Tri-Cities MOM | June/July 2020

real local moms

since 2005

Tri-Cities | June / July 2020

COVER MOM

SUMMER FUN

A FRUIT AND A VEGETABLE

YEIMY SALDANA

ON A BUDGET

WATERMELON

Thank you

to the thousands of local heroes keeping our community up and running. Here’s to the healthcare workers, first responders, clerks and cashiers, tellers and teachers, and everyone who continues to step up to the challenge.

You make a difference.

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We honor the 700 Gesa employees around Washington for their unwavering commitment to our members and always looking for opportunities to help others. We are proud to see our team join together to encourage and support one another while never losing sight of the essential work they do every day. Thank you, and know that you’re making an impact!

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2 mommag.com

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EDITOR'S NOTE

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 Tri-Cities Business Development Manager Kim Harvey kim@mommag.com 509-460-6526 Contact Kim today to advertise Mid-Valley & Lane County Business Development Manager Linda Blair linda@mommag.com, 541-231-7250 Salem Advertising Representative Kim Leighty kim.leighty@mommag.com 503-510-9036 Designer Sean Carver MOM Magazine is produced by GO Creative, LLC. © 2020 TM

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.

What a wild parenting journey it’s been, eh?

I

don’t think there’s a mom out there who hasn’t felt put through the ringer these past few months as we rode the waves of our new socially distant lifestyles. However the COVID-19 pandemic has touched your lives, I’m wishing you sanity and peace. And if you broke down and screamed like a howler monkey at some point during it all, you weren’t the only one...hopefully it wasn’t caught on your kid’s video distance learning session.

In the middle of the chaos, some good things happened, too. For me, it was becoming the editor-in-chief of MOM Magazine. I’ve been a fan of this publication since it began because it seemed to understand me, as a local mom, as it was geared to where I live, work and raise my children. It is with pride that I follow the footsteps of the editors before me, as this really is a brilliant little magazine for moms.

A little about me: I live in Albany, Oregon, with my husband, Kevin, and our two boys, Elijah, age 13, and Powell, age 11.

We have a big goofy golden retriever, Murphy, and a cat, Tomato. Our life on a cul-de-sac is filled with foam bullets, bikes, balls and scooters strewn about outside, and too much video gaming on the inside (even the husband is a gamer).

Life with boys is all new to me because I grew up with two older sisters. The boy moms out there warned me it would be a lot of fights, farts and video games, and they were right!

We have an unusual summer ahead of us.

Some of your family’s typical activities and escapes might be off the table, which means we’ll have to get creative. Follow us on Facebook for ideas and insights, and let us know what you’re doing with your kids this summer. As the saying goes, this too shall pass — maybe like a kidney stone, but it will pass.

Stay healthy.

Why? Because I said so!

Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief

mommag.com 3

4 mommag.com

It’s what‘s

Summer Fun On A Budget

18

Cover MOM: Yeimy Saldana ................10 This mom gets real

Summer Fun on a budget......................18

inside that counts

Watermelon

23

Backyard Chickens

28

Watermelon......................23 A fruit and a vegetable

Backyard Chickens.........28 Should you get backyard chickens?

Low-cost ways for you and your crew to get outside

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things

mommag.com

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

Cover MOM

10

Photos by It's a Keeper

Advertise today

Photography

Want to get the word out about your business?

Contact Kim Harvey at kim@mommag.com.

in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”

“

More ways to love your MOM

– Fred Rogers.

mommag.com 5

[ Momism #39: Look

with your eyes, not with your hands.

]

Contact us.

509.497.7175 HeadsUpTricities.org HeadsUpTricities@gmail.com

6 mommag.com

PSYCHO PSYCHOLO LOGY GY

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ATTITUDE AT TITUDE

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Contact your primary care provider for resources.

SELF SELFHARM HARM

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s k n a Th to our

s r e s i t r e v d a Blank Space

-Maybe OWP ad?

MOM Magazine is freely distributed throughout the community. Show your appreciation by patronizing the businesses you see in MOM Magazine.

Tell them

sent you. Why?

so!

Because I said

mommag.com 7

[ Momism #70: Did

8 mommag.com

you comb your hair?

]

[ Momism #77:

I love you to the moon.

What can MOM do for you?

]

YOUR DREAM IS OUT THERE. MAKE IT A REALITY. Top-ranked degrees

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mommag.com 9

YEIMY SALDANA

Cover MOM Yeimy Saldana is teaching her boys that love, patience, kindness and hard work will prepare them for life...and that if the tater tot casserole hits the floor, it’s time to slow down and get takeout.

