metrofamily magazine january 2013
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MetroFamily's January 2013 issue includes tons of ideas, activities and events for family fun in the Oklahoma City metro area.TRANSCRIPT
January 2013
metrofamilymagazine.com
Over 67 resources for your child’s educational needs
Important tips to help and challenge your gifted & talented child
+Too cold for fun? Hardly!
More than 101 family events
to enjoy this month
Our BIG Education Guide
4 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | January 2013
Clickwhat’s new at metrofamilymagazine.com
•
You could WIN big!Sign up to be eligible for great prizes at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/contests.• Entertowinoneoftwofour-packsoftickets($44value)totheOklahoma City Home & Garden Show,heldattheOklahomaStateFairgroundsJanuary18to20.DeadlineJanuary11.
• 2013 American Girl Doll of the Year contest runsthroughJanuary25.Dollisvaluedatover$100.
• Over$350ofbaby-friendlyproductsareavailablefortheluckywinnerofourBaby Gear Giveaway.DeadlineJanuary20.
• FollowusonTwitter(www.twitter.com/metrofamily)andFacebook(www.facebook.com/metrofamily)fortheannouncementsofotherfuncontests.
You could SAVE big!Find coupons to the businesses listed below at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/okc-family-discounts.• TigerSafari• SkateGalaxy• CollegeNanniesandTutors• GuitarforKids• SylvanLearningCenter• TheVintagePearl• Bouncin’Craze• DawntoDuskInflatables• Jingle&Jangle• ClubZ!In-HomeTutoring• Jump!Zone• Mathnasium• GreenGoodiesbyTiffany(goodfrom
January17-31)• Gymboree• BrightSmileFamilyDentistry• OklahomaHealthSolutions
PLUS,savebigbuckswiththeKids Passfor2012-2013thatincludesover30couponstolocalandstatewideattractions!Downloadittodayatwww.metrofamily-magazine.com/kids-pass.
Join the MetroFamily community of active local parents at:
Join Us Next Month for our 15th Birthday Party!We’reexcitedtoturn15yearsoldthisFebruary,whenwe’llcelebratethepastwhilelookingforwardtothefuture.Welovebringingyouthebestlocalfamilyresourceseachandeverydaythroughourpublication,website,Facebook,Twitterande-newsletters.Likeyou,weliveandbreatheallthings“family”anditmakesusveryhappy—okay,ecstatic—whenwehearthattheinformationandstoriesweprovidehelpstomakeyourfamilylifemorefunandrewarding.
InourFebruaryissue,we’llcelebrateouranniversarywiththeannouncementofthefinalistsandwinnersofourreader-selectedFamily Favorites Awards program.Findmoreatwww.metrofamilymagazine.com/family-favorites.Lookforthisandotherexcitingnewsnextmonth!
Thismonth,theinformationinourBIGeducationissueconnectsyoutodozensofresourcestoimproveyourchild’seducation,plusfindourNEW columnthatencouragesyouandyourchildtoembarkonacreativelearningadventuretogether(seepage22).Checkoutouryear-roundEducationGuideonlineforevenmoreresources(www.metrofamilymagazine.com/education-guide)andformoreLearningAdventures,gotowww.metrofamilymagazine.com/learning-adventures.
Andlastly,besuretomarkyourcalendarsforMetroFamily’s Kids Fest,oneoftheBESTfamilyeventsoftheyear!SetforMarch23,2013attheOklahomaStateFairPark,thiseventwillfeaturehands-onactivitiesforkids,boothsfeaturingfamilyproductsandservices,stageentertainmentandmuchmore.Findoutmoreatwww.metrofamilymagazine.com/kids-fest.
15 years of serving metro families
Celebrating
Celebrating
15years of
serving metro families
CALENDAR DIRECTORIES BLOGS CONTESTS SAVE MONEY
January 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com 5
6 Dear MetroFamilyEditor’sNote.
8 Family ShortsCommunitynews,resources&otherfamily-friendlyinformation.
14 Ask the Expert Whyyoushouldn’tcompeteatparenting.
16 Oklahoma ReadsGreatreadsforall.
24 Exploring Oklahoma & Beyond SomuchtoseeanddoinBranson.
26 Problem-Solving Products
28 Focus on EducationAddressingthechallengesofgiftedchildren.
30 Local ShoppingRedCoyotehelpsrunnersputtheirbestfootforward.
32 Your Healthy FamilyHelpforfindinganewlookforthenewyear.
34 Real Moms of the MetroMeetButhianaJwayyed:professionaleducatorandmotherofsix.
35 CalendarFunevents,activitiesandclasses.
46 Mom Gets the Last Laugh Makingthecaseforanti-resolutions.
ON OUR COVER: Tripp Wohl , 16-month-old son of Kenneth and Lori Wohl of Edmond. COVER PHOTO BY: Autumn Moore, www.autumnmoorephotography.com.
ContentsJanuary 2013
Lookingforafamilytripinthenearfuture?Bransonmightprovidejustwhatyou’relookingfor!24
Yourchild’seducationislikelyatthetopofyourparentingconcerns.InthisBIGeducationissue,youwillfindanEducationGuidewithover67helpfulresources(page18)andanarticletohelpyounurtureyourgiftedandtalentedchild(page28).
Learnaboutnon-invasivecosmeticprocedures.Aretheyforyou?Localexpertsprovidetheinformationyouneed.32
6 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | January 2013
Jennifer Geary, Exploring OklahomaIamlookingforwardtogettingorganized.I’msurethisisgoingtobetheyear—unlikeallthoseotheryearsI’vesaidthesamething!
Brooke Barnett, Assistant EditorIalwaysgetexcitedaboutashiny,newyearwithunlimitedpotential—achancetosetnewgoals,discovernewinterestsandhavefunadventureswithmyfamily.
Sarah Taylor, PublisherIamlookingforwardtoactuallyaccomplishingsomeresolutionssuchasgettingmoreorganizedathomeandworkandmakingthemostofeveryday.
Info And Questions:405-601-2081
To submit events to our [email protected]
Publisher SarahL.Taylor
EditorMariM.Farthing
Art DirectorKathryneTaylor
Advertising SalesAthenaDelceHollieNiblettDanaPrice
Office and Distribution ManagerKathyAlberty
Assistant Editor & Online Content ManagerBrookeBarnett
Calendar EditorSaraRiester
Project ManagerJanettaBridges
Contributing WritersBrookeBarnett,LelaDavidson,JulieDill,ShannonFields,JenniferGeary,RobinJones
Circulation35,000–OKC,Edmond,NicholsHills,Norman,Moore,MidwestCity,YukonAlso available as a digital edition at
MetroFamilyMagazine.com.
ArticlesandadvertisementsinMetroFamilydonotnecessarilyreflecttheopinionsofthemagazineorInprintPublishing,Inc.Wedonotassumeresponsibilityfor
statementsmadebyadvertisersoreditorialcontributors.TheacceptanceofadvertisingbyMetroFamilydoesnotconstituteanendorsementoftheproducts,services,or
information.Wedonotknowinglypresentanyproductorservicewhichisfraudulentormisleadinginnature.
MetroFamily Magazine is published monthly byInprintPublishing,Inc.
725NW11th,Suite204•OklahomaCity,OK73103Office:405-601-2081•Fax:405-445-7509E-mail:[email protected]
©InprintPublishing,Inc.2013,AllRightsReserved.Volume16,Number1
P.S. Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/mari to read my blog, “Keeping it Real,” about my personal adventures in the ups and downs of parenting.
Weaskedourcontributors:What are you most looking forward to in 2013?
DearMetroFamily,
We’rehere,anothernewyear,anothercalendarfilledwithblanksquaresandpossibilitiesbeforeus.Anewyearalwaysseemstobethetimeforchange;thetimewhensteppingoutsideofourcomfortzonesisnotasscary.Afterall,changeisallaroundus.
Butfirst,wemustreflectonwherewe’vebeen.And2012wasachallenge-filledyear,tosaytheleast.OverwhelmingnewsstoriesfromallquarterscappedoffwithtragedyinDecemberasweallcametogetherasanationtomournfallenchildrenandteachersfromSandyHookElementaryinConnecticut.Itbearsmentioninthis,ourEducationissue,asIcan’thelpbut
wonderwhatitwillmeantoourfuturecolumnsoneducation—willwecontinuetowriteaboutnutrition,changesinstandardizedtesting,howtogetyourchildtofinishherhomework?Orwillwenowwriteaboutschoolsinstallingpreventivemeasures,barriersandmetaldetectors,armedguardsandlockdowndrills?Timewilltell.Tobesure,thiseventhasopenedadialogueinourcountryaboutguns,mentalhealthandsafetyinschools.
TheMondayafterithappened,mysoncamehomefromschoolandremarkedonthechangesthathappenedathisschool.“Lifewillneverbethesame,”hesaid.Howtrue.Butthatdoesn’tmeanithastobeabadthing.Let’sallworktogethertomake2013anamazingyearforourchildren.
Cheers,
Ready for a new year.
Lela Davidson, Mom Gets the Last LaughI’mlookingforwardtocleaningmydeskin2013.Ihavea12-month,multi-stepplan.Thisismyyear!
8 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | January 2013
Free Admission at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of ArtFreeadmissionisnowavailableeverydayattheFredJonesJr.MuseumofArt(FJJMA)ontheUniversityofOklahoma’sNormancampus.A$60,000giftfromtheOUAthleticsDepartmentbudgetwillmakethefreeadmissiontothegeneralpublicpossibleonanongoing,permanentbasis.“WeareexcitedtohavetheopportunityandabilitytosupplementtheUniversitybudgettoprovidefreeadmissiontotheFredJonesJr.MuseumofArt,”saidOUAthleticsDirectorJoeCastiglione.“Inatimewhenfundingforhighereducationissharplydropping,thiskindofcooperationhasatrulyextraordinaryimpactontheresourcesandopportunitiesavailabletoourstudentsandthepublic,”saidOUPresidentDavidL.Boren.“Weareexcitedtooffertotheentirecommunitythisopportunitytoviewoneoftheworld’smostdistinguishedcollectionsofartwithouthavingtogooutsidethestateofOklahoma.”TheFJJMAisoneofthetopfiveuniversityartmuseumsinthecountryinappraisedvalueandoffersanongoingscheduleofartappreciationactivitiesforchildrenandfamilies.TheFredJonesJr.MuseumofArtislocatedintheOUArtsDistrictat555Elm,ontheOUNormancampus.ThemuseumisopenTuesday–Sunday;forhoursandinformation,call405-325-4938orvisitwww.ou.edu/fjjma.
Contributing writers: Brooke Barnett, Mari Farthing
“Be Smart–Don’t Start”Theannual,statewide“BeSmart–Don’tStart”Anti-TobaccocurriculumeducatesstudentsingradesK–5onthedangersoftobaccothroughfun,interactiveclassroomlessons.TheDVDcurriculumisfreeandcustomizedforgradesK–2and3–5.Heldinconjunctionwiththisyear’snewcurriculum,the2013BeSmart–Don’tStartContestwillrunfromJanuary14–February18.Classroomscancreatevideo,audioorvisualmultimediaentriesdesignedtoeducateotherstudentsandadultsofthedangersoftobacco.Theentrieswillbejudgedbyageandcategory,andthreefirst,secondandthirdplacewinnerswillbeselectedineachgradegroup(K–2and3–5).Oneoverallgrand-prizewinnerwillhavetheirentryturnedintoa30-secondpublicserviceannouncementfeaturingtheclasses’owncreativityandvoices.Inaddition,thegrandprizeandfirstplacewinnerswillbehonoredduringaceremonyattheStateCapitol,receiveaniPadfortheirclassroomandenjoyafieldtriptoScienceMuseumOklahoma.Secondandthirdplacewinnerswillreceivecashprizes.ContestentriesmustbeuploadedontheBeSmart–Don’tStartwebsiteby5:00pmFebruary18.FormoreinformationortorequestaDVDcurriculum,visitwww.bcbsok.com/dontstart.
Oklahoma City Students Visit BalletBy Julie Dill
TheOklahomaCityBalletextendedtheirscheduleofthe“Director’sChoice”performanceseriesforsomeveryimportantguests.About3,000Oklahomastudents,kindergartenthroughhighschool,hadtheopportunitytopartakeinatheatreexperience.Artsreach,acommunityoutreachprogram,hostsannualballetperformancestogivestudentsanexperienceintheartsthattheymaynotgetotherwise.PepperRohr,eventcoordinator,seesthehighcorrelationbetweentheartsandtraditionallearning.“Watchingaballettapsintothesameskillsnecessaryforlanguagearts.Studentsmustinterpretthestoryanddrawconclusionsfromthe‘language’theballetpresents.ItisasignificantaspectofOklahomaCityBallet’smissionforArtsReachtoprovideaneducationalexperiencetoallchildrenwhoparticipateandencourageafewtotakeballetlessonsfromthisexperience.Childreninvolvedinballetlessonslearnlessonsthatwilllastalifetime:determination,self-disciplineandtheselfesteemthatcomesfromthehoursofpracticeittakestomasteraballetskill,”Rohrsays.HardingCharterPreparatoryHighSchoolteacherElizabethSilverspeakshighlyoftheprogram.“Theywereacaptiveaudiencewhilewatchingavarietyofdancestyles.Manyof[thestudents]hadneverbeentotheCivicCenteroranartisticperformancebeyondschoolevents.Iwantedmykidstogetatasteofaculturaleventthattheymightotherwiseneverexperience,whetherbecauseofcostoropportunity.Itwasanexcellentlessonintheateretiquetteandanopportunitytotryouttheirmoreadultsocialskills.Somestudentslovedthetangos,somewereblownawaybythemoremoderndance‘LeftBehind,’andsomewereabsolutelyenamoredwiththemusicandarerequestingthatitbeexploredintheirmusicclasses.Thekidswereamazedatthedifferenttypesofdancethatfallunderballetandappreciatedthevariety.Theboyswhowereinitiallyreluctanthavealreadyexpressedexcitementaboutgoingagainnextyear.Inall,thiswasanintenselyrewardingexperienceformeandthestudents,”saysSilver.ThisperformancewaspossiblewithsupportfromtheAlliedArtsFoundation,KirkpatrickFoundation,Inc.,OklahomaArtsCouncilandtheMcLaughlinFamilyFoundation.Formoreinformation,visitwww.okcballet.com/arstreach.html.
Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art Director Ghislain d’Humières and University of Oklahoma Women’s Basketball Head Coach Sherri Coale (both right) tour the FJJMA at OU with the OU Women’s Basketball Team.
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January 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com 9
Yard Crashers Host Coming to OKCAhmedHassan,hostofHGTVandDIYNetwork’sYard Crashers,willbringhispassionforlandscapedesigntothe31stannualOklahomaCityHome&GardenShow.HassanhasbeenfeaturedonnumerousHGTVandDIYNetworkshowsincludingGreen Me UpandBlog Cabin.ForYard Crashers,Hassanfindsunsuspectinghomeownersinhomeimprovementstoresandsurprisesthemwithafreelandscapemakeover.“Myphilosophyisthatgardeningandlandscapingaresupposedtobeenjoyableandtherapeutic.It’sacreativeexpressionandrewardinghardwork,”Hassansaid.“Don’tfightnatureandgetstressedaboutyouroutdoorspaces.”
