Sara Gelser - Sarison Communications + Design

HOLIDAY MAGIC IN THE NW » CREATIVE GIFTS » MEET SUPERDAD
A brilliant little magazine for moms. November/December 2008
FREE
www.mommag.com
Holiday
gift guide
Fresh baked
bread recipes
Rise to the occasion
Black Friday shopping
Day after Thanksgiving
Also...
MOM time
7stones of serenity
MOM money
Don’t wrap up in the red!
Sara Gelser
How does she do it?

2
Mom, you do everything for everyone.
Now do something for yourself.
Spending less time on all the other people in your life is not an option. We understand. But, we
encourage you to take a little time for yourself and focus on your health and happiness. Using our team
of outstanding healthcare providers you can schedule your next annual exam, arrange for your child’s
well-baby visit, and learn about treatments for health issues you’ve been ignoring or just thought you
had to live with. Take a class or explore options on the latest self-breast exam techniques, strategies for
lifetime weight management, incontinence, osteoporosis, nursing, or pregnancy care. Your health is
important to you and to us. To learn more, visit our website.
www.corvallisclinic.com | Class Line (541) 738-2075
The Corvallis Clinic (541) 754-1150
Albany Family & Specialty Medicine (541) 967-8221
The Corvallis Clinic at North Albany Village (541) 926-3441
Philomath Family Medicine (541) 929-2922
Occupational Medicine (541) 753-1786 / (541) 928-6421
Corvallis Clinic Surgery Center (541) 754-1254

Bread recipes 9
Get creative . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Fun, imaginative giving
Mom to be . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Baby advice from a baby doctor
Fresh baked bread . . . . . . . . 9
Recipes that rise to the occasion
Black Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Day after Thanksgiving shopping
Cover story:
MOM Sara Gelser . . . . . . . . 18
This mom is in the House!
How does she do it?
Cover mom 18
Outside the box . . . . . . . . . 23
Creative gift wrapping ideas
A new year . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
One mom’s gift
table of contents
Holiday events 26
Holiday events . . . . . . . . . . 26
Finding the magic
Holiday gift guide . . . . . . . . 29
Great gifts for kids of every age
On the cover
Sara Gelser
This mom is in the House. Read how
she does it on page 18.
Photography
Our cover photo was taken by
Karl Maasdam Photography,
see advertisement on page 22.
Gift guide 29
In every issue . . .
Meet Mr. MOM 14
SuperDAD 17
MOM money 28
MOM time 33
7stones of serenity
MOM@home 34
Making ends meet at home
Love to read 35
MOM mail 36
Let’s hear what you have to say
SMILE! 37
The funniest joke in town
Because I said so! 38
Message from the editor
Has MOM Magazine
captured your heart? It’s
captured your audience
too. Call 541-730-1730
for your free media kit.
www .mommag .com 3

2
4
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Beautiful Acreage Near Town $550,000
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31

get creative!
Fun, imaginative giving that’s easy on the budget .
by Louise Hamilton
Consider ideas for holiday giving that
focus on conserving not consuming.
Create a poem, a prayer, a song or a
personal story for a special child.
Make a photo album of family snapshots
with captions; an “All about Me” book with
hand and feet prints, height, weight and
pictures; add an “I Can Do It” book with
pictures of a child’s accomplishments
(brushing teeth, riding a bike, painting a
picture or making a team); a family tree
picture album, especially of distant relatives;
a scrapbook of a child’s mementos, stories,
poems, pictures or cards.
Arrange a place of his/her own for
treasures or playing—shelves, a decorated
collection box, a closet, a special drawer, a
hiding place in a large cardboard box, a tree
house or play house.
Give an hour, a part or even a whole day
to do something special with a child.
Take a walk in the woods or in the
neighborhood. Check out construction sites,
measure puddles or count dogs and cats.
Adopt a charity, a grandparent,
a road or a beach for cleanup.
Teach a magic trick, a song, a card
game, how to cook, how to sew, how
to work with wood or mend
an appliance.
Sew clothes for a doll, a puppet,
a bag to keep toys in, a blanket
or a tooth fairy pillow.
Frame a favorite picture, photo
or painting.
Renew an old possession (new clothes
for a well loved doll), rebuild a tattered
book, refinish a scarred chest, paint a
bedroom or a playhouse.
Plant an indoor garden, a terrarium, a
tree, a shrub or a window box.
Build an easel out of cardboard, a
playhouse from a cardboard appliance
box, a doll house, an outdoor toy (swing,
teeter totter, sand box or a fantastic
machine—a board with switches, latches,
fasteners, dials, faucets, horns or other
gadgets attached).
Remember gifts are remembrances. A
child does not need expensive toys to have
a delightful holiday. The very best gifts a
caring adult can give a child are time and
gifts that spark imagination.
Louise Hamilton is a consultant with LBCC’s
Family Connections, 541-917-4899.
Holiday gift certificates available
...because it’s all about you and your family
Cynthia A. McMahon
541.908.0918
cynthiamcm@kw.com
541.738.7770 office
An Independent Member Broker
5

6
A pediatrician’s
advice for
new moms
by Dr. James M. Nusrala
Preparing for the arrival of your baby is an
exciting time, whether it’s your first
delivery, or your third. It’s important to be
ready to meet the demands and emotions
of caring for your newborn.
New moms should try to minimize stress in
the first few weeks after baby arrives. That
means keeping a low-key schedule,
including limiting visitors. If friends and
family want to help, suggest taking an older
sibling to the park or bringing a meal. Take
time to cherish these first weeks.
All new moms and babies need adequate
rest. Ask any mom and she’ll tell you that
simple tasks are exponentially more
difficult when you’re sleep deprived. In the
first few weeks, take advantage of your
baby sleeping to catch up on sleep you’ll
lose during night feedings.
Most babies sleep, yawn, root when they’re
hungry, nurse every three to four hours and
need frequent diaper changes. Most babies
are very healthy, but don’t hesitate to
contact your pediatrician with questions or
concerns, including a temperature
over 99.3°F.
To learn more about newborn care,
consider attending The Corvallis Clinic’s free
Healthy Baby talks. Here our pediatricians
cover the most important topics for new
moms and dads in a 90-minute talk.
A book I recommend for every new parent
is “Caring for Your Baby and Young Child:
Birth to Age 5,” edited by Steven. P. Shelov,
M.D., and available from Bantam Books and
the American Academy of Pediatrics. You’ll
find a month-to-month guide to your
baby’s first year, practical advice for dealing
with issues such as sleeping, toilet training
and tantrums, “Health Watch” with alerts of
potential medical problems, safety check
reminders for home, outdoor and car travel,
and a discussion of family issues, from
grandparents and siblings to working
mothers and single parenting.
Dr. James M. Nusrala (pictured below) is a
pediatrician at The Corvallis Clinic. He can be
reached at 541-754-1278.

