MetroFamily Magazine March 2012

March 2012

Family

Fun It's serious business

Dozens of practical tips to increase your family's fun factor Spring Break Camps & Activities

Attend MetroFamily's

held March 24!

See page 31 for details.

+

181 events to enjoy in our calendar metrofamilymagazine.com

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www.metrofamilymagazine.com | March 2012

• Click

what’s new at metrofamilymagazine.com CALENDAR DIRECTORIES BLOGS CONTESTS MOTHER LODE

Mark your calendar now for MetroFamily’s Kids Fest scheduled for Saturday, March 24th from 10am-4pm.

What a fabulous way to celebrate the end of Spring Break! Find all the details on pages 31-38 and find a coupon and more info on www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ kids-fest. We’ll see you there!

We're now on Pinterest!

Follow us at pinterest.com/metrofamily and you’ll learn about the best OKC family fun ideas, easy Exploring Oklahoma trips, and family-friendly recipes and crafts.

What a fun way to use and share our relevant, local content with your Pinterest friends.

Top picks on our website this month

• Spring Break Camp Guide • Spring Break Activities Guide • Easter Fun Guide • NEW “Simple Science” column provides hands-on experiments to make science fun!

• AND MORE! There are hundreds of reasons to visit our site daily!

Get your highlighters ready, parents.... Our popular guide to summer camps and activities guide prints in our April issue.

And if your business, church or nonprofit hosts a summer camp for any age, be sure you are included by inquiring by March 16th. Contact our office via info@metrofamilymagazine.com or 405-601-2081.

Join the MetroFamily community of active local parents at

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You could WIN big!

Sign up to be eligible for these great prizes at www.metrofamilymagazine. com/contests.

• Win one of two family four-packs of tickets to Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music scheduled for the Cox Center from March 16-18. Deadline is March 8.

• Win one of two family four-packs to opening night of the show STOMP! brought to the Civic Center Music Hall

by Celebrity Attractions from March 13-18. Deadline is March 8.

• Our February Giveaway features many fantastic family- and kid-friendly products. Value is over $250. Deadline is March 22.

• The Family Game Night Giveaway #2 ($121 value) continues through March 15.

• Watch MetroFamily’s appearance on FOX 25’s morning show mid-month and enter to win a prize pack of cool Problem-Solving Products.

You could SAVE big!

Find coupons to the businesses listed below at www. metrofamilymagazine. com/okc-family-discounts.

• Kelly Haines, family hair stylist • Daniels Compounding Pharmacy • Green Goodies • Guitar for Kids School of Rock • The Vintage Pearl • College Nannies & Tutors, Edmond • Club Z! in-home tutoring • Museum of Osteology • GattiTown • Skills for Living • Bouncin’ Craze • Play Nation playground sets • Jump!Zone PLUS, save at over 30 Oklahoma attractions with Kids Pass, downloadable at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/kids-pass!

Contents March 2012

6

Dear MetroFamily

8

Family Shorts

Editor’s Note.

Community news, resources & other family-friendly information.

18 Real Moms of the Metro

Meet Morgan Harris: mom and entrepreneur.

20 Oklahoma Reads Great reads for all.

22 Exploring Oklahoma

Family fun on the Oklahoma River.

26 Why it’s important to boost your family's fun quotient.

31 42 46

24 Ask the Expert

How to handle a lying child.

28 Question of the Month What does your family do for fun?

30 Problem Solving Products

Find the details about Kids Fest (March 24th), including what you can do, see and experience!

39 Character Corner

Encouraging orderliness.

40 Focus on Education Having fun with learning.

Spring break is right around the corner. Did you make plans? Find our Spring Break Guide here!

Learn about Citizens Caring for Children—local charity and 2012 Redbud Classic beneficiary.

48 Your Healthy Family Getting fit as a family.

51 Calendar

Fun events, activities and classes.

62 Photo Gallery

Our readers share their favorite family fun photos.

ON OUR COVER: On the cover: Leacie, age 7, is the daughter of Jason and Christa Pratt of Tuttle. She is a homeschool student in the second grade.

PHOTO BY: Kathryne Taylor

March 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Dear MetroFamily, Life passes so quickly, doesn’t it? It’s been 20 years since I met my husband—our first date was on Leap Day (February 29) in 1992, and we were married a few short months later. It seems a lifetime ago! And, really, it was; the life of our younger selves, before we were parents. This milestone is making me think back about the events and lessons that have been a part of my life.

What these past 20 years have taught me is the importance of spending time together as a family and making the most of that time that we do have together, which seems to be ever more rare. Having fun in the smallest, most ordinary moments helps to draw us together and keep us close. And this month, you’ll find a feature about the importance of family fun. The experts agree—having fun together as a family results in healthy development and creates a close-knit bond.

My challenge for you this month is to find a way to have fun in all that you do, whether you’re working or playing. There is no shortage of family fun in our issue this month and also on our website (www. metrofamilymagazine.com). And don’t forget the family fun available at our own Kids Fest on March 24!

Cheers,

Photos, from top: Tony and I are rocking it like it was 1992! And it was.

Spencer and Lauren took advantage of the unseasonably warm weather by playing at Andrew’s Park in Norman. Find more great local parks on this month’s Top 10 list (page 12).

Info And Questions: 405-601-2081 To submit events to our calendar calendar@metrofamilymagazine.com Publisher Sarah L. Taylor sarah@metrofamilymagazine.com Editor Mari M. Farthing editor@metrofamilymagazine.com Art Director Kathryne Taylor kathryne@metrofamilymagazine.com Advertising Sales Athena Delce Dana Price ads@metrofamilymagazine.com Office and Distribution Manager Kathy Alberty kathy@metrofamilymagazine.com Assistant Editor & Online Content Manager Brooke Barnett brooke@metrofamilymagazine.com Calendar Editor Sara Riester calendar@metrofamilymagazine.com Special Projects Assistant Terri Fields Interns Janetta Bridges, Roxanne Nguyen, Alexandra Bryan Contributing Writers Brooke Barnett, Lance Evans, Shannon Fields, Sarah Holmes, Kristen Hoyt, Malia Jacobson, Karen Mitchell, T. Darlene Thompson Circulation 35,000 – OKC, Edmond, Nichols Hills, Norman, Moore, Midwest City, Yukon Also available as a digital edition at MetroFamilyMagazine.com.

Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Inprint Publishing, Inc. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.

P.S. Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/mari to read my blog, “Keeping it Real,” about my personal adventures in the ups and downs of parenting.

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MetroFamily Magazine is published monthly by Inprint Publishing, Inc. 725 NW 11th, Suite 204 • Oklahoma City, OK 73103 Fax: 405-445-7509 E-mail: info@metrofamilymagazine.com ©Inprint Publishing, Inc. 2012, All Rights Reserved.

Volume 15, Number 3

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Contributing writers: Brooke Barnett, Mari Farthing

Food Pantry to Benefit Moore Teens

By T. Darlene Thompson

There are an estimated 100 students at Moore High School who are either chronically hungry or do not get enough food to meet nutritional needs. The Moore High School Alumni Association has joined forces with Moore High School to launch a food pantry called “The Lion’s Den” to help meet this need.

This non-profit food pantry began providing food for junior high and high school students in need in January 2012. “Our goal is to reach out to kids in crisis,” said Judy Bradley, president of the Alumni Association. “Every student who is referred to the food pantry receives help.”

The Lion’s Den is operated by a group of volunteer high school seniors, who gather once per week to pre-package sacks of food according to the nutritional guidelines offered by the Regional Food Bank. Each Friday, students in need can come by the Lion’s Den and receive a sack of food to take home.

The Lion’s Den has received grant funding through 2012. Families and interested individuals can help this project to continue into future school years by donating food, cash or by volunteering their time. You can donate funds at www.moorealumni.com or drop off non-perishable food items at Moore High School.

For more information, visit www.moorealumni.com or www.facebook.com/ MooreAlumni.

Child Abuse Prevention Month Seeks Community Involvement

Small, positive actions can make a difference in the life of a child. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) encourages us to take action to raise safe, healthy, resilient children.

The OSDH’s Family Support and Prevention Service office offers the following tips:

• Help your children feel loved and secure, even when they do something wrong.

• Encourage your children by praising their achievements, talents and efforts. Recognize the skills they are learning.

• Spend time with your children doing things that you both enjoy.

• Learn how to use nonphysical options for discipline that are appropriate for your child’s age and development, and/or redirect your child’s attention by offering positive choices, and use “time out” as an age appropriate discipline method.

• Seek help if you need it. Sometimes special circumstances like unemployment or a child with special needs, can add stress to the family.

The OSDH also encourages you to get involved in preventing child abuse in the community by: • Attending Child Abuse Prevention Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol on Tuesday, April 3.

• Participating in the “Build a Blue Ribbon Tree for Kids” campaign. The blue ribbon is the international sign for child abuse prevention and serves as a reminder of our responsibility to protect children. Find a highly visible spot to place a blue ribbon tree and add a blue ribbon to show support.

• Getting involved in the Oklahoma Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer program (www.oklahomacasa. org) or Prevent Child Abuse Oklahoma (www.pcaok.org).

For more information, contact your local county health department or call 405-271-7611.

Fred Jones Museum Debuts Disney Exhibition

The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is “all ears” this spring as it premieres a new exhibition of Walt Disney animation cels, including Mickey Mouse and dozens of characters from classic Disney films. A Century of Magic: The Animation of the Walt Disney Studios, Animation Cels from the Collection of Janis Scaramucci and Domer “Jay” Scaramucci is open from March 3 – September 16.

“Children and adults alike will enjoy this look at Mr. Disney’s magical world of animation,” said Ghislain d’Humières, museum director. “As a matter of fact, we are using this opportunity to lower the artwork a bit for our younger visitors.”

Throughout the spring, the museum will host multiple free programs around the exhibition. Events held in March include a free screening of 101 Dalmations (Saturday, March 10, 10:30am) and a Family Day with free admissions and hands-on activities (Sunday, March 11, 1:00 – 4:00pm).

The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm Avenue) is located in the OU Arts District on the University of Oklahoma’s Norman campus. For more information, call 405-325-4272 or visit www.ou.edu/fjjma.

© Disney, Briar Rose with “Animal Prince” Sleeping Beauty, 1959, Ink and gouache on celluloid, 11 x 14 in.

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Desperately Seeking Sleep: 10 Reasons Overtiredness Hurts Kids

Doctors say chronic overtiredness is rampant among modern kids. Left unchecked, this highly common condition can contribute to health problems, weight gain, emotional problems and learning difficulties. The more you know about overtiredness and how it affects children, the better you’ll be able to spot it—and stop this health saboteur in its tracks.

1.

2.

Tricky tots. Overtiredness can be difficult to detect, because it can look like hyperactivity, says Maida Chen, MD, associate director of the Pediatric Sleep Center at Seattle Children's Hospital.

School struggles. The National Sleep Foundation reports that sleep deprivation in children is associated with poor school performance and lowered test scores.

3. Weighty matters. According to new research, sleep deprivation increases the risk of obesity two-fold in children and adults, and is associated with excess body weight in both kids and teens.

4.

March of Dimes March for Babies

The March of Dimes seeks to improve the health of babies by preventing premature births, birth defects and infant death.

Since 1939, the organization has worked to find cures for childhood illness and provide care for premature babies and their families.

How does the March of Dimes impact Oklahoma? One way is through the Prematurity Campaign. More than one in seven babies—7,436 babies each year—are born prematurely in Oklahoma. Premature birth can result in long-term health issues including cerebral palsy and hearing, vision or breathing problems.

To reach their program goals, the March of Dimes relies on charitable contributions.

Each year, money is raised through the March of Dimes March for Babies, which take place around the country, year-round. From each dollar raised, 77 cents go directly to the research and programs to help premature babies and their families. In the metro area, two walks are scheduled for the spring: the Norman 2-mile walk at Andrews Park will be held April 28 at 10:00am and the Oklahoma City 2-mile walk at State Fair Park will be held May 5 at 9:00am. There are 22 other walks held around the state.

Interested walkers are encouraged to sign up early and set a fundraising goal. Visit www.marchofdimes.com/oklahoma for more information or to register.

Diabetes danger. New research shows that just one night of sleep deprivation can increase insulin resistance, a factor in type 2 diabetes.

5. Too tired, too wired. When kids are awake too long, an overbalance of adrenaline makes it difficult to reach and maintain deep, restorative sleep, so overtired kids have a harder time falling and staying asleep.

6. ADHD imposter. Overtiredness can masquerade in a host of ADHD-like symptoms, and even lead to “faux ADHD,” a condition characterized by behavior problems and learning difficulties.

7.

Emotionally exhausted. According to a new study, toddlers who miss naps have trouble expressing emotions, which has a lasting effect on their developing brains.

8. Night frights. Kids who are overtired are more prone to nightmares—doctors chalk this up to the fact that overtired children spend more time transitioning in and out of deep sleep.

9.

Fidgety legs. Overtiredness worsens the symptoms of restless legs syndrome, a condition affecting 1.5 million children and adolescents.

10. Early birds. Overtiredness is a common reason for waking too early in the morning, because overtired children are less likely to stay asleep during the naturally-occurring period of lighter sleep between 4am and 6am.

The best prevention for overtiredness is also the best cure: an age-appropriate bedtime and a solid bedtime routine. It’s a small price to pay for a calmer, happier, healthier child.

Malia Jacobson is a nationally-published sleep and health journalist and mom of two.

Get Messy to Fight Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States, with Oklahoma weighing in as the sixth most obese state in the nation. Overweight children and adolescents are at risk for health problems including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Overweight children and adolescents are also more likely to become obese as adults, carrying many health risks and issues into adulthood. But one local man is hoping to change that with a new fundraising event called the Bedlam Mud Run.

Ben Cordle, owner of Lemon Tree Nutrition Lounge (10600 S Pennsylvania, Oklahoma City) is planning a mud and obstacle course 5K run to be held on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie. The 2012 Bedlam Mud Run strives to raise $250,000 to fund projects in Oklahoma that will increase awareness of childhood obesity and provide good nutrition for underprivileged kids. Sponsored by Lemon Tree Nutrition Lounge and Helo Oklahoma, the Mud Run will also include family-friendly events, a DJ and inflatables for children. Children are allowed to participate and the event will occur rain or shine.

“We are the third most unhealthy state in the nation and we are on a mission to change that,” explains Cordle. “The proceeds from the run will be used to fund projects that not just raise awareness of childhood obesity, but to actually fight childhood obesity by providing good nutrition to underprivileged families and creating community outreach programs that actively educate families about how to gain access to better nutrition.”

Registration and a resource fair will begin at 7:30am, with the run beginning at 9am.

Registration is $55 through March 31, and $60 on race day. Admission to the resource fair, which provides information about statewide resources available to families, is free.

For more information or to preregister for the Mud Run, visit www.bedlammudrun.com.

March 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Stop Counting Calories, Start Burning Fat

“The current obesity epidemic proves that the typical low-fat diet recommendations and low-calorie diets have not worked,” said Colorado weight loss entrepreneur Don Ochs. “America is eating less fat per capita than we did 30 years ago, yet obesity, diabetes and heart disease are all up.”

Instead of counting calories, Ochs recommends minimizing stored fat by eating fewer processed carbohydrates, the correct amount of protein and participating in high- and low-intensity exercise.

• Eat what your ancestors ate. Refined carbohydrates increase blood sugar levels, triggering insulin production and resulting in fat storage. Avoid the obvious (sugary soft drinks and candy) but also watch sneaky carbohydrates found in condiments or dried fruits.

• Eat good fat. Look for mono- or poly-unsaturated fats, use olive oil and eat foods such as avocados, whole nuts and occasional fats such as butter and cheese.

• Eat the right amount of protein. Eggs, beef, chicken, pork, seafood and dairy are good sources of protein, but portion sizes should be monitored.

• Vary workouts to burn fat. Low-intensity exercise helps to reduce insulin resistance so you store less fat. Alternate low-intensity with high-intensity to build lean muscle and increase your metabolism.

“Healthy weight loss… is about discovering the right diet for your unique body. For each person, the optimal amount of carbohydrates, proteins and exercise to burn the most stored body fat will be different,” says Ochs.

Don Ochs is the creator of Mobanu Integrated Weight Loss Solution (www.mobanuweightloss.com).

Free Central Oklahoma Travel Guides

Want to explore more in the local area? The Frontier Country Marketing Association’s 2012 regional travel guide includes information on attractions, dining and lodging, organized by region and including written descriptions, colorful photographs and more. Request your guide at www. oktourism.com or 800-FUN-OKLA.

50 Years of Poison Prevention

In 2011, almost 49,000 calls were made to the Oklahoma Poison Control Center. Since accidents, medication errors and inquisitive toddlers are a fact of life, the Center maintains constant outreach and education efforts to help minimize the number of childhood, adult and occupational poisonings, as well as provide emergency treatment advice.

This March marks the 50th anniversary of National Poison Prevention week and the 50th birthday of the Oklahoma Poison Control Center. Today the Poison Control Center, a program of the College Of Pharmacy at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, is one of 57 accredited regional poison control centers in the United States.

National Poison Prevention week will be held March 18 – 24.

The 2012 poster contest winners will be recognized at an awards ceremony at the State Capitol on March 29. The winning entries will also be entered into the national contest.

The Oklahoma Poison Control Center serves as a valuable resource for Oklahomans, providing immediate, free and expert treatment advice when an actual or suspected exposure to poisonous, hazardous or toxic substances occurs. The help line (800-222-1222) is available around the clock. The Poison Control Center also communicates poison prevention messages, tips and important information through the Center’s website (www.oklahomapoison.org) or through Facebook.

