December 2014
rough-n-ready
rodeo A Wild Ride for Children With Disabilities
Meet the Pressnalls This family rocks.
LITTLE MISS TINY TIM
La Vista’s Mackenzie Reidy makes history in A Christmas Carol.
The besT plaCe fOr kids.
Ella, age 6 Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
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.
inside
on the december 2014
features 8
8 12 @omahamagazine @omahamagazine omahamagazine
Meet the Pressnalls This Omaha family totally rocks. 11 Rough-N-Ready Rodeo A Wild Ride for Children With Disabilities 14 A Hidden Myth in Elkhorn Teen author Brandon Bauer plays around with Greek mythology.
Volume 2 • Issue 7 PUBLISHER Todd Lemke EXECUTIVE EDITOR David Williams MANAGING EDITOR Robert Nelson EDITORIAL INTERN Claire Martin CREATIVE DIRECTOR John Gawley DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY & INTERACTIVE MEDIA Bill Sitzmann
departments 7 parenting:
Catch Them Being Good 12 diy: Cinnamon Ornaments 17 young hero: The Tiny Tim of La Vista 18 activity: The Bell Ringers of December 20 lifestyle: Tat’z Nail’z 22 mind & body: Driving Past Trauma 24 food: Buffalo Chicken Tenders 26 mom on the rocks: White Elephant, Dog Ornament 27 fitness: Seated Forward Bend 28 calendar of events 30 the grandpa chronicles: Illuminating Young Minds
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER & WEB CONTENT MANAGER Kristen Hoffman GRAPHIC DESIGNER Rachel Joy CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Bev Carlson • April Christenson Anna Hensel • Lisa Lukecart Robyn Murray • Leslie Murrell • Mara Paradis, M.D. Sarah Wengert. ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Gwen Lemke • Greg Bruns Gil Cohen • George Idelman ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER Sandy Besch Matson ACCOUNT ASSISTANTS Alicia Smith Hollins • Jessica Linhart Dawn Dennis • Sydney Stander OPERATIONS Tyler Lemke ACCOUNTING Jim Heitz WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Mike Brewer Printed by Omaha Print For a one-year subscription (12 issues), send $9.95 to P.O. Box 461208, Papillion, NE 68046-1208. www.omahamagazine.com Original contributions become the property of Omaha Publications. Contributions cannot be acknowledged or returned. The information contained within HerFamily is for informational purposes only. It is not intended and should not be used to take the place of seeking professional advice, counsel or assistance. Omaha Publications makes no endorsement of and is not responsible for contributors or advertising herein. If you have concerns or questions related to your health, consult with your physician. HerFamily is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of Omaha Publications, 402.884.2000. Owned and managed by Omaha Magazine, LTD
On the Cover: Joey Girthoffer, 6
4 HerFamily • December 2014
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See a doctor 7 days a week Same Day Pediatrics offers scheduled sick appointments 7 days a week for all Omaha kids.
Call (402) 334-SICK Same Day Pediatrics Locations:
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The International Omaha presents the
2015 INTERNATIONAL OMAHA KIDS ART CONTEST
CALL FOR ENTRIES • Tickets to the 2015 International Omaha for your immediate family • Your artwork will be the cover of the 2015 International Activity Books • Display of the artwork on the CenturyLink Jumbotron with a public annoucement for the evening show • Omaha Mounted Patrol will visit your class/school with their police horse * • Special International 2015 eCreamery ice cream for your classmates * RULES AND GUIDELINES FOR THE INTERNATIONAL OMAHA KIDS ART CONTEST: • • • • •
The contest is open to all elementary school (ages 5-12) children in the Omaha and surrounding areas. Only one entry per child will be accepted. The artwork must depict the theme of horses, horse jumping, equestrian or the English discipline. All artwork must be the student’s original, hand-done creation. Photographs and computer-generated artwork will not be accepted. All artwork must be in color on plain white paper 8-1/2 x 11 in a vertical format without a frame or border. Any medium is allowed (Watercolor, Ink Pens, Crayons, Pencil, Ink Paints, Marker, Chalk, Pastels, and Acrylic) • Artwork must not exceed 1/4” in total thickness. and eliminated • lettering, No signatures, or initials may appear on the front of the design. Any artwork with such identifying characteristics will be from the competition. • Winner and winner’s parents/guardians grants exclusive right to The International Omaha and its designees to utilize the artwork for reproduction, promotional purposes and display. • All submissions must be accompanied by the contest entry form found on the website at www.internationalomaha.com (activities/kids art contest). Contact information will not be shared without the permission of the winner and winner’s parents/guardians. • Original artwork will not be returned. • Mail to: The International Omaha, 1004 Farnam Street, Ste. 400, Omaha, NE 68102 • Questions can be directed to omahahorsejump@gmail.com • Entry deadline for submissions must be postmarked by January 31st, 2015. *School visit from Mounted Patrol and eCreamery ice cream distribution subject to school’s permission.
www.internationalomaha.com
Home of the 2017 World Cup Finals
The International is a Premier Indoor Horse Jumping competition at the CenturyLink April 9 - 11, 2015. 6 HerFamily • December 2014
omahamagazine.com
parenting sponsored content by Mara Paradis, M.D., Boys Town Pediatrics
Mara Paradis, M.D., Boys Town Pediatrics
Catch Them Being Good
d
uring the holiday season, growing excitement and exhausting festivities can take a toll on a child’s behavior and a parent’s state of mind, but it is important to be consistent in regards to what is expected from both parents and children. Praising children at appropriate times is one of the most important things a parent can do. It will nourish your child’s mind and self-esteem. It will also reward you, as a parent, with good behavior from your child on a more consistent basis. While holidays may lead to occasional chaos, they also open the door for unique teaching opportunities. For example: the Elf on the Shelf.
