urbanMamas Portland

Many of us are pretty ready for 2009.  As a society, we like the idea of this annual opportunity to start again, do it better, do it different, and I'm right in there.  Among other things, I plan to learn to make my own yogurt, read some fiction (even if it's just short stories), stop working so much at night, try pilates (fix those stomach muscles!), and the list goes on...and on... and on.  Do you make such lists?  Or think the whole artificial timeline for personal betterment is silly? 

Another part of the new year is celebrating it, regardless of the whole resolution thing.  Since having kids I'm not sure we've even been up at midnight on new year's.  You?  Instead we celebrate at noon on new year's day with the kids, blowers, noise makers, and all. Sparkling apple cider all around! 

So do tell: what happens at your house tonight & tomorrow??  Quiet evening at home or black tie and babysitters?  However you do it, may 2009 be a good year for your family and all the families of the world.

It is always too long between visits.  Because it's not in my part of town.  S.C.R.A.P., that is.  The School & Community Reuse Action Project in NoPo. 

My husband and I met while employed at a garbage & recycling company (y-e-a-r-s ago), so the reuse thing is not new to me.  But as a parent of young kids, I have a whole new appreciation for the concept of cheap random junk that one can make endless art & other random crazy projects with.  Not to mention the many obvious benefits of using cast-offs rather than new stuff to play with.

And the best news in all this isn't that I actually made the winter break trip I meant to (and had promised), and  - predictably - we found plenty of awesome random cheap junk (e.g., needlepoint canvas, pumpkin & easter egg fabric, terrific painting paper, and used file folders), but that the whole shebang is moving closer to my house!  To SE Portland!  But they're not saying exactly where.  If you're as curious as I am, visit the SCRAP website to get a clue, and guess.  They should be moved in and open for business by mid-January and, if you're up for a holiday hunting and gathering trip (which I highly recommend), they're still open at their current location for awhile longer. 

My most exciting find (trailed closely by the wallpaper & twig book kits for $0.25) was the used tennis ball can full of small-ish random items, called a "To-Go Kit" (in the pic).  Like how often would that come in handy with young kids?  4, 5 times a day?  And each cost a mere $2.  Long car trips, waiting room waits, and mama playdates just got a whole lot easier, to name a few. 

Get on the SCRAP email list if you don't want to miss their goings on, which are always good, in my (cheap, junky, art-able) book.  In these economic times, who's gonna argue with a GINORMOUS, long-lasting, whimsical bag of tricks for $15? Plus, they were in the NYT.  Go SCRAP!

Of course every parents aspires to raise a reader, a child who loves to read.  Do you have a favorite reading list you refer to? Do you use your favorite childhood books as a guide?  One urbanMama emails:

Charity is very much top-of-mind this week. My husband is in the Army Reserves, and either we are the only large-ish family in his unit and thus deemed needful of charity based solely on the number of mouths to feed, or perhaps he has slightly exaggerated our financial plight (I'm freelancing as our main source of income right now, and while the work is plentiful, my time is not so much). Either way we have received two gift baskets in the past week, both stocked with hams, a pound of margarine, and various canned goods and other nonperishables. I am grateful. And yet, given my now year-long commitment to feed my family organic, fairly traded, as-local-as-possible food, it's been a challenge deciding how to face a six-year-old who I found hoarding two boxes of cake mix and a package of Sara Lee dinner rolls in his bedroom. Among other things. One day I'll let the boys gorge themselves on Trix, Campbell's chicken noodle soup, and chocolate icing straight out of the carton, the next day I hide it all and force-feed them sourdough whole wheat baked goods and raw milk. As a culture, we believe that one should not look a gift horse in the mouth and that those receiving charitable assistance should be pleased to eat whatever GMO-ridden, conventional, processed, sugar-packed, wrapped-up-in-excess-packaging goods the givers choose.

I am torn. I wish to be grateful and am thrilled that such largess exists. I know that those who assembled the gift packages did so out of a genuine and generous wish to make our lives better. (And the PGE gift card that was included in one of them will, indeed!, make our lives better. If anyone should be struggling over what to get for a needy family -- go with the PGE gift card!) And at the same time I wish I could somehow send a message to all those who shop for holiday gift baskets and ask if they might consider getting big bags of Bob's Red Mill organic whole wheat flour, and a dozen eggs from Kookoolan Farms, and perhaps a nice local ham from Sweet Briar Farms or the Pacific Village cooperative.

