Volume I, Issue 2

Hello again! Welcome to the summer edition of our newsletter. We would like to thank all of those who have sent in their comments regarding the first edition of our newsletter. Your comments were very kind and we are pleased that you enjoyed the
spring edition. Again, our number one priority at Krusch and Sellers, P.A. is you, the client!

From the Desk of Attorney Leigh B. Sellers:

Summer Visits:

More and more we are seeing Judges order, and parents request, one-half of the child's summer vacation. Traditionally, the non-custodial parent would receive just one or two uninterrupted weeks during the summer. However, as joint parenting increases and parents share custody, summer time seems to be increasing in duration with the parent who does not have primary custody during the school year. Some Judges are ordering one-half the summer break to the non-primary custodian even in cases where they award sole custody to the other parent. The courts order these lengthy periods of time over the summer to allow a parent, who is not the primary parent during the school year, a chance to actually parent on a daily basis over a consistent period of time so that the primary parent does not become the rule maker and the secondary parent become the fun parent. The goal is to provide children time to have a meaningful relationship with both parents as they grow.

This can lead to frustration and anxiety for a primary parent and children who have to work their social life and plans around a parent or Judge imposed schedule. Every family situation and every case is unique. The parenting schedule for children and parents differs dramatically based on the age of the children, their relationship with their respective parents, the location of the two households and activities and traditions surrounding the children's summer breaks that exist from prior to the breakup. Whatever your schedule, there are some basic things to keep in mind to make the summer transition easier in your household for you and your children.

1. The more stressed the parents, the more stressed the children. This can be lessened by keeping communication flowing between the parents and the child/children involved before, and during, the summer.

2. Share information about scheduled activities and summer plans as soon as they have been made with the other parent. Confer prior to making the plans if possible to prevent duplication. Share addresses and phone numbers of vacation spots without being asked. If you are arranging work related child care, share that information as well.

3. Try to make the goal be that the children have a great break from school and share time with both parents. Focusing on the children's time, instead of making it Mom or Dad's time, can help everyone involved not feel so proprietary over the time period. Too often parents talk about "my time". The purpose is "our time."

Dividing the summers is going to be more and more prevalent in mediated, negotiated custody arrangements and court ordered arrangements. The idea is to make the most of it for everyone.

Knowledge is Power

By Claire Cox Krusch

*jerk; noun: An ex-wife or ex-husband who continually annoys you with stupid, irrational, and immature behavior. One whose values differ so dramatically from yours, that you wonder how you will ever make it through your child's childhood.

This is the definition of a jerk in the latest series of recommended reading, Joint Custody with a Jerk: Raising a Child with an Uncooperative Ex, by Julie A. Ross, M. A., and Judy Corcoran. St. Martin's Press. New York.

The book offers many proven communication techniques that will help you deal with your difficult ex-spouse by describing examples of common problems and teaching you to examine your role in these sticky situations. These techniques are easy to apply, down-to-earth and innovative.

Chapter 3 is about changing your thought process and taking responsibility by empowering yourself. For example:

Old thought: "I can't/couldn't [go to dinner, get my career going, etc.] because [my child-care responsibilities are too burdensome]."

New thought: "I'm choosing not to [go to dinner, get my career going, etc.] because I've CHOSEN to [put my efforts into raising a healthy daughter/son]."

It reminds the reader to take a good look at what you have and not to dwell on what you don't have. "Remember, you are a family. Whether you number two or ten, you're a family. And being in a family, no matter what its size or shape, is special."

For your convenience, this book is available at our office for $15.95.

WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK!!

The first one to respond by email, and correctly answer the trivia question, will win the book. Good luck!

Question: What sporting event, held in May, has raised more than 5 million dollars for charity since its inception?

Email your answer to: Claire.Krusch@kruschlaw.com.

Weekend Fun!

By Jenny Pattana

The very lovable, very green, and very disgusting ogre named Shrek is back in Shrek 3 by Dreamworks. Shrek 3 is the third installment of the movie series and opened in theaters on May 18^th. All our favorite characters are back: Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers), Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz), Donkey (Eddie Murphy), Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas), and Queen Lillian (Julie Andrews). Shrek 3 introduces us to Artie (voiced by Justin Timberlake, whose on-screen character looks very similar to the real person) as an awkward and unconfident high school student. Also back is Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) who still thinks he is the most handsome prince in all the land.

Small additions were included in Shrek 3, such as the half donkey, half dragon babies, affectionately known as Dronkeys, of Donkey and his fire breathing love. Shrek and Princess Fiona have their own addition to their family with the expectancy of hearing the thumps and thunder of tiny ogre-sized baby feet. Childhood favorites come back and add much humor to Shrek 3, such as Gingy the Gingerbread Man, Three Little Pigs, and Pinocchio. Even the fairytale beauties, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and Rupunzel make an appearance as Princess Fiona's friends.

