December 2008

DECEMBER 2008

Make your own ornaments Recipes for a simple and delicious Christmas dinner

Money-saving shopping tips

Holiday fun is here!

Over 90 family fun holiday events

T h e E s s e nt i a l Res o u rce fo r Cent ra l O k l a h o m a F a m i l i es

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Spend the Holiday Season at Cathedral Celebrating Ten Years!

December 2008

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The Top Five Reasons

Run the

to visit MetroFamilyMagazine.com this month: inexpensive gifts for you and your children to make 5. Find at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/rainy-day-fun-art-

with

projects and MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ homemade-gifts some holiday memories with your kids.

4. Make Find wonderful events to enjoy together at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/2008-holiday-listing for all kinds of prizes including four tickets to 3. Register the holiday event of the season, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. MetroFamilyMagazine.com/contests your Parent University tickets. It may 2. Purchase be just the “ticket” to helping you raise responsible,

We’re looking for families who want to challenge themselves and take charge of their health.

accountable children who make great decisions.

MetroFamilyMagazine.com/parent-university wonderful gift-giving ideas for every member of 1. Discover the family at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/gift-guide

Have more family fun!

Visit MetroFamilyMagazine.com

Join our online community and learn steps you can take to get fit and eat better. Follow the training advice, get moving and take the challenge with us sponsored by on April 5, 2009 to walk or run the RedBud Classic in Nichols Hills. There may even be fun surprises along the way!

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December 2008

Celebrating Ten Years!

December 2008

Happy Holidays Issue 44 Calendar Events and activities

24 Character First Trait of the month: generosity

6

Dear MetroFamily Editor’s Note

27 Exploring Oklahoma Holiday Event Listing

18 Family Finances Holiday shopping tips

10 Family Shorts News you can use Make your holiday season a time to remember! From shopping tips (p18), our traditions (p10), inspiration (p8, 40), ideas (p22, 36), and events (p27), we’ve got something for everyone.

22 ImagineArt Making string ornaments

8

In Touch with Relationships Forgiveness

40 Iron Moms Local mom inspires others

34 Let’s Eat Holiday menu

36 Oklahoma Reads

27

Holiday Fun Events Use our

20

Holiday book reviews

Holiday Traditions

guide to find family-friendly Christmas tree, menorah, kinara—the importance of festivities all month long. light in our holidays.

On our cover (and above): Avery Holmes. Learn more about Avery and her family on page 6.

14 Q & A with the Beasleys Bah! Humbug! What to do when your child is a scrooge

42 Your Healthy Family

Cover Photographer:© Tamara Tigner, tamaratignerphotography.net

December 2008

Sensory processing disorder www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

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Dear MetroFamily, Ready or not, the holiday season is here.

Whether you’re a mistletoe mama or a grumpy Grinch, you can’t stop the holiday season and all that it brings—the good, the bad, and the ugly.

When I was growing up, Christmas was my favorite holiday for so many reasons. It was when our big extended family would join us, turning a household of nine into a group over 30. We would all get together on Christmas Eve to go to church for the evening candlelight service. A few adults would stay behind to get dinner ready, and after church we would enjoy an amazing spread, including Grandma Hestekin’s rosette cookies and Grandma Anderson’s glorified rice dessert (two of my personal favorites). After dinner, the adults would relax and the kids would look at the presents with breathless anticipation. Finally, we would get to open them.

Our holidays were about family, and we counted on gathering together every year.

Everyone made a point to be there, and any differences that divided us throughout the year were set aside for the day or resolved. Nowadays, we don’t always get to spend Christmas together, but the memories we created in those past holidays stay in the front of my mind.

The picture above is from a Christmas sometime in the mid-1970s, when Mom, Dad, and seven kids all occupied a house on the south side of Milwaukee.

That’s me, sitting on my Grandma Hestekin’s lap. I might not be with them all this Christmas, but I will certainly remember those old holidays with a lot of love.

Info And Questions: 405-340-1404 To submit events to our calendar Calendar@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Publisher Sarah L. Taylor Sarah@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Editor Mari M. Farthing Editor@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Art Director Mitzi Massie Mitzi@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Advertising Director Donna Stewart Ads@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Advertising Sales Rebecca Phansalkar Karl McKinney Office and Distribution Manager Kathy Alberty Kathy@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Marketing Specialist Whitney Fleming Calendar Editor & Special Projects Assistant Terri Fields Calendar@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Editorial Assistants Elizabeth Harvey Sherrie Horton Graphics Assistant Kathryne Taylor Kathryne@MetroFamilyMagazine.com

• MetroFamily wishes all our valued readers a very happy holiday and new year. We appreciate your continued loyalty and welcome your ideas to make MetroFamily even more beneficial to your family.

• Our January issue will focus on education, perfect for learning about private schools, educational enrichment, field trips, and more. Ad deadline is December 9. Distribution starts January 2. Get your free or paid listing in our popular BIG Education Guide; deadline for guide forms is December 5. Call us today at 405-340-1404.

• Get your tickets for MetroFamily’s Parent University, scheduled for February 5, 2009 and featuring Love & Logic speaker Betsy Geddes.

Educator’s session will be held from 9am-2:30pm; the parent’s session will be held from 6:30-9pm. Enjoy an early-bird special on tickets purchased before January 1. Tickets available at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/parent-university or call 405-340-1404.

Meet our Cover Kid: Avery Holmes, age 2½, is the daughter of Astra and D.J. Holmes of Shawnee. Avery’s favorite things about the Christmas season are playing in the snow and looking at the Christmas lights in her neighborhood.

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December 2008

Contributing Writers Drs Lori & Stewart Beasley Mari Farthing Shannon Fields Gayleen Rabakkuk

Sue Lynn Sasser Dr. Paul Tobin Frances Williams Lori Williams

Circulation 35,000 – OKC, Edmond, Nichols Hills, Norman, Moore, Midwest City, Yukon Also available as a digital edition at MetroFamilyMagazine.com.

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

MetroFamily Magazine is published monthly

By Inprint Publishing, Inc. 306 S. Bryant, Suite C152 • Edmond, OK 73034 Fax: 405-340-1490 E-mail: Info@MetroFamilyMagazine.com ©Inprint Publishing, Inc. 2008, All Rights Reserved.

Volume 11, Number 12

UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENTS IN ASSOC ASSOCIATIION WIW THTH REL RELATIVIVITY MEDIA A LARGER THAN LIFE PRODUCTION IN ASSOCIATION WITH FRAMESTORE ANIAN MATICASTING TION “THE TALE OF DEDESPERPEREAUX” X” MATTHTHEWW BRODERI BRODE CKCK ROBBIE COLTRANE CO RANEEDITED DUSTIN HOFFMAN HOF MAN MUSIC RACY SHAW S BY MARK SOLOMON RICHARD JENKI NS KEVIN KLINE FRANK LANGELLA WILLIAM H. MACY TRACEYY ULLMAN EMMABASEDWATSON TSON AND SIGOURNEY GOURNEYSCREENWEAVER WSTORYER BY DEBRA ZANEANE CSA BY WISCREENPLAY LLIAM ROSS CO-PRODUCERPRODUCED TRACY EXECUTIVE ON PRODUCERS WILLIAM SARGENT RYAN CHRIS VISCARDI BY GARY ROSS BY GARY ROSS ALLISON THOMAS AN KAVANAUGH DAVID LIPMAN ROBIN BISSELL THE BOOK BY KATE DICACAMILLOLLO BY WILL MCROBB & DIRECTED

BY SAM AM FELL ROBOB STEVENHAGEN A UNIVERSA ERSAL PICTURE © 2008 UNIVERSAL STU DIOS

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December 2008

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In Touch With Relationships The Gift of Forgiveness

A

s the holidays approach, we are reminded of the value of traditions when we gather together. Unfortunately, spending the holidays with family isn’t always easy.

There are times in life when people may feel emotionally blocked from experiencing or finding joy with their families. Past conflicts may linger; selfish actions without regard for others can cause emotional pain. When family members can’t find their way to forgiveness, it causes relationship strain and prevents genuine closeness.

or emotional abuse and addiction).

Important steps in the forgiveness process include: • Releasing our minds and hearts from all past hurts and failures, be they our own or those of others. • Overcoming anger and feelings of resentment or a desire to punish or seek revenge against someone who has hurt us. • Changing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as they relate to someone we believe has offended us or our loved ones.

Unresolved conflict can increase stress levels, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and anger. Understandably, not all conflicts may be immediately resolvable. In certain circumstances, relationships may even be better served by periods of separation, especially when the conflict is in result of abusive or destructive behavior (such as physical •

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Through genuine forgiveness, bad feelings and judgment toward others are reduced, not necessarily because they “deserve� it, but because we willingly view that person with compassion, goodwill, and love.

Purposefully restoring peace and contentment that can be a part of every family.

• Letting go of the emotions that deplete your mental and emotional energy, thus making energy available in other areas of your life.

Forgiveness is thus a gift you give yourself and your greater family.

Our human spirit has the need for social connection. Although some conflicts

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may need serious commitments for reconciliation, others may be resolved through small acts of loving kindness.

Ways to demonstrate thoughtfulness include: • Showing attention to the successes or needs of someone. • Acknowledging your interest in their lives. • Communicating face-to-face or via thoughtful cards or emails.

Thoughtful acts help to increase positive emotions and decrease social isolation among family members. Remember that even if you believe you are only partially responsible for a conflict, apologies make a huge positive impact toward conflict resolution. Most people who have given forgiveness speak of the joy they experienced from the release of the emotional burdens they had been carrying.

Achieving forgiveness in your heart enriches your life and your capacity for meaningful family relationships.

Whether you are able to communicate such forgiveness and achieve mutual reconciliation with others depends also on their availability and openness.

There has been evidence for the benefit of “letting go� and forgiving the acts of those no longer in our lives, living or deceased. Tapping into your faith and your psyche may be aided by consulting someone in ministry or a mental health professional. All of our relationships are positively aided through our own release of ill emotions. The resilient human spirit is strengthened by acts of kindness and forgiveness.

Dr. Paul Tobin is a health services psychologist and active member of the American Psychological Association and the Oklahoma Psychological Association. He works with children and adults within the offices of Paul Tobin, Ph.D., PC and Ann Benjamin, M.Ed., Inc.

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December 2008

Celebrating Ten Years!

MetroFamily Magazine’s Parent University presents ®

e ts s t k c i t Buy Jan. 1 e befor re ce i ve a and c o un t ! dis

Dr. Betsy Geddes of Love & Logic Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009 Educator Session 9am-2:30pm (registration 8:15am) University of Central Oklahoma-Constitution Hall, Edmond Group Rates and Professional Certificates Available Learn to help students take responsibility for their learning and behavior—and much more

Parent Session 6:30-8:30pm (registration 6pm) New Covenant United Methodist Church, Edmond Child Care Available Learn to help your children build and support self concept —and much more

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December 2008

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Holiday Family Traditions What holiday traditions are important to your family? This is a question we recently posed to our reader panel and staff. Here are some of their replies.

Valerie B. said: “In 1990, we had two young children and not much money. We needed decorations for our tree, so we made a homemade dough and baked our own ornaments then painted them. We still have the special snowman that Dad painted so meticulously— [the ornament] even survived a house fire! We have since had two more children and now a grandbaby, and making homemade dough ornaments is still one of our favorite traditions.”

Olga R. said: “Christmas is my once-a-year baking time. Now that my children are old enough, they help as well. It is wonderful to keep up the tradition of good neighbors and exchanging baked goodies. It also seems like we are still working on established traditions for our family holidays. Every year it seems that we do something different—maybe that is the tradition!”

Jennifer O. said: “One week before Christmas, my family makes a list of what is needed for an entire Holiday dinner. We all pitch in to buy the ingredients

and then we take it to a needy family. We find the needy family by watching. Not all needy families are in the system. We just knock on the door and leave it there—no one ever knows where it came from.”

Mitzi M. said: “We travel to visit extended family for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so we started to celebrate on the night of the 23rd. We have a special candlelight dinner and give the kids a special ornament to hang on the tree. After dinner, we put the baby Jesus in the manger and read the Bible’s Christmas story together to underscore the reason for the holiday before opening gifts. Christmas Eve morning, we enjoy a big breakfast and read The Night Before Christmas before heading out to visit family.”

Sarah T. said: “We always enjoy Christmas Eve service at our church and follow the huge traditional Christmas dinner with a birthday cake to celebrate our daughter’s Christmas birthday.”

Find out how you can become a member of the MetroFamily Magazine Reader Advisory Panel by visiting MetroFamilyMagazine.com/readeradvisory-panel.

MFM Question of the Month What main dish is Chef Marc Dunham cooking for Christmas dinner this year?

(Hint: see page 34) To enter, visit MetroFamilyMagazine.com/FS-Giveaway and complete the entry form. Deadline is Thursday, December 18.

Making Chores Fun for Kids Chores—fun? Is this possible? At Handipoints.com, parents can create a free family account, then together parents and kids create task charts and set goals.

