furniture easily transitions into teenage and college years,

it’s very easy to repaint and change decorative images as the

child’s interest’s change.”

Uncluttered ClosetsWhen created with care, closets can be a great place to store

things that would otherwise drape over furniture and clutter

the floor. This is one area of the room that you don’t want to

ignore; it’s loaded with potential.

“Most kids won’t fold their clothing without a little coaxing,”

shares Ronald Wilhite, Jr., owner of Closets by Design.

“By making everything hang, you won’t have to fight as hard

to get them to put their clothes away.”

He suggests creating closets that incorporate as many hanging

rods as possible. While many people are familiar with adding

one extra rod for a double hang, the shortness of children’s

clothing means that you can triple- or quadruple-hang. Other

organizers that can be used in the closet to help with storage

include shoe racks, hampers, baskets, drawers and bins.

“Our designers actually draw up the closet and label it, so that

the children can look at the diagram and know where the

items are supposed to go,” says Wilhite. “Get the children

involved in the design and it will be easier to get them to use

it correctly.”

Calling all ColorsOne of the most cost-effective and dramatic ways you can

change a child’s room over the years is to simply give it a new

splash of color. It’s easy and inexpensive to buy neutral-

colored furniture and change the look by painting the walls

or adding colored pillows and window coverings.

“Color influences us in many hidden ways,” says interior

designer Zara Stender. “Research has shown that the correct

use of colors in the home and workplace can greatly contribute

to a successful, healthy and happy life.”

She suggests that babies prefer bright primary colors, but that

by the age of six a child’s choices are influenced by emotional

associations. By the time they are teens, it’s influenced by

fashion. Colors that you may want to steer clear of include red

and orange, which can stimulate hyperactivity, and yellow for a

baby’s room, because it seems to make them cry more.

Family RoomsThe one other area of the home where children spend a lot of

their time is the family room. To create a truly family-friendly

environment, it’s important to keep it comfortable. Stender

suggests that shades of orange in a family room are ideal

because they have the psychological effect of making us feel

more social. It’s important to keep the room child-proof and

friendly. Large ottomans work great as a safe and soft coffee

table substitute.

“Keep it simple and decorate with coasters on the end tables,”

adds Nissen-Miller. “For adult décor, add art on the walls, as

well as plants, photos and candles up high. Remember,

children aren’t small for long, and the day will come when

you can put fragile items out on your tables again.”

Jacqueline Bodnar is a freelance writer that lives in Port Orange, Fla.

with her husband and two children.


Located in the historic Bacus-Brown house, Allen Birthing Center (ABC) offers safe, sensitive care for families. The warm, homelike setting supports this focus. Serenity and privacy are Allen Birth-ing Center’s hallmarks. In her suite, a woman can make herself comfortable, wear her own clothing, eat and even soak in a tub. The center welcomes guests so the woman decides who will be with her.

ABC is more than a place, however. It is also people, a program of care and a professional philosophy within the health care system which creates a community of parents and professionals working together to create family-centered care. This partnership is ideal for healthy women seeking more personal service—and wanting involvement.

The center’s program instills confidence. Professionals provide time to listen, answer questions, and stay with a woman through her active labor and birth. They balance the art, science and spirit of health. Pure babies born to healthy mothers are the ultimate goal at Allen Birthing Center.

Allen Birthing Center is a member of the American Association of Birth Centers (AABC)--the accrediting body for birth centers. According to the AABC, a birth center practices a wellness and holistic approach that focuses on health promotion and individual responsibility. The philosophy is that childbearing is normal and a woman and her family should create the birth experience. It is a collaborative, integrated approach that honors and respects the wisdom and dignity of all women.

Allen Birthing Center is part of the health care system. Licensed by the Texas Department of Health Services, the facility is subject to stringent reviews. Laboratory services and specialty referrals are available. Major health insurance companies include plans for coverage of birth center services.

Certified nurse-midwives (CNM) staff the birth center. Modern midwives are a far cry from those of yesteryear. Today’s CNM is educated in both nursing and midwifery and certified according to the requirements of the American College of Nurse-Midwives. Her practice encompasses common primary care issues, family planning and gynecological needs of women, childbirth, the post-partum period and the care of the newborn. The CNM practices within a health care system that provides for consultation, collabor-ative management or referrals as indicated by the health status of the client. In Texas, CNMs are licensed as advanced practice nurses by the Board of Nurse Examiners.

