Cache Valley Family Magazine Holiday 2019 Issue

Holiday 2019

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: throw a "favorite things"

HOLIDAY PARTY winter family

SAFETY GUIDE christmas nostalgia at

BLUEBIRD CANDY make a difference at a

GIVING MACHINE

Cut a Tree, Create a Memory AT ADAM'S ACRES

Beating addiction is hard enough.

You don’t have to do it alone.

IntermountainDayspring.org | 435.716.1320

photo by Bella Alder

Have you seen the recently released movie “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood?” It’s based on the real-life friendship between preschool television personality Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. I’m excited to see the movie as Mr. Rogers has long been one of my personal heroes. The movie’s theme, that it only takes one person to inspire a world of kindness, is a message Mr. Rogers shared consistently with generations of children for 32 years on the air (895 episodes). For children like me, he was a familiar face and an uplifting “friend” in the “neighborhood” of childhood.

With that in mind, imagine a world where kindness abounds. We see it often here in Cache Valley — take for example The Family Place’s recent “Be Kind Utah” mission where they encouraged community kindness and reported over a million acts of kindness last summer (and I would surmise there were far multiples of that count that went undocumented but were inspired by the campaign).

Mr. Rogers famously said, “Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people.”

Publisher & Editor in Chief EMILY BUCKLEY Copy Editor TARA BONE Photography HEATHER PALMER Layout Design RACHEL COTTRELL Website Design KITE MEDIA Contributing Writers MARK ANDERSON RORY ANDERSON KIMBERLY BLAKER TARA BONE EMILY BUCKLEY MICHAEL COLE, OD RACHEL COTTRELL ANNEMARIA DURAN MARGARET GITTINS CAMI GRAHAM PAULA HULL SARAH LYONS MAKELL MITTON EMILY MERKLEY MY GIRLFRIEND'S QUILT SHOPPE FRANK SCHOFIELD ALLISON STONE PATTY WILLIS Cache Valley Family Magazine is a free, trusted resource designed to inform, serve, and enrich local parents and families throughout Cache Valley. Material in this publication is copyright 2019, Cache Valley Family Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission of the publisher is prohibited. The views expressed in the magazine are the views of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

Please send all editorial correspondence to info@cachevalleyfamilymagazine.com or by mail to PO Box 6831, North Logan, UT 84341. All correspondence is sent on a non-confidential basis and Cache Valley Family Magazine shall be free to reproduce, publish, edit and/or use any such communications. All materials become property of Cache Valley Family Magazine.

Phone Number (435) 764-0962 Mailing Address PO BOX 6831 NORTH LOGAN, UT 84341 Email INFO@CACHEVALLEYFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM Website CACHEVALLEYFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM

This holiday season let’s remember that kindness matters, we are all neighbors, and that simple acts can change the world.

Emily

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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PAGE 28 PAGE 12

PAGE 6 PAGE 24

PAGE 18

in every issue HEALTHY FAMILIES • The Flu Vaccination is More Critical

Than Ever page 10

MAKING A DIFFERENCE • Make a Difference by Giving to The

Family Place this Holiday Season page 12

GOOD NEIGHBORS • Don't Let the Down Payment Get You

Down page 15

SAFE FAMILIES • Weathering the Cold: A Winter Safety

featured articles

Experience a Bit of Christmas Nostalgia at Bluebird Candy page 6 Why Are My Eyes So Dry? page 8 How Do I Help Someone Struggling with Drug Addiction? page 16

Guide page 18

A Twist on Traditional Holiday Parties page 28

DIY TIDBITS • Cookie Cutter Stamped Tea Towels page 20

Fat-Quarter Bow Basket Tutorial page 30

COVER STORY • Cut a Tree, Create a Memory page 24

Make Thanksgiving Meaningful page 35

EDUCATION UPDATE

Secrets to Decorating a Beautiful Christmas Tree page 36

Give the Perfect Gift page 26 Developing Empathy page 27

The Perfect Family Photo Session page 38

FEATURED RECIPE • The Perfect Charcuterie page 32

Nine Christmas Books to Read Year After Year page 40

FAMILY MATTERS • Holiday Magic for All Ages page 44

Indoor Family Fun page 43 Wrap Up Something Unique This Year page 46

6 | Holiday 2019

Experience a Bit of Christmas Nostalgia at Bluebird Candy WR I T T E N BY

WITH THE GRAND reopening of Center Street in Downtown Logan scheduled for the end of November, this holiday season is going to be the perfect time to experience some Christmas nostalgia as you stroll by the candy windows on display at Bluebird Candy Co. at 75 W. Center Street.

Similar to what is done in the Macy’s windows in Salt Lake City, Bluebird Candy Co. owner, Justin Hamilton began the tradition locally last year by inviting local artists to create the candy ornaments. “We wanted to add to what is already happening Downtown with what we do: candy,” Justin said. “We hope it is adding a little Christmas magic to our place on Center Street.”

The artists, Michael Bingham, Laura Johansen, and Teri Christensen, create ornaments weighing about 400 pounds each, Justin said. Each artist takes a unique take on the project, but all are staying within this year’s “storybook” theme.

EMILY BUCKLEY editor in chief

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The candy shop, which Justin took over about three years ago, has a rich heritage and has existed for over 100 years. “When I purchased Bluebird Candy from the previous owner [Dick Motta] it was important to him to preserve this Cache Valley icon,” Justin said. “I have the same desire.”

They also updated the factory, controlling humidity and temperature to ensure quality, and remodeled the store, creating a much larger dining and display area and a large window where customers can view the candy makers dipping candy. “We wanted to emphasize the true artisan part of our process.”

Justin has been thoughtful about preserving that heritage while freshening up the business. “We started on ground zero, with packaging first, going back to the original gold heat stamp on all of the candy boxes and adding a quarter pound option, which has been very popular.”

Bluebird Candy now also serves pastries and Aggie Ice Cream, featuring a special Bluebird flavor and will sell about 17,000 pounds of candy during the holiday season. “Local candy favorites include the Victoria, the Caramel Brazil, and of course caramels,” Justin said.

Some things haven’t changed, though. “We still do everything by hand. The recipes are original from the turn of the century and many of the systems have stayed,” Justin said. “Teresa Varner, the manager, has been here almost 30 years and her mom was here 42 years. The history is one cool part that makes this really special.”

This year’s candy windows will be unveiled at the Center Street reopening event on November 30.

Events will include a Christmas parade, tree lighting, a free movie at the Utah Theatre, cookies, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa Claus.

Restaurateurs Justin and Jocelyn Hamilton, owners of Bluebird Candy.

8 | Holiday 2019

Why Are My Eyes So Dry? MICHAEL COLE, OD Child and Family Eye Care Center

WRITTE N BY

A QUESTION OFTEN asked by patients in our clinic is, “Why are my eyes always red?”

There could be many reasons for red and irritated eyes, but the most common cause is definitely dry eyes. Dry eye syndrome is inflammatory in nature. The drier one’s eyes are, the more inflamed they become. With increased inflammation, tear production is decreased, creating a hard-to-break cycle of redness and irritation.

Dry eye symptoms can vary widely. Often patients will complain of eyes that burn, sting, itch, or feel like something is in them. The eyes will often water excessively when they are dry, which may seem counterintuitive. Increased tear production is, however, the body’s only response to combat dry eyes. When the brain receives a distress signal that the eyes are irritated, it reacts by opening up the floodgates and sends more water to put out the fire. When these poorquality watery tears are unable to drain from the eye fast enough, we often find them running down our cheeks.

The tears on the surface of our eyes are absolutely essential. In fact, if we did not have tears, our eyes would cease to function normally, and the ocular surface would become skinlike and opaque, (definitely DON’T Google keratinization of the cornea). Tears serve several functions such as keeping the ocular surface hydrated, protecting from infection, flushing out foreign bodies in the eye, and aiding in the expression of emotion.

The tear film is not made of only water, but is also composed of lipids (oils), mucin, enzymes, and more. The lipids in the tear layer are

especially important, because they prevent the tears from evaporating into the air around us too quickly. The lipids are secreted onto the surface of the eye by what are called meibomian glands, which are inside of the eyelids. The most common forms of dry eye occur when the meibomian glands are not functioning properly, leading to inefficient, evaporative tears. Many of the treatments for dry eye attempt to reduce inflammation and increase function of these oilproducing glands.

Lack of moisture on the ocular surface can also cause vision to be blurry and/or fluctuate throughout the day. When the cells on the surface of the cornea are not properly hydrated, they die and start to fall away from the epithelium. This is not unlike the phenomenon of dry skin. When skin gets dry, it gets flaky and uncomfortable. When this occurs on the surface of the eye, it creates a poor optical surface for light to pass through and causes blurry vision, much like scratched up lenses in a pair of glasses. This blurriness will often improve after several blinks, only to get hazy again after the eyes are left open. Glasses or contact lenses cannot fully correct one’s vision that is impaired due to dryness.

