Fall 2011

copinglossWITH

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Our Hours will be Monday-Friday, 8 to 4

and Saturdays 9-1

December’s hours will be Monday - Saturday 8-4

thru December 23rd

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NutsGourmet Foods

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800-447-5218www.sunsweet.com

How did you two meet ? Kevin and I both went to

Marysville High School.

He was a senior when I was

a sophomore. We were both

on the swim team and hung

around with the same group

of friends, so we became

very close. Kevin would always give me rides home from

school and could always make me laugh. I always had a

crush on him, but thought he was unattainable. After high

school, we both pursued life goals and lost touch. I moved

to San Diego to pursue my B.A. while he moved to Eureka

for his career.

How did he pop the question?For the first two years of our relationship we lived in Shell

Beach, located on the California’s central coast. One day

we went on a hike on Highway 1 and had an amazing time.

On that hike, we saw a large blue whale. Later that day,

Kevin mentioned to me that he thought that the blue whale

was my dad saying hi. My father lost his battle with cancer

when I was 13 years old and since then, I have always felt

him particularly present when I am around nature. A few

months later, Kevin kept saying how he wanted to go on

another hike. As we were getting ready to leave for the hike,

I grabbed our hiking backpack and went to put my camera

in the slot holder. I felt something in there, but my intu-

ition told me not to open it. I ended up just throwing the

camera in the main compartment. We began our hike and

as we came across a clearing, a lone deer came into sight. It

wasn’t scared of us at all and actually stayed within sight for

the rest of our hike. As we got to the cliff, I took the camera

out and began taking pictures of the beautiful view and of

the deer. When I turned back around, Kevin was on his

knee holding a jewelry box. My first thought was that he

was trying to pop his hip. Then I realized what he was

doing and I went into shock. He then said, “I love you

with all my heart and want to spend the rest of my life with

you. Will you marry me?” I could barely say yes because

I was so excited and overcome with emotion, but I finally

managed to accept. Later on that day, as we were replaying

all of the events, we both agreed that the deer on our hike

that had stayed with us the whole time was definitely my dad.

Kevin & Sharon

4 The Root of the Problem6 Coping With Loss

8 Being the Parents Teachers Love to Communicate With

10 Talking to Teens about College and Careers

12 Local I Do’s34 From the Kitchen of...Sharman Kobayashi

2 From ME & Mine22 Share with ME24 ME and My Home

www.meandminemagazine.comMe and Mine magazine is an LLC and its information, format and designs are protected by copyright laws. Any reproduction of content, photography or arrangement is not permitted unless written permission is granted by the publisher of the magazine.

Contributing authors and photographers are responsible for content and accuracy in their submissions and Me and Mine Magazine, its founders or members assume no responsibility for errors or omissions.

Me and Mine Magazine, LLC, © Copyright 2011

on the coverSharon and Kevin Claggett,

photographed by Moments

to Remember Photography

8

12

24

28

34

2

Preventive Dentistry

• Child-oriented friendly environment • Laser dentistry - many cases no need to be “numb”• Prevent decay before it happens• Early Orthodontics

1045 Live Oak Blvd., Suite BYuba City, CA 95991

(530) 755-0571

please visit:www.KimberlyThielDDS.com

for Infants and Children

Kimberly D. Thiel, D.D.S.Yuba City’s Premier Pediatric Dentist

Ask about our program for 2 year olds.

Moments To Remember Photography by Michelle Chandlermymomentstoremember.com

Wow Now Photography by Debbie Lavelock wownowphotography.com

Samantha Prather Photographysamanthaprather.com

Tony G Photography tonygphoto.com

Jennifer Jaeger Traynham Publisher

Rona Desmond Marketing & Advertising Executive

Jessica JaegerEditor

Thank you to our contributors!

Fall has arrived….and it

will be Halloween and

Christmas before we know

it!! The changing seasons

remind us of how quickly

time passes and things

change. It’s amazing how

much little things can

change our lives. It might

be the changing colors of

the leaves and comforts of

the season (pg. 34), a life-

altering experience (pg. 6),

or simply doing something

for yourself (pg. 4). In this

issue, we have shared many

fascinating features that

will move you, inspire &

entertain you (pg. 24), and

remind you of what it is to

be human.

This season, along with all

the hustle, people to host

and fabulous feasts

to prepare, we hope you

will take time to enjoy

yourselves. Allow yourself

to see change, and give

thanks! It’s good for

your soul!!

MeandMine

413 6th Street · Marysville · (530)742-7793

casacarlosonline.com

A local Favorite for over 45 Years

Kids Eat FREETwo kids meals with each adult entree (dine-in only)

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS!!

Coming Soon....The New Year!! We are delighted and look forward tolistening to more voices in print and online as the magazine continues to

evolve and inspire us to shake things up!

3

As a Registered Nurse and licensed Electrologist working in the Laser Hair removal industry since its inception 14 years ago, I have seen the industry rapidly expand. Now there are dozens of lasers geared for LHR. It can be confusing finding which is best for you.

Lasers can safely treat all skin types and types of hair, but this doesn’t mean that every salon you go into has this capability. Ask questions until you feel comfortable with your clinician.

To eliminate hair, the laser emits pulses of energy that pass through the skin to the hair follicle. This energy is absorbed into the hair follicle to destroy it so it can never grow there again. This is not too different from old fashioned electrolysis, which delivered an electrical current to the root of the hair, separating it from the blood source. However, lasers do it on a much grander scale. Lasers can treat areas the size of a quarter with one pulse. Different lasers have different wavelengths of light, making their target either the blood source that feeds the hair or the darkest pigment-ed part of the hair (the root area).