Allen Birthing Center’s three CNMs: Rebecca Burpo, Amy Giles and Elizabeth Hoffman possess bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing. Each completed her post-graduate midwifery education at Parkland School of Nurse-Midwifery/UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Each has practiced in hospitals and birth centers. With over 60 years of experience and thousands of births, they are one of the most highly skilled groups in the metroplex.

ABC offers free consultations. The center limits its enrollments, to ensure that each woman will receive personalized care. Call (214) 495-9911 to schedule a tour or visit. www.allenbirthingcenter.com.

Honoringthe Spirit of Birth

Collin County’s only birth centerserving families throughout the Metroplex

214-495-9911 • www.allenbirthingcenter.com406 W. Main Street • Allen, TX 75013

The new office of Daniel J. Chartrand, MD recently opened in downtown Allen. His charming one-room office is located inside the picturesque Victorian Bacus-Brown house and has the feel of an old-fashioned medical practice. At Harmony Family Health, Dr. Chartrand hopes to offer an alternative to a fast-paced and im-personal medical system. He wants Harmony Family Health to be reminiscent of a small town medical practice with personal care and attention offered to each patient.

Dr. Chartrand trained in family practice and spent the past sev-eral years working in emergency medicine. Along with this solid background in western medicine, Dr. Chartrand has an interest in eastern philosophies as well. He is currently studying acupuncture at Harvard’s School of Medicine in a course designed specifically for physicians. Harmony Family Health was created with the idea of integrating Dr. Chartrand’s medical training with his philosophy on health and healing. This includes using pharmaceuticals and diagnostic testing when necessary as well as support measures to enhance the body’s natural healing ability.

Dr. Chartrand believes in the body’s natural ability to create and sustain health. He uses a holistic approach to patient care and looks at the whole person rather than a set of isolated symptoms. Dr. Chartrand seeks to support patients with care that complements their values and life goals. At Harmony Family Health each patient plays an active role in her personal health. One of the most striking examples of this is his policy on childhood vaccinations.

Dr. Chartrand provides information and advice to his patients, but is happy to support parents in their decision to vaccinate or not.

Belying the old-fashioned appearance of his cozy office, Dr. Char-trand is able to cast broken bones and stitch lacerations right in the office. He also offers complete physicals, including EKG and blood work. Visitors may be surprised to learn that Dr. Chartrand has even made house calls as a service to his patients. Despite the many services and the personal care offered at Harmony Family Health, an office visit is only $65.

Dr. Chartrand spent his childhood in Saint Louis, Missouri, where he attended medical school and met and married his high school sweetheart, Lori. Shortly after he and Lori married, they moved to Texas where Dr. Chartrand trained at Parkland Hospital, Saint Paul University Hospital and Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. He also worked in several hospitals in rural Texas, including Graham Regional Medical Center. Besides opening their new family prac-tice clinic, he and Lori have been busy with their growing family since the home birth of their second daughter this November.

Dr. Chartrand is excited to bring this integrated approach to pri-mary care to Allen. You can find out more about Dr. Chartrand and Harmony Family Health online at www.harmonyfamilyhealth.com. You can also call and speak with Dr. Chartrand personally at 972-977-7496. Dr. Chartrand is looking forward to serving the residents of Allen and its surrounding communities.

Harmony Family HealthDaniel J. Chartrand, MD

972-977-7496 • www.harmonyfamilyhealth.com406 W. Main Street • Allen, TX 75013


hether it’s Valentines Day or any other day of the week, chocolate is everywhere. In Febru-ary, shoppers will find it around every corner

tied up in pretty packages and heart-shaped boxes as the more common place chocolates still beckon to passers-by from grocery check out stands. Adults and children alike are drawn to this sweet concoction whether it’s a beautiful chocolate truffle rolled in almonds or a candy bar marked with the logo of the famous Pennsylvania chocolate company.

Birthdays, weddings, family get-togethers, visits to grandma’s house are all punctuated with chocolate served in a variety of ways. There is something so enjoyable about the rich, dark, creamy texture, the way it melts on your tongue with an explosion of unmistak-able flavor. The indulgence reminds many adults of days-gone-by making it easier for mom and dad to understand why their kids clamor for the sweet taste. Children devour it with a fervor that often leaves bits of evidence on their faces.

