Momaha Magazine - December 2012

momaha.com

volume 3 路 issue 12

december 2012

snag one of these for your cutie. What a hoot!

gift guide

Brace yourself for squeals of delight!

Fashion, fun and more for everyone on your list.

plus

Teaching your children to have a giving spirit

Superheroes Aren’t Born,

They’re Made

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www.peru.edu

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momaha

FROM our MOMAHA.COM editOR

where moms connect

VOLUME 3 · ISSUE 12 · DECEMBER 2012 editorial director CHRIS CHRISTEN chris.christen@owh.com 402-444-1094

creative director/designer A N A N DA S pA DT

momaha.com editor J O S I E LOZ A josie.loza@owh.com 402-444-1075

production coordinator pAT R I C I A “ M U R pH Y ” B E N O I T

on the cover p H O TO BY C H R I S M AC H I A N

content contributors A M Y TO KO S , C AT KO E H L E R , AMY LaMAR , OLIVIA GRIGG, DA N I E L L E H E R ZO G

to advertise, contact KRISTINE BUHMAN kristine.buhman@owh.com 402-444-1442 MICHAELA HANEY michaela.haney@owh.com 402-444-1489 Momaha Magazine is a monthly publication of the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 600, Omaha NE 68102. Momaha is a registered trademark, and all content is copyright 2012 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.

Spicing Up the Season H

appy Holidays!

This time of year, pumpkin spice and cinnamon apple are strong aromas in our kitchen.

We absolutely love baking treats as gifts for friends and family.

The weeks leading up to the holidays really should be as enjoyable as the holidays themselves.

It helps to prepare yourself emotionally for the drill of planning and scheduling. If tasks leave you stressed, rethink your priorities. There are lots of ways to bring joy to others. Sometimes the simplest gestures are the most meaningful.

In this issue, you’ll find suggestions for teaching children how to have a giving spirit, as well as recipes for great food gifts. Our momaha.com bloggers even share their favorite gift picks.

We aim to help make the season fun, joyful and a little bit magical for moms everywhere.

Chat with Josie each Friday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on momaha.com Facebook.com/josie.loza @LozaFina pinterest.com/momahaowh

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Break the Habit

Routines can be a good thing. Regular bedtimes and nightly family meals help foster healthier kids who are better prepared to tackle challenges. But family habits sometimes can get in the way of something better.

Habits get established for any number of reasons, including busy schedules and convenience. While shortcuts can give your family more time together, they also can shortchange your experience.

These questions and tips can help you replace bad habits with good ones.

What’s the habit? Get everyone together and talk about what family habit you would like to change. Is it unhealthy eating?

Too much TV? Always running late? Start small and keep it simple.

4

What’s the reWard? People stick with habits because something rewards that behavior. The reward makes it easier for the brain to put the behavior on autopilot, and before you know it, you have a habit. But the reward may not be obvious. You may have to try out different rewards to discover what the true payoff for the bad habit really is. For example, you might discover that the real reward of watching TV after dinner is spending time together as a family.

What’s the plan? Once you identify the habit and understand its reward, you can come up with a plan that makes sense for your family.

- Brainstorm family activities. Consider a family game night, backyard soccer, arts and

crafts projects, or time at a neighborhood or area park.

- Instead of watching TV, substitute other relaxing activities like listening to music or reading.

- Full schedules often lead to fast food dinners or junk foods for snacks. While a quick meal when you’re busy may seem like a reward, it really adds up to spending extra money and adding extra calories to your family’s diet. Take a look at your weekly schedule and plan meals and snacks accordingly. If you know a particular night is hectic, plan a make-ahead meal and healthier on-the-go snacks to take with you. Keep healthy options handy. - Family Features

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5

how I do It | GABRIELLE GAINES-LIWARU

‘We’re Real With Each Other’ Meet local mom Gabrielle Gaines-Liwaru, artist and substitute teacher. The 39-year-old and her husband, Sharif, have three children, ages 20, 17 and 14. The family lives in north Omaha.

THE BEST PART OF BEING A MOM: “Guiding my children to develop their individual strengths and strong personal characters.

I also enjoy the tender moments of a cool discovery, a profound statement or a heartfelt talk. Goal-sharing, cuddling, lounging, acting silly and laughing together always seem to help us overcome obstacles.’’

ON BEING CIVIC-MINDED: “I enjoy collaborating with positive people and agencies, as well as participating in cultural arts education. Those passions encourage me to find community events and activities that my children and husband can enjoy along with me. My husband is a very dedicated president

of the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation, and we both serve on the African Culture Connection Board. Being a member of the Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (PTSO) and being a substitute teacher at Omaha North High School allow me to be near my kids and their peers. I have a greater connection to their worlds as a result.”