YWCA Capital Campaign

In 2011, more than 25,000 incidents of domestic violence were reported in Oklahoma. The YWCA provides a safe haven and ongoing counseling for these victims and children. In the past 12 years, 956 domestic violence homicides occurred in Oklahoma, according to the Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board and one-third of these deaths were witnessed by children.

The YWCA Oklahoma City is the only emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children in Oklahoma County, but sadly, the shelter cannot meet the needs of the community. The YWCA Capital Campaign is seeking funds to help build a larger shelter, repurpose an existing shelter and renovate an existing branch to provide greater resources to women and children.

“The YWCA is a lifeline for women and children escaping devastating circumstances of domestic violence and we have an ethical responsibility in our community to tell those families that we believe in them and we believe in their safety,” says Janet L. Peery, Chief Executive Officer at the YWCA Oklahoma City. “Our shelter currently stays full 99.9 percent of the time. This means victims are going unserved because there is not enough room. So we are going to start by building a new shelter to expand the reach of the YWCA and ensure that everyone can be served and that families from right here in Central Oklahoma have the chance at the lives they deserve—lives free from violence.”

Visit www.ywca.org to learn more about the Capital Campaign, volunteer or find a list of items that the organization needs to meet the needs of the women and children assisted by the shelter.

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Ten Great Parks and Playgrounds in the OKC Metro

Photographer: Junichi Takahashi

The coming of spring brings great opportunities for outdoor play! In anticipation of beautiful spring days spent playing outside, we polled our readers for their favorite parks to enjoy in the OKC metro. Here they are, in random order:

1.

Earlywine Park (3101 SW 119th Street, Oklahoma City)

2.

Kidsplay Playground (630 NW 5th Street, Moore)

4.

Reaves Park (2501 Jenkins Avenue, Norman)

3.

Hafer Park (1034 S Bryant Avenue, Edmond)

5.

Wild Horse Park (1201 N Mustang Road, Mustang)

7.

Mitch Park (301 S Bryant Avenue, Edmond)

6.

Lake Overholser’s Route 66 Park (9901 NW 23rd Street, Oklahoma City)

8. Andrew’s Park (201 W Daws Street, Norman)

9.

Music All Around Us

By Mari Farthing

The day my son first learned about STOMP, he played drums on the back of my seat on the way home from school. “Um, hello? What are you doing?” I asked him.

“I’m making music, Mom! Did you know that you can make music with garbage cans? And brooms? And pencils?”

Actually, I did. I first saw STOMP on tour in the early 1990s, and was excited to see that the group is coming to the Oklahoma City Civic Center for eight performances from March 13 – 18. STOMP performers “make a rhythm out of anything we can get our hands on that makes a sound,” says co-creator and director Luke Cresswell.

The show has been updated to include new highlighst. “STOMP has evolved a great deal ever since its first incarnation at the Edinburgh Festival,” said co-creator Steve McNichols. Adding to old favorites performed with Zippo lighters, trashcans and plastic bags, new performances feature items such as paint cans and inner tubes.

The show is committed to “create rhythmic music with instantly recognizable objects… with an eccentric sense of character and humor.”

Children’s playground in the Myriad Botanical Gardens (Reno & Robinson)

10. Buck Thomas Park (1903 NE 12th Street, Moore) Thanks to Tiffany B., Michelle W., Jennifer S., Erica G., Mari F., and Kimberly M. for contributing to this list.

Join us at www.facebook. com/metrofamily to share your thoughts for next month’s list.

Have a park you’d like to suggest? Comment on our website at www. metrofamilymagazine. com/local-parks

Where's your favorite hang out?

Learn more about STOMP at www.stomponline.com. Tickets, $15 and up, are available through www.celebrityattractions.com.

Free Camps for Children of Single Moms

The Bethel Foundation’s mission is to provide support for single mothers through mentoring, rehabilitation and quality housing options designed to help struggling single mothers get back on their feet. The Foundation offers assistance through a home ownership program, scholarship funds, educational conferences, access to clothing and food, and free camps for children of single mothers.

The organization is offering camps this spring and summer at no cost to the children of single mothers:

• Sassy Camp (March 12 – 14) for girls ages 11 – 14 includes crafts, speakers, information on nutrition, goal planning, self-esteem, home safety and more.

• Outdoor Overnight Adventure Camp (March 23 – 25, June 8 – 10 or July 13 – 15) for boys ages 6 – 16 teaches fishing, camping, sports, teamwork and more.

• Kids Rock Camp (June 13 – 17 or July 16 – 20) for children in grades 3 – 5 which teaches basic cooking, nutrition, self-esteem, fire safety and more.

Enrollment forms are available at www.bethelfoundationusa.com or at the Bethel Foundation office (3003 North Western Ave). The organization also seeks volunteers for activities throughout the year, as well as monetary, clothing or food donations. For more information, call 405-2863700 or visit www.bethelfoundationusa.com.

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Introducing Simple Science with Steve Davala We are pleased to introduce our newest monthly online column, Simple Science. We hope that these fun, educational experiments will be a great way to explore science with your kids in your own kitchen. Writer Steve Davala has taught 7th and 8th grade math and science for 12 years and is the father of two, who often serve as guinea pigs for these engaging science experiments.

“Children possess an inquisitive mind, and we, as adults, need to keep the opportunities coming, lest they lose that zest for learning,” Davala explains. “Science can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a great way to create powerful thinkers through well placed questions and activities.”

Look for future science experiments on our website.

Exploring Air Pressure

Ever hear about “air pressure?” Here is a simple experiment that you can perform with materials found right in your kitchen. The main lesson in these experiments is that air wants to travel from high pressure to low pressure. There is an old saying that “nature dislikes a vacuum.” Of course this is not the cleaning type of vacuum, but the lack-of-air kind. But what exactly is “pressure?”

Air pressure is basically the amount of air in a certain area. Like when you fill a balloon or your tires on your bike. If there is little air in the balloon, there is little pressure. If you fill up a balloon it has high pressure in it. If you let go of the balloon, all the air shoots out, spinning the balloon all over the place. The high pressure air inside the balloon moves to

the low pressure air outside of it. Remember, high pressure wants to travel from high to low pressure.

Candle in a Plate of Water: Materials:

• • • • • •

a plate water a tall glass a lump of clay a few birthday candles matches (get your parent to help you out with this) • food coloring.

Procedure: 1.

2.

Pour water onto a plate so that it fills it and add a drop or two of food coloring.

Stick a candle into a ball of clay and place it in the middle of your plate.

3. You are going to put the cup over the top of the lit candle, make a hypothesis/ guess about what you think will happen.

4.

5.

Light the candle.

Put the cup over the candle

You will see the candle slowly extinguish and then the water will creep up into the cup.

Pretty amazing! How does it do that? The hot air caused by the candles pushes air out from under the cup (hot air expands and causes bubbles at the bottom). As soon as the candle goes out, the air cools and condenses, but now there is less air in the cup than when it started. This is low pressure. Remember the rule? The outside air (high pressure) wants to push into the cup (low pressure). Have your child experiment with more or less water, or more candles.

Available at our website (www. metrofamilymagazine.com/simplescience) this month is another experiment demonstrating air pressure and be sure to visit every month as new, easy-to-do science experiments by Steve Davala are posted.

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EXPERIENCE OKLAHOMA

through its people

Visit the Museum

FREE

OR

on Saturday, May 5!

Celebrate our 5 th anniversary with family-friendly activities.

Bring in this ad for

$2 OFF ADMISSION

for up to 4 people.

Expires Aug. 31, 2012

NW 13TH STREET & SHARTEL AVENUE • OKC 405.235.4458 • WWW.OKLAHOMAHERITAGE.COM

March 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Real Moms of the Metro Meet Morgan Harris, Champion of Eco-Friendly Parenting

I

Photo by Aimee Adams • www.aimeeadamsphoto.com

f you ask cloth-diapering mothers in Oklahoma City who they consider to be the local cloth diaper guru, odds are they will say one name—Morgan Harris. Harris is a local business owner and a walking, talking resource on environmentally friendly parenting. Having recently expanded her store last fall into a space nearly three times as large, this mother of one (son Spencer is 4 years old) promotes eco-parenting and helps local parents make greener choices for their families. Here is more on how the 32-yearold balances work, life and her drive to run a successful business.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I’m a lapsed scuba diver. I lived in Dahab, Egypt for a while and learned to dive in the Red Sea.

How has motherhood changed you?

Having a child makes it easier for me to express my emotions. I’ve probably told him I love him more in just a month than I ever said I love you to anyone in all the years before he was born. He also helps me see the joy in everyday things and reminds me to stay in the moment and not worry so much about the past or the future.

How do you banish stress?

I don’t have one specific method. Making lists helps me to stop worrying about getting things done; yoga when stress gets really bad; taking time away from work to refocus.

Quick Facts About Morgan 1. What are five words that describe you? Loyal, tenacious, messy, stubborn, fair.

2. What’s your favorite indulgence? Salmon sashimi from Tokyo Japanese restaurant.

3. What’s your favorite TV show?

Bones. I’m embarrassingly engrossed.

4. What’s your favorite meal to cook for dinner? Pork chops with Daddy Hinkle’s seasoning (made in Oklahoma) and polenta fries. Fast, easy and delicious!

5. What can’t you live without?

My husband and son. And coffee.

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Graham, Spencer, and Morgan Harris of Green Bambino.

Along with your job as a mom, what do you do?

I own Green Bambino, Oklahoma’s largest cloth diaper and eco-baby resource.

What do you like most about your job?

I love sharing products I love and find useful with other families. I love the passion our staff and customers bring to what I do.

What is on your wish list?

Professionally, I would love to have someone swoop in and get e-commerce going for Green Bambino. Personally, I really want to take a family vacation to Montreal.

What are you most proud of?

That I have had the confidence and courage to do anything I set my mind to, no matter what other people said at the time. Living abroad, natural childbirth, starting a business—so far, I have no regrets.

What motivates you?

Fear of failure. In some ways, I’m a perfectionist and can’t handle it when I don’t do things the right way the first time.

Where are you from originally?

I’m originally from Okmulgee. I’m really glad I stayed in Oklahoma and I love living in Oklahoma City. There is so much going on here now and we love raising our son here.

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What’s the biggest challenge in your life?

Leaving Green Bambino at the end of the day. I love what I do, but I have to remember that it’s not the most important part of my life.

What is your parenting style?

I don’t think I fit into any defined categories. I cloth-diapered and wear my son, but he has slept in his own bed since he was three weeks old. We take pieces from different parenting styles that work for us and cobble them together. So far, it’s working.

Advice for other moms?

Get help. Whether it’s a doula, a lactation consultant, a babysitter, family, housekeepers, friends—it doesn’t matter.

But you don’t have to do it all by yourself.

No one will think less of you for asking for help, and life will be easier and more enjoyable if you do.

Favorite quote or advice about motherhood?

Given that I have a preschooler who likes to ask why, my favorite quote is currently “A person soon learns how little he knows when a child begins to ask questions.”

– Richard L. Evans

Brooke Barnett is the Assistant Editor of MetroFamily Magazine.

March 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Oklahoma Reads Great Reads for All Book Series for Early and Advanced Readers

Looking for a fun book series for your youngest or your older, more difficult-to-engage reader? Some ideas:

Belly Button Book!, Pajama Time! and Banyard Dance! by Sandra Boynton (Workman, boardbooks, $10 each) are three of Boynton's most popular tales. These oversized board books feature the author's infectious rhymes, lovable illustrations and sturdy pages and are perfect for little hands.

The Misfits (books 1 – 3) by Mark Delaney (Peachtree Publishers, softcover, $5+) feature four teens (Peter the smart one, Jake the jock, Byte the computer whiz and Mattie the magician) who may not fit in with the other kids, but who come together to form Misfits Investigations.

Early Readers

The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes

By Mark Pett and Gary Rubenstein, illustrated by Mark Pett (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, hardcover, $15) Beatrice Bottomwell is a 9-year-old girl who has never, ever made a mistake— until she does—and teaches readers about the importance of learning—and laughing—from your mistakes.

The Busy Life of Ernestine Buckmeister

By Linda Ravin Lodding, illustrated by Suzanne Beaky (Flashlight Press, hardcover, $17) After juggling a different activity each day of her overscheduled life, Ernestine breaks free for a day of playing at the park, reminding kids and adults alike about the importance of including fun and simple childhood wonder on every agenda.

Grades 2+

Tuesdays at the Castle

By Jessica Day George (Bloomsbury Kids, hardcover, $17) Read about the adventures of Princess Celie, who lives in a castle that changes in a magical way each Tuesday. How will she save the day when the King and Queen are kidnapped? The Princess’ love for the secret rooms and twisted passageways just might help.

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Mega Mash Up: Aliens vs Mad Scientists Under the Ocean

By Nikalas Catlow and Tim Wesson (Nosy Crow Books, softcover, $7) In the spirit of choose-your-own adventure tales, this book requires the reader to help to complete it. Readers are given a cast of characters, a list of necessary tools and suggestions for participation before being let loose inside this imaginative tale that asks them to decide what key points in the story should look like.

Grades 5+

happyface

By Stephen Emond (Hachette Book Group, softcover, $9) A teen’s story of love, life and loss as told through his illustrated journal.

After a difficult change of circumstances, happyface purposefully changes his image when he begins a new school year in a new school.

Happyface’s journey reflects the ups and downs of life as a teen.

Adults

Baby Codes: 101 Winning Combinations to Help Your Baby Sleep

By Kevin Mills (Ink Swift, softcover, $11) Does it seem as though getting your baby to sleep is a task that you will never master? This book offers a collection of tips addressing sleeping roadblocks with an encouraging tone.

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | March 2012

How to Exercise When You’re Expecting

By Lindsay Brin, CPT, BSE (Plume Books, softcover, $16) A program developed by the “Moms Into Fitness” founder, this plan includes tips on good nutrition and exercise options geared toward women during and after pregnancy. It includes helpful information about prenatal nutritional needs, illustrated exercise modifications and exercises that will keep readers connected to what their bodies are feeling.

The Kid Dictionary

By Eric Ruhalter (Source Books, softcover, $10) Do you ever wish you had a word that described the need for parents to give their kid a trophy, whether they won the contest or not? Or one that adequately described your child’s propensity to laugh at the word—or even thought of—poop? This book offers words to describe just those moments (“Winnergy” and “Fecalarity,” respectively) and so much more.

The Women’s Fitness Book (DK Publishing, softcover, $23) Feeling overwhelmed by the fitness information you see each day? This book addresses core topics for women regarding exercise and fitness, offering muscle diagrams and illustrated routines that will demystify exercise. Start out with a fitness test, discover your body type and fitness personality and find the workout routine that works for you.

You Can’t Outsource Weight Loss

By Ed Boullianne (Blue Water Health Concepts, softcover, $17) We’re nearing the end of the first quarter of 2012; have you made a dent in your personal fitness goals? Perhaps it’s time for a refresher. In this book, the former Navy Captain author shares the tools he used to lose weight and keep it off, including information on decoding nutrition labels, a BMI chart and sample eating and exercise logs.

Reviews by Mari Farthing & Brooke Barnett.

photography for the artistically minded family

randycolemanphotography.com 405•509•9395 //studio 223 south walker randy@randycolemanphotography.com

March 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Photo by Georgia Read, Read Studio, Inc.

Exploring Oklahoma Family Fun on the Oklahoma River

I

n our home, the word “bored” is forbidden.

Say the “b” word and I’ll get a dust rag in your hands. Fortunately, thanks in part to the Oklahoma City’s MAPS projects. The Oklahoma River near downtown Oklahoma City supports an invigorating environment with activities to satisfy restless energy levels and fight off the forbidden “b” word. This spring break, get your family to the river and get creatively active; there’s so much to do!

Oklahoma River Trails and River Access Thirteen miles of paved river trails (six miles on the north side and seven on the south) are available to all runners, rollerbladers, skateboarders, bicyclists and those with mobility aids. You can access the north side from three parking area locations:

• Regatta Park off Byers Avenue, just west of Byers Avenue bridge; • SW 15th Street, between Walker and Robinson; or • Wheeler Park, SW 9th Street and Shartel.

The south side can be accessed from parking areas at: • SW 15th Street and Meridian; • River Park at SW 8th Street and Agnew; • Wiley Post Park, SW 17th Street and Robinson; or • SW 15th Street, just east of Portland.

While pedestrian access to cross the river (at time of writing) is limited to the Robinson St. overpass just west of the Chesapeake Boathouse, the SkyDance Bridge, a 380-foot long, landmark pedestrian crossover bridge is scheduled to open in late spring 2012 spanning the new I-40 cross town highway.

Oklahoma City Regatta Park/ Boathouse District

What a difference a few years makes! That was my thought as my sister, Anita Zotto, and I ventured out to the Oklahoma River.

A decade in the making, the boathouse district is growing continually. Having already earned a reputation as a world-class training ground for collegiate and Olympic rowing athletes, the Oklahoma River, with support from the Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation, offers the public access to a variety of river activities.

Try It Now

Always looking for new ways to exercise, Anita and I decided to use the “Try It Now” passes available through the Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation’s Riversport program.

These passes allow users to try three familyfriendly activities for free. We redeemed our passes (reserved ahead of time online, but walk-ins are welcome) at the Chesapeake Boathouse where a staffer got us started.

• Biking. We worked our legs touring the riverfront on the paved trails using bikes borrowed from the boathouse (you can also bring your own bikes, which I would recommend as bikes are limited).

