Holiday 2014

A Free Local

Publication

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year ............ 3

Rock a New Holiday Look ........................................ 5

Welcome to Christmas Tree Lane .........................8

Take Time to Treat Yourself ........................................11

Broken Ornaments? ..................................................12

Recycle Your Christmas Tree ...................................12

Hanukkah .......................................................................15

Journey of Hope ........................................................ 20

The Art of Making Holiday Traditions ................24

Jennifer Jaeger Traynham PUBLISHER

Rona Desmond MARKETING & ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE

Fritzie RhodyMARKETING & ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE

Jessica JaegerEDITOR

Me & MineStaff

www.meandminemagazine.com

Me 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 2014

on the coverSanta with Allison and Whitney Traynham.

Cover Photo by Brandi Schwartz Design and Photography

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However, this wonderful time of year also brings a decorated home, the perfect family photo and creative holiday card, and cookies for our entire neighborhood! We rejoice in the holiday parties, the world’s best turkey and dressing, the gift exchanges and office parties, the Christmas shopping with everyone else on the planet, the family gatherings, the holiday music, the New Year’s resolutions, and the fact that when it’s all over, we can have a fresh start in the new year!

Do not find yourself at the end of the holiday season without having taken a moment to relish in all the beauty of Christmas, what you love most about the holidays, and what you can celebrate about yourself.

This holiday season, give yourself permission to get rid of the “I have to” and “I should.” Santa’s helpers have created a list of helpful “Do’s & Don’ts” to ensure a Merry Christmas.

• Do use your talents. Homemade gifts can become life-long treasures.

• Don’t cling to visions of a Norman Rockwell family holiday. That happens only in paintings and cards.

• Do consider family members when planning holiday gatherings. Better to have a gathering with guests who are happy to be present than ones who are wishing they were somewhere else!

• Don’t travel out of guilt. Have an honest conversation with your family about how difficult it is for you to make a trip during the holidays. Suggest visiting another time, when you can really spend time with one another.

• Do be flexible with your partner. Some traditions are definitely worth fighting for—but you may be able to let others go.

• Don’t force yourself to attend all festivities. If office parties or family gatherings are stressful, honor your need to celebrate another way.

• Do remember to exchange gifts only with those you are with or with whom you see during the holidays…why just buy something and drop it off ? Togetherness is the greatest gift of the season.

• Don’t spend randomly. Set a limit for gifts, and stick to it!

• Do talk with your children before the season begins about realistic expectations. With all the media commercials they see, it’s easy for them to expect too much and be disappointed with Santa.

• Don’t hesitate to buy the same gift for several people on your list—as long as they don’t know one another, who cares?

• Do take one vacation day early in the holiday season. Spend the day with your bestie, get all your shopping finished so you can avoid the crowds and the 11th-

hour pressure, and have a fun day getting into the holiday spirit!

• Do talk with friends and family about gift alternatives. They may love the idea of, say, exchanging services (“I’ll help you clean your closets, you help me paint my room”), or putting money together and donating to a cause, or planning for a girls’ trip together instead.

• Do remind yourself that the holidays may have been so wonderful during your childhood because you had no responsibility for making the magic. If you have grown-up expectations, you won’t be so disappointed.

• Don’t think twice about asking guests to bring food to your holiday party. Why should you have to do all the cooking when most people are perfectly happy helping?

• Do make a list of all your traditions, from decorating to ornament exchanges to Christmas caroling. Keep the ones you love and cross off the ones you don’t!

• Don’t agonize over creating the perfect holiday card. Instead, send a New Year’s or Valentine’s Day greeting. It will be the perfect way to surprise recipients after the holiday hustle & bustle!

• Do have compassion for yourself during the holidays. If you’re not in a celebratory mood, you’re not the only one, and there is always next year.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the YearPhotography by Brandi Schwartz Design and Photography

It’s the time of year when people get into the spirit of the season. During the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, we scramble to get our holiday shopping done, fret about our budget, and make to-do lists and check them more than twice! In today’s fast-paced world, the holidays can often add stress to our lives.