Attheshow,Hassanwillgiveapresentationabouthomeimprovementandlandscapingthathedescribesasamixtureof“stand-upcomedy,storytellingandahorticultureclass.”Hisgoalistoinspireattendeesandhelpthemfeellessintimidatedbylandscaping.Hassanwillalsocovertipsaboutincreasinghomevaluewithlandscaping.TheOklahomaCityHome&GardenShowisathree-dayeventheldJanuary18–20thatwillshowcaseideas,expertadvice,productsandservicesforhomeimprovementprojects.Admissionis$11,andchildrenunder12arefree.ShowhoursareFridayNoon–9:00pm;Saturday10:00am–9:00pmandSunday10:00am–6:00pm.Formoreinformationanddiscounttickets,visitwww.oklahomacityhomeshow.com.
Top 10 Reader Picks: Best Places for Free (or Nearly Free!) FunDidyoumakeaNewYear’sresolutiontospendless,savemoreortakeotherstepstobecomemorefinanciallysecure?Ifso,onegreatwaytotrimyourbudgetisthroughentertainment—butspendinglessdoesnothavetoequallessfun!TheOklahomaCitymetroareaisteemingwithopportunitiestohavegreatfamilyfunthatwillbeeasyonyourwallet.Wepolledourreadersfortheirfavoritefree(ornearlyfree)placesandactivitiesinthemetroandhere,inrandomorder,aretheirrecommendations:• 45th Infantry Museum (www.45thdivisionmuseum.com)• Martin Park Nature Center (www.okc.gov/parks/martin_park)
• Paseo Arts District First Friday Gallery Walk (firstFridayandSaturdayofeachmonth,www.thepaseo.com)
• Free Admission Mondays at the OKC Zoo(throughFebruary,www.okczoo.com)
• Free Family Days at the OKC Museum of Art (www.okcmoa.com)
• Myriad Botanical Gardens (www.myriadgardens.org)• Edmond Historical Society & Museum• WalkingtheBricktown Canal (www.bricktownokc.com)• Plaza District Live on the Plaza(secondFridayofeachmonth.www.plazadistrict.org.)
• Free admission at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (firstMondayofeachmonth,www.snomnh.ou.edu.)
Foralistoffreeactivitiestakingplacearoundthemetroeachweek,visitwww.metrofamilymagazine.com/free.ThankstoValerieE.,LauraG.,RenaeD.,TiffanyM.,JentriJ.,KristyR.,AmandaD.,AlysonM.,JenniferS.andAshleighD.forcontributingtothislist.Followusatwww.facebook.com/metrofamilytoshareyourthoughtsonnextmonth’slist.Haveaplaceoreventyou’dliketosuggest?Commentatwww.metrofamilymagazine.com/free-fun.
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Fight For Your MarriageBy Robin Jones
Everymarriedcouplehasdisagreements;thekeytohealthyrelationshipsishowyoumanageandlearnfromconflict.Conflictisdrivenmostlybyfear—thefearofbeingdisrespectedortakenforgranted,thefearofpowerlessness,thefearofrejectionorinadequacy.Intimacy,respect,validation,loveandconnectioncanassuagethesefears.Ifconflictispoorlymanaged,issuescanexplodelikeamassivevolcano,leavingspousesandfamilymembersinitswakeofdestruction.FightYourWaytoaBetterMarriageisafree,one-nightconferencewithGregandErinSmalleyfromFocusontheFamily.Throughreallifeexperiences,theyhavelearnedtodealwithhot-buttonissues,howconflictprovidesanopportunitytobreakineffectivepatternsandpracticalwaystobuildgreatertrustandintimacy.Participantswillreceivetools,encouragement,andinspirationtobuildahealthymarriageandavoidbreakdownordivorce.Threemainpointswillbeaddressedintheconference:1. The Reactive Cycle:therealreasonwefight(hint:it’snot
finances,sex,thekidsorwheretospendtheholidays).Howwemustlearntotakepersonalresponsibilityforouremotionstohaveahealthyandpassionatemarriage.
2. L.U.V.E. Talk: howtoListen,Understand,ValidateandEmpathizewithoneanotherinsteadofjudgingemotionsandfeelings.
3. Teamwork: howtoworktogethertofindsolutions.FightYourWaytoaBetterMarriagewillbeheldatMetropolitanBaptistChurch,7201WestBrittonRoad,OklahomaCityonFriday,January18,6:30pm.Onlineregistrationandreservationsforchildcare(duebyJanuary16)arefreeatwww.mbcokc.com.
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Meet our Cover Kids Search winners MetroFamilyispleasedtorecognizethe2012-13CoverKidsSearchwinners!BeginningthispastAugust,readerssubmittedmorethan110photosofkidsages0-18.Fromthisgroup,MagnaTalentAgencyofOklahomaselectedthefinalistsineachofsixcategories.Nearly7,000votesthenhelpeddeterminethewinnersinsixcategories.CongratulationstothefollowingCoverKidswhoreceivedthemostvotesintheircategories!Youwillsoonseetheirsmilingfacesonthecoversofourmagazinethisyear.LookforinformationaboutCoverKidsSearch2013-14thissummer.OursincerethankstoQuailSpringsMallforhostingourCoverKidseventthisfall,GlamourShotsforprovidingthephotographyattheeventandMagnaTalentAgencyforpickingthefinalists.PicturedLtoR,toptobottom:JoshBruza,ages12andoldercategory,sonofJimandMargretBruzaofEdmond;SydneyAnderson-McCullum,ages9-12category,daughterofFaydraCullumofOklahomaCity;JuliaPershica,age6,specialneedscategory,daughterofJoshuaandSheliaPershicaandKelley&DavidGazawayofOklahomaCity;AbigailDeSpain,ages4-7category,daughterofRickandKimDeSpainofOklahomaCity;DraikBarrett,ages19months-3yearscategory,sonofBrandonandAmeyBarrettofOklahomaCity;andAlexanderReynolds,ages0-18months,sonofDustinandStephanieReynoldsofEdmond.
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Spotlight on Character: PunctualityKnow the true value of time; snatch, seize and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no delay, no procrastination; never put off till tomorrow what you can do today. — Lord ChesterfieldBeingpunctualmeansshowingesteemforothersbydoingtherightthingattherighttime.Beingpunctualshowsrespectforthepeopleinyourlifeandavoidsthelossoftimeandenergythatresultsfromkeepingotherswaiting.Inyourhome,modelpunctualitybygivingprioritytoappointmentsmadewithfamilymembersandhelpingtolifttheburdensoffamilymemberssothattheycangetwheretheyneedtobeontime.Youcanalsoensurethatfamilymembersgotobedontimeinordertofacilitategettingupontimethenextday,andmakesureyouareinthecarintimesoasnottomaketheentirefamilylateforaneventorappointment.Encouragefamilymemberstopromptlyrespondtolettersandphonecallsandnotkeepotherswaiting.Encouragepunctualityinyourfamilybysayingthese“Iwill”statementsaloudwithyourchildrenandapplyingthemtoeverydaylife:I will: be at the right place at the right time • prepare for unexpected delays • do my work ahead of time • plan a daily schedule and keep it • not fall into the trap of “just one more”Readaboutpunctualitytobringthelessonhometoyourkids:
• InLittle Miss Late(byRogerHargreaves),earlyreaderslearnfromthetitlecharacterwhyit’simportanttobeontime.
• InMy Big Lie (byBillCosby),LittleBillfindsbigtroublelyingaboutwhyhe’slate.
• The Berenstain Bears Catch the Bus (byStanandJanBerenstain)introducestheconceptoftimetoearlyreaders.
Courtesy of Character First, www.characterfirst.com.
Eat Smart: Put Breakfast FirstHowimportantisahealthybreakfasttoyourchild’seducationalsuccess?“Breakfastliterally‘breaksthefast’fromthenightbeforeandgivesyourbodythefood/fuelnecessarytofunctionproperlyandfightfatigue,”saysTiffanyBruner,MS,RD/LD,theAssistantDirectorofChildNutritionatMoorePublicSchools.“Eatingahealthybreakfast[affectsstudentsin]theclassroomwithbetterconcentration,increasedabilitytolearnorretaininformation,betterperformanceonexams,reducedbehavioralproblemsandimprovedattendancerecordsduetoastrongerimmunesystem.”So,whatmakesupahealthybreakfast?Brunersuggeststhatamealincludingwholegrains,leanprotein,low-fatdairyandfruitorvegetablesisgoingtoprovideenergyandnecessaryfueltogetyourchild’sdayoffontherightfoot.Anddon’tworrythatthesehealthyfoodswillbreakyourbudget.InarecentTIMEmagazinearticle,Dr.MehmetOz(award-winningtalkshowhost,authorandcardiologist)assertedthathealthyfoodsareavailableatallpricepointsinyourlocalsupermarket,notjustingourmetstores.Infact,ifyoureadlabelsclosely,youcantypicallyfindaffordablecerealsandoatmealsthataremadewithwholegrainsandwithouthighfructosecornsyruporhighsugarcontent.OthergoodchoicesincludeGreekyogurt,whichishighinprotein,eggsandfreshfruit.And,mom,whyshouldyouremembertoeatbreakfast?Because,accordingtoBruner,“eatingbreakfastleadstohealthierfoodchoicesthroughoutthedayandatothermeals.”Sodon’tskipthisimportantmeal!
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Play and LearnAccordingtoRahimaBaldwinDancy,authorofYou are Your Child’s First Teacher,playisanimportantpartoflearning.Dancysaysthatforchildrenunderage6,play“allowsforawiderangeofexperiences,sowhatisfirstgraspedthroughactioncanlaterbelearnedanewthroughthought.”Educationalgamesandactivitiesareagreatwaytocontinueteachingconceptsthatmightbehardtograspinitially,suchascoordination,mannersandstrategy.Hereareafewgamesandactivitiesperfectforkidsofallagerangestoenjoywhilelearning:• TheThinkFun Roll & Play isgearedfortoddlerstolearncolors,counting,bodyparts
andemotions.Ages18monthsandup.($20,www.thinkfun.com)• Story Cubes Actions areasetofdicewithpicturesoneachsidethatareeasytouseto
createstoriesthatstretchyourimagination.Ages8andup.($8,www.gamewright.com)• Find Your Way!isabookfilledwithgeographypuzzlesgearedtowardgirlsages8and
up,encouragingthemtoenjoylearningabouttheirworldthroughactivities.Includesflashcardsandananswerkey.($13,www.americangirl.com)
• TheFitzIt cardgamechallengesplayerstopickwordsthatfitthedescriptiononthecard,addingcardsandchoosingnewwordsasthegameprogresses.Ages10andup.($10,www.gamewright.com)
14 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | January 2013
Our Readers Respond:• Parentingisn’tacontest!Youareauniquepersonparentinguniquechildrenand
creatinguniquefamilymemoriesandidentity.Thinkaboutyourspecificparentinggoals—spiritual,physicalandeducational.Then,developconcretestepsofactiontohelpyoumeetthosegoals.Loveyourkids.Spendtimewiththem.Havefunwiththem.Enjoytheprocess,anddon’texpectperfection.
• Quitehonestly,Idon’tknowamomwhodoesn’tfeelthatway.We’reallguiltyofittoacertainextent.Ipersonallythinkifyourintentionsaretobethebestmotheryoucanbe,andyouraiseresponsible,respectableandhappykids,thenyoushouldusethatasyourgauge.Tome,ifyourkidsarehappyandarethrivingwellintheirenvironment,whateverenvironmenttheyarein,you’redoingjustfine!
• Whatworksforyou,yourkids,yourfamilymaynotbethesameaswhatworksforothers.Alsolooksaredeceiving.Itmayappeartheyhaveitalltogetherand,inreality,itisalljustforshow.Stopcomparingyourself,yourparentingstyleoryourkids—itislikecomparingapplestooranges.
• Whatworksforonehouseholddoesn’tnecessarilyworkforanother.Andyoumustrememberchildrenaredifferent.Youhavetofindoutwhatworksforyourfamily.Ifyoutryto“keepupwiththeJoneses”thenyou’llgobroke,insane,andnoonewillbehappy!Goodluck.
ThankstoKimM.,ChristyK.,KamiM.,andNeicieL.foryourfeedback!Have a question for our experts? Email it to [email protected].
Ask the ExpertsCompetitive Parenting?I can’t help comparing my parenting skills to other moms, and I never measure up. I feel like I don’t give my kids enough time, enough experiences, enough of the right foods, enough independence. How do I know if I measure up?
Parentingrequiresconfidencetobesuccessful.Itcanundermineourconfidencetohearothersmakedisparagingcommentsaboutourskillsortalkuptheirownsuccesses,whichcanmakeusquestionourownabilities.Butkeepinmind—thereisn’tascaleformeasuringyoursuccessasaparent.Ifyoukeepstrivingforimprovement,that’sthebestwaytomeasurepersonalgrowthandsuccess.Askyourself:“DidIimprovemytimemanagement?”“DidIprovidehealthymealsandahealthyhomeformychildren?”“AmIlivinganexampleofourfaith?”Takeitonedayatatimeandstriveforimprovementsinyourapproachasyougo.Butremembernottomeasureyoursuccessorfailureagainstanyoneelse—you’vebeenblessedwithdifferentgiftsandneedtomakethemostofwhatyouhave.Devonne Carter, LCSW, is a Clinical Social Worker in private practice in Edmond. 405-326-3923, www.carterscounseling.com.
Itsoundslikeyou’redealingwiththedreaded“mommyguilt,”thatfeelingthatyou’redoingeverythingwrongandyourkidsaregoingtosufferforyourlackofparentingskills.Butthetruthis,thereisnosuchthingasaperfectparent.Comparingyourselftootherparentswillonlyleadtomiseryandfeelingsofinadequacy—becausewetendtocompareourselvestopeopleweputonapedestal,notaccountingfortheirhumanweaknessesandfailings.Insteadoffocusingonothers,focusonwhatyourprioritiesareforyourfamilyandhowyoucanbestmeetyourownexpectations.Askyourselfifyourexpectationsarerealistic,orareyouputtingtoomuchpressureonyourselftobesomeversionoftheWorld’sGreatestMom?Ifyouseeareasthattrulyneedimprovement,thenworkonthose—butletgooftheguilt.Itdoesn’thelpyouanditdoesn’thelpthekids,either.Kidsneedparentswholovethem,spendtimewiththemandhelpthemgrowandlearn.Theyjustneedyouandyourloveandtime,notsomefantasyversionofthe“perfect”mom.Beyourselfandthebestjobyoucandowithoutworryingaboutmeasuringuptoanyoneelse’sfamily.Yourkidswilllearnthatitisokaytobehuman,makemistakessometimesandbeproudofwhotheyare.
Onthosedayswhenyoujustcan’thelpcomparingyourselftoothers,writedownalistofallthepositivethingsyouaredoingasaparent.You’lllikelydiscoveryouaredoingabetterjobthanyouthought.Tamara Walker, RN is a talk show host and speaker in Edmond. www.momrn.com.
Firstofall,youareprobablydoingbetterthanyouthink.Itisthesignofagoodparentwhenyoufeelyouarenotdoingenough,butbecarefulnottocompare.Eachfamilyhastheirownuniquechallengesandpersonalities.Notwofamiliesareexactlyalike.Oftenthosewhostruggleseldomletanyoneknowaboutit.Theperfectfamilymaybefarfromperfect.Tounderstandhowyoumeasureup,startwiththeendinmind.Whatdoyouwantyourchildrentolooklikeasadults?Whatskillsdoyouwantthemtopossess?Focusontheseskillsasyouparent.Whenyouseethemdemonstrated,youwillknowyouaresucceeding.Donnie Van Curen, M.A., LMFT is a licensed marriage and family therapist with Counseling 1820, LLC. 405-823-4302, www.counseling1820.com.
