Momaha Magazine - February 2017

momaha.com

volume 8 · issue 2

FEBRUARY 2017

SCHOOL PROJECTS The treasure or trash test

Humble pebbles take on a life of their own

Play together, stay healthy together

.

THE BEST PLACE FOR KIDS.

Levi & Dylan, age 4 Pulmonary Atresia

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.

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SAFE & LOVING QUALITY CHILD CARE

where moms connect VOLUME 8 . ISSUE 2 . FEBRUARY 2017 editor in chief CHRIS CHRISTEN chris.christen@owh.com 402-444-1094

creative director + designer HEIDI THoRSoN hthorson@owh.com 402-444-1351

assistant editor kIm CaRpENTER kim.carpenter@owh.com 402-444-1416

momaha.com editor aSHlEE CoffEy ashlee.coffey@owh.com 402-444-1075

production coordinator paT R I C I a “ m U R p H y � B E N o I T

content contributors H owaR D k . m aRCUS, J E N N I SwE IT z E R , a m y T o k o S , H E aT H E R w I N k E l

account executive SaRa BakER sara.baker@owh.com 402-444-1442

account executive G ay l I D D E l l gay.liddell@owh.com 402-444-1489

account executive E m I ly m a R T I N emily.martin@owh.com 402-444-1411

•

•

Call today for a tour | 402-451-0787

www.nchs.org 2

account executive C aT H l E E N Va N H a U E R cathleen.vanhauer@owh.com 402-444-1209

Momaha Magazine is a monthly publication of the news division of the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 700, Omaha, NE 68102. Momaha is a registered trademark, and all content is copyright 2017 by the Omaha WorldHerald. All rights reserved. The opinions and perspectives published herein are those of the authors and should not be construed as those of Momaha Magazine or its publisher.

KEEP YOUR HEART HEALTHY JOIN US AT THE Y!

February 10-14: Join the YMCA of Greater Omaha for only $1 and pay NO JOINING FEE! Valid at any YMCA of Greater Omaha location. Must be a new member. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Must present coupon and bank draft info. First draft 3/3/17.

Join at any YMCA Welcome Center.

Kick your workouts into gear with our FREE Get Started program when you join!

REGISTER TODAY AT ANY YMCA LOCATION OR AT WWW.METROYMCA.ORG!

JOIN THE TEAM! YMCA Spring & Summer Youth Sports FLAG FOOTBALL

SOCCER

VOLLEYBALL

Fundamental: K - 6th grade Recreational: K - 4th grade Metro League: 5th - 8th grade

Fundamental: K - 6th grade Recreational: 3 yrs - 4th grade Metro League: 5th - 8th grade

Fundamental: 1st - 6th grade Recreational: 1st - 8th grade Competitive: 5th - 8th grade

Registration ends February 20* - don’t miss out! Register online or at your YMCA location. *Baseball/softball registration ends April 30.

BASEBALL & SOFTBALL*

BASKETBALL Recreational: 1st - 6th grade (Maple Street YMCA only)

Fundamental: K - 6th grade Recreational: (includes t-ball & coach pitch)

3 yrs - 8th grade *Baseball & softball are Summer Season sports

YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA • www.metroymca.org 3

CONTENTS

Real MoMs + advice 6 Editor’s Column 8 On Our Radar 22 Get Organized 24 Momaha Bookshelf

seasoNal

10 Be Well 16 Kiwi Recipes 20 Family Fitness

oN THe coveR

Photo: Jenni Sweitzer 12 Story Stones Indoor fun with outdoor elements and a little paint.

Don’t miss Nature Connects® by Sean Kenney, an indoor exhibit featuring 14 installations, inspired by nature and built from nearly 450,000 LEGO® bricks.

ON DISPLAY THROUGH MAY 15 • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

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03/31/17*

OFFER EXPIRES 03/31/17

during the month of February.

Stop by your neighborhood branch to help spread the love!

Visit omahalibrary.org for a complete schedule of events.