• Paddle-Boarding. Next, we attempted the stand-up paddle boards (SUPs), a large surf-like board you stand or kneel on as you paddle up and down the river—a great core stabilizing exercise.

• Kayaking. Lastly, we kayaked east on the river, touring the new Chesapeake Finish Line Tower, Devon Boathouse and KaBoom Playground (designed by children and erected in one day by over 300 volunteers)—a relaxing, but good upper

body workout. What a fun and a refreshing change from the routine at the gym!

Try-It-Now passes are available year round for any number of activities. While the water activities are available March through October, passes can also be used to try out the fitness center, yoga or indoor rowing classes.

Learn to Row

Your family can take river sporting to a whole new level by taking advantage of other programs, including spring break camps, suitable for ages 8 and up. And, beginning this month, Riversport is hosting free open houses for kids to learn about rowing. No experience is required. Parents are welcome to meet the coaches and sprint team athletes.

Kids will get an introduction to the sport and take an actual lesson on the water. Open houses run from 10:00 am – noon. If your child elects to enroll, the one and a half-hour classes meet twice a week for one month with sessions offered March 17 through the last week of August.

Oklahoma River Cruises

River cruises are another river activity worth experiencing. Beginning in 2008, MetroTransit, through a partnership with HMS Global Maritime, began offering public transit ferry service along a seven-mile route on the Oklahoma River. Today, three

There are many access points and parking areas along the Oklahoma River.

Map image courtesy of OKC Parks and Recreation.

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www.metrofamilymagazine.com | March 2012

boats provide public ferry transportation as well as chartered and themed cruises along this route. As Patrick Murray of Oklahoma River Cruises explains, “There are a myriad of cruises offered throughout the year, including a St. Patrick’s Day Cruise. Other cruises include the popular Sunset Cruise, Sunday Live Entertainment, themed cruises (including adult Haunt the River Cruise in October) and chartered cruises for special events.

By visiting the Oklahoma River, Anita and I certainly found new, creative ways to stay fit and have fun. You can zap the “b” word from your family’s vocabulary. Go to the

Oklahoma River often. New activities are being added continuously. The added benefit is quality, family, fitness time together.

Karen Mitchell, a lifelong resident of the Oklahoma City metro area, lives in Edmond with her husband Mark, teenage son, Ryan, and one spoiled Welsh corgi. Daughter Megan attends OSU in Stillwater.

Editor’s note: This marks Karen’s last Exploring Oklahoma column for MetroFamily.

We appreciate her hard work and wish her all the best!

Visiting the Boathouse District

The boathouse district lies just south of the new I-40 crosstown. To access it, take Lincoln Avenue south from Reno Avenue and continue to 725 S Lincoln.

Chesapeake Finish Line Tower’s first floor visitor’s center is a good place to start for an introduction and panoramic views of the river activities and trails. Visitor center hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00am – 6:00pm and Saturday 1:00 – 6:00pm.

For more information on Riversport activities including canoe/kayak class open house and class dates, equipment rentals, season or Try It Now passes, visit www.riversportokc. org or call 405-552-4040. Chesapeake Boathouse hours are Monday-Friday, 6:00am – 8:00pm, Saturday 7:00am – 5:00pm and Sunday 1:00 – 5:00pm.

Oklahoma River Cruises

Hop on over to MetroFamily's website for the metro's best list of Easter activities! www.metrofamilymagazine. com/easter-fun-guide

Public ferry service on the Oklahoma River runs from April 6 – December 16, Wednesdays-Sundays. Boarding stops are located at Regatta Park (Boathouse District), Exchange Landing (near Stockyards City), and Meridian Landing. Tickets may be purchased online, at the office or at the boat landings. Advanced ticket purchases are recommended. Tickets begin at $6 (one way) and $12 (round trip). Discounts available for seniors and children ages 6 – 12, children under 6 are free.

For more information, tickets or to reserve a chartered cruise, visit www.okrivercruises. com, call 405-702-7755 or visit the Oklahoma River Cruises office at 300 SW 7th Street in Oklahoma City.

Coming Soon to the Oklahoma River!

Construction is scheduled to begin this summer on a new 16,000 square-foot youth pavilion that will include an indoor surf park, “a very unique water feature,” according to Mike Knopp, OKC Boathouse Foundation Executive Director. An outdoor climbing wall, Sky Trail and Zip Line that zips passengers over the river are other attractions being added. “We all want to see kids being more active outdoors, and this is going to be an adventure center unlike anything else in the country,” says Knopp. “While our focus is on youth, it’s really going to appeal to people of all ages.”

Fundraising is still underway for this multi-million dollar project. For more information on how you or your company can support this effort, call 405-552-4040.

March 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Ask the Experts Encouraging the Truth In this new column, we ask local experts to give answers to the real parenting questions and issues that we all may face. This month’s question: My child is lying to me! About everything, from the benign (yes, I cleaned my room) to the more severe (I did not take that dollar). How can I encourage my child to tell the truth?

Donnie Van Curen, M.A., LMFT:

First I would caution any parent to remember that lying is a part of childhood. Kids don't have to learn to lie, they have to learn to tell the truth, and this is where parenting comes in. As with any discipline issue, the key is to recognize the opportunity as a parent to train your child. Children at any age should be taught that there are consequences, good or bad, for every decision. When a child makes the decision to lie, it is important to assist him in understanding the motivation behind this decision, and then to appreciate the consequences of such action (and don't forget positive consequences for making the right decisions). The hope here is that at some point he will learn to evaluate the consequences before the action. The most important thing to remember as parents is to be consistent. Children do not learn because of what they are told, they learn from the experience of doing something.

Donnie Van Curen M.A., LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with Counseling 1820, LLC. Contact him at 405-823-4302 or www.counseling1820.com.

Kevin Tutty, LCSW:

Don’t ask your child if he did what you suspected, especially if you think you know the truth is not what he is telling you. Instead, hold him accountable for his behavior, telling him that he has yet to prove to you he is telling the truth. This strategy will serve

two purposes: first, it ensures that there is only one consequence for his behavior; and second, it prevents him from honing his skills for lying by coming up with new stories.

Don’t give him the opportunity to see what lies he can get away with, because as he gets older, it will be more difficult to discern whether he is telling the truth or lying.

Kevin Tutty, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice. Contact him at 405-431-6225.

John Goetz, LPC:

Lying is a form of denial, which in turn is a basic human defense mechanism learned at an early age. Lying’s basic purpose is to avoid punishment or a negative situation.

Many, if not most, children will be tempted to try this skill out. If they discover it works with say a 50 percent chance of success, they may choose to add it to their tool box of skills.

Children operate in the here and now; a 50 percent chance of getting a “yes” instead of a “no” or to avoid perceived punishment may seem like a reasonable chance. As a society we tolerate and even reward some level of lying. In politics it’s called spin; for celebrities in the media, it involves going to rehab; on Wall Street you receive a bailout; and on the home front, we drive 45 when the speed limit is 40 and occasionally float through stop signs.

So what is a parent to do? Stick to your morals. A lie is a violation of trust, so when a child lies, he loses some of your trust. When he tells the truth, reward him with trust.

But, I believe there is even a simpler answer to a significant number of these situations: do not give children a chance to lie. As a parent you are omnipotent and omniscient (all powerful and all knowing) to a young child.

Do you really need to ask who spilled the juice or do you need the child or the children to clean it up?

But, you say, how do you know which child did it? You don’t—so they can both clean it up and you can use this as an opportunity to teach that them an honorable person admits his wrong-doing and doesn’t rely on others to clean up his messes (actual or proverbial).

As a watchful parent, you know when a dishonest sibling may need to be singled out based on your omniscient mom/dad powers; do not hesitate to do so. Yes, this is unfair, but if you trust yourself as the parent who is in control, I believe you will be correct 90 percent of the time. Teach children this when they are very young so as teens they will believe you have a sixth sense.

John Goetz, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor with Edmond Family Counseling.

Contact him at 405-341-3554.

We posted the same question to our readers, and here are their responses:

• I always tell my kids that the punishment is worse if you lie. The example I give is that the punishment for an offense is one day of no TV/video games, then the punishment for lying about it is an additional day of no TV/video games. It hasn’t cured it yet, but it has reduced it.

• One approach is to tell her that anytime she is in the middle of a lie, to stop and hold her hands out and say that she would like to start over again. And, if she does, assure her that you will not fuss at her for starting to lie.

• Some churches have special classes to help kids with problems like these. Or, the YMCA or the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program.

Sometimes kids learn better from someone who isn’t their parent.

• I try to remind the kids that the truth always comes out because it’s much easier to remember the truth. Lies always seem to cause more lies. I also try to emphasize the importance of trust to my children; if they continue to choose to lie rather than tell the truth, I cannot trust them; with trust comes privileges.

Thank you to our readers Carolyn J., Gaye B., Marge H. and Jennifer S. for your feedback!

Do you have a question for our experts? Email it to editor@metrofamilymagazine.com and we’ll put the experts to work for you.

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www.metrofamilymagazine.com | March 2012

Why Families Need To Pump Up the Fun! For therapist, parenting coach and mother of three Tammy Gold, there is nothing silly about play. “As parents, we sometimes lose our understanding about the importance of fun—and how crucial it is to children and to the wellbeing of our family,” Gold explains. “We tend to focus on the things we think we ‘ought’ to do instead of focusing on fun. But the fun component is crucial to raising a happy family, and a happy child tends to do better in everything.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) agrees. In a clinical report by Kenneth R. Ginsburg, MD, MSEd, the AAP emphasizes play as essential to the healthy development and well being of our children by contributing to their cognitive, physical, social and emotional health. The AAP also encourages play to strengthen a child’s relationship-building skills, help children develop resiliency and to allow their creativity to blossom. In addition, engaging in fun activities with children offers an ideal opportunity for parents to create lasting traditions, rituals and family memories.

But despite these benefits, the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research reports that time for fun and free play in children’s lives has decreased markedly in the past 30 years. While this may seem like the unavoidable side effect of our increasingly busy lives, Gold posits that bringing the fun back is not as hard as you might think.

“The good news is that there are easy and inexpensive ways to increase happiness.

Everyday moments can be fun and you don’t need special equipment or money to make it happen.”

Creating Rituals for Fun

The first step to increasing your family’s fun quotient is to define what your family considers fun and then build meaningful rituals accordingly. “It’s important not to assume that your definition of fun matches your child’s,” Gold cautions. “Ask what fun means to them and spend some time observing the things that your kids really seem to enjoy doing. These types of things are key and a great jumping-off point for bringing fun new rituals to your daily life.”

Unlike routines, which seek to provide organization and continuity, rituals provide connections between family members and foster loving, healthy relationships.

“In a world of scary, unpredictable events, rituals are comforting,” Gold explains. “They are something special the child can identify with that can help them feel secure.”

Bringing the Fun Back

“Fun is the number one component of a meaningful, happy life,” Gold explains. “It’s not money and success; it’s happiness and fun that make our life worthwhile.”

But amid the pressures of work, errands and chores, how can a busy parent find time to

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emphasize fun? Gold recommends setting aside a specific time to focus on fun with your kids and finding ways to increase the fun quotient in your everday tasks.

The results of these changes—happier kids, improved cooperation among family members, and stronger relationships—are the beneficial side effects of an overall increase in your family’s fun.

Focusing on Fun: New Ways to Incorporate Play Need creative inspiration for ways to bring

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | March 2012

the fun to your family? Try these suggestions, adapt them as needed or create your own rituals based on the activities your family most enjoys.

1.

Brand it. Instead of just ordering pizza and turning on a movie, dubbing it “The Jones Family Pizza Extravaganza and Blockbuster Movie Night” makes it exciting for children. “Tailor your rituals to what your child likes and really personalize them,” Gold encourages.

“Use the new name to make the event a standing date and watch the anticipation grow each week.”

2. Think outside the game box. “Video games like Wii or the XBOX 360 Kinect offer a more interactive and engaging experience,” explains Melissa Barbara, editor of Celebrations. (www.celebrations.com), a website filled with party planning tips, creative recipe ideas and more. “Your kids will be excited to show you the ropes.”

3.

4.

Shake on it. Create a family handshake and have each member add a movement to it when you greet each other each day. Or, take turn shaking each other’s feet or elbows—anything to spice up the traditional greeting—and make a point to do it every time a family member comes home.

Share memories. Show pictures of yourself or your spouse as children, or break out your wedding album to show your kids.

“Talk about how life and times have changed,” suggests Zorianna Kit, journalist and resident tipster on the syndicated daily newsmagazine show America Now.

5. Create a vision board. “The goal is to cut out images or words that represent you and what you want your life to look like in the future,” Aprille Franks-Hunt, author, speaker, life and business advisor from Norman, says. “The family can create the one board together so that each member has a contribution to a family goal or they can create individual boards. Studies show that we are more likely to accomplish our goals when we can see them visually, so this is a fun and inexpensive way to work towards family goals.”

6. Compete together. Create your own sporting event or tournament. Croquet, soccer or badminton all lend themselves to healthy competitive play. If the weather doesn’t allow outdoor recreation, play volleyball in your living room using your couch or coffee table and a balloon—how long can you go without letting the balloon touch the floor?

7.

Start a family journal. “Let your entire family document your memories, discussions, and plans by creating a family journal,” suggests Polly Schlafhauser, president of Families With Purpose (www.familieswithpurpose.com), an online resource dedicated to helping families build their best life. A family journal is an on-going diary of your family's life that you can use to capture memories of family outings and vacations, favorite recipes, important dates, family goals and the thoughts and feelings of yourself and your growing children. “Or simply use it leave love notes or letters to each other,” Schlafhauser suggests.

8. Give each month a theme. “Tie the theme into many of the things you do that month,” explains Amanda West of Colorful Concepts for Kids (www.colorfulconceptsforkids. com), a company that designs educational art for toddlers and preschoolers. “For example, you could spend one month learning all about the ocean. You can go to the library to find books about surfing and ocean animals, have a movie night where you watch Finding Nemo, look up water experiments on the Internet (i.e. floating vs. sinking), or go to the local pool to learn about waves.

By focusing on one theme at a time and viewing the month as a whole unit, these individual events become much more interesting.”

Increase the Fun in Everyday Tasks

Having your daily agenda filled with errands, appointments and other “must do’s” doesn’t mean the fun has to be gone from your day. Try a few of the following suggestions: Getting ready for your day:

• Turn getting dressed into a scavenger hunt. Tuck shirts, pants, socks and shoes into different hiding places around the room or house.

Start the fun by asking “Can you find your socks?” or “Where, oh where, did your shoes go?”

• Have a race to see who can get dressed or brush his teeth first. “It’s all really just creative play,” Gold explains. “But, in this case, you are also accomplishing important daily tasks and still enjoying the process.”

At the grocery store:

• Have your child become a grocery store detective. Ask him to use clues to determine what foods will be on what aisles. Launch a fullfledged investigation in the case of the missing green beans (or any other item on your list) and have him tell you a story as to who the likely culprit might be. Be outrageous in coming up with motives and clues until you locate all the items on your list.

• Using your cell phone camera, have your child take a photo of the food that she would like in her lunch box the next day, or the ingredients of a meal she would like to enjoy. Make sure she includes all components of the recipe or meal. Feel free to have siblings pose with the items for added fun.

• Throughout an entire grocery trip, pledge to only speak with accents or sing in opera voices. “People might look, but you’ll be too busy having fun to notice,” Gold says.

At meal times:

• Ask your child to help cook and ask them what they think will happen when different ingredients are added. Add food coloring to foods such as pancakes or mashed potatoes to create out-of-thisworld concoctions.

• Turn meal preparation into a cooking demonstration, à la Julia Child. Using your best television voice, take turns narrating different steps of meal preparation. Use as many fun and colorful adjectives as you can think of, such as “delectable,” “scrumptious,” and “luscious.” No description is too over-the-top.

• Continue the play-acting at the dinner table, providing commentary on how delicious the meal is. The upshot? Your child might even expand their palate trying dishes they might not otherwise enjoy and you avoid the fuss of trying to get them to eat new and different foods.

• “Go a little Sesame Street on your family and serve foods that start with the same letter or color,” suggests Alexandra Kuykendall, Content Editor for MOPS International (www.mops.org). “Or, pick a country or part of the world to guide your menu. This can be stretched out among many nights and will help you with the daily dilemma of ‘what’s for dinner?’”

At appointments or events: • Get creative with impromptu math. Have your child count the freckles on your arm, the number of eyelets in your shoes or how many of their hands it takes to measure the length of your leg.

• Draw letters, write messages or draw pictures on each other’s backs or arms and guess what the other person wrote. Spell words such as “I love you” or your last name and have your child decipher what you are writing.

• At a wedding or graduation, have your child draw a picture of herself with the bride or graduate. It keeps them occupied and also makes a fun keepsake for the person of honor. “If you can use a fun activity to engage them and incorporate them into the event, it’s a win/win,” Gold explains.

Let the Fun Begin!

No matter how your family spells fun, Gold encourages parents to remember how important enjoyment and play is to a child. “Having fun is the perfect way to bond and get to know your child,” she reminds. “You can do every craft in the world, take every lesson and class and read every parenting book. But the way to have a happy child is simple—raise them in a happy, joyful and fun home. You’ll never wish they had taken more lessons, but you will wish that you would’ve taken more moments to soak up the fun.”

Now, get out there and let the fun begin.

Brooke Barnett is the Assistant Editor of MetroFamily Magazine. Her family’s rituals include “Attack of the Bubble Hands” at bath time with her 3-year old and 6-year-old, which usually results in big fun—and water all over the bathroom floor.

