December 2009 Archives

The Safe Families program made its Southern Calif. debut this year through the foster and adoption agency Olive Crest. Several families in Orange and Los Angeles Counties became involved in the program in 2009 and another 30 churches throughout the two counties will launch Safe Families in 2010.

Olive Crest is hoping to expand the program into the Inland region as well in 2010.

Safe Families is a church-based program in which trained volunteer families open their homes to at-risk children (newborn through 18 years old) on a temporary basis for parents experiencing a short-term emergency such as hospitalization or a long-term crisis such as drug abuse.

The program is designed to keep struggling parents from losing their children to the child welfare system, and to help the children remain safe, loved and cared for during a difficult time.

Frank and Nancie Carpenter were the first Southern Calif. family to receive a placement. The couple has two grown children and are soon to be first-time grandparents. They took in a 2-year-old named Joe whose 26-year-old mother was incarcerated for theft.

Written by guest author Dianne Bright:

It's getting close to that time when people lay out their ambitious resolutions for the new year. Drink more water. Pay off debt. Eat better and exercise more. Floss your teeth this year. Simplify and reduce stress. Enjoy more quality time with family. Learn to play the guitar by actually practicing the damn thing (that makes sense, right?).

Dianne Bright
Guest Author

With so many "to do" items, resolutions can be overwhelming. So, scratch the top ten and try for one simple goal instead. Mine is going to be...to love better. I want to love myself better this year and to love my family more sacrificially as well. This includes a host of altruistic resolutions too because it means that I'll nourish myself and others along the way. In my noble pursuit to love better, I'll take time out to rest and to feed my own passions and pursuits, such as music, health, and writing.

The Taco Bell Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana will ring in the New Year a little early with a Noon Year's Eve balloon drop on Dec. 31 at noon to 2 p.m.

Festivities begin at 10 a.m. and are free with paid admission. In addition to the balloon drops, activities will include making seltzer rockets, constructing party hats and karaoke for all ages. Families can also learn about the different time zones and check into when each different zone will roll over into 2010.

The Science Center is located at 2500 N. Main St. in Santa Ana. Admission costs $12.95 for adults and $9.95 for children ages 3 to 17. For more information call 714-542-2823 or visit www.discoverycube.org.

So the kids have been on vacation for weeks. They're hopped up on fudge, sugar cookies and who knows what else. Soon it will be time to head back to school, which means early mornings, packed lunches, homework and all that stuff.

After two to three weeks of vacation, how do you get back on a schedule? Here are some ideas aimed at getting families back on track:

The first thing to do is throttle back on the sugar. Start working the carrot sticks in the diet and the pecan bars out. No need to go cold turkey - we don't want a sugar crash.

Next start working on a routine again, with decent bed times, early rising times and meals at regular intervals. Better to ease back into the routine, instead of shocking the system early Monday morning.

Get those kids reading and writing. Use up a gift certificate or two from Santa for books they'll enjoy that will also get those little brains working again. And I'll bet the friends and family would enjoy hand-written thank you cards for all the gifts.

I love the holidays, but it always feels good to get back in the swing of things again when it all winds down.

The year is quickly coming to a close, which means resolutions time. As usual mine are focused on getting organized (a never-ending battle), better health and financial goals. I think instead of lists this year, I'm going to focus on the right mindset.

So here's the plan:

First, I'll have a better attitude. Even though it might seem like EVERYTHING is going wrong sometimes, I won't give in and wallow - despite the fact that a good wallow can be tempting.

Second, I won't sweat the little things. So my daughter sometimes chooses outfits so mismatched they make my eyes cross. So our snotty cat is obsessed with sharpening her claws in one random spot in our living room (despite my constant attempts at covering it so she can't get at it). So the pretty tan interior of my car doesn't look so new and pretty anymore no matter how much I scrub. So what.

Third, I'll take things one at a time. I want to be better organized - with everything from bill paying to my closets. But it can't all be done in a day. Boo. So my goal is to hack at these things a little at a time until the effort pays off.

OK, I guess I made a list after all. But I like lists. Whatever works. If you have goals, lists, ambitions or plans for 2010 that you'd like to share, please make a comment or shoot me an e-mail at jdean@PE.com and I'd be happy to post.

Visit the San Bernardino County Museum on Sunday, January 10 at 2 p.m. and you can learn about the elusive Explodosaurus.

Curator of Geology J. Chris Sagebiel will host the lecture "Assembling the Explodosaurus," which happens to be the nickname for an exhibit being built for the new Hall of Geological Wonders.

"Inspired by recent exhibits of human anatomy, the Explodosaurus will allow museum guests to explore the anatomy of dinosaurs. Not just the bones, but also the skin, organs, feathers, eggs, behavior - the whole kit-n-kaboodle," Sagebiel said.

In his lecture, Sagebiel will explain the science behind the exhibit, and the inside story behind the innards.

The lecture is free with museum admission, which is $8 for adults, $6 for military or seniors, $5 for students and $4 for children ages 5 to 12. Admission for children under age five and Museum Association members is free. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org.

Mickey Mouse and Friends are scheduled to rock Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario on January 15 and 16 with the musical adventure, "Disney Live! Rockin' Road Show."

The classic characters will be featured in an original storyline produced by Feld Entertainment - the producers of "Disney On Ice." In the show, Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald head out on an adventure and find some friends to help them out. Kids can sing along, dance and hang with Buzz Lightyear and Woody from "Toy Story," Cinderella, Tigger and many others.

Where: Citizens Business Bank Arena, 4000 E. Ontario Center Parkway, Ontario
When: 7 p.m. Jan. 15; 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Jan. 16
Price: $60/$36/$25/$20
Tickets: 800-745-3000, www.disneylive.com or www.ticketmaster.com

San Bernardino County Museum is inviting families to slow down, relax and try out a needlepoint activity at the museum's Family Fun Day activity, "Needlepoint!" on Saturday, Jan. 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Create your own design or use one of ours to create your own needlepoint ornament or bookmark. All activities are free with paid museum admission.