Photo credit: It's a Keeper Photography

10 mommag.com

The Saldana family: Crellin, a multifamily investor, and children: Kaden, age 16, and Jaxon, age 9

Who is MOM? Community/hometown: Richland Profession: Real estate agency owner

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours.

I have the most supportive husband, and my kids are always laughing and dancing. It’s contagious! My youngest loves to meet and talk with people, and my oldest is into swimming and basketball.

Every family has their own traditions, rituals or inside jokes.

What’s one of yours?

Eating dinner together every night and sharing what we are thankful for.

When did you know you wanted to be a mom?

I think I was about 6. Playing house with my sister.

Do you think that parenting is easier or more challenging than what you thought it would be?

More challenging. Dolls didn’t talk back.

Tell us about one of your most humbling mom moments.

I was studying for my real estate license, teaching Body Pump Group fitness classes, taking care of two boys, caring for my mother and wanting to do it all perfectly. My kids were hungry one rainy evening, and I was rushing home to start dinner. I made their favorite: tater tot casserole. I was getting ready to turn the stove on, I hit the pan with my elbow, and the casserole fell to the floor. It was unsalvageable.

It was then that I realized I needed to slow down. Fast food is okay, and I don’t have to do it all. Wendy’s was a great second choice.

mommag.com 11

Q&A

What was one of your proudest mom moments?

The first time I heard my son call me mommy.

Your biggest wish for your kids is…

To love, love, love. Be kind and always think about others. Work hard for what you want and be HAPPY!

What is the most surprising thing you have found wedged between the sofa cushions or behind a car seat?

Old moldy string cheese. GROSS!

No one works harder than mom.

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.

I once forgot to pack my son’s lunch. He came home starving, and I felt so bad.

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

I already do both of those things. I also used to say I would never go in public without mascara, but now I think, who cares?

In what way are your children like you?

How are they different?

They have huge hearts and strong willed personalities.

You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say…”______________” “Who is talking right now?”

12 mommag.com

We know that being a mom is a full-time job. Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home.

I want my kids to know how blessed they are, but to never look down on someone who needs help. So providing food or Christmas gifts during the holidays is one of our favorite things!

What have you learned professionally, that has helped you as a mom?

Patience.

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

My biggest passion is to support others in their own success. You can’t be successful unless you help others do the same.

When was the last time you failed? What did you learn?

It was when I missed my son’s basketball practice due to work. I learned it’s okay to not do it all, and it’s okay to say sorry to our kids.

If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

What is special about where you grew up?

I was born in the Dominican Republic, and my family moved to the US when I was 6.

The palm trees and island breeze are what I miss the most. It’s such a special place, and we were able to take the boys there for the first time about three years ago. My youngest loved meeting his cousins (and there are lots!) and our many family members who live there. My oldest loved the beaches and outdoor activities. We spent a lot of time in the car going to visit family members, so we made arrangements to go to a resort for a few days afterwards.

The kids definitely enjoyed that!

What do you think is the most important life skill or value your parents taught you?

My dad always pushed me to do my very best, no matter how small the task. My mom taught me to love all. We are all equal.

When was the last time you did something for the first time?

Growing up we would always go back home for vacation. I always wanted to go to Disneyland like everyone else. Finally, in 2018, I got to be a kid again: we were able to go and our family had the best time!

What is something you will NEVER do again?

A cartwheel.

Which good habit do you wish you started earlier?

Running.

When did you realize you were no longer a child?

After my last cartwheel.

What is one thing you never had that you want for your kids.

If I can give my kids even half of the love and support I had as a child, I think I will be satisfied.

What are three words your best friend would use to describe you?

Positive, giving, and inspiring.

mommag.com mommag.com 13

MOM’s

Favorite…

Tell us about your favorite… …family game: UNO and a game called OG — it’s like crazy 8s, but more detailed. …place to hide and find some peace & quiet: What is that? …binge-worthy TV or podcast: Designated Survivor …inspirational quote: Love yourself first, because that’s who you will spend the rest of your life with.

Quick

questions for MOM 14 mommag.com

Tea or Coffee?

Tea Morning or Night?

Night Summer or Winter?

Summer Fly or Drive?

Drive Gold or Silver?

Gold

Dog or Cat? Dog Beer or Wine?

Wine Bath or Shower?

Bath Math or English?

English Hot or Cold?

Hot

Sweet or Savory?

Savory Hugs or Kisses?

