Momaha Magazine - January 2017

momaha.com

VOLUME 8 · ISSUE 1

JANUARY 2017

GET ORGANIZED Medical bills made easy

Here’s one veggie battle you’re going to win Kindness matters

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

Theater for the Very Young

BUILD MORE THAN MUSCLE

Join online or at an YMCA Welcome Cent

Kick your workouts i gear with our FREE G STRENGTHEN YOUR COMMUNITY FOR A BETTER US. Started program wh Tuesdays at 10 am January 1-31: Join the YMCA of Greater SaturdaysOmaha & Sundays at 9:30 am & 11you am join!

Adapted by Stephanie Jacobson Based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen

Jan 14 - Feb 5

Thumbelina is a flower-sized girl determined to discover the true meaning of friendship. Follow her on a ($49 savings) and pay NO JOINING FEE! magical, thumb-sized adventure that will find your child swimming with fish and flying with sparrows

Valid at any YMCA of Greater Omaha location. Must be a new member. Cannot be combined with any other offer. inventiv inventive puppetry and innovative design. This special, interactive theatrical experience is designed Must present coupon andusing bank draft info. First draft 2/3/17.

i especially to introduce preschool students and first-time theatergoers to the magic of live performance.

TICKETS: $12 • ROSE MEMBERS RECEIVE DISCOUNTED TICKETS EXPECTED RUN TIME: 45 MINUTES Sponsored by:

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

WIN FREE TICKETS!

GET IN THE GAME! Win FREE tickets to see Thumbelina on January 22 at 9:30 am and attend a special Momaha Thumbelina Garden Tea Party!

YMCA Spring YouthforSports See Momaha.com details!

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

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

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

FLAG FOOTBALL

SOCCER

BASKETBALL

Fundamental:

Fundamental:

Recreational:

Recreational: K - 8th grade

Recreational: 3 yrs - 8th grade

(Maple Street YMCA only)

Registration op TICKETS: (402) 345-4849 orgrade www.rosetheater.org K - 6th grade K - 6th grade 1st - 6th online or at yo

YMCA Welcom 1 Center January

Are you a new or expecting mom?

Â? Â? Â?

Milestones is all about babies. No more searching the web for information. You can find answers on your Milestones app, including:

 �

right from your app

boystownpediatrics.org

Skutt Catholic’s

8 Grade Entrance Exam th

Saturday, January 14 8 a.m.

3131 S 156th St, Omaha, NE 68130 402.333.0818 | SkuttCatholic.com 3

momaha where moms connect

VOLUME 8 . ISSUE 1 . JANUARY 2017 editor in chief CHRIS CHRISTEN chris.christen@owh.com 402-444-1094

Affordable

creative director + designer

Lessons

HEIDI THoRSoN hthorson@owh.com 402-444-1351

In:

assistant editor

Piano, Guitar, Violin, Drums, Mariachi, Ballet, Tap, Hip-Hop, Cartooning, Painting, Ceramics, Voice, Acting, and More!

www.artsforallinc.com

402.556.7821

HUGE SAVINGS IN JANUARY

STARTING AT

40% OFF

WINTER CLEARANCE ITEMS

$5 OFF A $25.00 PURCHASE

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1215 North 180th Street kidtokid.com/omaha

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 DEv HaNUmaRa amy TokoS H E aT H E R W I N k E l

account manager DEB mcCHESNEy deb.cavalier@owh.com 402-444-1448

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

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 2017 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.

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.

5

CONTENTS

Real MoMs + advice 8 Editor’s Column 10 On Our Radar 12 Get Organized 14 Momaha Bookshelf 30 Kindness Is Key

seasoNal

20 Passport to Chocolate 22 Gift Guide 24 DIY Super Bowl Party 32 Be Well

oN THe coveR

Photo: Heidi Thorson 16 We Got The ‘Beet’ Three easy beet recipes to try.

Really – who wouldn’t want to eat bright pink frozen yogurt?

WE’RE ALL IN FOR: • Community with small class sizes and personalized attention.

