Mid Valley MOM | October / November 2021

real local moms

since 2005

Mid Valley | October / November 2021

COVER MOM

BEYOND THE SPICED LATTE

HOW (AND WHY) TO HOLD A

TALIA SCHWARTZ

PUMPKIN EVERYTHING

FAMILY MEETING

My First Choice for My Child’s Health HOW TO KNOW WHEN TO CALL YOUR PEDIATRICIAN As a parent or guardian, it can be challenging to know when your child needs medical care. It can be easy to second-guess yourself. When in doubt, follow your instincts. If you think something may be wrong, err on the side of caution and call your pediatrician.

Here are a few telltale signs that your child needs to be seen by a doctor right away: 1. They have a fever: If your baby is under two months old, a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher is an emergency. If they are older in age, a fever over 100.4 degrees that lasts three or more days could signify a problem that requires antibiotics or further testing.

2. They are vomiting and have diarrhea: Occasional vomiting or diarrhea is common in children. However, if they have both symptoms simultaneously, there could be a bigger problem, such as an infection or dehydration.

3. They’re having trouble breathing: If your child’s nostrils are flaring when they breathe, their ribs suck in with each breath, they are making a funny noise or wheezing, or they are just breathing quickly for a while, it’s time to call your pediatrician. If their lips or nails have a bluish color, call 911 right away.

Do you need to talk to a local pediatrician you know you can trust?

Call us to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified pediatricians.

Schedule an appointment 541-754-1278 | CorvallisClinic.com/pediatrics

It’s what‘s

Family Meeting 18

inside that counts

Interview Your Kids

23

Pumpkin Everything

25

Meet the MOM experts ... 4

Family Meeting................18

Pumpkin Everything......25

They know what they’re

How (and why) to hold a

Beyond the pumpkin

talking about.

family meeting.

spice latte

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

Interview Your Kids........23

A message from MOM

They really do say the

Cover MOM: Talia Schwartz ..................10

darndest things.

This mom gets real

1

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.

CONGRATULATIONS to the Corvallis Public Schools Foundation, winner of the 2021 MOM Magazine Community Impact Award.

For more information about the Corvallis Public Schools Foundation, see their ad on page 28.

Advertise today Cover MOM

10

Photos by Emily Hall Photography

Want to get the word out about your business?

Contact Linda Blair at linda@mommag.com mommag.com 3

meet the

experts

[They know what they’re talking about]

Health

Style

Natural Choices with Jasmin Woodside, page 9

About Home Style with Heather Van Eyk, page 20

Pets

Say Cheese

Pets are Family with Dr. Jilinda Lewis, page 15

Let’s Talk Health with Samaritan Health Services, page 7

“

Natural

Say Cheese with Dr. Wade Haslam, page 22

Learn

Focus

Partners in Education with AnnaMarie Gosser, page 16

Focus on MOM with Dr. Carli A. Bunn, page 28

Thrive

Smile

Helping Kids Thrive with Karen Swanger, page 17

Something to Smile About with Dr. Jay Vaikuntam, page 30

The best thing to

spend on your children is your time.

“ — Louise Hart, Ed.D

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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 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 s.carver@oregonwebpress.com

MOM MagazineTM is produced by GO Creative, LLC. © 2021 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.

How candy and time both slide by Last year I was determined to make trick-or-treating safe for social distancing and to give out full-size candy bars. I’m happy to report I was able to do both, with a nifty candy slide built by my husband out of a large PVC pipe. Combined with our unique front entrance, it worked perfectly.

The trick-or-treaters were delighted, which was the goal.

Looking back to last year at this time, it was still filled with so much uncertainty: most schools were in distance learning, vaccines weren’t yet available, and Oregonians had just gone through devastating wildfires.

We’ve processed so many changes in one year, some for the better and others not.

It got me thinking big thoughts about the passage of time. Last year neither one of my kids wanted to dress up for Halloween or go trick-or-treating, claiming they had outgrown it. I wasn’t ready for that. With children, you get an accelerated version of years going by, and while some of it you’re glad to have in your rearview (the drudgery), there are parts that catapult you forward with such force it makes you gasp.

Whether you’re ready for it or not, your baby outgrows those 0-3 month clothes, wants to pour their own milk in the cereal bowl, to ride their bike around the block without you...how time marches forward can certainly make a mom wistful.