The environment that we are in can impact dry eyes greatly. In humid climates, the moisture in the air aids hydration. In our arid mountain climate, low humidity can exacerbate the problem. Heaters and air conditioners can further reduce humidity, making climatecontrolled buildings especially uncomfortable for dry eye sufferers.

Contact lens wearers may also experience an

increase in dryness symptoms while wearing their lenses. Soft contact lenses are like sponges, soaking up the moisture from the surface of the eye. Due to the nature of reusable lenses, those wearing monthly disposable lenses will likely experience more symptoms than those prescribed daily disposable lenses. Those who overwear their contact lenses will experience the most discomfort and redness.

There are many ways to combat dry eye. First, supplement lubrication with artificial tears.

There are many over-the-counter eye drops that are safe to use. The only drops to avoid are those that advertise “redness” relief. Often these types of drops have unwanted added ingredients that will actually make the problem worse rather than improve the situation. Eye drops that state “lubricant” or “tears” on the bottle are generally safe to use. You can check the ingredient lists to avoid unwanted additives. These lubricant drops need to be used several times a day in order to improve symptoms of dry eye.

Other treatment methods may include improving one’s environment in ways such as adding humidifiers to the home or office.

Warm compresses on the eyelids can help the expression of meibomian glands. Often, we sleep with our eyes partially open, and the use of ophthalmic gels, ointments, and sleep masks can help protect the eyes from drying out while sleeping.

Because dry eye is so common, many treatment methods have been developed. Other than the suggestions here, we invite those struggling with dry eye to contact our office for further relief.

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10 | Holiday 2019

HEALTHY FAMILIES

The Flu Vaccination is More Critical Than Ever WRITTE N BY ANNEMARIA

DURAN marketing director, Sterling Urgent Care

AS THE COLD weather sets in, it becomes even more crucial that everyone receive a flu vaccination. Many are unaware that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated their recommendation and now recommend that everyone six months old and older get a flu vaccination every year.

There is a major reason for this: In a four-year study, from 2010 to 2014, over 350 children died from the flu.

Healthy children died and medically at-risk children died. The flu can affect everyone. These numbers don't include the adults who also died from the flu during that time.

In the study, 75% of children who died

from the flu were unvaccinated. Sadly, numbers don’t convey the grief of the families left behind.

In centuries past, the flu left a path of destruction wiping out entire villages.

Fortunately, improved understanding of this virus and advances in medicine mean that most people don’t die from the flu, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t important to be vaccinated. Let’s cover some common questions that often lead people to skip a flu vaccination: I got the flu vaccination, but I still got sick with the stomach bug. Why? Many people associate the flu vaccination with the stomach bug, popularly called “the flu.” The stomach bug is different than the flu, which is short for influenza.

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness.

The flu vaccination was never meant to protect against the stomach bug or the 24-hour flu.

Influenza is especially risky for young children, older adults, and those who are medically compromised. Healthy adults are at less risk of dying, but will experience great discomfort while ill, something that can be mostly avoided with a vaccination.

Why doesn’t the flu vaccination guarantee someone won’t get the flu? The flu virus is a rapidly mutating virus. There are many strains of the flu, all of which change continually. The flu

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vaccination vaccinates against three or four of the flu viruses that research shows are most likely to be the common strains in a particular season.

As a result, the virus sometimes changes beyond the effectiveness of the vaccination. But, even when the research misses a strain that becomes widespread in a particular year, the vaccination usually decreases the severity of the flu.

I got the flu vaccination last year. Do I still need a new one this year? Because the virus changes rapidly, it is important to get a flu vaccination every year. The newest vaccinations help protect against the newest mutations of the virus.

Previous year’s vaccinations are rarely effective in the new flu season because the virus has already changed so far past the vaccination that it is now ineffective.

How soon is the flu vaccination effective? It takes about two weeks after the vaccination before most people are vaccinated from the flu.

This timeline can change slightly from person to person. It’s important to get yourself and your family vaccinated as early in the season as possible to reduce the chances of getting sick as much as possible.

Happy Holidays As 2019 comes to a close, wanted to acknowledge how grateful my team and are for our wonderful customers.

We look forward to continually helping the people of Cache Valley.

-Ka en Nielson 435-294-2480 Office 1047 S. 100 W. Ste.100 Logan, UT 84321

Company NMLS#3274 | Equal Housing Lender | guildmortgage.com/licensing

12 | Holiday 2019

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Make a Difference by Giving to The Family Place this Holiday Season WRI T T E N BY

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, as your thoughts turn to giving, The Family Place has an exciting announcement: An anonymous donor is matching all financial gifts made to The Family Place now through December 25, 2019. The match will cap at $100,000.

“This is an incredible opportunity,” Dr. Sheryl Goodey, executive director of The Family Place, said. “Anyone who makes a donation can have their contribution doubled and make that much more of an impact.”

The Family Place is a nonprofit family support center that provides services to over 20,000 individuals each year,

EMILY BUCKLEY editor in chief

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including over 38,000 hours of services in their Kid’s Place. Their services include therapy, trauma interventions, education, Kid’s Place emergency and respite childcare, and the Starfish Children’s Shelter, the only shelter for children in northern Utah.

“This generous donor recognized the prevention and treatment efforts provided to our community through The Family Place’s services,” Esterlee Molyneux, chief relationship officer, said. “We have had single parents without families nearby who have relied on us to care for their children when they had nowhere else to turn. We’ve had individuals who were minutes away from carrying out a suicide plan be able to immediately meet with one of our therapists, and we’ve educated thousands of individuals on topics such as parenting, trauma, child development, and abuse prevention to help families to have positive and healthy experiences and relationships.”

Supporters can make donations to The Family Place in person at any of their locations, online at TheFamilyPlaceUtah.org, or via mail to PO Box 6055, North Logan, UT 84341. Donations can also be made through Venmo by sending funds to the Family-Place. Individuals may also make stock donations. All donations are tax deductible.

Cache Valley Civic Ballet Featuring the Northern Utah Symphony Orchestra

One clever, interactive way to make a donation is at The Family Place’s new Giving Machine.

A vending machine wrapped to represent The Family Place has been filled with donation cards that represent a donation toward different programs the organization offers, valued from $1 to $100. Examples of cards that can be purchased in the machines are sports equipment, art supplies for art therapy, money to help purchase AED machines, or general funding for programs. After a donation is made the machine will dispense a card representing the donation, many of which were hand drawn by children who are affiliated with The Family Place. These cards will serve as the donor’s receipt and can be kept as a memento.

“This is a fun way to make monetary giving tangible,” Esterlee said. “Parents can bring their children, church groups can come, someone even suggested that neighborhoods may want to forgo giving gifts and everyone could pitch in $10 or $15 to make a big impact that can be matched.”

The Giving Machine started at The Family Place in late October and will make stops at various local locations throughout the holiday season. Follow The Family Place on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter for updates on where to find the machine.

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| 15 SP O N S O R E D BY

GOOD NEIGHBORS

Don’t Let the Down Payment Get You Down WRITTEN BY EMILY MERKLEY association executive, Cache Valley Association of REALTORS

The Simple 5-Step Process to Save for a Down Payment It may feel impossible to find any extra money at the end of the month, but with a plan to reach your goal of saving for a down payment, you will be well on your way to owning a home.

STEP ONE | Determine how much you'll need to save for your mortgage.

Plan to sit down with a mortgage lender who will let you know how much of a mortgage you can qualify for. Identify loan programs that fit your financial goals and assess their down payment requirements. That’s your target.

A) How long do you need to save what you need?

If you really budget and focus on saving, you can plan to take two to three years.

B) Where should you put the money you are saving? A simple money market savings account will do the job. You won’t make a lot of interest, but you won’t run the risk of losing money.

STEP TWO | Set a time frame.

If you plan to purchase a home in five years or less, divide your down payment requirement by 60 months. Naturally, the shorter your timeframe, the higher your monthly savings goal will be.

STEP THREE | Cut expenses in existing budget.

You’ll need to clear some room in your budget to make sure your savings goal is doable. Cutting back on unnecessary expenses is one way to do it.

Doing so will also help prepare you for managing the type of tighter budget that homeownership requires. Embrace it!

STEP FOUR | Set up an automated savings plan.

Just like your 401(K), you should allocate a certain dollar amount or percentage of your regular pay to go directly into a savings account dedicated to accumulating down payment funds.

Not just automatic, but it also makes this process invisible, removing the temptation and ability to spend on other items.

