Brooke Renard, MD, OB/GYN and Amanda Wagner, MD, OB/GYN perform da Vinci robotically assisted surgery, including hysterectomies, that gives patients minimally invasive options.
Your surgeon uses tiny instruments that move like a human hand but with a far greater range of motion. The system’s built-in tremor-filtration technology helps your surgeon move each instrument with smooth precision.
[They know what they’re talking about] meet the experts
Health
Healthy MOM with Santiam Hospital, page 6
Drive
On the Road with Nicole Kersey, page 8
Smile
Something to Smile About with Dr. Jay Vaikuntam, page 12
Home
Real Estate with Kim Leighty, page 24
The quickest way to get a child’s attention is to sit down and look comfortable. “
“
— Parents who have been there
Publisher
Matthew Nelson, Active Media, Inc PO Box 672, Aurora OR 97002-0672 info@activemediausa.com 503-825-2100
Editor-in-Chief
Managing Director
Audrey Meier DeKam audrey@mommag.com
Marion & Polk County Business Development Manager
Kim Leighty kim.leighty@mommag.com 503-510-9036
Mid-Valley & Lane County Business Development Manager
Linda Blair linda@mommag.com 541-231-7250
Designer Sean Carver sean@activemediausa.com
MOM Magazine TM is owned by Active Media, Inc.
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.
Editor’s Note
It takes making a village
The moment you enter motherhood is overwhelming: for many of us, it’s looking into the eyes of a newborn and feeling a powerful love…followed by an equally powerful fear of wondering how we’re supposed to keep this tiny new human alive. There’s a persistent idea that instincts will kick in and we’ll just figure it out, but those instincts don’t show up for everyone. And I’d argue there is nothing more complcated on this planet than humans, yet we’re expected to just wing it? Throw that idea away like a saturated overnight pull-up.
In the last few decades, parenting education has grown into the mainstream, and for good reason: it truly helps. When I was reading What to Expect When You’re Expecting (and alternately fascinated and horrified), I came to realize there is only so much you can learn on your own before you need to connect with others. I signed up for an expectant parenting class through my local hospital, which was one of the best parenting decisions I ever made because it set me on a course of finding my village.
That phrase, it takes a village to raise a child. It turns out that the village doesn’t just appear at your doorstep when you really need it, like on those days when your toddler has you questioning karma or your teenager has lobbed an insult at you that cuts to the quick. If you have a loving extended family who lives nearby, you are lucky. Many parents do not have that luxury and must create their village through friends, neighbors and others. It takes extra work, but you do get to handpick the members.
And how do you find these candidates? Again, try a parenting class. I’m still connected to the mom friends from my first “baby class” where we swapped tips on teething and potty training. Now those babies are driving, and we share intel on how to lower our insurance costs. The need for learning never stops, and it’s far better to have your village to draw upon for advice. For parenting classes, look to your local community college, birthing centers, and often in this magazine. Parenting is much better with support. And bonus: you might find folks who are worthy of permanent residence in your village.
Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief
Car seat safety
Keeping your children safe in moving vehicles is for their protection — and it’s the law. Learn the basics, and regularly check how your child fits in a car.
FEW EXPERIENCES are as harrowing as bringing one’s first child home from the hospital. Loading that small bundle into a giant metal vehicle is the first awareness of the enormity of parenting — and many of us drove home well below the speed limit.
Like seat belts for adults, child safety restraints are a matter of law in addition to safety. However, the rules for kids are not as simple as Click It or Ticket.
Santiam Hospital’s Registered Car Seat Technician Josie Crocker provides free car seat safety checks by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call or text 503-562-9426 or email jcrocker@santiamhospital.org
In general, child passengers must be restrained in child safety seats until they weigh forty pounds or reach the upper weight limit for the car seat in use. Infants must ride rear-facing until they reach two years of age per Oregon law; however, it is suggested that parents keep their children rear-facing until they reach the maximum height or weight limit for the car seat. There are multiple factors such as age, height and weight, as well as instructions from the vehicle and car seat manufacturers, that make the transition from rear-facing to forward facing to booster seat unique to each child.