ME AS CAROLE BASKIN WITH MY TIGER, IN FRONT OF OUR CANDY SLIDE.

major events, it will change us permanently — and hopefully for the better. I think of my candy slide: it was made out of necessity, but will now become a holiday staple. And in those moments when my kids mature faster than I want them to, I remind myself what a wonderful privilege it is to watch them grow.

Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief

This Halloween, I’ve resigned myself to dressing up again with my dog, who is my most willing partner when it comes to themed costumes. And while this season may not be quite the way we all wanted, i.e., normal as defined by pre-pandemic times, there’s no going backwards. Like many

mommag.com 5

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Let’s talk health

QA

Have a question you forgot to discuss at the doctor’s office or are too embarrassed to ask? The experts at Samaritan Health Services are here to help.

Q: How do I make Halloween healthy for my kids?

A: As a parent, Halloween can be an

interesting nutritional challenge: You want your child to build healthy habits and eat well, but you also want them to engage in fun holiday festivities.

During the day, serve healthy meals with a Halloween spirit such as whole wheat pumpkin pancakes and quesadillas with jack-o’-lantern faces.

At trick-or-treating time, try handing out healthy items such as: • Boxes of raisins.

• Pre-packaged apple slices or pineapple chunks.

• Tangerines with jack-o’-lantern faces drawn on the peel.

Q: Are there reasons beyond COVID-19 to keep my masks around?

A: It’s understandable if you’re ready to be

done with your mask, but they are helpful for protecting your lungs, especially for those with underlying lung disease, even in non-COVID times. Consider the following: Air quality concerns — Wearing an N95 mask can help you tolerate being outside for short periods when the air quality is poor such as during wildfire season or when the air quality index is over 100.

Let’s talk health

™

Metal work — Some hobbies like jewelrymaking create harmful fumes and particulates while soldering. Use an N95 mask or personal respirator to minimize your exposure.

Painting — Use a respirator while painting with a paint gun, which will filter out fine particulates and chemical fumes.

Home mold repair — When cleaning up water damage, use an N95 mask to protect your lungs from mold spores.

Brought to you by:

• 100% juice boxes.

• Fruit cups or applesauce pouches.

• Mini bottled water with fun, spooky DIY labels.

It's okay to allow your kids to eat some candy on Halloween, as this is the one day of the year they can splurge. Experts recommend offering a glass of milk with candy to improve the chance at good nutrition.

Have your kids separate out the candies they don’t enjoy. Before you throw away the unwanted candy, check for dentists in your area who trade cash for candy.

On the days following Halloween, put the candy away and out of sight which can help with candy cravings.

— Suzanne Watkins, RD, dietitian at Samaritan Albany General Hospital

Fall and spring cleaning — If you use heavy duty solvents like grout or oven cleaner, a simple surgical or cloth mask is fine since most home-use products can be applied directly to the object you’re cleaning and are not aerosolized.

Outdoor allergies — An N95 mask gives excellent protection for outdoor chores like mowing or raking leaves, but a cloth or surgical mask can also help.

— Tomer Pelleg, DO, Samaritan Medical Group Pulmonology – Corvallis

Call Samaritan Health Services Find a Doctor line at 800-863-5241 to find a provider who is right for you.

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PUMPKINS ARE A STAPLE OF THE SEASON From spooky jack-o’-lanterns to delicious pies, enjoy pumpkins to their fullest while making the most of your money and time.

Farmer’s Market Organic Canned Pumpkin: Cut the hassle of cutting and gutting the pumpkin this fall with cans of Farmer’s Market Organic Pumpkin Purée. Grown and packaged right here in Corvallis!

The power of pumpkin seeds: Don't toss those seeds, toast them! To easily separate the seeds from the guts, put everything into a large bowl

Come to First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op for all of your grocery needs. It’s the natural choice.

Two locations in Corvallis 1007 SE 3rd • 541-753-3115 2855 NW Grant • 541-452-3115 Open daily www.firstalt.coop

and fill with cold water. After an hour or so, the chunks will have settled to the bottom and the seeds will have floated to the top. Pull the seeds out, then put them into a colander for one last rinse. Let them dry on a towel, then toss with salt and oil (or melted butter) and spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 300° for 45 minutes or until golden brown. Toasted pumpkin seeds are great by the handful, tossed in salads, or even added to sandwiches.

Jasmin Woodside of First Alternative Co-op and her children.

mommag.com 9

Talia Schwartz This mom of three, cancer survivor and business owner knows that when life doesn’t go the way we hope, consider it a speed bump not a roadblock.

