Mendo Lake Family Life November 2014

mendo lake November 2014

Gratitude Games 5 ways to teach appreciation

Blended-family Fun

How to create holiday traditions

Ukiah’s Angels

100 years of helping

Join the

‘Selfie with Our Elfie’

Sweepstakes

The Sabatier family from Clearlake eats together as a family as often as possible. Mealtime is an opportunity for Bruno and Nicki to check in with what’s going on in their children’s lives and help them make better choices. Families that eat together often are proven to be healthier in mind and body.

If you want this for your children, make it a goal to sit down for family meals at least three times each week.

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Join us at our November Hullabaloo for free food, fun, and prizes! Check the website for more information.

Care Close t o Home

REDWOOD MEDICAL CLINIC

As part of our mission to improve the health of our community, we are excited to bring quality care closer to home. From the common cold to annual exams and vaccinations, your care team at the Redwood Medical Clinic is here for you.

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providing care for the

to serve the Willits

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community and is

years. He will be

37 years. He enjoys

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seeing patients in the

caring for adult and

and pediatric patients.

Redwood Medical

pediatric patients.

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on health education and helping her patients

per week and one weekend per month.

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achieve their goals.

Now Accepting New Patients Call 707.459.6115 to make an appointment 88 Madrone Street | Willits, CA 95490 | 707.459.6115

November 2014

8

Feature Stories 8 Ukiah’s Angels

A women-powered nonprofit shines.

12 NAPPA Best Gifts of the Season Terrific ideas for the kids on your list.

14 The More the Merrier Create new blended-family traditions.

16 Sweet Slumber Tips for helping the entire family sleep better.

20

18 Gratitude Games Fun ways to cultivate appreciation.

Every Issue

Take a ‘Selfie with Our Elfie’ Sweepstakes

31

4 MendoLakeFamilyLife

6

Dear Readers

7

Bits and Pieces

Get Some Girl Power Oh Christmas Tree!

One Lump or Two?

20 Crafting with Kids

The Grateful Gobbler

21 Cooking with Kids

Cranberry ’Licious 22 Calendar of Events

Everything Will Be Illuminated

30 Humor Break

MendoLakeFamilyLife.com November 2014 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

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Dear Reader ’Tis the season for counting blessings and our readers are definitely one of ours!

Thank you for making Mendo Lake Family Life the #1 lifestyle Sharon Gowan Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us

magazine for local parents!

Have you heard about our “Selfies with Elfies” sweepstakes for $1,000 in gifts from local businesses? Entering is easy. Just go to any of the dozens of participating locations around the county and take your Selfie (or a picture of your kids or pets) with our Elfie. (See page 31 for a list of locations near you that will display Elfies.) New “Selfies with Elfies” locations are sprouting up all the time. For the latest list, visit SonomaFamilyLife.com. Join our e-mail list for updates and news. Snap your Selfie at all the locations for more chances to win. Last day to enter is December 17—just in time to help with your holiday shopping list!

Family Life magazine cover shoot! We can’t

wait to see your family’s Selfies.

Besides our readers, we are also thankful for the people and organizations that invest in our community. In this issue, we focus on the Ukiah Saturday Afternoon Club, a nonprofit that has been giving to Ukiah for 100 years.

See “Ukiah’s Angels” (page 8) to learn about how a women’s cooking group transformed into a powerful agent of social change.

Office Manager Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

Business Marketing

This is such a great month to think about thankfulness. Researchers such as Dr. Robert Emmons at University of California, Davis, have shown how important gratitude is to both our health and happiness. Sometimes it’s hard for kids (and adults) to think about what they appreciate about their lives.

“Gratitude Games” (page 18) offers fun ways to help everyone focus on what brings them joy. Do you have any ways of encouraging thankfulness in your home? We’d love to hear about them; post or e-mail your suggestions.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Renee Nutcher renee@family-life.us Jolie Cook jolie@family-life.us

Features Editor Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us

Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

BONUS: Want your family or kids to be on our cover? Submit a “Selfie with Our Elfie”

by November 12 to be considered for a future

Marketing

Birth your way

Calendar

Jordan Lewis jordan@family-life.us Patricia Ramos

Contributing Writers Denise Yearian Malia Jacobson Christina Katz Jessica Snowden John Corippo Patrick Hempfing

Motherhood changes your life forever...

Billing Jan Wasson-Smith

MEET the Midwives

Publishing Office 134 Lystra Court, Suite A Santa Rosa, CA 95403

2nd Wednesday of each month.

Tel (707) 586-9562 Fax (707) 586-9571

7-8pm, at Coldwell Banker, 190 S. Main St., Lakeport.

www.BloomMidwife.com

Call for a free consultation 707-972-9443 6 MendoLakeFamilyLife

November 2014 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Bits & Pieces

Get Some Girl Power

W

hat do you want to be when you grow up? Lake County middle and high school girls will investigate this question at the free Girls in Careers (GIC) workshop. The event will be held on Saturday, November 15, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., at Lower Lake High School and is open to students in grades 7–12. Participants will get a chance to explore nontraditional careers in the music industry, forensics, and more. As part of the event, Youth Achievement Mentor Quanisha Smith will give a special free workshop that poses another question: What is preventing you from living your desired life? In the workshop, attendees will learn how to trust their intuition, turn anger into action, stay resilient after setbacks, and maintain the mindset necessary for consistent success. On November 14, 5–6:30 p.m., Smith will hold a free workshop titled “How to Talk So Youth Will Listen” for teachers, parents, and community members who work with children. See lakecoe.org or call 994-9001 to register for both events. ¶

Oh Christmas Tree!

T

urn your clock back 200 years, and stroll through the 19th-century inspired Festival of the Trees at the Gualala Arts Center. Peruse decorated booths displaying crafts such as quilts and other fiber arts, woodwork and carvings, baskets, and beadwork. Take the kids to the Magical Gingerbread House for fun activities, including visits from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and partake in myriad homemade baked goods as well as lunch fixings, cider, and eggnog. As you shop and eat, you can admire elaborately decorated Fantasy Trees, and even buy one to take home. The event itself is free and will be held on November 28, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and November 29, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

The Friday Festival, which is held on November 28 only, will feature Christmas caroling and tree lighting at 5:15 p.m., and complimentary cider and sweets. For details, log on to gualalaarts.org. ¶

One Lump or Two?

T

here is nothing like a cup of tea to break up stressful holiday days. But when you enter the Lakeport English Inn, you’ll get more than tea, you’ll get an experience of the Victorian era.

Fully costumed staff will serve you in a room decorated with trees and finery designed with the Royal Pavilion in mind. The menu includes finger sandwiches, scones and cream, lemon and gingerbread cookies, and Welsh holiday cake. High tea will begin November 21 and run Friday–Sunday through December 21. Call 245-7342 and see lakeportenglishinn.com for details and to make a reservation. ¶

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

November 2014

MendoLakeFamilyLife 7

A 1960s photo of past presidents of the Saturday Afternoon Club.