"Visitors will learn how to stitch a small ornament or bookmark using their own design or one of ours," said Nancy Kirkwood, museum educator. "The needlepoint activities are appropriate for beginners from ages 4 to 94--everyone is welcome to try their hands at this traditional skill."

Where: San Bernardino County Museum, 2024 Orange Tree Lane, Redlands
When: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9
Admission: $8 adults; $6 military or seniors; $5 students; $4 children ages 5 to 12
Information: 909-307-2669, www.sbcountymuseum.org

Ring in the New Year eccentric-professor style at Pennypickles Workshop at the Temecula Children's Museum. The professor is looking for kids too young to stay up late, who would like to celebrate the New Year at noon instead of midnight.

Tickets for the event, which takes place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., cost $5. Space is limited. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 951-308-6376 or visit http://pennypickles.org/events.htm

Weekly Family Dining Profile: We're looking for places that are kid friendly, have good prices and healthy menus.

Here is the rundown on our Old Spaghetti Factory experience:

This week the kids and I took the family dining roadshow to the Old Spaghetti Factory in Redlands, which just opened earlier this month. Located in the building previously known as "Babe's Slim Pig N's Barbecue," the new restaurant was packed with diners - and plenty of staff to accommodate the crowd.

We were quickly seated and while I studied the menu, I was treated to a steady stream of constant chatter from both kids. It was quite a window into their daily lives.

I heard that one of my daughter's friends pushed her off the monkey bars and then said, "That's what you get." I also learned she MUST take gymnastics so she can do the splits both ways like one of her BFFs. And, I was told that my one of my son's friends "puked" in his math book and was then asked to guess which page got hit. Another friend is apparently "the fastest eater" in the entire school.

Sometimes it's tempting to plant the kids in front of the TV with dinner plates and bask in the silence. But I'm so glad on this night I got to learn that that elementary school girlfriend dynamics are still the same - drama city. And even though the boy stories always seem to include something disgusting, we were laughing so hard we didn't care.

While talking, we mowed through two loaves of great sour dough bread with garlic butter, two bowls of minestrone soup and a creamy Caesar salad. The kids' meals cost $4.99 each and include an appetizer, entrée, drink and dessert. Both kids chose macaroni and cheese. There wasn't a noodle left on a plate.

I chose the Manager's Favorite for $9.99, which includes soup or salad and the choice of pairing any two classic sauces in a pasta combination plate. I did the meat sauce and mizithra cheese with browned butter. For dessert we had two bowls of spumoni ice cream and one vanilla.

The food was great, the atmosphere was fun and the company even better. I'm wondering though ... if I hear every detail of the kids daily activities, what are friends and teachers hearing on the other side?

THE OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY
The restaurant chain has several Inland locations. Visit www.osf.com for menus and hours.
Rancho Cucamonga
Where: 11896 Foothill Blvd.
Contact: 909-980-3585
Redlands
Where: 1635 Industrial Park Ave.
Contact: 909-798-7774
Riverside
Where: 3191 Mission Inn Ave.
Contact: 951-784-4417

Cinderella and her helpful mice friends will find their happily ever after at the LifeHouse Theater beginning January 9 at 7:30 p.m.

"Cinderella" performances will take place through Feb. 14 on Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:15 p.m. (except opening night) and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:15 p.m. In addition to weekend performances, there will be a special performance Thursday, Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. and another on Saturday, Jan. 23 will feature an interpreted presentation for the deaf. The theater is located at 1135 N. Church St. in Redlands.

Advance ticket prices are $14 or $18 for adults and $7 or $9 for children ages 3-11 (no children under age 3 are admitted). Tickets can be purchased over the phone with a Visa or MasterCard by calling 909-335-3037, ext. 21 or in person at the box office, which is open Fridays from 1 to 6 p.m. Tickets cost an addition $1 if purchased on the day of the performance.

Following "Cinderella," LifeHouse Theater will present the drama, "The Cross and the Switchblade," which will open at the theater in Feb.

Admission to the San Bernardino County Museum is free Sunday, January 3, thanks to the sponsor, Target. The museum will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a demonstration from the American Needlepoint Guild giving demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The museum's Exploration Station live animal gallery will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. This is always a favorite with my kids. Poor mom is forced to touch snakes and let live tarantulas crawl on her - or at least take pictures of the kids doing these activities.

For more information on the museum's free first Sundays program or current exhibitions, call 909-307-2669 or visit www.sbcountymuseum.org.

A Temecula mom was the recipient of the 2009 Tillywig Sterling Fun award for the newest addition to her line of handcrafted dolls known as Friends Forever Girls.

"We're honoring Friends Forever Girls not only for the new Kristina Doll, but for creating a product line that fosters a sense of community, smart choices and self esteem among girls," said Dan Levy, who oversees the national Tillywig Toy Award program. "It's a powerful, positive and much-needed message they're conveying."

Kristi Necochea, founder of Friends Forever Girls, created the line of dolls as a way of filling what she saw as a void in the existing market of high-quality dolls.

"I wanted to create a sense of community ... a sense of belonging that's communicated through the dolls' characters and through the positive stories told in the Friends Forever Girls book that comes with each doll," Necochea said.

There are six ethnically diverse dolls, each with unique personality traits in the collection. The line includes Friends Forever Girls books, doll clothing and accessories.

The dolls can be found at www.friendsforevergirls.com and www.amazon.com.

The Riverside County Department of Public Health on Tuesday will hold a free swine flu vaccination clinic in Moreno Valley for all county residents.

The clinic will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alessandro gym near Moreno Valley High School at 23301 Dracaea Ave.

Everyone will be vaccinated. However, people in the following priority groups are encouraged to be vaccinated:

*Children and young people ages 6 months to 24 years old.

*Caregivers of infants younger than six months old.

*Health care workers.

*Pregnant women.

*Adults ages 25 to 64 with chronic medical conditions.

