November December 2018 Willamette Kids and Family Magazine- Salem, Oregon

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(503)362-9548 www.BryanJohnsonOrthodontics.com

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appy Holidays!

What? It’s already the holidays?

I know can’t believe it either!

This issue of WK&F is always a favorite to put together. It reminds me of fun times spent with family, memory-making and the hope of a fresh start and a whole new year with those we love.

I’ve packed it full with gift wrap ideas that you can make with your kiddos, travel tips to keep you from ripping your hair out, and ideas to help you get your darling toddler to sleep... finally!

Jenifer Trivelli has gifted us with a thoughtful article and accompanying activity that can help bring us into the moment with our sweet families, so we can center and enjoy these amazing days we share with those we love.

I convinced my teenagers to write book reviews for some gift ideas for your tweens and teens this year.

Both are avid readers and writers and loved the chance to bring you information about some of their favorite novels from their earlier years. Check out page 18 and 19 for some suggestions on book gifts.

So excited to bring you local indoor options for the upcoming winter season. First we have Little Tots Indoor Playground ( see facing page ) and King Faus Indoor Nerf Arena ( see page 12 ) Ticket to Play Game Cafe ( Page 14 ) and can’t forget Super Bounce on page 15! Rainy cold days don’t have to keep you grounded.

Sending you all

the holiday spirit I have and wishing you the happiest of days!

Nov/Dec 2018 PUBLISHER Yvette Tripp

ISSUE 20

EDITOR Yvette Tripp

yvette@willamettekidsandfamily.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN Yvette Tripp ADVERTISING Yvette Tripp 307.797.6730

Willamette Kids & Family PO Box 266 Midwest, Wyoming 82643

www.willamettekidsandfamily.com Willamette Kids and Family is a free community bi-monthly publication. We are dedicated to being a central hub for information in the Salem - Keizer area, by providing a variety of current news and resources to help local Oregonians care for their families.

We promote neighborhood family-centered businesses by increasing their visibility within their target market. Willamette Kids and Family promotes peace and prosperity and never publish any information that could be construed as harmful or libelous.

We never discriminate based on race, sex, religion or favorite brand of macaroni and cheese.

No content may be reproduced without written permission of the editor.

Copyright 2017. All rights reserved

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by Jenifer Trivelli M.S.

The Gift PWA I S E RENT of Presence

(includes an interactive activity!)

Meaningful Connection within Ourselves and with Our Loves Twinkling lights, sweater weather, and all things pumpkin spice (if you’re into that) gather a sense of comfort to our minds, hearts, and bellies as the holiday season approaches. Visions of warm gatherings and good tidings and happy surprises for our loved ones can inspire us to spend time and energy investing in planning and creating the perfect memorable holiday.

You may have noticed and pondered how stores have capitalized on this with earlier and earlier displays of seasonal merchandise. As the holiday season moves forward, this initial burst of happiness and energy can co-mingle with exhaustion and irritation as others who share life with us have different visions than we do or function at a different place on the planning-spontaneity spectrum.

Have you ever noticed feeling as though you’ve lost yourself; caught up in the mix of money, time, and everyone else’s happiness? Wishing, after it’s all over, that you could reclaim those harried moments in your child’s life and instead be more patient, more nurturing, more present?

What if we didn’t ping-pong exhaustively between these two opposites, instead finding a more balanced path in between?

One answer you might consider could be clues your body gives you in terms of energy and tiredness (yep, your brain sometimes doesn’t listen to that information unless you become aware of it).

What does stress feel like in your body?

How about joy? You can use this informa-

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tion in decisive moments during your day to move toward the feeling and vision you’d like to experience. That might mean saying no when one more party invitation (that you really might like to go to) creates a stress response in your body. Or saying yes this one time to a later bedtime because there is so much joy happening between people in the family.

The younger a child is, the more likely they are connected to this system of body intelligence. Because of the concrete nature of a child’s brain, sometimes “I love you” or emotional labels like happy, sad, angry, etc don’t mean much because those words can physically mean different things for different people.