Your child may be ready to move from a forward-facing car seat with a 5-point harness to a booster seat if they have reached the upper weight limit for car seats and are at least forty pounds. They must ride with a booster until they are at least 4'9" tall, age eight and only if the adult belt fits correctly across them.
Older children can move from a booster to a safety belt if:
• They can sit all the way back against the seat of the vehicle with their knees bent comfortably over the edge of the vehicle’s seat;
• Their feet rest flat on the floor;
• The shoulder belt lays flat across the collarbone and across the child’s chest (never against their neck);
• The lap belt lays low across the child’s thighs (not their stomach); and
• The child can remain comfortably seated for the entire trip.
Until you can answer yes to all of the questions, your child should stay in a booster seat.
As they get older, your children will no doubt begin to vie for a seat in the front with the adults or “big kids.” While there is no Oregon law specifically prohibiting children from riding in the front seat of passenger vehicles, it’s strongly recommended that children remain back seat passengers until at least age thirteen. Front seat air bags are designed and tested for adult passengers and can be incredibly dangerous to children in the event of an accident.
Despite the information that we have at our disposal online and through friends and family, additional peace of mind can be achieved by turning to an expert for consultation. Santiam Hospital’s Registered Car Seat Technician Josie Crocker provides free car seat safety checks by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call or text 503-562-9426 or email jcrocker@santiamhospital.org
Brought to you by: santiamhospital.org
on the road
Things have changed since you learned how to drive
If you’re a mom to a 15-year-old, you’re likely learning a few new things about driving.
It’s been a minute since you bopped around in your Geo Metro rocking a track suit and mini-butterfly clips in your hair. Now you have a teen that’s learning to drive…and you understand why your parent kept pressing an imaginary brake pedal when they were teaching you
Like those 90 s fashions, things have changed at the DMV. For starters, your teen can take their driver knowledge test at home, online with a webcam, keyboard and mouse (no touchpads or phones are allowed). You or someone age 21 or older will need to proctor the test taking. Choose a quiet area of your house with no background movement. Tip: tell your teen not to wear a hat or change their hair during the test, as the webcam needs to see their
unobstructed, unchanging face. You’ll still need to go to the DMV for the paperwork processing, but taking the test at home is certainly less stressful.
Speaking of stressful tests, many of us moms remember the anxiety of taking a driver test at the DMV. If your teen has test anxiety, consider enrolling them in an ODOT-approved certified driving course that bypasses the need for it. Check your local community college for a course that allows them to get extensive training and practice with a professional. Even if your teen is fine with test-taking, consider the course for safety and perhaps savings on car insurance. Plus, you likely won’t find driver education offered through high schools anymore.
In the 90 s , you were so cool if you had a multi-CD changer that could be prestacked for tunes galore. Now that many teens store their music on their phones — and they are not allowed to use hands-
NICOLE KERSEY
free options until they turn 18 — how can they rock out? It’s best if they don’t: for teenagers and their developing brains, music is a known risk factor in increasing vehicle accidents.
And yet, those mobile phones can be helpful to have on board: Driving apps that monitor speed, braking, and other driving behaviors will also catch when a teen is using their phone. Consider apps like Life360 and those offered through your car insurance. Make a consequence for your teen who might try turning off their phone location to evade being monitored.
We asked our service department for their favorite choice of vehicle for teenage drivers. The answer: Subaru, as it is known for safety excellence, ease of driving and affordability. It may not be a flashy car or cool vintage ride your teen may long for, but it keeps them safe and as parents, that’s our top priority.
Nicole Kersey has been with Capitol Auto Group since Sept 2022 as a receptionist. She has two great kids: daughter Kiera, age 12, and son Parker, age 10. She loves working at Capitol Auto Group because it’s family-oriented. Outside of work she enjoys attending Parker’s basketball games, shopping with Kiera and playing Mario Kart with her family.
Brought to you by:
WHAT YOU R CHILD’S school bus driver
Wants you to know
By this point in the school year, you and your kids have probably gotten into a routine when it comes to riding the bus. As moms, we’re mostly focused on our own children, but don’t forget that adult in the school bus driver’s seat — they’re looking out for your kids, too.
