MetroFamily Magazine May 2016

CoFuind 23 pon S for s

UMM FUNER ! pag e 22

MAY 2016

THE BIG REVEAL: Meet our 2016 Awesome Moms FRESH FUN Produce-picking in Oklahoma BUTTERFLY CENTRAL Plant a spring garden to attract butterflies

See our calendar for 179 May events!

EDMOND PHOTOGRAPHY CAMP

•

DANCE CAMP

•

ART CAMP

PA R K S T H E AT R E C A M P

•

ENGINEERING CAMP

•

SCIENCE CAMP

SUMMER ROBOTICS CAMP

•

CHEERLEADING CAMP

•

SEWING CAMP

CAMPS MORE SUMMER CAMPS THAN EVER! Follow us on

EdmondParks.com | 4 0 5 . 3 5 9 . 4 6 3 0

Escape to JadeWaters, Hilton Anatole’s luxurious new resort pool and park, with a lazy river, water slides, swim-up bar, cabanas and more.

Book your stay today at 214.748.1200 or HiltonAnatoleHotel.com.

COMING SUMMER 2016! #JadeWaters

go

guide...

The ultimate OKC family fun

Volume 19, Number 5

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2016

48

EDITORIAL

Sarah Taylor–Publisher Hannah Schmitt–Managing Editor Lindsay Cuomo–Assistant Editor Heather Davis, Erin Page and Mae Kiggins–Contributing Writers Emily Hart and Mark Doescher– Contributing Photographers Brittany Viklund–Contributing Illustrator

Must-See Murals in OKC

HAVE A STORY OR BIG EVENT? We are all about family activities and fun in the OKC metro. If you have a story to share, let us know!

CONTACT THE TEAM AT 405-818-5025 or email sarah@metrofamilymagazine.com.

Kids

DESIGN & SALES Stacy Noakes–Art Director Callie Collins–Marketing Director Athena Delce, Dana Price & Jessica Misun–Sales Kathy Alberty–Office/Distribution Shelly Sanderson–Business Development Circulation - 35,000 Also available as a digital edition at www.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.

MetroFamily Magazine is a monthly magazine published by Inprint Publishing, Inc. New Address: 318 NW 13th St Ste 101 OKC OK 73103 Phone: 405-818-5025 Fax: 405-445-7509 info@metrofamilymagazine.com ©Inprint Publishing, Inc. 2016, All Rights Reserved.

PASS

10

BUTTERFLY HAVEN Tips for creating a butterfly garden at home.

PLUS...

DON’T MISS ALL THIS

22

KIDS PASS 2016 Snag exclusive coupons to top family-friendly attractions in OKC and beyond.

28

YOU-PICK PARADISE Discover produce-picking opportunities popping up throughout Oklahoma.

16 How One Local Non-Profit is Rebuilding Families 24 Awesome Mom Contest Winner Revealed 54 Mom Humor: One Glorious Weekend 70 Kid Review: Hafer Park

Welcome FROM OUR EDITOR

This month, we celebrate moms, guide you through making a butterfly garden at home and spark your creativity with some incredible public art.

You never outgrow your need for your mom.

A few weeks ago, I woke up in the middle of the night with a stomach bug. As I was crouching on the floor by the bed, vomiting into a bowl, my very sweet (and very tired) husband woke up and said, "Are you sick? Do you need a napkin?" A napkin?! I would have laughed out loud if I wasn't puking. As helpful as my husband is in a variety of situations, this situation made me miss my mom.

A mom would know that wasn't a job for a napkin. A mom would somehow hear that sound and immediately come out of her middle-of-the-night groggy state and know just what to do. Even though I'm approaching 30 and my mom lives in another state, she doesn't bat an eye when I call her in the middle of the night to find out how to stay hydrated while enduring a stomach bug.

In high school I was sure I was on the cusp of never needing my mom again but I understand now it's not something you outgrow.

If you're fortunate enough to have a relationship with a mom or motherly figure during your lifetime, then you understand how important it is to celebrate these amazing women. Our annual Mom Issue is a special reminder of all the unique roles moms fill.

On page six, we share some advice from our Real Moms archives. We've interviewed some incredible moms over the past year and we hope you'll be touched by their words of wisdom.

On page 24, we highlight the winner and two finalists who were nominated in our annual Awesome Moms Contest.

We had dozens of entries in the contest and it was almost impossible to narrow down the inspiring list.

On Mother's Day and beyond, I hope you'll find some time to love on your own mom and the other special mother figures in your life.

Hannah Schmitt Editor

F F O K C KI ER

MUM SU DREDS N H S TH

WI ENT 2 V E Y A OF M r starts on page 3 Calenda

r u o r e t En contestsig! to win b

WIN A WEEKEND TRIP TO DALLAS

• Register to win a weekend stay at the four-star Hilton Anatole in Dallas and enjoy their new $15 million resort-style pool complex. Prize package includes luxury accommodations, Uber transportation credit of up to $100, admission to downtown Dallas museum of choice and $250 resort credit. Enter by June 5 by visiting www.metrofamilymagazine.com/contests.

Web Exclusives: • Learn about estate planning: Do you have a plan for your family? Estate planning is for anyone at any stage of life. The attorneys at Talasaz & Finkbeiner PLLC can guide you through the decision-making process in a "not so hard" way. Find helpful tips at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/estate-planning.

• Find our top resources: Each month, we round up the best free events happening in the OKC metro along with the top events for teens and toddlers and ideas for date nights with your significant other. Find these timely articles and more at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/top-picks.

THIS MONTH’S COVER: Landen M., 4, is the son of Jennifer and Janna of Moore. Landen loves to make people laugh and is a big fan of the Oklahoma City Thunder and the team mascot, Rumble.

!

W WO

PHOTO TAKEN BY EMILY HART WWW.NINAANDBPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

family buzz

We’re buzzing about moms

BY HANNAH SCHMITT

One of my favorite parts of our magazine each month is the highlights on Oklahoma City moms. These women are incredibly inspiring and always have something insightful to say. Here are some words of wisdom from some of the moms we've highlighted in the past year.

"With motherhood, you learn on a first-hand basis that it is 'not all about me.'

Being a single mom, you understand the meaning of sacrifice and what sacrifice is as a parent."

-Contessa Bass

"I say 'you get what you get and don't throw a fit.' With a large family, it is darn near impossible to make sure everyone gets exactly what they want all the time. I think that it an important lesson for the girls because life absolutely does not work that way. Because of this, they are pretty good at rolling with the punches. I feel like it also is so much more special when we are able to give them exactly what they want."

-Abbey Ahern

"It (being a mom) means trusting the big picture and finding contentment in the every day. It means having an open heart and patience in abundance, along with the willingness to forgive myself when those things don't come easy.

It also means lots and lots of love and laughter, which is the best part by far!"

-Emily Hart

"Children watch more of what you do than what you say. Speak less and do more."

-Gina Darby

“Women are prideful. Put away the pride and lead by example because you are a role model. If you don’t like something your kids are doing then take a look at yourself because they probably got it from you.”

-Stephanie Price

"Be true to yourself. It is important for our children to know who their mother is as an individual. You are more than just a birth giver or a parent. Keep connected and share who you are with your children."

-Jennifer Teel

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

6

MAY 2016

"Getting time away is a huge part of mental health. It's hard as a mom to admit you need to take a step back and take care of yourself. There's not a mom I've talked to who doesn't feel the same way.

You have to have some space for yourself so you can better take care of others."

-Rachel Shingleton

Peace, Love & Goodwill Festival You probably already know your donations of clothing and household items to Goodwill help the organization raise money through their 20 retail stores in the metro and surrounding area, but attending the organization's annual Peace, Love & Goodwill Festival provides an opportunity to enrich the lives of Oklahoma City youth and have fun at the same time.

This year's festival is scheduled for June 5 and benefits Goodwill's Youth Programs including GoodGuides At Risk Mentoring Program, Work Adjustment Program, Summer Youth Program and Ability Scholarship Program.

More than 10,000 people are expected at the massive festival, which will include a full day of family-friendly activities like face painting, inflatables, crafts, bubble stations, live entertainment, food trucks and more.

The annual event funds programs that do incredible things for local youth: • The Goodwill Abilities Scholarship Program provides disabled and disadvantaged youth with college scholarships.

• The GoodGuides At Risk Mentoring Program helps youth ages 12-17 at risk of teen pregnancy, gang membership or delinquency build career plans, skill development and future work success through structured relationships with adult mentors.

• The Work Adjustment Program prepares youth with disabilities for transition into the workforce and independent living following high school graduation.

• The Summer Youth Program provides opportunities for students with and without disabilities to work side-byside in a variety of work and volunteer experiences.

The Peace, Love & Goodwill Festival will be hosted from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, June 5 at Myriad Botanical Gardens. There will be 40 pop-up shops, Oklahoma artists on three stages and 27 food trucks on site.

In addition to many free experiences, admission to the expanded children's area is $10 and includes activities like canvas painting, face painting, inflatables, Spin the Wheel from Dave & Buster's, crafts, a duck pond and LEGO table. Find more information at www.peacelovegoodwill.org.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

7

MAY 2016

editor’s picks

Top Memorial Day Weekend Events Memorial Day is a national holiday for remembering people who died while serving in our country's armed forces. It's a sacred and revered day and we hope you will take time to honor the occasion and share its true meaning with your family. Because many parents have a three-day weekend for the holiday, we've rounded up some opportunities for family fun throughout the weekend in addition to a special event on Monday that pays tribute to men and women who have given their lives in service to our country.

Memorial Day Celebration

Chickasaw Cultural Center 867 Cooper Memorial Dr., Sulphur www.chickasawculturalcenter.com 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m.

Sunday.

Why We Love It: If you're up for a drive (an hour and a half south of the metro), the annual Memorial Day Celebration at the Chickasaw Cultural Center is a must. Kids can travel back in time at this free event to stroll the beautiful museum grounds that replicate traditional Chickasaw life and enjoy special cultural demonstrations and traditional games to celebrate the long weekend. Special family films will be shown at the museum's Anoli' Theater. The event is free but admission fees apply to the films and museum exhibits.

The OK River Run & Dog Jog Wiley Post Park 2021 S. Robinson Ave. www.newleashinc.org 8 a.m. Monday

Why We Love It: If you have the day off on Monday and have a dog, then head to Wiley Post Park for an exciting pet-friendly run along the Oklahoma River. The familyfriendly event includes a 5K for humans and a 3K race for runners and walkers with or without dogs. The event benefits A New Leash on Life, Inc., which helps Oklahomans with disabilities lead richer lives with trained assistance and therapy dogs. The event starts at 8 a.m. Monday and is $25 for all ages for

the 5K and adults for the 3K, $10 for ages 13-17 with registered adults on the 3K and free for children 12 and under with registered adults on the 3K.

Paseo Arts Festival

Paseo Arts District N.W. 30th & Dewey www.thepaseo.com 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (music until 11 p.m.) and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday Why We Love It: Art festivals are a fantastic way to expose young children to the arts. This free Memorial Day weekend event features dozens of musicians and live performers, festival foods, artists selling their goods and a free children's area where kids can explore hands-on arts opportunities. The festival is celebrating 40 years this year.

Annual Chuck Wagon Festival

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 N.E. 63rd St. www.nationalcowboymuseum.org 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday & Sunday Why We Love It: This exciting annual event provides an opportunity for families to dine at America's first food trucks: chuck wagons. In addition to delicious festival food, event highlights include indoor and outdoor hands-on activities like leather stamping, face painting, square dancing, butter churning and rope making. New this year, festival activities will be hosted in the museum gardens, providing easier access to

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

8

MAY 2016

indoor museum exhibits (which are free with festival admission). Enjoy live entertainment provided by Rodeo Opry and Matt Tedder from "The Voice." Admission is $15 for adults and free for museum members and kids under 12.

Bethany 66 Festival

Ashbury & College Ave., Bethany www.facebook.com/ BethanyImprovementFoundation 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday Why We Love It: This small-town festival takes visitors back in time with a fun parade, sidewalk sales, children's activities and row after row of classic cars. This annual event features all the best things about historic Route 66 and celebrates the history of the Mother Road in Oklahoma with plenty of entertainment and family-friendly activities.

Memorial Day Ceremony 45th Infantry Division Museum 2145 N.E. 36th St. www.45thdivisionmuseum.com 10 a.m. Monday

Why We Love It: This event truly embraces the meaning of Memorial Day by paying tribute to the men and women who have given their lives for our country.

Ceremony highlights include a helicopter flyover, patriotic music, guest speakers and massing of the colors. The event offers a great opportunity for kids to learn more about our military history and honor the men and women who serve in the armed forces.

Oklahoma Children’s Museum Unveils Renovations Leonardo's Children's Museum in Enid (an hour and a half northwest of Oklahoma City) has long been one of our favorite kid-friendly attractions in the state. This museum has consistently impressed our readers with its ability to provide educational exhibits that are fun and interactive and perfect for a range of ages. After months of being closed for renovations, Leonardo's has reopened and impressed us all over again.

The museum has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation to offer brand new exhibits to families. Step into their new facility to find the Power Tower, a climbing structure that stretches across two stories and is surrounded by interactives. An updated toddler area provides excitement for even the youngest museum visitors and on-site animals have a new habitat club house for kids to learn more about critters.

On the second floor, kids can learn more about local industry with a special interactive exhibit on oil, natural gas, wind and solar

power. INTEGRIS Health sponsors a lifesize Operation game at the museum for kids to learn more about health and wellness.

Leonardo's Children's Museum has been getting kids excited about learning for more than 20 years and we're thrilled to see more educational opportunities presented in the

GET MESSY AND COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES Reserve your child’s spot for a summer of learning and fun!

KinderCare.com/summer 16-MKT-FLD-100926 © 2016 KinderCare Education LLC. All rights reserved.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

9

MAY 2016

renovated space. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Admission is $8 per person (kids under 2 are free).

Learn more at Leonardos.org or by calling 580-233-2787.

Attracting Butterflies to Your Yard

PHOTO BY STACY NOAKES

T

here’s no disputing butterflies are the most beautiful insects.

They are unique, colorful and fun to watch. Butterflies are so desirable there are entire gardens dedicated to them, but their real beauty lies in the services they provide our landscapes. Did you know butterflies pollinate as they travel from flower to flower? Unfortunately, butterfly numbers are declining due to overuse of pesticides, habitat loss and climate change. So creating a butterfly-friendly garden is not just a fun activity but also contributes to a healthy environment.

BY MAE KIGGINS METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

10

MAY 2016

The Basics of Gardening for Butterflies: • Grow a variety of different nectarproducing plants that bloom at different times of the year. The longer the food sources last, the longer butterflies will remain in your yard.

• Plant native flowers. Butterflies in Oklahoma are going to be attracted to flowers that grow naturally in Oklahoma.

• Color is key. Butterflies are attracted to red, yellow, orange, pink and purple.

• Plant flowers where they will receive full sunlight all day. Butterflies like to feed in the sun.

Ditch the pesticides. Healthy plants can fight off bugs fairly well. Know how much water each plant needs and use organic fertilizer when needed.

Caterpillar-Friendly Yard: The key to attracting and maintaining butterflies in a yard is to provide food for their young or caterpillars. Doing so will bring new generations of butterflies throughout the summer. Unfortunately,

caterpillars generally eat different plants than adult butterflies. The one exception is clover, with flowers that are nectar-producing and larvae will eat the leaves. Clover can be a beautiful and low maintenance addition to your garden that will keep butterflies happy.

Other plants that serve as food for larvae are herbs such as dill, fennel, parsley and chives and vegetables such as tomatoes, cabbage and broccoli. Keep in mind that the caterpillars will damage the plants and may reduce or stop the harvest, so plant a few extra plants if gardening for a fruit harvest.

Best Flowers for Butterflies: These are not the only plants that attract butterflies but they are native to Oklahoma and therefore acclimated to the climate.

• Latin Name: Salvia leucantha/Common Name: Mexican Sage Brush* • Latin Name: Lantana/Common Name: Lantana* • Latin Name: Buddleia davidii/Common Names: Summer Lilac, Butterfly-bush or Orange Eye * • Latin Name: Echinacea purpurea/ Common Name: Purple Cone Flower

• Latin Name: Pentas/Common Name: Pentas* • Latin Name: Verbena/Common Name: Verbena (trailing/moss types do best)* • Latin Name: Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’/Common Name: Threadleaf Coropsis* • Latin Name: Gaura lindheimeri/Common Name: Gaura * indicates plant grows well in a container or flower pot.

Flower Pot Butterfly Gardens:

Don’t have a yard? Try growing flowers and herbs in pots. If you don’t have a spot that gets full sun most of the day, store pots in a wagon and wheel them into the sunlight every day. Flower pot gardening is different than traditional gardening in many ways and requires a few adjustments. Here are a few tips for an outstanding flower pot garden.

• Use mulch to help the soil retain moisture.

• Select the correct pot size for the plant.