Ukiah’s Angels How the Saturday Afternoon Club Made History

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F

eminism has taken women so far in the last 50 years, it’s hard to imagine what it must have been like to be female in the early 1900s when the “fairer sex” couldn’t even vote, let alone run for president. Despite the times, women figured out ways to assert their individual and collective power. The century-old Ukiah Saturday Afternoon Club is a sparkling example.

Founded in 1904, the Saturday Afternoon Club was formed as a women’s social/cooking group at Ukiah’s Methodist Episcopal Church. According to Jini Reynolds, the club’s current president, Saturday afternoon was the only opportunity mothers had to take time off, as that was when older children were available to watch younger siblings. Off, however, was a relative term since, even during this leisure time, women were expected to gather to prepare post-Sunday-service meals.

November 2014 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

“Women’s social lives have progressed, thank goodness,” says Reynolds, a smile in her voice.

It was 1927, a time when 100 gloved and hatted women banding together to actually do something as momentous as purchase a building was “miraculous,” says Reynolds.

Gradually, the original goal of cooking for others morphed into the desire to nourish themselves— but with culture more than food.

Members began to gather to listen to music performances, poetry readings, and speakers.

In 1906, the Saturday Afternoon Club became part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs.

Things went along swimmingly until 1924, when the group found out that its beloved meeting place was going on the market. They responded by doing something rather shocking: They bought the building.

What began as a handful of women who just wanted each other’s company turned into a powerful nonprofit organization that has become a pillar of the community.

And that was just the beginning.

The club performed other feats, including funding Ukiah’s first

Education For Life!

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Yuba College

707-995-7900 • clc.yccd.edu

15880 Dam Road Extension • Clearlake www.mendolakefamilylife.com

For decades, the club used its hard-won meeting place for its own use, making significant renovations in the 1950s that included adding a women’s restroom, fireplace, and kitchen. But by 1978, the upkeep had become prohibitive, and it was decided to rent out the space to the general public.

Even with renting out the building, by 2004 it was increasingly difficult to take care of the structure. The former president and some members wanted to sell it, but it was not easy to part with the old church, which

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paved roads, facilitating the procurement of the first library building, and funding the town’s first nonsegregated water fountain.

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MendoLakeFamilyLife 9

Oh Sweet Sugar Candy Store • Lakeport Call Now for your

Personalized ‘Sugar Blossoms’

represented such a big piece of the club’s history.

Then in 2006, the day after Reynolds became president, the ceiling literally fell in.

(Custom Candy Bouquets)

Mini Carmel Apples For a Limited Time

“After that, we wanted to sell the building for sure,” recounts Reynolds.

Fudge for your Holiday Table

Peanut-Free Chocolates Coming Soon

The club dropped out of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and,

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• Child Care Assistance for low income eligible families.

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Rural Communities Child Care

Girls in Careers Workshop presented by Lake County Office of Education Career & College Readiness Department

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER Quanisha Smith

How to Talk So Youth Will Listen Fri. Nov. 14, 5 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

Lower Lake High • FREE

Workshop will be held for anyone who works with children: teachers, parents, & community members are invited to attend.

994-9001 or www.lakecoe.org 10 MendoLakeFamilyLife

The club funded Ukiah’s first paved roads, facilitated the procurement of the first library building, and funded the town’s first nonsegregated water fountain. in 2007, made the ingenious move of becoming a 501(c)(3)—an official nonprofit in the eyes of the federal government. The 501(c)(3) status meant that when they eventually sold the building, the club got to keep the note to the property, and the deal didn’t have to go through a bank. That has been good news for the town of Ukiah. Here’s why: Without a bank involved, the new owner’s monthly payments have gone directly to the nonprofit, which, in turn, has used the money to fund such organizations as the Mendocino Community Foundation and the Ukiah Boys and Girls Clubs, as well as scholarships for high school and college women. Other projects have included collaborating with the American Association of

November 2014 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

University Women to send young women to math and science camps.

The nonprofit also has supported free concerts in city parks and free movie nights for kids. Annual events include the Local Women’s Music Festival, Women’s History Gala, and Santa’s Workshop. (See ukiahsaturdayafternoonclub.org for a schedule of upcoming events.)

After the sale of the building, the name of the actual structure

The club has funded the Mendocino Community Foundation and the Ukiah Boys and Girls Clubs. became the Saturday Afternoon Clubhouse while the nonprofit organization became the Ukiah Saturday Afternoon Club. (And yes, men are allowed to join now. There are three.)

Margaret Meade famously said that it takes only “a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens to change the world.” And the Ukiah Saturday Afternoon Club is certainly proof of that. What began as a handful of women who just wanted each other’s company turned into a powerful nonprofit organization that has become a pillar of the community.

The next time you drive on a paved Ukiah road or visit the local library, tip your hat to the women who made it all happen. And perhaps think about what you can do to make a difference. ¶ www.mendolakefamilylife.com

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MendoLakeFamilyLife 11

Holiday finds for everyone’s wish list Each year, the National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) enlists the help of expert judges and families to play with, test and evaluate hundreds of new children’s products. Here are the gems they honored with gold awards this year. All proved high in quality, entertainment and educational value, and – of course – in fun.

See the entire list of gold, silver and honors winners at NAPPAawards.com or download the app from Cozi – the online family calendar and organizer – and view all the winners on your phone.

Toys

Air Storm Firetek Bow Zing, $29.97, www.firetekbow.com.

Ages: 8+.

Gyrobot

Thames and Kosmos, $44.95, thamesandkosmos.com.

Ages: 6+.

The World Of Eric Carle Learning Table and Chair Creative Baby Inc., $49.99, creativebabyinc.com. Ages: 3+.

12 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Bunzi

Geomag, $45, geomagworld.com.

Ages: 5+.

Waboba, $24.99, waboba.com.

Ages: 5+.

Make Your Own Washi Tape Stickers Scholastic Corporation/Klutz, $16.99, klutz.com. Ages: 8+.

Wikki Stix One-of-a-Kind Piggy Bank

Razor E100 Glow Razor USA, $169.99, razor.com. Ages: 8+.

at Facebook.com/NAP for your chance to win PAawards of award winning toysa collection , books and games.

Get Out Play Kit

Chillafish $49.99, Chillafish.com. Ages: 1 to 3.

KOR Geomag Tazoo Paco

ENTER THE NAPPA SWEEPSTAKES

Omnicor, Inc./The Wikki Stix Company, $24.95, wikkistix.com.

Ages: 5 to 8.

Gravity Maze

ThinkFun, Inc., $29.99, thinkfun.com.

Ages: 8 to Adult.

Paint Your Own Porcelain Party Kit

MindWare, $39.95, mindware.com. Ages: 8+.

YOXObug Flye

Play from Scratch, $24.99, yoxo.com. Ages: 7+.

