Momaha Magazine - December 2014

momaha.com

VOLUME 5 路 ISSUE 12

DECEMBER 2014

Get Organized Personalize your wrapping station

PLUS

eak: Winter Br om ored Keeping b at bay

LAYERS OF LOVE

Four mouthwatering jar mixes for anyone on your list

GO WALKING IN A

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3

momaha

From our momaha.com EdItor

where moms connect

VOlUME 5 . ISSUE 12 . DECEMBER 2014 editor in chief CHRIS CHRISTEN chris.christen@owh.com 402-444-1094

Gifts Galore!

assistant editor AMy laMAR a m y. l a m a r @ o w h . c o m 4 02 - 4 4 4 -1416

creative director/designer HEIDI THORSON hhoffman@owh.com 402-444-1351

momaha.com editor

josie Loza

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

momaha.com editor

Mom to two girly girls.

Quirky, unpredictable & sometimes says too much. loves making people smile.

production coordinator PAT R I C I A “ M U R P H y ” B E N O I T

on the cover PHOTO: HEIDI THORSON

content contributors

Fun Fact

DANIEllE HER ZO g, AMy TO kOS, AMy gR ACE, kUR T A . k EElER , SANDRA WENDEl

Josie can’t stand to fold laundry.

to advertise, contact

Get Social

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

Chat with Josie each Friday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on momaha.com

MARCIA OSTRANSk y marcia.ostransky@owh.com 402-444-1489

I

can’t believe that the year is almost over. Where does time go?

And speaking of that, on Dec. 5, Momaha turns 5. To celebrate, we’re giving away big prizes – from show tickets to gift cards – all month long on our website.

For this issue, our team had a ball crafting four delicious jar mixes designed for anyone on your list (starting on Page 10).

To make your gift-wrapping go a little smoother (and faster), see page 8 for a wrapping station makeover with personality – yours!

And then, starting on page 18, we turn your attention to clever ways to repurpose old toys.

It’s the perfect solution to thinning out the toy box to make room for all of that new loot Santa is sure to bring.

Here’s to warm wishes and mistletoe kisses.

Facebook: josie.loza Twitter: @lozaFina Pinterest: momahaowh

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 2014 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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CONTENTS

Real MoMs + advice

8 Get Organized 26 Momaha.com Blogger 30 Be Well 32 Sassy Housewife

6

d.i.Y. coRneR

18 Repurposed toys 22 Magnetic photo holders 24 Ornament magnets

Recipes

10 Campfire bars 11 Hot chocolate kit 12 Friendship soup mix 14 Chocolate peppermint cookie pancakes

seasonal

9 Printable gift tags 16 Winter Break Survival Guide 17 Must-have books 28 On Our Radar

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And that’s a Wrap!

Let your ‘wrapping personality’ guide you through a makeover.

o

h the joy of finding the perfect wrapping for the perfect gift. If you aren’t feeling the joy, you might need a wrapping station makeover.

First consider how often you wrap gifts.

Also figure out what types of wrapping paper you prefer. Do you like to accessorize? Do you stick to a theme? Knowing your “wrapping personality” can help you create a great wrapping station.

Where should the wrapping station be?

It should be handy but out of the way. Carve out a space in a closet or under a bed. For routine wrapping a few times a month, just pull out what you need when you need it.

As the holidays approach, decide if you are a once-and-done wrapper or an ongoing wrapper. If you’re the latter, you may want to set up a table.

Recycler? Be honest with yourself: Will you

8

really use that tattered bow from last year? If you find yourself reaching past it to get to a new, shiny bow, reconsider keeping it. Don’t clutter your space with things you will never use. If it isn’t ready for the trash, donate it.

Accessories and embellishments are the best! We all love a gift that is as cute on the outside as it is on the inside. If you like to embellish gifts, find a balance between too many and the right amount of accessories to keep on-hand. Keeping less frees up your mind to be creative.