Hugs Ice cream or Chocolate?

Ice cream Early or Late?

Late

What are three words your kids would use to describe you?

I asked them: they said caring, loving and hardworking.

What is the quality you like most about yourself?

I’m loyal.

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?

Sing like Whitney Houston.

What’s your super power?

Like all moms, I’m a MOM.

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

Roasters Coffee.

What keeps you up at night (apart from kids, of course)?

The wind and Crellin’s snoring.

Tell us something about you that would surprise your kids (or your husband).

I want to skydive one day, maybe when my kids don’t need me as much.

What keeps you sane?

Sun and Champagne. Is it mean I didn’t say my family? I do love them.

It’s Saturday afternoon and you suddenly find yourself at home alone for a few hours (we know, it never happens). What do you do?

Paint my toenails and watch TLC. Maybe sneak in a nap.

What is the best way that you let off steam?

Fresh air and sun.

What’s your guilty pleasure? (dark chocolate hidden in the pantry, TJ Maxx, daily latte habit?)

Dulce de Leche gelato.

mommag.com 15

Who is your favorite fictional hero?

Gamora.

Who is your favorite real life hero?

My mother.

Outside of your family members, who/ what inspires you to be better?

My work family. They are AMAZING people.

Listen to mom.

Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most?

Motherhood has been a journey. What surprised me was how much your love actually does grow for them — even as teenagers.

Who and what has influenced the mother you are today?

My parents. My dad taught me to work hard, and my mom was the gentle soul.

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What’s the best advice you’ve received from another mom?

Do what YOU think is best for your kids.

What advice would you give your younger mom self?

It’s okay to ask for help and wear yoga pants to the store.

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

It’s so easy to get caught up on what other moms are doing and saying. Be you and do YOU. You are the mother and know what’s best. As mothers we need to support each other and lift each other up. You don’t know what storm someone has been walking through, so smile at someone new every chance you get!

[ Momism #139:

Get outside!

]

Dream big.

Plan ahead.

Washington College Savings Plans can help you start saving toward a brighter future.

Add to your GET account by June 25 DreamAhead open year-round

Learn more at wastate529.wa.gov GET and DreamAhead are qualified tuition programs sponsored and distributed by the State of Washington. The Committee on Advanced Tuition Payment and College Savings administers and the Washington Student Achievement Council supports the plans. DreamAhead investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. If in-state tuition decreases in the future, GET tuition units may lose value.

mommag.com 17

Summer fun on a

budget T

he summer of 2020 is new territory for all of us, as we learn how to safely live and travel with health restrictions in place. But summer is still on, and as moms we’re great at finding and inventing joy for our kids. It’s been a stressful spring for them, too, so it’s time to find the fun.

We’ve compiled some of our favorite, low-cost ways for you and your crew to get outside.

Here’s to a cheerful, bright summer for all of us.

18 mommag.com

them by hand to those who are more experienced. Take them home in a cooler of water, to later boil, clean and eat. Be sure to check with the state’s fish and wildlife regulations for license requirements and catch limits.

Tip: In addition to sun protection, pack water sandals or old shoes with rubber soles for everyone, which will help protect feet from the rocky bottoms of streams and rivers.

Camping

Picnics

Crawdadding

Kids of all ages will enjoy the thrill of meals around a campfire or looking for fish in nearby streams. Camping is also a superb way to unplug from screen time, which many families have had enough of these days. If campgrounds are open this summer, check your state and county park’s reservation and permit requirements. Different campgrounds have different amenities. Some of them are surprisingly appointed, with showers and small stores.

Many day-use areas throughout the Northwest offer scenic places to set up a family-style picnic. You can get elaborate with many fancy picnic menus on Pinterest to guide you.

Or, pack a few snacks and drinks, and get to-go sub sandwiches. Some families get pizza and call it good; no judgement here.

No matter if you call them crayfish, crawdads, or crawfish, finding and catching these bright red crustaceans can be surprisingly fun. Shallow, freshwater areas are good family spots for this activity, with your best chances in coastal rivers and streams. Bring small and medium-sized nets, as well as buckets for everyone. Crawdads can pinch, so leave catching

Water fun

Berry picking This is a relaxing outing that can yield lots of fresh, local fruit at the end of the day. Go early to avoid the heat and BYOB: bring your own buckets. Note that some U-pick farms are cash only.