November 2014 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Games Balance Boat-Endangered Animal Edition

BeginAgain, $35, beginagaintoys.com.

Fun for the entire family.

Doodle Quest

Blue Orange Games, $24.99, blueorangegames.com. Ages: 6+.

MimiQ

Face To Face Card Game for Kids Edition

Harvest Time, $11.99, harvesttimepartners.com. Ages: 7+.

GameBrotherZ, $7.99, gamebrotherz.com.

Fun for the entire family.

Seek-a-Boo

Moustache Smash Spin Master, $15.99, spinmaster.com.

Ages: 7+.

Shark Mania

Spin Master, $19.99, spinmaster.com.

Ages: 6+.

MindWare, $19.99, mindware.com.

Ages: 1 to 3.

Staxis

MindWare, $29.95, mindware.com.

Fun for the entire family.

Spot it! Fire & Ice

Blue Orange Games, $19.99, blueorangegames.com. Ages: 8+.

Sunny Day Pond

Peaceable Kingdom, $15.99, peaceablekingdom.com. Ages: 3+.

Books

A Home for Mr. Emerson

by Barbara Kerley, illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham Scholastic Corporation/Scholastic Press, 2014, $18.99, scholastic.com.

Ages: 8 to 12.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

A Perfectly Messed-Up Story

by Patrick McDonnell Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2014, $17, hachettebookgroup.com.

Ages: 3 to 6.

Dash

Alice from Dallas

by Marilyn Sadler, illustrated by Ard Hoyt Abrams Books, 2014, $16.95, abramsbooks.com. Ages: 4 to 8.

November 2014

by Kirby Larson Scholastic Corporation/ Scholastic Press, 2014, $16.99, scholastic.com.

Ages: 8 to 12.

MendoLakeFamilyLife 13

The More the Merrier Nine Steps for Creating Holiday Traditions in Blended Families

By Denise Yearian

W

hen divorce or remarriage changes family structures, once-treasured holiday traditions

may now be too painful or ill-fitting to continue. To ease

the awkwardness and establish new holiday rituals, consider these nine tips.

14 MendoLakeFamilyLife

1

Anticipate anxiety. After a major family upheaval, one of the first things that may come into your children’s minds is, “How is this holiday going to be different?”

There’s comfort in old traditions, so anticipate anxiety and keep the lines of communication open.

2

Enlist and engage. Before making any changes in traditions, consider which ones are appropriate to keep, and have a few new ideas in mind before discussing any changes with your children. Ask which ones they want to continue and which ones they would like to start anew. If you engage your child in options and give them choices, they are more likely to accept and adjust to changes.

3

Accommodate everyone.

Some old traditions may not be accepted or applicable in the new

family configuration. Accommodate everyone’s needs when considering which existing traditions to maintain.

4

Do a trial run. Suggest trying something new this year and see how it goes. This alleviates having to make a long-term commitment and allows you to alter your decision in the future. Approach it from a positive stance and focus on the newness of what is to come. Consider pulling traditions from another country or culture.

5

Spell out schedules. If holiday schedules that involve traditions are going to be radically different, tell your child what to expect. If, for example, they used to go to Grandma’s house for Christmas and this is no longer an option, give advance notice and suggest an alternative so there are no surprises.

November 2014 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

w

Clearlake

6

Youth Center

7

Lake County Youth Services is a non profit program serving youth ages 7 thru 17.

Pace yourself. If your child is resistant to change, don’t push.

Give them time and move at their pace. Older children, in particular, have more memories and may take longer to accept changing traditions.

If your children are grieving the loss of their once-intact family, empathize and allow time for the wounds to heal.

Don’t step on someone’s shoes. Be cautious about letting another person take over a tradition your child strongly associates with a parent, who, for whatever reason, is absent. For example, if Mom always takes her daughter to get a manicure and buy a new dress before Christmas, and Mom can’t be around this year, no one else in the family should try to fill those shoes.

8

Blend and bond. With a newly blended family, consider establishing stepparent/stepchild traditions. This may help bond relationships, particularly with the younger set. If the step relationship hasn’t gelled, the biological parent may want to go along for the first year or two. If the child shows resistance, wait until another year and try again.

9

Don’t go too fast! Remember, new family traditions can elicit thoughts that something old is being left behind. If you try to move into new rituals too fast, your child may become anxious or upset. Be sure to place enough emphasis on both old and new traditions. Be patient with the process. ¶ Denise Yearian is a former educator and editor of two parenting magazines, and the mother of three children.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Continuing thru the Fall

Archery Program

Lessons will be one day per week. competitions on selected weekends.

Affiliated with Middletown archery and USA Jr. Olympics. Call for information.

Boxing Program Thursdays at 6:30pm

With trainer Benito Rodriguez. $45 registration fee. $35 dollars a month after reg. (includes a mouth piece and wrap).

Join the Boy Scouts Wednesdays at 6:30pm Join the Girl Scouts 4th Wednesday 6pm

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT! EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS Want a tax deduction, donate your old vehicle.

Call Enterprise Towing at 707 994-8801 and they will pick it up!

Must have title

To make a monetary donation: send to: Attn: Youth Center P.O. Box 1042 Lower Lake CA 95457 Please make checks out to LCPF/ Youth Center

JOIN US FOR A FREE!

THANKSGIVING DINNER

1-4pm Thanksgiving Day 707-994-KIDS 4750 Golf Ave., Clearlake clearlakeyouthcenter.org

November 2014

MendoLakeFamilyLife 15

Ten Tips to Help the Entire Family Sleep Better

Sweet

Slumber

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By Malia Jacobson

hen it comes to sleep, modern moms face a daunting task. We know our loved ones need their slumber—nearly every day, we’re bombarded with a new study trumpeting the importance of healthy rest. Research shows that sleep deprivation contributes to a collection of health evils, from depression to hypertension to obesity.

But juggling the widely different sleep needs of each member of our brood is easier said than done. From the teen who texts into the wee hours, to the tot who demands 20 bedtime stories, to the spouse who tosses and turns, everyone in the family has a different excuse for joining in the familiar chorus of “I’m tired!” and “Just five more minutes!” Complicating the issue is our own lack of shut-eye.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, up to three-quarters of moms struggle with bouts of insomnia.

What’s a sleep-starved mother to do? If an extreme sleep makeover (7 p.m. bedtime for everyone!) is out of reach, consider these baby steps toward better sleep for all the members of your family.

16 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Turn Spare Minutes into Sleep. Stop worrying about your looming “sleep debt”—countless hours of lost sleep that you know you’ll never recover. Instead, aim for just a few more minutes of sleep per day. Tucking everyone (including yourself) into bed 30 minutes earlier than normal is realistic. Kids probably won’t balk too much, and this small step adds 3.5 extra hours of slumber per week.

That’s enough to make a big difference in how you feel, notes Mark Splaingard, MD, director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “Getting more sleep improves alertness, driving, creative thinking, and motor tasks.