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The stylists of Rockabetty’s in Yuba City share a

few beauty secrets that will spice up yourholiday

look! Whether it’s the same ‘ol office party or an

amazing New Year’s extravaganza, Rockabetty’s

has a look that you will love!

BETTY’S BUMPEveryone can be a Betty with this quick 10 minute up-do that is perfect for any holiday occasion.

Tools: Dry shampoo, hairspray, bobby pins, teasing comb, and a wand curling iron.

• Using your teasing comb, make a triangle

section on the top portion of your head.

• Spray dry shampoo on this portion of the

hair and work it in.

• Hairspray the section and use your teasing comb to

backcomb this section.

• Smooth the section over, pull your hair into a point in the

middle of the crown, and twist.

• Push twisted portion of the hair up and then pin with bobby

pins for the perfect Betty bump.

• Using the curling wand, curl 5-10 sections of hair to one side

of the head and bobby pin them.

• Start pulling the section of hair to that side and pinning it

with bobby pins.

• Run your fingers through the curls and pin the sections

into a bun.

• Add a holiday flower and you’re ready to go!

Hair & makeup: Amy Johnson

Model: Chelsi Williams

ROCK A NEW LOOKthis Holiday!Photography by Long Love Photography

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CAT EYEThe five minute quick, easy, and perfect Cat Eye.

Tools: Liquid or gel black eyeliner.

• Make an angled line from the corner of the eye.

• Apply liner along lash line and to the edge of that

line, making an empty triangle shape.

• Fill in with eyeliner and you will have the perfect cat

eye for every holiday occasion.

Makeup: Kathryn Porter

Model: Chelsi Williams

HOLIDAY PIN-UPQuick and easy pin-up down-do for all your holiday fun.

Tools: Pomade, hairspray,

bobby pins, metal clips,

curling iron, and teasing

brush.

• Curl all your hair and pin each curl with metal clips as you go.

• Take all the metal clips out, but do not comb curls out.

• Part your hair to one side.

• Backcomb both sides of the front section of your hair.

• Smooth both sections.

• Take one section and roll up the hair into a victory roll, then pin with bobby pins.

• Take the other side and do the same.

• Smooth out both sides with the teasing brush and pomade.

• Run your fingers through the curls and spray with hairspray.

Hair: Shaylyn Young

Makeup: Darcy Thomas

Model: Jennifer Drake

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Kathryn Porter is our little bit country

Betty, but don't let that fool you! This girl

does the best cat eyes in the business.

She specializes in updos and make-up.

THE BRAIDED BUMPSo quick and easy, anyone can do it!

Tools: Rat-tail comb, bobby pins, hairspray, and little rubber bands.

• Back comb the top portion of the hair (the crown).

• Smooth out the teased portion of the hair.

• Run your finger down both sides of the teased portion of the hair in a triangle shape and pin with bobby pins.

• At the base of the bump, start a fishtail braid by splitting the hair into two sections, then taking little pieces of each section and crossing them over one another.

• Repeat this until the rest of the remaining hair is all braided, then tie the rubber band to the end of the hair.

• Take the braid and pull it apart to desired fullness.

• Hairspray and you've got a fun, easy up-do for your holiday party.

Hair: Erika Bishop Makeup: Leah Vaught

Amy Johnson, aka The Boss Lady, is the

owner of Rockabetty’s. She specializes in

pretty much everything, from cuts to color

to up-dos to makeup to waxing.

Erika Bishop is the shop manager.

She specializes in makeup and

special effects makeup.

Shaylyn Young specializes in men's

cuts, does an amazing hard-line part,

and also specializes in color.

Darcy Thomas is our newest Betty,

specializing in cuts, color, and makeup.

Leah Vaught is our Mama-to-be Betty,

and she specializes in women's

cuts and color.