SAFETY FIRST, ALWAYS
It makes sense to wait with your child for the school bus, because… shenanigans. For kindergarten students, a parent or guardian is required to be present in most districts, for both pick-up and drop-off. For older students, things get a bit murkier and are up to parents.
LeeAnne Poris, operations supervisor for Greater Albany Public School District’s transportation department, said that while it is up to the parent/ guardian, adult supervision is always a good idea. “It’s helpful to have a responsible adult at the bus stop to help ensure that the children are being respectful of the property they are waiting on and also help maintain good behavior.”
As kids get into upper elementary grades, they may not want mom hanging around. “Maturity of the student and distance to the bus stop would be variables parents should consider,” said Angela Taylor, operations manager for Student Transportation of America, which is used by the Corvallis School District.
Taylor recommends that any student who walks alone to or from the bus should know their home address and parent phone number. Nathan Misner, transportation manager for the Eugene School District agrees and adds, “Parents should learn the transportation department’s phone number if they need to know route status or details about their child.”
A safety consideration you might not have on your radar: eating. Taylor noted, “Eating on the bus is a huge safety concern given the risk of choking. Parents can set their kiddos up for success by not sending them to the bus stop while eating.”
Scooters and skateboards are another concern. Parents and children alike need to abide by their school district’s transportation policy. For instance, in the Corvallis School District skateboards must be secured in a backpack that can be stowed under their seat without rolling. “Unfortunately there have been times when drivers have arrived to a stop where a student has a skateboard that isn’t secured. In this situation the driver must refuse transportation. Scooters are not allowed on buses,” said Taylor.
STAY IN THE KNOW
When it comes to late or rerouted buses, you want to be informed as quickly as possible. Each school district has its own preferred channels. If your child is walking to or from the bus by themselves and you are leaving for work yourself, this is essential for when a bus is late, canceled or rerouted.
“Our district communicates through an auto dialer system to phones, website notifications, and now through a bus-specific parent portal/ routing program called My Ride. It gives parents access to push notifications about the route,” said Misner.
Like Eugene, the Corvallis district has also begun using My Ride. Taylor said, “Dispatchers can send targeted messages via app notifications or email, cutting out the middle-man making communications more timely. Through the My Ride K-12 app parents are also able to view a map showing where their student’s bus is so students aren’t waiting out in the rain.”
In Albany, notifications are sent through an app called ParentSquare. Poris said, “If we have to cancel a bus route we send out a ParentSquare notification to the families of the schools involved as early as possible. We will also send a ParentSquare notification if a bus is running more than 10 minutes late.”
MAKING IT BETTER
A nationwide shortage of school bus drivers has meant a squeeze on timing and routing that many parents have felt. Poris notes they, like many other districts, are actively hiring bus drivers: “Having more drivers will help make sure we don’t have to cancel any routes, which we know is a headache for our families.”
It’s also heartening to know that, “Unlike other states, Oregon Department of Education has additional training requirements including continuing education designed to prepare drivers to not only provide safe transportation, but also student management skills and how to deal with challenges on the bus,” said Taylor. For parents and kids relying on safe transportation, that goes a long way.
FUN SCHOOL BUS FACTS
• School buses began in the U.S. soon after primary education became compulsory, first as wagons with bench seating and loading doors positioned to not scare the horses.
• We’re kinda cute: From outside of North America, many people view school buses adorably quaint, and wonder, “Do you pay a fare? Are there tickets? I thought it was only in movies!”
• The iconic yellow color was invented for visibility in semi-darkness. It’s known officially as National School Bus Glossy Yellow.
It starts early: oral care for baby
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.
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
Brought to you by:
Dr. Jay Vaikuntam pediatricdentistoregon.com
2020 Commercial Street SE Salem, OR 97302 | (503) 364-7545
Betty Boyce
PROFESSION : Entrepreneur
COMMUNITY: Pringle Creek Community
PARTNER: Brandon Boyce, Oregon Air National Guard
CHILDREN: Landon, age 16; Maxine, age 13; and Renlee, age 6
PHOTOS BY:
KAILA J. PHOTOGRAPHY
THIS MOM IS SHOWING HER KIDS THAT WHEN LIFE THROWS CHALLENGES YOUR WAY, YOU JUST GOTTA KNOW HOW TO PIVOT.
