20
in every issue 4 What’s on the Menu for Rejuvenation? 6 Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine: Myth vs. Fact 8 Being a Money Smart Woman: Overcoming Spending Habits 12 15 16 18
10 Estate Planning: Planning for Your Family’s Future 20 Room Make-Over 24 The Old-Fashioned Art of Play 26 ‘Tween Children and Young Adults, You’ll Find Shady Creek
2 22 28 30 32
From the Publisher Share with ME Me and My Home Book Banter Generations & Traditions
Hudson’s 1st Birthday Nicole’s 5th Birthday Logan’s 2nd Birthday Roxy’s Sweet 16
on the cover
Ms. Jyl, Maggie, Isabella and Olivia, photographed by Moments to Remember Photography by Michelle Chandler. Me and Mine magazine is an LLC and its information, format and designs are protected by copyright laws. Any reproduction of content, photography or arrangement is not permitted unless written permission is granted by the publisher of the magazine. Contributing authors and photographers are responsible for content and accuracy in their submissions and Me and Mine Magazine, its founders or members assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Me and Mine Magazine, LLC, copyright 2011
www.meandminemagazine.com
26
6 28
12
1788 Lassen Blvd. • Yuba City
Thank you to our contributors! Aurora Studio aurorastudiophotography.com
Winks Photography winksphoto.blogspot.com
Moments To Remember Photography by Michelle Chandler mymomentstoremember.com
Editor: Jessica Jaeger
Jessica Cole Photography jessicacolephotography.com
Wow Now Photography by Debbie Lavelock wownowphotography.com
Sarah Tamagni Photography sarahtamagniphoto.blogspot.com All you need is an adventurous spirit and creativity to make each day of spring more fun and exciting. I love the spring! The reason behind my love for spring is that I love celebrating my birthday! Even more, I love celebrating my daughters’ birthdays!! Hosting a party is one of my all-time favorite things to do. From selecting the invitations to writing the thank you’s, I love every step in between. We are thrilled to spotlight four fabulous birthday parties in this issue! It’s so much fun to see the different themed parties. Checking out these party photos has made me even more excited about planning my girls’ birthdays this year. I will be taking the Princess Party up a notch for sure! Be sure to follow our blog on meandminemagazine. com, where I’ll share some of my own photos. If you have a celebration to feature in the magazine, share with us! We would be thrilled to hear from you!
AA Self Storage Get organized... we store it until you need it.
2 MONTHS FREE Storage Unit 5x5 or 5x10 Ideal for: Office - Record Storage - Apartments - Contractors - Personal Items ATV’s - Jet Skis - Hunting/Fishing - Christmas Decorations
671-0563 • aa-ministorage.com How will you make the most of this season? What do you love most about spring? Whether you are creating your personal best, sky diving, becoming a chef, traveling, gardening, or simply keeping up with your family…tell us! We can’t wait to hear about it and share the details with our readers! I hope you enjoy this beautiful season and the sweet days ahead! Jennifer Jaeger Traynham, Publisher
Isn’t it just crazy how much time we spend making choices? Like many of the best things in life, it can be time consuming and fascinating! Included in our Spring issue is a wonderful collection of our favorite businesses. This obsession of delivering our community’s best businesses to you is exactly what makes me dedicated
create your dream yard • Monthly Seminars • Great selection of shrubs, flowers, and trees. • Lots of veggie plants for your veggie garden. • Knowledgeable and Friendly Service.
to our advertisers and their incredible services and offers for you!
We are committed to delivering a highquality, gorgeous publication. Our blog and online magazine utilize state-of-the-art page flipping technology, sharing our advertisers with our readers and providing internet exposure—complete with direct links to advertiser’s website and/or email address. We love to help our local businesses with branding, networking, and growing. Our advertisers are our partners in not only inspiring the economy and their business, but doing something really wonderful for our community…and we pass this all on to you! Thank you for your compliments on our magazine. Our readers continue to grow and we are so grateful for the community support! Be sure to thank the extraordinary businesses for taking this journey with us, advertising with Me and Mine and making this possible! HaPPy SPriNg…. Rona Desmond, Marketing & Advertising Executive
530-633-4526
Bring in your gardening questions and your wish list so we can help you create your dream yard. Visit us on our website, and Facebook.
2
www.flowerhutnursery.com
Hours 9am - 5pm Wednesday - Monday (closed Tues)
603 4TH ST. WHEATLAND, CALIFORNIA
Moments to Remember
Michael D. Larson, DDS, MSD.
YUBA CITY ORTHODONTICS 1215 Plumas Street, Suite 500 Yuba City, CA 95991
(530) 674-5047
www.yubacityortho.com
A SMILE IS
THE ULTIMATE ACCESSORY
By Jenine Tanabe MD Photography by Winks Photography
4
The clear and simple way to straighten your teeth.
GENERAL COSMETIC DENTISTRY INVISIBLE BRACES 1275 Tharp Road Suite A Yuba City (530) 673-4614 • 360 A 5th Street Colusa (530) 458-4616 Check out www.meandminemagazine.com to get a coupon for a special offer on invisible braces.
www.tomgibsondds.com Contrary to what Oprah or Dr. Oz tells us,
sure to improve your look‌but those are on
choice for drooping, sagging skin. You can
Prices may vary depending
there is no quick, nonsurgical way to turn back the clock. Cosmetic surgery is the
select procedures off the a la carte menu,
another menu!
on product, brands,
such as an eyelid, jowl, or forehead lift.
geographical locations, etc.
be more than you want. For a moderate
$$ = $100-500
You will get a better price if you choose a complete facelift package, but it may
approach, I recommend 1 or 2 procedures, like the eyelid and forehead lift together.
That way, the improvement is incremental rather than jaw-dropping. Cost =$$$$$
Of course, there are other ways to improve your appearance. Adequate sleep, stress
reduction, healthy eating and exercise are
$ = up to $100 $$$ = $500-2,000 $$$$ = $2,000-5,000 $$$$$ = $5,000-10,000
Dr. Jenine Tanabe has practiced Dermatology in the Yuba-Sutter area for 25 years. Born in Marysville, Dr. Tanabe grew up in Gridley and completed medical schoool at UC San Francisco and specialty training at UC Davis. Dr. Tanabe and her husband returned to their hometown to raise their family and now have three married children and one grandchild. Dr. Tanabe has her main office in Marysville and a satellite clinic in Gridley. Photo by Moments to Remember Photography
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Myth Vs. Fact By John Walz, MS.OM, L.Ac Photography by Moments to Remember Photography
As more people look for natural ways of healing, interest in Alternative and
Complimentary Medicine in the United
States is soaring. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicines are some of the most
commonly used natural healing methods
in the world, yet many myths still abound regarding the practice of these ancient
healing arts. Here are some of the most common misunderstandings.
Myth: Acupuncture is a painful process. Fact: Acupuncture needles are nothing at
all like hypodermic needles. They are hair thin and most often painless on insertion. Most patients report that a treatment is relaxing and promotes a positive feeling of well-being.
Myth: Acupuncture is risky and potentially
harmful. Fact: Adverse reactions to acupuncture are very infrequent, and in the rare cases where they do happen, they are usually very minimal. The only legal acupuncture needles are pre-sterilized and single use. When used properly the risk of cross infection is 0%.