January 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com 15
Mark the date for OKC’s premier family fun event!
Saturday, March 23 10am to 4pm at the State Fairgrounds
(Oklahoma Expo building)
Enjoy over 60 booths with hands-on activities for the kids • Inflatables • Character Corner • Stage Entertainment
Find out more at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/kids-fest
Attention Businesses:Join these and many others who
will connect to thousands of local families at Kids Fest!
New in Oklahoma (newinoklahoma.com), Primrose Schools, Museum of Osteology, Oklahoma Employees
Credit Union (OECU), Oklahoma Connections Academy, Homeland, Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum, Skate Galaxy, and Kaw Lake Association/Camp McFadden
Reserve by January 11 for early-bird pricing and a free ad. (After January 31,
booth price goes up.)
Contact us TODAY!405-601-2081 or
16 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | January 2013
Reviews by Mari Farthing.
Oklahoma Reads Great Reads for All
Early ReadersBecause You Are My TeacherBySherryNorth,illustratedbyMarcellusHall(Abrams,$17)Throughthecreativelessonsofanimaginitiveteacher,agroupofyoungstudentsexplorethegeographyoftheworldinthisfantasticjourney.
The Chicken ProblemByJenniferOxleyandBillyAronson(RandomHouse,$17)PegandCatloveproblems—luckyforthem,theyarefacedwithaproblemof100chickens.Everypageofthisclevertitlefeaturesmathreferencestoexciteorengageearlyreadersinnumberconcepts.
Draw Plus ScienceByFreddieLevin(PeelProductions,$9)Ahands-onactivitybookthatusesdrawingtechniquestoteachsciencethroughartlessons.Afunwaytolearn!
Hide and SeekByDavidA.Carter(TatePublishing,$25)Thisgraphicpop-upbooktakesanold-fashioned“ISpy”gameandcleverlyturnsitintoa3Dactivity.
Lemonade in WinterByEmilyJenkinsandG.BrianKaras(Schwartz&WadeBooks,$17)Siblingslearntheconceptofmoneywhilerunningalemonadestandinwinter.Theybuytheiringredients,selltheirlemonade,butwilltheyturnaprofit?
Grades 3+3-D EarthByJohnWoodward(DK,$18)Exploretheearth,weathersystems,climateandwildlifeinthisfact-filledbook—andthendownloadfreesoftwareforaninteractivelessonusingspecially-markedpagesandyourwebcam.
Big Book of Why(SportsIllustratedKids,$18)Over500sportsfactsforkidsthatanswerjustaboutanyquestiontheymighthave,fromwhyfootballsaren’troundtothenumberingsystemforcollegebasketballjerseys.
AdultsAllergy-Free and Easy CookingByCybelePascal(TenSpeedPress,$22)Mostfastandeasycookbooksdon’tworkforthosewithfoodallergies—butthisbookisdesignedtomeetthatneed.Featuringover70recipesmadewithoutcommonallergens.
Peaceful Parent, Happy KidsByDr.LauraMarkham(PerigreeBooks,$15)Didyouresolvetomake2013theyearofnomoreyelling?Letthisbookbeyourguide.Aguidetocontrollingyouremotionsandencouragingyourchildrentochoosetobehave.
You Are Your Child’s First TeacherByRahimaBaldwinDancy(TenSpeedPress,$18)Asparents,wewanttomakesureourkidshavethebestlearningopportunitiesavailable,andthisbookoffersaguidetoeffectivelyteachingyouryoungchild(fromages1–6).
Celebrateeducation!Herearesometitlesforyoutochoosewhenyouarelookingforsomethingalittleoutoftheordinarytoentertainandinformyourchildren.TheMagic Schoolbus Complete Series onDVDfeaturesall52episodesofthebeloved,award-winningtelevisionprogrambasedonthebest-sellingbookseriesfeaturingMrs.Frizzleandherstudentsastheyexperienceadventuresthroughtheirtime-travelingschoolbus.(ScholasticDVD,$90)TheMeadEarly Learning Workbooks forelementary-agestudentscoveravarietyoftopicsfromtheclassroom.Topicalworkbooks($5+)covertopicslikemultiplication,fractionsandreadingcomprehension;Comprehensiveworkbooks($7+)coverbrain-buildingactivitiesandgrade-levelrequirements.
18 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | January 2013
Location Address Contact Grades Details
Bishop John Carroll School
1100 NW 32nd Street, OKC
405-525-0956,www.bjcs.org
PreK–8 Diverse Catholic community providing excellence in academic instruction & faith formation in a safe faith-filled environment.
Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School
801 NW 50th Street, OKC
405-842-6638,www.bmchs.org
Grades 9–12 Co-educational college prep Archdiocesan high school with diverse student body.
Casady School 9500 Pennsylvania Avenue, OKC
405-749-3100,www.casady.org
PreK–12 Independent, Episcopal, co-educational, college-preparatory school.
Christ the King Catholic School
1905 Elmhurst Avenue, OKC
405-843-3909,www.ckschool.com
PreK–8 School focused on helping students develop academically for a life of faith, service & integrity.
Erna Krouch Preschool 4901 N Pennsylvania Avenue, OKC
405-848-5926,www.thetempleokc.org
Preschool Theme-based curriculum includes art, numbers, letters, sounds, Spanish & music.
The Goddard School 6001 E Covell, Edmond, 405-330-131317440 N Western, Edmond, 405-348-4442www.goddardschool.com
PreK–K Teachers nurture the healthy development of children to encourage each child’s lifelong love of learning. Education programs individualized for each student.
Heritage College 7100 I-35 Service Road, OKC
405-631-3399,www.heritage-education.com
Post-seconday education
Training for careers in the healthcare, wellness & beauty fields. Career placement assistance available.
Holy Trinity Catholic School
N 2nd & Missouri, Okarche
405-263-4422,www.holytrinityok.org
PreK–8 Catholic school with daily bus route to and from NW OKC
Holy Trinity Christian School
308 NW 164th Street, OKC
405-844-4000,www.holytrinityedmond.org
PreK–5 Hands-on learning geared toward children’s physical, social, emotional & intellectual development.
King’s Gate Christian School
11400 N Portland, OKC 405-752-2111,www.kingsgateschool.com
PreK–5 Quality Christian education in an accredited, age-appropriate learning environment rich in experimental interaction & exploration.
Messiah Lutheran School
3600 NW Expressway, OKC
405-946-0462, www.messiahlutheranschool.com
PreK–8 Accredited Christian school with small class sizes and qualified, caring teachers.
Mount St. Mary High School
2801 S Shartel Avenue, OKC
405-631-8865,www.mountstmary.org
9–12 College preparatory, co-educational Catholic education with a variety of clubs, organizations, fine arts & athletics.
Oklahoma Calvert Academy
Virtual School;11911 N Pennsylvania Avenue, OKC
877-485-8283, www.oklahomacalvertacademy.com
PreK–8 A tuition-free, flexible, public, virtual school option that utilizes the world-renowned Calvert curriculum and allows you to educate your child at home with the supervision of state certified teachers. Lesson plans included.
Oklahoma Christian School
4680 E 2nd Street, Edmond
405-341-2265,www.ocssaints.org
PreK–12 Interdenominational Christian College-Prep school preparing students to make an impact for the Kingdom of God in the field they are called.
Welcome to MetroFamily's
EducationGuide
Whether you’re a parent seeking a metro area private school, a teacher searching for a field trip venue or you’re in need of enrichment activities to enhance your child’s learning process, this is the place to begin.
Special Advertising Section
January 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com 19
Location Address Contact Grades Details
Oklahoma Connections Academy
Virtual School;2425 Nowata Place, Bartlesville
918-977-3285. www.connectionsacademy.com/oklahoma-school
K–12 Oklahoma Connections Academy is an accredited, tuition-free, online public school offering personalized instruction and a proven curriculum delivered by certified teachers.
Primrose School6101 NW 139th Street, OKC, 405-721-2200, www.primrosenwoklahomacity.com (opens soon)1520 SW 119th Street, OKC, 405-793-6000, www.primroseswoklahomacity.com15000 N Western Avenue, Edmond, 405-285-6787, www.primroseedmond.com
Preschool Private preschool with accredited curriculum that partners with parents to help children build the right foundation for future learning and life, with the goal to help children have fun while building “Active Minds, Healthy Bodies and Happy Hearts.”
Providence Hall Classical Christian School
1120 E Hefner Road, OKC
405-478-2077,www.providencehall.org
PreK–9 Half- & full-day programs for preschool & kindergarten; classical Western education with scriptural focus for all grades.
Rosary School 1919 NW 18th Street, OKC
405-525-9272,www.rosaryschool.com
PreK–8 Blue Ribbon award-winning Catholic School.
Sacred Heart Catholic School
2700 S Shartel Avenue, OKC
405-634-5673,www.sacredheartokc.org
PreK–8 Catholic education founded on faith, hope, and love. Small class size, sports, piano class, scouting, and clubs.
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School
5000 N Grove Avenue, OKC
405-789-0224,www.stcharlesokc.org
PreK–8 Empowered by Gospel values to develop lifetime learners who are Christ-like in Serving, Caring, and Becoming.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School
925 S Boulevard, Edmond
405-348-5364,www.seascardinals.org
PreK–8 Education program rooted in the values of love, respect & justice for every individual & form of life existing in God’s creation.
St. Eugene Catholic School
2400 W Hefner Road, OKC
405-751-0067,www.steugeneschool.org
PreK–8 Roman Catholic school that keeps Christ central by nurturing spiritual growth & academic excellence.
St. John’s Episcopal School & Child Development Program
5401 N Brookline, OKC 405-943-8583,www.stjohnsokc.com
PreK–8 Supportive educational environment that fosters intellectual, physical, social & ethical development & exploration.
St. John the Greater Catholic School
1224 SW 41st Street, OKC
405-636-6810,www.st-james-catholic.org
PreK–8 Catholic education with small class sizes & a wide rnge of extracurricular opportunities. Names for the 2013-14 waiting list now accepted.
St. John Nepomuk Catholic School
600 Garth Brooks Boulevard, Yukon
405-354-2509,www.sjnok.org
PreK–8 Catholic school committed to the gospel teachings of Jesus Christ and the principles of the Catholic Church.
St. Mary Catholic School 502 E Warner, Guthrie 405-282-2071,http://stmarysguthrie.eduk12.net
PreK–8 Committed to providing the best academic & spiritual formation for all.
St. Mary’s Episcopal School
505 E Covell Road, Edmond
405-341-9541,www.smesedmond.org
PreK–8 Curriculum focuses on the whole child and teaches, intellectual, spiritual, social, and physical wellness. Before and after school programs available.
St. Philip Neri Catholic School
1121 Felix Place, Midwest City
405-737-4496,www.stphilipnerischool.com
PreK–8 Catholic education plus Spanish, physical education, music & art classes.
Trinity School 321 NW 36th Street, OKC
405-525-5600,www.trinityschoolokc.org
K–12 Private, independent day school specializing in intelligent students with learning differences in language, reading, math, handwriting, processing and/or other areas. Accepting Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships.
Veritas Classical Academy
8901 S Shields Boulevard, OKC
405-585-7275,www.veritasclassical.com
PreK–12 A classical Christian, blended-model school where students attend classes 2 or 2.5 days per week and do home day work on the other days. Campuses in southwest OKC and north Edmond.
Westminster School 600 NW 44th Street, OKC
405-524-0631,www.westminsterschool.org
PreK–8 Co-ed school with the mission to educate children by engaging them in experiences to challenge them to solve problems as cooperative, confident & responsible learners.
YMCA (E.L. Gaylord Downtown)
1 NW 4th Street, OKC 405-297-7760,www.ymcaokc.org
PreK–K Early learning programs based on holistic child development.
Schools
Special Advertising Section
20 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | January 2013
Location Address Contact DetailsCherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center
507 S 4th Street, Enid 580-237-1907,www.csrhc.org
Tells the history & development of the Cherokee Outlet where students can step back in time to early frontier days.
Chickasaw Cultural Center
867 Charles Cooper Memorial Road, Sulphur
580-622-7130, www.chickasawculturalcenter.com
Shares the story of the Chickasaw people through the latest technology, live demonstrations, ancient artifacts and natural outdoor spaces. Staffed with cultural demonstrators/teachers to educate visitors on traditional crafts and more.
Chisholm Trail Heritage Center
1000 Chisholm Trail Parkway, Duncan
580-252-6692,www.onthechisholmtrail.com
Offers sessions for Pre-K-adults, with certified educators presenting age-appropriate lessons on the Chisholm trail, Native Americans and Oklahoma Land Giveaways. All modules incorporate Oklahoma PASS & Core Curriculum, can include educators in period dress.
Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum
1400 Classen Drive, OKC 405-235-4458,www.oklahomaheritage.com
Experience Oklahoma’s story through its people in a high-tech, interactive museum environment.
Harn Homestead Museum
1721 N Lincoln Boulevard, OKC
405-235-4058,www.harnhomestead.com
Field trip venue for students age 5+ to learn about territorial-era settlers. 2- & 3-hour programs available for elementary & secondary students.
Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum
1714 W Wrangler Boulevard, Seminole
405-382-0950,www.jasminemoran.com
Interactive exhibits, outdoor train & ScienceWorks wing (complete with a surgical suite) provide a fun field trip venue.
Leonardo’s Children’s Museum
200 E Maple, Enid 580-233-2787,www.leonardos.org
Hands-on science museum with focus on arts & science. All-day admission also includes Adventure Quest, an outdoor science playground featuring a three-story castle.
Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art
1900 W MacArthur, Shawnee
405-878-5300,www.mgmoa.org
Integrated student programs combining museum & classroom experiences for students of all ages.
Museum of Osteology 10301 S Sunnylane Road, OKC
405-814-0006,www.museumofosteology.org
Hands-on educational programs focusing on the form & function of the skeletal system. Programs available for Pre-K-12th grade.
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
1700 NE 63rd Street, OKC 405-478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org
Hands-on programs for K-6th grades meet OK PASS & C3 Standards for Social Studies. Guided tours for mid-high/high school. Traveling Trunks available for classroom use on American Cowboys, American Indians, Oklahoma History, tailored to grade level, 2-week free check out when picked up from museum.
Oklahoma City Museum of Art
415 Couch Drive, OKC 405-236-3100,www.okcmoa.com
Pre-scheduled, docent-led tours available for school-age groups. Scholarships available.
Oklahoma City Zoo 2101 NE 50th Street, OKC 405-425-0218,www.okczooed.com
Outreach & school programs to reach students of all ages.
Oklahoma History Center 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, OKC
405-522-0765,www.okhistory.org
Offers a variety of unique educational programs to facilitate sharing our state’s past through guided tours, living history presentations, scavenger hunts, hands-on activities, education trunks & special classes. Also offers educational outreach programs.
Oklahoma Railway Museum
3400 NE Grand Boulevard, OKC
405-424-8222, www.oklahomarailwaymuseum.org
Museum with historic railroad equipment & Saturday train rides.
Oklahoma WONDERtorium
308 W Franklin Lane, Stillwater
405-533-3333,www.okwondertorium.org
Inquiry-based exploration of the museum exhibits in the areas of science, engineering, creative art, math, history and culture. Field trips may be scheduled Wednesday–Friday, 10am–2pm.
Railroad Museum of Oklahoma
702 N Washington, Enid 580-233-3051, www.railroadmuseumofoklahoma.org
Field trip venue with over a million pieces of railroad memorabilia with all-caboose rail excursions.
Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
2401 Chautauqua Avenue, Norman
405-325-4712,www.snomnh.ou.edu
Age-appropriate, hands-on programs highlighting the Earth’s history & focusing on Oklahoma. All programs address PASS standards & are taught by professional museum educators. Scholarships available.
Science Museum Oklahoma
2100 NE 52nd Street, OKC 405-602-6664,www.sciencemuseumok.org
Hands-on experiences; thousands of space, aviation & cultural artifacts; ongoing exhibitions; Planetarium shows, Science Live performances & IMAX films in the Dome Theater.
Tiger Safari 963 Country Street 2930, Tuttle
405-381-9453,www.tigersafari.us
Featuring the largest selection of domestic and exotic animals in Oklahoma. Educates on subjects of husbandry and conservation. Offers educational summer camps. “Zoo to You” brings animals to classrooms.
Field Trip Venues Special Advertising Section
January 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com 21
Outreach & Enrichment Programs
Location Address Contact DetailsAbrakadoodle OKC PO Box 6936, Moore 405-818-5417,
www.abrakadoodle.com/OK01Art programs including a trained teacher and comprehensive curriculum are offered at schools or community locations though a mobile art education program. Teaches about artists and styles, demonstrates art techniques, explores art materials and designs original artwork. Offers art camps and art parties for children ages 20 months to age 14.
Alliance Française d’Oklahoma City
PO Box 414, OKC 405-748-0868,www.afdokc.org
Offers enrichment French classes for children (PreK–5th) and adults. Teachers are native French speakers. Children’s classes last one hour and are held on Saturday mornings.
City Arts Center 3000 General Pershing Boulevard, OKC
405-951-0000,www.cityartscenter.org
Introduce children ages 5-13 to both the visual and performing arts, inspire creative thinking and empower them to produce artwork, including ceramics, painting & drawing, mask making, sculpture, theatre, dance and more. Scholarships available.
College Nannies and Tutors of Edmond
1333 N Santa Fe Avenue, Edmond
405-513-6060, www.collegenanniesandtutors.com
One-on-one customized tutoring for all ages and all subjects including college test prep.
Club Z! In-home Tutoring Service
3200 E Memorial, Edmond 405-478-3515,www.clubztutoring.com/okc
All subjects and all levels, Pre-K–College. Provides private instruction in an environment highly-conducive to learning. College test prep and grade level assessment available.
Fine Arts Institute of Edmond 27 E Edwards, Edmond 405-340-4481,www.edmondfinearts.com
Non-profit community arts organization offering educational enrichment in the visual & performing arts for adults and children.
Jingle and Jangle 111 E Paul, Pauls Valley 405-238-5800, www.jingleandjangle.com
Offers educational field trips meeting Oklahoma standards in Math, Language, Arts and Geography. Jingle and Jangle were Santa’s original elves & want to help celebrate holidays through fun with candy and numerous creative candy crafts.
Kumon Math & Reading Edmond (245 S Santa Fe Avenue), 405-216-9800; N Edmond (775 W Covell Road), 405-715-1111; Mustang (204 N Mustang Mall Terrace), 405-376-6400; Norman (1320 N Interstate Drive), 405-364-1600; OKC North (9494 N May Avenue), 405-752-2000; OKC NW (7640 NW Expressway), 405-721-7323; OKC South (10600 S Pennsylvania Avenue), 405-691-8900; Yukon (1300 W Vandament), 405-494-3010www.kumon.com
Beginning-to-advanced math & reading programs for ages 3–18. Ongoing sessions with individualized academic plans.
Mad Science of OKC and Tulsa
14020 N Western Avenue, OKC
405-285-9643, www.okc.madscience.org
Fun, inquiry-based, hands-on, themed programs & activities for grades preschool through middle school held at schools or community centers.
Mathnasium of North OKC
14101 N May, OKC 405-241-6284,www.mathnasium.com/northokc
Individual instruction, homework help and customized learning plan with unlimited attendance and no appointments required. Serving 2nd grade–calculus.
Monica Pevehouse, LPC, NCSP
4113 Mayfair Drive, Norman
405-514-8572 Diagnostic evaluation & personalized recommendations for children to assist parents and educators. Specializes in individually-tailored assessments for Specific Learning Disability (Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia), Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, and emotional issues.
Oklahoma City Philharmonic
428 W California, Suite 428, OKC
405-842-5387,www.okcphilharmonic.org
In-school programs “Sound Images” & “We’ve Got Rhythm” follow PASS education guidelines. Other programs include youth concerts, family concerts and music olympics—a scholarship competition for middle and high school musicians.
Rose State College Community Learning Center
6420 SE 15th Street, Midwest City
405-733-7392,www.rose.edu/clc
Enrichment programs for students of all ages, including after-school or learn-to-swim program for kids, and computer skills and art classes for adults.
Sensational Kids, Inc. 14715 Bristol Park Boulevard, OKC
405-840-1686,www.sensationalkidsokc.com
Occupational & speech therapists work with children exhibiting sensory processing disorder, speech disorders or with delayed fine/gross motor skills & social skills.
Spectrum Therapy Center
14 E Ayers, Edmond 405-513-8186,www.stc-ok.com
Private practice offering innovative & comprehensive occupational therapy services.
Sylvan Learning Center of Oklahoma City
1710 Belle Isle Boulevard, OKC
405-842-7323,www.sylvanlearning.com
Individualized tutoring programs for all grade levels in all subjects. Beginning reading through advanced reading, basic math, algebra, geometry, ACT, SAT, study skills & homework support.
Tulsa Zoo 6421 E 36th Street N, Tulsa
918-669-6219,www.tulsazoo.org
Programs including up-close animal observations and hands-on activities for Pre-K-12th grade aligned to Oklahoma P.A.S.S. standards.
Outreach & Enrichment Programs Special Advertising Section
22 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | January 2013
Learning AdventuresFamily Activities for Creative Minds: Every Button Tells a Story
Frombuttonsyouhaveathomeorthebuttonspicturedabove,askyourchildtoselecttheirfavorite.Doesitremindthemofsomeoneorsomething?Whydidtheychooseit?Askthemtomakeupastoryabouttheirchosenbutton.Askquestionstohelpthemgetstarted,suchas“Whattypeofclothingitemwasthebuttonoriginallyon?”“Whatdidthegarmentlookorfeellike?”“Whousedtowearit?”“Howdiditcomeoff?”Helpthemtobeginwritingordrawingastory.Extendtheactivitybyaskingafriendormemberofthefamilytoparticipateinawordharvest.Showhimorherthebutton
andaskthemtodescribeit.Haveyourchildincorporatethosewordsintotheirdrawingorstory.[Editor’s Note: MetroFamily is excited to partner with Oklahoma A+ Schools to bring you this new column, which will provide an opportunity for your family to use your imagination and flex your creative muscle. There are no right or wrong answers to these activities; instead, they are designed to stimulate your imagination and help you enjoy creating with your child. Our sincere appreciation to Primrose Schools for sponsoring this project.]
Did you know?Everyoneiscreative—evenyou!Justaseverypersonisunique,weallshowourcreativityinuniqueways.Youdonothavetobeabletosingordrawapicturetobecreative,youjustneedtouseyourimaginationandlettheworldaroundyouinspireyournaturalabilitiestobecreative.Visitwww.metrofamilymagazine.com/learning-adventuresformorecreativeactivitiesandideastoenjoywithyourchild.
Oklahoma A+ Schools®isthestate’sonlyresearch-basedwholeschoolnetworkwithamissionofnurturingcreativityineverylearner.Learnmoreatwww.okaplus.org.
24 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | January 2013
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Exploring Oklahoma and BeyondSpend a Weekend in Branson, Missouri
WhenIwasakid,BransonwasalreadyaprettycommonvacationspotforOklahomans.In1991,though,60
MinutesdidafeatureonBransonandthetown’spopularityexplodedaroundthenation.Ifyouhaven’tbeenbacksinceyouwereyoung,thisisdefinitelynottheBransonyouremember!
ComingfromOklahomaCity,it’saboutafivehourdriveupInterstate44toBranson.ThereareeasyplacestostopinTulsaandJoplinifyouneedtobreakupthedriveforyouryoungerpassengers.RememberthatmostofthedrivethroughOklahomaisonturnpikes,sohavechangereadyifyoudon’thaveaPikepass.OnceyoureachtheoutskirtsofSpringfieldyouwon’tbeabletomissthebillboardsdirectingyoutoBranson.Andwhatistheretodowhenyougetthere?Justabouteverythingyoucanimagine.
Theaters and ShowsBransonishometoamultitudeoftheatershostingmusicalshows,magicians,acrobatsandmore.Wehadtheopportunitytotakeinseveralshowsduringourtrip,startingwithPresleys’ Country Jubilee.ThePresleyfamilyopenedthefirstlivemusicshowonthestripinBranson,andthey’vebeenentertainingaudiencesforyearswiththeirmusicalvarietyandcomedyshow.Arriveearlytotakepartinthesing-alongheldinthelobbybeforeeachshow.
TheproductionsatSight and Sound Theatre areincredible.EachseasonanewBiblestoryisbroughttolifeonstagewithbeautifulmusic.Thetheaterseats2,000andscenesfromthemusicalwesawtookplaceonallsidesoftheaudience.Mychildrenespeciallyloveditwhenactors(andliveanimals)wouldpasscloseby.Ifyou’relookingforadinnertheaterexperience,theShowboat Branson Belle(1)providesagoodmealwithmusic,magicandcomedy.Asyouhaveyourmealandwatchtheshow,youcruiseTableRockLake.Thereisalsotimetoexploretheboatandenjoythebeautifulscenery.Dinnercruisesstartat8:00pmandlastseveralhours,soifyouhaveyoungchildrenyoumaywanttotakeadvantageofothercruiseoptions.
NatureIfyouhavenatureloversinyourfamily,The Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure(2)shouldbeatthetopofyouritinerary.Asyouwalkthroughtheaviary,youwillseesomeofthemostbeautifulbutterfliesintheworld—andyourkidshavethechancetodonspecialgearastheysearchfordifferentspecies.Youcanlearnaboutotherrainforestanimalsinthesciencecenter,throughinteractiveexhibitsandliveanimals.Therearealsosomefunattractionsincludedinyourticketprice.Ourentirefamilyenjoyedthemirrormaze—theonlyoneI’veeverbeeninthatwasbigenoughtoactuallygetlostin!
Outside,kidscanclimbthegiantcoconuttreethat’salmostastallasthebuilding.
ShoppingIfyou’relookingforalow-keywaytopasstimeinBranson,thereareseveralgoodshoppingcenters.TheTanger Outlet islocatedrightoffthestrip,sowewereabletogetthereeasilyandspendalittletimeshoppingbetweenourotheractivities.Branson Landing isabeautifulnewoutdoorshoppingcenterlocatedonLakeTaneycomoindowntownBranson.Thewidevarietyofshopswillgiveeveryonesomethingtoenjoyandtherearemanyrestaurantstochoosefrom,too.Startingatnooneachdayyoucanseetheamazinglightandfountainshowinthetownsquare.
HistoryYoumaybesurprisedathowmuchyoucanlearnabouthistoryinBranson.WehadtheopportunitytovisittheTitanic Museum(3)andtheexperiencewasamazing.Afterthelate1990s,IthoughttherewasnotmuchnewinformationabouttheTitanicoutthere,butyouwilllearnplentyhere.Touchingthetipofanicebergwasreallyjustthetipofaniceberginthishands-onmuseum.YoucantrytoclimbdeckstiltedasthedeckoftheTitanicwasatdifferentpointsduringthatfatefulnightorseehowlongyoucankeepyourhandinwaterthesametemperatureas
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January 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com 25
theoceanwas.Asyoumovefromexhibittoexhibit,youcanwalkacrossthedeckandfeelthesameweatherpassengerswouldhavefelt.Youalsolearnaboutindividualpassengersasyouareassignedanidentityatthebeginningandlearnwhatultimatelyhappenedtothatpersonthatnight.Allowyourselfatleastacoupleofhourstoexplore.Silver Dollar City(4)isprobablybestknownasanamusementpark,buttherearegreatlearningopportunitiesavailable,too.Thepark,whichworkstopreservetheOzarkcultureofthelate1800s,hasmanytalentedcraftsmenwhodisplayawidearrayofskillsfrommakingpotteryandblowingglasstomakingknivesandcarvingwood.Thecraftsmenwilldemonstratetheirtalentsandanswerquestionsandyoucanpurchasetheircreations,too.Youcanalsovisitanold-fashionedschooltoseewhatlearningwaslikeover100yearsago.
Hands-On Fun and ActivitiesInadditiontoprovidingeducationalfun,SilverDollarCityisalsoknownasthebiggestamusementparkinthearea.Youshouldallowatleastafulldaytotakeintheattractionsandshowsinthepark,butyoucouldeasilyspendmoretimethere.SilverDollarCityhasmorethan30differentridesandattractionsforallagesandsizes.Oureightyearoldwasdelightedtofindhewastallenoughforthebigrollercoastersandtherewerestillplentyofridesourthreeyearoldenjoyed.Ifyouhaveawidevarietyofages,thereareattractionsthatwillkeepeveryonehappy,suchasGeyserGulch,ahugeplayareawithfountainsforsplashing,targetsforshooting,andcrawlspacesforexploring.Ifyou’retiredfromtherides,takeabreakwithoneofthemanyliveshows.SilverDollarCityisveryfamilyfriendly,withmostareasstrollerandwheelchairaccessibleandnursingstationsthroughoutthepark.CheckouttheSilverDollarCitywebsitebeforeyouvisitforspecialpricinginformationandbesuretoreadtheirFAQpageformanyhelpfultipstomakeyourtimetheregosmoothly.Ifyoudon’twantanall-dayamusementparkexperience,thereareseveralotheroptionsavailableonthemainstripinBranson.Ifyou’relookingforminiaturegolf,go-karts,orarcadesyouwillfinditeasily!
AccommodationsYoucanfindjustaboutanykindoflodginginanypricerangeinBranson.Therearemanyhotelsintownaswellascondosforrent.WestayedinacondoatThe Village at Indian Point,justashortdrivefromSilverDollarCityandoverlookingTableRockLake.Ourcondohadtwobedrooms,twobathrooms,afullkitchenandawasheranddryerandwasveryaffordable.Ratesatmanyplacesvarydependingonthetimeofyear,soifyouhavesomeflexibilitywithyourtraveltimeyoumaybesurprisedatwhatyoucanfindforagoodprice!Bransonisawonderfulplacetotakeafamilyvacation.Therearesomanyoptionstofitjustaboutanyfamily’stastesandbudget.Almosteverythingisgearedtowardfamiliessothereisn’tanyworryaboutaccidentallytakingyourkidsintoashowthatmightbetooscaryorinappropriateforthem.TakealittletimetovisittheBranson’stourismwebsiteandyoucanfindlinksforshows,lodgingandspecialeventsinthearea!
Jennifer Geary is a homeschooling mom from Broken Arrow, formerly of OKC, who loves to have adventures with her family.