Kids have their own login (under their parent’s account) and can check off chores as completed. Parents then grade the completed tasks and award points, which are assigned to each chore.

Kids can use their saved points for real-life rewards determined with their parents or for rewards in HandiLand—a safe virtual world with games and interactive fun for ages 4-12. If your kids’ friends are also signed up, they can interact on this website.

The real-life rewards can be set to suit your family’s interests and budget. Free activities like “TV time” or trips to the local park may be selected; bigger ticket rewards such as a trip to the movies or a new toy may also be selected.

The winning entry will receive a prize package worth over $650, including the items pictured above and other items reviewed in this issue. Full description of prizes listed at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/FS-Giveaway.

Parents also have access to Parents’ Forums to get advice from others using the website.

Visit HandiPoints.com to learn more.

* Winner agrees to pick up items from NW OKC area.

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December 2008

Celebrating Ten Years!

What’s For Dinner?

A busy mother of two school-aged children, Faith Hacker spends a lot of time on sports, school, and activities; unfortunately, that sometimes leaves very little time for meal planning for a mom who prefers to cook dinner rather than pick it up.

“People could not believe that my family ate primarily at home, rather than driving through somewhere to pick up dinner,” said Faith. “I began to give some of my friends recipes and menu ideas. They started asking for more. Another friend suggested I do a website.” And thus began FaithfulDinners.com.

Subscribers to the service select meals from the website’s collection. A categorized grocery list is generated from the selected recipes, and subscribers may save recipes to their online recipe box for easy reference.

“Members seem to love how this makes their grocery shopping and meal planning so easy,” said Faith. “I have members who log on everyday to plan their meals, while I have some that do all their planning once a week.” Faithful Dinners is flexible enough to meet the needs of planners and those who prefer to do things on the fly.

The website is expanding to offer more services, such as food and wine pairings and gift subscriptions. New recipes are added weekly so even the most adventurous palates are sure to find a new taste to pique their interest.

Subscriptions are available for one, three, six, or twelve months. Visit FaithfulDinners. com to learn more about the service and view a sample menu.

The Dinosaurs are Coming Who would pass up an opportunity to mingle with dinosaurs? At Walking With Dinosaurs—the Arena Spectacular at the Ford Center, you have just that opportunity.

Fifteen life-size, roaring, snarling dinosaurs will take over the arena floor as part of a show depicting 200 million years in the lives of dinosaurs. Species from a variety of time periods will be represented—the Tyrannosaurus Rex and Plateosaurus from the Triassic period, the Allosaurus and Stegosaurus from the Jurrasic period, and the Torosaurus and Utahraptor from the Cretaceous period. The largest species represented, the Brachiosaurus, stands 36 feet tall, 56 feet from nose to tail.

The show will run Wednesday-Sunday, January 21-25. Performance times are as follows: Wednesday-Friday 7pm; Saturday 11am, 3pm, and 7pm; Sunday 1pm and 5pm. Tickets are $25 and up (special discounts for opening night and groups at select performances), and are available at the Ford Center box office, 405-235-8288, or OKFordCenter.com.

Run the RedBud with MetroFamily For the last year, MetroFamily has been following Iron Mom ShaRhonda Burton on her path to fitness and weight loss.

Congratulations to ShaRhonda for losing over 115 pounds to date.

Now, we’re inviting our reader moms to join ShaRhonda and the MetroFamily staff as we form an Iron Moms team. The purpose of this team is to provide the information and inspiration needed for members to improve their health and influence the health of those around them.

Starting in late December, you’ll be able to register to be an Iron Mom at MetroFamilyMagazine. com/iron-moms. Online, you’ll find fitness and nutrition information, a community where you can share your thoughts and learn from others, and specials from our Iron Mom sponsor, Women’s Yoga Center of Oklahoma City. Invite an accountability partner to join with you, and together we’ll work to make a difference in our own health and the health of those we influence.

The first challenge for the Iron Moms Team will be to run (or walk) at the 27th Annual RedBud Classic, scheduled for April 4-5, 2009. The RedBud provides many quality events, including: • 10, 33, and 50 mile bike tours • 1 mile children’s fitness run • 5K wheelchair event • 2 mile baby stroller and citizen’s fun walk • 5K & 10K runs.

When you sign up to be an Iron Mom, you’ll be asked to indicate which event you intend to participate in.

Learn more about the 27th RedBud Classic online at RedBud.org.

Celebrating Ten Years!

December 2008

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Respect Diversity “Visual art and poetry can show or express respect for people of different cultures and ethnicities, different ability levels, different ages, and/or different religions. The possibilities are as endless as one’s imagination.” - from the Respect Diversity website.

The 2009 Respect Diversity Art & Poetry Contest is now accepting entries.

This year’s theme is Rainbow Connection. Entries are welcome from Oklahoma children in grades pre-K through 12 (public, private, or home-school). Entries must be a collaboration, relate to the theme, and include either art, poetry, or both. An entry form must be attached to each entry and entries must be received

by January 9, 2009.

Find an entry form online at RespectDiversity.org, click on the “Art and Poetry Contest” link. Prizes will be awarded to the winning entry in four age groups: pre-K-1st grade; 2nd-5th grade; 6th-8th grade; and 9th-12th grade. Winning entries will be highlighted in a future issue of MetroFamily Magazine.

Heifer International What do you get the person who has everything? Make a donation in their name to a worthwhile cause. Rather than supplying food aid for a temporary solution, Heifer International seeks to empower those it benefits, putting into practice the lesson “give a man a fish and he will eat for a day; teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime.”

Since 1944, the organization has helped communities around the world to become self-reliant for food and income, transforming the lives of over 49 million individuals. Donations of any amount can be made to help purchase livestock, seedlings, or honeybees.

Call 1-800-698-2511 or visit Heifer.org to learn more.

Parents Television Council Parents, if you are unsure about the television shows your child is watching, the Parents Television Council (PTC) seeks to offer you the information you need. The primary mission of the PTC is to: “promote and restore responsibility and decency to the entertainment industry in answer to America’s demand for positive, family-oriented television programming.” To attain this mission, the PTC’s website (ParentsTV.org) offers lists of programs suitable for families, and shows to watch out for.

Resources include a Family Guide to TV, music, movie, and video game ratings. Drop-down lists of television and movie reviews give parents detailed information, rating the sex, language, and violence content so parents can make informed decisions on what their children are watching.

Read MetroFamily’s interview with PTC National Grassroots Director Gavin McKiernan at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ptc.

Edmond Lacrosse The Edmond Youth Lacrosse program started in the spring of 2006 with 93 boys and girls; by 2008, there were 221 players in total. The 2009 season for this popular sport is March-May 2009, and registration is underway now through January 5. The program is open to boys and girls, grades 1-12.

For more information about Lacrosse or to sign up, call 405-359-4630 or visit EdmondLacrosse.com.

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December 2008

Easy y to be

Green Green Gifts Are you dreaming of a green holiday season this year? Looking for ecofriendly gifts for the kids, something fun and different? Manufacturers are listening, and offering eco-friendly options for all ages.

ImagiPLAY’s PuzzlePlay Rainforest ($19.99; ImagiPlay. com) for ages 3 and up is made from renewable rubberwood and features chunky pieces that disassemble to create a Rainforest playset.

Also made of renewable Rubberwood is Plan Rubberw Toys’ Miracle Pounding ($29.95; PlanToys. com) com for ages 2 and up, a good goo toy for building hand-eye coordination. h d The Planet Pixie dolls ($24.99; ILoveMyPlanetToys. s. com) for ages 3 and up teach kids about different parts of the earth. The dolls come with a guide to being environmentallyfriendly. Parents and kids can visit PlanetPixies.com for or more information.

Nature Discovery In My Backyard ($6.95; TheLittleEnvironmentalists. com) is the first in a series of books for young children and early readers.

Pages include information about what kids can easily find in the world around them, illustrations of the life cycles of bugs and plants, and resources for further reading.

Don’t forget—when you are done with this issue, pass it on to a friend or drop it in your recycle bin!

Celebrating Ten Years!

Problem-Solving Products Problem:

Winter is unkind to tender young skin..

Solution:

Stuff for Sprouts allnatural skincare ($8 and up) has lotion, creams, and d an ingenious wide oval lip balm that will cure any “crunchy” kid’s winter skin and is perfect for sensitive skin of any age. Stock up this month; all items are on sale, 40-50% off regular cost (Stuff4Sprouts.com).

Fund for Teachers Program The Fund for Teachers program provides grants directly to teachers working with students in grades pre-K through 12th. These grants allow teachers to travel in the summer months to experience cultures and situations that will enhance their careers as teachers. Last year, nearly 100 Oklahoma teachers took part in the project. Teachers Pamela Blevins and Rhonda Snow, from Moore’s Brink Jr High, toured Holocaust sites in Holland, Germany, Poland, and Austria to add a personal perspective to their curriculum.

Teachers submit proposals outlining the benefits of their study to their classroom, students, and school at large. The entries are then judged by committee. Applications are currently being accepted online at FundForTeachers.org until 5pm, January 30. Full-time teachers with at least three years of experience (spending 50% of their time in the classroom) are welcome to apply; visit the website for further details and guidelines.

The Fund for Teachers program is partnered with the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, whose mission is “to recognize and encourage academic excellence in Oklahoma’s public schools.” Learn more at OFE.org.

Problem:

You want a oneof-a-kind announcement.

Solution:

Couture Keepsakes offers unique announcements or party favors perfect for a new baby or baby shower. $5.50 and up; use code “MF08” when placing your order in December or January to receive free shipping or a 10% discount (Keepsakeconcepts.com).

Problem:

You’re on a roadtrip and the passengers are restless.

Solution:

The Yamodo!

Game to go ($11.95) is a fun, interactive game for ages 8 and up. Pass the game back and forth, using the drawing and writing areas to describe the made-up word provided (Yamodo.com).

Problem:

You need to explain “sad.”

Solution:

Get your kids Michael Rosen’s Sad Book ($6.99), a very personal book about dealing with sadness through the story of the author’s experience.

Suitable for all ages (Candlewick.com).

Celebrating Ten Years!

Pamela Blevins and Rhonda Snow of Moore’s Brink Jr. High at the Wannsee Palace in Berlin, Germany.

Opening Night, OKC The Opening Night festival has been providing a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration since 1987. From 7pm-midnight on December 31, venues around Downtown will host performances by Edgar Cruz (guitar), Son del Barrio (salsa), Boru’s Ghost (Celtic), Everybody and Their Dog (improv), and Lemma (rock). The Cox Convention Center hosts the Children’s area with face painting, an inflatable obstacle course, family-friendly performances, and hands-on craft activities.

At midnight, Kerr Park hosts a musical finale (with the Wise Guys playing oldies rock songs) and the traditional Opening Night ball. The night will be topped off with fireworks to mark the start of 2009.

Opening Night wristbands are $8 in advance (at Metro-area Homeland stores, MidFirst Banks, Mathis Brothers, and Penn Square mall) or $10 at the event.

Children under 5 are free.

Opening Night is produced by the Arts Council of OKC. To learn more, call 405-270-4848, or visit ArtsCouncilOKC.com.

December 2008

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Q & A with the Beasleys Is Your Child a Scrooge? perhaps there is something specific about the Christmas holiday season that upsets him.

Dear Beasleys: Scrooge seems to be living at our house and he is only 7 years old! Our son J.P. has the worst attitude about Christmas of any child or adult we know.

Our other two children love Christmas and all the traditions and celebrating while Scrooge doesn’t seem to get excited about anything. He refuses to write a letter to Santa. He refuses to make a Christmas list. He refuses to help decorate the family Christmas tree. We can’t figure out his problem.

Any clues?

Dr. Lori: Martin Seligman in his book Learned Optimism, notes that children learn to be either pessimistic or optimistic in their younger years.

The good news is that pessimistic children can learn optimism quite easily with parental involvement and encouragement. J.P. may have learned somehow not to get his expectations up and face disappointment if he doesn’t receive the gift(s) he wants, so he expects little or nothing. That way, he is not disappointed with an undesired gift and can be pleasantly surprised if the gift goes beyond his expectation.

Kathleen and Levi Dr. Stewart: There are a lot more questions we would like to ask you about J.P.’s behavior. Does he act this way at other times of the year, such as around his birthday or Halloween? If so, your seven year old may be depressed and need further evaluation by his pediatrician or a counselor. Behaviors such as this in a child this young are unusual and may mask deeper problems.

If he is not this way at other times,

Seeking a Great r?

Babysitte

Dr. Stewart: A benefit your son receives by acting like Scrooge is the amount of attention he draws from you and probably from others in the family.

For some children, getting attention by being negative is better than receiving no attention at all. In other words, this may be a ploy to become the center of attention in the family. In that case, the secret is to acknowledge and compliment his positive behaviors when they occur. Ignoring his negative comments is better than scolding or punishing those behaviors.