Myth: Acupuncture is poorly regulated and
6
practitioners receive little training. Fact: Acupuncturists obey the same OSHA hygiene regulations that doctors and hospitals do. Acupuncture practice and education is regulated by the Acupuncture Board of the state of California, as well as a National Council (NCAAOM). After completion of an associate level degree, there is a minimum of three years of full
time education and training. The entry level diploma in California is a Master’s Degree. Acupuncturists need to pass a rigorous licensing exam in California and also receive a great deal of modern medicine training, including coursework in bio-chemistry, anatomy and physiology, pathology, and western medicine diagnosis.
Myth: Acupuncture works only as a placebo. Fact: Many research studies in the United
States, Europe, and China have proven that acupuncture provides both short and long term pain relief and that it stimulates endorphins, natural pain relieving elements in the body. MRI studies have shown that acupuncture also stimulates the brain in ways not readily understood through modern medicine.
Myth: Acupuncture is expensive. Fact: Most major health plans in California
include some coverage for acupuncture. The new health care law will most likely expand that coverage. When paying out of pocket, an acupuncture treatment costs less than it would cost for dinner for two at most nice restaurants.
Myth: Children could not tolerate acupuncture. Fact: Very young children receive acupuncture in China; I have worked on children as young as nine years old. Pediatrics is also a specialty within Chinese Medicine. Myth: Acupuncture only works for pain. Fact: The World Health Organization
approves acupuncture for the treatment of many conditions other than pain,
including allergies, asthma, gastrointestinal conditions, Bell’s Palsy, and weakness following stroke. Acupuncture has been used for centuries in China to treat gynecological disorders, infertility in men and women, and emotional and psychological conditions.
Myth: Modern drugs are more potent than Chinese herbs and treat a wider variety of conditions. Fact: Some modern drugs have been made from Chinese herbs. Tami-Flu was made from Chinese Star Anise, Digitalis from Chinese Foxglove, and Ephedrine from Ma Huang (Ephedra). Chinese herbal practitioners are no longer able to use poppy seed which opiates (such as morphine) were derived from, so this class of drug is stronger than what we can now offer. Sometimes Chinese herbs will work faster and be more effective than modern drugs without the negative side effects. Chinese herbs will often heal the problem, rather than just treating a symptom. Chinese herbs are also used to treat gynecological conditions, degenerative diseases due to aging, acute diseases like intestinal flu or colds, and chronic diseases such as allergies. Myth: Chinese Herbal Medicine can’t be taken with modern medicines. Fact: Negative interactions between Chinese herbs and modern drugs are rare, and when they do happen it is often when individuals self-prescribe or use the herbs and drugs incorrectly. Most Chinese herbs can be taken along with your modern drugs; in fact, some can reduce the amount of drug needed or reduce the side effects of modern medications. We work closely with MD’s when and if there are ever concerns. However, some Chinese herbs should not be taken with modern drugs. For example, Coumadin and Ginko are a poor combination. Licensed Acupuncturists in
California are also trained in Chinese Herbal medicines and some specialize in the practice. Drug-herb interactions are studied during our training. Fifty hours of continuing education every two years is a license requirement and most practitioners will take courses in the latest research on the subject. Many books and databases are available, and the responsible practitioner will check every herb and drug for possible known negative interactions.
Myth: Chinese herbs are poorly regulated and can contain harmful substances. Fact: Chinese herbs are regulated by both the FDA and the State of California. It is good to know the source of herbs because quality control in China is poor and there is a pollution issue there. I only purchase herbs for my patients and my family from US-based companies that put the herbs through US standard quality controls. Some herbs have been banned due to abuse potential or because they come from endangered species.
Jeetinder Sohal, MD, ObGYN is dedicated to quality women’s healthcare... • Gynecology • Obstetric Care • Preventive Care Jeetinder Sohal, MD
• Menopausal Evaluation and Therapy
530-751-7350 • M-F 9am to 5pm smgobgyn.com
470 Del Norte Ave Yuba City, CA 95991
creating
beautiful smiles...
Myth: Chinese Herbs
will taste bad, will be difficult to use, and have horrible side effects. Fact: Some Chinese herbs taste great such as Licorice Root, Tumeric and Cinnamon. Some of the herbs can taste bitter when used in their traditional form such as a tea, so modern herbalists use capsule and pill form that are swallowed for ease of use. Most Chinese herbs have no negative side effects. In fact, problems you didn’t even know were associated with a condition will improve also. The most common negative side effects of Chinese herbs are changes in bowels, which are most often mild and temporary.
orthodontics specialist and dentafacial orthopedics
clear braces invisilign® treatments available over 30 years of providing quality orthodontics
Myth: Chinese herbs are expensive. Fact: A weekly dose of many herbs can be as little as ten dollars.
Often times, the herbs will heal a condition so you don’t have to continue taking them forever or you can lower doses as the condition improves. A good quality Ginseng or Deer Antler can be pricey, but not everyone is going to need those herbs. I hope that this helps you in making decisions on whether or not to try Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for your health needs.
excellence in creating beautiful smiles by an orthodontic specialist
...for every BIG day of your life! GALEN FILLMORE, D.D.S., M.S. YUBA CITY 751-1225
OROVILLE 533-3053
GRIDLEY 846-3673
CHICO 893-8201
1215 Plumas St., Ste. 1101
John Walz has a Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine from The New York College of Health Professions. Mr. Walz has been a Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist and Massage Therapist for over twelve years and has practiced locally in Yuba City for over four years. Photo by Moments to Remember Photography.
• Teen Care • Surgical Offerings • Contraception • Infertility
540 Vermont St.
2770 Olive Hwy, Ste. F
250 Vallombrosa, Ste. 300
ORLAND 988-9118
754 E. Walker Street, Ste. 2
www.FillmoreDDS.com Complimentary Orthodontic Exam
visit www.meandminemagazine.com for coupons and savings towards orthodontic treatment.
7
Never in my lifetime has our country been in such a financial crisis, and it does not look like we will be recovering anytime soon. This is not the time to let our negative spending habits get us into deeper financial and personal trouble. Let’s put on our big girl panties and get to it!
If you want to be a money smart woman, you have got to have a plan. This plan needs to focus on recognizing what kind of spender you are, identifying the triggers to your unhealthy spending, and DOING something different. Remember, you are not alone. Hundreds of thousands of Americans are struggling along with you. You have a few advantages, though: you can learn about your spending personality and be able to make small changes for big dividends.
In the last issue I identified 7 Spending Personalities. You may have found that you have more than one of these traits, which is not uncommon. Let’s review.
1. Impulse Buyers make up the largest group. Basically, this buyer buys on a whim, makes unplanned purchases, lacks selfcontrol in buying situations, and lacks no clear priorities for spending.
2. The Fanatical Shopper needs to be in control. She/he views shopping as a win/ lose battle to get the best deal, placing little to no value on the time and energy it takes. She/he may buy items they do not need or that are of poorer quality when they find a really GREAT discount. 3. The Passive Buyer dislikes shopping, so doesn’t comparison shop or ask questions and lacks sale resistance. This person may be easily swayed by a salesperson, and is too “busy,” so makes shopping a low priority.