NAVIGATING A REAL ESTATE market that is in constant flux can be daunting. Distinguishing fact from fiction becomes a challenge with friends, family, neighbors, and numerous online sources offering “advice.” The financial facet of real estate, including loans, down payments, mortgage insurance, and interest rates is a huge area of concern and confusion for potential home buyers. The overabundance of information (accurate or otherwise) creates a stumbling block for potential homeowners.

It’s often this type of misinformation that keeps potential home buyers from taking the steps to owning their own homes. For example, roughly 62% of American firsttime homebuyers still believe they need a 20% down payment to purchase a home.

With ever-increasing rent costs, putting away enough money for a huge down payment may not seem plausible. But the truth is that 32% of US homeowners put down 5% or less for a down payment. This difference makes homeownership a reality for many more individuals.

Understanding the purpose of a down

payment helps clarify why 20% is not a hard and fast rule. Buyers should put down as much as they can afford, because the more that is put down, the less that is borrowed. However, there are other down payment options that should be considered. Some loans offer low-down-payment mortgages, state and local down payment assistance programs are offered through governments, nonprofit organizations and employers, and certain mortgage-banking firms offer crowdfunding tools and sites to help first-time, pre-qualified buyers accumulate money for a down payment.

To know what options are available to you, contact a REALTOR® who will help you determine the best fit for your specific needs and circumstance. They have experience and expertise to help with details that may not be easily understood. A REALTOR® will determine your cost range for a home, map out financial possibilities and parameters, find a home that fits your needs, and identify loan options that meet your financial goals. Your dream of owning a home may be more of a reality than you think!

16 | Holiday 2019

How Do I Help Someone Struggling with Drug Addiction?

WR IT T E N BY

ALLISON STONE contributing writer

Sadly, substance abuse is much more common than many people realize. Addiction doesn’t only affect “bad people,” it affects people from many different walks of life, kills thousands of Americans every year, and impacts millions of lives every day.

• Drug overdose deaths have more than tripled since 1990.

• From 1999 to 2017, more than 700,000 Americans died from overdosing on a drug.

• Alcohol and drug addiction cost the United States economy over $600 billion every year.

• In 2017, 34.2 million Americans committed DUI, 21.4 million of these were under the influence of alcohol, and 12.8 million were under the influence of drugs.

• About 20% of Americans who have depression or an anxiety disorder also have a substance abuse disorder.

• More than 90% of people who have an addiction started to drink alcohol or use drugs before they were 18.

To put the problem into numeric perspective, AddictionCenter.com offers the following stats: • Almost 21 million Americans have at least one addiction, yet only 10% receive treatment.

How do you help a loved one who suffers from addiction? Manny Zizumbo, LCSW CSAT, a therapist at Clear Recovery of Cache Valley, offered the following suggestions:

THE HOLIDAYS ARE a stressful time for everyone. Between gift-giving, travel, and keeping up with all parts of family life, nearly anyone can find themselves driven toward the nearest coping mechanism, whatever that may be. However, for recovering addicts or those still struggling with active addiction, the holidays can be a particularly difficult time that can invite a destructive relapse.

• Educate yourself. Learn about addiction and the symptoms related to it. This will help you recognize the signs that your loved one needs help.

• Offer support. Addicts often feel embarrassed and don’t understand how much their friends and family love them. Talk to them and let them know you want to support them on their road to recovery.

• Encourage them to get help. The sooner addiction is treated, the better. Many addicts are in denial about their problem or make excuses to avoid getting treatment, but it is important to encourage them to seek treatment and take down the barriers preventing them from doing it.

• Continue offering support. After your loved one decides to seek treatment, they still need your support — maybe more than ever. Show them that you really will be there every step of the way.

$15 expires 12/30/19 • code 1570

expires 12/30/19 • code 1579

18 | Holiday 2019

SAFE FAMILIES

Weathering the Cold: A Winter Safety Guide WRI T T E N BY

KIMBERLY BLAKER contributing writer

EVERY YEAR 25,000 kids under the age of 15 are treated for sledding related injuries, according to Mayo Clinic. A U.S. emergency room analysis reveals an alarming 9% result in traumatic brain injuries. But these aren't the only dangers associated with winter.

• If you stop or fall, quickly move out of others’ way.

• Never sled behind or be pulled by a vehicle.

• Supervise children under 12, and ride along if they're under 5.

Travel, snow removal, heating, and even walking pose risks to kids and adults. The following tips will reduce your family's risk of injury:

• Never skate or walk on ice less than four inches thick.

• Never go on ice alone.

• If ice skating, follow the same direction of other skaters and don't cut directly in front of someone.

• Make sure ice skates are neither too tight nor too loose. Blades should be sharp and clean.

Sledding

• Dress in layers with waterproof outerwear.

• Make sure sledding equipment is in good condition.

• Don't sled in frigid temperatures or wind chills.

• Never sled toward railroad tracks, roads, parking lots, or bodies of water.

• Stick to gradual hills with plenty of runoff.

• Look for trees, signs, rocks, and other sledders before taking off.

• Never sled on icy surfaces or in poor visibility.

• Never stand or go down headfirst, and keep clothing, arms, and legs within the sled.

Ice Recreation

Snowmobiles, snowboarding, and skiing

• Check that boots and bindings fit properly and that all equipment is in good condition.

• Wear helmets, goggles, and waterproof outerwear.

• Get instruction from a professional on how to prevent and break falls.

• Never go on slopes alone. Make sure they’re approved for the specific activity, and only go on those for which you have adequate experience.

• Don't allow children under 16 to drive snowmobiles.

Winter driving and travel

Snow-covered and icy roads drastically increase the risk of an accident or getting stranded.

Automobiles also lead to thousands of carbon monoxide poisonings during the winter months.

There are more than 200 deaths each year from auto-related carbon monoxide poisonings, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Here's how to play it safe: • Have your vehicle tuned up and the following items inspected before winter travel: brakes, tire tread, battery, antifreeze, lights and signals, wiper blades, spare tire, heater, and defroster.

Also, always keep your gas tank at least halfway full.

| 19

• Be prepared for the unexpected.

Keep extra hats, mittens, scarves, boots, chemical hand warmers, additional layers of clothing, and blankets in your vehicle to prevent frostbite and hypothermia. Also, keep flares or reflectors, repair tools, flashlight, batteries, shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables, towrope or chain, and a fire extinguisher in your vehicle. For distant travel or heading outside populated areas, bring drinking water, food, and medications in case of an extended wait.

• Take a cell phone for emergency use.

• Put sandbags in your trunk for better handling on snow and ice.

Add 75 to 150 pounds, depending on vehicle size.

• Don’t lower your tire pressure.

This can make handling difficult and cause additional wear on tires.

• Pay attention to weather reports.

• Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. If your vehicle is parked in the open, make sure snow hasn’t built up in or around the exhaust.

• Don't drive in winter storms unless necessary. If you do, drive slowly and tell someone your travel

plans, including your route and estimated travel time.

• Never sit in a parked car that’s running unless a car window is open. Don’t leave your vehicle running in a garage.

• Don't slam on your breaks on ice or snow. Slow down early. If you do not have an automatic brake system (ABS), pump the brakes to prevent skidding.

Snow removal

Snowblowers result in 1,000 amputations, and 5,300 emergency room visits annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When snow blowers become clogged, people often stick their hand into the chute to dislodge the snow. Even when the snowblower power is turned off, there is enough rotational force that once the snow or debris is removed, the blade can do a quarter to half turn.

• Don't allow kids to run snow blowers.

• Never clean clogged snow from the blower with your hand. Turn off the power, let it sit for a minute, then use a broom handle or similar object to loosen snow.

• Don't add fuel to a snowblower while it's hot.

• Shoveling and pushing snow blowers is strenuous. If you have a history of heart trouble, don’t remove snow yourself without your doctor’s consent.

• Never leave a running snow blower unattended.

• Make sure animals and young children are out of the way before engaging the blower.

• When shoveling, push snow forward instead of lifting. If lifting is necessary, shovel small amounts and use your legs rather than your back to lift.

Heating

All heating elements pose dangers to your family. To keep them safe: • Don't leave children or pets unsupervised around space heaters.

Also, keep space heaters three feet from anything that could catch fire, such as clothing or furniture.

• Get an annual furnace inspection and tune-up.

• Clean and inspect your fireplace chimney and flues annually. Never burn treated wood, pine branches, or paper, and keep fires covered with a screen.

• Don’t use an oven or range to heat your home, even for brief periods.

Carbon monoxide and smoke alarms Protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning and fire by installing carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke detectors on each floor and near bedrooms. Signs of CO poisoning include dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, and fatigue. If you experience these symptoms without explanation, get fresh air and seek medical help. If your CO alarm goes off, head for fresh air and call 911.

