Momaha Magazine - November 2014

momaha.com

VOLUME 5 · ISSUE 11

NOVEMBER 2014

MAKE MEMORIES In your kitchen, at your table and out and about with your family

Get Organized Turn holiday apps into ‘app-ortunities’

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Kids + US a = lau notebook g years hter for to co me

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josie Loza momaha.com editor

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Loves making people smile.

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t’s November. Do you know what that means? Beautiful autumn colors, harvest time, pumpkin spice and a whole lot of baking!

My family loves to make gifts and baked goods for others.

And it’s a tradition to make these thankful turkeys to go along with the gifts and to read during our Thanksgiving dinner.

We paint abstract designs on construction paper. Then we cut brown and orange circles, yellow triangles, webbed feet and feathers out of the painted paper to make the turkeys. We glue on googly eyes, and then we write down the many reasons why we’re thankful.

This issue of Momaha Magazine offers several great ways to get your little ones involved in the fall season. Check out our how-tos and fun Thanksgiving recipes starting on page 14. And don’t miss our ideas for your family’s fall bucket list – from going down a combine slide to getting lost in a corn maze.

As the days get chillier, I can’t think of a better way to spend time with my family than to simply celebrate the season.

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CONTENTS

Real MoMs + advice

10 Get Organized 12 Giggle Log 26 Momaha.com Blogger 38 Be Well 40 Sassy Housewife

d.i.Y. coRneR

20 Thankful Garland 22 Give Thanks Wreath 24 Thankful Tree

littlesportsomaha.com

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Recipes

28 Caramel Apple Trifles 30 Acorn Cookies 32 Nutter Butter Turkeys

seasonal

14 The Kids Table 18 World Kindness Day 34 Fall Bucket List 36 On Our Radar

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momaha where moms connect

vOlUME 5 . ISSUE 11 . NOvEMBER 2014 editor in chief CHRIS CHRISTEN chris.christen@owh.com 402-444-1094

assistant editor AMy laMAR a my. 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 J O S I E lOZ A josie.loza@owh.com 402-444-1075

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

on the cover PHOTO: DEv HANUMARA

content contributors DANIEllE HER ZO g, AMy TO kOS, A M y g R A C E , H E AT H E R W I N k E l , SANDRA WENDEl

to advertise, contact E M I ly M A R T I N emily.martin@owh.com 402-444-1411 MARCIA OSTRANSk y marcia.ostransky@owh.com 402-444-1489

Momaha Magazine is a monthly publication of the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 600, Omaha, NE 68102. Momaha is a registered trademark, and all content is copyright 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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GET ORGANIZED

Countdown Through the Holidays T

he holidays are approaching. Now is your “app-ortunity” to get organized and ready – and make the season a little merrier.

12. Decorate your home.

Decorate your home for Thanksgiving with a focus on the thankful aspect of the holiday.

Search Pinterest for ideas, or check out pages 14-32 for some adorable homemade crafts and treats.

Go online: Pinterest.com/momahaowh

11. create your own christmas carD.

Many card websites are moving toward mailing cards for you. Try cardstore.com, where you can upload your card list, create your card and then schedule it to be mailed.

This can work for Christmas cards and birthday cards, too.

Go online: cardstore.com

8. take a break from christmas PlanninG.

4. shoP. wraP. shiP.

Focus on Thanksgiving. Plan your Thanksgiving meal with apps like Butterball Cookbook Plus. It has recipes, meal planning and a shopping list feature. Are you traveling instead of cooking? Try Tripit, which can organize your hotel room, flights and car reservations.

Get the apps: butterball cookbook Plus & tripit

7. Decorate for christmas.

Consider giving experiences such as show tickets, restaurant gift cards or a family zoo membership. A top-rated app to help you with your list and budget is The Christmas List. This app will even track your progress.

The key is to stick to your list and don’t overshop. A quick guide for kids is to get them something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read – and that’s it. Using apps like RedLaser will help you find the best deals in town.

Get the app: redlaser

3. Go on a tour.

The Christmas Light Displays app can help you find the biggest and best lights in any town. You can also submit your pictures and comments.