Check to see how big the plant will get. If the pot is too small the plant may become

UCO FINE ARTS AND DESIGN

SUMMER CAMPS

ACM@UCO

+Rock Camps I & II: June 13-17 & July 18-22, Ages 10-18, Downtown OKC

Art

+Art Workshop: July 25-29, Ages 15-18, Edmond

Dance

Dance & Down Syndrome: June 6-10, Ages 13 & up, Edmond +Dance Workshop: June 13-17, Ages 15 & up, Edmond

Design

+Design Workshop: June 13-16, Ages 15-18 & Incoming UCO Freshmen, Edmond

Music

Flute Camp: June 6-9, Ages 11-16, Edmond +Jazz Workshop: June 26-July 1, Ages 15-18, Edmond +Strings Chamber Music Camp: July 11-15, Ages 11-18, Edmond

Theatre Arts

+High School Drama Camps I & II: June 13-17 & July 11-15, Ages 13-18, Edmond Drama Day Camps: June 20-24, July 18-22, & July 25-29, Ages 7-12, Edmond ‘Let’s Make Magic’ Workshop: June 27-29, Ages 7–18, Edmond + Concurrent enrollment for university credit available

www.ocae.net • 405.975.3784 • ocae@uco.edu

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

11

MAY 2016

unhealthy and will not produce as many flowers or fruit.

• Only use pots with drainage holes. Water sitting at the bottom of the pot will rot the roots.

• Spend the extra money on potting soil. It is a special mix designed to retain water.

• The larger the pot the less often the plant needs to be watered.

• Be careful when growing plants together in the same pot. Not all plants grow well together. Do a little research ahead of time.

Raising Butterflies:

Another fun way to bring butterflies to the yard is to buy caterpillars and raise them.

Kits are available online that provide the caterpillars, food, jars and a net house for the adult butterflies.

butterfly houses from time to time. To find a workshop, visit www.homedepot.com.

Attracting butterflies when you have a "black thumb": DIY Butterfly Feeders:

Don’t have a “green thumb” or not interested in gardening? Add a butterfly feeder near a butterfly house. This pair will give the butterflies food and shelter with relatively little work and upkeep. Adding silk flowers to the feeders will make them more visually appealing to the butterflies. Remember to clean out feeders regularly to decrease the chance of attracting unwanted bugs.

Even butterflies don't like the wind:

Most flowering plants and butterflies need shelter from the crazy wind here in Oklahoma. Wind lowers the body temperature of butterflies making flying impossible and limits the blooming time of the flowers. Creating simple wind breaks can solve this problem but just be careful that the wind breaks do not shade the flowers. Cooler winds in Oklahoma come from the north and the west so place wind breaks on the north and west side of your garden to maximize its benefits. Rocks, trees, fences and/or vines are a few items that can be used as wind breaks.

If wind breaks aren’t an option, try a butterfly house. There are plenty of low-cost kits that can be purchased online or free plans to build a wooden one. A fun and free option in the Oklahoma City area are The Home Depot workshops for kids held the first Saturday of the month. The projects vary from month to month but they do offer

PHOTO BY MAE KIGGINS

Hanging Feeder This is a very easy feeder to put together and there are plenty of ways to dress it up. The disadvantage is that it is light and doesn’t do well in the wind. If it is going to be a particularly windy day just take it down.

Materials: tin pie plate, nail, over-ripe fruit, small bright colored sponge, red sugar water (one part sugar dissolved in nine parts boiling water plus red food coloring), string, scissors.

Instructions: • Punch four holes equidistance apart on the lip of the pie tin.

• Cut string into four equal lengths, at least 18 inches long.

• Tie one string to each hole in the pie plate.

• Hang feeder in a bright area. Preferable close to a window or door.

PHOTO BY MAE KIGGINS

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

12

• Place sponge and over-ripe fruit in the bottom of the plate.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

MAY 2016

Before Allegra®, allergies held her back.

After Allegra®, Nicole is in full swing.

Find us on:

Visit Allegra.com

Children’s Allegra® gives kids effective, long-lasting*, non-drowsy relief of their toughest allergy symptoms.**

So kids can stop suffering and start living. ©2016 Chattem, Inc. Use only as directed. *One dose lasts a full 12 hours. **Relieves sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, and itchy nose or throat. See carton for dosing instructions.

• Fill sponge with sugar water. *Optional – Paint the bottom of the pie plate a red, yellow, orange, pink or purple. These colors attract butterflies.

Activities that attract butterflies are not only good for Oklahoma but are a fun way to get kids excited about spending time outdoors.

The temptation for kids to spend all day on electronics is real and it can be challenging to find activities that entice them outside.

Gardening for butterflies gives the kids a tangible reward for their efforts.

Any new project can seem overwhelming, so start with a small garden then add different features that will attract a wider range of butterflies as experience is gained. Most kids will be ecstatic to see butterflies using what they have worked hard to create.

Did you know?

• Butterflies cannot fly when their body temperature is below 85°F. As a result they like to feed in the sun.

• A butterfly's color helps them attract mates, absorb heat and provide some

protection while they fly and feed among colorful flowers.

• Puddling is where butterflies gather around a small puddle of water or damp earth to get essential minerals. Small amounts of standing water is one way to keep butterflies around longer.

• Butterflies live two days to 11 months.

• Antennae are used to “smell.”

• Butterflies migrate to avoid cold weather.

• Butterflies undergo metamorphosis or a major change to their form and how they eat. They begin life as caterpillars then transform into butterflies.

• There are four basic ways to attract butterflies to your yard: traditional gardening, flower pot gardens, butterfly houses and feeders. All or one can be used to attract butterflies. So no matter the skill level, there is some way everyone can attract butterflies to their yard.

Mae Kiggins is a blogger and Edmond mom of two. Read more of her ideas for outdoor fun at her blog, www.outdoorsmom.com.

Where to See Butterflies in Oklahoma City Myriad Botanical Gardens

301 W. Reno Ave. Outdoor Grounds open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., free www.myriadgardens.com

Will Rogers Horticultural Gardens 3400 N.W. 36th St Summer Hours – 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., free www.okc.gov/parks/will_rogers/

OKC Zoo Butterfly Garden 2000 Remington Pl. Open during zoo hours, free with zoo admission www.okczoo.com/animals-plants/butterflygarden/ [Editor's Note: For more information on attracting butterflies to your yard, visit www. osufacts.okstate.edu or contact Oklahoma County Master Gardeners at okmganswers@ gmail.com.]

Nursery & Decor Grand Opening, June 4th

NEW! Furniture & Decor

Children’s Boutique

Girls Clothing sz 0-14 * Boys 0-4T

Custom Bedding * Maternity & More

Located at Shoppes on Broadway - Same Plaza 2 Locations

3224 S Broadway (405) 285-7777 METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

14

MAY 2016

Follow us on Facebook

Strength in Community Shelter and foster care program work in tandem to love children in limbo

BY ERIN PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS BY BRITTANY VIKLUND WWW.BRITTANYVIKLUND.COM

Ashley Leck couldn’t have written the beautiful, messy story that led her five children to call her mom. Neither could she have orchestrated the closeness between siblings who may share similar backgrounds but don’t all share DNA. Her foster care journey began with some apprehension.

“I was very cautious in getting involved because of the unknown,” she said of becoming a foster mom. “I was scared about my ability to do it well and love appropriately.”

After prayer and consideration, the Lecks approached Youth & Family Services, Inc. of El Reno in 2010 as the organization was initiating its foster care program. YFS is a non-profit that has a variety of programs to serve the families and kids in the El Reno area. The Lecks became one of the first families YFS trained to care for foster children in need of stability and love.

“You have to be willing to let people in and be honest about your circumstances.

You are vulnerable and it's humbling.”

Ashley Leck, foster parent Their first call for placement was a 6-yearold girl. A self-proclaimed planner, Leck was unsure whether she could say ‘yes’ to the unexpected development. A unique opportunity to meet with the child at the YFS emergency youth shelter changed her mind.

“I instantly fell in love and knew she was supposed to be in our home,” she said.

The Lecks adopted that little girl. They have since fostered 24 other kids and have adopted four additional children. Leck credits YFS for not just providing resources and training but also for developing an entire community of people on which her family can depend.

“They have been there when everything falls apart,” she said, “and they have loved us through it.”

Fostering a committed community Youth & Family Services was formed in 1974 to provide emergency shelter for children and youth. The organization now comprises more than 10 programs serving Canadian, Blaine, Kingfisher and Oklahoma counties, including counseling, independent living for young adults, drug and alcohol education and a first-time offender program.

Along with several other organizations under the Oklahoma Association of Youth Services umbrella, YFS launched its foster care program in 2009 as a complement to other programs already in place, particularly its emergency shelter. OAYS operates 31 youth shelters through partner agencies across the state and those shelters were often where children were first placed upon removal from their homes. Similarly, when children were removed from a foster care placement due to a disruption, they were often put back in a shelter until a new placement could be found.

LILYFIELD

Christian Adoption and Foster Care

Our Mission

A Christ-centered ministry devoted to providing safe and stable families for at-risk children and youth.

“Children in foster care are a part of the continuum of services that youth services agencies serve,” said Shawn Black, executive director of OAYS. “We decided to recruit foster care homes and provide services to foster care families in an effort to reduce and eliminate [placement] disruptions.”

Since launching its foster care program, YFS has served more than 200 foster children with 36 currently licensed foster homes in its communities. As of April 1, the organization has facilitated 20 adoptions. YFS staff is proud of their 95 percent success rate with foster placements.

“Once we accept placement of a child, we are generally able to keep them within our network of families so that they are connected to each other and lots of friendly faces,” said Dee Blose, YFS executive director.

That network of families has been instrumental to the Lecks, from providing long-term connections with other foster parents to trading respite care when they need a break. Once dependent on more seasoned foster parents for advice, Leck is now a mentor for other foster moms, cultivated by YFS to strengthen and empower its community of parents.

Respite care is readily available to YFS foster families, as the organization requires potential foster parents who have been trained and approved to provide respite at least twice before accepting a placement of their own.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

17

Vision

At Lilyfield we serve children, youth, birth, adoptive and foster families by sharing God’s love in our community.

We are committed to excellence in service and the foundation of our faith in Christ Jesus as we: • Promote safety and stability for children • Equip, prepare and counsel birth, adoptive and foster families • Guide children, youth and families on a path to healing and permanency Our programs include: adoption, services for birthparents, foster care, care connect post placement counseling and independent living (for girls who have aged out of foster care so they can continue their education).

Lilyfield.org

501 E. 15th, Ste. 400A, Edmond MAY 2016

405.216.5240

“We do require more of our foster parents,” said Melissa Larimore, YFS foster care director. “They must be certified volunteers through us, starting at our shelter and events.

And then respite allows us to all test the waters, to know the type of placement that would be best for them.”

“Once we accept placement of a child, we are generally able to keep them within our network of families so that they are connected to each other and lots of friendly faces.”

Dee Blose, YFS executive director The opportunity to care for a child over a few days also shows potential foster parents how readily available the YFS team is when they have questions or concerns, building their confidence in the program. The Leck’s community was never more apparent than after they accepted placement of the boy who would become their third adopted child.

“Five days after placement he needed major surgery,” Leck said of the 3-year-old who was fully dependent on a feeding tube.

Ashley and her husband stayed with him in the hospital for six weeks after surgery, at least one of them at his side around the clock.

They relied heavily on their YFS family to do their laundry, provide meals, maintain their home and babysit their other children.

“You have to be willing to let people in and be honest about your circumstances,” Leck says of fostering. “You are vulnerable and it’s humbling.”

that they can say ‘this placement will work or this won’t,’” said Leck. “They hold your hand through all of it. You’re never left alone.”

That support includes attending court with their foster parents, going to Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) meetings, helping when kids are sick or on a break from school, intervening with schools and daycares when necessary, offering crisis counseling and providing material goods like diapers, clothing and car seats.

Because many children in foster care have the goal of reuniting with biological families, the YFS team also helps foster families bridge with, or develop safe relationships with, biological parents. Leck says while that process felt unnatural to her in the beginning, now she sees it as imperative for even her adopted kids to know where they came from.

“When they get older, they will have questions,” Leck said. “As their adoptive parent, it’s important for me to be the door they go through to facilitate those relationships, versus the wall they’ll go around someday to get there.”

Leck knows her kids’ biological families love them and want the best for them. She sends them photos regularly and says she’s even closer to her kids’ biological moms than they are.

“I want them know about the day-to-day parenting,” said Leck. “It’s still a joint effort because at some point they will go to them. I want to have established a relationship where they trust and respect me.”

“He had never had a parent. He thought my name was 'mom.'”

Ashley Leck, foster parent

“He had never had a parent,” said Leck. “He thought my name was ‘mom.’”

Even more than the lessons on bridging with biological families, parenting trauma and working with OKDHS, Leck appreciates her YFS workers being a listening ear in both the good times and difficult. She can call any time of day or night, even now that her kids have all been adopted, and know someone will answer. Leck recalls Larimore being there for her on what she calls her “worst day.”

While accepting the placement of a child who needed so much medical attention was intimidating, the Lecks trusted the YFS team.

“I called her crying and she was there in 20 minutes,” Leck said. “She saved me and saved our fostering experience.”

Leck was willing to put herself in that position for the sake of her now-son, who had previously spent his life in a hospital or children’s center without a consistent caregiver.

“They get to know their families so closely

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

18

MAY 2016

Offering shelter from the storm The warmth of the YFS family is palpable at the Donald W. Reynolds Caring Center, the organization’s emergency youth shelter in El Reno. Aptly named, staff is trained to care for children in times of great chaos.

“Our shelter is meant to be a very shortterm experience, a time for the crisis to be stabilized,” said Blose.

“We decided before we took our first teen that we would be the last foster family they ever had.”

Kristi Murphy, foster parent While the word “shelter” often conjures cold, institutional imagery, the opposite is true of The Caring Center. Handmade quilts drape every bed, made with love by community members to immediately give children the sense that someone cares about them. Familystyle tables encourage residents to dine together, a cozy fireplace and comfortable furniture give a homey feel and an inviting kitchen offers plenty of space for kids to cook or frost cookies together. Structured activities include outings and field trips and a beautiful backyard area, playground and Thunder Cares basketball court stand at the ready for fun. In addition to leisure and recreational activities, children have access to health screenings, crisis counseling, skills instruction and education. Staff is available to residents around the clock.

Opened in 2008, the shelter is small, housing up to 10 children at a time. Residents typically stay no more than 30 days. In 2015, The Caring Center served 145 children with an average age of 12. While OKDHS has closed its own shelters statewide in favor of placing more children in family environments, the organization can make use of shelters like The Caring Center as needed.

“We have not necessarily seen an increase in numbers of referrals,” said Blose of the state-run shelter closures, “but rather we have seen an increase in the level of care of some of the children and youth that are being referred by DHS. These are some of the children and youth that are most likely to be looked over for traditional foster care.”

As such, the uniqueness of an organization that operates both a shelter and a foster care program means those youth in the shelter can sometimes be placed with families faster, and it can also mean more secure long-term placements. Before the Pinnacle Plan was enacted or OKDHS contracted with private agencies for foster care placement, YFS was piloting its combination shelter and foster care program. After seeing kids leave the shelter and come back numerous times, the team knew something had to change.

“That is one great benefit to our complimentary foster care program,” said Blose, who recalls one teen who’d been in the shelter 17 times before their program began. “Sometimes we can actually match up children, youth and foster families in a very non-threatening way.”

For the Lecks, meeting their first daughter at The Caring Center allowed both parties an opportunity to get to know each other before committing to the placement. For foster parents Rick and Kristi Murphy, YFS’s unique, intentional approach to foster care placements is what piqued their interest in becoming foster parents in March 2012.

“They carefully match the needs of a child with a family that is equipped and willing to meet those needs.”

Kristi Murphy, foster parent “They carefully match the needs of a child with a family that is equipped and willing to meet those needs,” said Kristi Murphy.

Leck knows how special the staff makes its residents feel because of the many happy memories her daughter has of living there.

“That was a traumatic time in her life and

yet she really likes to go there,” she said.

“She has great memories of being there. She talks a lot about someone who fixed her hair for her.”

Becoming forever family Leck says her family’s dinner table often resembles a therapy session, with conversations about former foster families and biological families continuing long after the plates have been cleared. She’s learned that being honest about her own feelings with her kids opens the door for them to share, too, and to learn to trust her. At the end of the day, the message she and Jason want to convey to their five adopted children is that they love them for who they are, no matter what.

“Yes, there are hard days,” said Leck. “But my kids are worth the hard days.”

“I instantly fell in love and knew she was supposed to be in our home.”

Ashley Leck, foster parent

Discovery Packs Discover a new world at OKCMOA with fun, hands-on gallery learning!

Pick up a pack for free and create your own gallery adventure. Sketch, read, learn about artists and more!

Just return to the front desk when you’re finished. Two packs are available: Ages 2-5 and Ages 6+.

For Leck and Murphy alike, those hard days have been tempered by an agency that ensures its foster families never feel alone in what can be a very daunting process. “[YFS has] encouraged us through some difficult teen behavior, believed in our parenting skills and trusted us to make appropriate decisions about the teens living with us,” said Murphy.

That support means Kristi and Rick have been able to continue growing their ‘forever family,’ with the promise of many holidays, job promotions, college graduations, weddings, babies and birthdays to be celebrated with their former foster kids in the years to come.

“We worry about them, cry both happy and sad tears with them, and [just] do life with them,” said Kristi of the kids who have left her home, but not her heart. “But most of all [we are] proud of them as we see them succeed in both the small things and the big things.”

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

19

MAY 2016

Free with Admission!

Developing permanent connections for teens Teens in foster care present a unique set of challenges and are often the hardest age group to place in foster homes. The Youth & Family Services Caring Center has a newly launched teen foster care program designed to help teens in foster care find permanent connections. At the heart of the program is that same opportunity for teens and potential foster parents to meet on multiple occasions before committing to a placement.

unconditional love. They abide by a promise they made to each other before their journey began.