You’re going to feel better and perform

better,” he says. Not a bad tradeoff for a few minutes per day.

Sunny Side Up. Preparing for an easy bedtime begins first thing in the morning, when bright a.m. rays help set the body’s internal clock to make it easier to fall asleep at night.

When everyone’s awake, throw open the curtains to let the daylight in, and serve breakfast in the sunniest spot in the house.

Ditch the Nightlights. For better quality sleep, turn your alarm clock toward the wall. The National Sleep Foundation reports that light plays a major role in regulating biological patterns. Even tiny beams of nighttime light can disrupt circadian rhythms and hinder deep, restorative sleep.

Experts recommend blacking out the bedroom—aim for can’t-see-a-handin-front-of-your-face darkness. That means bright alarm clocks, televisions, and computers should be turned off, covered, or kept out of the bedroom altogether. Nightlights should be used

November 2014 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Sonoma County Airport only to calm children’s nighttime fears.

Always choose the dimmest nightlight possible, and make sure it doesn’t shine directly on your child’s face.

The National Sleep Foundation reports that 65 percent of women rely on caffeine to make it through the day. to keep the last hour before bedtime free from the glare of a television, laptop, or gaming device.

Cut the Caffeine. Moms love their java: The National Sleep Foundation reports that 65 percent of women rely on caffeine to make it through the day.

But overly caffeinated days can make for sleepless nights.

“Caffeine intake is one of the first things I hone in on when someone is struggling with insomnia,” says Splaingard. For better sleep, he recommends that adults limit caffeine to 200 milligrams per www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Fill Your Plate. You’re feeding your family anyway—why not serve foods that support healthy rest? Foods rich in tryptophan can help your family feel sleepy; yogurt, cheese, soy protein, poultry, and eggs will do the job.

Magnesium-rich products, such as black beans, pumpkin seeds, almonds, and oat bran, help relax the muscles. And the calcium found in foods such as milk, yogurt, salmon, oatmeal, tofu, and fortified orange juice aids in the production of melatonin.

Nap Attack. Kids aren’t the only ones who need daytime sleep. Adults can benefit from a well-timed siesta, but snoozing too late or too long can wreck nighttime slumber. Nap if you feel sleepy in the afternoon, and encourage kids and teens to do the same, but avoid napping later than 3 p.m. to protect nighttime sleep.

Open Your Medicine Cabinet.

Are pills keeping you up at night? Common drugs, such as antidepressants, thyroid hormones, beta-blockers, diuretics, and some decongestants, can affect sleep quality.

Talk to your doctor if you suspect yours might be harming sleep. ¶ Malia Jacobson is a nationally published sleep journalist and mom.

November 2014

Travel on Nonstop Flights to/from Los Angeles; Portland; San Diego; Seattle

Experience Flight Training Aircraft; Helicopters

Discover Scenic Tours Aircraft; Helicopters; Balloons; Historic Aircraft

TS

Unplug. Viewing stimulating television and online content at night keeps the family awake and alert when they should be winding down for sleep.

Set and enforce media hours, and aim

Get a Move On. Exercise helps us fall asleep faster and promotes deep sleep. Get your family’s blood pumping by taking a walk together, tackling yard work, or breaking out the Wii.

©P N

Make Some Noise. Turn bedrooms into relaxation zones with white noise. According to Harvey Karp, MD, creator of the best-selling Happiest Baby on the Block books and DVDs, white noise creates an auditory relaxation cue that works on everyone, from newborns through adults.

High-quality white noise can also help drown out household sounds to help light sleepers rest easier.

day (around 12 ounces of regular drip coffee) before 3 p.m., and that children under 12 drink no caffeine.

www.sonomacountyairport.org 707.565.7240 Follow STS on

Never Underestimate the Power of the Purse

Moms typically control 80% or more of their household budgets They’re looking right here, to find you. Call now, don’t miss another month.

IN PRINT • ONLINE • EVENTS • CONTESTS

586-9562 • SonomaFamilyLife.com MendoLakeFamilyLife 17

Gratitude Games

Creative Ways to Cultivate Kids’ Appreciation

By Christina Katz

L

et’s face it, kids do not always feel grateful for everything they have. But just because they do

not feel appreciative every

minute of every day does not make them ingrates.

If you can make scavenging for gratitude an opportunity for fun, everybody wins.

In fact, if you can make scavenging for gratitude an opportunity for fun, everybody wins.

You may be surprised to learn that your kids are a lot more appreciative than you thought. And they may decide that expressing what they are grateful for isn't as much of a pain as they imagined.

And, for better or for worse, if you constantly nag your kids with lines like “Do you realize how lucky/ fortunate/blessed you are?” eventually they will just tune you out.

So, go ahead. Make gratitude games an annual habit every Thanksgiving season. Here are five ways to motivate your kids to dig deep and rediscover an inner well of thankfulness without feeling put out.

An attitude of gratitude is something children need to be reminded to practice without excessive pressuring.

Word association. Ask kids, “What do you feel grateful for?” Create a list of words that

18 MendoLakeFamilyLife

represent moments, memories, or anything that pops into their minds when they answer the question.

Family members can work alone or as a group. A parent can help a preschooler create a short, colorful list. School-age children may do better if given a number challenge, such as “What are the top ten things you feel most grateful for this year?” Keep the activity quick, fun, and light. Don’t treat it like an essay assignment unless your family has a writer who would enjoy answering the question in essay form.

Photo safari. Over the course of a fall weekend, give each child an hour with your digital camera or your

November 2014 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

camera phone. Tell them to snap photos of things around the house and yard that make them feel happy.

These photos can include people, pets, nature, objects, places, and anything else they love. When you recover your camera, download a smattering of photos for each child into a collage format, which is offered through local photo-printing services. Have each child title the document in his or her

Discussing these kinds of learning experiences teaches kids about resiliency and the importance of not shirking challenges. About a week before Thanksgiving, start a conversation about tough lessons learned during the past year. Each night during dinner, let one person share a story on the topic. You might just find your family swept up in some of the most educational and inspiring conversations of the year.

You may be surprised to learn that your kids are a lot more appreciative than you thought.

Written on stone. Creating a thoughtful gift for someone else can bring out gratitude in even the grumpiest pilgrim. Purchase enough large river stones from your local garden shop or stone supplier so that each person in attendance for Thanksgiving will have one with his or her name on it. Be sure to pick up a couple extra, just in case. Scrub stones clean with soap and water, and let dry. Paint stones on the top, sides, and bottom lip in an array of autumnal colors. Across the top of each stone, write guest names in large letters with permanent markers or paint pens. Let dry completely, then take some old magazines and cut out words that describe each guest. Apply words to rims of stones with Mod Podge and sponge brushes.