20 | Holiday 2019

DIY TIDBITS

Cookie-Cutter Stamped Tea Towels WRITT E N BY CAMI

GRAHAM contributing writer, tidbits-cami.com

TRUTHFULLY, WHEN I had this idea, I wondered if it would end up looking like a 5-year-old did it. I mean, artistic painting has never been my strength, and this probably sounded too easy. How delighted I was when my cookie-cutter stamped tea towels turned out so cute! And they are so simple to make that a 5-year-old can do it!

Let me show you how to make cookiecutter stamped tea towels and then you can enjoy making them yourself, or round up your whole family to create their own fun designs to gift to neighbors, grandparents, teachers, and friends.

After you finish making your own cookie cutter stamped tea towels, be sure to head over to my blog TIDBITS at tidbits-cami.com/christmas-tea-towels, and print off darling free gift label wraps. They add just the right touch for many of your “unwrapped” gifts.

Supplies • • • • •

Tea Towel or flour sacks Fabric paint Cookie cutters Brush Garbage bags or another surface protector • Paper Plate

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INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prep and protect your area with garbage bags.

2. Pour a generous amount of paint onto a paper plate to cover the surface of your cookie cutter. Use a brush to even out the paint, if needed.

3. Simply dip the cookie cutter into the paint, covering the whole surface edge with paint, just like you would for cutting a sugar cookie.

4. Gently lift the cookie cutter out of the paint and carefully press onto the towel. Continue until you’ve created the design you like.

5. Let dry, and set the fabric paint according to the manufacturer's directions.

The most difficult part of this activity: deciding which one to keep for yourself. Enjoy!

24 | Holiday 2019

Cut a Tree, Create a Memory One Cache Valley Family is Growing a Tradition at Adam’s Acres WRIT T E N BY

ADAM BURRIS, of Petersboro, has fond memories of childhood Christmases in Spokane, Washington, that were highlighted by cutting down fresh Christmas trees, bringing them home, and adorning them with beloved ornaments to start the holiday season.

“This was an important symbol of Christmas for my family,” Adam said.

“When we moved to Cache Valley, there was a place in Dayton, Idaho where we’d go and do the same thing, but eventually they stopped growing trees and we didn’t have anywhere to go to cut down a tree and bring it home.”

Years went by, and Adam and his wife, Sara, would visit tree lots to choose a “fresh” tree that had been shipped in from another state, but it wasn’t quite the same experience, and it was a tradition they missed. So, it wasn’t a big surprise that when they moved into a house with plenty of land and began having children, they considered starting a Christmas tree farm.

Their two oldest sons, Elijah and Alexander, were only babies in 2008 when Adam and Sara decided that even if the

EMILY BUCKLEY editor in chief

farm only served the purposes of giving their children good work experience and providing beloved traditions for their own and other families, it would be worth the effort.

They began the process of planting trees that wouldn’t be ready to be cut for another decade. “When we decided to do this, it was hard to imagine it becoming what is has,” Sara said.

The Burrises grow Douglas Fir and Blue Spruce trees on their now four-and-a-halfacre tree farm, and although they are only open a few weekends a year for cutting, the work goes on year round.

Their children, who have grown in number and size right alongside the trees, now play an instrumental part in planting and fertilizing trees and cutting weeds throughout the summer months and then welcoming, instructing, and assisting customers when they come to cut trees during the holiday season.

“It has been a lot of fun to see our kids interact with adults, provide a service, and help load up the trees,” Adam said.

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While the older boys are happy to help load trees onto vehicles, the younger children enjoy greeting guests, serving hot cocoa, and selling hand-made ornaments.

“We just love Christmas and value traditions,” Adam said. “Traditions are important in families.

They bind us together. This is a great place to have a family tradition and to feel the spirit of Christmas. That is what we are really trying to do: help families create a memory, feel the spirit of Christmas, and have a great time doing it.”

how to care for a fresh-cut christmas tree 1. Give it a very fresh cut (cut the trunk just before you bring it inside).

2. Provide it with plenty of water.

3. Don’t place it near a heat vent or heat register (to keep it from drying out).

If you do these things, your tree will last through the Christmas season and beyond!

Adam’s Acres, located at 7721 West Highway 30 in Petersboro, just off the Valley View Highway, will be open Thanksgiving weekend (Friday, November 29 and Saturday, November 30) and the following Saturday, December 7.

Visitors can expect more than a tree lot when they arrive: Christmas music will be playing, fires will be burning (wind permitting), Santa will visit, and hot cocoa will be served.

We are a family-owned Christmas tree farm located on the west side of beautiful Cache Valley

November 23, 24 &

December Bring your gloves, a tarp to protect your 1, 8 Hot cocoa • Building snowmen vehicle, and tie-downs (saws are• Roasting provided), Santa marshmallows booths • Snowball fights and come early for the best Photo selection, Tree farm elf • because Holiday tunes much more... when the trees are gone, they areandgone.

Don’t miss out!

7721 West Highway 30 • Petersboro, UT 84325 adamsacres.treefarm@gmail.com • (801) 808-5745

Adam and Sara Burris and their children, Elijah, Alexander, Mary Beth, Isaac, Elenore, and Levi.

26 | Holiday 2019

Give the Perfect Gift

a gifting guide that suits every child PAULA HULL AND PATTY WILLIS members of the Cache County School District Literacy Team

WRITTEN BY

ARE YOU SEARCHING for the perfect gift? During the holidays, we are often faced with choices that are costly, lack quality, or may be underappreciated. So, how do we find the perfect gift?

Amazingly, a child who reads 20 minutes daily is exposed to 1,800,000 words yearly. This exposure to vocabulary has an impact that is exponential for such a small sacrifice of time.

If a child is on your list to shop for, here are three cost-free options that will last a lifetime and build precious memories. They can also give your child an educational advantage by developing oral language skills, expanding vocabulary, and encouraging a lifetime love of reading. These are the gifts of conversation, reading time, and example.

Your child looks like you, speaks likes you, and watches everything you do. Children naturally mimic what they see and are drawn to those activities. As children observe the adults in their life choosing to read for enjoyment, they begin to appreciate reading as well. Reading helps them to explore the world and understand the differences around them.

the gift of conversation

Language development begins at birth and continues throughout a person’s life. As we talk and interact with children and teenagers, language is strengthened and improved. This directly predicts their success in reading. Opportunities for conversation can include driving in a car, building a snowman, eating together, or hundreds of other everyday moments. During these activities, take the time to talk to your children and teens. Even children as young as infants can benefit from these conversations! Setting aside time to discuss the world around them will strengthen your child’s oral language development and build lasting relationships.

the gift of reading time

Reading with an adult while cuddled on the couch or next to a cozy fire is a great activity for all children, especially those who are learning to read. To promote reading, be sure to have a variety of books and other materials available.

As you read to and with your child, they will come to associate reading with warm, happy memories.

The impact of daily reading is a strong predictor of success in school. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (2006), “When children become good readers in the early grades, they are more likely to become better learners throughout their school years and beyond.”

A landmark research study found that one minute of reading per day introduces children to 8,000 words per year. Just five minutes per day increases this exposure to 282,000 words.

the gift of example

Spending time with your child talking and reading can help them become more skilled and confident, which in turn will increase the likelihood of their success in school and lifelong enjoyment as a reader.

Now, that’s a gift worth giving!

Amount of Words Exposed to in a Year 2,000,000 1,800,000 1,600,000 1,400,000 1,200,000 1,000,000 800,000 600,000 400,000 200,000 0 1 minute

5 minutes

Daily Reading Minutes

20 minutes

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Developing Empathy FRANK SCHOFIELD superintendent, Logan City School District

WRITTE N BY

ONE OF MY favorite superheroes will always be Superman (recent movies notwithstanding).

His physical abilities and intelligence are impressive, but his most defining trait is the kind and respectful way he treats others. Superman is an example of the reality that how we treat others is just as important, if not more so, than what we know and are otherwise able to do. The opposite of this is exemplified in the character of Lex Luthor, who was a genius, but his treatment of others makes him a villain.

One of the key attributes that motivates us to treat others as Superman would, instead of Lex Luthor, is empathy. This includes valuing other perspectives and people, and treating them with compassion. Empathy is a foundation for acting ethically, building healthy relationships of many kinds, and developing professional success. It’s also key to preventing bullying and many other forms of cruelty.

In a society that appears to be increasingly combative, empathy is a skill that can promote effective relationships and rebuild those relationships when they are damaged.

Consequently, helping children develop empathy is key to their individual emotional well-being and their ability to successfully navigate healthy relationships in the future.