• Educational Excellence where intellectual curiosity is cool.

• Pushing Boundaries to build resilience, character, and creative problem-solving.

From preschool to grade 12, we prepare students to learn passionately, think critically, act responsibly, and lead with integrity.

ALL IN FOR BT Visit brownell.edu/GoBT to schedule a campus tour today.

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.

Cozy up with your family for a warm night in!

Every Saturday 10-2 ONLY AT

30% off

ANY ONE REGULAR PRICE ITEM

Our everyday sale and coupon exclusions include: Sale Items, Gift Cards, Custom Services, Craft Classes, Balloons & Helium, Balloon Centerpieces, Sterling Silver, Good Works Bracelets, Airbrushes, Annalee, Aspen Mulling Spices, Byer’s Choice, Christopher Radko Ornaments,Dept. 56 Villages and Snowbabies, Elf on the Shelf, My Secret Angel and Me, Precious Moments, Sourcebooks, Shold-Its, The Skeleton In The Closet, and Shopkins.

CASHIER CODE: MOMJAN17 No other discounts apply.

One coupon offer per customer, per transaction, per day.

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GOOD THROUGH 1/31/17

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7

MoMaha aSSISTaNT EdITor // KIM CarPENTEr Guest columnist while online editor Ashlee Coffey is on family leave with new baby, Elliott Arthur. Mom to Annie, wife to John, owner of a dog that never comes when called and semi-talented multi-tasker.

I

KicK off to 2017

’m the only one in my family who loves beets.

I slurp borscht with extra dollops of sour cream, savor red beets roasted with olive oil and even gobble canned beats heated in the microwave and smothered with butter. The people around my dinner table just don’t know what they’re missing. Heidi Thorson will make them rethink this unappreciated root vegetable with palate-pleasing recipes that run the gamut from sweet to savory. Your family members will love them, too.

Although we often start the New Year will all kinds of resolutions for getting fit and losing pounds, Dr. Michael Coutts from Children’s Hospital and Medical Center exhorts us to consider a new resolve: increasing kids’ kindness quotients. One of our biggest jobs as parents is to raise children who will be caring, compassionate members of their communities. His expert advice helps us nuture and develop their

empathy skills all year long - and beyond.

Now that Christmas is behind us, we’re looking ahead to that other beloved American holiday: the Super Bowl on Feb. 5. Heather Winkel, our all-star quarterback of creative catering, puts her inimitable spin on football with party treats and activities that will have adult and pint-sized fans cheering. It’s a winwin, no matter which team you’re rooting for.

We’re also kicking off our new monthly feature, the Momaha family bookshelf. We review the latest books before they hit stores so you know which books your kids will love. Look for new publications for all age groups, from toddlers all the way through teens.

(In my case, make that adults. I confess to adoring YA – Young Adult – fiction, dystopian landscapes and all.)

Happy New Year from Momaha Magazine.

You’ll love what we have in store for you the next 11 months.

GET SoCIal Facebook /momahacom TwiTTer @momaha_owh PinTeresT /momahaowh

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LEGO ® BRICK SCULPTURES ARE BACK AT LAURITZEN GARDENS

Don’t miss Nature Connects® by Sean Kenney, an indoor exhibit featuring 13 installations, inspired by nature and built from nearly 450,000 LEGO® bricks.

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

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On OUR RADAR // EDitOR’s picks

THINGS TO TRY THIS MONTH

HEFT SOME SAND

January is a time to get back in shape.

Start lifting Sandbells, a fun freeweight that strengthens your core, tones arms and tightens your grip.

There’s a host of exercises to put you through your paces, including the supremely satisfying challenge of lifting the weight over your head and slamming it to the floor as hard as you can. Take that, flabby triceps! Body Basics in Omaha, 2 pounds and up starting at $12.99

HIP TO BE SQUARE

TELL ME A STORY

Add some literary whimsy to nurseries and kids’ rooms with “Storytellers,” an art print that brings beloved children’s classics to life as animated book covers. Part of the fun is seeing if you can identify all 25 classics. (Yes, Harry Potter is in there.) Also available as wall art, pillows, bed linens, tote bags (perfect for transporting library books) and T-shirts for young and old alike.