Dr. Lori: I suggest that you and your entire family get involved in planning Christmas for a family in need. Place the focus on helping others and take joy in providing for the needs of those less fortunate. This will help to shift the focus away from the things that seem to

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Dr. Stewart: What about reading Dickens’ A Christmas Carol over the holidays, and discovering the journey in the story of angry, bitter, old Scrooge to a joyful, grateful Scrooge who sees the errors of his ways. Maybe the moral of the story will not be lost on your little Scrooge.

Dr. Lori: Be certain that as parents you are modeling positive and optimistic behaviors not only at the holidays, but year-around. We sometimes forget how critical our attitudes are in forming the attitudes of our children. Good luck on your Scrooge Project.

Lori Beasley, EdD is Asst. Vice President of Academic Affairs and Professor of Family Life Education at the University of Central Oklahoma. Stewart R. Beasley, PhD is a licensed psychologist who practices in Edmond and Oklahoma City and is Clinical Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine.

Do you have a question about early childhood issues for the Beasleys?

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Family Finances Holiday Shopping Tips

W

hen heading out for holiday shopping, families often get wrapped up in the excitement of buying for friends and loved ones while forgetting some of the basics of being a savvy consumer.

choices and reduce your overall spending. You may also want to compare online prices and local prices before buying.

Read ads and purchase terms carefully. Whether shopping online or in person, be sure you understand exactly what you are buying, the warranties, return and refund policies, shipping and delivery costs, and costs or terms associated with the products you are buying. A cheaper price may not always be the best deal.

Following are several ideas that can help you make memories instead of accumulating debt through the holiday season:

Give yourself the gift of preparedness.

Ship early. If you need to mail gifts, start shopping early to ensure you have sufficient time to mail them for the holidays. Waiting until the last minute adds to the costs with extra fees for overnight or express shipping.

Making a spending plan and sticking with it will help diminish emotional choices that can wreck your budget in the coming year.

Keep an eye on your valuables. Be careful about flashing cash when out in public and guard your purse or wallet at all times. Women’s purses are especially vulnerable; never leave a purse unattended in a shopping cart. Also, put your purse in the car and lock the doors before unloading your shopping cart or opening your trunk in the parking lot. Avoid talking on your cell phone or text messaging while walking through the parking lot; it distracts you from determining if someone is following or watching you.

Make a list. One of the best ways to avoid overbuying and overspending is making a list of what you plan to buy, for whom you plan to buy, and how much you plan to spend on each gift.

Then, carefully cross off each person’s name from your list once the gifts are purchased. It also helps you avoid buying one for them and one for you!

Ask for gift receipts. Many retailers offer gift receipts that code the price.

Include the gift receipt in the package or keep it handy in case the recipient needs to return the item. Having a gift receipt ensures the recipient receives the same value even when an item goes on sale after your purchase.

Budget for all holiday expenses.

Include the cost of wrapping paper, shipping or other related costs to packaging your gifts. Also include expenditures for food, travel, decorations and any other related expenses. Be realistic about the amount you can afford to spend.

Shop holiday sales and compare prices. Many retailers will be offering specials during the holidays to boost sales this year. Keep in mind, however, that sale prices at one store may be higher than the same products at regular price elsewhere. Being informed about prices will help you make informed 18

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

Save your receipts. Most retailers require receipts for returns and exchanges. You should also use them to check credit and debit card sales and return receipts against your monthly statements. Report any problems to the credit card issuer promptly.

Look for secure sites when shopping online. Before entering your credit or debit card number or any other personal information, be sure you are connected to a secure site. Internet retailers use

December 2008

symbols to indicate a secure site—a website address beginning with “https://” and a closed padlock or unbroken key at the bottom of the program window.

If you are uncertain about the site’s security, shop elsewhere.

Shop with reputable merchants.

Whether shopping online or in person, make your purchases with businesses you know and trust. It may be beneficial to pay a little extra to a credible, reliable merchant than make a cheap purchase from a fly-by-night shyster.

Making a spending plan and sticking with it will help diminish emotional choices that can wreck your budget in the coming year.

Happy holidays—and happy shopping!

Sue Lynn Sasser, PhD, is an associate professor of economics at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Read more at

MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ family-finances

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December 2008

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19

Casting Light on the

Close your eyes and envision the holidays without light.

There’d be no menorahs or Christmas trees; no kinaras or colorful street lights.

Now open your eyes and bask in the light—especially if you’re near West Hefner Road in OKC. That’s where the nine foot menorah will appear at the new Chabad Community Center. Rabbi Ovadia Goldman is Chabad’s Spiritual Leader.

Chabad offers one of several Jewish educational programs in OKC. “Everyone’s welcome at our Center,” notes Rabbi Goldman, “but we definitely focus on the Jewish community.”

Come sundown on December 21, that focus will be on Hanukkah. Hanukkah commemorates the Jews’ defeat of Antiochus Epiphanes, a Greek king who obsessively persecuted the Jews. When the Jews rededicated the temple, a one day supply of oil lasted for eight days; thus the practice of lighting a menorah with eight candles.

“My wife and I, together with our five children, each light individual menorahs,” notes Rabbi Goldman. “Then we have a beautiful tradition of watching the candles because they tell a spiritual story.”

Rabbi Goldman’s menorah also tells a story. “It’s not a family artifact, but I know my menorah came from a Jewish community in Poland and survived the Holocaust. We place it, along with the rest of our menorahs, in the doorways of our home so we will see the lights when we pass by.”

Home is also where Bill Green, Worship Pastor at Western Oaks Church of the Nazarene in OKC, shares his treasured holiday stories. In this case, the stories center around Immanuel (meaning “God with us”).

“Even though our kids are married and live a distance away, we make a point to be together during Christmas,” says Pastor Green. “Family members share how God has been with them—through thick and thin—during the past year. It’s a very meaningful occasion.”

Regarding church traditions, Pastor Green favors a candlelight communion service because, as he puts it, “Candlelight seems to have such a calming effect on the spirit.

“And I think we crave that same spirit all year long—not only the calmness, but also the spirit of giving. That’s really the spirit of Christmas—God’s gift of His only begotten Son. It seems to permeate through faith lines and cultures and grip 20

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

December 2008

us with something that is almost mystical.”

Giving is certainly an important part of Hanukkah as well: Rabbi Goldman’s children are rewarded for progress made in their Jewish educational journey.

Gifts are also a part of Phyllis Davis’ celebration; she is a member of the Temple B’nai Israel congregation. “My children received gifts on every night of Hanukkah,” recalls Phyllis. “A special gift was reserved for the last night.”

“In Sunday School my kids made clay menorahs. And my refrigerator was covered with menorah drawings. The kids got very excited about the holiday.”

Lampstands are mentioned throughout the Torah. Rabbi Goldman references Numbers 8:1-4, when God directs Moses to “set up the seven lamps… to light the area in front of the lampstand. [The lampstand is] made of hammered gold—from its base to its blossoms.”

Light also recurs throughout the New Testament. Pastor Green cites Jesus’ words in John 8:12 (NLT), “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

Both holidays share another common theme: the priceless gift of freedom.

As Pastor Green puts it, “Christmas is not just a sweet little story about a baby born in an unusual place. It’s about the freedom we can have in Christ.”

Rabbi Goldman casts freedom in a different light. “Hanukkah commemorates the first time in recorded history when any group fought for religious freedom.

“One of the most incredible gifts the U.S. offers to any human being is freedom of religion. We Jews believe that this country is extremely blessed because of that freedom.

“We keep hearing that the light of the western world is being diminished. But Hanukkah reminds us that we must stay the course. When we do the right, godly, beautiful thing, lightness will prevail.”

Lori Williams lives in Bethany with her husband Dean and daughter Aurelia. This year her family will celebrate Christmas and light candles to dispel the darkness.

Secular holidays in December: Kwanzaa (December 26-January 1): Candle lighting is an essential part of Kwanzaa celebrations.

• The holiday was established in 1966 to help African Americans reconnect with their cultural and historical roots.

Thus Kwanzaa is a cultural, not a religious, holiday.

• The kinara, or Kwanzaa candle holder, holds seven tapers.

The lights represent the Seven Principles of the holiday: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

• Although lighting a kinara differs from lighting a menorah, many Jewish traditions have been incorporated into African American culture. Both cultures know firsthand of slavery and freedom.

Winter Solstice (also known as Midwinter): (Dec 21-22): • Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year. (Solstice comes from the Latin, and means “sun stand still.”)

• Ancient cultures performed elaborate solstice ceremonies.

They believed that their antic rituals would cause the sun to shine more brightly and continuously.

• Science enthusiasts delight in celebrating what is known about the cosmos, while wondering what is still to be discovered.

Cross-Cultural Christmas Traditions: Jose and Haydee Morales, native Puerto Ricans now living in OKC, share their favorite “island” Christmas traditions: Food: “Roast pork is typical,” notes Haydee. “Hogs are ordered in August. You can have a 30 pound pig or a 300 pound hog. My grandmother roasted a hog over live coals.

Everyone helped turn the hog and pick the rind. Yes, fingers got burned, but it was worth it!”

Music: “We love parrandas,” recall Jose and Haydee. “A group gets together, usually after midnight, and quietly approaches a friend’s house. We shout Asalto! and begin singing at the top of our lungs. The family invites us in, we eat together, and move on to the next house.”

Duration: “Christmas begins the day after Thanksgiving and lasts until Three Kings Day on January 6. On January 5, young children put out grass and water for the Kings’ camels.

When the Kings come, they brings gifts for the children. The next day, the grass and water are gone, and the kids believe they’ve helped the wise men get to their destination.

Jubilation: “The feasting and fellowship is like a jumpstart to the happiness and joy that comes with celebrating Christ’s birth,” says Haydee. “We tell everyone that Christ was born with the one purpose of salvation: for you, for me, and for the whole world.”

• But could the Winter Solstice also be seen in a whole new light? The stars in the night sky are a reminder of the star that appeared in Bethlehem. Even the darkest night can be illuminated by candles.

Cross-Cultural Hanukkah Traditions: Like other Jews living in America, Rabbi Goldman’s family will enjoy potato latkas for the holiday (The oil used for frying is reminiscent of the oil used to light the Temple candles). “Generally speaking, I love food,” chuckles the Rabbi. “There’s something very special about both the ancient and the modern latka recipes.”

Fried jelly donuts are prepared in Israel to symbolize an ancient Jewish tradition: To help a child associate learning with sweetness, young scholars tasted honey while studying.

In Arabic, this ritual is known as hanakka.

Rabbi Ovadia Goldman is the director of the Chabad Community Center 3000 W Hefner Road • OKC Hanukkah festivities not yet scheduled at time of publication. Call 286-0900 or check JewishOKC. org for the latest events.

Pastor Bill Green is the Worship Pastor at Western Oaks Church of the Nazarene 7901 NW 16th (corner of 16th and Council) • OKC 787-2042 • wonaz.com Sunday, December 14, 10:30am Adult Christmas Musical: “The Spirit of Christmas” Sunday, December 21, 6pm Candlelight Communion for all Believers

21

Imagine Art Holiday Ornaments

T

is the season to be merry, and what better way than to create some fun holiday ornaments with your family and friends. These ornaments are also a fun way to investigate the elements of art. Take the element of line—one usually thinks of drawing a line, but in this project, the line is a string used to make a three dimensional form. The element of form which you create with the string becomes positive space and the area inside and around the string form is negative space. If you use colored string, the element of color is used and light and dark colors will show the element of value. Through the process of making the ornament, you will begin with a fluid, soft texture and the finished result will be a fixed, rough texture.

Process Cover the work area with newspaper and pour some fabric stiffener in a bowl. The stiffener may be thinned

Materials 7� balloons crochet string fabric stiffener bowl or container scissors clothespin or paperclip

slightly with water; if you do not have fabric stiffener, one part glue to two parts water may be substituted. Blow up a balloon to the size of ornament you want and tie it off. Tie the string to the balloon just below the knot and cover the balloon with stiffener. Wrap the string randomly and snugly around the balloon until you are Stanton Reasoner, Vanessa Esperaza, Keston Horst, 6th grade satisfied with the look. students at the Middle School of Piedmont Pat more stiffener over the string until for the magazine. I have enjoyed writing it is fully saturated. Use the clothespin and being a part of the MetroFamily or paperclip to hang the ornament for Magazine family and readership for the drying, placing newspaper down to past five years. It is time for me to find catch any drips. new horizons. I wish you all a warm, You may want to use different colors of string; when changing colors, just cut and tie the new color on and continue wrapping. Try wrapping the balloon in different ways to create new looks.

Different sizes and shapes of balloons, such as twisty balloons, make fun shapes.

Decorate the top of the ornament with ribbon, holly, or other embellishment and hang it on your tree. Line a window or fireplace with several of your handmade creations to showcase your creativeness.

This is the last column that I will write

loving and merry season.

Frances A. Williams lives and teaches 6th-8th grade art in Piedmont.

