If you want to be amazed and know how blessed we are in the Tri-Cities, go see the new Kadlec Pediatric Center.  Words can not describe the great thought, workmanship and spirit that went into the design.  As you walk though you forget where you are and escape into the undersea creature theme, with beautiful colors and artwork on the walls, floors and ceilings.  Everything from the light fixtures to the counters are part of the theme.  I have to Thank Sharla for taking the time this afternoon to give me the tour.   Don't miss out on the great Kadlec-4-Kids-a-Thon, listen to the stations below and join in the fun.  The stories they are broadcasting are powerful and touch many lives here in the Tri-Cities.  Also, don't miss your opportunity to visit the new pediatric center on Halloween between 2pm - 4pm for treats, tours and tons of fun.  It is definitely something to see with your children.

October 29 and 30 Kadlec-4-Kids-a-Thon- New Northwest Broadcasters stations Power 99.1, 95.7 Star FM, and 94-9 The WOLF, will be on air for 36 straight hours to raise money for pediatric center programs and services. KNDU-TV will also be doing live segments during its morning and evening newscasts.

• October 31, 2:00 to 4:00 PM Kadlec-4-Kids Costume Party- Families will be able to bring their children to the new pediatric center in costumes for a party in the new pediatric center. Treats, tours and tons of fun!

The center opens Nov. 18.

To make donations visit the Kadlec for kids Pediatric Center Campaign at http://www.kadlecfoundation.org/kadlec_4_kids.htm

The pumpkins are nestled all snug on the porch, As visions of Halloween candies dance in their gourds. Spider webs are hung on the front door with care, In hopes that Trick-or-Treaters soon will be here!

Here are some amazing Jack 'O Lantern carving ideas from one family:

Share your pumpkin carvings with us! Email your Jack 'O Lantern photos to editor@mommag.com and we'll post them on this page. Be sure to include your family name, the town you live in and where you will be celebrating on Halloween.

And keep scrolling to find out where to trick-or-treat in your neighborhood.

Hey Moms, you need a day out, and here's your chance! Tell us in the comments section of this blog post how you and your girlfriends spend your MOM time. We'll select one winner to receive a four-pack of tickets to the Portland Women's Show.

With your MOM Time, do you:

Cook a special meal, just for yourself?

Martin Yan - Yan can cook Schedule: Sunday, November 1st  - 1PM - Cooking Stage Dedicated to dispelling the mysteries of Asian cooking, Yan furthers an understanding of these excellent cuisines, and the cultures that created them, with spirited lessons, fun and entertainment.

Admire hot men in uniform?

Annual Firemen and Police Fashion Show - Sat. Oct. 31st The Men of the Portland Fire Bureau square off with the Portland Police Department. Buy the shirt right off their backs for a good cause.

Read a good murder mystery?

Lisa Jackson New York Times #1 Best Selling Author Of "Chosen To Die" Schedule: Sunday November 1st, Noon - 1PM, Seminar Stage Lisa Jackson has been helping to kill people everywhere from Savannah and New Orleans to San Francisco and the Pacific Northwest—and it’s been worth it as her readers come back again and again.

Shop 'til you Drop

Women's Wear Fashion Show, Friday 11 a.m. Featuring the Woodburn Company Stores

Tell us in the comments section how you spend your precious MOM Time and you could win four-pack of tickets to the Portland Women's Show.

Looking for a fun, safe place to take your child Trick or Treating in the Mid-Valley?

Check these out:

Thursday 29th

Life Center Trunk or Treat Time: 6 pm - 7:30 pm 4900 NW Hwy. 99   Corvallis, Oregon 97330 870-656-5969

Friday 30th

Downtown Corvallis Trick or Treat and Costume Contest

Time: 2-6 pm

http://www.downtowncorvallis.org/experience/calendar.php?eventid=2

Saturday 31st

Corvallis Library Children’s Halloween Party

Time: 3:30-5:30 pm

http://corvallislibrarybirthtosix.blogspot.com/2009/10/annual-childrens-halloween-party.html

Albany Heritage Mall Trick or Treat

Time: 5:00 -6:30 pm

http://www.heritagemall.com/go/Poolb.cfm?MallID=834&FPURLID=2129968333

Downtown Albany Trick or Treat & Costume Contest

Time 11 am – 1pm (Costume Contest @ 10 a.m.)

http://www.albanydowntown.com/events.php#113

Lebanon Future Farmers of America trick-or-treat petting zoo

Time: 3 to 5 p.m.

Land Lab, 31000 Land Lab Road off of Rock Hill Drive.

I'm sure I'm not the only mom who dreams about a dinner that lasts longer than 15 minutes and doesn't involve shoveling my food down while catching sippy cups thrown across the room. Yet, when I do find a much needed break from the kids, I have a sense of guilt like I should be with them. Does this sound familiar?

If so, you definitely need to take advantage of The Little Gym's next Parent Survival Night, coming up November 13th. Why? Your child needs it as much as you do! Click on the thumbnail of the article below for info on how your child will benefit from time spent at The Little Gym. If you are the guilt-ridden type and need justification for spending a night out on the town -you're not doing this for you, you are doing it for your child. ;)

You could even order appetizers! Remember those? And I'm not talking about the chicken fingers that the waitress brought out first to ensure your kid doesn't tear the restaurant apart. I'm talking about a meal that has different courses. That you enjoy over quiet, pleasant conversation with a glass of wine. In an outfit that doesn't have little kid spaghetti sauce finger prints on it. Ahhh.....

"Art Of Imagination" starring Las Vegas illusionist Garry Carson is coming to Corvallis Oct. 29. See exotic animals, comedy magic, and grand illusions. His show was voted Las Vegas’ #1 family attraction two years in a row.

He will be in Corvallis Thursday Oct. 29, 7:00 p.m. at the La Sells Stewart Center (875 SW 26th Street, Corvallis, Oregon 97331). Tickets are $20 until Oct. 22 then $25. All proceeds benefit all Corvallis public schools’ "Student Opportunity for Success Fund". Tickets available at GraceWinds Music, All About Kids, Frogs & Pollywogs, any Corvallis Public school and at www.cpsfoundation.org. Get your tickets early -this was a sold out event last year! For VIP tickets or for tickets for students on the free & reduced lunch plan call 757-5857

Being a mom of a teenager, I find some of the new territory a bit scary.  My son turned 13 in August and promptly asked when he could get a checking account.  I am a bit old school and tend to believe checking accounts are for people who have regular sources of income.  However, being a financial educator, I realize that having a checking account, in good standing, can contribute to a good credit score. 

I am interested in what other moms have done or under what circumstances did you let your child get his or her first checking account?

We had a GREAT time at the race on Saturday! Howl 'n Scream Scram – 5k/10k & 1/2mi. Kooky Caper Costume Kid's race A

Halloween themed costume race (Costumes are encouraged but not required for participation)

The next Kid's Marathon is Saturday, Oct. 24th!

For more information visit:  www.3rrr.org

Hi Tri-Cities,

We are so excited to announce our arrival here.  Mom Magazine is all about local Moms, it is "by Moms for Moms".  Each issue features a local Tri-Cities Cover Mom, Mr. Mom and Super Dad.  If you want to nominate or have a story about a Super Dad we need to hear it.  If you are a Mr. Mom please tell us about it.   Please email rachel@mommag.com.