Get the app: christmas light Displays

6. Plan anD/or attenD a holiDay Party.

Get the apps: christmas cookies – heavenly recipes & christmas Gingerbread cookie

Oh yes, there are party planning apps such as Simple Soiree. It’s easy to use, and it can help you cover all of your entertaining bases.

Get the app: simple soiree

Get the app: the christmas list

9. start shoPPinG.

Go online: amazon.com

Pinterest is full of inspiration. Use your traditional items, and then pick something fun to jazz things up. Now is a good time to donate any decor items that you are no longer using.

Go online: Pinterest.com/momahaowh

10. make your Gift list anD set a buDGet.

Finish shopping for, wrap and send gifts that need to be shipped. Ordering through websites like Amazon can help you complete your out-of-town shopping list in a jiffy.

5. mail your christmas carDs.

They are ready, right? Want to track who you give cards to and who you receive them from?

Try the Christmas Card Organizer app. But remember the reason why you send cards.

Sometimes a phone call or a visit is what your great aunt would prefer over a generic card with your signature.

Get the app: christmas card organizer

2. bake some cookies.

Christmas Cookies – Heavenly Recipes can help you find recipes. Or maybe you would prefer to “bake” them on your phone in a game like Christmas Gingerbread Cookie.

1. enjoy the season.

Take deep breaths, don’t overdo it, live in the moment and try to focus on the reason for the season. Do you have resolutions for the New Year? You guessed it. There are apps for that.

Get the app: strides: Goals & habits tracker

Amy Tokos, CPO, is the owner of Freshly Organized, and is the only Certified Professional Organizer in Nebraska. freshlyorganized.com.

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K

ids say funny things. This is especially true at the toddler stage when they are trying to make sense of the world. Their questions and adorable comments come out of the blue and without context, making it impossible to keep a straight face – let alone provide a reasonable answer.

My 7-year-old son is known for classics like, “Can I wear shorts? Sick people wear shorts” (when he was home sick from kindergarten one day). At around the same age he asked, “When do I get driving lessons? I want to drive to McDonald’s by myself and get a toy.”

Keep the laughs coming at your house by jotting down what your kids say in a notebook. Keep it handy and write what is said – in the moment – so you don’t forget anything.

Start today, and then revisit the notebook over the years as a family. It offers a small but meaningful glimpse of the past.

And let’s face it: We could all use a laugh.

Use a small, purse-friendly notebook for on-the-go use.

That way you won’t forget what is said by the time you get home.

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TexT by heaTher winkel PhoTograPhy by Dev hanumara

Your little artists can stay busy the whole meal through.

Crafts at yo u r

Table 14

W

hether you’re hosting a holiday meal or you’re a guest at someone else’s dinner table, fast little eaters can make it difficult to finish dessert, let alone have a conversation.

Keep small hands busy with these easy creative activities. The kids will be occupied so you can finish eating – and everyone will be happy!

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It meets at 7 p.m. the last Friday of each month at The Bookworm.

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Teach your kids how to set the table. A printable Thanksgiving place mat is available on momaha.com.

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A coloring book page doubles as a place mat.

tiP: Have older kids? Swap out crayons

and coloring pages for gel pens and word searches or crossword puzzles.

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Color Me PlaCe Setting

Makes: 1

WHat YoU neeD Coloring book Salad plate Colorful cocktail napkin Five crayons Ribbon Plastic silverware and cups with straws WHat YoU Do 1. Look for a coloring book that either has horizontal page layouts or works horizontally.

Cut out a page from the coloring book and place it at the child’s seat at the dinner table.

2. Place the salad plate on top of the coloring book page, and then a cocktail napkin on top of the plate.

3. Stack five crayons in a pyramid and tie them with ribbon. Place the crayons on top of the napkin.

4. Finish out the place setting with colorful plastic silverware and a cup with a straw.

Miniature easel Place cards

Makes: 1

WHat YOu need Decorative tape 3x 3-inch stretched canvas Small foam brush Mod Podge Miniature easel WHat YOu dO 1. Cut small pieces of decorative tape into your initials, and stick them onto the canvas.

2. To seal against spills, use a small foam brush to apply two layers of Mod Podge onto the canvas. Let the first layer dry before adding the second layer. Let dry completely before use. If you would rather have reusable place cards, skip the Mod Podge and simply remove the tape after use!