5

MoMaha.coM edItor // aShlee coffey Wife to Kevin Coffey, music critic for the Omaha World-Herald.

Mom to Sam and Elliott.

Follow her on Twitter: @ashleecoffeyowH

I

f you’re anything like me, you’re already over winter – and we’re only entering into February.

It’s cold and dreary and getting out of the house can seem like more work than it’s worth.

To top it off, your kids are probably bored – their new Christmas toys are likely already collecting dust in the corners of their rooms. I imagine them staring longingly outside, wishing for summer.

So why not bring the outside to them?

Grab some rocks from your yard – we’re talking the nice, long flat ones perfect for use as a canvas – get some paint and make an afternoon of it!

There are lots of ways you can paint them. If you’re stuck, check out page 12 for fun ideas from Heather Winkel, including cars, trucks, plants and storytime ideas. You can put them in a window and add them

to your yard or garden once nice weather arrives.

Once you’re done crafting, curl up on the couch together with a good book. This issue includes an array of brand new books good for the whole family.

Find them on page 24.

The winter doesn’t have to leave you bored either, mom and dad! We’ve got lots of ideas on getting organized, specifically regarding school papers. How do you know what’s trash or treasure? Take our test on page 22 to find out.

Of course, February also means Valentine’s Day. So in honor of the heart, we’ve got a full list of ways to keep it healthy for years to come on page 10, plus ways to stay active as a whole family on page 20.

Happy Valentine’s Day and hang in there! Spring will be here before we know it.

Get SocIal Facebook /momahacom TwiTTer @momaha_owh PinTeresT /momahaowh

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Brownell Talbot School’s Early Childhood and Kindergarten Preview Be our guest on Friday, February 3 8:00 am - 9:30 am

WHAT MAKES BROWNELL TALBOT UNIQUE? • Small teacher to student ratio and differentiated instruction.

• Dedicated teachers for world languages, science, art, and music.

• Weekly guidance classes to support social and emotional learning.

• Swimming as a part of PE curriculum starting in kindergarten.

• Engaging after school activities including robotics, chess, choir, and swim team.

• Safe and active before and after school care from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.

400 N. Happy Hollow Blvd. • 402.556.3772

Register today at brownell.edu/preview 7

On OUR RADAR // EDitOR’s Picks

SHOW YOUR AFFECTION

THINGS TO TRY THIS MONTH

Love is a many splendored thing, and in this case, it’s also bursting with color. A 4.5-inch hand-blown glass affection heart bowl is a creative way to show just how much you care.

Plus, like your love, each is an original. $45, Blue Pomegranate Gallery, Village Pointe

PUT A RING ON IT

SHOW YOUR LOVE

Emojis are all the rage. Tween and teen girls will love adding them as throw pillows to their personal space. Haven’t you given them one too many stuffed bears for Valentine’s Day? Emoji cushions and pillows, $8 to $17, Walmart

Wedding bands signal marital status and our commitment to our better halves. What to do when you need to remove your most important piece of jewelry? Qalo silicone wedding rings are an ideal place holder while keeping the real one safe.

They’re so inexpensive and come in such a wide variety of styles and colors, you might want to wear one even if you’re single. Starting at $20, Scheels Sporting Goods

FOLK (HE)ART

RAISE A GLASS

How long has it been since you spent some quiet time with the (adult) love of your life? Get a babysitter for the kids, pop a cork and a pour a little bubbly into these Riedel “O” champagne tumblers for a cozy toast for just the two of you. $30 for two, tiffany.com

The vagaries of the human heart have always been a little puzzling, but this jigsaw, constructed from maple plywood and printed with a bright red folk pattern, helps kids make sense of it all. Or you might keep it out their hands and use it for an incredibly hip Valentine’s Day decoration instead. $15, Treehopper Toys

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When his doctor is out,

Ours is in.

Same Day Pediatrics, brought to you

evening, weekend and holiday sick appointments for all Omaha children.