LHR can be applied to ALL areas of the body. Every nook, cranny and deep valley can be treated . Anything that pokes out from these areas is

fair game to the hunter. Don’t be shy informing your Laser specialist which areas you’re concerned about. Male bikinis are just as popular as females’! There is minimal discomfort, but it’s worth the buttery smooth end results.

Hair removal should always be looked

at as a long-term investment, espe-cially when advanced technology is involved. Waxing and shaving are less expensive initially, but what you pay each month will continue to add up over time, and the annoyance of the constant repetition of those methods can’t even be put into numbers. However, laser treatments offer permanent hair reduction, meaning less need (and sometimes none at all) for additional mainte-nance. So, try to compare laser hair removal costs in terms of years and decades instead of weeks or months. For hairs on the lips and cheeks, fa-cial laser hair removal costs are even competitive enough to trump simple at-home procedures like bleaching or tweezing.

There are many seemingly competitive pricing offers being advertised, but buyers beware! Older lasers have flooded the market and may be the cause of pricing fluctuation in a local area. Older, rebuilt machines may not emit adequate energy and could potentially cause extreme harm due to the inability to stay calibrated adequately. It’s like using a computer that’s 13 years old compared to a recent model. Newer models will just perform better! Prices may be less expensive for clinics that have older models, but be careful...you get what

Laser Hair Removal (LHR) has become a worldwide phenomenon. It is the most widely-used and talked about hair

reduction procedure. The industry has exploded and continues to grow as the leading cosmetic procedure today. Some

modalities are not technically lasers, but we have generically labeled them LHR because they deliver similarly beautiful

results. Current LHR methods are safe and virtually side-effect free, typically causing less discomfort than waxing—

without the mess. In the hands of a skilled clinician, LHR is the optimal method of choice for unwanted hair. Dollar

for dollar, it is the superior method to rid yourself of unwanted hair.

4

Written by Kim Ruccione, R.N.Photography by Katy AtkinsonRoot

The

of the problem

5

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you pay for! Your clinician should have a well -rounded knowledge of lasers beyond the ones that are used solely in their clinic. Generally, prices for Laser Hair Removal costs can be equivalent to two or three years’ worth of waxing.

For optimal results, the required amount of treatments will vary based on an individual’s needs. Physicians agree that men need several more treatments for a body part to achieve optimal results, likely due to testosterone levels being higher in males. Some advertisements claim 3-6 treatments are all you need, but in my opinion, 6-8 treatments is a better estimate to achieve long-term hair removal success. Don’t let false advertising fool you. The industry lures you in with “only 3 treat-ments to see results.” Results will be seen from the first treatment, but that doesn’t

mean you’ll be satisfied with the results after one treatment!

Light hairs may receive minor benefits from LHR, but the reduction may not justify the costs. Results are more predictable with darker hair. Many variables may affect an individual’s optimal results including hor-monal imbalances, ethnicity, and following post-care directions. Most clients want to change the post-care directions to fit their lifestyle instead of following the directions and eliminating unpleasant shaving. Scheduling a follow-up treatment within 4-6 weeks is necessary for great results, as regrowth hair cycles occur every 6-12 weeks. Please allow your clinician to suggest a plan of care that is best for you, then follow it for your best results to be achieved. A compliant client is a satisfied Laser Hair Removal client.

Kim Ruccione is a graduate of Rutgers University. She started her own electrolysis (hair removal) and waxing business in the 1980s to pay her way through college, and continues to offer these services to our community. Her experience and extensive knowledge base was obtained in over 11 years in the laser field. She works closely with the laser and skin care indus-try to bring you the most innovative and up to date treatments and information available.

Photo by Adel Mitchell of BFS Printing.

6

Tonie Bautista-Pauly

lost her husband,

Geoff, to brain cancer

in 1998. Geoff was

just 44 years old,

and left behind a 29

year old wife and two

small children. Now,

13 years later, Tonie

shares her words of

loss and healing

with us…

They say that time heals all wounds. Apparently, “they” have never suf-fered a loss unexpectedly or watched a life be cut short. Until you have looked death, cancer, or

any other life-changing issue in the face, you cannot understand the depth of its destruction. Time does lessen the pain, but the pain always remains. It is hidden in the sunsets not shared and the milestones missed.

Normal stopped the day of Geoff ’s diagnosis. Nothing really seemed important after this; not the nice home, the fancy cars, or the trips to exotic places. All I could focus on was not allowing his 30 day sentence to come true. If I could get one more day, one more smile, one more opportunity for my kids to know their dad, then it was a milestone met with “the happy dance.” To me it felt like my grief would never get better, and that sleeping was the only thing that brought me comfort. I still take long naps and sometimes dream of him. As the years pass, my children and I age, but he will forever be 44. Pictures and dreams keep him youthful and handsome.

My children handled the loss of their father in a different way. I remember one day when my son Harrison was about 3 1/2 or 4. He came in so serious (as he still is) and said, “Mama, can we get some tickets for the airplane?” I asked why, and he said, “So we can go to Heaven and see Daddy!” His innocent little face with those big blue eyes will forever be a memory I cherish ... and yes, if Heaven wasn’t so far away, I would pack up the kids and go for the day!

I admit, I could not identify with what my kids were going

through, but I did know that the loss they suffered could not be filled without acknowledging it. I kept the lines open and allowed them to have their experience. Trust me, I don’t pretend to know the pain they feel. I do know that they were required to deal with the reality that life was unfair, but has to be faced. I take responsibility of the fact that yes, there were times when roles were reversed and my kids, especially my daughter Hara, had to step in and be little adults. Do I regret that? Yes, they deserved to be kids, but there were days that I just couldn’t get it together. Do I make excuses? No, it is what it is. I was living this nightmare, and so were they.