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All families are unique. Tell us about yours.

I met my husband, Greg, while were both in medical school in Tel-Aviv. He graduated a few years before me, so we were long distance for over two years while he trained in New York. We lived in NY together, then Miami, where our daughter Maya was born. We moved to Corvallis in 2006 and had two more kids, Nina and Leo, who were born here. In the same hospital room!

Every family has their own traditions, rituals or inside jokes. What’s one of yours? Friday nights we always have a special dinner together as a family. It’s a time for us to all come together amidst everyone’s busy schedules to connect. We are lovers of karaoke, so after dinner, we usually bring out the mic. “Islands in the Stream” is a staple, of course, and “Copacabana.” Our home is definitely not quiet and I love that — the sounds of laughter and music can be heard throughout the house.

When did you know you wanted to be a mom?

Family is the most important part of my life. I come from a very close family, and my siblings and I have always been very close with my mom. From as young an age as I can remember, I have wanted to have that as well. When I met my husband, it was clear to both of us that we wanted to have kids together, as soon as the time felt right.

Profession: Homemaker & owner of Soleil Rose

Community: Corvallis Husband: Greg Schwartz, gastroenterologist

Children: Maya, age 16; Nina, age 14; and Leo, age 11

Photos by: Emily Hall Photography

Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments. My proudest mom moment happened to also be my most humbling mom moment. I was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago, which was a very frightening time for our family. As a mom, my biggest concern was my kids being without a mom at a young age. And nothing is more important to me than my kids being each other’s best friends, but there is also only so much that we can do to encourage that relationship. The rest of it is up to them. So, seeing how they actually took care of each other during that time was incredibly humbling. I felt such pride in knowing the kind of people my husband and I are raising. Not only did they try in whatever way they could to help me, knowing what a strong unit they are and how caring they are for one another made me realize that they would be okay, no matter what.

What is the most surprising thing you have found wedged between the sofa cushions or behind a car seat? A frog in the trunk of my old minivan. Not sure how it got there!

In what way are your children like you? How are they different? Our kids share my love of adventure. I have always enjoyed experiencing different cultures and travel — getting immersed in a new place is a wonderful feeling. They are also quite introspective. I think being self-aware is how we evolve as individuals. But hands down, my kids are much more talented than I could ever have hoped to be.

QA '

Family comes first.

MOM s Favorite... …words to live by: You live once, so live your dream. …place to hide and find some peace & quiet: Our comfy sofa in our den, with a book and a cup of tea …binge-worthy TV or podcast: Your Honor, on Showtime …way to get out of making dinner: Breakfast for dinner, there’s nothing better! …inspirational quote: “You must do the thing you think you cannot do,” Eleanor Roosevelt …parenting book or philosophy: How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims

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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? When I tell my kids that they should not be too hard on themselves and not take everything too seriously, I try to live by that as well. We all should be able to laugh at ourselves — no one is above that. I have also recently found that when I spend time outside gardening, focusing on something seemingly mundane yet beautiful, I walk away feeling peaceful and rejuvenated. It’s an easy way to reconnect with myself, without deliberately focusing on myself.

Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. After completing my treatment for breast cancer (which included a double mastectomy, hysterectomy and radiation), I met many women who shared my experience of post-

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mastectomy complications. There was very little space for these types of conversations or products on the market that specifically addressed this. I was inspired to create a swimwear company, Soleil Rose, which provides solutions for women seeking support for breast asymmetry. It has been wonderfully rewarding to help women feel beautiful and confident.

What have you learned professionally that has helped you as a mom? My background is in the medical world, and bringing Soleil Rose to life was an entirely different and new venture for me, with a huge learning curve. I relate this to being a mom — sometimes things don’t go the way we hope, for ourselves or for our kids. Being able to see this as a speedbump rather than a roadblock makes all the difference.

If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today? I grew up in Los Angeles with both of my parents and three siblings. We are Jewish, and our culture and traditions were an integral part of my home growing up. Community and the notion that we are all part of a greater good was highly stressed by my parents, and I believe it shaped me into raising my kids the same way. The idea of Tikkun Olam, or repairing the world as members of society by our individual actions, is something that we highlight in our home.

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

Being a lover of life and the desire to learn and be educated. Also, integrity and accountability were very important values in my home growing up and that my husband and I impress upon our kids.