The Making Caring Common project, an initiative of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, lists several ideas parents can use to help their children develop empathy:

Empathize with your child and model empathy for others Children learn empathy both from watching us and from experiencing our empathy for them.

When we empathize with our children, they develop trusting, secure attachments with us.

Empathizing with our children takes many forms, including tuning in to their physical and emotional needs, understanding and respecting their individual personalities, taking a genuine interest in their lives, and guiding them toward activities that reflect an understanding of the kind of people they are and the things they enjoy.

Children also learn empathy by watching those we notice and appreciate. They’ll notice if we treat a server in a restaurant or a mail carrier as if they’re invisible. On the positive side, they’ll notice if we welcome a new family into their school or express concern about another child in their class who is experiencing a challenge.

Make caring for others a priority and set high ethical expectations If children are to value others’ perspectives and show compassion for them, it’s very important that they hear from their parents that caring about others is a top priority and that it is just as important as their own happiness.

Provide opportunities for children to practice empathy Children are born with the capacity for empathy, but it needs to be nurtured throughout their lives. Regularly considering other people’s perspectives and circumstances helps make empathy a natural reflex and, through trial and error, helps children get better at tuning into others’ feelings and perspectives.

Help children develop self-control and manage feelings effectively Often when children don’t express empathy it’s not because they don’t have it. It’s because some feeling or image is blocking their empathy. The ability to care for others could be overwhelmed by anger, shame, envy, or other negative feelings.

Helping children manage these negative feelings, as well as stereotypes and prejudices about others, is often what “releases” their empathy.

As children and caregivers work on these behaviors together, children are more likely to develop empathy. As they do so, they will enjoy the positive relationships that empathy can promote and create positive environments in their community.

28 | Holiday 2019

A Twist on Traditional Holiday Parties WRITTEN BY

RACHEL COTTRELL contributing writer

I'M NOT ASHAMED to admit that Christmas holidaycentered discussions start well before November 1 in our house. One of the big reasons I’m so Christmasobsessed is because of how much I look forward to spending time with friends and family and continuing traditions with my own little family.

I have 3-year-old twin boys who are just beginning to recognize traditions and look forward to things they can remember doing last year. One of my goals for this year is to establish some family traditions they can continue looking forward to. A favorite of mine is hosting holiday parties.

Secret Santa and White Elephant parties where guests swap silly “joke” gifts are two popular traditions. I’m not a huge fan of either of these because (a) I’m admittedly picky to shop for and (b) I don’t like “junk.” The last thing I want around the holidays, when I’m already preparing for the onslaught of new additions to our household inventory, is to purchase and/or receive more silly, purposeless knick-knacks. Instead, I like to participate in a different kind of themed party: a Favorite Things party.

If you’ve never attended a Favorite Things party, let me explain the premise: Guests are given a budget and a theme to purchase and bring a certain number of "favorites" as gifts to the party.

For example, if I’m attending a summer-themed Favorite Things party, I might bring three copies of my favorite beach book. Or, if I’m hosting a girls’ night with the theme “Fall Favorites,” I’d bring three of my favorite fall candles from Bath and Body Works. Then, at the party, guests exchange gifts to leave with the same number of products they arrived with, but they get to take home a variety of new gifts.

Here are a few reasons why a Favorite Things party is the greatest type of party: • The theme is versatile. You can cater your Favorite

Things party to fit any group size, budget, or theme.

• You leave with multiple party favors. These favors come with a high recommendation — this is another guest's FAVORITE. I’ve learned about several new products that I still use as a result of receiving them as a gift at a Favorite Things party. I likely wouldn’t have chosen to branch out to purchase any of them myself, so I'm glad my friends brought them.

• It’s easy on the host. A Favorite Things party can be thrown anywhere and you don’t even need to worry about party favors. Guests will already be leaving with as much as they brought!

Beyond that, guests will be spending about the same as they would for a White Elephant or Secret Santa gift exchange party, but they’ll get to take home some really nice new things to try. It’s just so much more fun to anticipate what you’ll bring home, keeping with that surprise aspect you get from other holiday parties, but knowing that you’ll get to try some new, practical things you wouldn’t ordinarily buy for yourself.

I can hardly wait to begin preparations for all the festivities I’ve been mentally planning for an embarrassing number of months. Happy party planning!

How to Throw a Favorite Things Party STEP ONE | Plan your guest list.

This will help you decide on the budget and quantity of gifts attendees should bring. I like to keep the budget around $5-$10 per gift, depending on how many gifts are brought. For small groups, I’d suggest three $10 gifts, but for a larger group, I’d recommend everyone bring five $5 gifts.

STEP TWO | Plan your theme.

You can choose a holiday-themed party, like “Favorite Stocking Stuffer” or “Favorite Holiday Treat,” or simply a general Favorite ANYThing party.

Decide this in advance as it might impact your budget and you’ll want to give your guests an idea of what they could purchase.

STEP THREE | Send out invites.

Give your guests advance notice, not only so they can fit the party into their packed holiday schedules, but so they can plan a shopping trip or have time to order their favorite things online. I recommend at least two week’s notice when sending out your invites. Don’t forget to ask for an RSVP!

STEP FOUR | Plan the evening.

Decide whether you’ll ask for contributions to a group meal, or simply provide a few snacks.

Alternatively, if your party is Favorite Treat-themed, you probably don’t need to plan much more than maybe some drinks! The gift exchange will take up a large portion of your evening’s activities, but if you’d like to fit anything else in, plan a few games or activities per age group.

STEP FIVE | Party execution.

As the guests arrive, have them drop off their favorite things on a table where the entire group can take a peek at the offerings. You can either host a raffle for each gift, or allow guests to take turns selecting their favorite things in turn.

30 | Holiday 2019

Fat-Quarter Bow Basket Tutorial COURTESY O F MY

YOU WILL NEED

Short and Fat: 2 fat quarters 3/8 yard Soft and Stable (10” x 21.5” for one basket) 1. Cut each fat quarter to measure 14” x 20” for a tall and skinny basket or 10“ x 21.5” for a short and fat basket. Set aside the remaining piece left over.

2. Cut Soft and Stable to measure 14” x 20” or 10“x 21.5” for a short and fat basket.

IN

TH E

{ quilt

shoppe }

GIRLFRIEND’S QUILT SHOPPE

3. Start by spray-basting the piece of Soft and Stable to the wrong side of the outside fabric piece.

Using longest length on sewing machine, baste stitch around the outside part just to hold the two layers together.

4. Fold outside piece in half, right sides together so that it will measure approximately 14” x 10“ (tall and skinny) or 5” x 10.75“ (short and fat).

5. Sew down the right side, creating a tube. Use a 1/2” seam allowance.

6. “Roll” the seam to the center.

Now stitch along the bottom of the tube, again with a 1/2” seam allowance.

BUY 1, GET 1 60% OFF! EV ERY T HIN G

my girlfriend s

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS:

Tall and Skinny: 2 fat quarters 3/8 yard Soft and Stable (14” x 20” for one basket)

CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS:

TM

STOR E

NOVEMBER 29-30 O p e n i n g e a r l y a t 8 : 0 0 a m o n F r i d a y, f r e e g i f t f o r t h e fi r s t 5 0 c u s t o m e r s !

TM

my girlfriend s { quilt

1115 N 200 E #230, Logan, UT 84341 (435) 213-3229 9269 S Village Shop Drive, Sandy, UT 84094 (801) 647-7739 Machines and furniture not included in BOGO, some exclusions may apply.

shoppe }

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7. Measure a 2” square at each bottom corner of the tube. (Measure from the seam and not the edge of the fabric.) Cut out piece.

8. “Box out” your corners by flattening out the bottom and sew across. Turn right side out.

9. Set the outside of the basket aside. Repeat these same steps for the lining piece, except leave a small opening at the bottom of the lining so you can turn it right side out later.

10. Place the outside basket inside the lining basket with right sides facing. Align top edge of basket together. Pin. Sew in place.

11. Pull basket through the opening left in the lining. Sew the opening closed and push lining back into basket.

12. Sew a 1/4” finishing seam around the top of the basket.

13. Fold lining piece out over the top of the basket to create the “cuff” of basket.

14. To make the bow, sew two 4” x 10” pieces of fabric right sides together (from earlier).

15. Sew along each long side, creating a tube.

16. Turn tube right side out. Fold in half, so it measures 5” x 3-1/2”. Sew down the right side where the raw edges come together.

17. Move the seam to the back middle of the bow.

18. Pinch in the center and tie with a bow (or you can use leftover 2” x 4” scrap from lining fabric to make the tie in the middle, too!).