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Christmas Tree Lane!Photography by Brandi Schwartz Design and Photography

Welcome to

How did Christmas Tree Lane originate?I’m not sure how it all started, but there is an unspoken agreement that just seems to be understood by all. For over 25 years, the neighbors on Toyon have been decorating their homes. It started out as just a simple Christmas lights display but has transformed into a winter wonderland. From themes such as “Elf ” and “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” to a Christmas Carnival, every year gets better and better.

How do you get all of the neighbors onboard?Obviously there’s peer pressure, but it’s not a requirement to decorate. However, if you don’t decorate, you get “grinched,” which means you get a stuffed Grinch doll attached to your light post in the front yard!

How many homes participate?All 24 houses on Toyon participate, and the other streets have upped their game in the past few years, especially Red Bud.

When do you start preparing for your visitors?We usually start setting up soon after Thanksgiving. Most of us try for the next day, but it doesn’t always work out for everyone on the street.

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When should people come and visit the neighborhood?Any night in December is awesome; however, Santa is usually out passing candy canes on Friday and Saturday nights. To take full advantage of the experience, we recommend parking the car and walking around the neighborhood. With a cup of hot chocolate in hand, it is truly the best way to enjoy all the lights and displays. Coming out early (a couple of weeks before Christmas) will help you avoid getting stuck in a long line of traffic. Any special memory you would like to share?“My earliest memories of growing up on Toyon are of the Christmas season. Every Christmas, watching my parents and our neighbors turn our neighborhood into an enchanted street has become a magical childhood memory.” ~Morgan Meinking

What is it like to be part of the Christmas Magic?The holidays are filled with tradition, and on Christmas Tree Lane, we’re honored that many families include a visit to our neighborhood as an essential piece of their holiday season. I think for the most part people really enjoy the spectacle that our neighborhood has become; I know we love being a part of a special street in town.

Jason & Lori Meinking and Delaynii & Ryan Howard

DIRECTIONSWest on Highway 20Turn left onto El Margarita RoadRight onto Toyon Way

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PuffsIngredients:• 1 cup water• 1/2 cup butter

• 4 eggs

Directions:

Bavarian Cream FillingIngredients:• 1 cup sugar

• 2 tbsp butter

Directions:Chocolate GlazeIngredients:

Directions:

Take Time to Treat YourselfIn all the hustle and bustle of the holiday

season, we recommend taking time out to

treat yourself, so Sandi and Peri of Cakes

by Request are sharing a delicious recipe

that is perfect for doing just that! The

holiday season isn’t complete without special

gatherings with family and friends, and this

recipe is the perfect pairing for a cup of your

favorite coffee or tea at your holiday parties.

Enjoy!

Photography by Brandi Schwartz Design and Photography

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REUSE

This year, for the first time, Yuba Sutter residents will be able to dispose of their Christmas trees just like any other recyclable.

During the weeks of December 28th and January 2nd, residents with regular cart service can cut their natural, unflocked trees into four-foot lengths and leave them next to their carts on their regular service day. All stands and decorations must be removed because the tree will be ground into mulch and used as ground cover. Apartment residents with dumpster service may leave trees on Saturday, December 27th, and Saturday, January 3rd next to the dumpster.

Residents with flocked or artificial trees should dispose of them by cutting them into lengths and trimming the branches so the tree will fit into their gray trash containers. If the entire tree will not fit into the trash container, then parts of it should be placed in the trash container over the course of several weeks. Residents of single-family homes can also dispose of artificial or flocked trees by scheduling a bulky item pick-up by calling Recology Yuba-Sutter at 743-6933. Trees can also be disposed of for a small fee at the Marysville Transfer Station.

CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING

RECYCLEBROKEN ORNAMENTS? We all know it happens in the midst of decorating our tree: we accidentally drop and break one, two, or three of our ornaments. Instead of tossing them in the trash, stash them aside and get ready to make a cute Christmas craft that you can use every season. Barbara LaSalle, a local Christmas queen, shares with us how easy it is to make a holiday mirror from our broken ornaments.