March 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Question of the Month Family Fun Activities Family fun can take many forms, from staying in for family game night to heading out to a local attraction. No matter what activity a family most enjoys, the benefits of having fun together are undeniable. Spending time enjoying each other’s company helps to reduce stress, increases family bonding and makes memories that last a lifetime.

The February Question of the Month asked our readers to share their family’s favorite fun activity. Nearly half of readers who responded (45 percent) said their family shares a love of movies, games, books or music and they spend time together enjoying these mutual interests. Nearly one-third said they travel and explore new places to pump

Question of the Month for March: Earth Day is coming up in April. What does your family do to be eco-friendly?

Visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ fs-giveaway to fill in the blank and enter your name in our monthly prize package drawing, valued at over $250.

Deadline to enter is Thursday, March 22.

Your comments may also be used in a future issue of MetroFamily Magazine or on our website. The full contents of the prize package are listed on the contest page.

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What is your family’s favorite activity to share?

79 total responses

We love to travel and visit new places to explore whenever we can! 32% We love to cook together and share meals as a family. 7% We share a love of movies/games/books/music and spend time on that. 45% We love to attend sporting events together! Whether one of us is playing or we're all just in the stands, we love our sports. 7% Other methods. 9%

up their family fun quotient. Attending or participating in sporting events tied for third with cooking/sharing meals together, each garnering seven percent of responses. Lastly, nine percent of readers who responded said they seek out other ways of having fun, such as playing outdoors, making crafts, or—as many responded—“we do all of the above!”

Our readers shared more about their favorite family fun activities:

Shyla H. of Moore says her family fun can’t be contained in just one category. “We love to be active as a family and just have fun!

This includes going to the park, museums, zoo, movies, out of town and restaurants!”

For Marae B. of Midwest City, sports hit a home run with her family. “We are big sports fans! Each of our kids has a sport they love and excel in, from tennis to soccer to baseball, and we love them all! Plus we love going to local events. We support the Barons and the Thunder and we love have a national team here in OKC!”

Moore’s Hannah P. cooks up family fun in the kitchen. “We have a very close family.

Nearly every weekend the grandparents come

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | March 2012

over and we cook a big meal and eat, chat and sometimes play board games. We love to eat and entertain and our kids really enjoy it, too.”

Natasha R. of Oklahoma City loves to take her family on the road. “When the weather is nice, we take a road trip to wherever! I just jump on the freeway and drive. We have found some of the best places to go to by just getting lost. Other times we know where we want to go, but either way it is always a great family experience.”

Family game and movie nights equal fun for Lacy P. of Yukon. “We love playing games together. From Hullabaloo (my 2 year old’s favorite) to Scrabble or UNO (my 5 year old’s favorites) we spend a lot of time playing games. My 2 year old’s favorite thing is watching movies, and he wants us to sit with him to watch. It’s fun to bond in that way as well, and not just use the TV as a babysitter, but spend that time enjoying a movie together.”

Visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ february-reader-responses to read more about how our readers like to enjoy family fun.

March 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Problem Solvers Helpful Family Products When we hear about new or helpful products, we like to let our readers know! Here are a few of the more interesting items we’ve recently found. Visit the product website for a list of local retailers.

Problem:

You’ve worn through yet another diaper bag.

Solution:

The Kalencom Coated Buckle Bag is durable enough to handle your baby gear and stylish enough to take with you everywhere. ($60, www.kalencom.com)

Problem:

Have you seen my phone?

Solution:

Keep the ZOMM wireless leash on your keychain and you can easily and effortlessly locate your phone.

Also works as a hands-free Bluetooth device. ($100, www.zomm.com)

Problem:

Your little one keeps stealing your favorite hypoallergenic pillow.

Solution

The Madii & Dyl Mini Me pillow is hypoallergenic to ease the symptoms of allergies and eczema and contoured to provide your little one the perfect night’s rest. ($39+, www.madiidlylan.com)

Problem:

Problem:

Your daughter’s favorite toy is looking a little worse for the wear.

Solution:

Teddy Needs a Bath is a specialized washing (and drying) bag to ensure that stuffed toys are clean and fresh, even those marked “surface wash only.” ($22; www.teddyneedsabath.com)

Problem:

Those little toys turn your floor into a minefield.

Solution:

The Lay-N-Go Mat allows kids to play with those little toys and allows for easy clean up when done.

Just pull the drawstring and lock the small pieces inside. ($25 lite, $65 organizer; www.layngo.com)

Problem:

Your preschooler has his days and nights mixed up.

Solution:

The Kid’Sleep Classic serves as a sleep aid, nightlight and alarm clock to let your little ones know when it’s time to wake up, and more importantly, when it’s time to stay in bed. ($40; www.livelovedream.com)

You’ve got messy clothes on the go. How can you carry them home without making an even bigger mess?

Your boots are piled on the bottom of your closest.

Solution:

Solution:

Problem:

Kissa’s Antibacterial Wet Bag carries everything from wet swimming suits to soiled cloth diapers, protecting your surroundings from a bigger mess.

Washable and reusable. ($13, www.green-bambino.com)

Bootique Boot Hangers clip to the tops of your boots and let you organize them neatly. ($20/3; www.boottique.com)

Problem:

Your crawling baby is wearing through the knees in… well, everything.

Solution:

Crawlings Baby Knee Pads provide a fashionable and functional layer of padded protection. ($20; www.crawlings.com)

Problem:

You worry that you’re not doing the best job you can at the most important job you have—parenting.

Your salad tongs have seen better days. Is there a better way?

The Snapi Server is a durable, fun-to-use salad server that is a snap to use with one hand. ($7, www.kitchenhappy.com).

Do you really have to carry that bulky car booster seat on your trip?

Solution:

Carry the BubbleBum inflatable booster. Easy to carry, easy to inflate and use and safe—rated a “best bet” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. ($40, www.bubblebum.us)

Problem:

Solution:

Problem:

Solution:

Ten Powerful Things to Say to Your Kids gives you 10 important things to say to your kids that will give them—and you—a powerful boost. ($16; www.tenpowerfulthingstosay.com)

Visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/contests for a chance to win many of the products shown here and on other pages this month!

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Don't miss the family fun this Spring Break!

Saturday, March 24 10am to 4pm at the State Fairgrounds (Oklahoma Expo building; enter Gate 5 from May Avenue) Enjoy over 60 booths with hands-on activities for kids • Inflatables Safety Village by Safe Kids Oklahoma • Character Corner Stage Entertainment by kindie band Spaghetti Eddie, Rumble the Bison, Critter Tales, and more!

Kids are FREE and adults (18 and older) are $5 each.

Rumble the Bison and the Thunder Girls from the Thunder NBA team.

Print off a coupon to save $1 up to 2 people at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/kids-fest.

Parking is FREE.

Sponsored by:

Extreme Animals Petting Zoo Safety Village sponsored by:

Co-sponsored by: Parents Assistance Center “The Family Place”

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�!!�!�!��!!!! �!!!�!�� Sign up your kids to participate in AMF’s FREE bowling promotion!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Visit our booth or amf.com for more information.

Trail Chisholm Center Heritage il.com

a chisholmtr ww.onthe

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About our co-sponsor:

Single Parent Support Network PO Box 12593, OKC, OK 73157 (405) 917-1817 www.supportforsingleparents.org The Single Parent Support Network’s vision is to empower single parents to grow successful families and build strong communities. Over 307,000 of Oklahoma’s children currently live in single parent homes and close to 53,000 of those children live in the Oklahoma City area. Children living with only one parent statistically have lower academic performance, social achievement and psychological adjustment than children who have the advantage of two parenting figures in the home.

The network serves men and women raising children alone and has four main current initiatives impacting the lives of single parent families: • Life coaching: Weekly support and accountability program for single parents and their families.

• Support Groups for parents and children that are facilitated by professional counselors and interns in the field of behavioral sciences.

• Annual Queen for a Day event that treats mothers, grandmothers, adoptive or foster parents to royal treatment and new insight as to how to successfully raise their children.

• Adopt a Single Parent Family Mentoring program which provides a foundational model for mentorship, accountability and education for the single parent family.

Stop by our booth to receive a GREAT offer for all new patients.

Dr. Tony Greene & Dr. Anne Smith 7304 N. Comanche Ave, OKC 728-4851 • www.BrixtonChiro.com

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Stage Entertainment at Kids Fest Adding to the excitement at MetroFamily's Kids Fest is stage entertainment. Don't miss the opportunity to get up close and personal with these acts: • Rumble, the Thunder Girls and the Thunder Drumline (scheduled from 11:45 to 1:15).

• The popular local kindie band, Spaghetti Eddie, performing twice during the event.

• Critter Tales presenting a fun and educational animal show.

• Science Museum Oklahoma teaching about the wonders of science.

• Performances by these arts groups: Kids CO Theatre, Lyric Theatre and Oklahoma Children's Theatre.

And don't miss the opportunity to take photos with local mascots and costumed characters and learn to juggle with a free, hands-on lesson from Monica Buck of Juggle Whatever.

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Stop by our booth for discounts on Camp McFadden Summer Camp registration!

Camp McFadden is on the shore of Kaw Lake in Northern OK.

www.campmcfadden.com • (580) 762-9955 www.kawlake.com • (580) 762-9494

Meet our co-sponsor:

Safe Kids Coalition (405) 271-5695 www.safekidsok.org (also on Facebook) Safe Kids Oklahoma is a statewide network of organizations working to prevent unintentional childhood injury, the leading cause of death and disability for children ages 1 to 14.

The mission of SKO is to educate families, provide safety devices to families in need and advocate for better laws to help keep children safe, healthy and out of the emergency room.

“Most people are shocked to hear that injuries claim more lives of children each year than cancers, heart disease and SIDS combined,” says Lauren Farrah, Executive Director of Safe Kids Oklahoma. “However, child deaths are just the tip of the iceberg. It is said that for every one death, there are at least four injuries—and they go far beyond skinned knees.”

Visit our Kids Fest booth for 2012 OCCC summer camp information, play Bulls-eye and win cool prizes.

Recreation & Fitness 682-7860 • College for Kids 686-6222 www.occc.edu

The majority of injuries and the deaths that often ensue can be prevented.

Motor vehicle crashes, drowning, falls and fires are the top risk areas for this age group. Any precautions taken, such as having a properly-installed car seat, to making helmet and life jacket use a “family rule,” can dramatically reduce a child’s chances of ending up in the ER (or worse). Safe Kids Oklahoma believes that all children deserve the chance to grow up safe, healthy and injury free!

Find Us at Kids Fest!

www.mobilegameparty.net

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LYRICTHEATREOKC.COM 405.524-9310

Family Fun for Everyone!

Come explore Oklahoma’s unique history of geology, transportation, commerce, culture, aviation, heritage, entertainment and more.

NE of State Capitol Off 23rd Street

405-522-0765 | www.okhistory.org

Visit our Kids Fest booth to receive a special offer on dance classes for all ages.

Community Dance Center Come experience the Safety Village sponsored by Safe Kids Oklahoma!

• Participate in the Bicycle Rodeo and learn about helmet fitting.

• Play water safety trivia games and meet Bobber the Water Safety Dog, provided by the US Corps of Engineers.

• Learn how to properly install a child’s safety seat.

• Play an ATV simulator game that teaches about ATV safety.

• Watch a vehicle rollover simulator and learn about the importance of buckling up, provided by the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office and Oklahoma Highway Safety Office.

• Get first aid and CPR tips from the American Red Cross of Oklahoma.

• Participate in a Q&A about transporting children with special healthcare needs, provided by Kohl’s Cares for Kids.

405.208.5508

CommunityDanceCenter@okcu.edu www.okcu.edu/communitydance

And much more!

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About our Co-Sponsor:

Parents Assistance Center

Parents Assistance Center

415 NW 5th Street, OKC, OK 73102 (405) 232-8226, www.pacok.org

“The Family Place”

For thirty-five years Parents Assistance Center (PAC) has been serving the OKC metro area with educational and therapeutic services for families that need better parenting skills. Their mission, “to prevent child abuse, neglect and other family violence by strengthening the family,” is accomplished through parenting workshops that help parents develop critical skills.

Executive Director Laura Gamble says, “People tend to parent the way they were parented. At PAC, we believe that all families can be strengthened and even parents who experienced abuse or neglect as children can change the future for themselves and their children by attending group workshops and obtaining other services at PAC.” Serving approximately 1,000 families each year, PAC offers several kinds of specialized classes and workshops, including Nurturing Parenting Skills, Compassion Workshop, Teen Parenting Skills, Parenting the Young Child and a Batterers Intervention Program.

While some of PAC’s services are offered through a contract with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and United Way funding, PAC also welcomes opportunities to provide community-based workshops through churches, community organizations and even corporations.

YOUR CHILD can

Thrive

Like Surprises?

Register to visit us at the March 24 MetroFamily Kids Fest and receive a special surprise!

Register at: K12.com/kidsfest

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Find out all of the ways your child can benefit from chiropractic!

Dr. Brandon & Dr. Megan January www.januarychiropractic.com 405-749-8000

Top 10 Reasons to Bring Your Family to Kids Fest Saturday, March 24, 10am-4pm!

10. You need to celebrate the end of Spring Break with tons of family fun for everyone.

9. Your family will have fun learning how to stay safe from Safe Kids Oklahoma (Bicycle Rodeo, anyone?).

8. Hands-on fun and games at more than 60 booths.

7. Take photos with Rumble the Bison from the Thunder and other mascots.

(Rumble will be at Kids Fest from noon to 1pm.)

6. Learn about the character qualities of gratefulness and creativity with hands-on fun in the Character Corner.

5. Pet the animals from Extreme Adventures.

4. Door prizes and giveaways!

3. Enjoy classes about parenting, couponing, career development and more in the Single Parents Support Network area.

2. Watch and learn from the awesome entertainment provided by Spaghetti Eddie, Rumble the Bison, the Thunder Girls, the Thunder Drumline, Science Museum Oklahoma, Critter Tales and MORE! 1. Kids get in FREE! (and adults are just $5). Find coupon at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/kids-fest. Ticket sale proceeds support Parents Assistance Center and Single Parent Support Network!

See YOU at Kids Fest!

What You Need To Know About Kids Fest March 24, 10am-4pm • Oklahoma Expo Building at the State Fairgrounds (Gate 5 off of May Avenue; building is west of the Cox Pavilion and the Space Needle). Concessions (provided by Oklahoma State Fair concessions) will be available for sale in the building. Kids are FREE; adults (18 & up) are $5 each. Coupon is available at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/kids fest.

Parking is free.

Visit our booth to have some hands-on fun with Street Bowling!

Pre-K through eighth grade westminsterschool.org

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MetroFamily is excited to welcome all of these booth vendors to Kids Fest. Each will provide some kind of hands-on activity or game for the kids and many are providing door prizes.

Please join us in thanking the following Kids Fest booth vendors: AMF Bowling Advanced Academics Andy Alligators Fun Park Brain and Eye Connection Brixton Square Chiropractic Casady School Creative Adventures Chisholm Trail Heritage Center City of Edmond Parks & Recreation Chickasaw Nation Cultural Center Dawn to Dusk Inflatables Extreme Animals Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Center Gattitown Glamour Shots HeyDay Entertainment Center Integris Health January Chiropractic K12 Virtual School Kaw Lake/Camp McFadden Kids CO Theatre Kids Eye Site KMGL Radio Liberty Mutual Love & Hope Counseling Lyric Theatre M&M Productions Mad Science Mobile Game Party Museum of Osteology

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Ocean Dental OCHEC (home school association) Oklahoma Children's Theatre Oklahoma City-County Health Department Oklahoma Smiles Oklahoma College Assistance Program (OCAP) Oklahoma Connections Oklahoma City Community College OCU Community Dance Oklahoma History Center OKC Riversport Parents Assistance Center Primrose Schools Project Mom Rainbow Fleet Redlands Fencing Scentsy Science Museum Oklahoma Smile Zone Soccer City Sooner Flight Academy Techjoynt UCO, College of Fine Arts Westminster School Younge Law Firm YouthCare of Oklahoma YMCA Camp Classen And more!

Also, enjoy hands-on learning activities from Safe Kids Coalition and In The Gap as well as entertainment by Juggle Whatever.

Character Corner Learning About Orderliness Are you ready for spring cleaning? Orderliness is much more than just keeping your house clean, it also includes organizing your life through prioritizing and paring down in order to achieve efficiency, harmony and more emotional stability as a parent. Spring is a beautiful time of year to recycle old belongings and habits and start anew. Teach your children by letting them take part in this process of creating a cleaner heart and home.

Orderliness is knowing what to remove from my life and surroundings, and having the courage to do so. ~ The Power of True Success

Help Your Family Become More Orderly:

Family tradition. As a lesson in orderliness, tackle a spring-cleaning project as a family, explaining the method to your organizing.

Don’t forget to make teamwork fun with snacks, music, breaks and encouraging words.

Games. Young children will enjoy playing hide-and-seek with a twist.

Pick several necessary household items that are kept in a specific place (for example: toilet paper, fire extinguisher or yogurt). After talking about why it is important to keep these items in a specific place, hide them in random places around the house for your kids to find.

Object lesson. Make a Priority Jar by filling a clear jar with pingpong balls to represent important priorities. Add dried beans to represent the extras in your day. Let your children manipulate the contents, trying different combinations of balls and beans to see which fits best back in the jar. They will learn that the only way it all fits is if the priorities (in this case, ping-pong balls) come first. When our priorities are not in order, important things get neglected. (Taken from 10-Minute Life Lessons for Kids by Jamie Miller.)

