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OCTOBER 2010

Let’s y t r a P • 36 local party resources • Over 45 tips from readers • Party planning on a budget

Pumpkin patches, corn mazes and spooky fun:

44 ideas in our Fall Festival Guide T h e E s sent i a l Reso u rce fo r Cent ra l O k l a h o m a F a m i l i es

w w w. M et roFa m i l yM agaz i n e.comw w w. M et roFa m i l yM agaz i n e.comw w w

The Right Foundation to Build Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts®

Social development.

Intellectual growth.

Ear-to-ear grins.

We’ll give you a whole new perspective on educational child care. We vow to not just care for your child, but to actively engage him or her.

How do we do it? We call it Balanced Learning.® And it means that everything at Primrose is designed to create a learning environment that stimulates and nurtures your child’s mind, body, and heart. Our comprehensive curriculum addresses well-defined learning goals and enables our committed teachers to focus their energies on your child’s development. Come discover for yourself why parents have been partnering with Primrose for over 25 years.

Each Primrose School is privately owned and operated. Primrose Schools; The Leader in Educational Child Care; Balanced Learning; and The Right Foundation to Build Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts are trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2010 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved.

To learn more and to find the Oklahoma City school nearest you, call 1.800.PRIMROSE or visit PrimroseSchools.com/MetroFamily.

e h t r o f d o o G . d l i h C a f o Insidaraephrase Winston Churchill to p

Aside from the physical fitness benefits of riding, horses offer life lessons way beyond the barn! Teamwork, respect, communication, cooperation, confidence, esteem, social support, unconditional love and acceptance.

Treat your child to affordable riding lessons. With both indoor and outdoor riding arenas, weather is never an issue.

We are an award winning American Saddlebred stable with expert trainers and attentive staff.

For more information, call

405.340.3432 CrossCreekStablesOKC.com 2200 NW 192nd Street

(SW Corner of Danforth & Penn) Edmond, OK 73012

Imagine... not just raising grades, but realizing potential.

Realizing your child’s potential means more than bringing home a good report card.

With Kumon his age and grade level never hold him back from going as far as his ability takes him. He can even pursue advanced study.

That means he can do much more than get better grades. He can be truly amazing.

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www.kumon.com October 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

3

What's Happening at MetroFamily

2 3 4 5

Deadline October 29

This month, MetroFamily moves into our NEW OFFICE, conveniently located in Midtown near downtown OKC. Come visit us sometime at 725 NW 11th Street.

Looking for fall day and weekend trips? Find all the info you need online at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/exploring-oklahoma (and save money with Kids Pass) and at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/fall-fun.

Join the MetroFamily community for all the latest events, ways to save and thoughtprovoking feedback from other readers about our blogs and other content. Find out more at: MetroFamilyMagazine.com/community.

MetroFamily’s November issue features a new theme about metro families giving back, and will include plenty of tips to increase your family's giving quotient. Ad space reservation deadline is October 14th. Call today! 405-340-1404 or email ads@metrofamilymagazine.com.

Come visit our new office Occupational and Speech Therapy Services Available • Down Syndrome • Autism • ADD and ADHD • Sensory Processing Disorder • Cerebral Palsy • Typical children with handwriting problems

For more information visit SensationalKidsOKC.com 14715 Bristol Park Blvd.

N.E. Oklahoma City (Edmond border)

405-840-1686

4

Ultimate Birthday Party Giveaway!

© Sean Prior | Dreamstime.com

1

MetroFamily is excited to offer many more fun contests this month, including our monthly giveaway with over $400 of prizes (deadline October 21); over 16 sets of family four packs to area pumpkin patches (deadline October 8); ten fantastic birthday parties (deadline October 29); and two family four-packs to see Shrek: the Musical, scheduled for the Civic Center Music Hall November 9-14 (deadline October 22). Find them all at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/contests.

See Page 47 for our

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

October 2010

Join Us

Follow Us

October 2010

The BIG Birthday Party Issue 36 Calendar

Dozens of events and activities for family fun and enrichment

Plan the best birthday celebration ever with our handy resource list (page 16), tips, tricks and funny stories from our readers (page 32) and money-saving party ideas (page 26).

© Monkey Business Images | Dreamstime.com

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28

You told us what you wanted to ask the candidates for Governor of Oklahoma, and we asked them. Find out what Jari Askins and Mary Fallin had to say about families, education and jobs.

42

Fun fall festivals abound!

Find everything from storytimes and craft fairs to pumpkin patches and corn mazes.

Dear MetroFamily Editor’s Note

22 Dear Teacher

Advice from education experts: adjusting to kindergarten, appropriate reading levels and how much sleep your child really needs

18 Exploring Oklahoma Enjoy farm tours close to home

26 Family Finances

Budget-friendly party planning

8

Family Shorts

Community news and parenting resources

24 Oklahoma Reads

Book reviews for everyone, including the latest by local children’s author Tammi Sauer

46 Out & About

Photo by: Mitzi Massie

Readers share their birthday photos

On our cover: Another of our 2010 Cover Kids winners, Abigail Johnson is the three-year-old daughter of Jon and Sharon Johnson of Oklahoma City. Read more about Abigail on page 6.

30 The Alert Parent

The power of not worrying what others may think

20 Your Healthy Family Immunotherapy to treat seasonal allergies

Cover Photography by Distinctive Images Photography • www.distinctiveimagesok.com

October 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

5

Dear MetroFamily, Fall has always been my favorite season. Even as a kid, when all of my friends were looking forward to summer’s hot weather, long days and no school, it was autumn that kept my attention.

I love the colors of fall, the crispness in the air, pulling out my warm sweaters, socks and boots.

We’ve got a diverse issue for you this month, readers, filled with great information that you provided to us. We asked what you most wanted to ask the candidates for Oklahoma Governor, in this landmark year where both candidates are women, and both candidates answered. We asked what makes you happy (and drives you crazy) about birthday parties, so don’t miss those answers Photo taken last October, at the Oklahoma City National for some fun ideas and two great Memorial & Museum. treats that you can easily make for your next party (superhero capes and cake pops—thanks to readers Stacey S. and Rebekah N. for those awesome ideas!).

As I write this note, fall has come to the city (at least a little bit) in the form of a cold front that gave this morning a brisk chill. I had a sudden and intense craving for wool and gingerbread. I baked up some banana bread and made a new autumn-hued wreath for the front door. I can’t wait to go and visit all of the attractions on our Fall Listing this year!

Don’t miss it, on page 42 and online at metrofamilymagazine.com/fall-fun.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy autumn with your family!

Cheers,

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 Sales Athena Delce Dana Price Amy Lou Tuzicka Ads@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Office and Distribution Manager Kathy Alberty Kathy@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Assistant Editor & Calendar Brooke Barnett Calendar@MetroFamilyMagazine.com Special Projects Assistant Terri Fields Editorial Assistant Elizabeth Harvey Contributing Writers Brooke Barnett Peggy Gisler Marge Eberts Karen Mitchell Allyn Evans Sharon Nolfi Mari Farthing Sue Lynn Sasser Shannon Fields 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.

Meet another of our Cover Kid winners: Abigail Johnson, three-year-old daughter of Jon and Sharon Johnson of Oklahoma City, loves a good party. She enjoyed a big birthday party at Jump Zone this year with family and friends. She tells her mom and dad that the favorite part of her birthday is the cake, especially the icing, and picking what goes on top of the cake. This year it was Strawberry Shortcake. She also loves the running around sliding and jumping on all the inflatables with all the kids!

6

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com October 2010

MetroFamily Magazine is published monthly

By Inprint Publishing, Inc. 725 NW 11th • Oklahoma City, OK 73103 Fax: 405-340-1490 E-mail: Info@MetroFamilyMagazine.com ©Inprint Publishing, Inc. 2010, All Rights Reserved.

Volume 13, Number 10

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Department of Pediatrics

Healthy Newborns Needed for Research Study

• An infant formula study is being conducted to observe how babies respond to, and tolerate, a new formula. All study formulas provide complete nutrition for babies from birth to 12 months of age.

• Babies must be between the ages of 11 and 17 days old.

• Babies that are currently formula-fed will be randomized (you are put in a group by chance) to either the control or test formula.

• Babies will be seen for 5 visits (2 weeks, 1, 2, 3, and 4 months old).

• Compensation for time and travel will be given.

• All formula will be provided at no cost to the participant.

If you are interested in having your child participate, please contact Brittney Criswell at (405) 271-8001 ext. 43034 or email Babypeas@ouhsc.edu

IRB# 15247 The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution.

October 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

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Staying Safe Online 4.

5.

From shopping scams to the dangers of chatting with strangers on Facebook, internet use can be dangerous, especially for innocent children. These tips (provided by CyberDefender) will help parents keep everyone safe just in time for to the school year.

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Computers for young children should be placed in a common room. Agree to no computers in the bedroom, at least until parents are comfortable with a child’s online safety knowledge and habits.

Have your child use an internet screen name without any identifying information such as their birth year, gender or age, and make sure they know to never use their real name online.

Utilize parental control applications like those offered by your Internet Service Provider or within your operating system. Parental control applications can help parents limit what their children can do online and provide information on what types of online activities their children are involved in.

6.

7.

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Spend time with your children online. Have them teach you about their favorite online destinations and chat buddies. This is especially important now that school is in full swing and that often means new online friends and new sites for parents to monitor.

Review the websites and/or social networks accessed by your kids. It might not be possible to be present at all times when your children are online, but you can check later to see where your children have spent their time online (usually by going to "history" within your web browser program).

Find out what computer safeguards are utilized by your child's school, the public library, and at the homes of your child’s friends. These are all places outside your normal supervision where your child could encounter dangers online.

Teach your children about the danger of meeting strangers online and to never give out identifying information such as their name, home address, school name, or telephone number.

Insist that your children tell you if they receive ANY online communication that they find scary, upsetting or makes them uncomfortable in any way whatsoever.

Use an anti-virus program with the most current security definitions to help keep threats which could capture your child’s personal information off the computer.

Question Your Birthday of the Party Feedback It’s party time! In our September issue, Month we asked where your family liked to hold How does your family give back?

Visit metrofamilymagazine. com/fs-giveaway to answer this question and enter your name in our monthly prize package drawing, valued at over $400.

Deadline to enter is Thursday, October 21.

Your comments may also be used in a future issue of MetroFamily Magazine or on our website.

The full contents of the prize package are listed with the entry form. A winner will be drawn at random and notified by phone or email. The winner agrees to pick up items from the Midtown area near 11th and Shartel.

birthday celebrations, and a whopping 251 of you responded. The vast majority of our readers (43%) like to have parties at home.

Donna D. of Edmond prefers home parties because there is no limit on the party time.

She said, “We can go longer if we need to without having to rush through the fun.”

Amusement parks or activity centers were also a popular choice, with 30% of readers opting for that choice. Tiffany J. of Blanchard said: “The children get a chance to do something special and not just the same old thing. Not to mention, we all get to come home to a clean house!”

7%

2% 29%

43% 17% ■ 6 Restaurant ■ 75 Amusement park or activity center ■ 43 Local park or outdoor venue ■ 109 Home ■ 18 Other

Kathy C. of Norman said: “I feel less stress in preparing for the party and I’m more free to participate during the party and there’s no clean-up after.”

Trish H. of Yukon prefers restaurants for parties. “We always let our children choose a restaurant. They get to pick a friend or two to come along and celebrate.”

Mickaela P. of Del City likes parties at the park. “The cleanup is easy and I don’t have to worry about cleaning the house. Much easier and less stress!”

Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/October-2010 to read all of the responses from our readers.

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www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com October 2010

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

Problem:

How did those vacation photos get into my work files?

Solution:

Quirky’s Split Stick ($24.99) is a double-sided USB drive that makes it easy to separate work files from personal files. (quirky.com)

Problem:

You’re looking for new ways to engage your young child in learning.

Solution:

Jade’s Toy Box offers themed activity boxes ($59 & up) that are packed with learning activities that will engage your child (birth-age 6). (jadestoybox.com)

Problem:

You can’t juggle both a washcloth and a net pouf in the shower, but you want both!

Solution:

The Lather Cloth ($7.99 & up) features a machine washable washcloth on one side, net scrubber on the other. (ayleet.com)

Problem:

You like to display snapshots but frames are cumbersome.

Solution:

The Photogator ($14.99/10) is an unobtrusive plastic stand that easily holds your snapshots, kids’ artwork or holiday cards for display. (photogatorstand.com)

Problem:

You are looking for BPA-free baby feeding supplies.

Character Corner: Sincerity Being sincere means that you are eager to do what is right, with clear motive. Acting with sincerity will result in honor and trust among others. People honor those who act with sincerity and integrity just as they despise hypocrites. When we act with a sincere desire to do what is right, others will put trust in what we do and say.

To promote sincerity in your home: • Treat family members the same at home as in public.

• Promote positive values, encourage good behavior and discourage gossip.

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

Problem:

Your youngster is interested in learning Spanish.

Solution:

The Whistlefritz Cha Cha Cha CD ($14.99) engages children with music to learn a new language. (whistlefritz.com)

~ Benjamin Franklin

I will: ... be all that I can be. ... take responsibility for my own actions. ... respect others’ opinions. ... always mean what I say. ... not take advantage of other people.

Contact Character First! for more character-building resources. To learn more, call 405-815-0001 or visit characterfirst.com.

October: Fire Safety Month

While it is estimated that 80 percent of homes in the Oklahoma City metro area have fire detectors, less than 50 percent of those detectors work properly. In 2010 to date, the Oklahoma City Fire Department reports 1,207 residential fires which have resulted in 30 injuries and 13 deaths. Fire-related injury and death is largely preventable, says Tim Adams, Batallion Chief of Public Education with the Oklahoma City Fire Department, and an early warning device is key to your family’s safety and survival. “You are seven times more likely to survive a fire if you have a working smoke alarm in your home,” Chief Adams explains.

In honor of National Fire Safety Week scheduled for October 9-13, here are three quick things that families can do to be fire safe: 1.

Solution:

mOmma products ($8.25 & up) are BPA-free, stylish and ergonomic for young fingers to hold. (mommaus.com)

What you seem to be, be really.

2.

If your fire detector is out-of-date, replace it. If you cannot afford to purchase a new detector, visit your local fire station and request one.

“They will even come out and install it for you,” Adams explains.

3.

Visit the Be Fire Smart Challenge website (befiresmart.com) to take the 10 question fire safety quiz, find out how fire safe your home is, and help your local fire department earn $10,000.

“On top of that, you need to not only have an evacuation plan, but practice it.”

Adams concludes. “In the event of a fire and the panic that goes with it, you must know the right thing to do to keep your loved ones safe.”

October Is

If you are in doubt of the state of your current detector, call your local fire department to set up a courtesy check. “You can make arrangements for a firefighter to come to your home and check the functionality of your unit, even down to testing the batteries and talking to you about how to make your home fire safe,” says Adams.

October 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

9

Teen Parent Resource Center Is It ADHD? With an estimated 750,000 teens expected to become pregnant this year, the United States has the highest rate of teen pregnancy in the industrialized world—twice as high as in England or Canada.

Formed with the mission to help teen parents get back on track, the Teen Parent Resource Center (TPRC) (3100 W. Britton Rd, OKC) specializes in helping teen mothers and fathers become productive citizens in a structured and caring environment. The TPRC provides information and referrals, connecting teen parents with resources and other agencies to help meet their needs.

According to LaQuita Lewis, Executive Director and founder, the TPRC was formed from her vision to provide a safe haven for teen moms, where they can learn skills, grow in self-esteem and learn to be self-sufficient. “My original idea changed many times before we opened in our new location in August,” Lewis explains. “But it was always what I had in my heart to do.”