ON BEING A BETTER MOM: “I could improve upon the balance among work, email correspondence and computer programming at home and listening to my kids’ stories, jokes and requests. I also wish I could discover highly effective age-appropriate activities that would lure my family away from the screen more often.”

MOMMY SECRET: “I feared math in high school, but I love numerology and symbolic numbers as an adult.”

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PERSONAL SACRIFICES: “My husband and I got married and started a family before we finished our undergraduate degrees. I sacrificed college to stay home (on a tight budget) with our little ones so my husband could get his degree. ‘Domestic engineering’ is hard work, and I was glad to return to the classroom for my teaching degree when our youngest entered kindergarten. But I would not have traded my time at home with the kids. Parenting full-time helped me to become a better teacher. Loving and respecting kids as incredibly capable human beings has been my mode of operation at home and in the classroom.”

GETTING THINGS DONE: “Sharif and the kids respect what I do and know that I can suffer from ‘compassion fatigue.’ That is, sometimes I care so much that I give until it hurts. I have

to allow time each week for prayer, yoga and journaling/creative expression. I like to eat a good meal, laugh, dance and sleep, too. My extended family and girlfriends provide very good energy in my life.”

WHY OMAHA? “Sharif originally wanted to move somewhere warmer, but we agreed that it was more practical to remain near our parents and family in Omaha. Sharif would say we have roots here because Malcolm X was born in Omaha and his remarkable humanitarian legacy is something we can work toward.”

BITS OF ADVICE: “Live purposefully with your talents. If you’re not completely happy as a domestic engineer, add something to your life that won’t take away from being a good listener and guide for your kids.”

MORE ABOUT THE FAMILY: “Sharif, 37, knows that positive change has to start at home. I love it when I can break his concentration and make him giggle. Parris, 20, is a ‘sneakerhead’ who proved his vocal talent at 7 months of age. He moved out last summer, works more than one job and has big plans that may include culinary arts. Zaiid, 17, is nicknamed ‘Mr. President’ because of his demeanor and sense of style. He started wearing ties to school at age 9. He is president of the Omaha North High School Student Council, and he is involved in many scholarly programs including National Society of Black Engineers. Chéamera, 14, is a writer and an avid reader. She enjoys creative, cultural courses that may lead to a career in the arts or education. All of us share a down-to-earth quality. We’re real with each other.”

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A Time to Share, Learn, Love Parents use story of Christmas as teaching tool

By Danielle Herzog Religious holidays can be a time of confusion for young children who aren’t exposed to organized religion at home.

I had not considered that possibility until my 4-year-old daughter asked me to explain why a friend referred to Christmas as Jesus’ birthday.

I found myself fumbling for a reply, so I turned to other parents on social media sites for some guidance.

I asked: “If you aren’t practicing a specific religion, how do you deal with certain holidays like Christmas and Easter? Do you explain the religious aspect or only focus on the nonreligious aspect?”

The majority of parents who responded said that they focus on

the commercial aspects of the major religious holidays. They talk about traditions associated with Santa and the Easter Bunny, for example.

Several parents replied that although they might not believe in religious traditions themselves, they still want their children to be informed.

“They can decide for themselves what to believe,” said Cindy Knowles, a mother of two in Ohio.

Alice Grunger of Bellevue said that although she doesn’t practice a specific religion, she does use the story of Jesus’ birth to teach her 5-year-old daughter to be kind and generous toward others. She reinforces the Bible story theme by having her daughter give away one used toy for every new toy she receives. She feels that the message

Never an Offsea s ’ e son er h T

of Christmas gets across without the association of organized religion.

Other ideas from the online discussion: -Volunteer as a family at a local senior center. Play games and spend time with those who are without family over the holidays.

-Read books and research popular religious and ethnic holidays, including Kwanzaa, Passover, Japanese and Chinese New Year’s holidays, Hanukkah, Santa Lucia Day and Las Posadas.

-Volunteer to be a Salvation Army bell ringer.

-Create care packages for soldiers who can’t be home for the holidays.

-Adopt a family in need. Provide a holiday meal, household items and small toys for the kids.

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life lessons

Ways to Get Kids Into the Giving Spirit Cultivate generosity in your household by volunteering and giving back to the community as a family.

ELEMENTARY-AGED CHILDREN

- Plant flowers around a school, park or other community area.