For example, angry to one child might mean a hot face and hands balled into fists, while another child would identify it as tight muscles and fast heartbeat.

We can use this knowledge to connect more effectively with our young ones by speaking about emotions in this very concrete way. This could sound something like “my heart feels warm and bright when I’m reading to you (or watching you play or baking together or snuggling)”.

Speaking in this way brings us right into the present moment, with what we are actually physically feeling about our connection to our kiddo.

Read on for a fun way you can explore your connection with your kiddo on this present-moment-body level right away!

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We’ll be using a body map, which is an outline of a body you use to color how something feels in your body on the inside. Use the space below to bring this idea to life. Mom or Dad (or older-bodied person reading this), draw an outline of yourself first, and then invite your kiddo to draw their body outline next. Let them choose how and where to draw it - there’s no right or wrong answers here.

After the child draws their body outline, invite them to color in how it feels in their body when they are with you.

Then you color in how you feel in your body when you’re next to your child. (This way, the child doesn’t simply copy you for the “right” answer).

When you’re both finished, ask your kiddo to share what they drew with you and what else they notice about the picture.

Maintain a sense of openness and curiosity with whatever they share.

(This activity is adapted from Peanut & the BIG Feelings: A Guidebook for Children.)

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adapted from www.healthychildren.org

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Travel Tips

for a

Frazzle-Free Holiday

The holidays can be hectic, and adding in a family trip to the in-laws can surely add stress as well. However, these are memories in the making, and regardless of circumstances- a family vacation can be a huge milestone and story worth telling for years to come.

Talk about leaving your kids a legacy!

2. Pack Light(ish). We know how it can get when you’re packing. Where you might only need 7 shirts for a week at home, you pack 32 for a weeks vacation, just in case. Remember that almost everything can be bought abroad. It might not be exactly what you’re used to, but you’ll manage. When traveling with littles, your diaper bag will most likely be your carryon, so that should be the motherlode of essentials. Wipes, wipes and more wipes!

In between the wipes, you can always put binkies, toys, and chewing gum to unplug ears if you’re flying. Whether you’re driving or flying, or even taking the train, minimalism is always a plus. “Stuff” is really overrated. Double check your bags and remove anything that you feel isn’t really essential.

3. Keep Track of your Little Darlings. Did you know they make GPS apps for kids?

They do! If your kiddos has a cell phoneCheck out www.life360.com for a free option. If they’re too young for cell phones, there are wearable tracker watches and buddy tags made especially for kids. Ranging from $35 on up, they can go a long way toward helping alleviate stress on a trip away from home. Amazon has a ton of styles to choose from.

4. Encourage them to keep a travel journal A notebook and pen, kids-friendly camera and mission to collect memories from your trip can be great tools to engage your child and encourage them to be observant and present. Makes such a wonderful keepsake, too!

A great family vacation can go down in the memory books as an epic adventure, in good ways and bad!

Here are some ideas for making that trip one that your family will remember for all the right reasons.

1. Slow Down. I know it sounds easier said than done, but really- it’s a vacation!

Plan ahead, so there is plenty of time to relax. Relaxing is the key here. It’s never good to get home from your travels and need a vacation from your vacation.

That being said, I once read that traveling with kids is no vacation, and that you’re simply caring for your kids in a different place. While that may be partially true, It’s still more interesting and fun to get away for a bit.

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Traveling with kids can be overwhelming, but rewarding. Remember to take it slow, and try to relax a bit! Happy Travels to you and yours!

Travel Checklist

Sleeping Stuff _ _ _ _ _ _ _

port-a-crib monitor binkies sleep sack lovey/ blankey bedtime books waterproof sheet

Car/Plane Stuff _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

snacks audiobooks stickers/crayons quiet toys i-pad chewing gum to unplug ears busy box with new fun stuff sippy cup car seat

Toiletries* _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

hairbrush diapers wipes travel size butt cream medicine/vitamins toothbrush/paste bandaids thermometer

Clothing _ _ _ _ _ _ _

shirts pants pajamas socks/shoes underwear/pull-ups jackets /mittens/hats

Electronics _ _ _ _

cell phone/charger baby monitor/cord/camera tracking device plugs, adapters or converters (if traveling out of the country.)