It’s ok if you make a mistake, we’re only human. How you take responsibility for your actions makes the difference.

When was the last time you did something for the first time? I learned to ride a motorcycle last April.

What is something you will NEVER do again?

Ride a motorcycle! It was much scarier than I imagined it to be.

When did you realize you were no longer a child? When I slept through my alarm and my kids were late to school.

What’s your superpower? I can cook a Thanksgiving meal for 20 people in about two hours (not counting how long it takes for the turkey to cook). And I can do the splits! Not at the same time.

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, in which event would you win a gold medal? Making the perfect s’more and sitting up straight.

What is your greatest extravagance? I love to surround myself with beautiful fragrance. So my home is full of delicious smelling candles.

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

It’s an exhilarating feeling and makes you feel like a kid.

Listen to mom.

Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most? For the most part, motherhood is what I expected, although there are emotions I didn’t know were possible before being a mother, such as the selflessness we feel towards our children. My mom was a mama bear, and I didn’t anticipate that I would be one, too.

Who and what has influenced the mother you are today? My mom has been an incredible inspiration for me. She loves her kids unconditionally and treats us as equals.

She always has, even when we were little.

It was clear that she was the mom and we were the kids, that was never an issue. But we knew she was always fair and tried to understand things from our perspective.

Sharing that respect with my kids in our relationship is something that is very important to me.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from another mom? Someone once told me, “They all turn out fine for the most part, no matter what you do.” It was said in jest but it’s true — we sweat the small stuff too much. Given the right tools for life, our kids will be great.

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

We are all navigating through life trying to be the best versions of ourselves and we sometimes forget that we are human. All moms go through moments of doubt and feeling like we aren’t doing our best. Don’t be so hard on yourself and laugh with your kids as much as possible!

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

Share your favorite…

…shop to pick up a gift for friend: The Inkwell …coffee spot: Coffee Culture …view or scenic lookout: Chip Ross Park …spot to get a good workout: Walk in the hills of my neighborhood …restaurant to take the kids: Aomatsu Sushi & Grill …restaurants for a date night: Castor …take-out, food truck or quick bite: Tacovore …meetup spot for happy hour: TacoVino …boutique to find a new shirt or home décor item: Restyle …any other local places you love: Lumos Wine Company on a sunny afternoon

What keeps you sane? Laughing about it all with my husband.

What is the best way that you let off steam?

I take a walk in my neighborhood. There is a 25-minute loop that is the perfect amount of time to go through the gamut of emotions and return clear headed a nd relaxed. mommag.com 13

[M

omism #15: Eat your vegetables.

R A ISN G SOTRNG A M IF L E S THOURG EP R S O N A IL Z D C A ER .

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL Christina Miller, MD SCHOOL YEAR: 541 704 7304

Schedule a well-child visit to catch up on vaccines. This visit can also serve as a sports physical.

Create a consistent bedtime routine to help kids get enough sleep: they need at least 8 10 hours per night.

At Willamette Valley Pediatrics we believe that health care is personal.

Dr. Christina Miller takes the time to develop relationships with her patients and their families to care for their “whole” health.

You and your child’s health are our priority.

We know that health concerns are stressful for moms. We offer same-day appointments and can work with your busy schedule. We schedule sports physicals with minimal wait time, because we know that an active child is a healthy child.

expand your reach with print

Dr. Miller strives to provide so much more than just a doctor’s visit. She knows that children are a blessing, and she partners with you and your child to help them become their best selves.

Serve healthy breakfasts. If your child isn’t great at eating breakfast, make a protein smoothie.

Get to know your child’s teachers and keep in contact with them to ensure your child’s school success.

Offer healthy snacks after school.

Christina Miller, MD

541.926.3000 oregonwebpress.com

1123 Hill Street SE Suite B. Albany 541-704-7304

541 704 7304 magazines • inserts • newspapers postcards • catalogs • maps • calendars

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]

pets are family

SAFE HOLIDAYS FOR PETS From Halloween candy to turkey bones, and Christmas goodies to tinsel, there are many safety concerns when it comes to the holidays and your pets.

Brought to you by: Jilinda Lewis, DVM Ark Animal Hospital

If you’re hosting holiday parties, consider having your pets sit out the party in a quiet space away from the festivities. This allows them to stay safe, prevents them from sneaking treats and goodies, and keeps them from accidentally slipping out the door. If you don’t have a quiet place for your pet to wait out the party, consider boarding them for the night.

