Salem MOM | Oct / Nov 2022

real local moms

since 2005

Salem | Oct / Nov 2022

COVER MOM

COOKING

TALKING WITH KIDS

RAQUEL GOODALL

FROM THE PANTRY

ABOUT CANCER

Best Maternity & Childbirth Center SantiamHospital.org

Thank You for Voting for Us! ✔ Best Maternity & Childbirth Center ✔ Best Surgery Center ✔ Best Surgeon: David Thorsett MD, Orthopedic Surgeon

statesmanjournal.com

WINNER

It’s what‘s

inside that counts

Talking with kids about cancer 20

Prep your pantry for the season 22

Meet the MOM experts ... 4

Healthy MOM..................... 8

They know what they’re

Bullying IRL

talking about.

Because I said so............... 5

Cover MOM: Raquel Goodall................10

A message from MOM

This mom gets real.

Talking with kids about cancer ....................20

Cooking from the pantry

28

Prep your pantry for the season...................22 Future you will thank past you.

Cooking from the pantry...........................28 We’re in the mood to save on food.

Guidance for tough conversations

More ways to love your MOM mommag.com facebook.com/ lovemommag info@mommag.com We love hearing from you. Email us with feedback, story ideas or nominations.

Advertise today Want to get the word out about your business?

Contact Kim Leighty at kim.leighty@mommag.com mommag.com 3

meet the

experts

[They know what they’re talking about] Drive On the Road with Laura Augustine, page 6

Pets Pets are Family with Dr. Emily Kalenius, Page 18

Health Healthy MOM with Santiam Hospital, page 8

Focus Focus with Dr. Alton Rossman, page 30

“Accidentally asked my coworker if they needed to go potty before a meeting...

I have to find a new job now.

“

— Professional Worrier @pro_worrier

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Support Support for Families with Mandy Martin, page 24

Because I said so!

Published by GO Creative, LLC 263 29th Avenue SW Albany, OR 97322 Editor-in-Chief Managing Director Audrey Meier DeKam audrey@mommag.com

This is 50 Tell me again why I thought 50 was so old?

Oh that’s right: Rose, Dorothy and Blanche on The Golden Girls were in their 50s.

Salem Advertising Representative Kim Leighty kim.leighty@mommag.com 503-510-9036

Funny thing: I keep resetting my interpretation of aging at each decade, because I remember thinking how old 30 and then 40 sounded. But here I am, at half of a century, and it doesn’t feel that old at all.

Mid-Valley & Lane County Business Development Manager Linda Blair linda@mommag.com 541-231-7250

This year, my birthday collided with the first day back to school. I volleyed between constantly checking the time — did I have the kids’ schedules right? — to enjoying a house so quiet I could hear the dog snore.

While out running errands, I decided to treat myself to a car wash. I’ve always loved automatic car washes. When those big roller brushes pirouette around my car, and the lazy fettuccine noodles drag over the hood, it puts me in a meditative state.

Designer Sean Carver

MOM MagazineTM is produced by GO Creative, LLC. © 2022 All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or part, without written permission of the publisher, is prohibited.

Information in the magazine is provided for general information purposes only with the understanding that none of the content constitutes professional advice.

Opinions expressed by the writers or advertisers are not necessarily the opinions of the magazine or the publisher. Inclusion in the magazine does not constitute endorsement of information, products or services.

As I sat mesmerized by the water droplets making my windshield look like I’m traveling at warp speed, I thought, should I have planned something more exciting for my birthday? The big ones bring a certain amount of pressure to do something big.

But then I quickly remembered how much effort and expense it is to fete myself, especially in a busy back-to-school time and geez, in this economy. Plus, I’m better at planning things for other people.

A few days later, there was a knock at my front door. Fully thinking it was the pesticide guy who zooms around my neighborhood on one of those motorized skateboards, I opened the door to find…

My sisters!?! My two older sisters who should be in their respective states of Wisconsin and California were on my doorstep, yelling surprise!