To organize your embellishments, put like items together in separate containers. If you have a lot, a plastic drawer tower works well with separate drawers for bows, labels, accessories and ribbon. If you only have a few embellishments, sealable plastic bags work well. A basket or plastic bin can hold all of your bows and ribbon, and a plastic bag

is perfect for labels. You may want to keep pens, tape and scissors in this spot, too.

Paper versus gift bags: Do you usually grab a gift bag or wrapping paper when you need to wrap a gift? This is key to what you should keep on-hand. Many people like to use paper. But we receive gifts in really nice bags, so we save them for later use. The bags can accumulate and create a storage problem.

If you’re a paper-wrapper, don’t keep a lot of bags around. If you use bags to wrap gifts, recycle the paper you’re keeping “just in case.”

The containers you pick for storage will depend on whether you use rolls of paper or bags. There are containers made for wrapping paper storage, or you simply can use a tall, plastic wastebasket. For bags and tissue paper, you can stand them up vertically in a square bin.

Dress up falalalala your Gifts!

Go to Momaha.com to download TO: these printable gift tags.

FROM:

made with

   

falalalala falalalala

made with made madewith with Joy Joy Joy Joy

to: from:

TO: TO: FROM: FROM:

to tothe theworld! world!

to:to: from: from:

to:

FROM:

FroM:

TO:

to the world!

falalalala

HAPPY

FroM: FroM:

From:

to:to:

to :

to: from:

Holidays HAPPY HAPPY

FroM:

From: From:

to:

to : to :

to the world!

momaha.com Holidays Holidays

momaha.com momaha.com HAPPY

Holidays

9

Jar Mixes W The perfect edible gift.

TexT by Amy LamAr STyLing by Amy LamAr And Heidi THorSon PHoTogrAPHy by Heidi THorSon

hat’s not to like about an edible gift – especially when you can reuse the jar that it comes in! Jar mixes are perfect for your hairstylist, coworker, neighbor, teacher, babysitter – anyone – because they’re delightful to look at, easy to make and fun to eat!

Campfire Bars

ingredients for jar Clear glass jar 1 cup (3 full sheets) 1-inch graham cracker pieces 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows ¾ cup milk chocolate chips ½ cup granola ¹⁄₃ cup light brown sugar, packed ½ cup slivered almonds direCtions 1. In the jar, layer the graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate chips, granola, brown sugar and almonds, pressing down gently as needed to fit all of the ingredients in the jar.

2. Seal with a lid and decorate according to instructions below if desired. Attach a label (download ours from momaha.com) with the following instructions:

To Make The bars

additional ingredient 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted direCtions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Very lightly coat the sides of an 8-inch square pan with cooking spray.

2. Pour the contents of the jar into a large bowl, mixing them up a bit. Add the melted butter, and stir until everything is evenly coated and distributed.

3. Press the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars and serving.

To decoraTe The jar WHat YoU need 1 piece Baker’s twine Wooden adhesive holly Scotch tape Flower hair accessory or pin Label (download ours from momaha.com) WHat YoU do 1. Wrap twine around the jar four times and tie it into a knot, leaving room for the label.

2. Put the holly on the jar over the baker’s twine.

3. Tape the flower to the top of the jar.

4. Tie the label to the baker’s twine and tie it in a bow.

Recipe adapted from Desserts in Jars: 50 Sweet Treats that Shine

10

Hot CHoColate Kit

ingredients for jar Clear glass jar 3 packets hot chocolate mix ¼ cup chocolate chips ½ cup mini marshmallows 3 cinnamon sticks, tied together with baker’s twine 6 to 8 peppermint candies, unwrapped direCtions 1. Place the ingredients in the jar in sections or layers.

2. Decorate the jar according to instructions at right if desired.

To make The hoT chocolaTe

additional ingredient A mug of hot water direCtions For extra chocolaty hot chocolate: Stir the hot chocolate mix, chocolate chips and marshmallows together.

For cinnamon hot chocolate: Stir the hot chocolate mix and cinnamon sticks together.