Be sure to keep potentially toxic foods such as chocolate, coffee, high-sugar and high-fat foods out of your pet’s reach. Halloween candy can easily get misplaced, and pets won’t wait for Christmas day to open food-type presents under the tree. Keep all trash secure so pets can’t get into spoiled food, bones or other potentially harmful items.

Always have your veterinarian’s number easily accessible. Be diligent about keeping everyone safe, and have a fabulous holiday season!

In partnership with Willamette Veterinary Hospital & Eastgate Veterinary Clinic

ALBANY EXPLORATION ZONE – DISCOVER THE PRESENT, SECURE THE FUTURE. THESE HANDS-ON LEARNING ACTIVITIES HAVE A FOCUS ON FUN AND YOUR KIDDO WON’T WANT TO MISS THEM. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR FALL DATES COMING SOON!

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mommag.com 15

ESTABLISHING GOOD STUDY HABITS

It’s perfect, honey!

Have you ever noticed that we love our children’s artwork, no matter how purple the sky or red the grass they’ve drawn?

We don’t expect it to be perfect, yet we find joy in it anyway.

We find joy in their imperfection, yet we often expect no less than perfection from ourselves or our spouse. When we reflect on our

Brought to you by:

AnnaMarie Gosser Santiam Christian Elementary Principal

4 mommag.com 16 mommag.com

www.santiamchristian.org 541-745-5524 x 243

lives, we seeyour whatchild we don’t have. look a instudy the mirror, we see Guiding in how to When we Create space focused helpsCan we If your concenouraccomplish flaws instead of the work blessings. take achild stepneeds back? quiet Can we set them forextra future success. tration, an appropriate area accept thoseup few pounds, or scuffed shoes,find or not-so-new To lay a solid foundation: that is distraction-free. car—even with its occasional rattles—and allow ourselves to Some children study better while Start early experience satisfaction with what we have and who we are? Peace listening to music, while others children are preschoolers, withWhen ourselves liberates us to be our own “best.” do best in silence. Noise canceregularly work on quiet, handsling headphones are a good Today’s the day.with Givethem. yourself a break on projects Seeing a from the expectation of option for some, especially if perfection and say, “I’m okay. ” is a project through to the end there are other (noisy) siblings learned skill. Plus you can model It’s called GRACE. Give yourself some today! in the house. how to react when something is frustrating: if the glue bottle is Build independence gunked up, we keep our calm Personal experience is a valuable brought to you and clean it by so it works again. teacher. For older students, stay involved but allow them to make Dedicate time for learning some of their own mistakes. A Create good habits by setting late assignment in the gradebook aside time to complete homecan be a good motivator for work.Christian Make it aSchools consistent Carla Towery is a Santiam future timeliness. schedule that works best for Kindergarten teacher, www.santiamchristian.org your family. This might mean GoodSchools study habits keep kids Santiam Christian 541-745-5524 x243 after school, or after dinner in from feeling overwhelmed, the evenings. while providing a framework for life-long learning.

Why learn gymnastics?

Gymnastics is a good fun, year-round exercise that is also a physically distanced activity. With so much going for it, it’s no wonder our classes are popular.

There are many reasons why children all over the world enjoy gymnastics, including that it:

Brought to you by:

Karen Swanger

OSU KidSpirit, OSU Extension & Outreach kidspirit.oregonstate.edu

Director of OSU Kidspirit

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Builds confidence and self-assurance

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Builds flexibility, balance, strength and coordination

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Fosters life skills such as perseverance, patience, dedication and trust

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Develops social skills while having a great time

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Strengthens a broad range of motor skills that transfer to many other sports

The KidSpirit Gymnastics Program has been an integral part of KidSpirit since the program was introduced in 1961.

Our program fosters an encouraging, safe and noncompetitive environment where gymnasts progress at their own pace.

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How (and why) to hold a

Family Meeting Family meetings provide focused, open space to talk about everything that impacts your household, from practical issues like who keeps throwing away all the forks, to more serious topics such as the health of a family member. Some of the reasons you might hold a family meeting include: •

To share big family news such as moves, changes in health, deployments, job changes

•

Before any kind of travel, event or holiday

•

For addressing behaviors and resetting expectations

•

Before a change in family schedules, dynamics, sitters, etc.