One of the biggest fears I have is that we will forget. Harrison was so young that he can’t remember much about his dad, and that is a huge hole I cannot fill. The fact that he doesn’t remember causes major frustration and anger for him. I can’t make him remember, but I can certainly show him videos and pictures of his dad. I also don’t want to forget, so I place my memories of Geoff deep inside and when it is still and I am alone, I can remember what was and what should have been.

My tears are carefully released; I have allowed them to flow from time to time. Immediately after losing Geoff, I held the tears in for many reasons. My kids needed me to keep it together, and I was honestly afraid that I would never stop crying. The pain is still sharp, but now it comes in waves. A song can trigger a flood of emotion. The anniversary of the passing can catapult me into sleeping all day, where Geoff ’s birthday makes me want to have cake and release balloons. I try to do what makes me happy! I say live your life and don’t worry about those who judge.

Grieving comes in many forms, and everyone has the right to do it the way that works for them. Some wallow, some celebrate. Respect the way one grieves, because there is no time frame on feelings of grief and loss. Awkward silence will sometimes follow a loss, but know that sometimes in that silence is great emotion. Often, words cannot express emotions or heartfelt condolences. A silent hug, a squeeze of the hand to let someone know they are not alone can make a world of difference. Life doesn’t always turn out the way we plan, so we need to be open to change at all times.

Danny Gokey sings, “I will laugh, I will cry, shake my fist at the sky, but I will not say goodbye!” Goodbye seems so permanent, but believing you will see your loved one again someday makes each day more bearable.

One’spatternofgriefisasuniqueastheirpatternoflove.Griefis

notafiniteprocessthatendsafterwepassthroughaseriesofpredictablestages.Nobodycantellyouhowto

mournorwhenthemassiveswellsofsadnesswillstopflowingthroughyourbrokenheart.Bereavementmustbeembracedandacknowledged,seeingeachmomentofsorrowasatimeto

reconnectwithandrememberthelovedonewe’velost.Here,twoamazing

womensharetheirstoriesoflossandtheirjourneytoa“newnormal.”

Photography by Samantha Prather Photography

withcoping

loss

7

In January 2009, my family was

faced with an unbelievable situation

that shook our lives to the core. My

son, Lorenzo Jr., was shot and killed

while riding in a car with a friend.

The sudden and shocking murder

of my son left my life in shambles. I

had a choice to make: lie down and

die or fight. I chose to fight and give

my son a voice.

The day of my son’s death was amazing and certainly gave his family some comfort. The morning of his death he attended church, where he was surrounded by many of his friends and family. Know-ing that we all got to see him, talk to him, and tell him we loved him before he was taken from us is a gift that many families do not get in a situation like this.

Planning your child’s funeral service is something a parent should never have to be faced with. It is the most unnatural thing a parent can go through. It was friends and faith that gave us the power of hope and helped us through this process. It was so amazing how many of our friends, family, and even strang-ers came out to be with us and provide the very care and support we needed during this time. We found comfort in groups such as Compassionate Friends and Trauma Interven-

tion Program (TIP), as well as local bishops and ministers who came to pray over us and help us through our grief. Although our community is small, we are so blessed to have these local groups who are so willing to help during tough times.

The feeling of being alone and believing no one understands unless they have been in your shoes has been the hardest to overcome. When I feel that way, I always think about my

children and grandchildren and remember how blessed I am. I see all my bless-ings every morning and give thanks to the Lord for everything I still have.

My turning point was the realization that I didn’t walk alone—that there are so many families out there who are faced with the same situation of losing a child, and that they truly don’t know what is available to them. There are many volunteers in our

community who want to help. What I found I so needed was that one word of encourage-ment that can lift someone to a whole new level. Words have incredible power, and can bring hope and healing to someone today! Be a healer by the power of your words. Please don’t walk away or avoid speaking to those who grieve. It really hurts. We know that sometimes it’s hard to know what to say, but just a hug or a touch or speaking an encourag-ing word helps heal.

When I think of my beautiful son I remember his smile, his laugh, his kindness, and what a difference he made in everyone’s life. I remember all the wonderful things he did and how he loved his family. One of the greatest gifts he gave me was a granddaughter who I cherish with all my heart. His life was only just beginning, but I am so grateful for the 25 years I had with him. The love between a mother and a child is forever. It is a bond of the strongest kind, which can withstand any-thing. It is a love of the present with memories of the past and dreams of the future. I will today, tomorrow, and forever honor my son by helping give a voice to other families who are seeking justice for their lost loved ones.

The ability to give a loved one a voice beyond the grave can be a great source of comfort, not only during the criminal justice process, but on a personal level as well. I think my personal experience brings a unique perspective to help-ing families. My wish is to help other families in similar situations. I was honored to be asked to be a guest speaker at UCI for Marsy’s Law First Training for attorneys and judges.

While there are marches to bring attention to crime victims, legislators to hold account-able, and funding to fight for, it is the outside volunteers that make a day-to-day difference in individual families’ lives. My wish is to provide the support and compassion needed to help guide families through the difficult heart-wrenching journey for justice. It is my desire to help others that have to travel a similar road, and doing this has been able to give me purpose on my own journey. - Corrina Aguilar

8

t is amazing how quickly those lazy

summer days go by. You love having

your children home and enjoy every

minute you spend together. Sum-

mer is a time of relaxation; a time

when homework, tests and projects

all seem like a distant memory. Then

the new school year begins approach-

ing and you start seeing the ads on

TV for new clothes, new backpacks,

and new iPhones…and that summer

serenity begins to slip away. You start

to think about the upcoming school

year, and the anxiety that had so

conveniently disappeared last June

is back. You remember that last year

you had difficulty communicating

with your child’s teacher and were

not as informed about your child’s

progress as you would have liked to

be. You are scared that this year may

be no different. After all, how DO

you most effectively communicate

with your child’s teacher? How do

you become a parent that teachers

WANT to communicate with? Follow

these three steps and you will be well

on your way to having a school year

filled with AMAZING parent-teacher

communication.