For peppermint hot chocolate: Stir the hot chocolate mix and peppermint candies together.

To decoraTe The jar WHat YoU need Clear-dry craft glue White yarn 3 1x6-inch strips of felt 2 buttons WHat YoU do 1. Apply craft glue to the jar one inch at a time, and wrap the yarn around the jar (Keep it on the spool as you go).

2. Glue the strips of felt around the top of the jar to make a bow.

3. Glue two buttons below the felt.

Adapted from 366daysofpinterest.com

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12

.

Friendship soup Mix

ingredients For jar Clear glass jar ½ cup dry split peas ¹⁄₃ cup beef bouillon granules ¼ cup dry whole greens ½ cup dry lentils ¼ cup dried onion flakes 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning ½ cup uncooked long-grain white rice 2 bay leaves ½ cup uncooked small pasta

WHEN YOU CALL BEFORE 12/31/14

directions 1. Add ingredients in order to the jar.

2. Seal with a lid and decorate according to instructions below if desired. Attach a label (download ours on momaha.com) with the following instructions:

To make The soup

additional ingredients 1 pound ground beef Black pepper to taste Garlic powder to taste 14-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained 6-ounce can tomato sauce 3 quarts water directions 1. Remove pasta from top of jar and set aside.

2. In a large pot over medium heat, brown beef with pepper and garlic; drain excess fat. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water and all of soup mix.

3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes.

4. Stir in the pasta. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta, peas, lentils and greens are tender.

Celebrate the Christmas Season

To decoraTe The jar

What You need 1 piece faux fur ribbon Adhesive 1 piece polka dot ribbon Label (download from momaha.com) What You do 1. Wrap faux fur ribbon around the jar and use adhesive to attach it.

2. Wrap polka dot ribbon around the jar and tie it in a bow. Use adhesive to attach it.

3. Attach the instruction label to the top of the jar and the soup label or a gift tag to the ribbon, if desired.

Recipe adapted from allrecipes.com

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ChoColate PePPermint Cookie PanCakes

ingredients for jar Clear glass jar 2 cups baking mix (We used Bisquick) 2 teaspoons baking powder ¼ cup sugar ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips ½ cup white chocolate chips ½ cup peppermint candies, unwrapped direCtions 1. Mix baking mix, baking powder and sugar in a medium bowl.

2. To the jar, add the baking powder mixture, followed by the cocoa, then the chocolate chips and white chips and finally the peppermint candies.

3. Press each layer down with the back of a spoon to gently compact it before adding the next one.

4. Seal with a lid and decorate according to instructions at right if desired. Attach a label (download ours on momaha.com) with the following instructions:

to make the pancakes

additional ingredients 1 cup milk 1 egg 1 teaspoon peppermint extract 2 tablespoons butter, melted Suggested toppings: whipped cream and chocolate-flavored syrup

direCtions 1. Remove peppermint candies from the jar and set aside. Dump remaining

contents into a large bowl. Add milk, egg, peppermint extract and butter; stir until combined. Batter will be a little lumpy.

2. Pour by ¹⁄₃ cup onto a greased hot skillet. Cook until edges are dry and bubbles appear on the surface – about 3 minutes. Turn and cook on the other side 2 minutes longer. Repeat with remaining batter.

3. Crush peppermint candies with a mallet or rolling pin. Serve pancakes with whipped cream, chocolate syrup and crushed peppermint candies.

to Decorate the jar

What YoU need 1 sheet each of red, black and white decorative paper Adhesive 2½x4-inch white mini craft sack Holiday stamp Gold stamp ink Label (download on momaha.com) Washi tape What YoU do 1. Cut red sheet of paper into a 3½x11inch rectangle. Use adhesive to attach it to the jar.

2. Cut black sheet of paper into a 5x3½-inch rectangle. Use adhesive to attach it to the jar.

3. Stamp the white mini craft sack with the stamp using gold ink.

4. Print the label double-sided on white paper; put it in the mini craft sack. Seal it with washi tape and attach it to the jar.