4. Avoidance Shoppers use shopping to escape from the stress of life (retail therapy). They may shop when lonely or bored, out of revenge, to feel in control, or may be unable to show affection very well and buy gifts instead. 5. The Esteem Buyer is the 2nd most
8
common spending personality. This buyer buys only designer labels from prestigious
stores, won’t shop or even look at discount stores, and is really buying to impress others. This is the most common teenager buying personality.
6. Gotta-Have- It Buyers collect things as a hobby to the point of causing financial or personal problems. This buying activity is pursued even when money is needed for much more important things, like house payments, utilities, etc. Having excessive possessions is a form of addiction. Hoarders may fit well in this category. 7. The Hot Potato Buyer
procrastinates and worries over what to do with their money. She/he may have trouble making decisions about what to buy until the anxiety gets so bad the individual makes an impulsive decision just to get it over with. This can be very dangerous because the individual is acting emotionally, not logically. So how do we change these spending habits? We can start by learning to avoid common mistakes.
There are three ways to overcome unhealthy spending habits that are universal for all 7 spending personalities. Here they are: 1.) Find other recreational activities besides shopping. 2.) Leave credit cards at home until you have done your homework. 3.) Have a list of spending priorities with you at all times.
An impulsive spender’s biggest problem is failing to pre-determine spending priorities. First things first: Leave the presence of the item you want to buy and consult your list of priorities. If you feel the impulse, think about your property taxes, your car insurance, your mortgage, or your rent. Focus on how you are saving money for something you really need. Ask yourself what or how you are “feeling” when you have the urge to buy. Are you tired, angry, hungry, scared, or lonely? None of these problems are solved by buying an expensive item you don’t really need and will be paying on for years if you use your credit card. Sleep, eat, vent, or meet with friends before you decide to buy.
Fanatical shoppers and smart shoppers have some similarities, but fanatical shoppers carry it to the extreme. One solution is to maintain a balanced perspective, meaning one needs to factor in the value of the time and energy spent on trying to get the best price. Obsessive control is not healthy at work, in the family, or in spending money. Set priorities for spending and keep them with you as a reminder. Ask yourself if it really makes sense to shop for weeks or drive all over town just to save a few dollars.
Passive buyers must first get comfortable with not knowing everything! No one is an expert on everything, so learn to ask questions, because it is your hardearned money that may be wasted if you don’t. Internet shopping or shopping by phone can be another way to avoid being passive, in that you generally can get information and have less contact with salespeople who may try to pressure you.
Avoidance buyers must first recognize
and admit that there is a problem, and then seek out the source of stress in their lives that is the root of this spending personality. Finding ways to relieve stress can really help. If they don’t, chances are professional intervention may be needed. Start with a financial counselor if the problems are primarily financial. If the problems involve other areas of your life, you may want to see a counselor or therapist. Remember that these problems will not just go away on their own, and will almost always get worse if you take no action to resolve them. Developing new coping skills is important.
Esteem buying is really a problem of self-esteem. The esteem buyer needs to recognize that they are subconsciously buying based on other people’s values, not their own. Self-esteem isn’t something you wear or buy. It is how you feel about yourself. One of the best ways to feel good about yourself is to take charge of your life, starting with control of your spending decisions. You should buy based on your needs and values, not someone else’s. Don’t place your self-worth in the items you buy. The Gotta-Have-It buyer is dealing
with a compulsion that is very hard to stop. I once had a client who was addicted to the Home Shopping Network. She had few friends and actually grew to think these
folks she called to buy things she didn’t need were her friends. Her home was crowded with unopened boxes of items. There was nowhere to have a meal, or sit down with a cup of coffee, or do any of the social things that friends do. The first step for her was recognizing and admitting that she had a problem. She needed professional help. Professional counselors and support groups can be very helpful for people with this spending personality. She also had to learn to avoid triggers such as late night TV, or computer shopping, or going to malls as a recreation. This behavior is a form of addiction and needs to be treated as such.
If you are a Hot Potato buyer, WAIT! Use time before you buy to educate yourself about the basics of decision making. Read books, ask experts. Don’t overlook small decisions over a small amount of money which may wear you down. Whatever you do, don’t just sit and worry. That is harmful to both you and your relationships. If
the indecision is accompanied by a major life trauma, like the death of a spouse or retirement, experts recommend waiting at least 6 months before making any major financial decisions. Use this time to educate yourself.
Overcoming and eliminating unhealthy spending starts with small steps. If you have seen yourself in one or more of these spending personalities, consider your first small step. Think of who can help you, including but not limited to Consumer Credit Counselors, Debtors Anonymous, a support group, a therapist or counselor, or a trusted friend or spouse. Make plans for each step you will take. Write down your three Top Spending Priorities and keep this with you at all times. Don’t shop when you are hungry, lonely, tired, angry or scared. These are all triggers for you to go “unconscious” and spend, spend, spend. You are not alone, you are not a bad person, you just need to learn some new spending habits.
Sharen Dowdall Cornils is an RN, holds a Master of Arts Degree in Psychology, is a Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in Children’s behavior issues, and a Management Training Consultant specializing in Executive Coaching. She lives in Yuba City and contributes to articles for several publications. Photo by Moments to Remember Photography.
Eric Delman, D.O., P.C. General Surgeon Laser Vein Treatment
For Both Varicose & Spider Veins • Non-surgical • In-office procedure • Resume normal activities same day Did you know... Most insurances (including MediCal) cover Varicose Vein treatments?
Kevin Robert DeHoff
Northern California’s Premier Wedding & Event Florist
1500 North Beale Road Marysville, California
530
743-7387
Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. • Sat 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
mycountryflorist.com All Insurances Accepted Mention this ad and receive a free consultation 1168 Live Oak Blvd. • Yuba City • 751-7444
Voted
If your happy home
includes small children,
chances are that you have more love than money
right now. You may not make much income yet; in fact, you might feel
like you’re just scraping by. Maybe you have a
small savings account
or haven’t been able to start one quite yet. If
you’ve purchased your
own house, you may not have much equity in the
property but are looking
forward to that someday.
By Paulla Hyatt-McIntire, Esq., Martinez Hayes Hyatt Hill LLP Photography by Wow Now Photography With children, work, and a home to
afford the expense. There’s another reason
fact, you might wonder: Why would I
deals with feelings and thoughts that many
maintain, preparing an estate plan is
probably the last thing on your mind. In
waste money preparing a will or other legal documents when I can’t even figure out
how to send my kids to college in 15 years? Obviously, estate planning is one thing you can cross off your list right now, right? Wrong.
Actually, you are a prime candidate for estate planning. The fact that you are young and have children living at home is the very
reason you should make a plan. At the very least, you and your
partner need wills that protect your family.
It would be great to have a trust. It would also be nice if you were to engage in some form of financial planning or college planning. At
the very least, though, you should have wills that name a guardian for your children.
Many young parents avoid estate
planning because they think of themselves as too young and healthy to need such
10
planning, or because they believe they can’t
for avoiding this type of planning that is quite understandable: Estate planning
of us prefer to ignore. Obviously, no one wants to think about his or her children
being orphaned. At the same time, however, no parents would want their children to be raised by an unstable, undesirable or
unsuitable family member. Likewise, no
parents would want siblings to be split up
and dispersed across both sides of a family because of someone else’s wishes. Naming a preferred guardian is a way to make
sure that your family is protected in your absence.