Threadless, starting at $7.95.

Teaching tots their ABCs will be cool as can be with these interlocking Hipster Tiles, which invite kids to match a letter to a retro image. C is for camera, J is for jacket and M, of course, is for moustache.

Made out of birch plywood, these puzzle pieces will make quirky drink coasters long after kids have moved onto reading. Uncommon Goods, $34.99

BATTLE BRAIN FREEZE

CULINARY COUTURE

We all hate rustling up weekday dinners.

The Finlayson Aalto apron will make you want to start chopping, braising and frying. Add the matching oven mitt to accessorize in while removing food hot from the oven.

Unfortunately, the crisp blue, white and black pattern doesn’t come in shirt and skirt versions.

Finnstyle, $33 & $14.

How good are you at instant recall? Put your memory to the test with the Anomia Party Edition, which involves flipping cue cards and seeing who can blurt out the quickest response. It’s a loud, raucous game that brings people their feet. Target, $29.99.

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SAFE & LOVING QUALITY CHILD CARE

SWIM INTO THE NEW YEAR NOW REGISTERING FOR

ONCE-A-WEEK SWIM LESSONS REG REGISTER TODAY! Ages 6 Mos. os & Older.

O lder e Morning, Afternoon, Evening & Saturday Morning Timeslots Available!

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Call today for a tour | 402-451-0787

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402-932-2030 LittleWavesFamilySwimSchool.com 11

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.

Tips for corralling EOBs, other documents in a healthy way At our healthiest, keeping track of medical bills and records can be a challenge. But when something happens and we need more medical care, the organization of bills, insurance and medical information can be flat out overwhelming. The following steps get you organized and prepared.

Medical inforMation

Bills + insurance

Most doctors keep information online. If this is available to you, confirm access and set a password. Data you should have quick access to include current health information, medical history and advance directives such as living wills and powers of attorney.

Separate bills by service provider and place the oldest service date statement on the bottom and the latest on top. Sort EOBs (explanation of benefits from your health insurance company) by service provider. Stack them by service date: the oldest on the bottom, most recent on top. Match the provider statement with the EOB, and attach all accompanying EOBs to each provider statement. Put the duplicates in a pile to dispose of later.

For organizing paper trails, binders with dividers for each family member work well and can be taken to appointments for easy reference. If one person has more medical needs, he or she may need a separate binder.

This organizational approach is helpful if you’ve changed providers and want to make sure they have your complete medical history. Since children are frequently unfamiliar with their family medical histories, a medical history spreadsheet can be especially helpful when they become adults and start going to appointments on their own.

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A summary page or spreadsheet of medical bills makes it easy to review and track payments and answer questions from billing departments. Include the following: • Service provider • Service date • Account number • Total charge • Amount paid by insurance (break this down by each

• • • •

insurance company if you have more than one) Your payment Payment date Method of payment (if you pay by check, include the check number) Current balance

Once summary and statements are together, create a location for containing them. This system will make it easy to check medical bills and EOBs. An accordion file or binder with dividers works well.

Include: • A section for each provider • A section for medication information • Service providers • Pharmacy med list • Summary page of medical bills (if paper) • Miscellaneous If using medical bills to calculate taxes, keep them with your tax records. Follow your accountant’s instructions on retention rules.

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

WE ARE THE EAGLES. 13

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

HAP-PEA ALL YEAR (Keith Baker, Simon & Schuster) “Now gather all around – pull each other near.” Little kids can kick off a Happy New Year with the best-selling peas, who journey through all 12 months in their latest book. It’s hard not to smile as the little legumes celebrate each season and holiday in their adorable fashion.

Ages 2-5

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HAPPY MAMAS

(Kathleen T. Pelley, CWLA Press) What do mothers love doing best? Whether a kangaroo or panda, penguin or owl, the answer is simple: spending time with their babies, of course.

