Northwest Kids Magazine HOLIDAY 2011 by Emily Olson

kids northwest

DECEMBER 2011

MAGAZINE

SPOKANE | COEUR D’ALENE | SPOKANE VALLEY | POST FALLS | SOUTH HILL

premium dental care for spokaneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kids

Holiday Mail for Heroes The Red Cross is making it possible for everyone to send Christmas Cards to our troops overseas. We will be accepting Christmas Cards at our office, as well as encouraging kids to color and make their own cards from now until Dec 9th.

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nwkids

Sleigh bells ring-a-ling... Check the events calendar for old fashioned sleigh rides

inside05 DECEMBER 2011

PAGE 4 MASTHEAD

PAGE 5 EDITORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NOTE

DEPARTMENTS 9 Business Profile 06 OUR TOWN

delicious potato latkes are the food du jour during Hanukkah. read to learn more about why fried potatoes, jelly donuts and other fried foods are hits during the holidays.

14 OUR PICKS

Check out the unusual and one of a kind gifts in our gift ideas section

16 OUR KIDS

Educational activity for winter solstice; Guide to Christmas Tree Farms; Fun FAQs about reindeer

Humor essay on lessons learned in a sandbox; hypnobirthing; learning about Hanukkah; importance of perinatal dental care

25 OUR LIVES

Family pet loss during the holiday season; new monthly column for womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health advice from Shelley Northern, midwife extraordinaire

30 OUR DIRECTORY

Local businesses make the world go round...so take a peek at some awesome resources in our area

www.northwestkidsmagazine.com 3

inside05

25 potato latkes

Local events; a trip to Turnbull Wildlife Refuge; Tinman, Too review, Famous Faces; Q&A with Yvonne Johnson

23 OUR HEALTH

kids northwest

NOVEMBER 2011

MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER Northwest Kids Magazine EDITOR Emily Olson CREATIVE DIRECTOR Emily Olson MEDIA/EVENTS DIRECTOR Rebecca Templeton CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tammy Marshall | Don Cutler | Shelley Northern | Stephanie Waltz EDITORIAL INQUIRIES OR SUBMISSIONS Northwest Kids Magazine welcomes editorial inquiries and suggestions. Please contact Emily at emily@northwestkidsmagazine.com Northwest Kids Magazine is published monthly. 2600A E Seltice Way #306 Post Falls, ID 83854 info@NorthwestKidsMagazine www.NorthwestKidsMagazine.com

MAIN ADVERTISING OFFICE: 208.457.7211

SPOKANE | COEUR D’ALENE | SPOKANE VALLEY | POST FALLS | SOUTH HILL

4 northwest kids magazine

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from publisher. Photographs, graphics,and artwork are the property of Northwest Kids Magazine © 2011 Printed in the U.S.A. on Recycled Paper

editor’s note

‘Tis the Month Before Christmas Tis the month before Christmas, we’re all going nuts; With so much to do, there’s no ifs, ands or buts. Buy presents, hang tree lights, pop cards in the mail, Send gift packs, thread popcorn, find turkeys on sale. Decorations need stringing up all through the house. And you haven’t a clue what to buy for your spouse. School concerts, receptions, open houses with friends, Long lineups, short tempers, tying up the loose ends. With all our mad dashing, we’re reeling from shock; Let’s stop for a minute and really take stock. It’s crassly commercial, the cynical say; If that’s true, that our fault-it’s us and not they.

Happy Holidays

Take time for yourself-though hard as that seems— Enjoy your kids’ laughter, excitement and dreams. Take a moment out now, don’t get overly riled, Instead make an angel in snow with your child.

from all of us here at Northwest Kids Magazine!

The shortbread can wait, and so can the tree; What’s important to feel is a child’s sense of glee. The holidays aren’t about push, rush and shove; They’re for friendship and sharing and family love.

Thanks for a wonderful 2011... see you in 2012!!

Hear the bells, feel the warmth, light up with the glow Of a message first sent to us so long ago: Peace, love and goodwill, and hope burning bright. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

www.northwestkidsmagazine.com 5

•

our community

Sleigh Rides As soon as the snow flies, Western Pleasure Guest Ranch begins offering scenic horsedrawn sleigh rides powered by their draft teams. Enjoy hot drinks and freshly popped popcorn in front of a crackling fire afterwards or check out their dinner packages. Call for availability 208-263-9066. Polar Express After Hours Drop ‘n Shop Kids will watch the movie, read the book, drink cocoa, craft and learn some snowy science while you complete your shopping on Friday, Dec. 9, from 5:30-8:30 pm. Cost: $15, per child. Mobius Kids, 808 W. Main Ave Fantasy Cruise to the North Pole Coeur d’Alene cruises offers this wonderful opportunity for youth and adults of all ages to hop on a boat and sail the seas of Lake Coeur d’Alene to the land of Santa and his elves. Cost: $16.95; $15.95, seniors; free, youth 12 and younger. Coeur d’Alene Resort, 115 S. Second St.

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LOCAL EVENTS

Bing Crosby Holiday Film Festival

Disney on Ice Presents Toy Story 3

Campbell House Holiday Tours

For many people Christmas is just not Christmas without seeing White Christmas starring Bing Crosby. The Crosby film Holiday Inn will also be shown at 2:30 pm. Cost: $5. The Bing, 901 W. Sprague Ave.

The characters from the blockbuster movie will show off their skate moves on Dec. 1-4. Tickets: $16; $23; $35; $50. Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave.

Decorated just like the famous local socialites did during the Victorian era, the English Tudor house next to the MAC Museum will smell of baking cookies and history. Open through Jan. 1. $7; $5, seniors and students. The MAC, 2316 W. First Ave.

