January 2020 Momaha magazine

momaha.com

VOLUME 11 · ISSUE 1 JANUARY

SWEET SURPRISE Cake pops let everyone in on a gender reveal

GET ORGANIZED New year, new chance at collaboration at home

MADE TO ORDER Pizza — for every meal of the day

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KILEY CRUSE

CONTENTS

REAL MOMS + ADVICE

SEASONAL

SPONSORED FEATURES

6 Editor’s Column 8 Momaha Bookshelf 9 On Our Radar 20 Get Organized 31 Be Well

12 Snowman Wreath 21 Little Chefs 22 Fruit Pizza 24 Cauliflower Crust Pizza Sticks 26 Breakfast Pizza 27 Pizza Alternatives 32 Potato Soup

7 Huntington Learning Center 10 Fontenelle Forest 14 YMCA of Greater Omaha 18 Skutt Catholic 28 Omaha Children’s Museum

ON THE COVER 16 Gender Reveals

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CHOOSE THE BEST FOR YOUR FAMILY!

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w i m Swim Into the N Year New 2020 noW regiStering for

once-a Week SWiM leSSonS

momaha where moms connect

VOLUME 11 . ISSUE 1 . JANUARY 2020 editor in chief CHRIS CHRISTEN chris.christen@owh.com 402-444-1094

creative director + designer KILEY CRUSE cruse@owh.com 402-444-1375

assistant editor MARJIE DUCEY marjie.ducey@owh.com 402-444-1034

copy editor SHELLEY LARSEN shelley.larsen@owh.com 402-444-1143

momaha.com editor

Morning, afternoon, evening & Sat. Morning tiMeSlotS available

ASHLEE COFFEY ashlee.coffey@owh.com 402-444-1075

content contributors AMY TOKOS ASHLEY ROSS LY D I A S W A N S O N JESSICA THOMPSON OMAHA PUBLIC LIBR ARY

cover photo ASHLEY ROSS

account manager DEB MCCHESNEY debbie.mcchesney@owh.com 402-444-1448

account executive DEBORAH FERNSELL deborah.fernsell@owh.com 402-444-1209

account executive E M I LY M A R T I N emily.martin@owh.com 402-444-1411

account executive M A R I LY N M A R T I N marilyn.martin@owh.com 402-444-1405

402-932-2030 LittleWavesFamilySwimSchool.com 4

January 2020

Momaha Magazine is a monthly publication of the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 700, Omaha, NE 68102.

Momaha is a registered trademark, and all content is copyright 2020 by the Omaha World-Herald. All rights reserved. The opinions and perspectives published herein are those of the authors and should not be construed as those of Momaha Magazine.

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ICE RINK HOLIDAY E VENTS December 6 · 5:45 - 7 pm

Ice Rink Grand Opening Celebration

December 7 · 1 - 3 pm Skating with Santa Claus

December 8 · 2 - 4 pm

How the Grinch Stole Christmas Movie Watch n’ Skate Special appearance from The Grinch 1 - 3 pm

December 13 · 6 - 8 pm Elf – Movie Watch n’ Skate

December 14 · 12:30 - 1:30 pm Moylan Premier Skating Club Holiday Performance

I C E R I N K O P E N D A I LY* D E C . 6 - J A N . 2 1

December 15 · 1 - 3 pm

Monday - Thursday: 6 pm - 10 pm

Skate to Your Favorite Frozen Songs

Friday: 6 pm - 11 pm

Special appearance from The Ice Queen and Snow Princess *

December 21 · 6 - 8 pm

|

Saturday: noon - 11 pm Sunday: noon - 9 pm

E x tended hours during OPS holiday break + MLK Day

Polar Express Movie Watch n’ Skate

December 22 · 1 - 3 pm Skating with Santa Claus

January 4 · 10 am - 12 pm

‘Try Hockey Day’ at The Rink with Omaha Hockey Club Mighty Mites Register online: https://omahahockey.sportngin.com/register/form/336374605

10 T H A N D C A P I T O L · U N D E R T H E L A R G E O M A H A S I G N omahaicerink.com

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MOMAHA.COM EDITOR ASHLEE COFFEY Wife to Kevin Coffey, entertainment editor for the Omaha World-Herald.

Mom to Sam and Elliott.

Follow her on Twitter: @AshleeCoffeyOWH

LIVING IN THE MOMENT

H

appy 2020!

It’s crazy to think that yet another new year is here. When January hits, everyone naturally starts talking about resolutions.

I’ve decided I’m not really that big on resolutions because they rarely work out.

Every year I set goals to lose weight, get organized, run a half-marathon, etc. Three months into the year, those resolutions are completely forgotten.

So my big goal this year is three simple words: Be more present.

For me, that means taking more breaks from technology to get out games, puzzles or crafts and play with my kids. I’d like for my husband and I to try out the stack of board games we have instead of popping in a movie and zoning out after the kids go to bed. Maybe we can get in the kitchen and bake or do some meal prep, too.

Overall, I want to actually spend quality time with the people I love — not just have them sit next to me while we let technology entertain us. Let’s talk. Create. Have some fun and make lifelong memories in the process!

GET SOCIAL FACEBOOK /momahacom

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January 2020

TWITTER @momaha_owh PINTEREST /momahaowh INSTAGRAM /momaha_owh

SPONSORED FEATURE HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER

Making math fun 4 tips for building your child’s engagement

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ath can be a challenging subject, and one that seems to intimidate even the strongest of students.