“I think your child should be tested for ADHD (Attention Defecit Hyperactivity Disorder).” As parents, we all dread the possibility of that call—but don’t panic. Dr. Lara Honos-Webb, author of The Gift of ADHD knows just how to handle the situation: 1.

2.

As a relatively new non-profit organization, the TPRC needs community support to fulfill its mission. To help support the TPRC, you can: •

Donate needed items for teen parents and their newborn babies and infants up to five years old, including baby food, toys, clothes (especially girl’s clothes), blankets, car seats, toiletries, and other items.

• Make a time or money donation in support of the TPRC. Both money to fund programs and volunteers are always needed.

• Sponsor a teen to attend the TPRC’s Shining Star Winter Gala, scheduled for Friday, December 3. Tickets to the event are $25, and the public is invited to attend the event or sponsor a teen to attend by purchasing a ticket to donate.

For more information about the TPRC, call 405-286-0418 or visit teenparentcenter.org.

October: National Arts & Humanities Month Allied Arts will recognize National Arts & Humanities Month throughout October. “At Allied Arts, we celebrate the importance of the arts to our community year-round. This month-long event, however, provides a critical opportunity to promote the value of dance, theatre, music, song and visual arts to our economy, quality of life, and children’s education and development,” said Deborah McAuliffe Senner, president/CEO of Allied Arts. “We encourage Oklahomans to join the celebration by enrolling in an art class, seeing a performance or exhibit and asking for more art in their children’s schools.”

Research indicates that arts education impacts youth development in a myriad of ways. Children exposed to the arts perform better in school, have higher rates of school attendance and participate in leadership positions in school and the community—to name just a few of the benefits.

Through the Allied Arts Educational Outreach Program, Allied Arts helps to enhance and expand arts programming in classrooms, afterschool programs and community centers statewide. This year, Allied Arts will grant more than $115,000 in support of projects that make the arts accessible to Oklahoma’s youth, particularly underserved children.

To learn more about Allied Arts, call 405278-8944 or visit alliedartsokc.com.

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www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com October 2010

3.

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Be aware of your child’s environment. Explore contexts that may expain the behavior. Consider any relevant changes in your family in terms of finances, physical and mental health issues, or other significant factors. Also take into account nutritional factors: too much sugar and skipping breakfast are both linked to poor concentration.

Seek solutions. Ask the teacher, “What are we going to do to support her?” Children need to learn how to learn, and every stumbling block in education is not brain dysfunction. Your child may simply need repetition, practice of basic skills and coaching to excel in school.

Consider that your child may not be the problem.

Sometimes our children’s learning style and profile of strengths and weaknesses mean that they need accommodations. While changing schools may not be an option, you can still protect your child’s passion and motivation by encouraging them to pursue those things that draw their attention.

Be a good listener. When a child has a conflict with a teacher or classmates, our first approach should be to listen to the child’s complaints. Consider that some teachers may not be the best match for your child, and likewise for classmates. Bullying does happen, and it has proven long-term consequences. Ask your child how she sees the problem, listen, and take it seriously.

Define abnormal. “In active boys, it is completely normal for them to display some rambunctious behavior,” says Dr. Honos-Webb. There are tons of creative ways to channel physical energy, and allowing productive release of such energy can alleviate or even eliminate many so-called problems.

Look within. “Your child receives emotional nourishment from her parents, so if you are having trouble, she may be taking in your emotional pain,” says Dr. Honos-Webb.

Be an optimist. Every strength is a resource for patching up a weakness. Focus on the positive attributes commonly found in children with ADHD: creativity, emotional sensitivity, exuberance, interpersonal intuition and connection to nature.

Creating a list of your child’s many gifts before returning a teacher’s phone call, or going into a parent-teacher meeting may help you maintain a positive outlook.

Be an advocate for your child’s unique needs. For example, hyperactivity is a need for physical activity.

“When your child’s teacher points to a problem, think about ways to translate it into a specific need that can be met with support from you and the school,” says Dr. Honos-Webb.

Remember: the call from the teacher is not a diagnosis. There are many factors that may contribute to your child’s difficulty concentrating or disruptive behavior in class. Contrary to increasingly popular belief, ADHD should be the last possible explanation explored, not the first.

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Fall/Winter

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To “Go Green and Get some Green” become a consignor and earn 70%!

www.sweetrepeatskidsconsignment.com October 2010

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

11

Spotting Drug Use in Your Teen It’s 11:00pm on a Friday night and your 15-year-old is returning home from a night out with friends. She goes straight to her room without saying a word. You look out the window and see a group of kids you don’t recognize. They look older. Your daughter seems hostile when you ask about them. Is this normal teen behavior or should you be concerned these are warning signs of teen drug or alcohol use?

Shop Mistletoe Market On October 8-10, you can get a jump on holiday shopping from more than 100 vendors at the Junior League of Oklahoma City’s Mistletoe Market. Now in its 18th year, the Market is open from 10:00am-8:00pm on Friday, 10:00am-6:00pm on Saturday, and 11:00am-5:00pm Sunday in the Travel and Transportation Building at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. “Shoppers will find their favorite vendors who visit Mistletoe Market annually, along with new booths, proving there’s always something new to discover at the event,” said Wendy Mounger, Mistletoe Market board chair.

Proceeds from the event directly support the Junior League’s multiple community projects, advancing the organization’s mission of changing lives through literacy. Last year, the event netted more than $127,000 to support the League’s community projects. “We’re proud of the positive impact we’re able to have on the community, but none of that would be possible without the thousands of shoppers who come to Mistletoe Market each year,” added Mounger.

Adding to the fun are special events for children held throughout the threeday event. This year’s Market will see presentations from the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Science Museum Oklahoma, Gymboree and a special visit from Santa.

Shoppers interested in beating the rush are invited to Sip, Shop and Mingle Preview Party on Thursday, October 7 from 6:009:00pm. The event features food from Oklahoma City’s finest restaurants, cocktails, exclusive raffle items and entertainment, along with the chance to be among the first to shop at Market. Tickets to the Preview Party are $40 in advance and $50 at the door.

Admission for adults is $8, $5 for senior citizens (65+) and children age 3-12; children under age 3 are free. Tickets can be purchased online, at the door, or at the Junior League of Oklahoma City’s Headquarters (100 NW Grand, Oklahoma City).

For more information, call 405-843-5668 or visit mistletoemarket.org.

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You should be concerned. Trust me, because I was a teenage addict. Now as a parent and director for community outreach of Teen and Family Services in Houston, Texas, I have a passion for helping others prevent the cycle of addiction. So how can you tell if your teenager may be using drugs or alcohol?

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5.

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Never dismiss abnormal behavior. It’s a matter of paying attention, following instincts and acting before it is too late.

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Changes in school performance. All teens have academic areas of weakness.

Provide stability for your child so they don’t have the chance to run wild, get bored and turn to substances to occupy the time that you aren’t giving.

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Changes in friends. Most teens will drift from group to group in high school as they try and figure out where they fit. The changes you should be most concerned with are when your child has new friends and doesn't want you to meet them; long-time friends stop coming around; or new friends make you uncomfortable.

4.

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Physical and emotional changes.

Some key indicators that may signal trouble:

Physical signs of drug/alcohol abuse: changes in sleep patterns; significant weight changes; haggard appearance; chemical odors; dilated or restricted pupils; red eyes.

Emotional signs of drug/alcohol use: severe or unreasonable mood swings; angry outbursts that are

7.

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disproportionate to the situation; not showing emotional involvement in things that used to matter; paranoia.

If you are confused and concerned for your child’s health and safety ask a trained professional for help. If you suspect drug or alcohol use, drug test your teenager. If your child has nothing to hide, then they should not have a problem taking a test.

Genetic predisposition. Research indicates that people who have a family history of addiction are at higher risk of developing a substance abuse problem.

Co-occurring mental health diagnosis.

ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety disorders and depression place teens at higher risk of developing a substance-abuse issue. Proper treatment can lessen the risk. Follow the treatment recommendations of professionals who have specific experience treating these issues in teens.

An obsession with drug-using culture.

Music, movies, television shows, clothing and websites can be clues that your child is interested in that lifestyle.

Feedback you get from other parents.

Sometimes it is hard not to get defensive if others are pointing out less than desirable behavior in our children, but that kind of objective feedback can be very valuable. Ask other involved adults such as coaches, youth ministers, teachers and scout leaders to give you periodic feedback on their observations of your child.

Missing money, time unaccounted for and secretive behavior. Do not ignore these behaviors. Asking hard questions and digging for the truth can sometimes be exhausting. It is our job to stay diligent and hold our kids accountable.

Derek Steele is the author of Addict at 10 (Synergy Books, $22.95) and devotes his time to help people struggling with addiction.

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www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com October 2010

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Edmond Reading Center provides high quality, affordable reading therapy for students of all ages. Whether your student is struggling with a reading disability or wants to enhance their skills through enrichment activities, we have the answer.

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T

he spirit of Mount St. Mary is unique…

Upon first step in the beautiful, historical building, you feel the tradition, pride and spirit of God at work.

At Mount St. Mary you will be known, loved and encouraged to be you.

Currently scheduling shadow days and tours… call today to see what is so special about The Mount!

(405) 631-8865

2801 S. Shartel Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73109

www.mountstmary.org October 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

13

Tips for a Not-So-Scary Halloween

By Sharon Nolfi

Halloween, with its scary sounds and sights, can induce real fear in young children. The experience of being frightened can lead to nightmares and fears that persist long after the holiday. Protect the youngest members of your family from unnecessary and harmful fright by following these tips.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Choose unthreatening costumes and party themes. Favor good fairies over witches, and pumpkins over goblins.

Encourage costumes without masks. Mask-free costumes help children to understand that a person can take on an imaginary role and still remain the same person.

Further, many pediatricians and police officers recommend against masks because they block vision and can lead to accidents.

Avoid haunted houses. Haunted houses contain multiple scary scenes, all of them displayed in the dark accompanied by scary music. They are often disturbing and inappropriate for young children.

Avoid groups of older costumed children. Older masked and costumed children may be another unnecessary source of fear, especially because some of them enjoy frightening their younger friends. Small children will be less confused by costumed figures their own size Play “Dress-Up” to prepare for costumes. Kids love this game, which helps them learn how a person can take on an imaginary role but still remain herself.

6.

7.

8.

Try the “mask game.” Place a mask over only part of your face, and then quickly take it away. Let your child observe how mom or dad is still there, with or without the mask. Gradually cover up more of your face, again removing the mask quickly.

Let your child try playing with the mask in the same way, in front of a mirror. This can be played as a variant of “peek-aboo,” an all-time favorite of most young children.

Stay close to your child while trick-or-treating. In addition to ensuring their physical safety, you can explain threatening sights and sounds and diffuse fears as they arise. Remember that your presence is the ultimate security for your child.

Take your child’s fear seriously. Don’t laugh it off, or worse, tease or mock your child over it. Don’t allow others to do these things either, including older children. Try to explain to your frightened child that the scary images are not real, but above all, comfort and help your child to feel comfortable.

Teens and Smoking Parents, do you know the reason often cited by children for not smoking?

It’s all about aesthetics.

Side effects like wrinkles, yellow teeth and a general unhealthy apprearance— these are the factors that often deter children from smoking.

With this information in mind, the youth smoking prevention website “Real Parents. Real Answers.” offers a free tool that may help kids say no to cigarettes.

Through a partnership with age-me.com, parents can get a promotion code that will allow them to download a photo of their child that demonstrates how they may appear in a set number of years both as a smoker and a non-smoker.

“This new tool may make the difference between a child picking up the smoking habit or never trying even one cigarette,” says “Real Parents. Real Answers.” spokesperson and parenting expert Dr. Michael Popkin. “We hope that parents and kids will use the aging program together and afterwards talk about all the reasons why kids should not smoke.

“Different kids will respond to different messages about not smoking. We encourage parents to talk to their kids starting at an early age and continue talking as they grow into adulthood.” Visit realparentsrealanswers.com to learn more.

14

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com October 2010

Oklahoma City Barons Hockey returns to Oklahoma City in the form of the Oklahoma City Barons, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers. The Cox Convention Center will provide the home ice for the hockey team, and the first home game will be held Saturday October 9, against the Houston Aeros.

Some highlights of the upcoming season include: • Sunday Skate Nights will be held following each Sunday game, fans can skate on the ice at the Cox Convention Center.

• Friday, November 5: the first 2,000 fans will receive a free Barons practice jersey.

• Friday, January 28: the first 2,000 kids age 12 and under will receive a free youth-sized Barons practice jersey.

• Friday, February 25: the first 2,000 kids age 12 and under will receive a youth hockey stick.

Find full schedule and details, including ticketing information, on the Barons home page, okcbarons.com.

Family Fun for the

Entire Family

8 miles E of Edmond, off HWY 66, 1 mile S on Hiawassee, 1/2 mile on 2nd. Watch for big orange pumpkin signs.

Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch 720 Henney Road • Arcadia, OK 405-396-0909 parkhurstpumpkinpatch.com

Serving award-winning breakfasts and lunches since 1980

11 convenient Metro locations! www.JimmysEgg.com

1333 N. Santa Fe Next to Buffalo Wild Wings CVS on Danforth Danforth Open Tues. - Sat. Visit www.candybouquet.com or contact the Candy Bouquet franchise nearest you.

Santa Fe

Thurs. - Sat. 10AM - 6PM and Sunday 1 - 6PM Mon-Wed by appointment

Peace Frogs Clothing & Apparel Custom Bouquets & Gift Baskets Gourmet & Retro Candy Free Delivery in Edmond

BWW

• Hay wagon rides • Cornfield maze • Hay maze • Petting zoo • Pony rides • Snack shack - full of homemade goodies & gifts

341-9400

Healthcare doesn’t have to be expensive. Just good. www.globalhealth.com

GH-AD-FL11

October 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

15

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Name

Address

Contact

Description of Services

Ages Cost

Adventure Zone Paintball

2651 E Seward Rd, Guthrie

405-282-0110, oklahomapaintball. com

Birthday parties for 10 or more players. Equipment provided, four hours of playing time includes marker rental set up, air & initial 200 paintballs.

10 and up

$160 and up

All American Martial Arts, LLC

4731 SE 29th, Del City

405-601-0639, aama2010.com

On-site birthday parties tailored to the requirements of your birthday child.

5-14

$150-$300

Andy Alligator’s Fun 3300 Market Place, Park Norman

405-321-7275 andyalligators.com

Speedway, Bayou Blaster Boats, batting cages, pizza and more.

All ages

$99-$199

Arcadia Lake

9000 E 2nd, Arcadia

405-216-7470, arcadialakeok.com

Pavilion rentals and party plans including volleyball, horseshoes, All ages swimming, boating, frisbee golf and other outdoor activities.

$50-$175

Bouncin’ Craze

14901 N Lincoln Blvd, 405-607-2020 Edmond bouncincraze.com

Indoor play center with a variety of party packages available daily.

2 and up

$160-$225

City of Edmond Parks & Recreation

2733 Marilyn Williams Dr, Edmond

Park pavilion rental in 5 parks accommodate 18-160 people.

Rental times 10:00am-4:00pm, half and whole day rentals available.

All ages

$25-$100

Cold Stone Creamery

1197 East 2nd Street, 405-330-5878 Edmond coldstonecreamery. com

Offering a wide variety of ice cream cakes & novelties. Catering services.