Ready to socialize again?  So are we.  Grab some dipes, wipes and/or formula for the Children's Relief Nursery and meet us at Airplay Cafe this Monday, 12.29 from 10 to noon.  There's a free storytime right at 10, too.  Details over on Activistas.  See you there!

I never can tell what will be the absolute favorite gift from year to year.  This year Grandma hit the nail on the head with a volcano kit for our almost 6 year-old son.   Despite my handy efforts at handmade (not surprisingly, some still unfinished!), this was definitely store bought but fun enough to inspire a break in gift opening.  Now that's a good one. 

Goopy mummy-like wrapping is required and you gotta do it with a parent.  Then it erupts.  What's not to like?    What was the favorite kid gift in your house?

Merry Christmas, all! 

Now that most of our worlds have shrunk to the distance we can schlep through the snow, the concept of local has really hit home.  Like The Oregonian's story about people madly shopping between storms, I too hoofed it over to Hawthorne yesterday to grab a few stocking stuffers and get some much-needed exercise.  I was heading straight for Muse Art + Design, a local art supply store for grown-ups and kids, because Soule Mama got me onto the Family Art Night concept. 

While in the store (madly grabbing art supplies before they closed and the stockings destined to be empty), I signed up for the free Choose Local card, which offers discounts to card-carrying shoppers around town.You can find locally-owned shops around town here, a mapping database that you can search by neighborhood.  Participating stores offer a discount when you present your card. 

Do you have one? If so, what do you think?  I am glad to have it and really like the idea, but time will tell where it leads me and if I remember it's in my wallet!  For the time being, I'm just grateful for my microhood.  Viva good urban planning.

[photo courtesy of TH on Flickr commons]

My sister Hannah just called with a concern; her baby, Angelica, has had a diaper rash for several days, and a fever for the past few. Today she developed a rash on her stomach and Angelica, 15 months old, has been very fussy. She needed advice; she's been calling the pediatrician's office but the line has been busy.

I advised her to see if she's been overbundling Angelica (her power was off yesterday) and switch to breastfeeding only; maybe Angelica's having an allergic reaction and at least that will reduce her exposure to new foods. It couldn't be chicken pox, we decided, as it didn't look like the pox; Angelica's had her regular vaccinations; her only exposure (to my children) couldn't have caused it as they've all either had the pox or been vaccinated long ago. Twitter friends offered the possibilities of thrush, roseola, or hand and mouth disease.

Then it occurred to me that, if Hannah's struggling with a not-necessarily-emergency problem, many other are too, and as doctors' offices aren't answering their phones with great regularity, we'll have to work together to figure it out. So here's an open thread to ask each other for advice (and give yours to Hannah if something occurs to you). I'll start it off: Monroe broke his front tooth in half this weekend (well, in 1/3 and 2/3 vertical chunks) after launching himself face-first into a stack of cookie sheets.One of the chunks is wobbling back and forth and our local dentist office is closed; he hasn't been crying (though he's worked himself a mark near my nipple -- ouch!) and I figure we may as well wait out the storm before getting it looked at. Any problems I should look out for?

Ahhh, navigating PPS is like charting new territory.  One of our readers writes:

My 4 year old son will be starting Kindergarten in the fall.  PPS' website doesn't have much of a useful introduction to the whole system for the newcomer (in fact their whole site seems to have been designed around 1999).  I know there are school tours sometime in the spring, but there seems to be nothing anywhere to read about it--does anyone know a good resource?

For the record, we live a block from Glencoe, so of course that could be his school.  But we're thinking of trying to get him into Richmond, Winterhaven, or Atkinson.  Some of these are lottery based, so that's a whole other set of things to read about.  He's very advanced--he reads actual books, and not children's ones either, so we're also curious about TAG options.  Thanks for any help!

When I came across USA Today's recent report on how pollution from smokestacks affects air quality at American schools, I was intrigued enough to enter our Portland elementary school into the database.  And to my great chagrin, the news was not so good.  Have you entered your school?  You can do it here by simply entering the school name and the city and state where it's located. 

Seven Portland schools landed on the list of schools that ranked worst in the nation. According to the newspaper, 'the air outside these schools had the highest levels of dangerous toxic chemicals, most of which have never been tested for their effects on children.'  Lovely. 