The sheer volume of thoughts that raced through my working memory in that

That button is worn with irony, and the goofy glasses are a birthday tradition. moment made my brain short-circuit. I screamed, I laughed, I cried, and then I repeated the cycle again. In a flurry of squeals and shock, they told me they were whisking me away for a weekend featuring a spa massage, dinner with my girlfriends, and zero responsibilities on my part. It turned out that my husband and friends were all in on the surprise.

All I could spit out in the moment was, HOW?! Later in the weekend as we retold the story, I explained that I was gobsmacked at the sheer logistics of such a surprise: the flights, the scheduling, the numerous people involved. My girlfriend pointed out that this was the most mom-reaction ever: of course a mom thinks of all of the work and details that go into such a feat. Moms are the ones always doing the planning for everyone else.

The birthday weekend was the biggest, most joyous surprise of my life thus far, and the depth to which I was touched is boundless. I hope that every mom out there gets to feel a similar sense of love and appreciation. I’m grateful to have two fabulous older sisters who made it happen.

They literally traveled down a road and back again, threw me a party, and invited everyone I knew…clearly, they are the biggest gift of all.

Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief

mommag.com 5

on the road

New car vs. used car MANY SHOPPERS FIND THEMSELVES IN A GRAY AREA.

The struggle is real when it comes to determining what’s right for your needs, wants and budget when shopping for a vehicle. If budget is the number one factor, then the choice of buying used is clear.

But when your budget edges close to the cost of buying new, that’s where the mental gymnastics begin. Which is a better deal, and how can you trust what you’re getting if you buy used?

BUYING USED

BUYING NEW

The most obvious pro of buying used is that you’ll pay less for a pre-owned car. Also, the depreciation hit was taken by someone else, and your insurance might be less, too. If you’re looking to upgrade from your current vehicle, but don’t want to pay the big price tag on a new car, then a pre-owned vehicle is a good choice.

There’s a lot to like about buying new: You get exactly what you want, the best interest rates, the latest in safety and comfort, plus top-level reliability and warranties.

The cons are that you might have to compromise on items you were hoping to get, like color, trim, moon roofs, etc. And depending on how old the vehicle is, you’re looking at higher and more frequent maintenance costs.

On the flip side, new cars are typically more expensive to insure, in addition to the depreciation factor. But that glorious feeling of being the sole owner…we get that, too. Our new vehicles are listed at MSRP with no markups, and we offer a variety of financing options.

Having trouble deciding what’s right for you?

Visit us for advice! We love to talk shop.

Then there’s what you don’t know: Each preowned vehicle is going to have a different life span, depending in part on the level of care the previous owner(s) gave it in the past, and what you give it in the future. For our customers’ peace of mind, all of our used vehicles are inspected and cleaned, and we provide a CarFax report for every vehicle on our used lot.

MEET LAURA AUGUSTINE Laura Augustine has worked as a finance assistant at Capitol Auto Group for 7 years. She is the proud mom of three kids (four, if you count her husband Chad): Ariel, age 23; Claudia, age 22; and Bryson, age 18. As a family, they love to go fishing and boating at Detroit Lake, and they also have four Saint Bernard Dogs: Grace, Ted, Jerry and Stuart.

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Brought to you by:

[

Momism #38: Look both ways.

]

NVISION SALEM WELCOMES

John G. Dodd, DO John G. Dodd, DO, is an Oregon native who graduated from the University of Oregon in 1997. He attended Midwestern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, then completed postgraduate training in ophthalmology through Michigan State University Osteopathic Ophthalmology Program, where he served as chief resident.

Volunteering on medical missions in developing countries led Dr. Dodd to pursue a career in ophthalmology. He is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Ophthalmology & Otolaryngology.

After practicing in Eugene for almost four years, he and his wife moved to Salem in 2015 to be closer to family.

They are sports enthusiasts who enjoy being active outdoors, and they hope to continue participating in medical service trips abroad.

Salem location opening this fall!