All ages

$3.50-$6/ person

Dawn to Dusk Inflatables

PO Box 5531, Edmond

405-630-7275 dawntodusk inflatables.com

Moonbounces, combo units, slides, water units, obstacle courses delivered to you. Licensed & insured.

2 and up

$110 & up

DaZe in a MaZe

2 miles north of Hwy 51 on Hwy 74, Enid

580-234-6293, dazeinamaze.com

Walk-through mazes, picnic area with fire pit, petting zoo, pony All ages and hay rides. Admission for birthday child always free.

$5-$7 based on number of guests.

Dodge City Paintball and Outdoor Laser Tag

16425 NW 150th, Piedmont

405-373-3745, dodgecitypaintball. com

All equipment provided: party building, bathrooms, outdoor grill (bring your own charcoal and food). Four hour paintball session, two hour laser tag. Parent required for paintball under age 10.

All ages

$16 or $20/hour, depending on party size

Gymboree Play & Music

11928 N May Ave, OKC

405-755-3445 gymboreeclasses.com

Parties include invitations, paper goods, decorative balloons, juice boxes and trained teacher.

1-5

$195 & up

Hamilton Events Center

41 NW 144th Circle, Edmond

405-608-0342, thehamilton eventcenter.com

Parties include facility, cake, utensils, games, themed decorations, setup and cleanup and goody bags. Amenities include game system-ready 60” screens for video game parties (bring your own game system).

All ages

$500 & up

HeyDay Entertainment Center

3201 Market Place, Norman

405-310-3500, heydayfamilyfun.com

Activities include laser tag, mini-golf or ropes courses.

Combined activities packages available.

6 and up

$12.49-$35.49/ person

Jo’s Famous Pizza

900 S Kelly Ave, Edmond

405-340-7070, josfamouspizza.com

Party packages include personal 6” pizzas for each child, kitchen 12 and tour and activity and chaperone. under

$9.95 per child

405-359-4630, edmondok.com

7011 W Hefner Rd, OKC Jump!Zone Party & Play Center

10400 S Western, OKC

405-200-1691, jumpzoneparty.com

Biggest inflatable party place in OKC, six massive inflatables and five playsets. Four party rooms.

Up to age 12

$140-$250

KidzStreet

575 Enterprise Dr, Edmond

405-340-9494 kidzstreet.biz

High-rise party package: 2 hours, unlimited guests; Skyscraper party package: add cake, pizza, drink, balloon & set up for 24.

Private party Activities include indoor play, Wii, karaoke.

1-12

$180 and up

Kona Ice OKC

405-286-2663, konaiceokc.com

Mobile shaved ice truck with self-serve flavor station. Tshirt & lei for birthday child.

All ages

$95 and up

Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art

1900 W MacArthur, Shawnee

Parties hosted in museum classrooms include museum admission, art projects, party favors for up to 10 and gift for the birthday child.

All ages

$80 and up

16

405-878-5603, mgmoa.org

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

October 2010

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Name

Address

Contact

Description of Services

Ages Cost

Mad Science

344 S Santa Fe, Edmond

405-285-9421, madscience.org/okc

Birthday parties featuring science experiments with a Mad Scientist in a laboratory full of interactive demonstrations & activities.

Grades PreK-6

$185 and up

Magician Jonathan Meyer

405-409-4651, jonathanmagic.com

Magician for 22 years, references available upon request.

4 and up

$200

Marble Slab Creamery

10400 S Western, OKC or Bricktown

Made-from-scratch, premium ice cream cakes.

All ages

$25 and up

405-272-9112, marbleslab.com

Mobile Laser Forces 405-259-9300, mobilelaserforces.com

Customizable indoor/outdoor laser tag with or without 6-80 inflatable obstacles. Average party includes 10 guns for 60-90 minutes of play, wristbands for guests and dog tags for birthday child.

$150 and up

My Princess / Hero Party

405-488-9855 myprincesspart.net myheroparty.com

Your child’s favorite character comes to their party, including interactive story, music, games, favors and more.

3-8

$150-$180

OKC Barons

501 N Walker Ste 140, OKC

405-232-GOAL, okcbarons.com

Birthday party package includes 10 tickets, autographed puck, PA announcement, mascot appearance, Barons thundersticks for group.

All ages

$189/ 10 guests

OKC River Cruises

701 S Lincoln Blvd, OKC

405-702-7755, okrivercruises.com

Family-friendly birthday adventure on climate-controlled boat available on any regularly-scheduled cruise. Private parties also available at additional cost.

All ages

$6/ person; private party costs vary

OKC Zoo & Botanical Park

2101 NE 50th, OKC

405-425-0218 okczoo.com

Parties include a reserved indoor space, hostess, live animal visit, 1-13 ice cream, tableware, and admission for all participants. Overnight parties available for ages 5-13.

$25-$350; Overnight $500$600

Oklahoma Railway Museum

3400 NE Grand Blvd, 405-424-8222 OKC oklahomarailway museum.org

Parties held in 1921 wooden caboose or 1905 train depot.

Coloring books & paper hats provided. Package 1: 2 hour+30 min train ride. Package 2: no train ride. Available times and dates vary.

All ages

$75-$175

Orr Family Farm

14400 S Western, OKC

405-799-3276, orrfamilyfarm.com

Unique one-stop birthday party featuring train rides, animal barns, carousel and party guide.

Up to age 12

$179 and up

Paint ‘N Station

7906 N May, OKC

405-842-7770 paintnstation.com

Paints, brushes, smocks and materials needed for projects are provided.

All ages

$10 and up

Party Galaxy

Eight locations 405-948-1234, partygalaxy.com

Balloons, treats and decorations for theme parties for all ages.

All ages

All price points

Picasso To Go

2501 W Memorial, OKC

405-752-4742

Pottery painting studio where guests may choose from a variety of items to paint with their choice of colors.Ten person minimum, two hour time period, balloon bouquet and tablecloth furnished.

All ages

$100 and up

RedPin Restaurant & Bowling Lounge

200 S Oklahoma Ave, OKC

405-702-8880, bowlredpin.com

Party packages for all ages; kid-sized balls and shoes available All ages plus automated bumpers and bowling ramps. Special kid party packages available for up to age 17.

$150 and up

Rolling Video Games by Mobile Game Party

405-370-3491 rollingvideogames.com

Mobile video game theatre for group parties—up to 16 may play on 4 big screen TVs and XBOX-360, Wii & PS3.

$299

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History

2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman

405-325-4712 snomnh.ou.edu

Party package: 30 minute activity with host, 30 minute tour, 5-12 T-shirt for birthday child, admission for up to 12 kids& 13 adults, party space for simple food & beverages (not provided). Deluxe package includes cake, ice cream, drinks, tableware.

$150-$250 10% discount for members

Sweet Peace

1333 N Santa Fe, Edmond

405-341-9400, candybouquet.com

Featuring gourmet & retro candy for treat bags, candy bouquets All ages & gift baskets. Free delivery in Edmond.

All price points

Unpluggits Playstudio

575 Enterprise Dr, Edmond

405-340-7584 unpluggits.com

Party package includes admission & party favor craft for up to 15 guests, private room for 2 hours, paper goods & assistant.

$225

October 2010

All ages

All ages

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

17

Exploring Oklahoma Celebrate Fall with a Visit to a Local Farm

P

shop, train rides, pony rides, pedal cars, panning for gem stones and more.

umpkins, corn fields, scarecrows, and haystacks are all tell-tale signs of autumn in Oklahoma. Thanks to a number of generous farmers and ranchers in the area, children of all ages are welcome to enjoy acres of fall fun on their private properties. Following is list of a few throughout the metro that are worth a visit.

“We are always adding new activities,” says Dr. Glenn Orr, founder. One new activity is “one of only two giant jumping pillows in Oklahoma,” says Orr. “It’s more fun than a trampoline—even for adults.”

Orr says they have added hamburger cookouts on Fridays and Saturdays this fall to make family visits complete.

Chester’s Party Barn & Farm Robin Ray Hocker doesn’t clown around about his family farm in Piedmont, northwest of Oklahoma City—well, maybe just a little.

“We create memories,” says Hocker, also known as Chester the Clown. Hocker and his crew offer fun and educational activities for schools, groups and families year-round.

In the fall, the farm becomes a playground filled with a three-acre grass maze, pumpkin patch, sandbox, pony rides, petting zoo and more.

Especially popular with the teen and adult age groups are the fall Cowboy Camps.

For $150, up to 30 people can enjoy one of

ARCADIA LAKE’S

Peeping through corn stalks at Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch. (Photo courtesy of Tammy Parkhurst)

three sheltered sites for a campfire, hay ride, mystery maze (bring your own flashlight), and karaoke (music provided). Outside food and drink is not typically allowed, but those renting the Cowboy Camps are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Chester and crew are involved in approximately 500 events a year, either on the farm or by taking their act on location. A barn was even recently built that holds up to 250 people for group events.

Storybook Forest FALL, FUN & FABLES

Storybook Forest is a great place for kids to enjoy their favorite storybook characters, hop on a hay ride or toast s’mores and hot dogs on an open fire.

Storybook Forest, it’s fun for the entire family!

October

23 ❧31

5:30 P.M. – 8:30 P.M. (times may change)

Arcadia Lake’s Spring Creek Park $5 per child Monday–Thursday, $7 per child Friday–Sunday

Adults are free with a purchase of a child’s ticket

Vehicles not purchasing tickets will be charged the day use fee.

18

For more information, please call 216-7471.

Sponsored by

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com October 2010

The Orr Family Farm Located in south Oklahoma City, the Orr Family Farm is a 106-acre working horse farm offering seasonal agricultural lessons.

Bring a fishing pole and try catching a bass, crappie or catfish in the fishing ponds, ride a 1974 carousel, or pet furry friends in the animal barn.

Challenge yourself in the annually-themed corn maze (this year’s theme is “Get out the vote”) or the Amaze’n Maze (a 4,900 square foot maze that changes every two weeks). You can also enjoy on-site concessions, a gift

The Orr Family Farm is also open for some holidays and special events. The day after Thanksgiving through December 23, visitors can take the train to view a half-million Christmas light display.

Saturday birthday parties and other events are available year-round by appointment.

Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch & Ranch Located near Arcadia just east of Edmond, Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch is a setting that caters to the younger kids without forgetting the teen and college-age groups, according to Paula Parkhurst, self-proclaimed “Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch Proprietor.”

The pumpkin patch, pony rides, petting zoo, giant hay forts, a hay slide, tree swings and corn maze are available to all. For the older kids (and those not faint of heart) are two new dark-hour activities. “Creepers in the Corn” is a scary twist on the regular corn maze. The “Freaky Forest” is a two-acre wooded haunt. Both are open Fridays and Saturdays through October.

Parkhurst sells hot dogs and s’more-making kits for those who want to roast their dinner over an open campfire.

Special concert events are planned through the month of October. Local musical artists will perform for teens and college students while ”Granny P” will entertain children.

Contact the Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch and Ranch for information on year-round birthday celebrations, pavilion rentals, field trips, evening parties and “5th Quarter Parties” which are billed as safe after-game celebrations for high schoolers.

Shawnee Maze A working farm east of Oklahoma City in Shawnee, the Shawnee Maze offers a five-acre corn maze, petting zoo, hay rides, pumpkin patch, sand pile, swings, duck races, hay bales, barrel train and corn cannon (yes, a cannon that shoots corn). A haunted trail is

Family, Senior, Children, Babies, Sports, Engagement, Bridal, & Parties Session prices starting at $35

Looking for more?

See page 42 for our

Big Fall Festival Listing and find it online at MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ fall-fun!

Adrienne Sarcoxie 405-802-2155 www.avisionoflifephotography.com

open every Friday and Saturday starting the second Friday in October for those who want to add a little fright to their visit.

Owners Tom and Robin Mikles “want to encourage grandparents to bring their grandkids,” and have made admission free for infants and adults ages 55 and older.

adrienne@avisionoflifephotography.com

Support Oklahoma families and have fun together at the

For those who want to make a campfire picnic out of their visit, the Mikles encourage visitors to bring their own food. Campfire rings are provided for a nominal fee.

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

More Information on Metro Area Agritourism General admission and event schedules/rates may vary. For specific schedule and rate information, contact each farm directly.

Chester’s Party Barn & Farm 5201 Cimarron Rd, Piedmont 405-373-1595, chesterspartybarn.com Orr Family Farm 14400 S Western, Oklahoma City 405-799-3276, orrfamilyfarm.com Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch & Ranch 720 Henney Rd, Arcadia 405-396-0909, parkhurstpumpkinpatch.com Shawnee Maze 42808 Wolverine Rd, Shawnee 405-401-8217 or 405-401-8371, miklesfamilyfarm.com Note: For other Oklahoma agritourism locations, call 800-6526552 or visit Agritourism.TravelOK. com.

This fun, family event benefits Oklahoma Family Policy Council’s work across the state. OFPC is a statewide, nonprofit research and education organization associated with Focus on the Family.

Saturday, October 30

Stars & Stripes Park, OKC (N. Portland @ Lake Hefner)

Registration opens 7:30AM One-Mile Fun Walk/Run begins 8:30AM • 5K Walk/Run begins 9:00AM

Pre-register online at www.okfamilypc.org $20 per person/per event

T-shirts available to first paid registrants (while supplies last).

Sponsored by:

The Runner

Partners HR Leo Goes Grr Music

October 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

19

Your Healthy Family Treating Allergies with Immunotherapy

W

hile we may be enjoying fall’s cooler temperatures and the bold, beautiful colors that the trees are beginning to display, one aspect of autumn has many people less than enthusiastic: allergies. For seasonal allergy sufferers, the biggest culprit this time of year is ragweed. But for some, allergies are not merely a seasonal affair.

Many people suffer from indoor allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, and mold, for which relief can be hard to find. Many allergy sufferers—particularly those with severe allergies—may be candidates for allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy.

While needle-phobes may cringe, immunotherapy has been around for nearly a century, and success rates have steadily improved over time as treatments have become more effective. Immunotherapy is an excellent choice if your allergens are unavoidable and are not controlled by medications. For example, a girl (like me) might not have to choose between a beau and a beloved pet. (I got to keep Dave the Cat and my husband married me anyway!)

How Does It Work?

Vicki Joyce is an Advanced Practice Nurse at Integrative Medical Solutions in Edmond. A family practice, their focus is on promoting overall health and wellness. “Managing chronic health conditions such as allergic rhinitis is encountered daily in our practice.

Most patients experience seasonal symptoms, but some are affected on a year-round basis,” notes Joyce. “Research-driven practice guidelines recommend a step-wise approach to symptom management. Unfortunately,

there’s no real cure, so once patients have tried over-the-counter antihistamines, prescription antihistamines, and nasal steroid therapy without experiencing satisfactory relief, immunotherapy is the next step.”

Immunotherapy is aimed at decreasing the patient’s sensitivity to a known allergen by vaccinating the patient with increasingly larger doses of an allergen. The goal of this therapy is to induce immunologic tolerance to the allergen, which will reduce or eliminate the symptoms associated with exposure. Allergen-specific immunotherapy is the only strategy for treating the underlying cause of the allergic disorder.

According to Joyce, “Once the patient is on maintenance therapy, the goal of immunotherapy is to provide lifelong relief of those symptoms.”

Let’s Talk Testing…

Once it has been determined that a patient is a candidate for immunotherapy, he returns to the clinic for what Joyce describes as a “pain-free skin scratch test, which takes about fifteen minutes.” Allergy testing in Joyce’s clinic provides evaluation and response to fifty of the most geographically-specific allergens in this region. A drop of extract for the potential allergen is placed on the skin, and a small device “scratches” the extract into the skin, just breaking the outer layer of the epidermis. Swelling and redness indicate an allergy to the substance. “The patient’s serum is then customized and developed specifically for his response to the test,” says Joyce.