Recipe adapted from Bettycrocker.com

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winter break survivaL guide

Boredom

Busters When the new loot loses its luster.

TexT by Amy LamAr, Chris ChrisTen And heidi Thorson PhoTogrAPhy by heidi Thorson And KurT A. KeeLer sTyLing by Amy LamAr, Chris ChrisTen And heidi Thorson

L

ike summer, the winter holiday break can get long and “B.O.R.I.N.G.,” in your child’s words. At least he has the weather as an excuse. As for the living room full of newly unwrapped toys? Sigh.

Here are 25 fun ideas for the whole family to enjoy. From the oldfashioned, to the crafty, creative and just plain fun, there won’t be time for boredom.

FAMILY FUN 1. Have a tickle party.

2. Play a board game.

3. Have some friends over.

4. Build a fort.

5. Share a skill with your kids.

6. Take a class together.

7. Go ice skating.

8. Get to know the museums and historical societies in your city.

9. Stock up on books and stories on tape.

10. Have a family letter-writing party.

11. Play dress-up.

12. Have a dance party in the living room.

13. Teach the kids all the card games you know.

14. Bake something.

15. Cook dinner together.

16. Get crafty. For ideas, see pages 18 to 24.

17. Do something for someone else.

18. Fix something.

19. Take it easy and stare into space for a while – something will come to you.

20. See a live show.

21. Play outside.

22. Get photographic with scrapbooks and photo albums.

23. Take an evening walk together.

24. Put a giant puzzle together.

25. Laugh, talk and just enjoy each other.

Adapted from parents.com

16

BOOK FUN AGES 3 TO 7: “The Numberlys” by William Joyce (Atheneum Books for Young Readers), $17.99

n

othing passes the time quite like getting lost in a book.

And new books are especially appealing with their enticing covers, beautiful artwork and crisp pages. Ellen Scott from The Bookworm shares five new titles well worth reading.

Before the alphabet was invented, only numbers existed and there were no words for colors, feelings or food.

Five of the big-eyed Numberlys get fed up, and with their welding goggles set out to build every letter of the alphabet.

AGES 4 TO 8: “The Misadventures of Sweetie Pie” by Chris Van Allsburg (Harcourt Brace and Company), $18.99

Sweetie Pie the hamster is neglected by one child after another, and he yearns for a life beyond his cage. He escapes to find a new home in the wild, and finds a great life with his new squirrel friends in a tree.

AGES 5 TO 8: “Otis and the Scarecrow” by Loren Long (Philomel Books), $17.99 Otis is a friendly tractor who lives on a farm. He and the farm animals try to make friends with a scarecrow, but he just stares blankly out at the field. Concerned, they surround him to ride out a storm and they are convinced that he doesn’t look so lonely anymore.

AGES 8 TO 12: “The Zoo at the Edge of the World” by Eric Kahn Gale (Balzer & Bray/ Harperteen), $16.99

This complex story is about Marlin and his father, who is famous for a lavish zoo in British Guiana. Marlin is bullied by his older brother and the zoo workers because of his stutter, but it disappears when he speaks to the animals. Marlin goes on to protect the animals as his father commits desperate and cruel acts due to the zoo’s precarious financial situation.

AGES 10 TO 13: “The Secret Hum of a Daisy”

by Tracy Holczer (Putnam Publishing Group), $16.99

A 12-year-old girl named Grace goes to live with a grandmother she has never met after her mother’s sudden death. She discovers that her grandmother holds the secrets of her family’s past. She is assisted through her grief by a cast of colorful characters – including her grandmother.

17

winter break survival guide

crAFT FuN

Make room for new toys by turning old ones into cute and practical décor! Your kids will never miss the toys, and it’s one less thing for you to trip over, step on and otherwise clutter the toy box. This is much more fun than a trip to a secondhand store, and these are meaningful projects that you can do together.

bAckAsAurus

A rubber dinosaur with hollow interior gets a second life as a crayon holder.