WHAT IS THE ELF ON THE SHELF? For those of you who haven’t heard of the Elf on the Shelf, it is a nationwide phenomenon that answers the age-old childhood question: How does Santa know if I have been good or bad? A month or so before Christmas, the family elf journeys from the North Pole to supervise the home. He or she sits on the bestofomaha.com
Elf on the Shelf Edition shelf (able to listen to and watch, but not talk to, the children), and every night he returns to the North Pole to give his daily report to Santa. When the children awake, they get to search the house for where the elf will be watching from for the day.
HOW CAN YOU USE ELF ON THE SHELF? The Elf on the Shelf isn’t just a game for the children, it provides a holiday break from the norm for parents as well! • Reference the elf in your praises. Join in the holiday magic and tell your child how the elf told you that he or she caught your child sharing with a sibling, cleaning up after dinner, etc. • If your child is acting up, a calm reminder that the elf is watching may be enough to modify the behavior. • Have fun with how you set up the elf and where you hide him. There are some great ideas on Pinterest and blogs. The Elf on the Shelf is a fun holiday tradition, but it is important that parents keep the rules for effective praise in mind. When praising your children:
• Make sure that you are genuine. Children can see through false compliments, exaggerations, and flattery. On the other hand, earning genuine praise makes children feel good. • When giving praise, make sure your children know exactly what they did that pleased you, so they can repeat the behavior. • Be sure to tell them why you think what they did was good and how it will benefit them and others. • Finally, make sure your child responds to your praise in a way that lets you know he or she understands why you are pleased with a particular action or behavior. There are certain times where you may want to consider adding reward as a fifth step. Rewarding your child with a special privilege when you are especially pleased with his or her behavior or when an outstanding improvement has been made in a problem area will help to ensure your child will repeat the positive behavior.
HerFamily • December 2014 7
meet the family
by Sarah Wengert photography by Bill Sitzmann
Meet The Pressnalls This Omaha family of four totally rocks.
Derek, Jamie, 5-year-old Willa Sun (in green), and 3-year-old Max Wilde.
8窶ォerFamily 窶｢ December 2014
omahamagazine.com
i
f you pop by The Pressnalls’ lovely Midtown home for an afternoon visit, you’ll meet a happy, healthy family. You’ll witness this in wide grins, plenty of laughter, and a warm, laid-back nature. They may also offer you broccoli and tea, but their most distinct healthy hallmark is the balanced, thoughtful approach to parenting, life, and art displayed by Derek and Jamie Pressnall. “I want our kids to really know themselves,” Derek says. “To be strong, self-confident, believe in themselves. Hopefully with that comes a lifetime of happiness.” On such a visit, one feels welcome immediately; sipping tea as an eerie, organ-heavy Halloween song rolls forth from 3-year-old Max Wilde’s current favorite thing—a chain of singing, light-up Jack-o’-lanterns. He and his sister Willa Sun, 5, dance to the pseudo-spooky sounds before finishing their broccoli and retiring to the backyard for a chocolate cupcake. Unbeknownst to Derek and Jamie, upon meeting on a Bright Eyes tour years ago (at the time, he lived in Chicago, she in Omaha), the future Pressnall quartet was set into motion—albeit slowly. They were good friends before they began dating, and have now been together 11 years, and married eight. bestofomaha.com
“We started hanging out, and started a band with some friends, but didn’t begin dating for about a year after,” Jamie says. Oh yeah, these parents are also rock stars, by the way. That band they started is the critically acclaimed Tilly and the Wall. Tilly is often noted as the band with a tap dancer (that would be Jamie) rather than a drummer, but the group is more than the sum of its quirks. Tilly brags strong musical chops—also featuring Derek on guitar and both Pressnalls on vocals—that produce unique and joyful indie pop. “The way we ended up being musicians is so weird,” says Derek. “All the sudden I’m just tap-dancing in a band, touring the world,” Jamie says. While Tilly doesn’t tour with the frequency they once did (due to a geographically spread-out roster and newfound family lives), the band is in the early stages of a new record, a follow-up to 2012’s Heavy Mood. “We can pick and choose stuff now, and just tour for fun,” says Jamie, noting the flexible freedom they enjoy as members of Tilly. Max and Willa re-enter the kitchen singing an ad-libbed song about chocolate and requesting milk, which Jamie grabs, while Derek discusses another of his projects, >
HerFamily • December 2014 9
meet the family continued
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feature
by Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmann
Rough-N-Ready Rodeo
o
A Wild Ride for Children With Disabilities
ne. Two. Three. Four seconds. Lizzie Pfister grips the rough black cord with one hand while waving the other in the air for balance. Five. Six. Seven. Painted purple petals with a yellow center outline her bright blue eyes, covering part of her face. Her braided pigtails flop up and down, down and up in rhythm with the rocking. She re-checks her balance momentarily, but a bubble of laughter escapes from her lips as she realizes she is safe. Eight. Nine. Lizzie giggles, high-fives two of the nearest cowboys, and shuffles out of the bucking barrel. Lizzie has been “bucking broncos” her entire life. And yet, this 16-year-old girl with the yellow handkerchief, blue jeans, and plaid shirt is no cowboy. Lizzie is learning disabled. When she was two years old, Lizzie developed a seizure disorder. Her mother, Teresa, noticed she wasn’t sitting up or crawling as quickly as her other two daughters did. Although she no longer has seizures, Lizzie still has difficulty with muscle movement