Immunotherapy Treatment After the testing process has been completed and the allergy serum ordered, patients typically return to the clinic a week later.

According to Joyce, “there, they are given the first round of three daily injections, which take place in the office.” The injections are given in the office so the patient may be monitored for an anaphylactic reaction, which, although very rare, is potentially life threatening if left untreated.

After this initial in-office treatment period, “the patient will then be trained to selfadminister the allergy injections at home every other day. Patients typically require serum of increasing strength for best relief of allergy symptoms,” notes Joyce. Treatment usually lasts one to two years, depending on when the patient achieves the desired level of symptom relief. “Usually they’ll see less frequent sinus infections, decreased allergy flares, fewer ear infections, especially in children, and better overall quality of life.”

While some patients will no longer need prescription or over-the-counter medications, others may continue to take them on an as-needed basis.

Life-Changing Benefits According to Joyce, most patients who undergo immunotherapy can expect a major relief of symptoms within the first year of treatment. “We have noted about an 85 percent success rate in relieving allergy symptoms in patients who have completed this therapy.” Joyce recalls a recent patient who was the owner of a Christmas tree farm. She was experiencing so many of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis that she was considering selling her farm when she came in for allergy testing. “She tested positive to the same type of trees growing on her farm.

She began immunotherapy and within eight months, she experienced enough relief of allergy symptoms, she was able to keep her business.”

If you have questions about allergy testing, immunotherapy or allergy symptom management, contact your health care provider for more information.

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

20 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com Discovery ad 2011-MF 4.75 x 3.084 paths.indd 1

October 2010

9/20/2010 11:56:15 AM

For students in grades 6, 7 and 8

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October 2010

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

21

Dear Teacher Q&A with the Experts Poor Adjustment to Kindergarten

at school with your daughter to show her how to handle them.

Question: Since school started, it’s been a daily battle to get my kid off to kindergarten. She whines, cries and procrastinates. At school, she prefers being with the teacher to her classmates. And rather than paying attention to her work she tries to see what the rest of the class is doing.

The teacher is not very happy with our daughter’s behavior. What should we do?

– Help Needed

Reading to Middle Schoolers?

Answer: Your daughter is in Kindergarten and she’s learning how to adjust to the school environment. She needs to learn listening skills and sharing skills, as well as how to behave appropriately in the classroom. She should master these things so it is easy for her to pick up the academic skills preparing her to read and do math in first grade.

If your daughter is having a hard time adjusting to school, it probably ties into her reluctance to go to school in the morning.

Make the morning routine as simple and pleasant as possible.

It sounds like you have already talked to the teacher about the situation at school.

Many young children do prefer being with the teacher until they make friends with their classmates. Help your child get to know some of the other children in her class better by scheduling play dates with them.

The teacher also should be doing things to help your daughter get to know individual children better.

Your daughter seems to enjoy seeing what the other students are doing rather than working independently. At times, the teacher could put her in a small group with other students who may also work better in small groups. Your child also could be seated in the front of the room, away from the distraction of seeing so many other children.

Visit the classroom to observe, then talk with the teacher about ways the two of you can work together to improve the child’s behavior. Perhaps she could be given some assignments at home similar to those she does at school. You could focus on helping her learn how to handle them and stay on task. You also could play-act work situations 22

•

Do you have to get them out of bed every morning?

• Do they seem overtired during the day?

• Are they falling asleep in class?

Appropriate Reading Level Question: My son just started middle for Bright Child school. Is it still a good idea to read Question: Last year, in second grade, to him every night?

– Avid Reader my son’ s reading fluency was below grade level. The school put him in a Answer: Don’t quit reading to your son. special reading class. Currently, he All the experts recommend it, and studies is receiving reading instruction in the show that it is likely to increase your child’s reading scores and his interest in reading. regular third-grade classroom. He Furthermore, he is being exposed to a more also has a tutor who says he's now advanced vocabulary. It’s also a great way to communicate with him on a wide variety of reading on grade level. The school subjects. says he is a very bright little boy with Here are some hints to make your reading a vocabulary at the sixth-grade level. sessions as successful as possible: Should I continue having him work • Be consistent in reading to your son every with the tutor? night. You needn’t read for more than 15 - Special Help or Not minutes.

• • • • •

Don’t just read books. Magazine articles on topics that interest him are a good choice.

Have him make suggestions about what he would like to hear.

Be sure to choose age-appropriate materials (no childish stories).

Try to complete a chapter a night when reading chapter books.

For a treat, watch movies or videos of books after finishing them.

How Much Sleep Is Enough?

Question: How do I know if my school-age children are getting enough sleep? They always want to stay up past their bedtime.

– Sleepless Answer: All children do not need the same amount of sleep. Most studies show that children between the ages of six and nine require about 10 hours of sleep. Preteens and teens need a little more than nine hours.

Teens can be sleep deprived because their body clocks are telling them to stay up late, and schools often start so early.

If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, your children may not be getting enough sleep: •

Do they usually fall asleep in the car?

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com October 2010

Answer: Reading on grade level is a good thing. However, the brighter a child is, the greater the reading potential. Students with above-average intelligence are expected to read above grade level. What we’re talking about is called “reading expectancy.”

There are a variety of reading-expectancy formulas that can be used to predict the level that your son should be reading on and you may ask the school to test your son. We suspect that he should be reading beyond the third-grade level.

Keep the tutor, if you can afford to do so.

Have her test and then focus on the areas that cause him trouble until he becomes a very proficient reader able to handle material above grade level.

Dear Teacher is written by Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts. Do you have a question? Send it to dearteacher@dearteacher.com or visit DearTeacher.com.

Find more articles at

MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ dear-teacher

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American Indian Printmakers

from The Silberman Collection

October 1, 2010 through May 8, 2011 See the Museum’s first exhibition to focus just on the printmaking aspect of American Indian fine art. The exhibit highlights more than 50 works by such artists as Benjamin Buffalo, T.C. Cannon and R.C. Gorman.

In conjunction with the Museum’s Saturdays for Kids educational programming, come learn the ins-and-outs of printmaking through fun-filled, hands-on activities.

October 2 • 10:00 a.m. − Noon Creating Colorful Monoprints with artist Jennifer Hustis November 6 • 10:00 a.m. − Noon Relief Printing with Potatoes Saturdays for Kids, designed for ages 4 to 12, are free to the public. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

1700 NE 63rd St Oklahoma City, OK (405) 478-2250

Oklahoma Reads Great Reads for Everyone Books for Preschoolers I Always, ALWAYS Get My Way

by Thad Krasnesky, illustrated by David Parkins (Flashlight Press, hardcover, $16.95) The story of a three-year old girl whose behavior is quite disruptive to her family will entertain your young children while teaching them a lesson about good behavior and manners.

Books for Grades 1-3 Sofa Boy

by Scott J. Langteau, illustrated by Rion Vernon (Shake the Moon Books, hardcover, $14.95) A reminder against too much time spent sitting on the sofa playing video games, this is a creepy tale that humorously reminds young readers of the importance of moderation.

Books Make Me Happy

by Judy Pelikan (Workman, hardcover, $9.95) An interactive journal for young readers that will encourage them to read and enjoy books. With space for 15 book reviews plus questions and prompts to get your child thinking about books and reading.

Includes 16 bookplate stickers to mark your child’s books.

Books for Grades 3-6 Bananagrams for Kids (Workman, softcover, $9.95) The fun, family word game was the inspiration for this book of puzzles for kids.

Four levels of difficulty and an answer key in the back make this enjoyable for all ages and abilities.

24

Mostly Monsterly

Grades Preschool-3

by Tammi Sauer, illustrated by Scott Magoon (Simon and Schuster, hardcover, $14.99)

We all may know a nice kid who is sometimes a bit, well, “monsterly,” but what about a monster who is sometimes a bit too nice? Local children’s author Tammi Sauer’s tale about Bernadette the Monster reminds us all that it’s okay to be who you really are. Visit tammisauer.com to learn about Bernadette and find her secret cupcake and frosting recipes.

Books for grades 4 & up A Julie Mystery: The Puzzle of the Paper Daughter

by Kathryn Reiss (American Girl, softcover, $6.95) Set in the early- to mid1970s, this mystery finds Julie asking her friend Ivy to help solve a mystery and, in the process, they learn about the culture of Chinese immigrants.

Books for Adults Earth-Bound Cook

by Myra Goodman (Workman, softcover, $20.95) Featuring 250 recipes, this cookbook is also a primer on healthful eating. Wondering whether cage-free and free-range are the same? Find your answers and so much more here.

Ethics for Dummies

by Christopher Panza, PhD & Adam Potthast, PhD (For Dummies, softcover, $19.99) “Mom, what is ‘ethics?’”

Unsure how to answer that question? This book provides information on ethics that includes the works of philosophers, controversies of ethics and how to apply ethics to current dilemmas.

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com October 2010

See Dick Bite Jane

by Elise Mac Adam (Adams Media, softcover, $14.95) Written by an etiquette expert, this book provides advice for navigating tricky situations that come from parenting kids.

Readers will find answers to a variety of issues such as discipline, friendships and parties.

Please Stop Laughing at Me

by Jodee Blanco (Adams Media, softcover, $12.95) How thoroughly can bullying affect a life?

This memoir of a girl who was bullied from fifth grade through high school is a powerful story of survival. Includes a reader’s guide and newlyupdated information about cyberbullying.

Homework Made Simple

by Ann K. Dolin, M.Ed. (Advantage Books, LLC, softcover, $14.95) Looking to take the frustration out of homework? This book provides tips for reading comprehension, effective note-taking, improving memory, proper planning strategies and how to work with children of different learning strategies.

Reviews by MetroFamily Magazine editor Mari Farthing.

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Family Finances Party Planning on a Budget

W

hat fun it is to celebrate special occasions with friends and family!

However, birthday parties, dinner parties, holiday celebrations and other types of entertainment can quickly become budget-busters designed more for show than for celebrating or visiting with loved ones. Staying focused on the purpose of the gathering will help keep things simple, reduce the cost, decrease the stress and increase everyone’s enjoyment—especially the host's!

Here are a few tips to help save both time and money when planning your next soiree:

•

•

Plan ahead. Perhaps the best way to limit your spending is to increase your planning time. Giving yourself a few weeks to prepare reduces the potential to rush around last minute, buying whatever you can grab and overspending on unplanned purchases.

Set a budget. Like anything else, determine how much you can afford to spend and stick with it. If you decide to spend a large part of the budget on a special designer cake, then decrease

spending on decorations, balloons and party favors to offset that cost.

• Limit the guest list. Don’t feel guilty about having smaller parties and don’t feel compelled to invite more than you are comfortable with. Most experts recommend the guest list match your child’s age (so invite five friends for her fifth birthday party). Having just a few friends makes the party more personal and more manageable.

• Give the gift of time. Nothing makes a friend or loved one feel more special than giving them your undivided attention.

Spending a day with your child, spouse or your best friend doing the things they like to do is one of the best gifts you can give, even on a limited budget.

• Limit food and refreshments. Serve the basics rather than large, elaborate meals. Children love hot dogs, sandwiches, spaghetti and other easy-to-prepare, less expensive food choices. If planning for adults, have a potluck dinner or choose dishes that require limited preparation.

And remember, you can choose to serve only cake and ice cream—after all, that’s

what most people come to eat. It all comes down to how good the food tastes and how much time you can spend together— not how much time or money you spent preparing it. If you want more than cake and ice cream, consider having guests “make your own pizza” or “build your own banana split”—which makes preparing dinner a part of the entertainment and reduces the prep time.

• Include children in the process.

Encourage the honoree to make suggestions about refreshments, decorations, games and other activities.

Give them a budget and have them prepare a line-item expense sheet to identify the specific cost of each selection. Then, allow them to make suggestions about what to trim down if they exceed the budget.

• Involve others. If your house is too small, ask a friend or family member if you can use their home in return for some form of compensation, such as babysitting for a special date night, a home cooked meal, or other meaningful payment. Whatever you decide to trade is certainly cheaper than renting a facility. Just be sure you clean up

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Choose a theme. Having a theme such as superheroes or movie characters will help keep you focused. However, it does not mean you have to buy the plates, napkins, balloons, cake, invitations and everything else to match. Instead, look for a few items that emphasize the theme and fill in the rest with matching colors. If you choose a movie theme, buy or rent the movie to show during the party as part of the entertainment. You may even want to ask everyone to come in a costume related to your theme.

Shop thrift stores, discount stores and dollar stores. It certainly is not necessary to buy everything at special party stores where prices can be much higher.

Use arts and crafts for entertainment.

Instead of buying expensive party favors, have children to make their own. Some simple, inexpensive options include painting clay pots, making jewelry from string and beads and decorating t-shirts or

canvas bags.

Keep entertainment simple. You might consider having relay races, hula hoop contests or an obstacle course instead of buying or renting an inflatable. Even planning a party in the local park offers a variety of playground equipment free of charge. Adult or teen parties might include board games, card games, volleyball or other similar games. A karaoke machine or CD player is a great substitute for a deejay if you decide to have a dance-athon.

• Make your own cake. So what if you aren’t a professional decorator? You can use canned frosting and toys such as matchbox cars, silk flowers, sprinkles and other trinkets as cake toppers.

When planning your next party, remember you are only limited by your imagination.

Staying focused on the purpose of your event will help you and your guests make special memories that are priceless. So, relax and have fun. And put the money saved into your •

child’s college fund or into your savings account for next year’s family vacation.

You’ll be glad you did.

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

Find more articles at

MetroFamilyMagazine.com/ family-finances

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The Candidates Answer Your Questions On Tuesday, November 2, Oklahoma voters will head to the polls to decide on national and state representatives, several important state questions, many statewide offices and Oklahoma's first female Governor. Recently, we asked our readers what they wanted to know from the gubernatorial candidates, and from the great response we received, we posed the most common questions to the candidates, Democrat Jari Askins and Republican Mary Fallin. Their slightly abbreviated answers are included here.

In addition to studying the following, we encourage you to visit metrofamilymagazine.com/election for more information about the Democrat and Republican candidates for State Superintendent, the complete answers given by the gubernatorial candidates and links to other sites to help you become a more informed voter.

The Democratic candidate for Governor, Jari Askins was the first woman Democratic leader of the state House of Representatives and currently serves as Oklahoma's Lieutenant Governor.

Congresswoman Mary Fallin is the Republican candidate for Governor. For 12 years, she served as Oklahoma's Lieutenant Governor and prior to that was a state representative.

Explain how you intend to improve Oklahoma’s public schools, Pre-K through post-secondary.

bullying. We must ensure that school bullying policies include cyber-bullying. Parents and schools need to monitor children’s internet usage, and should solicit student input about this issue.

If our students are going to thrive... then [they] deserve bold initiatives that reflect both the sweeping potential of our citizens and the daunting challenges of the 21st Century economy. My education plan breaks barriers to innovation, ensures a safe and productive learning environment, puts dollars back into the classroom, provides affordable college education and career tech training, and builds a world-class, educated workforce that will attract quality jobs to the state.

I am running for governor to create jobs and bring more prosperity to Oklahoma. Having a highly educated, skilled work force is a prerequisite for being able to jumpstart the economy, and that requires improving our schools.

The single most important thing we can do when it comes to education is to make sure every dollar being set aside for classrooms actually gets there. Too much of our money is wasted on administrative overhead or finds its way to bureaucratic sinkholes rather than being spent on rewarding good teachers or purchasing learning materials. That will change when I am governor.