It doesn’t have to be that way, says Eileen Huntington, co-founder of Huntington Learning Center.

“Math often conjures up fear and anxiety in children, even before they’ve given it a fair chance,” she says. “Certainly, helping a child acquire the essential math building blocks helps make the subject more enjoyable and less frustrating. But we always tell parents to encourage their children to view math as much more than memorization and right-or-wrong questions and answers. Math is the foundation for exciting careers, the key to some of the world’s greatest mysteries, and quite simply, it can be a lot of fun.”

How can parents send that message to their children? Huntington offers these suggestions.

DISCUSS MATH AS A LIFE SKILL

From a practical standpoint, there’s no denying that math is a life skill that helps people make smarter decisions.

From planning a road trip to comparing prices of products, from reading and understanding graphic information to making sense of a financial portfolio’s performance as an adult, math is truly everywhere.

TALK ABOUT MYSTERY BEHIND MATH

Yes, your child must learn the math basics: addition and subtraction, multiplication and division. However, mathematicians will tell you with passion that math is about asking deep questions and thinking abstractly. While you might not feel qualified to go into the nuances of math in detail, you can share examples

STOCK.ADOBE.COM

of math’s incredible power and influence.

Math helps scientists understand the earth’s patterns: from the planets’ orbit to the setting and rising of the sun. Math is used to predict what things will do (the weather, for example) and how things work (the connectedness of electricity and magnetism, for example).

EXPLORE CAREERS THAT USE MATH

It’s easy for children without a strong aptitude for math to write it off as a subject that they’ll never actually need down the road. However, it can be enlightening to point out careers that use math — even the not-so-obvious ones.

Budding drawers might be interested to know that architects and drafters use math for drawings and plans. Share with students interested in entrepreneurship or business how accountants, economists, financial analysts and others need math to make sound business decisions. For

the hands-on child, talk about the many exciting careers that incorporate math, such as civil engineering, electrical engineering and urban planning.

PLAY FUN MATH GAMES

Children who fear multiplication and division might not realize that math is an integral part of some fun games. Try games such as UNO, Phase 10, Head Full of Numbers, dominoes, dice, chess and Sudoku. These games build problem solving, critical thinking and reasoning skills. Search the app store on your smartphone for new games to download when you travel.

Building a solid mathematical foundation is important, so if you find your child not only disinterested in math, but slipping in his or her abilities, call Huntington. We’ll help your child close the gaps and develop the math skills that he or she needs to succeed — and maybe even enjoy it.

ABOUT THE HUNTINGTON Huntington is a tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, algebra through calculus, chemistry and other sciences. Huntington offers prep for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards.

Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com.

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MOMAHA BOOKSHELF OMAHA PUBLIC LIBRARY STAFF

Curl up with a good book Long holidays mean kids (and adults) will be looking for something to do once the novelty of all those new toys and gadgets has worn off. How about a trip to the library? There’s no predicting what might catch your family’s fancy. But here are 13 new titles worth checking out.

KIDS

YOUNG ADULT

“Ali Cross” by James Patterson Ali Cross has always looked up to his father, former detective and FBI agent Alex Cross. When Ali’s best friend Abraham is reported missing, Ali is desperate to find him. With his father on trial for a crime he didn’t commit, it’s up to Ali to search for clues and find his friend. But being a kid sleuth isn’t easy — especially when your father warns you not to get involved! Ali soon learns that clues aren’t always what they seem.

“The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs” by America’s Test Kitchen

“Pumpkinheads” by Rainbow Rowell Deja and Josiah are seasonal best friends. Every autumn, all through high school, they’ve worked together at the pumpkin patch. They say good-bye every Halloween, and they’re reunited every September 1. But this Halloween is different — Josiah and Deja are seniors, and this is their last season at the pumpkin patch. Their last shift together. Their last good-bye. Josiah’s ready to spend the whole night feeling melancholy about it. Deja isn’t ready to let him. She’s got a plan: What if their last shift was an adventure?

“The Giver of Stars” by Jojo Moyes Alice Wright marries a handsome American hoping to escape her stifling life in England. But small-town Kentucky quickly proves equally claustrophobic. So, when a call goes out for a team of women to deliver books as part of Eleanor Roosevelt’s new traveling library, Alice signs on enthusiastically. The women become known as the Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky. What happens to them — and to the men they love — becomes an unforgettable drama of loyalty, justice, humanity and passion.

“Guts” by Raina Telgemeier

“The Beautiful” by Renee Ahdieh

“The Dutch House” by Ann Patchett

“Just Ask!” by Sonia Sotomayor

“The Fountains of Silence” by Ruta Sepetys

“The Starless Sea” by Erin Morgenstern

“Look Both Ways” by Jason Reynolds

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“Major Impossible” by Nathan Hale

ADULT FICTION

“This Tender Land” by William Kent Krueger

ON OUR RADAR LYDIA SWANSON

THINGS TO TRY THIS MONTH

Lydia Swanson is an Omaha-based fashion and style blogger, wife and mama of three active boys. Follow her online at chicandmodish.com or facebook.com/ chicandmodishblog

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1. TRUSTY THROWS

4. BEANIE LOVE

Throws are one of my home decor must-haves. If you ask my husband, he’ll probably tell you we have too many around the house, but I don’t think there is such a thing. Frost Faux Fur Throw Blanket by Rachel Parcell, $139; nordstrom.com.