This charming book, accompanied by Omahan Ruth E. Harper’s gentle illustrations, is reminiscent of the children’s literature of yesteryear. Moms reading it will have “their little ones next to them, tucked up and tight, all cuddled and kissed.” Ages 2-5

HENSEL AND GRETEL: NINJA CHICKS

(Corey Rosen Schwartz and Rebecca Gomez, Penguin Random House) These two chickens know how to creep without making a peep and are more than up to the task of saving their parents from a far too hungry fox. They make sure that justice – not dinner – is served.

Ages 5-8

JOURNEY’S END

(Rachel Hawkins, Penguin Young Readers) Gorgeously atmospheric, poetically written and just a tad spine-tingling, this gripping tale set in a windswept remote part of Scotland centers on the mysterious fog bank known as the Boundary. No one who enters it ever returns – until a boy who vanished 100 years ago does. Expect a ghost to make a slightly spooky appearance.

Ages 8-12.

CAVEBOY DAVE: MORE SCRAWNY THAN BRAWNY

(Aaron Reynolds, Penguin Young Readers) His grandfather invented fire, his dad the wheel. Caveboy Dave’s contributions include underwear and the salad bar.

Highly hilarious, this graphic novel has a witty, tongue-in-cheek tone that will keep readers in guffaws. A constipated squirrel warrants a passing reference as do jazz hands. Ages 8-12

I wonder what you will create...

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3 yummy spins on a root vegetable everyone at the table will love RECIPE PREPARATION, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Heidi Thorson

SAVORY

ONION & BEET SOUP

How to make it: 1. Place 2 beets, peeled and chopped, in a large pot. Add 3 cups chicken broth, ½ cup chopped onion, ½ cup chopped carrots, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Boil for 45 minutes or until beets are tender. 2. Let soup cool for 15 minutes and transfer to a blender. Add 1 cup chicken broth and blend until smooth. 3. Return soup to pot and bring to a simmer.

Add salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Recipe adapted from chriskresser.com

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QUICK FACTS

Here’s a handful of tidbits on this root vegetable: 1. Beets have been shown to support the detoxification process in the body. The betalin compound found in beets, which gives them their red color, helps to capture troublesome toxins and flush them out of the system via the urinary tract. self.com 2. Foods that are high in healthy nitrates, such as beets, allow people to have a higher level of endurance when exercising. The natural nitrates contained in the vegetable act to widen the blood vessels, which allows more oxygen to reach the muscles. beautyandtips.com 3. When harvested, the entirety of the plant is edible, from the tips of its leaves, down to its long pointed root. self.com 4. Beets contain the same substance used in certain depression treatments, which relaxes the mind and creates a sense of well-being, similar to chocolate. fullcircle.com

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SIMPLE

BEET APPLE PIZZA

How to make it: 1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. On a baking sheet, brush the surface of personal-sized pizza dough with garlic olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

2. Sprinkle with ½ cup mozzarella cheese. 3. Top with ½ apple, thinly sliced, and ½ beet, peeled and thinly sliced. 4. Top with ¼ cup parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley.

5. Bake pizza for 10-12 minutes or until crust is crisp and golden. Let cool for 5 minutes, slice and serve.

Recipe adapted from wellplated.com

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SWEET

BEET FROZEN YOGURT

How to make it: 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Peel 1 red beet and cut into cubes.

Wrap cubes in aluminum foil, drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Roast in oven for 45 minutes (until beets are tender).

2. Puree beets, 1 cup blueberries and 1 cup strawberries until smooth. Chill completely (at least 2 hours). 3. Combine puree, 3 cups vanilla yogurt and Âź cup honey.

4. Freeze 4 hours or until firm and serve. Optional: Top with chocolate shavings or sprinkles.

TIP: Roast and puree beets ahead of time.

Recipe adapted from mydiaryofus.com

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RECIPE PREPARATION + TEXT Kim Carpenter STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Heidi Thorson

Children can’t seem to get enough chocolate. They love it in cookies, adore it in cakes and gobble it up in ice cream. Chocolate chip cookies are, after all, as American as apple pie. But other cultures have their own favorite takes on delectable, delicious chocolate. These international recipes are a new way for kids to enjoy it – and while they’re at it, even learn a little about other countries.