We’re not an urgent care center but a real pediatric clinic with scheduled appointments.

When he’s sick, you can count on us to be here.

402.334.7425 139th

6715 South 180th Street 7205 West Center Road, Suite 104

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WE’VE MOVED! Advice for A better life coMPiled by Momaha Magazine

We  you! Valentine’s Day is a time for love and of course, lots and lots of hearts. For us, that means filling our readers in on some of the latest news regarding cardio health.

to Spring Ridge Shopping Center at 180th & Pacific

NG SHIPPI LE! B AVAILA

LET US HELP YOU PLAN YOUR NEXT EVENT • Holiday Parties • Customer Gifts • Corporate Events • Gift Baskets • Fundraisers • Bridal & Baby Showers

1223 S 180th Street | Omaha| 402.933.8698 www.popperista.com 1999039-01

HeArt HeAltHY, brAiN booSter

We already know that aerobic exercise keeps our hearts healthy, but cardio can also benefit the brain big time.

A study at the University of British Columbia has shown that older adults who exercised had an improvement in memory retention and cognitive ability. Don’t wait until you’re a senior, hit the treadmill now!

PicK UP tHe PAce

Just walking briskly for 150 minutes a week can cut your risk for heart disease. That excuse to splurge on that stylish but pricy fitness monitor? Here it is. Get walking!

Binghamton University, State University of New York

MAiNtAiN PerfectioN

The majority of children are born with ideal cardiovascular health, but most American kids don’t meet the American Heart Association’s definition of ideal childhood cardiovascular health. While blood pressure is within the targeted range, diets are not. 91 percent have unhealthy diets that are high in simple carbohydrates such as sugary drinks, snacks and desserts. Make sure your children keep the perfect heart they were born with by practicing healthy eating habits. Circulation

180th & Dodge 402-932-2922

nient Two Conve ns Locatio

UP YoUr fiber

192nd & Pacific 402-991-0696

Our mothers always told us to get more fiber. They were on to something: fiber cuts down how much cholesterol your body soaks up from food. Aim for 25 to 30 grams of fiber a day by eating plenty of fruits, grains, veggies and legumes.

Web MD

forGet tHe ScAle

CONTACT US

While obese teens may want to exercise to lose weight, that shouldn’t be their goal. A new study suggests that exercising can reverse the early signs of artery disease in overweight teenagers even if no pounds are shed. That’s another reason to emphasize that it’s what inside – not out – that counts! Journal of the American College of Cardiology

FOR ENROLLMENT & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ENROLLMENT @SMALLMIRACLECHILDCARE.COM

www.smallmiraclechildcare.com

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I don’t have health coverage for my family and I’m worried that if my kids get sick, I can’t afford the medical bills.

How do I get started?

Getting started is easy.

Set up a free appointment with a Certified Application Counselor.

They will explain your coverage options, answer any questions, help you enroll and see if you qualify for financial assistance.

402-502-8888 4920 South 30th Street, Omaha, NE 68107 oneworldomaha.org

Open Enrollment is November 1st – January 31st 11

Turn your rock collection into hours of fun with a bit of paint and imagination TEXT & STYLING Heather Winkel PHOTOGRAPHY Jenni Sweitzer

R

ocks come in all shapes and sizes, and although there are sure to be dinosaur fossils and treasure box gems in your rock collection, the flat stones are what we’re after. They’re perfect canvases for rock art. Start by giving your rocks a soapy bath to get rid of dirt and grime. Once dry, lay your rocks on waxed paper or newsprint, put on a smock and get ready to paint.

WHAT YOU NEED • • • • • • • •

Acrylic craft paints Foam brushes Hobby paint brushes Paint palette Waxed paper or newspaper Googly eyes Stucco pot Bag of small rocks

STORY TIME

Paint colors needed: blue, gray, white, red, yellow, green, orange, pink On similarly sized rocks, paint items from a favorite storybook using hobby paint brushes.