and language processing. Although Teresa does not “do horses,” when she heard about the Rough-N-Ready Rodeo, she knew it would be good for her daughter. So she jumped at the chance to volunteer. “Anything for my Lizzie,” Teresa says. The Rough-N-Ready Rodeo, held each fall at the CenturyLink Center Omaha, offers children with special needs like Lizzie the chance to experience the cowboy life firsthand. Teresa sent out event fliers the first couple of years, but now is part of the board that puts together the show. Rough-N-Ready, founded by Craig Korkow 12 years ago, allows children to compete in such events as roping, horse riding, and barrel bucking alongside Justin Boots Championship Rodeo contestants. The event is free, but any donations go straight to organizations that support families with needs similar to Lizzie’s. The goal: put a smile on every child’s face. This is evident when Lizzie attempts her second try at roping a metal bull. “I wouldn’t know where that rope would go if I threw it,” a scrawny rodeo participant says jokingly. He looks the part: His huge cowboy hat hides most of his face, his tan boots are dusty from the dirty arena, and a belt buckle shines against his tan leather belt. “Me…I don’t do that kinda stuff,” Lizzie replies glancing over at him as he backs away. He shows Lizzie the motion of how to throw again. Smack! Lizzie lands the rope right on the black horn. She points and a huge dimpled smile spreads across her face. “Miss, miss. Pull it back. Pull it back. Yea, you got it!” the cowboy yells and claps. bestofomaha.com
Lizzie Pfister
Lizzie has been participating in the rodeo since she was just six years old. It was hard for Lizzie to trust people so the rodeo gave her a chance to rely on someone else besides her mother. “I was a wreck,” Teresa recalls staring pensively at her daughter. “That teeny-tiny body on a horse. It was humbling.” Teresa says the goal is to ensure no child is left without a horse and a volunteer. Lizzie, an animal lover, could not have been more thrilled with riding a horse. She was a little upset this year when she discovered her favorite horse, Izzy, was no longer at the rodeo. Lizzie can usually be seen high-fiving students as she walks down the hallways of Millard West where she attends school as a sophomore. She is also a team manager of the softball team. She picks up balls and cheers the team on. “Lizzie is a total goofball,” former pitcher Faith Cain says. “No matter what kind of mood you are in, she can brighten your day.”
HerFamily • December 2014 11
diy
by Kristen Hoffman photography by Bill Sitzmann
Cinnamon Ornaments (Sorry. They’re not edible.)
SUPPLIES • Medium bowl • 1 cup ground cinnamon • ¼ cup applesauce • ½ cup craft glue • Rolling pin • Wax paper • Cookie cutters • One straw • Wire rack or baking sheet • Craft paint • Ribbon or jute string
12 HerFamily • December 2014
omahamagazine.com
a
lthough it’s a joy to adorn the tree with old, long-treasured ornaments, it can also be fun to spice things up with some homemade trimmings. Here’s a recipe for some delicious-looking (and delicious, if you like glue) eye-candy for your Christmas greenery.
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DIRECTIONS 1. In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup ground cinnamon and ¼ cup applesauce. Even with the applesauce, the mixture will still feel very dry. Slowly add in craft glue (about ½ cup) until the mixture has a dough-like consistency. 2. Scoop out a small portion of the dough and flatten with your hands onto wax paper. Flatten with a rolling pin until it is about a quarter of an inch thick. Use cinnamon like you would use flour to keep dough from sticking to the rolling pin. 3. Use cookie cutters to cut out your personalized shapes. With a straw, poke out a hole towards the top of the ornament, but not close enough to the edge that it will not hold the weight. 4. Air drying the ornaments on a wire rack is an option—flipping them over every six hours or so to keep them flat. Or you can preheat the oven to 200 degrees, and bake the ornaments on a baking sheet for about two hours. Flip them once about halfway through. 5. Take a moment at this point to savor the rich cinnamon fragrance permeating your home. 6. Finally, you can embellish your ornaments however you please. You can use glitter or beads or paint. I chose to use squeezable craft paint to make sure I could get some detail in these guys. 7. Wait for your media to dry, tie a ribbon or string through the hole, and you are ready to hang these bad boys up! bestofomaha.com
Mario & Aaden, Age 3 Foster Family Services
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Become a Foster Family. Volunteer. Attend Donor Events. Donate Online.
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HerFamily • December 2014 13
feature Anna Hensel by
photography by Bill Sitzmann
A Hidden Myth in Elkhorn Teen author Brandon Bauer carves his own niche into Greek mythology.
o
n one late fall day, as most high school students were shuffled to and from sports practices, band rehearsals, and gatherings at friends’ houses, 15-year-old author Brandon Bauer was hard at work at a local Barnes & Noble signing copies of his first book, the Greek mythology-inspired A Hidden Myth. It’s a process that’s been more than four years in the making, but one that didn’t come as a surprise to the diligent teenage scribe. Brandon, a sophomore at Elkhorn High School, released his first book of seven in his series, Heroes of Light, through Tate Publishing this October. The first entry, which will be available on Amazon and in some Barnes & Noble stores, follows the three main characters of Perseus, Hercules, and Athen, as they are pulled back in time by Kronos, the Lord of Time. The rest of the series will follow other characters in Greek mythology as they attempt to defeat the three Dark Prophecies set forth by the evil Kronos. Despite the intense amount of work creating such a complex series entails, Brandon never had any doubts that he would finish his book. If there’s one trait that Brandon has, it’s focus, says his mother, Cathy.