3. Set the canvas on the easel and display as a place card.

TIP: Are your kids extra crafty? Make canvas decorating part of the table fun! Cover your table with craft paper, and then pull out an array of colored acrylic paints, craft paintbrushes and small paper cups. You can seal the paintings with Mod Podge.

craYOn Jar centerPiece

Makes: 1

WHat YOu need Wide-mouthed jar (so little hands don’t get stuck!)

1 box of crayons WHat YOu dO 1. Discard the lid and fill the jar to the brim with crayons.

2. Display as a centerpiece.

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ACTS OF KINDNESS • Mail carrier Write a letter and leave a gift for your mail carrier.

• library Notes Leave a sweet note in a library book for someone to find.

• cheMo care package Send a care package to a children’s hospital. Include things like gum, warm socks, a blanket and an iTunes gift card.

• VolUNteer babysitter Call a single mom and offer to babysit her children so she can finish Christmas shopping or take a much-needed break.

• serVice MeMbers Put together a care package for a person in the military.

• tiDy toWN Find an area of town that is dirty and clean up the litter.

• WaitiNg rooM fUN Take crayons and coloring books to a hospital waiting room.

• k9 treats Take dog treats to a local animal shelter.

• aNoNyMoUs DoNatioNs Stick a handful of quarters on gum ball machines or vending machines.

• fiND a NeeD aND Meet it Does someone have a cold? Bring him or her some cold remedies.

• sWeet shariNg Bake cookies and bring them to a local fire or police station.

• NUrsiNg hoMe Bring homemade cards or snacks to share (Just make sure you ask about dietary restrictions first!).

LET YOUR ACTIONS

Speak Simple acts of kindness go a long way.

TEXT BY HEIDI THORSON

WorlD kiNDNess Day NoV. 13

I

t’s human nature to recognize and respond to the needs of others. Opportunities to nurture and create acts of kindness among children can benefit their overall wellbeing. There’s no denying the fact that good deeds make us feel better.

With the holidays coming up, make caring for others a priority. It’s easy to receive, but it’s important to teach your children to be a kind and compassionate member of the community. Simply teaching them the proper words to use when they have feelings of anger or frustration is a start.

Daily helpfulness around the house is another great teaching tool. Practice is key. It’s OK to start slow and work toward a goal. Small ways of giving such as making a sibling’s bed or helping a parent do laundry may not be grand gestures, but eventually these small acts of kindness will become a habit.

Challenge your child to do something kind for a stranger or someone he or she just met. It’s easy to do something nice for a family member, but the reward is much greater the more they go out of their way to do something for someone else.

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Decorate with gratitude Your family will ‘thank’ you for it.

TexT by Amy LamAr And Heidi THorson PHoTogrAPHy And sTyLing by Heidi THorson

W

hat are you thankful for? It’s easy to forget what Thanksgiving is all about when you’re consumed with family get-togethers, bargain-hunting and shopping lists. We know how it is.

But your family’s answers to this question may just stop you in your tracks, calling for a much-needed break – for all of you.

Better yet, get crafty with their answers. Decorate your home with these reusable projects that can be adapted and added to over the years. They can serve as the perfect reminder of what was going on in your family’s life at the time. Hint: Write the year on the back of the leaf cut-outs and paper squares (templates found on momaha.com).

Thankful Garland

WhaT YOu nEEd “This family is thankful for …” paper squares (download on momaha.com) Baker’s twine Miniature clothespins Washi tape, optional WhaT YOu dO 1. Print and cut out the paper squares (printables available on momaha.com) on card stock.

2. Cut baker’s twine the length of your fireplace – or wherever you plan to hang the garland.

3. Have your family write what they are thankful for on the paper squares all at once, or take it one day at a time.

4. Use the miniature clothespins to clip the paper squares to the baker’s twine.

5. If desired, use Washi tape to hang the garland for a creative, finished look.

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THIS FAMILY IS

Thankful FOR

THIS FAMILY IS

Thankful FOR

THIS FAMILY IS

Thankful FOR

THIS FAMILY IS

Thankful FOR

THIS FAMILY IS

Thankful FOR

THIS FAMILY IS

Thankful FOR

Download these paper squares on momaha.com!