Family comes first.
All families are unique. Tell us about yours. My husband and I are elementary school sweethearts who met and “dated” from fourth to sixth grades but stayed great friends and officially got together right after high school graduation. We lived together a few years, then got married in 2008 and welcomed our first, Landon, at the end of 2008. We’ve been married 16 years now and feel grateful for our relationship. My husband makes me laugh every single day. Our kids have grown into three unique humans and we are all constantly trying to learn how to best work together and support each other, but also some days just get along (like every family). We have two Maine Coon cats Armin and Ellen who we all adore and who cover us in cat hair.
feeling there was a dress code. She quickly reminded me we are all free to dress as we choose and to be comfortable or she wouldn’t go. I complain a lot about always feeling rushed getting kids out the door and our little one will remind me that there isn’t a reason to rush because it makes everyone cranky.
What is the most surprising thing you have found wedged between the sofa cushions or behind a car seat? A dead worm, which our youngest apparently thought was her pet, but “forgot him” in the car seat.
MOM’s Favorite...
Tell us about your favorite…
…family game: Grounded For Life
…words to live by: If you want something changed, change it!
…place to find some peace & quiet: My garden
…binge-worthy podcast: Active Duty Passive Income
…inspirational quote: “If you don’t get out there and define yourself, you’ll be quickly and inaccurately defined by others.” — Michelle Obama
…time-saving app or digital tool: Chat GPT 4.0
When did you know you wanted to be a mom? When I found out I was going to be one! It was a surprise with our son Landon because I was home from military training when we conceived and was back at training when we found out. I don’t know that I was really thinking about being a mom but the hormones and instincts took over instantly when Landon was born.
Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments. My proudest mom moments are a culmination of times I see my kids standing up for who they are and not bending for society. Just being confident in who they are and what they want.
Now tell us about one of your most humbling mom moments. I am humbled a lot by my kids, but most often by our teenage daughter Maxine who is quick to point out when I ask something of her that I wouldn’t of myself. For example, I once told her she had to “dress up” for a family event because I was
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 seem to be missing or inaccurately putting appointment times in my calendar so I have shown up at the wrong time or wrong day all together. To be fair, with a family of five, there seems to be a lot of appointments between well-child visits, dentists, ortho, therapy, vision and now my hormones are out of whack, so that’s cool and looks like there will be more appointments in the future.
In what way are your children like you? How are they different? This is different for each kid. Our oldest has a lot of empathy for others like me, but he is also very stubborn which I am not. Our middle daughter loves the same shows as me (Law and Order: SVU, 10 Things I Hate About You) but she is stronger in who she is than I am. Our youngest also has empathy and compassion, but she loves horror films and scary things which I don’t (yes, she’s a Scorpio).
You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say... “If you don’t pick it up, I’m throwing it away.”
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? The secret sauce for me is knowing that it isn’t possible to do it all and look like “the Jones” as the old saying goes. Our society is completely different in how we manage day-to-day, and though there are some things that have made life easier, there are plenty of other things that get thrown in to make life challenging. I want my kids to see us when we win, when we lose, when we work hard for something and get it, when we work hard and things don’t turn out but we can pivot. I don’t want them to think everything is easy…it’s not. So some days I am put together, the next five days I might look like a baboon just trying to get through it all, and that’s okay.
Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. My family is quick to remind me and encourage me to say no more often. Right now I’m on our community’s transition advisory committee, as well as the landscape committee.
Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent. This past year was a lot. I was a surrogate and after going through IVF last summer, I became pregnant for a great couple up in Washington. The baby boy was born this past March, and it is the biggest thing I have done. I loved it, but I also learned a lot about myself. I ended up having severe preeclampsia and was re-hospitalized after being released and am still dealing with new hormonal changes. Our two families have stayed in contact regularly and it has been fun adding a new part of our family.