14 HerFamily • December 2014
“Even when he was a baby, you could put him in one spot, and he could play for hours,” Cathy says. “He had an imagination—he wasn’t all over the place like some other kids were, but he was focused.” It’s this focus that has kept Brandon consumed with writing even as his life is constantly sidetracked by health issues. Brandon was born with a cleft palate, and has had approximately 10 to 15 surgeries to fix it during his lifetime. This December, he is also receiving surgery to treat his scoliosis. However none of these surgeries will set back the timeline of the release of Brandon’s future books. According to Cathy, Brandon was bitten by the writing bug around age 9. While Brandon has written piles and piles of short stories over the years, he didn’t begin writing the Heroes of Light series until he was in sixth grade. Brandon had enjoyed reading Greek mythology and thought he had enough ideas that he could actually put together a book. But not just one book—Brandon knew from the beginning that he wanted to do a series of seven. “I like long, complicated plots more,” Brandon says. “They keep me guessing more, and you’re more into the story.” > omahamagazine.com
Brandon Bauer bestofomaha.com
HerFamily • December 2014 15
feature continued
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BE UNFORGETTABLE < After numerous edits, Brandon and Cathy began reaching out to publishers in January. They heard back almost immediately from Tate Publishing, and signed a contract in February. After five more rounds of edits and selecting cover designs, Brandon received the first copy of his book in September. Now Cathy and Brandon are in the process of setting up book signings and presentations to schools to promote the series. Brandon hopes to continue writing or to go into film production. He’s coy about what lies next for him—“I have some ideas”—but doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. He is already editing the second book in the Heroes of Light series, writing the third one, and has outlines for the fourth and fifth. “Brandon is pretty laid-back, and he kind of goes with the flow,” Cathy says. “But it’s an accomplishment; I would never have been able to do this at his age.” 16 HerFamily • December 2014
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young hero
by Anna Hensel photography by Bill Sitzmann
God Bless Us, Everyone! La Vista Girl Takes on Tiny Tim
a
s the Omaha Community Playhouse prepares to transport theatergoers to Victorian England with their annual production of A Christmas Carol, 8-year-old Mackenzie Reidy is getting ready to be catapulted into the world of theater for the first time. The bubbly La Vista native scored her first-ever acting role in this year’s production, and it’s a big one—she will be playing good-hearted Tiny Tim, the boy who personifies the show’s whole message of Christmas spirit. But with a toothy grin and a sense of fearlessness, Mackenzie is more than ready to spread the cheer. Mackenzie caught the theater bug suddenly last year when she surprised her mother, Melissa, with the announcement that she wanted to audition for Papillion-La Vista Community Theatre’s production of Annie. While Mackenzie didn’t get a part in the production, she enjoyed the process and decided to give theatre another shot after Melissa saw upcoming auditions for a production of the Charles Dickens classic. While Mackenzie was gung-ho, Melissa and her husband approached the auditions with a cautious optimism. “It’s a fine line between having faith in her and preparing her for reality. There were a lot of kids there, and obviously a lot of kids who have done it before,” Melissa says. “So I figured, if anything, maybe a choir part, not Tiny Tim.” Susan Baer Collins, one of the show’s directors, remembers Mackenzie’s first audition well. Baer Collins mentions that one of the biggest problems with casting children is that many are too shy. But after Mackenzie belted out two verses of “On Top of Spaghetti,” and “sang like a demon,” according to Baer Collins, the show’s directors knew Mackenzie would have no problem with confidence.
bestofomaha.com
8-year-old Mackenzie Reidy After Mackenzie’s cheesy approach won over the directors, she was called back for a second round of auditions. Melissa began to suspect that Mackenzie might have a larger role in the production than originally anticipated when the directors had Mackenzie read for Tiny Tim. But she says she was still floored when the Reidy household came home to a voicemail from the Omaha Community Playhouse—quickly followed by a scream from Mackenzie. While the Omaha Community Playhouse’s main stage production of A Christmas Carol has never had a female Tiny Tim, it is standard on tour. Tiny Tim has to be small enough to be easily carried by Bob Cratchit, and Baer Collins says that many boys who come into audition are too tall or too large for that. But it’s not enough to just be tiny—a Tiny Tim has to be precocious yet convincing enough that it’s believable that resident humbug Ebenezer Scrooge can be won over by the waif. “People talk about Tim as being “God-like”, and you know in spite of his infirmity, he’s always thinking of others, so you’re looking for a kind of value that someone can project,” says Baer Collins. Mackenzie has some large shoes to fill—the Omaha Community Playhouse’s production has seen 40 years’ worth of actors fill the role of Tiny Tim—but she has no qualms about getting up on stage. She says that she’s most excited for being able to act on stage and to make new friends. While Mackenzie says she wants to try out for more plays, for now she’s simply relishing her time in the spotlight. When asked what her dream role was, she responded with a wry smile and, “Well, that’s kind of the role I just got.”