I love a good dry shampoo, but there are days when a comfy hat is what your hair really needs. At least now that it’s cold, you can wear your slouchy beanies without the stares. The best part is that these hats are affordable and come in tons of colors. Furtalk Women’s Winter Knit Slouchy Beanie Hat, $12.99; amazon.com.

2. SNUG AS A BUG A Sherpa pullover, cardigan or robe is perfect for curling up on the couch with the kids or relaxing by the fire with a warm beverage on a cold winter day. Easy Sherpa-Lined Cardigan, $78; abercrombie.com.

4 3. SOFT & CUSHY I adore a good pair of slippers. Having something soft and warm on my feet makes me instantly feel warm and comfy. Bonus if they are as cute as these. Koolaburra by UGG Ballia Faux Fur Slides, $50; nordstromrack.com.

5. PAJAMA PARTY! PJs, for me, scream “holiday season.”

And this year, fun plaids are easy to find. Women’s Plaid Flannel Notch Collar Pajama Set, $29.99; target.com.

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SPONSORED FEATURE FONTENELLE FOREST

Ward off hibernation Fontenelle Forest offers lots of outdoor fun in winter STORY Mike Watkins

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t may seem counter-intuitive, but spending time outdoors in the winter can be good for you – and Fontenelle Forest offers several opportunities to enjoy the outdoors during the winter months.

“Getting outdoors helps to reset people, mind, body and soul,” says Michelle Foss, manager of stewardship and research at the Forest. “The still, quiet air broken occasionally by industrious animals has a certain smell and feel. The crackle of leaves and twigs announces those nearby.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of the cold air on your nose as you wander among the dormant grasses and trees.”

Foss adds that the human body warms quickly with exercise – a vigorous hike in the cold can leave you feeling refreshed.

Plus, there are things to see in the winter that aren’t there other times of the year.

Here are a few of the best things Fontenelle Forest offers people in the winter months.

SNOW TRACKING

With the leaves off the trees and a dusting of snow on the ground, animals are easier to see and track.

Frost can create fascinating designs on just about anything, and right after it snows is an excellent time to check out the various animal tracks, from small voles to birds or deer.

Strap on some snowshoes (both child and adult sizes) and head down a trail to begin your tracking adventure.

“We have several shorter trails near the nature center to ease people into winter hiking,” Foss says. “We also have snowshoes and poles that can be rented from the front desk. We still have guided hikes in the winter as well.”

RAPTORS LIVE

During the heart of the winter months, the Forest hosts Raptors Live from 10 a.m. to noon on Jan. 11 and again from noon to 2 p.m. Feb. 9.

Raptor ambassadors share personal

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stories and visitors can see owls, hawks and falcons up close.

Guests are welcome to take pictures and ask questions.

“We will have many of our raptor ambassadors out for the public to see up close and personal,” says Kathy Fischer, raptor educator.

Many guests may have heard owls or have seen hawks in their back yards or along the highways, but seeing the beauty and power of these predators closeup is a special experience.

GUIDED HIKES

With 19 miles of rugged trails and more than a mile of boardwalk safe for strollers, wheelchairs and power scooters, guided winter animal watching is a great way to get all the generations out of the house.

“Many of our guided hikes are themed – tracking, birding or history hikes,” Foss says. “Because there isn’t a set schedule, and some of our hikes pop up, it’s best to check out the Forest’s events on Facebook or the website.”

One of the cool things about winter birding is the ability to see the birds not always easily seen when leaves are out.

“There are no bears here, no matter the season,” Foss says. “Opossums, raccoons, mice, voles, various birds, coyotes, foxes and deer are all tracks commonly found either near or directly on the trail.”

See a complete calendar of events at www.fontenelleforest.org/calendar and by checking out Fontenelle Forest’s social media at www.facebook.com/ fontenelleforest and www.twitter.com/ fontenelle4est.

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Grand kid ARt | Music | DAncing | instRuMents | Acting

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COMEe Winter Explor WITH US VISIT MOMAHA.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WINTER EVENTS THAT ARE FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.

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FROSTY DÉCOR A snow-day project to melt your heart TEXT + STYLING Kiley Cruse

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f you’re looking to melt someone’s heart, send a dozen snowmen to the door. You can count on these fellas to hang around all winter, too.

Snowman Pom Pom Wreath • White yarn (we used a 1-pound skein) • Scraps of yarn for scarves (we used various colors) • Black foam sheet or craft paper

Classes For New studeNts BegiN JaNuary 6th Register online now at

stepperettestudios.com

• Ribbon, 1-inch wide • Embroidery hoop, 10-inch • Crochet hook • Craft glue • Scissors • Paper punch

1. Build your snowmen by making 12 (2½-inch) pom poms and 12 (33/8-inch) pom poms for a total of 24 pom poms. Tie your pom poms off using an 18-inch strand of yarn. DO NOT cut off the tails; you’ll need them later.

2. Assemble the snowmen by stacking one large pom pom and one small pom pom and tying their yarn tails together. Make sure to pull the tails tight and knot to secure in place.

DO NOT trim the yarn tails. Repeat for all 12 snowmen.