Madeleines au ChoColat

Makes about 2 dozen Any lover of children’s literature will recognize the opening lines of Ludwig Bemelmans’ beloved classic.

While his Madeline doesn’t share the same spelling as these dainty, cakey treats, both evoke all things French.

Get ready to say “ooh la la.”

1. Sift together ¾ cup flour, ½ cup unsweetened cocoa and pinch of salt. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract.

Fold in flour-cocoa mixture and 12 tablespoons melted butter (1 ½ sticks). Chill dough in refrigerator at least an hour. Can be prepared 3 days in advance. 3. Thickly butter madeleine pans and place them in the refrigerator until butter hardens. 4. Spoon batter into molds, filling each about ¾ full. Refrigerate the filled pans and any remaining batter for at least one hour.

5. Heat oven to 425 degrees and bake madeleines just until they are firm and puffed, about 7 minutes. Turn immediately from the molds onto a cooling rack. Wipe molds, let cool and repeat steps 3-4 until all the batter is used. 6. Once cool, dust madeleines with powdered sugar.

Recipe adapted from epicurious.com

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“In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines Lived twelve little girls in two straight lines In two straight lines they broke their bread And brushed their teeth and went to bed.

They left the house at half past nine In two straight lines in rain or shineThe smallest one was Madeline.”

Brigadeiros

Makes about 20 If you’re a child in Brazil, it’s impossible not to have a birthday party without brigadeiros. A cross between fudge and cake balls, they require just three ingredients and are ridiculously easy to make. You can even enlist your youngster in the stirring and rolling. While Brazilians might cheer “Feliz Aniversário” – “Happy Birthday” – when these are served, your kids will say, “Yum!”

1. Combine 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa, 1 tablespoon butter and 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and mixture pulls away from the pan, about 10 minutes. The consistency will resemble fudge. 2. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Refrigerate until mixture becomes firm and easy to handle. 3. Using hands, form into small balls, then roll in sprinkles or other toppings, such as ground nuts (being mindful of nut allergies if sharing with friends) or coconut. Refrigerate until firm.

Recipe adapted from allrecipes.com

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Brought to you by these sponsors Acting, Dance & Musical theater Classes Starting at $46 tHE rOSE tHEAtEr 2001 Farnam St. 402-345-4849 therosetheater.org

Creative Building Kits for Budding Engineers Ages 8+ $19.99-$49.99 LEArning HQ 2932 S. 84th St. 402-763-8455 learninghq.com

Holiday Baseball Camps, December 29 & 30.

4 camps to choose from.

Starting at $25 StriKE ZOnE 2900 S. 110th St. 402-398-1238 strikezoneomaha.com gifts for Baby & Mom Starting at $14.99 BABy JunK 10915 Prairie Brook Rd. 402-571-4388 omahababystore.com

Hands-On Science Experiment & Activity Kits Ages 8+ $10.99-$49.99 LEArning HQ 2932 S. 84th St. 402-763-8455 learninghq.com Memberships Starting at $45 FOntEnELLE FOrESt 1111 Bellevue Blvd.

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GIFT GUIDE Movie Bucks Starting at $5 aksarBen CineMa 2110 S. 67th St. 402-502-1914 aksarbencinema.com

Cakes, Cookies, Cake Pops & More!

Varying prices Cake Creations oMaHa 1119 S. 119th St. 402-505-1830 cakecreationsomaha.com Puppies, Cats, Birds & More Various prices Pets r Us 10913 Elm St. 402-391-4246 facebook.com/PetsRUs.Omaha

Fun, Unique Family Games (Ages 2+) $8.99-$29.99 LearninG HQ 2932 S. 84th St. 402-763-8455 learninghq.com

spicebox Craft kits $10-$30 ManGeLsen’s 3457 South 84th Street 402-391-6225 mangelsens.com

the rose theater Memberships Starting at $105 tHe rose tHeater 2001 Farnam St. 402-345-4849 therosetheater.org

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Super Bowl Sunday is Feb. 5. Even if you’re not a diehard football fan, you can still score a touchdown with a themed shindig! Your game plan starts here.