Kroc Center School’s Out Day Camp If you’re in need of a place to put your kids during that week before Christmas when they’re on break but you have to work, The Salvation Army’s Kroc Center in Coeur d’Alene is providing a day camp from Dec. 19-23. You can enroll them per day or for the entire week. That way if you just need a day to finish your Christmas shopping without the kids you have a safe place for them to go. Cost: $35, per day; $125, entire week. Ages 6-13. Kroc Center, 1765 W. Golf Course Rd., Coeur d’Alene Visit: kroccda. org Call: 208-667-1865

Riverfront Park Ice Palace A day out at this premier outdoor rink will freeze smiles on your family’s faces throughout the drive home. Cost: $4.50, $3.50, youth; $3.50, skate rental. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. Mobius Kids Santa Breakfast Fundraiser Enjoy the festivities in the Davenport’s Grand Pennington Ballroom on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 8:30-10:30 am. An elegant breakfast and pictures with Santa included. Tickets: $25; free, youth 12 and younger. The Davenport, 10 S. Post St. The Singing Nuns The annual concert featuring the amazing vocals from the nuns of Mount St. Michael’s Dec. 14- 15 Tickets: $10. The Bing, 901 W. Sprague Ave. Visit: mettheater. com Call: 835-2638

Breakfast With Santa Pancakes will be served with games, activities and the man with the red nose himself on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9-11 am. Cost: $4. CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place Dr. Email: camillam@peoplepc.com First Night Spokane This premier New Year’s Eve event features everything family. Lights, crafts, ice sculpture displays, film festival, music, art, dinosaur replicas and even more! Tickets: $12; free 12 and younger. Downtown Spokane Do you have an event you would like published? Email Emily at info@northwestkidsmagazine. com

Every pet deserves to be loved!

help TOO YOUNG? T

he assignment of household chores serves several important teaching functions regarding social responsibility. It allows the child to experience both a sense of contribution to the family and a sense of accomplishment-and, in turn, it allows a sense of pride in that accomplishment. Pride is the key ingredient in the development of self-respect, which is the foundation for good mental health and happiness in life. Moreover, contributing to the family and feeling good about doing so strengthens the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s connection to the family.

www.northwestkidsmagazine.com 7

Q&A At The Table With EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR SPOKANE CIVIC THEATre

YVONNE A.K. JOHNSON by Tammy Marshall

You’ve been all over the world directing and studying theater. What made you decide to call Spokane home for the last seven years?

Spokane Civic Theatre conducted a national search for a new artistic director eight years ago. There were over 120 applicants and I was the fortunate candidate to be hired for the position. Civic has grown tremendously over the past seven seasons through producing high quality, affordable entertainment for our community. Along with artistic excellence we have made over a $1 million in building improvements to our physical structure for generations to come to enjoy. When did you first decide you were going to work in theater? I always knew that theatre would be a part of my life as early as age 11. My first play was called “Wheels” and I sang a solo thanking Henry Ford for the dream that came true. After college I began to pursue theatre as a career choice with directing plays and musicals at every opportunity I could in the Midwest and eventually abroad. I also actively pursued two advanced degrees. An MA in Contemporary Theatre Practice at the University of Essex and an MFA in Directing at Minnesota State UniversityMankato. Tells us about some of your favorite theater experiences? My favorite theatre experiences tend to be the ones that are life changing for those involved. I have had students and actors study at the best drama programs in the US and London that now appear on Broadway and the West End. As a director and educator, I could not be more proud of their achievements and I consider the time I had with them a true gift. What’s a good way to introduce a child to the theater? Theatre should be a fun, family involved experience for a child.

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Taking a child to a children’s theatre production, participating in a class or theatre camp (Spokane Civic Theatre Academy), or attending a play or musical specifically tailored to families (Annie, Peter Pan, Mary Poppins) would be a wonderful introduction. What are some things parents should know if they choose to bring their child to a play? Most theatre’s have a policy of no babes in arms or children under the age of five. This is for both the joy of the child’s experience and other patrons. I suggest bringing a child to a show that is no longer than 60-90 minutes for their first play. When attending a play/musical I still feel that it’s the entire quality of the experience that a child will remember. Dress appropriately, take them for lunch/dinner or dessert after the show to discuss it with them. If you are able, consider securing seats near the front of the audience so they can sit up close to the stage and not miss a beat. What kinds of things does the Spokane Civic Theatre do to involve the community? We involve the community in all that we are and do. A few highlights: we produce on average 15-20 benefit performances for other not for profit groups per season, we started a community outreach program called “Shakespeare in Schools” which is in its second year for middle and high school students, we have formed dozens of community partnerships serving in varying capacities and we support 1,000 volunteers (actors, directors, technicians, stage crew, front of house, etc.) and 700 Academy students. Our Academy scholarship program supports a 30% need for families in our community. When shouldn’t a parent bring his/her kids to a play? Much of this decision is up to the individual parent but I feel it’s important for the child to want to attend the play or production. If the subject

Current and Upcoming Productions at the Spokane Civic Theatre material is not age appropriate or suitable for them they will get bored, lose attention and not be able to focus. How does putting on a production still inspire you? Being able to tell the story that the playwright intended and bringing those characters to life is fulfilling, invigorating and challenging. There is nothing like this experience in the world … and it’s infectious. Why, in your opinion, is acting/story telling important to introduce to youth? They need to be introduced at an early age in order to begin to cultivate them to be interested in attending theatre in the years to come. Not everyone interested in the performing arts becomes an actor, director or designer. Most are theatre-goers and we hope that if they get “the bug” for live theatre at an early age they will continue to include and support the arts as an essential part of their adult lives too. What is your favorite youth-oriented play? We produce 26 camps at Spokane Civic Theatre in the summer and on average 36 classes for youth per season through our Spokane Civic Theatre Academy program. I have enjoyed our adaptations of Roald Dahl’s works such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and James and the Giant Peach. My other favorites would be that of C.S. Lewis …especially, The Chronicles of Narnia’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

A Christmas Carol By Charles Dickens Adapted by Barbara Field Directed by Troy Nickerson Nov 18 – Dec 18

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Directed by Marianne McLaughlin Jan 13 - Feb 4

A Holiday Classic Bah humbug! Is there still time for Ebenezer Scrooge to change? With visits from the Ghost of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet To Come, Scrooge will recall memories of his past as the burden of the present directs the journey towards what could be his future. 2008 Guthrie Theater version regional premiere production.