Stories. While you are at the library looking for books on orderliness, such as The Berenstain Bears and the Messy Room by Stan and Jo Berenstain or Franklin is Messy by Paulette Bourgeouis, ask the children’s librarian to talk to your children about how and why the library is orderly. Let your kids tell you about why other places need to be very orderly (such as fire stations, hospitals or your home).

For a great read about organization for grown-ups, look for titles by the amazing home manager, Kathy Peel. As she says, “Mess causes stress.”

“I will” statements. Encourage orderliness in your home by committing to the following statements. Say these “I will” statements aloud with your children, and encourage them to apply them to situations in their everyday life.

I will: pick up after myself • keep my work and play areas clean and neat • put things back where they

belong • not over-schedule my time • remember to put my priorities first

Sarah Holmes lives in Norman and is the founder of Wildflowers Character Resources. Find more at www.thecharactermom.blogspot.com.

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Focus on Education Laughing, Loving & Learning as a Family

C

hildren come in all shapes, sizes and personalities. Some love to learn and others—not so much. I have three children and two of them love to learn new things while the third one can take it or leave it. However, I found when I made learning fun, my kids, as well as my students, didn’t even realize they were learning. In fact, sometimes my students would go home at the end of the day and when asked by mom or dad, “What did you do today?” their response would be, “Oh, nothing. We just played.” In actuality, we were meeting the curriculum goals in a fun and enticing way and the students didn’t even realize it.

Make Learning Fun

As your child’s first teacher, you have the ability to encourage their learning through quality family time together. Here are just a few ideas for laughing, loving and learning with your children: 1.

Picture recipes. Create picture recipes by providing magazine pictures or drawings that accompany the written measurements and ingredients in a favorite recipe. Your kids will learn to associate the pictures with the written numerals and words. The skills they will learn include sequencing, measurement, solids vs. liquids and following directions. The end product will be a treat that the family can enjoy

Make Your Own Salt Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup salt 1 cup lukewarm water

Mix flour and salt, gradually adding water until it is doughy. Knead for five minutes to soften.

Stays fresh for several days if stored in an air-tight container.

Add a few drops of food coloring to create different colors of dough, or a few drops of extract (such as vanilla, lemon or almond) to make scented dough. at snack or meal time. As you develop more recipes, you can laminate them and place them in a three-ring binder for your child’s own picture recipe book.

2. “Drawing” on a cookie sheet. Learning letters, numbers, sight words (the most common words used in the English language) or spelling words are sometimes difficult for children. An inexpensive and fun way to learn these concepts are by putting a blob of nonmenthol shaving cream (menthol burns little eyes) or prepared pudding (great for younger children who still put their fingers in their mouths) on a cookie sheet. Allow your child to form letters, numbers, spelling words or sight words with their fingers in the shaving cream or pudding. Messy fun, easy clean-up.

3.

4.

5.

Stampers from laundry detergent lids. Save the lids from your laundry

Resources

www.tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/educational-games.htm Get the whole family involved in making and playing games that challenge their minds, teach valuable lessons in art, math, logic and having a good time. www.kidsknowit.com Free, high quality educational activities, movies, music, worksheets and more.

www.makinglearningfun.com An early childhood education website filled with free printables specifically designed for pre-K through first grade.

www.readingrockets.org Reading resources to help parents and other educators assist young children in learning to read or read better by building fluency, vocabulary and comprehension skills. www.metrofamilymagazine.com/field-guides Free guides to turn local venues into educational fun.

Fun With Science

The Time For Kids Big Book of Science Experiments (Downtown Bookworks, hardcover, $18) is filled with fun science activities that you can try out at home. Separated into categories (Earth Science, Life Science, Physical Science and Technology and Engineering), the experiments are appropriate for kids of all ages. An added bonus, the Science Fair Success Secrets section will help kids to prepare for their next science fair.

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6.

detergent and glue sponge letters or numbers on the lids. Kids can stamp numbers, letters, spelling words, their name, etc. using washable paint onto paper. Allowing children time to create builds independence and self-esteem.

Salt dough for language arts. Using Playdoh or a simple salt dough recipe, allow your children to make play dough “snakes” by rolling a ball of dough on the table or a cookie sheet. He/she can then form letters, numbers or symbols. When children have a chance to physically form new concepts it adds the new information to their existing background knowledge.

Story sticks. Attach a self-adhesive Velcro strip down the length of an unused paint stirring stick (found at your local hardware store). Draw or find pictures depicting different characters or scenes in a children’s book. Laminate the pictures and place a self-sticking Velcro dot on the back of the picture.

As you read the book, your child can place the characters in order as they are unveiled in the story. This encourages story order, comprehension and helps your child focus on your reading by providing a task for him/her to attend to as you read. After you finish the story, take a look at the story stick together and encourage your child to retell the story in his/her own words using the pictures as prompts.

Poker chips/milk jug lids for math.

When children are learning math skills it helps to have manipulatives to assist them in developing one-to-one correspondence as they commit math facts to memory or as they learn new concepts. Poker chips or milk jug lids are an easy way to provide manipulatives for your children as they solve problems.

For example, if your child is solving “4 + 3,” have him place four poker chips on the table, then another three poker chips next to them and add the two sets together to find the sum.

Making Learning Responsibilities Fun

By Mari Farthing

An important part of parenting is to teach kids responsibility. One way to do this is through chores, rewards and consequences. If you’ve tried the variety of chore charts and divided piggy banks (for saving, spending and charitable giving) that are readily available but haven’t found the one that’s right for your family, maybe you need a more flexible system.

Enter the FisherKids Responsibility System, which includes an easily-customized peg board plus a weekly chore list, chore sticks, paycheck notepad, moneybags and more, so you can create a system that best works for your children.

The basic system ($48) can be customized for your family, to ensure that you best meet the needs of your children. I tried the system on my own kids (ages 7 and 9) and they loved taking responsibility for their own actions, they enjoyed the independence to select the chores that they would accomplish each day. I’m sure the novelty will wear off, but the beauty of this system is that we can change it when it does.

Visit www.fisher-kids.com to learn more.

7.

Language experience dictations.

Children need to understand that the written word can also be a spoken word.

Have your child dictate a story to you (vacation, in town errand, birthday party or another event) and you write it down.

Add pictures or other artifacts from the event to embellish the story, and then read it back to your child pointing to each word. She will soon realize what you wrote down was what she said!

Eventually, your child will be able to do her own writing. Don’t focus so much on correct spelling at first. Instead, provide opportunities for free writing.

Developing your child’s confidence when it comes to writing needs to take priority. As your child’s ability progresses, go over words that she misspelled and correct them together.

You can keep these stories to highlight important events in the life of your child.

8. Grocery shopping math. While making your grocery list, have your child look for the items in the weekly grocery store

ad and find coupons that match items on your grocery list. Then, encourage him/ her to write the price of the item next to each item on the list, or the value of the coupon to show how much will be saved.

Add the costs or the savings and talk about the value of money and the cost of groceries. While shopping, have your child take out the coupon that matches an item. Show him/her the receipt when you get home to indicate how much the family saved thanks to his/her efforts!

This activity encourages writing, math, budgeting, and newspaper skills.

Kristen Hoyt, Assistant Professor and Director of Field Experience in the School of Teacher Education at MACU (Mid-American Christian University in OKC), is an avid advocate for quality education in Oklahoma.

If you have a topic about education that you would like to see covered in this column, please email editor@metrofamilymagazine.com.

March 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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2012 Spring Break Camps Spring Break Camps can offer your child a way to explore new topics and learn new skills outside of the classroom.

From day camps to week-long camps, this comprehensive guide to the educational camps being offered in and around the OKC metro can help your child make the most of Spring Break—and have fun doing it! Please note that many camps fill quickly and early registration is generally required. Please contact the specific venue to register.

12-14 FREE Sassy Into Spring Camp for girls ages 11-14 from single parents households sponsored by the Bethel Foundation (13003 N Western, OKC) includes crafts, speakers, nutrition, goal planning and home safety. Preregister. 9am-noon. 286-3700, www. bethelfoundationusa.com.

12-16 Did You Ever? Spring Break Camp at Science Museum Oklahoma for students in grades 1-6 explores hands-on creative activities including making music with a Tesla coil and freezing a rainbow. Preregister. $235 members, $250 nonmembers. 9am-4pm. 602-3760, www.sciencemuseumok.org.

Spring Break Youth Camps: Viva Arte! at City Arts Center (3000 General Pershing) for ages 5-13 to be inspired by some of history’s most celebrated Mexican artists as they experience the exhibition Miradas: Ancient Roots in Modern & Contemporary Mexican Art. Preregister, online registration available. Before & aftercare available. Early bird discount before March 3. $150.

951-0000, www.cityartscenter.org.

Thunder Spring Break Camp at Transformation Fitness Center (14701 N Kelly, Edmond) for ages 5-16 to learn basketball skills & character lessons from experienced coaches & players. All skill levels welcome. $150, $130 season ticket holders & Kids Club members. 9am-1pm. www.nba.com/thunder/community/youth_basketball.html.

13-16 Spring Break Art at the OKC Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr, OKC) for ages 5-7 & 8-10 to create works of art inspired by the galleries and downtown OKC. Before & after care available. $120 members, $130 nonmembers. 9am-4pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com.

Beginning Film & Video Production at the OKC Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr, OKC) for ages 11-13 to learn more about video production by making a group video project. Before & after care. $120 members, $130 nonmembers. 9am-4pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com.

Monday, March 19 Sewing Machine Fun! at Sew Biz (3612 NW 174, Edmond) for ages 8 & up to make a bean bug using a sewing machine. Each camper gets use of a digital Singer sewing machine, all supplies & notions.

Prerequisite for upcoming Spring & Summer Camps.

Preregister. $15. 9-11am or 1-3pm. 285-6366, www. sewbizok.weebly.com.

19-21 City of Moore Spring Break Youth Basketball at the

42

Moore Community Center (301 S Howard) for ages 6-16 to learn offense & defense skills in game-like scenarios. $50. 9am-noon. 793-5090, www.cityofmoore.com.

SoccerCity Spring Break Camp at SoccerCity (4520 Old Farm Rd, OKC) for ages 4-15 divided by age and ability, includes recreational and advanced player training. Campers should bring a ball and shinguards. $95. 9am-noon. 748-3888, www.soccercityokcity.com.

19-22 Spring Break Youth Camp at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St, OKC) includes pottery, jewelry, art & more. 478-2250, www. nationalcowboymuseum.org.

Spring Break Camp presented by Kid Co Theatre at Dove Dance Academy (5842 NW 72nd Place) for kids in grades 1-4 to spend a week creating their own original play. $225. 563-5437, www.okkidco.org.

19-23 Did You Ever? Spring Break Camp at Science Museum Oklahoma for students in grades 1-6 explores hands-on creative activities including making music with a Tesla coil and freezing a rainbow. Preregister. $235 members, $250 nonmembers. 9am-4pm. 602-3760, www.sciencemuseumok.org.

Spring Break Youth Camps: Viva Arte! at City Arts Center (3000 General Pershing) for ages 5-13 to be inspired by some of history’s most celebrated Mexican artists as they experience the exhibition Miradas: Ancient Roots in Modern & Contemporary Mexican Art. Preregister, online registration available. Before & aftercare available. Early bird discount before March 3. $150.

951-0000, www.cityartscenter.org.

City of Moore Spring Break Mad Science at the Moore Community Center (301 S Howard) for ages 6-11 to have fun while learning in themed Science in Motion & Science Adventure Quest camps. $100. 9am-noon.

793-5090, www.cityofmoore.com.

Thunder Spring Break Camp at Transformation Fitness Center (14701 N Kelly, Edmond) for ages 5-16 (all skill levels) to learn basketball skills & character lessons from experienced coaches & players. $150, $130 season ticket holders & Kids Club members.

9am-1pm. www.nba.com/thunder/community/youth_ basketball.html.

Spring Break Camps at Oklahoma Children’s Theatre (2501 N Blackwelder) camps for ages 5-13 in theatre, musical theatre & magic. Before & after care available. $150. 9am-4pm. 606-7003, www. oklahomachildrenstheatre.org.

Spring Break Mini-Camp at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang) for grades kindergarten-5 includes a fishing derby, crafts, games & more. Preregister. $90

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per week or $40 per day. 7am-6pm. 376-3411, www. cityofmustang.org.

Spring Break Camp at Yukon Community Center (2200 S Holly) for ages 5-11 includes a variety of activities. $75 resident, $85 nonresident, $10 for each additional child.

9am-4pm. 354-8442, www.cityofyukonok.gov.

Spring Break Camp at the 12th Avenue Recreation Center (1701 12th Ave NE, Norman) for ages 5-10 includes games & activities. $25 per day. 7am-6pm.

292-7275, www.normanfun.com.

20-22 Spring Sewing Fun! at Sew Biz (3612 NW 174, Edmond) for ages 8 & up to make an apron & t-shirt pillow. Each camper gets use of a digital Singer sewing machine, all supplies & notions. Preregister. Participants must have previously attended a Sewing Machine Fun! camp in order to attend. $59. 9-11am or 1-3pm. 2856366, www.sewbizok.weebly.com.

20-23 Spring Break Art at the OKC Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr, OKC) for ages 5-7 & 8-10 to explore the exhibitions & create their own masterpieces. Before & after care available. $120 members, $130 nonmembers.

9am-4pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com.

Stop-Motion Animation at the OKC Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr, OKC) for ages 11-13 to learn stop-motion animation using digital & video cameras to manipulate objects creating their own stop-motion video. Before & after care available. $120 members, $130 nonmembers.

9am-4pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com.

Spring Break Day Camps at the OKC Zoo for ages 4-5, 6-7 & 8-11 to enjoy activities centered on animals including crafts, animal talks & more. Preregister. $18 per day members, $22 per day nonmembers. 9am-noon.

425-0218, www.okczooed.com/day-camps.

21-23 Spring Break Sewing Camp at the Oklahoma County OSU Extension Center (930 N Portland) for ages 10-19 to learn to sew by creating their own elastic waist pants, skirt or shorts & jean tote bag. Sewing machines provided. $35 plus cost of supplies. 9am-noon. 7131125, http://oces.okstate.edu/oklahoma/events_listing.

23-25 FREE Outdoor Overnight Adventure Camp for boys ages 6-16 from single parent households, sponsored by the Bethel Foundation (13003N Western, OKC).

A weekend overnight camp featuring an outdoor adventure that includes fishing, sports, teamwork, campfires and education. Preregister. 286-3700, www. bethelfoundationusa.com.

S ' IT E! E R F

Now that we have your attention, check out our website for ideas of FREE (or almost FREE) places to go, things to do, crafts to make and local restaurants offering family discounts. metrofamilymagazine.com/ free (And be sure to share your ideas for "free" things in the metro area by commenting on this web page!)

March 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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March 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Citizens Caring For Children: One Smile at a Time

“We’re moms!” This is said with a smile that only a parent would recognize. The words seem to shoot beyond the mouth of the speaker as it sparks their eyes and seems to make their faces glow. As staff members of Citizens Caring for Children (CCC) respond to inquiries about what motivates them, they automatically mention their own little ones and it becomes vividly obvious what this venture means to each of them. They’ve found a way to turn a true passion into a successful non-profit organization that helps clothe children in foster care.

For the hard working mothers at this nearly three-decade-old foundation, advocating for children in a crowded DHS (Department of Human Services) system is reason enough to head to work every day. This is what it truly means to care.

Fulfilling Their Needs

For one foster family, the care they were receiving from DHS in 1984 was simply not enough to meet the demands of their growing foster family. George and Rose Harper decided to take matters in their own hands and truly advocate for their children. “They realized that there was more that they needed to [properly] care for the kids in terms of clothing and [other] resources,” says Amy Mitchell, Executive Director of CCC. “They started working with First Presbyterian Church of Edmond and [began] getting items donated. They [also] provided Christmas presents to children in foster care.” Their efforts started small, but quickly began to grow, becoming the CCC of today.

With the Harper family’s vision always in mind, Mitchell is proud to note the progress that the current team has made. “We have increased in the number of children we serve and in our presence in the community,” said Mitchell. CCC has become a United Way agency, adding programs that not only aim to fill closets with clothing and send birthday wishes to children in foster care, but also to help build self-esteem and dress kids up from head to toe in love—the best fashion accessory of all.

A Caring Mission for Children

CCC’s resource center is stocked with new, free clothing for kids.

There are aisles filled with shoes, fun T-shirts, designer jeans and toiletry or personal items that some kids may be too afraid to ask for in their foster home. Kids are able to pick two outfits from the racks of clothes in the resource center four times a year and one outfit during the organization’s annual Back to School event. The kids also leave with a new pair of shoes, underwear, socks, a coat, two books

and a duffle bag full of goodies. “Last year we served 4,021 kids through all of our programs,” says Michelle Landes, Development Director at CCC.

Families enter hoping to find items for the new child who has come into their lives and they leave with answered prayers, bright faces and a restored faith in seeing that some people do truly care. “They leave here, no matter how they come in, with big smiles on their faces. We make it fun for them, and I believe that part of that is building selfesteem,” says Mitchell.

It Takes a Village

Citizens Caring for Children creates an opportunity for the entire community to get involved and make a difference in the lives of foster kids. In addition to the annual fundraisers and drives that the nonprofit sponsors, they also encourage people to help by volunteering to a mentor a child. “Our mentors are positive role models who go through background checks and do continuing training,” says Landes.

Time spent with mentors makes a visible, positive mark on the children. “It’s a way for kids to get outside of their comfort zone, and [it] shows them that someone is there and cares about them.”

