‘I’ve noticed a VCS difference in daughter’

June 4, 2020
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By Lisa Desgrosellier
Valley Christian Mom Since 2013

It’s been seven years since we decided to invest in our daughter’s education and walk our first-grader down the hall to her classroom. We could hear Mrs. Taylor singing a hymn as we approached, and I remember thinking that we were doing the right thing for our daughter and family by choosing Valley Christian School.

We shopped around many private schools and, for us, the criteria we valued most in making our decision was the presence of the Holy Spirit we felt as we prayerfully explored and considered the school and faculty. We were not looking for a school that simply insulated our daughter from the secular influence of public school, but we were longing for an environment and staff who would come alongside us as parents to help our daughter grow and mature in her faith. Over the years, through the teaching and role-modeling at Valley Christian, my daughter has grown in her knowledge of the Bible and understanding of a Christian walk with God.

Jumping forward to this year, our daughter is in seventh grade, a time with a lot of changes in all areas of life, including spiritual. We as parents have been eager for our daughter’s faith to become her own and not just a reflection of our family’s values and perspective. This has been a point of discussion and focus within our family, and we have been delighted by what we have witnessed coming to life in our daughter as a result of her daily experiences at Valley Christian. It has and always will be our perspective that academic knowledge, although important, pales in comparison to having a solid foundation and personal relationship with God. We are so blessed to be a part of a school that provides both academic challenge and biblical guidance.

So, for the most part, in junior high, we don’t hold our kiddos’ hands and walk them down the hall to their classrooms anymore. It is reassuring and wonderful to know that as we watch them walk into the school building on their own that they will be nurtured, surrounded, trained up and prepared for the role God has for them in His Kingdom.

NOTE: A version of this article first appeared in the 2020 Liberty Lake Yearbook.

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Try in 2020: New York Peppercorn Steak

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New York Peppercorn Steak

MAX at Mirabeau
1100 N. Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley

12-ounce USDA Prime Peppercorn Steak with a four-pepper crust and brandy demi-glace, served with herb roasted potato and vegetables, paired with a selection from a wine list that has been recognized as the class of the region.

Why you’ll love it

One of the most popular dishes at the award-winning restaurant, it features a blend of four peppercorns and spice, then caramelizes and sears this USDA Prime grade steak to the guest’s specifications. The finish is a French cream demi-glace reduction. The whole nature of the dish is created by a three-day simmering process of roasting veal bones in-house to create an intense, flavorful stock, which gives the base for the finalization of the sauce and the tantalizing overall flavor.

Then there’s the wine. Wine Spectator recognized MAX at Mirabeau with its “Best of Award of Excellence,” the only restaurant in the Inland Northwest to achieve the distinction (four others received Awards of Excellence, one level lower). Featuring wines from Washington, California and Oregon, as well as popular MAX house wines resulting from local partnerships, the Spokane Valley restaurant has become known for an extensive wine list that is the class of the region.

MAX’s wine experience takes center stage on the first Wednesday of month (subject to temporary gathering restrictions put in place to combat COVID-19). On these Wednesdays, a local artist and regional winery are featured for a reception that includes complimentary hors d’oeuvres.

A complete wine list, menu and information about events is available at maxatmirabeau.com.

NOTE: A version of this article first appeared in the 2020 Liberty Lake Yearbook.

CBD products provide organic relief for pets

October 30, 2019
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What is it?
CBD products from Pet Releaf provide organic treatments for pets suffering from a variety of symptoms, including arthritis, pain, cancer symptoms, anxiety, inflammation, GI tract issues, epilepsy and skin issues. The products come in many varieties, depending on the size of the animal and the symptoms, from treat-size bites and capsules to topical creams and oils. CBD is often referred to as the clear-headed, functional strain of hemp, and is distinct from the THC strain, which is the intoxicant and can have harsh side effects.

Why is it popular?
Pawpular Companions Owner Mara Crowell said the CBD products fit in well with her shop’s main focus on nutrition and pet health. As an alternative and natural treatment, she said many customers have reported favorable results. Like most good products, word of mouth has become its best marketing tool.

Mara shared the story of a Yorkshire Terrier that suffered from seizures, whose owner uses the oil when a seizure comes on. She said the results are fast acting and symptoms are greatly lessened.

The owner of a larger breed dog that suffers from arthritis and related hip and joint pain reported noticeable relief with no side effects, while another customer said the treatment calms aggression in her pet.

Wow factor
Mara and Carl Crowell are the familiar faces behind Pawpular Companions, but almost as familiar is their dog, Canvas. Mara said Canvas suffers from anxiety, which often shows itself when separated from the family or traveling by car. When necessary, the Crowells have introduced CBD products with Canvas, who now sits in a car seat relaxed instead of pacing around the vehicle in alarm.

And it’s not just Canvas. Mara said customers have talked about the benefits of CBD during situations that make dogs anxious, whether that’s when a crowd is over for a Super Bowl party or when the fireworks keep going late into the night on the Fourth of July.

NOTE: A version of this article first appeared in the 2019 Liberty Lake Yearbook.

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