It’s the late 1970’s in fictional Gilbert, TX. The Chicken Ranch (brothel) ...Miss Mona (proprietress)...the sheriff... everyone just slides under the radar. Until Melvin P. Thorpe (TV reporter) crusades to close the doors on the historical landmark forever! Musical numbers “Hard Candy Christmas” and “Texas Has A Whorehouse In It,” led the way to three Tony Awards.

www.northwestkidsmagazine.com 9

SHOP LOCAL

tinman, too

smaller can be better A LOOk inside a neighborhood bookstore reveals more than meets the eye by Tammy marshall

Ever go into the Big Chain Book Store children’s section and can’t for the life of you decide what to pick? That’s because it’s just too much of a schmorgesborg of books and less of a select group of hand-picked items from children’s literature. Sue Bradley and her team at Tinman Too have a variety of children’s books that include Caldecott and Newberry prizewinners, recommendations from the American Library Association, the Association of Booksellers for Children, teachers and other educational professionals. “There is no other store in town currently devoted solely to children’s books,” Bradley says.

as Chris Crutcher, Kenn Nesbitt, Claire Rudolf Murray and Kelly Milner Halls. In addition, Tinman Too offers art classes taught by Washington State certified teachers in the mediums painting, drawing, papier mache sculpture, clay sculpture and mixed media and collage.

That’s because Tinman Too was distinctly opened in July of 2010 to fill a much-needed gap in our community. “As arts education and artmaking opportunities are consistently disappearing from school curricula, we felt it important to have a friendly place for children to encounter good literature and good art,” Bradley says.

You can try the big chain store for your child’s books, but with Tinman you know you’ll be getting something designed to engage, educate and delight your child. So perhaps a trip to the Garland District is a must this December? We think so.

Besides the hand-picked books and the wonderful art, Tinman Too offers book readings by local authors such

10 northwest kids magazine

Not just a book store but a destination point. Tinman Too also carries puppets, stuffed animals, jigsaw puzzles, models, and Dover activity books, how-to books on drawing, making paper airplanes, origami, and making monsters. They also carry many handmade items by local artists.

809 W. Garland Ave. Spokane, WA

PARKS & REC

our community

â&#x20AC;˘

turnbull refuge

Majestic wildlife and thousands of acres of natural beauty abound.

With more than 16 thousand acres of natural beauty, Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge is home to a variety of game and waterfowl. A large part of the refuge is closed from people, but the part that isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t provides a window for humans to view what Eden may have looked like. Elk wander throughout this region and in the winter they stand distinct and majestic among the many trees and wetlands. Take a trip to Cheney this winter. Bundle up in layers and wander on one of the many paths that guide people to some of the most natural areas in the world. Contact the people at the Refuge to find out when one of their guided tours are available.

Turnbull Wildlife Refuge Turnbull NWR Headquarters, 5 miles south of Cheney on Cheney-Plaza Road: turn left on Smith Road and drive 2 miles on gravel road to headquarters Visit: www.fws.gov/turnbull Call: 509.235.4723

www.northwestkidsmagazine.com 11

faces FAMOUS

ashton & keegan

dimitri

jackson

joe

bella

madison

joe & tom

Would you like to see your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in our Famous Faces? If so, email your favorite kid photo to our editor at

Emily@NorthwestKidsMagazine.com 12 northwest kids magazine

WINNING PHOTO lucy

hannah

jocelynn

nick

austin

joe

langdon

Submit your child’s photo to be entered into our random drawing... great prizes for those who win! Start submitting today! Lucy is this month’s winners and will receive a FAMILY PASS to SKY HIGH SPORTS!

1322 E Front Avenue Spokane (509) 321-5867 mason www.northwestkidsmagazine.com 13

â&#x20AC;˘

holiday picks Make popsicles on your countertop in less than 7 minutes without electricity! Use almost any ingredients including yogurt and fruit juices. Fun for all ages! $49.99 The Kitchen Engine 621 W. Mallon Ste 416 Spokane, WA 99201 509-328-3335

gift

Ideas Southwestern Spirit Bear. Spirit bears are completely unique and one of a kind. Make amazing gifts for someone special or just for you. $68.00 etsy.com

Crazy blue cockeyed owl - one of a kind crochet toy. Each one is made to order and one of a kind. $70.00 etsy.com

cute little bee play set was lovingly handmade out of poplar from start to finish. Made to order! $15.00 etsy.com

Handmade Wooden Toy Trucks with round rolling wheels. $8.50 etsy.com

14 northwest kids magazine

Make your coffee or tea not only taste good, but also look and feel good. Forget those standard paper sleeves and try something soft, natural and truly unique. $17.50 etsy.com

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www.northwestkidsmagazine.com 15

LEARN

On December 22, 2011, the Northern Hemisphere of our planet will experience the shortest day of the whole year. It is often known as the first day of the winter, or as the winter solstice. The word “solstice” comes from the Latin phrase for “sun stands still.”

A Solar Dance

environmental learning labs teach through doing. Learn more about the winter solstice this month

by Kendra Robinson-Harding, M Ed.

After the long summer months of the sun arcing high in the sky, the sun slowly arcs lower and lower throughout the fall, until it hits a low in late December. Then, for several days, it seems that the sun rises and sets in about the same place. This is why the ancients decided the sun was standing still; after so much motion, it seems to hover, stuck for a while, before resuming its graceful dance. During the spring and summer it climbs, higher and higher into the sky, until it reaches the longest day of the year, or summer solstice. Every year, around December 21 and June 21, we experience the solstices. Why? Because the Earth is tilted on an axis. In other words, the North Pole and South Pole are not straight up and down. If they were, night and day would occur at the same time every day, and there would be no seasons. Life would get pretty boring! But instead, we have diversity in our day and seasons because the Earth is tilted about 23.5 degrees as it orbits the sun. When the North Pole is pointed toward the sun, the Northern Hemisphere experiences long days and warm weather. When the North Pole is pointed away from the sun, the Northern Hemisphere experiences less light and

16 northwest kids magazine

colder, shorter days.