While a will, trust, or nomination of guardian cannot absolutely prevent undesirable
results, these documents can clearly and
definitively communicate parental wishes.
Depending on whom you expect to care for your children, you may also want to set up
your estate so that money will be available to cover your children’s needs. Often,
this involves planning for life insurance proceeds.
Tools like trusts can make a major difference in how much of your estate may go to taxes, and can also ensure the safety of the money
you leave to minor children. If you
fee for this initial appointment
or if you have a blended family, it
about the family needs and
expect any problems with your estate plans being carried out,
can be doubly important to work
out decisions for your estate long before you have no further say in the matter.
For parents of young children, the objectives of estate planning are to: • plan for the care of their children • ensure that their
property will be transferred to desired individuals
• determine who
should handle the business affairs of the estate, and
(there usually is) and how fees
are structured. Bring information property. Do not be put off by
legal jargon. Ask questions. Insist
on understanding the plan and its implications. Clients need to be
comfortable with the structure of their estate plans.
In the final analysis, the
preparation of an estate plan including a nomination of a
guardian is simply another part of fulfilling your responsibility
as a parent. Creating an estate
plan will provide you with peace of mind because you’ll know
that you have done all you can to ensure your children’s safe and secure future.
• determine who will
handle the children’s property until they are older.
If you have minor children, the time to start estate planning
is now. Make a list of property
you own, how it is titled, its fair
market value, and the amount of indebtedness against it. List life
insurance policies and retirement plans and their owners and
beneficiaries. Think about the
present and future needs of your family. No plans can be made without this homework.
Regardless of how simple the
situation appears, legal help is necessary. People who do not
have a regular attorney should talk to friends. They may be
able to suggest attorneys they
consider trustworthy, responsive, and qualified. After locating
an attorney, call for an initial
appointment. Ask if there is a
Paulla Hyatt-McIntire is one of the five partners in the law firm of Martinez Hayes Hyatt & Hill LLP. Paulla is an Estate Planning and Probate attorney; her practice is focused on representation of individuals in estate planning matters, including preparation of revocable and irrevocable trusts for married, single and same-sex partners and post-death administration of trusts and estates. In addition to Paulla’s experience in law, she spent nine years as an elementary and middle school teacher for the Yuba City Unified and Franklin Elementary School Districts.
1258 Stabler Lane, Suite 140 Yuba City, California 95993
(530) 673-7000
Paulla is married to Brad McIntire and their family includes daughters Jackie and Katie and son Zach. Photo by Moments to Remember Photography.
11
begin!
By Jennifer Jaeger Traynham Photography by Bree Gianassi Little and Jessica Cole Photography
Hudson’s 1st Birthday Hudson was born in December
2009, and it was about that time
that his mom Bree Gianassi Little
and her close friend Carey Powell
started planning his first birthday party. Bree and Carey started
by brainstorming. In this phase, they allowed themselves to throw out any
idea, no matter how crazy or bizarre.
They scoured through websites, blogs,
magazines, and cookbooks, looking for that perfect party theme.
That’s what led them to the idea for a
“Mr. Man Party” from the Hostess with the Mostess website (whose creator, Jenn Sbranti, is originally from Yuba City!). After seeing this idea on the website, Bree and Carey knew they
had found the theme for Hudson’s 1st
birthday party. “We just changed it to a
‘Little Man Party’ since our last name is Little…it was too good to resist!” says Bree.
12
With inspiration from Hostess with
the Mostess, as well as their own ideas thrown into the mix, they put together one fun party!
Bree, the owner of Always Elegant
Bridal and Tuxedo and Wedding Tulle, designed a custom invitation for the
event. She included a photo captured
by Jessica Cole Photography and came up with a quirky and fun design to let
everyone in on the party theme right off the bat.
The party included many “manly” props, foods, and decorations.
One of the foods that made the party was the chocolate moustaches! Bree and Carey could have bought them, but Bree insists that
homemade is better—and cheaper. Carey made them with melted down Dove chocolates, and they were delicious!
Decorations for the party were made by Bree and her friend Brandy, who picked out a bunch of beautifully patterned papers and made
multiple ties for banners and gift bags. Tie-shaped cookies for the guests were also made by Ashley Park of Wooden Spoon Catering.
Bree and her husband Dan decided on the “Little Man” party food.
They created a menu of “mini man food,” such as mini sliders, popcorn chicken, pigs-in-a-blanket,
and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
The birthday cake and
matching mini cake for
Hudson, both patterned after the invitations, were created by Mickey’s Cake Creations. As for the entertainment,
Bree set up a photo booth.
She printed out a variety of
Sometimes It Takes More Than A Hug To Make It All Better The healthcare professionals in our Pediatrics and Neonatology department at Peachtree Healthcare work for a very special group of people... your children. From our physicians to our nurses and nutritional experts, every individual is dedicated to providing your child with the finest care available.
Accepting New Patients: • We accept new Medi-Cal patients CHDP/Health Families • Gateway – 30 day Medi-Cal program – Immunizations, Physical, Prescriptions, Dental & X-Rays • Most forms of insurance, sliding fee scale based on income • All of our clinics have bilingual staff moustaches and glued them onto sticks for photo props, and made
several signs of good wishes and happy birthday messages to Hudson for guests to hold in the photos.
The party was a success, and Bree and Carey are already looking
forward to the birthday party craziness that next year will bring!
We offer Tdap shots: 2011-2012 school year, students entering 7th – 12th grades must have Tdap before entry into school in the fall.
County Plaza, 5730 Packard Ave., Suite 500, Linda Monday-Friday 8am-5pm • Saturday 9am-1pm
www.PeachTreeHealthCare.org (530) 749-3242
St. Isidore Catholic School
Established 1955
Family Physicians A Medical Corporation
J. David Miller, III, D.O. | Kimdary Chek, M.D. Dwain W. Rickertsen, M.D. | John G. McAvoy, P.A.
Planting Seeds of Faith and Knowledge Preschool through 8th grade • Catholic education that promotes Christian values and service that nurtures the whole child • Music, art, computers • Competitive sports program • Hot lunch program • Before/After school care • Experienced Faculty • Single grade classrooms
for a Call now our! Private t
LOSE WEIGHT? Every year we say it, this year make it happen. Family Physicians is dedicated to making this year your success story. Medically supervised to help you achieve your goal. Lose fat, inches and gain energy.
GET YOUR LIFE BACK AGAIN!
200 Clark Avenue, Yuba City 95991 530-673-2217 www.stisidore-yubacity.org/isidoreschool.html
LASER HAIR REMOVAL Family Physicians hair removal system delivers a specially tailored light source for hair removal. Delivering 21st century technology for making unwanted hair a thing of the past.
SAFE, FAST & COMFORTABLE
Check out our website for more information: familyphysiciansinc.com and �ind valuable coupons at: meandminemagazine.com
Call (530) 671-2020 for an appointment today! 1233 Plumas Street, Suite A | Yuba City, CA 95991
By Jennifer Jaeger Traynham Photography by Moments to Remember Photography
Nicole’s 5th Birthday A luau for a little girl is what Gretchen Carrere envisioned for her daughter Nicole’s 5th birthday party. So they transformed their backyard into “Nicole’s Hawaiian Island,” and
directed their guests to the party with a hanging wooden hula sign. Once there, they were greeted by Tiki torches,
paper lanterns, fresh pineapples, and
orchid flowers. Gretchen easily found inexpensive decorations to make the luau complete. She also filled the swimming
the Carrere’s is making homemade ice cream
The menu consisted of pulled pork with
Not only did the guests receive their own
pools with beach balls that had the kids’ names written on them.