Editor’s note: MetroFamily sincerely thanks Frances for her dedication to helping families explore art together. We wish her all the best as she continues connecting kids with art in Piedmont.

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December 2008

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23

character generosity

When we hear the word generosity, our minds may jump to philanthropy—making a donation to charity or volunteering our time to a worthy cause. Certainly those are components of generosity, but they spring from having a generous spirit, a character trait we can all display no matter how much money we have in the bank or how busy we are.

Holding the door open for someone, letting the person with only a few items go ahead in the checkout line, or making coffee for the office are all tiny acts, things that can easily be overlooked in the course of a day. But when we choose to give of ourselves, whether the gesture is small or more extensive, being generous allows us to spread joyfulness to those around us.

For children, generosity is easier explained as sharing. Think what a peaceful place the world would be if we all practiced the art of sharing.

Catch them doing the

rightthing!

Whether the student is a Kindergartner or teen, whether the act is simple or time consuming, we want to hear about your outstanding student.

© Richard Lindie | Dreamstime.com

In nature Pelicans are fascinating birds that are adept at fishing. Brown pelicans can spot a fish swimming under the water’s surface from more than 70 feet in the air. The pelicans then dive headfirst into the water. They use their large bill pouch to scoop up the fish like a net.

When they bob back to the surface they tip their head forward to drain out the water. As parents, pelicans display generosity by letting their young eat fish and regurgitated food from their beak.

Teachable moments

Nominate them for MetroFamily Magazine’s Spotlight on Character Award.

Take time this month to be generous as a family and reach out to others less fortunate. The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma supplies 500 charities throughout Oklahoma. Last year, the organization distributed 25 million pounds of food, enough to feed 63,600 Oklahomans every week. The Regional Food Bank is always accepting donations of non-perishable food and hygiene items and also offers volunteer opportunities for sorting and packaging donated items. For more information, visit their website at RegionalFoodBank.org or call 405-972-1111.

Visit MetroFamilyMagazine.com for contest details and nomination forms.

During dinner, discuss ways your family can be generous. Look for unique and helpful ways each person could share his or her individual gifts and talents.

Remember that it is often the small, but unexpected acts of generosity that touch us the most.

Gayleen Rabakukk is a freelance writer who spends her time in Edmond keeping up with her teenage and preschool daughters.

24

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

Read about generosity. Children and their parents will enjoy The Quiltmaker’s Gift and The Quiltmaker’s Journey, both written by Jeff Brumbeau and illustrated

by Gail De Marcken. The marvelously illustrated books use a fanciful setting to explore generosity, community and quilting. The richly woven tales are geared for a third or fourth grade reading level, but younger children will enjoy having it read aloud.

For adults, check out Live Generously: 50 Small Acts that Make a Big Difference, edited by Julie Van Pelt. The book offers a wealth of ideas aimed at giving back.

December 2008

Celebrating Ten Years!

Spotlight on Character winners The Edmond Sequoyah Middle School football teams have been learning more than just x’s and o’s at their practices. Coaches Larry Tettleton and Philip Woods have been using the theme of “What does it mean to be a man?” during the past two years with their team members. Once a week, the players take a break from physical conditioning to focus on the bigger picture.

“We talk about building positive relationships with other people and living for a cause greater than ourselves,” Woods said.

Members of the 7th and 8th grade football teams worked to clear the entire lot and fill a dumpster donated by Midwest Wrecking Company. Next, the team began work on a sand volleyball court. With donations from Academy Sports and Outdoors, Minnick Materials Company, Dolese Brothers, and Home Depot, the boys created a 20’ by 40’ volleyball court.

To put these lessons into practice, the Cougars partnered with Love Links, a ministry affiliated with Lakeview Park Church of the Nazarene that helps people battling addictions. Love Links owns a vacant lot in downtown Oklahoma City that “I was very proud of them. We had a very good response and was overgrown with weeds and filled with trash. The area they had a very positive attitude about it,” Woods said. had become a favorite haunt of vagrants and drug users. Love The coaches hope the boys will see how the skills used on Links project manager Gary Seaton envisioned a park in the the field like perseverance, teamwork, dealing with adversity, run-down spot. and commitment can help them in all aspects of their lives.

i will statements share what I have with others

give of my time and talents

not expect anything in return for my generosity

recycle

praise the good I see in others

Putting character first The Character First! Project is inspired by the work of the Character Training Institute, a non-profit organization based in Oklahoma City. Character First! information is used by permission. Call 405-815-0001 for Character First! resources or visit CharacterFirst.com.

Celebrating Ten Years!

December 2008

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

25

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Festival of Lights at Ardmore Regional Park, 6-10pm.

One of the largest drive-thru displays in southern Oklahoma. Free. Donations are appreciated. 580-2237765, Ardmore.org.

Jupiter Christmas Express Train at the Orr Family Farm. Guests go on a delightful trip around the farm to see beautiful animated scenes. Friday 6-8:30pm and Saturdays noon-8:30pm. 799-3276, OrrFamilyFarm.com.

Ponca City’s Festival of Angels holiday lighting display at four locations, 6-10pm. 1-800-922-2218, FestivalofAngels.net.

Through Dec 21

A Territorial Christmas Carol at Guthrie’s Pollard Theatre is an Oklahoma tradition. Wednesday-Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2pm. Tickets $15-$22; 282-2800, ThePollard.org.

Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland, noon-5pm, every Saturday and Sunday. Bring the kids to enjoy craft activities, holiday displays, and photos with Santa.

Free. BassPro.com.

Woolaroc Wonderland of Lights in Bartlesville at the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Refuge in Bartlesville.

Friday-Sunday, 5-9pm. Woolaroc.org.

Fantasyland of Lights Festival at Johnstone Park in Bartlesville. VisitBartlesville.com for details.

Through Dec 24

Deck the Zoo at the OKC Zoo. Bring an edible ornament and receive discounted admission (one discount per person). 424-3344, OKCZoo.com.

Candlelight Trolley Tours in Downtown Guthrie.

Thursdays-Saturdays. 282-1947, GuthrieOK.com.

Kingfisher in Lights includes a miniature train through the lights and hot chocolate or cider. Free; Sunday-Thursday, 6-10pm, Friday-Saturday 6-11pm.

KingfisherInLights.com.

Through Dec 31

Downtown in December in Downtown Oklahoma City.

Month-long event includes Snow Tubing at the Brick, Holidays on the Canal, and Ice Skating. For times and

All area codes are 405 unless noted otherwise Celebrating Ten Years!

December 2008

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27

pricing, 235-3500 DowntownInDecember.com.

Thomas Park. LawtonFortSillChamber.com.

Christmas at the Depot at Shawnee’s Santa Fe Depot Museum. Features Christmas trees decorated in styles from the past. 275-9780, VisitShawnee.com.

Through Jan 9, 2009

Festival of Light in Chickasha, 6-11pm. Over 3 million lights reflecting in the 5-acre lake. Take a walk through and enjoy the 15 minute animated light show. Free.

224-9627, ChickashaFestivalofLight.com.

Yukon’s Christmas in the Park at City Park, 6-11pm.

Drive-through light display at three adjoining parks, covering more than 100 acres. Free; donations accepted. 354-8937, CI.Yukon.OK.US. Passport to Christmas at the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory. Free with paid admission. Free admission to the Crystal Bridge on Sundays. 297-3995, MyriadGardens.com.

Christmas in the Park in Elk City, 6-9pm. Train rides, light tours, carriage rides, Centennial carousel, and gift shop. 800-280-0207, VisitElkCity.com.

Through Jan 4, 2009

Holiday in the Park light display at Lawton’s Elmer

Norman Firehouse Art Center’s Holiday Gift Gallery features a variety of gifts (including jewelry, pottery, and stained glass) at a variety of price points. 444 S Flood, Norman. 329-4523, NormanFirehouse.com.

2 • Tuesday

Festival of Lights in Downtown Clinton, 4-8pm. Light parade, holiday open houses, musical performances, and Santa. 580-323-2222, ClintonOK.org.

3-19

The Oklahoma Children’s Theater presents Sugar Plum Fairy at the Children’s Center for the Arts, (corner of Blackwelder and NW 25th) 11am. $5 and up. 606-7003, OklahomaChildrensTheatre.org.

4 • Thursday

Territorial Christmas Celebration at the Harn Homestead Museum, 5-8pm. Tour historic buildings adorned with 1880s holiday decorations. Enjoy treats, crafts and a visit from Santa. $5. 235-4058, HarnHomestead.com.

An old-fashioned Christmas parade, trolley rides, storytelling, Santa’s workshop, carolers, and the lighting of the Christmas tree. 262-8888, ElReno.org.

Chickasha Christmas Parade in Downtown Chickasha, 224-0787, ChickashaChamber.com.

Christmas Parade of Lights in Downtown Stillwater, 7pm. A parade of lights with floats featuring traditional Christmas themes. 372-6391.

4-6

Chesapeake’s A Very Merry Pops by the OKC Philharmonic at the Civic Center Music Hall. 842-5387, OKCPhilharmonic.org.

4-7

Journey to Bethlehem at the Forest Hill Christian Church (2121 N MacArthur), 6-9pm. An interactive outdoor walk with over 300 people in costume and live animals. Free. 495-0439, FHCC.org.

Dickens Weekend in Historic Downtown Edmond, 10am-8pm. Merchants dress in period costumes,

Holiday Happening at Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, 6-9pm. Free museum admission, live holiday music, photos with Santa and special gift shop discounts. 325-4712, snomnh.ou.edu.

Shawnee Christmas Parade in Downtown Shawnee. 275-9780, VisitShawnee.com.

Mayor’s Tree Lighting at Edmond’s Festival Market Place, 5-7pm. Live music, free coffee and cocoa. Free.

359-4630, EdmondOK.com.

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December 2008

carolers, carriage rides, and refreshments. 249-9391, DowntownEdmondOK.com.

Christmas Belles at the John Denney Playhouse (1316 NW Bell, Lawton), 8pm. Tickets $14 and up.

580-355-1600, LawtonTheatre.org.

The Nunsense Christmas Musical Nuncrackers at the Poteet Theatre (222 NW 15th), 8pm. Tickets $15.

609-1023, PoteetTheatre.com.

4-14

WinterGlow at the UCO Campus, 7:30pm. A display of holiday lights, horsedrawn trolley rides, Santa’s workshop, caroling, and refreshments. Free. 3594630, EdmondOK.com.

The Oklahoma Children’s Theater presents A Christmas Carol at the Burg Theatre in the Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center on the OCU campus, 8pm. Tickets $7 and up. 606-7003, ChildrensTheatre.org.

Christmas on the Western Frontier in Downtown El Reno, 6-9pm.

Boys Ranch Town Living Christmas Pageant at the Boys Ranch Town in Edmond, 7-9pm. Residents and animals depict Christmas scenes with narration. Free; donations accepted. 359-4630, EdmondOK.com.

5-7

Celebrating Ten Years!

5-13

A Christmas Story at Shawnee Little Theatre, 7:30pm.

Tickets $10. 275-2805, ShawneeLittleTheatre.com.

5-21

A Tuna Christmas at the Civic Center Music Hall, 8pm.

A hilarious sequel to Greater Tuna. $30. 297-2584, OKCCivicCenter.org.

6 • Saturday

Hanging of the Green at the Oklahoma Baptist University, 7:30pm. In Raley Chapel. 275-9780, VisitShawnee.com.

Journey to Bethlehem in Downtown Guthrie, 5-9pm.

282-1947, GuthrieOK.com.

Mayor’s Christmas Party for Kids at the Robertson Activity Center in Yukon, 10:30am. Have refreshments with Santa and a variety of crafts, games, prizes plus visits from Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph, the rednosed reindeer. Free. 354-8937, CI.Yukon.OK.US. Cowboy Christmas in Stockyards City, 10am.

Parade includes the 100 signature longhorn steers, with floats, public officials, local celebrities, Native American Dancers, championship rodeo cowboys and cowgirls, Miss Rodeo USA 2008 and Cowboy Santa. Free.

235-7267, StockyardsCity.org.

Old-Fashioned Ornament Making at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, 10am. Make a special ornament for your family tree or decorate the old schoolhouse Christmas tree. $3; reservations required.

478-2250, NationalCowboyMuseum.org.

Christmas on the Corner at Campus Corner in Norman, 1-6pm. Pictures with Santa, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. 360-6300.

Brunch with Santa at the OKC Zoo, 10:30am-noon.

Enjoy brunch in the rainforest–themed Canopy restaurant and end with a visit from Santa. $20 Zoofriends, $22 non-members. 424-3344, OKCZoo.com.

Cupcakes with Santa at the OKC Zoo, 1:30-3pm.

Children will decorate a holiday cupcake, make a craft, and get a visit from Santa. $20 Zoofriends, $22 non-

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Celebrating Ten Years!

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members. Also held 12/13, 20. 424-3344, OKCZoo.com.