Contact InformationBranson/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau 800-296-0463, www.explorebranson.com
Presleys’ Country Jubilee 2920 76 Country Blvd 800-335-4874, www.presleys.com
Sight & Sound Theatres 1001 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway 800-377-1277, www.sight-sound.com
Showboat Branson Belle 4800 Missouri 165 800-475-9370, www.showboatbransonbelle.com
Butterfly Palace 4106 West Highway 76 417-332-2231, www.thebutterflypalace.com
Tanger Outlets 300 Tanger Blvd 800-407-2762, www.tangeroutlet.com/branson
Branson Landing 100 Branson Landing 417-239-3002, www.bransonlanding.com
Titanic Museum 3235 76 Country Blvd 800-381-7670, www.titanicbranson.com
Silver Dollar City 399 Silver Dollar City Parkway 800-475-9370, www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com
The Village at Indian Point 24 Village Trail 800-984-7847, www.thevillageatindianpoint.com
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26 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | January 2013
Problem SolversHelpful Family Products
Problem: You know the kids used your computer by the peanut butter on the space bar.
Solution: TheLogitech washable keyboard canbehandwashedinsoapandwatertokeepitclean.($40,www.logitech.com)
Problem: You have a bored kid and a pile of old holiday cards.
Solution: CombinethemwiththeCrafty Bands Kit andyourkidcantakethosecardsandmakefunaccessories.($30starterkit,refills$5andup,www.craftybands.com)
Problem: Do you have to choose between healthy and tasty in breakfast cereal?
Solution: NotwithMOM Brands,whichfeatureshotandcoldcerealsthatarereasonably-priced,healthy(wholegrainandnohighfructosecornsyrup)anddelicious.($1+,www.mombrands.com)
Problem: You brought the formula but forgot the bottles.
Solution: Steri-bottles aredisposable,portablebottlesthatarereadywhenyouneedthem.($7/5pack,www.steribottle.com)
Problem: You try to talk to your kid but does he hear you?
Solution: SendthemtoschoolwithLunchbox Buddies intheirlunchtolethimknowyou’rethinkingofhim.($4,www.lunchboxbuddies.com)
Problem: You like to walk your pup at night, but can’t get him to wear a bright orange safety vest.
Solution: TheDog-e-Glow LED Dog Collar and Leash keepsyourpoochvisiblefromupto100feetaway,availableindesignsrangingfrompinkplaidtosportsteamlogos.($23+,www.dogeglow.com)
Whenwehearaboutneworhelpfulproducts,weliketoletourreadersknow!Hereareafewofthemoreinterestingitemswe’verecentlydiscovered.Visittheproductwebsiteforalistoflocalretailers.
28 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | January 2013
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Car
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iller.
Focus on EducationAdvice for Nurturing Gifted & Talented Children
MidwestCitymomStephanieBondisproudtohavethreegiftedandtalentedchildren,includingidentical
13-year-oldtwindaughters,RebeccaandRachael.
Whenthetwinswereinkindergarten,StephanielearnedthatRachaelwastheleadertwinandRebeccawasthefollower—totheextentthatwhenRebeccawasaskedquestionsintheclassroom,Rachaelwouldstepinandansweronhersister’sbehalf.Separatedintodifferentclassroomsforfirstgrade,Rebeccahadtoworkhardtocatchupacademically.StephanieexplainsthatRebecca’steachersoonsingledheroutasgiftedandtalentednotbecauseofheracademicefforts,butbecauseofherverydetaileddrawings.“Bothgirlsjustthinkdifferently,whichisahallmarkofgiftedandtalentedstudents,”Stephaniesaid.“Infourthgrade,thetwinsweretestedforthegiftedandtalentedprogram.Theyweremeasuredforanumberofthings,includingtheirlevelofmaturity,emotionallevelandhowtheygetalongwithotherstudents.Theywerebothaccepted.”
Old SoulsThedifferencesthatBondwitnessedinherownchildrenrepresentsthespectrumofabilitiesthatfallundertheumbrellaofgiftedandtalentedinOklahoma’spublicschoolsystem.MelodieFulmer,ExecutiveDirectorofParentandCommunityEngagementattheOklahomaStateDepartmentofEducation(OSDE),explainsthatthestrengthsofgiftedandtalentedstudentsrangefromacademicstoareasofleadership,thevisualandperformingarts,creativity,sportsandmore.“Giftedchildrenareoftensensitive,”Fulmernotes.“Forexample,ifyoutalkaboutthehomeless,andlatertheremaybealuncheonwithfoodleftover,thechildmaymentionitwouldbegoodtoshareitwithpeoplewhoarenotasblessed.Theyalsoareoftenthree-dimensionalthinkersandarenotsatisfiedwithdisplayingtheirartinatwo-dimensionalformat.”“Sometimes,[gifted]childrenarereferredtoasoldsouls,”SaraSmith,OSDE’sExecutiveDirectorofGiftedandTalentedEducation.“Theyseemtocatchontothingsquicklyanddon’tneedrepetition.Often,theyaregiftedinmathandinmemory.”Especiallyforparentsofyoungerchildren,therearecertaintraitsthatcanindicateanincreasedcapacityinthechild.“Inlookingforsignsofagiftedchild,parentscanidentifytraitssuchasasenseofhumor,a
largevocabulary,kidsthatareextraordinarilyobservantorintunetotheworldaroundthem,”explainsSusanAllgood,M.Ed.,aGiftedResourceCoordinatorandMathSpecialistintheNormanPublicSchooldistrict.“Thesechildrenaregoodatrememberingvastquantitiesoffactsaboutaparticularsubject,andarequickattakingthingsapartandputtingthembacktogethercorrectly.”Regardlessofthenatureoftheirabilities,raisingagiftedchildisnotwithoutitsownuniquesetofchallenges.Weaskedourexpertstoweighinwithadviceandtipsformakingthemostofyourchild’spotential.
Encouraging MotivationNotallchildrenwithhighacademicabilityperformwellinaschoolenvironment.Whenagiftedstudentfeelsunchallengedorlacksmotivation,itcanleadtopoorclassroomperformance,lowergradesoralackofinterestinschoolwork.“Ifyourextremelybrightchildisgettingfrustratedandactingoutbecauseofboredom,it’simportanttotalkwithteachersandguidancecounselorstoseeifthere’sanythingtheycandotocreateamorestimulatingenvironmentforthem,”explainsDr.JenniferBernstein,DirectorofGetYourselfIntoCollege,anorganizationthatprovideshigh-qualitymentoringandguidesstudentsthroughthecollegeapplicationprocess.“However,itmightalsobeusefultohaveyourchildrentalkwithacounselorortherapisttolearnhowtodealwiththesetypesof
situationsbecausethey’relikelytoencounterthemrepeatedlythroughouttheireducation.Theyneedtobeabletoprocesstheirfeelings,cultivatepatienceandfigureouttherightwaytodotheirpartincreatingintellectualchallengesforthemselves.”Ifyourchildisreadingabookthatseemstooeasyforthem,Bernsteinsuggeststhatteachersandparentsencouragethemtocomeupwiththeirowninterpretationofthestory,orworkwiththeirteacheroflibrariantocontinuereadingother,moreadvancedbooksonthesamesubject.“Encourageyourchildtobeproactivewiththeteacher.Oncethechildhasprovenmasteryoftheconcepts,hemightasktheteacherforanindependentprojectorareplacementassignment,”Allgoodurges.“Somedistrictsevenallowstudentstotestoutofindividualclassesbeginninginmiddleschool.”
Maximizing Potential Whenyourstudentshowsanotableabilityinacademics,sports,theartsorotherarea,yourinitialinstinctsmaybetopushthemtocontinuetoexcelinthatarena.ButAllgoodrecommendsadifferentapproach.“Don’tpushthem.Mostwillbeinspiredandmotivatedontheirown,”sheexplains.“Dofacilitateopportunitiestoexploresubjectsofinteresttothem.Museums,nature,librariesandvacationsallmakegreatfamilyactivities.”Forparents,theroleismoreaboutnurturinginterestsandhelpingstudentsfindways
Gifted and talented siblings Rebecca, age 13, Rachael, age 13, and Colin, age 17.
January 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com 29
topursuetheirpassions.“Iwanttoemphasizehowimportantitisforparentstocultivatetheirchildren’sabilitytotaketheinitiativeinactingonwhatexcitesandintriguesthem,”Bernsteinsays.“Obviously,youngerkidswillneedmoreparentalassistance.However,I’vefoundthatmanyextremelybrighthighschoolstudentsstillneedahelpinghandinfiguringoutalltheopportunitiesavailabletothem.”Forolderchildrenwhoshowafascinationinscience,Bernsteinrecommendshavingthemshadowalocalscientistforadaytogainanactual,hands-onperspective.Ifyourchildisadeptinphotographybutthere’snophotographyclubathisschool,encouragethemtotakestepstoformagroupwithintheschoolorapprenticewithaprofessionalphotographer.
Keeping It in PerspectiveTohelphergiftedchildrenthrive,Bondcontinuestoprovideartisticenrichmentopportunities,aswellassportsactivities.Thetwinsarenowtakingpreadvanced-placement(AP)classes.HersonColin,nowaseniorinhighschool,istakingtwoAPclasses,playsthefluteandisatalentedathlete.Forparentsraisingagiftedchild,Allgoodsharesoneimportantcaution.“Yourchildisnotyou.Donotlivethroughorforyourchild’saccomplishments.Donotpinyourhappinessonyourchild’sGPAoracademicsuccess.Thinkofthepressureitputsonachildwhenthewholefamilyfocusesontheirperformance,”Allgoodreminds.“And,donottellyourchildhowsmartheis.Praiseandencourageeffortandpersistence,ratherthangoodgrades.[This]resultsinahealthieremotionalwell-being.Childrenaremorelikelytotryharderproblemsandclasseswhentheyarenotafraidtofail.”“I’veneverconsideredanyofthekids‘gifted’necessarily,”Bondreflects.“Theyhavemessyrooms,fightwitheachotherandforgettofeedthedog.They,though,haveintereststhatI’vealwaystriedtohelpthempursue.Wehaveencouragedthemtodotheirbestinschool—andtheirbest,asaresult,hasplacedtheminthegiftedcategory.Equallyasimportant,though,iswealsohaveencouragedthemtobekind,openminded,adventurous,compassionateandthoughtful,allofwhichtheyhavealsoexcelled.”Bernsteinagrees.“Thepoint,isnotjusttocreate[enrichment]situationsforyourchildren,buttoshowthemhowtheycanreachoutandmakethingshappenforthemselves,”Bernsteincautions.“Thisunderlyinglessonistransformativeandcanmakeahugedifferenceintheirlives.”
Brooke Barnett is the Assistant Editor of MetroFamily Magazine. With additional reporting by Kevan Goff Parker.
TolearnmoreaboutOklahoma’sgiftedandtalentedresources,visit,www.ok.gov/sde/gifted-and-talented-education.SusanAllgood,M.Ed,recommendsthebookNuture Shock: New Thinking About Children (TwelveBooks,$15)toparents.Usingaconversationaltone,authorsPoBronsonandAshleyMerrymanaddressmanyconventionalideasaboutwhatourchildrenneedtolearn,growandthriveandchallengeourthoughtsaboutthem.“It’sfullofeye-openingresearchthatcontradictspopularpractices,”Allgoodexplains.“Itfocusesonlanguagedevelopment,whichiskeytosuccessinreadingandschool.”
30 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | January 2013
Local ShoppingRing in a Healthy New Year with Red Coyote Running and Fitness
Showofhands—who’sstartinganewfitnessplanthismonth?Comeon,behonest;it’sanewyearandthat’swhen
weallmakeresolutionstobehealthy.Ifyouaremakingaresolutiontoexercisemorein2013andyouthinkthatrunningmightnotbeforyou,avisittoRedCoyoteinClassenCurvemaychangeyourmind.
A Welcoming ExperienceFornearlythreeyears,RedCoyoteRunningandFitnesshasbeenservingnewandestablishedrunnersintheOklahomaCityarea,providingproducts,servicesandeventstothecommunity.ItallstartedwhenBurkeandJonBeckvisitedOklahomaCityfromSanDiego,wheretheywerelivingatthetime.Burke,aCasadyschoolgrad,neededanewpairofrunningshoesbutwhenshewentshopping,theexperienceleftheralittlecold.“Wereallycouldn’tfindtheservicewewerelookingfor,”saysJon,andhavingworkedintherunningretailindustryforawhile,theyknewthattherewasanichethattheycouldfill.Joncontinues,“Wedecided,prettymuchrightthen,tomovetoOklahomaCityandopenastore.”AndassoonasyouenterRedCoyote,youunderstandthefeelingthattheBeckshaveworkedhardtoinstill.Fromthefriendlyandknowledgeablestafftothewiderangeofrunningandfitness-relatedproducts,thisisastorewhereeveryoneismadetofeelwelcome.Whentalkingwithfriendsaboutrunningstores,themostfrequentfeedbackJonreceivedwasthatevenexperiencedrunnersfoundgoingintothesespecialtystores
intimidating.Sowhenhecreatedhisownstore,hewantedittobeeasilyaccessibletoall,nomattertheirfitnesslevel.
Building a CommunityThroughevents,RedCoyotecustomershavebuiltaloyalandsupportivecommunityofrunnersofallabilities.“We’reallabouthavingfun,”assertsJon,andthrougheventsliketheirweeklygroupruns,theBecksdrivehomethemessagethatrunningisforeveryone,fromthebeginnertotheeliteathlete.“Everybodycandoit.It’samatterofhavingtherightpeopletheretoguideyou,”saysJon.Andthroughtherunningcommunityandtheexpertsatthestore,therightpeopletoguideyouareneverthatfaraway.
What to ExpectFortheseasonedrunner,RedCoyotehaseverythingneededfrompre-topost-raceandallthingsinbetween.SaysJon,“wetrytostayonthecuttingedgeofwhat’soutthere,”soifyou’vereadaboutaproduct,youshouldbeabletofindithere.Forthenewrunner,thestoreandstaffaresetuptohelpgetaprogramstarted,throughanin-depthseriesofquestionsandhands-ontesting.Tobetterunderstandhowtoservesomeonenewtorunning,acustomerwillbeaskedfortheirbackground(Haveyoueverbeenarunnerbefore?Isthisyourfirsttimetotryrunning?)andgoals(Whatareyouhopingtoachievefromrunning?Doyouwanttobuildtoaracedistanceorrunshortdistances?)
beforeananalysisisdoneonthetypeofshoesyourfootrequires.
Analyzing Your GaitThispartisnotforthesqueamish.Toanalyzehowyourfeetreallymovewhenrunning,thestaffwillexamineyourfeet.First,standingbarefoottoseehowyournaturalstancealigns,thenthroughaslowmotionvideogaitanalysisdoneontreadmillandcomputer.Runnersareaskedtorunbarefootforabout30secondsonatreadmillwhileacameracapturesthemotion.Afterwards,oneofthetrainedstaffmemberswillslowthevideodownanduseaskeletalmodelofafoottoprovideacompleterepresentationofhowthefootmoveswhenrunning,andhowinjuriesmightoccurorbeprevented.
Red Coyote at the OKC ZooZooTroop,theOklahomaZoologicalSociety’syoungprofessionalgroup,recentlyunveiledninenewlymappedwalkingtrails,createdthroughasponsorshipwithRedCoyoteRunning.Thetrailsrangeindistancefrom.32–2.87milestomeetallfitnesslevels.DanaMcCrory,ExecutiveDirectoroftheOklahomaZoologicalSociety,said“PeoplelovebeingabletowalkintheZoo.ThesetrailsgiveourvisitorstheaddedbenefitofincorporatingexerciseintoavisittotheZoo.”