Call 211 or 800-464-1123 or go to www.rivcoph.org for information.

Craft & Hobby Association's Craft SuperShow will be at the Anaheim Convention Center January 22 and 23. The super show will immediately precede the 69th annual CHA Winter Convention & Trade Show.

The Craft SuperShow is designed to introduce people to new crafts by providing a venue where crafters are exposed to all different types of crafts. The objective is to provide cross-promotional opportunities for crafters where knitters can get hooked on scrapbooking, scrapbookers can try quilting, quilters can experiment with beading, and so on.

The January 22nd show will go on from noon to 8 p.m. and the Jan. 23rd show will go on from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission costs $20 for both days or $15 for a single day. Kids under age 10 get in free with a paying adult.

Weekly Family Dining Profile: We're looking for places that are kid friendly, have good prices and healthy menus.

Here is the rundown on our Dairy Queen experience:

Dairy Queen is celebrating the holiday in a sweet way -- with the Candy Cane Chill Blizzard and Candy Cane Chill Blizzard Cake.

Special to The Press-Enterprise

Every year the kids and I add a pack or two of candy canes to our Christmas trees and we usually chow our way through at least half the decorations by the time the big day finally arrives. The idea of candy canes in Blizzard form sounded pretty irresistible.

So, the kids and I spent an evening at Dairy Queen one night this week and did some taste testing. We got a Candy Cane Chill Blizzard, a banana split and a vanilla ice cream cone dipped in chocolate.

Yes, it was about 40 degrees outside and we were eating frozen treats, but with the candy cane flavoring, it all somehow worked.

The Blizzard included peppermint candy cane pieces and chocolate chunks, mixed with DQ soft serve. The banana split had strawberry, pineapple and chocolate toppings over DQ soft serve served with a sliced banana.

The chocolate dipped vanilla cone sounds plain, but it was clearly the favorite of the night. Guess you just can't beat the classics.

Prices were good, with the medium sized cone at just over $2, the banana split at $2 and the Candy Cane Chill Blizzard at about $3.50.

Dairy Queen
To locate a Dairy Queen near you, visit www.dairyqueen.com.
Menu: On the treats side there are sundaes, ice cream cakes, blizzards, slushes, cones and cups. On the meal side there are burgers, chicken strips, wraps and an assortment of sides.
Cost: $1.29-$3.99 desserts; $1.49-$5.29 meals. Prices vary among locations.

The city of Fontana is challenging the public to get healthy.

With New Year's resolutions just around the corner, the City Council and Mayor have rolled out the Healthy Fontana 2010 Healthy Lifestyle Challenge, which includes a Web program with tips, an interactive progress log and more.

The program, located at www.healthyfontana.org, is free. For more information, you can also call 909-350-6542.

Chicagohealers.com offered some safety tips for parents shopping for the perfect toy this holiday seasoning. Lead poisoning can damage the nervous system, kidneys and the reproductive system. Exposure is most dangerous to young and unborn children.

ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner Dr. Diane Meyer suggests these tips to holiday shoppers:

• Avoid no-name products and be careful when buying items at dollar stores, street fairs, vending machines, thrift stores or yard sales.
• Buy age-appropriate toys. Children age two and under are most at risk for putting things in their mouths. The American Academy of Pediatrics has a list of age-appropriate toys on its Web site.
• Avoid vintage toys and antique furniture that may have been painted with older lead-based paint. If the item is a keepsake or collectible, put it away until your child is older.
• Be mindful when purchasing anything your young one may be putting in their mouth, on their skin or in the tub. Things that are put into on onto the body (inhalers, lotion, makeup, etc.) will have a greater impact regarding the effects of the toxic substance.
• Make sure arts and crafts items you buy for your children are non-toxic. Lead has been banned from children's paints but adult artist's paints and ceramic glazes can contain lead and other toxic heavy metals. Look for water-based paints and glues.
• Remember heat will make most chemicals come out faster and heat from bath water makes skin much more absorbable. So toxins can enter your child more easily in the tub/shower.
• Conduct frequent sort and toss sessions and discard toys with chipped paint, deteriorated plastic or other broken or damaged parts.
• To avoid lead exposure from sources in the home, keep floors and other play areas clean and free of dust and debris. Wash your children's hands and playthings often.

Dr. Tony Woodward, chief of emergency medicine at Seattle Children's Hospital suggested these 10 tips for choosing safe and appropriate toys for the holiday season (and any other time):

• Check the labels to make sure the toy is age-appropriate and matches your child's skill level.
• Avoid toys with small pieces for children under age 3 - these can become choking hazards. A good rule of thumb: If it can fit in a toilet paper role, it is too small.
• For toddlers and babies, avoid toys with metal parts, cords or strings.
• Avoid letting young children play with toys that have magnets. Warn older children to never put magnets in their mouths.
• For electric toys, only choose ones that say "UL Approved" - this means they have passed certain safety standards.
• Dispose of plastic wrapping and other packaging right away.
• Help your child understand the instructions.
• Check toys often for damage - if a toy cannot be fixed, throw it away.
• If you have older children, remember to keep their toys out of reach of your toddler or infant.
• Sign up to receive recall notices on child products, including toys, from the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission at www.cpsc.gov.

The Southwest Women's Chorus will be holding auditions for the spring season on January 5 and 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater.

The chorus group is looking for women who can carry a tune, have a good blending voice, love choral music and are willing to dedicate time to an established chorus. The ability to read music is desirable, but not necessary.

Founded in 2000, the chorus' repertoire includes a variety of classical, spiritual, folk and old standards. Members grow in interpretive skills, vocal quality and sight-singing ability. Meetings are Tuesday nights from 7-9:45 p.m. in the upstairs rehearsal room at the theater.

Women interested in auditioning can call 951-926-4100 for more details or visit www.southwestwomenschorus.org.

Written by guest author Dianne Bright:

I'm so thankful for our soldiers and their sacrifice, especially to those who have given their own lives for our freedoms. Thank you American soldiers for fighting for us! God bless you and God bless America! Let's remember to pray for and help the families who are left behind. Their sacrifice is beyond description!