3. Now, dress the snowmen. Choose the colors you’d like from your yarn stash; you’ll need less than a yard per scarf. Make 12 snowmen scarves by either crocheting a chain of 50 (shown) or braiding the yarn to desired length.

4. Tie the scarves on the snowmen.

5. The snowmen now are ready to attach to the embroidery hoop.

Position the hoop in the crook of each snowman’s neck. Flip the snowman over and secure to the hoop using the tails of yarn leftover from joining the pom poms. The snowman’s head (smaller pom pom) should be on the inside of the hoop and its body (larger pom pom) should be on the outside of the hoop. Repeat until all 12 snowmen are attached to hoop.

6. Create a total of 36 buttons for the snowmen using the hole punch on black craft foam or paper. Place three equally spaced dots of craft glue on each snowman’s belly and affix buttons.

7. Lastly, add hanging ribbon to your wreath by knotting it around the embroidery hoop.

Note: We wrapped ribbon around the embroidery hoop before attaching the snowmen.

Benefits your child will enjoy

• Upbeat, age appropriate music • Easy to learn routines • Physical fitness and coordination skills for girls and boys • Enthusiastic and knowledgeable instructors

www.stepperettestudios.com

11730 Peel Circle • LaVista, NE 68128 • 402-592-45452030546-01 2123104-01

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SPONSORED FEATURE YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA

New year, new you

Physical and fiscal health go hand-in-hand; YMCA membership keeps the goal alive

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early 80% of all New Year’s resolutions fail, and most do so by mid-February, according to a survey by U.S. News & World Report. That’s not a very long shelf life, given such good intentions. The reasons (or excuses) were many, but perhaps the most frequently mentioned were setting the bar too high and expecting positive results too soon.

In the world of business, there’s a goal-setting acronym known as RUMBA – Results-minded, Understandable, Measurable, Beyond routine yet Attainable. You need to have a clear, quantifiable and reasonable goal in order to achieve it. And while it should challenge you, it shouldn’t challenge you too much.

If the goal isn’t realistic, why try at all?

If the whole idea of a resolution is to push yourself beyond your routine, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to blow up

your routine. It might be fun watching a reach-for-the-stars idea become reality, but be reasonable, and you just might get there.

U.S. News estimates that upward of 55% of all New Year’s resolutions made in 2020 will be health- and fitnessrelated. People want to be healthy and be in shape, as it is such a vital element of success in all other areas of life. But no one walks into a gym on Jan. 1 and expects to be in shape by Jan. 2. We all need to be more methodical, starting slow and slowly ramping up. Progression truly is the name of the game.

It’s also interesting to note that the study linked physical health with fiscal health. Since the stress of financial wellbeing can have a direct and dire impact on physical health, it’s not a stretch to say that to be physically healthy, you have to be fiscally healthy, too.

Prudent decisions about our physical health, and how we earn and spend our money, are the lion’s share of New Year’s resolutions.

The YMCA of Greater Omaha has been building strength and community since 1866, growing minds, bodies and spirits by focusing on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

With 10 locations across the metro offering swimming and gym, sports and more, plus more than 600 group fitness classes every week, it’s a great place to help you keep your resolutions.

And while the Y can certainly help you reach your physical fitness goals, it also has your fiscal well-being in mind too, with membership promotions and offers throughout the year.

So this year, stop by your local Y or visit www.metroymca.org to get in the game and make that resolution a reality.

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GET A JUMP ON YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION!

YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA metroymca.org 0000095086-02

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Sweet surprise

Baby Swan’s gender revealed with a bite of blue STORY Marjie Ducey PHOTOGRAPHY Ashley Ross

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ryn Swan wanted to reveal her firstborn’s gender to her family in a special way.

She ordered food from Mama’s Pizza and cakesicles from the Bubbly Tart and older sister Ashley Ross did the rest.

“I was just planning on a small, low-key gender reveal, but my sister loves to party plan and threw together a super cute little event for us,’’ Eryn says. “Ben’s parents and brother live out of state, so we even had them on FaceTime so they could join in on the reveal.’’

Ashley created a balloon wall and decorated with

small pink and blue swans, pink and blue blown-glass vases and candles. She kept the plates neutral and used white flowers and gold balloons.

Family found out the baby’s gender when they bit into the cakesicles — and found blue centers.

Eryn and Ben had been given the news earlier in the week — they had suspected they were having a boy — and managed to keep it a secret.

After the reveal, Ashley pulled out blue smoke bombs and took more pictures. The Swans’ dogs were included, too.

se BEAU OR BOW? More gender reveal ideas GENDER REVEAL CAKE

A gender reveal cake is a cost-effective option because it also serves as food for your guests. You can save money by making the cake yourself. Simply prepare a white cake mix and add blue or pink food coloring to the batter. Bake according to package directions and frost with a genderneutral color like white or yellow. At the party, cut a slice ceremoniously to reveal boy or girl.

GENDER REVEAL BOX

Take a large box and fill it with either pink or blue helium balloons. When you open the box, the balloons will fly out to reveal the gender of your baby.

GENDER REVEAL PIÑATA

If you want to build suspense, use a piñata and make your guests work hard for the answer. Gender-reveal piñatas are sold in stores, or you can make one with blue or pink candy or confetti.