After the words dry, add one more coat to the stone. When stones are again dry, cut and glue a piece of felt onto the bottom. Use stones as placeholders at the Thanksgiving table and watch the proud grins. ¶

own words, and hang photo collages near the Thanksgiving table. Plastic or magnetic frames make it easy to protect and store collages for next year.

Appreciation postcards. Get a few packages of blank postcards and fine-point water-based markers from the art supply store. Write names and addresses of family members in permanent ink on one side of the postcard, so important information won't smear. Then, on the other side, ask your kids to write one word that describes something they appreciate about each family member, and decorate the postcard to match the sentiment. Make this an annual event and family members will look forward to their handmade postcards every year.

Lessons learned. Life is school. We are all always learning new things. Sometimes we learn things we can't appreciate until later because the learning process is challenging, difficult, or painful. www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Christina Katz is an author and freelance journalist. She feels grateful every time someone reads her words. Her latest book is The Art of Making Time for Yourself: A Collection of Advice for Moms.

November 2014

Proud Sponsor of the Humane Society adopt-a-pet discount

Blue Ribbon Pets Like our Facebook Page for Special Discounts

(707) 485-8454 www.brpets.com

Humane Society FOR INLAND MENDOCINO COUNTY

Pets of the Month

Alexis

Alexis is petite in size, but filled with energy. A retired mom, she loves attention, is sweet & out-going, but doesn’t like dogs! Needs a home without dogs.

Hazel

Clementine

Clementine’s purr starts the moment you touch her. A loving, young mom-cat, who loves attention will warm your heart for years to come!

Gail & Gloria

Hazel is very spunky despite being 8 yrs. old. She loves people and does well with other dogs, but prefers children over 10.

Gail & Gloria are sisters, and are the cutest & fiercest gals you’ll ever meet! Full of personality & incredibly sweet. Can be adopted separately.

9700 Uva Dr. Redwood Valley

(707) 485-0123

www.mendohumanesociety.com MendoLakeFamilyLife 19

Crafting with Kids

A Turkey that Counts Your Blessings

The Grateful Gobbler

By Jessica Snowden

What you need:

Continue to measure 2 inches from top of each line until you reach end of paper.

Scratch paper; pencil; 9x12-inch construction paper in brown, orange, yellow, red, green; scissors; glue; black pen; small brown paper lunch bag; ruler; newspaper or scrap paper to fill bag; and stapler.

Cut on lines. Make at least 6 strips of paper in different colors.

Now, measure about 3-4 inches from bottom of strip of paper (about half way) and make small line with pencil. (This mark will be a guide for looping strips.) Use black pen to write a word from gratitude list on strip of paper. Repeat this on each strip of paper.

What you do: Have your child use scratch paper and pencil to write a list of at least ten things she or he is thankful for. This is the gratitude list.

Place child’s hand on red paper, keeping fingers together and thumb out (like a mitten). Cut out hand outline from paper. Turn it upside down. Hand is the turkey’s head; thumb is the wattle.

Crumple newspaper. Open up lunch bag and stuff it with newspaper until it is about 3/4 way full. Make sure to leave a little room at top. Fold top of bag down about 2 inches, or two 1-inch folds, and staple closed.

Cut small triangle (quarter-size) out of orange paper. This is the turkey’s beak. Glue it just above where the thumb comes out from the red hand cutout.

Measure about 1 inch from beak to inside of hand cutout. Using black pen, draw small circle for the eye.

Glue turkey’s head to front of lunch bag, about 2–3 inches from top, just under fold. For feet, cut out two orange triangles about the same size as beak. Glue them to bottom front of bag. Lay flat to dry (about 15 minutes).

While glue is drying, use ruler to measure up vertically 2 inches from horizontal edge of colored paper. Make a line with pencil.

20 MendoLakeFamilyLife

One by one, loop strips of paper in half using pencil mark as reference. Don’t fold them; only make loop. Make sure words from gratitude list are on outside bottom so you can read them. Line up ends of paper and staple them. Repeat this for all feathers.

Staple each feather to back of lunch bag (turkey body) at top fold. Evenly space loops so gratitude words can be read.

Repeat this so that feather loops fan out for turkey’s tail.

Sign and date bottom of bag. Your Grateful Gobbler is ready to display at Thanksgiving dinner. When friends and family look at it, ask them what they are thankful for. ¶ Jessica Snowden lives in northern California. She is a mom of two and an artist, writer, teacher, and volunteer.

November 2014 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Cooking with Kids

Cranberry ’Licious Satisfy Pre-feast Hunger with This Treat

By John Corippo

T

hanksgiving—that incredible day of culinary divineness when family traditions are focused around the dinner table. You may be salivating even now anticipating a special holiday dish that you know will be prepared, whether it be green bean casserole, super-deluxe mashed potatoes, or one of a tableful of delectable desserts.

In preparation for the annual edible ceremony, one doesn’t want to fill up with appetizers or a pre-game

This pound cake stars a superfood.

meal. But you can’t make it the entire day without having something, right? I have the solution: Cranberry Pound Cake. Delicious and satisfying, it features what is now known as a superfood—cranberries. That’s right.

These berries aren’t just for juice cocktail anymore.

They give the body an extra defense against everything from urinary and digestive problems to cardiovascular issues. And if they can do all that, they can surely nip your pre-feast hunger in the bud.

Cranberry Pound Cake Ingredients • 2 cups fresh or thawed frozen cranberries (Blueberries or other berries may be substituted.)

• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 3/4 teaspoon salt • 1 stick unsalted butter, softened • 2 large eggs • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 1/2 cup whole milk • confectioners sugar for garnish

Directions Preheat oven to 350°F. Put cranberries and 1/2 cup granulated sugar in food processor and pulse until cranberries are finely chopped. Transfer to sieve and let drain while making batter. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat together butter and remaining 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar in large bowl with electric mixer at medium-high speed until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes with a standing mixer). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then beat in vanilla. Reduce speed to low and alternately add flour mixture and milk in batches, beginning and ending with flour, and mixing until just incorporated. Spread one-third batter evenly in well-buttered 9x5x3 loaf pan, then spoon of half drained cranberries evenly over batter, leaving 1/2-inch border along sides. Top with another third of batter and remaining cranberries, leaving 1/2-inch border along sides. Cover with remaining batter. Bake in middle of oven until golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out without crumbs (1–1 1/4 hours). Set cake in pan on rack. Cool 30 minutes. Invert cake onto rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

John Corippo lives in Ukiah, where he is a husband and father to two sons as well as a fire captain, paramedic, hazmat specialist, journalist, college instructor, avid sports fan, and stand-up paddleboard representative. www.mendolakefamilylife.com

November 2014

MendoLakeFamilyLife 21

November

Calendar of Events

Everything Will Be Illuminated

hat if you could freeze a firework right as it exploded? You might see something like the glowing flora at the Fifth Annual Festival of Lights at the Mendocino Botanical Gardens. Stroll along luminaria-lined paths that turn into tunnels of brightly colored lights. Afterwards, enjoy a repast from David’s Deli, a local favorite, or just some light refreshments at Holiday Sweets Café. The event drew 8,000 people last year, and this year there will be bed-and-breakfast packages for out-of-towners. The festival begins on November 28 and runs from 5–7:30 p.m., Thursday–Sunday, through December 14. Tickets are $10 for adults; children 16 and under are free. A special gala fundraiser on December 13, 5–8 p.m., will feature a real-time, full-on fireworks display. Tickets for the gala are $100; proceeds go to making the Festival of Lights free for kids. To get a glimpse of what the event has to offer, see Doug Pollard’s photos at gardenbythesea.org.