Do you have a goal you’d like to accomplish within the next five years? In the next five years, I am hoping to replace half my photography income with real estate investment income to be on track to retire when my husband does in 10 years.
If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.
Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today? Well, that’s a looonnnggg story. I grew up in a very broken home with broken parents who were both alcoholics and drug addicts dealing from their own painful pasts. My mom was a traumatized woman from a lot of abuse growing up, and my dad was a Vietnam vet who saw too much. Before sixth grade, I’d been in the court system, visited my dad in jail several times and lived with friends off and on. My grandma took me in when I was in the sixth grade and provided stability and a loving home. I learned my work ethic from her, by watching her determination to get things done no matter the challenge and to help others when we are in a better position than they are. All this shaped my motherhood by showing me people grow up in so many different lives, and if we can show them love and compassion, we can all achieve anything.
Where did you grow up, and how did it influence you? I grew up in Pacific City, a small town on the coast. It was a place where everyone knew each other.
What do you think is the most important life skill or value your parents taught you? Mental health matters, and getting treatment for mental health matters! They both have passed from their addictions.
When was the last time you did something for the first time? When I became a surrogate.
What is something you will NEVER do again? Eat Durian ice cream.
Which good habit do you wish you started earlier? Walking daily
When did you realize you were no longer a child? Silly question…I still wonder when the heck that happened.
What is one thing you never had that you want for your kids? Family vacations. And my kids have them!
MOMs Love Local
We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations. Share your favorite…
…shop to pick up a gift for friend: Furbish
…coffee spot: Prismatic Coffee Company
…view or scenic lookout: Cape Kiwanda, Pacific City
…restaurant to take the kids: Sushi Kyo
…restaurants for a date night: The Cozy Taberna
…take-out, food truck or quick bite: Big Blue Thai BBQ
…meetup spot for happy hour: Santiam Brewery
…boutique to find a new shirt or home décor item: Olive Boutique
…event in your community: We have fabulous community gatherings each month that are potlucks with different themes.
…any other local places you love: Fork Forty
What is the quality you like most about yourself? My ability to pivot and not stay stuck.
What’s your superpower? Not holding myself to an unachievable standard.
If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, in which event would you win a gold medal? Going to bed by 9 p.m.
Tell us something about you that would surprise people who don’t know you. I served in the Army for 11 years.
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?
In the fall/winter: couch or cooking. In the summer: out in my garden.
What is your least/most favorite household chore? Laundry. Currently taking applications for anyone who can keep it going and just sort it out. Every person in our family despises it just as much as I do.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Sneaking out to get pho.
What is your greatest extravagance?
I guess it’s that we own two homes and are building another.
Who is your favorite fictional hero?
Olivia Benson
Who is your favorite real-life hero?
My grandma
Outside of your family members, who/what inspires you to be better? Our youth, the younger generations.
What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives? Go to Costa Rica to reset your nervous system.
What advice would you give your younger mom self? What do you wish you knew then that you know now? I wish I didn’t give in to societal or family pressures and that I went with my gut feelings.
What message would you like to share with other moms? Remember to tell it like it is. Stop comparing yourself to other moms you don’t really know. Like me, in this magazine article. We all live drastically different lives from different paths, and getting to where you are today took work and you should be proud of where you are today. Keep your head up and don’t let society or “Becky” from the boulevard tell you otherwise!
Potato/Potahto…
HOWEVER YOU SAY IT, THIS VERSATILE STARCH CALLS TO US WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPS AND THE NIGHTS GROW LONG.
Classic Shepherd’s Pie
2 tablespoons oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 lb ground beef, turkey or lamb
½ teaspoon rosemary
½ teaspoon parsley
½ teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1/2 cup frozen corn
1 1/2 – 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and boiled
8 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup half-and-half
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup grated parmesan
Add oil and chopped onion to a heated pan and cook until onion is tender. Add the ground meat and season with parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper.
Add Worcestershire sauce and minced garlic. Once cooked, add in the tomato paste and flour a little at a time to thicken the mixture.
Next, add the beef broth and frozen peas, carrots and corn. Cook until vegetables are soft then remove from heat and set aside.