Healthy baby education
Pediatricians from The Corvallis Clinic
present free 90-minute “Healthy Baby” talks
covering the most important topics for
new moms and dads. Learn about:
» Normal newborn appearance
» Crying, sleeping and bathing
» Development
» Medical care and problems
» Breastfeeding and nutrition
Attend a Healthy Baby class
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Edward Schmitt, M.D.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
James Nusrala, M.D.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Patrick Allender, M.D.
Choose from over 400
online classes, including
online bachelor’s degrees
and distance graduate
programs.
Registration starts in
November for winter term
classes beginning in
January 2009. Take classes
when it’s convenient for
you!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Eunju Metzler, M.D.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Edward Schmitt, M.D.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
James Nusrala, M.D.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Patrick Allender, M.D.
Classes are held in The Corvallis Clinic
Asbury Building dining rooms.
To register, please call 541-738-2075
or visit www.corvallisclinic.com/classes.
ecampus.oregonstate.edu
1-800-667-1465 ■ ecampus@oregonstate.edu
7

8
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Rising to the occasion
Winter’s harsh wind was soothed every
year by coming into the kitchen and
smelling fresh baked bread. Everyone
looked forward to my mom’s famous
buttermilk rolls, especially during
the holidays.
For Christmas she’d put the bread recipe to
task and use it for several different things.
After presents were opened on Christmas
morning, we’d help her make the dough.
Part went into cinnamon rolls for breakfast,
part into rolls for Christmas dinner and the
rest we made into braided wreaths that we
decorated and delivered to the neighbors.
While the rolls were rising she made fry
bread with butter and sugar for us kids and
my dad while we waited anxiously.
Now that she’s a grandma, the grandkids
are just as excited about Grandma Sandie’s
rolls. And she’s glad to have my sister and
me in the kitchen to help bake. It feels
good to have a recipe and a tradition to
pass on to my kids.
Bread dough tips
» Two-finger test: Press the dough on the
top with the tips of two fingers lightly and
quickly about ½ inch into the dough. If the
impression you made stays, the dough has
doubled. If the indent quickly disappears, it
needs a little more time. Cover and let rise
longer.
» Size: Dough is done rising when it has
almost doubled in size.
» Texture: Good bread dough should not
be sticky to the touch, but instead soft and
supple (like a baby’s cheeks). Overhandling
the dough will make it tough and
your rolls will be heavy. Soft and fluffy
dough makes soft and fluffy rolls.
fresh baked bread
by Raeann Van Arsdall
Grandma Sandie’s one-hour
buttermilk rolls
Makes 18 rolls.
1½ cups warm buttermilk
2 Tbsp. active dry yeast in ½ cup warm water
3 Tbsp. sugar
¼ tsp. soda
1 tsp. salt
½ cup oil
4½ to 5 cups of flour
Warm buttermilk in saucepan until
lukewarm to the touch, or a bit warmer. In
a small bowl mix yeast in lukewarm water
until dissolved, careful to keep active. (Test
water temperature like you would a baby’s
bottle.) Add buttermilk and yeast to oil
mixture, then slowly add flour. Beat
vigorously until mixed. Let rest 10 minutes
and give the two-finger test (see Bread
Dough Tips). Form into desired rolls. Let
rest 10 minutes. Bake at 375°F for 25 to 30
minutes, or until golden brown. Brush tops
with butter and serve.
» Continue adding flour to the board
and your hands while kneading to keep
dough from getting sticky while
touching your warm hands.
» Brush rolls fresh from the oven with
melted butter. In a rush, open cube of
butter at one end and rub over rolls
while holding the wrapped end.
Resources:
My mom, Sandie Shook
www.baking911.com
www.breadworld.com
www.whatscookingamerica.net
www.hanukat.com
Beginner’s white bread
Makes 2 loaves.
5½ to 6 cups all-purpose flour
3 Tbsp. sugar
2 envelopes rapid-rise yeast
2 tsp. salt
1½ cups water
½ cup milk
2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
In large bowl, combine two cups flour,
sugar, undissolved yeast and salt. Heat
water, milk and butter until very warm
(120° to 130°F); stir into flour mixture. Beat
two minutes at medium speed with
electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally.
Stir in one cup flour; beat at high speed for
two minutes, scraping bowl occasionally.
Stir in enough remaining flour to make soft
dough. Knead on lightly floured surface
until smooth and elastic, about eight to 10
minutes. Cover and let rest 10 minutes.
Form into desired rolls or loaves. For loaves,
divide dough in half. Roll each half into 12
x 7-inch rectangles. Beginning at short end
of each rectangle, roll up tightly like a
jellyroll. Pinch seams and ends to seal.
Place seam sides down in greased 8½ x
4½-inch loaf pans. Cover and let rise in
warm, draft-free place until doubled in size,
about 45 minutes. Bake at 400°F for 25 to
30 minutes or until done. Remove from
pans and cool on wire rack.
11

10
A sweet twist
Try these fun variations on your bread rolls,
and double-up the productivity of one
recipe. Use these delicious recipes for a
special breakfast, fun holiday treats and
homemade gifts.
Caramel pecan rolls
www.breadworld.com
Filling
6 Tbsp. butter, melted
1 cup sugar
2 Tbsp. cinnamon
1 cup (4 ounces) chopped pecans
Divide bread dough into two portions. Roll
each portion out to a 14 x 8-inch rectangle
on a lightly floured surface. Brush each
with three tablespoons melted butter.
Combine one cup sugar with cinnamon.
Sprinkle ½ cup cinnamon sugar and ½ cup
chopped pecans on each rectangle. Roll
up from long side. Cut each roll into
eight slices.
Caramel syrup
2 cups (1 pound) butter
2 cups brown sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
1¼ tsp. vanilla
2 cups (8 ounces) whole pecans
Melt butter in a saucepan. Add brown
sugar, corn syrup and vanilla. Stir until
blended. Place half of caramel syrup and
pecans in each of two 13 x 9-inch pans.
Place eight rolls per 13 x 9-inch pan, cut
side down. Cover. Rise until double in size,
about 45 to 50 minutes. Bake at 325°F for
20 to 25 minutes. Cool slightly and turn out
of pan onto serving plate, letting caramel
syrup drip down the sides.
Braided bread wreath
1 cup powdered sugar
6 Tbsp. milk
Divide bread into three portions and form
long, thick ropes of dough. Braid dough
and place on greased cookie sheet. Join
the ends of the braid to form a wreath and
pinch to seal. Let rise and bake as directed.
Combine powdered sugar and milk.
Mixture should be the consistency of
honey (if it isn’t, adjust by adding more
milk to thin or powdered sugar to thicken).
Drizzle over the top of each wreath.
Decorate with candied fruit, nuts, holiday
candies and ribbon.
Hanukkah jelly donuts
www.hanukat.com
½ cup jelly or strawberry jam
½ cup granulated sugar
2 cups canola oil
Turn out dough onto floured surface and
cut into 12 round shapes. Shape with
floured hand and place on lightly floured
non-stick surface. Let rise 20 minutes.
While dough is rising, heat oil in large pot
to 325°F. When donuts double in size, drop
them one at a time into the hot oil. Do not
crowd pan. Cook donuts for three minutes
per side. Turn and brown other side.
Remove with slotted spoon, place on
paper towel. Cool slightly. Using point of
knife make an insert in one side. Place jelly
in pastry bag with pointed tip and fill
donut. Roll in sugar and enjoy!
You’re on a roll!
There are many ways to form your
homemade rolls. We often find
ourselves doing it the way we
remember from our childhood.
Dinner rolls: Divide dough into equal
pieces. Roll each piece into ball and
place two inches apart on prepared
baking sheet. Let rise and bake
as directed.
Cloverleaf rolls: Divide each piece
into three portions and shape into
balls. Place three dough balls in each
lightly greased muffin cup. Let rise and
bake as directed.
Butter fans: Roll dough into a very
thin rectangle about 1 /8 inch thick, and
brush the top with melted butter. Cut
dough into strips about 1½ inches
wide. Stack four strips on top of each
other. Cut the strips into individual
stacks two inches long. Place each
stack on end, cut-side down, into
greased muffin tins. Let rise and bake
as directed.
Bow knots: Roll individual pieces of
dough into ropes 8 to 10 inches long
and about ½ inch thick. Form each
rope into a knot, and place on a lightly
greased baking sheet. For a rosette
turn ends of single knot to center. Let
rise and bake as directed.
Crescent rolls: Roll dough into a
12 inch circle, spreading with soft,
almost melted butter. Cut the circle
into 12 to 16 wedges and then roll
each, starting at the wide end into the
crescent. Place on a lightly greased
sheet pan or a parchment. Curve rolls
slightly to form crescents. Let rise and
bake as directed.
Pretzels: Roll each piece into long
rope as thick as your finger. Tie each
rope into pretzel shape and seal edges
with a little water. You will have a
heart shape without the point at the
base and an “X” in the center. Let rise
and bake as directed.