Breakfast with Santa at the Skirvin Hotel, 10am-noon. Family breakfast with Santa, children receive special holiday memento. Reservations required.

272-3040, SkirvinHilton.com. Also held 12/13, 20.

Holiday Bazaar and Santa’s Village at the Blaine County Fairgrounds, 9-4pm. Visit the 60 booths of holiday crafts and gifts. Walk along Candy Cane Lane in Santa’s Village. Free. 580-623-5195, Watonga.com.

Canterbury Christmas at the Civic Center Music Hall, 7pm. Celebrate the festive music of the holiday season followed by a holiday reception. Tickets $18 and up.

297-2584, OKCCivicCenter.org.

Happy Birthday Jesus! Party at Waterloo Road Baptist Church, 6:30pm. Refreshments, children’s activities, and a visit from Santa. Free. 341-9024, WaterlooRoad.org.

Temple B’nai Israel’s A Taste of Hanukkah holiday bazaar features traditional and modern religious and cultural gifts, traditional foods (such as corned beef and Jewish delicacies), and crafts for sale, 11am-4pm. Free; 4901 N Penn. 848-0965.

8 • Monday

Cocoa & Carols at the Hardeman Auditorium on the campus of Oklahoma Christian in Edmond, 7:30pm.

Holiday concert. 359-4630, EdmondOK.com.

St. Nick’s Pet Pics at Quail Springs Mall in front of Macys, 6pm-9pm. Bring your cat or dog (on leash or in carrier) for a picture. Costumes provided. 755-6530, QuailSpringsMall.com. Also held 12/15.

6-7

The Nutcracker at the Yukon Fine Arts Center, (850 Yukon Ave) 8pm. Advance tickets $10; $12 at the door.

354-1743, CentralOKBallet.org.

9 • Tuesday

The Living Christmas Tree at Edmond’s First Baptist Church, (33rd & Bryant) 2pm. Free. 562-3083.

7 • Sunday

Come to the Manger at New Covenant United Methodist Church (2700 S Boulevard, Edmond), 6-8pm.

Tour the manger with Mary and Joseph, shepherds, and Jesus. Free. 348-6914, NCovenant.org.

A Night Before Christmas Museum Open House at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 6-9pm. Old-west town Prosperity Junction, comes alive with historical characters, schoolhouse cakewalk, and choirs singing traditional Christmas music. 478-2250, NationalCowboyMuseum.org.

10-12

All Wrapped Up program at Henderson Hills Baptist

Shop Enjoy! shopping, dining,& services, fitness and more!

Sleigh Day & Santa!

Saturday, December 13, 1-4pm FREE photos with Santa and FREE horse-drawn sleigh rides...Join us!

A Norman Tradition 30

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December 2008

Celebrating Ten Years!

Church, 7pm asks the question, “What are you all wrapped up in this Christmas?” 341-4639, hhbc.com.

outdoor trains down Wonder Lane to Toy Land. 7287700, TheCathedral.tv.

11 • Thursday

One Incredible Moment at First Presbyterian Church, (9th & Rankin) 7pm. 341-3602, FPCEdmond.org.

Christmas Tour of Homes in El Reno, 6-11pm Beautifully decorated homes are open to the public for the holiday season. 262-2552, RedlandsCC.edu.

13 • Saturday

The Heartland Flyer’s Santa Train features a ride with Santa Claus. HeartlandFlyer.com.

Holiday Open House at the Downtown Library, 11am4pm. A celebration of world cultures, with refreshments and entertainment. 231-8650, MetroLibrary.org.

Sleigh Day and Santa at the Brookhaven Village in Norman, 1-4pm. Free photos with Santa and horse drawn sleigh rides. 321-7500.

11-13

7pm. This yuletide dance features Murphey headlining an evening of entertainment for the entire family.

Includes buffet and a visit from Santa. Reservations required. 478-2250, Ext. 219.

Holiday Parade in Downtown Norman, 10am.

VisitNorman.com.

11-14

8th Annual Holiday Art Walk in Downtown Norman on Main Street, 6-10pm. View a variety of art from local artists while enjoying a warm cup of cider and snacks.

360-1162, VisitNorman.com.

Navidad: Christmas in Mexico at the Bethany Library, 2-2:45pm. Learn about Christmas traditions from Mexico through stories and songs. Enjoy holiday treats. Preregistration required. 789-8363, ext 3.

12-14

Home for the Holidays at Gymboree Play & Music of Norman, 11am-noon. Create unique hand-made crafts and gifts. $10 per child. Reservation required. 307-8454, normanok@gymboreeclasses.com.

Merry Memories at the UCO Jazz Lab, 8pm. 3594630, EdmondOK.com.

Home for the Holidays at OCU, 8pm. Experience the magic and wonder of a child’s Christmas dream. $22.

208-5227.

12 • Friday

Michael Martin Murphey’s Cowboy Christmas Ball at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum,

Christmasfest at the Cathedral, 6-8pm. Over 30 decorated Christmas trees, holiday characters, games, free pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, indoor and

Arcadia Lake Annual Eagle Watch Dress warmly and bring your binoculars.

Begin at the Arcadia Lake Park Office to receive information about where the eagles can be spotted. The Park Office has a raptor wingspan display.

Celebrating Ten Years!

Friday - Sunday, January 2nd - 4th Anytime between 7:30AM - 4:30PM Arcadia Lake Park Office 9000 E 2nd Street (approximately 3 ½ miles east of I-35 on Rt. 66) $3 per vehicle (Half-Price Park Entry) Call 216-7471 for more information December 2008

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31

Festivus Party at the Grape Ranch Winery in Okemah.

Celebrating with free music, food, and games. 918-6232250, GrapeRanch.com.

13-20

German Christmas Service at Messiah Lutheran Church (3600 NW Expy, OKC), will be given in German featuring readings and carols. 4pm.

Victorian Walk Evenings in Downtown Guthrie, 5pm.

Enjoy an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas with peanut vendors, carriage rides, and living Christmas cards in store windows. 282-1947, GuthrieOK.com.

13-21

The OKC Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker at the Civic Center Music Hall, 7pm. Tickets $26 and up.

297-2584, OKCCivicCenter.org.

14 • Sunday

The Worst Best Christmas Pageant Ever at Southern Hills Christian Church, (3207 S Boulevard, Edmond) 5pm. See how the infamous Herdman kids take over the church’s annual Christmas Pageant and everyone’s traditions are put to the test. SouthernHillsChristian.org.

Festival of Lessons and Carols at the Abbey Church, St. Gregory’s University in Shawnee. This campus

tradition begins in the beautiful setting of the Abbey Church and concludes with the blessing and lighting of Christmas lights in front of historic Benedictine Hall.

275-9780, VisitShawnee.com.

16th annual Majesty of Christmas at Crossings Community Church, (14600 N Portland) 4pm and 6:30pm. Experience the sounds of Christmas through the 170-voice choir and full orchestra. Free. 755-2227, CrossingsOKC.org.

Visit from Santa at the Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum, 2-3pm. 235-4458, OklahomaHeritage.com.

Spiritful Voices: Tribute to Glenn Burleigh at the Downtown Library, 2-3pm. Free holiday concert featuring a special tribute to Oklahoma-born composer and pianist Glenn Edward Burleigh. 231-8650.

Christmas Season Celebration at Quail Springs Church of Christ, (14401 N May.) 6pm. 755-4790, QuailChurch.com.

14-15

German Christmas Market at Messiah Lutheran Church (3600 NW Expy, OKC) features holiday items, crafts, and food. Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday noon6pm.

The Living Nativity program at Messiah Lutheran Church (3600 NW Expy, OKC) features live cast and animals. 6:30 and 7:30pm; performances followed by free refreshments.

15 • Monday

Santa Delivers at the OKC Zoo, 10-11am. Santa makes his annual visit. Free photos with Santa and hot cocoa while supplies last. 424-3344, OKCZoo.com.

16 • Tuesday

Point of Grace Winter Wonderland Tour at Northwest Baptist Church (3030 NW 23rd, OKC). $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 942-5557, nwbc.tv.

17 • Wednesday

3rd Annual You Dreamed for Me Christmas Concert with Jami Smith at Crossings Community Church,

A chic children’s and baby boutique.

Size newborn - 6X.

32

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December 2008

Spring Creek Plaza (15th & Bryant, Edmond) Monday-Saturday 10-5:30 (405) 330-8500 Celebrating Ten Years!

6:30pm. Pre-concert reception for teachers, 5:30pm.

Tickets $5. 302-1281, CrossingsOKC.org.

Christmas treats, and reenactment performances.

262-3987, FortReno.org.

18 • Thursday

23 • Tuesday

Sounds of the Season at the Yukon City Park, 7:30pm.

The OKC Philharmonic performs holiday favorites.

Tickets $5. 354-8937, CI.Yukon.OK.US. Santa’s Helpers at the OKC Zoo, 5-8pm. Pizza, drinks, and crafts provided. For ages 4-12. $30 per child, $25 for additional children. Registration required. 424-3344, OKCZoo.com.

20 • Saturday

The Christmas Train at the Oklahoma Railway Museum. Take a train ride with Santa. Trains depart at 10:30am, noon, 1:30 and 3pm. Tickets $12. 424-8222, OklahomaRailwayMuseum.org.

21 • Sunday

Steve Green in concert at Southern Hills Baptist Church, (8601 S Penn) 6pm. 682-1636, SHBC-OKC.org.

Fort Reno Christmas in El Reno, 2-4pm. Includes the firing of the Christmas guns, fireworks, carols and

Celebrating Ten Years!

Holiday Tales at the OKC Zoo, 9am-noon. Holiday stories and crafts with animals. For ages 6-10. $15 Zoofriends, $20 non-members. Registration required.

424-3344, OKCZoo.com.

24-25

The Annual Red Andrews Christmas Dinner at the Cox Convention Center. Volunteers ages 15 and up are needed to help with dinner and pass out donated toys. Contact HeartLine’s Volunteer Center of Central Oklahoma for details; 232-3711.

performers, magic shows, dancing, and children’s activities. 270-4848, ArtsCouncilOKC.com. (Read more on page 13) Sing in the New Year with Romance at the Sooner Theatre, 6:30pm. $20. 321-9600, SoonerTheatre.org.

New Year’s Eve Celebration in Stroud. Enjoy music, food, prizes, drawings, inflatables for the kids, fireworks and ball drop. 918-510-2469.

New Year’s Eve Celebration at Hey Day (I-35 and Indian Hills Rd). Laser Tag, prize drawings, and pizza specials. Open until 2am. 310-3500, HeyDayFamilyFun. com for details.

26-28

Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes at the Ford Center, 7:30pm. Features 24 Rockettes, ensemble members, children, and animals.

Tickets $25 and up. 602-8700, OKFordCenter.com.

31 • Wednesday

Opening Night in Downtown OKC. Featuring 40

December 2008

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33

Let’s Eat: Review Christmas dinner—simple and delicious

I

’ve been making Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner for many years for my family and my clients. In my childhood, I always felt Thanksgiving took the shine away from Christmas in regards to food. Think about it—we wait all year for turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and pie, and then we gorge and it’s great.

traditions and rules. Rule one: disregard old rules and traditions. Rule two: make it easy, tasty, and have fun. Rule three: include family recipes and traditions as needed.

When I married my wife, the Townleys became a new part of my family. The first Christmas I cooked for everyone here in OKC, my mother-in-law Sally and I were talking about what we should make. She stated that she didn’t want a lot of fuss and time consuming preparation, and that she would rather that everyone have time to visit. She suggested beef tenderloin, and we settled on mashed potatoes and asparagus as sides. That was it. Sally and I shopped together that Christmas, built some new bonds and traditions, and made new Christmas memories.

But then when Christmas comes around a few short weeks later, many of us fret… are we having turkey again? My mother and grandmother often opted to make a plain old ham with all the same sides as Thanksgiving. I think they were just so turned off at the thought of working for hours again to make a big meal that they tried to make it easier on themselves, and who can blame them.

Presents were the focus and the food suffered.

Below is the Townley/Dunham Christmas menu for 2008. I hope you enjoy your holidays. Merry Christmas!

I grew tired of Christmas fare until I started developing my own Christmas

Beef Tenderloin 1 beef tenderloin (8oz per person) Salt and pepper Unsalted butter, melted Italian parsley, chopped Preheat the oven to 400º F. Salt and pepper the tenderloin lightly.

Place the tenderloin on a rack, and place the rack on a sheet pan. Roast the tenderloin for 15 minutes at 400º, and then turn down the oven to 375º, cooking until desired internal temperature is reached.

Internal temperatures taken from On Food and Cooking by Harold McGee: Rare 120º–130ºF Medium rare 130º–135ºF Medium 135º–145ºF Medium well 145º–155ºF Well 155ºF and above Allow the tenderloin to cool for 10-15

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minutes before carving. Pour a little melted butter over each piece and garnish with chopped parsley.