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Give Thanks WreaTh

WhaT YOU neeD Washi tape (5 different colors/patterns suggested) About 50-60 clothespins 12-inch wire wreath frame “This family is thankful for” paper squares (download on momaha.com), optional “Give Thanks” circle (download on momaha.com) Ribbon WhaT YOU DO 1. Cut out and attach the Washi tape to the clothespins. Make sure tape is securely in place and cut off any excess edges.

2. Clip a clothespin to the wire wreath frame, clip

22

side out in order to attach a paper square in step 3, or clip side in if not attaching paper squares.

Repeat in varying Washi tape colors or patterns to fill entire wreath.

3. If desired, print and cut out the “This family is thankful for” paper squares on momaha.com on card stock. Fill out and attach to clothespins.

4. Print and cut out the “Give Thanks” circle on Momaha.com on card stock. Punch a hole at the top and thread the ribbon through it so it will hang. (Hint: It helps to tie a knot in the ribbon and then weave it through the wire frame.)

5. Hang wreath where desired as a daily reminder to be thankful.

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Thankful Tree

WhaT YOu neeD Branches (real or fake from a craft store) Vase Sand (rocks or pebbles work, too) Leaf cut-outs (download on momaha.com) Baker’s twine WhaT YOu DO 1. Stick the branches in the vase and pour in the sand. Make sure the branches are secure.

2. Print and cut out the leaf shapes on momaha.com on card stock.

3. Use a hole punch to make a hole for the baker’s twine in each leaf.

4. Cut the baker’s twine into 5- to 6-inch-long pieces. Thread each piece through a hole in a leaf cut-out, tying a knot to make a loop.

5. Write what you are thankful for on the leaves, and hang them on the branches.

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25

Practice daily gratitude.

Say “please” and “thank you.” Treat service workers with kindness and generosity. Help people in need: Hold the door open for someone; help an elderly person with her groceries; or bake cookies for a new neighbor.

Your children will model this behavior.

give before you receive.

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

Saying Thank You

How to teach your children gratitude.

I

t’s hard to remember to be thankful for all that is good in our lives. Teaching gratitude to our children can be even more challenging at times.

With three healthy boys, a wonderful husband, a lovely home, a supportive family and plenty of food on our table every day, my family has a lot to be thankful for.

But, there are families in our neighborhoods and our schools who struggle to put meals on the table. There are children who have never had new toys or clothes. There are young children who see themselves off to school each day or go home to an empty house. There are families who are dealing with illness or a disability. And there are children who have seen and heard things that no child should ever be exposed to.

So how do we teach our children to be thankful for what they have when they don’t have the age or wisdom to know how hard it can be for other people?

Psychologists have found that people who are grateful on a regular basis tend to be happier and more optimistic. I ran across this short list from Hillary Copsey, a Florida newspaper features writer. My family follows her suggestions as often as we can.

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Every few months, we rummage through toys, clothes and other household items that would be more useful for someone in need.

My children are often with me when we drop off the items at Goodwill and other thrift stores. Copsey also recommends taking your children with you to pick out toys for charities like Toys for Tots. Another idea is to save your change for Ronald McDonald House depositories.

always say ‘thank you.’

Even the youngest kids on earth can be taught to say “thank you.” I was raised to write old-fashioned handwritten thank-you notes.

And now my children are required to write, or at least personally sign, thank-you notes for every gift they receive.

Make gift-giving exciting.

Have your kids pick out gifts that they know Mom or Dad, a sibling or their friends will love. Older kids can use their own money and be involved in the transaction so they appreciate the cost of gift-giving.

Make gift shopping a “date” with Mom or Dad, or urge them to make a homemade gift and keep it a secret.

reMeMber those less fortunate.

Have you ever told your children that there are starving children in other parts of the world? Copsey urges parents to keep it closer to home. In 2013, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that almost 15 percent of American households were food-insecure.

That means that at times, these households were uncertain of having or unable to acquire enough food to meet their families’ needs.

Gathering cans for food drives, having your kids watch you write checks to the food bank or feeding the homeless as a family are all ways to expose children to those who are less fortunate.