Join Join Coastal Coastal Farm Farm & Ranch
Ranch
in Helping Helping Local Local Animal Animal Shelters
Shelters
This This Holiday Holiday Season!
Season!
When you purchase and donate
any item from the Shelter’s “Wish List” during
Thanksgiving Weekend November 28-30th.
Coastal Farm & Ranch will match your donation.
Every bag of dog food, cat toy, pet bed & collar.
You donate one and so will we!
Coastal Coastal
FARM & RANCH
Please Help Your local shelter Today!
11

12
It’s cold and we’re shivering, surrounded by
hundreds of dedicated fans waiting for the
big event to start. No, it’s not the Civil War
football game between the Beavers and the
Ducks. It’s that one day that nearly every
mom looks forward to all year—when we can
get incredible deals on everything we never
knew we needed. It’s Black Friday!
Reportedly thought to be the day that
retailers get “in the black” (hence the name).
My sister and I have been committed to going
shopping together on the day after
Thanksgiving for close to five years now.
Hopefully you’ll find some of our secret
planning and game day hints helpful.
One week before (Earlier if you want)
1 . Find a buddy. Believe me, it’s more fun to
go with a friend early in the morning. Besides,
you can split up and get to more stores.
2 . Make plans for the kiddos. If at all possible,
let them stay home and sleep. Our kids stay
overnight at grandma’s house.
3 . Create your Christmas list. I use the
wonderful organizing tool Holiday Control
Journal (by Marla Cilley, www.flylady.net).
4 . Scope out the stores about Tuesday before
Thanksgiving. Don’t be afraid to ask where
the great deals will be located. They may not
tell you, but it never hurts to ask!
5 . Fuel up your car. The last thing you want to
do is run out of gas.
Thanksgiving Day (after you’ve
eaten your fill and the dishes are
done—right?)
1 . Buy the newspaper early, or you won’t be
able to find one.
2 .Do your research. To find sale flyers before
they go public visit www.blackfriday.
gottadeal.com.
» Find out what time stores open and list
them by time. I set up a spreadsheet. Maybe
I’m overdoing it, but it works.
black friday
Day after Thanksgiving shopping
» Go through all the ads and match up gifts
with the Christmas list you made earlier. I love
giving gifts that look like I spent a ton of
money, but really didn’t.
» Make a separate list for each store.
3 . Prioritize. Decide which deals you simply
cannot miss. Sometimes that means you’ll
miss another great deal, but this is what
makes shopping with a friend helpful.
4 . Plan to hit the “Early Bird” specials first.
5 . Check for freebies! This will also help you
decide where to go first. There will be limited
gifts available, so plan to arrive early if you
don’t want to miss out.
6 . Divide and conquer. Decide who is going
where and what they’re getting. Now is a
helpful time to have lists on separate pages.
7 . Plan your budget. You may choose one
credit card for all your purchases. Most credit
card companies will insure items against
theft. Otherwise, make sure you have enough
checks or cash to get you through the day.
8 . Charge your cell phone. Everyone in your
group needs one to meet up at the end.
9 . Set your alarm clock. And set the one on
your cell phone too. You’ve gone to all this
work planning, it would be a shame to miss it
because you slept in.
10 . Go to bed. We all need our beauty sleep.
Black Friday
1 . Wake up and call your buddy (in case they
forgot step nine). Whether you go with
perfect hair and makeup or pajamas and
slippers, be comfortable. Remember, those
4 a.m. pajamas can look ridiculous at 2 p.m.
2 . Arrive early. Usually an hour or two before
opening will guarantee you one of the first
spots, but there are really hard-core people
who line up the night before. (That’s not me.)
Some stores hand out vouchers for big-ticket
items to the first people in line. This does
by Kristin Smith
allow you to relax a bit knowing there is one
set aside for you.
3 . Keep your receipts with you, not in the bag.
Face it, we’re moms and it’s early. If you
accidentally set the bag down, you’ll have
your receipt to show what you purchased.
4 . Take your purchases to the car. It’s hard to
shop quickly if you’re holding bags. And don’t
use a shopping cart. Keep your list small
enough to carry everything in your arms—it
will help you get in and out of the store faster.
5 . Look for obscure cash registers. Lingerie,
perfume and jewelry departments can ring
purchases up and have smaller lines.
Most of all have fun! Bring a good attitude
and remember that we’re all out for the deals
too. Figure that you probably won’t get
everything, but the thrill of the chase is half
the fun. End your shopping day with friends
at breakfast or lunch and swap war stories.
This day only comes once a year. Oh, and if
you see me in line—make sure you say hi.
Smith is mom to nine-year-old
twins Blaine and Sharolyn. She is a
licensed broker for Keller Williams and
has a blog at www.callkdsmith.com.
Check out her work life on page 4.
»Kristin

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13

14
meet Mr . MOM
Calling all dads . Let’s hear what dad has to say!
We love sharing dad’s perspective in the recurring column, Mr. MOM. We’d like to invite
those hard working dads out there to share their stories with MOM Magazine, and with
our readers.
What brings a tear to dad’s eye? Why is she daddy’s girl? What does dad do with the boys at
football practice? Why do dads leave the toilet seat up?
Help us with some of the age-old questions, and share your story about what being a dad
means to you. Email editor@mommag.com for our writer’s guidelines.
Children’s Clothing & Gifts
Children’s Clothing & Gifts
Enjoy our Baby Registry
Mention this ad and receive a 10% discount on your next visit.
121 Broadalbin SW in Downtown Albany ∙ 541-928-2272 ∙ www.sunnypatchonline.com
Summer
fun
you think.
is coming sooner than
more info
about our
2009
summer
camps
online at:
www.cityofalbany.net/
summercamp
Special
Occasions
One Stop Party Shop
Visit Special Occasions for all of
your party needs.
Thanksgiving, Christmas, Every Holiday.
See us 4-fun!
Happy Holidays!
1435 NW 9th in Corvallis
(541) 752-7255

SOME OF
LIFE’S TOUGHEST
CONVERSATIONS
HAPPEN OVER
COFFEE.
SOME OF LIFE’S TOUGHEST
CONVERSATIONS HAPPEN
OVER COFFEE.
When was the last time you had that
conversation about Life Insurance?
Talk to me today about your life insurance needs.
LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR, STATE FARM IS THERE. ®
State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in NY or WI) • State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company
(Licensed in NY and WI) • Home Offices: Bloomington, IL • statefarm.com ®
P062020 0806
Suzanne J Roppe, Agent
1869 NW 9th Street
Corvallis, OR 97330
Bus: 541-757-1690
suzanne.roppe.miff@statefarm.com
15

16
Close to the park!
The March of Dimes works to give every baby
the best start in life. Join them to celebrate
your little one.
Cozy spaces!
Picture Yourself in the Perfect Home
A N D W E ’ L L H E L P Y O U G E T T H E R E
CORVALLIS
455 NW Tyler Ave
541-757-1781
888-741-9141
The area’s only “Full Service”
Health Club & Day Spa
Timberhill Athletic Club
2855 NW 29th, Corvallis
541-757-8559
www.tncrealty.com
Room to grow!
ALBANY
1117 Pacific Blvd SE
541-924-5616
888-741-9140
Looking Forward to the
opening of our Outdoor
Recreation Pools!
We Love Their Eyes
We Love Their Eyes
Keeping Them Healthy Healthy
is is Our Priority
Valley
Eye CareP.C.
Vision Source! CareP.C.
Children’s exams
Children’s Diagnosis exams & treatment of disease
Diagnosis Diagnosis Vision consultants & treatment treatment for the of OSU of disease disease Beavers
Evening
Vision Evening &
consultants & Saturday for hours hours
the OSU Beavers
Insurance
Evening Insurance plans
& Saturday plans welcome
hours
Insurance plans welcome
1505 NW Vision Harrison, Source! Corvallis
754- 6222 www.valleyeyecare.com
754-6222
Vision Source!
1505 NW Harrison, Corvallis
www.valleyeyecare.com
754-6222
1505 NW Harrison, Corvallis
www.valleyeyecare.com
TAC offers over 100 classes each week including water,
dance, mind-body, weights, and group biking. Join us today!
Come in for a free tour of our facilities.