Step 1: Get to know your child’s

teacher and let them get to know you.

Sometime during the beginning of

the school year, take a moment to

personally introduce yourself to your

child’s teacher. Make it a memorable

interaction by taking time to share

something interesting about yourself

(i.e. you own a business, write a blog,

take pictures). Also share something

about your child (i.e. siblings, a favor-

ite color, a special interest). Be sure

to ask the teacher a couple questions

about themselves as well (i.e. How did

you get into teaching? What is your

favorite subject to teach? What are

you most excited about this school-

year?). The conversation needs to go

both ways so that both parties begin

to develop a trust for one another. A

relationship built on mutual trust will

build and grow throughout the school

year. This first interaction should take

no more than five minutes and be at

a time that is not a disruption to the

school day.

Step 2: Find out what their pre-

ferred method of communication is.

Most teachers have an e-mail address

that they use strictly for school com-

munication and give it out to parents

on the first day of school. In this tech-

Written By Meghan HamiltonPhotography by Wow Now Photography

Teachers Love to Communicate With

A relationship built on

mutual trust will build and

grow throughout the school year.

Being the Parent

9

WWW.FRHG.ORG • WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/FREMONTRIDEOUT

When your whole life has been one day, you want it to

be a very good day.At Fremont-Rideout’s Women & Infants Center in

Yuba City, you’ll find everything to make your baby’s first day a good one.

Things like spacious, private bedrooms. As much time as you like with your baby in your room. And the same

helpful nurse for mother and child, there to answer all the questions you will have on the first day.

To learn more, visit us online www.FRHG.org.

Or, to sign up for our free childbirth classes, call 751-4165.

Fremont Medical Center has been awarded with Healthgrades® 2010/2011 Maternity Care Specialty Excellence AwardTM. This award places FMC within the top 5% of hospitals nationwide for maternity services.

nology-driven climate, e-mail is many times the best way to get in touch

with your child’s teacher. Take advantage of being able to communicate

with your child’s teacher in this manner and send them an e-mail estab-

lishing a virtual relationship as well. E-mail gives you an opportunity to

describe your child’s abilities in greater detail, thus giving the teacher a

more complete picture of your child. If your child’s teacher’s preferred

method of communication is the phone, ask how often they feel it would

be appropriate for you to call them each month. You need to establish

some communication guidelines so that you do not overwhelm the

teacher with frivolous e-mails and/or phone calls and, no matter how

tempted you may be, do not “friend” your child’s teacher on Facebook.

You are trying to establish a friendly and professional relationship with

your child’s teacher, and asking them to be your “friend” on Facebook

could lead to awkward in-person interactions between you both.

Step 3: Be a supportive parent.

Throughout the school year periodically ask your child’s teacher what

you can do for them (i.e. Is help needed in the classroom? Is the class-

room lacking in supplies? Is there something you can be doing at home

to help sharpen some of your child’s skills?). By offering your support,

your child’s teacher will see you as someone they can rely on. You will

find that they will reach out to you when help is needed and will be more

likely to come to you when even minor issues, behavioral or academic,

arise with your child in the classroom. Part of being a supportive par-

ent also means that when your child comes to you with concerns, that

you ask questions of them instead of automatically placing blame on

the teacher. Chances are that because of the relationship you and your

child’s teacher have been building throughout the year, any dispute be-

tween your child and their teacher can be easily addressed with a couple

of e-mails or a friendly phone call.

These simple steps can be applied to building a relationship with any

teacher at any grade level, creating a united team of adults dedicated to

the well-being and educational success of students everywhere. From

these relationships will emerge confident, respectful, well-prepared

individuals anxiously awaiting the scholastic adventures that lie ahead.

Meghan Hamilton is a Co-Owner/Founder of Fusion Schools (www.fusionkids.com). She is the author of the Fusion Early Learning Curriculum which has been developed and implemented at Fusion Schools over the last 5 years. Meghan lives with her husband, Tom, and her two children, Jack and Emma, in Loma Rica, CA.Photo by Aurora Studio.

10

chool is hard enough, but thinking about a future career can often be even more stressful for teens. Figuring out what they’re going to do with their life, or what they’re going to be when they grow up, can be overwhelming. They are busy figuring out who they are, where they fit in, and maneuvering through the drama of high school. But as parents, we know that it is important for children to start matching their interests and skills with a suitable vocation that they will enjoy for years to come. By the time high school rolls around, you’ve hopefully been able to observe your child and help them to recognize their strengths. Encourage them to choose a path which will ensure that they have a fulfilled and happy career and life. Here are a few tips to help parents broach the subject of college and the future with their teens.

Begin by dropping little hints when the opportunity arises. Whenever you see a chance to talk about a career or higher education, seize the opportunity! This breaks the whole discussion down into manageable pieces so as to not overwhelm your child. Help to open your child’s eyes to the endless possibilities that will be revealed to them by continuing to pursue a degree in higher education.

When your teen shows an interest in a certain career or job, do a little research. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook has a plethora of job listings that includes what level of schooling is generally required for the profession.

It also lists the average salary someone working in that field can expect to earn. It’s a wonderful, free online source! http://www.bls.gov/oco/

It’s also helpful if your teen weighs the pros and cons of their different career interests. Encourage them to narrow their choices down to about five career paths and then let them shadow someone in our community that is doing the same or similar job. Have them ask lots of questions, including what type of schooling or training was required for them to achieve their level of success and what different choices (including schooling), they make if they could.