5686 Commercial St. SE

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mommag.com 7

BULLYING IRL 8 mommag.com

Online bullying gets plenty of attention, with young people having access to social media. But bullying in real life (IRL, as kids abbreviate these days) is still very much a problem, in the forms of in-person verbal attacks, physical fighting, intimidation and ostracization.

It may be necessary to address the situation with the school or organization where the bullying is occurring, and to follow up with your child’s health care provider to determine if counseling or other services are warranted.

If not properly addressed, bullying can be very severe, and the consequences can be long-lasting.

You may also find yourself on the opposite side of the equation, and receive a call that your child is the aggressor. While this might be uncomfortable, it’s critical you take the issue seriously and recognize that it’s not just a phase. Children who grow up with unchecked bullying behavior can have serious problems later in life, such as trouble adapting to adult situations and relationships. If your child is the aggressor:

“

Bullying is harmful

to children physically and emotionally, and may require intervention for the

“

If your child becomes withdrawn and depressed, or if you see physical signs of bullying, you should first have a conversation with your child about what is going on.

Remember to do more listening than talking, and acknowledge that they are in a bullying situation.

kids on both sides of the equation.

• Talk to your child about why they are bullying, and you may discover an underlying reason that needs to be addressed.

• Have a conversation with your child’s teachers. They may provide valuable insight, as they observe your child’s interactions with others.

• Ask yourself if there are adults or family members who may be bullying your child. As the saying goes, “hurt people hurt people,” and you may discover that your child is acting out in response to problems they are experiencing in their own lives.

• Model empathy at home, and talk to children about what it feels like to be bullied so they understand the consequences of their actions.

More often than not, there is a root cause that needs to be addressed. Your child’s school counselor as well as your child’s pediatrician are sources of guidance and advice.

Brought to you by: santiamhospital.org

Bullying is harmful to children physically and emotionally, and may require intervention for the kids on both sides of the equation. Stopping the bullying behavior is the only way both children can effectively heal — and grow into secure adults. mommag.com 9

Raquel Goodall PHOTOS BY: FREMOUW PHOTOGRAPHY

P ROF E S SION: Artist | COMMUNI T Y: West Salem PA R T NER: Josh Goodall, engineer | CHIL DREN: Miles, age 5, and Alexander, age 2

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IN THE GAME OF LIFE, THIS ARTIST AND MOM OF TWO FINDS HERSELF TEETERING, RATHER THAN BALANCING…AND SINGING SONGS IN CHICKEN SOUNDS.

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours.

I met my husband in college in a Lindy Hop dance class. I’d never met anyone who owned more board games! It has become a family affair at this point, and the collection has grown a lot. We dated for a few years and then were married in 2012. Our first born arrived May 2017 and has grown into quite the little board game fan. We were lucky to welcome a little brother into the world March 2020, two days before Salem shut down. The two of them brighten our home with lots of energy and silliness.

When did you know you wanted to be a mom?

It was toward the end of college. I hadn’t wanted to have kids most of my growing up. However, when I started to look at what I wanted in my life as an actual adult, I realized I didn’t want a future that didn’t involve kids. While I knew it would be a lot of work, it was something I really wanted.

Quite a different path than what I had thought I would choose, and much more work, but well worth it.

QA

Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments. Watching how my kids interact and treat others. I love those moments where I get to see the behaviors they’ve learned, like Alex trying to feed another child a gummy because he loves to share, or Miles sitting next to someone who is sad and rubbing their back saying, “It’ll be okay, but it’s okay to be sad.” They have sweetness in their nature that makes me feel like I must be doing something right.

Now tell us about one of your most humbling mom moments. Every darn day. I really can’t narrow it down.

What is the most surprising thing you have found wedged between the sofa cushions or behind a car seat? A washcloth and a spoon.

We’re all moms so we know that no one is perfect all of the time, or even some of the time.

Tell us about your most recent “Mother of the Year” moment. You know, like forgetting to pick the kids up from school. That could be a book.