GENDER REVEAL BALLOON POP

Like a piñata, a balloon pop can be an exciting baby gender reveal for either a party or photo shoot. Simply fill a balloon with pink or blue confetti and then pop it to reveal the gender.

GENDER REVEAL SMOKE BOMB

“We used the photos to announce via social media about the baby coming (in November), which was nice since I really didn’t begin to show until six months,’’ Eryn says. “It was a fun day. Beautiful atmosphere, lots of family and good food. We couldn’t have asked for more.’’

The event was especially fun for cousins Ever and Story. Ever, who is in kindergarten, can’t wait for the baby’s arrival.

“Ever is like another little mommy. She loves baby dolls,’’ Ashley says. “When she has a real life baby, she’ll be excited.’’

Smoke bombs can be used in many creative ways. Just be sure to follow the safety guidelines.

SILLY STRING GENDER REVEAL

If you don’t mind having a mess to clean up, have party guests spray pink or blue silly string to learn the gender of your baby.

GENDER REVEAL DARTS

Create a balloon dartboard and fill the balloons with blue or pink paint. Throw a dart at the board when you’re ready to reveal the sex of your baby. source: littlethings.com

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SPONSORED FEATURE SKUTT CATHOLIC

Skyhawk call to action Skutt Catholic has long tradition of making a difference in students’ lives

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kutt Catholic is a community set to “Make a Difference.”

According to the mission statement, V.J. and Angela Skutt Catholic High School forms and educates young men and women to become Christian leaders who empower others, promote justice and initiate change.

According to Skutt Catholic president Jeremy Moore, there are three key things that make the school special.

“At Skutt Catholic, you will see our Catholic faith in action; countless opportunities for our students to push themselves, both in and out of the classroom; and a community in support of our mission,” he says.

FAITH IN ACTION

A vibrant Campus Ministry Program, grade-specific spiritual retreats, discipleship and prayer groups which support students in their faith journey, school Masses, and reconciliation services nurture an active faith life.

Yearly, students make a pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., for the March for Life, a pro-life event. Twice a year, students have the opportunity to participate in SkyHawks in the City, a weekend of service in the Omaha area. Students can also go on two summer service trips to Haiti or Guatemala, and to the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota.

Each year, the entire student body participates in Community Involvement Day across the metro. “‘Make a Difference’ is not just something we say as part of our mission; this is our SkyHawk call to action,” Moore says.

OPPORTUNITY

Academically Skutt Catholic offers more than 150 college preparatory courses, 18 advanced placement and 21 dual credit classes. The activities program features 19 interscholastic athletic opportunities and more than 45 activities or clubs.

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“From robotics club, pep band and book club, to basketball, softball and trapshooting, and everything in between, Skutt Catholic has opportunities for all students to get involved,” says activities director Donn Kasner.

COMMUNITY

“Skutt Catholic is more than a school. It’s a family,” Moore says. “The term SkyHawk includes our grandparents, alumni, parents, students, faculty and staff.”

He says the strong sense of community is on display during the school’s many fellowship events, including GrandHawks Day, Saint Nicholas Night and Memorial Mass, as well as school-sponsored activities and programs.

According to Moore, deciding to be a SkyHawk is something that will have a lasting impact on a family and a student’s life.

“When a family joins the Skutt Catholic community, they are a member for life,” say Moore. “There’s a reason we say ‘Once a SkyHawk, always a SkyHawk!’”

SKUTT CATHOLIC PLACEMENT EXAM, JAN. 11 • The placement and scholarship exam for eighth graders is set for Jan. 11 at 8 a.m.

• The practice exam for sixth and seventh graders is Jan. 18 at 8 a.m.

• Register at SkuttCatholic.com.

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Build conservation connections at Nature Connects® by Sean Kenney, an indoor exhibit, inspired by nature and constructed with more than 800,000 LEGO® bricks.

ON DISPLAY JANUARY 18 THROUGH MAY 10 • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Off Interstate 80 at 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha | (402) 346-4002 • www.lauritzengardens.org 0000095087-01

S A T U R D A Y , J A N U A R Y 11 // 8 A.M. 0000095078-02

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GET ORGANIZED AMY TOKOS Amy Tokos is a Certified Professional Organizer and the owner of Freshly Organized. You can find more organizing tips at freshlyorganized.com.

10 GAME-CHANGERS FOR THE NEW YEAR 4 8 T

he trick to getting your family more organized is to create a culture of collaboration at home. Here’s where and how to start.

Have a shopping list that the whole family can add items to. This empowers kids to take care of themselves. They can add their snacks, toiletries and other items as needed. The adults no longer need to be responsible if something is forgotten.

1

Hold a weekly planning meeting with the family.

Nothing formal, just a discussion over dinner about what’s going on that week.

Discuss activities, carpools, parent workload or travel, class projects and tests, mealplanning, shopping, etc. This creates a culture of collaboration in the home.

2

Constantly cull items you no longer need.

Set up a donate basket and instruct your family to add items to it on a regular basis.

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Purchase with intention. Plan where the item will be stored, how it will be used and what it will replace. If you treat your whole home as a one-in, one-out system, you’re less likely to have overstuffed spaces.

Create an open desktop file box to organize papers that need an action: read, file, follow up, pay, etc. Place the box where papers usually collect.

Keeping it handy keeps it useful.