Hawaiian rolls, ribs, fruit salad, and coleslaw.
Gretchen made cupcakes, and found Hawaiian cupcake wrappers and hula girl toothpicks
on-line at www.merimeri.com. A tradition for
for their celebrations, and for this event, they made Cherry Almond.
personalized beach ball to take home, but the
girls each received a sweet flower bracelet and the boys each received a puka shell necklace.
Homemade Cherry Almond Ice Cream 5 eggs. Beat until foamy. 2 ¼ cup sugar. Add slowly to eggs. 1 cup milk. Add to mixture. 2 qts half & half. Add to mixture. ¼ tsp salt. Add to mixture. One small bottle almond extract. Add to mixture. One jar Maraschino cherries. Chop cherries and add entire jar (including juice) to mixture. Mix all together and pour into ice cream maker.
15
By Jennifer Jaeger Traynham Photography by Sarah Tamagni Photography
Logan’s 2nd Birthday
Planning a farm-themed party for her son Logan was a no brainer for Tamara Williams. She told us, “He’s all boy and he LOVES tractors, so my vision was a fun tractor extravaganza! I wanted everything from tractors, animals, and hay bales to cowboy hats and bugs! I wanted it to all look great, but more importantly, be fun for the birthday boy!”
Instead of going out and buying all new
blast taking pictures with. Tamara also
from friends. She used Logan’s toy
way to give a personal touch to the
decorations, Tamara first used what
she had around her house or borrowed tractors as centerpieces, and borrowed Logan’s grandma’s canning jars to use as flower vases on the table, adding a cute touch. She used the back of
Logan’s gator as an ice chest for the kids’ drinks and called it the “Fuel Station.”
Tamara also went online to find more
inspiration for party decorations. One great find was John Deere scarves that she tied together to make a garland.
Another was a fun cardboard cutout of
a tractor that the kids and adults had a
16
suggested finding printables on-line.
“Printables are such a cheap and easy party,” she said.
Hay bales were a perfect touch of decor to this party and doubled as extra
seating for guests. A local traveling petting zoo was also a huge hit for entertainment.
To make this party even sweeter,
Tamara added a candy station of farmthemed treats and a barn cake!
Gift Outlet Open Monday - Friday 8 am to 4 pm 901 N Walton Avenue Yuba City CA 95993 800-447-5218 www.sunsweet.com
By Jennifer Jaeger Traynham Photography by Sarah Tamagni Photography
Roxy’s Sweet 16!!! Jill Lessard put together an amazing event for her daughter Roxy’s Sweet
Sixteen. “Roxy is a farm girl at heart! She raises her pigs for the Silver Dollar
and Butte County fair and you can always count on country music playing in her car or by the pool, so a country theme was perfect for her birthday,” Jill said. For decorations, the front driveway was covered by hay and 65 bales were
stacked throughout the yard. Jill also decided on two long tables for family-style dining, complete with checkered red linens! Behind the dining tables stood a huge “ROXY 16” cut-out that Roxy’s sister and grandpa designed.
Jill is extremely talented with flowers, and put together several arrangements
that consisted of ranunculus, dahlia, wheat, roses, hypericum berries, and
Gerber daisies. She hung jelly jars on metal decorative stakes throughout the yard, which provided great mood lighting.
“A party like this takes weeks of planning and organizing,” Jill said. “I’m in bed
at night thinking of the small details, like having live baby chicks close by for the country sounds, or the DJ’s music selection.”
Dinner for the party was made by family. It consisted of barrel roasted tritip, BBQ chicken, pasta salad, baked beans, and chili. A family friend also
made bread and jam for the tables. For dessert, guests enjoyed homemade pie, as well as a
special Sweet 16 cake and sugar cookies made by Brand McFarlen. Old-fashioned soda bottles in galvanized tubs added a fun touch.
Jill gives many thanks to her family and loyal
friends that helped her pull off this amazing event!
18
Come in and check out Little Bean our children’s collection
Frannie Bean
Kitchen Store & More
960 Tharp Rd., Suite C, Yuba City 530-822-0100
Get the hair you want
NOW!
Hair Extensions give you the hair you want now without having to wait for it to grow.
With Shrink links you are able to re use the hair up to 3-4 times making it cost effective for you! Each strand is individually placed giving it a natural, wearable look. With the Shrink Link application it is safe for your hair.
Be your own celebrity with
elissa oma
Color Specialist CALL TODAY TO MAKE APPOINTMENT
530.415.6641
Tell us which area of your home needs work, and we can help! before
Written by Rona Desmond Photography by Winks Photography
Liz responded, “My guest room is in desperate need of help! It ends up being a storage room and I would love for it to be a welcoming room for company or a playroom for my twin girls!”
Coco Chanel, one of the greatest fashion designers of the 20th century, once said, “The most courageous act is to think for yourself. Aloud.” This is why the best decorators are courageous; they think for themselves. When we took on this project, our rescue mission was to create a serene yet bold oasis where the worries of the day could melt away. We wanted to create a special room for both mom and babies, with an option for guests too! We wanted to help Liz make this space into something wonderful. Our goal was to make the most of this space, make it wonderfully comfortable, and be true to the family for whom we were creating this masterpiece.
after
We began our project with a visit to Evan’s Furniture in Yuba City. The relaxed atmosphere and 36,000 square feet of home furnishings made it easy to roam the galleries for wall color and furniture ideas. There were so many options! Our masterminds agreed to let the big furniture pieces set the tone, while accent pieces, lighting, and color could be used to define Liz’s personal style. At first, we loved the idea of a day bed, and also found a wonderful chair that converted into a twin bed, but in the end we decided on the flip flop bed. It was a great height and material for kids, and even had a built-in tray and cup holder for snacks, which is easy to wipe down and clean up! Plus, this piece would be cozy for overnight visitors.
Creating a basket for the girls’ favorite toys was a perfect idea. We gathered the toys, put them in the basket, and then put the basket on the floor next to the desk, so it can easily be moved to the playpen, living room, or anywhere else the girls go. Because little girls can make a mess of things within their reach, we found a perfect table to store toys by type. It will also be great for projects! We dropped by Ruby Q’s in Gridley and filled our storage chest with goodies, including art supplies, puzzles, blocks and games!