Celebrating the Solstice These cold, dark nights have had people for thousands of years wondering where the sun was going, and if it would ever come back. Many cultures believed that there was a sun god who travelled the sky and needed to be convinced to return. In Greek tradition Apollo rode across the sky in a chariot. In Roman tradition, it was Helios. For the Egyptians, they believed that the god Ra travelled in a boat across the sky. Many ancients held celebrations and feasts to entice the sun gods to return with the light. Some Native American groups would celebrate the dawn after the solstice, rejoicing in the triumph of the sun, that it had returned and was “born again.” The ancient Romans held a “Birthday of the Sun” celebration on the Winter Solstice known as Saturnalia. Christmas is one of the most popular Winter Solstice celebrations in modern history, and has many ties to ancient traditions. With all of the Winter Solstice celebrations, one of the most common themes is light. Lanterns, candles and fires are all ways that people have celebrated the new solar year. This light theme continues to play throughout many modern traditions. Hanukkah is a Jewish celebration which uses a menorah, or candle holder, to celebrate 8 days of light. Christmas traditions often include a Christmas tree strung with lights, and many still burn a “Yule log” on the fire.

Beautiful Paper Mache Lantern •

• •

Activities at Home Here is an idea for sharing this special time of year with your children. Make a lantern to celebrate the new solar year!

You will need: • • • • • • • • • •

Round Balloons Glue (such as Elmer’s) Water Permanent Marker Tissue Paper (Colored or Printed) Shallow Bowl Hole Punch Yarn or String Tea Light or Battery-Operated Tea Light Stick (optional)

•

Blow up one balloon for each lantern. Tie and set aside. In the shallow bowl, mix together glue and water in a 50/50 ratio. If the tissue paper is not sticking, you will need to add more glue. Tear tissue paper into strips roughly 1” wide and 6” long and set aside. Take the blown-up balloon and hold it by the tied end. This is the top of your lantern. Use the permanent marker to draw a line around the circumference of the balloon, 2-3” from the tied end. This is where the opening will be. One strip at a time, dip the tissue paper into the glue mixture, removing excess glue with your fingers. Place the strips onto the balloon below the marker line. The edges of the paper should overlap multiple times to create a strong lantern. You will want at least 5 to 6 layers. When making your lantern, know that light colors will allow the light to shine through better than dark colors. One suggestion is to use white tissue paper for the first couple of layers, and add colored or patterned tissue on top. Leaves, cut tissue designs and yarn all make fun decorations in the layers of paper! Place the lanterns in a warm, dry spot to set. Once dry (may take 48+ hours,) pop the balloon and discard. Use the hole punch to put 2-4 holes around the opening, and tie the string or yarn onto the holes. You can hang the lantern, hold it, or tie the string to a stick to carry. Finally, add the light! Battery-operated tea lights are the safest. If using real candles, please be careful!

May all your Christmas Dreams Come True... Dog Grooming 509.489.2886 corner of Wall and Nebraska

www.northwestkidsmagazine.com 17

GUIDE

One At A Time 2011 Guide to Local Christmas Tree Farms by Tammy Marshall

A thermos of hot cocoa in one hand and an axe in the other. One of my fondest memories of gleaning the annual Christmas tree. When finished the axe went face-first into the dirt and the cups came out and the cocoa poured. With our faces red with cold we sipped and imagined our front room warm with lights and Christmas decor. That was our tradition and in the Inland Northwest there are plenty of places to go on a hay ride, get a tree and sip some warm chocolate milk.

EASTERN WASHINGTON Camden Ranch Christmas Trees 1521 Willms Rd., Elk 509.292.2543 North of Spokane sits a little tree farm where you pick the tree. The gift shop has plenty of local flavor and one of their hand-made wreaths are ready for your front door. Carver Farms 9105 N. Idaho Rd. Newman Lake 509.226.3602 You cut, they provide the hay ride and the hot cider. Hansen’s at Green Bluff 8215 E. Green Bluff Rd. Mead 509.238.4902 A trip to the beautiful Green Bluff just north of Spokane will get you in the Christmas spirit if you’re not already. At Hansen’s farm you can pick your own. Dietz Christmas Tree Farm 17714 N. Day Mt. Spokane Rd. Mead 509.238.6975 In the Green Bluff District. Another place to go to enjoy the festivities and pick out something for your living room. Green Bluff Christmas Tree Farm 8022 E. Green Bluff Rd. Colbert 509.238.6742 Call before you come out for hours.

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Holly Lane Tree Farm 14012 N. Norman Rd. Spokane 509.928.5970 Maynard and Carol Gilespie 25107 North Regal Road, Chattaroy 509.238.6626 North Butte Tree Farm 702 North First Street, Garfield 509.635.1272 Pre-cut or choose and cut.Pick from Concolor Fir, Scotch Pine, White Pine Grand Fir, Concolor Fir, White Pine Summerlin’s Trees 35015 North Dalton Road, Deer Park 509.276.6540 Wilbur-Ellis Company 12001 East Empire Avenue, Spokane 509.928.4512 skilookout.com Call: 208-744-1301

NORTH IDAHO Blue Haven Tree Farm 3205 Pinehill Drive West, Coeur d’Alene 208.664.3725

Jenkins & Son Tree Farm, Inc. 1014 Elmira Road, Sandpoint 208.265.6148

Crowell’s Land of Christmas 532 Upland Drive, Sandpoint 208.263.4318 Hayrides, Cutting Service, Choose-and-Cut: Douglas Fir, Grand Fir, Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, Concolor Fir, Colorado Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce

Oden Bay Trees 733 Kaniksu Shore Road, Sandpoint 208.263.3247

Forever Green Tree Farm 500 Forever Green Drive, St. Maries 208.245.2440 Provides Hayrides, Cutting Service, Sleigh Rides, Pre-Cut, Choose-and-Cut Tree Types: Grand Fir, Norway Spruce, Colorado Blue Spruce

