Portland Parents

Amy at The Mother Load has a great bath craft experiment this week.

She purchased a bunch of foam sheets from the dollar store (You can get them at the dollar store or at Michael’s Crafts) and used a stencil to create simple shapes. Then these stuck onto the walls of the bathroom! Pretty awesome, huh?

A couple of tips from her; first, watch out for the red foam, it can stain your walls a pinkish color. And make sure the foam is really soaked through before trying to stick it to a wall.

Visit her article (link above) for more details and where she got the stencils!

It’s summer again, and so Regal Cinemas is doing their Free Showings. Here’s a link to their schedule

Carl* wrote in:

Where can i get info on parenting, specifically how to parent a 14 year old girl? My daughter just came to live with me and I’m in my 50s and have no idea what to do with and how to parent a 14 year old.

Carl — that’s a frightening question. And, coincidentally, it comes slightly over a week from another writer’s email. Let me introduce you to Rebecca Magby, a Parenting Coach. I had no idea there were professional “parenting coaches” but after the level of terror your email inspired, I’m glad they’re there. Rebecca may not be a perfect match for you, however, she calls attention to a niche service of which you might not be aware.

Rebecca wrote:

I’m so happy to have to opportunity to discuss Parent Coaching with you. Let me start by introducing myself, my name is Rebecca Magby, I am a Certified Professional Nanny and a Parent Coach, (ACPI Certified Parent Coach- certification will be completed in September). I’ve worked with children since 1993 and have studied psychology and child development extensively. I specialize in toddlers, behavior modification and medication free treatment for ADHD.

I feel strongly about helping parents create family harmony. While researching ways I could provide parents with personalized help regarding their parenting concerns, I learned about Parent Coaching, and realized that the Portland area needs the services a Parent Coach provides.

Parent Coaching is a confidential and personalized service that helps parents create solutions to their parenting problems all the while staying within the family’s values. During a coaching session parents will discuss their concern, I’ll provide education about their issues the together we will create workable solutions to their concerns. About a week later we’ll check in for another session and adjust where necessary.

Many of today’s parents are working professionals who are very busy and do not have the time to read numerous parenting books hoping the theories and suggestions provide are correct for their particular problem or fit within their family’s values, this is where parent coaching helps. Not only can the parents be assured the suggestions provided work, because I’ve used them for more than 15 years, but I also understand parents are busy, so I try my best to accommodate their lifestyle. Parent Coaching sessions take place over the phone at a convenient time for the parents, which means parents do not need to worry about taking time off work, finding a baby sitter or battling traffic to make an appointment.

At this time I’m hoping to talk to as many Portland area parent groups I can about Parent Coaching and Parent Coaching services can help.

Additionally, I have created 2 seminars which I plan on offering periodically, one is Behavior Modification without Punishment and the other is Beyond Stranger Danger. I will post times and locations on my website as soon as I have a seminar scheduled.

Yes, I remember your daughter is not 4 but instead is 14. If you hit up google, you’ll find a few other coaches. I’ve also worked hard at reading various parenting books, watching some of the parents at my daughter’s school. I also read websites at parenting.com and the Parents magazine. However, hopefully, some of our readers might have some suggestions on how to keep up. Fourteen is going to be an exciting time.

Good luck.
* (not his real name)

In another lifetime, I mean, during this lifetime but a long time ago, before we had kids and a mortgage, I was a storyteller. I told stories for audiences, around campfires, and at dinners. And I was pretty good; not the best, but getting some practice and finding some comfort in it. One question, however, kept coming to me- “How do you learn all these stories?”

I always replied that they could do it too. And in fact, they already had dozens of stories. They could tell me the Three Little Pigs, or Rapunzel, or Cinderella, Snow White — they could even tell me a synopsis of books they had read. They knew these stories. I think the hard part is actually believing in yourself enough to tell someone else the story.

My wife’s favorite memory of her grandfather is how he used to tell them stories; she and her sister would lie in bed and he’d tell them the story of two princesses (coincidentally named the same as the girls), and how they saved the kingdom. Or escaped in a hot air balloon. Or fell down a mountain. Sometimes I think about this as my daughter begs me to read her a book, tell her a story, and sing her a song before bedtime. I indulge her and let myself ramble on. My current favorite story to tell is pretty much a combination of Naoise and Deirdre and their elopement, and a story where the bride has three treasures to throw behind her, that create a forest, a lake and a mountain. It’s actually the original way I heard the Flight of Deirdre but I can’t find an example now.

Anyway; the point I’m leaning toward is that our kids crave stories. And we have them for only a short time where we can give them everything they want. They want adventure and magic, mystery, science, puzzles – all of that stuff. And I’ve been thinking of recording bedtime stories, not just for my kids but also for other kids as well. In fact, I was considering sort of a podcast. But then I started looking around, and there’s some already out there!