Derek Hoehne is
SuperDad
I want to nominate my husband, Derek, for Super Dad! Our two kids
(Jackson, six and Sasha, three) can’t get enough of their daddy. Our son
was diagnosed with mild autism and my husband was the glue that
held our family through that initial heartache.
I am inspired by the fact that he doesn’t dwell on the fact that our son
could care less about sports (my husband loves athletics). Instead he
focuses on what my son does enjoy—at the moment Legos and
Bionicles. My daughter is a daddy’s girl and I think it’s great that he is
just as interested in her ponies and dollies.
My husband has always been a huge help around the house and works
full-time. I have recently gone back to college part-time and he has
been so helpful with giving me lots of time to study and helping with
household chores.
My father has multiple sclerosis and is confined to a wheel chair. Derek spends
many weekends at their home taking care of all the chores my mom can’t do, like
working on their lawn and building a ramp around their home so my father could
have more freedom.
Please consider my husband as your Super Dad! He is certainly ours!
Derek was nominated by his wife Jessica.
Nominate the SuperDAD in your life at www .mommag .com .
He will be featured in these pages and treated well
at 7stones Spa .
» » »
The Corvallis Waldorf School
“Waldorf Education at its Best”
Our Early Childhood Program offers children the chance to work and play in a beautiful, festive environment.
Creative play develops the imagination necessary to solve story problems or write an essay. Healthy stimulation
of the senses evolves into the ability to observe the world as a scientist does. Practical work cultivates social
responsibility. Learning spanish promotes cross-cultural understanding. Guided by
loving teachers, our children play, sing, paint, bake, scrub, dust, hammer and saw,
thereby sowing the seeds for success as scholars, artists, scientists and citizens.
NOW ENROLLING FOR SPRING/FALL, Preschool - 8th Grade
758-4674 • www.CorvallisWaldorfSchool.org
Pony up!
SuperDAD Derek hangs out with Jackson, six
and Sasha, three.
MOM sends out a big thank you to
SuperDAD Derek!
7stones Spa in Corvallis knows that dads need
to take care of themselves. Derek will enjoy
a $100 gift card to spoil himself with during
the holidays.
17

18
Sara
Gelser
How does Sara Gelser split her time between
two important houses—Oregon’s House of
Representatives and her home in Corvallis?
Like every mom, Sara is a master of multitasking.
“We balance just like every other
family—the best way we can. I won’t tell you
that it’s easy,” Sara explained. “I had a man tell
me that he wouldn’t vote for me because he
thought that I couldn’t honor my
commitment to be a good mother and serve
in the Legislature at the same time. I have
every confidence that moms know and do
what is best for their family. I am very proud of
what I do, and my family comes first. I think it’s
the same for all moms, regardless of whether
they work in the home or outside of it.”
The house at home
The schedule is demanding. When the
Legislature meets, Sara leaves the house at
5:30 a.m. and doesn’t get home until after
8 p.m. Then it’s time to read bills and
amendments in preparation for the next day.
The Gelsers find ways to create special family
How does she do it?
time during those months. Peter brings the
kids up to see mom, Sunday is their family
day and they still have important cuddle
time. They also email and talk on the phone
now that the kids are older.
“The kids also watch me on the online
broadcast,” said Sara. “One time I was
speaking against exotic pets, explaining why
we should not allow alligators for pets when
they can eat you. When I got back to my
phone, it was buzzing away with messages
from my angry kids. Nicole said that she’d
always wanted an alligator. They might not
always agree with me, but I’m happy they
have the opportunity to learn about civic
awareness, and to have their own opinion.”
Ellie was very excited to bring her third
grade class to the Capitol for a field trip.
Nicole and Maia love the campaign and are
waging their own campaign for president at
home with posters and ongoing debates.
Maia’s platform is in support of nature: Water
the plants and be nice to animals. Nicole is
for universal access to Jell-O. Maia counters
» »
by Raeann Van Arsdall Balancing the house
Sara Gelser with her four children Ellie, ten;
Sam, 13; Nicole, eight; and Maia, seven.
that while Jell-O is fun in moderation, you
should think healthier and eat vegetables.
Sara says she’s learned a big lesson about
prioritizing family time, “Ask the kids what is
most important to them. Mark those things
as non-negotiables and then schedule
around it. Peter and I found that often it’s not
what we expect. I was spending time on
birthday parties with themes—they just
want cake and to have fun with their friends.
Maia told me she missed my cooking, so I’m
working on ways to do that more often.
That’s no different from any busy mom with
busy kids, all with different activities.”
Other non-negotiables include holiday
traditions. Sara says the favorite Gelser
tradition is Christmas breakfast. “Santa plays
a huge roll in this. While we’re asleep Santa
sets and decorates our breakfast table.

Go Girls!
How many women represent Oregon
in Washington D.C.?
Beginning in January, none.
Darlene Hooley, Oregon’s only
Congresswoman, is retiring after six
terms in Washington and more than 32
years of public service. Women
comprise only 16% of the US House
and US Senate.
If you’ve ever considered running for
office, what is stopping you? Sara
encourages her daughters and their
friends to learn about our government
and to get involved. She encourages
each of us to do the same.
Everyone comes down together and we
make fresh-squeezed orange juice and
dutch babies with apples. And finally, we
open presents. The kids always say breakfast
is their favorite tradition. Last year our juicer
was broken and they all asked Santa for a
new one. Luckily he remembered to put it in
the kitchen.”
The house at work
Sara has two things that make her unique
in the House. She is young, one of the “5
Under 35” Caucus. And she is a woman—
one of only 19 women in the 60 member
House of Representatives. Her goal is to
recruit and encourage women to run at all
levels of elected office. “Most women wait
until the children are grown to run for
office. This puts them at a disadvantage
when they run for higher offices because
they end up with less experience
compared to men who’ve been elected to
office at younger ages. Why wait? Get
involved today. I am very pleased that all of
my children have had such an intimate
look at our government. I encourage my
daughters and their friends to learn and
get involved.
“We must inspire and encourage the next
generation of young women, and the
women around us. If they are waiting to be
asked, then ask. I have a support system
from my husband and kids, my mom and
541-928-7820 Celebrating 50 years of Education!
Michael K. Estes, OD
1855 14th Ave SE, Albany, OR 97322
in Heritage Mall
www.customeyesofalbany.com
same day service available
my good friends. I have mentors in former
State Representative Barbara Ross, Merry
Demarest and Congresswoman Darlene
Hooley. I want to do what they’ve done for
me in supporting a new generation of
women leaders.
The Gelser kids all get involved. “Sam
testified in committee before I was a
representative, in support of kids with
disabilities. He was born with developmental
disabilities and he is what jump-started my
interest in politics. Peter and I are good
advocates for Sam, but we saw so many kids
who did not have that same support. I try to
be a voice and support for those families,
who too often don’t have a voice in politics.
Change comes very slowly and that can be
frustrating. But in the next ten years I can see
big things happening in healthcare,
education at all levels from Pre-K through
college education. Oregon needs to be
better than fifth from the bottom in higher
education.” Learn more about Sara Gelser at
www.saragelser.com.
Education that Counts!
www.cvcs.edu
Central Valley Christian School
Quality Service!
- contacts
- exams
- sunglasses
- eye glasses
- frame repair
- sports
- safety
19