Some of the highlights were putting ice cream in the pantry and my phone in the freezer. I can’t tell if it was sleep deprivation or just being distracted. Recently, I had to run across a wedding hall to stop Alex (the two-year-old) from leaving his mark on a wedding cake. He’d been playing with Miles before dinner was served, and then they followed one of the flower girls across the dance floor until within cake table proximity. I remember watching it, thinking “How cute, I bet they’ve never seen a cake that big,” before realizing, “Oh no, my two-year-old is within touching distance of a cake!” While he didn’t get it, he was maybe half a centimeter away from it.

Quite a few guests noticed the woman in full formalwear and heels, reliving her track and field days, running full speed across the large, well-lit, totally empty dance floor.

What is something you swore you would never do before kids that you now do? (skip showers, go to a drive through coffee in your pjs, etc.)?

Give up self-care. I was so overconfident that I would not “lose myself” to taking care of my children and family. Forgetting to eat a meal, not showering or washing my hair for longer than I would like, realizing I forgot deodorant again…but, you know what? Sometimes that happens when you love other people more than yourself. Not that we shouldn’t take care of ourselves, but there are a lot of wants and needs that mom has to fill, and when she puts hers toward the back of the list, they’re not all going to get met.

mommag.com 11

MOMs Love Local We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations.

Share your favorite…

…shop to pick up a gift for a friend: I love getting plants, flowers or little items at Roth’s. …coffee spot: The Governor’s Cup or the Urban Grange …view or scenic lookout: Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, Minto Island Growers …place to treat yourself to a mani/pedi, massage or other personal service: Salon 554 …restaurant to take the kids: Walery’s Premium Pizza …restaurants for a date night: Christo’s, Rudy’s Steakhouse …take-out, food truck or quick bite: Taqueria Marco’s Place …breakfast spot: Word of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro …place where the kids can let off steam: In the summer we love the splash pad at the waterfront or going to Willamette Pie Company. After fall hits, Bauman’s and EZ Orchards are charming places where the boys have a lot of fun. …event in your community: The Clay Ball — the Salem Art Association always makes it a pleasure. For the whole family, we love the Fair.

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'

In what way are your children like you?

How are they different? I was a very social and imaginative kid. In that way, my oldest is a lot like me as a kid. But, my youngest, being only two, I will have to wait and see.

Though I will say he already seems way more tidy and observant than I was as a kid.

You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say… “Get that out of your mouth!” or “Don’t lick your brother!”

No one works harder than mom.

We know that being a mom is a full-time job.

How do you balance (or not) motherhood, activities, work, volunteering, household responsibilities, and life in general? What sometimes falls through the cracks?

I don’t balance, I teeter. It feels like something is always about to fall off a deep end, or between the cracks. It can be the laundry, the dishes, my self-care or my art. It’s only part time, but after chasing around a two-

year-old and five-year-old all day, it can be hard to muster the energy. The kids are number one, everything else is what can or will be sacrificed and shuffled accordingly.

Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent.

My small art hobby has become a small part-time business in the last couple years.

It’s been a huge learning experience, and I’m still learning all the time. But being able to do art, which has always been my passion, and having enough interest in my work to get here has been really special.

Do you have a goal you’d like to accomplish within the next five years? I’d like to see where my business can go. I’ll be homeschooling my children, so in the next five years, I would love to have a solid system in place that keeps their education fun and engaging. I’d also like to take family trips around our beautiful state and let the boys see a lot of fun new places.

MOM s Favorite...

Tell us about your favorite…

…family game: Super Mario Monopoly …place to find some peace & quiet: The gazebo in the backyard. …binge-worthy TV or podcast: I mostly binge Jane Austen audiobooks. …way to get out of making dinner: Pizza. Always pizza. …time-saving app or digital tool: Out of Milk. It lets us organize and share a variety of shopping lists with notes and details, and it helps cut down on emergency shopping texts.

mommag.com 13

If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today?