Roasted Red Potatoes Small red potatoes (about 6oz per person) 2-4 T olive oil 2 T fresh rosemary, chopped Salt and pepper

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Preheat oven to 400ºF. Rinse potatoes in a colander with cold water.

Quarter potatoes and place in a large mixing bowl. Coat potatoes with oil, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper.

Place potatoes in a single layer on a sheet pan and roast at 400ºF for 15-20 minutes or until tender and browned, tasting one to determine doneness.

Lightly coat again in a little olive oil and add some salt if needed.

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Asparagus 5 stalks of asparagus per person, bottoms trimmed (lower inch or so) Unsalted butter, melted Salt and pepper

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Bring salted water to a boil, and add asparagus to the water.

that can be completed

Cook for two minutes and remove. Place in a mixing bowl with melted warm butter, salt, and pepper and coat. Serve immediately.

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Marc Dunham is the Chef de Cuisine for the Ranchers Club at the Atherton Hotel at OSU. Read his blog and find more of his recipes at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/blog.

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Find more recipes and reviews at

MetroFamilyMagazine.com/familyfriendly-restaurants Celebrating Ten Years!

outreach.ou.edu December 2008

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35

Oklahoma Reads Holiday Reviews

Reviews by MetroFamily Magazine editor Mari Farthing.

A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts

A Calendar of Festivals

by Cathy Messecar, Terra Hangen, Trish Berg, Karen Robbins, Leslie Wilson, and Brenda Nixon (Leafwood Publishers, hardcover $16.99)

by Cherry Gilchrist, illustrated by Helen Cann (Barefoot Books, softcover, $12.99) Stories both familiar and exotic highlight holidays from the traditional Christian Christmas to Jewish Purim, Buddist Vesak, and Russian New Year.

Learn about holiday traditions and get tips for starting your own in this family-friendly book. Filled with holiday recipes, poems, stories, and Bible verses.

The Gift of the Magi

by O. Henry, illustrated by P.J. Lynch (Candlewick Press, hardcover, $15.99)

One City, Two Brothers

by Chris Smith, illustrated by AurĂŠlia Fronty (Barefoot Books, hardcover, $16.99)

A favorite holiday tale that uncovers the true gifts of Christmas is illustrated beautifully, retelling the tale of the couple who each sacrificed their greatest treasure to buy a gift for the other.

A beautifully-illustrated tale describes the tale behind the founding of the holy city of Jerusalem.

A Very Special Snowflake

Jingle Bell Baby!

by Don Hoffman, illustrated by Todd Dakins (Scholastic Books, softcover, $3.99)

(Silver Dolphin Books, hardcover, $12.95) A big, chunky, brightly-colored board book with 30-minute CD of holiday music and lyrics. A fun way to introduce the music of the season to the littlest holiday revelers.

A playful tale of what happens when two children bring their white dog out for a day of play in the snow.

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Babushka

Produced in cooperation with the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department

by Sandra Ann Horn, illustrated by Sophie Fatus (Barefoot Books, hardcover, $16.99) A Russian folk tale illustrating the joys of selfless giving. Babushka doesn’t notice the miracles around her until an enlightening dream encourages her to take a journey, where she learns that the more love you give, the more you receive.

Elmo’s Christmas Countdown (Genius Entertainment, DVD, $14.99) When the numbers in the magical Christmas Counter Downer are lost, can Elmo and friends save the day? A fun tale for children and adults who fondly remember their days watching Sesame Street.

The Berenstain Bears Christmas Tree (Sony Wonder, DVD, $12.99) Five classic episodes of the beloved family cartoon updated for DVD. The seasonal tales take the Bear family through a series of events that help the cubs learn about the meaning of the holidays, safety, and good manners.

A Holly Jolly Kids Christmas (Universal Music Family, CD, $9.98) Enjoy a sampling of Christmas music that will please young and old alike.

Classics including Burl Ives singing “A Holly Jolly Christmas” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” are included along with whimsical hits “The Chipmunk Song” by Alvin and the Chipmunks and “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer” by Elmo & Patsy.

Find many other book titles at

MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ oklahoma-reads Celebrating Ten Years!

December 2008

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Fri.-Sat. 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.

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December 2008

en Years Celebrating T

Celebrating Ten Years!

We build strong kids, strong families, strong communities.

速

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: It is the policy of the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City that no person will be denied membership or program participation due to the inability to pay. The YMCA has a sliding fee scale based on annual gross family income.

Celebrating Ten Years!

December 2008

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

39

Iron Moms Mitchell’s Angels What does it mean to be an “Iron Mom”? Who can follow the example of our first Iron Mom, ShaRhonda Burton, a mother and foster mother who endured setbacks but persevered to lose more than 115 pounds? To MetroFamily, an Iron Mom is one who recognizes the importance of her health, the health of her children, and the health of the community. An Iron Mom reads the labels, takes the stairs, and makes the best choices possible for her family.

In this issue, we highlight an Iron Mom who suffered incredible loss but used that tragedy to influence others to step out of their comfort zones, support their friend, and work to overcome an oftendeadly disease. We salute Tracy Whitaker and her group of “Angels” for being powerful Iron Moms and influencing us all to persevere through tragedy and provide a light to others.

MetroFamily invites you to join our Iron Moms movement.

See page 11 for details.

W

hen Mitchell Whitaker was eight years old, he was diagnosed with acute lymphatic leukemia. Although he fought with strength, courage, and determination, he passed away in September, 2007, at age 10.

Mitchell’s parents, Tracy and John, fought side-by-side with their son through his illness. When Mitchell was honored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training as a hero, Tracy was inspired. “Tracy would tell me ‘I am going to get more involved when Mitchell is better and we are done with this phase of life,’” said Deborah Welch, who works for the Team in Training fundraising campaign.

In spite of the tremendous grief she felt after losing her son, Tracy signed up to run a marathon to raise money for the cause. She and a friend ran the San Diego marathon in June 2008, to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

After that race, she was inspired to continue; she told Deborah that she wanted to recruit 40 friends to run a marathon in 2009, to help raise money and awareness for leukemia and in honor of her 40th birthday.

When Tracy challenged her friends to run the marathon and to raise $140,000 for the cause, they accepted. The friends began to train, both on their own and as a group. The name “Mitchell’s Angels” was adopted when Tracy remarked that she felt like Charlie from “Charlie’s Angels,” calling her friends to get updates on their daily training progress.

Together, Mitchell’s Angels has surpassed their original goal, having raised over $176,000 through a variety of fundraisers, including events, cookbook sales, and sales of the print of a painting by Mitchell, shown below. Here are what some of

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was diagnosed with leukemia in August of 2005. He painted this picture when he was 9 and still battling the disease.

Although Mitchell completed his earthly race on September 27, 2007, his dad, John, sees in this painting a young boy who was already at peace with his journey. “My impression is that the three umbrellas left on the earthly shore are Mitchell’s sister, my wife and I, and the boat setting sail for heaven is Mitchell.”

“SETTING SAIL” Mitchell Whitaker | March 2007

F i f t y

40

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December 2008

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Celebrating Ten Years!

Tracy Whitaker (in black scarf) with her group of “Mitchell’s Angels”

Michell’s Angels had to say when asked about Tracy: “We’re all learning from Tracy,” said close friend Shari Kimbro, as she discussed Tracy’s determination to motivate so many (currently over 50 people) to join her team. “We’re just moms,” said Shari. “Some of us aren’t runners at all.” But, she explains, the “Angels” are committed to following the example that Tracy has laid in front of them, handling challenges with grace, putting one foot in front of the other, and making it from day to day.

The decision to commit to the marathon was not an easy one for all. Lisa Haws first found herself saying “no” when asked to participate. “I don’t have the stamina to run long distance,” said Lisa, “and I don’t have the contacts to raise $3600. Twelve weeks later, I can run 9.5 miles and have raised over $5,000.

Tracy has inspired me to never give up, to keep putting one foot in front of the other and take it one day at a time. She showed me that it’s okay to cry, we don’t have to be strong every day, but we can never lose our focus.” “[Tracy] has made the choice to turn her grief into something positive that will help save lives, reminding me in the process that no matter what, there is always a choice to use time, energy, talents, and faith to reach out and change the world for the better,” said Amy Russo.

Mitchell’s Angels are training to run the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon, held January 18 in Phoenix, Arizona. Find out more about the group online at MitchellsAngels.com.

Learn more about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program at TeaminTraining.org.

Celebrating Ten Years!

December 2008

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

41

Your Healthy Family Sensory Processing Disorder

E

veryone knows a family with a picky kid. It may be a child who is particular about food. It may be a child who refuses to wear certain types of clothing, or doesn’t like trying new things. The vast majority of these picky children are normal kids who do well in school and function well socially, in spite of their particular preferences.

A handful of them, however, may have a form of Sensory Processing Disorder, or SPD. Sensory processing refers to the way the nervous system receives responses from the senses and processes them into appropriate motor and behavioral responses. But what happens when the nervous system is not processing these messages properly?

As many as one in twenty children suffer from some form of Sensory Processing Disorder, which causes motor clumsiness, behavioral problems, anxiety, and depression.

SPD, also referred to as Sensory Integration Dysfunction, is a condition that exists when patients are unable to organize sensory signals into appropriate responses. As a result, a person with SPD often finds it difficult to complete everyday tasks, and may have symptoms of motor clumsiness, behavioral problems, anxiety, and depression. Research by the SPD Foundation indicated that as many as one in 20 children suffer some form of SPD, which ranges from mild to severe.

In some cases, SPD may affect people 42

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

in only one sense, such as touch, light, that William was a prime candidate for or movement. In other cases, multiple occupational therapy.” senses may be affected. A person with William began a structured regime of SPD may respond inappropriately to speech therapy 3-4 times a week and sensation, finding clothing, physical occupational therapy 2-3 times weekly. contact, light, sound, food, or other “The entire family pitched in on therapy sensory input to be unbearable. In at home,” notes Kristin.

William some people, sensory processing of the would have therapy homework, such muscles and joints may be impaired, as eating several different textures in which can affect posture and motor one meal.

Often he was asked to play skills. Because of the frustrating with different textures, such as packing effects of SPD, many children are foam or a bucket full of beans. These misdiagnosed with ADHD, and as a result may be inappropriately medicated. measures helped to wake up William’s sensors, and he graduated from both Edmond mom Kristin Ford and her therapies after nine months of tedious husband John knew their son was work. Says Ford: “Now, as William gets different at 12 months of age. “I older, we notice different sensory issues. couldn’t place my finger on it, but there If there is a lot of chaos, it’s much easier were small things that I noticed…he for him to have meltdowns. If you ask him to clean his room, he is unsure didn’t coo as a baby, had trouble what to pick up first. If there’s too much drinking from a bottle, and was slower going on around him, he can’t narrow to walk.” When he was 18 months things down in his mind and has trouble old, he was still not speaking, and coming up with words to identify his would get so frustrated when trying problems. We have to just exhale and to communicate that he would hit his walk him through what he wants to say head on the walls, floor, or furniture. one word at a time.”

Sign language helped some, but Kristin and her family began researching the Five percent of all children have some possible causes of William’s speech type of sensory processing disorder, and delays. When his grandmother stumbled the problem is often misdiagnosed. The across information about Childhood effects of SPD can cause problems in Apraxia of Speech, the Fords felt they school, anxiety, and depression. If you had found an answer and conferred think your child may be struggling, talk with his pediatrician, who then referred with your health care provider. Kristin William to speech therapy at 23 months.

Ford offers this advice: “Always trust your instinct. You are the strongest It was the speech pathologist who advocate for your child and no one suggested a problem with sensory knows them better than you do.” processing. “She noticed he had an awkward walk, and stopped one of the physical therapists in the office and had him watch William.” Thinking his everShannon Fields is a freelance writer and a present cowboy boots might be causing Certified Pharmacy Technician at Innovative the awkward gait, they eventually had Pharmacy Solutions. him walk down the hall wearing only his socks, “which was a feat in itself,” according to Kristin. “I mentioned in passing that William was very particular about certain things, which I didn’t realize at the time was important.”

For instance, William would not walk barefoot in the grass, and didn’t like Read more Healthy Family articles at: the texture of mushy or flaky foods. He MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ refused to play in a sandbox or with Play-Doh. “With this information, and Family-Health after observing his gait, they decided

December 2008

Celebrating Ten Years!

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43

Quick Reference City Arts Center Fair Park, 3000 Pershing Blvd, OKC 951-0000, CityArtsCenter.org.