What is your stance on the subject of bullying and cyberbullying? Do you see a role for state government in keeping our kids safe, especially with the changing world of technology?

We need to give our schools the resources and training they need to identify and address instances of bullying and cyber-

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www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com October 2010

First, we need to educate parents and teachers to be more cognizant of inappropriate online activities. Then we must equip our students with the skills they need to operate in a world, where increasingly, working, learning, and social activities are conducted online.

Bullying, in person or on the internet, is unacceptable. Parents, teachers and even kids should step in and stop it whenever or wherever it is occurring.

In terms of new technologies, I think the internet and the things that come with it hold enormous potential as a learning and communications tool. They also, obviously, come with their own unique set of dangers. I am particularly concerned with the threat posed by child predators lurking on online, and I will do everything in my power to crack down on anyone who tries to victimize our kids.

How will you improve Oklahoma’s support of families with disabled children (in terms of resources, state support, education, possibly insurance)?

As Governor, one of my first actions will be to issue an executive order creating a Children’s Cabinet made up of topranking state officials whose agencies have working interests in children’s policy in the state. The first priority of the Children’s Cabinet will be to develop a long-term strategic Children’s

Policy for Oklahoma. This proposal requires no new funding and will ensure that the needs of children with disabilities and their families are recognized and addressed.

I think the state should do everything it can to accommodate these children and their families. A great example of positive reform is the bill we signed into law this year granting scholarships to children with special needs. We should absolutely be giving these children and their parents as many choices as possible when it comes to finding a school that can help them the most.

How do you plan to help low-income families break the cycle of poverty?

Policies to overcome poverty and improve education must be integrated. An integrated education policy would implement existing models that follow students through the educational pipeline from early childhood education through graduate school and/or the workplace. Part of this approach would include incorporating health and human services, workforce boards, and even law enforcement into targeted strategies. We need to develop a better and more diverse policy toolbox to deal with the education and poverty link in order to find solutions for Oklahoma families who are struggling to break this vicious cycle.

One word: jobs. The best way to help lower income families is to bring more and better jobs and opportunities to the state of Oklahoma. We can do that by lowering the tax burden on individuals and small businesses, removing barriers to business created by out-of-control workers compensation costs and legal fees, and building a more highly skilled and better educated workforce. When we do those things, we will see more jobs and investment in Oklahoma and we will help all our citizens.

What is your plan to alleviate state unemployment issues?

Smart investments in education will make certain that our future workforce can compete in ideas and industry with any workforce in the world. As Governor, I will use the full weight of the office to promote job creation, by not only recruiting new businesses, but preserving small businesses already here, and fostering an environment that helps a new business prosper.

The best way to fight unemployment and bring jobs into the state is to create a business-friendly climate that encourages private sector investment in Oklahoma. Again, that means keeping the government’s hand out of your pocket. It means pursuing workers compensation and tort reform and it means improving our schools.

How do you propose that we solve our health and fitness crisis?

I will expand the role of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. We should use the data from the Healthy and

What is State Question 744?

In addition to the national, state and local/regional candidates for office, another issue on the ballot regards a state constitutional amendment that if passed by a simple majority vote of the people would change the way public education (preK through 12th grade) is funded. State Question 744 would amend the state's constitution to require the legislature to fund public education to at least the per-pupil average of the neighboring states of Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico and Texas.

According to the Yes for 744 group’s website (yeson744.com), the main argument for supporting this amendment is to improve the educational advantage for Oklahoma’s students. Oklahoma is currently ranked 49th in the nation for per-pupil funding. The group claims that this amendment will result in a better educated workforce which will in turn improve the state’s economy.

Flag Photo: © Juergen Priewe | Dreamstime.com

Fit Schools Scorecard to understand the scope of the problem of childhood obesity and early onset diabetes in our state.

By working with other initiatives, such as the First Lady’s Let’s Move program, Oklahoma’s Schools for Healthy Lifestyles, and community health departments, we can begin to change the culture of our schools, by expanding physical education opportunities, consulting with nutrition experts and professional chefs, and eliminating unhealthy options for kids. I would encourage school districts to partner with agriculture producers to offer locally grown produce to our cafeterias, benefiting local economies and promoting better nutrition at the same time.

Our number one goal when it comes to health should be to sharply reduce the number of people suffering from preventable diseases in Oklahoma. We spend a massive amount of money— and pay a terrible toll in human suffering—dealing with illnesses like adult diabetes that are directly related to obesity and unhealthy life choices. The easiest way to reduce these costs is to encourage Oklahomans to live healthier and better lifestyles. The government has a role to play there, but ultimately we are going to have to decide as a state and as individuals to eat healthier foods and live healthier lifestyles.

What is your philosophy about taxes and government spending? If elected, what will guide your fiscal decision making?

I am in favor of a comprehensive review of Oklahoma’s tax code with an eye toward reform. But I agree with Governor Henry that many ideas that make for good talking points don’t necessarily lend themselves to sound public policy.

My administration will work toward thoughtful reforms to our tax code that deliver relief to seniors, small businesses, and hardworking Oklahoma families, while ensuring a balanced budget, and protecting funding for vital services such as education, health care, public safety, and roads and bridges.

My philosophy on taxes is simple: the lower our taxes are, the more competitive Oklahoma can be in a global marketplace and the more jobs and opportunities we can create for our citizens.

That’s why I support gradually reducing the tax burden on families and small businesses.

When it comes to government spending, the most important thing our leaders can do is to eliminate waste and make government more efficient, more effective, and less costly. As governor, one of my first acts will be to order a line-by-line review of the budget as well as a critical review of the functions of each agency. Many of our government programs are outdated, overlap with similar programs or come with mission statements that are no longer relevant. I’ll work to eliminate some of those programs, update others and bring our 8-track government into an iPod age—all of which will save taxpayer dollars and make balancing our budget a lot easier.

The main opposition group to this state question is called the One Oklahoma Coalition (nosq744.com). According to their website, this group says that mandating the funding of education through SQ 744 would result in massive income, sales and property tax increases and would negatively impact other state-funded needs such as Medicare payments, road and bridge repair and state prisons. They also claim that the measure does not mandate reform in Oklahoma’s educational system and that improvements in schools and student results are not tied to school funding.

In addition to the websites listed above, you may also find information about State Question 744 on the site ballotpedia.org/ wiki/index.php/Oklahoma_State_Question_744_(2010).

October 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

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The Alert Parent Getting Over the Opinions of Others

W

hat does it feel like to not worry about what other people think of you? I call it the Opinion of Others, or OOO for short. I’ve been working on not worrying about OOO for years. Have I completely mastered it? NO!

Recently I had yet another opportunity to work on this skill—someone had an opinion and they felt compelled to share not-so-nice things.

I fretted. I worried.

Oh dear, that’s not how I had planned to handle the situation. Then I realized I didn’t know what it felt like to not care what other people thought. Intellectually, I got it; but to live it? That’s another story.

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I thought about the times I really didn’t care. Typically, the opinions of a complete stranger don’t induce the OOO syndrome.

Neither do the opinons of those who love me best…I figure with them I am on safe ground, that they’ll keep me. But let other family members, friends, or someone who knows someone say something derogatory, I’m fretting and worrying like a champion.

Typically a remark involves my pride and targets the opinion I hold of myself. You know… Reputation. I instinctively want to play the “good girl” part. And then I can’t believe I’m really still wrestling with the Big R. Didn’t everybody else leave that behind in high school?

Finally it dawned on me that I do know what it feels like to not care about the opinions of others. It feels light, airy. It feels good. I am beginning to understand more fully that my reputation is what Wayne Dyer describes in his book The Power of Intention. “Your reputation is not located in you. It resides in the minds of others.” He tells us that we have no control over the mind of someone else.

What they think is what they think. Dyer explains further, “Leave your reputation for others to debate; it has nothing to do with you.” In short, what other people think of me is none of my business.

I’m ready to believe this. I am ready to feel this. I am ready to live this. While driving home from our summer vacation, my tween daughter and I chatted about many things.

I decided to ask her thoughts on the issue and said, “How do you not worry about the opinion of others?” Although I haven’t been able to fully participate in this concept, something has worked for her. She doesn’t

have this problem—at least not yet. Here’s what my wise daughter told me, “That’s easy.

Find something bigger and better to think about.”

As is typically the case, once a lesson is learned, the universe gives you an opportunity to test yourself. This time I passed with flying colors. As the days grew into a week, I realized I really am residing in a new place. What I thought would bother me (my tempest in a teapot for the moment) did not. Every time I thought about that irksome situation, I could quickly divert my attention. I, without much effort, could let it go. What happened outside of myself didn’t have to impact me.

The old Allyn would have been very bothered. What will the neighbors think?— ‘the neighbors’ being all those people I care about. Breathing deeply, I can say to myself: “It’s okay.” What a relief. People can have opinions and those opinions do not impact me.

I feel so much better; free.

I’m ready to turn in my worrying about OOO for some real joy in believing in myself… some Oh Oh Oh. I’m off to think about bigger and better things. Help your children do the same!

Allyn Evans (TheAlertParent.com) is a published author, professional speaker and consultant residing in Stillwater.

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www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com October 2010

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October 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

31

Our Readers Know How To Party Moms know—when you need a tip on how to get something done, you ask your friends how they do it. So when it comes to birthday parties, we knew that our readers would have the best tips on how to have a great party! Read below for how some of our readers make their family’s birthday parties very special for the honoree and the entire family. So read on to find some great ideas!

To read all of our reader’s ideas, go to metrofamilymagazine.com/birthday-party-ideas.

What birthday traditions does your family celebrate?

What is your favorite birthday party memory?

•

•

• •

•

•

On birthdays, we mark the child’s measurement on the closet door.

— Dorothy H. Silly String fights in the yard are our most consistent traditions.

— Mary B. We have a tradition of birthday donuts the morning of your birthday, complete with birthday candles.

—Rebekah N. Before my son’s first birthday, I bought an adult-sized, collard shirt for him. Every year on his birthday, we take a picture of him in the shirt.

— Breea B. We have a birthday plate that we made and the birthday person gets breakfast in bed on it, lunch (if at home) and dinner of their choice.

— Julie B.

•

•

•

•

My birthday is January 2, and for my 11th birthday I had a New Year’s Eve slumber party.

— Angela R. For both of our kids, the first cake was the best! Seeing them get messy and ‘paint’ with the frosting is so fun!

— Laura R. I was newly-divorced, and my five year old gave me a surprise party with the help of her Granny.

— Paula B. The surprised, slightly scared look on my daughter’s face when Chuck E. Cheese shook her hand on her second birthday.

— Tiffany K. We’re traditional Jews, so for my son’s third birthday, we had a ritual haircut.

Everyone got to cut a piece of his hair.

— Dorothy H.

What was your funniest or wackiest birthday party moment?

•

Not being able to light the candles due to the Oklahoma wind!

— Angela R. • We bought our daughter’s birthday piñata at an after-Easter sale and none of the three-year-old guests wanted to hit it.

They kept saying “Oh no! Duckie!”

— Rebekah N.

Superhero Capes I purchased broadcloth material at a hobby store in white. Using my son, I measured the length from his neck to his knees. Using pinking shears, I cut a trapezoid shape that was very narrow at the top (neck). For the neck tie, I used a 1” width grossgrain ribbon applied with fabric glue (hot glue also works).

I purchased pre-cut velcro (1” squares) and glued those to the ribbon, so it would fasten around the neck. For the decoration, I printed a Superman “S” onto iron-on transfer paper with my home computer (reverse the image so it faces the correct way when applied).

During the party, I let the kids decorate their capes with fabric markers and paint pens, using cardboard underneath to protect my surfaces. ~ Stacey S.

32

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com October 2010

• At an animal-themed birthday party, a lemur got loose and was running all around the room while everyone was trying to catch it.

— Bethany A. • “Spiderman” left our birthday party and had to run around the block (still fully costumed) to escape the children who followed him outside!

— Breea B. • The frosting on the Scooby Doo Mystery Machine cake that I made melted in the heat—it was really mysterious looking!

— Joni W.

What’s the best money or time saving tip that you have?

•

I buy supplies when they go on clearance after holidays. I stock up on stocking stuffers for goody bags.

— Dorothy H. • We toured a local fire station for my son’s party. The kids loved it—and it was free!

— Mandi R. • Have an early afternoon party so the guests will have already eaten lunch and you will only need to provide cake and ice cream.

— Breea B. • Cupcakes! Have a cupcake decorating party—it’s an activity and a treat!

— Tiffany K.

• We’ve saved a fortune by holding parties in the local library’s party rooms.

— Dorothy H.

Do you limit party size or have separate family and friend parties?

• We have an intimate family dinner with gifts, ballons and dessert. The kids help plan a small party for friends.

— Stacy S. • We have one big party for everyone.

Some stay longer than others, but we all have a great time together.

— Kerri T. • I limit the party, for my sanity. We invite a few meaningful friends and have a separate family party.

— Jennifer O. • The kids invite an odd number to their party so it’s always an even number of kids at their party (including them). We open presents with immediate family on the birthday morning.

— Julie B. • We set the party size based on the cost of the activity. My kids normally pick pool parties because you get more for the money.

— Denise H.

Boys and nd Girls Girlls Grades Pre-K to 12

Basketball etball

Fundamental Skills Skill Monday through Thursday Little Dribblers Train & Play Shooting-Offensive Moves Ball Handling-Defense Pre-Season Warrior

Fall Break Camp/Oct.21-22 Register Online

www.sbabasketball.net

405-816-HOOP

(continued next page)

Chester’s Pumpkin Patch & 3 Acre Mystery Maze OPEN Sept. 27 - Oct. 31

25 Acres of Family Fun Giant Slide Pony Rides Petting Zoo Hay Rides Camp Fires 10 Ton Sandbox Karaoke Fishing Snack Shack Pumpkin Bowling And Much More!

MPKIN! FREE PU id admission with pa

lies last

while supp

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Largest selection of costumes, accessories, make-up, wigs, decorations and more.

Unbeatable low prices!

Party Barn & Farm “Home of Chester the Clown”

5201 Cimarron Road, NW Piedmont Map at: www.chesterspartybarn.com

$5 per child • $5 per adult Infants & Seniors 65+ FREE! Cards

Cards

373-1595

Monday - Saturday 9am-6pm - Sunday 1-6pm

Cards

8 Metro Locations October 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

33

What’s easier? A homebased party or parties held somewhere else?

•

The easiest parties are held at home without a sleepover.

— Mary B. • Home parties are definitely easier! You have everything you need, while we always forget something when we go somewhere.

— Kerri T. • I would guess home parties are harder but I’ve never been brave enough to have one!

— Denise H. • I think it ends up being about the same amount of work.

— Amanda D.

What is the coolest thing your child has received as a party favor?

• • • • • •

Cake Pops Bake a cake (boxed or your favorite recipe) as directed. After cake cools, crumble into a large bowl. Stir in a can of icing, a scoop at a time, until it sticks together; refrigerate "dough" until chilled.

Using a small scoop, form uniform-sized balls and place on cookie sheet or plate; refrigerate again until chilled. Melt 1 package of candy melts* per package directions. Dip one end of a lollipop stick* into melted candy and insert about halfway into ball. Dip each pop in the melted candy and swirl to coat. Stand dipped pops in a piece of Styrofoam* to dry, decorating as desired using candy pieces, more frosting or sprinkles. ~ Rebekah N * Items available at craft stores.