20
Know your
government?
5 House Facts
Here are some basic facts to bring us busy
moms up to snuff on local politics 101.
» Members of the Oregon House of
Representatives serve two-year terms.
» The Legislature meets January through
June in the odd years and during February in
the even years.
» Each representative represents a district
containing about 57,000 citizens.
» Of the 60 representatives in the Oregon
House before the 2008 elections, 19 were
women (32%).
» See what that number looks like after
the election, and learn more about the
Oregon House of Representatives at
www.leg.state.or.us/house.
“A legislator’s job includes multi-tasking, dispute resolution and consensus building. Who better than
a mom to come up with creative solutions?” —Sara Gelser

Shop
Big Star, See Thru Soul,
Harajuku Lovers by Gwen Stefani,
Lucky Brand, Big Buddha Purses
541-928-2625
outside the box
You put so much thought into that perfect gift, why not have fun with
the wrapping as well? Think outside the box and wrap your gift with
something that fits your gift and that special someone . Use a . . .
» pretty scarf
» book
» kitchen towel
» bath or swim towel
» warm scarf and mittens
» pair of silly socks
» map
» old calendar page
» music sheet
» comic book
» phone book page with their
name highlighted
» crossword or suduko page
» vintage ornament box
» recipe box
» bucket
Downtown Albany
222 West 1st Ave gifts, clothing, shoes, accessories open seven days a week in November & December
7 for all mankind, Juicy Couture,
Michael Stars, Citizens of Humanity.
Also shop our 2nd location in
Downtown Corvallis at 128 SW 3rd St.
541-967-3023
» mason jar
» paper tube
» cookie tin
» popcorn bucket
» tool box
» tackle box
» cookie jar
» mixing bowl
Mac & Jac, Miss Me, Seychelles,
DKNY, Emu Australia. Also shop our
Corvallis location at 501 SW 2nd St.
541-752-4200
23

24
Reconstructing
a body
Rebuilding a life
by Heather Burton
What a difference a year can make. Last fall
and winter it was doctor appointment
after doctor appointment; chaos, stress
and big decisions. This year, normalcy—
family dinners, kids’ homework, playing in
the back yard and laying low. For Corvallis
resident Alisa Schoening it was goodbye
cancer, hello family fun.
Schoening, 36, mother of Zachary, nine
and Katarina, three was diagnosed with
breast cancer in June of 2007. With no
family history and only in her 30s, the
unexpected challenge turned her
life—and her family’s life—upside down.
“I did self-checks every once and a while
not thinking I’d find anything, and I
remember wondering, ‘what exactly am I
looking for?’” says Schoening. “I once asked
my gynecologist and she told me if there
was a tumor, it would feel like a rock.”
Schoening instantly remembered that
analogy early last year, when an itch
caused her to brush her breast and she
felt, what she remembers vividly, as a
rock-like lump.
That split-second discovery would
ultimately lead to a cancer diagnosis and
many months of appointments,
treatments and recovery.
“First I had a lumpectomy and then
chemo,” says Schoening. “Then I had a big
decision to make—either start radiation or
have a mastectomy. I chose to have a
double mastectomy with reconstruction. I
wanted to put all this behind me.”
During her surgery at Good Samaritan
Regional Medical Center, two surgeons
worked simultaneously during the four
hour-long procedure. Dr. David Faddis, a
cancer specialist, removed her breast
tissue while plastic surgeon Dr. Todd
Willcox implanted expanders that would
be used to slowly expand the skin
covering her breasts for future implants.
“I will tell you that when I woke up, I was in
a lot of pain,” recalls Schoening. “I
remember wondering if I had made the
right choice. But the pain went away and
the decision I made turned out to be the
right one.”
After the surgery, Schoening regularly
visited Dr. Willcox at Samaritan Plastic &
Reconstructive Surgery in Corvallis to have
her expanders filled with saline until they
reached the right size for a silicone
implant to be inserted. And on many of
her visits, one or both kids came along for
support.
“Alisa is an amazing woman and a great
mom. She’s always positive and never let
her cancer change her sunny outlook on
life,” says Cathy Boertje, Dr. Willcox’s
medical assistant. “Every time she came
into the office, we enjoyed her and
especially those adorable children of hers.”
“Katarina would come with Alisa when she
would regularly have solution injected
into the expanders,” continues Boertje.
“She did great seeing the needles and put
everyone here in the office in a great
mood with her cute personality.”
Schoening says nine-year-old Zachary did
really well during her experience because
they could talk openly and he understood
what was happening. She fondly
remembers how much he loved to rub her
bald head every night before bed. But, for
Katarina, many sympathy “tummy aches”
accompanied her mom’s battle and as for
the hair, she had a different perspective.
“She told me daddy was not allowed to cut
my hair again,” chuckles Schoening.
Schoening had her final surgery last May
to replace the saline solution that had
slowly expanded her breast skin with

Friends to the end.
So let ’ s get started.
Find out all the benefits of becoming a member today.
Drop by, say hi and apply. Or visit centralwcu.org
ALBANY CORVALLIS LEBANON SALEM CENTRALWCU.ORG
silicone implants. She plans to have
tattooing and nipple reconstruction to
achieve the most real breast appearance
possible.
“I now feel physically really, really good,”
says Schoening. “Probably better than I did
before the cancer. There really is a light at
the end of the tunnel and I feel like I’ve
reached it.”
Heather Burton is a freelance writer and
mom to Jace, two.
Schoening, right, with her
husband, son Zachary, nine, and
daughter Katarina, three.
»Alisa
25

26
Albany
Children’s Magic Day
Nov. 29, 11 a.m. magic, 3 p.m. parade,
5 p.m. tree lighting
www.albanydowntown.com or
541-928-2469
Christmas Nighttime Magic
Dec. 1 – Jan. 1, 5 to 10 p.m.
www.albanyvisitors.com or
541-928-0911
Christmas Storybook Land
Dec. 5 – 20, Mon. – Fri., 6 to 8:30 p.m.,
Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Linn County Fair and Expo Center
541-928-1612
Town & Country Christmas Bazaar
Dec. 5 – 7, Fri., 5 to 9 p.m., Sat., 10 a.m.
to 6 p.m., Sun, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Linn County Fair and Expo Center
541-926-4314
Free movie night at the Pix
“Holiday Inn”
Dec. 13, 2 p.m.
www.albany-pix.com or 541-928-0911
Old Fashioned Christmas Store
Nov. 12 – 16
35283 Riverside Dr., Albany
www.albanydowntown.com or
541-926-9331
Celebration of Trees Auction
Dec 4, 6:30 p.m.
1215 Hill St SE, Albany
www.bgc-albany.org or 541-926-6666
Corvallis
Community Christmas Parade
Nov. 28, 7 to 8 p.m.
4th St. from Washington to Jackson
www.downtowncorvallis.org or
541-754-6624
28th Annual Holiday Market
Dec. 5 – 6 , 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Memorial Union, OSU Campus
www.osumu.org or 541-737-2937
Winter’s Eve Corvallis
Dec 5, 5 to 10 p.m.
Between 2nd & 3rd at Madison,
Downtown Corvallis
www.alcorvallis.org or 541-757-1978
Community Crèche Exhibit
Dec. 5 – 7, over 700 nativity scenes
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day
Saints, 4141 NW Harrison Blvd., Corvallis
www.communitycreche.org
11th Annual Holiday Expo
Nov. 28 – 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Benton Co. Fairgrounds Auditorium
www.bentoncountyfair.com or
541-766-6521
Eugene
Holiday Bazaar
Nov. 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Petersen Barn, 870 Berntzen Road
www.eugene-or.gov or 541-682-5521
Holiday Market
Nov. 22 – Dec. 24, call for times
Lane County Fairgrounds
www.eugenesaturdaymarket.org or
541-686-8885
Lebanon
Holidays in the Park
Dec. 6, 3 to 7 p.m., lighting at 5 p.m.
Ralston Park, Lebanon
www.lebanonareachamber.com or
541-258-7164