•

To brainstorm vacations or getaways

•

For sorting out shared pet care, house and yard duties

•

To find out more about what can be improved in your family life

“

Family meetings teach civility, model effective communication, how to work as a group and that compromise is sometimes needed and reached.

”

Setting it up Give advance notice of the meeting, with topics, so everyone can be thinking it over in the days beforehand. Choose a time after everyone has been fed, napped and isn’t on the go to the next commitment.

Keep it informal. Follow a general format you like, such as one from work, place of worship, or volunteer organization. There’s no need for Robert's Rules of Order, but you do want to keep everyone from talking over one another. You could use an object that is passed from one person to the next when it’s their turn to speak (we don’t advise sticks, heavy or other breakable items, because kids).

You could schedule monthly meetings or do them as needed. Oh, and have a rule to put the screens away — including your own — so that everyone is engaged in active listening.

Benefits Family meetings teach civility, model effective communication, how to work as a group and that compromise is sometimes needed and reached. You might be pleasantly surprised to learn what’s on your kids’ minds.

You can also draw on what you talked about when needed. For instance, when the kids are impatient because the plane is delayed, you can say, “Remember how we talked about patience during our family meeting? This is when we need to use it because sometimes travel delays just happen.”

Family meetings are also spaces for conflict resolution: When the toilet keeps getting clogged with too much TP, it often leads to a chorus of “not me!” Stay focused on finding solutions rather than ferreting out blame: “When the toilet plugs up, it’s a problem for all of us. What can we do to keep it from happening?”

Kids have important things to say too, even if it comes out in a jumble. Sure, they may use their talking time to advocate getting a gerbil. Gently remind them about the topic at hand and ask them a specific question to get back on task, such as, “That’s something to talk about at a later time. Right now we’re talking about how we want to spend our winter vacation.”

Your kids are smart and perceptive, so they benefit from knowing, rather than hiding information that is part of family life. That said, too many details can be overwhelming and frightening. For a cancer diagnosis, you might say, “My hair will fall out and I’ll look a bit different, but it means the medicine I need is really doing its job.”

Results will be perfectly imperfect When it comes to serious topics, don’t be shocked by outlandish questions or total silence. Some kids may need more time to mentally process what it all means. Do be prepared for oddly timed questions that come up after the fact, like right as you’re trying to cook dinner. One meeting may not cement what was talked about, so be ready to repeat and clarify as necessary.

Give a family meeting a try. Your children will surprise you with their insights.

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Picking the perfect sofa Purchasing furniture for your home, especially a sofa that gets used every day, can be intimidating. To get the coziest, best quality purchase for your budget:

Heather Van Eyk is a mother of two and principal designer at NW Design House & owner of Budget Blinds located next to Starbucks in North Albany.

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Brought to you by:

541-738-2806 | nwdesignhouse.com

•

Check that the sofa is made from a hardwood frame.

Upholstered furniture must have a quality inner frame to last for years without warping, twisting or creaking.

•

Ask about the joinery and avoid pieces that are assembled using staples, nails or glue. Instead, look for wooden dowels and wooden corner blocks, or metal screws and brackets.

•

Check the depth of the seat, as it should be comfortable for the primary users. Make sure your back is supported.

•

Feel for the springs between the cushions. They should be closely spaced and firm.

•

Measure the couch and your doorways.

•

Consider performance fabric on pieces that have activity from kids or pets, as it is more durable and easier to clean.

A sofa is likely one of your most expensive furniture purchases, so it’s worth it to spend more for a superior piece.

A good quality sofa will last for years while giving you the comfort you want, for everything from afternoon naps to movie nights.

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Momism #20: I love you more.

]

Located in the Corvallis Timberhill Shopping Center

Hand-crafted pizza in 5 minutes Garden-fresh toppings and scratch-made artisan dough, including cauliflower and gluten-free crusts. House-made sauces, salads, Oregon microbrews and more.

piefivepizza.com 541-286-4394 15% off your total bill when you mention MOM Magazine or use online promo code MOMMAG Exp. 12/31/2021

Non-surgical scoliosis intervention Call us for a free phone consultation

scoliosis studio LL

ScoliosisStudioPT.com (503) 926-3338 Located in Corvallis

If you or your child has been diagnosed with scoliosis, there is help. Scoliosis Studio offers non-surgical, Schroth Method physical therapy to improve symmetry, posture and pain-relief.

The most important time for intervention — when scoliosis is shown to progress — is adolescence. We also help women during pregnancy and menopause, as well as men and women with age-related degeneration.