19. Place on cuff of basket and hand-stitch on.

32 | Holiday 2019

FEATURED RECIPE

The Perfect Charcuterie WRIT T E N BY

MARGARET GITTINS owner, Smackerel

FIRST THINGS FIRST: How do you pronounce charcuterie? Simple: Shar-Cute-TuhRee. It just rolls right off the tongue. Now that you’ve mastered the pronunciation, let’s dive in.

slices of hard salami alongside delicate, paperthin prosciutto. Include soft and hard cheeses, and don’t be afraid of bolder cheeses, like blue cheese; the stinkier, the better.

What is charcuterie? French in origin, charcuterie is a style of cooking that is used to preserve meats through methods like salt curing, brining, and fermenting. The results are delicious meat products like bacon, ham, sausage, terrines, pates, galantine, and roulade, just to name a few. Even though we now have refrigerators to preserve our meats, charcuterie is still a popular method because of the flavor it imparts on meat. Today, most charcuterie boards feature a mix of these cured meats, along with spreads, cheeses, and more.

Most importantly, don’t forget the vegetables.

There are many rich, fatty flavors, so include acidic, tangy bites of pickled vegetables such as olives and mustards to cut through the richness.

Add dried fruit and nuts for more flavor and texture contrast. Finally, round out the board with slices of crusty bread and/or crackers.

Variety is the key to a good charcuterie board, so mix and match textures and flavors. Place

How to Set the Perfect Charcuterie Plate

1. Start with a large plate, platter, wooden cutting board, or a piece of slate as the base.

2. Choose at least three to five charcuterie items that represent various styles and textures: smoked and meaty, dry-cured and firm, cooked, and creamy. Allow two ounces per

person, and slice your charcuterie into easily manageable, bite-sized pieces.

3. Spread the pieces out on the board, leaving space between them for accompaniments.

4. Add mustard, cornichons, olives, or chutney, so the acidity can balance the fat in the charcuterie. Use small bowls for these items, or just put them on the board with knives for spreading.

5. Fresh fruits like grapes, figs, sliced pears and apples, and dried fruits like raisins, currants, apricots, cherries, and pears will round out the plate and add color. Use the fruits as palate cleansers between bites of charcuterie.

6. Place sliced bread or various types of crackers around the edges of the plate, or tuck them between sections of charcuterie.

7. Cheese is a welcome addition to a charcuterie plate; choose two to three types of different textures to complement the spread.

We accept all insurances and medicaid.

Aceptamos todos los seguros y medicaid.

DR. KURT VEST DMD

B O A R D C E R T I F I E D P E D I AT R I C D E N T I S T

435.999.0234 wasatchpediatricdentistry.com 169 N Gateway Dr #105 Providence, UT 84332 1320 N 600 E #2 Logan, UT 84341

Don’t have insurance?

W E C A N H E L P! Ask about our in-house loyalty plan.

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make it local

Cache Valley is for the foodies! Use these local additions to make your charcuterie delicious and the perfect party appetizer or meal.

CRUMB BROTHERS

SLIDE RIDGE HONEY Wine Vinegar

is derived from fermented honey and slow aged through a traditional vinegar process. Their methods create a rich, fullflavored vinegar with the sweetness of the original honey and the strength and flavor of hand-crafted vinegar.

offers delicious European-style pastries, croissants, scratch soups, and sandwiches.

Their crusty breads are perfect for a charcuterie.

CURED small-batch bacon starts from pork bellies grown here in Cache Valley. Made in small batches, they use a dry cure (instead of a brine bath) that takes a couple of weeks instead of the standard couple of days. The result? A bacon that has better flavor and texture and cooks up nicely.

For more than 100 years,

BLUEBIRD CANDY has been

creating the finest hand-dipped candies. Their salty and sweet candy centers are made daily and will melt in your mouth.

Most people think of blazing hot peppers when they think of jalapenos, but SWEETLY DIVINE

GOSSNER'S FOODS,

ROCKHILL CHEESE

produces hand-crafted cheese made from the milk of six Brown Swiss cows on a historic farm in Richmond. The cheese is softer and creamier when young and gets harder and more complex with age.

also known as “the little Switzerland of the Rockies” offers award-winning cheese and cheese spreads.

Add them to your board to eat with crackers, breads, meats, and jellies. When you stop in, don’t forget to pick up some boxed milk!

LEE’S MARKETPLACE’S candy shop offers house-made Bavarian candied nuts that add texture and a sweet treat to your charcuterie.

COX'S HONEYLAND

offers local, pure honey in three flavors and many varieties of creamed honey. Their honey comes in beautiful beehive jars, that will look lovely in your charcuterie setting.

has transformed them into finger-licking sweet jellies that can be spread on or mixed into nearly anything to create new and original dishes.

NORTHERN UTAH

Wood Floor Cleaning

WHY YOU SHOULD DEEP CLEAN YOUR HOME DURING THE WINTER:

’TIS THE SEASON TO BE CLEAN Ring in the Holidays with a clean, healthy home.

HOLIDAY GRANITE RENEWAL

Baking season is upon us! Your granite countertops are an investment and a beautiful accent to any home, whether it’s in the kitchen, bathroom, family room, or even outdoors. Keeping them clean and sealed can be a challenge, but if you don’t, the sealant will begin to let in dirt and bacteria and your countertops can lose their luster and shine.

True, there are many do-it-yourself products available, but these can often do more harm than good. Most contain harsh or abrasive ingredients that can actually damage the granite and make the finish appear dull.

IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF YOUR HOME

Because granite is very porous, it can harbor bacteria and dirt that can only be lifted with deep cleaning. That is exactly what we do! After we deep clean, we then seal the surface to keep unwanted elements away, which helps restore the shine and extend the life of your granite countertops. We only use greencertified cleaning solutions that are safe and non-toxic with strong deep-cleaning equipment to safely remove the dirt and build-up.

NOW YOU ARE READY TO BAKE!

Here is one of my favorite baking recipes:

Christmas Fudge Val Linneman 2 C Sugar 10 Marshmallows 2/3 C Evap. Milk 1/4 C Butter 6oz Choc Chips 1t Vanilla 1/2 C Chopped Nuts

Bring sugar, marshmallows, and milk to boil over med heat. Boil 5 minutes, stirring continually.

Pour cooked mixture over rest of the ingredients. Beat until well blended. Pour into greased 8x8 pan. Let cool.

When a Logan winter arrives, we like to stay inside with the heat on and a mug of hot cocoa in hand. However, when we do decide to brave the cold, we unintentionally track dirt, salt, rocks, and dirty snow back into the house with us. With all the snow, it can seem logical to postpone scheduling carpet cleaning until springtime. Well, we’re here to tell you that there are actually several good reasons to have your carpets professionally cleaned this winter.

CARPET CLEANING IMPROVES INDOOR AIR QUALITY.

Understandably so, people tend to spend much more time inside during the winter months. Carpets act as giant air filters and if they aren't regularly cleaned, they quickly fill up with dirt and dust, bacteria, allergens, pet urine, and more over time. This significantly impacts the air you breathe. You want your family to enjoy a clean and healthy home and carpet cleaning is a great solution.

Chem-Dry carpet cleaning removes 98% of allergens from carpet and 89% of airborne bacteria and drastically improves indoor air quality.

PROTECT YOUR CARPETS FROM SPILLS AND STAINS.

Chem-Dry carpet protectant—used in our carpet cleaning service—surrounds each carpet fiber with a protective barrier that shields your floors from spills, stains, and heavy foot traffic.

CARPET CLEANING HELPS MAKE YOUR HOME LOOK ITS BEST FOR GUESTS.

Your winter guests will notice how your home looks, feels, and smells fresh with the help of clean carpets.

Our Hot Carbonating Extraction (HCE) process removes an average of 99.1% of common household allergens from upholstery. The allergens tested include dog and cat dander and dust mite allergen. In addition, the lab found that our HCE process, used along with a sanitizer, removes an average of 89% of the airborne bacteria in the home, improving indoor air quality.

Call for more details:

435-752-6100 Now offering Professional Wood Floor Cleaning!

| 35

Make Thanksgiving Meaningful W RI T T E N BY

WHEN WE THINK of Thanksgiving, delicious food, football, and getting together with family and friends come to mind. The original purpose of Thanksgiving was to show gratitude and give thanks for a bountiful harvest. Now, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, it is easy to get caught up in distractions like football games, Black Friday shopping, and the quest for the perfect meal and table settings. We sometimes forget

SARAH LYONS contributing writer

about giving thanks for blessings. Make this Thanksgiving meaningful by starting family traditions that help everyone stop and count their blessings.