Fine Arts Institute of Edmond 27 E. Edwards, Edmond 340-4481, EdmondFineArts.com Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art 555 Elm Ave, Norman 325-3272, ou.edu/fjjma Little River Zoo Hwy 9, Norman 366-7229, LittleRiverZoo.com Myriad Botanical Gardens 301 W Reno, OKC 297-3995, MyriadGardens.com National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC 478-2250, NationalCowboyMuseum.org Oklahoma Aquarium 300 Aquarium Dr, Jenks 918-296-FISH, OKAquarium.org OKC Museum of Art 415 Couch Dr, OKC 236-3100, okcmoa.org OKC National Memorial 620 N Harvey, OKC 235-3313, OklahomaCityNationalMemorial.org OKC Zoo 2101 NE 50th St, OKC 424-3344, OKCZoo.com Oklahoma Children’s Theatre 2501 N Blackwelder, OKC 606-7003, OklahomaChildrensTheatre.com Oklahoma Heritage Center 13th & Shartel, OKC 235-4458, OklahomaHeritage.com Oklahoma History Center 2401 N Laird Ave, OKC 522-5248, OklahomaHistoryCenter.org

Weekly

Studio is held the third Saturday, 11am-noon. Includes arts & crafts for children 18 mos–5 years. $5 per child.

Reservations required; 307-8454.

Make & Take craft activities at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May, OKC), Saturdays, 11am-3pm. Free for kids 3 and up. 858-8778, LakeshoreLearning.com.

StoryTime at Gymboree Penn Square, first Friday of every month, 10am. 842-7540.

Children’s Story Time at Edmond’s Best of Books, Saturdays, 11-11:30am. 340-9202.

Family Fun Night at JumpZone (SW 104th & Western) Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:30-8pm. 2 adults, 2 children, 1 large pizza, 2 liter pop for $25. For open play hours call 200-1691, JumpZoneParty.com.

Silly Sundays at Unpluggits Playstudio (575 Enterprise Dr, Edmond). Sundays, 1-6pm. Free face painting with paid admission or craft purchase. 340-7584, Unpluggits. com.

Tired GrownUps Night at Unpluggits Playstudio.

Thursdays, 4-8pm. Reduced admission price, free snacks. 340-7584, Unpluggits.com.

The UCO Jazz Lab features performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm. $7 adults, $5 age 12 and under. 3597989, UCOJazzLab.com.

Children’s Storytime at Full Circle Bookstore (1900 NW Expy) Saturdays, 10:15am. 842-2900, FullCircleBooks.com.

Traditional Cowboy Arts Association 10th Annual Exhibition, Sale and Seminar at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum features the best saddlemaking, bit and spur making, silversmithing and rawhide braiding.

Through December 20

Pottery Sale at the City Arts Center features one-ofa-kind gifts created by hand in the City Arts Center Ceramics Studio by instructors and students.

Through Dec 21

A Nice Family Gathering comedy at the Stage Center Arena Theatre, tickets 297-2264,OKCCivicCenter.com.

Romeo and Juliet at the Stage Center, 8pm. 297-2264, OKCCivicCenter.com.

Through Dec 28

Drop in Art at the OKC Museum of Art, Saturdays 1-4pm. Kids create art inspired by the Museum’s exhibitions. Free with paid admission.

Sunday Nature Hikes at Martin Park Nature Center.

Guided park tour and nature hike, Sundays 2:30pm. $2; reservations required. 755-0676.

Thursday Noon Tunes at the Downtown Library, 11:301pm. Every Thursday. Enjoy live music. Free.

Oklahoma River Cruises Public Cruises on the Oklahoma River, Wednesday–Sunday. Tickets start at $9 adult, $6 children 6-12, children 6 and under free.

Departure times vary. 702-7755, OKRiverCruises.com.

Monthly

Through Dec 7

Gymboree Play & Music of Norman’s Family Arts

Free Bricktown Water Taxi rides Thursdays-Sundays, 6-9:30pm.

Holiday Show and Sale at the McPhail Gallery, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church (222 NW 15th), 8:30am-5pm. Oklahoma Artist display works including jewelry, cards, crafts, and fine arts. Free. 609-1022, ArtsAtStLukes.org.

Free admission to the Oklahoma Heritage Museum and Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum each Sunday, 1-6pm courtesy of American Fidelity.

Through Dec

Reporting Terrorism Exhibit at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.

The Scorpio-Sagittarius Connection at the Science Museum Oklahoma planetarium.

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History 2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman 325-4712, snomnh.ou.edu Science Museum Oklahoma 2100 NE 52nd St, OKC 602-OMNI, ScienceMuseumOK.org

Looking for fun family outings for the weekend?

Subscribe to MetroFamily’s popular E-Update and receive a full list each week!

Do you have an event for our calendar?

To get started, simply go to MetroFamilyMagazine.com/subscribe-to-e-update

Email it to Calendar Editor Terri Fields, Calendar@MetroFamilyMagazine.com.

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December 2008

Celebrating Ten Years!

DECEMBER S

Through Jan 1

Bethanyâ&#x20AC;?s Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center accepts Holiday Baby Basics donations.

Through Jan 4

The Savior or Spoiler: Teddy Roosevelt as a ThirdParty Candidate in 1912 exhibit at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum examines the impact of this American icon.

American Artists from the Russian Empire at Normanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. More than 90 works examine the impact of American culture on Russian Artists.

Through Jan 18

Exhibit: Craft in Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Expanding Traditions at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

See Close Up on page 48.

December 1 â&#x20AC;˘ Monday

Free admission to the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History.

2 â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesday

The Four Freshmen at the Oklahoma City Community College, Bruce Owen Theater (formerly OCCC Theatre), 7pm. The Four Freshmen form the bridge between 40s ensembles like the Mel-Tones and harmony-based rock and roll bands such as the Beach Boys. Tickets $10 and up. 682-7579, OCCC/EDU/CAS.

3 â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesday

Wednesday Night at the Movies at the Downtown Library, 6-8pm. Also held 12/10 and 17. 606-3876.

M

T

W

T

F

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

Metropolitan Library System MetroLibrary.org Belle Isle, 5501 N Villa, 843-9601 Bethany, 3510 N Mueller, 789-8363 Capitol Hill, 334 SW 26th, 634-6308 Choctaw, 2525 Muzzy, 390-8418

3-7

The American Impressionism: Paintings from the Phillips Collection exhibit at the OKC Museum of Art.

Cirque Du Soleilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Saltimbanco at the Ford Center.

Tickets $40 and up. 602-8700. OKFordCenter.com.

Del City, 4509 SE 15th, 672-1377

Through Jan 19

4 â&#x20AC;˘ Thursday

Edmond, 10 S Boulevard, 341-9282

Downtown, 300 Park Ave, 231-8650

Hatching the Past: The Great Dinosaur Egg Hunt Exhibit at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History.

Art After Hours at Normanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art includes light refreshments, and a 45-minute talk on works in the museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection. 5:30pm.

Midwest City, 8143 E Reno, 732-4828

Through February

Southern Oaks, 6900 S Walker, 631-4468

Free admission to the OKC Zoo on Mondays.

Noon Tunes presents Phillip Mitchell and Mitchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brew at the Downtown Library, 11:30am-1pm. Also held 12/11 and 18.

Through May 25

4-7

Shipwreck! Pirates & Treasure on exhibit at Science Museum Oklahoma.

S

Annie at the Sooner Theatre. 321-9600, SoonerTheatre. com. Also held 12/12-14.

Ralph Ellison, 2000 NE 23rd, 424-1437 The Village, 10307 N Penn, 755-0710 Warr Acres, 5901 NW 63rd, 721-2616 Harrah, 1930 N Church Ave, 454-2001 Jones, 111 E Main, 399-5471 Luther, 310 NE 3rd, 277-9967

5-21

The Jungle Book at the Freede Little Theatre at the

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45

Civic Center Music Hall. Friday-Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2pm. Tickets $16.

7:30pm. Free. Reception will follow. 974-5755, EdmondCommunityChorale.org.

6 • Saturday

6-7

Oklahoma Bluegrass Club Music Concert at Kerr Jr. High School in Del City, 7pm. Featuring three scheduled bands performing at each concert with professional and non-professional musicians. 677-1509.

Edmond Community Chorale will present a Fall Concert at First Christian Church, (201 2nd)

Family Fun Norman’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art offers many free familyfriendly activities each month.

The Art Adventures program is for children ages 3-5 with a parent.

Held Tuesdays at 10:30am, children experience art through books and related projects. December dates and themes include: • December 2: Scribble by Deborah Freedman • December 9: Little Smudge by Lionel Le Neouanic • December 16: Color Dance by Ann Jonas • December 23: Draw Me a Star by Eric Carle Tuesday Noon Concerts features 30-minute performances by students and faculty of the OU School of Music. A violin concert

by Gregory Lee Studio will be held December 12.

Art After Hours features a 45-minute talk featuring works in the museum’s collections. Held at 5:30pm, the event includes light refreshments.

On December 4, the talk focuses on Max Weber, who published Essays in Art in 1916, a book that emphasized an intuitive and spiritual approach to the creation of art.

The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is located in Norman at 555 Elm Ave. The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday.

Admission is $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children 3-17, $2 OU staff. Admission is free every Tuesday.

46

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OKC Train Show at the OKC Fairgrounds, 9am-6pm.

Featuring one of the largest model train layouts in the southwest. 209-2973, OklahomaRailwayMuseum.org.

7 • Sunday

Westmoore High School PTSA’s 1st Annual Holiday Tour of Homes features a tour of decorated homes in SW OKC. Event benefits the school’s scholarship fund.

2-5pm; tickets $15 at Westmoore (12613 S Western) on the day of the event.

8 • Monday

The Oklahoma City Thunder play the Golden State Warriors at the Ford Center, 7pm. Other home games this month: 12/10, 16, 19, 21, 29, 31. Tickets, visit OKFordCenter.com.

9 • Tuesday

Shibori art class at City Arts Center, 6-9pm. $40 supplies included. Explore a range of dyeing techniques for resist-dyeing fabric and discover the intricate patterns that emerge when you unbind the cloth. Create an arrangement of items including: scarves, bandanas, bags and shibori socks. Pre-registration suggested.

Nature Film Showing at the OKC Zoo, 6:30-8pm. See America’s Lost Landscape: The Tallgrass Prairie, an award winning film by The Nature Conservancy at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Reservations required. Also held 1/15. 858-8557.

Art Adventures at Norman’s Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art is for children 3-5 with parent, and includes a story and related art project. Free; 10:30am. Also held 12/16, 23.

Guitar lessons Ages 6+!

Join our rock band & acoustic class!

A unique program that offers a complete guitar education, rock band and acoustic classes. s $EGREED %XPERIENCED )NSTRUCTOR s 'REAT FOR KIDS NEW TO GUITAR LESSONS s )NDIVIDUAL ATTENTION IN A LOW PRESSURE ENVIRONMENT s #LASSES ARE HELD AT THE Fine Arts Institute of Edmond

The Oklahoma City Blazers play the Wichita Thunder at the Ford Center, 7:10pm. Other home games this month: 12/9, 12, 13,25,30. Tickets, OKFordCenter.com.

Children’s Story Time at the Moore Library, 1010:45am. Books, music, stories and games for children 2 and up. Also held 12/16, 23 and 30.

11 • Thursday

Comedian Carlos Mencia performs at the Rose State Performing Arts Center, 7pm. Tickets $40.

11-14

Leonardo and the Flying Machine at St. Gregory’s University, 8pm. Oklahoma premiere of a new play by Michael Sullivan featuring heart-lifting adventures and amazing puppetry arts. 878-5100, VisitShawnee.com.

12 • Friday

John Prine with Iris DeMent at the Rose State Performing Arts, 8pm. Tickets $45.

13 • Saturday

Family Dye Day: Holiday Wrapping Paper with Nature’s Designs at the City Arts Center, 1-4pm.

Create eco-friendly wrapping paper. Students will explore a variety of printing techniques using natural dyes and pigments. Free. Pre-registration suggested.

Lowe’s Gingerbread House Workshop at participating Lowes location, 10-11am. Pre-registration required. LowesBuildandGrow.com.

14 • Sunday

Family Day at the OKC Museum of Art, Noon4pm. Activities feature hands-on art making, live performances, scavenger hunts, and door prize drawings. Free with paid museum admission.

Ginger’s gee r’s ger’s r’’s ’s of Oklahoma City

A free world-wide Kindermusik class demonstration

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Celebrating Ten Years!

16 â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesday

Family Reading Night at the Shawnee Library, 7-8pm.

This night of fun activities, reading, and information is designed for children ages 3-11 years and their families.

Pre-register. 275-6353.

17 â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesday

Homeschool Day at the Oklahoma Aquarium. $7 students, $10 adults. Registration required.

20 â&#x20AC;˘ Saturday

Snowy Scenes Workshop at the OKC Museum of Art, 10am-noon. Participants ages 6-9 will learn about tint and shade using oil pastels to create a winter landscape. $10 members, $15 nonmembers. Preregistration required.

Free Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Basketball Adventure at the Cox Convention Center features a basketball clinic and festival. 11am. CoxConventionCenter.com.

The All-College Basketball Classic features OSU and the University of Rhode Island at 6:30pm followed by OU and Virginia Commonwealth at 9pm. Tickets, $10 and up, available at OKFordCenter.com.

Ornament Making at the OKC Museum of Art, 1-3pm.