Bailey Denno, PT, DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy

Schroth-BSPTS C2 Certified Scoliosis Practitioner

Scoliosis Studio is a direct pay PT clinic, we do not bill insurance.

I am a specialized physical therapist certified in and focused on the treatment of people of all ages with scoliosis, hyperkyphosis and hyperlordosis. I also treat people both before and after surgery.

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Take the scare out of Halloween candy It’s a spooky time for anyone with braces, aligners or other orthodontic appliances with off-limits caramel, taffy and licorice (oh my!) easily available.

Let sticky foods RIP. If it’s hard, sticky, chewy or crunchy, stay away. Avoid caramel, taffy, bubble gum, licorice, gummies or any snack that can damage brackets or wires. Same for hard-shelled peanut candies, nuts or nut-filled candies and popcorn — especially unpopped kernels.

Choose “spooktacularly” soft foods. Opt for soft chocolates, peppermint patties, peanut butter cups or other melt-in-your-mouth varieties.

Dare to take extra care. Sweets can cause cavities so orthodontic patients should be especially vigilant during the Halloween season to brush and floss immediately after eating sugary or starchy foods.

Keep acceptable treats on hand to substitute for off-limit ones. By enjoying them in moderation, you'll have a great Halloween and a healthy, beautiful smile.

This smile is brought to you by:

WADE L. HASLAM, DMD, PC 2657 NW Rolling Green Drive Corvallis | 541.757.2440 valleyvieworthodontics.com

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

OPEN NOW!

Growing Leaders Early Learning Center focuses on building an educational foundation for children ages 3 to 5 through enrichment programs that provide learning opportunities for everyone in our community.

Visit ymcaalbany.org for more information about this exciting program or to register.

For more information: Ashley Thomas 541.918.2255 | elcdirector@ymcaalbany.org

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Interview your kids THEY REALLY DO SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS. A fun way to get to know your children better is to interview them. Take video, record it or write it down because you’ll want to remember it.

Ages 3 – 5

Ages 9 – 10 What part of being a grownup are you most looking forward to?

And the least?

What’s your favorite number and color?

What is your favorite game or toy right now?

What makes a person a good friend?

Tell me something that makes you really happy or mad.

What is something grownups should know about kids your age?

What is your most favorite food?

If you could be a bug, what kind of bug would you be and why?

Ages 11 – 13 If you could teach a class at school, what would it be about?

Ages 6 – 8 What made you laugh today?

Describe what kind of work your parents do.

What’s the grossest thing you’ve ever seen?

Before sleeping each night, what do you tend to think about?

What is something you think grownups need to start or stop doing?

What is your favorite thing about yourself?

If you were a chef at a restaurant, what would you make?

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BEYOND THE SPICED LATTE…

Pumpkin Everything This iconic fruit (yes, it’s a fruit because of the seeds) is more than a sign of the season.

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PUMPKIN PIE without evaporated milk Forgot that can of evaporated milk?

No worries. Regular milk works fine, and we hear canned coconut milk makes for a zippy, dairy-free spin on this seasonal favorite.

1 ¼ cups pumpkin 1 cup brown sugar 3 tablespoons flour 2 eggs 1 cup milk 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon allspice 1 teaspoon vanilla Pinch of salt 1. Mix ingredients into a large bowl, then pour into an uncooked pie shell (for a variation, try a graham cracker crust).

2. Bake for 15 minutes at 375 degrees, then decrease the temperature to 325 degrees and bake for 30 minutes more.

If the edges start to brown, cover them with foil. You’ll know it’s done when the center is wobbly, but not liquid, and an inserted knife comes out clean.

3. Let the pie cool on a rack for at least an hour or more before serving.

PUMPKIN SPICE POTPOURRI For a quick and easy way to make your house smell like the best of autumn, bring 1 1/2 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of pumpkin pie spice to a boil in a saucepan, then set it to simmer.

If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, use a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, cloves and ginger for a similar result.

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GRILLED PUMPKIN WITH ARUGULA 5 - 6 thin pumpkin wedges 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary 2 cups or more of fresh arugula ¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled ¼ pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries or chopped nuts Vinaigrette dressing of your choice 1. In a large bowl, coat the wedges with the olive oil, salt and rosemary until they are evenly covered.

2. Grill the wedges about 5 minutes per side, and cook until they are fork tender.

3. Toss the wedges with fresh arugula, goat cheese and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries or chopped nuts.