Dianne Bright
Guest Author

Song for the Fallen Soldiers:

I love the snowflakes falling on my face...
I love the chocolate candies and the roses for Valentine's...
The green you never wore, so I got to pinch you and the roast beef with cabbage that smelled so good.

I love spring flowers blooming all around...the kids chasing butterflies...and the rainbows that come after the showers fill the skies.
Then the cute cards for Mother's Day that you helped the kids make...they'll always be in my heart, honey, because they meant so much to me.

The picnics that we shared...the green crisp grass that filled the fields.
The hot dogs, cotton candy, and the kettle corn that you loved.
I love drinking iced tea and reading a good book, while the kids ride their bikes and twirl around.
The laughter is so beautiful, like your face that never lied.

Oh, to see your face again. We would love to see your face again.
I would hug you more and kiss you like I meant it every time.
I'd forgive you and I'd say "I'm sorry" first.

I love the new school-year and the smell of school supplies.
Everything is fresh and crisp and full of surprise.
The girls dress up as princesses and Jake defends them well. He's our little soldier, following you since you fell.
November hits and our tummies are full of delight.
Pies, stuffing, turkey, and snow-topped hills are our delight.

Presents begin to pour into the house, too many to count or care.
The only one we really want is the warmth that you brought with care.
Christmas without you, it's too much to bare.
But, then I look into their eyes, and I see you there.

Oh to see your face again. We would love to see your face again.
I would hug you more and kiss you like I meant it every time.
I'd forgive you and I'd say "I'm sorry" first.

Then, it's a new year without you. I feel so lost and so cold.
But, I thank you for the man you were because it made us who we are.
You served and loved and we're forever grateful.
Because of you, we're who we are.
You will always live inside our hearts...forever and beyond.

'Disney On Ice" is skating back to the Inland region with a brand new show. "Disney On Ice" presents "Worlds of Fantasy" will be at the Honda Center from Dec. 22 to 27 and the Citizens Business Bank Arena from Dec. 30 to Jan. 3. The all new show will feature some of Disney's new characters combined with the classics.

"From the contemporary feel of 'Cars' and 'Tinker Bell' to the timeless quality of 'The Little Mermaid' and 'The Lion King,' audiences will see four completely different Disney worlds brought to life," said Kenneth Feld, the show's producer.

The show begins when Mickey and Minnie Mouse embark on an adventure in their little red roadster, which unexpectedly breaks down. "Cars" characters show up and get the roadster running again. As the road trip continues, Mickey and Minnie visit with the cast of "The Little Mermaid" and then "The Lion King."

The set for Pixie Hollow was of particular interest to production designer Jeremy Railton.
"Audiences are just getting to know Pixie Hollow, so it was important to me to capture the lushness and the scale detailed in the film," Railton said. "Tinker Bell" tells the tale of how Tinker Bell came to life and the fairies prepare for spring.

Prior to each performance, there will be a "Disney Princess PreShow," which will include a collection of ball gowns and mementos from Disney Princess stories and a special appearance by a princess.

'DISNEY ON ICE'
Where: Honda Center,
When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22; 1 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Dec. 23; 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m. Dec. 24; 4:30 p.m. Dec. 25; noon, 3:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Dec. 26; noon, 3:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Dec. 27
Where: Citizens Business Bank Arena
When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 30; 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m. Dec. 31; 3:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Jan. 1; noon, 3:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Jan. 2; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. 7 p.m. Jan. 3
Cost: $16, $20, $25, $45, $65
Tickets: 800-745-3000, www.disneyonice.com or www.ticketmaster.com

Written by guest author Dianne Bright:

Love + Adventure + Tenacity + Energy + Passion = Bravery. I'm not sure of all the exact ingredients for bravery, but these are some of them for sure. When I think of my three kids, bravery is one of the attributes I'd love it instill in them the most. That doesn't mean being the best at everything they do; in fact, it actually means the opposite. Their willingness to stand out and to try new things brings out the essence of boldness. If my kid is willing to go for something he's not especially skillful at, simply because he wants to try something new, that might be the bravest thing of all.

Dianne Bright
Guest Author

Failing feels lousy at any age. In fact, that's why some kids and adults decide not to try new things. Or, it's why they decide not to do something again. They say "No way" to that potential relationship because the first three failed. They say "No way" to that writing contest because they've gotten one too many rejection letters. When the series of "what ifs" enters into the mental arena, fear takes over and it sabotages the possibility of adventures to come. The passion and adrenaline get squelched by the flames of doubt and insecurity. The would-be attempts fade into the pit of defeat, also known as the abyss of "NO-WAY-NOT-ME!"

The Temecula Murrieta Rescue Mission is looking for food and time donations to help meet the huge need from homeless and impoverished families this holiday season.

Currently, the Mission distributes food boxes to families in need every Wednesday evening from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Rancho Community Church in Temecula. Organizers are asking the community to donate money, grocery gift cards or non-perishable food basics like dry cereal, peanut butter, jelly, canned tuna, pasta and canned vegetables.

"The demand for assistance from homeless and impoverished families affected by the recession in the Temecula Valley is overwhelming," said Jim Palmer, president of the Rescue Mission. "We are in a constant battle to gather enough food and supplies to meet the extraordinary need that exists in this community."

The Mission also operates a newly-launched mobile medical clinic run by a staff of volunteer nurses and doctors who donate their time to see patients every Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m.

"We are in desperate need of qualified volunteers from the healthcare profession to help us staff and operate the clinic more than just one night per week," said David Jones, director of the Mission.

To make a donation or inquire about volunteer opportunities, call 951-526-1200 or visit www.rescuemissiontm.org.

Jodie Holt, a UC Riverside scientist who provided botanical expertise for Pandora, the extraterrestrial moon in James Cameron's new film, "Avatar," will participate in a Q&A Saturday, Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Edwards Ontario Palace Stadium 22 & Imax.