The recent revelation that chocolate has health benefits is music to the ears of chocolate lovers everywhere. Dark chocolate is packed with flavonoids, the anti-oxi-dant pigments that promote cardiovascular health. This guilty pleasure is actually good for you! Did you really need an excuse to indulge in this decadent delicacy?

Not only is chocolate a pleasure to eat, it’s also a joy for families to cook with as long as you know a few tricks of the trade. Chocolate and water don’t mix; even the tini-est drop will trigger melting chocolate to seize. For this reason, melting chocolate in the microwave is preferred to the double boiler. Heat chocolate in 30-second inter-vals, stirring in between, using the least amount of heat

as possible to get the job done. If chocolate gets too hot the cocoa butter and cocoa solids will separate, compro-mising its texture.

If you are making a confection that will be held or served at room temperature, such as dipped berries, you will want to temper the chocolate to insure a beautiful sheen and a nice snap to the finished product. Simple temper-ing is done by slowly melting ¾ of the product. Remove it from the heat source and add the remaining ¼ into the bowl and stir until all of the chocolate is melted.

With a few helpful hints up your sleeve, preparing lus-cious treats for the ones you love will be a breeze. Start with a satisfying cup of hot cocoa, its indulgent taste will warm your loved ones from the inside out. Make it an ultra luxurious treat by adding whipped cream and choco-late shavings. Get your kids in on the action and let them make sweet Valentine Rocky Road. Your little chefs will beam with pride as they serve up this colorful candy to all their friends. For a little more grown up flavor, Orange Infused Dark Chocolate Truffles are pure chocolate bliss. And for the ultimate fix, Chocolate Fondue will satisfy even the toughest craving.

Delicious tidbits really are easy to prepare, so wow your family with neat treats made of chocolate. Your spirit will sing from the sheer delight of chocolate at its best.

Decadent Homemade Hot Cocoa• 1 cup heavy cream• 3 cups whole milk• 1 teaspoon vanilla• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips• ½ cup milk chocolate chips

W

Chocolate Indulgences

That are sure to please the paletteBy Lorie Fangio


Valentine Rocky Road • 1 package milk chocolate chips• 1 cup creamy peanut butter• 1 cup salted, roasted peanuts• 1 cup marshmallows• ¾ cup red and pink M&M candies

Melt chocolate in a microwave safe bowl in 30-second intervals. Add peanut butter and stir until smooth. Add peanuts, marshmallows, M&M’s and mix well. Pour candy into an 8 ½ inch square baking dish. Refrigerate until hard-ened and cut into 1 ½ inch squares.

Chocolate Fondue• 1 cup whole milk• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips• 1 tablespoon Grand Marnier (optional)• 1 teaspoon vanilla• 1 package large marshmallows• Assorted fruit

Heat milk and Grand Marnier in a heavy sauce pan until milk begins to steam. Remove pan from heat, add chocolate and stir until smooth. Pour chocolate into a fondue pot and serve with fruit, marshmallows and wooden skewers.

Listen for Lorie on Home Hints with Lorie Fangio on 97.5 KLAK!

Heat milk and cream together in a heavy sauce pan until milk begins to steam. Add vanilla, chocolate and remove from heat. Let pan stand for 1-2 minutes and whisk until chocolate is incorporated. Serve with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Orange Infused Dark Chocolate Truffles

• 1 cup heavy cream• 3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter• 2 teaspoons orange zest• 1 teaspoon almond extract• 1 tablespoon corn syrup• 1 ½ cups additional 60 % cocoa chocolate chips for dipping truffles

Heat cream and orange zest in a heavy sauce pan until mixture begins to steam. Strain cream to remove all zest and return to sauce pan. Add butter, almond extract and corn syrup, mix well. Add chocolate and stir until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Using a melon scoop and your hands, roll chocolate mixture into balls, place on cookie sheet and refrigerate until firm. Melt 60% cocoa chocolate in the microwave in 30 second intervals. Dip each truffle into melted chocolate form-ing an outer shell. Garnish with almond or drizzle with melted white chocolate, if desired.

inter vacation is over, and spring break is still on

the horizon, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go on

a getaway. There are plenty of places in the DFW

Metroplex to spend a fun weekend with your family. So if

you’re feeling the winter blahs, pack up the car and plan a trip

to one of these locations.