My parents were so generous and supportive. Sometimes I think, maybe a bit too much! I truly believed there was nothing I couldn’t do when I grew up. Only now, as a mom, I see how hard they worked for my sister and I, and how much they gave of themselves. It motivates me, and inspires

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me when things are hard. I want to give my children the love and happy memories I remember having as a child.

What is special about where you grew up?

I grew up in Keizer, specifically the Gubser neighborhood. I think the most special things about growing up there were the Keizer Christmas lights, the Iris Festival and the hot air balloons that used to occasionally use an open field close to my house.

I loved the community and friendliness that surrounded all of these events.

When was the last time you did something for the first time? Very recently: I signed up to coach Miles’s kinder soccer team. It’s my first time as a coach.

Which good habit do you wish you started earlier? Ending my night with no dirty dishes and clean counters.

When did you realize you were no longer a child?

My first pregnancy. Knowing someone was going to call me mom, and I was responsible for that life.

mommag.com 15

If you could instantly have one new skill (i.e. foreign language, musical talent, eyes in the back of your head, etc.), what would it be?

I would love to be a super-efficient time manager. I feel like if I could have that, so many other things could be achieved in time.

What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives?

Go to a hot spring.

What’s your superpower? I find that I can fix most broken toys or books my boys bring my way. Only two have been thrown away.

Listen to mom.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from another mom? “They’ll get there.” Whether it’s reading, colors, numbers, don’t get caught up in the how and when. I was told that if I was paying attention to my child and loving them, things would all work out in the end and I would know more about my kid too. Turned out to be right and saved me a lot of stress.

Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most? It is way more tiring than I ever expected it to be. What surprised me the most was the mental fatigue that can come from being surrounded by constant noise. My oldest was a quiet, sweet, docile baby. Now he is a loud, energetic, eager, sweet little boy.

His brother is learning to talk, and seems to really enjoy it too! It’s a lot of fun, but definitely something I had never thought of when considering motherhood.

What message would you like to share with other moms? Remember to tell it like it is.

Don’t go on Pinterest or Instagram! Okay, I’m kidding, but we really need to stop comparing ourselves to the snapshot we see other folks sharing on the internet. Maybe some folks really live like that, and good for them if that is the case. Sometimes, I go buy milk in my sweatpants and my painting shirt at 6 a.m. just for the alone time. Being a mom where you are is great, even if it isn’t Pinterest perfect.

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, in which event would you win a gold medal? Singing songs in chicken sounds.

Name one thing that is part of your daily routine that you just can’t live without.

Matcha Green Tea. Who is your favorite real-life hero?

My mom. Hands down.

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They say that everyone has a book in them.

What’s the title of your book?

At Least We’re Trying

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Momism #74: Dream big, little one.

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pets are family

YOUR PET ATE WHAT ?!

Pacifiers, superballs, tinsel…

We’ve surgically removed a wild variety of ingested items from pets.

When an animal ingests something other than food and the item gets lodged somewhere in the GI tract, it’s called a foriegn body obstruction. In some cases, the object will pass naturally. Other times, the lodged object can partially or fully obstruct the GI tract, which can cause perforation, laceration or blockage, leading to serious injury or death.

Foriegn body obstruction is a life-threatening and expensive veterinary emergency. Pets usually present to our ER with signs of acute vomiting and abdominal pain. Emergency veterinarians have a handful of tools at their disposal, two most common being open abdominal surgery or endoscopy.

Abdominal surgery includes placing the pet under full anesthesia and cutting into the abdomen to remove the object directly from the GI tract. Endoscopic removal,

Wilvet Salem

while still requiring general anesthesia, is less invasive.

A lit camera is passed through the mouth, down the esophagus, and into the stomach. A claw-like device or snare can then be used to grasp and remove the object via reversing back through the mouth.

As a responsible pet parent, you can play an important part in preventing these painful and costly emergencies.

The most obvious thing to do is remove the most commonly ingested and dangerous items from your pet’s path.