We chose a camping story and painted a tent, campfire, tree, flowers and a moon and stars.

But you could create a fairytale, zoo or even an entire town. Brainstorm with your child for stories he or she wants to tell.

TIP: Mix and layer colors to add depth to your story. We used yellow and orange to create a crackling campfire.

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BEEP, BEEP!

Paint colors needed: red, yellow, blue, white and gray or black 1. Take a small round rock and paint it red using the foam brush. Allow to dry completely, then write STOP in white paint. HALT! A stop sign.

2. Starting at the top of a long vertical rock, paint one red circle, one yellow circle and one green circle each the same diameter to make a stoplight.

3. Bust out your hobby paint brushes and using a fairly large rock, paint a truck. To create the base, paint a yellow rectangle. Next, paint a blue strip along the bottom of the yellow rectangle followed by two stacked rectangles at the front of the yellow rectangle to form the engine compartment and cab. Let the base dry then add details. Paint blue stripes on the yellow truck boxes. Add gray circles with white dot centers for wheels and then use white paint to outline the windows. Dab one yellow dot and a few yellow lines at the front of the truck to make a shining headlight. 4. Using a very round rock, paint a car. Start with the yellow base.

Once that’s dry, add tires, windows and headlights following the same steps for the truck.

GOOGLY-EYE MONSTERS

Paint colors needed: orange, blue, pink, white and black 1. Paint rocks in a variety of bright, solid colors using a foam brush. 2. Once dry, attach googly eyes to rocks using a small dab of paint. 3. With white or black paint and a small hobby brush, paint mouths on your monsters.

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CACTUS PLANTS

Paint colors needed: three shades of green and white 1. Find three tall cactus-shaped rocks and one short round rock. Paint each a shade of green using a foam brush. 2. Once dry, use a small hobby brush to paint cactus needles on each rock with white paint. We varied ours with dots, small lines and asterisk-like stars. 3. Fill a stucco pot with small rocks; top with cactus rocks.

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Schedule your experience at 402-391-6225 or visit CrackTheCodeEscapeRooms.com

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3 tasty new takes on the fuzzy fruit RECIPE PREPARATION, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Heidi Thorson

QUICK FACTS A handful of tidbits on this vibrant fruit: 1. The kiwifruit was first found growing in China, where it was known by the name “Yang Tao” or “Chinese Goosberry.”

Justfunfacts.com

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2. A serving of kiwifruit (2 kiwis) contains two times more vitamin C than oranges, as much potassium as a banana and the fiber content of a bowl of whole grain cereal.

Appforhealth.com

3. Eating two kiwifruits an hour before bedtime will help you fall asleep quicker, sleep more soundly and feel more wellrested in the morning.

Justfunfacts.com

4. Over one million tons of kiwifruit are produced each year, the majority of which comes from Italy, New Zealand and Chile.

Softschools.com

5. Botanically speaking, kiwifruit is considered a berry.

Freshforkids.com

SAVORY

CHICKEN KIWI LETTUCE WRAPS

Makes 2-3 wraps How to make it: 1. Combine 1 kiwi, sliced, 2 tablespoons chopped onion, 2 tablespoons chopped red pepper, 1 teaspoon freshly chopped cilantro in a bowl and set aside. 2. In a large skillet, melt 2 ½ tablespoons coconut oil and cook 1 whole chicken breast on medium high heat until cooked through. 3. Slice chicken and place on top of 2-3 large lettuce leaves. Top with kiwi mixture. Add salt to taste and serve.

Recipe adapted from heartbeetkitchen.com

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KIWI SMOOTHIE BOWL

SWEET

Makes 2-3 smoothie bowls How to make it: 1. In a small bowl, add 2 tablespoons chia seeds and ½ cup unsweetened almond milk and whisk until thoroughly combined. Cover and let set in fridge for about 10 minutes (or until mixture thickens to a gel-like consistency). 2. Combine 2 cups sliced, frozen bananas and 1 cup almond milk in a blender and blend until smooth. 3. Add

2 cups frozen mango chunks, 1 cup frozen blueberries, 1 cup frozen blackberries, ½ cup sliced kiwi and the chia seed and almonds milk mixture and blend well. 4. Pour into 2-3 bowls.