merry magic
Whether you’re searching for candy canes, looking for lights to wow the little ones or shopping for the
perfect present, you’re sure to find the holiday spirit by visiting one of these events.
Portland
Pioneer Square 75-foot Christmas Tree
with Santa
Nov 11 arrival, Nov. 28 lighting at 5:30 p.m.
Pioneer Square
www.pioneercourthousesquare.org or
503-223-1613
’Twas the Night before Christmas
at Pittock Mansion
Nov. 24 – Dec. 31
www.pittockmansion.org or
503-823-3619
Oregon Zoo
Nov. 29 – Dec. 28, Sun. – Thurs. 5 p.m. to
8 p.m. and Fri. – Sat. 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
4001 SW Canyon Road,
www.oregonzoo.org
Oregon Symphony
Dec. 21, 2 p.m.
www.oregonsymphony.com or
503-228-1353
Salem
PGE Festival of Lights Parade
Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m.
Downtown Salem
www.folholidayparade.org or
503-871-0736
Holiday Gift Market
Dec. 13 – 14, Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
Sun 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
OR State Fairgrounds (Jackman-Long Bldg)
www.salemsaturdaymarket.com
Magic at the Mill
Dec. 19 – 23, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Big Band Dance Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Mission Mill Museum
www.missionmill.com or
503-585-7012
Willamette Valley Vineyards
Open House
8800 Enchanted Way
www.wwv.com or 800-344-9463
Holidays at the Oregon State Capitol
Dec. 1 - 22, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
900 Court St.
www.leg.state.or.us or 503-986-1388
Sweet Home
Christmas in Sweet Home
Dec. 5 – 7, call for parade time
www.sweethomechamber.org or
541-367-6186
Vancouver
Festival of Trees with Santa
Nov. 28 – 30
www.festivaloftrees.net or
360-750-0409
Finding Santa
» Corvallis Community Christmas Parade
Nov. 28, 7 p.m., Downtown Corvallis at
end of the parade
» Storybook Land
Linn County Fair and Expo Center,
Dec. 5 – 20, Mon. – Fri., 6 to 8:30 p.m.,
Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
» Invite Santa to visit your home
Dec. 10 – 24. Reservations begin
Dec. 3, 8 a.m. (in person only) at the
Corvallis Parks and Rec. office.
541-766-6918
» Haugen’s Galleri Portraits with Santa
Dec. 4 and 6
275 East Main, Monmouth
www.haugensgalleri.com
or 800-838-5416
» Lancaster Mall Fireside with Santa
Salem, Nov. 28 – Dec. 24
www.lancastermall.com for coupons
or 503-585-1338
» Breakfast with Santa
Portland and Vancouver
Dec. 20, 9:30 a.m. to noon
www.tophatproductions.com
» Breakfast with Santa
Portland Hilton
Dec. 21, 9:30 a.m. and noon
www.portlandsbreakfastwithsanta.com
» Evergreen Aviation Museum
call for dates and times
www.sprucegoose.org
» Santa Comes to the Stadium
Dec. 6, noon to 4 p.m.
Volcanoes Stadium, Keizer
www.volcanoesbaseball.com or
503-390-2225
» Santa at Silver Falls
December 13 -14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
www.silverfallspark.org or
503-873-8681
» Photos with Santa
Majestic Theater, Corvallis
Dec. 6 and 13, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
» Heritage Mall Santa Photos
Albany
Nov. 28 - Dec. 24
Breakfast with Santa Nov. 29, 10 a.m.
Santa photos with pets, Dec. 8, 15
and 22, 6 to 8 p.m.
www.heritagemall.com for coupons
or 541-967-8238
27

28
MOM money
Don’t wrap up the year in the red .
Stick to your holiday budget .
Be sure to give yourself and your family
the gift of staying on budget this holiday
season. Use these practical, fun holiday
budget tips from local moms.
Make that list—and check
it more than twice
Getting organized is key to staying on
budget. Albany mom Missy Rice Cook says,
“It’s hard to keep everything straight, so I
make a spreadsheet and carry it in my
purse to fill out as we make purchases.
I also write down gift ideas as I think of
them so I don’t forget.”
Don’t go overboard on the kids
For kids age one and younger, you can get
away with wrapping up just about
anything, including the kitchen colander.
Toddlers will appreciate toys, but they
have no idea if items come from Craig’s
List or Goodwill—freeing up
much-needed wiggle room in
your budget.
What about older kids who have evergrowing
lists of big ticket items? Jean
Gritter of Albany says that in her family,
“The big kids (ages 15 and 16) are
encouraged to think of a single
significant gift they’d like, rather than
multiple things.”
Get crafty
Julie Renzema of Clackamas gets her
three sons involved in making gifts,
including hand-painted pottery,
cookies, fudge, ornaments and cards.
“Our boys especially love to help with
the cookies,” she says. If crafts aren’t
your style, you can opt for
charitable giving. (See
side bar.)
No need to exhaust your
emergency savings fund to
buy the latest toys and
electronics this holiday.
Follow these simple budget
tips to start 2009 on the right
track. Happy holidays from
your friends at OSU Federal.
Charitable giving
Get your whole family involved in the
holiday spirit with these gift ideas that
keep on giving.
» Local malls often feature “giving
trees,” with paper ornaments profiling
needy families or individuals.
» Does your favorite uncle really
need (or want) another sweater?
Consider a donation in his name to a
charity that appeals to his interests.
» Volunteer! The whole family can
help out at local soup kitchens or
retirement communities.
» Shop with a cause: your purchases
can directly fund rainforest protection,
breast cancer research and more.
Check out sites such as
www.greatergood.com.
» Give globally: Buy an alpaca for a
family in Peru or provide a well for an
African village through many
worldwide relief organizations.
Not sure about a charity’s reputation?
Check with the Better Business Bureau
Wise Giving Alliance at www.give.org.
Share your brilliant
MOM money ideas
Email your favorite money management
ideas to MOM Magazine at
raeann@mommag.com, or to Bruce at
OSU Federal at btucker@osufederal.com.
MOM money is brought to you courtesy of
OSU Federal and MOM Magazine. See ad on
page 8.

for infants
Musical Band by Plan Toys
Plan Toys creates fun keepsake toys that last generations.
www.plantoys.com
Drums – This colorful, modern design musical band comes with realistic functions.
Children can become little musicians. Size is W 13.8 x D 10.2 x H 13.3 inches.
»
Melody Xylophone – This colorful and uniquely designed toy is on a curved
wooden base producing real musical notes. Children will learn eight different
keys from the individually colored metal bars.
Concertina – The musical toy stimulates children’s
spatial perception in relation to melodies
and sound pitches in addition to practicing
motor skills.
holiday
gift
guide
Designed for maximum stability, this classic item
is now even better! The revamped Classic Walker
Wagon sports all the quality of the original, but
also comes with updated features sure to please
both parents and children. The Classic Walker
Wagon comes with an innovative “resist” push
feature for beginning walkers.
www.radioflyer.com
»Walker Wagon by Radio Flyer

for boys & girls
Webkinz
» » »
Learning and loving awaits a new
Webkinz or Lil’ Kinz owner. These
velvety-soft plush pets are made
for hugs! Use your secret code to
enter Webkinz World, so you can
adopt your new pet and find out
all about it. www.webkinz.com
»
Pisa - Color Match/Balancing Game
Pisa is a strategy and fine motor skills game. Roll the dice to see
how many pieces must be used. Start by building one level and
move up to building four. Try to avoid a
leaning tower as you carefully place
bamboo pieces to support more levels.
www.educo.com
Tea Set by Green Toys
Talk about green tea! Young hosts can brew up an
imaginary pot of tea while doing something really good
for the earth. 100% Recycled. www.greentoys.com
»
»
»
Crazy Forts
Children of all ages love building fun
structures where they can play
endlessly in their imaginary worlds.
Simply connect the balls and sticks
and cover the structure with
bedsheets. Durable, portable and
best of all, there’s no batteries
required! www.crazyforts.com
Road & Rail Play Set,
City Transportation from Plan Toys
This PlanCity Road & Rail set comes with road & rail tracks, a crossing
track, station, train, car, semaphore, traffic signs and lights, figures and trees.
www.plantoys.com