* If you’re taking a plane, remember that the TSA is strict about liquids, gels, and aerosols. There’s a 3-ounce maximum for containers storing liquids, gels, and aerosols, and all of these containers must fit in a 1-quart size zippered plastic bag.

Paperwork

_ shot records _ passport _ emergency contact numbers _tickets/itinerary _ insurance cards 11

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October 31 - November 1

Corvallis- Twilight in the Forest

9am-3pm Exploring this mysterious, spooky season, learning about the forest’s tangled food web, carving pumpkins, hiking, scavenger hunting, moon art making and more! Before and after school care is available. Advance registration is required and space is limited! www.corvallisenvironmentalcenter.org

November 2

Salem- Little Big Band

Friday, November 2, 2018 at 7 PM – 9 PM This exciting eleven-piece little big band features a wide range of music to delight audiences young and old. Includes many local musicians and even some of SalemKeizer’s music teachers.

Salem Public Library 585 Liberty St SE

November 9

Salem- Parent’s Night Out

FREE! Friday, Nov 9, 2018 at 6 PM – 9 PM Parents Night Out begins October 12th and runs every 2nd Friday evening thru May. Games, crafts and activities with trained, responsible adults. Children 9 months to 5th grade. No RSVP needed.

Morningside Methodist Church 3674 12th St. SE, Salem www.morningsideumc.net/

November 9

Salem- Blitzen’s Holiday Market

Friday, November 9, 2018 at 4 PM – 8 PM Annual holiday market & toy drive!

High-end hand-made vendors, a few direct sales & multiple food trucks!

Don’t forget to bring toys to donate to our toy drive.

Outward Church- 775 Front St NE, Salem, www.outwardchurch.com/

November 3

Salem- Practice SAT testing

Sat, Nov 3, 2018 at 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM Want to see how your student would do on their SAT? Free diagnostic test event.

Practice for the real SAT. Must be signed

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up to take practice test by November 1 Sylvan Learning Center of Salem 4555 Liberty Rd S Ste 180 503-363-2996

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November 12

November 27

Salem- Story & Craft at Venti’s

Salem- Grand Tree Lighting Ceremony

Mon, Nov 12 at 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Join us on the second Monday of each month October - February at Venti’s Cafe downtown with local Usborne Books Advocate,for a free story time and craft series! All ages are welcome. Venti’s Cafe + Basement Bar 325 Court St NE

Tues, November 27, 2018 at 5 PM – 7 PM JWe start at 5 p.m. with a choir performance from South Salem High School, followed by tree lighting at 5:30 p.m.

Close to 6 p.m. the tree is lit, followed by refreshments and free photos with Santa!

Oregon State Capitol 900 Court St NE, www.oregoncapitol.com

November 17

Corvallis- The Vienna Boy’s Choir

November 30- December 14

Sat, Nov 17, 2018 at 2 PM – 3 PM Tickets $10 Ages 8-18, $15 for adults.

The School of Arts and Communication at Oregon State University presents the world renowned Vienna Boys Choir at the First Methodist Church in Corvallis. 100 choristers between the ages of nine and fourteen. First United Methodist Church 1165 NW Monroe Ave www.facebook.com/SACatOSU/

Albany- Christmas Storybook Land

Fri, Nov 30, 2018 at 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Indoor Christmas wonderland with over 110 scenes of Mother Goose rhymes, children’s fairy tales and family movies, two elaborate model train displays, a Victorian Village and more. A canned food donation is gladly accepted or a new toy for the Marine Toys for Tots bin.