Top with a layer of granola, then add kiwi slices, raspberries, glazed pecans and chia seeds.

Optional toppings: shredded coconut, blackberries, blueberries, slivered almonds, banana slices, mango slices, whipped cream Recipe adapted from beamingbaker.com

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SIMPLE

KIWI JALAPEĂ‘O JAM

Makes 4 cups How to make it: 1. Combine 2 cups chopped kiwi, 2/3 cup chopped jalapeĂąo peppers, 2/3 cup water and 3 tablespoons low-sugar pectin in a pot. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. 2. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup sugar. Bring mixture back to a boil and stir constantly for about 1 minute. 3. Remove from heat, cool slightly into jars. 4. Cap and refrigerate for about 2 hours.

5. Serve with cream cheese and toasted baguette slices.

Recipe adapted from chilipeppermadness.com

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The family that plays together, stays together STORY Kim Carpenter

Jacki Ehmke 402-616-7212

Amy Houlton 402-714-0350

Cheryl Houfek 402-598-1408

TRUSTED RESULTS houfekrealtygroup.com

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We often think of setting good examples for our children: being polite, behaving kindly toward others and telling the truth, to name a few. But there’s one behavior we often overlook: being active.

Establishing good physical fitness is critical during childhood, according to Heidi Johnson, a pediatrician at Boys Town. “Teaching kids how to be active now sets good examples for how to be fit later in life,� she says. “If they’re sitting around a lot, you’re letting them set those bad habits. If we instead teach kids that being active is a priority, we’re setting them up for being healthy into adulthood.�

Here, some of her expert advice.

TOO MUCH SITTING, TOO LITTLE MOVING When you were a kid, you probably spent a lot of free time riding bikes, playing tag or simply shooting hoops in your driveway. Today’s kids? Not so much. “In especially the last decade kids have been more sedentary,� says Johnson. “Society has put a lot more focus on watching TV and playing video and computer games.�

As kids, we had to wait week to week – even a summer hiatus – for a new episode of our favorite television shows. Now kids can binge watch for hours through Netflix, Hulu, Amazon or other streaming services. “Kids like watching TV, and they like watching video games, so they’re becoming a lot less active.� “In my practice, I tell parents to limit how much screen time their children have. The more time they’re sitting in front of a screen, the less time they’re being active and doing things like being outside and running around with other kids.�

SHORT- AND LONG-TERM EFFECTS When it comes to physical fitness, what we do now, or more accurately, don’t do, creates habits that last well into adulthood.

Obesity, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol and other chronic illnesses can all be unintended consequences of letting your child sit on the couch too long. “We’re seeing more diseases like type 2 diabetes, which we didn’t see previously until adulthood. It’s because kids are so sedentary,� Johnson says.

Those ill effects might not be evident now, but they can

surface decades later. In fact, even if active children become sedentary as adults, they’re still less likely to develop the above conditions. “You can set them up for those things when they’re a child. If you get your kids active now, you’re doing a better job of helping them avoid some of those diseases when they’re older.

You’re setting them up to succeed healthwise.”

BRINGING OUT THE GOOD While we tend to focus on the physical benefits of exercise, there’s another very beneficial effect we often overlook. Active kids are likely to be better behaved. And if you’re active as a family, Johnson says, “You can see a change in your child’s behavior right away.

“Children with behavioral problems tend to get a lot of negative attention. They’re told ‘no’ a lot. Being active provides positive reinforcement. That’s time your kids can goof off as much as they want. Outside in the backyard, they can run around like crazy and use up some of that energy without getting in trouble.”

Being active with your children also builds relationships. “It’s good quality time. You can find out what they’re doing during the day and which friends they like. It’s important to spend this kind of time with your kids because they see that you’re supporting them.”