TEXT + STYLING Heather Winkel PHOTOGRAPHY Dev Hanumara

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Create a backdrop using a dowel rod and streamers.

FootBall Field toss 1. Create a football field runner with a 2-foot-by-10-foot section of green fabric. 2. Measure out 2 feet from one end.

With white craft paint and a sponge brush, create a 10-yard line. Measure out another 2 feet and create a 20-yard line. Keep measuring and creating until you get to the 50-yard line. 3.

Place a miniature bucket at each yard line. 4. To play, stand at the end of the runner and try your luck at tossing pingpong balls into the buckets. Score points for each bucket. (Each is worth the same number of points as the yard line it’s sitting on).

The player with the most points wins.

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WINTER CLASSES ACTING DANCE VOICE MUSICAL THEATER Ages 3-18 Classes taught by professional artists Year-long & quarterly classes Many performance opportunities

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www.rosetheater.org 402-345-4849

AIM FOR THE STARS SCIENCE AND MATH CAMPS Online Registration Opens January 4th, 2017 at 8:30a.m.

Pigs in a Blanket (opposite page) 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 2. Open an 8-ounce can of

refrigerated crescent rolls, and separate triangles, cutting each one lengthwise into 3 small, narrow triangles. 3. Place one cocktail sausage on the thin side of each triangle. Starting at short end of triangle, roll dough with sausage toward the larger end of the triangle. Place seam face-down on ungreased cookie sheet. 4. Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet immediately and serve with mustard or ketchup (optional).

aimforthestars.unomaha.edu

Camps Offered Weekly June 5th- August 11th 25

M.V.P. PIzza dIP 1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. 2. In a mixing bowl combine 8 ounces

softened cream cheese, 1 cup Italian blend shredded cheese and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning. 3. Spread cheese mixture onto bottom of a round baking dish, top with 1 jar pizza sauce. 4. Cover with remaining shredded cheese and your favorite pizza toppings. We used pepperoni, cooked sausage crumbles, chopped green peppers and sliced black olives. 5. Bake for 20 minutes until ingredients are warm and cheese is melted. Serve with chips.

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Red Hot FIRSt doWN 1. Pour 1 gallon apple cider and 1 cup red hot candies into slow cooker. 2. Cook on high for 2 hours and serve warm in miniature red solo cups. 3. For adults only: Add a splash of whiskey for a kick.

Halftime in Heaven CHoColate Covered Pretzel rods (opposite page) 1. Lay out wax paper and prepare green sprinkles and edible

footballs (available at craft stores or online) for decorating.

2. Melt a 12-ounce bag of white chocolate chips. 3. Dip 1/3 of each pretzel rod into melted chocolate and decorate with green sprinkles. Top with an edible football and place on wax paper to dry. Note: You’ll have to move fast once you start dipping in the melted chocolate. 4. Once chocolate hardens, remove pretzels from wax paper and serve.

Celebrating 6 years in Omaha U2-U5 League U7-U15 Boys U7-U15 Girls Travel Programs Indoor Winter Programs • High School Girls • • • • •

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astro turf edibles

Spray powdered sugar donut holes with Wilton Edible Color Mist (available at craft stores) for a grassy hue.

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Game Day Fan Buttons

1. Purchase DIY buttons

(available at craft supply stores). Pop off the back of the pin and remove the round paper design. 2.

Download our pin design template (available on momaha.com) and print on 8.5 x 11 cardstock.

3. Using a 2.25� round punch, punch out the pin designs and place in DIY buttons.

all-star CommerCial Vote

1. Download our printable

commercial ballot template (available on momaha.com) and print on 8.5 x 11 cardstock.