Linn County Fair & Expo 3700 Knox Butte Rd E, Albany Christmasstorybookland.org

November 21

Albany-After School Paintball

Wed, Nov 21, 2018 at 2 PM – 5 PM Open play paintball ages 10 and up $50 Bring a Buddy Deal includes semi-auto markers, hoppers, tanks, mask/goggles, field entry, all day air and 500 paintballs Albany Outdoor Paintball 150 41st Ave SE, Www.aopaintball.com

November 25

Salem- Salem Convention Center Tree Lighting with Santa Sun, Nov 25, 2018 at 5 PM – 8 PM This is a free event. Just for Fun Singers will be joining us again. FREE coffee, cookies and hot cocoa! Salem Convention Center 200 Commercial St SE www.salemconventioncenter.org

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December 1-2

December 8

Lebanon-Candy Cane Express

Keizer-Keizer Holiday Lights Parade

11 AM – 5 PM This 1 hour train ride includes, hot cocoa, candy canes, and an arts and crafts station. We will also have the pleasure to having Santa, Mrs Claus and maybe an elf or two on each ride for family photo ops. Runs every weekend through December. Santiam Excursion Trains, 750 S 3rd St, Lebanon santiam-excursion-trains.ticketleap.com

Sat, Dec 8, 2018 at 7 PM – 9 PM A magical night of twinkling lights and holiday music at Keizer Chamber of Commerce’s annual Keizer Holiday Lights Parade! Festive lighted entries from local businesses, fire districts, civic groups, car clubs, and marching bands! River RoadLockhaven to Glynbrook www.keizerchamber.com

December 1

December 9

Salem- Little Elves Craft Fair

Salem- Family Day at Ticket to Play Board Game Cafe

Sat, Dec 1, 2018 at 6 PM – 8:30 PM PST Calling young makers who want to sell their creations in a holiday themed craft fair. Cost: $10 per child Ages: 5 - 13 Set up starts at 5:30 PM. All booths must stay up till 8:30 PM. Must be out by 9:00 PM. Young At Art 1255 Broadway Street NE #190, Salem. Questions? Email Nikki at nikki@honeymustardlane.com

Every Sunday! Kids up to 12 years old play free, 13-17yrs are $2.50 each! Eat at our delicious cafe and play some of our over 350 board games! 5008 Commercial St SE www.salemtickettoplaycafe.com

December 9

Salem- Salem Holiday Market

December 7-22

Sun, Dec 9, 2018 at 10 AM – 4 PM Join us for the 3-day Salem Holiday Market! Largest handmade handcrafted gift show in the Willamette Valley. 2330 17th St NE, www.salemsaturdaymarket.com

Albany- ACT Presents The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe

2:30 matinees and 7:30 performances.

Check website for more info.

Albany Civic Theater presents The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. This new dramatization of C.S. Lewis’ classic, set in the land of Narnia, faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into Narnia.

Albany Civic Theater 111 1st Ave W http://www.albanycivic.org/

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December 11

Salem- 2 hours for the price of one at SuperBounce

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Every Tuesday! Enjoy our indoor inflatable park with 7 large inflatables in a safe and clean environment. Relax in the air conditioning while your kiddo enjoys jumping.

3160 Blossom Dr NE, Salem www.superbouncesalem.com

December 12

December 17

Wed, Dec 12, 2018 at 7 PM – 9 PM The classic 1990 Home Alone Movie; rated PG; Tickets are $6 each and can be purchased at the Elsinore Theatre.

Box office and doors open at 6:15 p.m., movie starts at 7 p.m.

Snacks and drinks, including beer and wine, available for purchase at the show.

Call 503-375-3574 for more information. elsinoretheatre.com

Salem’s only close quarter Nerf Arena is ready for you!

Parents play free on Monday nights from 4pm - 9pm.

See our ad on page 12 for more specials all throughout the week!

1521 Hawthorne Avenue, Salem www.kingfau.com/

December 14

Find more events and add your event for FREE on our website.