Make a list

One way to remember your blessings is to acknowledge them. Go around the dinner table and have each person name something they are thankful for. This could be done each night at dinner during the month of November or during the week leading up to the holiday. On Thanksgiving Day, have all of your guests do the same. It is heartwarming to give thanks for the blessings we have. Looking for a more concrete idea? Have everyone write down or draw a picture of what they are thankful for. After everyone shares their paper, place them all in a three-ring binder. Each year add to the binder and reflect on all the blessings of the past.

Donate to charity

Christmas is right around the corner and many kids will receive gifts. In anticipation, have your kids help clean their closets and toy boxes and set aside items they no longer need. Donate gently used toys and clothing to a local charity or family in need. This process will not only reduce clutter around the house, but it will also

teach them to be generous to those that are less fortunate than they are. In the same spirit, talk with your kids about how some people may not have coats, hats, and gloves to keep them warm during the cold months. As a family, collect hats, coats, scarves, gloves, and blankets to donate.

You could also go to the store and have your kids pick out items they would like to give to another child their age.

Take a break

Have each family member take a break from a luxury they enjoy. Ideas may include dessert, manicures, coffee, soda, or a favorite video game or TV show. This exercise reminds us to be grateful for the luxuries that are otherwise taken for granted.

Family service project

Set aside time to do a service project as a family. Ideas may include cleaning up trash in a local park, shoveling a neighbor’s sidewalk, working at a food pantry, purchasing items for a Thanksgiving meal and delivering them to a family in need, organizing a book drive for a local children’s hospital, or adopting a family for the holidays. When you volunteer as a family, kids see you helping others and are more likely to continue serving as an adult. Serving in an area that your children are already interested in helps create excitement for the project. If your child loves singing, go caroling at a senior center.

If your child loves to play at the park, pick up litter to help maintain its beauty. If they love crafts, make blankets for a homeless shelter.

There are many possibilities for children of any age and skill level.

Gather together

Encourage the kids to think of friends and neighbors who may not have anywhere to go on Thanksgiving and invite them to come over for dinner. Discuss the importance of hospitality and welcoming others into your home. If you are not hosting Thanksgiving, consider hosting a brunch the following day and opening your home to friends and family.

Little helpers

Thanksgiving dinner preparation is a lot of work.

Having the kids help prepare dinner and clean up for company will teach them how much work really goes into preparing a large meal. This will teach them an appreciation for the work that goes into a holiday meal and also encourages a good work ethic at a young age.

36 | Holiday 2019

Secrets to Decorating a Beautiful Christmas Tree MARK ANDERSON owner, Anderson’s Seed and Gard

WRITT E N BY

AS WE DECORATE Anderson’s Seed and Garden for the holiday season, we always have guests stop us and ask, “How do you do it?

I come into the store every year to see all the beautiful trees, and I’m never disappointed. Each year seems even better than the last!”

It takes a lot of time, effort, and planning to create the winter wonderland inside Anderson’s, but the basics of tree decorating stay the same. While we have new materials, ideas, and sometimes even new color palettes to work with, we use a lot of the same techniques from year to year.

I’d like to share some of those decorating “secrets” with you.

The size of your tree has a lot to do with how you decorate it. Make sure your tree doesn’t overwhelm the room it is in. Make space for the tree but try to make it look like it was always there in the first place.

Add some “permanent” features to it, like a colorful tree skirt or a big decorative basket, anything you can think of to give it that feel and look as if it was made for that space.

Also, plan on using 100 lights, 1520 ornaments, and one nine-foot garland per foot of tree height. That

means a nine-foot tree needs at least 900 lights, 140 ornaments, and nine garlands to cover it completely.

Don’t overload your tree, but also, don’t cut corners when it comes to using the right volume of décor.

Lights really do make the magic of a Christmas tree sparkle and pop.

Don’t just wrap them around the outside of the tree, the lights need to go all the way into the trunk for the best depth and most even distribution of light throughout the whole tree. This will contribute to the right amount of balance in both the lights and the ornaments, otherwise, the tree will look

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lopsided. Try to use the same number and type of ornaments on all sides of the tree to avoid an unbalanced look.

When choosing a color, pick your favorite holiday color and either use monochromatic colors (different shades of the same color) to highlight your chosen favorite, or complementary colors to make it stand out. For example, red, white, and green complement each other nicely for a jovial, whimsical look while soft browns, blues, and greys give a more cool, chic feel. A lot depends on the style you want to portray.

Keep in mind that scale affects trees both small and large: The larger the tree, the more large ornaments you need to maintain balance. Play with different sizes of ornaments, from small to medium to large, and see what works. We like to incorporate some large, colorful ornaments deep inside the tree to add depth. Try to avoid using a lot of very little ornaments on big trees, and too many very large GH_CVF_LOGAN_NOV_17_FREE_BREAD.pdf

1

10/30/17

ornaments on small trees. Big trees need big ornaments. Keep in mind that a 12’ tree takes almost double the number of ornaments as a 9’ tree.

It never hurts to have a focal point or emphasis on a tree, somewhere for the eye to rest from all the light and color. Usually, a large tree topper or a unique feature that catches your eye will do the trick. A natural rhythm can also be created with strategic placement of the ornaments or garlands to create a path or direction for the eye to follow. Also, vary the texture with different elements and finishes: glossy, glittered, metallic, natural, opaque, rough, and smooth — they can all co-exist and complement each other on the same tree.

Proper and creative use of all the basic elements of tree design (size, space, light, color, scale, emphasis, balance, rhythm, and texture) will help you create a memorable and lasting impression to enjoy for many holiday seasons ... or until you want to design a new one!

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38 | Holiday 2019

The Perfect Family Photo Session MAKELL MITTON owner, Koltin and Kell Photo and Video

WRITTEN BY

FAMILY PHOTOS REQUIRE a lot. Not only are they an investment of time, energy, and money, but they are a moment captured in time that will be cherished forever. You will (I hope!) print and frame your photos and display them in your home for all to view.

To make these photos ones you can be proud of, here are a few things to consider before picture day: 1. Choose the right photographer for you. Research photographers in your area; take time to look at their portfolios. Be sure their work is consistent and that their style falls in line with yours.

2. Consider choosing clothing in that matches your home décor. It doesn’t make sense to redecorate your home to match photo outfits, so plan ahead and select colors that coordinate well with what you already have in your home. Neutral colors are trendy for 2019-2020 and match most home décor.

If you are worried that you won’t like a certain color scheme or don’t know what to choose, talk to your photographer and ask for recommendations.

3. Consider the location of your photo session. If you

are planning to be photographed on a snowy mountain, for example, you won’t want to wear too much white and blend into the background, nor will you want to pick colors that are not typically worn in winter.

4. Be mindful of the season and come prepared. If you are doing a winter session in the mountains, it will be extremely cold, and you will want to make sure you and your children’s clothing is warm enough.

Miserable children don’t take great photos. You may be outside for 25 minutes to one hour, so talk to your photographer and be sure to wear clothing that is warm enough for your session, or bring blankets or coats to throw on between shots. It may be a good idea to bring along hand warmers or toys that your children enjoy to keep them smiling and happy. If you have very young children and are taking photos during the winter, you may consider choosing a studio session.

Knowing what to expect and planning ahead will prevent stressful situations and help produce photos that your family will treasure forever.

photo by Makell Mitton

Merry Christmas

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Nine Christmas Books to Read Year After Year

40 | Holiday 2019

W R I T T E N BY

EMILY BUCKLEY editor in chief

NO MATTER YOUR age, there is nothing quite as cozy as curling up with hot cocoa and a seasonal book on a cold winter’s night. This holiday season, dig into a favorite Christmas book, ranging from classics that led to other classics (like The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Anderson) or picture books that you may remember your own parents reading to you in Christmases past.

Here are nine of our family favorites:

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

by Charles Dickens You simply cannot have Christmas without Dickens.

Written in 1843, when the author was short on time and pressed by his editor to produce a piece, this classic story tells the tale of old, bitter Ebenezer Scrooge who is visited by three ghosts who take him on a journey through Christmases past, present, and future and change his heart and life in one night’s time.

MR. WILLOWBY'S CHRISTMAS TREE THE SNOWMAN

by Raymond Briggs If this book cover brings back flashbacks of your childhood, like it does mine, you’ll enjoy rereading this sweet story about a boy who builds a snowman, who then magically comes to life and takes the boy on a great adventure to the North Pole.

THE GIFT OF THE MAGI

by O. Henry This short story puts the holiday gift-giving tradition in perfect perspective. It is a tale of love and sacrifice, and shows that true wealth is found in love.

by Robert Barry In this story, Mr. Willowby's tree arrives, and it is too tall to fit inside his in mansion.