The Heard Natural Science Museum and Sanctuary1 Nature Place, McKinney. Open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.

to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. $8 for adults, $5

for seniors and children ages 3-12, free for members and chil-

dren 3 and under. www.heardmuseum.org

There are always many things to do, see and experience at

the Heard Museum. The sanctuary, nature trails, native plant

garden, education department, exhibits and collections, na-

ture store and rental facilities provide visitors with an array of

services and activities. There are six different nature trails that

meander throughout the various ecosystems. Each trail is also

unique in terrain, length and spectacle.

In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Education Center3430 Skyview Drive, Wylie. Open weekends from 11 a.m. to

6 p.m. $10 for adults, $7 for children, free for 3 and under.

www.insyncexotics.com

Take the 20-minute drive to Wylie, and you’re in for a lion’s

share of fun. At In-Sync Exotics, you can see rescued cats,

including lions, tigers, leopards, cougars and lynx. Owner Vicki

Keahey started out with an affinity for dogs, even showing

them for more than 25 years. But while working as a veterinary

technician at a clinic in 1991, Keahey adopted an abandoned

cougar, Tahoe, and over time developed her expertise as a

caretaker for exotic cats. Kids will love seeing the 30-plus cats

Keahey watches over in a safe and exciting environment.

Other options for animal lovers: Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (Glen Rose); the Dallas World Aquarium (Dallas)

Family GetawaysBy Haley Shapley

W

Great


The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza411 Elm Street, Suite 120, Dallas. Open week-

ends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $13.50 for adults,

$12.50 for ages 6 to 18, free for 5 and under.

www.jfk.org

Once kids hit elementary school and start

learning about times other than the present,

they become fascinated with the past. A great

way to help them learn about the country’s

history is by taking them to the Sixth Floor

Museum which documents, through films,

photographs, artifacts and interpretive displays,

John F. Kennedy’s assassination and the impact

it had on an entire nation.

Other options for history buffs: Heritage Farm-stead Museum (Plano); Medieval Times (Dallas)

The Ice at Stonebriar Centre2601 Preston Road, Suite 1235, Frisco. Public skate open on

Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.,

Sundays from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. $7 for adults, $6 for ages 6

to 9, $5 for ages 4 and 5, $3 for 3 and under, plus $3 for skate

rentals. www.stonebriarice.com

The family that falls on the ice together stays together. Bundle

up in a warm coat, put on your hat and mittens, lace up your

skates and hit the ice at this NHL-regulation arena. Go during

public skate sessions and glide around at your own leisure or

sign up for lessons. Just don’t forget to reward yourself after-

ward with a cup of hot cocoa.

Other options for sports fans: Legends of the Game Baseball Museum (Arlington); Dallas Stars hockey games (Dallas)

National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame1720 Gendy Street, Fort Worth. Open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to

5 p.m., Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. $8 for adults, $7 for

children 3 to 12, free for 2 and under. www.cowgirl.net

Venture to Fort Worth and be sure to take your little girls to

discover the only museum dedicated exclusively to the women

of the American West. Highlights include interactive galleries

that feature artifacts and photographs, a traveling exhibit gal-

lery, three theaters and a research library. Kids will especially

love taking a simulated ride on a bucking bronco which is

mixed with footage of an old-time rodeo and then turned into

a movie you can see on-screen.

Other options for Wild West reminiscers: Grapevine Vintage Railroad (Grapevine); the Fort Worth Herd (Fort Worth)

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!601 Palace Parkway, Grand Prairie. Open Saturdays and

Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $17 for adults, $9 for children

ages 4 to 12, free for 3 and under. www.palaceofwax.com

In Robert Ripley’s travels around the world, he collected things

that are fascinating, strange and downright bizarre. Load the

kids into the car and take the 45-minute trip to Grand

Prairie, where Ripley’s Believe It or Not! resides (as a bonus,

Louis Tussaud’s Palace of Wax and Ripley’s Enchanted Mirror

Maze are housed in the same building). Experience being in

the center of a 200-mph Texas Twister, explore the ocean floor,

see the Lord’s Prayer written on a single grain of rice and view

plenty of unique artifacts.

Other options for offbeat fun: Cowtown Cattlepen Maze (Fort Worth); Museum of Nature & Science (Dallas)

Allen Public Library300 North Allen Drive, Allen. Open Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.,

Sundays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Free. www.cityofallen.org/library

Sometimes the best thing to do on a cold wintry day is to

snuggle up in a cozy blanket with a good book in hand. To

find some great ones, head to Allen Public Library where kids

get a special room that includes activities like story time,

movies, crafts, puppet shows and guest performers. Check the

calendar or call ahead to see what’s upcoming.