Saturday 1 FREE Saturday Morning Matinee.

Family-friendly movies first Saturday of each month. Current releases & old favorites, both animated & live-action films. Children must be accompanied by adult. 10:30 a.m. Lakeport Library.

1425 N. High St., Lakeport. 263-8817. lakeconews.com.

Barktoberfest Raffle. Food, cash,

prizes. Proceeds benefit Redwood Coast Humane Society (RCHS).

Tickets $3–$10. 1–3 p.m. Drawing at 1:30 p.m. RCHS. 884-1304. redwoodcoasthumane.org.

22 MendoLakeFamilyLife

FREE Meet the Doulas. A great chance to meet a variety of local doulas and choose one who is right for you. 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Mendocino Baby. 198 S. School St., Ukiah.

884-1304.

Holiday Tea. Silent auction.

Kelseyville High School jazz band & choir. $25 adults. $12 children 12 & under. Noon–2 p.m. Kelseyville High Student Center. 5480 Main St., Kelseyville. 245-7219 or 391-7947 for tickets.

Fourth Annual Wine, Kibble & Bids Harvest Party. The

Humane

Society for Inland Mendocino County presents tri-tip dinner & complimentary glass of wine.

Vegetarian available. Live auction/ quarter auction. Music. Adults $22.

Seniors (65+) $20. Age 6 & under free. 4:30 p.m. Cal Purdy Hall.

Redwood Empire Fair & Event Center. 1055 N. State St., Ukiah.

485-0123. mendohumanesociety.org.

FREE Decorating for the Holidays.

Live music, food & interactive art displays & activities. 5–8 p.m. Ukiah Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah.

463-4153. co.mendocino.ca.us.

November 2014 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Photo by Doug Pollard

W

Sunday 2 FREE Kids’ Fun Day! Sports, snack shop, Bible time & more! Grades 1–12.

Adult supervision. Parental permission slips required. Sundays 4–6 p.m.

Lucerne Community Church. 5870 East Hwy. 20, Lucerne. 274-8326. lucernecommunitychurch.com.

Fort Bragg Cubs Football & Cheer Omelet Breakfast. Fundraiser

&

Silent Auction. Ham or cheese omelet, fresh fruit salad & pastry.

Proceeds go to equipment & cheerleaders’ uniforms. $10. 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Masonic Hall. 428 N. Main St., Fort Bragg. kzyx.org.

Tuesday 4 FREE Legos Hour. Fun after-school

activity! For all ages. Build a creation to display in the children’s library.

Tuesdays & Thursdays 3 p.m. Ukiah Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah.

463-4153. co.mendocino.ca.us.

FREE After-school Fun for Youths sponsored by Action Network. Full

program of activities, including homework assistance. Tuesdays 3:30–5 p.m. 200 Main St., Point Arena. 882-1691. actionnetwork.info.

Wednesday 5 FREE A Child, A Dog, A Good Book & Games. A

therapy-dog reading program. Plus games, games & more games! Wednesdays 3:30 p.m. Ukiah Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah.

463-4153. co.mendocino.ca.us.

Clearlake Youth Center After-school Program. Designed to help youth by providing tutoring, athletic programs, team building & interaction with

peers, all with supervision. $15 weekly.

2–6 p.m. Clearlake Youth Center.

4750 Golf Ave., Clearlake. 994-5437. clearlakeyouthcenter.org.

FREE Christian Concert. Singer, songwriter & ventriloquist Brent Vernon. Music, laughter & reflection.

Dinner 5–6 p.m. Free show at 7 p.m. (Donation suggested.) United Christian Parish. 745 N. Brush St., Lakeport. 263-4788. lakeportucp.org.

FREE Playgroup. For children birth–5 yrs. & parents. Meet in Harwood Park in good weather, otherwise Harwood Hall.

Wednesdays 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Harwood Hall & Family Resource Center.

44400 Willis Ave., Laytonville.

984-8089. laytonville.org.

FREE Teen Drop-in. Grades 6–12.

Snacks, games, computer use, hang out with friends. Wednesdays & Thursdays 3:30–5 p.m. Harwood Hall & Family Resource Center.

44400 Willis Ave., Laytonville.

984-8089. laytonville.org.

Thursday 6 FREE Toddler Time! Stories

& songs for toddlers. Thursdays 10:15 a.m.

Fort Bragg Library. 499 Laurel St., Fort Bragg. 964-2020. co.mendocino. ca.us.

FREE Family Empowerment. Any parent is welcome. Wednesdays 8–10:30 a.m. Harwood Hall & Family Resource Center. 44400 Willis Ave., Laytonville. 984-8089. laytonville.org.

TheOpenSolar Living Center Every Day 10am-6pm • Renewable Energy Education • Guided Tours • Picnics, Ponds & Playgrounds • Educational Displays • Healthy Snacks • Largest Straw bale Store • Huge Selection of Eco-Books • Toys, Clothing, Other Gifts • Solar Parts, Panels & Systems.

13771 S Hwy 101 • Hopland • 707-472-2403 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

November 2014

MendoLakeFamilyLife 23

Friday 7 FREE First Friday Family Movie Night.

Free popcorn. Candy, soda & hot dogs available. Kid-safe family films from Disney & other moviemakers.

Movie starts at 6:30 p.m. Lucerne Community Church. 5870 East Hwy. 20, Lucerne. 274-8326. lucerne communitychurch.com.

FREE Grace Hudson Museum & Sun House. First

Friday of each month. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 431 South Main St., Ukiah. 467.2836. gracehudsonmuseum.org.

Mendocino Beer, Wine & Mushroom Festival. Mushroom dinners, wine- & beer-pairing workshops, cooking classes, live music, exhibits, guided mushroom foraging. Runs thru Nov. 16. Day & evening events thru

the county, from the coast to inland valleys. Download brochure on website for specific times & locations.

866-466-3636. mendocino.com.

FREE Alien Youth. Grades 7–12. Free light dinner followed by games & group Bible study. Fridays 6–8 p.m.

First Baptist Church of Clearlake.

14550 Pearl Ave., Clearlake. 994-5148. clearlakefbc.org.

FREE Ukiah’s Cyclestrians Friday Evening Bike Ride. Helmets strongly

encouraged! Ride designed for beginner to moderate cyclists. Fridays 5:30–6:30 p.m. Alex Thomas Plaza.