HerFamily • December 2014 17
activity
by April Christenson photography by Bill Sitzmann
Ring Our Bell Scout Troop Continues Holiday Tradition
From left: Katie, Josh, Rhonda, and Dr. John Harris.
s
alvation Army red kettles, and the bell ringers who accompany them, are synonymous with the holiday season. For many community groups, bell ringing has become more than just volunteer service—it’s a yearly tradition. Members of Boy Scout Troop 474 of Bellevue, and their families, have been active bell ringers for nearly 15 years and will be continuing the tradition this year. “They started when they were just 7,” says Rhonda Harris, whose 14-year-old son Josh is a member of the troop, “Now they’re freshman in high school.” This year, the boys and their families will be bell ringing at the Hy-Vee at Shadow Lake Towne Center, their spot of choice the last several years. Each year between 15 and 20 scouts from the troop participate. “It’s nice to think of others this time of year,” says Dr. John Harris, Josh’s father, who serves as Troop Committee Chairman for Troop 474.
18 HerFamily • December 2014
Josh, a freshman at Bellevue West High School, serves as Troop Service Project Coordinator and also became an Eagle Scout last January. Josh says that community service is an important part of Boy Scouts and has had a significant impact on him. Boy Scouts can advance in rank through volunteerism, which is one reason many members of the troop come back year after year. But most of the scouts he knows, he says, volunteer for more reasons than personal gain. “You get a lot out of it [community service]; knowing you are helping other people,” Josh says. “Those of us who have already achieved Eagle Scout still do it because we love to do it.” Troop 474 started bell ringing, in part, because it’s a community service activity in which children of all ages can participate with adult supervision. Dr. Harris and his son added that, in addition to benefitting a good cause, bell ringing can be entertaining—meeting new people, hanging out with friends and family. Josh remembers one year in particular when he attended a lock-in the night before an early morning of bell ringing. “I had just came back from the lock-in and I still loved doing it—even though I was practically falling asleep,” Josh remembers, laughing. This year, Troop 474 plans to participate in a bell ringing challenge sponsored by the Salvation Army. There will be awards for most money raised in a kettle, most bell-ringing hours, highest percentage of club members ringing bells, and most money raised per club member. Oh, sure, some people might avoid eye contact with the scouts when walking in and out of the store. Or, give them that “stop pestering me” look. But those folks are generally in the minority. “The vast majority of people are really glad you’re out there,” John says. “And you’re making a difference for people who aren’t as fortunate.” Do you want to try your hand at bell ringing this year? The Harris family has one piece of advice for you: “Dress warm,” John says. “You never know what you are going to get with Nebraska weather!” omahamagazine.com
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HerFamily • December 2014 19
lifestyle
by Robyn Murray photography by Bill Sitzmann
Buddy Sims and Shannon Leather
20窶ォerFamily 窶｢ December 2014
omahamagazine.com
Tat’z Nail’z
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You’ll be impressed.
A Tiny Work of Art in 10 Seconds
hannon Leather props a perfectly manicured fingernail inside a slim, silver-polished machine. Her nail gleams white under the purple tint of an ultraviolet light, and after a few seconds, the machine emits a quick flash of light. Done. Leather pulls out her hand and examines her nails. The white polish has been replaced by a pattern of fall-colored stripes and floating feathers: an intricate, miniature work of art that took all of about 10 seconds to complete. “I don’t have two hours to sit here,” says Leather, a mother of two and president of Omaha-based Tat’z Nail’z. “So if there’s a day where I just don’t have time for anything I know (my nails) will always look nice.” Leather’s company manufactures and distributes Tat’z Nail’z, a high-tech nail printer that prints photo-quality images directly onto nails. Invented in China, Tat’z allows users to scroll through 3,000 images (in 10 different colors) on a touch screen display, or upload their own images on a USB or using the machine’s HD camera. The image is printed in perfect detail onto the nail in a few seconds. It’s the simplest, and least painful, form of body art you’re likely to find. “It’s like having a tattoo but I can change it every two weeks,’” says Buddy Sims, director of creative design at Tat’z Nail’z and a nail technician at Bella Dea Day Spa, one of three Omaha sites where Tat’z is installed. “It’s really just another form of expression,” he says. “[It] allows the client the opportunity to show who they are.” For Shannon Leather, that means pretty and feminine with a bit of bling: Her fall-colored prints cover two nails; the rest are painted, by Sims, in gold glitter. “For me, this is like an accessory,” she says. “It’s not something permanent but it makes a statement.” Pam Rowland, the owner of Bella Dea, says when she first began working in the industry 20 years ago, the most complicated form of body art at the salon was the tanning spray gun. Now nail techs like Sims—who was voted one of the top three nail artists by Nails Magazine—can transform simple polish into elaborate, 3D sculptures. It was abstract art, Rowland says, direct from the runway. “As fashion kind of got all-out, they wanted something to match.” Now Tat’z combines technology with those trends, Rowland says, and makes it more personal. Inspired by a bride who printed her father’s image on her nails for her wedding day, Rowland printed her late mother’s image on her nails for her son’s wedding this year. “That’s amazing,” she says, “and very special.” bestofomaha.com
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HerFamily • December 2014 21
mind & body
by Bev Carlson, Lutheran Family Services
Driving Past Trauma
i
was driving along Dodge Street on a Friday afternoon. Rush hour traffic. As I stopped for the red light in front of Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, my mind was on pizza and movie night. I needed to order the pizza, swing by the video… BOOM! My van shook like it had been hit by a bomb. The sound was deafening. I saw a big truck bounce away from me, towards oncoming cars, and then back into traffic—where it hit another van that I later learned was full of children. My mind went blank. And then I started shaking. Police came (lots of them), but no ambulances. Incredibly, no one was hurt. The little kids in the other van were weepy, but physically fine. We exchanged information, waited on the police report, and watched the truck driver go away in the back of a police car. My husband helped me get my damaged van home.