20
One thing we knew for sure was that Liz would need her own desk and organized work space, and we found a perfect desk and chair to work in the space and give mom enough room to work! An appropriate strategy for a busy room is to create a focal point, so we used the flat surface of the desk as a showcase area, with one central display. Adding a beautiful vase full of sunflowers, purchased from Evan’s, as the center of attention brought this room together wonderfully. A desktop should provide enough room for basic office tools and for space to comfortably write, use a laptop, open your mail, and for Liz…do art projects or homework. We wanted enough room around everything to allow movement, and a relaxing
place to work while the girls play! Our traditional desk with a drawer provided additional storage for things Liz would prefer to keep out of view. To make the best use of this space and keep it as organized as possible, we added organizational containers for Liz. Clever and inexpensive storage is easy if you know where to find it, and these were purchased at Target. High shelves on one of the walls were used to store infrequently used objects. We purchased pull-out bins and baskets from Target to put on the shelves to keep craft supplies, wrapping supplies and personal items separate from the girls’ books, videos and toys. While at Evan’s, we even selected our new paint color. Evan’s has different colors throughout their showroom, and we fell in love with Sherwin Williams’ Paper Lantern. It was the perfect buttery yellow, which gave this room a nice feminine touch! A coordinating colorful rug and pillows (also found at Evan’s) were used to anchor the room, creating a happy space for Liz and her girls.
Liz had beautiful prints of the twins that we knew had to be framed and used in this room. We found frames to blend the browns used in the room and stacked the framed photos of her sweet babies.
Thank you Liz for allowing us to make over your room! We had so much fun! You never know what Me and Mine will make over next...
Share… get We Love
into the
Amazing, creative, inspiring women…
Take a Hike!
Seriously, take a hike…for instance, to the top of Feather Falls.
Some hikes are about the journey, others are about the destination. This one is about both. You’ll walk through groves of cedar, pine, nutmeg, maple, and dogwood trees, you’ll pass hillsides of spring and early summer wildflowers, and you’ll rest alongside the misty and meandering Frey Creek. You’ll enjoy the hike…and then you’ll have to work for its prize. You’ll climb steeply for the last 1.5 miles, working your way toward the deafening roar of the 6th tallest waterfall in the United States. Then, you’ll see it -- the clear waters of the Fall River crashing 640 vertical feet into the granite below -- and it will all be worth it. The viewing platform (perched on a knife-ridge and jutting out directly in front of the falls and above the Feather River Canyon) is a great place to have a snack and shoot some pictures. After leaving the platform, continue 0.2 miles to the top of the falls where you can lounge on slabs of granite and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Visit the meandminemagazine.com blog for directions to this destination and find out about other outdoor adventures from David Gilbert.
Spring is here!
This is a great time of year to get started on your summer gardens. Here are some things you can do this month…
Check r out ou re or mo blog f ips ning t e d r a g y& for Ma June
Eat less meat!
It’s good for your waistline! Watch our blog for Rona’s favorite vegetarian recipes!
#1 Resolution… Be Healthier!
Select and plant flowering trees, shrubs and perennials. Plant summer bulbs like gladiolas, begonias, and dahlias now for summer color. Use a spring lawn fertilizer and start controlling weeds in the lawn. Spread a good all-purpose fertilizer around trees and shrubs, and spread mulch in beds to help with weed control.
Add compost or other soil additives to the soil in your veggie garden before you start planting this season’s vegetable plants.
Plant root crops like potatoes, radishes, carrots, beets and parsnips. It is still a good time to plant beans and peas…but still too early to plant warm weather veggies like
tomatoes, peppers, and squash. Lots of people will plant these warmer weather veggies now, but most will not grow until soil temps rise next month.
Plant berries and fruit trees.
22
Don’t forget to use snail bait! Snails love all the bright green growth on new plants and can do serious damage in your vegetable and flower beds. Contributed by Jennifer Miner, Flower Hut Nursery
conversation! This…for That!!
Soothing and anti-inflammatory, oatmeal contains beta glucan, a soluble fiber that creates a thin, moisture-retaining film on the surface of the skin. Place a handful of whole oats in a clean washcloth and use a rubber band to secure it. Next, immerse it in a sinkful of warm water and squeeze the bag four or five times. Once the water is cloudy, splash it on your face and then air-dry.
Women & Infants Services at Fremont Thousands of babies born in Yuba-Sutter begin life in the comfortable, supportive environment of Fremont Medical Center. We now offer improved maternal, infant and family bonding and comfort by providing enhanced accommodations including: - Lovely, spacious private bedrooms to encourage “Couplet Care”. The new baby and new parents have an opportunity to room together – All rooms offer private occupancy
Milani OPT IC A L
“Q ualit y E yewear • Fast, Friendly Ser vice” Licensed Optician 45 Years Combined Experience Large Selection Of Fashion Eyewear and Sunglasses
For all of you. For all of your life.
530 751-4165 / www.FRHG.org
Fremont Medical Center has been awarded with Healthgrades® 2009/2010 & 2010/2011 Maternity Care Specialty Excellence AwardTM. This award places FMC within the top 5% of hospitals nationwide for maternity services.
Specializing In Designer Eyewear, Prescription Sunglasses, Sports and Kid’s Eyewear. On Site Finish Lab and Repair Service
644 Plumas Street • Yuba City, CA
530-673-2828
The Old-Fashioned
As a child, play was always a part of my
Written by Meghan Hamilton
Photography by Wow Now Photography
day. Whether I played with my friends at school, in the fields surrounding my
house, or in my room with my sister, play was an integral component of my life.
Play for me involved blocks, dolls, cars, sticks, rocks, bugs, and really anything
else that I could safely get my hands on. I also remember always being on the
lookout for potential items that helped me design and build my latest living-
room fort. Play was always allowed and
encouraged in my home. Play began once homework was finished and didn’t end
for my sister and me until the sun went down or it was time for dinner. When
my sister and I were growing up, video
games and television had not yet reached our stream of consciousness. Television
was something that was viewed as a family; we spent our evenings watching shows like “The Cosby Show” and “Family Ties.” TV
was more of a quiet way to end the day than a means of entertainment. So with all of
these great memories from my childhood
stemming from play, it
saddens me to think that children today are
to be most active when we are dancing,
Now, you may be thinking to yourself, “My
By now you are probably wondering, “Ok,
not indulging in this essential developmental activity.
children play. They play all day! I can hardly even get them to come to dinner because
they are playing their video games!” Now, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but
video games are not considered play. When children engage in a video game they are
Children are located in the brain’s left hemisphere. The left hemisphere of the brain is missing out on responsible for strategic thinking and problem solving. experiencing their creativity & While video games in small doses may actually be quite helpful in imagination in its developing these essential skills, they are still not considered play. purest form when When a child is truly engaged in play, they are using the right they are not given the hemisphere of their brain. The right hemisphere is responsible opportunity to play. for leading us through our more using the left frontal lobe of their brain,
24
creative endeavors. It is believed
painting, singing and, you guessed it, playing!
I get it. My kids should be playing more,
but what exactly is play?” Play, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is a “recreational
activity, especially the spontaneous activity of children.” It is any unstructured activity
that gives children the ability to create and imagine in grandiose proportions. True play is open-ended and has countless
possibilities. Play sessions can begin with a number of different materials. Blocks with cars, action figures with Legos, play-doh
with plastic utensils, pens and/or scissors
with paper would all be the perfect vessels for play. With young children, you may
even have to get involved in their play. Your guidance will help them to realize how the items in front of them could potentially be used, leading them to later develop other
more creative play possibilities. For your
older children, it may be a pen and a journal, some sculpting clay, or maybe even an
erector set that will allow them to continue
• Dental Implants • Consultation & Same Day Surgery** • General Anesthesia & Sedation • Extractions & Wisdom Teeth • Corrective Jaw Surgery Savings on Dental Implants coupon on www.meandminemagazine.com **Based on medical history and patient preferences
Board Certified in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Smiling just gOt easieR!