And if you're shocked by the results, as I was, there's good follow-up info (including a video) on what to do with the info.  The USA Today site has an excellent Q and A for folks who might have questions like this: What if my school ranks high? Should I be alarmed? What do I do next? Can I test the air myself?

There's an interesting program called The ChildSafe School for taking action about toxic exposures at schools (cleaners, pesticides, and diesel exhaust).  Anyone checked it out? 

[photo courtesy of local photomama, aka cafemama]

By next Monday we'll all be ready to get out of the house - and hopefully without skiing!  Though snowshoeing to Freddie's for cookie ingredients will surely be a highlight of 2008 in our house.

We loved bringing a bunch of mamas together to support the Children's Relief Nursery a few weeks back, so we want to do it again. But this time it's all about dipes, wipes & formula - necessities they always need. 

So if you're around and looking for some fun with the kids mixed in with a great cause at a great spot, we hope you'll join us.

Where?  Airplay Cafe @ 701 E. Burnside
When?  Monday, 12.29 from 10 am till noon-ish
You bring: Yourself, the kids, and...

• Diapers (they really need larger sizes),
• Baby wipes, and
• Baby formula (preferably powdered since canned liquid formula is loaded with bisphenol-A)

Hope to see you there!  If you're familiar with Air Play then you know they often have great activities (check the AirPlay calendar), and this time is no exception.  There'll be a free storytime at 10 am for ages 5 and under.  Love that.

I always have big plans for hand-made gifts, and truth be told it rarely happens.  This year, of course, will be different.  Right?  And maybe because I finally got wise and bought yarn for those really BIG needles.  No more unfinished projects for this mama! 

I often turn to the Soule Mama blog for inspiration (under the motto that if you're not gonna BE creative you might as well read about others who are), but I know full well the urbanMama community right here in Portland, Oregon (Soule Mama lives in the other Portland) is full of impressive hand crafters who likely are whipping up some impressive gifts for their kids this year. 

I, for one, am knitting scarves for both kids, as well as putting together painting 'kits,' consisting of small pieces of flat wood from my husband's wood shop, a paintbrush, and a few small pots of paint.  What about you?  What kid gifts are you crafting at home this year?  Any great local sources for quality, green, cheap, or unusual materials? 

[Pic courtesy of a crafty soul on Flickr commons.  Thanks!]

We've talked about Nena Baker's book The Body Toxic before, but it's worth mentioning again since she's going to be on OPB's Think Out Loud talk show this morning @ 9 AM (and reboradcast at 9 PM, if you miss it and aren't the streaming type).  OPB describes the show:

Tune in & listen - Nena's super knowledgeable and Emily Harris has a habit of getting at the heart of an issue.  How ARE you dealing with this issue - obsessing over every purchase, tossing your hands in the air because it's too big to worry about, or truly unconcerned?  Do tell. 

It wasn't even midnight before day one of snow days when I looked at the forecast for the week and had to ask: will they have any school before January? Portland Public Schools isn't known for making children and staff get to school when there is any ice on the roads or sidewalks, and I know from long experience that snow + frozen temperatures + Portland, Oregon means zero relief from icy conditions. (I am just old enough to remember the great ice storm of 1979, which kept my Taylor Street home sparkly and slick and kept me home -- though my elementary school was only a block-and-a-half away).

So I worried over the forecast, freezing temperatures all week, more snow on Wednesday and Thursday, and expect that our kids won't go back to school until school's out for the holiday. This had me frantic with rather inconsequential anxiety. What about those last-week-before-Christmas craft fairs and art projects and holiday concerts? How will I get the teachers the brilliant gifts I'd planned? (A few tokens for the Portland Farmer's Market along with a card listing my favorite vendors and the schedule for 2009.) Will the last farmer's market of the year even happen? (I know, nothing to do with school, but it's my fear nonetheless.)

Then last night, a surprise: the east-siders were going to school today, so my little one was packed off on his very early bus (no west-siders to pick up). Of course, my teacher gifts weren't yet ready so I'm now hoping for beautiful (cold) weather on Friday. [Update: PPS announced no school tomorrow, Wednesday, December 17.] One of the teachers on my Twitter stream announced only about half of her students were in class today; so many parents are calling this week a snow week, regardless of PPS openings. Do you dread or yearn for an extra whole week of vacation? What do you think of the east side / west side division (as if we weren't already divided enough)? What silly anxieties are you harboring? And are you as tired of bundling and un-bundling as me? (I have a blog post going on about that topic in my head...)