Shrek convinces himself he could never be the great king that Far Far Away deserves. After all, when was the last time an ogre ruled a country? A king is polished, handsome, and debonair; while Shrek is gross, humungous, and class-less. But, he has a large heart and is extremely lovable. During his quest to find the heir of Far Far Away, Shrek realizes that there is more to life than belching and passing gas. Shrek is obviously nervous as most first time fathers are but who wouldn't want Shrek as their father? Whose father lets you play in the mud or laughs when you belch? Only Shrek.

Shrek 3 is cute, funny, and suitable for all ages. With a rating of PG, it is a great family-oriented movie that will have everyone laughing. For more information, visit the official website http://www.shrek.com/.

Let's Eat!!

By Thom Hall

Tomato and Blue Cheese Salad

This is a great salad for any summer occasion, from cook-outs to picnics. If you want to make the salad into a full meal, add grilled steak, chicken or shrimp. It is simple and delicious!

Ingredients:
Two heads of romaine lettuce
Two ripe tomatoes
One cup of crumbled blue cheese
Six slices of bacon
One jar of Marie's blue cheese dressing or any vinaigrette dressing

Arrange lettuce on a platter. Cut tomatoes into wedges and arrange on top of lettuce. Fry or bake bacon until crispy. Crumble and sprinkle on top of salad along with crumbled blue cheese. Top with blue cheese dressing or vinaigrette. Enjoy!

Getting Away

By Wanda Wentz

There's More to Lexington Than Barbeque

It is on your way to many places, this small town in Davidson County. Located halfway between Charlotte and Greensboro, Lexington is known as the Barbeque King of North Carolina. But look beyond that reputation and check out some of my favorite places in and near uptown Lexington.

Make the Childress Winery off I-85 at Highways 64 and 52 and owned by NASCAR racing legend, Rusty Childress, your first stop. You can't help but be impressed with the 35,000 square foot, Italian-style villa that holds the winery, tasting room, gift shop and bistro. The fountain, stonewalls and archways will make you feel that you are in Tuscany. Sample a few of the wines. I particularly enjoyed the Pinnacle, a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. If you're looking for a perfect gift for a friend or for yourself, you'll find an array of beautiful and unusual items, some related to wine and others for entertaining. I picked up a perfect shower gift for a bride-to-be, a lovely hand-painted chip-and-dip dish that when inverted became a cake stand!

Back on Highway 64 West, go directly to Main Street in uptown Lexington where many shops will grab your attention. Park your car anywhere on Main - everything is close by. You'll easily spot The Candy Factory with its red-and-white stripped awning. Housed in a former hardware store, the factory has the old-fashioned candy of your youth, including licorice, coconut flags, Goetz caramel creams, haystacks, orange slices, as well as homemade fudge and other chocolates.

Cross the street to visit Conrad & Hinkle Grocery, in business at this location since 1919 and owned by third-generation family members. As you enter through the door, you feel as though you've stepped back in time. Pick up some fresh local produce and maybe a homemade cake or pie. And be sure to take a peek at the old-fashioned meat department.

By now you should be hungry and the choice here is easy. You must eat at Southern Curiosity. This restaurant is housed in the former March Hotel building and is now home to some of the best and most unusual southern cooking I've ever tasted. The owner and Chef de Cuisine is Robert Simons, a graduate of Philadelphia's Walnut College Restaurant School. Don't miss his North Carolina Blue Crab Stew with its creamy, buttery broth and big hunks of melt-in-your-mouth crab. Another highlight is the Pecan Salmon. Other specialties on Rob's menu include Pork & Sweet'tater Gravy, Mamma's Hot Meatloaf, Flat Iron Steak and the Stuffed Chicken that, by the way, is stuffed with collards. I seldom order a dessert course these days but the sweet potato cheesecake merited a try. A wonderful end to a marvelous meal. Southern Curiosity gets it right!

Take your time enjoying the meal and then head to Memories on Main with its extensive collection of books, art, jewelry and household items. I had a lot of fun reminiscing as I checked out items from my grandmother's era.

Soon the afternoon was over and the shops were closing up. I headed back to Charlotte with a carload of treasures found on my excursion to Lexington - much more than just the Barbeque King of North Carolina.

Let us Know

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Comments regarding the newsletter? Topics you would like to see addressed by an attorney in the newsletter? Email us at Thom.Hall@Kruschlaw.com.

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