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Add some fun to your

Thanksgiving table TexT by Amy LamAr PhoTogrAPhy by heidi Thorson

T

his caramel apple trifle combines all of the best flavors of the season – plus just the right amount of crunch. Make individual servings for a fun alternative to the traditional apple or pumpkin pie.

And make your Thanksgiving guests smile with these adorable acorn cookies and little gobblers that double as dĂŠcor, favors or even place cards. Made with cookies, candy and frosting "glue," they only require assembly. Save the cooking, baking and chopping for the rest of your meal!

Enjoy the memories made around your table this Thanksgiving.

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Caramel apple Trifles

Makes: Approximately eight 3 ½-ounce servings

WHaT YOU NeeD

Caramel mousse 1 cup cold heavy cream 2 tablespoons sugar ¼ to 1/3 cup caramel sauce (recipe follows), or use premade caramel dip found in the produce section Caramel sauce ½ cup sugar 2 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 6 tablespoons heavy cream ½ teaspoon kosher salt apple Crumble ½ cup peeled diced fresh apples ½ cup apple chips ½ cup crumbled granola

WHaT YOU DO

Caramel mousse 1. Place heavy cream and sugar in a bowl and mix with a handheld mixer on medium speed (for stand mixers, use a low setting and the whisk attachment). Beat cream until soft peaks form and cream is light and fluffy.

2. Gently fold in caramel sauce.

Caramel sauce (skip this step if using premade caramel dip) 1. Put sugar and water in a saucepan and heat on medium-low heat. Stir until sugar has dissolved. Use a wet brush to remove any crystals that form on the sides of the pan.

2. Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat to high. Gently shake the pot occasionally to keep the mixture moving, but do not stir the mixture directly.

It will start to bubble after one minute.

3. As the mixture turns a dark amber color after approximately 5 to 7 minutes, add the butter and cream to the saucepan. The mixture will bubble. Whisk to combine (bubbles will subside upon cooling). Add salt and stir. apple Crumble 1. Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix to combine. assemblY 1. Spread a mousse layer onto bottom of bowl.

2. Add a layer of caramel on top of the mousse.

3. Sprinkle the apple crumble mixture on top of the caramel layer.

4. Continue layering if desired.

29

Acorn cookie

Makes: 1

WHAT YoU neeD Hershey’s Kiss Creamy peanut butter Nilla Wafer Semisweet or butterscotch chip

30

WHAT YoU Do 1. Dip Hershey’s Kiss into peanut butter.

Place the Hershey’s Kiss in the center of the bottom of the Nilla Wafer.

2. Dip semisweet or butterscotch chip in peanut butter. Place in the middle of the top of the Nilla Wafer.

Influenza:

What you should know

By Katie Vollmuth, M.D.

Katie Vollmuth, M.D. Pediatrician Gretna

Not only are we just entering fall we are also entering the beginning of the influenza season.

And it is time we arm ourselves with the facts about influenza and the 2014-2015 recommendations for prevention. First, influenza is a viral illness characterized by fever, body aches, headaches, sore throat, cough and fatigue; it is not the stomach flu usually characterized by vomiting and diarrhea. People are the most contagious the 24 hours prior to the onset of symptoms and usually 7 days after symptoms start. The virus is spread from respiratory droplets through coughing and sneezing. Last year there were reportedly 105 influenza-related deaths in children and the 2009 influenza A H1N1 predominated last year’s influenza season.

It is hard to predict exactly when the flu season will occur; it usually starts in October and November, peaks at the end of December and starts tapering off toward the end of January. It is also hard to predict which strains will be circulating. This year’s flu shot will contain two types of influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2) and either one or two types of influenza B. The CDC is estimating that half of the vaccine supply this year

will be quadrivalent (containing 4 strains of virus) instead of the usual trivalent (containing 3 strains of virus).

There are treatments for influenza but they are only effective if they are started at the onset of the illness. There is no cure for influenza, which means that preventing disease is the best way to stay healthy this flu season. The basics are always the best place to start: wash your hands, cover your cough and sneeze, do not touch your mouth, nose or eyes, avoid people that may be sick and stay home if you yourself are sick. Next, of course, is the vaccine. The CDC recommends that all people age 6 months or older receive the influenza vaccine. This year the main change is the recommendation that healthy children aged 2 through 8 years receive the nasal spray vaccine as studies are showing that it is more effective than the flu shot for children in this age group.