22 HerFamily • December 2014
All okay, right? Well, actually. No. All weekend, I was jumpy and shaky. I kept trying to brush it off. But come Monday morning, I went to climb into my husband’s car to drive to work. It would be the first time I drove alone on the same street as the wreck. I looked at my beat-up van. I didn’t want to get into the car. I had to force myself into the seat—to turn the key—to open the garage door. Things that were usually just automatic took conscious effort. I realized that the accident had affected me more than I even realized. I share this because trauma is a sneaky thing. And recognizing it, both in yourself and especially in your children, is extremely important. The sooner someone receives therapy after major trauma, the sooner he or she can recover. My trauma was minor, but it still impacted my emotions and my behavior. Now, imagine a child experiencing or witnessing major trauma. Untreated trauma can negatively impact a child’s behavior and decision-making as a teen and well into adulthood. Children learn what they live, and those who grow up in homes with violence are repeatedly subjected to traumatic experiences. They are far more likely to continue that pattern into their adult lives. Short-term, they are likely to demonstrate behavioral, social, and emotional problems, as well as have trouble in school. Long term, little boys who grow up in violent homes are more likely to become abusers, and little girls are more likely to choose partners who abuse them. These children grow up with higher levels of depression and anxiety. Therapists will tell you that significant trauma experiences can cloud your selfimage and all of your decision-making. Getting those traumas into perspective can truly be life-changing. If you or your child has been affected by violence or other trauma, please contact Lutheran Family Services. Services are provided on a sliding scale so you can get the help you need. Please do it as soon as you can. omahamagazine.com
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HerFamily • December 2014 23
food
sponsored content by Children’s Hospital & Medical Center
ingredients • 1/4 cup hot sauce • 1/2 cup low fat buttermilk • 1 1/2 lb chicken tenders • 2 egg whites
• 1 tsp paprika • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste • 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour • 1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
• Fat-free blue cheese dressing, optional • Celery sticks, optional
preparation 1. Preheat oven to 400°. Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together hot sauce and buttermilk until combined. 3. In a large, shallow dish, arrange chicken tenders in one layer. Top with hot sauce mixture and toss to coat chicken evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. 4. In a shallow dish, whisk egg whites until frothy. In another shallow bowl, combine flour, bread crumbs, paprika, cayenne, and black pepper. 5. Dip chicken tenders in egg whites, then roll in bread crumb mixture to coat evenly, shaking off the excess. 6. Arrange coated chicken tenders on wire rack on baking sheet. Lightly spray with canola oil cooking spray. 7. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, turning halfway through cooking, or until juices run clear. 8. Serve chicken tenders with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks, if desired. Nutrition Facts: Calories: 189, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 66mg, Sodium: 365mg, Carbohydrates: 8g, Fiber: 2g ,Protein: 34g Yield: 6 servings Serving size: 2 pieces
24 HerFamily • December 2014
Buffalo
g
Chicken Tenders et the spicy flavor of Buffalo wings without the extra fat. These chicken tenders rely on a marinade of low-fat buttermilk and hot sauce to deliver the heat.
Find more great recipes at HealthyKohlsKids.com. The Healthy Kohl’s Kids program is a partnership between Children’s Hospital & Medical Center and Kohl’s Department Stores to educate children and parents about healthy nutrition and fitness.
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HerFamily • December 2014 25
mom on the rocks by Leslie Murrell
White Elephant
m
Dog Ornament
y girlfriend and I were invited to a thing called a Ladies’ Christmas Ornament Exchange Party. I seemed to have enough couth to not ask the hostess, “Is this country casual, or somethin’ super fancy?” So, I searched high and low for a leg-lamp ornament. It would be nice and a personal reflection of my awesomeness. Most people know the reference. It’d be fun. If it turned out to be a fancy party, then someone would get stuck with it. But it’d be like a funny ha-ha stuck with it, and not a “Who invited those nitwits to our soiree?” kinda vibe. But apparently, and as usual, I’m a year late. The leg lamp ornament was last year’s craze. This year, the stores have the mini leg lamp but not the full-sized lamp and not the ornament. Great, now I was going to have to come up with something else sub-par in brilliance. I asked a co-worker who is pretty up on fancy. She told me where to go, but lo, my crappy minivan doesn’t point in that direction. I found myself upgrading my ornament shopping by the minimum—at Garden Ridge. Finally, I opted for a dog picture frame ornament. We had a blast at the party. The four main food groups were represented in the form of chocolate. I wasn’t too worried about
26 HerFamily • December 2014
how my dog ornament would be received. After all, it was a dog picture frame ornament and everyone found the hostess’ dogs to be adorable. I noticed as ladies opened randomly wrapped ornaments, my contribution was on the lower end of ornament financial investment. Uh-oh. As usual, I was distracted by an ornament that said “Merry Christmas, Y’all” on it. I’m a pure-blood Texan, if you didn’t know. I was gonna get that ornament. In the throes of the exchange, the lady next to me happened to get my awesome dog frame ornament. I heard her explain her dismay to her pal. I asked if she had a dog. She did, but it’s not like she’s going to display that on her tree. That poor dog of hers. I responded with, “Yeah, who’s the weirdo who brought a ridiculous ornament like that?” Then I grinned and took off with my super “Merry Christmas, Y’all” ornament. I hope we get invited again next year. There’s hope because my friend brought such a cool ornament everyone asked her where she got it. So, maybe next year, they’ll invite her and then, since we’re a power couple, she’ll have to take me. And I will find an expensive cat ornament. For sure.