Holt, a professor of plant physiology at UC Riverside, will discuss how she helped filmmakers portray the extraterrestrial Pandora ecosystem credibly. She also mentored Sigourney Weaver in portraying a botanist in the film, which premiers worldwide Friday, Dec. 18.

The theater is located at 4900 East Fourth Street in Ontario. Regal Entertainment Group, the event's host, plans to give away movie posters, T-shirts and character toys during the Q&A.

Weekly Family Dining Profile: We're looking for places that are kid friendly, have good prices and healthy menus.

Here is the rundown on our Sonic Drive-In experience:

This week the kids and I enjoyed something we haven't had since our last trip out of state -- we ate at a Sonic Drive-In. Sonics pepper the Midwest and several Southern states, but the Inland region has been missing out for years.

Recently locations have opened in Hemet and Murrieta.

We visited the Murrieta location and brought some other pint-sized reviewers with us to test out our So Cal Sonic.

At Sonics you have two dining options. You can pull into a parking stall and dine in your car, or you can sit at an outdoor table. The servers were all on roller skates (I'm always so impressed by their coordination -- bad things would happen if I served our meals on roller skates). However, my son was disappointed that he didn't get to skate too.

Apparently the Murrieta location is doing very well because there wasn't one parking slot open, so we did our dining in the great outdoors.

The kids meal options include an entrée like chicken strips, a junior burger, a corn dog or a grilled cheese sandwich. The meals come with the side dish choices of apple slices with caramel dip, a banana, fries or tots and a drink (there are about 25 options here). They also come with the requisite toy.

There was some variety among the kids' choices. One went with a grilled cheese sandwich, two got hamburgers and one chose a corndog. We all had to get tater tots with our meals. Where else can you get tots?

And most of us had to sample the slushes. Again, where else can you get slushes? Shakes and smoothies yes. But slushes aren't easily found in this region.

Our flavors were strawberry, bubble gum and grape -- all delicious.

Grown ups got the popcorn chicken meal and a grilled chicken sandwich.
There wasn't a crumb left on a single kid's wrapper AND they started digging through my popcorn chicken after finishing their meals.

The consensus among the mini reviewers was that the "food is great" and "we should go all the time."

Grownups liked it too. Especially those slushes. I think they should be a staple item in every drive through.

Sonic Drive-In
Inland locations: 3651 West Stetson, Hemet or 39490 Murrieta Hot Springs, Murrieta
Menu: Burgers, chicken, salads, coneys, sides and a variety of drink options
Price: About $3 for kids meals; about $5-$7 for adult meals
Information: www.sonicdrivein.com

Written by guest author and former major leaguer Jack Perconte:

If done right, parents can buy a sport's gift for their child without having to return it and without seeing that "I wanted one, but not that one" look on their face. Buying tips for parents looking for a special gift for their athlete son or daughter without breaking the bank:

Jack Perconte

1. Take inventory of child's equipment to see what might be possible gift ideas.

2. Place emphasis on what a child may need first, as opposed to what they desire. Sometimes these are one and the same items but it can be difficult for parents when they are not, especially for families where money is an issue. Buying a gift based only on a kid's desire means parents will have to buy the needed item later on anyway.

3. Put emphasis on the child's favorite sports. They may not be enthused with a gift of a sport that they are not that interested in.

With the tightening of the financial belt this year, the thought of buying presents is pretty stressful. You sit down with a glass of Chardonnay to write out your list and feel flabbergasted by its length. It includes ten extended family members, four or five neighbors, about five close friends, three teachers, and then your own immediate family.

Dianne Bright
Guest Author

That doesn't include the charity gift for the upcoming Boy Scout's party or the one for your daughter's dance instructor. Then, there are cards, snacks for the festivities, and you really do need some new shoes for your kids' church performance next Sunday. So, how can you do it on a thinner budget? Here are five suggestions to save a little dough this holiday season.

First, go electronic when possible. This might seem kind of impersonal, but it could actually save some money. Many online gift purchases include free or minimal shipping charges. If you have a Costco card, check out their amazing online gift baskets starting at just $19.99. Most of them include free shipping and handling, so what you see is what you get. Also, if you haven't tried Overstock.com for a variety of items, now's the time to check out their website. With their less than $3 shipping no matter what you buy, you're bound to save some green.

Big Bear Lake is cooler than ever this year thanks to a brand new winter attraction.

The Ice Garden Skating Rink, located at the heart of the Big Bear Village, opens Friday, Dec. 11. The last outdoor ice rink in Big Bear closed its doors about three decades ago.

Dan McKernan/Big Bear Lake Resort Association

"One of the top most requested questions we get from visitors is ... they want to know if there's a place to go ice skating here in Big Bear," said Rebecca Hrabia, Big Bear Lake Resort Association Visitor Information Service Director. "The age old question has finally been answered. Yes indeed, Big Bear now has an ice rink!"

The Ice Garden Skating Rink will remain open through the first week of April, weather premitting.

Hours: noon-6 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; noon to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Cost: $8 adults; $6 children 13 and younger; $4/person skate rental
Information: 800-424-4232 or www.bigbear.com

There are 14 days of shopping left until Christmas and I've been wracking my brain trying to figure out how to eeck out the last few gifts on a quickly dwindling budget. I got a press release today on a Web site called PromotionalCodes.com and decided to see what I could find.

I don't usually write about this kind of thing, but WOW. The site is basically a clearinghouse for coupon-type sites and within about 5 minutes I was sitting here with a 30 percent off Borders coupon, a $10 off Old Navy coupon, a 20 percent of Macys coupon and I'm still looking.

So if you're trying to stretch your last couple bucks to wrap up the shopping, check it out. I was pleasantly surprised.

Perris' 21st annual Perris Christmas parade is set to start marching at 10 a.m. Saturday along a route that travels south on Perris Boulevard from Perris High School toward City Hall.