Items Needed:Broken Ornaments, Mirror, Glue Gun

It's simple! Grab your glue gun and create your own masterpiece with your broken ornaments!

Photography by Brandi Schwartz Design and Photography

Dried Fruits Nuts • Confections

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We have a great selection of local food products and gifts.

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Sing, Talk, Read!It’s so important to spend quality time with your children during the holidays and a great way to do that is crafting.

What you’ll need:1 . . . . . . 11 x 17 Stretched

Canvas (w/frame)1 . . . . . . Red Craft Paint1 . . . . . . Green Craft Paint1 . . . . . . Yellow or Gold Craft Paint1 . . . . . . Pencil1 to 2 . . Cute Little Feet

This is a great holiday gift idea, but it can also become a treasured decoration as your children grow!

step #1: Using the green craft paint, paint the bottom of your child’s feet green. Have your child hold their foot in the air and press the canvas against their foot (do not have them step on the framed canvas as it could break). Let dry.

step #2: Using a pencil, draw in the areas for the bows/ribbons and the word Mistletoe and paint red with craft paint. Let dry.

step #3: Using the yellow/gold paint, paint large yellow circles randomly on the canvas. Let dry.

You’re done!Now show off your creativity to family and friends!

For more fun, easy, and inexpensive craft ideas for your little ones! Find us on Facebook or visit our Pinterest

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anukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew, refers to the eight-day

celebration where Jews commemorate the victory of the Maccabees and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in 165 B.C.E. According to legend, when the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple from the Greeks, they immediately re-lit the ner tamid (eternal light), which burns constantly in the Temple. In the Temple, they found a single jar of oil, which was sufficient for only one day. The messenger who was sent to secure additional oil took eight days to complete his mission, but miraculously, the single jar of oil continued to burn until his return. The rabbis attributed the eight days of Hanukkah to the miracle of this single jar of oil.

Modern celebrations of Hanukkah center around the lighting of the menorah, foods prepared in oil including latkes (potato pancakes), and special songs and games. Today, the holiday reminds Jews to rededicate themselves to stand against forces that would destroy Judaism and to keep alive the flame of Jewish religion and culture so that it may be passed on to the next generation.

During Hanukkah, one candle on the menorah is lit for each night. The candle for the first night is put on the right side. On each night after that, an additional candle is placed to the left of the previous night’s candle, and the candles are lit from left to right. Since these lights are holy, it is forbidden to make practical use of them; therefore, a special shamash (servant) candle is used to light the others.

Any member or members of the family may chant or recite the blessings. One person lights and holds the shamash, the blessings are pronounced, and then the candles are lit. Two blessings are chanted or recited every night of Hanukkah. The first is a blessing over the candles themselves. The second blessing expresses thanks for the miracle of deliverance. A third blessing—the Shehecheyanu prayer, marking all joyous occasions in Jewish life—is chanted or recited only on the first night.

The Hanukkah lights are always lit at sundown. When possible, the menorah is placed in a window or elsewhere in the home so that it can be seen from the outside. This custom is especially prevalent in Israel, where cities and towns hold public menorah-lighting ceremonies and the entire country is full of candles, bright with the celebration of the Festival of Lights. Many families use the eight-day period of Hanukkah to spend time together each night.

Latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts)—foods cooked in oil—are traditionally eaten during Hanukkah and serve as a symbol of the legend of the jar of oil that lasted for eight days. In Israel, pastry shops specialize in creating delicious and creative sufganiyot.

Ritual objects associated with Hanukkah include the menorah and the dreidel.

Menorah is a Hebrew word meaning “candelabrum” and refers to the ceremonial lamp in which Hanukkah candles are placed and blessed each night of the holiday. The nine branches include eight branches for each day of the holiday and one branch for the shamash (servant) candle that is used to light the other candles. The word dreidel derives from a German word meaning “spinning top,” and is the toy used in a Hanukkah game. The four sides of the top bear four Hebrew letters: nun, gimmel, hey, and shin. Players begin by putting into a central pot or “kitty” a certain number of chocolate coins (known as gelt), nuts, buttons, or other small objects. Each player in turn spins the dreidel and plays as follows:

nun – take nothing;gimmel – take everything;hey – take half;shin – put one in.