WhAT You Need: 6” rubber dinosaur Utility scissors Large pill bottle, labels removed Washi or duct tape WhAT You do: 1. With sharp knife, slash the back of the dinosaur in an “X” pattern, about 2 inches in length.

2. Decorate pill bottle with tape.

3. Position the pill bottle in the middle of the “X” on the dinosaur and press down to secure in place.

4. Fill with crayons. Works for pencils and markers, too.

Variation: Turn the dinosaur into a planter. Poke small drainage holes in the underbelly; fill body with a couple of small rocks and potting mix; add a cactus or other succulent. Voila! You have a Bonatanysaurus!

18

Lego TooThbrush hoLder

WhAT You Need Any Lego figure 2x2-inch square flat Lego piece ½-inch raised Lego piece Kid’s toothbrush

WhAT You do 1. Attach Lego figure in a sitting position to the top row center of the flat Lego piece.

2. Attach the raised Lego piece to the bottom row center of the flat Lego piece.

3. Rest toothbrush between Lego figure and raised Lego piece so the Lego figure appears to hold it in place.

Variation: Use a girl Lego figure and pink Legos for a girl’s toothbrush holder.

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winter break survival guide

CraFT FUn

SEa CrEaTUrE CloCk

WhaT YoU nEED Clock mechanism (red second hand sold separately) 18x18-inch piece of white pegboard 12 sea creatures Hot glue gun WhaT YoU Do 1. Assemble clock mechanism according to package directions. Attach to pegboard.

2. Decide the order in which the sea creatures should go on the pegboard to form the numbers of the clock.

3. Attach each sea creature to the pegboard with hot glue.

4. Attach a rope or thick ribbon (optional) to the back of the pegboard with a nail and hang it on the wall.

Variations: Use crayons instead of sea creatures for a unisex clock, or use Polly Pockets or other small dolls for a girl’s clock.

20

Train hook

WhaT YoU nEED Nail Small wooden train car Small screw-in hook WhaT YoU Do 1. Make a hole in the bottom center of the train car by pounding a nail into it.

2. Twist the hook into the hole until it’s secure.

3. Hang the train car on the wall with Velcro or paint-safe tape.

4. Hang items such as a sports medal or a ball cap from the hook.

Variation: For a girl’s room, use a Barbie or other type of doll instead of the train car, and hang hair ties, ribbon and barrettes from it.

Adapted from refabdiaries.com

Truckload of Books

Hang on to that dump truck! Someday your son will wish he had it for his kids. Until then, wash away the dirt and the sand and put the truck to work as a mini bookcase on a dresser. Variation: Fill the truck bed with sand-loving succulents for indoor or outdoor display.

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winter break survival guide

craFt FUn Magnetic Photo holders

What YoU need 10 wide popsicle sticks 4 styles of washi tape Scotch tape Hot glue 2 magnets 1 metal clip 1 3x3-inch photo Stickers or other embellishments What YoU do 1. Put washi tape on eight of the wide popsicle sticks, one pattern per two sticks. Trim the edges of the tape around ends of the popsicle sticks.

2. On a flat surface, line the sticks up next to each other in the order of preference. Then flip them over and line them up, leaving no space between the sticks.

3. Holding them in place, put one piece of tape down the middle across all eight sticks to temporarily secure them in place.

22

4. Cut off an inch from one end of each of the remaining two popsicle sticks.

5. Put hot glue down the middle of one of the remaining popsicle sticks; lay it vertically on the back of the frame. Repeat for the last stick and place it on the opposite side.

6. Hot glue the two magnets kitty-corner from each other on the inside of the vertical popsicle sticks.

7. On the washi tape side, place the metal clip where desired and hot glue in place.

8. Attach photo.

9. Add stickers or other embellishments as desired.

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winter break survival guide Ornament magnets

WHat YOU neeD Hot glue gun 11 magnets 11 small clear glass/plastic Christmas bulbs Small plastic funnel Red glitter 1 curlicue-shaped green pipe cleaner (Tip: Wrap it around a pencil to get the perfect spiral.)