Salem- Wednesday Film SeriesHome Alone @ Elsinore Theatre

Salem- Parents Play Free at King Faus Foam War Family Fun Center

Corvallis- Family Movie Swim

Fri, Dec 14, 2018 at 7 PM – 9 PM A different family-friendly movie will be projected pool side each month.

Call for movie details. For all ages!

Regular Admission rates apply.

Osborn Aquatic Center- 1940 NW Highland Dr, Corvallis www.corvallisoregon.gov/pr

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December 15

Salem- Willamette Master Chorus presents Holiday Favorites Sat, December 15, 2018 at 3 PM – 5 PM Choral music of the season, presented in collaboration with the South Salem High School Symphonic Choir and The combined choirs perform Magnificat Bach and shorter carols and holiday favorites.

Visit our website for ticket information.

Willamette University 900 State St. www.willamettemasterchorus.org

December 16

Portland- ZooLights

Sun, Dec 16, 2018 at 5 PM – 9 PM It wouldn’t be the holidays in Portland without a visit to the Oregon Zoo’s annual winter festival. Visit elephants, penguins and other animals, and ride the popular lighted train. Also, enjoy dinner from a variety of food carts. Little ones may want to ride the carousel, and Santa will be available at the events through December 23 for photos. Oregon Zoo 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland www.oregonzoo.org

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BOOK REVIEW Our Top Picks for Book Gifts for Your Tweens & Teens.

by Justin & Arynn Tripp

The Ranger’s Apprentice Series

by: John Flanagan Ages: 10+ The Ranger’s Apprentice is quite a long, fantasy adventure. Taking place in a light fantasy, medieval world, the series follows a young man named Will (and eventually his childhood rival, Horace) on his journey through his apprenticeship to a Ranger, Halt and through his eventual promotion to full blown Ranger.

The Rangers are a mysterious, shadowy bunch, with their massive longbows and shrouded faces. With a whopping fourteen novels in the series, it can keep even an avid reader occupied for a spell.

Action packed battle scenes, tension filled diplomacy, and everything in between; Flanagan did extremely well in his storytelling and plot building. There’s never a dull moment in the entire series.

Violence isn’t a major issue throughout the book, but there are a few questionable sections; a beheading, an in depth boar hunt, and mild profanity.

All in all, Ranger’s Apprentice is a great starting series that kids can use to ease themselves into a deep reading habit.

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The BrotherBand Chronicles

by: John Flanagan Ages: 10+ The Brotherband Chronicles is a seven book spinoff of the Ranger’s Apprentice series, following the Skandian Hal Mikkelson and his outcast friends in a training excercise known as “brotherband training”.

The groups of boys group together and learn the skills that they need to become effective raiders; sailing, combat, and most of all, co-operation.

Hal’s uncle, Thorn, acts as a mentor to Hal throughout his journey, and learns as much as he teaches. After their training, they’re charged with guarding a legendary Skandian artifact; the Andomal. The Andomal is prompty stolen by a pirate, and the boys are then cast away from their homeland.

As you might guess, The Brotherband Chronicles is more of a “barbaric” universe than that of the Ranger’s Apprentice, but all in all the content isn’t as bad as one would expect, though it happens to have a bit more detail than the Ranger’s Apprentice.

This was my favorite series growing up and I recommend it to boys and girls alike.

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as reviewed by: Justin Tripp age 16

The Search for Wondla

by: Tony DiTerlizzii Ages: 10+ The Search for Wondla is a novel about a young girl named Eva 9 and her robot, Muther.

When Eva was young, she was taught all about the earth to prepare her for her journey in life. The life on earth.

Although, she wasn’t supposed to leave until she was 17, all that was sent out the window when a raider destroyed their underground home, the sanctuary. Eva is forced to leave 5 years early, only to find out everything she had learned was useless.

She’s eventually caught by the raider, but manages her escape with the help of a new friend.

The search for wondla takes you on an amazing journey through the world of Orbona, a land filled with science, amazing creatures, and magic.