2. Cut along dashed lines.

3. Tabulate top picks and declare the winner!

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Benson High Magnet School Buffett Magnet Middle School Grades 5-8 benson.ops.org 5120 Maple St. buffett.ops.org 14101 Larimore Ave. Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017, 1-3 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017, 6-7:30 p.m.

Bryan High School bryan.ops.org Burke High School burke.ops.org

4700 Giles Rd. Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017, 6-8 p.m.

Davis Middle School Grades 6-8 davis.ops.org 8050 N. 129th Ave. Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017, 6-7:30 p.m.

12200 Burke Blvd.

Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, 6-8 p.m.

Hale Magnet Middle School Grades 6-8 nathanhale.ops.org 6143 Whitmore St. Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017, 6-7:30 p.m.

Central High School King Science & Technology Magnet Grades 5-8 central.ops.org 124 N. 20th St. kingscience.ops.org 3720 Florence Blvd.

Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017, 2-4 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017, 6-7:30 p.m.

North High Magnet School Lewis & Clark Middle School Grades 6-8 north.ops.org 4410 N. 36th St. lewisandclark.ops.org 6901 Burt St. Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017, 2-4 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017, 6-7:30 p.m.

Northwest High Magnet School Marrs Magnet Middle School Grades 5-8 northwest.ops.org 8204 Crown Point Ave. marrs.ops.org 5619 S. 19th St. Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017, 6-8 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017, 6-7:30 p.m.

South High Magnet School McMillan Magnet Middle School Grades 6-8 south.ops.org 4519 S. 24th St. mcmillan.ops.org 3802 Redick Ave. Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017, 6-8 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017, 6-7:30 p.m.

OPS Career Center Monroe Middle School Grades 6-8 ccenter.ops.org 3230 Burt St. monroe.ops.org 5105 Bedford Ave. Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017, 1-3 p.m.

Beveridge Magnet Middle School Grades 7-8 Morton Magnet Middle School Grades 6-8 beveridge.ops.org 1616 S. 120th St. morton.ops.org 4606 Terrace Dr. Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, 6-7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017, 6-7:30 p.m.

Bryan Middle School Grades 7-8 Norris Middle School Grades 6-8 bryanmiddle.ops.org 8210 S. 42nd St. norris.ops.org 2235 S. 46th St. Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, 6-7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, 6-7:30 p.m.

Every student. Every day. Prepared for success.

Save the Date We invite you to see what OPS high schools and middle schools have to

your choice to learn about academic programs,

transportation and more. www.ops.org OmahaPublicSchools @OmahaPubSchool

END CHILD ABUSE BE SOMEONE SO O

29

Nurturing empathy during childhood creates caring adults STORY Kim Carpenter

M

Two t Convenien s Location

180th & Dodge 402-932-2922

192nd & Pacific 402-991-0696

CONTACT US

TO ENROLL OR FOR MORE INFORMATION ENROLLMENT @SMALLMIRACLECHILDCARE.COM

www.smallmiraclechildcare.com 30

ost of us have held a door for someone, let a driver slide into our lane during rush hour or invited people to cut ahead of us in a check-out line when they’re purchasing a few items and we have a full cart.

Those simple gestures, although small, have a big impact on children. Being consistently kind shapes children into who they will be as adults, according to Dr. Michael Coutts, a child psychologist at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center. Plus, there are psychological and physical benefits that impact kids in deep and meaningful ways.

DOING GOOD FEELS GOOD

Showing empathy and demonstrating compassion make us feel better, and not just in terms of the warm fuzzies we get when helping others. Being kind produces neurochemicals like endorphins, which dull pain, and oxytocin, which is produced when interacting and bonding with others. That means practicing compassion reduces stress and literally makes us happy. “It also increases optimism, self-worth and the feeling of belonging,” said Coutts.

KINDNESS IS CONTAGIOUS

When we’re kind to others, others are kind to us. “Kindness essentially breeds kindness,” Coutts explained. “The more you interact with kindness and are exposed to it, the more contagious it becomes.” That’s because showing empathy increases social connections and builds trust.

girls night out • date night • private parties

NIP BULLYING IN THE BUD

Bullying is a hot topic, and parents want to protect their children from bullies. But they should also prevent them from becoming bullies. “Showing compassion is incompatible with bullying,” Coutts said. “You can’t be kind and be a bully.”