In addition to floats, marching bands, horse-back riders, classic cars and military drill units the parade will feature an elephant from the local Have Trunk Will Travel Refuge as well as Santa Claus.

The judging stand will set up in front of the Cesar Chavez Library on Perris Blvd.

--Julissa McKinnon
jmckinnon@PE.com

St. Bernardine Medical Center on Friday will hold a free swine flu vaccination clinic at the hospital.

The clinic will begin at 7 a.m. at the hospital's Matich Conference Center at 2101 N. Waterman Ave.

Vaccinations will be for people in priority groups established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. Priority groups include pregnant woman, people who care for children younger than six months old, children and young people ages 6 months to 24 years old, adults between 25 and 64 who have chronic medical conditions and health care workers.

Call 909-881-4490 or go to www.StBernardineMedicalCenter.org for information.

Riverside Metropolitan Museum's Heritage House will host its annual Victorian Christmas Open House Sunday, Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can participate in a traditional Victorian Christmas celebration as it would have been in the 1890s when the house was originally built.

The house has been draped in fresh cut greenery, handmade wreaths and mistletoe, in addition to other holiday decorations. The family-friendly celebration will feature Father Christmas, musical entertainment like caroling, autoharps, dulcimers, bagpipes and a barbershop quartet. There will also be home-baked sweets, Victorian crafts and activities and hot mulled cider.

Heritage House is located at 8139 Magnolia Ave. in Riverside. Free parking is available at the YWCA. The event is free and open to the public. For more information call 951-826-5273 or visit www.riversideca.gov/museum.

Kids will have the chance to explore the Temecula Children's Museum while their parents will have some time to themselves as part of "Pennypickle's Polar Express" Dec. 18 and 19 at the museum, located at 42081 Main St.

From 6 to 8:30 p.m. both nights, children will learn about the science of winter at various "stops" along the express. Space is limited to 50 kids for each night and reservations are required.

Children must be between 5 and 10 years old and adults will not be allowed to stay. The museum will be locked-in both nights.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by visiting www.pennypickles.org or calling 951-308-6376.

For the last couple years, WBZB Entertainment has produced the holiday dinner theater show, "Holiday Hijinks." This year it's expanding to a large stage production at the Corona Civic Center Theater.

The show will feature a cast of young performers and several guest entertainments. Activities will include music, dance, comedy skits and more.

The two performances will take place 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Dec. 19. Tickets for the matinees cost $7 in advance or $10 at the door. Tickets for the evening performance cost $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

To purchase tickets visit http://hijinks.wbzb.net. For more information call 951-371-5239.

Wellspring Academies sent over several tasty holiday cookie recipes that also happen to be healthy. Here are the details on a few:

Gingerbread Cookies
Yield: 3 dozen cookies

Ingredients
1/2 c Fiber One original bran cereal
1 package whole wheat gingerbread cake or cookie mix
1 Tbl cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 c granulated Splenda
Pinch of salt
1/4 c canned pure pumpkin
1/4 c warm water
3 Tbl molasses
1 tsp vanilla
6 packets of Truvia no calorie sweetener
Pam spray

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Line a baking pan with parchment paper and spray lightly with Pam.
3. In a food processor, grind the cereal until it looks like flour, then pour into a bowl.
4. Add the gingerbread mix, all the spices, the baking powder, Splenda, and salt and mix well.
5. In a small bowl, combine the pumpkin with the warm water, molasses, and vanilla and mix well.
6. Add the pumpkin mixture to the other bowl and stir until blended.
7. Knead the dough to combine.
8. Roll the dough into 1/2" balls, making 36 cookies dough balls total, and place them on the cookie sheet.
9. Flatten balls or scoops with the back of a spoon dipped in the Truvia, so the dough doesn't stick to the spoon.
10. Bake in the oven for 10-20 minutes, or until the edges are firm.
11. Let cool for 5 minutes, then place in the refrigerator to cool completely.
12. Remove from the pan and enjoy!

Approximate Nutritional Information
54 calories/0.1g per cookie

Altura Credit Union launched a canned food drive earlier this month that will run through Saturday, Dec. 19. Canned goods are being accepted during regular business hours at all 14 Altura branch locations in Riverside County.

After the 19th, all collected food will be donated to local food banks, schools and non-profit organizations.

The staff at each of the credit union's branches selected the organizations that will be the food recipients, including California School for the Deaf, The Salvation Army, Family Services Association, Second Harvest Food Bank, Martha's Kitchen, Jacob Weins Elementary School, Granite Hill School, The Foundation for Community and Family Health, Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, Project TOUCH, Temecula-Murrieta Rescue Mission, RCOE Head Start Program at Bobby Bonds Park, NuView Elementary School and Calvary Chapel.

"Our branch managers came up with this idea last year and it was so successful that we decided to do it again this year," said Cindy Thomas, regional director. "News reports have confirmed that food banks and other charities that provide food items have seen a huge increase in requests."

For Altura branch locations call 888-883-7228 or visit www.alturacu.com.

Country at the Merc in Old Town Temecula is going Christmas this weekend. The opry-style country music ensemble has shows at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. every Saturday.

The Merc is located at 42051 Main St. in Temecula. Tickets cost $15 at the door. The early show is kid-friendly. Parental discretion is advised for the later show, which sometimes contains more adult content.

The Riverside Department of Public Health on Tuesday will hold a free swine flu vaccination clinic.

The clinic will begin at 5 p.m. at the Perris Family Care Center at 308 E. San Jacinto Ave.

The clinic is for people in the following priority groups to get vaccinated for swine flu, also known as the H1N1 virus:

Children and young people ages 6 months to 24 years old.

Caregivers of infants younger than six months old.

Pregnant women.

Health care workers.

Adults ages 25 to 64 years old with chronic medical conditions.

Call 211 or 800-464-1123 for information.

Six-year-old Brooklyn Savage of Temecula has been selected as a finalist for Gap's 2009 Casting Call from nearly one million contestants nationwide. She is one of five finalists for the GapKids (girls) category.