In a large bowl, mash potatoes with butter and half-and-half. Add parmesan and garlic powder, and more salt and pepper to taste.
In a casserole dish, cover the bottom with meat and vegetable mixture. Then layer the potatoes over top, making sure to meet the edges of the dish.
Bake uncovered at 400 degrees for 25 – 30 minutes.
Potato
pancakes
4 cups shredded potatoes, rinsed in cold water and gently squeezed dry
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons onion, grated
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
¼ - ½ cup vegetable oil for frying
In a large bowl, mix all ingredients except for the oil. Form the potato mixture into small pancakes, using about a ½ cup for each one. Set aside.
In a deep skillet, pour about a ¼ inch of the oil and heat over medium-high. When the oil is hot, fry the pancakes until they are golden brown on each side. Drain them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Finish with chopped green onions and serve with sour cream or other dips.
JOJOS ARE A NORTHWEST THING
If you order JoJos outside the Northwest part of the U.S., you’ll likely be met with confusion. The term JoJos is commonly used in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and parts of the upper Midwest, while they’re known as potato wedges to the rest of the country.
JoJo Potatoes
6 medium russet potatoes, sliced into long wedges
½ cup melted butter
½ cup flour
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Combine the flour, parmesan, paprika, salt and pepper into a zip-style plastic bag.
Dip the potato wedges in butter, then lightly dredge them in the bag of dry ingredients. Tap off the excess flour mixture from each wedge before arranging in a single layer, on a lightly sprayed baking sheet.
Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes, or until browned and fork-tender.
real estate MOM
INCREASE YOUR HOME’S VALUE
When considering a home renovation, choosing the right room can significantly impact your home’s value and enjoyment. Here are some top contenders:
KITCHENS ARE THE HEART OF THE HOME
Kitchens often yield the highest return on investment when renovated. As the heart of the home, a modern kitchen enhances daily life and entertaining. Focus on updated appliances, cabinetry, countertops and flooring.
BATHROOMS: PERSONAL RETREATS
Upgraded bathrooms significantly increase property value, as well as enhance daily living. Prioritize primary bathrooms and guest bathrooms for maximum impact.
BASEMENTS OR ATTICS OFFER EXPANDABLE LIVING SPACE
Convert unfinished basements or attics into functional rooms. Versatile options like home offices, guest suites, entertainment areas or additional bedrooms are popular with buyers. Plus, finished basements or attics can significantly boost property value.
LIVING ROOMS ARE WHERE FAMILIES GATHER
Update outdated decor, furniture and flooring. Incorporate comfortable seating, soft lighting and entertainment features. Enhance functionality with built-in storage or a home office nook.
OUTDOOR SPACES: EXTEND YOUR LIVING AREA
A well-designed outdoor space adds significant value to your home. Transform your outdoor space into an oasis with patios, decks or pools. Create entertainment zones by incorporating outdoor kitchens, fire pits or seating areas.
Consider your budget, lifestyle and home’s overall style when choosing which room to renovate. Prioritize rooms that will provide the most enjoyment and value for you and your family.
Kim Leighty
REALTOR® /Broker
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Real Estate Professionals (503) 510-9036 | kimleighty@bhhsrep.com
Brought to you by:
Buying or selling a home can be a stressful process if you don't have the right real estate agent.
Allow me to be your Real Estate Expert for all your buying, selling, investing needs. LET'S WORK TOGETHER!
KIMLEIGHTY.BHHSREP.COM
Supporting a mom friend through cancer
WHEN A MOM WITH DEPENDENT CHILDREN IS GOING THROUGH CANCER TREATMENT, SHE MUST SOMEHOW MANAGE TO CARE FOR HER OWN SERIOUS HEALTH NEEDS AND HER CHILDREN. HERE’S HOW TO HELP.
WHAT TO SAY
SAY: I’m here for you.
DON’T SAY: My cousin/aunt/mother died from that, but I’m sure you’ll be fine. This kind of comment is not encouraging to hear.
SAY: I’m bringing you food/cleaning your house/taking your kids for the day.