For cats, these include string, earplugs, needles, ribbons, and the front of nerf darts. Dogs, notorious for eating pretty much anything, commonly ingest rocks, toys, corncobs, underwear, socks and Legos.

Clearing your home of hazards to your pets and knowing the signs to watch for can prevent your pet from having to undergo one of these complicated procedures…and save you from becoming the owner of some very expensive hair ties.

Open 24/7

120 Ramsgate Square S | wilvetsalem.com | (503) 741-8858

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Brought to you by: Emily Kalenius, DVM

Babyproofing the holidays

Stay alert

Whether you’re staying home or traveling across the country, the holidays can come with a Black Friday sale’s worth of potential hazards, especially for toddlers. It’s all too easy for them to get into everything a holiday party has to offer.

Holiday goodies are fun to make and eat, but be careful around your baby. Keep adult beverages, candy, nuts and sticky foods out of reach. Move hot liquids and platters away from the edge of the counter to avoid burns and cuts.

To help keep them safe, consider making a few changes around the house (or asking your host to do the same).

Basic holiday babyproofing While all the regular babyproofing rules still apply (padding sharp corners, locking kitchen cabinets), the holidays require a little extra planning: • Instead of candles, opt for battery-operated alternatives.

• If you have a Christmas tree, make sure it is secure so it cannot tip over and fall. Consider using a baby gate to keep little ones away from the tree.

• Make sure any ornaments on the tree or decorations around the house are flame resistant, non-breakable and above your toddler’s reach.

Give older children a baby-free zone where they can open gifts and play with toys that aren’t safe for little ones.

…But remember this is fun!

Holidays with young children are one of life’s great joys. While potential hazards are numerous, they’re also easy to avoid by planning ahead. Hold your little ones close, and have a happy holiday season!

Brought to you by

Salem Health Family Birth Center.

Learn more at salemhealth.org/FBC.

mommag.com 19

Talking with kids about cancer Guidance for tough conversations

W

hen a cancer diagnosis enters your world, it’s worrisome for adults, but for children it can be downright confusing. Most experts say talking about the diagnosis openly is important, as children are very perceptive and will know something is wrong.

“If they feel you are hiding something it may cause more fear,” says Holly Almond, MSN, FNP, of Samaritan Hematology & Oncology Consultants.

Starting such a conversation can be overwhelming. Two-time breast cancer survivor Linda Blair and mom of three said, “It’s hard because your instinct as a parent is to want to protect your kids from fear. We made it as clear as possible to our children that while the adults have a plan, it’s okay to be scared, upset or even numb.

There’s room for all of those feelings.”

that they are familiar with. You can use dolls or stuffed animals, or draw pictures for general information.”

Older children may have a wider knowledge base about cancer, but some of it might be off-base.

“For older kids, find out how much they already know so that you can correct any erroneous information they may have learned from television, social media or their friends,” says Almond. Many teens will not want to talk; be patient and remind them that a wide range of emotions is normal.

“Think of that first

talk as the beginning of an on-going dialogue.”

Experts advise choosing a time and place where no one feels rushed, as kids need to process the information and ask questions. Younger children may worry cancer is contagious, or that they somehow caused it, so they will need continued reassurance to counter those thoughts.

Customizing the message to the child’s age is key. With young children, Almond says, “Use words for body parts

For moms like Blair, a family history of cancer makes her more attuned to risks.

“With my teen daughter I like using the Daisy Wheel as a self-breast examination tool because prevention and knowledge is powerful.” The Daisy Wheel digital app is available through the Get in Touch Foundation.

Almond and other cancer care professionals caution that kids may not be ready for a big conversation when you have it. Think of that first talk as the beginning of an ongoing dialogue, and seek out guidance from your child’s pediatrician, counselors and other mental health professionals for help along the way.

Sources: American Cancer Society | CancerCare | Cancer Support Community | National Cancer Institute

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For many moms, the holidays are like adding an unpaid, part-time job on top of regular life. Getting the pantry in order can help.

