Welcome to “On the Horizon”
Issue 41: The Holidays are Here!
How to Thrive During this Busy Time of Year!
On the Horizon is an award winning weekly ezine for parents of children with developmental disabilities who want simple, effective strategies to reduce stress, support their child’s development, and improve quality of life for the whole family.
To keep receiving On the Horizon, please add the email address “nicolebeurkens@horizonsdrc.com” to your safe address list.
If this email was forwarded to you, and you’d like to receive On the Horizon in your email inbox, sign up here.
Holiday Survival Tips
 A Note from Nicole: See you in 2009!
Idea of the Week: Edible Snowflakes
Feature Article: The Holidays are Here!
How to Thrive During this Busy Time of Year!
The Horizons Team Recommends: Do Something Daily Calendar; Sibshop; Overwhelmed No More!
Upcoming Events: Parent Chat; Sibshop; RDI® Parent Teleseminar
Hi Everyone!
Were you one of the many people out there doing holiday shopping this past weekend? I was out finishing up some Christmas shopping for the kids, and boy was the mall crazy! My husband was at the grocery store and said it was packed with people there as well. I’m reminded that despite all the wish lists, gifts, and parties, this season is really a time to pause and reflect on all the blessings we enjoy each day. I certainly count our Horizons families among my blessings at this season and throughout the year.
This issue of our email newsletter marks the end of our first year of publication. To all of you who have followed us from the beginning, and to those of you who have just joined us, you have my sincere thanks. My colleagues and I enjoy putting this together each week, and hope that it continues to be a valuable source of information support for you as we enter the new year. We will be taking the next couple of weeks off to enjoy the holidays with our families, and hope you are able to do the same. See you in 2009!
Looking to the horizon,
Edible Snowflakes
Heat a flour tortilla in the microwave for 15 seconds. Fold a tortilla in half and then in half again so that you end up with a shape that looks like a wedge of pie (it will be thick). Using a clean scissors, cut triangles, circles, or squares out of the edges, as if you were making a paper snowflake. Unfold the tortilla and lightly brush the top with vegetable oil and place on a cookie sheet. Bake until lightly browned in a 400 degree oven (about 4 minutes). Sprinkle with powdered sugar while warm. For a variation, squirt with margarine and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar and then bake. What a yummy treat!
The Holidays are Here!
How to Thrive During this Busy Time of Year!
By: Courtney Kowalczyk, M.Ed.
The snow is falling here in Michigan, and the winter season has begun to set in. Neighborhoods are buzzing with children sledding down snow covered hills, and families are busily decorating their homes. It really is “beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!”
Before we know it, school winter breaks will be here and our children will be home for a couple of weeks. With the holidays right around the corner, I thought it might be helpful to share some tips and activity ideas that will help you and your family thrive during this busy time of the year.
Do Something Daily Calendar
Do you dread hearing your child complain, “I’m bored”?
Struggle to think of something fun you can do together?
Have trouble squeezing one-on-one time with her into your day?
That’s why we created the Do Something Daily Calendar. The Calendar offers a daily dose of inspiration and ideas for spending time together—whether you have 60 seconds or 60 minutes.
$19.95 (Per Calendar) Calendars are assembled by clients in our EmployAbilities program. $1.00 from every calendar will be donated to FARR.
For more information, click here.
Sibshop – Horizons Sibling Network!
Next Session: January 17th, 2009
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at our center
We feel strongly that as part of our family-focused mission we need to be attending to the needs of all of your children, not just the ones with disabilities. Siblings of children with disabilities have their own unique needs and experiences, and we will be using the renowned Sibshop model that is designed to provide them with support, education, and fun.
Limited to 20 children. Participants must have a sibling with disabilities and be aged 7-14. Lunch will be provided. The cost is $20.00 per child for Horizons families and $30.00 per child for non-Horizons families.Click on the links below for more information or call the office with any questions!
To sign up online, click here
Overwhelmed No More!
Simple Ideas for More Joy and Less Stress for You and Your Family This Holiday Season The holiday season is a time filled with fun, excitement, and joy. But if you’re like most families of children with special needs, the holidays can get complicated, too. Special Needs Parent Coach Joan Celebi has put together a list of “Twelve Tips for Truly Wonderful Holidays for You and Your Family," with practical, doable strategies you can put into place right now, for your most memorable, joyful holiday season ever. Read Joan’s tips at www.SpecialNeedsParentCoach.com/HolidayArticle . While you’re there, you can check out the free resources and sign up for Joan’s free newsletter, “Overwhelmed No More!” — with practical tips and inspiring ideas to help you navigate life as a special needs parent.
For more information, click here.
Please join us!
- Our office will be closed for the Holidays on Dec 24, 25, 26, 31, and Jan 1 and 2
- Horizons Parent Chat: Objective Support with Michelle & Courtney (Horizons Families Only)
Monday January 5, 2009, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM EST
- Sibshop – Horizons Sibling Network
Open to everyone!
Saturday January 17 2009, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST
- RDI® Parent Teleseminar with Nicole & Erin – Get your Questions Answered (Horizons Families Only)
Thursday January 29 2009, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM EST
- Sibshop – Horizons Sibling Network
Open to everyone!
Saturday March 14 2009, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST
- HANDLE® Intermediate Training
April 6-11, 2009 and May 4-9, 2009
- Sibshop – Horizons Sibling Network
Open to everyone!
Saturday May 16 2009, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST
- Sibshop – Horizons Sibling Network
Open to everyone!
Saturday July 18 2009, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST
See our Event Calendar for more details…
|