4. Dress with the vinaigrette.

RANCH PUMPKIN SEEDS 2 2 1

cups cleaned pumpkin seeds tablespoons olive oil packet of dry ranch seasoning

1. Combine ingredients in a bowl, then spread evenly on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.

2. Bake at 350 degrees, stirring after 10 - 12 minutes. Cook longer if needed to get the seeds toasted.

EASY-PEASY PUMPKIN BREAD This sweet bread is an easy sell for busy school morning breakfasts. Make it ahead of time, and then reheat a slice in the microwave, slather it with butter and call it breakfast.

1 ⅔ cups flour 1 ½ cups sugar ¼ teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda ¾ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground cloves ½ teaspoon cinnamon ½ cup vegetable oil ½ cup water 1 cup pumpkin 2 eggs 1. In a large bowl, mix all the dry ingredients. Add oil, water, pumpkin and eggs and stir to combine.

2. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake for one hour at 350 degrees.

Allow the bread to cool for about 10 minutes before running a knife around the edges and removing it from the pan.

When your aging parent’s vision is declining Is a close family member struggling with nighttime driving, excess glare or overall blur? Consider asking your local optometrist or ophthalmologist for a cataract evaluation.

A cataract is the clouding of the natural lens in the eye due to protein buildup as we age.

Cataracts can start around age 50 and usually progress slowly over time. A history of smoking, corticosteroid use, excess UV and diseases such as diabetes can increase cataract formation.

As a cataract develops, it decreases the amount of light that reaches the retina, which many people notice during nighttime driving. The glare sensitivity and overall blur increase

in severity as the cataract further develops.

Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States. The procedure and recovery are quick, and the risk of complications is low. In preparation for cataract surgery, an ophthalmologist will take several measurements of the affected eye to decide the best lens implant. During the procedure, the natural lens of the eye is removed and an artificial lens implant is put in its place.

You can help prevent cataract formation for a loved one — and your own eye health — by wearing sunglasses when outdoors, avoiding smoking and getting an annual eye exam.

Welcoming Dr. Bunn to our team! She is accepting new patients.

Brought to you by:

Carli A. Bunn, OD eyecareassociates.net Albany Willetta St SW (541) 926-5848 Albany Custom Eyes (541) 928-2020

Downtown Corvallis Office (541) 757-1120 NW Corvallis Office (541) 752-4622 Lebanon Office (541) 451-5808 Lincoln City (541) 614-0946

Contribute: CPSFOUNDATION.ORG 28 mommag.com

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CARING FOR YOUR BABY’S ORAL HEALTH Tooth decay can occur as early as age 1, which is why we advise parents to start early with taking care of their baby’s oral health.

Some advice for your baby's first year: • Even before your baby’s first tooth erupts, wipe their gums, mouth and tongue with a soft cloth or oral wipe, especially after nursing or feeding. This helps them get used to future teeth cleanings.

• If you give your baby a bottle before going to sleep, use only water. Bottles containing sugary drinks, milk or formula put teeth at risk of a bacterial acid attack all night long.

• Never dip a child’s pacifier in anything. Give your baby a firm rubber teething ring to help with teething discomfort.

• Talk to your pediatrician or pediatric dentist about fluoride use and when to transition your baby to fluoride toothpaste.

• Establish a dental home for your baby by their first birthday.

Your dentist can provide useful information and guidance towards helping keep your child’s mouth healthy and cavity-free.

Brought to you by:

Dr. Jay Vaikuntam

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pediatricdentistoregon.com 155 NW Hickory St # A Albany, OR 97321 (541) 928-1509

Starting early with good dental care helps your child avoid future tooth pain, infections, speech problems and other oral health issues. And that keeps babies smiling into adulthood.

Source: American Pediatric Dentists

With you every step of the way Samaritan’s pediatric clinics in the mid-Willamette Valley and central Oregon Coast offer comprehensive health care focused on the unique needs of each child and family.

Our pediatricians take the time to get to know your child and listen to your concerns.

Whether your child needs a wellness visit to ensure optimal growth and development, vaccination, sports physical, care for illness or injury or behavioral health support, we’re with you every step of the way.

samhealth.org/Pediatrics mommag.com 31

263 29th Avenue SW | Albany, OR 97322 541-926-0353 | 541-926-1515 fax mommag.com | info@mommag.com

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