It takes two weeks for the flu vaccine to be effective so getting vaccinated sooner than later is best. At CHI Alegent Creighton Clinic we make it easy to get vaccinated by offering early morning, evening and weekend appointments.

CHIhealth.com | 800-253-4368

31

Nutter Butter turkey

Makes 1

WHAt yOu NeeD Nutter Butter cookie White cookie icing 2 orange M&Ms from M&M’s Autumn Mix Brach’s Wonder Beans or Jelly Bellies in red, orange, yellow and green 3 candy corns 2 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

32

WHAt yOu DO 1. Cover the top half of the Nutter Butter with the icing for the turkey face. Add M&M eyes and a Wonder Beans nose, wattle and feet. Let dry.

2. Spread white icing on top of two Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Lay Nutter Butter down in the icing.

3. Insert candy corns, points down, at the top and somewhat underneath the Nutter Butter for the feathers.

4. Refrigerate or freeze to harden.

Recipes adapted from parentmap.com

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33

Fall

Bucket List TexT by Amy LamAr

B

ucket lists usually take a lifetime to complete, but a fall bucket list? Well that’s just fun. Who doesn’t love the sights, smells and tastes of the season? Get your family involved in your list. You’ll have fun just thinking about the possibilities!

34

1

Jump in a pile of leaves.

6

Visit a spooky haunted house and barn at Pioneer Trail Orchard & Pumpkin Patch in Council Bluffs.

2

Get lost in a corn maze.

7

Show off your hula hoop skills or go down a combine slide at Wenninghoff’s Farm in Omaha.

3

Head out to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch in Gretna. Now in its 30th year, there are more than 50 attractions and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

8

Go on a hayrack ride at Bellevue Berry Farm & Pumpkin Ranch in Papillion.

4

Hitch a free ride on Ollie the Trolley from 6 to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of November and December in the Old Market. Celebrate local creativity in Omaha’s most historic neighborhood.

9

Climb up a tire mountain at Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard in Council Bluffs.

5

Pick your own apples and make applesauce or apple pie.

Or enjoy a cup of homemade hot apple cider.

10

Shop at a fall market and country store at Ewesfull Cowllectables and Harellooms Country Store and More in Valley.

We’ve cleverly repackaged learning as fun—your kids will never see it coming.

When you enroll your child for a wild EdVenture class, you’re enrolling them in astonishment, amazement and joy. The fact that they’ll actually learn something may be information you’ll want to keep to yourself.

Class ages range from preschool to teenagers to classes you can take as a family. Class subjects range from butterflies to stingrays.

Visit OmahaZoo.com/education to discover your child’s next Ed-Venture today.

®

35

See Santa at the garden

ON Our rADAr

December 13 and 14 m.

Noon to 4 p.m.

ADD TO YOUR LIST compiled by heidi thorson

Join us for a jolly good time anta and whisper wishes to Santa estive Claus! Partake in other festive ur family activities during our Holiday Happening event ing and stroll through our dazzling holiday poinsettia show.

T

here’s nothing like an afternoon spent enjoying the crisp autumn weather to fully appreciate the season. But it just so happens that our Midwestern weather can change on a dime. So we’ve rounded up some indoor and outdoor activities that you may want to add to your fall bucket list.

Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory

100 Bancroft Street, Omaha For complete event details, visit

www.lauritzengardens.org ★ Best Women’s Boutique ★

Walk through this recently opened ever-changing gallery space for magnificent floral displays. The conservatory is home to many types of plants, ranging from tropical gardens with palms and vibrant flowers, to temperate gardens with moss-covered oak trees and blooming azaleas. There is also a 10-foot water wall.

Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for children and free for members and children under age 6 Lauritzengardens.org

hayraCK riDes, CiDer & s’Mores

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Nov. 1, 7-8, 14-15 at Arbor Day Farm Take a hayrack ride, sip hot apple cider, make s’mores and enjoy tales from a storyteller. Not your thing? Spend the day picking apples. Better yet, stock up on other seasonal goodies like hand-dipped caramel apples, baked or frozen apple pies, apple cider and other treats.