Outdoor movie night Assemble the lawn chairs, hang a sheet on the side of the house and roll a family

Small kids are easy to please: get out a sprinkler, and they are delighted If campgrounds to splash the day aren’t open this away. Tweens If campgrounds summer, pitch a will want to up aren’t open this tent in your the ante, with summer, pitch a own backyard. water balloon tent in your own The novelty of fights and squirt backyard. it impresses most guns more likely kids, and it requires their style. For an zero packing. This epic water balloon fight, memory-making experience prefill the balloons and put is great to do at least once. them in a kiddie pool of (Plus, if after a few hours water until they’re ready for you’re ready for your real launching, as this prevents bed, it awaits you just a few premature popping. steps away.)

Tip:

mommag.com 19

favorite movie. Except, uh, how exactly does one Making these monstrous project the movie? If you bubbles doesn’t take much. can afford it, portable Most recipes call for liquid projectors are sold dish soap and water through retailers with either corn such as Target, syrup or glycerin Walmart and Don’t forget added in. Old Amazon. to apply bug tennis or sports Renting is repellent before rackets, with another option: starting the netting removed, call a local party movie. can double as store or audio-visuwands. Or make your al rental business in own with a few dowels and your area. Chill the drinks, cotton rope. butter the popcorn, and enjoy.

Giant bubbles

Tip:

Stargazing

Outdoor games Use rope to create a tic tac toe grid, and get the kids involved in cutting out and decorating Xs and Os. You can use cardboard, painted rocks, old lids, etc. Another fun one is cornhole, with sets available at many retailers or as a DIY project if you have the skills. After dark fun can be had with glow sticks: add some to empty water bottles and make circular rings out of others. Ta da! You have glow-in-dark ring toss.

Grow your garden It’s not too late to start. In June and July, you can still plant bush beans, carrots and broccoli. They’ll be ready for harvest in late summer or early fall. Kids enjoy planting and watching things grow. And they might just be more apt to eat them if they have a hand in growing, tending and harvesting.

20 mommag.com

Summer meteor showers are a sight to behold. You’ll want to get away from city lights to best view them. Looking for constellations is another celestial activity. Use a mobile app such as Star Chart to identify stars, planets and constellations.

u o y e v Ha it h

w d a re ld to day ?

a chi

Reading just 20 minutes a day with a child deepens their cognition, increases their vocabulary, produces higher test scores, and exposes a child to 1.8 million words per year.

Have you read with a child for 20 minutes today? mommag.com 21

22 mommag.com

Watermelon af ru it

e l b and a vegeta

It’s been debated for years whether watermelons are considered fruit or vegetable.

The complicated yet short answer here is yes to both.

However you want to classify it, this light summer favorite is versatile, going from a sorbet to the charcuterie board, or into a fresh salsa. mommag.com 23

Watermelon

Pickled watermelon rind Wait, you can eat the rind? It’s true. Rinds can be sliced into stir-fry for a delightful crunch or pickled, as in this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS:

3-4 pounds watermelon rind 2

cups apple cider vinegar

1

cup water

¾

cup sugar

⅓

cup candied ginger, minced

1

tablespoon salt

1

teaspoon Aleppo red pepper flakes (possible substitutes: hot paprika or cayenne)

1

teaspoon allspice berries

1ea. star anise pod DIRECTIONS:

Remove all of the watermelon’s green peel, and slice off most of the flesh, leaving about ¼ to ½ inch of watermelon flesh. Cut the rind into 1-inch cubes.

Bring the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, ginger, salt and spices to a boil over medium-high heat in a medium 2-quart saucepan. Hold the boil for 60 seconds then carefully add the watermelon.

Return to a boil and turn off the heat.

Move the pickles to a 2-quart jar using a canning funnel and ladle. Pour on as much of the pickling juice as possible. Loosely place the lid on the jar and leave at room temperature until cool.

Once cool, tighten the lid and refrigerate.

Consume within a month. These pickles must be refrigerated.

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Two convenient locations:

7350 W. Deschutes Ave. - Kennewick, WA - (509) 783-9894 600 Northwest 11th Street, Suite E-23 Good Shepherd Medical Center, Hermiston, OR - (509) 783-9894 mommag.com 25

Look, mom, I picked the best one!

Watermelon Berry Popsicles No popsicle molds? No problem: use muffin tins, old yogurt containers or ice cube trays. Skip the added berries if that’s not your thing. These frozen treats hit the spot on a hot afternoon.

INGREDIENTS:

6

cups watermelon

1

cup blueberries

1

cup raspberries

3

tablespoons honey

DIRECTIONS:

Add watermelon, ½ cup of blueberries, ½ cup of raspberries, and honey to a blender. Blend until smooth. Press through a fine mesh strainer to remove pulp and seeds.