If you don’t believe you can tell your kids a bedtime story, maybe you could try one of these podcasts. Don’t sleep with the earbuds in, but play them on some speakers. You could listen in too- you never know what you’ll hear.

• Miette’s Bedtime Stories
• Escape Pod
• “Children’s Fun Storytime,” somewhere out there on iTunes!

Wanna go see a movie?

Away we go is playing tomorrow night at the Fox Tower (846 SW Park Ave) at 7:00 PM. The Fox Tower is across the street from Pioneer Courthouse Square. I have a double handful of passes; ten passes each for “you and your guest.”

A couple who is expecting their first child travel around the U.S. in order to find a perfect place to start their family. Along the way, they have misadventures and find fresh connections with an assortment of relatives and old friends who just might help them discover “home” on their own terms for the first time.

Unfortunately, I can’t go; I have a prior engagement.

It’s short notice, but if you drop me an email today (not tomorrow, I’ll be out most of the day… well, ok you can try), I’ll see what I can do to get you into the screening. They suggest arriving 45 minutes before the film starts (so, 6:15) because the passes don’t guarantee seating. Use the contact form. I can only offer ten passes.

Looking for something new and exciting to spice up your photo collection? If so take notice there is a new girl in town about to blow the lid off the local photography scene. Amanda Lindahl of A Lindahl creations is infusing a much needed breath of fresh air into the local art and photography scene. With her surrealistic approach to photography and her refined skills as a professional photographer and artist Amanda Lindahl is making a local name for herself. With her newest local photography business, A Lindahl Creations, Amanda hopes to bring fresh options and opportunities to the Portland art and photography scene.

Born and raised in Fennville Michigan, Amanda has had a life long love affair with photography and art. Growing up in a creative environment, Amanda studied and practiced art and photography as a hobby and a pastime. As an adult Amanda studied photography at Western Michigan University, then attended art school in Florence Italy, and finally graduated with a BFA at Pacific Northwest College of Arts in Portland OR.

In the winter of 2007 Amanda returned to the Portland area and began putting together the product and plan for what would eventually become A Lindahl Creations. Recently we caught up with Amanda at a function where she was advertising her business providing local photography services. Particularly intrigued with her creative children’s photography we asked Amanda Lindahl to give us a little insight into A Lindahl Creations.

I have always enjoyed taking pictures that create a sense of timelessness and serenity. While still maintaining that imagery I combine multiple images to alter the perception of reality. I try to evoke mystery from ordinary objects by freeing them from their traditional roles and placing them where one wouldn’t expect. When I was a little girl and flipped through a picture book, I believed that if I looked at the page long enough, the figures would come to life and the landscapes would become real. The illustrations gave me clues to the untold words of the story. This is what I try and create with my surreal brand of photography. Through my photographs I create a believable world of fantasy with real landscapes and characters. For children I try and uncover their gift of imagination revealing the hidden world in their young minds and display it through my photography. By challenging the power of imagination I want to expose a more playful side of life with my photography.

As a young entrepreneur Amanda hopes to make her mark in the Pacific Northwest with her surreal brand of photography. Since opening A Lindahl Creations Amanda has attended many local events and markets helping to bring her photography out into the public’s eye. So far her work has made a great impression in the community and she says “The community is spectacularly supportive” and feels she has been welcomed with open arms. Currently A Lindahl Creations offers many different kinds of products for the photographic needs of the community. Placing emphasis on her creative children’s photography she also does her surreal work with animals and as Amanda puts it “kids of all ages.” If the buyer does not want or need a creative piece of work A. Lindahl Creations does regular portraits and photography work as well. Many customers have asked for regular portraits and then ordered a creative photo where Amanda can let loose and work her magic with a surreal piece of work. A Lindahl Creations also does contract work for business advertising and many other business photographic needs. With both Portland and Saint Helens locations A Lindahl creations is here and ready to provide the local customers with superior quality and top notch service. If you are lucky you can find Amanda displaying her work at local children’s events. If not you can reach Amanda Lindahl at her website.

Surely a lot of moms and pops are feeling the crunch in the economy right now, so Bridgeport Brewpub has started some deals to help out Portland families for when they want to dine out.

Sundays and Tuesday are kid-centered.

Sundays (after 5pm): Sunday Recession Supper. $15
Soup of the Day/Simple Salad
Special Entree (like Chicken Pot Pie, Turkey Meatloaf, Pasta Primavera – rotating specials every week)
Chocolate Chip Cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Add a pint for $2.75
Add Kids Mac and Cheese or Cheese Pizza for $2.

Tuesdays (all day/night): This year marks BridgePort’s 25 year anniversary. To commemorate, they’re offering a special deal for all the families: With the purchase of an adult entree, kids get their meal for 25 cents. Choices are Mac and Cheese, Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza, Grilled Cheese with fruit or veggies, Grilled Chicken Breast with fruit or Veggies.