BE A SUPERMODEL You can’t just expect your children to be active. You have to be too. If you make fitness a priority for yourself, that means it’s also their priority. “If parents do regular physical activity, it sets a good example,” Johnson says.

Be mindful of language, though. “If you dread going to the gym and talk about how awful it is, that will factor into kids’ attitudes toward physical fitness as adults. A lot of what you say can rub off.”

That means if you hate hitting the elliptical, don’t share it.

Emphasize that physical activities are enjoyable. “Kids have never gone to the gym, but they get this idea in their heads. If you enjoy exercising, they’ll have that positive attitude toward exercising. You’re projecting that toward your kids.”

FAMILIAL FITNESS Being active as a family doesn’t mean a regularly scheduled fitness regime. Go for a bike ride, rake leaves, play basketball or just stop by the park and let your kids play on the jungle gym for 20 minutes. If children absolutely have to get in some video game time, let them take a go at ones like those offered on the Wii, which includes different sport and dance challenges.

“It’s about being active. Let them do a chore like vacuuming.

It’s getting up and moving. Go for a walk. If you have a dog, walk the dog. Even he or she needs exercise!”

I wonder what you will create...

Classes * Activities Custom Birthday Parties & Mom’s Groups (402) 730-8462 • 10804 Prairie Hills Dr. • thewondernook.com

girls night out • date night • private parties Join us for an unforgettable evening of fun, friends and art where you can enjoy painting your own masterpiece while sipping on your favorite bottle of wine! Our local artists will guide you step-by-step through a featured painting while you enjoy your wine and have a great time with your friends!

View our painting calendars and RSVP online.

Go to: www.pinotspalette.com/lavista For More Information.

7302 Giles Road • Suite 3 La Vista • 402-502-5656 lavista@pinotspalette.com 21

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.

School paperS: treaSure or traSh? take thiS teSt School papers come home daily. if you’re a keeper, you might be overwhelmed by the stacks already at hand. having a strategy for managing the onslaught can bring order to the chaos. here’s a plan for determining which papers and projects to keep. ask these basic questions to get started.

YES

Will you preserve the collection in a meaningful way? This means keeping and presenting it so it can be passed on to future generations.

NO

NO

Is the collection for either you or your child?

YES

YES

YES

Determine your decision process.

Each time you have a paper in your hands, ask yourself: Is this something I want to keep?

Keeping 10-15 items per school year will give you a manageable representation of your child’s development.

NO

SO YOU’vE dEcIdEd It’S a tREaSURE – NOw what?

IdK

If you’ve been collecting your kid’s work for the last 10 years, or if you’re revisiting the work, it’s time to make a final decision. Is it really as good as you first thought?

NO

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BEFORE YOU BEGIN

• Pick a bin or pile to sort. Start with the oldest stuff. Begin your treasure hunt but remember: If you keep everything then the real treasures get lost.

• If you’ve kept a lot of items over the years and have more than one child, this can be a daunting task.

Break it into smaller chunks, like an hour each Saturday morning for the next month.

• Keep a recycling bag and a trash bag by your sorting area.

• After everything is sorted, you will have a more manageable amount of items.

tREaSURE

tRaSh

UNdEcIdEd

Try to keep your final collection to 150 items per child. Now determine your game plan for the future of these papers.

Collections tucked away in boxes have no meaning. They get stored and moved until they eventually get tossed. Save yourself from that eventuality by tossing them now.

Place the paper in a bin to be revisited after the school year. This gives you some distance from when the work was done and you can be more objective.

• If you’re doing a digital scrapbook, start scanning and taking photos of everything.

• If you’re doing a traditional scrapbook, set your mind to starting it. One book to represent your child’s school years would be a treasure.

• If you’re planning to keep items in a bin, label the items by year (if possible) and put the bin on the shelf until you’re ready to hand it down.

• Think back on your parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.