“We can give the parties enough time to get to know each other and know it is a good match,” YFS Executive Director Dee Blose.

“Youth like to have some choice just like the rest of us.”

That methodology has translated into longterm relationships. The teens who have lived with the Murphys but are now out on their own still come over to do laundry, eat dinner or play games. Kristi talks to them every day.

She applauds YFS workers for staying in contact with the teens even after they’ve aged out of foster care too, providing them another support system.

The program stems from the reality that teens are often the hardest age group to place.

“A lot of people shy away from the idea of fostering teenagers,” said Blose. “Teenagers can talk back, they can challenge you and that can be scary. [But they] need somebody to invest in them, and they need a place to call home.”

Studies show that when youth age out of the foster care system without an adoptive home, foster home or reuniting with biological family, they are more likely to become homeless, end up in prison or have children who also end up in foster care.

While they acquiesce that not all parents love the teenage years, foster parents Rick and Kristi Murphy have developed a passion for this age group. With each of their foster teens, Kristi and Rick focus on setting boundaries and offering lots of patience and

“We decided before we took our first teen that we would be the last foster family they ever had – that we would become their ‘forever’ family,” Kristi said. “And as such, we treat them with the same expectations, respect, love and care that we would any other member of our family.”

But Kristi admits that getting to that place of trust with teens is challenging. When children have been in state custody for a long time, they have likely been let down and hurt by many people who were supposed to love, help and protect them.

“It is very hard to teach them to trust anyone or how to love someone with healthy boundaries,” Kristi said. “Or how to accept themselves as lovable.”

Blose says YFS recognizes the natural hardships that come with parenting foster teens, and the new program is prepared to help its foster parents through the most difficult days.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

20

MAY 2016

“As life happens, like we know it will, we want our shelter services to be one of the available alternative caregivers or respite care providers for the family to access in those moments when we all think a little time and space can make a difference in placement stability,” said Blose.

In addition to the challenges of helping their foster teens heal from the trauma they have endured, Rick and Kristi teach them to drive, ensure they stay in school, teach them how to do laundry, open joint checking accounts to teach financial basics, practice job interview skills, encourage participation in sports, arts or whatever activities interest them and model positive relationship-building skills with friends and loved ones. With the guidance of YFS, they also have helped their foster teens reestablish safe, healthy relationships with biological family members.

In the midst of the everyday struggles, Kristi says she has experienced great joy in her teens’ ‘ah-ha’ moments.

“When they recognize that it is not their fault and accept that they are loved for who they are,” Kristi said of her most fulfilling moments as a foster mom, “and when they start to consider you an important part of their life, like the first hug that they initiate or the first phone call just to talk without needing anything.”

[Editor's Note: Erin Page recently received a Gold Award from the Parenting Media Association for her coverage of foster care in MetroFamily Magazine.]

STARTS

SUMMER WITH

OKC PARKS!

Kick off your summer adventures with one of the Oklahoma City Parks & Recreation Department’s Summer Day Camps and clinics. We have everything under the sun to keep your child active and engaged through the summer break.

SUMMER

DAY

CAMPS

Summer Day Camps for all ages and interests

SPORTS CAMPS

MAD SCIENCE

Baseball Clinic Soccer Clinic Volleyball Clinic

MORE

Basketball Camp Fit for Kids Camp Junior Golf Camp

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Wilderness Camp

Junior Explorer’s Club Secret Agent Club Rocking Rockets LEGO Mindstorms Robotics

Emergency Preparedness Performing Arts Youth Artist Camps

For more information, visit www.okc.gov/parks or call (405) 297-2211

CAMP

NATURE

at the Will Rogers Gardens and Martin Park Nature Center Go WILD this summer during our hands-on nature camps. Two distinct camp environments maximize fun in nature, wildlife, gardening and fishing.

Will Rogers Gardens, 3400 NW 36th

Learn plant life, gardening fun, nature crafts, tree climbing and more Three sessions June 6-10, July 11-15, August 1-5

Martin Park Nature Center, 5000 W Memorial Learn nature conservation, wildlife, archery, outdoor skills, fishing Three sessions June 13-17, July 18-22, August 8-12

Register online at www.okc.gov/active For more information, call (405) 297-1392 or (405) 297-1429

OKC.GOV/PARKS @OKCPARKS

Kids PASS

Money-saving coupons

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

to top family attractions in OKC and beyond

Find Kids Pass throughout the year at metrofamilymagazine.com/kids-pass Aalim Belly Dance Academy 2520 N. Meridian 405-844-0304, www.aalimdanceworld.com Get four free classes for children ages 5-13.

One coupon per child per year.

Dodge City Paintball & Outdoor Laser Tag 16425 N.W. 150th St., Piedmont 405-373-3745, www.dodgecitypaintball.com $5 off regular admission price.

One coupon per player.

Harn Homestead Museum 1721 N. Lincoln Blvd.

405-235-4058, www.harnhomestead.com Receive 4 admissions for $10. Not valid for group admissions or educational programming.

Jump!Zone Party & Play Center S.W. 104th St. & S. Western (Palagio Shops) 405-200-1691, www.jumpzoneparty.com

EXPIRES 04/30/17 MFMKidsPass2016 Not to be combined with other offers.

Andy Alligator’s Fun Park & Water Park 3300 Market Pl., Norman (I-35 & Indian Hills Rd.) 405-321-7275, www.andyalligators.com

EXPIRES 04/30/17 MFMKidsPass2016 Not to be combined with other offers.

Purchase a $20 game card and get $5 free.

EXPIRES 04/30/17 MFMKidsPass2016 Not to be combined with other offers.

Frontier City, 11501 N. I-35 Service Rd. 405-748-2140 x 214, www.frontiercity.com GET TWO FREE CHAPERONE TICKETS WHEN YOU PURCHASE A PARTY PACKAGE AND PRESENT THIS COUPON AT THE TICKET BOOTH ON YOUR PARTY DATE. VALID DURING REGULAR

EXPIRES 04/30/17 MFMKidsPass2016 Not to be combined with other offers.

OPERATING SEASON ONLY. ONLY ONE COUPON VALID PER PARTY PACKAGE PURCHASED. VALID ONLY ON SCHEDULED PARTY DATE.

EXPIRES 04/30/17 MFMKidsPass2016 Not to be combined with other offers.

Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum 1714 W. Wrangler Blvd., Seminole 800-259-5437, www.jasminemoran.com

EXPIRES 04/30/17 MFMKidsPass2016 Not to be combined with other offers.

Leonardo’s Children’s Museum 200 E. Maple Ave., Enid 580-233-2787, www.leonardos.org

$1 off single admission.

(Children 2 and under free.)

$2 off open play per child.

$1 off admission for up to 5 people.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

22

MAY 2016

EXPIRES 04/30/17 MFMKidsPass2016 Not to be combined with other offers.

EXPIRES 04/30/17 MFMKidsPass2016 Not to be combined with other offers.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art 1900 W. MacArthur, Shawnee 405-878-5300, www.mgmoa.org Buy 1 adult admission and get 2 free children’s admissions.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 N.E. 63rd St. 405-478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org Free child admission with paid adult.

Limit 2 children (ages 4-12) per coupon.

Not valid for special events.

Oklahoma History Center 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. 405-522-0765, www.okhistory.org Buy 1 adult admission get 1 adult admission FREE.

RIVERSPORT Rapids 725 S. Lincoln Blvd.

405-552-4040, www.riversportokc.org

EXPIRES 04/30/17 MFMKidsPass2016 Not to be combined with other offers.

EXPIRES 04/30/17 MFMKidsPass2016 Not to be combined with other offers.

EXPIRES 04/30/17 MFMKidsPass2016 Not to be combined with other offers.

EXPIRES 04/30/17 MFMKidsPass2016 Not to be combined with other offers.

$2 off regular admission with this coupon. Limit one coupon per family per visit.

Tom Stafford Air & Space Museum 3000 E. Logan Rd., Weatherford 580-772-5871, www.staffordmuseum.com Kids get in free with purchase of adult admission.

Children 5 and under are ALWAYS FREE.

Unpluggits Playstudio 575 Enterprise Dr., Suite 110, Edmond 405-340-7584, www.unpluggits.com $3 off workshops.

Mention coupon when registering.

White Water Bay, 3908 W. Reno Ave. 405-748-2140 x 214, whitewaterbay.com GET TWO FREE CHAPERONE TICKETS WHEN YOU PURCHASE A PARTY PACKAGE AND PRESENT THIS COUPON AT THE TICKET BOOTH ON YOUR PARTY DATE. VALID DURING REGULAR

Get $1 off general admission for up to 4 people with this coupon.

Limit one coupon per family. (Code #7) Oklahoma Aquarium 300 Aquarium Dr., Jenks 918-296-FISH, www.okaquarium.org $2 off general admission, limit 4 per visit.

Cannot be combined with other discounts/coupons.

Paint N’ Station 7906 N. May Ave. 405-842-7770, www.paintnstation.com Spend at least $25 and receive $5 off your entire purchase. One discount per visit.

EXPIRES 04/30/17 MFMKidsPass2016 Not to be combined with other offers.

EXPIRES 04/30/17 MFMKidsPass2016 Not to be combined with other offers.

EXPIRES 04/30/17 MFMKidsPass2016 Not to be combined with other offers.

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History EXPIRES 04/30/17 2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman MFMKidsPass2016 405-325-4712, www.samnoblemuseum.ou.edu Not to be combined Get 1 free youth (age 4-17) admission for each paid adult admission. Limit 2 youth per coupon.

Children 3 and under are free.

with other offers.

EXPIRES 04/30/17 MFMKidsPass2016 Not to be combined with other offers.

Spontaneity Kid Care 3705 W. Memorial Rd. #101C 405-541-9072, www.spontaneitykidcare.com

EXPIRES 04/30/17 MFMKidsPass2016 Not to be combined with other offers.

EXPIRES 04/30/17 MFMKidsPass2016 Not to be combined with other offers.

Unpluggits Playstudio 575 Enterprise Dr., Suite 110, Edmond 405-340-7584, www.unpluggits.com

Get $5 off All Access pass at RIVERSPORT OKC

Skate Galaxy 5800 N.W. 36th St. 405-605-2758, www.skategalaxyokc.com

SKELETONS: A Museum of Osteology 10301 S. Sunnylane Rd. 405-814-0006, www.museumofosteology.org

EXPIRES 04/30/17 MFMKidsPass2016 Not to be combined with other offers.

EXPIRES 04/30/17 MFMKidsPass2016 Not to be combined with other offers.

OPERATING SEASON ONLY. ONLY ONE COUPON VALID PER PARTY PACKAGE PURCHASED. VALID ONLY ON SCHEDULED PARTY DATE.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

$10 gift certificate with the purchase of a family membership.

$1 off paint ‘n play admission for up to 4 people.

Limit one coupon per visit.

Water Zoo 1900 Blvd. of Champions, Clinton 580-323-9966, www.water-zoo.com Everyone pays Kids price with this coupon.

(Not valid March 2017)

Kids Pass coupon must be presented to admission personnel to receive discount. *Good through April 2017 or as specified.

23

MAY 2016

EXPIRES 04/30/17 MFMKidsPass2016 Not to be combined with other offers.

EXPIRES 04/30/17 MFMKidsPass2016 Not to be combined with other offers.

AWESOME

Moms

DANIELLE HOWELL

STEPHANIE ROGERS DONNA PITTMAN

BY LINDSAY CUOMO AND HANNAH SCHMITT PHOTOS BY MARK DOESCHER

LIVE...

E

ach year, we ask our readers to nominate incredible local moms in our Awesome Mom Contest. We're always blown away by their stories and it's almost impossible to select a winner. When we contact the three finalists, they're always so honored to be chosen. Truly, it is our honor to highlight just a few of the countless moms out there who knock it out of the park every day. We hope you'll be as inspired as we are by these three Awesome Moms.

son, who befriended a child in a kinship foster situation.

WINNER: Donna Pittman

To care for her children’s special needs, Donna has spent countless hours in classes, trainings and doctors’ offices.

As the middle child of seven siblings, Donna Pittman grew up in what many would consider a big family. However, the number of children in her family growing up doesn’t really compare to the houseful she now has.

Donna and her husband, Raymond, have added quite a few members to their “Pittman Posse,” as she calls it, 23 in fact.

They have 12 children ranging from age 43 all the way to 9 years old and 11 grandchildren from newborn to 22 years old. When you add in the four sons-and daughters-in-law and friends, Sunday family dinners really draw a crowd. Every Sunday, Donna cooks for 30 plus people.

“Our home is home base for everybody plus half the football team,” Donna said jokingly.

Ma, as she’s is known to many in and outside of the family, was a foster parent for many years, opening her home to children in desperate need.

“We did therapeutic foster care,” she said.

“The kids came from such broken homes often with complicated medical issues.”

The Pittmans got their start in foster care in large part thanks to their oldest biological

“His mom left him with his aunt,” Donna said about the then 8-year-old boy. “The aunt didn’t really want him so he was placed in a shelter. He kept running away and showing up at our house. I’d call the shelter and they’d have to come pick him up. One day, my boys asked, ‘why can’t he just stay?’”

WORK...

BE...

YOUR

BEST

And so it began. The family eventually adopted him and nine other foster kids.

Some joined their family as babies and others as teenagers. Their family is a diverse tapestry of cultures and races as well as developmental abilities.

“We are a multicultural family,” she said with pride. “We are all so different and it has made us all more accepting of others.”

“People tell us all the time that we are crazy,” she said. “But, it is just my life. It hasn’t been easy but I wouldn’t change it. If I can change the life of one child then I have really accomplished something.”

Pittman doesn’t let her family’s busy schedule or unique challenges slow her down.

“She is at all the basketball games, football games, tumbling meets, cheer meets and even watches all her grandchildren so they never have to go to daycare,” said Jennifer Jones, one of Pittman’s daughters-in-law.

“I have no clue how she does it. I am in awe every day and I am a better mother for knowing her.”

The Pittman home is a direct reflection of their family. They’ve outgrown it many times and have added on here and there to make room for the new members.

“We outgrew our dining room so we made a bigger one,” Donna said. “And, now we’ve outgrown that one. We’ve added several bedrooms over the years, too.”

Donna has some wise words for anyone considering foster care.

“Go for it!” she said. “It was a whole new world and I am blessed because of it.”

For those wondering how she does it all, she graciously said there is no secret to it.

“There is always something that needs to be done,” she said, “so I just keep chugging along.”

Total Wellness is Oklahoma’s premier provider of customized, on-site workplace wellness exams.

Designed to empower employees to make healthier life decisions, Total Wellness helps employers improve the health of their workforce. Call us to schedule FREE annual wellness exams for your organization.

Oklahoma’s Workplace Wellness Experts • Health Risk Assessments • Annual Wellness Exams • Vaccination Clinics

To honor her for winning our contest, Donna will receive accommodations and spa treatments at the Chickasaw Retreat and Conference Center in picturesque Sulphur.

DONNA PITTMAN WITH HER FAMILY

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

25

MAY 2016

405.658.3130 TotalWellnessOK.com

FINALIST: Danielle Howell Fourteen years ago, Danielle Howell entered motherhood with a bang when she found out she was expecting triplets. Multiple birth pregnancies come with risks and Howell spent the last few weeks in the hospital on bed rest. While in the hospital, she suffered a pulmonary embolism causing the babies to experience oxygen deprivation.

After a lengthy stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Howell and her husband, Duane, brought home three baby boys: Jacob, Keegan and Harrison. Upon leaving the hospital, the doctors cautioned the new parents about the effects of oxygen deprivation and the many unknowns that come along with it.

“We didn’t know what to expect,” Danielle recalled. “The doctors said the boys might not ever walk.”

So when the boys hit such milestones as rolling over and their first steps, the Howells were overjoyed. As the boys grew, they began to notice signs of genius that soon turned to signs of concern. They began to notice autism and other developmental delays.

Danielle organized play dates, resource booklets and lunches with mothers of newlydiagnosed children and learned everything she could to help her children succeed.

“We are always looking for ways to help our boys to be as independent as possible,” Danielle said. “So many people tell me that God gives special children to extraordinary parents. But I am the one that is blessed to know them.”

In the mix of doctor visits, therapies and counseling appointments, the Howells welcomed another baby, a girl named Libby, four years later. Danielle continued to stay home with her kids. But as the boys grew into teenagers, Duane proposed a change.

Because the boys were growing and getting stronger, things became difficult for Danielle.

Duane suggested he stay home and his wife go back to work, so the couple swapped roles.

Danielle had taken a break from her teaching career when her boys were born. At that time, she was a first grade teacher. Now using many of the skills she learned to help her boys, she works as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher in the Putnam City school districts, helping elementary kids succeed socially and academically.

“I wasn’t sure I could do both,” Danielle said.”I used to pour everything I had into my (school) kids. I wasn’t sure I’d have enough

DANIELLE HOWELL WITH HER FAMILY

left when I got home.”

But Danielle found she has many sources of inspiration to keep going; mainly her kids, both those at home and at school.

“They are all my heroes,” she said. “When I think about my kids and what they have to overcome, I have no business worrying. They don’t take anything for granted so I don’t either.”

Danielle balances her days between work and home by making the most of every minute.

Between softball practice for Libby, Special Olympics practice for Jacob, Keegan and Harrison, church and homework, their days are very full. Recently, though, they have added something new: farming.