Over time, the letters on the dreidel were reinterpreted to stand for the first letter of each word in the Hebrew statement “Neis gadol hayah sham,” which means, “A great miracle happened there” and refers

to the defeat of the Syrian army and the re-dedication of the Temple.

Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev. Because the Hebrew calendar is a lunar calendar, the date of Hanukkah changes every year. This year, the first night of Hanukkah will be celebrated on December 16 and the last candle will be lit on December 24. Source: The Jewish Home (Revised Edition) by Daniel B. Syme

Miriam Root has been a member of the local synagogue, Yuba-Sutter Congregation Beth Shalom, for over 20 years. She is past-president of the Board of Directors and a current member-at-large of the synagogue board.

By Miriam Root

Hanukkah

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It’s Back!

STARTS JANUARY 5

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On the morning of December 18, 1971, a newborn baby girl was found abandoned just outside Fremont Memorial Hospital. The baby was just a few hours old. After years of curiosity and the desire to find out about her birth family, Jennifer Chervin, known originally as “Baby Jane,” shares her journey of hope with us.

Have you always known you were adopted?

Yes, I have always known I was adopted. My parents told me at a very young age. However, I did not know I had been abandoned until my early 20’s. I had asked about possibly searching for my birth parents and my parents told me at that time it wouldn’t be an easy search, as I was abandoned.

your birth parents?

It was shortly after that, in the early 90’s when I decided to search for answers. I wanted to know why I had been left behind. What had happened?

How did you go about your research?

Several years ago, I made contact with the Yuba City Police Department. A retired

detective went to the local library and pulled up the newspaper articles on my abandonment, and then tried to look up information on the nurses who found me and the judge who handled my case. All were deceased at that time. The newspaper offered to do a front-page story to reach out to the community in the hopes that someone might remember something. I set up a PO Box and it was posted in the article. I did receive letters, but only from prisoners wanting to be my friend, unfortunately. At that time, the internet was not what it is now, with Facebook and various search

tools, so I was limited in what I could do. I did not have a birth certificate with my birth parents’ names on it, so I could not petition a court to open files. YCPD had destroyed their files on me because at that time, they were only required to keep them for three years, so I was also unable to see any investigation reports. I never really gave up, but after the newspaper article ran, I felt there wasn’t much more I could do.

In March of this year, I woke up one morning and was looking at the news on my internet homepage. There it was: a story about an abandoned baby who had found her mother. I thought if she could do it, why couldn’t I? I quickly put together a brief summary of my story and a picture, and posted it on a search page called People Seeking People on Facebook. That is when my search took off. My

story was shared in all fifty states as well as abroad. I received messages from thousands of people, from as far away as India, Japan, and Europe. I was then interviewed a second time by the Appeal Democrat, and a local news station also linked up with an affiliate station in Sacramento in hopes to reach someone in the area I was found in who might know something. Someone also suggested I do DNA testing to see if I might have biological family out there. This was something I hadn’t thought of doing, so I started that process right away.

Journey of Hope

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W I S H I N G Y O U J O Y A N D

M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S F R O M T H E H O Y B J E R G F A M I L Y & O R T H O D O N T I C T E A M !

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What has been the most frustrating part of this journey?

The most frustrating part of my journey was the DNA testing. The DNA matches I received were only distant cousins. It was not an easy task to try to figure out our relation. I spent day after day during the summer building family trees of those DNA cousin matches. I felt so overwhelmed because I didn’t know who I was looking for. All I knew was a location where I was found. How could I figure this out? There have been many tear-filled days.

What has been the most rewarding?