DON’T SAY: Let me know how I can help. This puts the coordination of efforts on the sick person. Be specific about what and when, so she doesn’t have to expend energy thinking about the logistics.
SAY: I’m sorry you’re going through this.
DON’T SAY: It must be your underwire bras/the diet pop you drink/ your cell phone…keep the wacky (and unfounded) theories to yourself.
WHAT TO DO
Make meals that can be frozen: kid-friendly dinners are especially appreciated.
Take her kids for an afternoon, including pickup and drop off. Feed them, and bring leftovers back with you.
Clean out, wash and vacuum her car. Pick a chore, any chore and just do it: clean some windows, sweep the porch, weed the garden — it all helps!
WHAT NOT TO FORGET
Many cancer survivors say that after they reach remission, another level of emotional processing begins. Be supportive when they have scanxiety (anxiety before follow-up scans). Mark your friend’s cancer-versary on your calendar and reach out to them near the date, to let them know you’re thinking of them.
WHAT TO GIFT
• Gift cards for local restaurants
• Ginger candies, lollipops for nausea
• Protein shakes and bars
• Heating pad, lap blanket, shawl, warm socks
• Good quality, unscented skin and lip moisturizers (scented products can be irritating)
• Soft toothbrush, numbing mouthwash
• Shower covers for PICC lines: try Mighty-Well.com
• Box of disposable face masks
• Handwritten card or letter expressing how much she means to you
• Hoodies, shirts made for postsurgery, ease of access to ports: try InspiredComforts.com
Headstart on the Holidays
This holiday season, we invite you to experience a festive wonderland and classic winter traditions while you immerse yourself in the magic of Sunriver Resort. There is no better time to create cherished memories with your loved ones. Whether you want to stay in the heart of Sunriver Resort in a guest room or suite or choose a more private getaway in a vacation rental, you’ll find a way to stay that suits your family’s needs.
We’re adding independent sales executives to our expanding locations
These part-time positions require you to build connections within your community by developing new advertising prospects, managing existing clients and representing MOM Magazine. Enjoy the freedom of working independently and managing your own schedule, while relying on your self-motivation to get the job done.
Work alongside people who love what they do and celebrate your local community. It’s a great gig for moms!
Contact us or fill out the form on our website: www.mommag.com/hiring
Estamos incorporando ejecutivos de ventas independientes a nuestros centros en expansión
Estos puestos a tiempo parcial requieren que establezcas contactos dentro de tu comunidad desarrollando nuevas perspectivas publicitarias, gestionando los clientes existentes y representando a la revista MOM.
Disfruta de la libertad de trabajar de forma independiente y gestionar tu propio horario, mientras confías en tu automotivación para hacer el trabajo.
Trabaja con gente que ama lo que hace y celebra tu comunidad local. Es un gran trabajo para las madres.
Póngase en contacto con nosotros o rellene el formulario de nuestro sitio web: www.mommag.com/hiring
The 5 essential tips for maintaining your mental health while parenting
Parenthood is an amazing journey, but it comes with its challenges. From the daunting days of bringing home a newborn to setting boundaries with moody teens, every season brings changes.
According to the CDC, taking care of your mental health while parenting is important for both you and your child’s well-being.
Here are a few ways to stay positive and strong throughout the highs and lows of parenthood:
1. Take breaks: Ask a trusted friend or family member to watch the kids while you recharge.
2. Stay active: Exercise boosts your mood and energy levels, helping you tackle those sleepless nights and busy days.
3. Connect with others: Being a parent can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. Reach out to other parents in your community or online. Share experiences and support each other.
4. Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness, just like you treat your child.
5. Set realistic expectations: Parenthood isn’t perfect. Embrace the beautiful chaos of raising kids.
Remember, taking care of your mental health is not just for you — it’s an important step in keeping the whole family healthy and happy.
That is why at Advantage we take the time to get to know you and your needs. No two homes and no two families are the same. Each has their own quirks, history, and future. Whether you’re settling into your forever home, or moving out in 5 years, you deserve an HVAC system built for you. Call today and ask about our current specials on installation, service, Smart HVAC systems and more.