Jacob, Keegan and Harrison got involved with a program connected with FFA (Future Farmers of America) called Ag for Everyone.

The program allows children with special needs the chance to care for livestock and also to compete in livestock competitions.

“It was so good for them,” Danielle said. “No one told them they had a disability and they did great. We love the responsibility factor, as well.”

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

26

MAY 2016

So one year ago, the family packed up their home and moved to Tuttle to start their very own farm.

The Howells have lofty goals for their farm including making it into a family fun destination for families with children with special needs. For now, their farm is a place of freedom for their four children with room to roam. The four and half acre plot is also home to chickens, ducks, cats, rabbits, potbelly pigs and a bloodhound.

“It’s hard and a lot of work,” Danielle said, “but it’s worth every second for what it does for our kids.”

Parenting children with special needs can look different than traditional methods and the farm is just one of the many ‘workarounds,’ as Daneille called them, the Howells have discovered.

One of Danielle’s best pieces of parenting advice can apply to all children, whether they have special needs or not.

“We decided we are always going to assume our kids can,” Danielle said.

And that has been a very powerful tool.

FINALIST: Stephanie Rogers Like all the moms we talk to after they’ve been nominated in our annual Awesome Mom Contest, Stephanie Rogers does not feel all that awesome.

“I don’t think I’m doing anything special, really,” the 31-year-old mom said. “I just try to be the best mom I can be.”

Her nominator, Leslie Willis, said otherwise.

She’s married to Stephanie’s ex-husband, Aaron, who shares 50/50 custody with Stephanie.

“In today's time where the ugly word ‘divorce’ has left families broken and rendered children caught in the middle of their parents’ emotional trauma from their broken marriage, so many blended homes have had to suffer the disheartening effects of that divorce,” Leslie wrote in her nomination letter. “Many step-parents and step-siblings become victims that are unable to healthily blend together as a family due to this ‘war’ that was waged when divorce began. It takes a very special type of person and parent who can put away their bitterness, hurt, pain and maybe even brokenness to be strong enough to ‘let love rule’ for the sake of their children.”

To Leslie, Stephanie is that special person who lets love rule. But how does she manage to put past hurt feelings aside for the sake of her son?

“I think a lot of people in a blended family just put on a happy face and act civil but they don’t really feel that way,” Stephanie said.

“They just go through the motions but they don’t really let the other person in. I decided to just get over it and just encourage everyone to love each other.”

Stephanie and Aaron’s son, Reagan, is 7.

Even after seven years, Stephanie admits she doesn’t feel she has parenting down yet.

“I feel like I’m very undeserving to be nominated,” Stephanie said. “I give it a good try and sometimes you climb into bed at night feeling like you really failed that day.

You start playing through in your head if you gave him enough hugs that day, told him no enough times or yes enough times.”

On days she feels like that, she said it’s her son’s constant love and forgiveness that keep her going. That and a healthy dose of advice from her mother and grandmother. The best advice she’s ever received, she said, was to be aware about how fast time would fly when raising kids.

STEPHANIE ROGERS WITH HER SON, REAGAN

“Cherish every stage and every moment because you never know when it’s going to be the last time you get to wash his hair, push him on the swing or help him with his bike,” she said. “They outgrow the need for you to do those things so fast.”

Reagan.

Some other favorite advice Stephanie has received from her grandmother over the years is to be patient and take deep breaths and to be as much of a hands-on parent as she can.

Whether Stephanie believes she’s deserving of the Awesome Mom title or not, she realizes it’s rare for a blended family to be able to operate in the positive light they operate in and she feels fortunate to be where she is.

“Try to get down on the floor and play with them as much as possible,” Stephanie said.

“If they’re knee-deep in Play Dough, you should be too. Just have fun with them.”

Stephanie said she truly feels like she, Aaron and Leslie are a “small army” raising METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

27

MAY 2016

“She’s really hard not to like,” Stephanie said of Leslie. “She’s really, really great and we get along really well so it makes the whole divorce and shared custody thing so much easier.”

“Your kids are always watching,” she said.

“So whether I like my situation at the time or not, I always have to remember to model what I really believe for Reagan.”

exploring oklahoma with children

BY HANNAH SCHMITT PHOTOS COURTESY OF OKLAHOMA AGRITOURISM

O

oklahoma Jelly-Making Trails Provide Fresh Fun

klahoma City metro kids certainly live in a sweet spot. The city offers plenty of urban attractions and excitement but Oklahoma's rich agricultural history is still very much alive on the outskirts. Several local farms open their barn doors each spring and summer to give city-dwellers an inside look at farm life.

plot about 50 farms throughout the state where visitors can pick up locally-grown produce and make something special at home.

Oklahoma Agritourism has coordinated a statewide effort this summer to help farm visitors get the most out of their rural experiences. Their new Jelly-Making Trails

"You can't get any fresher than seeing it grow, picking it yourself and taking it home to make something with it," Cummings said.

"We're providing two family experiences

Jamie Cummings, the program administrator for Oklahoma Agritourism, said the trails were designed to promote you-pick farms and specialty crop farms throughout the state.

The trails, funded by a specialty crop block grant, will direct travelers to farms selling pre-made items like jams, jellies and salsas using farm fresh produce as well as farms that provide experiences for visitors to pick produce themselves.

because we want families to pick the produce themselves then go home and spend time making something together."

Cummings said many parents today remember making jams and jellies with their grandparents, but that practice is quickly fading.

"What we hear each year is that the jellymaking crop is selling out fast because people want to get back to their roots," she said. "Not many people have a grandma anymore they've done that with. We're three generations plus from the farm lifestyle so they might not have seen their mom do that but they want to share it with their own kids."

In addition to being a fun outdoor activity, Cummings said she's excited to share the trail

Territorial Fun Day Camp

with families because it offers a chance for kids to better understand where food comes from and how hard farmers in our region work to grow items for people to eat.

Crestview Farms in northeast Edmond is open year-round and is on the Jelly-Making Trail. The organic farm grows a vast amount of vegetables and herbs in cool and warm weather and invites families to come pick their own blackberries each summer.

Susan Graff owns the farm and said she loves giving her guests a tour of the farm, letting them taste samples and meet the goats and chickens on the property. It's the same kind of experience Pati Colston desired for her own property in Mustang.

Colston is a clinical social worker who bought a farm in Mustang about eight years ago. She toured several berry farms throughout the state before deciding she wanted to open up her own farm to families.

"I have worked with kids for years so I was really excited about sharing that farm experience with families," Colston said. "I'd go on these other berry farms and it's just an

Kids going into the 1st through 6th grades are invited to participate in the Harn Homestead’s summer day camp, to be held June 20-24 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Campers will participate in hands-on experiences about Oklahoma agriculture, crafts, games and other activities.

Before and after care is available for an additional fee. Cost is $175 each (siblings discount available).

ENROLL TODAY by calling or emailing 405-235-4058 info@harnhomestead.com 1721 N. Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City www.harnhomestead.com

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

30

MAY 2016

incredible experience to feel so inspired by seeing where your food comes from and how friendly everyone is."

Colston's farm, Agape House Berry Farm, is on the Jelly-Making Trail and will be open to visitors for the first time this summer.

In addition to picking blackberries, young visitors will enjoy a large sandbox and a tire fort.

"You just feel like you can take a deeper breath of air out here," Colston said of her farm. "I think it's so special for kids to be able to play in wide open spaces, hear the birds singing during the day and see the stars in the evening. It's so refreshing to be outside and it's important to know where your food comes from so we hope to provide all that to families."

Participating farms will have special crop stickers and jelly jar labels to give to families who want to purchase produce to cook with at home. Cummings is encouraging Jelly-Making Trails travelers to use the hashtag #jellyismyjam on social media to track their trail experiences.

[Editor's Note: There are almost 50 farms on the Jelly-Making Trails, many of them within a couple hours of the Oklahoma City metro. For a map of the participating farms complete with contact information and addresses, visit www.oklahomaagritourism. com.]

Community Sponsor of Exploring Oklahoma:

Built to hold your most precious cargo.

Bob Moore Subaru Visit Our NEW Location 13010 N. Kelley, Oklahoma City, OK 73114 405-749-9049 www.bobmooresubaru.com

Purchase or lease any new (previously untitled) Subaru and receive a complimentary factory scheduled maintenance plan for 2 years or 24,000 miles (whichever comes ďŹ rst.) Customer must take delivery before 12-31-2016 and reside within the promotional area. At participating dealers only. See retailer for the Subaru Added Security Maintenance Plan for intervals, coverages and limitations, program details and eligibility.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

31

MAY 2016

May

Sun 1

FREE Uptown 23rd Farmer’s Market from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Listen to Your Mother at Will Rogers Theatre at 3 p.m.

8

2

Mon 3

FREE First Mondays for Teacher Appreciation Day Kids at Sam Noble Museum FREE Wheeler Criterium from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the Wheeler District every Tuesday from 5 – 8:30 p.m.

9

FREE Story Time at Green Bambino at 11:30 a.m.

Happy Mother's Day!

great for teens

date night idea

fitness event

10 National Clean Your Room Day

15

16

17

22

23

LAST DAY! Jungle Book Spring Festival at Myriad Gardens from 10 a.m – 5 p.m.

FREE Lunar Sooners Astronomy Presentation at Midwest City Library at 7 – 8:30 p.m.

24

29

30

31

Chuck Wagon Gathering & Children's Cowboy Festival at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum on Saturday & Sunday

Memorial Day

Italian Festival in McAlester FREE Art Moves at rotating all weekend long downtown venues from noon – 1 p.m.

perfect for preschoolers

worth the drive

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

Tue

32

MAY 2016

Tiny Tuesdays at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art from 10 a.m. – noon

Tuesday Night Classics at Harkins Theatre at 7 p.m.

FREE Teddy Bear Picnic at the Southern Oaks Library from 6 – 6:45 p.m.

4

Wed Thu 5

Fri

6

Sat

7

Salsa Dance Class at Myriad Art After 5 Rooftop Gardens from 6:30 – 7:30 Summer Concert Series p.m. at Oklahoma City Museum of Art from 5 – 9 p.m.

Charolotte’s Web at the FREE RIVERSPORT Oklahoma Children’s Theatre Rapids Grand Opening at 11 a.m.

Celebration in the Boathouse District all weekend long

11

12

13

14 FREE Fairy Ball in the

18

19

21

Ellie Goulding in Concert at the Zoo Amphitheater.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

FREE Third Thursdays at Gaylord Pickens Museum at 10 a.m.

20

25

26

27

28

FREE Building Bridges Workshop at Almonte Library from 6 – 7 p.m

Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark through Sunday

FREE Opening Reception of O. Gail Poole: Rediscovered Oklahoma Master at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame at the GaylordPickens Museum from 5 – 7 p.m.

FREE Summer Reading Kickoff at the Mustang Library from 5:30 – 8 p.m.

FREE American Ninja Warrior City Final at the Oklahoma State Capitol from 8 p.m – 2 a.m.

FREE Exchange on Film Row from 6 – 10 p.m.

FREE Minions Movie in the Park at Central Park in Moore from 7 – 10 p.m.

Paseo Arts District from 7 – 9 p.m.

FREE Tour De Moore Bike Event at 9:30 a.m.

Artesian Arts Festival in Sulphur from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Find all these May events and hundreds more at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/calendar

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

33

PHOTO BY STACY NOAKES MAY 2016

NATIONAL COWBOY & WESTERN HERITAGE MUSEUM®

May 28 & 29 Annual Chuck Wagon Festival 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Sample chuck wagon eats, enjoy a Medicine Show and hands-on Wild West art in the galleries & gardens. Wear your western duds to learn roping and leatherwork and visit the Saloon for real sarsaparilla! The Dogwood Foundation is presenting sponsor of this two-day festival.

Tickets are $15, members and kids 12 & under free. Additional Support: Shawnee Mills, Bimbo Bakeries, American Girl®, Rodeo Opry, Granville Community Music School, and Great Plains CocaCola Bottling Company

Saturdays For Kids 10:00 a.m. – Noon

Free with RSVP to (405) 478-2250 ext. 264 May 7 - Culture Quests in the West Celebrate the closing of five exhibitions with make-and-take bolo ties, wildlife silhouette painting, and the Culture Quests in the West scavenger hunt to earn a star-shaped metal badge & get sworn in as Western rock stars!

NEW Exhibition Opening May 27!

Visit our new exhibition about the art of award winning watercolorist, Lowell Ellsworth Smith, as we explore his personal process and approach with 20 of his watercolors about the American West.

may

events this MAY 2-5 Oklahoma City Dodgers vs New Orleans Zephrys at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (2 S. Mickey Mantle Dr) $8-$24. 7:05pm.

Also held: 5/14-17 vs Las Vegas; 5/19-22 vs Salt Lake & 5/31-6/3 vs Iowa. 218-1000, www.okcdodgers.com

THROUGH MAY 6 Charlotte’s Web at Oklahoma Children’s Theatre (2501 N Blackwelder) tells the memorable story of Wilbur, a little pig who becomes famous with the help of his clever friend Charlotte and their chatty animal neighbors. See website for show times. Adults, $10; kids (2-12), $8. 606-7003, www.oklahomachildrenstheatre.org

THROUGH MAY 7 Hairspray at Pollard Theatre (120 W Harrison Ave, Guthrie) is a family-friendly musical piled bouffant high with laughter, romance and deliriously tuneful songs. $15-$30. Thursday – Sunday, 8pm. 282-2800, www.thepollard.org

MAY 4 • WEDNESDAY Salsa Dance Class at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno) features a one-hour lesson on the steps of salsa dancing. For 13 & up. Preregister.

Members, $10; non-members, $15. 6:30-7:30pm.

445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org

MAY 5 • THURSDAY FREE First Thursdays On the Lawn on Western Avenue (6233 N Western Ave) is a monthly, family-friendly evening offering food trucks, live music, yard games and more. Also held: 6/2. 5-8pm. www.visitwesternavenue.com

MAY 6 • FRIDAY Space Day Celebration at Science Museum Oklahoma (2020 Remington Pl) features handson activities and live demonstrations in addition to the permanent exhibits highlighting space.

Free with admission. 9am-5pm. 602-6664, www.sciencemuseumok.org

1700 Northeast 63rd Street Oklahoma City, OK 73111 Open daily 10:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

FREE Cinco de Mayo en Calle Dos Cinco Celebration in the Historic Capitol Hill District (SW 25th St between Harvey & Robinson) is a family-friendly street festival featuring food trucks, music, cultural folkforic dance

by Norahua, Salsa dance instruction by Marti Rickman, youth boxing exhibition and a student art exhibition. 6-10pm. 632-0133, www.HistoricCapitolHill.com

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

34

MAY 2016

FREE First Friday Gallery Walk in the Paseo District (NW 30th & 27th St, Walker & Hudson Ave) features special themed exhibits, refreshments, guest artists, a variety of entertainment and food trucks. 6-10pm. www.thepaseo.com An Evening to Remember: A Night in Emerald City at Aloft Hotel (209 N Walnut Ave) features an evening of food and entertainment to reengage your inner child. Benefits CASA of Oklahoma County. $45 individual, $80 couples.

6:30-9pm. 713-6456, www.okcountycasa.org/etr/

MAY 6 & 7 OKC Philharmonic Pops Series: Classic FM Radio Hits at the Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) features five decades of America’s favorite radio hits. $19-$65. 8pm. 297-2264, www.okcphilharmonic.org

MAY 6-8 FREE Rose Rock Music Festival in Downtown Noble (304 S Main St, Noble) features live music, a carnival, art and craft vendors, festival food, a parade, car show and more. See website for a complete schedule. Free admission. Friday, 5pm; Saturday & Sunday, 10am. www nobleok.org/ rose-rock-music-festival/

MAY 7 • SATURDAY Oklahoma City Promise Walk for Preeclampsia at the Bob Hope Pavilion at Stars and Stripes Park (3701 S Lake Hefner Dr) features a family-friendly walk with refreshments, raffle/silent auction and a children's area with games and crafts. Strollers and dogs on leashes are welcome too. 8am-1pm. 343-0395, www. promisewalk.org/oklahomacity AutismOklahoma PieceWalk & 5K at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (2 S Mickey Mantle Dr) features a walk, 5K and resource fair for families affected by autism as well as family entertainment including face painting, fun characters, music and activity tables. Walk and activities, free. 5K prices vary. 7:30am. www.piecewalk.org Great Strides Walk at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno) features food trucks, a one-mile walk, clowns and the annual Hero of our Hearts awards. Proceeds benefit Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Participation prices vary.

9-11am. www.fightcf.cff.org

Color Me Rad 5K at State Fair Park (3001 General Pershing Blvd) features just over three miles of twists and turns filled with colorful surprises including a slime station, color gel and more. Prices vary. 9am-noon. www.colormerad.com OKC Garden Fest at the Oklahoma City Farmer’s Public Market (311 S Klein Ave) features Oklahoma herb & plant growers, wineries, produce, garden art, local food trucks, gardening demonstrations, kids activities and more. 9am-4pm. 255-1707, www.facebook.com/ OKC-Garden-Fest-464054153736037/ Prague Kolache Festival in downtown Prague (1107 N Broadway Ave, Prague) features traditional dance performances, music, food, crafts, a parade and carnival rides. See website for complete schedule. 9am. 567-4866, www.praguekolachefestival.com Bob Moore All Ford Car & Truck Show at Bob Moore Ford Dealership (8948 I-35 Service Rd) features all models of Ford cars & trucks, new and old. Free to attend. 9am-3pm. www.okmustangclub.com FREE Storybook Hour at Cuppies & Joe (727 NW 23rd St). Children listen to a story while parents enjoy coffee and conversation.