Rusty Gate Tree Farm 12000 East Ogara Road Harrison 208.689.9868 Tree Types include Colorado Blue Spruce, Concolor Fir, Grand Fir, Scotch Pine

www.northwestkidsmagazine.com 19

GRUB CLUB

Holiday Eggs in a Frame

directions

ingredients

2. butter both sides of the slice of bread

• • • •

3. heat frying pan to medium heat

1. Use favorite holiday cookie cutter and cut our shape in center of piece of bread

Slice of Favorite Bread One Egg Seasoning of your choice Butter

4. place bread in pan; crack egg into cutout space 5. season to taste and flip once allowing both sides time to cook

3. Meat’s browning...

The Grub Club AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

your child here

garret

taylor

mason

20 northwest kids magazine

sara

kylee

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

your child here

Did You Know... Fun Reindeer Facts only Santa Knows! by Don Cutler

What is a reindeer? It’s a member of the deer family, as are moose and elk. In North America, reindeer are called caribou; they have the same Latin Name: Rangifer tarandus (Latin for “A reindeer is the same as a caribou”). Some people use the term reindeer to indicate the domesticated version of the caribou. How are they different from other deer? For one thing, they’re the only member of the deer family in which both males and females have antlers. Males and non-pregnant females shed their antlers in winter; pregnant females shed theirs after giving birth. Plus, reindeer are uniquely suited to a certain job unavailable to other members of the deer family: pulling Santa’s sleigh. Moose don’t like to pull sleighs, and white-tail deer are too finicky. What do they use those huge antlers for? While they use them for defense from predators (and sometimes each other), they are particularly useful for scraping away snow to find the delicious vegetation below. That’s most likely why the females evolved with antlers. Where do they live? Reindeer typically live in cold, snowy climates, where it’s bright most of the summer, and dark almost all winter. There are various subspecies in Finland, Norway, Russia, Canada and other regions, but they’re all close relatives. They are not aggressive animals; unlike some relatives, they get along well. With all that snow and darkness, how do they see? They’re believed to be the only animal that can see ultraviolet light. That helps them see things in situations with poor light—for example, a lightcolored wolf against a snowy background. How big are they? Most adult reindeer stand from 3 ft. to 5 ft. tall at the shoulder, and weigh from 170 to over 400 lbs. There is a great variation in size, depending on the subspecies. One variety grows to only about 2-1/2 feet tall—small enough to fit inside a doghouse! What do reindeer eat? They’ve adapted to living in cold forest land and on the tundra. Their favorite foods include moss, birch trees, lichen, and various grasses. Some have been observed eating mushrooms, bird eggs, fish, and even lemmings (from which they make lemming meringue pie). They also eat children on Santa’s naughty list. Do we have wild reindeer in Washington and Idaho? There are very few left in the lower forty-eight states. A small herd

(perhaps three dozen) lives in the Selkirk Mountains in North Idaho. They were listed as endangered (in the lower 48 states) in 1984, and it’s been very difficult to reestablish a population. Do reindeer have anything to worry about? Yes. They’re hunted by polar bears, grizzly bears, wolves, eagles, wolverines, and humans. Plus, in summer, black flies and mosquitoes are so thick and aggressive that as soon as their calves are born, they migrate from the birthing grounds to the coastlands, where the insects aren’t as vigorous. They have been hunted by human beings for more than 10,000 years. Trapping pits and hunting shelters from the Stone Age have been found in Norway. What is their life like? That depends. Some are wild, like the caribou herds in Canada. Their life is nomadic, and some migrate more than 1,000 miles each year. In winter they move to forests, where they forage under the snow for grass and other food. Many reindeer have been domesticated—that is, they’re raised in herds by people living in Greenland, and other northern countries. They travel with their people, but usually not more than one hundred miles in a season. They’re also excellent swimmers. Sometimes swimming doesn’t work out very well; once, one was found in the stomach of a shark.

www.northwestkidsmagazine.com 21

HUMOR

life in a what can be learned from our children and grandchildren while we watch them play? by don cutler

sandbox Of all nature’s creations, to a child, sand might be the best. How many parents have spent a great deal of money taking their five year-old to Hawaii to find out all she wants to do is sit in one place on the beach, scooping and shaping a great creation? They could have left her at home with the grandparents, where she would have had the same experience in the backyard and been just as delighted. Taking your child to Hawaii is a good idea, though, since it provides a good excuse for you to kneel next to them in the sand and build your own castle.

grit underneath? It’s soothing, like petting a dog.

Sitting in sand is quite comfortable. It shifts with the knobs and curves of one’s body, forming and reforming forgiving hollows and supportive bumps that make the perfect chair. On a hot day, what better feeling than to push one’s fingers through dry sand and touch the cool

The domestic version of a beach is, of course, a sandbox. It can be a solitary place, or it can be shared. The challenge is how to share; after all, there’s only so much sand, and a limited quantity of plastic shovels and buckets. The only thing that is unlimited is the imagination of adults

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A sandy beach should be quiet, like an artist’s studio; a place where one can create, and if unhappy with the result, destroy it and try again. Creating art is an intensely private activity, and when playing in sand, you don’t have to show your creation to anyone. On a beach you can see people well before they’re close enough to see what you’ve been up to, and a few swipes with your hands can delete the evidence of one’s vulnerability.