The most rewarding part of my search are the people I have met along the way. A DNA expert who corresponded with me via email gave me charts and tried to explain how connecting dots with cousins worked. Then, a distant cousin match of mine came out of nowhere and sent me an email. He had noticed I was a match on his X chromosome and was curious how we connected. He had Googled my name and found my story and decided to contact me. He said he liked a good challenge and was on board to help. This distant cousin has been my hero

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in connecting the DNA cousin dots. I am amazed by his kindness, patience, and the gift of his time.

I have met a wonderful lady who was at the hospital the night I was found as she was in labor with her son. I have since been able to meet her, and I consider her family. I have also met a fellow foundling, a woman from Marysville who was found on the steps of a Catholic Church. She was in the process of her search also, was an amazing source of knowledge, and also one of my biggest cheerleaders. We made a pact to not give up. We knew someday we would get our answers, and we deserved to know our beginnings. There are many more people who I have met during this journey who have helped me more than words can express. All of these people have changed my life and become a part of my story. This has been the most rewarding part of my journey.

birth family?

I have always felt something was missing, and a pull or tug on my heart. I had to find out where I came from and where my roots were. I also really wanted to be able to finally fill out the medical history section of a medical form. In all my years, I have seen various doctors for different things and have never been able to say what my family medical history is. It is such a frustration, and also a bit scary; what could be down the road as I age, and how can I possibly be proactive?

I would also love to be able to pass that information on to my son and his kids in the future. My husband was also adopted, so our son has no history at all to go on. Luckily, my husband was able to find half of his biological family, so our son is able to draw some from that history. I have so many questions about what made me, ME. I have a deep longing to know. A feeling that will not go away. I have to try. I have to search for the answers.

What would you like to tell them?

If I find my biological parents, I would like to tell them thank you. I would not be who I am today if it weren’t for their choice. I am here, I have a wonderful family, and a wonderful life.

What would you like them to know about you?

If they wanted to know about me, I would say that I am strong. I am a survivor. I am stubborn and I do not give up. I am kind, and I am also a bit shy. I grew up in a good home with wonderful family. I love animals, photography, and basketball. I’m a deep thinker, and I love to write. My son is my whole world, and I am so proud to be his mom.

Have you had the support of family and friends along your journey?

Yes, I have had overwhelming support from friends and family during this search. My parents support me in my search for answers, and are fascinated about the history I am uncovering with my DNA ancestry. My cousin, Jessica, has been one of my biggest supporters as well. She is a journalist and has helped me with the media. But, most importantly, she has been in my corner from day one. My friends are always supportive and willing to help in any way possible.

If I find my birth parents, it would mean I would no longer feel that tug on my heart, or a void in my life. It would mean more to me than I can attempt to explain. Good or bad, I would have answers about where I came from, instead of being the baby found on a sidewalk. I would be able to build a biological family tree. I would know my beginnings.

The most rewarding part

of my search are the people I have met along

the way.

or me, creating a holiday tradition has always been firmly rooted in the word “making.” From the time I was a little girl, I’ve always made things to make the holiday special. As I think back on the traditions that I treasure the most, they are those where I have made things for someone I love, and memories with someone I love.

As a little girl, a young woman, a mother, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother, I have made prints, paintings, quilts, baked goods, and dinners for friends during the holiday season. I’ve also received many handmade ornaments and gifts from loved ones. Together, my family and I have made holiday cards, decorations, and more cookies than one should ever eat! I’ve hosted an annual Christmas party for our friends and family where everyone gets into the act of making holiday memories and more traditions to share with each other year after year.

As the years have passed and I have journeyed through the many stages in my life, I find great comfort in the holiday season. Decorating for Christmas is a celebration of all the memories made as my family has grown through the years. The familiar feeling of joy that comes from preparing every detail for the holidays and making something for someone special is Christmas!

This year, my tradition will continue—I’m going to make more time for family and friends because they truly are the best gifts in my life.

Mary Carr

The Art of Making Holiday TraditionsPhotography by: Brandi Schwartz Design and Photography & Melissa Cooke Photography

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