10-11am. Also held: 5/21. 528-2122, www.cuppiesandjoe.com FREE Make Your Own Signature Tea Class at Norman Central Library (225 N Webster Ave, Norman). Enjoy samples of homemade flavored teas and take the opportunity to make three varieties for yourself to take home. Preregister.

Best suited for ages 13 & up. 10am-noon.

701-2620, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org Mother’s Day Flower Arranging Class at Will Rogers Gardens (3400 NW 36th St). Make mom a beautiful bouquet using unique containers and a bounty of beautiful blooms from the gardens.

Material provided. Preregister. $10 per bouquet.

10:30am-noon. 297-1392, www.okc.gov/active FREE Explore the Outdoors: A Day in the Park at Lake Murray State Park (13528 Scenic HWY 77, Ardmore) features hands-on activities designed for ages 4-8 and guided nature walks for the whole family. 10am-2:30pm. 580-223-4044, www.travelok.com Festival of the Child at Yukon City Park (2200 S Holly Ave, Yukon) features over 50 areas of fun activities including kayaking, moon bounces, crafts, pony rides, storytelling and more. All activities are geared for children 12 and under. $5 in advance, $7 day of event. Adults are free.

10am-4pm. 354-8442, www.cityofyukonok.gov El Reno Fried Onion Burger Day in Downtown El Reno features the world’s largest fried onion burger, carnival rides, games, live entertainment, the annual Bun Run and more. Free to attend.

10am-5pm. www.elrenoburgerday.wordpress.com

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

35

ADDITIONAL EXHIBIT TICKET REQUIRED. FREE FOR MUSEUM MEMBERS.

2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman, OK 73072-7029 (405) 325-4712 samnoblemuseum.ou.edu

Sponsored by

The University of Oklahoma is an equal oppor tunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo.

For accommodations on the basis of disability, please call (405) 325-4712.

MAY 2016

STAY COOL

THIS SUMMER in the world of science, technology, art, engineering and math (STEAM).

may

events this

Mother’s Day Celebration at Orr Family Farm (14400 S Western Ave). Moms get free admission.

Admission applies for all other visitors. $11.50.

10am-6pm. 799-3276, www.orrfamilyfarm.com FREE Bear Snores On Program at the Belle Isle Library (5501 N Villa Ave) investigates why some animals hibernate. Program does include live animals but no bears. All ages are welcome. Preregister. 11am-noon. 843-9601, www.metrolibrary.org

These camps foster valuable 21st century life skills including problem-solving, creativity and collaboration while providing opportunities to create positive change and innovate a better world. There has never been a more important time to learn code, game design, app development, robotics, 3D printing and more for our industry leading instructors. ¨ CSI: OKC ¨ Coding and Robotics ¨ Grossology and Sticky Science ¨ 3D Printing and Design Lab ¨ Make your Own App Lab

rosestate.augusoft.net 405.733.7333

FREE Super Hero Party at the Downtown Library (300 Park Ave) features Avengers and Star Wars-themed crafts, photos with your favorite character cutouts and more. Attendees are encouraged to dress in costume or create one at the party. Best suited for ages 5 & up. Preregister. 11am-1pm. 231-8650, www.metrolibrary.org FREE PURE Initiative Luncheon at Victory Church (4300 N Macarthur Blvd) features child advocate Alex Corbitt & a panel of local organizations that provide opportunities to help at-risk families. 11am-2pm. 787-4200, www.familycrisisministry.com

FREE Angry Birds Bird House Workshop at Home Depot locations (various locations) features a free hands-on workshop to build an Angry Birds-themed birdhouse. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a free certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Preregister. 9am-noon. www.homedepot.com FREE Saturdays for Kids: Culture Quests in the West at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) features a scavenger hunt and more exploring several temporary exhibits. For children ages 4-12 accompanied by an adult. Preregister by noon on the Friday before the program. 10am-noon.

Museum admission included. 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org FREE ZOOmba with the Oklahoma City Zoo at the Bethany Library (3510 N Mueller Ave, Bethany). Learn the move-it and groove-it secrets animals use to stay healthy in a fun, music-filled workout. Program will include live animals from the zoo. 2-2:45pm. 789-8363, www.metrolibrary.org

Pet Festival at Melrose Center (7800 W Melrose Ln) features a pet show, pet costume contest and best trick contest. All pets must be on a leash or in cage. $5 per contest entry. Noon-4pm.

297-1431, www.okc.gov/parks/

FREE Red Brick Nights Street Festival in downtown Guthrie (Oklahoma & Wentz Ave, Guthrie) features rotating pop-up shops, food trucks and live music on the first Saturday of each month. Free to attend. 5pm. 282-1947, www.guthriechamber.com/red-brick-nights/

First Saturday Hands-on History at the Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zudhi Dr) features a variety of activities throughout the museum including crafts, coloring, handson carts and educational trunks. May’s theme is Military Appreciation Month. Free with admission. 1-4pm. 521-2491, www.okhistory.org

Cowboys of Color at Jim Norick Arena at State Fair Park (3001 General Pershing Blvd) features over 200 culturally diverse cowboys and cowgirls in traditional rodeo events including bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, bronc busting and barrel racing. $12-$23. 7pm.

948-6800, www.okstatefair.com

FREE Fishing Days at OKC Lakes (various locations). No city permit is required; however a state license is for anyone 16 and older. www.okc.gov/lakes FREE Comic Book Day at participating retailers (various locations). Retailers will give out free comics books including stories from Marvel, DC and more while supplies last. Visit www.freecomicbookday.com to find a location.

FREE Hooked on Fishing Lessons at Edwards Park Lake (1515 N Bryant) is a youth fishing class for kids ages 5-15.

Young anglers learn fishing basics including knot-tying, casting, fish identification, angler ethics and fishing regulations. All participants must be accompanied by an adult. Preregister.

8-10am. Also held: 5/14 & 21. 297-1426, www.okc.gov/lakes/lessons

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

36

MAY 2016

MAY 7 & 8 Oklahoma Orchid Society Mother’s Day Show & Sale at Biltmore Hotel (401 South Meridian Ave) features hundreds of beautiful orchids on display and on sale as well as care items and orchid-inspired art and jewelry. 10am-4pm.

478-5789, www.oosorchids.org FREE RIVERSPORT Rapids Grand Opening Celebration in the Boathouse District (800 Riversport Dr) features Team USA’s Road to Rio Tour, US Olympic Trials, a rowing regatta, live musical performances, fireworks and more. Free admission; parking & activity fees apply. 10am-10pm. 552-4040, www.boathousedistrict.org/whitewater

Mother’s Day Celebration at the Chickasaw Cultural Center (867 Cooper Memorial Dr, Sulphur). Moms get FREE admission to the Chikasha Poya Exhibit Center and free cookies and tea in the Aaimpa' Café. Adults, $6; Moms & kids under 12, free. Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, noon-5pm. 580-622-7130, www.chickasawculturalcenter.com Mother’s Day River Cruise on the Oklahoma River (all landings). Moms ride free with their kids. See website for departures. Adults, $6; kids, $3, kids (6 & under), free. 702-7755, www.okrivercruises.com

MAY 8 • SUNDAY Mother’s Day in the Gardens at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno) features FREE admission to the Crystal Bridge for moms with a paid family member. Adults, $8; kids (412), $5; kids (under 4), free. 11am-5pm. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org Mother’s Day Buffet at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) features a variety of specialty items provided by the Oklahoma City Petroleum Club. Reservations required. Adults, $28; kids (5-10), $14; kids (4 & under), free. 11am-2pm. 232-1184, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org Mother’s Day at Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman). Moms receive complimentary admission. Adults, $8; kids (4-17) & seniors (65 & up), $5; kids (3 & under), free. 1-5pm. 325-4712, www.samnoblemuseum.ou.edu Harry Connick, Jr. in Concert at the Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave). $79-$89.

7:30pm. 297-2264, www.okcciviccenter.com

MAY 10 • TUESDAY Story Time Science at Science Museum Oklahoma (2100 NE 52nd St) features a themed story and corresponding activity at various locations throughout the museum.

10-10:30am. Free with admission. 602-6664, www.sciencemuseumok.org Art in Public Places Tour in Edmond (various locations). Learn the stories behind the works during a walking and driving tour throughout the city. The tour begins at Mitch Park and transportation will be provided. Also held: 5/21 from 9am-noon. Preregister. $10. 1-4pm.

359-4630, www.edmondparks.com Crooked Oak Fun Run & Carnival at the Crooked Oak Campus (1901 S Eastern Ave) features a family-friendly carnival with fun games, bounce houses, face painting, food, raffles, a one mile fun run and more to benefit a 6th grade student at Crooked Oak Middle School.

Preregister for run. Fun run, $15-$20; carnival, prices vary. 4:30-6pm. www.crookedoak.org

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

37

MAY 2016

may

events this MAY 11 • WEDNESDAY FREE Building Bridges Workshop at Almonte Library (2914 SW 59th St). Learn the basic principles of building suspension bridges using only construction paper and masking tape.

A prize will be given to the bridge that withstands a massive earthquake! Preregister. Best suited for ages 9 & up. 6-7pm. 606-3575, www.metrolibrary.org James C. Meade Friends’ Lecture Series at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features a panel of museum professionals discussing evolution of art museums. Members, free; non-members, $5. 6-7pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

MAY 12-14 Swap Meet (712 E Choctaw Ave, Chickasha) features parts, accessories, cars, trucks, auto literature, memorabilia, signs, tires, glass, and antiques. Admission free; parking $5. 7:30am-7:30pm. 224-6552, www.chickashaautoswapmeet.com

MAY 12 • THURSDAY FREE Opening Reception of O. Gail Poole: Rediscovered Oklahoma Master at GaylordPickens Museum (1400 Classen Dr) features portraits and landscapes by the fourthgeneration Oklahoma artist. 5-7pm. 235-4458, www.oklahomahof.com FREE Teen Night: Stop Motion at the Mustang Library (1201 N Mustang Rd, Mustang). Teens can create their own characters, plot and stop motion animation movie. Best suited for ages 12-17. Preregister. 6:30-7:30pm. 376-2226.

Nature for Adults: Natural Tye Dye Night at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Learn the history of some of the natural dyes and make a creation of your own. Don’t forget to bring your t-shirt. Preregister. $5. 6:30-8pm.

297-1429, www.okc.gov/active

MAY 13 • FRIDAY FREE 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk in the Norman Arts District (downtown Norman) features a monthly celebration of the arts in Norman. 6-9pm. www.2ndfridaynorman.com

WWW.CHICKASAWCULTURALCENTER.COM

SULPHUR, OK • 580 . 622 . 7130

FREE Movie Night in the Park at Mitch Park (1501 W Covell Rd) features an outdoor screening of Hotel Transylvania 2. Concessions available for purchase. Movies begin at dusk. 359-4630, www.facebook.com/edmondparksandrec

CONNECT WITH US:

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

38

MAY 2016

FREE LIVE on the Plaza in the Plaza District (1700 block of NW 16th St) features artists, live music, special events, local shopping and more on the second Friday of the month. 7-11pm. www.plazadistrict.org/live/

MAY 13 & 14 FREE American Ninja Warrior City Final at the Oklahoma State Capitol (2300 N Lincoln Blvd) features two filmings of the NBC show.

Free to attend, tickets are required. 5pm-midnight & midnight-5am. http://on-camera-audiences. com/shows/American_Ninja_Warrior

MAY 13-15 Arts for All Festival at Shelper Park (W Gore Blvd, Lawton) features 90 artists, two stage with live entertainment, youth art competition, children’s art tent and multicultural food vendors.

Free to attend. Friday, 4-8pm; Saturday, 10am8pm & Sunday, 11am- 5pm. 580-248-5384, www.lawtonafa.org

MAY 14 • SATURDAY FREE VDubs on Western Show in the Will Rogers Theatre Parking Lot (4322 N Western Ave) features a collection of the ever-popular Volkswagen automobiles from the VW Club of Oklahoma. Attendees will get the chance to vote for their favorite in the "People's Choice" awards.

10am-2pm. www.vwclubokc.org Red Day Run at Mitch Park (1501 W Covell Rd, Edmond), organized by Keller Williams Realty, features a 5K and one mile fun run benefiting a selection of local charities. Registrants can choose between four options. Adults, $35; kids, $10. 9am. 532-6969, www.facebook.com/ CentralOKRedDay Harrah Heritage Fest & Chili Dog Fun Run at Harrah Heritage Park (1374 N Church Ave, Harrah) features local musicians, food, a chili cook off, chili dog fun run and more. Free to attend; chili cook off, $20; fun run, $15; tasting bowl, $5. 10am-4pm. 454-2951, www.cityofharrah.com Indie Trunk Show at State Fair Park Cox Pavilion (3001 General Pershing Blvd) over 200 local artists, crafters, re-purposers, boutiques, and small businesses offering homemade, vintage and re-purposed items. $5. 10am-5pm. www.indietrunkshowokc.com

may

FREE + FAMILY + ART

events this

Free Super SONIC Make + Take Event 1-4 p.m.

Saturday, May 14 NW 11th + Broadway Combine light, sound and music for a kaleidoscope of fun. Outdoor activities include individual and group art projects, and snow cones, face painters and a DJ will keep things hopping. Celebrate the joy of spring, community and, above all, creativity.

More info: 405 951 0000 oklahomacontemporary.org

Okie Sampler & Chester’s Country Craft Fair at Chester’s Party Barn & Farm (5201 Cimarron Rd NW, Piedmont) features vendors from across the state, live music, inflatables, pony rides and other fun activities for kids as well as food trucks. $5, kids fest, free with admission. 10am-4pm.

373-1595, www.chesterspartybarn.com

FREE Paseo Arts District Fairy Ball at the Crown Heights Christian Church Amphitheater (3700 N Walker Ave) features an enchanted world of make believe, costumes and dancing. Children are welcome to come dressed as a character from an enchanted garden and add finishing touches at the ball. 7-9pm. 252-2688, www.thepaseo.com

The Pretend Friends Show at District House (1755 NW 16th St) is a 40-minute puppet show highlighting classic holiday tales, silly riddles and nursery mysteries. All ages welcome. $5; kids (under 2), free. 242-3546, www.facebook. com/PreTendFriends

Luke Bryan in Concert at Chesapeake Energy Arena (100 W Reno) features his Kill the Lights Tour with special performance by Little Big Town and Dustin Lynch. $36.25 - $71.25. 7:30pm.

602-8700, www.chesapeakearena.com

FREE Hooked on Fishing Lessons at Metro Tech Springlake (NE 36th & Springlake Dr) is a youth fishing class for kids ages 5-15.

Young anglers learn fishing basics including knot-tying, casting, fish identification, angler ethics and fishing regulations. All participants must be accompanied by an adult. Preregister.

8-10am. Also held: 5/21. 297-1426, www.okc.gov/lakes/lessons.html Opening Day at Andy Alligator’s Water Park (3300 Market Place Dr, Norman). Prices vary.

11am-6pm. www.andyalligators.com FREE Super SONIC Make + Take at Oklahoma Contemporary’s Showroom (NW 11th & Broadway) features a variety of individual art projects from sun prints, stamped windsocks, paper tambourines to chalk art. Attendees can also enjoy snow cones, face painters and a DJ. All activities are free, all ages are welcome. 1-4pm.

951-0000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org

MAY 14 & 15 Italian Festival at the McAlester Expo Center (4500 W Hwy 270, McAlester) features Italian foods, live entertainment, shopping, and kids activities including pony rides, Italian games and more. Free to attend. Saturday, 9am-8pm; Sunday, noon-4pm. www.themcalesteritalianfestival.org

MAY 15 • SUNDAY FREE Uptown 23rd Farmers Market (Walker Ave between 23rd & 24th St) is a family-friendly market featuring local vendors as well as live music, workshop and more. 10am-2pm. www.uptown23rd.com/farmers-market/ FREE Card Game Day at the Norman Central Library (225 N Webster Ave, Norman). Staff from Denexa Games will teach the basics of classic games like Hearts, Spades, Canasta and Contract Bridge. All ages welcome. 1-6pm.

701-2620, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org

FREE Snakes 101 at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd) features the Oklahoma Herpetological Society as they present basic snake habits and habitats, as well as talk about venomous snakes, how to identify them and why they're important to our eco-system. All ages welcome. Preregister. 3-4pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/active

FREE Oklahoma City Handbell Ensemble in Concert at First United Methodist Church of Piedmont (2525 Piedmont Rd N, Piedmont).

Audiences will be taken under the sea, over the rainbow and into galaxies far, far away during the one-hour concert. Donations accepted. 2-3pm.

Also held: 7:30-8:30pm 5/20 & 5/21 at other locations. 757-4643, www.okcbells.com

A Banjo Salute to Steve Martin at the American Banjo Museum (29 E Sheridan Ave) features a concert of songs and a touch of comedy by Lucas Ross. Free with admission. 3:30pm. 604-2793, www.americanbanjomuseum.com

A Streetcar Named Desire at OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center Theatre (7777 S May Ave) features a National Theatre Live broadcast of Tennessee William’s timeless masterpiece. $15.