Parents should know, that while it’s rated 10 and up, there are a few scenes that could disturb some readers. A young creature is killed and cut up for meat, while another has its blood vessels removed and placed in a museum. Also, a very important character is also killed, which could cause some younger readers tears.

It’s full of positive messages, and encouraging role models. The book has a rating of 4 stars, and lots and lots of good reviews.

The pictures are colorful, and beautifully drawn. I believe this is a good choice for younger readers.

The reading is quite easy, with not to many large words which means its a great book to learn on!

The Giver

by: Tony DiTerlizzii Ages: 14+ A Newbury Award winner, The Giver is a great book about a failing utopian society, where everyone is monitored closely.

No one has a birthday. No one sees color. No one is special.

Every year, the twelves get their lifetime jobs. Some are mothers, they have the job of giving birth to a child each year. There are the cooks, the cleaners, all of that. They do this job until they are taken away and euthanized. Each and every day, they take their medicine. A shot in the arm, which causes them to see in black and white.

On the main characters, Jonas’s twelfth birthday, everyone else gets assigned a job. Except for Jonas. He had been selected to be the next receiver. The receiver gets to know everything. Everything about the world before, everything about the world after. He will see color.

Everyday he walks to the edge of the community, where there is an old shack.

Each day, he learns something new. He meets the old man, who he calls “the Giver.”

Because he gives Jonas information. Jonas is surprised to see the old man, because when somebody gets to his age they are euthanized.

This book is rated 14+, due to its disturbing themes and references to infanticide and mild sensual references. In the beginning of the book they kill off babies who are a twin, or if they have any sort of issue.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes dystopian/ futuristic novels, or anyone just looking for a really good read.

as reviewed by: Arynn Tripp age 14

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Sitting at our dinner table

Wine!

Thankfulness.

Contentment.

Warmth.

Laughter.

Hugs/cuddles.

The ocean around Hawaii.

White sand.

Sea turtles.

as a family laughing and talking about our day.

Dinner is the only time during the day we make sure we always spend together. I look forward to it every day.

...I mean spending time with the family and playing fun games.

Family and getting ready for bed. The routine we have is so comforting and joyful.

I think of those cold winter days when the whole family would be home for an evening and we’d all joke around as if the kids were children and talk about those embarrassing and heart-warming memories.

LOL

Homemade Mac-n-cheese!!

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Jammies, movie night, Netflix, fire, family night.

And a night of no picking up or dropping off the kids!

All of these give me comfort and joy

My childhood blankie, warm cup of coffee on a foggy or rainy day, crock pot meals, soups, bathrobe, clothes you could easily mistake them for pajamas!

in it’s own way: Good food, laughter, playing board games, hugs, hot chocolate with marshmallows, baby smiles, reading novels, riding my yfz 450, camping, playing with dogs, startling my siblings, taking an amazing photo, finishing a project, hair ties and sweatpants, to name a few...

so soft

Hanging around at home with my two teenagers and making puns and jokes in our warm little sturdy house.

Connecting with them in a casual yet memorable way is my favorite way to spend my time and it brings me

Sweat pants and Netflix COMFORT

warm holiday foods and beverages.

JOY

so much joy.

Snuggling with my grandkids.

JOY is love and family.

Comfort is stability with knowing that you have everything you NEED.

those that share it with you.

Familiarity breeds Comfort for me.

Also smells and tastes. I’m having a hard time with Joy.... not because I don’t feel it, but I am a generally happy person.

Maybe reunions?

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Wrapping gifts can be fun with these kid-friendly ideas If you’re anything like me- the joy of the holidays can sometimes lose it’s shine somewhere around 11:30 PM on Christmas Eve when you’re elbow-deep in wrapping paper and you’ve lost the tape, again. I don’t think I will ever look back fondly on those late nights where I failed to plan ahead; mostly because there was so much fun to be had, having the kids help me wrap.