I'm working on a project doing some freelance writing for a yet-to-be-launched green site, and I've been learning way too much about the environmental impact of everything I do (as if it wasn't already enough!). One thing I've discovered recently is that Christmas trees are often grown with lots of pesticides. I mean, I'm not eating the tree, but it's likely that my 17-month-old, Monroe, is getting his fair share of pine needle ingestion.

So I thought more about where to get my tree this year. In last year's discussion about Christmas trees, we noted a lot selling organic, "local" Christmas trees on 25th and SE Division (it's still there this year). I asked friends to recommend organic tree sellers and was advised to just buy anywhere -- after all, Christmas trees are a huge industry in Oregon (so not getting a local tree would be ridiculous) and they "grow like weeds" so very few pesticides are needed. On the other hand, this article points to widespread herbicide and fungicide use to obtain "perfect" trees.

I decided that we would get it through Cafe au Play, who's selling trees to raise funds to help open the planned family-friendly coffee shop and community center at 58th and SE Division. The trees are from Timber Ridge Tree Farm in Molalla and were very well-priced -- we paid $20 for a very lovely, big grand fir. I was unable to find out whether or not Timber Ridge used many pesticides; maybe next year we'll use capella's great idea: buying a new potted tree every year and plant it; after a few years we can start cutting the older trees down (and buying a new one to replace it) for our *own* Christmas tree farm. That sounds wonderfully "green." Where did you get your tree? Was its green-ness a factor in your decision?

It's snowing.  Do  you know if you have school tomorrow?  Here is the PPS inclement weather webpage.  Do any of you have links to other district's inclement weather policies?  We like to check in with the "closure" sections on news sites, like katu or kgw. 

So, if it's a snow day tomorrow, on Monday, what will you do with the kids?  Do you have back up care lined up if you need to report to work?

Oh, the weather outside is frightful...  Indeed, but that doesn't mean there isn't a ton to go out and do anyway! 

Friday

Story & a Stroll: Enjoy a short guided walk that involves education about slimy slugs. Targets kids 3-6, rain or shine. Tryon Creek State Park, 1:00-2:00 pm.

Laurelhurst Elementary School Chorus: If you feel like  heading downtown (Finnegan's anyone?), check out this 5th-7th grade choir as they sing holiday favorites. Pioneer Courthouse Square, 12:00 pm.

Saturday

Safety Saturday with Santa: Come learn all about fire safety (slide down a fire pole!) and get a pictures with Santa at the same time. $5 suggested donation, Historic Belmont Firehouse (900 SE 35th) 9:00 am-3:00 pm.

Tuba Christmas: 200 tubas playing carols while all of Pioneer Courthouse Square sings along is definitely a sight to see (and hear). Pioneer Courthouse Square, 1:30-3:00 pm.

Holiday Gift Making:  Let your little one's creativity run wild as they make a gift for a loved one. Little Urbanites (916 NW 10th).  Free, Saturday and Sunday, noon-3:00 pm.

The Mitten: Rough and Tumble is having a winter sledding party but his friends get lost on the way in a snow storm. Find out where they keep warm and dry in this spinoff from the traditional Ukrainian tale performed by Penny’s Puppet Productions. Free, Belmont Library, 3:00-3:45 pm.

Airplay Cafe Family Dance: Get your groove on (and your caffeine too!) with your kiddo at this DJ spinning, kid twirling, free disco party.  Airplay Cafe (701 E. Burnside), 10:00 am-noon.

Sunday

Ice skating at Lloyd Center: Bring 8 canned food items and receive free skate rental and skating. 2:00-6:00 pm.

 Portland Art Museum Family Day: Children can make a world of circus characters and animals in artist-led doll and puppet making workshops inspired by the exhibition Making Merry. Take a Family Tour at 12:30 p.m. and listen to a story at 2:30 p.m. Free for children under 17, adults are $10. 12:30-3:00 pm.

Richmond Elementary School Performance: Taiko drumming, recorder, and voice performances. (plus hot chocolate and coffee at the nearby Starbucks!), Pioneer Courthouse Square,  12:45-2:00 pm.