6-10pm. 682-7579, tickets.occc.edu

FREE Beats & Bites at Riverwind Casino (1544 W State Hwy 9, Norman) is a familyfriendly music and food truck festival featuring local food trucks, live entertainment and local vendors. 6-10pm. 322-6000, www.facebook.com/ RiverwindCasino

FREE Oklahoma Lawyers for Children’s Annual Picnic for Foster Families in Chandler features a day of fun, free food, horseback riding, face painting, fishing and more. 11:30am-4pm.

232-4453, www.olfc.org/picnic/

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

40

MAY 2016

Oklahoma City Energy FC vs San Antonio FC at Taft Stadium ( NW 27th St ). $10-$48.

7pm. Also held: 5/24 vs Rio Tinto. 235-KICK, www.energyfc.com

MAY 17 • TUESDAY Tiny Tuesdays at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features a guest artist led, come & go art making geared for kids ages 2 -5 years old with a caregiver. No reservation required. 10am-noon. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com FREE Bullying Prevention Community Connection Night at the Downtown Library (300 Park Ave) is a community forum workshop connecting students and adults with community resources and prevention practices. 6-8pm.

231-8650, www.metrolibrary.org

MAY 18 • WEDNESDAY Ellie Goulding in Concert at the Zoo Amphitheater (2101 NE 50th St) with special guests Years & Years and Bebe Rexha. All ages welcome. $35 & up. Gates open at 5:30pm.

602-0683, www.thezooamphitheatre.com

MAY 19 • THURSDAY FREE Third Thursdays at Gaylord Pickens Museum (1400 N Classen Dr) features a Travelling to the Moon theme story time and craft.

Includes free admission to the museum. 10am.

235-4458, www.oklahomahof.com FREE Native American Art Institute at Southern Oaks Recreation Center (400 SW 70th St) features a monthly art workshop to learn a new art form from Native American teachers.

May’s project is Dreamcatchers. 7-9pm.

297-1449, www.okc.gov/parks

MAY 20 • FRIDAY Endangered Species Day at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Learn about the kinds of changes that influence animal populations and diversity, and hear about endangered species in the US and Oklahoma.

Best suited for ages 6 & up. Preregister. $5.

6-8pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/active FREE Exchange on Film Row (Sheridan & Lee Ave) is a monthly street festival featuring an array of pop-ups shops, live music, food trucks, children’s activities and more. 6-10pm. www.filmrowokc.com

Hotel Transylvania 2 | May 13 | Mitch Park | Dark Pan | June 10 | Mitch Park | Dark Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb July 8 | Stephenson Park | Dark Peanuts | August 12 | Mitch Park | Dark

MAY 20-22 Oklahoma Modernism Weekend at First Christian Church (3700 N Walker Ave) is a family-friendly festival featuring an outdoor flea market, fashion show, ultra-lounge dance party, vintage car show, mid-century modern market, architectural tours and more. See website for a schedule of events. Free to attend. www.okcmod.com

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

friday night fun for the entire family!

41

MAY 2016

Admission is free, concessions are $1 each.

In case of inclement weather, movies will be rescheduled for a TBD date. edmondparks.com | 405.359.4630

Follow us on

may

events this MAY 20 & 21 May Daze Festival in Downtown Blanchard (Main St, Blanchard) celebrates the unofficial start to summer with live entertainment, a carnival, food, shopping, the annual Diaper Derby, a turtle race and more. Free admission. 10am-8pm. 4858787, blanchardchamber.publishpath.com/events

MAY 21 • SATURDAY FREE Tour De Moore Bike Event at Moore City Hall (301 N Broadway Ave, Moore) features a 6.3 mile bike route or a one-mile tour. All experience levels welcome. Preregister. 9:30am. 793-5054, www.cityofmoore.com Family Art Market at the MAC at Mitch Park (2733 Marilyn Williams Dr, Edmond). Enjoy some crafting and art projects with a varied collection of art supplies. Best suited for ages 2 & up.

Registration is not required. $5. 10am-noon. 3594630, www.facebook.com/edmondparksandrec Armed Forces Day at Oklahoma River Cruises (all landings) Active duty and retired military ride for free with military ID. $3-$15. 11:30am-5pm.

702-7755, www.okrivercruises.com FREE Edmond Authors’ Book Fair at the Edmond Historical Society & Museum (431 S Boulevard, Edmond) features books by local authors from a variety of genres as well as a children’s reading corner and a familyfriendly activity. 1-4pm. 340-0078, www.edmondhistory.org FREE Toads and Frogs Talk at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd ). Learn about what makes frogs and toads unique and why they are beneficial for insect population control.

Best suited for ages 6 & up. Preregister. 3-4pm.

297-1429, www.okc.gov/active

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

42

MAY 2016

FREE Heard on Hurd Street Fest (Broadway between 1st & Hurd, Edmond) features local food, unique shopping and live music. 6-10pm. www.citizensedmond.com/heardonhurd.htm The Beach Boys in Concert at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave). All net proceeds raised will be donated to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s Food for Kids program. $63-$108.

7pm. 297-2264, www.okcciviccenter.com FREE Hooked on Fishing Lessons at South Lakes East Pond (4302 SW 119th St) is a youth fishing class for kids ages 5-15. Young anglers learn fishing basics including knot-tying, casting, fish identification, angler ethics and fishing regulations. All participants must be accompanied by an adult. Preregister. 8-10am.

297-1426, www.okc.gov/lakes/lessons

FREE Summer Kick Off at Will Rogers Park (3201 NW Grand Blvd) features games, face painting, a photo booth, Zumba, basketball and performing arts. 10am-2pm. 297-1392, www.okc.gov/parks Opening Day at White Water Bay (3908 W Reno). Over 48”, $28.99; under, $24.99; kids (2 & under), free. 10:30am-8pm. 943-9687, www.whitewaterbay.com Rayo OKC vs Fort Lauderdale Strikers at Miller Stadium (1777 S Yukon Parkway, Yukon). $12$40. 7pm. Also held 6/4 vs Minnesota United FC. 232-RAYO, www.rayookc.com

MAY 23 • MONDAY FREE Lunar Sooners Astronomy Presentation at the Midwest City Public Library (8143 E Reno Ave, Midwest City) features astronomy demonstrations followed by a chance to try out some telescopes. 7-8:30pm. 732-4828, www.metrolibrary.org Full Moon Bike Ride and Run at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno) features a bike ride through downtown and free timed training runs. All ages welcome. $5 suggested donation.

Runs begin at 7pm; bike ride at 8pm. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org

MAY 23-29

MAY 27 • FRIDAY

Bullets Over Broadway at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) is the story of a young playwright who, in desperate need of financial backing for his next show, accepts an offer he can't refuse from a mobster looking to please his showgirl girlfriend. $20-$60.

See website for show times. 800-869-1451, www.celebrityattractions.com

Eats on 8th & Harvey Food Truck Festival and Night Market in Midtown (NW 8th St & Harvey Ave) features variety of food trucks, pop-up shops, live music, kids’ zone and more. Free to attend.

6-11pm. 234-7960, www.facebook.com/Eats-on8th-Harvey-484846148346074/

MAY 25-29 Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (2 S Mickey Mantle Dr). Eight teams compete in a single elimination tournament for the right to be crowned Big 12 Baseball Tournament Champion. $69-$169. See website for game times. www.okcallsports.org/big12baseball

FREE Summer Reading Kickoff at the Mustang Library (1201 N Mustang Rd, Mustang) features a night of fun, games and food in celebration of summer. No registration required. 5:30-8pm.

376-2226, www.mustangpubliclibrary.org

43

FREE Summer Reading Kickoff Party at the Norman West Library (300 Norman Center Ct, Norman) celebrates the summer reading program with activities, crafts and more. 5-7pm. 701-2644, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org

MAY 27-29

MAY 26 • THURSDAY

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

FREE Movie in the Park at the Central Park Amphitheater (700 S Broadway Ave, Moore) features an outdoor screening of Minions, free popcorn and $1 snow cones. Activities begin at 7pm; movie at 9pm. www.cityofmoore.com

MAY 2016

FREE Mayor’s Red Dirt Ball at Medicine Park’s Town Center Mainstage (Town Center, Medicine Park). Explore the quaint landscape of Medicine Park and enjoy music, food and fun at the threeday festival. See website for performance schedule.

580-529-2825, www.medicinepark.com

may

events this MAY 27-30 Chris Neal’s Future Stars Calf Roping Competition at Lazy E Arena (9600 Lazy E Dr, Guthrie) features a variety of youth professional roping events all weekend long.

Prices vary. See website for schedule. 282-7433, www.chrisnealsfuturestars.com

MAY 28 • SATURDAY FREE Big Summer Kick-Off at Centeral Park (700 S Broadway Ave, Moore) features a farmers’ market, live entertainment from local bands, inflatables and food trucks. 8am-4pm. 793-4332, www.cityofmoore.com Artesian Arts Festival at the Artesian Plaza (West Muskogee Ave). Celebrate creativity at the Artesian Plaza with Southeastern Native American art, food, children's activities, Native American dance performances and live music throughout the

day. Free admission. 10am-8pm. 580-272-5520, www.chickasawcountry.com

MAY 28 & 29

66 Festival in Bethany (Ashbury & College Ave) is a family-friendly event featuring food, downtown sidewalk sales, antiques, commercial exhibits, a classic car show, children's activities and a myriad of live entertainment. Free admission. See website for schedule of events.

10am-4pm. 312-0155, www.facebook.com/ BethanyImprovementFoundation

FREE Discover Aviation & Airshow Spectacular at Sundance Airport (13000 North Sara Rd). Spectators get the chance to learn about different careers in aviation, meet career pilots and watch them in action, have fun in the kids’ zone and enjoy culinary delights from local food vendors. Entry & parking are free. Gates open at 9:30am; air show starts at noon. 373-3886, www.sundanceairshow.com

Oklahoma Land Run at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Learn about the land from historical characters. Stake your claim during a simulated Land Run and enjoy an authentic meal. Participants are encourage to decorate their own wagon. All ages welcome.

Preregister by May 20. $18. 1-4pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/active

Chuck Wagon Gathering & Children’s Cowboy Festival at National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) features two days of Old West-themed fun from stagecoach and pony rides to weaving, rope making and more. One day pass, $15; Two-day pass, $22; Members & kids 12 & under, free. 10am-4pm. 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

THANK YOU Because of your support to our Annual Campaign, we were able to raise

$1,338,995

to take on the challenges ahead of us and give everyone the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

44

YMCAOKC.ORG

MAY 2016

FREE Memorial Day Celebration at the Chickasaw Cultural Center (867 Cooper Memorial, Sulphur) features cultural demonstrations, traditional games and a family film in the Anoli' Theater. Fees apply for films and admission to the exhibit halls. Saturday, 10am-5 pm; Sunday, noon-5pm. 580-622-7130, www.chickasawculturalcenter.com

MAY 28-30 Paseo Arts Festival in the Historic Paseo Arts District (3022 Paseo St.) features more than 80 artists selling original works and dozens of musicians performing on two stages. A free children’s area allows future artists to explore the arts. Saturday & Sunday, 10am- 9pm with music until 11pm; Monday, 10am-5pm. 525-2688, www.thepaseo.com

MAY 29 • SUNDAY FREE Family Film Sunday at the District House (1755 NW 16th St) features a screening of Spy Kids. 1pm. 308-2930, www.facebook.com/ familyfilmsundaydh/

MAY 30 • MONDAY OK River Fun & Dog Jog at Wiley Post Park (2021 S Robinson Ave) features a certified 5K and 3K pet-friendly option. Benefits A New Leash on Life, Inc. Registration comes with a free shirt and doggie bandana while supplies last. 5K, $25; 3K: $10 & up, kids (under 12), free with a registered adult. 8am. 604-0519, www.newleashinc.org

MAY 31 • TUESDAY FREE Opening Ceremonies of the Summer Reading Program at Norman Central Library (225 N Webster Ave) features Olympic-themed crafts, the opportunity to sign up for the summer reading program and end with a performance by the Summer Reading Roadshow. 10am-4pm.

701-2630, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org FREE Teddy Bear Picnic at Southern Oaks Public Library ( 6900 S Walker Ave) f eatures an indoor picnic, songs, stories and other fun activities. Bring your favorite stuffed bear or animal. Best suited for ages 1-5. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Preregister. 6-6:45pm.

631-4468, www.metrolibrary.org

MAY 31-JUNE 4 Oklahoma City Jazz Festival in Bricktown & Deep Duece (various locations) features s ome of the best jazz musicians in Oklahoma and beyond at both indoor and outdoor venues. Color Me Badd will perform Thursday at the Criterion. Visit website for schedule of performances. Prices vary.

630-7668, www.okcjazzfest.com

JUNE 2 • THURSDAY FREE First Thursdays On the Lawn on Western Avenue (6233 N Western Ave) is a

monthly, family-friendly evening offering food trucks, live music and yard games. 5-8pm. www.visitwesternavenue.com

JUNE 2-5 Route 66 Triathlon at Lake El Reno (801 Babcock Dr, El Reno) features a full series of events for all ages and experience levels including a free social Splash-n-Dash, open water swimming clinics for adults and kids, the Oklahoma State Olympic Distance Triathlon Championship, a sprint distance triathlon as well as a stage of the SMW Regional Youth Triathlon series. $30 & up. See website for schedule. 230-8151, www.signmeup. com/site/reg/register.aspx?fid=382VMH7

JUNE 2-8 NCAA Women’s College World Series at ASA National Softball Hall of Fame & Museum (2801 NE 50th St). College teams will compete for the National Championship title. Ticket prices vary. See website for game times. 424-5266, www.ncaa.com/championships/softball/d1

JUNE 3 • FRIDAY Hunter Hayes in Concert at Frontier City (11501 N I-35 Service Rd). Free with admission. 478-2140, www.frontiercity.com FREE First Friday Gallery Walk in the Paseo District (NW 30th & 27th St, Walker & Hudson Ave) features special themed exhibits, refreshments, guest artists, a variety of entertainment and food trucks. 6-10pm. www.thepaseo.com FREE H&8th Night Market in Midtown (815 Hudson Ave) is now a yearly, family- and petfriendly street festival built around a lineup of the city’s top gourmet food trucks and live music in conjunction with a front row seat to the ProAm Classic. Free to attend. 7-11pm. www.h8thokc.com

JUNE 3 & 4 FREE Oklahoma Route 66 Corvette Round-Up at Hafer Park (Bryant Ave & 9th St) is a family friendly car show with food vendors, music, door prizes and a silent auction. 9am. 721-5616, www.centralokcovetteclub.org

JUNE 3-5 Small Town Weekend at El Reno’s Adams Park (2001 Park Dr, El Reno) celebrates Route 66 with a car show, Hot Wheels races, drag races, antique car cruise and more. Free to attend, activity prices vary. See website for schedule of events. www.ercruisers.com Oklahoma City Pro-Am Classic in downtown Oklahoma City (various locations) features three full days of racing for amateur and elite cyclists.

Kids can take part in the Children's Challenge or the Kids Race for free on Saturday. Preregister.

Free to watch, particpation prices vary. www.okcpac.com

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

45

MAY 2016

JUNE 4 • SATURDAY Chisholm Trail Crawfish Festival at Kirkpatrick Family Farm (1001 Garth Brooks Blvd, Yukon) f eatures a Wild West Show, Kid's Kreative Korral, living history reenactments, crawfish races, a goat grab, live Cajun music, pony rides, gunfights and more. Free to attend. 9am-6pm. 350-8937, www.cityofyukonok.gov Trucks for Tots on the lawn behind Whole Foods (62nd & Grand Blvd). Meet and interact with community's heroes and take a peek inside their exciting machines. Benefiting Infant Crisis Services. $2 suggested donation. 9am-1pm.

528-3663, www.infantcrisis.org Made in Oklahoma Wine, Beer and Food Festival at the Sheraton Midwest City Hotel at the Reed Conference Center (5750 Will Rogers Rd, Midwest City) features a "Made In Oklahoma" vendor area, culinary presentations, the classic open car, truck and motorcycle show, a grilled cheese cooking competition, food trucks, live music and more. Admission, free; 10 tastings, $20. 10am-6pm. 739-1297, www.madeinoklahomafestival.com Wines of the West at Stockyard City (1305 S Agnew Ave). Sample some of Oklahoma’s finest wines as you shop at various Stockyards City businesses. $15. Noon-4pm. 235-7267, www.stockyardscity.org First Saturday Hands-on History at the Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr.) features a variety of crafts, coloring, hands-on carts and educational trunks all centered on a monthly theme. June’s focus is School’s Out! Free with admission. 1-4pm. 521-2491, www.okhistory.org World’s Environment Day at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Celebrate the diverse and fascinating ecosystems across the globe during World Environment Day. Best suited for ages 6 & up. Preregister. 2-4pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/active

JUNE 4 & 5 FREE National Fishing Days at OKC Ponds & Lakes (various locations). No city permit is required, however a State license is require for anyone 16 & older. 297-1426, www.okc.gov/lakes

Find loads of summer fun at

www.metrofamilymagazine.com/summer

may

events this WEEKLY EVENTS

FREE Art Moves at various locations in Downtown Oklahoma City offers a free hour-long lunchtime art experience every weekday. Events run Monday-Friday, noon-1pm (unless otherwise noted), and are free and open to the public. 270-4848, www.artscouncilokc.com/art-moves

Family Night at Skate Galaxy (5800 NW 36th St). Families can enjoy admission for up to five people, pizza and drinks using the MetroFamily Family Package (coupon available at www.metrofamilymagazine. com/coupons). $29. Thursdays, 6-9pm.