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FUTURE YOU WILL THANK PAST YOU

PREP YOUR PANTRY FOR THE SEASON

There’s regular life, and then there’s regular life plus the holidays. For many moms, it’s like adding an unpaid, seasonal part-time job on top of everything else. Organizing your food supplies for the holidays can help lower your stress, as it’s one less thing to attend to in the swirl of day-to-day life.

The Pinterest-perfect pantries with matching containers and scroll-style font labels…we love them, but we also live in this thing called real life. Aspirational, yes, but realistic, nope. Still, getting bulk goods out of flimsy plastic bags with fraying wire tags is a good idea. There’s a happy medium to be found.

START WITH CLEANOUT

Compost or toss: Anything past its expiration date, that you forgot to label and might actually be from 2016, or anything that generally looks unfit for consumption.

Take the remaining items out and wipe down the shelves, vacuum out corners, etc.

Put like with like: group together condiments, soups, baking supplies, beans, pasta, etc. Don’t overthink it, just lump things together.

INVENTORY

Take stock of what you have and assemble your list. Take a photo of your pantry. It might feel weird, but when you’re at the store and begin questioning your memory (do we have pancake syrup?) you can look at the pic for a reminder.

PREPARE FOR THE HAUL

Make your list with a timeline goal. About three months feels reasonable, and fall encompasses the holiday season.

Your mission: a shopping trip dedicated only to pantry goods. But you need cheese! You should pick up something fresh for dinner! Skip that mental clutter and FOCUS. This is all about the pantry.

Don’t be scared to buy in bulk. That said, no reason to go overboard. Again, three month’s worth is your marker.

BRING IT ALL HOME

Again, put like with like and add new stock to the very back of the old stock. Use old stock first.

That way, a pack of crackers that’s gonna go bad first gets used first.

Face those labels: turn jars and cans so the labels face out to you, the viewer. Put boxed goods with spines showing at least a hint of what they are.

Organize the loose stuff. Clean canning jars work great for beans and other dry goods.

Labels: make your own, or if it inspires you, get the removable, water-resistant ones online. Be sure to put the expiration and identifying info on each, in the event of a food recall.

Keep a pair of dedicated scissors in your pantry to slice through bulk wrap. Tie those scissors down, too, because kids like to take them.

Same for a permanent marker.

AFTER IT’S DONE, ENJOY THE VIEW.

There’s something primal about having a stocked larder. Maybe it’s just us, but we think it scratches some kind of cavewoman itch in our brains.

mommag.com 23

Support for family

CALMING CORNER

As parents, we seek out safe places when the world feels too overwhelming. Sometimes it’s under the covers watching Is it Cake? on Netflix. Other times, it’s behind a locked bathroom door. Safe spaces and time for reflection are essential to our well-being and sanity.

It’s no surprise that kids need spaces like this, too. Having what we call “calming corners” is vital for children who are overstimulated. It’s easy to create this self-soothing spot, and well worth the effort. To get started:

1.

FIND A SPACE: Identify a location in the home that can

2.

MAKE IT COMFY: Add a cushion, bean bag chair, favorite

3.

ADD VISUALS: Emotion posters and deep breathing

be transformed into a self-care oasis. This might be a corner in the living room, your child’s bedroom or playroom. Ensuring that this space is quiet or low stimulating is key. stuffed animals, or other soothing activities such as sensory tools or headphones for music. exercises are a great place to start. There are numerous items online; have your child pick out their favorites, so they feel part of the process.

4. PERSONALIZE IT: This is your child’s space, so let them

have some control over the decor. Adding their favorite drawings or pictures of the family adds some responsibility and uniqueness, making your child more likely to use the space.

When your calming corner is set up, show your child how to utilize it for practicing deep breathing and identifying emotions. This way, they’ll be comfortable in the space and understand its purpose before big emotions begin.