Encourage your kiddos to create a snowstorm, or attach cutouts that they “frosted” by dabbing a sponge around the edges.

Add foilage piks, handmade tags, twine and red ribbon and Voila! You now have Picture perfect wrapping that your kids (and you) can be proud of.

Ok, hear me out. Maybe not wrap necessarily, but at least creating the wrapping paper and adding the finishing touches can go a long way toward happy memories of helping your little elves feel included in the festivities.

You’ll Need:

- brown paper bags or kraft paper - tempra paint - twine - cookie cutters - paper for tags - hole punch for tags - natural greenery or dollar store picks - glue stick - red ribbon - tape

Here are some fun, cheap ways to create your own personalized wrapping paper almost as pretty as anything you might wrap in it.

Brown Paper Packages, Tied up with String.

Whether you save your grocery bags, or grab up that packing paper from your Amazon boxes, recycled brown paper makes the best, timeless and festive packaging.

It’s forgiving with little fingers, easy to come by, and the rustic style lends itself to adorable messy painting.

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Thumbprint lights are adorable.

If you’ve got a teeny baby, or a toddler who just loves to get messy, thumbprint lights are for you! These work well for butcher paper wrapping, or even on the dollar store white gift boxes you can get at the dollar store.

Simply let your little VanGogh dab color-

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ful fingerprints all over the paper, and then follow up with a sharpie, tying them all together to create a cord. If you have an older child, you can draw the cord out first, and have them “attach the lights” to the designated spots you’ve drawn onto the cord.

Work on patterns, or let them dab them randomly. Both are cute!

Washable ink pads show more of the fingerprint, but tempra paint can work just as well.

You’ll Need:

- butcher paper - tempra paint - washable ink pads - washable tempra - Sharpie Marker

Tie-Dye Delight Fold Your Paper accordion style, back and forth until you have one long rectangle. Then fold the bottom right corner to the left edge to make a triangle.

Continue turning and pressing until you have one large triangle.

Use a large baking sheet lined with paper towels as a work surface. First pour the liquid watercolor into the plastic cups or bowls.

Then begin dipping the corners of the folded triangle into the different colors.

You’ll want to hold the paper in the dye for a few seconds to allow the watercolor to soak into the folded paper.

Try to dip my paper into three different colors (one for each corner of the triangle). Once you’re done dying, place it on the paper towel and let dry completely.

Once your triangles are completely dry,

carefully unfold the tissue. You can use a warm iron to flatten the paper completely and remove some of the creases from folding.

You’ll Need: - White tissue paper - Liquid watercolors - Plastic cups - Paper towels

Shopper Bag Snow Men This one is pretty self explanatory. Still, it is pretty darn cute, and easy for even the smallest of hands. White shopper bags from the Dollar Store work perfectly for this craft, and multiple sizes look great sitting next to each other under the tree or on a party table.

Each bag takes 2 medium black squares of construction paper, and 4 to 5 smaller squares. One long red rectangle and two smaller ones make the perfect scarf. Scrapbook paper could really dress this little guy up.

Glue on two snazzy buttons, and an orange triange nose and you now have melt-free snowmenbags as cute as the ittle helpers that made them.

You’ll Need:

- white shopper bags - glue sticks - construction paper - scrapbook paper (optional) - buttons

Happy crafting!

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Tuesday, November 27 in the Capitol Rotunda 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM Holiday Performance with South Salem High School 5:30 PM-6:00 PM Grand Tree Lighting Celebration 6:00 PM- 7:00 PM Free photo with Santa Claus Free Cookies and Punch

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How does that old saying go?

“There never was a child so lovely but his mother was glad to get him to sleep.”

Yep, that’s it. Ralph Waldo Emerson penned that in the mid 1800’s. Goes to show you that sleepy-time struggles are timeless and parents have been battling bedtime since way way back when.

Though it may not seem so currently, there will come a day when they do sleep as naturally as the rest of us.