Sticky Mosaics® Princess
Palace by Orb Factory
It’s fun to assemble your very own Princess
Palace with pre-cut pieces that fold
together. Enjoy hours of decorating with
sparkling foam stickers and jewels.
www.orbfactory.com
» »
Bubble Gum Factory
» »
from Scientific Explorer
Make gobs of gum with your Bubble Gum
Factory. Create your own unique recipes by
mixing and matching different flavors.
www.scientificexplorer.com
Keep it local
Shop local and support the dowtown
retailers this holiday season.
Toy story
Find these great toys and tons more
at your local toy store.
» Frogs & Pollywogs Toys
www.frogsandpollywogstoys.com
» The Toy Factory
www.thetoyfactory.org
» Cellar Doors Home Gallery,
www.shopcellardoors.com
More of what
you’re looking for.
What’s in store
for the holidays?
Heritage Mall has the perfect gift solution for the
special people in your life—the Heritage Mall Gift
Card. Gift cards can be used at every mall store,
even the food court. Available at Customer Service
in denominations from $5 to $500.
Santa is arriving soon so bring in the kids and
let them smile for the camera.
Check out our updated website
www.heritagemall.com

Hey MOM!
Your shopping is nearly complete and you’re exhausted! Don’t forget to take care of yourself .
Here are some fun ways to spoil yourself and keep it local .
Decorate your home
Cellar Doors, www.shopcellardoors.com
The Golden Pear, 541-926-8587
Glam it up for the holidays
Glam, 541-928-2625
Urban Minx, www.urbanminx.com
Shoetini’s, www.shoetinis.com
///\\\ ///\\\ ///\\\ ///\\\ ///\\\ ///\\\ ///\\\ ///\\\ ///\\\ ///\\\ ///\\\ ///\\\ ///\\\ ///\\\ ///\\\
GO ON A SAFARI
Take care of yourself
We Invite You... to bring your family and friends to
visit our animals here at Wildlife Safari. “Hands On” and
“Close Encounter” events await you for an experience you won’t
forget. Wildlife Safari in Winston is the closest
thing you will fi nd to an African Safari.
thing you will fi nd to an African Safari.
7stones spa, www.7stonesspa.com
Oregon South Fitness, 541-863-7778
Dale & Elva Paulson ©2008
Take Interstate 5 to Exit 119
(HWY 42) and follow the signs.
For those traveling with pets,
kennels are available.
For More Information: www.wildlifesafari.net • 541.679.6761
Shop local artists
TEAL, www.tealartistcoop.com
Alan Higinbotham Pottery,
www.AlanHiginbothamPottery.com
Bruce Tucker Fine Art, brucetuckerart.com

Three-dozen cookies, ten gifts to wrap-up, five Thanksgiving guests, three holiday parties and a perfectly decorated tree.
The holiday season brings even more stress than usual. To be your best as a mom, you must remember to take care of
yourself as a woman. 7stones Spa in Corvallis helps us find a few ways to do just that.
1 . Whether it’s a smooth gourmet
concoction with marshmallow cream
whipped by your favorite barista or
microwave Swiss Miss with floating
marshmallows at home, hot chocolate
is the perfectly sweet way to indulge!
2 . Black Friday is a mom’s shopping
dream day (see page 12), but standing
in line and elbowing over the toy aisle
is a sore foot nightmare! Meet your
partners after the long day and swap
war stories over a group pedicure!
“Appreciate” is the luxurious pedicure
with attention to detail, a holistic,
natural soak, gentle skin exfoliation
and a purely relaxing massage.
Cuticles are perfected and nails are
clipped, reshaped and buffed to a
beautiful healthy glow.
3 . Baby, it’s cold outside. So make it fun
by wearing bright and colorful
mittens and a scarf, or a wild
umbrella. And let it rain, let it rain,
let it…snow.
4 . Schedule an “after Thanksgiving”
appointment now. When the dishes
are done, the guests have left town
and the perfect meal is complete—
enter the 7stones Sanctuary. Untangle
your mind and exercise the art of
inner calm. Release into pure comfort
between therapies, order a beverage
and light spa lunch, engage the
process of self-awareness and healing.
You’ll need this time to recharge
before the next holiday event.
5 . Meet your girlfriends at 7stones for a
girl’s day. Make it your gift to each
other. Not only do you deserve it, but
now you can cross your five best girls
off the gift list!
6 . Turn out the lights, sit in your favorite
comfy chair with a good glass of wine
and enjoy the beautiful twinkle of the
Christmas lights that you worked so
hard to place perfectly on the tree.
MOM time
7stones of serenity
7 . Sneak a gift under the tree for
yourself, from a secret Santa. Make it a
good one! It doesn’t have to be
expensive, but it will be exactly what
you want and deserve.
» Your MOM time
brought to you by 7stones spa
You may think you know what a spa is,
but you have no idea until you’ve been to
7stones, www.7stonesspa.com.
Visit www.mommag.com and enter for a
chance to win a $100 gift card at 7stones and
the MOM time that you deserve. (One winner
each issue, so keep trying!)
41

34
MOM @ home
Welcome Home!
We hear from so many moms looking
for a way to stay home, but needing to
make ends meet. MOM@home is
dedicated to presenting moms with
different work from home options.
MOM Magazine does not endorse the
businesses listed, but we do provide a
way for moms to learn more about the
options available. MOM@home is your
opportunity to advertise your business
to more than 20,000 moms!
Prepaid Legal
Pre-Paid Legal Services
& Identity Theft Shield
Kathy Dennis
541-401-2540
kdennis@inspiritmarketing.com
www.prepaidlegal.com/hub/kathydennis
I’m a single mom
and make more
“spare time” with
my business than I
do at my full-time
job! My daughters
and I are headed
on a two-week
vacation, taking
our business with us! Our service allows
me to fight today’s biggest crime and give
everyone access to equal justice and the
opportunity can change lives! I would love
to help other Moms too!
Home
Taste of Home Entertaining
Therese Davis
541-791-4393
TheresesHomeEntertaining@yahoo.com
http://therese.tohe.com
Serve up something brand new—
a fabulous home party business that’s all
about entertaining with style and ease.
You can launch your own business, be your
own boss, earn extra income, free
products—even vacations—and have
an absolute blast. Contact me today!
Hours
Mon - Sat 10 - 6
Sun 12 - 5
142 SW 2nd St in Corvallis
www.tealartistcoop.com 541-754-6338
Open November 9 through December 28
Custom Gift Baskets and Gifts for
Custom Gift Baskets and Gifts for for Any Occasion
Any Occasion
ank ank you
Housewarming
ank you
Wedding
Housewarming
Baby or or Birthday
Wedding
time Baby time in or in Birthday a a
Congratulations
Congratulations Holiday
Congratulations
Holiday
Holiday
Crafted by
Crafted by
Beauty
Arbonne
International
Lori Kisler
541-913-8592
Lori.Kisler@gmail.com
trulyyourskinmy
arbonne.com, #15393654
I chose Arbonne after meeting very giving
and caring people. I’ve received the tools
needed for success and appreciate the
ethics, the compensation plan and the
amazing products. My financial goal is to
make an average income of $6000 monthly
and a new white Mercedes Benz. I am
looking for a teammate.
B ASKE TT
Give the gift of time—create lasting memories
Caroline & Melissa
Give the gift of time—create lasting memories
Caroline www.timeinabasket.com & Melissa Crafted Albany, by OR
www.timeinabasket.com Albany, OR Give the
Caroline & Melissa
We use local and regional products
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You’ll love to read . . .
Greatest Christma»The
s Stories of All
Time: Timeless Classics that Celebrate
the Season
by Standard Publishing
Cuddle up in your most comfortable chair with a cup of
hot cocoa and enjoy these delightful Christmas stories
from some of the world’s greatest authors including
Hans Christian Andersen, Leo Tolstoy, Louisa May Alcott,
and Charles Dickens. In this classic collection you’ll find
inspiration and encouragement for the season.
The Christmas Bus, by Melody Carlson
(an Oregon author)
The people of Christmas Valley, Oregon always celebrate
Christmas to the fullest extent. The mayor plays Santa,
every business is holiday themed, and there’s a nativity for
the kids each Christmas Eve. But this year nothing goes
according to plan. This charming novella is sure to become
a new Christmas tradition for readers who love a great
holiday story.
»
35

