February 2012

He was an indisputably bright toddler, a whiz at memorization, and an ace at building intricate Lego structures. But when Hopper started trying to learn letters, he was baffled. And so were his parents. How could he not know that a B is a B? wondered his mom, Kasi Strauchler.…

Boats flooded Rudee Inlet thanks to the Rock Shout Out, an annual fishing competition at Virginia Beach, but I watched them diminish in the distance as the Virginia Aquarium’s vessel headed toward Cape Henry Lighthouse. An earlier tour had spotted some humpback whales there, and while the aquarium’s Winter Wildlife…

Everyone knows exercise can help you get fit and lose weight, but there are benefits that go far beyond those physical changes. Families like these three have discovered that the road to a healthy lifestyle can be a bonding experience for parents and children. The journey itself offers an opportunity…

  Does your body make you groan? I chuckle every time I read this phrase, artfully written in blue marker across the top of a little piece of paper still on my night table. It’s a coupon from my youngest daughter for a back massage, or a foot rub, or…

Sometimes I think having a cavity filled might be more appealing than dragging myself out of bed at six-thirty in the morning to work out. Working full-time and taking care of two extremely energetic young boys can really zap your energy. Who wants to work out when you feel pulled…

Okay, here we go, let’s see if we can get you to catch. It’s just a tiny flame at first, gnawing away at the edge of some crumpled newspaper. now the paper feeds the smallest twigs, and pretty soon I’m carefully adding bigger sticks to the top of the burning…

In honor of Valentine’s Day, we have packed this issue with things you’re sure to love. (Okay, that’s true in every issue, but I had to tie in this month’s mushy holiday somehow!) But really, we have everything from family fitness stories to whale watching at Virginia Beach (Did you…

About a year ago, my friend invited her mother-in-law to move in with her, her husband, and their two school-aged children. And my friend did so willingly. Enthusiastically, I might even say. You see, their cohabitation was an act of practicality that all parties desired. the mother-in-law couldn’t live alone…

1. Easy-Cheesy Onion Dip
 Combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 finely chopped medium onion, and 2 cups shredded mozzarella in a 1½ quart baking dish. Bake at 350° F for 25 minutes, or until lightly browned. serve with whole grain crackers. 2. Reuben Dip
 Preheat oven to 350° F. in a…

Q:My 12-year-old daughter is constantly judging kids and commenting on what they wear and how they look. This is new behavior for her. I’m worried that if she feels okay telling me these things, she could be even more outspoken with her friends. What should I do? A: I encourage…

This is your chance to be a real Fairy Godmother! Volunteers are needed to sort and stock dresses and to assist teens shopping on the days of the events. Go here for a sign-up sheet for available opportunities with Cinderella Dreams. Please note, some opportunities are only for eighteen and…

Approximately 34.1 million Americans have been diagnosed with asthma, a common lung disorder characterized by episodes of coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Asthma is caused by inflammation of the lining of the small airways, or bronchiole, in the lungs, which leads to spasm or narrowing of these tubes. Common…

What you need: Bar of soap Plastic knife, craft sticks, 
toothpicks, paper clips Paper and pencil What you do:   1. Brainstorm sculpture ideas. 2. Then sketch your design on paper, including different angles. 3. When you have settled on a design, use a pencil to draw it directly on…