310 S. State St., Ukiah. walkbikemendo. org. info@mendotrails.org.

Saturday 8

the historic Skunk Train. Arrives in Camp Mendocino for a day of live music, wine & beer tasting, culinary treats & mushroom cook-off. All proceeds benefit the Mendocino County Museum. 10 a.m. Departs from either of two depots: 299 E. Commercial St., Willits, or 100 W. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. 459-2736. mendocinomuseum.org.

FREE Nature Walks. Walks are followed by a tour of the historical ranch house. Second Saturday of each month. Walks take between 1.5–3 hrs.

Rain will cancel walk but not tour.

8:30 a.m. Meet under the big oak tree.

Anderson Marsh State Historic Park.

Anderson Ranch Pkwy., Lower Lake.

995-2658. andersonmarsh.org.

BBQ a ride Offices on Wine & Beer Train. Take ticketsfor alsoEnrollment available at door for 6 School Open August Mendocino County Mushroom,

Guitars for the Troops. $10.

Parents Count

You can have a voice in your child's education Here's how: • Attend monthly School Site Council Meetings.

• Support your school Parent/Teacher Association.

• Volunteer for school and/or classroom activities.

• Attend Back to School Nights in the fall and Open House in the spring.

• Visit the district's website and learn about current events (www.uusd.net).

UKIAH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 511 S. ORCHARD AVE., UKIAH • 707-472-5000

24 MendoLakeFamilyLife

November 2014 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

$15. Proceeds toward military & local veterans’ organizations. 6 p.m.

Cal Purdy Hall. Redwood Empire Fair Event Center. 1055 N. State St., Ukiah. 467-3674. ukiahrotary.org.

FREE Ukiah Bike Kitchen.

Volunteers with mechanical knowledge show patrons how to maintain & repair their bicycles.

No one turned away for lack of funds. Saturdays 10 a.m.–noon.

Alex Thomas Plaza. 310 S. State St., Ukiah. walkbikemendo.org. info@ mendotrails.org.

Sunday 9 FREE First Fiddlers’ Jam. Listen to some terrific fiddle tunes played by members of the Northern California Old Time Fiddlers Group. Noon–2

p.m. Ely Stage Stop & Country Museum. 9921 Soda Bay Rd., Kelseyville.

Salmon Spawning 5K Run/Walk. An

inaugural event. $35 registration.

Registration 7:30 a.m. Race starts 9 a.m. Short films will be shown about salmon for those not racing.

Award presentations 10:30 a.m.

Portuguese Hall. 822 Stewart St., Fort Bragg. rdysetgo.com.

Monday 10 Little Bounce Veteran’s Day Basketball Camp. Boys & girls ages 3–7. Ideal for a child who has not had experience in an organized sports setting, but is enthusiastic about basketball.

Basic fundamentals will be taught

along with a variety of fun games & competitions. $55. Mon. & Tues. 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Alex Rorabaugh Center Gym. 1640 S. State St., Ukiah. 463-6714. cityofukiah.com.

Wednesday 12 FREE Mendocino College Campus Tour. Visit library/learning resource

center, auto technology & ceramics departments, science complex, nursing facility & culinary arts management department. Tour followed by lunch. RSVP. 11:30 a.m–12:30 p.m.

Mendocino College. Center for the Visual & Performing Arts. 1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah. 467-1018. visitukiah.com.

FREE Birth Your Way! Motherhood

changes your life forever. Meet

Victorian High Tea & Christmas Fair

Design & Build with Nature

We Book Up!

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS TODAY!

(707) 245-7342

Hands-on Academic Engagement, Home Study Enhanced with Waldorf Inspired K-12 Classes.

November 21st to December 21st

NOW ON Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays

High School Spaces Available.

La Vida Charter School www.mendolakefamilylife.com

707-459-6344

16201 Hwy 101, Ukiah lavidaschool.org

Lakeport Engish Inn

675 N. Main St., Lakeport • lakeportenglishinn.com

November 2014

MendoLakeFamilyLife 25

midwives & new friends. Ask experts your questions or call for free consultation. 7–8 p.m. Coldwell Bank. 190 S. Main St., Lakeport.

972-9443. bloommidwife.com.

Thursday 13

are invited to attend. Presented

by Quanisha Smith, international speaker, youth achievement mentor, and leadership development trainer.

5–6:30 p.m. Lower Lake High School. 9430 Lake St., Lower Lake.

994-9001. lakecoe.org.

Willy Wonka the Musical. This

scrumdidilyumptious musical is guaranteed to delight everyone’s sweet tooth! Thursdays 7 p.m.

Fridays & Saturdays 8 p.m.

Sundays 2 p.m. Runs thru Dec. 14. Ukiah Players Theatre. 1041 Low Gap Rd., Ukiah. 462-9226. ukiahplayerstheatre.org.

Friday 14 FREE How to Talk So Youth Will Listen Workshop. Parents,

Saturday 15 FREE Girls in Careers Workshops.

Girls in grades 7–12 are invited to come explore traditional & not-so-traditional careers. Hands-on workshops. Multiple sessions.

Lunch, snacks & water provided.

8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Lower Lake High School. 9430 Lake St., Lower Lake. Call 994-9001 or tserpa@ lakecoe.org to reserve a spot. Space limited! lakecoe.org.

educators, and community members

See how to

PLAY

Sunday 16 Third Annual Sips, Eats & Sweets.

Hors d’oeuvres & sweets taste-offs, silent auction & wines. Supports community volunteers to connect & advocate for foster, delinquent & at-risk youths. $20. Sips wine tickets sold separately. Must be 21 or older to attend. 4–7 p.m. Barra of Mendocino. 7051 N. State St., Redwood Valley. 463-6503. visitukiah.com.

Friday 21 FREE Point Arena Lighthouse.

Docent-led tours every 20 minutes.

Free admission third Friday of each month. 10 a.m.– 3:30 p.m.

45500 Lighthouse Rd., Point Arena.

882-2809. pointarenalighthouse.com.

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2. Activate our Channel 3 . Point your phone (or tablet) at pages MendoLake Family Life

with this icon

November 2014 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Ask for

LO CA Award-Winning L b

Gowan Apples

Grandma Gowan’s Secret Apple Pie Recipe Use Jonathan Apples or Sierra Beauty Apples 3/4 cup white granulated sugar 3 tablespoons flour 1 teaspoon Cinnamon 1 tablespoon butter 9 inch unbaked pie shell cream

Slice enough apples to fill your pie pan.

Mix sugar, cinnamon and flour together in a bowl.

Add apples to the sugar mix and coat apples. Place the apple mixture on the unbaked pie shell bottom.

Slice butter over top of the apples.

Seal with the upper crust. Use a pastry brush to paint the top of the pie with cream and sprinkle top with sugar.

Bake for 45 minutes at 375 degrees.