Hanukkah Celebration: A celebration for the young set including a story, song, dreidel-making and more. Free, Hollywood Library, 3:45 to 5 pm.

Posado Milagro: CANCELLED. This community celebration reflects upon the journey of Mary and Joseph in their search for refuge and is filled with Latin American traditions, song, dance, crafts, and food. Free (but canned food donation is encouraged), El Centro Milagro (525 S.E. Stark), two performances, 2:00 and 4:00 pm.

I'm in a hurry.  Always in a hurry.  The other day, when I was trying to rush around running errands during my lunch break, I dashed across busy Burnside, even though I was facing a blaring blinking red hand, signaling me to stay where I was.  I wasn't through crossing the street when the cross traffic was given their green, and car almost clipped my heels as I scurried across to the other side.

It occurred to me that I think I am a chronic jaywalker.  I pay little attention to the flashing red hand, but for to somewhat gauge whether I can make it across in a nick of time or not.  I can't say that my habits are any better when I'm with my kids.  And, I know it's awful.

I must not be the only mama-culprit to jaywalk.  Do you walk, even if you're told: "Don't"?

Oh, don't let it happen. Yesterday Chris Musser forwarded me an email about the new Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) (an act which generally does lovely things, such as ban the manufacture of toys with lead and phthalates and ban their importation into the U.S.). In it she detailed the requirements of this act, effective February 10, 2009; all toymakers must pay a testing fee of $4,000 per type of toy they make, as well as permanently labeling them with a batch number and date (requiring them to create new molds in many cases). What's more, this act covers children's clothing and accessories, meaning that every single small company that makes children's toys, t-shirts, skirts, barrettes, everything, could be forced to cease operation. This effects so many of you: those of you who make children's items, including cloth diapers; those of you who run Waldorf and Montessori preschools; those of you who own children's toy stores; those of you who like to buy handcrafted goods for your children.

The Handmade Toy Alliance has all the details and a petition to sign. Liz at Cool Mom Picks has lots of info about other ways you can get involved. Tell Earl Blumenauer your story: why do you value handcrafted toys?

We know it it isn't necessarily second nature to go and click all the stars up above, but we wanted to give a shout-out to the urbanMamas forums.  Don't forget about them!  The urbanMamas childcare referral forum is constantly active.  The urbanMamas calendar is updated every single day, chock full of great ideas for fun and activity in the PDX-metro area.  The urbanMamas exchange area is a place for all of you good mamas to swap, barter, sell mama goods, but it's also a place to get tips and recommendations for household goods, contractors, and volunteer opportunities.  It's also a place where mamas can share about services they provide.  Finally, the urbanMamas schools forum is a place for us to share thoughts on our schools (kindergarten and up) Keep the forums on your list of places to visit, whenever you come to the uM community.

And now, for some recent entries in the urbanMamas forums:

urbanMamas childcare referral forum:

• radical , experienced, organic nanny for hire!
  i am a mama to 14 month old baby hunter. i am looking for a full time family or…
• Hancock Street Preschool Call-In Registration is January 15
  Mark your calendar - call-in registration for the 2009-2010 school year at Hancock Street Preschool is  Thursday, January 15,…
• babysitter or temporary nanny available
  Are you looking for a fun, caring, reliable babysitter or temporary nanny? Someone who will sing silly songs to…
• Seeking daycare/preschool for Shy, sweet, 3yr old, SE
  We just moved to the area and are looking for affordable childcare in the SE area for our daughter,…
• How can I find a "Mother's" (parent's) Day Out program?
  I'm new to the area and I'm wondering if there are any local Mother's Day Out programs?  It is…
• Seeking childcare for 2.5-month old in January
  I will need daycare 4-5 hours a day for my infant beginning around Jan 5. I am willing to…

urbanMamas exchange:

• Seeking Heating Oil Recommendations
  We moved in a new place last spring which runs on oil heat. We did a quick fill up…
• For Sale: Baby swing, playmats, jumper, tub and car seat
  I am selling the following baby gear, all in excellent condition!  I've added links to their product listings on…
• Birth Doula Services in the Portland-Metro Area
  Hello there :) I am in the early stages of starting my doula business, and would love to take…
• Need a Doula?
  Hi there, I'm a birth doula working toward my DONA certification.   I'm looking to complete my certification and am…
• Available: SWEET HOUSE close to Mississippi
  This is a great house, super cute, comfortable, great amenities and great location! 1200 sq feet of newly renovated…
• Special Offer for Newborns at Barefoot Photography
  Are you due sometime in January, February or March of 2009?  Book a newborn session now for the first…
• Now Available: Arm Bibs at the Children's Museum
  Arm Bib sleeve protectors are now available in the art studios of the Children’s Museum!  Pair them up with the…
• Any Mamas want to trade housecleaning for photo sessions?
  I am hoping to find and eco-conscious professional cleaner or another mama who has a passion for cleaning and…

urbanMamas schools connection

• Rieke Elementary and Wilson HS
  I have family moving to Portland from Brazil for one year in January and they have 2 kids: one…
• School choices for speech delayed 10 year old
  My family is moving to Portland next year and I am seeking advice for school choices (public or private)…
• PPS Before-/Aftercare Survey
  Portland Public Schools is conducting a parent survey on before and after school care.  The results will (hopefully) have…
• Metropolitan Learning Center
  Metropolitan Learning Center 2033 NW Glisan Portland, OR 97209 http://www.mlc-k12.com/ Does anyone have any experience with MLC?
• Montessori Charter or Magnet School
  I am wondering if there are any Montessori or in the style of Montessori options for 1st through 8th…
• Connect: Capitol Hill Elementary School
  Do you go to Capitol Hill?  Care to share feedback?  Want to meet other families at Capitol Hill?  Connect…

For me, watching the Nutcracker was always such a special treat during the holiday season.  Tickets to my local production (San Francisco Ballet) were always so expensive, so - from the time I was about 13 onward - I would volunteer as an usher for the free ticket to the show.

Now, I have two girls, and I am sad to say that I have never brought them both to a Nutcracker production, something I had enjoyed so much when I was younger.  In years past, we've done a little research on more affordable alternatives to the traditional Oregon Ballet Theater production.  This year, we decided to see the Portland Festival Ballet rendition where group tickets ran $17 a piece.  I've just heard about another great opportunity to see the OBT production (thanks to an urbanMama friend on Facebook).  Want to see the OBT Nutcracker for $25?  Find $25 tickets here!

Is seeing the Nutcraker part of your holiday tradition?

Ouch! A few days ago, out of the blue, my right nipple started hurting like crazy every time Monroe would nurse. My right breast has always been my "main" one; if you look at me in a t-shirt when I haven't fed him for a few hours, you'll notice a decidedly enormous off-centeredness about me. (During Hood-to-Coast this year I had to express the breast by hand in the ditch after not feeding him for 20-some hours just to get some relief!)

I can't figure it out -- the nipple doesn't look like it's been bitten, though he does pull off hard sometimes, leaving me hurting for a little while afterward. I don't remember any unusually strong latches. It's getting to the point that I'm mostly feeding him from the left breast. Has anyone else experienced late-onset nipple pain? Should I be worried or is this just one more (ahem) "interesting" phase of my development as a mama?

I was doing nothing but law-abiding the other day when the car behind me pulled up next to me.  The woman driving rolled down the window and said, "Don't be such a bitch," referring to how I could have nudged up and over so she could sneak past me and make a right turn on red.  I looked into the back seat, where her toddler was sitting, watching, and listening.  I thought about how much we may or may not use "swear" words in front of the kids.

"Bitch" isn't the worst of the swear words.  It's really not.  Growing up, my parents let me know that words like "stupid" and "dumb" were inappropriate.  So, to this day, I don't really use those words.  I'll probably use the word "bitch" more that I'd use "stupid" or "dumb".  I did let a "shit" slip this morning with the kids right behind me.  As for the other big cuss words, I really don't like to use the "f-" word in the kids' presence.

I was recently talking to another urbanMama who says she talks like a sailor.  Using bad words in front of the kids isn't the worst thing we could expose our kids to.  What about in your household?  Do you make the concerted effort to make the language rated-G?  Do you use your normal everyday adult language, even if the kids are within earshot?

Happy December Mamas!

Friday

Miracle on 82nd Street: Shop local and support the early childhood development programs of the Montavilla Community Center.  In addition to homemade gifts, there will be a craft corner for kids to make gifts of their own.  Montavilla Community Center (8219 NE Glisan), 10:00 am-3:00 pm.

Story & a Stroll: Enjoy a short guided walk that involves education about slimy slugs. Targets kids 3-6, rain or shine. Tryon Creek State Park, 1:00-2:00 pm.