36
MOM mail
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, ideas and comments with us.
We love to hear from you, so keep it coming! (Some letters are edited for space.)
Dear MOM,
As a parent I have enjoyed your magazine.
I look forward to receiving it in my son’s
school folder. I am a Family Advocate for
Kidco Head Start and would like our
parents to receive the magazine as well.
Thank you,
Melissa Bergstrom
Kidco Head Start, Albany
Dear MOM,
I am the proud mommy of Hayden Elise, a
winner of the KRKT beautiful baby contest
back in May. As part of the generous
winnings, Hayden received a spread in
MOM Magazine. What an honor! Thank you
for the opportunity to show the
community our sweet angel. Just for fun,
here is a picture of our little Hayden at her
second birthday. We are expecting again in
January so maybe we’ll have another
beautiful baby in the future.
Take care,
Heather Rogers, Albany
264 SW Madison Ave.
Corvallis
541-758-3380
Dear MOM,
Thanks for the nice story in the MOM
Magazine. My kids think they are famous
now. Their dance studio has the article
hanging on the bulletin board. My high
school daughter told me that girls say they
saw her in the magazine. A woman came
up to me saying she knew me from
somewhere—then realized it was from
MOM Magazine.
Thanks again,
Courtney Zinszer, Albany
www.pinkwings.com
Breast cancer, Making a difference,
Sept/Oct 08
Create one-of-a-kind ceramic art
You pick the piece
You design and paint it
We glaze and fire it
It’s that easy!
Adults, kids, families, businesses,
and organizations welcome.
Our gift certificates make great gifts!
Dear MOM,
I am a single father. I am just really very
curious why you don’t have a dad
magazine, or do we not matter? I actually
like your MOM Magazine, but I am a dad. I
am curious why we can have one but not
the other.
Thank you,
Pete, Albany
We agree that single dads do have a big job
and deserve credit as well. We are just one little
magazine and though we’d love to have DAD
Magazine, we can barely make it to press with
this one! So we asked Pete to share his side of
the story in an upcoming Mr. MOM article.
201 SW 2nd Ave., Albany
541-928-7339

Saturdays at 10 a.m.
in the
LBCC
Gym
in the
LBCC
Forum
FULL SCHEDULE ONLINE
cityofalbany.net/cpas
Smile!
Q:
What do you
call a reindeer
that has no eyes?
A:
Grace and Claire—the funniest Oregon kids
living in London
I have
no idear!
Share your best joke and silliest smile today, for a chance
to be featured in the next issue of MOM Magazine!
This smile brought to you by:
Call Cedarwood Dental today and schedule a healthy smile for your
child. Call 541-928-2858 or visit www.cedarwooddental.net.
(See page 20 for more information.)
37

38
Published by MOM Media, LLC
2532 Santiam Hwy. SE #102
Albany, OR 97322
Publisher and Editor
Raeann Van Arsdall
raeann@mommag.com
541-908-2361
Advertising Manager
Kristal Nease
kristal@mommag.com
541-730-1730
Designer
Kassie Boehringer
Proofreader
Krista Klinkhammer
To subscribe visit www.mommag.com.
MOM Magazine TM is produced by
MOM Media LLC. © 2008
All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or
part, without written permission of the publisher
is prohibited. Information in the magazine is
provided for general information purposes only
with the understanding that none of the content
constitutes professional advice.
Opinions expressed by the writers or advertisers
are not necessarily the opinions of the magazine
or the publisher. Inclusion in the magazine does
not constitute endorsement of information,
products or services.
• Golf clubs
• Ski equipment
• Snowboards
• Softball gear
Because I said so!
The economy is tight, along with your holiday budget. You need to get creative—and this
issue has lots of ways to do just that. But what happens if you completely throw a wrench in
your perfectly-twinkly, tasty, traditional holiday season? I don’t mean move the tree to the
south window from the north. I mean shake this holiday season upside down like a giant
snow globe, and let things fall beautifully where they may.
My sister and I decided to throw Thanksgiving to the Looney Toons. I’m not kidding—our
big bird will be baked by Mickey Mouse! We’re pooling our resources, travel budgets and all
Christmas gifts for a family trip to Disneyland for the Royal Disney Thanksgiving Feast. Did
the grandmas have a heart attack? Yes! Will the kids remember it forever? Yes!
So shake things up this year. Why?
Raeann Van Arsdall
MOM Magazine
Publisher/Editor
We Buy and Sell Quality New & Used Sports & Exercise Equipment
CORVALLIS
Specialty toys and baby products for 35 years.
Toys for all ages.
Cribs, Strollers, Car seats and more.
Let us help you find the perfect Birthday,
Holiday or Baby Shower gift!
442 SW 2nd St.~ Downtown Corvallis (541) 758-5415
• Rollerblades • Soccer
• Skate boards
www.playitagainsports.com
(541) 754-PLAY (7529)
PLAY IT SMART! PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS.
• Disk golf
• Excercise equipment
1422 NW 9th ST

Samaritan Plastic &
Reconstructive Surgery
If you’re considering plastic surgery,
it’s important you understand all of
your options. At Samaritan Plastic
& Reconstructive Surgery, we are
committed to taking the time to
listen to you and thoroughly explain
your options so you can choose the
path that is best for you.
Surgical procedures:
Facial rejuvenation
• Facelift
• Nose surgery
• Brow lift
Breast surgery
• Augmentation and lifts
• Reconstruction and reduction
Body contouring
• Tummy tucks
• Liposuction
Plastic & Reconstructive
Surgery
Samaritan Albany Laser Services is pleased to offer
you the Candela® GentleLASE system, the latest in
laser technology for gentle, long-lasting solutions for:
• Hair removal on the face, legs, underarms and bikini area
• Age spots and freckles
• Unsightly veins on the face or legs
Call (541) 812-4868 today for a complimentary consultation.
Non-surgical procedures and spa services:
In addition to our surgical options, we provide numerous
treatments that can enhance your beauty and confidence.
• Thermage® facial skin tightening and contouring
• Botox®, Juvederm® and Restylane® treatments
• VBeam® vascular laser
• Facial micropeel and customized clinical skin care products
• GentleLASE laser hair removal
To schedule your complimentary consultation, please call one
of our offices today.
Richard Havard, MD
2298 NW Kings Blvd.
Corvallis, (541) 738-1516
Todd Willcox, MD
3517 NW Samaritan Drive, Ste. 100
Corvallis, (541) 768-4930
Margaret Hovey, MD
Pam Haley-Nelson, RN
705 Elm St. SW, Ste. 200
Albany, (541) 512-4868
39

2532 Santiam Hwy., SE #102 » Albany, OR 97322
541-908-2361 » 888-711-9677 toll-free fax
www.mommag.com » info@mommag.com
The views, information and content in this magazine are not that of the organization that may have provided MOM Magazine to readers as a courtesy.
MOM Magazine and its distributors assume no liability for the contents or events arising out of its distribution.