His butler cuts off the top and throws it out the window, but it doesn’t end up in the trash. Instead it moves from home to home, spreading holiday cheer to animals across the forest.

| 41

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE MORNING

by Pearl S. Buck This beautifully illustrated book tells the touching story of family and love when a boy surprises his father by getting up very early to take care of all the farm chores so his father can enjoy Christmas morning.

THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF SANTA CLAUS HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS

by Dr. Seuss A master at sneaking life lessons into simple stories, Dr. Suess teaches the true meaning of Christmas in this story that can be reread at every age and every year.

by L. Frank Baum Two years after he published The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum wrote this story about the life of Santa Claus, from making toys, choosing his reindeer, and managing to visit every child in the world in one special night.

by Barbara Robinson A quick read, this little book is about how a group of unkempt children, the Herdmans, learn the Christmas story. It is sure to provide some good laughs along with warm tugs at your heartstrings. This is a favorite read-aloud for elementary-aged children.

THE SNOW QUEEN

by Hans Christian Anderson The Disney team behind Queen Elsa of Arendelle had some help. Frozen is loosely based on this Danish fairytale of good, evil, and deep, deep snow. It joins The Fir Tree as some of Andersen’s most treasured Christmas tales.

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Indoor Family Fun WRITTEN BY

KIMBERLY BLAKER contributing writer

DON'T LET THE weather get your family down — there is no better occasion to enjoy cozy indoor fun. Try some of these ideas to brighten everyone's spirit and strengthen your family bond: 1. Make a tent or fort. Indoor tents and forts make fun play areas, as well as cozy retreats for reading or watching movies. To build a tent, take several bed sheets, tablecloths, or blankets, and hang them over tables or backward-facing chairs. For a more permanent structure, connect PVC tubing into the shape of a box. Then drape it with sheets.

2. Hold a magic show. Pick up magic trick books or watch magic videos online. Let your kids practice up and then perform their act.

3. Have a dance-a-thon. Crank up the volume on your kids’ favorite music and see whose energy holds out the longest.

4. Play bakery. What better way to warm up on a cold day and enjoy family time than to bake up some tasty treats? Make a day of it and get all your baking done in advance for an upcoming gathering, or so you have treats to store. After you've sufficiently sampled the goodies, freeze

the remainder. You could even split into teams and have a bake-off.

5. Sizzling science fun. Search online for fun experiments you can conduct at home with basic household ingredients. Try a few and then make a video of the coolest one to post on YouTube.

6. Have a family workout. Physical fitness is vital for the entire family. Look for a HIIT, Zumba, or another cardiovascular exercise video and try it out together.

7. Hold a family game night. Pull out the cards, board games, and some snacks and have fun playing together.

8. Get cultured. Choose a culture your family would like to experience and learn more about. Look for recipes from that culture online, as well as mealtime customs for a fuller experience. Then have everyone pitch in and help cook the international fare.

9. Perform a puppet show. Pull out old socks or brown paper lunch bags and make your own puppets. Draw the faces and use yarn or string for the hair. Then take turns performing shows.

44 | Holiday 2019

FAMILY MATTERS

Holiday Magic for All Ages TARA BONE contributing writer

WRITTEN BY

AFTER THE BIRTH of our fourth son, I happily answered the typical questions: Yes, we have all boys; yes, I’m OK with that (truly); and yes, there are 10 years between our youngest and new baby. All usual questions, until one random question caught me off guard: “How are you going to juggle holidays with such an age gap?”

Gulp … I had no idea.

I started to wonder how I could create a magical holiday for each of my boys when they range from ages 0 to 16. I was confused and sleep deprived, so I turned to the experts: other amazing moms. What I learned didn’t disappoint and may help other parents wondering how to juggle different ages during the holidays.

Tip #1: No one is too old to experience holiday magic Elizabeth Anderson of Logan has nine children,

ranging in age from 6 to 25. She’s found that it’s a misconception that older children can’t fully enjoy the holidays. She encourages parents to get kids away from distractions and get them engaged in holiday traditions. “After they get started, they enjoy it, even if they groan at first,” she said. The older Anderson children also help their younger siblings in holiday activities.

Elizabeth says this retains holiday wonder for the entire family.

Tip #2: Traditions are key

All moms I talked to share the belief that family traditions are essential for happy holiday experiences for every age. Debbie Stahmann of North Logan is a busy mom with three children, ages 13, 15, and 20. Debbie’s family loves holiday traditions and says traditions create family unity. Debbie recommends that even if a child isn’t eager to participate, parents should still plan the activity, extend an invitation, and keep

The Stahmann Family

| 45

in mind that the child may just do part of it.

Debbie’s advice: “Keep doing it and forge on!”

For example, their family bakes a lot during the holidays and Debbie has found that “food reaches everyone in the family, including teenage boys!”

Tip #3: Keep it simple and play to your strengths

At this point, you could feel guilt (I started to).

Especially if your kids are older and you fear you’re too late. Holiday traditions take planning, time, and effort. But before you feel mom guilt, realize that you’ve probably been doing more than you realize. Many holiday traditions can fit into one of five categories: decorations, activities/crafts, outings, food, and service.

The Anderson Family

Think about the little things you do in each category — they count! If you want to expand, add a few more. But remember that they don’t have to be elaborate.

Before adding more, Debbie advises that moms should build holiday traditions based on their strengths. For example, if you don’t like being in the kitchen, don’t make yourself crazy baking with the family. She cautions, “Traditions can be easy and fit with who we are. Our kids can sense if we are happy … if we are doing it out of guilt or pressure, they can feel it.”

The bottom line: It’s not fancy gifts that create holiday magic. It’s the unity and joy we feel year after year doing traditions that bond our families and create lasting memories.

Traditions from our mom experts: • Decorate your home; this becomes sentimental for the kids.

• Take a Thanksgiving walk; collect leaves for leaf rubbing.

• Explore your community for Christmas lights and decorations.

• Have a snowman building contest.

• Enjoy some fun around the table: Thanksgiving bingo, Mad Libs, or interactive app games.

• Create a Thankful Tree: Make leaves from scrapbook paper and write what you are thankful for.

• Let your kids make Thanksgiving table settings/name place cards.

• Hide a pair of Christmas pajamas in the house for each family member to find on Christmas Eve. • Keep a Christmas journal to write in every year.

• Serve traditional foods for holiday meals.

• Participate in Sub-for-Santa.

• Donate to an Angel Tree.

• Make and donate humanitarian kits.

• Make and deliver goodies to neighbors.

• Read favorite Christmas stories every night through December.

46 | Holiday 2019

Wrap Up Something Unique This Year WRIT T E N BY

RAISE YOUR HAND if you’re one of those parents who wraps up underwear and socks and puts it under the Christmas tree, trying to pass if off as a present for your kids? (Yes, my hand is raised, and I’ve got a sheepish grin on my face.) Maybe it’s the practical side of me, or the fact that my own mother seemed to think it was always a good idea to give what we thought were just “necessities” as gifts, but this year I’m intrigued by the idea of going in different directions with gift-giving for my loved ones.

A few years ago, when we had seven children at home and the idea of even thinking about Christmas seemed daunting, our family decided to simplify. Probably inspired by something I read on Pinterest, we told our kids they could choose four gifts: “Something I Want, Something I Need, Something from Santa, and Something to Read.”

That first Christmas was a hit and caused our children to really focus on things that mattered most to them. We coupled this tradition with a “Family Night of Giving” where we went to a local store one night in December and each child was given some cash. They looked around the store and gave all of their cash to someone they felt needed it. What an amazing experience to see adults show gratitude (and shock) as a small child reached up to give them a few dollars.

One unique idea I’d like to try this year comes from some moms I know who started giving

RORY ANDERSON contributing writer

“experiences” to their children instead of tangible gifts. In one family, children receive one “experience” and one gift from Santa.

Experiences can range from going to see a musical, attending a professional sporting event, or going to Chuck E. Cheese on a daddydaughter date.

One family likes to give an experience gift that allows their children to develop a talent like guitar lessons, cooking lessons, gymnastics, or horseback riding lessons. I can relate. When I was 13, the only thing I wanted for my birthday was saxophone lessons. That was the first time I remember my parents giving me something I truly desired, and I am still grateful for my mom driving me across San Jose, relatively far from our house in the Bay Area, to make sure I could be there every week. I know it was a huge sacrifice for her, but it meant so much to me!

One of the most unique gifts I’ve heard of comes from a family with four small children who let their kids choose a stock to purchase from the stock market. Now, they let their kids check on their own stock to see how much it’s worth and have been able to teach their children about something many adults don’t understand!

So, bag the underwear and socks this year and use your imagination! See what fun and inventive gifts you can come up with.

For when you share everything, including that bug going around.

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