5

Create a routine for daily tidying up and next-day prep. Get the whole family involved in the cleanup and pickup of spaces. Keep it to 10 minutes, max, if possible. Take five minutes to mentally prepare and strategize for the next day’s meals and tasks.

6

Time your chores.

Knowing how long tasks take is a gamechanger if you tend to procrastinate. For example, folding a load of laundry might take only five minutes but you may let it sit for a day or more before doing it. Knowing it takes only five minutes makes it easier to do it now and be done.

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In multi-children homes, color code their stuff. Assign a color to each child for bath towels, toothbrushes, drinking cups and more. This is helpful and creates more accountability for the kids because it’s easy for parents to identify whose wet towel is on the floor.

Have clear boundaries; don’t let items take over the house. For example, have a space for books. When a space fills up, clean it out instead of finding an additional space. This goes for toys, kitchen items and clothing.

9

Find an accountability partner. Create organizing goals with your family and hold one another accountable. Keep your focus on why you’re doing it for better success. If your family isn’t a good option as an accountability partner, then opt for a friend or a professional.

If you have a friend as an accountability partner, just be sure he or she is the type who will hold you accountable.

10

LITTLE CHEFS Pizza-making experiment is a hit STORY + PHOTOGRAPHY Ashlee Coffey

I

’m certainly not opposed to letting my kids be bored and find their own things to do, but I’m also always thinking of fun ways to make memories.

Recently we tried a widely successful make-your-own-pizza night.

My kids love pizza. They ask for it all the time. My 3-year-old, Elliott, once said, “But I miss it; I miss pizza,” after I told him no to having pizza for dinner.

One night when they begged for pizza, we let them make their own.

Nothing beats homemade pizza.

I decided on personal-sized pizzas. We went to the store and purchased their favorite toppings: sauce, cheese and pepperoni (so adventurous, I know).

Once home, I put their crusts onto plates, poured the sauce, cheese and pepperoni slices into bowls and let them build their own pizzas.

I had to put a little of the sauce back into the jar after my 5-yearold, Sam, heaped it on. And I added a little sauce to Elliott’s

pizza so it wouldn’t be dry. I also had to hold him back from adding the entire bowl of mozzarella cheese!

They enjoyed watching their pizzas bake and were so excited to finally sit down and eat their masterpieces.

Bonus: they ate every bite — probably because they made the pizzas on their own.

Knowing this, I should let them help with every single meal I prepare. There would never be another fight about food. Ever.

A mom can dream, right?

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January 2020

NAVIGATING THE WORLD

JAN 18 - MAY 26, 2020

COOKIE OR PIZZA?

Explore hands-on learning opportunities in this interactive exhibit!

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28210 W. Park Hwy., Ashland, NE 68003 SACMuseum.org

Both! Fruit and cream cheese make this dessert delightful TEXT + PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse STYLING Jessica Thompson

I

f you like fresh fruit, you need to make these fruit pizza cookies. Your kids will love giving you an assist. And everyone lucky enough to eat one will rave about the flavor and texture for days.

Fruit Pizza • Sugar cookies (use your favorite made-from-scratch recipe or refrigerated slice-and-bake dough) • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened • 2 tablespoons butter, softened • 2½ cups powdered sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla baking emulsion (or vanilla extract) • Fruit of your choice: kiwi, berries, mandarin oranges, pineapple, etc.

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1. Bake sugar cookies and let cool completely.

2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the cream cheese and butter.

Scrape sides of bowl with a spatula and add the powdered sugar, mixing well. Add the vanilla baking emulsion and mix until the frosting is smooth.

3. Wash and cut fruit, if needed. If using canned fruits, drain completely of juices.

4. Assemble the cookies. Frost with cream cheese. Decorate with fruit and serve. Refrigerate uneaten cookies.

Note: These are best when eaten within a couple days of being made.

Online RegistRatiOn

Opens second week of January 2020 Camps offered weekly June 1 - July 31

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January 2020

Your kids won’t know what’s in the crust

Summer Camp

Cauliflower is a surprise ingredient in these pizza sticks TEXT + PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse STYLING Jessica Thompson

L

ooking to sneak a few extra veggies into the kids’ diet? Steamed cauliflower provides the crust for these pizza sticks. Our taste-testers had no idea until we told them!

Enhance your Latino cultural awareness while having fun this summer!

Registrations open January 2020 • Half Day and Full Day camps available Culture & Tradition through the Visual and Performing Arts

Cauliflower Pizza Sticks • 4 cups riced cauliflower • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten • 1 cup finely shredded Italian cheese blend • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

4701 SOUTH 25TH STREET • OMAHA, NE 68107 www.elmuseolatino.org • (402) 731-1137

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• 2 teaspoons dried oregano • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped

F ll & Fu Part-Time Child Care

• 1 teaspoon garlic salt • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper • ½-¾ cup shredded cheddar Jack cheese • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, optional • ¼ cup mini pepperoni (or topping of your choice) • Marinara sauce, for serving

1. Heat oven to 425 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a microwave-safe bowl, cook the cauliflower on high for 8 minutes or until softened, stirring once. Cool. Transfer to cheese cloth or a clean dish towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. (See note.)

3. Combine drained cauliflower, eggs, Italian and Parmesan cheeses, oregano, basil, garlic salt and black pepper in a bowl.