WHat YOU DO 1. Using a hot glue gun, attach a magnet to the back of each bulb.

2. Remove the top from each bulb.

3. Using the funnel, fill 10 of the bulbs with red glitter.

Replace the tops.

4. For the remaining bulb, stick the pipe cleaner inside the bulb. Replace the top.

5. Arrange the bulbs in a Christmas tree shape on your refrigerator or other magnet-friendly surface.

Adapted from Younghouselove.com

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MOMAHA.COM BlOgger // AMY grACe Amy Grace writes on Fridays at momaha.com.

Say “CheeSe!” Five wardrobe tips for your best family picture ever.

Y

ou’ve booked a family photo session. Now it’s time to think about how you can make your family’s personalities shine for the camera. Do you want casual outdoor photos with a backdrop of fall leaves, or would you prefer a more formal setting inside your home? Whatever direction you take, your family members will need a well-planned wardrobe.

Think classic.

Professional photos are an investment. And since your photos are likely to be on display for years to come, you may want to consider your wall colors and other interior decor when choosing your setting and clothing.

A unified look adds to the staying power of the photos.

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coordinaTe colors.

Once upon a time, everyone wore matching black or white shirts for family photos. These days, photographers discourage wearing solid black or white against a similar backdrop. You don’t want to be a family of floating heads!

TexTures, good.

PaTTerns, Bad. Busy patterns can make your family photos hard to look at because the eye bounces around.

Textures, however, add depth and visual interest.

Scarves, belts, hats, wool skirts or quilted jackets are smart ways to add texture to a photo.

Mix funcTion and forM.

You want to look as natural as possible with easy smiles all around.

Don’t choose something tight or cumbersome for yourself or your family members to wear. Make sure your clothing hangs nicely, whether you’re posing or just casually hanging out.

Be yourself.

The best photographs happen when you’re relaxed and having fun. So let your guard down and give your photographer a shot at those spontaneous moments!

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Aim for the Stars Science and Math Camps aimforthestars.unomaha.edu Online Registration

On Our Radar YOUTH BASKETBALL CLINIC

Nov. 22

Salvation Army Kroc Center omahakroc.org This youth basketball clinic for grades kindergarten through 10 is back for the fourth year in a row.

Coaching is provided by Gross Catholic High School coaches and players.

Hours: 1 to 3 p.m.

Admission: Free; registration is required.

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PRINCESS PARTY WITH PRINCESS JASMINE

Nov. 22

Omaha Public Library, Milton R. Abrahams Branch omahapubliclibrary.org Princess Jasmine will visit the library and read stories and sing songs with young children. Bring your camera!

Hours: 3 to 3:45 p.m.

Admission: Free

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D NEW C AR B V A C AT I ON ‘I TRIED IT’ TODDLER CLASS Nov. 28

Hy-Vee, 156th and Maple Streets hy-vee.com This kid-friendly class encourages toddlers to try fruits and vegetables in creative ways. After each class, your child will receive an “I Tried It” sticker that goes toward a fun and healthy prize.

Hours: 10:30 to 11 a.m.

Admission: Free; register by calling 493-0390.

MILK & COOKIES WITH SANTA

Dec. 4, 10 and 18

Omaha Children’s Museum ocm.org Decorate a cookie to eat with Santa and the Snow Queen. You can also watch a magical light show and see Santa coming down a chimney!

Hours: 6 to 8 p.m.

Admission: $20 per child; $5 per adult. Tickets are limited.

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SANTA SLEIGH RIDE

Dec. 6

Hummel Park Nature Center cityofomaha.org Ride with Santa on a special sleigh around the park!

Enjoy hot cocoa and write a letter to Santa. You can also explore the trails and participate in other family fun activities.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Admission: Free with the donation of a new pair of mittens or a non-perishable food item. RSVP required.