Fill popsicle molds ¾ full with liquid. Add whole blueberries and raspberries to each mold. Insert sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours or until completely frozen.

Thanks to the National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) for these recipes and tips. Visit watermelon.org for more information.

26 mommag.com

It seems like everybody has a special trick for picking the ripest watermelon.

Some swear by the old thumping method where you knock on it and listen for a dull, muffled sound. Others feel the firmness level near the blossom end. According to watermelon.org, choosing a good one is as simple as Look, Lift and Turn.

• Look for a firm watermelon with no dents or bruises.

• Lift it: it should have a good heft for its size.

• Turn it over and check for a creamy yellow spot from where it was on the ground.

Prepare your smartphone.

Whatever comes your way, you'll know what to do!

Download These FREE Red Cross Apps

First Aid

Emergency Earthquake

Flood

Blood Donor

Social Media Apps

Swim

Hero Care

Texting and Email

Share information

Share information

Message loved ones

Sign up for reverse 911

Connect with your local Red Cross

Important Phone Numbers Other Helpful Apps

ICE (in case of emergency) contacts

Flashlight app

Out-of-area contact

Weather app

Poison Control

Radio app (source for updates during disasters)

Non-emergency fire/police (311)

Maps (evacuation routes, meeting points)

211

Photos (loved ones, pets, important belongings)

Neighbors

ICE app (name, allergies, medications, in case of emergency contacts, doctor information)

Work check-in Schools

You can find more tips to prepare your home and family by visiting redcross.org/prepare. mommag.com 27

Did you know? There are more chickens in the world than people.

SHOULD YOU GET BACKYARD CHICKENS?

28 mommag.com

It’s been the rage to get a few egg-laying chickens in your backyard.

Also consider:

Before you jump on the feathery trend, you’ll want to do some research. For starters, check with your town’s rules, your HOA, city ordinances, etc. Many communities limit the number of chickens, if they are allowed at all; roosters are often considered bird non grata because they crow — and your neighbors might not be so keen on Foghorn Leghorn’s early morning noise.

Space: chickens need room to

roam, and they need to be moved around. If left in one spot, the ground will likely turn hard and bare. Everybody loves chicken... including foxes, raccoons and other predators so you’ll need a secure coop.

Care and feeding: the baby chicks that arrive each year at local farm supply stores sure are cute, but they grow up fast.

Before you know it, you’ll have lovely hens scratching for bugs in your backyard. They’ll still need chicken feed, so factor that in.

Your pets: the family dog

might be too interested in the new arrivals. Some dogs might learn to peacefully coexist while others will never give up the chase. If you want healthy, unstressed birds, it’s best to keep Fido away.

Choose the right breed:

there are hundreds of types of chickens. Older kids will enjoy researching which ones are right for your family. Consider size, egg production, and personalities.

Your kids: are they old

enough to help? Young children will enjoy throwing feed and watching the chickens’ entertaining movements. Older kids can collect eggs, clean the coop, refresh water sources and so on. Make sure everyone is washing their hands properly after caring for and handling live poultry.

Find a chicken mentor:

your neighbor, friend, or helpful farm store worker can help you learn the craft of keeping chickens. You might want to [warning: dad joke ahead] pluck their brains for advice.

mommag.com 29

Frontline workers for keeping us safe!

With gratitude and appreciation from all of us at

30 mommag.com

[ Momism #58:

Did you clean your room?

]

Every mom is worthy of the cover of MOM Magazine.

Who would you like to see as a Cover MOM? Fill out the form on mommag.com/about

expand your reach 541.926.3000 oregonwebpress.com

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www.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.

Oliver's life began with hardship as a drug-addicted baby, and later diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome and ADHD. As a teen, he struggled with depression and impulse control. With so many challenges, he felt isolated and alone, and eventually, attempted suicide.

Through the support of Lutheran Community Services NW, he found hope through counseling, skill-building and the persistence of a team who helped him to see his strengths and create his own success. “Some things that cross my path remind me of the past, but I feel there’s hope for my future.�

WE ARE HERE...

To serve Medicaid youth in Benton and Franklin Counties, under the age of 21, who are experiencing behavioral and mental health challenges, and their families.

To offer Mental Health First Aid classes to educate our community on how to recognize and respond to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

Call our Tri-Cities office to make a referral or learn more information: (509) 783-2085

@lcsnwtricities

LCSNW.ORG