1. Start calming down long before bedtime.

The earlier you start your child toward the bedtime routine, the less stressful it will be. Sure- taking 2.5 hours out of your already busy evening schedule seems like an impossible task, but this phase won’t last forever. Soon your little sweetie will be sleeping on their own. Turn down the lights and remove electronics 2 hours before bedtime. Calm your household down and begin your evening routine.

The toddler years seem to be the most challenging when it comes to getting our sweeties off to dreamland. But it is not impossible to instill good sleep habits in your toddler.

2. Routine. Routine. Routine.

This may be the most important step in encouraging sleep in your toddler.

Whatever your calming routine iswork hard to follow it nightly. Toddlers rely on routine to give them a sense of calm and safety. Your routine could include a bath, storytime, snuggles, prayers, lullabies etc. Make it something that the both of you will look forward to.

3. A “Little Something” to tide them over.

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Offering your toddler a sugar-free, not-too-exciting, snack can help them make it through the night.

Predictable and not too interesting is the goal here. Consider this before bedtime teeth brushing- especially with milk products which have natural sugars.

What if my child cries?

5. It’s still nap season.

Most kiddos still nap through age 3.

When you skip a nap, you can end up with an overtired, extra cranky and hard to put to sleep toddler. Even if your toddler seems energized- they can be overly tired and behind on sleep.

As loving and concerned parents, the last thing we want is to hear our children cry.

During sleep-training, it can be especially difficult to deal with after a hectic day.

While you might be tempted to give in to old habits to ease the stress you are both feeling- remaining vigilant to your sleep training will pay off in the end.

6. Take it outside.

In Oregon- with the rainy season, it can sometimes be hard to use up your toddlers boundless energy outside, but the more fresh air and exercise your little firecracker gets, the better sleep she will get too.

But when is it too much? What do you do when they become hysterical?

First- know that letting your child cry, and crying out out, are two different things.

7. Teach new sleep habits.

This step can sometimes be harder on parents than it is on the child. If you’ve been rocking/holding and or nursing your child to sleep- he will begin to depend on those habits to fall asleep.

The goal is for him to fell asleep in his own bed, so you will need to put him to bed when he is awake so he can begin to rely on himself. You can expect that he will need you close by for a while until he adjusts to the new sleep habits.

Leaving your child alone, with his fears and worries, or “crying it out” can cause hysteria and lack of trust. Remaining with your toddler to support her while she faces her fears helps build trust that you are there for her.

Crying with your loving support helps them learn to deal with their emotions in your comforting presence and is a healthy step toward an independent sleep schedule.

8. Tell them what to expect.

Helping your child know what to expect is fair and respectful. Let them know that while you may not be rocking them at bedtime, you will be there for them while they fall to sleep. Remaining calm and reassuring will comfort your child. A mantra such as “You can sleep. I am here.” repeated over and over may help.

If your child becomes hysterical, and the whole process becomes stressful, consider taking a step back, slowing down the process, and making the transition more gradual.

Continue verbally reassuring your child through the process, before moving back to physically touching and calming.

9. It’s a (long) process.

The process takes patience. Start by placing your child in bed. Touch, but do not hold them. You can pat their back, or hold their hand. Sit close enough that they can reach you for comfort.

Eventually move closer to the door. If your child sits up or tries to leave their bed, remind them in a very boring and monotone voice. “It’s time to sleep, lie back down.”

Establishing good sleep habits with your child can be a lengthy process but your patience will be rewarded with a happy, healthy toddler and eventual turmoilfree bedtimes in a happy, calm home.

Try to remain at this stage and not revert all the way back to holding your child, but as their parent, you know what your child truly needs, and if the events are too stressful for your household, it may be something that needs to be revisited in the future and let go of for now to try again when they are older.

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The hard work pays off for both of you and eventually you will find that your child is able to put himself to sleep and you have reached the milestone of actually spending an evening for yourself.

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Please say “I saw it inWillamette Kids and Family.”

Find us on facebook! /willamettekidsandfamily

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