Jagdev S. Heir, M.D., D.M.D. 1408 Live Oak Blvd., Suite E Yuba City, CA 95991 530 870.8071
4170 Truxel Rd., Suite C Sacramento, CA 95834 916 419.4588
Renew & RestORe...
www.sacramentosurgicalartsoms.com
to engage in play as they grow. By remaining
through their creative minds. Should your
the items they need to truly play.
It may take a few tries before you find the
in tune with your child’s abilities and needs, you will always be able to provide for them Children of all ages should be given the
opportunity to play each and every day. This true play is meant to take place at home
under the supervision of a parent. It is in
this environment where children feel most safe and can be expected to be their most creative selves. The next time your child
goes to school, take a few moments to set
up a situation in which they will be able to engage in true play. When they get home,
watch as their faces light up with excitement as the play possibilities start rushing
child not respond in the manner you had
hoped, try something different the next time. perfect vessels of play for your child.
A child that is given the time to play will
not only be a happier child, but will be by nature a more creative child, becoming
innately attuned to their own capabilities. This creative intuition will remain with
them throughout their lives, leading them in a direction that consistently leads to
fulfillment. Never underestimate the power of play!
Meghan Hamilton is a Co-Owner/Founder of Fusion Schools (www.fusionkids.com). She possesses a BS in Human Development from UC Davis and a CA Teaching Credential. Meghan is the author of the Fusion Early Learning Curriculum which has been developed and implemented at Fusion Schools. Meghan lives with her husband, Tom, and her two children, Jack and Emma, in Fair Oaks, CA.
Save 20% on your next purchase of $50 or more!*
*Coupon must be presented at 654 Plumas Street, Yuba City (530) 671-3130 Hours: M-F 10-6, Sat 10 - 4
time of purchase. Print your copy today at MeAndMineMagazine.com.
‘Tween Children and Young Adults,
You’ll Find Shady Creek Standing in the parking lot, waving goodbye to your child as their bus to Shady Creek Outdoor School pulls away can feel a little (okay, a lot) like the first time you removed the training wheels from your child’s bike, watched them climb on, gave them a running start, and let go. However, this analogy isn’t exactly accurate. While children may feel that their 5 day experience at Shady Creek is exactly like that moment of freedom when the training wheels come off, the reality is that at Shady Creek, they still have two training wheels firmly in place and are safe from any threat of falling.
Shady Creek Outdoor School, a 5 day residential natural science program owned and operated by the Sutter County Superintendent’s Office (SCSO), began in the late 1950’s with just 35 students from Yuba and Sutter county schools. They camped in tents and studied not only natural sciences, but archery and fishing. They even went through hunter’s safety training and earned their hunting license. The program grew steadily, and by the 1980’s the outdoor education program was reaching about 4,000 students a year. By that time, SCSO had relocated the program to Woodleaf, a facility owned by the Young Life organization. In 2006, Shady Creek, a 132-acre facility located in Nevada County, was purchased as a permanent site for the outdoor education program. Today, more than 5,000 fifth and sixth grade students and parents go through the coming-of-age ritual of letting go.
Once your child reaches Shady Creek, they are surrounded and supported on their journey by teachers, naturalists, and counselors. These educators and support staff provide the training wheels that are securely attached to your child’s bike of independence, ensuring that when they get their balance and race ahead, they won’t fall. Jim Carpenter, a teacher at Linda Elementary and a participant of the outdoor education program for more than 30 years (first as a student, then as a parent, and finally as an administrator and teacher), offered these words of encouragement to parents:
“This is a wonderful way for a child (and their parents) to have that first ‘away-from-home’ experience. The program is staffed by wonderful, caring professionals who monitor the children closely.
Students are always supervised. There is a registered nurse on-site the whole time children are there, both to administer medications and to render first aid. Emergency response is only a few minutes away, though they are almost never needed. Generations of students have benefited from this exemplary outdoor education program. After 58 years of experience, the professionals who run it week after week have worked out the bugs. Children are kept busy from the time they get up until bedtime with fun learning activities, and are surrounded by knowledgeable, caring professionals in a beautiful outdoor setting.” When asked about the greatest benefit to students who attend the program, Jim added,
26
“For many of our students this is the first time they have spent the night away from their families. It is a lifechanging growth experience that allows them to work together with other students their own age, under the caring, watchful eyes of teachers, naturalists and high school counselors.
(SCOEF) was founded in 1990 in support of the Sutter County Outdoor Education Program, which is operated by the Sutter County Superintendent of Schools Office. We service all students and schools located in the 10 counties currently participating in the Shady Creek Outdoor School program.
Our Mission: to promote access to Shady Creek Outdoor Program for students within our service area, and to support the continued operation, growth, and improvement of the Shady Creek Outdoor Program. Shady Creek Outdoor School is the outdoor educational component provided by Sutter County Office of Education. For information regarding the outdoor education program or facility rental (weekends and summer), contact Willi Slack at (530) 822-2949.
For information regarding the foundation and financial support for students and schools attending the Shady Creek Outdoor School, contact Rikki Shaffer at (530) 923-7475 or by email at: rikkishaffer@comcast.net. Visit us at www.shadycreekoef.org. We also welcome donations and those interested in volunteer opportunities. We offer the following financial assistance programs: Student Scholarships / School Grants Raffle Ticket Fundraising Program Fit Quest Pilot Program
The above programs are provided through support from: Recology Yuba Sutter, Sutter Medical Foundation and River Valley Community Foundation.
As a teacher, I enjoy seeing students who struggle in the classroom blossom. For many students who do not excel in the skills we emphasize at school, such as reading, writing, math, or history, this is a chance to shine, or just to relax and enjoy education. As education has moved toward standards-based teaching, Shady Creek has easily adjusted to match California’s science standards. The program has always had a solid educational background.” The long-term benefits are harder to see. Jim writes,
“The real changes are within the students, so are not always obvious. The time away from home helps to build confidence. The shared experiences bond students together, often with students from other schools and grade levels.
Everyone who has been to Shady Creek shares some common experiences: building a shelter in survival class, their favorite bird in the Raptor Center, or working together with their cabin mates. Once in a while a student is affected in a profound way. One year while I was teaching at Alicia Intermediate School, a girl returned with a mission. She began staying after school, quietly picking up trash to improve the school’s environment. Her efforts resulted in a recycling program at Alicia and the Eco-kid program at Woodleaf/ Shady Creek.
Either way, it is truly, as we say at the Shady Creek Foundation, the week that lasts a lifetime.” Article submitted by Rikki Shaffer, Executive Director of the Shady Creek Outdoor Education Foundation (SCOEF).
ant “It’s import ...” to buy local
GREAT THINGS HAPPEN
WHEN YOU BUY LOCAL... Terry Bentley Operations Manager Recology Yuba-Sutter
Support Fire & Police City Beautification Road Improvements
Keep Parks Maintained Parks & Recreation Community Education Create Jobs
Want to learn more? www.ThinkYubaSutterFirst.com
By Rona Desmond Photography by Moments to Remember Photography
28
Preventive Dentistry
for Infants and Children
Kimberly D. Thiel, D.D.S. Yuba City’s
Premier Pediatric Dentist
• Learn how to care for your infant’s teeth and prevent cavities • Gain important information about achieving optimum oral health • The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a dental visit by age 1 Now offering Early Orthodontics Ask about our program for 2 year olds 1045 Live Oak Blvd, Suite B Yuba City, CA 95991 (530) 755-0571
please visit: www.KimberlyThielDDS.com 29
getting up earlier so I have a minute with my newborn daughter. When the older
siblings wake up, I can just focus on getting
them ready rather than trying to get myself ready at the same time. This has made our Written by Rona Desmond
mornings a million times happier!