For years, the organization has taken a collaborative approach to reach their goals. Kevin Durant, forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder, made headlines in December 2010 for helping to pass out Christmas gifts to underprivileged children. “We loved working with him and his team,” says Mitchell. “They were all about the kids. [They wanted to do] anything to make it good and memorable for the kids,” says Landes.

Runners at the Redbud Classic race to benefit charitable causes. This year’s beneficiary is Citizens Caring for Children.

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Friendly faces cheer on the runners at the Redbud Classic.

Fundraising

The staff is currently gearing up for their annual fundraiser, Bids for Kids, which will be held May 5. “It’s our major fundraiser that goes towards operating the resource center and our other programs,” says Mitchell. There are a number of ways that anyone can help CCC reach their goals. “Everything that we provide through the resource center is brand new. We are always looking for people to hold drives, and we also take donations. We serve birth to [age] 21,” says Landes.

Through their years of service, CCC has shown how long-term dedication can truly help advocate for kids who struggle with unfortunate circumstances. A scholarship fund and a music program are in the works, but the team is primarily focused on building permanent connections to the children with whom they come in contact. They hope to end a cycle of neglect by continuing to provide a voice for the thousands of children in the Oklahoma DHS system.

“If we don’t help this generation, or some generation at some point, we’re never going to end this,” says Mitchell with a hopeful smile. “If they turn 18 and have no one, they can walk back in these doors and we’ll figure out a way to help.”

Show how much you care at www.citizenscaringforchildren.org.

Lance Evans is a pop culture enthusiast and writer. Raised in OKC, this Little Rock, AR, transplant is always on the hunt for the latest in celebrity and entertainment news. Follow him at lancee.gather.com.

The 2012 Redbud Classic

Citizens Caring for Children is continuing to collaborate with other worthy causes by being the official beneficiary at this year’s Redbud Classic. More than 6,500 people participate in these annual races that aim to get families fit and involved in philanthropy.

The 2012 Redbud Classic features 5k and 10k runs, a 5k wheelchair event, a two mile walk, a baby stroller derby and a one mile children’s run. The biking events and children’s runs will take place on Saturday, April 14, and the walking events are scheduled on Sunday, April 15. Updated information on the start times for each event, registration cost and participant sign up can be found at www.redbud.org.

The staff at Citizens Caring for Children hopes that the event will serve as a way for more people to learn about the organization. “We need volunteers to help with all the events on Saturday and the race on Sunday,” says Landes.

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Your Healthy Family Getting Fit as a Family

L

et’s face it…with today’s busy schedules, spending time together as a family is often a challenge, and it may seem impossible to find time for exercise!

But what if we combined these pursuits?

Recent statistics tell us that overall, Oklahomans need to get healthier. In fact, the obesity rate in Oklahoma has grown faster than ANY other state over the past 15 years, and our state is currently ranked seventh in the nation, with an obesity rate of 31.4 percent. In addition, 67 percent of Oklahomans are considered overweight, including 30 percent of our children.

Furthermore, Oklahoma is one of only two states in the nation that does not have a health education requirement for children in public schools, meaning the burden shifts back to the families, where many adults in the state are struggling themselves. Making physical fitness a family affair is a good way to get both adults and children on the road to better health.

Let’s Move!

Oklahoma is not alone in its struggle, as the tendency toward obesity has risen across the country in recent years. In fact, First Lady Michelle Obama launched the Let’s Move! Campaign in 2010, stating “the physical and emotional health of an entire generation and the economic health and security of our nation is at stake.” According to current statistics, the United States has the highest obesity rate in the world. The First Lady’s campaign focuses on creating a healthy lifestyle within the family and the community—a strategy that has been shown to work in other places.

Prioritizing P.E.

Kate Waring teaches physical education in the Putnam City school district, and she offers a unique perspective on health and physical fitness. Originally from the United Kingdom, Kate relocated to the U.S. in 2009.

She earned a B.A. with joint honors in Sports, Media and Health and Leisure at Trinity and All Saints University of Leeds, U.K. In 2011, she earned her M.Ed. in Secondary Education specializing in Physical Education from the University of Central Oklahoma, and is a first-year teacher. She has worked in the health and leisure industry for the past 16 years in both the public and private sectors, and has served as a fitness instructor, personal trainer and coach.

“Physical education has always been a passion of mine, and dates back to my high school days. “In England, more emphasis is placed

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Contact Your Local Parks & Recreation Department

Physical activity can and should be a family endeavor. Get moving together today!

• • • • • •

Edmond: www.edmondok.com/parks Moore: www.cityofmoore.com/fun Mustang: www.cityofmustang.org Norman: www.normanfun.com Oklahoma City: www.okc.gov/parks Yukon: www.cityofyukonok.gov/city-departments/parks-recreation/

on health, wellness and participation. No one is excluded from being involved in the activities offered. This involvement afforded me an understanding of the importance of exercise, health, and personal responsibility.

I mean, if you don’t look after your body, where are you going to live?”

Sending a Healthy Message

Kate takes her responsibility seriously, and strives to communicate this message to her students, encouraging them to be healthy. “I want to show my students that it is more about being physically active than working out. I try to get away from the stereotype of working out in a gym, and try to show them different ways they can be physically active while having fun. It’s about creating a healthy image of physical activity and showing them different games and activities they can take home to their families.”

When it comes to getting families involved, Kate stresses the daily recommendation of one hour of moderate to vigorous exercise.

“I encourage families to visit their local city’s website and check out the Parks and Recreation section (see sidebar). My local park has playground equipment, walking trails, a rock wall, a stretching/calisthenics area, tennis and volleyball courts, open fields, baseball fields and horseshoes—and the best part is, it’s all absolutely free.”

In fact, there are a number of city-run parks in Oklahoma that offer family-friendly activities. “It’s just a matter of getting online and seeing which one is closest to you! Even really simple things like walking the dog or getting up early and taking a family bike ride will make a difference. It’s all about being active, and if the kids see mom and dad having fun, they are going to want to do it all the more.”

Another great way to get kids excited about exercising is to create a family challenge.

Waring explains, “Get everyone a pedometer, then see who walks the most steps in a day, week, or month. Have rewards, make it fun and keep it fresh!”

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | March 2012

The End Result

The bottom line? “Physical activity and a healthy, balanced diet are so important for children and their development. There are so many distractions, so much stimulation, and such easy access to fast food, and unfortunately, we’re seeing the results of that with high rates of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and other medical complications. Regular physical activity is necessary to give your mind and body what it needs. It helps with concentration and weight control and elevates mood. I am fearful of what it will take for people to take physical activity and healthy diets seriously. It is estimated that this generation of children will be outlived by their parents, which is scary. You are the only one who can change your destiny! Don’t be another statistic!” says Waring.

Shannon Fields is a freelance writer from Edmond and a Certified Pharmacy Technician at Innovative Pharmacy Solutions.

March 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Finding a copy of your favorite local family resource has never been easier!

MetroFamily is now at all OKC area Jimmy’s Egg locations Homeland stores Crest stores YMCA branches Area libraries (MetroLibrary System and Pioneer Library System) And over 400 additional area businesses & schools.

You may also enjoy the convenience of a subscription for only $21.95 per year.

Call 405-601-2081 or go to metrofamilymagazine.com/ subscribe

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www.metrofamilymagazine.com | March 2012

Kids Fest

Saturday, March 24

Oklahoma City’s premiere family fun event is here!

Join MetroFamily at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds on Saturday, March 24th from 10:00am – 4:00pm for hands-on fun, family entertainment and great giveaways.

Enjoy live entertainment from the local kindie band Spaghetti Eddie, the OKC Thunder Girls and Rumble the Bison, plus inflatables, Safety Village by Safe Kids Oklahoma, the Extreme Animals Petting Zoo & more. Also, browse over 60 booths featuring hands-on activities, information and resources for your family!

Tickets are $5 for adults and children 18 & under are free. An admission coupon and more information available at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/kids-fest.

Photo Courtesy of Extreme Animals.

MARCH 30APRIL 1

Tornado Alley IMAX Premiere Science Museum Oklahoma’s new IMAX film Tornado Alley uses science to take viewers straight into the heart of an actual tornado. Join severe weather experts and storm chasers for this exciting premiere in Science Museum Oklahoma’s Omnidome on Friday, March 9, 9:00am – 5:00pm and Saturday, March 10, 9:00am – 6:00pm to learn how storms work. Dome tickets are $8.95 for adults (ages 13 and up) and $6.95 for children (ages 4 – 12.)

For more information, call 405-602-6664 or visit sciencemuseumok.org.

Photo Courtesy of Science Museum Oklahoma.

Sesame Street Live

Medieval Fair

All your favorite Sesame Street friends are taking to the stage to share their love of music in "Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music,” at Cox Convention Center from Friday, March 16 through Sunday, March 18. New this year is the Play Zone—a fun new way for children to experience their favorite street by sitting in Big Bird’s nest, popping up in Oscar’s trash can and more.

Play Zone opens one hour before the show and is free with your Sesame Street Live ticket. Tickets begin at $13. For more information, visit www.sesamestreetlive. com.

Journey back to a time of kings, queens, and knights in shining armor at the 36th Annual Medieval Fair. Held annually since 1977, this event relives the Middle Ages with arts and crafts, food, games, jousting tournaments, human chess games, reenactments and more than 200 artists and crafters offering hand crafted wares. The Fair will be held March 30 – April 1 at Reaves Park (Jenkins Ave, north of Highway 9 in Norman.)

10:00am – 7:00pm daily. Admission to the fair is free, and $5 parking is available at the Lloyd Noble Center, just across the street.

For more information, call 405-366-8095 or visit www.medievalfair.org.

TM/© 2012 Sesame Workshop. All Rights Reserved. Photo courtesy of VEE Corporation. Photo provided by Bruce Silcox.

Photo courtesy of Medieval Fair.

March 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Quick Reference American Banjo Museum 9 E Sheridan Ave, OKC 604-2793, www.banjomuseum.org City Arts Center Fair Park, 3000 Pershing Blvd, OKC 951-0000, www.cityartscenter.org Fine Arts Institute of Edmond 27 E Edwards, Edmond 340-4481, www.edmondfinearts.com Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art 555 Elm Ave, Norman 325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma

Weekly Events Discovery Room programs at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History are hands-on fun for toddlers through elementary age children. See website for complete list & details. All programs FREE with paid admission.

FREE Admission at Norman’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art on Tuesdays. 10am-5pm. Activities include Art Adventures for children ages 3-5 with adult (10:30am).

Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum 13th & Shartel, OKC 235-4458, www.oklahomaheritage.com

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.

Museum of Osteology 10301 S. Sunnylane Rd, OKC 814-0006, www.museumofosteology.org

FREE Norman Sooner Mall Outreach Story Time is an interactive story time held outside Sears at Sooner Mall for ages 9 & under. Tuesdays, 10am.

Myriad Botanical Gardens 301 W Reno, OKC 297-3995, www.myriadgardens.com

Toddler Time at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang, Mustang) invites toddlers to play in a gym full of toys & activities. $2 or FREE with Town Center membership. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am-noon. 3763411, www.cityofmustang.org.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org Oklahoma Aquarium 300 Aquarium Dr, Jenks 918-296-FISH, www.okaquarium.org OKC Museum of Art 415 Couch Dr, OKC 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com OKC National Memorial 620 N Harvey, OKC 235-3313, www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org OKC Zoo 2101 NE 50th St, OKC 424-3344, www.okczoo.com Oklahoma Children’s Theatre 2501 N Blackwelder, OKC 606-7003, www.oklahomachildrenstheatre.org Oklahoma History Center 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr., OKC 522-0765, www.oklahomahistorycenter.org Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History 2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman 325-4712, www.snomnh.ou.edu Science Museum Oklahoma 2100 NE 52nd St, OKC 602-6664, www.sciencemuseumok.org

Do you have an event for our calendar?

Email Calendar@MetroFamilyMagazine.com All phone numbers are area code 405 unless otherwise noted. Information should be verified before attending events as details can change after press date.

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Story Time at Be Wild For Art (1006 24th Ave NW, Norman) invites children to hear a story & paint a piece of pottery based on the story’s theme. See website for story, project theme & cost. Tuesday & Wednesday, 10:30am. 307-9971, www.bewildforart.com.

FREE Tuesday Noon Concert Series at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art are 30-minute concerts are performed by OU music students & faculty on Tuesdays when school is in session. Admission to the museum is FREE on Tuesdays.

FREE Playgroup with a Purpose at Wildwood Community Church (1501 24th Ave NE, Norman) provides fun, fellowship & character building for moms & their little ones ages 6 & under. Snacks provided. Held the first Wednesday of each month through May. 1011:30am. 301-7321, www.growingcharacter.com.

FREE Tours of the Governor’s Mansion available the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month. Closed during the summer & the month of December. 10am-3pm. 5681292, www.ok.gov.

FREE Children’s Storytime at Quail Springs Barnes & Noble (13800 N May) every Wednesday & Saturday, 11am. 755-1155, www.barnesandnoble.com.

FREE Wednesday Night at the Movies at the Downtown Library. Held every Wednesday, 6-8pm.

231-8650.

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 Thursday Noon Tunes at the Downtown Library, 11:30-1pm.

The UCO Jazz Lab features performances each Friday & Saturday at 8pm. $7 adults, $5 age 12 & under. 3597989, www.ucojazzlab.com.

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FREE Build & Grow Kid’s Clinics at Lowe’s stores offers kids an opportunity to complete a wooden project.

Each participant also receives an apron, goggles, a project-themed patch, & a certificate of merit. See website for schedule, 10am. www.lowesbuildandgrow. com.

FREE Children’s Storytime at Full Circle Bookstore (1900 NW Expressway) each Saturday, 10:15am. 8422900, www.fullcirclebooks.com.

FREE Children’s Story Time at Edmond’s Best of Books, Saturdays, 11am. 340-9202, www. bestofbooksedmond.com.

FREE Crafts for Kids at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May, OKC), Ages 3 & up. Saturdays, 11am-3pm. 8588778, www.lakeshorelearning.com.

FREE Skating Lessons at Skate Galaxy (5800 NW 36) features rollerskating lessons for beginner, intermediate & advanced. Saturdays, noon-12:45pm. 605-2758, www. skategalaxyokc.com.

All-Star Bowling for Differently-Abled Individuals at AMF Yukon Lanes (500 E Main, Yukon) invites differently-abled individuals, their families & friends to participate in an afternoon of bowling. $8 per week for 3 games & shoes. Saturdays, 1pm. Please email dbrakefield@yahoo.com to verify schedule. 354-2516.

Drop in Art at the OKC Museum of Art. Create art inspired by the Museum’s collection, exhibitions, & special occasions. FREE with paid admission.

Saturdays, 1-4pm. No activities on 3/17 due to the museum's 10th Anniversary Celebration 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.

FREE Screenings of Discovery’s “Planet Earth” at the Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial).

Sundays in March, 3pm. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks/ martin_park.

FREE Open House at TechJOYnt (8328 Glade) presents information about this hands-on after-school education academy based on science, technology, engineering, arts & mathematics. Sundays, 2-4pm.

345-5010, www.techjoynt.org.

FREE Art Moves presented by Devon Energy and the Arts Council of OKC provides FREE lunchtime arts events in the downtown OKC area, including performances, artist demonstrations, short film selections & artist/curator discussions. See website for schedule. Monday-Friday, noon-1pm. 270-4892, www. artscouncilokc.com/art-moves.

Ongoing Events March 9-May 9 11th Annual Respect Diversity Exhibit at Science Museum Oklahoma is filled with art & poetry collaborations by students of all ages who have explored other cultures, human rights and/or other diversity issues. FREE with paid museum admission.

MARCH S M T W T F S

Through March 16 FREE Farm Life Traveling Exhibit at the Edmond Historical Society & Museum (431 S Boulevard, Edmond) features historical facts & farming equipment from around the United States. 340-0078, www. edmondhistory.org.

Through March 24 Healing Studio Exhibition at the Firehouse Art Center (444 S Flood, Norman) features works by students in the Healing Studio, a place for individuals with varying degrees of cognitive, physical & artistic abilities to be challenged, educated & celebrated through visual arts education & self-expression. 329-4523, www. normanfirehouse.com.

Through March 25 Pictorial Rugs of the Orient Exhibit at the MabeeGerrer Museum of Art (1900 W MacArthur, Shawnee) features a rare assemblage of pictorial rugs from the Middle East. 878-5300, www.mgmoa.org.

Through March 31 Dr. Pepper Vending Machine Art Contest at the OKC Zoo invites kids in grades K-12 to enter for a chance to win. Entry forms available at www.okczoo.com accepted through March 31.

Through April 8 Chihuly Northwest at the OKC Museum of Art features works highlighting recent works by the artist that explore the color white.

Pueblo to Pueblo: the Legacy of Southwest Indian Pottery at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum features 74 pottery vessels illustrating the remarkable variety of pottery created from the mid-19th to mid-20th centuries.

Through April 29 Highlights from the Permanent Collection of Photography, Part 1 at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art surveys the history of photography with 100 photographs from the museum’s collection.

Through May 4 FREE Miradas: Ancient Roots in Modern and Contemporary Mexican Art from the Bank of America Collection at the City Arts Center features works by some of the best known Mexican artists. MondayThursday, 9am-10pm; Friday-Saturday, 9am-5pm.

951-0000, www.cityartscenter.org.

Through May 13 Warrior Spirits: Oceanic Arts Exhibition at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History features objects from the permanent collections of the Sam Noble Museum & the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art

created & used by the indigenous peoples of presentday Papua New Guinea & West Papua, Indonesia.

The Sun & His Wife Exhibit at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum depicts the ceremonial & domestic life of the Southwest Indians.