Haley Shapley is a freelance writer and editor living in North Texas.


ich in history and tradition, First Baptist Church Allen has

a custom of blazing new trails in Allen. Begun in 1876

when the Faulkner Prairie and Wilson Creek Baptist Churches

agreed to unite at a new location on the Sayles Coffee farm,

the group invited Allen to cooperate. The next meeting was

then held at the school house near the Allen station and the

church then changed its name to the Allen Church.

The future was bright then and is still shining for the centrally

located church now called First Baptist Allen located at

201 East McDermott.

What’s next for this trail blazing church? A baptismal garden and

wedding pavilion definitely fit the bill. Construction began for

the garden area in October, 2007, as part of the church’s “Bridge

to the Future” plan.

The garden area is positioned in the middle of the ever-growing

campus and is the first of its kind in Allen. An emergent trend

with churches today, the outside baptistry focuses on bring-

ing baptisms back to a simpler time. The closer, more informal

gathering “at the creek” of yesteryears allows churches to get

that time-honored feel of a community celebration. Without a

doubt, this latest addition to First Baptist Church will be one of

its most unique features.

And unique it is. It has already dramatically changed the look of

central campus. New landscaping, which will include 16 mature

trees (65-gallon Chinese Pistachios and 100-gallon Live Oaks),

is also being added to enhance the appearance of the entire

campus. Intimate music festivals and similar celebrations are just

some of the events being considered for the new outdoor area.

“We enjoy an amazing history here in Allen, but we want to

continue to look toward the future. We’re very excited about

this latest project,” says Pastor Chad Selph. “Our membership

grows right along with Allen and being an integral part of the

community has always been one of our objectives.”

“Outdoor baptisms will add a new dimension to celebrating

believers’ baptisms and encourage faith commitments to Christ

by bringing baptism close and personal,” says Pastor Selph.

The second phase of the “Bridge to the Future” plan is the

construction of 150 additional parking spaces. “The new park-

ing spaces bring better balance to the locations of our church

parking and provide additional parking for our senior adults,”

says Pastor Selph. “During Vacation Bible School in June we have

more than 1,000 children in attendance. In December, Christmas

Celebration brings approximately 3,000 people to our campus.

Every parking space helps.”

While the baptismal garden and wedding pavilion are already

very near completion, the parking spaces will begin soon.

“A project like this is very exciting for our church membership, as

well as the community,” says John DeLeon, Business Administra-

tor for the church. “Now we can offer a beautiful outdoor

wedding venue for people in the Allen community.

First Baptist Church AllenThe First with Garden Area for Baptisms and Weddings

R


“And, the additional parking is a plus for everyone as well. Our

next major event is Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008, when an an-

ticipated 2,500-3,000 people will visit the campus. Parking will

be critical to accommodate this large volume of people.”

Additional parking helps ease the church’s growing pains and

also helps the community. The church is located in the middle

of the Central Business District of Allen, and provides parking

for some major community events including the Allen Com-

munity Outreach Fun Run, the Rudolph Run in conjunction with

the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, and the Allen Christmas Parade.

“Using the typical church parking formula of three people per

vehicle, an additional 150 parking spaces would make it

possible to provide for another 450 individuals each Sunday,”

said Pastor Selph. Many church members presently have to

park on the grass along Cedar Street. The new parking spaces

will allow people to park more conveniently and safely while

expanding the church’s ability to host more people for worship

and Bible study each Sunday.

First Baptist Church Allen is located at 201 East McDermott.

For more information, please call (972) 727-8241 or visit

www.fbcallen.org.


www.allenfamilymagazine.com�0 Allen Family Magazine January/February �008

It’s finally cold outside and the winter months mean spending

more time inside where it’s warm and cozy. But, the usual indoor

activities such as movies and video games can multiply boredom

levels very quickly when that is all there is to do. To help heat

things up a little while the family is stuck inside, try some of

these fun activities. Your family will be surprised at how fun

and stimulating playing inside can be!

Get Your Game OnGames are always fun activities families can do together. But

if your family is not the board game type, try more interactive

games that require more physical interaction.