Other Projects and ServicesRedCoyotehostsweeklyThursdaynightgrouprunsfromthestoreat6:00pm.Thecourseisthreemileslong,butrunnersofallabilitesarewelcome.“Almostevery[group
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January 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com 31
run]we’veheld,I’vehadsomeonetellmeafterabouttwominutesinthatthisisthefarthestthatthey’drunbefore,”saysJon.“It’sincredibletobeapartofthat.”OnthethirdSaturdayofeachmonthat9:00am,thestorehostsaformclinic,where“naturalrunningform”isdiscussed(amoreflat-footedlandingversusthetraditionalheel-strikelanding),followedbyaraffleforafreepairofshoes.BoththeThursdaygrouprunsandtheSaturdayformclinicsareopentoallwhowanttoattend.RedCoyotehasbeeninvolvedinotherrunningevents,andwillcontinuetosponsorracesandeventsin2013.Alsoplannedforthenewyearisanexpansiontoalargerstore(alsointheClassenCurvearea)withtwicethefloorspacethatthecurrentspaceprovides.
Mari Farthing is the Editor of MetroFamily Magazine.
Red Coyote Running and Fitness5800NClassenBoulevard(ClassenCurve)405-840-0003www.redcoyoterunning.comMonday–Friday10:00am–7:00pm;Saturday10:00am–6:00pm;Sunday1:00–5:00pmTheNewbieRunningProgramisa9-weekprogramtobuildnewrunnerstoa5Kdistance.ThenextgroupbeginsJanuary8.Finddetailsonline.
32 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | January 2013
Your Healthy FamilyNon-Invasive Cosmetic Procedures
Haveyoueverlookedinthemirrorandthoughtthatyouwerelookingatanolderrelative?Orlookedata
pictureofyourselfandbeensurprisedtoseethelinesaroundyoureyes?Inalllikelihood,veryfewmenandwomennorthofthirtycananswernotothosequestions.
Asthenewyearcommences,manypeopleopttomakechangesintheirlives.Non-surgicalcosmeticproceduresoftenpickupearlyinthenewyear,aspeoplefindthemselveslongingforafresher,moreyouthfulappearance.ShawnaJones-LanceisanestheticianatIntegrativeMedicalSolutions(IMS)inEdmond.AfterworkingincorporateAmericaformanyyears,shebecamesotiredofthestressandthelonghours.“IknewIneededtodosomethingdifferent,andIhadexperienceintheskincareindustry,Idecidedtogobacktoschooltobecomeanesthetician,becauseIwantedtohelppeoplelookandfeelbetter.”Shehandlesmanyofthein-officeproceduresatIMS,suchasmicrodermabrasiontreatments,galvanictreatments,chemicalpeelsandnon-surgicalfacelifts.Thepracticealsooffersclinicaltreatmentssuchasveintherapy,Botoxandinjectabledermalfillers.
Surface TreatmentsMicrodermabrasionandgalvanictherapyarethegentlestofthesecosmetictreatments.Microdermabrasionisagentleexfoliationthatremovestheoutermostlayersofskincells.“Microdermabrasionissimple,painlessandnon-invasive.Thereislittleornorecoverytimeinvolved,andit’sgentleenoughthatpatientscanhaveatreatmentonceamonth,”explainsLance.Sincehumanskintypicallyregeneratesevery30days,improvementsaretemporary.“Itellmypatientstothinkofitlikesandpaper.”Thetreatmentminimizeshyperpigmentationandsundamage.Itmaydiminishtheappearanceoffinelines,acneandminorscarring.Galvanictherapyisacommonchoiceforpatientswhohaveproblemswithrecurrentacne.“Weatherchangescancauseacnetoflareup,butinmanycases,especiallybreakoutsthatoccuraroundthechinandjawline,theseflare-upsarehormone-related.Thegalvanictreatmentkillsoffbacteriaunderthesurfaceoftheskintodiminishthesebreakouts,”saysLance.Galvanictreatmentsuselowelectriccurrents,whicharepassedthroughtheskinandhaveacleansingandnourishingeffect.Likemicrodermabrasion,galvanicskintherapyrequireslittleornodowntime.
Chemical PeelsChemicalpeelstakecosmetictreatmentstothenextlevel,anddependingonthedepthofthepeel,requireanywherefromafewdaystoacoupleofweeksofrecoverytime.“Thepeelswedohereareverylightandrequireverylittledowntimeformostpatients.”Duringthisprocedure,theskiniscleanedandprepped,andthechemical—usuallyaglycolicacidcompound—isappliedtothesurfaceoftheskinandleftforseveralminutesbeforebeingwipedoff.Somepatientsexperiencemildburningordiscomfortwhilethechemicalcompoundisapplied,butthisdiscomforttypicallysubsidessoonafterthecompoundisremovedandtheacidisneutralizedwithwater.Theselightorsuperficialpeelshealquickly,andmostpeoplecanresumetheirnormalactivitiesimmediately.Theskinmayturnpink,andpeelingisminimal.Makeupcanusuallyhideanyredness.Deeperpeelsareoftendonebyadermatologist,andrequiremorerecoverytime.Afterthepeelingphase,patientswillseeanimprovementinpigmentchanges,mildsundamage,acnescarring,andfinewrinkles.
Non-Surgical FaceliftFormoredramaticresultsthatarestillrelativelynon-invasive,manypatientsareoptingforamulti-stepprocedureknownasanon-surgicalfacelift.Thisthree-stepprocessisdoneoverasix-weekperiod,andisacombinationoflightchemicalpeels,enzymepeelsandfirmingmasks.“Thistreatmentisreallypopular,becausethereisminimaldiscomfortanddowntimewhilegivingpatientsimprovedskintexture,color,andtightness,andadecreaseinporesizeaswellastheappearanceoffinelinesandwrinkles,”explainsJones.Thefirsttreatmentconsistsofachemicalpeel,whichremoves12–16microlayersofskin.Thesecondstepisanenzymetreatment,whichremovesanothertwotothreemicrolayers.Finally,thefirmingmaskproducesmaximumfirmingbenefits,reducingfinelinesandwrinkles.”Aclinicianwillhelptodeterminewhichtypesoftreatmentswillbemosteffective.
FillersFinally,themoreinvasivenon-surgicalproceduressuchasBotoxandinjectabledermalfillersoffermarkedresultsrelativelyquickly,whichlastanywherefromafewmonthsuptoayear,dependingonthetypeoftreatmentandtheareabeingtreated.Dermalandsofttissuefillersrestorevolumetothefacebyfillingoutdeeplinessuchasnasolabialfolds.Collageninjectionstypicallylastthreetosixmonths.Anewerclassof
dermalfillersusehyaluronicacid(HA),anaturalsubstancefoundinthehumanbody.HAworksbybindingwatermoleculestogetherinsurroundingareas,formingacushionandpullingwatertothesurfaceoftheskintokeepitlookingsoftandsupple.Thesetypeoffillerslastanywherefromafewmonthsuptoayear,asHAiseventuallyabsorbedbythebody.Botoxcosmeticisaneuromusculartoxin,anditisappropriateformild-to-moderateagelinesandwrinkles.Themedicationisinjectedintothemusclecausingthewrinkle,whichistemporarilyweakenedorparalyzed,diminishingtheappearanceofexistingfinelinesandwrinklesandpreventingfurtherdamage.EdmondmomofthreeandbusinessownerAmandahasbeengettingregularBotoxtreatmentsoverthecourseofthepastyear.“Iusuallygetabout60unitsdistributedbetweenandaroundmyeyesandinmyforehead.Iloveitbecauseitmakesyoulookwell-restedandrefreshed.Ittakesseveralyearsoffwithinacoupleofdaysofreceivingtheinjections.”
Is It Right For You?Non-surgicalcosmeticprocedureshavebecomeanincreasinglypopularwaytogetafresher,moreyouthfulappearanceinverylittletime.Ifyou’vebeenconsideringacosmetictreatment,yourhealthcareprovidercanhelptodeterminewhetheroneoftheseproceduresmayberightforyou.
Shannon Fields is a freelance writer from Edmond and a Certified Pharmacy Technician at Innovative Pharmacy Solutions.
Our Readers RespondWeaskedourreadersiftheyhaveusedorwouldconsiderusingnon-invasivecosmeticprocedures.Herearejustafewresponseswereceived:• NO!...IloveeverywrinkleandcrinklebecausetheyshowIhavelivedlifetothefullest!~KarenM.
•Yes,yesandyes!Non-invasivewaystoperkupmyfacearewelcome.~JuneC.
• I’mnotagainstit,butIpersonallywouldn’tpayforitunlessIhadaseverecaseofacnescarring,severecrowsfeet,etc.Naturalagingdoesn’tbotherme!”~SamanthaP.
Visitwww.facebook.com/metrofamilyformoreopportunitiestoweighin.
34 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | January 2013
Despitebeingaprofessionaleducatorformorethan12years,ButhianaJwayyedadmitsthateducationdid
notcomeeasyforher.“Myparentswereimmigrantswhowantedtopreservetheirtraditionsandculture.Theybelievedawoman’splacewasinthehouse,asamotherandwife,”sheexplains.“Thatpushedmetofocusonmyeducation.ImaintainedanA+averageandparticipatedinculturalyouthprogramsatMusliminstitutionstoprovetomyparentsthatIcouldembracemycultureanddosomuchmore.”
AndherquestforknowledgehasbroughtherfromBrooklyn,wheresheearnedamaster’sdegreeinEducationfromNYU,toOklahoma,whereshecurrentlyservesastheMiddle/HighSchoolAssistantPrincipalofMercySchoolInstituteinEdmond.Afully-accreditededucationalinstitutioncommittedtoeducatingAmericanMuslimcitizens,MercySchoolhasastudentpopulationofmorethan200ingradesPre3–10thgrade.Buthianaisalsolearningaboutkeepingherfamilyclosedespitealong-distanceseparation,asherhusbandandthreeofherchildrenarecurrentlylivinginQatar.“Ironically,ithasmadeusevencloser,”sheexplains.“Therearemoreemotionsexpressed.WeSkype,Facetime,textandcommunicateonInstagramconstantly.”ThefamilyhopestoreunitethisJune.Here’smoreabouthowthe38-year-oldmotherofsixstrivestocontinueherlifelongquesttolearn,whilealsoinspiringaneducationforthosearoundher.
How has motherhood changed you?Motherhoodforcedmetorefinemy
convictionsandbestronginthefaceofadversity.Iamnowarolemodelandknowthatmythoughtsandactionswillseepintomychildren.
How do you banish stress?Throughbakingand/orhavingamovienightwithmychildren.Ilovetofindanewrecipeandsitaroundthekitchentable,jokingandlaughing.
What inspires you?Mydaughters.It’ssoimportanttheyunderstandthatalthoughbeingawomanisdifficultattimes,itisrewarding.Iwantthemtounderstandthatwecanjuggleitall;howeveritrequiresastrongsupportsystemandconstantintrospection.
Along with your job as a mom, what do you do?InadditiontomyresponsibilitiesatMercySchoolIamalsoacounselorforYouthLEAD(LeadersEngagingAcrossDifferences)anon-profitorganizationdedicatedtomobilizingyouthtobuildtrustandunderstandingacrossdifferences.IamalsoamemberoftheReligionsUnitedcommittee,whichworkstoencourageopendialogueaboutourperceptions,concernsandmisunderstandingsofotherreligions.
What do you like most about your job?Ihaveanextremelysupportiveadministrationandboard.MystudentsandcolleaguesareamazedathowI’malwayssmiling.Whattheydon’trealizeisthatthey’rethesourceofmysmile—it’steachingthemthatmakesmyday.
What is on your wish list?AtriptoSpainandTurkeytovisitthe
ancientmosques,andadayatthespa.What are you most proud of?Iammostproudofmyeducation.
What motivates you?Mychildren.Iwantthemtobesincereandproductivemembersofsociety;therefore,Imustbetheirblueprint.
How do you find balance in your life?IoftenreflectonwhatIwant,whereIwanttogoandwhy.IpeeltothecoreofmyinnervoiceuntilIunderstandmyselfbetter.
Advice for other moms?Beconsistentwithyourkids,yetflexible.Negotiatethenegotiableandremainsteadfastwiththenonnegotiable.
What’s the biggest challenge in your life?I’msuchaperfectionist;IwishIcouldgive150percent.It’sachallengetostopandsay90–95percentisokay.
How do you help others?Ilovetobabysitmyfriends’children,drivecarpool—anythingthatwillhelpgiveapersonsomerelief.
What is your parenting style?Itdependsonthesituationandthechild.Withone,Iamflexibleandcommunicative;withtheother,Imaybemoreauthoritative.
Favorite quote or advice about motherhood?Enjoyyourchildrenbecausetheygrowquickly.
Brooke Barnett is the Assistant Editor of MetroFamily Magazine.
Phot
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e H
alle
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teffa
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Hal
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Phot
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Real Moms of the MetroMeet Buthiana Jwayyed: Assistant Principal and Mother of Six
Quick Facts About Buthiana1. What are four words that
describe you? Funny, hardworking, outgoing and loyal.
2. What’s your favorite indulgence? Haagen-Dazs Almond Bars and chocolate chip cookie dough.
3. Who’s on your playlist? Carrie Underwood, Adele and Kelly Clarkson.
4. What’s your favorite meal to make for dinner? Maklooba, a Palestinian rice dish with fried cauliflower and eggplant.
5. What’s always in your handbag? Moisturizer and dental floss.
Real Mom Buthiana Jwayyed with son Omar, age 6; daughter Amira, age 11; and son Taha, age 8. Not pictured are son Malik, age 15; daughter Sereen, age 14; daughter Mariam, age 9 and husband Mohammad Ourani.
January 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com 37
Jekyll & HydeAmerican Idol star and Tony Award nominee Constantine Maroulis joins with Grammy Award nominee and R&B superstar Deborah Cox to inject new life into the classic tale of good and evil in Celebrity Attraction’s production of Jekyll & Hyde. This dark and dangerous love story performs at the Civic Center Music Hall from January 15–20. This stunning new production includes all the classic songs (“This is the Moment,” “A New Life,”
“Someone Like You”) that transformed Jekyll & Hyde into a theatrical phenomenon.
This production is recommended for ages 15 and older. Tickets begin at $20 and may be purchased online at www.celebrityattractions.com or by calling 800-869-1451.
Photo by Chris Bennion courtesy of Celebrity Attractions.
Armstrong AuditoriumThe Russian National Ballet Theatre brings the story of Cinderella to life with lavish sets and gorgeous, authentic costumes from the Bolshoi era at the Armstrong Auditorium (14400 S Bryant, Edmond). Then, the classic story of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet takes the stage in a stunning performance filled with Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music and Petipa’s dazzling choreography. Cinderella will be performed on Monday, January 28, and Romeo and Juliet on Tuesday, January 29. Both performances start at 7:30 pm at the Armstrong Auditorium.
Tickets begin at $42. For more information, visit www.armstrongauditorium.org or call 405-285-1010.
Photo courtesy of Armstrong Auditorium.
FumbelinaOn Thursday, January 24 at 7:00pm, the Cimarron Opera will perform Fumbelina at the Nancy O’Brian Center for the Performing Arts (1809 Stubbeman Avenue, Norman). Fumbelina is the charming story of a young girl who is quite a klutz, but finds that she’s not so clumsy after all once she starts thinking of others and stops worrying about her own shortcomings. Music in the production is from famous Gilbert & Sullivan operettas.
Tickets are $5 at the door. Call 405-364-8962 for more information, or visit www.cimarronopera.org.
Photo courtesy of Cimarron Opera.