Free First Friday at the Children's Museum: In addition to the regular exhibits, there will be cookie decorating and holiday stories and crafts (think snow globes). 5:30-8:00 pm.

Saturday

da Vinci Arts Fair: Support da Vinci Arts middle school and puruse the beautiful work of local artists and craftspeople. Free admission, hand-on activities for kids. da Vinci Elementary School (2508 NE Everett)Saturday, Noon -6:00 pm and Sunday, 10:00 am-4:00 pm.

The Mitten: Rough and Tumble is having a winter sledding party but his friends get lost on the way in a snow storm. Find out where they keep warm and dry in this spinoff from the traditional Ukrainian tale performed by Penny’s Puppet Productions.  Central Library (801 SW 10th Avenue), 10:30-11:30 am.

Holiday Gift Making:  Let your little one's creativity run wild as they make a gift for a loved one. Little Urbanites (916 NW 10th).  Free, Saturday and Sunday, noon-3:00 pm.

Free Music Together Class:  If you've been curious about what these music classes are all about, here is a free chance to find out. Reservations required.  Friendly House Community Center, Saturday am.

Where Are all the Stockings? Penny Puppets presents a holiday favorite. Free. Greenfrog Toys (1031 NW 11th) 3:30 pm.

The Not-its: Funky rock for families (performed by 4 parents and 1 babysitter). $5 per family,  Mississippi Pizza (3552 N. Mississippi Ave), 4:00 pm.

One Night in Frogtown: An event not to be missed, this is the critically acclaimed story of cultural diversity told through music.  Featuring a reading of the story and amazing musical performances.  Bug juice for kids and libations for adults available. $5, Bagdad Theater, doors open at 1:00, performance at 2:00 pm.

Tryon Creek Forest Market: Head on out to Tryon Creek for a guided nature walk and holiday craft workshops in addition to a selection of sustainable gifts.  Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am-4:00 pm.

Family Holiday Sing-along: Support the Children's Relief Nursery joining in song, snacks, and stories of the holiday variety. $10 per family. Airplay Cafe (701 E. Burnside), 6:00 pm.

Sunday

Origami Workshop: Make a crane, a wreath, or a decorative box. Free, Two World Trade Center (SW 1st between Salmon and Taylor), 1:00-3:00 pm.

$2 Sunday at OMSI: The first Sunday of every month, OMSI is only $2 per person.

Portland Art Museum Family Day: Children can make a world of circus characters and animals in artist-led doll and puppet making workshops inspired by the exhibition Making Merry. Take a Family Tour at 12:30 p.m. and listen to a story at 2:30 p.m. Free for children under 17, adults are $10. 12:30-3:00 pm.

I told my oldest just now: "Get your jammies on, dear."  She said to me, "You're calling me 'dear' more often these days.  I like it."  When I thought about it, it occurred to me that I must have picked it up from another mama who often uses "dear" with her kids.

I told my daughter: "Do you know what my mom used to call me when I was little?  'Iha'," which comes from "mi hija" or "my daughter" in Spanish.  When I told her that, she said, "Could you call me that, too?"  Also, what is the word for "love" in Tagalog?  I told her, "Mahal".

She said, "Can you call me that?  'My daughter love'."  I agreed, my little nickname for her now will be "iha'ng mahal".

Do you have a nickname for your little ones?  If you don't call them by name, what name do you use?  What's the story behind it?

There's something really appealing about having food magically appear on our front porch, especially given the multiple barriers between me and the grocery store these days.  Plus, somehow I figure that if it lands on our porch, we'll eat it, brussel sprouts and all.  My husband says no, it'll just rot.  And he's the cook in our house, so his opinion carries serious weight. 

One friend introduced me to the Noris Dairy idea (my kids drank that r-e-a-l milk like it was a narcotic), and someone else raved about her Organics To You delivery (and after a quick visit to its web site, I admit to liking the varied options re box size and contents).  And then there's Azure Standard for bulk items. 

It's (really) nice to have so many options, and in the slow food capital of the country, I'm not surprised.  But which to choose?  47th Avenue Farm is right in town (and a true CSA), and then there are those groovy new businesses that'll farm your yard - or someone else's - and give you the edible results.  Like The Backyard Farmer.