602-2758, www.skategalaxyokc.com

FREE Story Time at Green Bambino (5120 N Shartel Ave) features readings of favorite books in the Green room.

Participants get 10% off all books during story time. Mondays, 11:30am; Wednesdays, 4pm & Thursdays, 10am.

848-2330, www.green-bambino.com

FREE Family Story Time at the Edmond Library (10 S Boulevard, Edmond).

Pajamas welcome. Preregister, best suited for families with kids ages 1-5 years old.

Thursdays, 6:30-7:15pm. 341-9282, www.metrolibrary.org

FREE Art Adventures at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman), for ages 3-5. Young artists are invited to experience art through books. Tuesdays, 10:30am.

325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma Tuesday Night Classics at Harkins Theatre (150 E Reno) features special presentations of classic films on the big screen every Tuesday. $5. 7pm. 231-4747, www.harkinstheatres.com/TNC Nature Play Group at Martin Park (5000 W Memorial Rd) introduces children ages 2-6 to nature using naturecentered play activities. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver. $2. Tuesdays, 10am. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/active FREE Wheeler Criterium in the Wheeler District (1701 S Western Ave) features some of Oklahoma’s top riders in fast-paced, flat track races as well as live music and food trucks. Tuesdays, 5-8:30pm. www.facebook. com/wheelercrit Toddler Story & Craft Time at Unpluggits Playstudio (575 Enterprise, Edmond) features a different story each week & a related craft time. Free with admission. Wednesdays, 11-11:30am.

340-7584, www.unpluggits.com FREE Bringing Books to Life Story Time at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno) features a weekly nature-themed story time and coordinating craft. Best suited for ages 2-5. Wednesdays, 10-11am. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

46

MAY 2016

FREE Children’s Story Time at Full Circle Books (1900 NW Expressway).

Saturdays, 10:15am. 842-2900, www.fullcirclebooks.com FREE Storytime with Mr. Steve at Barnes and Noble (540 Ed Noble Parkway, Norman) features a extremely silly story time and coloring activity. Saturdays, 11am. 579-8800 FREE Children’s Story Time at Edmond’s Best of Books (1313 E Danforth, Edmond).

Saturdays, 11-11:30am. 340-9202.

FREE Crafts for Kids at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May Ave) features a hands-on craft time for kids ages 3 & up. No reservations necessary. Saturdays, 11am3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com Roller Skating Lesson at Skate Galaxy (5800 NW 36th St) offered each Saturday.

Noon-12:45pm. $2 skate rental. 605-2758, www.skategalaxyokc.com All Star Bowling for Differently-Abled Individuals at AMF Windsor Lanes (4600 NW 23rd) invites differently-abled individuals and their friends and families to bowl on Saturdays. $8. Noon-1pm.

942-5545.

Drop in Art at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features hands-on art activities for all ages. Free with paid admission. Saturdays, 1-4pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

Come See What's NEW!

may

events this ONGOING EVENTS

MAY 6-22 The Jungle Book Spring Festival at the Children’s Garden at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno) features crafts, activities and imaginative displays inspired India’s rich culture and the story of the man cub, Mowgli. Members & kids (3 & under), free; non-members, $6. 10am-5pm. 4457080, www.myriadgardens.org

THROUGH MAY 30 Oklahoma Renaissance Festival at the Castle of Muskogee (3400 West Fern Mountain Rd, Muskogee) features costumed performers and artisans, Renaissance music, magic, comedy, juggling, jousting, tomfoolery, arts, food, drink and more.

See website for pricing. Open weekends & Memorial Day, 10:30am-6pm. www.okcastle.com

THROUGH JUNE 12 David Steele Overholt: In One Ear at Oklahoma Contemporary’s Showroom (1146 N Broadway Dr) is a kaleidoscopic study of broadcast media’s influence with a generative loop of appropriated videos beat-matched to music playing on a locally transmitted radio station, creating a nostalgic spectacle of color at night and a socially interactive environment during the day. 604-0042, www.okcontemporary.org Be the Dinosaur: Life in the Cretaceous at the Sam Noble Museum (2401 Chautauqua, Norman) features video game stations that explore what a day in the life of a dinosaur might have been like. Exhibit requires an additional ticket, museum admission is also required. Ages 4 & up, $5; 3 & under, free. Monday-Saturday, 10am5pm; Sunday, 1-5pm. 325-4712, www.samnoblemuseum.org

THROUGH JULY 30 O. Gail Poole: Rediscovered Oklahoma Master at Gaylord-Pickens Museum (1400 Classen Dr) celebrates a fourth-generation Oklahoma and an American master who influenced generations of artists with his shifts in style from Impressionism to

Modernism and all points in between.

Free with admission. Tuesday- Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday,10am-5pm. 235-4458, www.oklahomahof.com

You will be aMAZEd!

THROUGH AUG 12 Summer Wheat: Pry the Lid Off at Oklahoma Contemporary (3000 General Pershing Blvd) explores the portrayal of what Oklahoma-born artist Summer Wheat imagines behind the wall in Vermeer’s The Milk Maid. Monday-Thursday, 9am-10pm; Friday & Saturday, 9am-5pm. 951-0000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org

THROUGH AUG 21 A Tribute to America’s Combat Artists and Fighting Forces: Art from the U.S. Navy, Marines and Coast Guard at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art (1900 W MacArthur Dr, Shawnee) features artwork, from 26 artists both military men and women as well as civilians, depicting wartime and peacetime military activities.

Free with admission. Tuesday- Saturday, 10am-5pm. Sunday 1-4pm. 878-5300, www.mgmoa.org

THROUGH AUGUST 28 Our City, Our Collection: Building the Museum’s Lasting Legacy at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) tells the story of the museum’s history as it explores the rich permanent collection and some of the world’s most significant artists. Free with admission. Tuesday-Saturday, 10am5pm; Thursday, until 9pm; Sunday, noon5pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

NEW PERMANENT EXHIBIT! MAGNIFIcence at Science Museum Oklahoma (2020 Remington Pl) merges science and art with marco portraits of spiders, detailed photographs of the human iris and larger-than-life insect prints.

Explore art with digital microscopes and experiment with magnification, distortions and enlargements. Free with admission.

Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, 11-6pm. 602-6664, www.sciencemuseumok.org

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

47

MAY 2016

800-259-KIDS (5437)

jasminemoran.com OPEN T-SA, 10-5 SU - 1-5 CLOSED MONDAYS

1714 W Wrangler Blvd, Seminole, OK

1 hour east of OKC

MUST-SEE MURALS IN OKC

BY HANNAH SCHMITT PHOTOS BY MARK DOESCHER

O

klahoma City has endless ways for parents to expose their kids to the arts. Of course our city is home to awardwinning museums and regularly scheduled special arts events, but it’s also a city bursting with public art. Downtown Oklahoma City and surrounding neighborhoods feature beautiful wall murals that can teach kids a lot about creativity and expression.

Here’s a short tour through some of our favorite murals in Oklahoma City’s urban core.

We’ve included short interviews with two local artists to help spark even more creativity at home. We suggest you visit these murals with your kids this spring to get some inspiration for your next home art project.

MURAL BY RICK SINNETT LOCATED AT 200 S.E. 4TH ST. IN BRICKTOWN

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR MODELS: CONNOR, IAN AND CADE CUOMO AND PRESTON AND MAKENZIE CLEMENTS. METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

48

MAY 2016

Amanda Bradway and her husband own DNA Galleries in the Plaza District. In addition to creating this mural outside her store, Amanda is responsible for an impressive mural on Western Avenue.

HOW DID YOU GET INTERESTED IN ART? All of my friends were into art when I was in high school but I had been too afraid to ever try my hand at it since I had never been taught. Eventually I decided it didn’t matter that I didn’t have any experience; it was something I wanted to do for myself.

Art began as an outlet for me that eventually turned into a source of healing and ultimately my great passion.

MURAL BY AMANDA BRADWAY LOCATED IN THE PLAZA DISTRICT

WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO TACKLE A PROJECT AS LARGE AS A MURAL?

HOW DOES IT MAKE YOU FEEL WHEN PEOPLE SEE YOUR ART?

The Western Avenue mural was a collaboration with two of my favorite local artists. It was one of those projects that seem just outside of your realm of expertise. I don’t know why but when I was asked to be a part of it I said yes immediately without thinking it fully through. It was like the quote by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf that says "If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough!"

It's always amazing to me how art brings unity and common ground to people. At one of my recent exhibits I was telling the people who bought my work the meaning behind each piece. We were all stunned by the amount of ways each piece connected to their own experience. We're not so different as human beings and art is a good way to remind ourselves that we share the same hopes and dreams, fears and insecurities.

So we all took the plunge and figured out how to technically execute the piece. Every single day we worked I would wake up early to be the first one to get down to the site. That energy never left me the whole two weeks that we worked and made it hard to get to sleep at night. I’ve decided anything that makes me feel that excited and energized is the project for me. I've been working with one of my collaborators, Erin Cooper, on pitching a few more pieces that will hopefully happen in the next year.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

49

MAY 2016

HOW DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO FEEL WHEN THEY’RE IN THE PRESENCE OF YOUR ART? I want them to connect to how it makes them feel and hopefully it can be a healing experience. A lot of my work recently has been about eradicating fear and stepping into your personal power.

Julie “Juuri” Robertson is a Japanese American artist with a unique aesthetic and no fear of big projects. She’s responsible for this stunning piece along Western Avenue.

HOW DID YOU GET INTERESTED IN ART? Since the time I was tiny, I was always drawing, coloring and making my own illustrated books and paper sculptures. No paper or cardboard in the whole house was safe from me! I'd harvest everything to create my projects.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO TACKLE A PROJECT AS LARGE AS THE MURAL OFF WESTERN?

It was actually my first mural ever! I was daunted but excited. I was surprised at how easy it was to paint on the wall. The texture was perfect. I had also planned my colors and sketch extensively before I started and that was a big plus. The only bad thing was the heights. It was so scary standing on top of scaffolding, looking down on the street.

HOW DOES IT MAKE YOU FEEL WHEN PEOPLE SEE YOUR ART? Working on the mural, I had so many people come up to me and tell me how awesome it was, and how great it made them feel living in the neighborhood. It's priceless to me when I can create something that will bring happiness to tons of people for a long time. I'm delighted each time I see someone tagging the mural on Instagram, making it a part of their day and their creativity.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

50

MAY 2016

HOW DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO FEEL WHEN THEY’RE IN THE PRESENCE OF YOUR ART? I read an article once that said that when people see art that they like, it stimulates the same part of the brain that reacts to seeing someone they love or are physically attracted to. That's such a powerful emotion, if I can make people feel so positive and radiant looking at my art, there's nothing better. I also include a lot of symbolism in my pieces, and am very happy when people form their own ideas about what the paintings "mean."

They mean different things to different people. It's interesting to see how profoundly people can react to the message in the work.

MURAL BY JULIE “JUURI” ROBERTSON AT N.W. 44TH & WESTERN

MURAL BY KRIS KANALY LOCATED IN THE PLACA DISTRICT

okaquarium.org Northeast Oklahoma’s Green Country GreenCountryOK.com

MURAL BY DUSTY GILPIN AT BLEU GARTEN, 310 N.W. 10TH ST. MURAL BY KRIS KANALY, DYLAN BRADWAY AND YATIKA FIELDS LOCATED ON 9TH STREET BETWEEN OKLAHOMA AND BROADWAY

MURAL BY JASON PAWLEY LOCATED AT S. EK GAYLORD BLVD. AND W. RENO AVE. IN BRICKTOWN

MURAL BY KRISTOPHER KANALY, DUSTIN GILPIN AND JERROD SMITH LOCATED ON WESTERN AVE. BETWEEN 43RD AND 44TH STREETS

E-TICKETING NOW AVAILABLE

mom gets the last laugh

One Glorious Weekend

ILLUSTRATION BY BRITTANY VIKLU

T

ND, WWW.BRIT TANY VIKLUND.COM

wo years ago, my mom moved in with us. She’d had a stroke and was unable to live by herself any longer. She wasn’t, however, ready to call Shady Pines her new home for the next umpteen years. We had the space and our house had several handicap accessories in place from the previous owners.

My husband, true to his eventual sainted-ness, encourages me to get away frequently. Raising teenagers is hard. Raising moms is hard.

Raising them both at the same time is how alcoholics are made.

It was actually my husband’s suggestion that my mom move in with us. If that doesn’t qualify him for sainthood, I’m not sure what will.

Over the course of the weekend, we went shopping, where no one begged us to do any of the following: Leave, Stay, Buy Something, Not Buy Something, Stop Singing Along To The Musak, or Go Home Now Right Now Because Their Favorite Show Might Be Going Off Netflix Any Day Now.

The transition was fairly easy. With the help of her occupational therapists and physical therapists, we modified our home so that it became, truly, our home. And in no time at all, we were all getting on each other’s nerves as if we had always been one great big happy family.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

Needless to say, when a friend offered up the use of her vacation condo, I jumped at the chance for a girlfriend getaway on an otherwise dreary weekend.

Loading up three of my tired momma girlfriends, we trekked to the condo with dreams of getting away and refreshing.

We ate like we hadn’t seen food in a decade. At one stop, we each

54

MAY 2016

ordered a funnel cake topped with ice cream topped with caramel and hot fudge, topped with pecans and topped with whipped cream.

When the monstrosity was set before us, we each claimed that we would never eat the whole thing. Then we ate the whole thing. No one sneezed on our food. No one begged us to trade with them. No one looked at our food, snarled her nose and said, “Ewwwwww,” and no one asked for one single bite of our 20,000-calorie indulgence. Not. One. Bite.

Then we read our books without interruption by touch or voice. Then, when we were ready to go to sleep, we turned off our respective lamps and went to sleep.

When nighttime rolled around, we didn’t have to convince anyone to go to bed. We didn’t have to yell at anyone to pick up his three dozen pair of socks from the living room floor. We didn’t have to threaten to laugh when they got a cavity if they didn’t go brush their teeth already. We just went to bed.

We did not wake up when a random child wandered into our room and hovered over us in an effort to test our cardiac health.

And this is where our weekend got really good.

My friend, Dawn, a tired mom of three, shared a bed with me. When we crawled in bed that night, we each slept on the opposite side that we normally sleep on at home.

Why? Because that’s the side we like to sleep on, but we are married to men who have their own sides.

We did not wake up when someone hollered out “Mom!” (Because no one hollered out “Mom!”) We did not wake up when we heard the dogs scratching at the back door. (Because there were no dogs.)

We woke up when … we were ready to wake up! It was a concept we’d forgotten about since, well, we became moms.

We texted our husbands to see if we could have sleepovers with each other every night forever, but they were not hip to that jive.

Eventually, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. On Sunday, we loaded up our vehicles, rode the zip line and then made our way home. (Zip line, you ask?

Well, yeah. We were living it up, after all.)

We pulled into town with our souvenirs for our families (because how could we go shopping without getting something for our nearest and dearest?). We smelled the leftovers that we brought back home to the little mouths that would just love the special macaroni and cheese we ordered in their honor. And we unpacked the laundry, adding it to the laundry our families had accumulated over the weekend.

My mom welcomed me home with stories of how she rarely left my sister and me when we were young. My daughters welcomed me home with excited squeals asking what I brought them. And my husband welcomed me home with a kiss and a whispered greeting of, “I hope you rested well. The dogs spent the night inside last night…”

It’s nice to be missed.

Heather Davis is a tired momma and a worn-out writer. She and her sandwiched family live in Oklahoma and she recently won a Bronze Award from the Parenting Media Association for her humor column in MetroFamily. Her website is www.Heather-Davis.net.

Announcing

Champions OKC's Special Needs Guide, a MetroFamily publication Help and hope are the themes of our annual guide, a digital edition including tips, articles and expert voices. PLUS find local info and resources in our all NEW special needs directory.

Visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/special-needs for information dedicated to families of special needs children in central Oklahoma.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

55

MAY 2016

resource

directories

GOT CHILDREN? THEN YOU NEED LOTS OF RESOURCES! INTRODUCING THE “YELLOW PAGES” FOR OKC AREA PARENTS. From pediatricians to special needs therapy, birthday party ideas and private schools, our resource directories—both here and online—provide local parents with the information they need to help their families and children thrive.

Check out these businesses and those you find at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/directories/ and be sure to tell them you found their business via MetroFamily Magazine.

57

58 59

60 60 61 61 62

Special Needs (page 57) Brain Balance Center of OKC Sensational Kids Skills for Living TOTAL POSS-ABILITIES Party Guide (pages 58-59) Allison’s Fun Inc. Frontier City/White Water Bay Gymboree Play & Music of Norman and OKC Jump!Zone Mad Science of Central Oklahoma Mobile Laser Forces Paint ’N Station Paint Your Art Out Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History Skate Galaxy Water-Zoo Indoor Water Park Foster Care (page 60) Bair Foundation Circle of Care Retail/Restaurant (pages 60-61) Jimmy’s Egg learning tree toys, books & games Once Upon a Child Child Care (page 61) Edmond Home Child Care Association Primrose School of Edmond Spontaneity Kid Care Family Services (page 62) Just Kids Pediatrics Oklahoma Institute of Allergy & Asthma

62 63 64

64 65 66 67 68

Family Fun (pages 62-63) Arcadia Lake, City of Edmond Parks Dodge City Paintball & Outdoor Laser Tag of OKC Oklahoma History Center Unpluggits Playstudio After School Activities (page 64) Aalim Bellydance Academy Summer Camps (pages 64-68) Cadence Equestrian Childcare Network Club Z In-Home Tutoring Cross Creek Stables The Dance Department Fine Arts Institute Fun ’N Fit Camp, Integris Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma Kumon Math & Reading Centers Marjorie Kovich School of Ballet North Penn Creative Kids Learning Center Oklahoma City Boat Club Sailing Camp Quail Springs United Methodist Church Early Childhood Program Soccer City OKC Stafford Air & Space Museum Studio J School of Dance The Studio of the Sooner Theatre TechJOYnT Topgolf Twist & Shout Velocity Dance Center Victory Dance UCO Wellness Center Camps

Find more at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/directories/ METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

56

MAY 2016

This summer, give your child the tools to Experienced, Innovative, Effective

Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Sensory Processing Disorder, Typical Children Challenged With Fine and Gross Motor Delay [such as Handwriting, Sports, Bike Riding], Autism, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Social Skills Inviting, Comfortable, Fun Setting. Most Insurance Accepted: BCBS, Tricare, Soonercare, Healthchoice, Aetna

Skills For Living, Inc.