Maryhill Museum of Art – A Family-Friendly Destination for Learning About Art, History and Local Culture

An art museum may not be the first thing that springs to mind when looking for an outing that satisfies the
curiosity of active kids, but Maryhill Museum of Art proves that museums top the list of family and budget-friendly places to engage the mind, bring passion to the heart and employ the hands.

“Learning is a lifelong process and we are committed to providing educational programs, resources and materials that inform and inspire visitors of all ages, especially children, says Carrie Clark, Maryhill’s
curator of education. Here are some of the ways that Maryhill makes children and their families feel welcome:

Self-Directed Activity Guides
Using these free guides, families and children of all ages can learn about the art on view by looking and posing questions as they explore the museum together. Activity Guides are available for both permanent and changing exhibitions. Young visitors who complete an activity book can show it at the front desk and
receive a free postcard.

EyeSEE Activity Room
This dedicated kid zone gives children a special spot to reflect, look at a book, create art, do a puzzle or study hands-on objects. The EyeSEE Activity Room also features kid-friendly exhibits, art work by kids from throughout the region, and opportunities to experiment with pigment and color using a light
table.

Family Fun Activities
Maryhill Family Fun Activities are inspired by the exhibits on view and provide kids with opportunities for hands-on art exploration. They are presented throughout Maryhill’s season and are designed exclusively with families in mind. Many are a part of a day filled with other events, so there is fun for
everyone. Children under 17 are admitted free to the museum with one paid adult admission for all Family Fun activities.

A full list of Family Fun activities in 2009, including photomontage, storytelling, basketry and more

Engaging Exhibits
Maryhill’s diverse collection means there truly is something for everyone, but several ongoing exhibits may be of particular interest to children. These include the museum’s exhibition of more than 100 chess
sets from around the world and the magical Theatre de la Mode, featuring small-scale mannequins attired in designer fashions of post-World War II France.

In the exhibit Hudson River School Sojourn, look for explanatory labels with a peacock mascot. These kid-friendly labels are questions that guide families and their children in looking at the artwork.

Expansive Grounds
After visiting the museum, get the wiggles out by exploring the park-like grounds. Diversions include the museum’s impressive collection of outdoor sculpture, picnicking or simply enjoying the beautiful views of the Gorge and Mt. Hood. The Maryhill Overlook, a site-specific sculpture by architect Brad Cloepfil, features a native plant garden highlighting plants collected by Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery on their journey in 1806. The garden also has interpretative panels on the history Maryhill Museum of Art, its 5,300 acre ranchlands, and regional attractions. A few miles east of Maryhill children and their families will delight in the museum’s Stonehenge Memorial, Sam Hill’s full-sized replica of England’s Stonehenge.

Budget-Conscious Pricing
Regular admission to Maryhill Museum of Art is $2 for children aged 6-16; admission for children under 6 is free. Maryhill’ “Free Pass” program makes visiting the museum even more accessible. Family members living in the same household (plus up to four guests) can visit Maryhill Museum for free by checking out a pass at libraries in Hood River, The Dalles, Parkdale, Cascade Locks, Goldendale, White Salmon, Stevenson, Hermiston, Moro, Arlington, Boardman, Condon, Baker City and Pendleton. In addition, children under 17 are admitted free to the museum with one paid adult admission for all Family Fun activities.

I was listening to my daughter and her friend discuss the loss of teachers from their middle school and what it meant to her and her future. So support your middle schools (and all the schools) to help us with a better future for our kids!

Robert Gray Middle School presents our spring musical: “Bye Bye Birdie”

Show dates:

• Thursday April 30, 6:30pm
• Friday, May 1, 7pm
• Saturday, May 2, 2:00pm.

Set in the 1950s, the plot revolves around rock and roll superstar Conrad Birdie and the complications that arise when he is drafted into the army. His agent stages a publicity stunt on The Ed Sullivan Show in which he will kiss one lucky girl from Sweet Apple, Ohio. This musical is funded by the Robert Gray
Middle School PTA and a grant from the Wilson Area Arts Council. Tickets are available by contacting christycaton@msn.com, or by calling 503.246.0891. $5 for students and seniors, $7 for adults, and $10 for preferred seats.

Salvador Molly’s will reimburse your ticket price with a free Cheesy Poof appetizer when you bring your ticket stub in to their Hillsdale location!

The 100th Monkey studio is seeking artwork by young artists (age 18 and younger only) for our May gallery show. Art may be any medium.

This will be a Juried Show with awards for Creative Content, Use of Media and Best in Show.

submission fee: $5 per artist

Awards:
One week of Art Camp (valued at $220)
One punch card (valued at $100)
One class/workshop of artists choice

To submit, please go to our website and follow the directions here.

Deadline for submissions: Monday, April 13th