Sillybands and glow bracelets. — Dorothy H. Party favors that they make, like pottery or masks. — Angela R. A wooden tool box made at a constructionthemed party. — Mary B. Potted flowers. — Stacy S. Paintbrush, apron and paints. — Elizabeth D. Tickets to the zoo or coupons to ice cream

places. — Julie B. • T-shirts decorated at the party. — Joni W. • A party favor bag filled with sidewalk chalk, a yo-yo, sunglasses and dress-up jewelry. — Laura R. • A hula hoop and kite. — Allison C. • A bag of chocolate candy ‘rocks’ at a construction-themed party. — Breea B. • At one party, they made tie-dyed Tshirts to take home. — Paula B. • A bath towel with a huge light saber sewn on it for a Star Wars party! — Angie F.

What’s your favorite homemade party item?

• • • •

•

Invitations. It’s fun to format on the computer to the theme of the party.

— Mary B. Superhero capes as a craft/favor. (See page 32 for directions.)

— Stacy S. I love to make the cake for our family celebration, trying out bold designs.

— Olga R. Quick, easy and goofy games, like water balloons, how many marbles in a jar or guess the animal.

— Cathy H. Cake pops for sure, they are fun for the kids, easy to clean up and super fun to make! (See directions this page.)

— Rebekah N.

Celebrate!

Enjoy a fun-filled, family-friendly, climate-controlled

birthday adventure that you’ll never forget!

Available on any regularly scheduled Oklahoma River Cruise.

Bring your own cake or we can provide one for you!

PRivAtE PARtiEs ARE AvAilABlE tOO.

To learn more, contact us at

(405) 702-7755 | okrivercruises.com 34

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com October 2010

Creative Care When You Need It! ✪ Hourly child care ✪ Private parties ✪ In-home care

New Workshops! leather crafts paint-n-take ceramics birthday parties indoor playground wi-fi

✪ Tutoring ✪ Enrichment

classes ✪ School transportation 405-340-9494 • www.kidzstreet.biz 575 Enterprise Dr., Ste 150 Edmond

405-340-PLUG • www.unpluggits.com

575 Enterprise Drive, Edmond (South of 15th, off Kelly)

Enterprise Drive • Edmond, OK You provide the party; we’ll make the celebration

Imagine this: thick, moist cake, layered with some of the richest, creamiest ice cream in the world, and your favorite mix-ins, all wrapped in fluffy white frosting or rich fudge ganache.

A Cake for Any Occasion • Signature Cakes • Birthday Cakes • Petite Cakes • Cupcakes Cold Stone Catering: Let your guests indulge in ice cream by inviting Cold Stone Creamery to your next event! We can bring the party to you with a sundae bar or hand dipped floats.

Our ice cream is at made fresh daily n! tio ca lo is th

1197 E. 2nd Street • Edmond • 330-5878 www.coldstonecreamery.com

Product shown is Cookie Dough Delirium. ©2007 Cold Stone Creamery, Inc. All rights reserved. www.coldstonecreamery.com

October 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

35

Celebrity Attractions’ 20102011 Broadway Season opens in November and features something for the whole family.

• • •

• •

Shrek: The Musical, November 9-14, is based on the Oscar-winning film. Great for all ages.

Burn the Floor, January 4-9, 2011, features ballroom dancing and is suitable for older audiences.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, February 15-20, 2011, the classic tale and smash musical will be a hit for all ages.

The Aluminum Show, April 12-17, 2011, features dancing, puppets, humor and music for all ages 9 to 5: The Musical, June 7-12, 2011, based on the 1980s movie, suitable for mature audiences.

For ticketing information on all shows (including information on season tickets), call 800-869-1451 or visit celebrityattractions.com.

©2010 DreamWorks Theatricals (Joan Marcus) Pictured: Eric Petersen (Shrek)

The Oklahoma City Ballet presents The Phantom of the Opera on October 30-31 at the Civic Center Music Hall.

This world premiere original adaptation of the famous Gaston Leroux novel features Christine, a promising young ballerina in the Paris Opera Ballet, who catapults to stardom with the love and support of the mysterious, masked phantom. Kids of all ages are invited to wear their Halloween costume to the Sunday Matinee and attend the special Phantom Fest after the performance for trick-or-treating and a costume contest, made possible by Downtown OKC and Safe Kids Oklahoma. For more information, call 843-9898, or visit okcballet.com.

The Oklahoma Regatta Festival & Head of the Oklahoma Regatta on the Oklahoma River held October 7-10 features rowing, kayaking, dragon boating & family fun. Includes a family festival featuring live music, art, a children’s area & food. 552-4040, oklahomariverevents.org. EDITOR'S NOTE: Visit MetroFamily in the Children's Area.

See Fall Events on page 42 or visit

MetroFamilyMagazine .com/fall-fun to find even more!

36

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com October 2010

OCTOBER S M T W T F S

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

FREE Art Adventures at Norman’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. Activities for children ages 3-5 with adult. Tuesdays, 10:30am.

FREE Admission at Norman’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art on Tuesdays. 10am-5pm.

FREE Tuesday Noon Concerts at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art feature 30-minute musical performances by the University of Oklahoma School of Music students & faculty. Tuesdays, 10:30am.

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

Toddler Time at the Mustang Recreation Center at Town Center (1501 N Mustang Rd) is held every Tuesday & Thursday & allows toddlers & young children to run, climb & play on an indoor playground. Parent or guardian must remain with child. FREE with community center membership, or $2 per child. 376-3411, cityofmustang.org.

FREE Wednesday Night at the Movies at the Downtown Library, 6-8pm. For all ages. Held every Wednesday of the month. 231-8650.

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

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

359-7989, UCOJazzLab.com.

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

FREE 1-2-3 Play With Me at the Warr Acres Library for children ages 4 & younger with caregivers. Saturdays, 10:30am.

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

FREE Make & Take crafts at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May, OKC), Saturdays, 11am-3pm. Ages 3 & up. 858-8778, LakeshoreLearning.com.

History Comes Alive Cruises portray Oklahoma history from the prospective of a live re-enactor from the Oklahoma History Center. Round trip $12 adults, $8 for ages 6-12, FREE for under age 6. Departures from Regatta Park each Saturday at noon, Exchange Landing 12:45pm. 702-7755, okrivercruises.com.

Saturday Classic Cartoon Cruises are a fun-filled morning of river cruising while being entertained with classic cartoons, departing from Regatta Park, Meridian Landing & Exchange Landing every Saturday until noon. 702-7755, okrivercruises.com.

Drop in Art at the OKC Museum of Art. Saturdays, 1-4pm. Create art inspired by the Museum’s collection, exhibitions, & special occasions. FREE with paid admission. 10/2: Wire Sculpture, 10/9: Landscape Painting, 10/16: Wire Sculpture Cars, 10/23: Spooky, Fun Crackle Art, 10/30: Spooky Silhouettes.

FREE Green Earth Gang for ages 9-13. The “Gang” works on conservation projects in Martin Park Saturdays from 2-5pm throughout the school year.

755-0676.

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

Sunday Nature Hikes at Martin Park Nature Center.

Guided park tour & nature hike each Sunday 2:30pm.

Reservations & a fee of $2 are required. 755-0676.

Ongoing Events Through October 9 Altered Books at [Artspace] at Untitled features book art by artists from across the United States & Canada, as well as a selection of vintage photographs from the Photographic Society of America collection. 815-9995, artspaceatuntitled.org.

October 9-January 2 Bruce Goff: A Creative Mind exhibition at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art highlights the architectural achievements of one of the 20th century’s most internationally respected architects. Opening reception 10/9, 7-9pm.

Through October 15 FREE Children's Visual Art Exhibition at the Firehouse Art Center (444 S Flood, Norman) showcases student artwork in painting, collage, & sculpting. Monday–Friday, 9:30am-5:30pm; Saturday 10am-4pm. 329-4523, normanfirehouse.com.

Oct 21-Nov 6 Macbeth performed by Reduxion Theatre Company at City Arts Center Theatre at State Fair Park (3000 General Pershing Blvd, OKC) is an innovative portrayal of Shakespeare’s classic tale. May not be appropriate for ages 10 & under. $15, $12 students. 8pm. 651-3191, reduxiontheatre.com.

Through October 24 FREE Andean Dreamers: Pre-Columbian Inca Textiles at Shawnee’s Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art (1900 West MacArthur, Shawnee) examines the important role that textile arts played in Andean society.

Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 1-4pm.

878-5300 mgmoa.org.

26 3 10 17 24 31

27 4 11 18 25 1

28 5 12 19 26 2

29 6 13 20 27 3

30 1 2 7 8 9 14 15 16 21 22 23 28 29 30 4 5 6

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

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

October 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

37

Quick Reference Through October American Banjo Museum 9 E Sheridan Ave, OKC 604-2793, banjomuseum.org 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 Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum 13th & Shartel, OKC 235-4458, oklahomaheritage.com Little River Zoo Hwy 9, Norman 366-7229, littleriverzoo.com Myriad Botanical Gardens Closed for renovations; opening in 2011.

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.org Oklahoma History Center 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr., OKC 522-5248, oklahomahistorycenter.org Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History 2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman 325-4712, snomnh.ou.edu Science Museum Oklahoma 2100 NE 52nd St, OKC 602-6664, sciencemuseumok.org Do you have an event for our calendar?

Send an email to Calendar@MetroFamilyMagazine.com 38

FREE “RETROspective" at Red Earth Museum & Gallery is a compilation of rarely seen art pieces from the museum’s permanent collection that reflect upon contemporary & modern American Indian art styles from the 1930s-1980s. 427-8079, redearth.org.

Another Hot Oklahoma Night Exhibit, featuring highlights of the state's rock & roll history, is on display at the Oklahoma History Center.

Through November 12 Emilio Amero Exhibition at Norman’s Jacobson House Native Art Center (609 Chautauqua Ave) showcases the work of the Hispanic artist, painter & cinematographer. 366-1667, jacobsonhouse.com.

Through November 14

skills of saddlemaking, bit & spur making, silversmithing & rawhide braiding & the role of these traditional crafts in cowboy culture in the American West.

Mediterranean Treasures: Selections from the Classics Collection at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History features 100 of the most significant objects from the museum’s classics collection, dating from between the 21st century BCE & the 3rd century CE.

Through January 10 Flying High & Crash Landing: Bull Wrecks in Rodeo at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum features the photography of Ralph R. Doubleday, Devere Helfrich & Bern Gregory.

Through May 8

Alfred Ossorio: Gifts from the Ossorio Foundation exhibit at the OKC Museum of Art features 11 works by the artist from 1949-1984.

American Indian Printmakers from The Silberman Collection at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is the museum’s first exhibition to focus solely on the printmaking aspect of American Indian fine art.

Through November 17

Through 2011

Wide-Open Wednesdays at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum offers FREE admission each Wednesday.

Through November The Cowboy Way exhibit at the Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum includes a selection of Oklahoma-born artist H. Holden’s sculptures, paintings & drawings.

Tierra de mi Familia exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center features interviews, artifacts, documents, photographs, film & music.

Through December 12 Luis Jiménez: The Exhibition at the OKC Museum of Art presents six expressive lithographs by the artist revealing his interests in popular culture, social commentary & his Mexican-American heritage.

Through January 2 Jonathan Hils: INTERSECTION, the second installment of the NEW FRONTIERS: Series for Contemporary Art at the OKC Museum of Art, is a selection of large-scale, hand-wrought automobiles.

La Serenissima: Eighteenth-century Venetian Art from North American Collections at the OKC Museum of Art brings together approximately 65 works from more than 25 collections covering eighteenthcentury Venetian art in the age of the Grand Tour & through the decline of the Republic.

12th Annual Traditional Cowboy Arts Association (TCAA) Exhibition & Sale at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum showcases the work of TCAA members, who work to preserve & promote the

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com October 2010

The Uncanny Adventures of Okie Cartoonists at the Oklahoma History Center explores how Oklahomans have played a major role in the evolution of comic books, comic strips, & editorial cartoons.

October 4 • Monday FREE Admission to the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History on the first Monday of each month. 10am-5pm. (Also held 11/1.)

FREE Home School Day at the Oklahoma History Center includes gallery guides, scavenger hunt, hands-on demonstration & living-history programs for homeschool students ages 5-18. 10am-2pm.

5 • Tuesday Homeschool Day at the Oklahoma Aquarium provides discounted admission for homeschool families & groups. $7 students, $10 adults. Preregister. 10am-6pm.

918-528-1508, education@okaquarium.org.

FREE Monthly Mini Model Build at Penn Square Mall’s Lego Store. Build a new model every month.

Held the first Tuesday of the month, 5pm. Quantities of models are limited. For ages 6-14. 840-9993, Stores.

Lego.com.

Science Under The Stars at the Oklahoma Aquarium provides evening access to the aquarium & a science topic. 6:30pm.

6 • Wednesday FREE Mamaste Yoga - Infant Class at the Village Library is mommy & baby yoga that incorporates singing & play for baby while also designed to balance

& restore the physical needs of mother & baby. For infants up to 5 1/2 months who are not yet crawling.

Preregister. 10:45-11:15pm.

The Brubeck Brothers Quartet presented by the University of Oklahoma School of Music at Sharp Concert Hall (500 West Boyd, Norman). $5 for students and seniors; $8 for adults. 8 pm. 325-4101,music. ou.edu.

7 • Thursday Cocktails on the Skyline on the roof terrace at the OKC Museum of Art features live music, a full bar, complimentary chips & salsa with an incomparable view of the OKC skyline. 5-10pm. Also held 10/14, 21, 28.

FREE Okies in the World Series at the Oklahoma History Center is a discussion on Oklahoma’s World Series players with biographer Fritz Buckallew, looking at a number of Oklahoma’s major league players & focusing on Carl Hubbell. 7pm.

Building at State Fair Park benefits the community projects of the Junior League of Oklahoma City. $8 one-day admission, $5 for children & seniors, FREE for ages 3 years & younger. 843-5668, mistletoemarket.org.

The Goodbye Girl at the Sooner Theare (101 E Main St, Norman) is a warm, lighthearted musical theatre romantic comedy. Tickets $20 & up. 321-9600, soonertheatre.org. Also held 10/15-17.

9 • Saturday 2010 Komen Central Oklahoma Race for the Cure at the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark furthers the fight against breast cancer. Registration, 7am; Race, 8:15am; Survivor Ceremony, 9:45, Kids’ Dash, 10:45am. komencentralok.org.

FREE Plaza District Arts Festival offers live music, kids’ art activities, food, & local performing artists, visual artists, musicians. Noon-10pm. 308-5991, plazadistrict.org.

The Oklahoma River Fall Festival & Head of the Oklahoma Regatta on the Oklahoma River features rowing, kayaking, dragon boating & family fun. Includes a family festival featuring live music, art, a children’s area & food. 552-4040, oklahomariverevents.org.

FREE 4-H Dance Club dance lessons at the OSU Cooperative Extension Service (930 N. Portland, OKC) for children ages 6-10 includes basic techniques in ballet, hip hop, modern, lyrical and Irish dancing. Club meets the second Saturday of each month. $1 initial charge to join club, lessons free. 11:30am-12:30pm.

713-1125.

Annie at Shawnee’s Little Theatre (1829 Airport Dr) is one of the world’s best loved musicals about the popular comic strip heroine. $12, 275-2805, shawneelittletheatre.com.

1st Annual Deep Deuce Music Festival with the theme "Bringing Music Back to its Roots" includes free concerts, food, vendors & historians. Noon-7pm.

235-9100, deepdeucebricktown.com.