OKC PhilharmonicStarring the electrifying talent of James Delisco, The Oklahoma City Philharmonic’s production of The Music of Michael Jackson features many popular hits. Performances will be held at the Civic Center Music Hall on Friday, January 25 and Saturday, January 26 at 8:00pm, tickets $15 and up.
For a full family experience, the upcoming Discovery Concert America the Beautiful features an hour of American anthems and patriotic songs designed to entertain and educate children ages 4–13. The show will be held at the Civic Center Music Hall on Sunday, January 27 at 2:00pm. Pre-concert activities begin at 1:00pm with an instrument playground, conductor’s corner and more. Tickets are $9. For more information, visit www.okcphilharmonic.org or call 405-842-5387.
Photo courtesy of the OKC Philharmonic.
15TH-20TH
24TH 28TH-29TH
25TH-27TH
38 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | January 2013
January 2 • WednesdayOKC Thunder vs. Brooklyn Nets at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. $10+. 7pm. www.nba.com/thunder. Other home games this month: 1/4, 9, 16, 31.
OU Women’s Basketball vs. West Virginia at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman. 7pm. 325-2424,www.soonersports.com. Other home games this month: 1/12, 19, 30.
Family Night “Sugar Skull” Session at Paint Your Art Out (10 S Broadway, Edmond) allows families to create their own masterpiece on canvas. Preregister. $25. 7pm. 513-5333, www.paintyourartout.net.
January 4 • FridayAsleep at the Wheel at the Sooner Theatre (101 E Main, Norman) features western swing music. $40+. 8pm. 321-9600, www.soonertheatre.org.
January 4–5FREE First Friday Gallery Walk in the Paseo Arts District features more than 60 artists in 17 galleries. Friday, 6-10pm; Saturday, noon-5pm. 525-2688, www.thepaseo.com.
January 4–6Annual Eagle Watch at Arcadia Lake in Edmond. Begin at the Arcadia Lake Park Office (9000 E 2, Edmond) to receive information about where eagles can be found & other educational information. $3 per vehicle. 7:30am-4:30pm. 216-7471, www.arcadialakeok.com.
January 5 • SaturdayFREE Cloth Diaper Basics at Green Bambino (5120 N Shartel) teaches about the “new” cloth diapers. No purchase necessary. Preregister. 9-10am. 848-2330, www.green-bambino.com. Also held: 1/19.
FREE Kids Workshop “Diamond Bird House” at Home Depot Stores features a hands-on workshop designed for children ages 5-12. Kids keep project & receive a FREE apron, pin & certificate of achievement. Held the first Saturday of each month, 9am-noon. www.homedepot.com.
FREE Saturdays for Kids—Golf Ball Art at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum includes FREE museum admission for child & one caregiver. Create abstract art with paint, a golf ball & an aluminum tray. 10am-noon.
FREE Crafts for Kids “Picture This! Photo Frame” at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) for ages 3+. 11am-3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com.
January 7 • MondayFREE Admission at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History on the first Monday of each month. 10am-5pm.
January 8 • TuesdayVersus Series: Jim Thorpe vs. Bart Conner at the Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum (1400 Classen) features interactive presentations that “pit” a historic Oklahoman against his or her modern day contemporary. Preregister. FREE for members, $5 nonmembers. 6-7:30pm. 523-3202, www.oklahomaheritage.com.
January 11 • FridayFREE Norman’s 2nd Friday Circuit of Art is a monthly celebration of the arts connecting the downtown arts district with galleries, performance halls, & Campus Corner. Trolley service between venues available at minimal cost. 6-10pm. 360-1162, www.2ndfridaynorman.com.
FREE LIVE on the Plaza in the Plaza District (NW 16th between Classen & Penn) on the second Friday of each month includes art walk, local artists, live music & shopping. 7-11pm. www.plazadistrict.org.
OKC Barons vs. Charlotte Checkers at the Cox Convention Center. 7pm. Tickets $16+. 800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com. www.okcbarons.com. Other home games this month: 1/12, 13, 18, 19, 31.
Sleep with the Sharks at the Oklahoma Aquarium is an overnight sleepover including refreshments, dive show, scavenger hunt, flashlight tour, movie & breakfast. Preregister. Discounts for groups of 15 or more. $45 nonmembers, $35 members. 7pm-8am.
January 12 • SaturdayFREE Prepare for the ACT with the Learn-A-Test Database at the South OKC Library for high school students 17 & under. Preregister. 10-11am.
FREE Lowes Build & Grow Clinic “Mystery Kit” from Rise of the Guardians at participating Lowe’s Stores. Participants complete wooden project to keep & receive a FREE apron, goggles, certificate & project patch. Preregister. 10-11am. www.lowesbuildandgrow.com.
FREE Crafts for Kids “All About Me Photo Book” at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) for ages 3+. Children create a flip book & write a story that’s all about them. 11am-3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com.
American Banjo Museum9 E Sheridan Ave, OKC604-2793, www.banjomuseum.org
City Arts CenterFair Park, 3000 Pershing Blvd, OKC951-0000, www.cityartscenter.org
Fine Arts Institute of Edmond27 E Edwards, Edmond340-4481, www.edmondfinearts.com
Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art555 Elm Ave, Norman325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma
Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum13th & Shartel, OKC235-4458, www.oklahomaheritage.com
Museum of Osteology10301 S. Sunnylane Rd, OKC814-0006, www.museumofosteology.org
Myriad Botanical Gardens301 W Reno, OKC297-3995, www.myriadgardens.com
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum1700 NE 63rd St, OKC478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org
Oklahoma Aquarium300 Aquarium Dr, Jenks918-296-FISH, www.okaquarium.org
OKC Museum of Art415 Couch Dr, OKC236-3100, www.okcmoa.com
OKC National Memorial620 N Harvey, OKC235-3313, www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org
OKC Zoo2101 NE 50th St, OKC424-3344, www.okczoo.com
Oklahoma Children’s Theatre2501 N Blackwelder, OKC606-7003, www.oklahomachildrenstheatre.org
Oklahoma History Center800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr., OKC522-0765, www.oklahomahistorycenter.org
Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman325-4712, www.snomnh.ou.edu
Science Museum Oklahoma2100 NE 52nd St, OKC602-6664, www.sciencemuseumok.org
Do you have an event for our calendar? Email [email protected]
All phone numbers are area code 405 unless otherwise noted. Information should be verified before attending events as details can change after press date.
Quick Reference
Daily Events
January 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com 39
Pristine Visions presented by the OKC Philharmonic at the Civic Center Music Hall features violinist, Stefan Jackiw. $15+. 8pm. 842-5387, www.okcphilharmonic.org.
OU Men’s Basketball vs. OSU at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman. 2pm. 325-2424, www.soonersports.com. Other home games this month: 1/16, 21.
January 15 • TuesdayTiny Tuesdays “Oil Pastel Snowmen” at the OKC Museum of Art for ages 2-5 with caregiver features a come-and-go, open-ended art making experience for families to create together, to explore a variety of art media & to enhance their understanding of artworks in the Museum. FREE with paid admission. 10am-noon.
January 15–20Jekyll & Hyde at the Civic Center Music Hall features a classic tale of good & evil woven together with a dark & dangerous love story. Recommended for ages 15+. Tuesday-Thursday, 7:30pm; Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 2pm & 8pm; Sunday, 2pm & 7pm. 800-869-1451, www.celebrityattractions.com.
January 17 • ThursdayFREE Pajamatime at the Edmond Library features free play followed by a story time with music, rhymes, finger plays & books for ages 1-3. 6:30-7:15pm.
FREE Baby It’s Cold Outside at the Moore Library. Adults & teens can make a scarf from old t-shirts & bits of flannel & fabric. Ages 12+. Preregister. 6-8pm.
January 18 • FridayFREE Fight Your Way to a Better Marriage conference at Metropolitan Baptist Church (7201 W Britton) offers practical advice and tools on how to build greater trust and intimacy from Focus on the Family’s Greg and Erin Smalley. Preregister by 1/16. Free childcare available. 6:30-9:30pm. 722-2550, www.mbcokc.com.
January 18–20The OKC Home & Garden Show at Oklahoma State Fair Park showcases ideas, expert advice, products & services for home improvement projects. $2 discount available online & Buy For Less stores. $11, children under 12 are FREE. Friday, noon-9pm; Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm. 800-466-7469 ext. 120, www.oklahomacityhomeshow.com.
January 19 • SaturdayBehind the Scenes Tours at the Oklahoma Aquarium provides tours of the holding facility for the sea turtles & walk above the Siegfried Families Shark Adventure.
Not recommended for children under 5. Tours require walking & stair climbing, cannot accommodate wheelchairs or strollers. Cost is $10 adults, $8 youth plus general admission. 10:30am, 11:30am & 1:30pm.
FREE Crafts for Kids “How Cold is It? Thermometer” at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) for ages 3+. 11am-3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com.
FREE 2nd Annual Prenatal Education Fair “It’s All About Me: Healthy Choices, Healthy Living, Healthy Generations” at the Village Library sponsored by Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. 12:30-3pm.
FREE Sensory Afternoon at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial). Programs will include introducing nature to the visually impaired, hearing impaired, cognitively impaired & individuals with sensitivity to environmental factors. 1-4pm. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks/martin_park.
Princess & Pirates family program at the OKC Zoo features crafts, snacks & live animals as part of an imaginary adventure. Guest author Tammi Sauer will read from her new book, Not So Ordinary Princess. Costumes encouraged. Up to two adults admitted FREE with paid child registration. Preregister. $15 per child member, $18 per child nonmember. 2-3:30pm. 425-0218, www.okczooed.com.
FREE Stuffed Toy Workshop at the Bethany Library for grades 4-8. Participants will learn to make stuffed toys. No sewing experience required. Materials & refreshments provided. Preregister. 2-4pm.
Tribute to Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Concert at Frederick A. Douglass Auditorium (900 N Martin Luther King) features Rev. Dr. A. Cortes Rex, Jr. $20, $50 for VIP seats & reception with Dr. Rex. 8pm. 524-3800.
January 21 • MondayScout Day at the Oklahoma Aquarium provides discounted admission for members in uniform or carrying a membership card & one adult for youth organizations including Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Camp Fire, 4-H, FFA & more. $7 youth, $10 adults.
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JANUARY S M T W T F S
Metropolitan Library Systemwww.metrolibrary.org
Belle Isle ................5501 N Villa ..........843-9601 Bethany ...............3510 N Mueller ........789-8363 Capitol Hill ........... 334 SW 26th ..........634-6308Choctaw ................2525 Muzzy........... 390-8418Del City .................4509 SE 15th ..........672-1377 Downtown ............300 Park Ave ......... 231-8650Edmond .............. 10 S Boulevard ........ 341-9282Midwest City ........ 8143 E Reno .......... 732-4828Ralph Ellison ...... 2000 NE 23rd ..........424-1437Southern Oaks ...6900 S Walker ........ 631-4468The Village .......... 10307 N Penn ......... 755-0710Warr Acres ..........5901 NW 63rd ..........721-2616 Harrah ..............1930 N Church Ave..... 454-2001 Jones ......................111 E Main ........... 399-5471Luther .....................310 NE 3rd ........... 277-9967 Nicoma Park ..... 2240 Overholser .......769-9452Northwest .........5600 NW 122nd .......606-3580Wright Library ... 2101 Exchange ........235-5035
Pioneer Library Systemwww.pls.lib.ok.us
Blanchard .............. 300 N Main ........... 485-2275McLoud ...................133 N Main ...........964-2960Moore ................... 225 S Howard ......... 793-5100Newcastle ............ 705 NW Tenth ......... 387-5076Noble .......................204 N 5th .............872-5713Norman ................225 N Webster ........ 701-2600Purcell ................... 919 N Ninth ........... 527-5546Shawnee ...........101 N Philadelphia .....275-6353SW OKC .............. 2201 SW 134th ........ 979-2200Tecumseh ...........114 N Broadway .......598-5955
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40 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | January 2013
FREE Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration features a parade, silent march, Bell Ringing Ceremony & job fair. See website for more information. www.okcmlk.org.
January 22 • TuesdayFREE Moore Teen Spa Day at the Moore Library allows teens to create some DIY products like sugar body scrub. Supplies included. Preregister. 6:30-7:30pm.
January 24 • ThursdayFREE Snakes with Larry Daniels at the Warr Acres Library features live snakes & instruction about keeping snakes as pets & other information. 6:30-8pm.
Fumbelina presented by the Cimarron Opera at the Nancy O’Brian Center for the Performing Arts (1809 Stubbeman, Norman) is an operetta with music from Gilbert & Sullivan about a girl who is quite a klutz, but realizes that by helping others, she’s not so clumsy after all. $5. 7-8pm. 364-8962, www.cimarronopera.org.
An Evening with Frank Vignola at the OCCC Bruce Owen Theater (7777 S May) features one of the most extraordinary guitarists performing today. $20 adults,
$17 seniors 55+, $10 youth 17 & under. 7-9pm. 682-7576, www.occc.edu/cas.
January 25 • FridayArt Now Exhibition & Art Sale at the City Arts Center (3000 General Pershing) features the work of Oklahoma’s top contemporary artists. Features artists, live music, food & open bar. Ages 21+. 951-0000. www.cityartscenter.org.
January 25–26The Music of Michael Jackson presented by the OKC Philharmonic at the Civic Center Music Hall. $15+. 8pm. 842-5387, www.okcphilharmonic.org.
January 25–27Professional Bull Riders Built Ford Tough Series at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. $25+ plus fees. Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 7:50pm; Sunday, 2pm. www.chesapeakearena.com.
Weekly EventsFREE Discovery Room programs at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. See website for details.
FREE Admission Mondays at the OKC Zoo offers complimentary admission for everyone each Monday through February.
FREE Art Moves weekdays (Monday-Friday) in downtown OKC (various locations). Performances, demonstrations, short films & discussions. Noon-1pm. 270-4892, www.artscouncilokc.com/art-moves.
Toddler Time playtime at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang). $2 or FREE with Town Center membership. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am-noon. 376-3411, www.cityofmustang.org.
FREE Sooner Mall Outreach Storytime is an interactive story time held outside Sears at Sooner Mall for ages 9 & under. Tuesdays, 10am.
FREE Art Adventures at Norman’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art includes hands-on art fun for children ages 3-5 with adult. Tuesdays, 10:30am.
Family Fun Night at JumpZone (SW 104th & Western) includes 2 adults, 2 children, 1 large pizza, 2 liter pop for $25. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:30-8pm. 200-1691, www.jumpzoneparty.com.
FREE Wednesday Night at the Movies at the Downtown Library. Held every Wednesday, 6-8pm. 231-8650.
FREE Thursday Noon Tunes live concerts at the Downtown Library, 11:30-1pm.
Cocktails on the Skyline at the OKC Museum of Art features a full bar, complimentary chips & salsa & live music on the Roof Terrace. See website for weather cancellations. FREE for members, $5 nonmembers. Thursdays, 5-9pm.
Family Fun Day at Celebration Station (509 Westline) features unlimited rides & a pizza buffet for $15.99 per person. Thursdays, 4-9pm. 942-7888, www.celebrationstation.com.
FREE Norman Library Music Connection features music & stories for ages 3-7 with a parent or caregiver. Thursdays, 7pm; Fridays, 10:30am.
The UCO Jazz Lab features performances each Friday & Saturday at 8pm. $7 adults, $5 age 12 & under. 359-7989, www.ucojazzlab.com.
FREE Volunteer Income Tax Assistance at the Ralph Ellison Library. The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offer assistance in preparing 2012 State & Federal Income Tax Returns. Saturdays in January, 9am-4pm.