Forehead FunThis version of “20 questions” is a neat game that can be adapt-

able to many age groups. Pick a theme, such as animals, cartoon

characters, or TV shows for example, and write down items

relating to the theme on separate pieces of paper. For instance,

if “Animals” is the theme, write down different types of animals

on separate pieces of paper. Fold the pieces of paper and put

them in a bowl. Then, a family member draws from the bowl

and tapes the piece of paper to the player’s forehead (facing the

other family members) without the player seeing what animal is

written on the paper. Now, the player must ask questions, like

“What color am I,” “Am I furry,” “Where do I live,” and so on, until

they are able to guess correctly.

Obstacle CourseIf you’re looking for a way to burn energy indoors, an indoor ob-

stacle course is a great game for the family to play. Just use your

creativity to set up fun obstacles around the house and set the

rules for completing the course. Pick really small, narrow places

for parents to climb through to evoke laughter from the kids and

pick funny, goofier obstacles for the little kids. These could be

putting a pile of clothes in the floor and making them put every

piece on before going to the next obstacle. There are lots of

possibilities in your home for a fun obstacle course.

Indoor EntertainmentFun for the entire family all winter long

By Amy Pawlak

www.allenfamilymagazine.com January/February �008 Allen Family Magazine �1

Match Game ModifiedThis is a great game for the older children in the house. Have

them cut out current event photos and the accompanying

captions from newspapers and magazines. Then cut the photos

apart from their captions. Now mix everything up and match

different photos with different captions and see what funny

creations your kids come up with.

Project Fun!For families with younger children, arts and crafts as well as

physical play can help keep kids and parents alike entertained

for hours.

Stock the Craft BinCollect materials in plastic bin that can turn into art projects at

a moment’s notice. Inexpensive craft materials, such as finger

paint, construction paper, glue sticks, feathers, pasta, stickers,

popsicle sticks, paper plates and dried beans make lots of fun

crafts. Or, collect things from nature, like sticks, small pieces of

wood, rocks, leaves, or anything else that could transform into

an artistic masterpiece. Kids -and parents- can use these items

to decorate pieces of wood, make pasta jewelry, create musical

instruments and so forth. Then play with your projects together

by forming a family band with the instruments you made, put

on puppet shows with the puppets you made, or really use your

imagination to bring the rock animals you made to life.

Fun with TexturesKids learn a lot from experiencing different textures. One fun way

to play with textures is to create a Feely Box. All you need to do is

get a shoe box out of the closet and let the kids decorate it how-

ever they want. Then, tell them to hide their eyes while you put an

object into the box. After the item is in the box, kids will reach in

– with their eyes still closed – to feel around and guess what object

is in the box. Repeat with different textured objects and you’ll have

a fun and educational game on your hands in no time.

Puppet PalsTired of trying to find mates to those single socks that keep

coming out of the laundry? Don’t fret anymore. Have your kids

use them to make their own puppets. Puppets can also be made

from old magazine clippings or family photos that are cut out and

pasted onto popsicle sticks. Or, kids can make their own finger

puppets by drawing a picture of an animal, person or whatever

they choose on a piece of paper. Before cutting it out, draw

rectangle, large enough to fold around the child’s finger, at the

bottom of the picture. Cut out the picture and tape the sides of

the rectangle together so that it fits securely around the child’s

finger. When they’re done creating their puppet pals, pull the

couch away from the wall or cover up a table so they can stand

behind it and put on a puppet show.

For more fun ideas on fun indoor activities, go to www.familyfun.go.com

and www.fun.familyeducation.com.

What can parents do to help their children

bounce back under adversity, with a basic

sense of confidence in themselves in spite of

difficult circumstances? And when a parent

has a child that collapses when things are

difficult, what can be done to foster resilience?

In a sense, these are perhaps the key ques-

tions of parenting! During any 10 year period,

I would venture to guess that in the lives of

most families, at least one genuine crisis will

develop, or ongoing difficulties will grind to-

ward the unworkable stage. And though we

work hard to prevent it, our children will be

hurt by these crises, and will need a reservoir

of inner confidence in themselves to come

through well.

So how do we build resilience? Studies have

shown that if just one person in a child’s life is

consistently supportive, a child is much more

likely to overcome difficult circumstances. Just

one person who is enthusiastic about the child.

Just one person who lights up when the child

walks into the room. Feeling close to one

dependable adult is at the heart of resilience

for children.