If all else fails, let your teen know these hard facts:

About College and CareersWritten By Miriam Root Photography by Samantha Prather PhotographyTalking to Teens

I’m sure all of our teenage sons or daughters have, at one point or another, announced that they are “through with school!” They’ve been going to school since they were five and they’re sick of it!

Source: Bureau of Labor Statics

Median Weekly Earnings in 2009Less than a high school diploma $454High School Diploma $626Some College, no degree $699Associate’s Degree $761Bachelor’s Degree $1,025Master’s Degree $1,257Professional/Doctoral Degree $1,532

11

Here is something else for your high school student who is thinking about college to consider: Someone with a bachelor’s degree earns nearly $1 million more over his or her lifetime than a high school graduate.

A Census Bureau survey shows that a college graduate who works full-time between the ages of 25 and 64--which is considered a typical work-life period--can expect to earn $2.1 million.

A master’s degree-holder is projected to earn $2.5 million, while someone with a professional degree, such as a doctor or lawyer, could make even more — $4.4 million.

Contrast this with a high school graduate who can expect to make $1.2 million during the working years, according to the bureau report.

After brainstorming some careers that interest your teen, figure out the path they would have to take in order to obtain the schooling for their career choices. This is a good time to begin reviewing college school catalogs, visiting colleges, and going on college tours. Use the catalogs and any other information you find when you visit the prospective college, either in person or on the college website, as an ice-breaker for more conversations with your teen.

The ultimate decision lies with your teenager, but you do have the right to have input. Make this a clear message. Teach your teen that part of being independent is knowing when to lean on someone they trust and respect.

Miriam Root has been an Administrator at Yuba College for 25 years; she enjoys her student services role which includes mentoring Yuba College student leaders.She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Information and Communication Studies with a minor in English and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Manage-ment. Miriam has successfully shepherded two children through college. Photo by Samantha Prather Photography.

Y U B A C I T Y O R T H O D O N T I C SMichael D. Larson, DDS, MSD.

A SMILE ISTHE ULTIMATEACCESSORY

1215 Plumas Street, Suite 500Yuba City, CA 95991

(530) 674-5047www.yubacityortho.com

12

Ryan and Sarah Wulfert May 21

vintage-inspired wedding in the

country was perfect for a beautiful

day in May! This super-creative

couple hosted a wedding that was

fun and filled with personal details.

Most importantly, it allowed them

to enjoy their special day with the

people they love. Ryan and Sarah

decided on a vintage country wed-

ding, and the perfect wedding site,

which included a barn, was care-

fully chosen by the couple. Sarah

told us that “it had everything I

could have ever wanted: it’s private,

beautiful, rustic, and surrounded

by walnut orchards and horses.”

Leading up to the wedding, Sarah’s

family pitched in to refurbish the

barn and grounds in time for the

big celebration. Big time family

camaraderie!

LOCAL

I DO’S Photography by: Tony G Photography

13

Ryan and Sarah are one of those amazing couples who have a unique personal

style, so their wedding was, naturally, a brilliant reflection of all the things they love.

It was full of magical moments from the beginning of the day to the end. With

accents like vintage tablecloths, tables set with milk glass vases and mismatched

china, several cakes displayed on vintage cake stands (served in lieu of wedding

cake), galvanized buckets and hand painted wooden signs, Sarah and Ryan’s

wedding was a treat for their guests.

14

Nostalgia was an additional

theme to the day, and details

present were representative of the

people and memories that Sarah

adores. A collection of brooches

from Sarah’s grandmothers and

friends were made into a beauti-

fully unique bouquet. Ryan and

Sarah celebrated the successful

marriages of their parents with

pictures of their wedding day on

the cake table, as well as pictures

of loved ones that are no longer

with them. One of the most

nostalgic parts of the wedding

was Sarah arriving in her papa’s

truck, Old Red. She says, “Al-

most all the women in my family

have arrived at their wedding in

papa’s truck. This was my way

of paying tribute to him”.

The most important detail

of the day was the represen-

tation of their relationship

and personalities in the

many aspects of their

wedding day. Ryan and

Sarah believe that

“weddings don’t have to

be so traditional. They

should be fun and represent

the two of you.”

15

Zachary and Stacy Dennis May 28

R ain. Wind. Hail. Not words you

would normally want to associate with an

outdoor wedding. Mother Nature had a

different plan on the day Zachary and

Stacy Dennis were married, and they

didn’t mind a bit. Although they had

poured countless hours into creating

their very own wedding venue, complete

with many charming details, the couple

remained calm and focused on the

most important event of the day…

getting married!

Photography by: Moments To Remember Photography

16

The weather in the valley was harsh this day in May, but it gave this

couple a break just as their guests arrived. The clouds cleared, and the sun

graced them with the most gorgeous weather for their walk down the aisle.

Zachary and Stacy decided early-on to create their own vision for the

wedding. They began by selecting a location on one of the grooms’ family

ranches in Maxwell. The area they chose as their wedding site started

out as an old homestead with a deteriorated sheep coral. After months of

preparation, with the help of family and friends, they created a magical

location that was simply divine.

Zachary and Stacy tied the knot in a wedding that was thoughtful,

creative, and overflowing with personal meaning from beginning to end.

I’m not sure if the couple even realized that 200 guests surrounded them.

They were focused only on each other, and the vows they wrote together.

It was a sweet ceremony that demonstrated just how committed they are

to growing together as a couple.

17

At the top of their list of priorities was providing a great

party centered around what would be the most fun for their

guests. For Zachary and Stacy, that meant creating an

atmosphere of energy and fun, focused on amazing music

and delicious food!