The long-term goal is that your child will seek out this space and have the tools to self-soothe, giving them important skills to help them grow into a well-regulated adult.

Brought to you by: Mandy Martin Behavioral Specialist 922 NW Circle Blvd, Ste 160-112 Corvallis, OR 97330 kidsnw.org | 1.888.360.0360

24 mommag.com

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mommag.com 25

[

26 mommag.com

Momism #12: Eat your vegetables.

]

r o f g n Cari ies

il m a f g growin

5 2 9 1 e c sin

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

FAMILY MEDICINE

• Low-cost adoptions • Lost & found pet services for Benton County

URGENT CARE

• Animal welfare programs & free pet food pantry heartlandhumane.org | (541) 757-9000 398 SW Twin Oaks Circle, Corvallis

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KIDS DON’T COME WITH DIRECTIONS Parenting is better with support

mommag.com 27

COOKING FROM THE PANTRY

The rising cost of food has us in the mood for dishes made from shelf-stable items.

LEVELED-UP COUSCOUS Make couscous a little less bland-bland.

3 1 2 1 1 1 2½ 2

tablespoons olive oil cup sliced almonds cloves of chopped garlic teaspoon sweet paprika teaspoon ground cumin teaspoon ground coriander cups chicken or vegetable stock cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 cup raisins or dried currants, chopped 1¼ cup quick-cooking couscous Salt and pepper to taste Optional: parsley for garnish In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add almonds and stir until lightly golden, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Add the garlic and stir for another minute. Then add paprika, cumin and coriander. Cook until heated through.

Stir in the stock, chickpeas and chopped raisins or currents.

Bring to a boil. Then stir in couscous, cover and remove from heat. Let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with parsley, if desired.

28 mommag.com

PESTO PASTA WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATOES & ARTICHOKE HEARTS Feels fancy and looks pretty.

12 1

ounces of your choice of pasta cup of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped 1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped ¼ - ½ cup of jarred pesto Cook the pasta as directed and drain.

Add artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes. Stir in pesto to your liking.

CATCH-AS-CATCH-CAN SALAD Packs a fiber punch.

15 15 15 ¼ 1/4 1/4 1 11/2 1/2 ¼

ounce can cooked chickpeas, rinsed and drained ounce can cooked kidney beans, rinsed and drained ounce can of corn, drained cup onion, finely diced cup extra-virgin olive oil cup red wine vinegar teaspoon sugar teaspoons cumin teaspoon kosher salt teaspoon black pepper

Optional: garnish with cilantro or peppers for a pop of color.

In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, beans, corn and onion.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, cumin, salt and pepper.

Pour dressing over the beans and gently stir to combine.

Refrigerate for 2 hours for best results.

mommag.com 29

Blue light not-so-special Blue light refers to a specific color range of light emitted by any backlit device — if a device is brighter when it is on than off, it is likely emitting blue light.

Time spent staring into blue light is often referred to as screen time. To track your family’s total screen time, be sure to include all devices: phones, computers, tablets and TVs. Here’s what you should know about blue light: Blue light can disrupt your sleep cycle, as well as your child’s, if used right before bed.

Research has shown that significant exposure to blue light can increase the risk of macular degeneration.

Products like blue-light blocking glasses can specifically target the problem (blue-violet) wavelengths and don’t have to appear yellow to be effective. Not all products on the market block the correct type of light.

Ask us about blue-light blocking options. And power down those screens long before bedtime.

Sterling Vision West Salem Vision Center 1594 Edgewater St NW STE 190, Salem 503-779-2119 | sterlingvision.com

30 mommag.com

Brought to you by: Alton Rossman, OD

mommag.com 31

263 29th Avenue SW | Albany, OR 97322 541-926-0353 | 541-926-1515 fax

mommag.com | info@mommag.com

The views, information and content in this magazine are not that of the organization that may have provided MOM Magazine to readers as a courtesy.

MOM Magazine and its distributors assume no liability for the contents or events arising out of its distribution.

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