Families will make holiday ornaments together using a variety of materials, including felt, sequins, beads, buttons, and yarn. $10 members, $15 nonmembers. Preregistration required.

22 â&#x20AC;˘ Monday

Mystery Night and Pizza Party at the Warr Acres Library, 6:30-8pm. Solve the mystery hidden in the libraryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s depths. For ages 12-17. Space is limited.

Pre-register.

Digital Storybooking

29 â&#x20AC;˘ Monday

Scout Day at the Oklahoma Aquarium. Members in uniform or carrying a membership card will receive discounted admission.

29-30

Winter Break Day Camps at the OKC Zoo, 9am-noon for ages 4-7. $15 ZooFriends, $20 non-members.

Snacks provided; advance registration and payment are required. 425-0218, OKCZoo.Recware.com.

January 2 â&#x20AC;˘ Friday

The Oklahoma City Thunder play the Denver Nuggets at the Ford Center, 7pm. Other home games this month: 1/6, 9, 14, 16, 18, 26,28. Tickets, visit OKFordCenter.com.

2-4

The Annual Eagle Watch at Edmondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lake Arcadia is held from 7:30am-4:30pm daily. $3 per vehicle entrance fee. 9000 E 2nd St, Edmond. 216-7471.

3 â&#x20AC;˘ Saturday

& arty ay p et! d u h ouq birt b a n k Bo o lloo ee ba r f a get Bouncinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Bir thday Parties Great Open Play

The Oklahoma City Blazers play the Mississipi River Kings at the Ford Center, 7:10pm. Other home games this month: 1/4, 7, 10, 11, 17, 27. Tickets, OKFordCenter.com.

Memorable Family Nights

5 â&#x20AC;˘ Monday

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On Exhibit Why is craft important to us? Why should we care? The Craft in America: Celebrating Two Centuries of Artists and Objects underlines the impact of craft and reminds us why craft is importantâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;with each object telling a story about the person who made it; about the cultural moment in which it was created; about the political mood, community, and cultural forces that inspired it.

The touring exhibit opened in October at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum and will remain on display until January 18, 2009 before departing Oklahoma for the final leg of the exhibit in Massachusetts.

The Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization Craft in America Inc. celebrates works of art in items that may be used every dayâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;such as furniture, ceramics and clay, glassware, textiles, and clothing.

The Craft in America book and documentary are available for sale in the museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gift shop along with items by the artists included in the exhibition.

The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is located at 1700 NE 63rd in Oklahoma City. Call 478-2250 or visit NationalCowboyMuseum.org for more information.

Visit CraftInAmerica.org to learn more about the related exhibit, book, and television series.

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There are as many support groups in the Metro as there are needs for them.

To include your group in our listing, please email details to Calendar@ MetroFamilyMagazine.com.

Childbirth & Babies

Breast Cancer awareness group for survivors and women who want to learn more. First Monday, 7pm.

Eastside Church of Christ (916 S Douglas), 732-0393.

La Leche League meets at Gymboree Play & Music in Norman the second Saturday of each month, 10amnoon. Family Gym is available at $5 per family for partners and children of La Leche League Meeting attendees.

Breast Cancer support group at the OU Breast Institute (825 NE10th), Suite 3500, third Thursday, noon1pm. Lunch provided; register 271-8001, ext 48592, or 271-8001 ext. 48527.

DACO (Doula Association of Central OK), 455-1500, DACOinc.org.

La Leche League breastfeeding information and support. Meetings in Moore and NW OKC. Visit the calendar at MetroFamilyMagazine.com for dates, times, and contact info. lllusa.org.

Counseling & Support

Divorce Recovery Group, Wednesdays at 7pm, Quail Springs Church of Christ (14401 N May), room 308.

755-4790.

Free drug and alcohol addiction classes offered by A Chance to Change Foundation at the Last Frontier Council Scout Service Center (3031 NW 64th), 6:308pm Mondays. 840-9000, AChanceToChange.org.

Grief Support Group, Wednesdays at 7pm, Quail Springs Church of Christ (14401 N May), room 110.

755-4790.

H.O.P.E. Gynecologic Cancer Support at the OU Physicians Building, (5th floor) the first Saturday of each month at 10am. 271-8001 ext 48165, 672-1748.

Mondays Friends Breast Cancer Support Group second Monday, 7pm. Midwest Regional Breast Care Center. 610-8872, jean.pitzer@mrmc.hma-corp.com.

Amputees’ Next Step support group, second Tuesday 1-3pm. O’Donoghue Rehabilitation Institute (1122 NE 13th, room 252). OUPhysicians.com.

Parents of Children with Cancer support group, second Wednesday at noon (complimentary lunch).

Children’s Hospital (930 NE 13th). 943-8888.

Parents Helping Parents confidential meetings for parents of children who abuse drugs. First and third Tuesdays. Oklahoma Blood Institute in Edmond, 6428198, ParentsHelpingParents.info.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society-sponsored Family Support Group. First Thursday, 6pm, Integris Baptist Medical Center. 943-8888.

Myeloma Support Group. Third Thursday, 6pm, 7th floor Conference room, Presbyterian Tower, OU Medical Center, 271-6557.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society-sponsored SpanishSpeaking Group. First Tuesday, 6pm at Integris Southwest Medical Center, 636-7560; and first Wednesday, 5pm at the 7th floor Conference room, Presbyterian Tower, OU Medical Center, 271-7930.

Health

Birth Parent support group, first Monday, 6-7:30pm.

Deaconess Pregnancy & Adoption Services (5300 N Meridian). 949-4200 ext 13.

Daily Yoga Classes (adult, teen, prenatal, meditation, and senior) for beginning and advanced students. $12 and up. 203-8927, 3rdStreetYogaStudio.com.

United Methodist Church of the Servant (14343 N MacArthur), holds Discoveries Program classes for adults. Call Gayle 720-8480 for full listing.

Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga. $8-$15 per class. 4743302 or MamasteYoga.com for locations and times.

Crossings Community Church (14600 N Portland) holds a variety of Care Series classes and support groups.

755-2227 or CrossingsOKC.org.

Pancreatic Cancer support group, last Thursday, 6pm. O’Donoghue Research Building (1122 NE 13th Street), 3rd Floor Surgery Research Conference Room.

271-2108 or ouhsc.edu/surgery/pancan.

Breast Cancer Survivor support group, second Thursday, 6:30pm. Young Survival Coalition (for women under 40), third Wednesday, noon. Breast Imaging of OK (2601 Kelley Pointe Pkwy, Edmond).

844-2601 ext 1031.

Celebrating Ten Years!

Parenting Groups

Mom’s Got Connections Christian group for moms with young children (birth-5yrs). Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, OKC, 9:30-11am Tuesdays.

Nadinebryant@sbcglobal.net or 359-9251.

MOMS Club (Moms Offering Moms Support) activity groups meet in Edmond, OKC, Moore, Midwest/Del City, and Norman. Visit our online calendar for dates, times, and contact info. MOMSClub.org.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) support groups meet in Choctaw, Norman, Edmond, and OKC. Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/calendar for dates, times, and contact info.

Edmond’s Mothers of Multiples, second Thursday at Edmond Hospital, Ambulatory Care Pavilion, 7pm (subject to change). 285-5208 and 315-0338, EdmondMoms.com.

Special Needs

Parents Fighting Autism third Monday of the month, 7pm. Olive Garden in Norman. Free. Location subject to change, contact ParentsFightingAutism@gmail.com.

OKC Area Stuttering Support Group for adults. Third Tuesday, 6:30-7:30pm. First United Methodist Church, 303 E Hurd, Edmond. okcssg@yahoo.com.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren support group for grandparents and other relatives raising children.

First and third Tuesday, 6pm, Trinity Church of the Nazarene. 634-4400 ext. 140.

CHADD ADD/ADHD support meeting, second Tuesday at 7pm. Deaconess Hospital (5501 N Portland), Spencer conference room. 722-1ADD, 419-4176, or CHADD.org.

Hope Link meetings for parents of special-needs children or children with undiagnosed disorders. Integris Baptist Medical Center, first Thursday, 6pm. 271-5072, OKCHopeLink.org.

2 • Tuesday

The Boosting Your Child’s Brain Power! workshop at the Warr Acres Library is for parents of young children to learn about developmentally stimulating activities. 2:30pm; 425-4412 to register.

3 • Wednesday

The Teaching Children to be More Cooperative workshop at the Edmond Library is for parents of young children. 2:30pm; 425-4412 to register.

6 • Saturday

Baby Signs Workshop at Norman Gymboree, 10:30noon. Learn simple signs and gestures to help you communicate and bond with baby and enable your little one to tell you about his world. Materials $25.

Reservations required. 307-8454, GymboreeClasses.com.

Breastfeeding Support Group at Heaven Sent Births, (4212 NW 23rd) Held the first Saturday of the month. Free meetings are open to women who are breastfeeding and pregnant women who plan to breastfeed. Meetings are free and babies are always welcome. Karen (Breastfeeding Counselor) 474-3302.

December 2008

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Advertiser Index—December 2008 MetroFamily Magazine is brought to you each month by the following advertisers. Please use these advertisers and when you do, thank them for their support of Metro families!

Arcadia Lake Eagle Watch ................................. 31 Ardmore Festival of Lights.................................. 38 Arts Council of Oklahoma City - Opening Night . 15 Bartlesville, OK................................................... 23 Bees, Bugs and Bears ....................................... 48 Best of Books ..................................................... 18 Bill Veazey’s Party Store ....................................50 Bob Moore Saturn .............................................. 38 Bouncin’ Craze ....................................................47 Bright Smile Family Dentistry ............................. 51 Brookhaven Village.............................................30 Bruno’s Home Furnishings ................................. 31 The Cathedral Christmasfest ................................ 3 Chesapeake Snow Tubing at Bricktown Ballpark . 4 Christmas Spectacular Radio City Music Hall .... 39 Debbie Moore, MA, LPC.....................................45 Despereaux ...........................................................7 Downtown In December ....................................... 9 Edmond, OK .......................................................15 Fine Arts Institute of Edmond ............................. 36 Frontier Country Marketing Association ........ 15-17

Ginger’s Kindermusik ......................................... 46 Glamour Shots ................................................... 41 The Goddard School .......................................... 40 Great Plains Country Marketing Association .......37 Green Country Marketing Association ................ 23 Guitar 4 Kids....................................................... 46 Guthrie Job Corps Center................................... 34 Gymboree ........................................................... 45 Henderson Hills Baptist Church ................... 28, 43 Heritage Makers ..................................................47 Hey Day Family Entertainment ...................... 3, 30 Housewarmers of Edmond................................. 36 Jimmy’s Egg ....................................................... 36 Jump Zone .......................................................... 48 Kidoodles ........................................................... 48 Kumon Math and Reading ................................. 26 Lawton, OK .........................................................37 Lil Dudes and Divas............................................32 The Lion King ..................................................... 19 Little Caesar’s Pizza ........................................... 52 Lubbock, TX ....................................................... 33 Lyric Theatre .......................................................17 Mad Science of Central Oklahoma .................... 48 MetroFamily Exploring OK With Children ........... 19 MetroFamily Iron Moms ........................................ 4 MetroFamily Parent University ............................. 9 MetroFamily Radio City Ticket Contest .............. 26 Metropolitan Library System .................................... 2 Missouri Military Academy.................................. 43 Moto Photo Edmond ............................................ 3 Myriad Botanical Gardens ..................................15 My Princess Parties ............................................47

New Covenant United Methodist Church ........... 26 Nothing But Fun.................................................. 22 OCU Performing Arts Academy .......................... 16 Oklahoma Aquarium ........................................... 23 Oklahoma Center for Implant & Periodontics ..... 43 Oklahoma City Museum of Art............................ 16 Oklahoma Heritage Museum...............................17 Oklahoma History Center ................................... 16 Oklahoma Railway Museum................................17 Oklahoma River Cruises .................................... 39 Orr Family Farm ................................................. 15 Orthopedic Associates........................................ 43 OU Outreach ...................................................... 35 Paint’N Station ................................................... 48 Paul Brockhaus Jewelry ....................................... 3 Pickles & Ice Cream Maternity Apparel ..............32 Radio City Christmas Spectacular ..................... 29 Sam Noble OK Museum of Natural History ........ 19 Scholars for Excellence in Child Care Services . 26 Seeking Sitters ................................................... 14 Sensational Kids ................................................. 22 Sheraton Oklahoma City .................................... 23 Sorghum Mill Christmas Tree Farm.................... 26 St. John’s Military School ................................... 38 Tamera Tigner Photography ................................47 Tatanka Ranch .....................................................17 United Way ......................................................... 25 Unpluggits Play Studio ......................................... 8 Velocity Dance.....................................................47 Willow Creek Junior Tennis .................................. 8 Women’s Yoga Center........................................ 41 YMCA ................................................................. 39

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December 2008

Celebrating Ten Years!

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