Princely Treasures: European Masterpieces 16001800 from the Victoria & Albert Museum at the OKC Museum of Art showcases eighty objects from the collections of European decorative art of the 17th & 18th centuries from miniature to the monumental.

NEW FRONTIERS: Julie Heffernan at the OKC Museum of Art presents twenty large-scale contemporary works by artist Julie Heffernan.

Through May 31 Pickin’ & Grinnin’: Roy Clark, Hee Haw & Country Humor exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center celebrates Oklahoma’s ties to the beloved television show.

Bound to Please: A History of Corsets at the Carnegie Library (406 E Oklahoma, Guthrie) showcases undergarments as a symbol of growth in women’s history from the Middle Ages through the present.

282-1889, www.okterritorialmuseum.org.

Through June 6 Rock, Paper, Scissors at Science Museum Oklahoma is an interactive art installation that celebrates the multimedia works of Denise Duong & ceramics of Matt Seikel.

Through June 30

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Metropolitan Library System www.metrolibrary.org

Belle Isle.................5501 N Villa...........843-9601 Bethany................3510 N Mueller.........789-8363 Capitol Hill............ 334 SW 26th...........634-6308 Choctaw.................2525 Muzzy...........390-8418 Del City..................4509 SE 15th...........672-1377 Downtown.............300 Park Ave.......... 231-8650 Edmond............... 10 S Boulevard......... 341-9282 Midwest City......... 8143 E Reno........... 732-4828 Ralph Ellison....... 2000 NE 23rd...........424-1437 Southern Oaks....6900 S Walker.........631-4468 The Village........... 10307 N Penn.......... 755-0710 Warr Acres...........5901 NW 63rd...........721-2616 Harrah...............1930 N Church Ave.....454-2001 Jones.......................111 E Main............399-5471 Luther......................310 NE 3rd............ 277-9967 Nicoma Park...... 2240 Overholser........769-9452 Wright Library.... 2101 Exchange.........235-5035

Pioneer Library System www.pls.lib.ok.us

The Return of Elegance at the Oklahoma History Center features 29 evening gowns worn by Oklahoma women at inaugural balls & other special occasions as well as footwear & handbags from 1912 – 1985.

Through December 9 Oklahoma & Infamy at the Oklahoma History Center marks the 70th anniversary of the United States’ entrance into WWII through the Oklahomans who experienced the devastation. Includes artifacts,

Blanchard............... 300 N Main............ 485-2275 McLoud....................133 N Main............964-2960 Moore.................... 225 S Howard.......... 793-5100 Newcastle............. 705 NW Tenth.......... 387-5076 Noble........................204 N 5th..............872-5713 Norman.................225 N Webster......... 701-2600 Purcell.................... 919 N Ninth............ 527-5546 Shawnee............101 N Philadelphia......275-6353 Tecumseh............114 N Broadway........598-5955

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Weekend Picks to keep in the know.

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Japanese flight suits & naval uniforms, interviews with veterans & personal letters. FREE admission to veterans & active duty military.

March 2012 1 • Thursday FREE Smart Start Central Oklahoma Early Birds School Readiness Class at Western Heights (8005 NW 44 & Council) for parents of children ages birth to 5 years. Preregister. 6-7:30pm. 261-6733, www. smartstartcentraloklahoma.com.

Traffic Jam Fashion Show at the OKC Farmer’s Public Market (311 S Klein) benefits the Beautiful Dream Society's mission to help fight human trafficking.

Includes dinner. $75. 6:30pm. 408-0767, www. beautifuldream.tv.

“Tchaikovsky” St. Petersburg State Orchestra at Armstrong Auditorium (14400 S Bryant, Edmond) features a repertoire ranging from the Baroque to 20th century music. 7:30pm. 285-1010, www. armstrongauditorium.com.

1-4 OKC Auto Show at State Fair Park includes car exhibits, children’s area & more. $10, children 6 & under FREE. Thursday-Friday, 11am-9pm; Saturday, 10am9pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm. www.okcautoshow.org.

The Lark at UCO Mitchell Hall Theatre (100 N University, Edmond) tells the story of Joan of Arc. Thursday-Saturday, 7:30pm; Sunday, 2pm. 974-3375, www.uco.edu/cfad/events.

2 • Friday Forensics Day at Science Museum Oklahoma explores the science behind crime scene investigation with experts from OSBI. FREE with paid museum admission.

9am-4pm.

First Friday Gallery Walk at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum invites guests to learn more about the Museum’s Southwest on an informative gallery walk. FREE with museum admission. 1111:45am.

An Evening with the Rodeo Opry at the Sooner Theatre (101 E Main, Norman) is “Oklahoma’s Official Country Music Show”. $15 & up. 8pm. 321-9600, www. soonertheatre.org.

March 2-3 FREE 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.

March 2-4 Timed Event Championship at the Lazy E Arena (9600 Lazy E, Guthrie) features 5 competitions in one

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of the most prestigious events in professional rodeo.

282-7433, www.lazye.com.

Watonga Trout Derby at Roman Nose State Park gives fishermen an opportunity to catch tagged trout for prizes. Junior Division ages 17 & younger, Senior Division ages 18 & older. Preregister. $10 junior, $20 senior. 580-623-5452, www.watongachamber.com.

March 2-16 Red vs. the Wolf presented by the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre at the Children’s Center for the Arts (NW 25 & Blackwelder) tells the wolf’s side of the classic story of Red Riding Hood. $9 adults, $6 children ages 2-12. Wednesday & Friday, 11am; Saturday & Sunday, 2pm. 951-0011, www. oklahomachildrenstheatre.org.

March 2-25 The Color Purple presented by the Poteet Theatre at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church (222 NW 15). For ages 13 & up. Some adult themes. $20. ThursdaySaturday, 8pm; Sunday, 3pm. 609-1023, www. poteettheatre.com.

3 • Saturday Edmond Mothers of Multiples Children’s Consignment Sale at First Church of the Nazarene (3001 S Boulevard, Edmond). $1 admission per family.

8am-2pm. www.edmondmoms.com.

Deer Creek Classic at Deer Creek Middle School (21175 N MacArthur, Edmond) features a 10K, 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run benefitting Deer Creek Public Schools PTO. $35. 8:30am. www.deercreekclassic.com.

FREE Cloth Diaper Basics at Green Bambino (5120 N Shartel) invites parents to learn about the “new” cloth diapers. No purchase necessary. Preregister. 9am. 8482330, www.green-bambino.com. Also held 3/17.

FREE Trout Fish Out at Robertson Activity Center Pond (1200 Lakeshore, Yukon) is a fishing contest for young anglers with prizes awarded for different categories. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

10am-1pm. 354-8442, www.cityofyukonok.gov.

FREE Saturdays for Kids-Basket Weaving at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum invites kids to learn to create a basket. Children must be accompanied by an adult. FREE museum admission for kids & one accompanying adult.10am-noon.

FREE Smart Start Central Oklahoma Early Birds School Readiness Class at Linwood Elementary (3416 NW 17) for parents of children ages birth to 5 years old.

Preregister. 10:30am-noon & 1:30-3pm. 587-0422, www. smartstartcentraloklahoma.com.

FREE Crafts for Kids “Designer Mirror” at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) invites kids ages 3 & up to design & decorate a fanciful mirror with gems, glitter paint & more. 11am-3pm. 858-8778, www. lakeshorelearning.com.

FREE Farm FEST! at Edmond Historical Society

& Museum (431 S Boulevard, Edmond) features a horticultural project & petting zoo. 1-4pm. 340-0078, www.edmondhistory.org.

FREE Open House at Kumon Math & Reading Center of Norman (1320 N Interstate, Norman) invites families to come learn how Kumon can make a difference in children's academic lives. 1-4pm. 364-1600, www. kumon.com/norman.

Musical Surprises presented by the OKC Philharmonic at the Civic Center Music Hall features violinist Rachel Barton Pine. $15 & up. 8pm. 842-5387, www. okcphilharmonic.com.

March 3-September 16 A Century of Magic: The Animation of the Walt Disney Studios at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art surveys many of the major animated films & includes more than 80 cels used in the original production of the animated films. Opening reception 3/3, 4-6pm.

4 • Sunday Discovery Family Series: Peter & the Wolf & Other Tales presented by the OKC Philharmonic at the Civic Center Music Hall features musical narratives for both children & parents. $9. 2pm. 842-5387, www. okcphilharmonic.com.

Memorial’s Got Talent at First Christian Church (2nd & Boulevard) benefits Edmond Memorial High School’s Swine Week fundraiser in their support of Oklahoma Project Women. 6:30pm. www.swineweek.com.

Winter Wind Concert Series: Big Wide Grin at the Performing Arts Studio (200 S Jones, Norman) features the bi-coastal trio of Elaine Dempsey, Lawrence Lambert & Karl Werne. $20. 7-9pm. 307-9320, www. pasnorman.org.

5 • Monday FREE Admission at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History on the first Monday of each month. 10am-5pm.

FREE Mad Scientist Lab at the Midwest City Library calls all young scientists ages 6-12 to discover more about the world around them. Preregister. 4:30-5:15pm.

FREE Seussville at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang, Mustang) celebrates Dr. Seuss with a crazy sock parade, reading time, games, cake & more. 6-8pm.

376-3411, www.cityofmustang.org.

OKC Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. $10 & up. 7pm. www.nba. com/thunder. Other home games this month: 3/7, 9, 10, 13, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25.

5-19 FREE The Hunger Games Lecture Series at Full Circle Bookstore (1900 NW Expressway) features

John Granger as he shares his thoughts on the artistry & meaning of Suzanne Collins' Panem Saga. Held consecutive Monday evenings leading up to the movie premiere. 7pm. 842-2900, www.fullcirclebooks.com.

6 • Tuesday Tiny Tuesdays: Little Leprechauns at the OKC Museum of Art invite families for a come & go, openended art making activity geared towards children ages 2-5 with a parent or caregiver. FREE with paid museum admission. 10am-noon.

Storytime Science at Science Museum Oklahoma invites guests to enjoy storytelling at its finest with the museum's performer-puppeteer extraordinaire. FREE with paid museum admission. 10am & 2pm.

7 • Wednesday Esther Women Luncheon at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church (222 NW 15) creates meaningful dialogue & strengthens fellowship for Christian women. Features inspirational music courtesy of OCU & St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Held the first Wednesday of each month. Preregister. $150/ year, $20/individual program. 11:30am-1pm. 232-1371, www. estherwomenokc.org.

March 7-11 Contemporary Dance Oklahoma at OU Rupel Jones Theatre (563 Elm, Norman) features modern dance works ranging from the Sorcerer’s Apprentice to Grofé’s Grand Canyon Suite. 8-10pm. 325-4101, www.ou.edu/ finearts/events.

8 • Thursday Constructing the Vision – Education Redefined presented by Veritas Classical Academy at the OKC Marriott (3233 NW Expressway) features author Susan Wise Bauer & musical Michael Card. Cost TBD. 5:309pm. 310-2733, www.constructingthevision.com.

Doc Severinsen & His Big Band at Armstrong Auditorium (14400 S Bryant, Edmond) features the Grammy-winning trumpeter & a traditional big band covering Basie & Ellington to Broadway & Hollywood.

7:30pm. 285-1010, www.armstrongauditorium.com.

Veritas Classical Academy Fundraising Banquet at OKC Marriott (3233 NW Expressway) features homeschool favorite Susan Wise Bauer & Christian musician Michael Card and benefits the “Constructing the Vision” fundraising campaign. $50 per person.

6-9pm. www.constructingthevision.com.

March 8-11 Sing for Your Supper: A Rogers & Hart Celebration at UCO Jazz Lab (100 E 5, Edmond) features one of theatre’s greatest duos. Preregister. 8pm. 359-7989, www.uco.edu/cfad/events.

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March 8-25 Gypsy presented by the OKC Theatre Company at Civic Center Music Hall follows the story of an aggressive stage mother & her two daughters in the 1920s when vaudeville was dying & burlesque was born. $25. Thursday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 2pm. 297-2264, www.okctheatrecompany.org.

9 • Friday Tornado Alley IMAX Premier Day at Science Museum Oklahoma includes the movie premiere and an opportunity to interact with storm chasers, meteorologists & experts. 10am-4pm.

Art Demonstration at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum offers Native American art demonstrations in conjunction with the exhibitions Pueblo to Pueblo: The Legacy of Southwest Indian Pottery & The Sun & His Wife. FREE with paid museum admission. 10:30am-noon & 1:30-3:30pm. Also held: 3/16, 17, 19-24.

FREE Art a la Carte at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art provides live music, short films & an art activity in connection with Norman’s 2nd Friday Circuit of Art. 6-9pm.

FREE 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 Student Art Exhibit Opening Reception at Sonder Music, Dance & Art (225 E Gray, Norman) features work by students ages 8-13. 7-9pm. 474-9734, www.sondermusic.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. Lake Erie Monsters at the Cox Convention Center. 7pm. $14 & up. www.okcbarons. com. Other home games this month: 3/10, 13, 23, 24, 25.

March 9-10 Enroll now for Spring Classes

Enroll N OW!

• All Ages & All Stages • Professional Faculty • Friendly Atmosphere

FINE ARTS INSTITUTE OF EDMOND 27 E. Edwards • 340-4481 www.edmondfinearts.com

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Pass It On Kids Consignment Sale at Church of the Harvest (16000 N Western, Edmond). Items 50% off on Saturday. Friday, 8am-6pm; Saturday, 8am-2pm. www. passitonkids.com.

Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma Conference at Embassy Suites (2501 Conference, Norman) includes all-day Sibshop training, breakout sessions & more. $40 individual, $60 couple. 330-5025, www.dsaco.org.

March 9-11 Sweet Repeats Children’s & Maternity Consignment Sale at the Edmond Armory (600 S Bryant, Edmond).

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Friday, 9am-6pm; Saturday, 9am-3pm; Sunday, noon3pm. 706-5712, www.sweetrepeatskidsconsignment. com.

March 9-17 The Original Children’s Consignment Sale in Market Plaza (6925 NW Expressway). Closed Sunday. 10am6pm. 721-6776, www.occsale.com.

10 • Saturday Red Earth Run at the Chesapeake Boathouse (701 S Lincoln) includes a 10K, 5K & 1-mile Fun Walk to benefit Red Earth, Inc.. Preregister. $30 adults, $25 ages 18 & under. Registration, 7am; Race, 8am. www.redearth.org.

Oklahoma Gardening School at the Myriad Botanical Gardens features gardening & landscape professionals offering tips for gardening in Oklahoma. Preregister.

8:30am-3:15pm. 297-3995, www.myriadgardens.com.

FREE Women in Science Day at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History includes science activities, experiments & demonstrations celebrating women in science, engineering, technology & math.

FREE museum admission. 10am-5pm.

Vendor/Craft Fair at Choctaw Church of the Nazarene (NE 10 & Harper, Choctaw) benefits MOPS of Choctaw Church of the Nazarene. $2 per person. 10am-4pm.

390-8403.

FREE Spring Fashion Show at Uptown Kids (5840 N Classen) includes an appearance by a favorite clown.

10:30-11:30am. 418-8881, www.uptownkidsstyle.com.

FREE Crafts for Kids “Totally Wild Animal Headband” at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) invites children ages 3 & up to create their own animal-shaped headband. 11am-3pm. 858-8778, www. lakeshorelearning.com.

Metropolitan Library Tour of Much Ado About Nothing presented by Reduxion Theatre at the Midwest City Library includes a workshop at 11am followed by the production of Shakespeare’s classic tale at 1pm.

Also held 3/24 at the Edmond Library.

FREE Kids' Meditation Class at Buddha Mind Monastery (5916 S Anderson) helps kids discover their inner wisdom through meditation, Dharma talks, Chan Stories & fun activities. No prerequisites. Wear comfortable, modest attire & socks. 11am-12:30pm.

869-0501, www.ctbuddhamind.org/classes. Also held 3/31.

Greater Oklahoma Bluegrass Music Society Concert/Jam at the Oklahoma Country-Western Museum & Hall of Fame (3925 SE 29) features three professional bluegrass bands on stage. $6, FREE ages 12 & under. 6:30pm. 677-7515, www.gobms.org.

Dad & Daughter Dance at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang) includes punch, refreshments & dancing.

Advance tickets required. $5. 7-9pm. 376-3411, www. cityofmustang.org.

Experiences With Sound presented by the Canterbury

Choral Society features music composed or performed by those who have experienced hearing loss. $25 & up.

8pm. 232-7464, www.canterburyokc.com.

FREE One Hundred & One Dalmatians at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art screens this Disney classic in celebration of the museum's A Century of Magic: The Animation of the Walt Disney Studios exhibit. 10:30am.

FREE Build & Grow Kid’s Clinics “Carnival Hoops” at Lowe’s stores includes project, apron, goggles, themed patch & certificate of merit. See website for schedule. 10am. www.lowesbuildandgrow.com.

FREE Celebration of Authors 2012—Promoting Literacy in Oklahoma at the Downtown Library strives to increase literacy in Oklahoma by expanding & exposing the public to authors in the Southwest. Books available for sale. 11am-3pm.

March 10-11 Buchanan’s Vintage Flea Market in the Modern Living Building at State Fair Park features a large selection of quality antiques & collectibles. www.buchananmarkets. com.

FREE Next Generation Weekend at Bass Pro Shops (200 Bass Pro) features fishing in the indoor pond, kids fishing basics seminars & more. See website for schedule of events. Noon-5pm. 218-5200, www. basspro.com.