After the ceremony, a surprise to the guests was a crop duster

flying over them dropping rice! This kicked off the party,

and let the guests know it was time to head to “the saloon.”

Zachary and Stacy wanted everyone to have a great time, and

said they wanted, “No fluff, no delay, [just] a lot of fun!”

The location of their wedding provided a perfect mix of

elegance and casual fun! They had the freedom to turn up

the music and even have a bonfire. Later in the evening, the

clouds rolled back in, winds blew, and thunder struck, giving

a romantic ending to this amazing evening in the orchards.

18

Tim and Nancy Elrod June 18

Sophisticated,

elegant, and totally

relaxed, a beautiful

almond ranch in South

Yuba City was the

perfect backdrop for

Nancy and Tim’s rustic

and elegant summer

wedding. Nancy and

Tim were inspired by

the venue’s natural

surroundings, breathtak-

ing views and grand

almond trees.

Photography by: Moments To Remember Photography

For more information or to tour our venues,contact Jonathan Howard at (530) 458-6570.

We pride ourselves in creatingmemories that will last a lifetime!

Come to Colusa Casino Resortand leave the work to us!

Whether you are looking to hold a reception for 10 people or 1,000, Colusa Casino Resort can accomodate your needs. The resort offers a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere, with a dedicated staff ready to make your event special and effortless. Our award winning executive chef can customize and prepare the perfect menu and our professional event coordinator will make sure your event is one of perfection.

Tim and Nancy Elrod June 18 Nancy and Tim designed a wedding

that honored the people, places and things

they love dearly—from the location to the

desserts to everything in between. Nancy

explained, “I hope it reflected us as we are;

our family, friends, faith and work are all

important aspects of our life.” They chose

a sweet ceremony with a charming pastor

who focused on the spirituality of love,

family and commitment. They give credit

to Rev. Todd Keough from Hope Point

Nazarene Church who “stole the show.”

They said he was so great because, “he

was passionate about knowing us, the

significance of marriage between us, and

learning why we were right for each other.”

19

20

Family ties were also present in the cross

that was the centerpiece of the ceremony.

Nancy said that it was also used in her brother

and sister-in-law’s wedding and in another

family friend’s wedding ceremony. She says,

“Both are incredible couples that are inspiring

to follow in marriage.”

The bridal party was exclusively family,

including an adorable group of ring bearers

and flower girls. For Nancy and Tim, keeping

their bridal party to just family was the right

thing to do, and made things much easier

to plan.

Tim and Nancy worked with their caterer in

showcasing locally-grown produce within their

menu. Fruit, vegetables, rice and almonds

were used to create a spectacular almond bar,

all of which came from local farms of friends,

and instead of a traditional wedding cake they

served delicious pies. Honoring friends and

family was at the top of this couple’s priority

list, so sweet surprises and meaningful details

popped up during the day! The bride is a big

fan of “family style” dining for a traditional

wedding feast, and this set the scene for a fun

and unforgettable wedding day! She says, “It

gets guests communicating and having fun

with the food. I still have people contacting me

about the corn soufflé recipe!”

21

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T he DJ kept music play-

ing throughout the night,

and guests danced the night

away in the barn. One of

Nancy’s favorite moments

was dancing with her dad

to Aretha Franklin and then

transitioning into some soul

music of James Brown!

Tim and Nancy will always

remember, at the end of

their most special night,

reflecting on all the funny

and wonderful moments of

their day!

22

Share…We amazing, creative, inspiring women…

get into the conversation!

I loved your summer issue, especially the article about the music video shot locally! Any chance

I could get more information about the

artists? I would really like to see the video. Thanks!

Absolutely! Here you go!!! See the video here: www.facebook.com/endofever

Learn more about the artists: www.deantokuno.com, www.dahnipiro.com, www.raulgonzo.com. Band website: www.endofever.com

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The Valley Quilt Guild will complete 150 quilts for the annual “Make a Difference

Day”!Baby and full-size quilts have been donated to

various agencies:

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Babies

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24

and my home By Rona DesmondPhotography by: Moments to Remember Photography

25

his stunning estate

was once a dairy

ranch in the early

1930’s. Now it is renovated

into a home for Gary and

Sara Smith and their two

daughters. Sprawling landscape, lavender fields, a beautiful pool and

plenty of outdoor living create an ambiance of Tuscan romance with

lots of room to play! The area surrounding the estate was called the

Sunset Colony and developed around 1908. The estate is located

between Yuba City and Live Oak, offering a great view of the Sutter

Buttes. Gary and Sara purchased the fifteen acres of property out of

foreclosure in 2001 and built their new home on the exact site of the

original owner’s home. “We actually have a bathroom and one bed-

room that are exactly the same size and location as the original home,”

Sara shares. The original diary milking building had cleaning and

cold storage rooms, which have now been renovated into an additional

kitchen and wine room, perfect for entertaining guests. The large open

area of the dairy is now converted into a huge playroom, and the ad-

ditional barns on the property have been cleaned and are in the process

of being rehabbed also.

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27

5 Little Monkeys

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What do you love most about your home?We love the wine country and have taken many things we love

about that area and included them into the design process for our

estate. We love coming home to the feeling of arriving at a resort.

What is your favorite part of your home and why?My favorite part of our home is the kitchen. We designed it from

our favorite ideas of a great working kitchen. I love it so much and

I would not want to change a thing.

Describe a perfect evening at your house.I love cooking for my family every evening and talking about the

day’s challenges, as well as winding down the evenings with a good

bottle of wine at the fireplace.