Gowan Orchards Gowans Oak Tree 707-895-3353

GowanOrchards.com 707-895-3225

Growing Great Apples for 138 Years

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

November 2014

MendoLakeFamilyLife 27

The Victorian Christmas Fair & High

Brassfield Estate Vineyards. 10915 High Valley Rd., Clearlake Oaks.

998-1895. brassfieldestate.com.

Tea. Handsome

candy canes, dolls, carolers, decorations & traditional servers in full costume. Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays Noon & 3 p.m. Thru Dec. 22. Holiday gift shop open 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m. 675 North Main St., Lakeport. 263-7342. lakeportenglishinn.com.

Friday 28 Fifth Annual Festival of Lights. The

gardens are decorated with colorful holiday lights. It’s a spectacular scene that is a must-see for the whole family!

Handicap accessible. Adults $10.

Under age 16 free. Thursdays–Sundays 5–7:30 p.m. Thru Dec. 14. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. 18220 North

Saturday 22 FREE Third Annual Art & Wine Show. Art,

wine & food. 3–6 p.m.

NEW OWNER CATRENIA TINDALL

HUGE CLEARANCE

SALE! Treats & Toys 30% to 40% Off Beds & Carriers 20% Off All Jackets & Clothes Special Orders Welcome

Pet Boutique (707) 462-1848 • 610 S. State St., Ukiah

Windshields

$

Starting at

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Got Your Party Collar On?

Price Less Auto Glass

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95

55th Annual Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Fair. Handcrafted

jewelry, original paintings, functional & decorative ceramics, fiber art & clothing, handcrafted herbal body care products. Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Mendocino Art Center. 45200 Little Lake St., Mendocino. 937-5818. mendocinoartcenter.org.

FREE Festival of Trees. Decorated trees, craft village & live entertainment. The Magical Gingerbread House will again offer activities & crafts for children.

Daily visits from Santa Claus & Mrs. Claus, sleigh & reindeer! Food & drinks available for purchase.

Fri. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Gualala Arts Center. 46501 Old State Hwy., Gualala. 884-1138. gualalaarts.org.

Happy Thanksgiving!

WICKED KICKS! • Respect • Discipline • Self Confidence

LET US HELP YOU FIND YOURS

20 OFF

$

plus installation

Chip Repair

Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. 964-4352 x10. gardenbythesea.org.

707-463-1638

2350 North State St. Ukiah Same location as Warranty Motors

First Month. November Only

Lake County Martial Arts 1624 Parallel Dr, Lakeport,

263-0706

November 2014 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Marketplace Schools

YOUR AD HERE Classifieds Work Call 586-9562

n u FBlast!

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Sign up online for our weekly enews featuring the best family friendly weekend events.

Call for Free Consultation 462-8098

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

16201 N. Hwy. 101, Willits

707-459-6344

Tuition-free Montessori elementary for ages 5-13  Hands-on, arts and music integrated with academics

 National Green Campus  Promotes responsibility, respect, and peace

Located on north end of Fairgrounds PO Box 966 Ukiah 95482

www.lavidaschool.org

Accelerated Achievement Academy • • • •

Free Public School Grades 4-12 Small classes Support for struggling students

(707) 463-7080 1031 N. State St.

707-462-0913 treeoflifeschool@pacific.net www.treeoflifeschool.net

Your Child can Thrive!

Online learning ignites the minds of children like yours

Enroll now K12.com/AAS or 877-506-8631

“Our phones were driving us crazy!”

Overpriced, dropped calls and poor customer service.

Repectech came to the rescue and now we are changing all of our stores over to them.

Great price, great call quality and wonderful customer service.”

245 E Perkins St. Ukiah • 707-462-8098 Business Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm

• Independent Study • K –12 • Free Public Charter • Academic & Specialty Classes • Gifted & Talented Served • Inspired by Waldorf Education

Tutoring

Cut your Business Phone Bill by 25% John Meyer New Trend Cellular

La Vida Charter School

Weekend

www.MendoLakeFamilyLife.com

Get Moms Attention!

Schools

Health 307 North State Street Ukiah

707-468-1300

www.tutoringcenter.com

KID’S HEALTH it makes sense!

Services

Not Quite Ready for Guests?

Studies show that healthy children are happier, more confident, and do better in school, and beyond...

Hauling, Yard & Property Clean-up Reasonable Rates/Free Estimate

Got Trash? - Call Charles Charles D. Hearne

Home: 707-202-4297 Cell: 707-413-8597

November 2014

707-996-WELL

710 West Napa St., Suite 1 • Sonoma www.sonomanatmed.com

MendoLakeFamilyLife 29

Humor Break

Flying Leap

A Dad Wakes Up to Thankfulness

By Patrick Hempfing

I

’m a light sleeper. If my nine-year-old daughter, Jessie, calls me from her bedroom on the other side of the house, I’ll wake up about 90 percent of the time. But, recently, Jessie had a bad dream, and I was too comatose to hear her cry out for me. So, grabbing her monkey and donkey, she ran frantically into the master bedroom and made a flying leap directly onto Daddy. (It would have been a good night to wear a protective cup.)

After a while, she calmed down, put an arm around Eeyore (the donkey) and Sam (the monkey), snuggled in between my wife, Mattie, and me, and went to sleep. I, however, was still recovering from 83 pounds of blunt force trauma and a swift knee to the groin. I turned over on my side, hoping to catch a few winks— only to be goosed by Cuddles the cow. Apparently Eeyore and Sam weren’t the only furry friends Jessie brought to her 1 a.m. visit. I was lucky Cuddles wasn’t a unicorn.

I knew I wouldn’t be falling back to sleep anytime soon, so I left Jessie in bed with Mattie and went to the living room to read.

Eventually, I snoozed on the recliner, and then the couch, but when it came time to take the dog on her morning walk, I wasn’t exactly what you would call rested. Nor was I in a charitable mood. But when I went to wake Jessie for school, and saw my sleeping

on my favorite pillow.

Cuddles and Sam looked up at me with their stitched grins. I smiled back.

Sure, Mattie and I had been deprived of a little sleep.

However, we had received an opportunity to show Jessie that we are always there to protect, comfort, and love her. Jessie’s flying leap reminded me to be thankful for the opportunities I have to make a difference I am thankful for the opportunities I have to make a difference as a dad— as a dad—even if it even if it means losing my pillow to a means being kneed by a nine-year-old or goosed band of stuffed mammals. by a cow, or losing my favorite pillow to a family, the word thankful was what band of stuffed mammals. ¶ came to mind. (OK tired would have Patrick Hempfing had a 20-year professional worked, too). Jessie had maintained career in banking, accounting, and auditing her position in the middle of the bed, before he became a father at age 44. He with Mattie by her side and Eeyore, is now a full-time husband, stay-at-home dad, and writer Sam, and Cuddles resting comfortably (Twitter @PatrickHempfing).

30 MendoLakeFamilyLife

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