March 10-24 The Museum Store Sidewalk Sale at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. 10am-5pm.

11 • Sunday Kidapalooza Children’s Concert sponsored by Swine Week at Edmond Memorial High School (1000 E 15, Edmond) features local kindie band Spaghetti Eddie.

Advanced tickets required. $12, children, $15 adults.

2pm, www.swineweek.org.

FREE Family Day at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art celebrates A Century of Magic: The Animation of the Walt Disney Studios with FREE admission to the museum & hands-on art activities. 1-4pm.

Spring Break Activities

Are your kids ready to relax, unwind and have some fun during Spring Break? Are you looking forward to a chance to visit places that you normally don't go on school days?

Whether you are looking for ways to get out of the house without breaking the bank, keep the learning process going while they are out of school or just to make memories and enjoy family fun together, this list will help you find the best places to be and the most fun things to do during Spring Break in the OKC metro area.

17 • Saturday FREE Crafts for Kids “Lucky Shamrock Rainbow Ribbon” at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) invites kids ages 3 & up to design a St. Patrick’s Day streamer. 11am-3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com.

FREE St. Patrick’s Day Event at the Bethany Library (3510 N Mueller, Bethany) features the Celtic Cadence Dance Company presenting traditional & modern dances of the Emerald Isle. 3-4pm.

17-18 Family Day at the OKC Museum of Art features hands-on art making, live performance by Spaghetti Eddie, face painting, door prize drawings & more. FREE with paid museum admission. Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, noon-5pm.

19-23 Spring Break Escape! at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History explores the natural & cultural history of Oklahoma through crafts, auditorium shows, storytelling, scavenger hunts & more. Programs are FREE with paid museum admission. Check the website for daily schedule. 10am-5pm.

Splash Break at the Oklahoma Aquarium (300 Aquarium, Jenks) celebrates Spring Break with special presentations, hands-on activities, games & more celebrating the theme of “Extreme Amazon” in anticipation of upcoming exhibiton. FREE with paid admission. .

19-24 Orr Family Farm Opens for Spring Break (14400 S Western) invites guests to ride the zipline, play on the jumping pillows, enjoy the playground, pet the animals, take a train or pony ride & more. $10.50 per person.

10am-6pm. 799-FARM, www.orrfamilyfarm.com.

20-22 FREE Spring Break Blast! at Edmond Historical Society & Museum (431 S Boulevard, Edmond) features a different educational program each day. Preregister. 10-11am. 340-0078, www.edmondhistory.org.

21 • Wednesday FREE “Little Read” Book Discussion at the Blanchard Library (300 N Main, Blanchard) invites children in grades K-3 to read & discuss Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China as well as enjoy a craft & snacks.

Preregister. 10:30-11:45am. 485-2275, www.pls.lib.ok.us.

13 • Tuesday Arts! Arts! Arts! 21st Annual Fundraiser hosted

by OU Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts at the Skirvin Hotel (1 Park Ave) showcases OU fine arts students and theatrical guests. 6-9pm. 325-7376, www. ou.edu/finearts/events.

FREE Gallery Talk: A Collector’s Perspective at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art joins one of the collectors of Disney animation cels, Janis Scaramucci, on a walking tour of A Century of Magic: The Animation of the Walt Disney Studios. 12:30pm.

Campers having fun at the Oklahoma Children's Theatre's Spring Break camp.

Courtesy of Oklahoma Children's Theatre.

March 13-18 STOMP presented by Celebrity Attractions at the Civic

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Center Music Hall brings new surprises including the addition of two new full-scale routines using props like tractor tire inner tubes & paint cans. 800-869-1451, www.celebrityattractions.com.

March 15-17 UCO Kaleidoscope Dancers at Mitchell Hall Theatre (100 N University, Edmond) a one-of-a-kind dance performance featuring new & innovative choreography.

7:30pm. 974-3375, www.uco.edu/cfad/events.

The American Spirit Dance Company’s spring revue celebrates American dance from Hollywood to Broadway through tap, jazz and musical theater dance. $20; call 405-208-5227 or visit www.okcu.edu/ ticketoffice for tickets and times.

16 • Friday FREE Hunger Games Night at the Del City Library celebrates the release of the movie with an evening of games, trivia, food & prizes. 4:30-6pm. Also held 3/22 at the Midwest City Library.

Bright Night of Star Wars at Science Museum Oklahoma invites guests for an overnight at the museum as they go deep into the Science of light sabers & explore the forces of both Isaac Newton & Yoda. $35 members, $45 non-members, $20 non-participating adult. 6pm-8:30am.

FREE Third Friday Celtic Night at Sonder Music (225 E Gray, Norman) invites guests to join the traditional Celtic music jam & dance to the live music. Held the third Friday of each month. 8-10pm. 474-9734, www. sondermusic.com.

March 16-18 Sesame Street LIVE: Elmo Makes Music at the Cox Convention Center. $13 & up. Friday, 10:30am & 7pm; Saturday, 10:30am, 2pm & 5:30pm; Sunday, 1pm & 4:30pm. 602-8500, www.coxconventioncenter.com.

17 • Saturday FREE Earth Chronicles: Oklahoma at the MabeeGerrer Museum of Art (1900 W MacArthur, Shawnee) explores the intersection of art, environmental sustainability & cultural preservation through a film premiere and more. Preregister. 878-5300, www. mgmoa.org.

20 • Tuesday Tuesdays at Sundown: A Brief History of Pueblo Pottery at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum traces the development of Pueblo pottery from its earliest stages to the 21st century. FREE for members, $5 nonmembers. 6:30-7:30pm.

StepCrew at Armstrong Auditorium (14400 S Bryant, Edmond) brings together three styles of exhilarating dance forms: Irish & Ottawa Valley Stepdance & tap.

7:30pm. 285-1010, www.armstrongauditorium.com.

March 23-24 Pink Martini presented by the OKC Philharmonic at the Civic Center Music Hall features Thomas Lauderdale & his amazing “little orchestra” performing music from the romantic Hollywood musicals of the 40s & 50s. $27 & up. 8pm. 842-5387, www.okcphilharmonic.

24 • Saturday MetroFamily Kids Fest at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Expo Building is OKC’s premier family fun event with family resources, hands-on activities, safety village, character corner, inflatables, stage entertainment, roaming characters, door prizes, parenting classes & more! 10am-4pm. www. metrofamilymagazine.com.

FREE Cowboy Round-up at the Oklahoma History Center invites visitors to visit the cowboys & chuck wagon, participate in activities & explore the museum.

Includes a blood drive with the American Red Cross.

10am-2pm.

FREE Crafts for Kids “Spring Flower Bouquet” at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) invites children ages 3 & up to create their own basket-shaped masterpiece.

11am-3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com.

FREE New Parents’ Class “We’re Home from the Hospital….Now What?” at Green Bambino (5120 N Shartel). Space is limited. Preregister. 1pm. 848-2330, www.green-bambino.com.

The Screwtape Letters presented by Fellowship Performing Arts at Rose State Performing Arts Theatre (6420 SE 15, Midwest City) is a theatrical adaptation of the CS Lewis novel about spiritual warfare. $29 & up.

4pm & 8pm. 297-2264, www.okcciviccenter.com.

27 • Tuesday FREE Respect Diversity Symbol Exhibit Gala at Science Museum Oklahoma includes an awards ceremony & exhibit with over 50 collaborative works of

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art by students in PreK through university age who have explored diversity. Preregister. 359-0369. 5-7pm.

Vishtén at OCCC Bruce Owen Theatre (7777 S May) features the essentially Celtic sound of four seventhgeneration Acadians. $10-$22. 7-9pm. 682-7576, www. occc.edu/cas.

Jubilant Sykes at Armstrong Auditorium (14400 S Bryant, Edmond) is an American baritone who draws on gospel & jazz influences to perform differing musical genres. 7:30pm. 285-1010, www.armstrongauditorium. com.

FREE Calm Waters Center for Children & Families Support Groups (4334 NW Expressway, Suite 101) run through the week of May 17. Preregister. 841-4800, www.calmwaters.org.

28 • Wednesday Science of SMO: Security at Science Museum Oklahoma invites guests to have fun with the museum's security staff & learn about the science of keeping the museum secure. FREE with paid museum admission.

9am-5pm.

Homeschool Day at the Harn Homestead Museum (1721 N Lincoln) provides educational, hands-on activities for ages 5-12. Preregister. $8 per student ages 5 & up. 235-4058, www.harnhomestead.com.

March 28-April 14 Spring Awakening presented by Lyric Theatre at the Plaza (1725 NW 16) explores the intimate journey from adolescence to adulthood with unforgettable poignancy & passion. Rated R. $40. Tuesday-Thursday, 7:30pm; Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 2pm & 8pm. 524-9312, www. lyrictheatreokc.com.

29 • Thursday FREE Pioneer Library System's The Big Read Kick-Off Event at the Embassy Suites Hotel (2501 Conference, Norman) features live music, entertainment, hors d’ouvres, mock-tails & information about activities associated with the Big Read. Receive a FREE copy of The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan by registering for a book discussion. 5-7pm. www.bigreadok.com.

Valery & Friends at UCO Jazz Lab (100 E 5, Edmond) features UCO Artist-in-Residence Valery Kuleshov. 9743375, www.ucojazzlab.com.

March 29-31 Adorable Affordables Children’s Consignment Sale at Payne County Expo Center (Hwy 51 & Fairgrounds, Stillwater). Some items half-price on Saturday.

Thursday-Friday, 9am-7pm; Saturday, 8am-2pm. 7477304, www.adorableaffordable.net.

FREE 2012 FIRST Robotics Competition Oklahoma Regional at the Cox Convention Center features teams of students competing with the robots that they have built. www.usfirst.org.

30 • Friday Kids Trout Fishing Clinic at the 12th Avenue Recreation Center (1701 12th Ave NE, Norman) teaches kids ages 5-15 the basics of fishing. Preregister. 7-9pm.

325-7288, www.normanfun.com.

March 30-31 Monkey Business Children’s Consignment Sale at the Purcell Expo Center (2101 Hardcastle, Purcell). Many items 50% off on Saturday. Friday, 9am-7pm; Saturday, 9am-2pm. 623-9434, www. monkeybusinessok.com.

March 30-April 1 FREE 36th Annual Medieval Fair at Reaves Park (2501 S Jenkins, Norman) features live entertainment, rides, food, crafts, costumed characters & more. 10am7pm. www.medievalfair.org.

31 • Friday Run Your Cookies Off 5K hosted by Girl Scout Troop 889 at Mitch Park in Edmond. Preregister $20 under 15, $25 ages 15 & up. 7:30am. 708-275-4784.

Muscular Dystrophy Association 28th Annual Baby Pageant at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School (801 NW 50) features 11 categories for both boys & girls from 1 month to 5 years old as well as a Best Baby Photo contest & a chance to take pictures with the Easter Bunny. Registration packets available at 7-Eleven stores or by calling MDA. $30 before March 28, $35 the day of the event. 722-8001.

FREE George Hulsey Memorial Trout Derby at Norman's NE Lions Park - Willow Pond for ages 15 & under accompanied by an adult. 8am-noon. 325-7288, www.normanfun.com.

Oklahoma Heritage Land Run 5K at Regatta Park benefits the Oklahoma Heritage Association & the Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum. $25.

8:30am. 850-5834, www.oklahomaheritage.com.

2nd Annual Wings to Fly Run at Fort Reno (7107 W Cheyenne, El Reno) benefits the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals & includes a 15K, 5K & Miracle Mile Fun Run. Entry fees increase $5 after March 25. $35 15K, $20 5K, $15 Fun Run. 9am. 271-9043, www.okchf. org.

Spring Bake Day at Fort Gibson Historic Site (907 N Garrison, Fort Gibson) features bread baked using original 1800s recipes & baking techniques in an original brick oven. 10am-2pm. 918-478-4088, www.fortgibson. com.

FREE Spaghetti Eddie Concert at Uptown Kids (5840 Classen Curve) features music, an Easter egg hunt & a visit from the Easter Bunny. 10:30-11:30am. www. uptownkidsstyle.com.

FREE Crafts for Kids “A Buggy Scene” at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) invites kids ages 3 & up to create critter-shaped stick puppets. 11am-3pm. 858

8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com.

Other home games this month: 4/6, 7, 13.

Carved in Stone: The Meaning of Graveyard Graphics at the Oklahoma History Center explores the language & symbols found within graveyards to learn more than just dates & names. FREE with museum admission, preregister. 1-3pm.

April 5

Off the Wall Fundraiser benefitting the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art (1900 W MacArthur, Shawnee) gives guests 30 seconds to choose a piece of local artwork off of the wall. Ticket includes one piece of artwork, admission for two, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, drinks & entertainment. Preregister. 6:30pm. 878-5604, www. mgmoa.org/offthewall.

Eiffel Tower 3-Hour Session at Paint Your Art Out (100 N Broadway, Edmond) invites guests to create their own masterpiece on canvas. Register online. $45. 7pm.

513-5333, www.paintyourartout.net.

Sumptuous Strings presented by the OKC Philharmonic at the Civic Center Music Hall features violinist David Kim & cellist Carter Brey. $15 & up. 8pm.

842-5387, www.okcphilharmonic.com.

APRIL 2012 April 1

Mechanics & Intervention: A Showcase of Rube Goldberg Projects at UCO Donna Nigh Gallery features works by freshmen students bringing Goldberg’s cartoons to life. 4-6pm. 974-3375, www.uco. edu/cfad/events.

OKC Redhawks vs. Memphis Redbirds baseball at the Bricktown Ballpark. 7:05pm. $5 & up. 218-1000, www.okcredhawks.com. Other home games this month: 4/6-12, 21-24, 26-29.

April 6 First Friday Gallery Walk at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum invites guests to learn more about the Museum’s Southwest on an informative walk through the galleries. FREE with museum admission.

11-11:45am.

The Four Freshmen at the Sooner Theatre (100 E Main, Norman) features four-part vocal harmony like no other. $40 & up. 8pm. 321-9600, www.soonertheatre.org.

April 6-7

Princess Run 2K & Little Dude Dash 1K at the Devon Boathouse in the OKC Boathouse District for boys & girls ages 12 & under features a whimsical 1.2 mile walk/ run through a fairy tale village for girls & a wicked cool half-mile run/walk for boys. Prereigster. $20 Princess Run, $15 Little Dude Dash. Festival, 1-4:30pm; Run, 2pm. www.runhers.com.

OKC Thunder vs. Chicago Bulls at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. $10 & up. 12pm. www.nba.com/thunder.

Other home games this month: 4/2, 8, 11, 13, 24, 25.

The Magic of Music presented by the OU Schools of Music & Art & Art History at Catlett Music Center (500 W Boyd, Norman) includes a multimedia concert & Disney costume parade for children featuring selections from Disney’s Fantasia, Fantasia 2000 & other musical surprises. 3pm. 325-4101, www.ou.edu/finearts.

April 2 FREE Admission at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History on the first Monday of each month. 10am-5pm.

April 2-3 Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History is an annual celebration of Native American youth learning their native languages. Open to students preschool through high school.

April 3 OKC Barons vs. Hamilton Bulldogs at the Cox Convention Center. 7pm. Tickets $14 & up, 800-7453000 or www.ticketmaster.com. www.okcbarons.com.

FREE 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.

April 7 Aquarium Run at the Oklahoma Aquarium (300 Aquarium, Jenks) features a 1-mile fun run, 5K, 10K & half-marathon, as well as activities for kids and free aquarium admission for runners. $35 half-marathon & 5K, $30 10K, $20 1-mile, $10 1-mile for 12 & under. 8am.

FREE Saturdays for Kids at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum invites children to enjoy a hands-on activity. Free museum admission for kids & one accompanying adult. 10am-noon.

Metropolitan Library Tour of Much Ado About Nothing presented by Reduxion Theatre at the Northwest Library includes a workshop at 11am followed by the production of Shakespeare’s classic tale at 1pm.

April 10 Homeschool Day at the Harn Homestead Museum (1721 N Lincoln) provides educational, hands-on activities for ages 5-12. Advance registration required. $8 per student ages 5 & up. 235-4058, www. harnhomestead.com.

Visit www. metrofamilymagazine.com/ calendar today for more fun upcoming events!

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No matter what time of year or occasion, you'll find the BEST partyplanning choices in the area right here.

Expires 4/1/12. Discount applies to total bill of Platinum Packages only.

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Get ready to plan a great summer!

MetroFamily's annual Summer Camps and Activities Guide is coming in April.

If your business or nonprofit offers summer camps or activities, don't miss the opportunity to be in front of the parents LOOKING FOR YOU in the most popular and trusted guide to summer fun—MetroFamily's April issue.

Ad space reservation date is March 16. Call 405-601-2081, ext. 3 or email ads@metrofamilymagazine.com.

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Robert D., age 2, and Rikki D., age 10, of Midwest City at Science Museum Oklahoma.

Noah S., age 11, of Edmond at the Oklahoma City Zoo.

Family Fun! In February, our readers submitted their favorite photos of their families having fun at museums, zoos and other attractions.

Madison V., age 4 and Emily V., age 5 of Oklahoma City at the Oklahoma Aquarium.

View all submissions at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/ march-2012-photos.

Spenser B., age 2, of Edmond at the Oklahoma Railroad Museum

Madison, age 3; Caleb, age 7; Tyler, age 5 of Oklahoma City in Destin Harbor..

For our May issue, we want to kick summer off with your favorite vacation memories! Share your best vacation photos with us, from your travels inside or outside of Oklahoma. Deadline is Thursday, April 12.

Guidelines and a form to submit your photos can be found at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/mfm-photo-galleries.

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