omahamagazine.com
fitness
by Rachel Joy photography by Bill Sitzmann
EXCEPTIONAL HOMES. POWERFUL NETWORK.
Seated Forward Bend
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i
n this new feature, yoga teacher and Omaha Magazine graphic designer Rachel Joy will introduce readers to some ofthe foundations of yoga. One pose yogis like to teach their students is a Seated Forward Bend. It stretches the shoulders, hamstrings and spine, reduces fatigue, soothes headaches, and calms anxiety. It’s a great gateway to loosen up the body to create space for the more challenging poses.
Exercise NPDODGE.LUXURYPORTFOLIO.COM
1. Feet together, actively press down through your heels. 2. Turn the top thighs in slightly and press them down into the floor. 3. Inhale, and while keeping the front torso long, lean forward from the hip joints, not the waist.
4. Loop the big toes with your thumb and “peace fingers” or loop a strap around the soles of the feet (as shown above). Hold the strap firmly. Breathe deeply for 1-3 minutes.
bestofomaha.com
HerFamily • December 2014 27
Calendar of Events
Bam! It’s a Picture Book
A Christmas Carol
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma
FOR THE KIDS
FOR THE FAMILY
FOR MOM & DAD
BAM! IT’S A PICTURE BOOK: THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELS
A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL
NOVEMBER 8 - MARCH 29, 2015, JOSLYN ART MUSEUM
ST. This musical adaptation of the beloved
– 2200 DODGE ST. Popular among young readers,
movie brings all the classic laughs of Flick
SELECTED WORKS OF CEDRIC HARTMAN, WALLACE CUNNINGHAM’S REALITY < AN IDEA, AND OLSON KUNDIG: ANTHOLOGY
graphic novels are known for their comic
getting his tongue stuck to a flagpole, Dad
THROUGH JANUARY 3, 2015, KANEKO—1111 JONES
format. This exhibition features the work of
receiving his special award, a disastrous visit
ST. Local artist Cedric Hartman is known for
Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Mark Crilley, Matt Holm,
to Santa, and many more to life onstage. Bring
making thoughtful, idiosyncratic work in the
Raina Telgemeier, and Lincoln Peirce. Tuesday
your family together this winter to experience
architectural realm. Kaneko also will feature
- Wednesday & Friday - Sunday 10 am- 4
the universal triumphs of childhood as seen
the innovative architectural designs of Wallace
pm; Thursday 10 am- 8 pm. Free admission.
through the eyes of a very special 9-year old.
Cunningham (Reality < An Idea) and Olson
402-342-3300.
Friday 7pm; Saturday & Sunday 2pm. Tickets
Kundig (Anthology). Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; Sat
- JOSLYN.ORG/COLLECTIONS-AND-EXHIBITIONS/
starting at $20. 402-345-4849.
1-5pm. Free admission. 402-341-3800.
TEMPORARY-EXHIBITIONS/UPCOMING/
- ROSETHEATER.ORG
-THEKANEKO.ORG
FROM FIELD TO FORK
THE UGLY SWEATER RUN
HOLIDAY POINSETTIA SHOW
NOVEMBER-APRIL 2015, OMAHA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
DECEMBER 13, STINSON PARK – 2285 S. 67TH
THROUGH JANUARY 4, 2015, LAURITZEN GARDENS - 100
- 500 S. 20TH ST. Exhibit teaches kids and their
ST. Rummage up the ugliest sweaters you can
BANCROFT ST. Thousands of poinsettias bursting
families about the role of agriculture in their
find and celebrate the holidays by participating
with rich, vibrant color fill the floral display hall
daily lives and what is produced in Nebraska.
in the best 5k of the year. All you have to do
in a glowing tribute to the holidays during the
$9, free admission for kids under 24 months of
is register online to join in the fun. 11am-2pm.
spectacular holiday poinsettia show. 9am-5pm,
age. 402-930-2352.
Admission TBA. 402-345-5401.
$3-$7. 402-346-4002.
- OCM.ORG
- AKSARBENVILLAGE.COM
– LAURITZENGARDENS.ORG
LIGHTS OF AKSARBEN —TREE LIGHTING
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
CELLIST YO-YO MA
DECEMBER 19-21, OMAHA PERFORMING ARTS—409
DECEMBER 4, LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
DECEMBER 5, 12-13, STINSON PARK – 2285 S. 67TH
S. 16TH ST. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast has
– 301 N. 12TH ST, LINCOLN, NE. Classical music’s
ST. Come enjoy the heated tent located in
become an international sensation, playing to
most distinguished artist and the winner of 15
Stinson Park for free hot cocoa and cookies
more than 35 million people worldwide. Friday
Grammy Awards, cellist Yo-Yo Ma returns to
for the Lights of Aksarben. There will be music,
& Saturday 8pm, Sunday 1:30pm. $35 and up.