So have you signed up for one of these services?  If so, which one?  Thumbs up or thumbs down?  Eating more veggies or just composting more on the back end?  'Cause I'm ready to sign me up.  If for no other reason than the excitement for the kids of ripping open the box to see what's there. 

We have an on-going book swap in our extended family. The most recent addition to end up on my nightstand is Three Cups of Tea.

This engaging book recounts the journey of Greg Mortenson from a failed attempt to climb K2 to launching a mission to build schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Needless to say, it is a pretty inspiring read and it has left a lasting impression.

Have you read something recently that has moved you?

What inspiring books do you recommend?

Some of us may be buying less this holiday, but it sounds like all of us will still be doing some level of gift giving this year.  Looking for ways to spend our dollars in a way that could also help a great cause?  Consider these options:

• Our Children's Store.  An annual favorite whose location has found itself in different spots through the years.  This year, the store is at the Lloyd Center Mall again.  The store sells products that have been donated outright.  Previous years, we've bought Baby Legs, Groovy Girls, or other items we would have otherwise bought elsewhere.  Why not buy at Our Children's Store, where 100% of the proceeds go to supporting 25 local children's charities?
• CHAP Holiday Bizarre.  CHAP sets up shop in the 937 Condos from now through Christmas Eve.  All proceeds benefits the Children's Healing Art Project.  Columbia Sportwear donated tons of gear for sale, but most of the store is dedicated to art-making: crafting ornaments or silkscreening tees.  Be sure to check out the full calendar of events including workshops, dance, music, and art performances. 
• Ten Thousand Villages.  Also an all-time favorite, this national nonprofit sells handrafted products made by more than "130 artisan groups in 36 countries".  You'll find tons of high-quality crafts - jewelry, furniture, household goods, toys, and artwork.
• Willamette Week's Give! Guide 2008.  Maybe you care to just give a gift to one of 55 worthy organizations in the name of your friend or family member?  The neat thing about giving through WW's program is that you get a heap of swag for any gift over $25.

There have got to be more ways to give back while you shop.  Your top choices for spending a buck for a good cause?  We're always looking for more thoughts and suggestions.

While it's a serious bummer that a database is required to identify non-toxic toys these days, I'm glad that Healthy Toys.org is there to make it easy.  And this year the site is vastly improved with all kinds of new bells and whistles to make your search & shop experience that much easier.  Here's how they describe the 2008 version:

This year's site is newly-redesigned, easier than ever to use, and includes new features. Visitors to HealthyToys.org can now create their own personalized holiday wish lists that can be e-mailed to family and friends. You can buy toys directly through links on HealthyToys.org, with a portion of the sale going to fund our work to test more toys.

A new widget can be posted to your blog or website for quick searches of toy ratings for lead.  And, of course, we've updated our Take Action  page so you can contact your Congress Member, the largest toy manufacturers, and the organization in your state to urge full protection for children from toxic toys.

The Activista in me especially appreciates the Take Action piece.  'Cause really, this just shouldn't be necessary.  And while we can shop with our Big Green Purse, speaking up is critical, too.

Each time our first daughter transitioned further from us, it was a difficult change, for mama, papa, and for babe.  First, it was from our bed to her crib in the corner of the room.  Then, it was from the corner of our room to her own room across the apartment.  It felt like she was taking leaps and bounds in her journey away from us.

An urbanMama seeks some advice and your perspective on the transitioning:

I'm a 27 year old married mama to an 8 month old breast feeding, sweet, smart, active, adorable boy.  My husband and I have been co sleeping with our little man, but have reached a point where he is so active, even in his sleep, that we think all of us would sleep better if he had his own space.  He has a crib, but doesn't even nap in it at this point.

I would like to transition him to his crib to sleep for (at least most of) the night and for naps.  I would say that we are semi attachment.  I don't want to traumatize him, but I also don't want to bother him in an attempt to soothe him.  We are both frustrated during the "soothing" process which consists of breast feeding, rocking, bouncing, shushing, and/or rocking.  I feel like he's outgrowing some or all of these.

Any mamas have advice for transitioning from co sleeping to crib?

We believe that Santa can come in different forms and colors.  We all know, though, that the darker-skinned Santas are few and far between.  Have you come across one?  urbanMamas want to know!

I heard that there is a chocolate Santa some where in Portland during the month of December. I would way prefer to take my son to an unconventional Santa. Anyone know where he is?