We parents love our children deeply, but

sometimes our communication with them gets

muddled. Disapproval, impatience, or indiffer-

ence clouds our interactions with our children

when we’re overloaded. We have to play

many roles with them -- sleep monitor, cleanli-

ness checker, homework prodder, educational

guide, the list goes on! And as we juggle

those roles, our ability to feel our hearts lift

when they walk in the door can wilt.

Dedicate Time and EnthusiasmSpecial Time is a simple way to remind our

children that we love them. It works especially

Backbone and Bounce:Building Resilience

by Patty Wipfler

www.allenfamilymagazine.com�� Allen Family Magazine January/February �008

well when there are persistent irritants in our relationship with

them, because it disciplines us, the parents, to be pleased with

them for a specific period of time. I call Special Time a “listening

tool” because it’s a reliable tool for putting us parents in the

“listening,” accepting, and enthusiastic role, so that our children

can tell that we’re behind them.

To do Special Time, you set aside a period of time, short or long,

whatever you can carve from your day or week. You say, “Hey,

tomorrow I’m going to have 1/2 hour after dinner, and we can

do whatever you want to do! Think about it, and we’ll make

it a date!” (If you have older children, you need to set condi-

tions around whether or not you have transportation to go

somewhere, and whether or not you will spend money, and how

much.) Then, you enthusiastically go with whatever activity your

child chooses. Jumping on beds, building a fort in the living

room, making pancakes, going outside and playing catch...

whatever they’ve chosen, you love them, make lots of eye

contact, touch them affectionately, and energetically throw

yourself into the play. Set a timer, and don’t let anything short

of an earthquake interrupt your focus on your child. When the

timer goes off, let your child know you loved being with him,

and let him know when the next Special Time will be.

What your child chooses will help you see what he loves and

what he wants, which are very important communications for

you to receive. Special Time helps children feel close to their

parents, and that closeness is the heart of resilience. When a

child’s parents aren’t able to play a good role, any other caring

adult willing to be “crazy about” the child, and to give Special

Time in some form, can build resilience in that child.

Listen to the Feelings That EmergeOften, Special Time reveals feelings our children carry that they

hope we will hear. And this brings us to the second factor I think

is crucial in building resilience in children. When children have

someone willing to listen to their feelings all the way through,

they can bounce back from disappointment. They don’t have to

carry festering upsets year after year. They express them, cry or

tantrum their way through them, and see their world as shinier

and more hopeful afterward. I like to call this Staylistening,

because the parent has to make a conscious decision to stay with

a child so he can clear away his upset feelings.

Children build resilience when someone cares enough to listen

to their upsets all the way through, without arguing, trying to be

logical, or condemning them for how they feel. The feelings are

like a storm passing through -- if the lightning can strike and the

thunder can roll, the energy of the storm dissipates. If no one

listens, the bleak thoughts and bad feelings get stored up, hard

to manage and ready to pop at every little excuse. With regular

chances to be heard, respected, and loved through an emotional

storm, children come to depend on themselves and their ability

to get through tough times, unfair times, frustrating times, and

lonely times. Staylistening gives a child a sense that although

you don’t have the same feelings as they do, you can love them

just the same, and stay with them until the feelings change for

the better. With listening, the feelings do lift. With listening,

problem solving will follow a good, cleansing emotional storm.

And your child, if not resilient already, will become so as you

Staylisten through necessary upsets that help him clear the feel-

ings he trips over every day as he tries to learn, love, and bounce

back from adversity.

We Parents Need to Build SupportOf course, to make these kinds of generous initiatives toward

your child, you need to build your resilience as a parent! Parent-

ing is an emotional ultra marathon — there’s so much to learn

and so little help with the work. Setting up a Listening Partner-

ship, so you can take turns being listened to and returning the

favor for another parent who’s trying hard, is an excellent way to

build your own resilience. You need some good hearted person,

who’ll keep their advice and judgments on a short leash, while

you talk about how parenting is going for you. Special Time and

Staylistening are much easier to do when you’ve had permission

to tell someone your hopes, and where they’ve been dashed or

put on hold. These Listening Partnerships make a surprising

difference in the feel of life as a parent! And they give us

a fighting chance to have fun with our children, an important

part of building their bounce and their backbone.

Patty Wipfler is founder of Hand in Hand, a non-profit organization

governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. For more information,

please visit HandinHandParenting.org

www.allenfamilymagazine.com January/February �008 Allen Family Magazine �3

Allen Family Magazine issue 1

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