How do you celebrate or entertain most in your home?We celebrate and entertain outside with family and friends with

poolside cooking, and keep the party rolling into the evenings with

outdoor lighting. This makes for very memorable evenings.

Describe your decor?The deco is more “Rustic Tuscan” and eclectic. Our landscaping

helps hide what’s around the corner and keeps your imagination

wondering.

What were your goals when you began to build?We wanted it to feel like we were living in a resort.

Would you live anywhere else?After living here and taking care of all of the property ourselves,

perhaps we may retire to a high rise condo were there are no lawns

to mow or weeds to pull. But otherwise, no!

and my homeBy Jennifer Jaeger TraynhamPhotography by: Moments to Remember Photography

any of us dream of updating our

current home, but few know

exactly how to start the planning or

even have a vision of what we really

want to accomplish. Making changes

to your home is a fun process, but can

also be a bit overwhelming. It can take

months, even years to figure out your

priorities for a remodeling project.

Laura and Richard Poma lived in their

home 34 years before they decided to

take the plunge into a full kitchen

remodel. They first thought of a

remodel 10 years ago, but took their

time to plan, save and do it right. Their

goal was to create a functional, efficient,

and beautiful kitchen. Laura wanted

the kitchen to be inviting to guests as

she prepared meals, but she didn’t want

anyone in her way. “I wanted a kitchen

I could work in, but still be a part of the

party! I love entertaining,” she said.

28

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Did you think of the plan on your own? No. This past January, we started tearing down walls, ripping out

cabinets and counters, removing a ½ bathroom and a laundry room,

and ripping up the flooring. Within two weeks we had a room with four

walls with 2x4’s showing, a ceiling with insulation hanging down, and a

plywood floor. I found a local contractor through the internet and gave

him a call. He came to the house and at that time he suggested we go

through Lowe’s for the cabinets and kitchen design. I thought only a

contractor built cabinets and did the designing, so I was surprised! He

measured out the room that night, gave measurements to Jan at Lowe’s,

and within a week we finalized the design of the kitchen.

W hat was your inspiration, or the look you were going for?

I had no idea what the end result would be but I knew it had to be better

than the kitchen I had been working in for 34 years. I depended on my

contractor, Dave Silva, my designer Deborah Roush, and Jan the Lowe’s

designer to take me down the right road—and they did!

W hy did you hire a designer?We wanted to start the kitchen remodel ten years ago, but because of some

life setbacks we had to wait. I knew of my designer, Debbie Roush, ten

years back and kept her phone number in my wallet because I knew when

we started remodeling I would need help from a professional. She played

a huge role in this project. She brought me samples of flooring, counter

tops, and paint. She drove me to showrooms with lighting and hardware

displays. She knew her products and learned my personality immediately,

which helped narrow down the suggestions and ideas she had for me.

I am very eclectic and can go in many directions, which was probably

Debbie’s biggest challenge with me. However, she kept me on track, stayed

patient, and never made me feel like I had bad taste or dumb ideas. Hiring

a designer for me was worth every penny. She relieved a lot of stress and

did a lot of the leg work for me, as I have a full time job. She has an eye for

detail, which brought the kitchen to PERFECT completion. 29

30

W hat is your absolute favorite “pick”?I love my countertops. They are not only BEAUTIFUL, they are

antimicrobial and are made from recycled material. I love going green!

I especially like my island, as it was built for my height. My cabinets are

user-friendly, which makes working in the kitchen fun, not work.

What surprised you the most about the remodeling experience? We drew the outline of the cabinets and the island on the floor before

installation to get a feel of space and design, but when everything was

installed I couldn’t believe how big the island was and the amount of

cabinet and drawer space I had. And when the chandelier was

hung, it was a breathtaking experience. It made the whole kitchen

come together.

W hat are you the happiest about? All the space I have for storage and the efficiency of the kitchen. I feel

I am part of the 21st century when playing in my kitchen. I have two

sinks, so when my mom comes over she has her own sink to help prepare

meals or do our summer canning. I HAVE ROOM!!!

We didn’t have a timeline; we just rode the wave and knew it would be

done one day. At times I had to have a talk with myself and breathe, but

we made it and we are still married. Timelines are good, but for a project

like this one I think a timeline would have put too much pressure on us.

The project took just about six months to the day.

Any tips for people thinking about remodeling? Make a plan before you start. Label boxes when packing and store them

in a place where you can easily access them. Make sure your garage is

31

organized and has plenty of room for all

those boxes with all your new stuff. Throw

out the old so you can make room for the

new. Be aware of what is available out

there, and educate yourself. Watch for

sales and negotiate—there are deals out

there and I know I got a few.

A budget is good; my surprise was the

amount of hardware I had to purchase

for all that wonderful storage I have in my

drawers and cabinets. Be patient, coordi-

nate installations so there won’t be lag time

between installs, allow time for possible

backorders or items that are discontinued.

Enjoy the experience and learn from it for

your next remodel, and hire a designer!

32

Proud to be 100% Employee Owned.

“Edgewater Recycle Friday” works like this: Every Thursday afternoon, ten 4th grade students hold up signs to remind parents picking up their children that the next day is “Recycle Friday”. Then on Friday mornings they come out and help get the recycling as people drive through. They collect from 8-8:30am, rain or shine! Edgewater students encourage all their neighbors to stop by and drop off their recyclables to Edgewater Elementary and would love your help!

Last year Edgewater made $970 through “Cash for Class”! This program is great not only financially for the school, but also is a great reminder to the students, teachers and families to Keep It Green!!! Students that participate in the program receive treats, but the best gift of all is keeping Mother Earth Green!!!

How is your school making a difference? Get your school involved in the “Cash for Class” program!