Spread mixture into a 12-by-6-inch rectangle on prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake 20 minutes. Remove from oven; slide parchment paper onto a wire rack. Place rack on baking sheet. Return to oven and cook for an additional 7-8 minutes.

5. Remove from oven. Top with cheddar Jack cheese and pepperoni. Bake an additional 3-5 minutes, until cheese is melted.

6. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Cut pizza crosswise into 10 1-inch strips. Halve each strip to make 20 1-by3-inch sticks. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper and, if desired, garnish with fresh basil. Serve with marinara sauce.

Note: Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the steamed cauliflower for a crisp crust.

Adapted from Hy-Vee Seasons magazine

Before & after school & Part- Time Preschool

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25

START YOUR DAY IN A NEW WAY

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January 2020

This pizza will have your kids rushing to the breakfast table TEXT + PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse STYLING Jessica Thompson

T

his recipe is delicious and super easy to make.

Bonus: Leftovers taste great reheated in the microwave the next day.

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1. Heat oven to 400 F. Unroll and press dough onto bottom and ½ inch up the sides of a greased 15-by-10-inch pan. Prick thoroughly with a fork; brush with 1 tablespoon oil. Bake until lightly browned, 10-12 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, whisk together eggs and water. In a nonstick skillet, heat remaining oil over medium heat. Add eggs; cook and stir just until thickened and no liquid egg remains. Spoon over browned crust. Sprinkle with bacon bits and cheeses.

3. Bake until cheese is melted, 5 minutes.

Put your own spin on it: This recipe is easily adapted.

Experiment with ingredients your family loves — sausage, ham, diced peppers, onions, mushrooms and more!

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Adapted from tasteofhome.com

Bacon Breakfast Pizza • 1 tube (13.8 ounces) refrigerated pizza crust • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided • 6 large eggs • 2 tablespoons water • 1 package (3 ounces) bacon bits

Pizza alternatives Pizza pockets: Using storebought crust, roll out dough on a floured surface to a thin 20-by12-inch rectangle. Cut into eight equal rectangles. Spoon topping of choice onto one half of the crust.

Brush edge of crust with an egg wash using a pastry brush. Fold the rectangle of pizza dough over the topping. Use a fork to crimp the edges and place on parchmentlined baking sheet. Bake at 400 F for 15-17 minutes. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Mini pepper pizza boats: Slice mini sweet peppers in half and core. Place on baking sheet. Top with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese and mini pepperoni slices.

Bake at 350 F for 7-8 minutes.

Crescent roll pepperoni pizzas: Separate the eight crescent roll triangles in a refrigerated tube.

Place 3-4 pepperoni slices in the center of the triangle. Top with 1½inch length of cheese stick. Roll up.

Bake at 375 F for 10-14 minutes.

English muffin pizzas: Toast English muffin to ensure a crispy

Mini pepper pizza boats

crust. Top with marinara sauce, toppings of choice and cheese.

Bake at 400 F for 8-10 minutes.

Naan bread pizzas: Top naan bread with marinara sauce, toppings of choice and cheese.

Bake at 400 F for 8-10 minutes.

French bread pizzas: Slice a

loaf of French bread either in half lengthwise or into 1-inch-thick slices. Top with marinara sauce, toppings of choice and cheese.

Bake at 400 F for 8-10 minutes.

Sources: pillsbury.com; delish.com; foodnetwork.com

27

SPONSORED FEATURE OMAHA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

The New York Times reported that “America to Zanzibar: Muslim cultures Near and Far” was so popular at Children’s Museum of Manhattan when it opened, its run was extended by a year. The exhibit went on tour in 2018; it comes to Omaha Children’s Museum in January.

COURTESY PHOTO

Passport to discovery Interactive exhibit explores Muslim cultures near and far STORY Dan McCann

A

s you’re piecing together family plans for 2020, Omaha Children’s Museum invites you to consider a globe-trotting journey of cultural exploration. No passport required.

The journey, “America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far,” is an interactive exhibit that blends art, architecture, travel, trade, design and more, connecting visitors to the diversity of Muslim cultures in Omaha, the U.S. and abroad.

Created by Children’s Museum of Manhattan, it opens Jan. 18 and runs through April 19.

“It is a beautiful exhibit, very wellcurated and thought through,” says Lindy Hoyer, the museum’s executive director. “We were attracted to the subject matter and this opportunity to present an exhibit that explores a culture that is prevalent worldwide and right here in our

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January 2020

community.”

The 3,000-square-foot exhibit consists of five major sections: • Global Marketplace where children can pretend to buy and sell goods from around the world.

• Trade Routes featuring a replica of a multilevel Indian Ocean dhow (boat).

• Muslim Courtyard for exploring elements of design, water and geometric patterns.

• Architecture, a 3-D exploration of mosque architecture from the Maldives to China.

• American Home, a living room filled with items donated by American Muslims.

Beyond providing a unique, engaging experience, Hoyer hopes “America to Zanzibar” will encourage dialogue on the impact of Muslim cultures and increase understanding of our own social identities (the part of our self-concept that stems

from our connection to a group or groups).

“We come out of the womb hardwired to notice differences,” Hoyer says.

“Research tells us parents are less apt to want to talk with their children about those differences. Adults tend to stiffen up, sending a message to kids that it’s wrong to notice our differences. We’re hoping this exhibit will let families start to have dialogue around cultural and social identity and explore similarities rather than differences.”