and children as they build caves and castles, populating them with twig people and pebble-animals. A sandbox is also a meeting place, a safe haven in which any child can enter, as long as they obey the appropriate etiquette. Recently I spent time with my grandchildren at a local park. Anna, age 3-1/2, made the rounds of the monkey bars, swings, and slides; then spotted a girl, maybe six years old, in the sandbox. My granddaughter approached slowly, her formerly-unrestrained enthusiasm transformed into sudden shyness. She assessed the situation. Was the sandbox’s tenant friendly and willing to share? Did the various sandbox accoutrements—plastic rake, shovel, truck—belong to the box’s current resident, or had they been left for anyone’s use? Anna slowly sat on the edge of the sandbox, and taking up a plastic shovel, began scooping. Soon, my fourteen month-old grandson, Evan, noticing that his sister and her new friend had built some interesting-looking mounds, immediately waddled over, picked up a stick, and leveled them. For a few seconds, Evan stood staring at the destruction, looking startled, as if he had anticipated a different result. Perhaps he’d thought his swipe with the stick would’ve resulted in something more interesting than a disorderly heap. What had he been expecting? Indeed, why do toddlers get such a kick out of knocking over a stack of blocks, crashing a truck into a wall, or trashing a sandcastle? Could it be that to a young child, destruction is the same thing as creation? After all, both involve rearranging currently available materials into an interesting and enlightening form. Evan’s face showed no anger, just a mix of surprise and curiosity, the same expression an artist might have at seeing a work of creation unfold as they apply paint or type words, or in this case, rearrange sand. To his mind, maybe the wreckage he’d created had just as much artistic integrity as Anna’s sand castle. Evan’s expression certainly held no malice or impish satisfaction, and maybe that innocence staved off a reprisal from the girls. Anna, who has a persistently cheerful nature (and is used to her brother’s toddlerish impulsiveness) flinched, frowned at Evan, then started rebuilding. Her new friend’s face flashed a wonderfully indignant expression, then went back to work. Evan darted away, attracted by something more interesting. A few minutes later, having grown bored with his bug or whatever, returned to the sandbox, and looked as though he was going to stomp into the middle of it. I reached out and swept him away to the playground, expecting a protest, but he seemed quite pleased. Destroying a sand castle, playing on the slides, it was all the same to him, one adventure

after another. Meanwhile, Anna and her new friend had gone back to work with a sense of purpose that had been missing earlier. Their play had turned into a cause against their common enemy, or in this case, a common irritation. Their little hands moved more quickly, and instead of working independently, each in their own space, they began to help the other, together shaping a single castle adorned with twigs. Still, they barely spoke, just glancing at each other every so often in silent, but apparently satisfied, camaraderie. They looked content with the project, and with each other. I was touched by the subtlety and clarity of their connection. By then I’m sure Evan had completely forgot, or didn’t care, what the girls were doing. His attention was again fixed on the slide, and after a few more trips down, he returned to the scene of his earlier reverseengineering. This time, he stood quietly a few feet away and watched, seemingly absorbing, rather than reacting. He’d look at his sister, then at her project, and again. Standing transfixed, he made no effort to approach the sandbox. I wondered if he’d just run out of steam; after all, it was close to naptime. His eyes weren’t tired, however; if anything, the longer he watched, the quicker they moved, and the more interested he appeared. The girl’s sandcastle—more a mountain, if you will—grew higher and broader, with walls and gaps they called windows. As Evan watched each handful of sand patted into place, what was going on in his mind? How much of his focus was based on specific thoughts, versus toddler feelings of curiosity? Does a fourteen-month-old have thoughts before building a house out of blocks or leveling a sand castle, or are they so in the moment that they have no idea what will happen in the next second? Certainly, some kind of intellectual process seemed to be going on in Evan’s mind; a calculation of some sort. Maybe he was creating an image of a castle he’d someday build, or maybe he was just watching his sister, noting her expressions, subconsciously comparing his feelings to what he saw in her, developing the beginning of their lifelong bond. I don’t know what was going on in his mind, but I know this: While he watched the two girls create their masterpiece, I was watching the creation of a boy.

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HEALTH What if women could change that negative expectation by taking control of their thoughts? What if women remember birth is a natural function of the female body? How would it be if “birth” brought up the expectation of a comfortable, calm, loving experience -- mom & baby stress free? Where mom learns to let go of her fear and allows her body to work as it’s designed to work? Where mom learns to trust her birthing body and baby? With HypnoBirthing® that’s exactly what happens … women learn to remember their instinctual side. Yes, sometimes there are special circumstances that require medical intervention. More often though, if moms are given time to relax, feel safe, are not hurried and birth is allowed to unfold in its own time, “Baby Time”, it can be a wonderful experience. It can be mom & baby alert, calm, comfortable and relaxed.

hypnobirthing an alternative to screaming, crying, hating your husband and losing your mind during labor and delivery by Mary Long

HypnoBirthing® is as much a philosophy of birth as it is a technique for achieving a satisfying, relaxing, and often pain-free method of birthing. It is becoming more and more popular in the Inland Northwest. This amazing program teaches expectant mothers how to call on their body’s own natural relaxant to lessen, or even eliminate, discomfort and the need for medication. When a woman is prepared for childbirth, both mentally and physically, the body is free to birth just as it was designed to do. What comes to mind when you hear the word “birth”? For many expectant mothers the first thought is fear, pain, or loss of control. Movies and TV shows portray birth as something traumatic and to be feared. Even the stories we hear from friends and family members are often about how painful it is to give birth.

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Studies show that women using hypnosis in labor experience less discomfort, shorter labors, have fewer medical interventions & experience less postpartum depression. Hypnosis has also been proven to be successful in helping breech babies turn. Statistics kept by the HypnoBirthing Institute show HypnoBirthing mothers have less cesarean sections (17% compared to the national average of over 30%). The stats also show a lower percent of HypnoBirthing mothers require pain meds and other interventions. HypnoBirthing® is a 12 ½ hour course taught over a 5 week period. Videos are shown of women birthing. Mom and her birthing companion learn pre-birth bonding and how very aware babies are in the womb. Mothers learn relaxation techniques to have a calmer pregnancy as well as birth. They learn selfhypnosis and breathing methods for labor & birthing. The birthing companion learns techniques to support the mother. Some people think “mind control” when they hear HypnoBirthing® or anything related to hypnosis. The only mind control is mom quieting her thoughts & taking control of her own mind. She learns to release the fears and focus on the calm, gentle, more comfortable birth she wants. With HypnoBirthing, moms and their birthing companion learn to relax and enjoy the months leading up to birth as well as the birth itself.

exploring the holidays by Stephanie Waltz

With the Holidays upon us, Christmas decorations, music, and memorabilia are all around us. The joyous Christmas spirit is nearly infectious. Yet, there is another joyous celebration that takes place around this time every year, and that is Hanukkah.

destroyed all but one jar of pure oil, containing just enough oil to light the Menorah for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days and was seen as a sign that Jewish people would persevere and continue to bring the light of the Torah to the world.