FREE Children’s Storytime at Full Circle Bookstore (1900 NW Expressway) each Saturday, 10:15am. 842-2900, www.fullcirclebooks.com.
FREE Children’s Story Time at Edmond’s Best of Books, Saturdays, 11am. 340-9202, www.bestofbooksedmond.com.
January 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com 41
January 26 • SaturdayFREE Crafts for Kids “Magnetic Snowman Notepad” at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) for ages 3+. 11am-3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com.
FREE Edmond Author’s Book Fair at Edmond Historical Society & Museum (431 S Boulevard, Edmond) hosts 40+ local authors, Children’s Reading Corner, bookmark making & snacks. 1-4pm. 340-0078, www.edmondhistory.org.
FREE Trip Around the World at the Southern Oaks Library for grades 3-6 is an innovative & hands-on experience teaching about cultures in Asia, Africa & Latin America. Preregister. 2-3:30pm.
FREE FAFSA 101 at the Belle Isle Library features an instructional presentation with OCAP about filing a Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). 3-4:30pm.
5th Annual Boots & Ball Gowns Gala at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum benefits Infant Crisis Services & features special guest Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman. $150, $100 Deputy Ticket (ages 30 & younger). 7pm-midnight. 778-7613, www.infantcrisis.org.
January 27 • SundayFREE Family Day at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is held for families to explore the museum’s collections & enjoy hands-on art activities. 1-4pm.
Discovery Concert Series: America the Beautiful presented by the OKC Philharmonic at the Civic Center Music Hall features great American anthems, instrument playground & activities 1 hour before show time. $9. 2pm. 842-5387, www.okcphilharmonic.org.
January 28 • MondayCinderella: Russian National Ballet Theatre at the Armstrong Auditorium (14400 S Bryant, Edmond) brings the tale of Cinderella to life with sets & costumes from the Bolshoi era. $42+. 7:30pm. 285-1010, www.armstrongauditorium.org.
January 29 • TuesdayFREE Family Craft Night at the Midwest City Library features craft activities for all ages & skill levels. Preregister. 6:30-7:30pm.
Romeo & Juliet: Russian National Ballet Theatre at the Armstrong Auditorium (14400 S Bryant, Edmond) is filled with Tchaikovsky’s music & Petipa’s choreography. $42+. 7:30pm. 285-1010, www.armstrongauditorium.org.
January 31 • ThursdaySpaghetti Eddie in Concert at Cochran Music Pre-School (3251 Market Place, Norman) benefits Cochran Music Pre-School. Call for ticket information. 6pm. 360-4330.
January 31–February 3Treasure Island presented by the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre at OCU (2501 N Blackwelder) adapted from the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson. $12 adults, $8 children ages 2-12. Thursday, 11am; Friday, 11am & 8pm; Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 2pm. 951-0011, www.oklahomachildrenstheatre.org.
FREE Open House at St. John’s Episcopal School and Development Program (5401 N Brookline). 6:30pm. 943-8583, www.stjohnsokc.com.
February 1 • FridayFREE Public Opening Reception for Bugs Outside the Box at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History features vendor tables with activities, crafts & more. 5:30-7:30pm.
FREE Skating Lessons at Skate Galaxy (5800 NW 36) for beginner, intermediate, advanced & featured styles. Saturdays, noon-12:45pm. 605-2758, www.skategalaxyokc.com.
Drop in Art at the OKC Museum of Art features hands-on art activities. FREE with paid admission. Saturdays, 1-4pm.
All-Star Bowling for Differently-Abled Individuals at AMF Yukon Lanes (500 E Main). $8/week includes 3 games & shoes. Saturdays, 1pm. Email [email protected] to verify schedule. 354-2516.
FREE Green Earth Gang for ages 9-13 works on conservation projects in Martin Park. Saturdays, 2-5pm. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks/martin_park.
Live Banjo Performance at the American Banjo Museum (9 E Sheridan) invites guests to enjoy a live banjo performance on Saturdays. FREE with paid admission. See website for schedule. 3-5pm. 604-2793, www.americanbanjomuseum.com.
FREE Green Earth Rangers at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial) for teens ages 13-18 to assist the park with complex, leadership-driven conservation efforts. Sundays, call for times. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks/martin_park.
FREE Open House at techJOYnt (8328 Glade) provides information about this hands-on, technology-based after-school education academy. Sundays, 2-4pm. 345-5010, www.techjoynt.org.
February 2013
42 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | January 2013
Soonerthon Silent Auction at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art benefits the Children’s Hospital Foundation & features silent auction. 6-8pm. 271-2208.
OKC Barons vs. Charlotte Checkers at the Cox Convention Center. 7pm. Tickets $16+, 800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com. www.okcbarons.com. Other home games this month: 2/8, 9, 22, 26.
February 1–2FREE First Friday Gallery Walk in the Paseo Arts District features more than 60 artists in 17 galleries. Friday, 6-10pm; Saturday, noon-5pm. 525-2688, www.thepaseo.com.
February 1–3Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. at the Sooner Theatre (101 E Main, Norman) adapted from Disney’s 2008 Broadway production. Call for pricing info. Friday, 7:30pm; Saturday, 2pm & 7:30pm; Sunday, 2pm. 321-9600, www.soonertheatre.org.
February 2 • SaturdayFREE Firehouse Chocolate Festival & Arts Day at the NCED/Marriott Conference Center (2801 S Highway 9 E, Norman) benefits the Firehouse Art Center & features 30 vendors offering chocolate themed foods, art activities and more. FREE admission, $25-$50 tickets for chocolate samples. 10:30am-2:30pm. 329-4523, www.normanfirehouse.com.
Motion & Emotion presented by the OKC Philharmonic at the Civic Center Music Hall features percussionist, Colin Currie. $15+. 8pm. 842-5387, www.okcphilharmonic.org.
OU Men’s Basketball vs. Kansas State at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman. 5pm. 325-2424,www.soonersports.com. Other home games this month: 2/9, 11, 23.
FREE Saturdays for Kids at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum features a hands-on craft activity for children. Includes museum admission for child & one accompanying adult. 10am-noon.
February 2–3FREE Admission at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History in celebration of the opening of the new exhibit, “Bugs Outside the Box.” Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, 1-5pm.
February 4 • MondayFREE Admission at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History every first Monday of the month.
Alexander Schimpf, Piano at the Armstrong Auditorium (14400 S Bryant, Edmond) features works by Mozart & Debussy. $20+. 7:30pm. 285-1010, www.armstrongauditorium.org.
OKC Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. $10+. 7pm. www.nba.com/thunder. Other home games this month: 2/6, 8, 14, 22, 24, 27.
February 4–6Symphony by the Sea for Students at Oklahoma Aquarium exposes children to aquatic life while Tulsa Symphony Orchestra introduces young listeners to classical music. See website for details.
February 5 • TuesdayFREE National Pancake Day at IHOP Restaurants offers every guest a complimentary short stack of buttermilk pancakes. Contributions to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals & other local charities accepted. 7am-10pm. www.ihoppancakeday.com.
FREE Monthly Mini Model Build at Penn Square Mall’s Lego Store for ages 6-14 to build a new model on the first Tuesday of every month. Quantities limited. 5pm. 840-9993, www.stores.lego.com.
February 8-10An Affair of the Heart at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds (3001 General Pershing) features arts, crafts & antiques. $7 per person, good for all three days. Friday-Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm. www.aaoth.com.
February 9 • SaturdayHarlem Globetrotters at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. $20+ plus fees. 2pm & 7pm. www.chesapeakearena.com.
Norman Parks & Recreation Daddy Daughter Dance at the Embassy Suites (2501 Conference, Norman) for dads & their daughters ages 4-14. $10 per person. 2:30-4pm, 5-6:30pm & 7:30-9pm. 366-5472, www.normanfun.com.
February 10 • SundayOU Women’s Basketball vs. West Virginia at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman. 4pm. 325-2424, www.soonersports.com. Other home games this month: 2/14, 20, 25.
Check our online calendar for even more family fun!
www.metrofamilymagazine.com/calendar
January 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com 43
Through January 5Santa’s Adventures on the Oklahoma River at the Boathouse District (725 S Lincoln) features a 200-foot zipline, kayaking activity for kids 3-9, inflatables, mechanical surfing machine, rock climbing wall & air jumper. $10 per attractionattractions, $20 all-day pass. See website for schedule. 552-4040, www.downtownindecember.com.
Snow Tubing at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark features snow tubing from the ballpark’s upper deck on a hill of manmade snow & a smaller slide for children. Advanced ticket purchase recommended. $10 per 90-minute session. See website for schedule. 235-3500, www.downtownindecember.com.
Through January 6Express Ice Edmond Outdoor Ice Rink at Festival Market (1 & Broadway, Edmond). $10 with skates, $7 with own skates, $5 for ages 5 & under. See website for hours. 274-1638, www.expressice.com/edmondok.
Norman Holiday Outdoor Ice Rink at Marc Heitz Chevrolet (I-35 & Lindsey, Norman). $10 with skate rental, $7 with own skates, $5 for ages 5 & under. See website for hours. www.normanicerink.com.
American Moderns, 1910-1960: From O’Keeffe to Rockwell at the OKC Museum of Art includes paintings & sculptures by a variety of artists.
Dancers & Deities: Kachinas from the James T. Bialac Native American Art Collection at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History features a selection of Native American Kachina.
Southwest Visions: Paintings from the James T. Bialac Native American Art Collection at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History.
January 6–February 10Wichita Mountains Eagle Watch at the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge features an interpretive program at refuge headquarters followed by a bus tour of the refuge’s special use area to search for bald & golden eagles. For ages 8+. Tours last about 2.5 hours & include a short walk. Preregister. $5. Saturdays & Sundays, 1:30pm. 580-429-2151.
January 18–February 10FREE 99th Annual School of Art & Art History Student Exhibition at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art features a competitive juried show highlighting the diverse works of art created by art & art history students from the University of Oklahoma.
January 19–March 1720th Century African American Art: Selections from the Arthur Primas Collection at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art (1900 W MacArthur, Shawnee) features artwork by African American artists in the nation. 878-5300, www.mgmoa.org.
January 21–February 8Art Now Exhibition & Art Sale at the City Arts Center (3000 General Pershing) celebrates the work of Oklahoma’s top contemporary artists. 951-0000. www.cityartscenter.org.
Through January 22FREE Stop Staring at My Prints Student Exhibition at the Lightwell Gallery in the OU School of Art & Art History (520 Parrington Oval, Norman) showcases work by advanced printmaking students at the OU School of Art & Art History. Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (Closed on OU holidays). 325-2691, http://art.ou.edu.
Through February 4Devon Ice Rink at the Myriad Gardens. $10 with skate rental, $7 with own skates. Monday-Tuesday, 3-8pm; Wednesday-Thursday, 3-10pm; Friday-Saturday, 10am-11pm; Sunday, 10am-8pm. 235-3500, www.downtownindecember.com.
Through February 9Echoes & Rituals: The Artwork of Robert Taylor & Harvey Pratt at Science Museum Oklahoma showcases works by two renowned Oklahoma Native American artists.
Through February 15OKC Beautiful SMO Upcycle Challenge at Science Museum Oklahoma is a juried exhibit of functional art/creations using upcycled materials. Opening Reception: 11/15, 6-9pm.
Through March 31FREE Miguel Barcelo’s Areneros y Muleros at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art features work by one of the most celebrated living Spanish artists.
Through May 29Crumbo Spirit Talk at the Oklahoma History Center features the art of Woody Crumbo & his children.
Through June 1Enriched: Animal Art from the OKC Zoo at the Oklahoma History Center showcases the process of animal enrichment through painting. Mondays-Saturdays.
Through AugustPablo Picasso’s Woman in the Studio at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art features works by Picasso from the museum’s permanent collection and on loan from the St. Louis Art Museum.
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46 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | January 2013
I’vedecidedthatself-improvementisoverrated.Thisyearinsteadofvowingtobebetterandthenlettingmyselfdown
twoweekslater,I’mtakingadifferentapproach.I’mmakinganti-resolutions.ThatwayifIsucceedI’msuccessful,andifIfailI’msuccessfultoo.
I resolve to gain weight.Thisshouldbeafunone.Whowantstobeskinnyanyway?JustthinkofallthenewshoppingI’llgettodowhenIcannolongerzipmyjeans—tosaynothingofthejoyofBrieandchocolate.AndonceIgainallthatweight,I’mgoingtostartafoundationsimilartoLocksofLove,exceptinsteadofdonatinghairtocancerpatients,we’llgetlipo-suckedanddonatetheresultstorunwaymodels.
I resolve to stop working out.Itmightbedifficulttofindthetimetonotexercise,butalittledeterminationgoesalongway.MarathonsoftheRealHousewivesonBravowillhelp.Andhello—doublebonus,noworkoutclothesmeanslesslaundry!Whoneedsextraenergyandlonglife?
I resolve to start smoking.Somanypeoplesmoke,I’mstartingtowonderwhatI’mmissing.Seriously,ifit’ssohardtoquititmustbeprettygood,right?However,I’veheardsmokinghelpskeeptheweightoffsothiscouldmakemyresolutiontogainweightmoredifficult.I’mwillingtotakethechance.Besides,consideringthestateofmyretirementaccount,ashorterlifeexpectancymakessense.
I resolve to increase my alcohol intake.NextyearatmyannualphysicalI’dliketomovemyanswerfromthe1–3drinksperweektothe5–8category.It’sarealisticgoal.Combinedwiththeweightgain,lackofexercise,andsmoking,thisresolutionhasthepotentialtomakearealimpressiononmyoverallhealth—andmyphysician.
I resolve to mess up the garage.I’vebeentryingtoorganizeourgarageforfiveyears.(ByorganizeImeanI’vebeentryingtogetmyhusbandtopickuphisstuffandgetridofthejunkhecalls“tools.”)AtthispointI’mreadytogiveituptothefamilyofsquirrelsthathavetakentoeatingthedogfoodthechildrendroponthefloor.
I resolve to spend less quality time with the family.Doyouevergetthefeelingyourfamilytakesyouforgranted?Ido,andIthinkalittleextendedabsencefromMamaiswhattheyneedtomaketheirheartsgrowfonder.I’mthinkingofasolotourofEurope.
I resolve to decrease my charitable contributions.Aren’tIhelpingtheworldenoughbyspendingmoneyonmy$4cupsofcoffeeandmy38pairsofblackshoes?Allthoseunfortunatepeopledon’tneedthemoneylikeIdo—Retrinaldoesn’tgrowontrees,youknow.
I resolve to decrease my vocabulary.SomeofthewordsfloatingaroundmybrainhaveverylittlepurposeinmyeverydaylifeandfranklyIneedtofreeupsomecapacity
tostayontopofFacebookupdates.Autumnforexample—whoneedsit?Fallisshorterandmoredescriptive.Autumn,you’redeadtome.
I resolve to make less money.Thisoneneedssomeclarification.Let’sbeclearthatIdon’twanttohavelessmoneyorspendlessmoney,Ijustdon’twanttobethepersonwhoearnsit.That’smyplanforthenewyear.ComeDecemberI’lleitherbewildlysuccessfulordead.Atanyrate,atleastI’llhavesomethingtogiveupin2014.
Lela Davidson is the author of BlacklistedfromthePTA, a collection of irreverent essays about motherhood and the modern family. She blogs about marriage, motherhood, and life-after-40 on www.afterthebubbly.com.
Mom Gets the Last Laugh2013: The Year of the Anti-Resolution
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