SNOWSHOE HIKE

Dec. 14

Fontenelle Forest Nature Center fontenelleforest.org If you have always wanted to try snowshoes in the forest, this hike is for you. If it doesn’t snow, you can still learn about snowshoes and head out for a winter hike.

Hours: 1 to 3 p.m.

Admission: Free for members; $5 to $7 for nonmembers.

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BE WELL ComPIled by SaNdRa WeNdel

TV INJURIES

Most head and neck injuries among kids younger than age 7 are caused by reaching for a remote or other object on top of a heavy piece of furniture such as a desk, bookcase or cabinet that comes tumbling down.

Reduce the risk by securing TVs, ovens and boxy furniture to the wall with safety straps or L-brackets. Install drawer stops on chests of drawers, and place heavy items on shelves close to the floor.

Source: The Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital

SHOWER POWER Full Time Part Time Last Minute Occasional Frequent

An average eight-minute shower can use up to 64 gallons of water. Luxury shower systems with multiple showerheads pump out even more. Showerheads with WaterSense labels, regulated since 1994, use no more than 2.5 gallons per minute, saving more than 16,000 gallons of water in a year. To conserve precious groundwater, use a regulated showerhead, take shorter showers and shut off the water while lathering up and shampooing.

Source: american Water Works association, University of Nebraskalincoln extension Service

SING ALONG The family car may be the ideal place to develop your child’s interest in music.

Use car time to sing together with the radio or a CD, and let your kids see you enjoying music.

Source: Journal of Research in music education

SeekingSitters Omaha Metro

‘LIGHTEN’ THE MOOD

If you want to turn down the emotional intensity before making an important decision, dim the lights. Human emotion, whether positive or negative, is felt more intensely under bright light.

Source: University of Toronto Scarborough

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Advice // dAnielle Herzog Sassy Housewife Danielle Herzog is a married mother of two and a former middle and high school teacher. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in counseling.

littlesportsomaha.com

Flirting gone too far?

Sometimes parents need to get involved.

Dear Sassy Housewife, A student in my son’s sixth-grade class is making girls feel uncomfortable by saying flirtatious and suggestive things to them. My son sits near this student, and he is embarrassed by the comments. I told him to tell the teacher, but he is hesitant because he doesn’t want to be a snitch. What do you recommend?

designing learning spaces for curious minds

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Peggy Pawloski 402-206-9928 www.LeWonderment.com m

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Signed, Middle School Mama Dear Mama, Oh, sixth grade. Middle school can be so stressful. There are all of those new hormones filling kids with angst, confusion and a heck of a lot of eye-rolling. I tip my hat to you for parenting one of these creatures.

Having taught middle school, I often came across kids who didn’t want to be a tattletale. But in this case, someone has to say something to the teacher. And if it isn’t your son, it should be you.

But tread carefully. At this point it’s only hearsay. Yes, I know you’re hearing this from your son, but you haven’t seen it for yourself. So I would keep it simple and send an email to the teacher. Let him/her know that your son has observed this student’s actions and feels uncomfortable. Point out that you haven’t spoken to the girls – you just want to share his observations.

It’s up to the girls if they want to come forward about the student’s statements. Are they feeling uncomfortable, or is it just your son? If they are truly feeling uncomfortable, perhaps your son could encourage them to talk to the teacher – or at least to their parents.

Teachers can’t see everything, although we’d like to believe they can. It’s good to inform them, but also to support their hard work and dedication. And it’s always good to end an email on a positive note.

Harmless flirting is part of adolescence, but when it starts making classmates uncomfortable a parent needs to get involved.

Duchesne Academy ENTRANCE & SCHOLARSHIP EXAM

Sunday, January 10, 2015 at 8:30 a.m.

Contact Recruitment Director, Lauren Mueller, with any questions: 402-558-3800 or lmueller@duchesneacademy.org.

Duchesne O F

T H E

Academy

S A C R E D

H E A R T

3601 Burt Street Omaha, Nebraska 68131 • 402-558-3800 • duchesneacademy.org Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origins to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin and administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.