Brooklyn is a big Hannah Montana fan and she loves to sing and dance. Her favorite movies are "High School Musical" and "Mama Mia."

In November she and 19 other finalists were flown to San Francisco for a Gap photoshoot. From Dec. 7 through Dec. 21, visitors to the Gap Web site can vote in four winners for the categories of BabyGap (boy), BabyGap (girl), GapKids (boy) and GapKids (girl).

For becoming a finalist, Brooklyn received a prize package that included a $500 Gap gift card and a deluxe Disney gift bag.

Winners will be featured in store windows across the nation and will receive other prizes from Gap and DisneyFamily.com.

Visit www.gap.com/castingcall to cast your vote.

Inland Icon is back and looking for contestants. The annual solo vocal competition, produced by WBZB Entertainment, is open to youth ages 7 to 18.

The contest showcases young singers and gives 30 finalists an opportunity to perform for celebrities and industry veterans, as well as a prize package designed to help further their entertainment careers.

Qualifying auditions will begin Jan. 16 at The Shoppes at Chino Hills. Other qualifying auditions will take place Jan. 23 at Dos Lagos in Corona and Feb. 6 at The Village at Orange Shopping Center.

To register visit http://InlandIcon.com.

For more information visit www.wbzb.net or call 951-371-5239.

William Willson Lewis III/The Press-Enterprise

Candice Haden, left, playing Virgin Mary, Mario Godoy, center, playing Joseph, and Nicholas Daily, right, playing Archangel Gabriel, perform during dress rehearsal.

For many in the Inland region, the University of Redlands' Feast of Lights celebration marks the start of the Christmas season. The annual worship service is celebrated in spoken word, tableaux, song and orchestral offering.

See video of the Feast dress rehearsal here.

See a photo gallery of the rehearsal here.

The 62nd annual Feast of Lights will take place tonight at 8 p.m., Sunday at 4 p.m. and Monday at 8 p.m. The presentation will follow the birth of Christ and the symbolic message of the star of Bethlehem as it led the Wise Men to the stable. It will conclude with the traditional Ceremony of Candles that symbolizes the spreading of Christ's message by the twelve apostles throughout the world.

Although the basic theme remains the same this year, during this second year of new leadership by the Feast's director Nicholle Andrews, there are a few new elements in the service.

The City of Rancho Cucamonga Community Services Department is hosting a pancake breakfast with Santa Claus Saturday at the Goldy S. Lewis Community Center.

There are two breakfast times - 8 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. - and after pancakes activities will include crafts, games and storytelling.

The cost is $12 per person and pictures with Santa will be available for purchase.

Register at www.RCpark.com under Instant RC or in person at City Hall at 10500 Civic Center Drive.

What: Breakfast with Santa
Where: Goldy S. Lewis Community Center, 11200 Base Line Rd., Rancho Cucamonga
When: 8 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. breakfast with activities following
Cost: $12 per person
Information: 909-477-2700

A co-worker told me about this super cute Christmas tradition - Elf on a Shelf - she had heard about and I am going to have to start it up this year. Stores like Barnes and Noble sell kits that include a little elf and a book by Carol Aebersold, which explains that Santa knows who is good and who is naughty, thanks to elves who monitor families.

I'd imagine you could do this with any little elf doll or figurine - not just the kit - but the book sounds fun too. Basically, you explain that the elf is a scout for Santa. He hangs out watching how everyone behaves and then reports to Santa each night while kids are sleeping.

The elf also moves to a new location in the house each night so the kids don't know where he's hiding. I know mine won't rest until they find the spy.

Yes, it sounds a little creepy that the elf is watching what we do and reporting to Santa, but I still say it's better than threatening them with coal in their stockings. One recent super naughty night I had a little boy with crocodile tears asking, "Am I getting coal Mom, am I?" So sad.

I'm getting that elf.

Weekly Family Dining Profile: We're looking for places that are kid friendly, have good prices and healthy menus.

Here is the rundown on our Thai House experience:

Ever try to explain to your child what Penang curry sauce is? Ummm, it has coconut and lemon grass leaves I think? My advice? Wait until after you get the kids to try it before explaining what's in it.

I like to think my kids are fairly adventurous eaters, one more so than the other. They've had Chinese food plenty of times but we hadn't done much Thai food.

So this week we visited the Thai House Restaurant in Redlands and dined family style. I chose three dishes that seemed fairly kid-friendly, but weren't something they would normally have: Pad Thai noodles with chicken, orange chicken and the Gang Penang curry sauce with chicken and white rice.

St. Bernardine Medical Center in San Bernardino will hold two free vaccination clinics for swine flu, also known as the H1N1 virus.

The clinics will begin at 7 a.m. and be held on Dec. 4 and 11 in the medical center's Valencia parking lot at 2101 N. Waterman Ave.

The clinics will be conducted as drive-throughs, allowing people to get vaccinated while remaining in their vehicles.

Vaccinations only will be for people in risk groups identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. Groups include pregnant woman, caregivers for infants younger than six months old, children and young people ages 6 months to 24, adults between 25 and 64 years old who have chronic medical conditions and health care workers.

Call 909-881-4490 or go to www.StBernardineMedicalCenter.org for clinic information.

Weekly Family Dining Profile: We're looking for places that are kid friendly, have good prices and healthy menus.

Here is the rundown on our Elephant Bar Restaurant experience:

I took the kids to a bar this week -- or so they thought. For our family dining night we visited the Elephant Bar Restaurant in San Bernardino. I had to do some explaining beforehand that we would be dining in a restaurant, not a bar.

The place was a hit with the kids from the moment they discovered the brass-plated elephant head doorknobs they each HAD TO touch when we approached the front doors.

And it only got better from there. They loved the jungle-themed décor and as soon as we settled into our booth, they were hard at work studying the "Where's Waldo"-type puzzle on the kid's menus. We never did find that pesky popsicle.

My menu included a ton of options. In October, the restaurant chain updated the menu with 14 additions, including a tomato basil bisque soup, garlic noodles with wok-seared shrimp, a baked red velvet chocolate cupcake sundae and more.