MODEL BEHAVIOR – AND BE CONSISTENT

We can’t just tell kids to be kind. We have to practice what we preach and be kind ourselves. Volunteer at your church, pick up an item a stranger has dropped or simply be gracious toward a family member when winning a board game. “There are all kinds of ways to show compassion.

Teach it, talk it, model it and practice it.” Consistency, stressed Coutts, is paramount. “We are ultimately what we repeatedly do. The more kids practice being kind, the kinder they become. It becomes their habit and part of who they are. It’s not just one act; it’s constant practice and exposure.”

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

BE GRATEFUL

They might not seem connected, but gratitude and kindness are closely linked. Being thankful, Coutts explained, “is rooted in and fosters compassion.” That means that doing something like listing what you’re grateful for at the dinner table makes children better attuned to appreciating the compassion of others – and results in kinder kids.

SELF COMPASSION

While not as frequently discussed, being kind to oneself should also be emphasized. “We need to constantly teach kids to be self-compassionate and to recognize their strengths. This helps them be comfortable with who they are. It’s often overlooked, but hugely important.” When kids are kind to themselves, they feel better about themselves, which in turn makes them less susceptible to bullying.

31

ADVICE FOR A BETTER LIFE COMPILED by Momaha Magazine

January is the month of New Year’s resolutions and good intentions. Many of them revolve around getting fit. Making it to the gym or working out at home, though, isn’t always easy.

Here are some tips to get – and stay – physically active throughout the coming year.

MAKE YOUR BABY HEALTHY INTO ADULTHOOD

Moms who exercise during pregnancy may be giving their newborn a gift that lasts a lifetime.

Babies born to women who remain active while pregnant have a decreased risk of obesity and chronic and agerelated diseases, even as adults. Expectant mothers, get moving!

American Physiological Society

GET ON YOUR FEET

We all know that a sedentary lifestyle isn’t good for our health, but prolonged sitting – even if you exercise regularly – is linked with cancer, diabetes, heart disease and even early death. An hour jog won’t negate sitting all day. The goal is not just to exercise, but to sit less. Invest in a standing desk to get you standing tall. Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London

RISE AND SHINE

Even if you’re not yet awake, a morning workout can do you the world of good. At this time of the day, your metabolism is low, but if you get in an a.m. sweat, you’ll burn extra calories even after you work out. So set your alarm a little early and enjoy the calorie-burning benefits.

Lifescript.com

FITNESS ADVICE YOU CAN FOLLOW. HEALTHYKOHLSKIDS.COM 32

BETTER THAN BOTOX

Exercise doesn’t just make us feel better.

It can also slow the aging process. A study by the University of California-San Francisco in 2010 showed that women who were active showed fewer signs of aging than their inactive counterparts. U.S. News & World Report

FORGET SHEDDING POUNDS

A lot of us spend time on the treadmill trying to fit back into those skinny jeans. Even if you don’t go down a dress size, don’t skip those workout sessions.

You might not lose the weight, but regular exercise cuts cancer risk, reduces the chances of having a stroke and prolongs life expectancy. Who cares about losing 5 fewer pounds when you might gain 5 more years?

Everydayhealth.com

BUILD MORE THAN MUSCLE STRENGTHEN YOUR COMMUNITY FOR A BETTER US.

January 1-31: Join the YMCA of Greater Omaha and pay NO JOINING FEE! ($49 savings)

Join online or at any YMCA Welcome Center.

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

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 2/3/17.

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

GET IN THE GAME! YMCA Spring Youth Sports

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

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

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

FLAG FOOTBALL

SOCCER

BASKETBALL

Fundamental: K - 6th grade Recreational: K - 8th grade

Fundamental: K - 6th grade Recreational: 3 yrs - 8th grade

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

Registration opens online or at your YMCA Welcome Center January 1.

YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA • www.metroymca.org

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