- Collect food or other necessities for emergency relief.

MIDDLE-SCHOOLERS

- Tutor younger children.

- Read to younger children.

- Sew, knit or repair items for local shelters.

- Collect non-perishable food items for local pantries.

- Clean up a playground.

HIGH-SCHOOLERS

- Teach children and adults how to read.

- Do major landscaping or construction work in the community.

- Ring a bell for the Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle campaign.

- Collect gently used clothing to donate to local shelters or other agencies.

- Visit a nursing home.

- Encourage friends to raise money for a local needy family.

ALL AGES

- Stuff goodie bags with gently used or new toys, art supplies and clothing for needy kids.

- Hold a yard sale or bake sale or set up a lemonade stand and donate the proceeds.

- Make homemade cards and pictures for ill children in local hospitals.

- Hold a fund drive or an arts and craft supplies drive or a stuffed animal collection.

- Visit a nursing home or assisted living community.

- Collect items for the Toys for Tots annual drive.

- Compiled by Olivia Grigg, Momaha.com intern

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13

easy meaLs

Homemade Holidays

Homemade Granola

stumped for a ‘one-size-fits-all’ gift? food always is a hit.

By Amy LAmAr

I

f you’re like me, you have two separate holiday gift lists: One for family members and friends, and another for your hairstylist, child’s teacher, co-worker, child care provider, neighbor, and other acquaintances.

While I usually have specific ideas for people on the first list, the second list can be more challenging. Food always seems to be a hit. Kids can help with measuring, stirring and packaging these gift ideas.

cHocolate cookie Bark 20 creme-filled chocolate sandwich cookies (about half of an 18-ounce package) 2 2/3 cups white chocolate chips or 2 2/3 cups semisweet chocolate chips 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (use with semisweet chips only)

Line a 9-inch-square baking pan with waxed paper. Coat the paper with nonstick spray; set it aside. Pour the cookies into a large bowl and break cookies into small pieces by hand or with the back of a wooden spoon.

Melt the white chocolate chips or semisweet chips in a large microwave-safe bowl according to the package directions (add the extract after the chips have melted). Remove from the microwave and quickly fold in the cookie pieces with a spatula. Scrape the mixture into the prepared pan, and spread to about a 1/2-inch thickness. Refrigerate until solid, about 1 hour.

Remove the bark from the pan, and carefully peel off the waxed paper. Set the bark on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the bark into 12 bars for wrapping or 24 triangles for boxing as shown above. Store in an airtight container.

Yield: about 7 cups 4 cups rolled oats 1 cup wheat germ 1 cup chopped walnuts or slivered almonds 1/2 cup sesame seeds 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1/3 cup honey 1/3 cup water 1 (6-ounce) package dried sweetened cranberries or other dried fruits, such as cherries, raisins, pineapple or papaya Heat the oven to 300 degrees F. In a large bowl, stir together the oats, wheat germ, nuts, sesame seeds, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Make a well in the dry ingredients and add the oil, honey and water.

Toss the mixture until it is well-combined, then spread mixture evenly on a cookie sheet.

Bake the granola until lightly browned, about 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to keep the mixture from sticking. Let it cool completely, and then stir in the cranberries or dried fruit.

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Perfect Pancake mix 5 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1 cup cornmeal 1/3 cup sugar 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons salt Measure the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder and salt into the bowl of a large food processor.

Process for 15 to 30 seconds or until thoroughly mixed.

Spoon the mix into a 2-quart jar.

Affix a label on the front of the jar that says “Pancake Mix.” Affix a second label on the back of the jar with the pancake directions: “Stir 1 1/2 cups of pancake mix, 2 eggs and 1 1/4 cups of milk in a mixing bowl until smooth.

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Cook the pancakes for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Enjoy with maple syrup.

Serves 4.”

To present the gift, tie a bow around the jar. Makes 1 mix.

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from momaha.com

If Holidays Are Work, Breathe Easy!

I

have fabulous childhood memories of the holiday season. My grandparents’ home was flooded with people, food, gifts and conversation. My cousins and I had a blast running through the tiny house, darting in and out of grown-up conversations and peeking inside gifts under the cat tree. koehler Holidays were thrilling and joyful.

They were magical. Then I grew up.

As a new mom, I felt pressure to make everything magical for my children, just as my parents had done for me. After a few years of driving myself crazy with extravagant plans, I found ways to simplify the season, keep my sanity, and still keep the magic alive.

• Pick one night to pile into the car, enjoy warm cocoa, Christmas music and a holiday lighting tour.