October 7-31

Gallery Stories at the OKC Museum of Art focuses on “Things That Go” with stories about artists, artworks, & their inspiration, with connections to children’s literature. FREE with paid museum admission, parent or guardian must remain with child. 2pm.

7-10

Dracula presented by Jewel Box Theatre (3700 N Walker, OKC). Thursday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday 2:30pm; special midnight performance on 10/30. $15 adults, $10 students. 521-1786, jewelboxtheatre.org.

8 • Friday FREE Norman’s 2nd Friday Circuit of Art is a monthly celebration of the arts connecting the downtown arts district with galleries, performance halls, & Campus Corner. Trolley service between venues available at minimal cost. 6-10pm. 360-1162, 2ndfridaynorman.com.

Children's Night Out at Christian Life School (1400 NW 12th, Moore) provides pizza, games & fun for ages 3-12 (must be fully potty trained). $15 per child, 10% discount for 2nd child. Preregister. 6:3010:30pm. 794-0808, christianlifeschoolokc.com. (Also held 11/5.)

Zumbathon to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at Kang’s Asian Bistro (2080 E Second, Edmond). $10 per person. Food & drink available for purchase. 2-4pm. 819-6645, cnhin@cox.net.

Greater Oklahoma Bluegrass Music Society (GOBMS) Bluegrass Concert/Jam features three professional bluegrass bands in a family-oriented show at the

Oklahoma Country-Western Museum & Hall of Fame (3925 SE 29th, Del City) $6. Children 12 & under FREE. 6:30-9:30pm. 677-7515, gobms.org.

OKC Barons Hockey vs, Houston Aeros at the Cox Convention Center. Tickets, $14 & up, 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com. 7:05pm. okcbarons.com. Other home games this month held: 10/10, 15, 16, 19, 22.

Magic, Mystery & Melody presented by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic at the Civic Center Music Hall features Julie Albers on cello performing Mozart, Schubert, Ravel & Tchaikovsky. Tickets, $12 & up. 8pm.

232-7575, okcphilharmonic.org.

FREE 4th Annual Max Westheimer Airport Aviation Festival features a kid's hangar, aircraft on display, radio-controlled airshow. 9am-4pm. 325-7017.

10 • Sunday 8th Annual Sooner Stampede at Lake Thunderbird State Park is a bike race for everyone from the novice to the expert. Races at 9:30am. Kids race at 1pm, with divisions for ages 4-6, 7-9 or 10-12. 812-0423, soonerstampede.bicycleleague.com.

Safari Symphony presented by the OKC Philharmonic features family-friendly selections from “Lion King” & “Jurassic Park.” Tickets $9. 1-3pm. 232-7575, okcphilharmonic.org.

Cleveland County CROP Walk to Stop Hunger benefits Norman’s Food & Shelter for Friends. Entry fee is a jar of peanut butter or a can of tuna to be donated to local food pantries. 2pm. clevelandcounty cropwalk.org.

FREE Fall Concert at Edmond's Mitch Park Ampitheater features the classic rock/country music of the Stud Duck Band. Sunday, 6:30pm. 359-4630, visitedmondok.com.

11 • Monday FREE Natural Remedies to Keep Your Family Healthy presented by the Holistic Moms Network Central Oklahoma chapter. Moore Medical Center cafeteria (700 S Telephone) 6:30pm. centralok. holisticmoms.org.

Bored this weekend?

Not if you subscribe to MetroFamily's E-Update

FREE LIVE on the Plaza held in the Plaza District the second Friday of each month. Artwalk, local artists, live music & shopping. NW 16th between Classen & Penn.

7-11pm. plazadistrict.wordpress.com.

8-10 Mistletoe Market 2010 at the Travel & Transportation

October 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

39

Layaway PLans

40 % off sale

$99 Delivery & Installation exp. 10/31/10

Showroom inside Jump!Zone S.W. 104th & Western

www.okcplaysets.com 200-1691

Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company performance at Edmond’s Armstrong Auditorium is a family-friendly program of dances, acrobatics & song for all ages. Tickets, $20 & up.

7:30pm. 285-1010, armstrongauditorium.org.

11-16 Just Between Friends Consignment Sale at Norman’s Cleveland County Fairgrounds features gently-used children’s & maternity clothing, toys, equipment, furniture & more. norman.jbfsale.com.

Monday-Thursday 10am-7pm, Friday-Saturday 9am6pm.

12 • Tuesday Storytime Science at Science Museum Oklahoma has the museum's performer-puppeteer piloting kids through the silliest science stories around. 10:30am & 2:30pm. FREE with paid admission.

13 • Wednesday

15 off %

any purchase Promo Code: 1015

www.kajeet.com/1015 Winner of 3 parenting awards

Plans starting at $499 No contracts! • GPS locator FREE unlimited online parental controls

1-866-4kajeet

School of Rock Beginning Guitar Lessons

FREE Depression Screenings offered at Crossings Community Center (2208 W. Hefner Road). 11am-7pm.

235-8188.

14 • Thursday FREE Parent Information Meeting at Providence Hall Classical Christian School (1120 E Hefner, OKC) for parents interested in classical Christian education.

10-11am. 478-2077, ldoe@providencehall.org.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. CSKA Moscow (Preseason Game) at the Ford Center. 7pm. Tickets, 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com. 7pm. nba.com/ thunder. Next preseason game held 10/21.

Over the Edge fundraising event benefiting Special Olympics Oklahoma allows participants to rappel 30 breathtaking stories down the side of the SandRidge Energy Building. 918-481-1234, sook.org

Ages 6 to Adult

14-31

Call Doug at

The Rocky Horror Show at Lyric at the Plaza is a new production of the famous B-movie rock ‘n’ roll musical.

Tuesday-Thursday, 7:30pm; Friday 8pm; Saturday 8pm & midnight. $40. 524-9310, lyrictheatreokc.com.

Guitar for Kids

340-8294 Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar & Classical Guitar

www.guitarforcoolkids.com 40

Artist Demonstration at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum guest artist Kjelshus Collins demonstrates the art of relief printing as it relates to the special exhibition “American Indian Printmakers from The Silberman Collection.” FREE with paid admission. 10-11:30am, 1:30-3pm.

15 • Friday Movie Night at the Museum at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History screens The “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” in the museum’s Great Hall. $5 adults, $3 ages 6-17, children 5 & under FREE.

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com October 2010

Members receive $1 discount. Galleries open 5:307pm. Movie at 7pm.

The Children’s Center Bowl at the Bethany High School Football Stadium (8618 N.W. 50th St., Bethany) includes a good-spirited football competition between Bethany and Kingfisher High School to raise money and awareness for children with complex medical and physical disabilities. 7pm. 440-2259, tccokc.org.

5th & 6th Grade Dance at Mustang Town Center at Mustang Town Center (1501 N Mustang Rd) includes a DJ, climbing wall, game room & concessions. $5 in advance, $7 at door. 7-9pm. cityofmustang.org.

Third Annual Wish Ball at the OKC Golf & Country Club benefits the Make-A-Wish foundation. Dinner, live auction & dancing. $150. 286-4000, oklahoma.wish. org.

FREE Movie Night at the Rodeo Opry (2221 Exchange Ave, OKC) screens the movie Cow Town starring Gene Autry. 7pm. 235-7267, stockyardcity.org.

15 -16 Oklahoma native Kristin Chenoweth performs with the OKC Philharmonic at the Civic Center Music Hall.

Tickets, $27 & up. 8pm. 232-7575, okcphilharmonic.org.

Family-ID Workshop at Northwest Baptist Church (3200 NW 23rd, OKC) helps families create a family vision & mission statement, create a family identity, set family goals, & discover how to pass on a Godly heritage to future generations. Friday, 7-9:30pm; Satuday, 9am-3pm. family-id.com.

15-17 Kids Closet Connection Consignment Sale in the Hobby, Arts & Craft Building (3001 General Pershing Blvd) at Oklahoma State Fair Park features children’s clothing, toys, shoes. Friday, 9am-7pm; Saturday, 8am6pm; Sunday, 9am-3pm. kidscloset.biz.

Sweet Repeats Children’s & Maternity Consignment Sale at the Edmond Armory (600 S Bryant) specializes in boutique, department store & name brand clothing for children, teens & maternity.

Friday, 9am-6pm; Saturday, 9am-3pm; Sunday, noon4pm. sweetrepeatskidsconsignment.com.

15-29 River Rat & Cat performed by Oklahoma Children’s Theatre on the OCU campus is a tale of the most unlikely friends on a river adventure. Recommended for elementary age children. $5 children, $7 adults.

Wednesdays & Fridays, 11am; Saturday & Sunday, 2pm. 951-0011, oklahomachildrenstheatre.org.

16 • Saturday Oklahoma's Ride for Refuge at the First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City (1201 N. Robinson, OKC) brings bike riders together to help the displaced,

vulnerable and exploited. Routes of varying lengths available. Check-in and registration begin at 8am. 2324255, rideforrefuge.org.

Fall Break Camps at City Arts Center (3000 General Pershing Blvd., OKC) provides art camps for ages 5-13. $60. 9am-4pm, before & after care available.

FREE Cleveland County 4-H Fun Fest at the Norman Public Library (225 N Webster, Norman) features crafts, fun and refreshments for kids. 10am-2pm.

School’s Out Safari Day Camps at the OKC Zoo includes arts, crafts, games, Zoo tours & animal encounters. For ages 4-12 years. $30, $20 additional siblings.

17 • Sunday Bill Cosby at the Civic Center Music Hall. Tickets begin at $25 and are available by calling 800-869-1451. 2pm and 7pm. 297-2264, celebrityattractions.com.

19 • Tuesday Tiny Tuesdays: Warm Colors at the OKC Museum of Art is a come-&-go, “drop-in” style art making activity geared towards children, ages 2-5, with a parent or caregiver that encourages families to create together, to explore & experiment with a variety of art media, & to enhance their understanding of art. FREE with paid admission. 10am-noon.

Members Night Behind the Scenes at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History invites museum members to tour collections & laboratories, view demonstrations, & meet museum curators & other staff in a family-friendly program. Memberships can be purchased online or at the event. 5:30-9pm.

Tuesdays At Sundown at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum features Linda Lomahaftewa of the Institute of American Indian Arts describing Indian printmaking & its history. 6:30-8pm. FREE for members, $5 nonmembers.

20 • Wednesday Carrie Underwood in concert at the Ford Center as part of her Play On tour. Tickets, $33 & up, at 800-7453000 or ticketmaster.com. 7:30pm. okfordcenter.com.

21• Thursday FREE Family Game Night at Mustang’s Town Center (1501 N Mustang Rd) held the third Thursday monthly & offers a featured game each month, or bring your own.

Children 10 & under must be accompanied by adult.

6:30-8:30pm. 376-3411, cityofmustang.org.

21-22 Funky Fall Fun Fall Break Camp presented by Oklahoma Children’s Theatre on the OCU campus is loaded with theater games, drama activities, dancing & fun. For ages 5-12. $45 per day, $80 for both. 606-7003, oklahomachildrenstheatre.org.

Fall Break Camp at the OKC Museum of Art celebrates the wonders of art with current museum exhibitions & opportunities to create individual art. Friday includes reception, display of student art & family tour of the museum. For ages 5-7 & 8-10. $60 members, $65 nonmembers. Before & after care available for additional charge.

22 • Friday FREE Teacher Appreciation Day at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History provides free admission for preschool-grade 12 teachers & their families, as well as classroom giveaways. 10am-4pm.

Pre School Dance Classes Why Choose Us • Convenient morning, evening and Saturday class times • Small Class Sizes • Ages2 ½ and up • Online bill pay

Enroll Today!

Velocity Dance Center

721-8807 • velocitydancecenterokc.com

22-24

11122 N Rockwell Ave, Suite A-11 • OKC

An Affair of the Heart at State Fair Park features arts, crafts, antiques, collectibles, & more. Friday-Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm. 632-2652, aaoth.com

Karen’s Kids Studio of Dance

Rodeo Historical Society Weekend at the National Cowboy & Western History Museum features entertaining musical performances, lectures by some of the rodeo’s most legendary figures, & benefit auction.

Tap ✦ Jazz ✦ Ballet ✦ Modern HipHop ✦ Lyrical ✦ Pom Tec Class

23 • Saturday Friends of the Library Book Sale at the Norman Public Library (225 N Webster, Norman) 9am-5pm.

Family Arts Studio at Gymboree of Norman held the fourth Saturday monthly, 11am-noon. Children 18 mos-5 years. $5/child. Reservations required, 307-8454. gymboreeclasses.com.

Dutch Oven Cooking at the Oklahoma History Center is a hands-on cooking class for adults & teens. All materials & ovens needed for the class provided.

Preregister, $10. 1-5pm.

2010 Red Earth Buffalo Bash at the Red Earth Gallery & Courtyard (6 Santa Fe Plaza, OKC) includes live entertainment, dancing, cocktails, live & silent auctions & creative Native cuisine to benefit Red Earth, Inc. $75.

7-11pm. 427-5228, redearth.org.

FREE TRIAL CLASS Classes for all ages.

Enrolling Now!

Classes fill up quickly, call today to reserve a spot for your child!

karenkidsrock@sbcglobal.net www.karenskidsstudioofdance.com

732-7722

24 • Sunday FREE October Cultural Far East Festival at the Midwest City Library features live music, observe dance, martial artistry, fine arts & speech from Russia, Japan & Korea. All ages. 2-4pm.

Give Your Child A Different Kind of Education...

We teach

25 • Monday Monday Study Club for mothers of students in 6th grade & older features a presentation by Carey Sue Vega, Director of the OKC Chapter of the National League of Junior Cotillions about what teens (& adults) need to know about etiquette today. 3rd Floor of 50 Penn Place. $25 annual dues, $12.50 per meeting for lunch. 11:30am. mallerynagle@swbell.net.

Self-Discipline, Respect, and Focus.

Call now about our After-School Program!

4731 SE 29th Street, Del City

www.aama2010.com • 601-0639 October 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

41

Introducing the NEW Coliseum Sports Academy "All it takes is all you've got"

Volleyball

skills training for ages 7-18 Private, small group lessons and clinics Special programs for homeschoolers

www.coliseumsportsacademy.com coliseumsportsacademy@gmail.com Strength • Precision Quality • Respect

Through October 10

Fall Fun Events

OKC Zoo Pumpkin Drive offers FREE admission with the donation of a large pumpkin. Admission is good for day of donation only.

Through October: TG Farms Pumpkin Patch in Norman & Newcastle inclues pumpkins, hayride, corn & hay mazes, petting zoo. 9am-dusk daily. $8 per person, discounts available, includes pumpkin of choice. 387-3276, tgfarms.com.

The Pumpkin Patch at Chester’s Barn in Piedmont features pony rides, petting zoo, Pumpkin Bowling, and hayrides. Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM - Sunday 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM (closing at 2pm on 10/31) thru October 31. $6 each Kids and Adults. Infants (12 months & under) and Seniors (65+) Free. Free Pumpkin w/ paid admission (while supplies last). 5201 Cimarron Road, 405-373-1595, ChesterAndCrew.com.

Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch with hay wagon rides, cornfield maze, petting zoo, pony rides, pick your own pumpkin and more. Thursday-Saturday, 10am6pm; Sunday 1-6pm. Eight miles east of Edmond off Hwy 66. 396-0909. ParkhurstPumpkinPatch.com.

Pumpkin Patch at Orr Family Farm features hayride, maze, “sugar pie” pumpkins, giant jumping pillows, petting zoo and more. Admission includes hayride & Pumpkin Patch with free pumpkin.