If you had a collection of each of their school papers, would the collections be a treasure? Maybe a couple of items from each would qualify, right?

• What if their collections matched the size of the one you have for your child – would it still be a treasure? Let your answer be your guide.

LOVE YOUR

CHILDREN

Celebrating 6 years in Omaha

REGISTER NOW FOR SWIM LESSONS

Ages 6 Mos. & Older.

Morning, Afternoon, Evening & Saturday Morning Timeslots Available!

U2-U5 League U7-U15 Boys U7-U15 Girls Travel Programs Indoor Winter Programs • High School Girls • • • • •

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DOWNTOWN: 2001 Farnam Street ROSE WEST STUDIO: 12100 West Center Road BURKE HIGH SCHOOL: 12200 Burke Boulevard

www.rosetheater.org 402-345-4849 23

New picks hot off the presses, straight to you COMPILED by Momaha Magazine

I HEART YOU

(Meg Fleming, Simon & Schuster) This gentle book about all the ways mothers – animals and human alike – help their children learn and grow will charm children and perhaps bring a tear to mom’s eye. Ages 1-5

BLUE BOAT

(Kersten Hamilton, Viking Books) This tail of a rough, tough tugboat is perfect for any kid enamored of vehicles.

Blue Boat’s strong and brave enough to sail the most turbulent waters. Bonus: the captain is a woman, subtly helping to shift gender stereotypes.

Ages 1-5

A HUNGRY LION, OR A DWINDLING ASSORTMENT OF ANIMALS

(Lucy Ruth Cummins, Simon & Schuster) What happens to a brown mouse, a bunny with floppy ears, a bunny with un-floppy ears, a pig, a slightly bigger pig and a cast of several other animals when a hungry lion is around?

This amusing book of continuing disappearances will keep kids guessing. Ages 4-8

HAMSTER PRINCESS: RAPUNZEL

(Ursula Vernon, Dial Books for Young Readers) Harriett Hamsterbone has terrified every eligible royal bachelor in 10 kingdoms, her room is a disaster and she has a terrible singing voice. But she does know how to swing a broadsword, which comes in handy when she’s called upon to recover a stolen hydra egg. Rollicking fun and highly amusing.

Ages 8-12

PUSHEEN COLORING BOOK

(Touchstone) You don’t have to be a kid to love Pusheen, the happy gray tabby cat that loves eating and napping. She’s giving Hello Kitty a run for her über cute status. This coloring book will amuse the kiddos and relax teens and adults. Ages 5-Adult

GET MORE LIKES AT THE DINNER TABLE. HEALTHYKOHLSKIDS.COM 24

YOU’RE INVITED TO OMAHA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY’S

OPEN HOUSE MONDAY FEB 13TH 6:00-8:00 PM

PRESCHOOL - 12TH GRADE OMAHA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY OFFERS : ✢ Christian learning environment ✢ High academic achievement ✢ Excellent fine art programs ✢ Before & after school care ✢ Multi-denominational ✢ Preschool -12th grade

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Monday Feb 13th 6:00-8:00 pm

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Fort Street 10244 Wiesman Dr., Omaha NE

Meet & Greet @ 6:00 pm Roundup @ 6:30 pm Please RSVP to KTulsie@ocamail.org or call 402.399.9565

O M A H AC H R I ST I A N AC A D E M Y.O RG

WE ARE THE EAGLES.

HUCK

FINN

JAN 27 - FEB 12

R 12 F E B 24 - M A

A lifelong

M A R 24 - A P R 9

LOVE

of theater

STARTS

here.

There is nothing like a night at the theater! The Rose is proud to introduce children to the arts and ignite a lifelong love of performing arts. Whether they are floating down the Mississippi with Huck Finn or soaring through the air with Peter Pan, The Rose is dedicated to opening imaginations and hearts through theater. Bring your family to the theater TODAY!

COMING SOON: Stellaluna and Other Tales • Peter Pan

TICKETS: (402) 345-4849 or www.rosetheater.org