Hoyer says the museum saw that kind of interaction in the summer of 2018 when it welcomed “Children’s China: Celebrating Culture, Character & Confucius.”

The museum’s annual Worldfest, which celebrates the cultures of Omaha’s sister cities, also fosters awareness and understanding.

Learn more at www.ocm.org 0000095072-01

This holiday season, give the gift of education.

Learn more about saving for college at NEST529.com.

PRNT-MOM 10/2019

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January 18 April 19, 2020 SPONSORED BY:

The Sherwood Foundation American Muslim Institute

This is a first-of-its-kind exhibition for children and families to celebrate the diversity of Muslim cultures in America and around the world through art, architecture, design, music, travel, trade, and more!

open now through april 11, 2020

Presented by:

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29

When children are your everything, Anything can be.

At Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, science and heart lead us to even greater pediatric breakthroughs. We provide the very best in pediatric specialty care, advance pediatric research, educate tomorrow’s experts and advocate for children, families and entire communities – to improve the future of medicine, and the life of every child.

To find a physician for your child, call 1.800.833.3100 or visit ChildrensOmaha.org.

Education

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January 2020

BE WELL MARJIE DUCEY

How to raise a gender-fluid child

R

you have chosen to raise your child as gender aising a gender-fluid child has gone fluid. mainstream.

“Talk about what you hope to get out of In fact, it is not uncommon in it for your child,’’ she says. “You can’t predict Omaha, says Dr. Joan Daughton, a child how they react or if they will comply with psychiatrist with Children’s Hospital & Medical your wishes. As a family, you have to be ready Center. to handle it when your extended family may “There are certainly many gender-diverse want to assign a gender early on and have kids in Omaha,’’ Daughton says. kids fall into certain stereotypes.’’

A gender-fluid child isn’t forced to identify The issue can come to the forefront at as being a boy or girl, although there’s still a holidays and birthdays. So offer suggestions lot of pressure from society to do so. about what types of presents the child would Raising a gender-fluid child allows them enjoy. to identify as the gender they feel is most When it comes to school, explain to your authentic to them. child that there might be moments they have “There isn’t any expectation, and they get to pick male or female. Talk to them about to figure it out on their own,’’ Daughton says. what line they might feel comfortable joining, “Their brain is going to dictate correctly for what bathroom they want to visit or what them where they need to be on the gender name they want to use. spectrum, at each stage of their life.’’

“I think schools are more and more Our culture wants us to be male or female, accepting of transgender or non-binary Daughton says, so it’s not always easy to raise a gender-fluid child. It can be difficult for some children,’’ Daughton says.

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31

QUICK COMFORT All-day soup in about 15 minutes TEXT + PHOTOGRAPHY Chad Lebo

T

he only bad part of rich hearty soups is that most take hours and hours of cooking. With a few techniques, though, a rich from-scratch soup can be whipped up in about 15 minutes.

This recipe doesn’t cheat and use store-bought stock or bouillon to nail that cooked-all-day flavor. Instead, it relies on high heat, salty fats and an umami kick from a little fish sauce.

Creamy Potato Bacon Soup Yields 2 quarts

• 4 cups hot/boiling water • 3 cups potato, shredded with skin • ¾ pound bacon, chopped • 1 cup heavy cream • 1 red bell pepper, minced

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January 2020

• ½ cup chives, chopped • 1 stalk celery, minced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 2 tablespoons sweet onion, minced • 2 teaspoons hot sauce • 2 tablespoons fish sauce (optional, see note)

1. Chop, shred and otherwise prep all ingredients. Leave the skin on the potato and shred using a box grater or food processor.

2. In thick-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, fry the chopped bacon until browned but barely crispy. Stir constantly.

3. Remove 2/3 of the bacon and reserve to top the finished soup. Leave remaining bacon and the grease in the pot.

4. Add olive oil. Over high heat while stirring

constantly and scraping bottom of pot, fry the red pepper, celery, garlic, onion, hot sauce and fish sauce for 2-3 minutes.

5. Add the hot/boiling water and the shredded potato and continue cooking over medium-high heat. While stirring constantly and scraping bottom of pot, bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes until potato is softened.

6. Remove from heat, add all of the heavy cream and 2/3 of the chives and purée with a hand or stand blender.

7. Taste for salt and add more if needed.

8. Serve topped with the chopped bacon, remaining chives and garlic Parmesan croutons. More of the heavy cream or even sour cream can be drizzled on top, too.

Note: The fish sauce in the recipe adds depth to the flavor but does not make it “fishy.” If you really want to skip the fish sauce, just taste the soup at the end and add salt as needed to make up for it.

Com ming Soon!

HOW WIE BACK In the

DAY

Book, Music and Lyrics by Tor Hy Hyams, Lisa St. Lou, and Howard Dorough

Howie D.

Starring from the Backstreet Boys!

This inspiring original musical encourages young people to find their voice, discover their passion and achieve their dreams -all while having a rockin’ good time!

Join Backstreet Boy Howie D and friendss on a heartfelt journey through middle school in this vibrant show full of fun characters and a memorable message,, making its world debut on The Rose sttage.

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owerment p m E f o e g a s s e M ’ in k c ★ A Ro

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