Weekday admission is $7 for Tuesday-Thursday 10am-2pm; Friday 10am-5pm. Weekend admission is $12.50 for Friday Nights 5pm-9pm and Saturdays 10am-9pm. 14400 S Western Avenue, OKC. 799FARM, OrrFamilyFarm.com.

Saint Matthew United Methodists Church’s Annual Pumpkin Patch, 300 N Air Depot Blvd in 42

27 • Wednesday Artist Demonstration at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum features artist Katherine Liontas-Warren demonstrating the art of linocuts & dry point, as they relate to the special exhibition “American Indian Printmakers from The Silberman Collection.”

FREE with paid admission. 10-11:30am, 1:30–3pm.

person for members, $12 nonmembers. 6-8:30pm.

30 • Saturday Oklahoma 4 Families 5K Race & 1K Mile Walk sponsored by the Oklahoma Family Policy Council at Stars & Stripes Park, $20, includes T-shirt for the first 250 registrants. 7:30am. 990-5888, okfamilypc.org.

OKC Thunder vs, Chicago Bulls at the Ford Center, 7pm. Tickets, 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com. nba. com/thunder. Also playing 10/31.

FREE Sonic’s Spooky Saturday at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History offers free admission. 10am-5pm.

29 • Friday

FREE Moore’s Red Ribbon Festivities include a parade in Old Town (10am-noon) & a Red Ribbon Culture Jam celebrating Asian, Hispanic, Celtic & African cultures with storytelling, cooking demos, & musical entertainment at the Moore Public Library (noon-4pm). 793-4332, cityofmoore.com.

FREE Art After Hours at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is a 45-minute lecture about Duncan Grant’s Vanessa Bell, includes light refreshments. 6pm.

Family Night Out: Nature Printing at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History includes pizza & art project designed for kids ages 5 & up. One adult required per every 2 children. Preregister. $10 per Midwest City. Storytimes and activities. Proceeds benefit three non-profits. Monday-Saturday, 9am-8pm; Sunday noon-8pm. 732-6831, stmatthew.org.

Through Nov 13: Mikles Family Farm, Shawnee Maze and Pumpkin Patch. Hayrides, pumpkin picking, petting zoo, corn maize and night exclusive activities such as Glow Stick Maze (all season) and Cornstalkers Haunted Field (October weekends only). Fridays (6-10pm); Saturdays (10am-10pm); Sundays (12pm- 5pm, Closed Sun in November). Farm shuts down approximately 30 minutes after closing time.

MiklesFamilyFarm.com.

P Bar Farms features corn maze, hay rides, laser tag, train rides and haunted maze. Thursday-Friday, 6-10pm; Saturday, 10am-10pm; closed Sundays Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for ages 4-12, and children 3 and under are FREE. Laser Tag admission, $6. Located on I-40 between Hydro and Weatherford.

580-772-4401, PBarFarms.com.

Through Nov 28: Daze in a Maze in Logan County features four walkthrough mazes, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, picnic and play areas and much more. Saturday 10am10pm; Sunday 2pm-dusk; Monday-Friday groups by appt. only. $7; 3 and under free. 580-234-6293; on weekends 405-550-5964, DazeInAMaze.com

8-31 FrightFest at Frontier City features activities for the whole family, including kid-friendly BooVille, a Trick-or-Treat Trail pumpkin patch, haunted house & live entertainment. FREE with paid park admission.

Fridays-Sundays. 478-2140, frontiercity.com.

Greater Oklahoma Bluegrass Music Society (GOBMS) Bluegrass Gospel Concert/Jam features three professional bluegrass bands in a family-oriented show at the Oklahoma Country-Western Museum & Hall of

15 • Friday Mummy & Me: A Masquerade Ball at Mustang Town Center (1501 N Mustang Rd) for Mom & Son invites moms & sons to dress up in favorite costumes for special entertainment, games, music & food. $5. 7pm.

376-3411, cityofmustang.org.

16 • Saturday 5th Annual Downtown Library After Dark for kids in grades 7-12 focuses on paranormal investigations with food, games, and fun. Preregistration required.

7pm-midnight.

22 • Friday FREE Autumn Explostion at First Southern Baptist Church (6400 S Sooner Road, OKC) has games, rides, inflatables, & giveaways. Food vendors will be set up for those that wish to purchase food. 4-9pm. firstsouthern.tv

23 • Saturday Spooksville at the Yukon Community Center (2200 S Holly Ave) features a Mutt Masquerade dog costume contest, children’s costume contest, carnival & haunted house. $3 per child. 1:30-6pm. 354-8442.

FREE Fall Family Night at Edmond’s MAC at Mitch Park celebrates the season with a pumpkin carving contest, spooky arts & crafts, & face painting. 5:307pm, with a pumpkin hunt at 7:30pm. 359-4630.

23-31 Storybook Forest at Arcadia Lake’s Spring Creek Park is a not-so-scary trail featuring candy from Storybook characters & wonderful Storybook scenes.

Games, hayride, & campfire cooking available.

Visit MetroFamilyMagazine.com/fall-fun for more events!

Fame (3925 SE 29th, Del City) $6. Ages 12 & under FREE. 6:30-9:30pm. 677-7515, gobms.org.

30-31 The Phantom of the Opera presented by OKC Ballet at the Civic Center Music Hall. Tickets begin $29. Saturday, 8pm; Sunday 2pm. 843-9898, okcballet.com. Find more details on page 36.

November 1 • Monday FREE Admission to the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History on the first Monday of each month. 10am-5pm.

Career Quest at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History is for kids grade 6-8 to learn about career opportunities in science. 4-6pm, $50 ($10 discount for members). Held each Monday night for 8 weeks.

5:30-8:30pm 216-7471, arcadialakeok.com.

25 • Monday Mummy & Son Masquerade at the Jackie Cooper Gym (1024 E Main, Yukon) is a fun Halloween party for moms & their sons with carnival games, hot dogs & a costume contest. $3 in advance, $4 at door.

6-8pm. 350-8920.

25-31 Trick or Treat Bag Week at Science Museum Oklahoma allows kids to decorate a trick-or-treat bag with their favorite floor facilitator. FREE with paid museum admission, during museum operating hours.

26-31 Pumpkin Carving Studio at Unpluggits Playstudio offers templates, tools & paints to decorate a pumpkin you bring, or purchase a pumpkin on site. $5. 3407584, unpluggits.com.

Haunt the Zoo at the OKC Zoo provides safe, fun trick-or-treating for kids among themed booths. 6:308:30pm nightly, rain or shine.

28 • Thursday Haunt the Harn at the Harn Homestead & 1889er Museum is a family-friendly trick-or-treat event for all ages, including a hayride, marshamallow roasting & more. $3 in advance, $5 at door, FREE for members.

5:30-8:30pm. 235-4058, harnhomestead.com.

29 • Friday Halloween Costume Party & Festival at Edmond’s Unpluggits Playstudio includes not-too-spooky games, face painting & fun. 6-8pm. 340-7584, unpluggits.com.

4 • Thursday Wine through Time at the Edmond Historical Society & Museum (431 S Boulevard) fundraiser benefits the museum. Ages 21 & older. $50. 6-8:30pm. 340-0078.

5 • Friday OKC Barons vs, Houston Aeros at the Cox Convention Center. Tickets $14 & up, 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com. 7:05pm. okcbarons.com. Other home games this month: 11/6, 7, 9, 12, 19, 21, 23.

6 • Satuday 5K To Monet Inaugural Run benefiting the Edmond Fine Arts Institute includes a one-mile family fun run & 5K race. $25 for 5K, $10 for family fun run if preregistered; add $5 day of race. 8am. 413-5439, edmondfinearts.com.

FREE Annual Fall Festival at Church of the Servant Methodist (14343 N MacArthur, OKC) offers games, inflatables, cake walk, clowns, bingo, karaoke, & more. Non-scary costumes welcome. Hot dogs, bake sale, popcorn, & cotton candy available for purchase.

6-8:30pm. 922-5420.

The Monster Mash at Oklahoma Children’s Theatre on the OCU campus invites children ages 5-12 in costume to enjoy a frightfully good party. 6-9pm. 6067003, oklahomachildrenstheatre.org.

FREE FestiFall 2010 at Putnam City Baptist Church (11401 N Rockwell, OKC) features large inflatables, indoor game booths and lots of candy. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No scary costumes, please. 6:30-8:30pm. 773.6900.

Bright Night of Not So Frightening Fun at Science Museum Oklahoma involves a haunted laboratory & not so frightening experiments in making slime, turning water to blood & more. 6:30pm-8am on Saturday.

FREE Scary Face Pancakes at IHOP restaurants for trick-or-treaters ages 12 & under. 7-10pm. ihop.com.

30 • Saturday Halloween Train Ride at the Oklahoma Railway Museum (3400 NE Grand Blvd) offers a fun train ride for kids in costume. 10am, 11am, noon, 1:30pm & 2:30pm. $10 age 15 & up, $5 age 3-14, FREE under 3.

424-8222, oklahomarailwaymuseum.org.

FREE Haunt Old Town in downtown Moore includes trick-or-treating, hayrides, music, inflatables, music, food & performances. 4-7pm. 793-4332, cityofmoore. com.

FREE 28th Annual Halloween Festival at the Moore Community Center (301 S Howard) features a haunted room, games, costume contest, clowns, &

Ongoing Fall Classes

Enroll N OW!

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

FINE ARTS INSTITUTE OF EDMOND 27 E. Edwards • 340-4481 www.edmondfinearts.com candy in a safe & warm environment. 6-9pm. 7934332, cityofmoore.com.

FREE Trick or Treat on the Street in downtown Edmond has merchants giving out candy to little goblins. 5-7pm. 249-9391, downtownedmondok.com.

Art Pumpkin Carving at City Arts Center (3000 General Pershing Blvd., OKC) helps parents & children (ages 5 & up) to move beyond the typical jack-o-lantern to create pumpkin works of art. $50 for parent/child duo. 1-4pm.

FREE 29th Annual Spooktacular at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang Rd). Carnival for children 11 & under with indoor & outdoor activities. Candy & small prizes at 40 different booths. 6:30-9pm. 3763411, cityofmustang.org.

Trick or Treat at Skulls Unlimited Museum of Osteoogy (10301 S Sunnylane, OKC), $2 admission.

6-8pm. museumofosteology.org.

FREE Trick or Treat City in Midwest City at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park offers fun, safe trick-ortreating, inflatables and carnival games. 2-4:30pm. midwestcityok.org.

City-wide Trick or Treat in: Edmond, Midwest City, Moore, Mustang, OKC & Yukon.

31 • Sunday FREE Pumpkin Chunkin' at Edmond’s MAC at Mitch Park provides a catapult to chunk your carved pumpkins into a field. Refreshments available. 2-4pm.

359-4630.

FREE Trunk or Treat, a safe, family-friendly carnival, at New Covenant United Methodist Church (2700 S Blvd, Edmond). 6-8pm. 562-3200, ncovenant.org.

City-wide Trick or Treat in Norman.

Visit MetroFamilyMagazine.com/fall-fun for more events!

43

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

See pages 16-17 for our Birthday Party Guide along with lots of party planning tips and ideas.

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Mobile laser Forces.coM awesoMe laser Tag! Birthday packages starting at $150.

Parties for children ages 5 to 12. For more information or to book your very own Dino Party, call or email us at

anywhere anyTiMe we coMe To you • Birthday Parties, • Sports Teams • Church Groups, • Any and all events • Indoors or Outdoors • Ages 6 to 80 • Very affordable

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www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com October 2010

We welcome walk-ons.

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October 2010 www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

45

Birthdays are so much fun!

Ad

r bir thday dison B., age 6, on he

Jordan B., age 3, of Norman with Spiderman

Enjoy these metro kids celebrating their big day.

(age 7) and Tanaya B. (age 7), Sabria C. ssed up dre all ore Mo Keyana (age 3) of

Damerius W. of Oklah oma City on his 4th bir thday

Sebastien H., age 4, of Moore dressed as Batman at his costume birthday party

Hey, Metro Families!

We want you to share your photos. Submit snapshots of your child enjoying a fall activity (deadline October 21). We’ll put them all online and select a few to print in our November issue.

Photo submission guidelines and a form to submit your photos may be found at metrofamilymagazine. com/mfm-photo-galleries.

Tips for submitting photos: • High-resolution images (at least 400kb in size, not to exceed 5mb) are necessary for use in print.

• Please include the name of each person in the photo, your hometown and the date and location for the photo.

• Submitted photos will become property of MetroFamily and may be used in future publications or on metrofamilymagazine.com.

46

www.MetroFamilyMagazine.com

Martin, age 4, of Edmond with his spaceship birthday cake Daniel S. of Stillwater on his 6th birthday enjoying a football cake made by his mom

Your family could win great prizes through the

ULTIMATE Birthday PARTY GIVEAWAY With the generous support of the following partners, MetroFamily brings you the opportunity to win one of these great party packages:

1 2 3 4 5

Andy Alligator’s Fun Park, Birthday Blast Party Package for eight ($159.95 value) Arcadia Lake, Party Plan #1 Birthday package which includes ½ day pavilion rental and more ($100 value) Dodge City Paintball and Outdoor Laser Tag, party for five children for either paintball or laser tag and more ($100 value) Jonathan Meyer, Magician, Birthday Party Magic Show ($200 value) Jump!Zone Party & Play Center, 25 Kids Weekend Classic!Party ($250 value)

6 7 8 9 10 11

Mobile Game Party, one-hour mobile video game party in the mobile video game theater ($199 value) Oklahoma City Barons hockey, Barons Birthday Bash Package for 10 ($189 value) KONA ICE OKC, Kona Birthday Party includes the Kona ice truck serving up to 30 small Konas to your guests ($120 value) Paint ‘N Station, party for 6 ($75 value) and a $50 gift card from Party Galaxy.

RedPin Restaurant & Bowling Lounge, birthday party package for eight kids ($152 value) Oklahoma River Cruises, birthday party adventure for 10 guests during a regularly scheduled cruise ($175 value)

To register and find details about the contest and prizes, including more on each of these generous businesses, go to

MetroFamilyMagazine.com/birthday-giveaway OR complete the form below. Deadline is Friday, October 29, 5PM. All entries (mailed or completed online) must be received prior to this deadline to be considered. LIMIT one entry per household!

MetroFamily’s ULTIMATE Birthday Party Giveaway ONLY ONE ENTRY PER HOUSEHOLD. Entry must be received by October 29. Either send this form by mail or go online to MetroFamilyMagazine.com/birthday-giveaway Please Print: Name _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City _____________________________________________________________________ State______________Zip_______________________ Home Phone _______________________________________________ Mobile Phone __________________________________________________ Mail ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Yes, please sign me up to receive MetroFamily’s weekly E-Update highlighting the fun events for families coming up on the weekend.

Mail completed form to our mailing address: MetroFamily/Birthday Giveaway • 725 NW 11th Street • Oklahoma City, OK 73103

BOOKTOBERFEST!

Metropolitan Library System’s New Reading Program For People Ages 19 – 54.

October 1 - 31, 2010!

Just Read 2 Books and Enter to Win Such Great Prizes As: . SONY eReader . Bose Earbuds . Reduxion Theater season tickets . Family memberships to Oklahoma City Art Museum . Oklahoma City Ballet tickets . Lifetime membership to Oklahoma Food Coop . Restaurant Gift Certificates . OCCC Cultural Concerts . And lots more!

Drawings begin October 12th.

More info: www.metrolibrary.org/booktoberfest www.Metrolibrary.org

LIBRARY ENDOWMENT TRUST

Questions? Call 606-3833