SHINE

405-360-5554

330 W. Gray, Ste.100-2, Norman,OK info@skillsforliving.net

www.SkillsForLiving.net

Play • Learn • Thrive

HELPING YOUR CHILD AGED 4-17

Services Include:

Occupational Therapy Speech- Language Therapy Social Groups We Specialize in Working with Children with:

Bring Light to Your Child’s Struggle

• • • • • •

Down Syndrome Autism ADD & ADHD Sensory Processing Disorder Cerebral Palsy Typical Children with: • Handwriting Problems • Speech-language Delays (and other types of diagnoses that may interfere with day to day skills) Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tricare, United Healthcare, Health Choice, Soonercare

How it works: Brain Balance is a non-medical comprehensive program, customized for each child, combining physical and sensory exercises with cognitive skill training and healthy nutrition.

Brain Balance addresses: • Lack of Focus • Impulsiveness • Tantrums • Trouble Making Friends • Family Relationships/ Social Skills • Academic, Social or Behavioral Issues

(405) 840-1686 www.SensationalKidsOKC.com

FREE CONSULTATION

405-492-6800

NOW OPEN 2nd LOCATION

Brain Balance Center of OKC

Serving Tinker AFB, South OKC & Moore!

3545 W. Memorial Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73134

Sooner Business Park, 5701 SE 74th St, on NE corner of Sooner Road and I-240 14715 Bristol Park Blvd. - OKC/Edmond

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

57

MAY 2016

SPECIAL NEEDS

Call today for your assessment!

PARTY GUIDE

Oklahoma's Original Art Entertainment Studio

Birthday Parties for the Young at

405-513-5333 10 S Broadway, Downtown Edmond, OK www.paintyourartout.net

a world of learning awaits!

For ages starting at birth.

US We specialize forJOIN classes today! in parties freeonclass for 1-4 us* year olds BRING IN

Bring this ad in for $25 off your birthday party

this offer*

Find a location and class schedule that works best for you at gymboreeclasses.com.

Norman: Redbud Plaza, 255 34th Ave. SW, Norman, OK 73072 405-307-8454 normanok@gymboreeclasses.com OKC: Shoppes at Northpark 11940 N. May Ave. OKC, OK 73012 405-755-3445 okcok@gymboreeclasses.com *Offer valid for new families only at participating Play & Music locations. Existing Play & Music customers are not eligible. Offer is not redeemable for cash or credit. Gymboree Play & Music may change or cancel this promotion at any time at Gymboree Play & Music’s sole discretion. Void where prohibited by law.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

58

MAY 2016

5/4 Firefighters Schools Out Day Wear a shirt that Special

represents your favorite May - June 10th firefighter & get $5.00 off Bring in report card when you paint & take 5/8 a photo, get $2.00 off Mother’s Day Bring Mom in on Sunday to enjoy painting & Mom’s Studio Fee is FREE! Tea and cookies will be served.

paintnstation.com Paint your own pottery studio 7906 N. May, OKC • 842-7770

PARTY GUIDE

MOONBOUNCES • SLIDES • OBSTACLE COURSES • WATER SLIDES

PICK-UP A MOONBOUNCE FOR ONLY $175 FOR THE ENTIRE WEEKEND!!

For more info, call or log on to

www.AllisonsFunInc.com (405) 447-1118

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

59

MAY 2016

FOSTER CARE

There are children in crisis situations all across the state who need a safe and loving home tonight. Have you ever thought about being a foster parent? You can be part of Circle of Care’s team as we work to provide help, healing, and hope to abused and neglected children. We stand by your side and help you navigate the paperwork and process.

www.circleofcare.org Call our local staff today to learn more! 405-463-6626 1501 NW 24th Street, Suite 214, OKC, OK 73106

It’s SU M M E R CAMP time!

Plan your child’s summer using the metro area’s

NUMBER ONE GUIDE to day and overnight CAMPS

www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ summer-camps

spring into savings!

We buy and sell gently used kids stuff.

We’ll pay $$$ on the spot for your gently used kids clothing, toys & equipment. Plus, we’ve got everything your kids need at prices that can’t be beat!

Put a little spring in your step and visit us today!

Check out our website or call for further details!

13801 N Penn. Ste. G • Oklahoma City, OK 73134 405-286-3114 • www.OnceUponAChildOKCNorth.com METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

60

MAY 2016

RETAIL/RESTAURANT

Do You Have a Heart for Children?

CHILD CARE

You could win

BIG!

EHCCA EDMOND HOME CHILDCARE ASSOCIATION Since 1987

• Offering quality, nurturing, childcare in a family learning environment • Professional, educated, licensed childcare providers • CPR/First Aid Certified • Edmond, Deer Creek, Guthrie, Moore, Mustang, Yukon, OKC North and South Locations

405-509-4843 405-922-9566

EdmondHomeChildCare.com Call or visit our website TODAY!

Open 8am - Midnight Monday - Saturday

Enter all of our contests at: metrofamilymagazine.com/contests

BETTER THAN BABYSITTERS OKC's only drop-in kid care center.

Located in Chase Plaza at Portland and Memorial 405-541-9072 www.SpontaneityKidCare.com METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

61

MAY 2016

FAMILY SERVICES

Walk In Craft and Pottery Paint Studio with Indoor Playground!

HUGE Selection of Piggy Banks To Paint and Take Home Same Day.

Birthday Parties Grownups Paint Nights Toddler Time Every Wednesday

You can't avoid life, let us get you back to living!

405-607-4333 | okallergy.com

FAMILY FUN

Dr. Amy L. Darter, MD, FACAAI, FAAAAI

Dr. Jason M Bellak, MD

Find dozens of ideas for weekend and day trips around the state! www.metrofamilymagazine. com/exploring-oklahoma

16425 NW 150th, Piedmont METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

62

MAY 2016

FAMILY FUN

Coming in J u l y Be sure our readers know about your day care option in the upcoming

Child Care Issue

Printed in our July, 2016 issue and available on our award-winning website, www.metrofamilymagazine.com

To advertise, contact us TODAY! ads@metrofamilymagazine.com

405-601-2081

ARCADIA LAKE’S

KIDS FISHING DERBY SAT. JUNE 11, 2016 7:30 A.M.– NOON SPRING CREEK PARK KIDS AGES 5–15 FREE EVENT Registration from 7:30–9 a.m., fishing at 8 a.m. and final weigh-in at 11 a.m. Concessions and worms will be for sale at the event site.

Parents must accompany children.

216-7471 METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

63

MAY 2016

Try a class for F R EE !

girls ages 5-9 & 10-13 BELLYDANCE ACADEMY

Mommy and Me

Enroll them in Kumon and add a little brain food to their summer and beyond!

Contact your local Kumon Math & Reading Center to learn more! ©2016 Kumon North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Introduce your child to creative movement!

EDMOND - WEST

OKLAHOMA CITY - NORTH

245 South Santa Fe Ave. Edmond, OK 73003

9494 North May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120

405-216-9800

Give Your Kids A

405-752-2000

kumon.com/edmond-west

kumon.com/oklahoma-city-north-ok

EDMOND - NORTH

OKLAHOMA CITY - NORTHWEST

775 West Covell Rd, Ste #150 Edmond, OK 73003

6220 N.W. Exprwy, Ste C Oklahoma City, OK 73132

405-715-1111

kumon.com/edmond-north

And An Academic Advantage All Year

405-721-7323

kumon.com/oklahoma-city-northwest-ok

*Offer valid at participating Kumon Centers only when you enroll between 6/1/16 – 6/30/16. Most Kumon Centers are independently owned and operated. Additional fees may apply.

WITH FREE REGISTRATION 6/1 - 6/30*

(405) 844-0304 www.aalimdanceworld.com

SUMMER CAMPS

Field Trips Call the Abrakadoodle Art Studio to book your field trip or ask about having a field trip come to YOU. Prices range from $8.50 - $12.50 per student with a non-refundable $50 deposit. (All supplies included! 10 student minimum.)

(405) 818-5417 Abrakadoodle Art Studio, 103 N Broadway, Moore Abrakadoodle.com/ok-metro-oklahoma-city/ Facebook.com/AbrakadoodleOKC METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

64

MAY 2016

SUMMER CAMPS

180 W. 15th Street, Ste. 100, Edmond

405-345-5010

techjoynt.com

End of School Bash!

May 21st

11 am to 4 pm

Summer Break Camps

Robotics! Game Design! Fun! ENROLL NOW! Buy one course, get one ½ off!!

Turn up the FUN at Girl Scout camp this summer!

At Girl Scout summer camp you will: =VkZ [jc AZVgc Xdda cZl i]^c\h :meadgZ i]Z \gZVi djiYddgh BV`Z VlZhdbZ cZl [g^ZcYh 6cY HD bjX] bdgZ You don’t have to be a Girl Scout to join the adventure.

All girls are welcome!

1.800.698.0022 WWW.<>GAH<D86BE#DG<

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

65

MAY 2016

SUMMER CAMPS

Performing Arts Summer Camps

Non-audition summer camps now enrolling!

One, two and three-week camps for PreK-12th grade in Musical Theatre. Acting, Dance and more

crosscreekstablesokc.com All day, half day and tiny tots camps in June & July

(405) 321-9600

Office: 405-340-3432 Call/text: 405-531-7096

May 31 - July 29, 2016

www.soonertheatre.com

See website for dates/details!

2200 NW 192nd Street Edmond, OK 73012

Enroll NOW for summer camps!

• Birthday Party Packages • Indoor Soccer Leagues

Check our website for details and enrollment! soccercityokcity.com Four different weekly camps for ages 4-16 4520 Old Farm Road, OKC held from June through August. (west of Meridian, south of 122nd) $95/camp; half-day sessions held from 9-12 & 1-4.

Also enroll for Lil Kickers Spring Session (3/21-6/18) and Summer Session (6/20-8/27).

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

66

MAY 2016

405-748-3888

Call TODAY!

Coming June 13th–17th!

SUMMER CAMPS

Innovative day camp open to children entering 1st through 6th grade.

Visit campinvention.org or call 800.968.4332 to secure your child’s spot today!

3000 Logan Rd * Weatherford, OK I-40 & Exit 84 on Route 66 580.772.5871 * staffordmuseum.org

Find out how much fun sailing can be!

Sailing Camp 2016

at the Oklahoma City Boat Club

• • • •

New and experienced sailors, ages 8-18 A safe, fun place to develop sailing skills Experienced, certified sailing instructors Weekly sessions June 6-August 7, 9 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday

Enroll today!

To learn more, go to okcboatclub.com or visit us at facebook.com/sailoklahoma/ More questions? Call Charlie Shafer, Head Sailing Instructor, at 405-388-2563.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

67

MAY 2016

SUMMER CAMPS

Dance Fun

Splash!

for

June 7,8,9, June 14,15,16 & July 12,13,14, July 19,20,21 9:00am - 2:00pm, Ages 1 through 6

All Ages!

Stories • Art • Specials • Bible Time

ENROLL TODAY!

Call NOW about FALL ENROLLMENT! To enroll call Quail Springs United Methodist Church Early Childhood Program 405-755-3258 www.qsumc.org/ecp 1/5 vertical: 2.25” X 6.418”

Child Care with a

Creative Twist!

2016 Summer Dance Classes

June 1 - July 28 Week Long Dance Camps (Boys & Girls ages 2-9)

Tiny Tutus (Mom & Me) Royal Prince & Princess Camp

Summer Ballet Intensives

Ballet / Pre-Pointe & Pointe Variations & Modern Dance

Infants - School age

Now Enrolling for Summer Program K - 5th grade

Enrichment Series & Teen/Adult Ballet Classes Basic & Intermediate Levels

(405) 364-1818

405-254-3147

Marjorie Kovich School of Ballet www.mkovichballet.com

North Penn Creative Kids Learning Center, 150th & Penn

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

68

MAY 2016

Plan the best summer ever!

MetroFamily makes summer planning easy — with information about the fun summer events, activities and great places to visit all in one convenient location.

Summer fun begins here:

✹ Daily ideas in the 100 Days of Summer Fun Guide ✹ Father’s Day events ✹ Day trip ideas to explore Oklahoma ✹ Independence Day celebrations ✹ Summer concerts & outdoor movies ✹ Family-friendly festivals ✹ Summer reading programs ✹ Vacation Bible School programs ✹ Local farmer’s markets ✹ Summer camps and activities ✹ Best pools & splash pads ✹ Top parks & playgrounds ✹ Money-saving coupons & free activities ✹ The metro’s most comprehensive events calendar and more!

Available May 15 www.metrofamilymagazine.com/summer

Kid Review: Hafer Park Venue name: E. C. Hafer Park Bryant & 15th St., Edmond

What made the experience stand out?

I had never been to a park before with so many different playgrounds. There’s also a lake with fish in it and a lot of unusual birds.

I’ve seen ducks and geese before but these were more colorful and it was interesting to watch them, walk under the covered bridge and try out three different play areas.

What was the best part?

I really loved getting to run outdoors and go from one set of playground equipment to another. My mom takes us on walks in our neighborhood all the time but it’s more fun to see the birds, meet other kids, have a picnic and play. I met a lot of kids to play with too.

What was the worst part?

I had to put on sunscreen, which I don’t really like to do. If you’re a kid reading this, though, I have some advice: just give in and put on the sunscreen. You’re not going to win if you try to argue with your parents on that one. Bug spray isn’t so bad because we just used some citronella stickers but sunscreen is always so sticky. You have to wear it, though.

Will other kids like Hafer Park and why?

Sure! Other kids would like to come and play. There’s a lot you can climb on and the slides are nice and tall. Besides that, you still have to eat lunch in the summer but it’s much more fun in a park, especially if you can help choose the picnic foods, like watermelon or gummy worms. We usually get a milkshake before we go to the park and that would

probably help other kids to like going because you get thirsty when you’re playing.

Picnics are the best because you clean up your trash but it’s not as much cleaning as when you eat inside, less crumbs, and you can go play right away.

Would this attraction be enjoyed by your siblings?

Why or why not?

My brother, Isaac (age 4), liked going but it was too hot to take our baby (age 1). If we could go on a cooler day, I think he’d like it too because he just learned to run in his new shoes. The only time he’ll keep them on his feet is when we go to the park.

If you could do this again knowing what you know now, what would you do differently?

I forgot that flies come to pretty much any picnic. I’d also bring some extra shoes because I got my flip-flops muddy.

Does what you saw match , up with anything you re learning in school or have seen before in a book, on TV, etc.?

I saw some ants carrying leaves, which I had read about before and seen on PBS Kids; it reminded me that I’d like to have an ant farm. I’m not sure what kind of birds those were, besides ducks and geese, but I think I’ve seen them on “Wild Kratts.” They might

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

70

MAY 2016

Kid reviewer’s name: Samuel Roldán Age: 9

have been turkeys; I don’t really know. Bird watching is very popular in my other country so I’ve heard of learning more about what birds are at parks or just in our area. (Samuel is a dual citizen of Costa Rica.)

, What do you think you ll remember most about having done this activity?

I’ll remember my brother being chased by some of the birds but also that it was a nice afternoon with my family. I remember the names of all the kids I met and I hope they’ll be there the next time we go to the park.

[Editor's Note: Find five tips for family picnics by our Weekend Warrior blogger— Sam's mother, Callie Collins—at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/picnic.]

INDOOR Playground!! coming soon to st. luke’s Edmond 900 N. Sooner

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL JUNE 27-30 Downtown Campus 222 N.W. 15th, OKC

More info at stlukesokc.org

Edmond Campus

1125 E. Danforth, Edmond

More info at stlukesedmond.org

St. Luke’s Edmond - Meeting for worship at 11 a.m. on Sundays at Sequoyah Middle School - 1125 E. Danforth, Edmond, OK 73034

stlukesedmond.org

|

285-2002

|

edmond@stlukesokc.org

A free dog wash?

Bow wow.

Bob Moore Subaru’s 4th Annual Dogapalooza.

The largest FREE dog wash in Oklahoma.

• Free dog washes

• Pet vendors and vet information

• Food trucks and music

• Micro-chipping station

• Pet adoptions

• Photo booth and more!

Saturday, June 11 th 10 AM – 3 PM 13010 N. Kelley Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73131

Donations are accepted and will benefit:

Second Chance Animal Sanctuary

Join us.

Everybody and their dog is coming.

For more info, contact Morgan Stewart at (405) 595-3264.