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday dating back over 2,000 years. In 160 BCE, the Greek Empire controlled Jerusalem, suppressing the Jewish people under their rule. While many Jewish people assimilated into Greek society, many remained loyal to Judaism and their way of life, and decided to fight to expel the Greeks from Jerusalem. The revolt was led by Judah, known as the Maccabee, and his army became known as the Maccabees. Although they were outnumbered, the Macabeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; revolt proved successful, and they were able to defeat the Greek army and enter the Holy Temple in Jerusalem to reclaim it.

Hanukkah is commonly known as the Festival of Lights. Each year the Jewish people celebrate the miracle by lighting a new candle on their Menorah each night for eight nights. Because the holiday is a celebration of the lasting of the oil, many people enjoy plenty of deep fried and oiled foods on Hanukkah, including jelly donuts and fried potato pancakes called Latkes. The children often receive chocolate coins called Gelt, and play with spinning wooden tops called Dreidels.

Upon entering the temple, the Macabees sought to relight the Menorah in order to rededicate the Temple to God. The Greeks, however, had

that occurred so many years ago in the Holy Temple.

While not one of the major Jewish holidays, Hanukkah is a joyous celebration spent with family and friends to commemorate the Miracle

This year, try getting into the Hanukkah spirit by making your own Potato Latkes! Ingredients

2 cups peeled and shredded potatoes 1 tablespoon grated onion 3 eggs, beaten 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/2 cup peanut oil for frying

Directions 1. Place the potatoes in a cheesecloth and wring, extracting as much moisture as possible. 2. In a medium bowl stir the potatoes, onion, eggs, flour and salt together. 3. In a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil until hot. 4. Place large spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot oil, pressing down on them to form 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick patties. Brown on one side, turn and brown on the other. 5. Let drain on paper towels. Serve hot! www.northwestkidsmagazine.com 25

HEALTH

perinatal dental the lesser known and often overlooked importance of perinatal oral care. By Erin Johnson, DDS. MS

Pregnancy and childbirth represent an exciting there are some of us who just need to eat a s’more and magical time for mothers. As a mother-to-be myself, I often find myself wondering how much of what I do directly affects my baby. Expectant mothers are coached to watch their diets, get plenty of rest, and to indulge in some occasional pampering. We know to avoid alcohol, certain types of seafood, unpasteurized cheeses, and even cold deli meats. What many of us aren’t told, however, is how our dental health during pregnancy and after our baby is born can directly impact our precious little cargo’s teeth and overall health. Little Junior’s teeth begin to develop around 14 weeks in utero, and the enamel begins to form as early as 20 weeks. Research has shown us that neglecting our own oral health during pregnancy can have significant implications on our babies. One hallmark of pregnancy is food cravings. They don’t happen for everyone, but

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for breakfast, or suddenly find ourselves at the grocery store hunting for a box of mac n’ cheese. While these make for cute stories, increasing our carbohydrate intake can have a negative effect on our oral health. Carbohydrate rich foods are broken down into simple sugars, which are the food source required by cavity-causing bacteria. But carbs aren’t the only culprit; some women turn to juice or other sweetened beverages during pregnancy. This combination of dietary changes represents the beginning of a cycle that can end with high levels of bacteria, tooth decay and/or gum disease. We’ve also learned that untreated cavities in a mother’s mouth are directly linked to high levels of bacteria in baby’s mouth and higher levels of decay in young children. Children are not born with the bacteria that cause cavities; they must “catch” it at some point by being exposed to someone else’s saliva.

There are countless ways in which the contents of our mouths can be transferred to baby’s mouth. We test the temperature of formula or breast milk in our own mouths before putting the nipple of the bottle in baby’s mouth. Our children are fascinated by our faces and seem to constantly find a way to put their fingers in our mouths. This contact, while necessary for the emotional development of Junior, also provides a way for the bacteria in our saliva to move into our children’s mouths. Research has shown us that the bacteria can then set up shop in Little One’s mouth until her teeth are ready to erupt; at which point they can attack. In addition, bacteria can also be transmitted to baby from siblings or other individuals if they are permitted to share toothbrushes, cups, bottles or other utensils. In addition to dietary concerns, the nausea and vomiting that accompany many pregnancies can lead to mommies who skip brushing and flossing. All of us skip the routine occasionally, but when we skip it routinely, it can lead to severe gum disease, thanks to the bacteria that build up around the teeth and gums. If this condition is prolonged, it can lead to low birth weight babies, preeclampsia and premature birth. Premature birth is associated with a variety of infant health concerns, including underdeveloped lungs, which can lead to significant respiratory problems for baby. So what can we do? We must try to reduce our bacterial load before baby arrives. First, if mommy has untreated decay, it is important to have it treated prior to baby’s arrival. It is perfectly safe for a woman to have routine restorative dental care during pregnancy, with the most comfortable time being the second trimester. Second, by maintaining a regular routine of brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a fluoridated mouth rinse, a woman can keep her bacterial count low. Watching our diets and controlling our carbohydrate intake can also help with this. Simply drinking water rather than juice or soda can keep our mouths healthy. Third, fluoride in toothpaste and mouth rinse can buffer the acidity that results from vomiting, thereby helping to curb enamel erosion. Certain chewing gums that contain Xylitol (Spry®, some varieties of Trident®) have been shown to effectively reduce oral bacterial levels. Fourth, reducing behaviors that might result in sharing of saliva between mom/dad/ siblings and baby can help delay the introduction of cavity-forming bacteria into baby’s mouth. Limiting what goes in baby’s mouth can go a long way to keeping her smile healthy! Finally, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend that your baby sees a dental professional by their first birthday. The dental needs of infants and young children are quite different from those of adults, and finding a pediatric dentist early will help ensure a lifetime of bright smiles for your child!

familyadvice

the love of a pet is forever by Dmitri Zaslavsky

It doesn’t matter if it’s your first or fifth pet... it’s the journey back to happy memories that matters most. by dmitri zaslavsky