Anyone heard of Zhu Zhu pets? I'm hearing these cute little fluffy hamster toys are causing quite an uproar. They started popping up in stores around September but if you didn't pick up one then, you're in for a search (and price hike).

The Associated Press

Zhu Zhu pets are furry hamster toys with an embedded microchip that allows them to eat, sleep, even run through an exercise ball and other life-like movements. In stores they retail for about $10 but since they began disappearing off the shelves, you'll find them on Craigslist and EBay at rates of $40-$50.

The pets also come with accessories that can create a complete hamster habitat.

These toys look to be the Tickle Me Elmo of this year. (Hope my daughter doesn't read this. Zhu Zhu pets aren't on her radar yet.) Or "Wii." At least it's cheaper than a Wii - which might be part of the draw.

If you've been searching or have found a spot with the elusive Zhu Zhu pets, please share your story.

The Redlands YMCA has some great holiday activities planned for the weekend. On Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Y's Fine Arts & Crafts Gift Boutique and Holiday Pantry be at the Roy Coble Gym. Converted the a winter wonderland, the gym will be filled with homemade crafts and treats.

Then, the 42nd Annual Holiday Home Tour will take place Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The tour will include six historic Redlands homes all dressed up for the season. General admission is $25 for advance purchase or $30 at the door. The VIP patron package is $60 and includes a champagne brunch at the Redlands Country Club plus VIP access that gets you to the front of the line.

To purchase tickets for the home tour call 909-798-9622 or visit the front desk at the Redlands YMCA at 500 E. Citrus Ave.

Swine flu vaccinations will be administered from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 at the Murrieta Mesa High School Gym at 24801 Monroe Ave. in Murrieta.

It is open to everyone - not just those in high-risk groups - for a $20 administration fee. Pre-register at www.vaxamerica.com. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Available vaccines include injectable (ages 3 and older), pediatric injectable (ages 6-35 months) and Flumist (ages 2-49 years). Cash, credit, debit card, Medicare and Medi-Cal accepted.

Sheet Music Plus, a provider of sheet music online, offered these cute caroling tips:

1. Dress to impress - bundle up for winter weather and protect your voice from the cold with a scarf or turtleneck. Deck the kids out in Santa hats, reindeer antlers and Rudolph noses. Sturdy comfortable shoes are also important.

2. Light to see - Since you don't have your own red-nosed reindeer, bring flashlights or clip-on reading lights for reading sheet music and navigating sidewalks and stairs. Give the kids glow sticks, bracelets or necklaces and have them wear a reflective garment so they can be easily found and seen by any oncoming cars.

3. Be prepared - Have enough sheet music to pass around. In addition to the classics, add some funny stuff like "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" and "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause."

4. Stay hydrated - Drink plenty of water so you can hit all those high notes. For the post-singing party, have plenty of peppermint hot chocolate and eggnog for the charolers.

5. It's more than singing - Caroling is a festive way to connect with neighbors, especially the elderly, so it's a good idea to plan a route that ensures neighbors that will really appreciate the visit. Watch out for the "Beware of Dog" signs.

6. Jingle all the way - Bells, cymbals and drum sticks are a fun way to keep the caroling lively and on beat, while involving those too shy to sing.

7. Timing is key - Be sure to start caroling after dinnertime so no one gets their meal interrupted. But don't start too late because you don't want to wake young children.

8. Keep the party going - Complement the caroling with funny skits or dances by the kids.

9. Get Bakin' - It's not the holidays without festive Christmas cookies and sweets to share with fellow carolers.

10. Song book selections - Pick a mix of songs for the big night. Companies like Sheet Music Plus have collections that even include fun recipes for goodies.

Source: www.sheetmusicplus.com/genres/christmas/25

The Riverside County Department of Public Health on Saturday will hold a swine flu vaccination clinic at its Riverside Neighborhood Family Care Center in Riverside.

Vaccinations for swine flu, also known as the H1N1 virus, will be available for people in the following priority groups:

● Infants and young people between ages 6 months and 24 years old. Those who are two years old to 18 years old can receive the nasal spray vaccination.

● Caregivers of infants younger than six months old.

● Pregnant women.

● Health care workers.

● Adults between 25 and 64 years old with chronic medical conditions.

The clinic will be held 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Riverside Neighborhood Health Clinic at 7140 Indiana Ave.

Residents who are not in a vaccine priority group are urged to call their health care providers to determine whether they can get the swine flu vaccine.

The swine flu vaccine also is available at the county's 10 family care centers. Go to www.rivcoph.org or call 211 for information.

It's First Sunday family day this weekend on Dec. 6 in downtown Riverside. Here are some planned activities that will take place at participating organizations:

Riverside Public Library
The library will host "How and Why Stories: Fly Away!" with the lead story being "The Bat's Choice." Karen Rae Kraut will read the story in the Magic Tales tent at 2 and 3 p.m. It's set in India where a bat is caught in the middle of a war between the animals and the birds. Kids can also join Mr. Brian at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. to learn how to make film canister rockets.

Riverside Art Museum
RAM is celebrating the holidays with ceramic artist Melissa Culley, who will help visitors turn clay and paint into something magical. North High School Choir will perform their Winter Concert and Mad Science will be on hand performing experiments.

Riverside Metropolitan Museum
Visitors can learn about holidays celebrated in different cultures during the winter season and how these holidays are celebrated.

UCR/California Museum of Photography
Make 3-D holiday cards with UCR Digital Studio intern Paul Quilici and photo-graphic artist Dave Warner using the Chromo-depth method. Participants will receive all the materials needed to produce two or three cards and a complimentary pair of 3D glasses. Free and open to all ages.

Sweeney Art Gallery
Families can learn to make unusual ornaments with household materials. (All materials will be provided).

Mission Inn Museum
See the Mission Inn decked out for its annual Festival of Lights and then make a holiday ornament to take home.