It’s important to be aware of our environment and build a life-long relationship of friendly habits at home and at school. For more information call Recology at 743-6933

Liz Haag decided to make recycling a priority at the Edgewater Elementary school in Linda. She had heard about Recology Yuba Sutter’s “Cash for Class” program and organized a plan for the 4th graders to organize their very own “Recycle Friday”.

33

Now that this project is finished, what’s next? This is a great question! From the first day we started

demolition, I started seeing what needed to be done

throughout the house from painting walls to buying new

living room furniture to replacing a bathtub. There is

always something that needs to be done when you are a

home owner. Our mistake was that we let things go too

long, which makes remodeling project(s) a big job.

34

From the Kitchen

Roasted Walnut Persimmon Salad 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (they taste better if you toast them for a

few minutes until they are fragrant)

2 oranges, peel removed and sliced into wedges OR 4 tangerines, in sections

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp honey

1/4 tsp salt

¼ cup Roasted Walnut Oil (La Tourangelle is good) OR a mild, tasty olive oil

4 fuyu persimmons (about 1 lb total), cored and cut into small wedges

4 cups spring greens or baby arugula (one package)

4 oz feta cheese, crumbled

In small bowl, combine the oranges or tangerines, lemon, honey, salt, and the oil.

Transfer to a serving platter or individual salad dishes that have been lined with the lettuce. On top of the

oranges, arrange the persimmons and feta cheese. Sprinkle with the toasted nuts and serve immediately. Serves 6-8.

This is the salad I want to eat in the fall when local walnuts are freshly

harvested and at their height of flavor. If you are lucky enough to get

some fresh walnuts, toast them in a 325 degree oven for 10 minutes or until

they get crispy, and then vacuum seal them and store them in the freezer.

They will stay fresh and delicious all year. Fuyu persimmons are the

round persimmons that are crisp when ripe; you can find them at farmer’s

markets and fruit stands because they are grown locally. Their mild, sweet

taste is highlighted by the tangy citrus and the bits of salty feta. If you

have never tasted Roasted Walnut Oil, you are in for a treat – it’s deli-

cious, healthy, and it’s locally-produced in Northern California.

Sharman Kobayashi….

“These are three recipes that are among those most requested by my friends.

Together they make a simple menu for casual entertaining that requires only a loaf of crusty bread to make a delicious

and satisfying meal. And because the butternut squash soup and the yummy ginger cookie dough can be made ahead

and kept frozen for many weeks, they’re great to have on-hand for those busy autumn days when you’re preparing for the

holidays, or have a busy day at work and want a fast, but homemade, meal.” Enjoy!

of

Photography by Moments to Remember Photography

Butternut Squash Soup

2 tbsp. each olive oil and butter

1 onion, chopped

2 ribs celery, sliced

2 leeks, white portion only, sliced

5 large garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp firmly packed brown sugar

2 tbsp minced fresh thyme leaves

1 tbsp minced fresh sage leaves

1 large dried bay leaf

1 large butternut squash seeded,

peeled and cubed

1 pound thin-skinned white potatoes, scrubbed

and cut into 1-inch cubes

½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg

1 tsp salt

½ tsp freshly ground pepper

4 cups good quality chicken broth

2/3 cup buttermilk (optional – can be omitted

for the lactose intolerant)

minced fresh chives and/or parsley

In a large, nonstick soup kettle, melt butter with oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, leeks and garlic; cover and cook 5 minutes until onion is soft.

Raise heat slightly and stir in brown sugar and herbs. Cook, while stirring, for 1 minute. Add squash, potato, seasonings and the stock. Bring to a boil, then lower heat. Cover and cook 20 minutes or until potatoes are soft. Discard bay leaf and puree. You can use a blender but a stick blender is easier and safer. Return pureed soup to a clean saucepan.

Stir in buttermilk; mix well and heat without boiling. Taste and adjust season-ings, thinning with more stock and/or buttermilk as desired. Ladle soup into heated bowls and sprinkle with chives/parsley and/or a spoonful of sour cream. Makes 9 servings, 280 calories per serving.

This simple soup is not only quick to make and

delicious, but like many soups, it can be made in

advance and frozen. Tasty and colorful, it’s the

perfect soup for cold weather and the butternut

squash makes it particularly healthy!

35

36

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Ginger Cookies

2 1/2 cups pecans or walnuts, lightly toasted

until fragrant, then chopped coarsely

1 3/4 cups unsalted butter at room temperature

2 1/2 cups sugar

2 extra large eggs

1 cup molasses

5 cups flour

5 tsp baking soda

3 tbsp ground ginger

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp salt

1/2-3/4 cups minced crystallized

(candied) ginger

Cream butter and sugar; add eggs and beat until fluffy. Add molasses

and combine well. Sift flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon,

and salt. Add flour mixture to butter mixture and mix well.

Stir in crystallized ginger and nuts until evenly distributed. Chill the

dough if it is too soft to shape.

Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on your counter. Flour your work surface

and divide dough into 4 or more equal portions and form into logs.

Wrap each log in plastic wrap, sealing well. Re-wrap the whole thing

in foil. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or up to 2 days or freeze - this dough

is excellent frozen and keeps for months.

Cut thin slices (1/8-1/4 inch thick), and arrange at least 1 inch apart on

cookie sheets covered in parchment; you can sprinkle them with sugar

if you wish - I always do. Bake at 325 degrees until cookies are flat and

a little darker – approximately 8-12 minutes.

This recipe makes around 100 cookies that are 3” across and 1/4”

thick. Keeps well in an airtight container.

This is my all-time favorite cookie – it’s delicious and a little unusual, and the uncooked dough keeps for months in the freezer, ready to cook at a moment’s notice. I always have some of these on hand for the holidays - it’s my most requested recipe.