• Decorate most of the tree with the kids, but leave the delicate ornaments for the elves to hang after your family goes to bed.

• Keep your mixing bowls clean and buy plain sugar cookies from the supermarket bakery. The kids can decorate the cookies with frosting and sprinkles. Santa will love them.

• Limit gifts to things kids want, need, wear, read.

• Say no to parties that aren’t important – you’re busy enough.

• Help your children to be charitable.

Donate old toys to a shelter for the needy.

• Buy a gift item in quantity for teachers and co-workers and personalize each item with a Sharpie and ribbon.

• Take time to breathe and absorb the magic of the season!

Cat Koeler is married and has two children.

She works full-time. Read her column Mondays on momaha.com.

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15

get organized

Stop the holiday craziness!

Get a grip on the demands of the season

By Amy Tokos

E

fficiency counts when it comes to surviving the holidays. If you can manage the season, you’ll stay as cheerful as an elf through the new year.

Aim to Simplify

• Enter special events on the family calendar as soon as you learn about them. Turn down invitations that take the season from fun to overwhelming.

• If you dread hanging lights on the exterior of your house, let yourself off the hook. A halfhearted attempt just isn’t worth the effort. String an extra set of lights indoors instead.

• Stay mindful of your priorities. Stick with your exercise, diet and sleep routines.

• Honor traditions but be flexible. If you are losing your enthusiasm for a tradition, skip it this year and try something new. You can always resume the tradition next year if you find that you truly miss it.

iNVESt iN tHESE HElpfUl itEmS

• Wrapping station caddy: Buy a small caddy for tape, scissors, gift tags, pens and other wrapping tools.

• Christmas tree bag: Stop trying to stuff your tree back in its box after the holidays. Sack it instead and let the tree stand in a corner of your storeroom.

• Wreath boxes: While it’s OK to hang wreaths between seasons, boxes and bags might be more efficient. You’ll find a wide variety of specially-shaped containers that help wreaths keep their shape and stay dust-free.

• Clear plastic tubs with lids: Designate a tub or tubs for each room to make organization quick next year. Create a label for each tub, and note the room and its contents. Attach the label to the inside of the tub, facing out so it can be read at a glance. Before you take down your decorations, snap a photo of each room and each display and put the photos in the storage tubs as a reference from year to year.

• Ornament boxes: These make decorating the tree a breeze, and they protect ornaments from breakage.

• Shoeboxes: Wrap strings of lights around a shoebox lid before storing. No more tangles!

• Finally, store holiday-themed items together in an out-of-the-way space. Pack away seasonal CDs and DVDs, household items, clothing, jewelry and other accessories.

SCHOOLS OUT CLINICS

• November 21 • December 24 • December 26-28 • January 2-4 • January 7 A SMILE ON EVERY FACE, SWEAT THROUGH EVERY JERSEY!

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WINTER LEAGUE • Jan. 4 - March13 March 13 • Deadline to register is December 7

www.OmahaSportsAcademy.com • 402.504.1222 11726 Stonegate Circle between Blondo, Maple on 120th, behind DC Centre

THE BEST PLACE FOR KIDS.

Visit ChildrensOmaha.org for more information on how we can help your child.

For a pediatrician, family physician or pediatric specialist, call 1.800.833.3100.

SATURDAY WITH SANTA A momaha play date

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The whole family is invited to join us for a play date with the jolly old elf himself! The kids can also enjoy storytime with � � ­€‚ � ƒ„…†�€‡„ sugar cookies and make a holiday craft.

Special Visits with Santa � ˆ

�‰Š‹ ‡Œ„ ­‰‡‡­„ †Š„ Ž†� ‘‰ ‰‡ €Šƒ ’Œ†‡† “‰‡Œ Santa at his holiday workshop, a few doors ƒ†“Š Ž�†” Œ„€‡•„­ƒ „ ‡€‚�€Š‡ ’„Š �– ’�”� Œ‚� ƒ€—� ‚Šƒ€— ˜ †‘� � „…� ™š ’„Š �– ’�”� €‰­— ˜ „…� � ›š ’„Š €�”��– ’�”� €‰­— ˜ „…� œ� „…� š ’„Š €�”�� ’�”� Œ�‰ ‡”€ ‘„ ˜ „…� ˆš

 Enjoy a free hour of holiday fun with Santa

More than 70 stores, services and restaurants Highway 370 & 72nd Street, Papillion Check ShadowLakeShopping.com for extended holiday hours 402.537.0046