THE HAPPINESS PROJECT is a memoir of
resolutions are aimed at clutter-clearing.
studies, and lessons from popular culture
Clutter creates stress. Order delivers
the year Gretchen Rubin spent test-driving the wisdom of the ages, current scientific
about how to be happier – and it was a #1
New York Times bestseller. We asked Me and Mine readers how their Happiness Project changed their lives…
1. Gretchen argues throughout The
Happiness Project that striving to be happy is a worthy, unselfish goal. Do you agree? Yes yes! If mama is happy…everyone is
happy! This is so true! Spending time on our happiness has a positive effect on everyone in our lives. Our family, friends, co-workers
and everyone else we meet can benefit from our own happiness!
2. Gretchen observes that “Outer order
contributes to inner calm,” and many of her
Do you agree that clutter affects your happiness?
efficiency, peace, and happiness.
3. Did reading this book make you want to try one of the resolutions? Which one?
Absolutely….I loved Chapter 4, Lighten Up. PARENTHOOD. •
Sing in the morning.
•
Be a treasure house of happy moments.
• •
Acknowledge the reality of people’s feelings.
Take time for projects.
4. What was the one most valuable thing you learned from The Happiness Project about happiness for yourself?
I loved this book, it was very inspiring.
My own Happiness Project started with
Trouble Making Ends Meet? WE CAN HELP!
822-7224 Sutter County Equal Opportunity Provider
30
A “happiness project” is an approach to
changing your life. First is the preparation stage, where you identify what brings you
joy, satisfaction, and engagement, as well as what brings you guilt, anger, boredom, and
remorse. The second stage is the making of
resolutions, where you identify the concrete
actions that will boost your happiness. Then comes the interesting part: keeping your
resolutions. Good luck with your happiness project.
Read along with us! Next we’re reading
the bestselling follow-up to EAT PRAY LOVE, called Committed.
This book is a fascinating story of compatibility, fidelity, family, and ultimately is an enthralling celebration of love.
Fremont-Rideout
Using the freshest ingredients for an old world dining experience 6241 Highway 99, Live Oak, CA | Phone 530.695.3384
www.pasquinisfinefood.com
OUR LADY OF LOURDES PARISH SCHOOL Where Faith & Knowledge Meet. Choose OLL for all the right reasons. A safe & secure environment An education that instills faith, service, & morals Dedicated & qualified teachers committed to your child’s success
741 Ware Ave. Colusa
530-458-8208 www.theollschool.org
Walk-ins welcome. Limp-ins welcome, too! Our professional health care staff will provide treatment for minor illnesses and injuries that are non-life threatening, but do require treatment. • Colds, flu and other viral illness • Bronchitis, pneumonia and asthma • Ear, throat and sinus infection • Rashes, poison ivy and allergic reactions • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration • Fractures, sprains strains and dislocations • Wound repair and abscess drainage • Lacerations (cuts), abrasions (scrapes & splinters) • Work-related injuries and more
No appointment is necessary. Visa, Mastercard, check cash, most health insurance, Medi-Cal and Medicare
751-4900
1531 Plumas Court in Yuba City.
Near Queens & Live Oak. Next to DaVita Dialysis.
WWW.FRHG.ORG WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/FREMONTRIDEOUT
By Jennifer Jaeger Traynham Photography by Moments to Remember Photography
The Mathews Family Sheila Mathews came to the Yuba-Sutter area as a new bride 46 years ago. Her husband, Charlie, is a fourth generation farmer in Yuba County, and it is here where they raised their four children: Chrissey, Charlie, Catey, and Robert.
Before moving to Yuba County, Sheila lived in the Bay Area. As an infant, she was adopted from St. Elizabeth’s Home for Children in San Francisco. Sheila had a happy childhood and always knew she was adopted. It wasn’t until December 2004, when she was going to San Francisco for medical appointments in order to donate a kidney to a family friend, that she decided to visit St. Elizabeth’s again. A month later, Sheila was given her mother’s name and copies of records from St. Elizabeth’s. While going through the series of tests in preparation for The Mathews Family with Sheila’s “new” sisters and niece donating her kidney, Sheila became even more interested in her family medical history. Sheila had always wondered about her birth mother, saying, “I just knew there was always something missing. I was raised as an only child and I just really had a feeling that I had more family out there.” Chrissey, Sheila’s daughter, did an internet search using ancestry.com. It was there that she discovered information about Sheila’s mother, and this led to the discovery that Sheila’s mother had an additional 9 children. Through the online family tree, Sheila was able to contact her mother’s cousin, Ted. After meeting Sheila, he went on to share this news with her siblings at a family reunion in Seattle. Sheila’s birth mother had never shared her birth with her other children, so news of Sheila came as quite a shock. Her newly-discovered sisters began e-mailing and calling her immediately. They quickly arranged to meet for the first time in Seattle. Sheila’s mother had passed away, but her children were excited to meet their sister.
What is the most valuable lesson you learned from your parents?
What do you enjoy doing together as a family? Any family traditions?
My parents were from the depression era and they taught me integrity, a strong work ethic, how to help others and to have an inner strength. All the qualities that I hope make me, me.
We are a family of 17 and to get all of us together is a feat. We try to do a family vacation every year. This year, we took everyone to the Rose Bowl Parade and just had a wonderful time.
What is your fondest memory of motherhood?
I remember holding those babies and just feeling such an overwhelming sense of emotion and love. I was so young and naïve, but they did survive in spite of me! I loved raising my children.
Sheila (center) with six of her seven sisters
What traits do you hope to pass along to your children and grandchildren?
What was it like meeting your “new” sisters for the first time?
I hope my children and grandchildren remember me long after I am gone. My children are strong, hardworking, successful individuals. I am very proud of them. My grandchildren are still pretty young, but they too work and study hard. They are very smart. I am so grateful that they are who they are, and healthy and happy too.
It was fun! We met at the Sea-Tac airport, and they broke security to grab me as I walked from the plane. It was so awesome because it was like we had known each other forever. I will never forget that feeling.
32
Do you share similar features? How about personality traits? We look alike and there are similar personality traits that I see. They are all
amazing, successful, professional women. They are all extremely close and take care of each other.
How do they describe your birth mother?
They were very close to their mother and each took care of her during her battle with colon cancer. They describe her as very sweet, and very loving. I think she must have been pretty amazing to raise 9 children almost by herself, because their father traveled. She also lost a two year old child to Leukemia, so her life was not easy. They said there was a sadness about her at times, and they now think that it was about me.
What do you enjoy doing together?
We have fun together and try to see each other a few times a year. They are at the age where their children are getting married and having children of their own. They are such a close family and it is fun to be a part of all their activities. I’m also really looking forward to meeting my brother for the first time this spring in Anacortes.