Most of us have either seen the movie or read the book “Marley & Me” and, with tears in our eyes, connected with the story of how one dog touched and shaped a family during their thirteen years together, especially during his last days on earth. When a pet comes into our life, we never plan for their passing. Rather we embrace them as an integral member of our family who brings joy, laughter, comfort, and Love. Yet, anyone who has ever loved a pet knows that saying goodbye is a sad and inevitable part of the relationship. Although we do not spend much time entertaining these thoughts during our pet’s life, the day eventually comes when we must make difficult decisions about what is best for our beloved pet companion. Today there are several options and services available to pet owners in our community regarding end of life decisions and final resting places for our pets. Many pet owners have the misfortune of waking up that morning to find that their companion has passed and need a service to come to their home and pick up their pet. Yet many more must make decisions

on behalf of their pet to relieve them of their suffering, let them pass with compassion and dignity, and memorialize them in a way that’s meaningful. We are fortunate to have a tremendous Veterinary community with a great deal of experience working with clients and pets through various stages of their life, including end of life and after life care. This means you have resources and options. The first is to speak with your Veterinarian who can assist in the final days and moments of your pet’s life by providing euthanasia services at their clinic. Another option is to request the services of mobile veterinarian who will come to your home to perform the euthanasia. This is a nice alternative for people who would like their beloved pet’s final moments to be in a comfortable place among family. In either case, your veterinarian can speak with you about the specific services offered in your area and will help guide you through your option when it comes to after-life care. Saying that final “Goodbye” is difficult, but when the time comes, we must both make decisions about our

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familyadvice pet’s eternal resting place, and find a way to work through the grief. In terms of after life care, there are both cremation and burial services offered to our community. Cremation, which is a seemingly simple process, has three available alternatives. The first is “Mass” cremation, which means that your pet will be cremated along with a large number of other animals and no ashes will be returned to you. The second is “Individual” cremation, in which a small group of pets are simultaneously cremated in one large crematory unit while segregated in “Chambers” or with metal or brick partitions. In this instance an owner will receive ashes back upon completion. The last and most comforting for people who want to ensure only their pet’s remains are returned home to them is “Guaranteed Private Cremation”. In this process, only one pet is placed in a crematory unit at a time and therefore cremated by itself, ensuring only your pet’s remains are returned home to you in a lovely urn of your choice. In the end, you can make arrangements through your veterinary clinic or directly through a reputable company like Family Pet Memorial, a locally owned business providing Guaranteed Private Cremation services. As an alternative, some families opt to bury their beloved pet in a special place or at a pet cemetery. Again, we are fortunate to have the oldest operating pet cemetery in the Inland Northwest at our service. For those interested in burying their pet at home, we offer this bit of advice: Before choosing to bury your pet under his favorite tree in your backyard or at your lake house, we strongly recommended that you do your research as there may be strict local ordinances regarding animal burial. Finally, we must contend with the fact that our beloved pet is no longer with us and grieve in our own personal ways. Here are some words of comfort received from pet owners who have gone through the grieving process.

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“I want to personally thank you for the caring way you took care of my dog, Kicker. Kicker had been a huge part of my life for over ten years. He was not only my dog, but my companion and my comfort zone. The compassion you showed to me when you came to my home to pick him up was truly a gift. Thank you again and God bless.” Ann “Thank you for your kindness and caring through our families difficult loss. Guinness was a very loved and important member of our family and you helped bring comfort and a kind of closure we would have never received had it not been for your compassion and willingness to help. We truly knew he was in the right hands being guided to his final resting place. Thank you for your thoughtful service and treating our family and pets as if it were your own.” Sincerely, The Reid Family Ann, and the Reid family, like many others, had worked through the loss of their pets. It’s critically important that each member of the family go through the grieving process in a way that’s meaningful to each person. This process will not only bring you comfort, it will keep the memories alive. If you don’t feel like you have a support system in place to help you cope with the loss of your pet, our community offers pet-loss support groups and hotline such as the one through the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine. Being a pet owner comes with a lot of joy and some sorry. As we saw with Marley, his Love was pure, his loyalty, devotion and joy were boundless. Marley shared the Grogan family’s life - through good times and bad. And, in the end, he helped them love him enough to say Goodbye.

ADVICE

Every month readers can ask our expert the how, why, when and is this normal of any situation. by shelley Northern

spill it sister... Shelley Northern earned her Bachelor Degree in Nursing from Johns Hopkins University in 1994 and her certificate in nurse-midwifery from the University of Washington in 2008. Is currently a practicing Midwife at Sacred Heart Hospital and is the keeper of all the secrets related to women’s health!

As a nurse-midwife, I care for women during the best and worst of times including the challenging days following the birth of a baby. I often say that the postpartum period is the perfect storm for emotional upheaval in one’s life. There are so many factors at play: sleep disruption and deprivation, significant hormone swings which impact our brain chemistry and fundamental changes in how we perceive ourselves as individuals and as we relate to others. It is no wonder that many of us struggle and can feel inadequate as we watch Johnson & Johnson commercials displaying blissful motherhood images on the screen. Knowledge is power and knowing exactly what is happening could make a huge difference in how you are able to handle these changes. It is helpful to understand the key differences

between baby blues and postpartum depression. Baby blues is a common term used to describe those initial days and weeks postpartum when a new mother feels a bit overwhelmed and hormonal, causing her to cry more easily and feel out of sorts. The key attribute to baby blues is that it is transient in nature and time limited to approximately the first 6 wks postpartum. Postpartum depression is a form of clinical depression leading to feelings of sadness, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and lack of interest in caring for self and or baby among many other more serious symptoms. Also, unlike baby blues, postpartum depression is persistent and extends beyond the first 6 wks postpartum. Helping a woman through the challenges of baby blues and postpartum depression, although challenging, is one of the most rewarding aspects to my work. Some of the tools I use include: helping a woman identify her key support people, implementing vital nutrients into her diet, and simple stress reduction exercises. In some cases it is necessary to start a course of antidepressant medication as well as a referral for therapy. The most important piece of advice I share is that she is “normal” and that if she is willing to do the work, she will get through to the other side.

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