Cost: $12.50 for adults, $10 for children ages 3-12 (plus tax) Arbordayfarm.org

WalKing With Dinosaurs

Nov. 4-5 at the CenturyLink Center Experience what it would be like to walk with dinosaurs.

Fifteen life-sized creatures come to life in this spectacular production.

Cost: $35-$85 Dinosaurlive.com

joslyn Castle turKey trot 5K run/WalK

Nov. 27 at Midtown Crossing, Turner Park, 9 a.m.

Work off some calories in this family event before you enjoy your Thanksgiving feast.

Cost: $25-$35 Joslyncastle.com/events

Math. Reading.

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37

BE WELL Compiled by Sandra Wendel

ChiLd smokErs

Just 10 minutes in a car with a smoker boosts a child’s daily exposure to harmful pollutants by up to 30 percent – even with the windows partially open. Children are highly vulnerable to the effects of secondhand smoke because most of their exposure occurs in cars and private homes. And, of course, adult passengers are also at risk when smokers light up in the car.

hoW muCh?

When dietary guidelines recommend a 1-ounce portion of a nutrient-rich food such as almonds, how much is that?

About 23 almonds – or the amount that can fit nicely on a 3x3-inch sticky note.

Source: Tobacco Control

Source: almond board of California

unpLuggEd

Appliances and chargers use electricity when they are plugged in – whether or not they are in use. This wasted power is called “phantom load.” You can save between 4 and 7 percent of your home’s electricity usage by unplugging modems, video game units and rechargeable electronics when not in use. Source: midamerican energy

staLL savvy

Did you know that the first toilet in a restroom is the least likely to be used – and the cleanest? Source: microbiologist

dr. Charles Gerba, University of arizona

shoWEr aWay thE moLd

Add a little vinegar to your washer’s wash cycle to clean shower curtains and liners.

Source: linens n Things

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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.

Is the teacher Yelling?

It depends on the perspective.

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Dear Sassy Housewife, My second-grader comes home from school upset a few times a week. He says the teacher yells at him and the rest of the class all the time. He loved first grade, so it’s hard to see him struggle to enjoy second grade. Parent/teacher conferences are coming up and I want to talk to the teacher about it, but I don’t know what to say. How do I ask her to stop yelling so much?

Signed, Teacher Troubles Dear Troubles, Hold up there momma bear. Before you go in with guns blazing asking her to stop yelling, you first need to hear her side of the story.

When my daughter first came home from kindergarten, she talked about how much the teacher “yelled.” I soon realized that yelling means something completely different to my daughter than it does to me. Did the teacher raise her voice? Yes. But that’s because she was trying to get the attention of 28 yapping kiddos.

Remember that your son is talking to you through a secondgrader’s perspective. That is quite different from a teacher’s or parent’s perspective.

Go into the conference telling her what you like and appreciate about your son’s educational experience.

What is she doing well? What subjects is your son enjoying the most? Then tell her that he is worried about getting in trouble. If she is yelling at him, this is

a way to find out where the truth lies.

It’s not your business to worry about the rest of the class – just focus on your son.

I know it’s hard to think about someone yelling at your child. Trust me, I cringe at the thought of my kids getting in trouble or being sent to the principal’s office. But the truth is that you don’t know why the teacher is yelling. Is it a big class? Are there a few challenging kiddos? Talk to the teacher with respectful and empathetic questions and you’ll find out much more.

If you’re getting a bad vibe after the conference and feel like perhaps she is approaching discipline in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, observe her class for a few hours.

Parents are always welcome to see what a day in their child’s life is like at school. My guess is that you’ll probably feel reassured when you see the insanity that the teacher is dealing with in second grade!

You are Invited!

Please join us for Duchesne Academy’s Open House on

Sunday, November 23 from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

We will open more than just our house. We will open possibilities, imaginations, hearts and minds!

Girls in grades 5-8 and their families are invited to our Open House to learn more about the exciting opportunities we have to offer.

Come explore and discover your home at Duchesne! *Financial aid presentations are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

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

TH U RSDAY N OVEM BER 13 10:30 AM EM ES PART Y BI RTHDAY TH

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