Lincoln to celebrate the Lied’s 25th anniversary.
face painting, horse and carriage rides, and fun
402-345-0606.
Ma’s performances captivate international
for all. Nov. 28, 7-9pm; Dec. 5, 12, 13, 6-8pm.
– OMAHAPERFORMINGARTS.ORG
audiences and stimulate the imagination.
DECEMBER 5-28, THE ROSE THEATER – 2001 FARNAM
402-345-5401. - AKSARBENVILLAGE.COM
7:30pm. Admission $65-$85. 402-472-4700.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
– LIEDCENTER.ORG
THROUGH DECEMBER 23, OMAHA COMMUNITY
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
PLAYHOUSE—6915 CASS ST. It just isn’t Christmas
DECEMBER 6, 13, 20, OMAHA’S HENRY DOORLY ZOO
without A Christmas Carol. Experience Omaha’s
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS
& AQUARIUM—701 S. 10TH ST. Catch a glimpse of
favorite holiday tradition as Ebenezer Scrooge
DECEMBER 22-23, ORPHEUM THEATER– 409 S. 16TH
special holiday characters as they dive into the
takes you on a life-changing journey filled with
ST. The spirit of the season comes alive with
shark tunnel inside the Suzanne and Walter
beautiful costumes, exquisite music, perfectly
the signature sound of Grammy Award winner
Scott Aquarium. Also, Zoo residents will be
crafted sets and special effects second to
Mannheim Steamroller music. 7:30pm. Tickets
getting special enrichment gifts throughout the
none. Perfect for the whole family. Time and
starting at $57. 402-345-0606.
day. Free for members or paid Zoo admission.
admission TBA. 402-553-0800.
- TICKETOMAHA.COM
10:45am. 402-738-2047.
– OMAHAPLAYHOUSE.COM
-OMAHAZOO.COM
28 HerFamily • December 2014
omahamagazine.com
Sunday, January 18 at 2 pm Holland Center
1:15 pm Instrument Petting Zoo & Activities Join us for a visual and musical journey through the wonders of space. This concert will feature larger-than-life visuals above the orchestra! 402.345.0606 | 24-HRS AT OMAHASYMPHONY.ORG
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402.345.0606 | 24-HRS AT OMAHASYMPHONY.ORG HerFamily • December 2014 29
the grandpa chronicles by David Williams
Noah Diaz in the title role of The Cat in the Hat at The Rose.
Illuminating Young Minds A Toddler-to-Teen Path for Arts Appreciation at The Rose
i
n my last column I wrote about the poor choice I made for my grandsons’ very first movie theater experience. Easton (5) and Barrett (3) were, it turns out, too young for the seemingly innocuous How to Train Your Dragon 2, it of the PG rating and all. I just plain blew that one. But I like to think I’m now well on my way to redemption. Hold on. That’s taking too much credit, which should all go to—as is so often the case—my wife, Julie. It was her idea that has given me a shot at rehabilitating my tarnished reputation as a grandpa. And it’s a plan that revolves around a season subscription to The Rose. A former life had me acting as a performing arts reviewer and I’ve sat in the dark scribbling notes hundreds of times over the last decade. Theater, opera, dance…you name it. But there was a part of me that flinched at the idea of more-more-more theater packed into my already impossible schedule. Then again, I’ve always dreamed of the days to come when I would be able to introduce my grandkids to the arts. I pictured them joining me as we marveled at works from the likes of Shakespeare and Verdi. And I envisioned them one day learning from their grandpa the proper, cocked-eyebrow way to scrunch up their faces as we puzzled our way through such meatier, noggin’scratchin’ fare as Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot or Endgame. Our most recent visit to the candy box that is The Rose had the boys mesmerized by their wonderful production of The Cat in the Hat. Before that we were awestruck by the vibrant, technicolor puppetry of another children’s classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The Rose may be theater for young people, but the productions are top-notch at the venerated Omaha institution that is also known for its national touring troupe. Where else can you see an award-winning actor like Noah Diaz donning the iconic striped hat of Dr. Seuss’ whiskered wonder? Diaz is the kind of guy who
30 HerFamily • December 2014
knocked ‘em dead in an F-Troupe Collaborative staging of Edward Albee’s absurdist The Zoo Story a couple years ago, and now the young talent is “walking the boards” of The Rose, all of which speaks to the magnetic draw of one of the city’s most talented team of artists and staff— regardless of audience age. Now we’re looking forward to the remainder of the season and such delights as The Brave Little Tailor and Bugsy Malone, Jr. I like to think that Easton and Barrett will grow up at The Rose, whose programming and productions will take them all the way through to their college years. The company’s Broken Mirror series will introduce them to complex issues that affect real girls in today’s real world. And the efforts of the Pride Players, which has received honors from such groups as The National Education Association and the American Alliance for Theater and Education, promise that they will be exposed to positive messages of inclusion that will foster respect and love for their friends who will one day come out as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered. Forget about my selfish desire for redemption. The Rose has programming and productions that will play an important role in the formative years of my grandkids and beyond. And I’m glad that Julie and I will be there to share the experience when young minds are illuminated every time the lights dim at The Rose. omahamagazine.com
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